Thursday 4-19-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Thursday, April 19


National League
Cardinals (10-7) @ Cubs (7-8)
Weaver is 2-0, 2.08 in his first three starts (under 3-0).
5-inning record: 3-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Lester is 1-0, 5.02 in his first three starts (over 2-1)
5-inning record: 2-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

St Louis won its last five games; five of their last six games stayed under. Cubs are 2-4 at home this season; under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 games.

Pirates (12-6) @ Phillies (10-7)
Tallion is 2-0, 0.89 in three starts this season (under 2-1).
5-inning record: 2-0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Arrieta is 1-0, 5.06 in two starts this season (over 2-0).
5-inning record: 1-0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Pirates are 8-5 in their last 13 games; over is 6-3 in their road games. Phillies won seven of their last nine games; under is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Mets (13-4) @ Braves (10-7)
Harvey is 0-1, 7.20 in his last two starts (under 2-1).
5-inning record: 1-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Wisler is 15-22, 5.26 in 67 MLB games (46 starts); he started only one game LY.
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Mets lost three of their last five games; under is 9-6 in their last 15 games. Atlanta is 6-3 at home this season; eight of their last ten games stayed under.

Marlins (5-12) @ Brewers (10-9)
Peters is 2-1, 6.75 in three starts this season (over 2-1).
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Anderson is 1-1, 2.82 in four starts this season (under 3-0-1).
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Marlins lost six of their last eight games; their last four road games went over. Milwaukee is 4-3 in its last seven games, 4-6 at home; under is 6-1-1 in their last eight home games.

Giants (7-10) @ Diamondbacks (12-5)
Blach is 0-2, 6.46 in his last three starts (under 3-1).
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Greinke is 1-1, 5.29 in three starts this season (over 2-1).
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3

Giants lost five of their last seven games; under is 7-3 in their road games. Arizona won six of its last nine games; they’re 6-2 at home. Five of D’backs’ last seven games went over.

American League
Orioles (5-13) @ Tigers (6-9)
Cobb allowed eight runs in 3.2 IP (79 PT) in his first ’18 start, a 10-3 loss in Boston.
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1

Zimmerman is 0-0, 8.18 in three starts this season (over 2-1). He got hit in face with a liner in his last start, left in first inning.
5-inning record: 0-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3

Orioles lost seven of their last eight games; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight road games. Detroit lost five of its last seven games; under is 6-3 in their last nine games.

Astros (12-7) @ Mariners (9-7)
Morton is 2-0, 1.50 in three starts this season (under 2-1).
5-inning record: 3-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Gonzales is 1-1, 8.25 in three starts this season (over 3-0).
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Houston is 3-5 in its last eight games; under is 10-2-1 in their last 13 games. Seattle lost three of its last four games; over is 9-6-1 in their games this season.

Blue Jays (12-5) @ New York (8-8)
Sanchez is 1-0, 2.57 in his last two starts (under 3-0).
5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Sabathia is 0-0, 5.00 in his first two ’18 starts (over 1-1).
5-inning record: 0-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-2

Blue Jays won seven of their last eight games; Jays’ last four games went over the total. New York is 4-6 in its last 10 games; they’re 4-4 at home. Over is 7-1 in their home games.

Red Sox (15-2) @ Angels (13-5)
Rodriguez is 1-0, 3.72 in his first two ’18 starts (over 1-0-1)
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Tropeano blanked KC for 6.2 IP in his first ’18 start, a 7-1 win.
5-inning record: 1-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Boston won its last six games; four of their last six road games stayed under. Angels won seven of their last nine games but lost last two; four of their last five home games went over.

______________________________

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 4/18/18
Ariz 5-3-1……5-0-3…..10-3
Atl 5-3……..5-2-2……..10-5
Cubs 3-4-2……0-5-1…..3-9
Reds 2-7-1……1-6-1…..3-13
Colo 7-6-2……2-2-1……9-8
LA 4-3-1…..4-4-1……..8-7
Miami 1-3-1…..4-4-4……..5-7
Milw 6-3…….3-6-1………9-9
Mets 3-3……6-4-2………8-7
Philly 3-4-4…..3-1-1……..6-5
Pitt 6-1-2……7-2……….13-3
St. Louis 8-2-1…….2-4……..10-6
SD 2-2-2…..3-10-1……..5-12
SF 3-4-3…..2-4-1……..5-8
Wash 6-3……..4-5-1……..10-8

Orioles 2-6-4…….1-3-2……3-9
Boston 5-0-3……..5-2-2……10-2
White Sox 4-5………1-5………5-10
Cleveland 3-2-3……5-1-2…….8-3
Detroit 2-5………2-5-1…….4-10
Astros 3-3-4……5-3-1…….8-6
KC 3-4-1……3-4-1…….6-8
Angels 8-1-1……2-5-1…….10-6
Twins 2-3-2……3-2-1…….5-5
NYY 5-2-1……4-2-2…….9-4
A’s 4-3-1……3-6-2……7-9
Seattle 4-2-1……2-2-5……6-4
TB 4-3-1……2-6–2…….6-9
Texas 5-4-1……..2-8……..7-12
Toronto 3-2-2……3-6-1…….6-8

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 4/18/18)
Ariz 4-8……..4-7………..8
Atl 3-8……..5-10………..8
Cubs 1-9……..2-6………..3
Reds 1-10……..1-8………..2
Colo 7-14……2-6..………9
LA 3-8……..3-8..………6
Miami 2-5……..4-12……….6
Milw 2-9……..0-10…..…….2
Mets 1-6……..6-11…………7
Philly 2-11……..4-6…………6
Pitt 1-9……..3-9…………4
StL 3-10……..1-6…………4
SD 1-6……..1-13……….2
SF 1-9………2-7……….3
Wash 7-9……..5-10………12

Orioles 5-12……0-6………..5
Boston 3-8……..6-9………..8
White Sox 1-9…….2-6………..3
Clev 1-8……..3-8……….4
Detroit 1-7…….0-8………..1
Astros 3-10……3-7……….6
KC 2-8……..3-8………..5
Angels 5-10……..2-7……….7
Twins 1-7……..0-6……….1
NYY 2-8……..4-8……….6
A’s 4-8……..2-11………6
Seattle 4-7…….3-9……….7
TB 3-8…….2-10……..5
Texas 1-10……2-10…….3
Toronto 2-7……..3-10……..5

Interleague play- 2018
NL @ AL– 8-2 NL, favorites -$415
AL @ NL– 2-2 , favorites -$112
Total: 10-4 NL, favorites -$527

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL: Under 5-5
AL @ NL: Under 2-2
Total: Under 7-7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Thursday, April 19

Trend Report

Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Baltimore's last 8 games on the road
Baltimore is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit Tigers
Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 9 games
Detroit is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Detroit is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Detroit's last 23 games at home
Detroit is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Baltimore
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore


St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games
St. Louis is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games on the road
St. Louis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chicago Cubs
Chi Cubs is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Chi Cubs is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Chi Cubs is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Chi Cubs is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Chi Cubs is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Chi Cubs is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing St. Louis
Chi Cubs is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis


Houston Astros
Houston is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
Houston is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Seattle
Houston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 11 games when playing Seattle
Houston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle Mariners
Seattle is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Seattle's last 15 games
Seattle is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Seattle is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Houston
Seattle is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Seattle's last 11 games when playing Houston
Seattle is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Houston
Seattle is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Seattle's last 8 games when playing at home against Houston


Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games
Toronto is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Toronto is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing NY Yankees
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Toronto is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
New York Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Yankees's last 9 games
NY Yankees is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games at home
NY Yankees is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
NY Yankees is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games at home
NY Yankees is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home
NY Yankees is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing Toronto
NY Yankees is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
NY Yankees is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto


Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games
Pittsburgh is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Philadelphia is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games at home
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh


New York Mets
NY Mets is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
NY Mets is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games
NY Mets is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
NY Mets is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
NY Mets is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of NY Mets's last 11 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
NY Mets is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Atlanta's last 10 games
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing NY Mets
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 11 games when playing NY Mets
Atlanta is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets


Miami Marlins
Miami is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games
Miami is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Miami is 6-17 ATS in its last 23 games on the road
Miami is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Miami is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
Milwaukee is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Miami
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing at home against Miami


San Francisco Giants
San Francisco is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games
San Francisco is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Francisco's last 11 games on the road
San Francisco is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Arizona
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing Arizona
San Francisco is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
San Francisco is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 12 of San Francisco's last 18 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games at home
Arizona is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games when playing San Francisco
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing San Francisco
Arizona is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Arizona is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Arizona's last 18 games when playing at home against San Francisco


Boston Red Sox
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing LA Angels
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Los Angeles Angels
LA Angels is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games
LA Angels is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing Boston
LA Angels is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
LA Angels is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Complete Game: Rain, snow, and wind impacting your MLB bets
Rob Hansen

As of Wednesday, there have been 25 games postponed this season – just one shy of the record number of postponements by the end of April (26) set back in 2007.

Well, you can’t say I didn’t warn you. Last week, I talked about Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani and how he's overvalued in both the American League MVP futures market (+150) and his early-season game lines. This past Tuesday night at home, Ohtani and the Halos were tuned up 10-1 by the visiting Boston Red Sox and the phenom exited early with “blister problems” after allowing three runs in two innings of work. The BoSox went off as +150 underdogs - a moneyline that simply didn’t make sense.

I put “blister problems” in quotes because I’m not buying the excuse. He simply didn’t have his good stuff and was facing his first real major league test on the mound (his first two starts were against the Oakland Athletics). Could it also have been that the home crowd (or traveling Red Sox fans) were yelling too loud?

Week in review

The biggest story this past week across Major League Baseball was the weather. As of Wednesday evening, there have been 25 games postponed this season – just one shy of the record number of postponements by the end of April (26) set back in 2007 – and we still have two weeks to this month.

If this is, in fact, something that baseball is concerned about, the logical solution is to limit the number of games scheduled in the Northeast and Midwest during the first three weeks of the season. The Southern and domed teams won’t be particularly thrilled about losing games in the summer, but I’m sure there can be some sort of financial arrangement made between teams to dull the complaining.

What do all these postponed games mean for sports bettors? More doubleheaders, less off-days, and more NBA-style creative off-days during the summer months. Here are some handicapping approaches to take whenever these postponed games do get rescheduled:

*Keep your eyes peeled for early lineup news – beat writers on Twitter are a gold mine. Teams will also be forced to stray from ther regular pitching rotation.
*When it comes to doubleheaders, be aware of how many relievers were used in Game 1 before betting Game 2.
*Travel and schedule will be a factor, as teams may have to give up their day off or a travel day to fit in these missed contests. You could see East Coast clubs playing an afternoon game then having to hop on a plane and fly to the West Coast for an early start the next day, or teams may have to stop for a one-off make-up game while on their way to regularly scheduled series.

What to watch for this weekend

There are a bunch of divisional series, highlighted by the Blue Jays taking on the Yankees in the Bronx, the Reds and Cardinals renewing their distaste for one another in St. Louis, and the surprisingly-healthy Mets visiting the Braves in Atlanta.

However, the main event in baseball this weekend is unquestionably the Washington Nationals traveling to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers. The Nationals exorcised their 2016 playoff demons by taking two of three games at Dodger Stadium last season, highlighted by a duel between Stephen Strasburg and Clayton Kershaw. These two stars will go head-to-head once again Saturday night.

The Dodgers came out on top 2-1 as -165 favorites last June and I expect the line will fall somewhere in the neighbourhood of -155 to -170 for Saturday’s game, with the Dodgers winning 3-2.

Friday night’s game will be Max Scherzer taking on lefty Rich Hill. The Nats will definitely be road favorites in this one and could present some value at around -135 to -155 (anything higher than that and I’m staying away).

These two teams will also feature on Sunday Night Baseball, with Jeremy Hellickson countering either Hyun-Jin Ryu or Alex Wood. The Dodgers are off Thursday, so they could decide to skip Ryu and run Wood out in front of the national audience. With Ryu, the Dodgers are likely -140 favorites and with Wood the moneyline is more like -160.

Of course, it doesn’t matter who the Dodgers throw out there to pitch since Bryce Harper is now hitting broken bat home runs. If you can hit a home run on a jam-shot that turns your bat to smithereens, it doesn’t matter who’s doing the pitching...

Breakout Player Of The Week

In this spot during the first few weeks of this column, I focused on umpire stats and lectured about not making a totals wager without first checking up on who's calling balls and strikes. This week, I’m going to switch it up and focus on a player you should really be paying attention to in your prop betting and on your fantasy team.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Nick Pivetta was an auto-fade during the first half of last season. Every time he was listed to start, you would hear his name whispered around the office at Covers World Headquarters as an automatic play-against. Boy, how things have changed.

Pivetta is now four starts into his 2018 season and the Phillies have won each of them. In fact, if you go back to the final month of last season the Phils have now won eight consecutive starts by Pivetta and 10 of his last 11. This year, he's up +4.0 units and over those last 11 starts previously mentioned, he's posted +12.14 units thanks to some impressive wins as a big underdog, including a win over Kershaw and the Dodgers at +292.

What has changed? His velocity on his four-seam fastball is about the same, he has essentially abandoned his changeup, he’s throwing his curveball more often, and he added a two-seam sinking fastball that he mixes in occasionally. He always had good stuff, and that’s exactly why the Phillies stuck with him through the tough times last year. He just needed a slight tweak in pitch selection and philosophy.

Pivetta’s next start will be against Trevor Williams and the Pittsburgh Pirates at home Sunday. I expect this game will be somewhere between a pick'em and Phillies -125. Still decent value.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Thursday's NBA Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds

The opening round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs continues Thursday night with three Game 3s as the series' shift to the home court of the lower seeds.

Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat (+2, 216.5)

Following their first loss in over a month, the Philadelphia 76ers - likely still without All-Star center Joel Embiid - will try to take back homecourt advantage when they visit the Miami Heat for Game 3 of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series. Embiid has been sidelined with an orbital fracture for 10 games, including a 113-103 loss to the Heat on Monday that tied the series up at a game apiece, and he was listed as doubtful after practice Wednesday.

Embiid posted an Instagram message before Game 2 that strongly indicated his desire to return, indicating that he was being "babied" by the team staff, and he participated in portions of practice the next two days. "It's still moving forward," coach Brett Brown told reporters Tuesday. "What I can say is there is a very unified effort with his representation and the people around him. With the people that did the operation, the doctors, with our medical staff, with the team, with me, the coaching staff. We're all doing this. There's a unified sort of spirit and line of communication." The Sixers had no issues without their big man in a Game 1 rout but they had no answers Monday night for Heat veteran Dwyane Wade, who scored 28 points on 11-of-16 shooting while moving into 10th place on the NBA's career postseason scoring list with 3,910. "It's just in my DNA," Wade told the media of his vintage performance. "I love the stage."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TNT, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Sun (Miami)

SERIES PRICE (PER PINNACLE):



BETTING ACTION AND LINE MOVES: The Heat opened as 1-point home favorites for Game 3 but steady, early action on the Sixers has pushed that pointspread over the fence to Philly -2. 60 percent of Covers Consensus selections are on the 76ers. The total hit betting boards at 216 and has been bumped up slightly to 216.5.

ABOUT THE 76ERS (53-31 SU, 48-34-2 ATS, 42-41-1 O/U): After making 18-of-28 3-pointers in Game 1, Philadelphia was 7-of-36 in Monday's loss, and rookie Ben Simmons - who rarely shoots from beyond the arc - led the way on the offensive end with 24 points. Dario Saric contributed 23 points while hitting 3-of-10 triples and is confident that whenever Embiid returns the matchups will be very different. "When he comes back he'll be ready, and will kick their [butt]," Saric told reporters. "I cannot wait for Joel to come back and help us because we are a way better team with him."

ABOUT THE HEAT (45-39 SU, 41-37-6 ATS, 38-45-1 O/U): James Johnson averaged under nine minutes a game in his first 19 playoff contests with Chicago, Memphis and Toronto, but he's making the most of his increased role with the Heat this postseason. The veteran out of Wake Forest made all seven of his shots in Game 2 and finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals in 37 minutes, which matches his highest total in a regulation game all season. Johnson, Wade and Goran Dragic combined to make 26-of-37 shot attempts while their teammates were 14-of-45 in Game 2.

INJURY REPORT:

Sixers - C J. Embiid (Questionable, Face), SG T. Luwawu-Cabarrot (Out Indefinitely, Knee).

Heat - SG D. Waiters (Out For Season, Ankle).

MATCHUP CHART:



TRENDS:

* 76ers are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
* Heat are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 2 days rest.
* Over is 5-1 in 76ers' last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
* Under is 6-1 in Heat's last 7 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* 76ers are 0-3-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Miami.




Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans (-3.5, 216)

The New Orleans Pelicans are off to a resounding postseason start and aim to take a 3-0 series lead when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. Sixth-seeded New Orleans won the opening two games of the Western Conference first-round matchup at Portland and can take a commanding lead with another victory.

Guard Jrue Holiday scored a career playoff-best 33 points in Tuesday's 111-102 victory and coach Alvin Gentry cautioned his players not to get overly giddy following the contest. "We've still got to get two more wins, so we're not overly excited about anything," Gentry told reporters. "We're playing against a really, really well-coached great team. ... That was our message to the team and actually that was their message to each other, that we hadn't done anything yet." Portland star guard Damian Lillard was unable to get untracked in the first two games while coach Terry Stotts said his squad has to return serve by accumulating road wins. "We've got to win two games in New Orleans, and hopefully it's the next two," Stotts told reporters. "It's easy math - we've got to go and win two in New Orleans, and I feel we're very capable of winning both games."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBATV, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS New Orleans

SERIES PRICE (PER PINNACLE):



BETTING ACTION AND LINE MOVES: The Pelicans opened as 3-point home favorites for Game 3 and that number has bumped up slightly to -3.5. 74 percent of Covers Consensus side wagers are on the favorites from New orleans. The total hit betting boards at 216 and has not moved as of Thursday morning.

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (49-35 SU, 45-34-5 ATS, 35-49 O/U): Lillard averaged 26.9 points during the regular season but has struggled in this series with a 17.5 average on 13-of-41 shooting. "Coming into the playoffs, you know teams are going to lock in, and they're going to try and make the game hard for you," Lillard told reporters. "And I give a lot of credit to them for executing their game plan but the opportunities I do get, I've just got to be better. It's as simple as that." Starting center Jusuf Nurkic (leg) was limited to 15 minutes on Tuesday and swingman Even Turner (toe) missed all six of his field-goal attempts in 20 scoreless minutes.

ABOUT THE PELICANS (50-34 SU, 47-36-1 ATS, 47-37 O/U): Holiday averaged 27 points in the two games in Portland and has thrived during the best of his five seasons in New Orleans. Injury issues and the situation in which his wife Lauren, a former U.S. national soccer player, battled a brain tumor while pregnant that caused him to miss the start of the 2016-17 season created challenges for the 27-year-old. "My family's the most important thing to me, and with them being OK I can come back to the team freely and be able to help them out now," Holiday told reporters. "It's been fun. I feel like my teammates and the organization definitely helped me out coming back from things with my family, and even the injuries, with being able to play and being able to perform at the peak I'm performing."

INJURY REPORT:

Blazers - C J. Nurkic (Probable, Leg), SF E. Turner (Questionable, Toe), SG C. Wilcox (Out Indefinitely, Knee).

Pelicans - PF N. Mirotic (Probable, Ankle), C A. Ajinca (Out For Season, Knee), PG F. Jackson (Out For Season, Foot), C D. Cousins (Out For Season, Achilles).

MATCHUP CHART:



TRENDS:

* Trail Blazers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Southwest.
* Pelicans are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
* Under is 6-0 in Trail Blazers' last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Under is 6-1 in Pelicans' last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
* Trail Blazers are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.




Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs (+4, 206)

The San Antonio Spurs have their backs against the wall and badly need a victory when they host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. The Spurs dropped the first two games of the best-of-seven series by an average of 18 points and hope to turn things around on the home floor.

Seventh-seeded San Antonio is having trouble matching up with the second-seeded Warriors - not having star forward Kawhi Leonard (quadriceps) isn't helping matters - but the players insist they can still make it a series. "We're not going to roll over," power forward LaMarcus Aldridge told reporters. "We've got to take the mentality that we had (in Game 2), trying to take the fight to them. ... I feel like it should be good for us going home, but we've got to take the same intensity from (Monday) home with us." Golden State's offense is clicking despite the absence of star guard Stephen Curry (knee) as the squad averaged 114.5 points over the first two games. Shooting guard Klay Thompson is averaging 29 points in the series and Kevin Durant is contributing 28 per game.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State), FS Southwest (San Antonio)

SERIES PRICE (PER PINNACLE):



BETTING ACTION AND LINE MOVES: The Warriors opened as 3-point road favorites and as of Thursday morning that number is up to 4. 66 percent of consensus users are on the favorite Dubs. The total hit betting boards at 207 and is down slightly to 206.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (60-24 SU, 36-47-1 ATS, 40-43-1 O/U): Thompson is 10-of-14 from 3-point range in the series and 23-of-33 overall and coach Steve Kerr said part of Thompson's sharpness is due to missing eight games in March with a broken right thumb. The thinking goes that Thompson was able to rest the remainder of his body while the thumb was healing and is much fresher than he would typically be at this time of year. "Any time you can take a few games off, unfortunately it hurts when you do, but in the long run, we try to play till June every season," Thompson told reporters. "So I think it will help out in the long run."

ABOUT THE SPURS (47-37 SU, 42-40-2 ATS, 39-44-1 O/U): Leonard is away from the team in New York rehabbing his injury and one of coach Gregg Popovich's comments about Aldridge after Game 2 seemed like at least a partial shot at the two-time All-Star. "LaMarcus has been a monster all year long," Popovich told reporters. "He's led our team at both ends of the floor. He doesn't complain about a darned thing out on the court. He just plays through everything. I can't imagine being more proud of a player as far as playing through adversity and being there for his teammates night after night after night. He's been fantastic." Aldridge had 34 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2 after struggling to 14 points and two rebounds in the series opener.

INJURY REPORT:

Warriors - PF D. West (Questionable, Ankle), SG P. McCaw (Out Indefinitely, Back), PG S. Curry (Late April, Knee), SF C. Boucher (Out Indefinitely, Ankle).

Spurs - C J. Lauvergne (Questionable, Personal), SF K. Leonard (Out For Season, Quadricep).

MATCHUP CHART:



TRENDS:

* Warriors are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win.
* Spurs are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.
* Over is 3-0-1 in Warriors' last 4 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 5-0-1 in Spurs' last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Warriors are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, April 19


Philadelphia @ Miami

Game 523-524
April 19, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
126.303
Miami
119.702
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 6 1/2
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
216 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-1 1/2); Over

Portland @ New Orleans

Game 525-526
April 19, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
121.667
New Orleans
126.432
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 5
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 3
216
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-3); Over

Golden State @ San Antonio

Game 527-528
April 19, 2018 @ 9:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
119.224
San Antonio
120.135
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 1
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 3 1/2
206
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(+3 1/2); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 19

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

PHILADELPHIA (53 - 31) at MIAMI (45 - 39) - 4/19/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 91-71 ATS (+12.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 55-36 ATS (+15.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 39-25 ATS (+11.5 Units) in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 44-31 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 25-9 ATS (+15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 49-35 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 34-23 ATS (+8.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) against Southeast division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 61-41 ATS (+15.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 47-34 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-6 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 8-5 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PORTLAND (49 - 35) at NEW ORLEANS (50 - 34) - 4/19/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 47-36 ATS (+7.4 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 27-18 ATS (+7.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 45-32 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 8-6 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 8-6 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GOLDEN STATE (60 - 24) at SAN ANTONIO (47 - 37) - 4/19/2018, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 35-46 ATS (-15.6 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 16-27 ATS (-13.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 1045-918 ATS (+35.2 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 81-55 ATS (+20.5 Units) in home games in all playoff games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 82-55 ATS (+21.5 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 297-244 ATS (+28.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 191-141 ATS (+35.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 131-95 ATS (+26.5 Units) in April games since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 58-35 ATS (+19.5 Units) in all playoff games since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 26-8 ATS (+17.2 Units) in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 11-6 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 13-4 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Thursday, April 19

76ers (1-1) @ Heat

Miami starters other than Johnson went 21-35 from floor in Game 2 win, after they were 8-31 in Game 1 loss. Sixers went 7-36 on arc in Game 2, after an 18-28 showing in Game 1; that was Philly’s first loss since March 13. Miami led both games of series at halftime- they got to foul line 61 times in first two series games. Home side is 10-1 in last 11 series games; 76ers lost their last four visits to South Beach (0-3-1 vs spread), by 9-1-30-23 points. Under is 4-2 in last six series games. Heat split its last dozen games overall; they won four of last six home games, with four of those games staying under.

Trailblazers @ Pelicans (2-0)


New Orleans starters were plus-62 in winning Games 1-2 at Portland; subs were minus-51. NO won/covered its last seven games overall; Davis has 57 points, 27 boards in this series. Pelicans won six of last eight games with Portland; last three series games stayed under. Blazers are 1-3 vs spread in last four visits to Bourbon Street. Lillard/McCollum shot combined 29-80 in first two games; Portland lost its last five road games (1-4 vs spread). Pelicans were 12-24 on arc in Game 2 after going 8-24 in Game 1. Portland had 28 offensive boards in first two series games.

Warriors (2-0) @ Spurs

No word on whether Coach Popovich will be on bench after his wife passed away yesterday. San Antonio lost first two series games by 21-15; they played great first half in Game 2, led 53-47 at half, still lost by 15. Golden State won 10 of last 11 series games, winning/covering three of last four visits to the Alamo. Over is 6-3-1 in last ten series games. Warrior bench was +20 in Game 2; Golden State made 15-31 on arc on Game 2, after going 10-22 in first game. Spurs did better on boards (-4) in Game 2, after they were -21 in Game 1. No Curry or Leonard in this series.

Wizards-Raptors
Tor 114-106, -7.5, O211
Tor 130-119, -7, O214

Heat-76ers
Phil 130-103, -6.5, O212
Mia 113-103, +6.5, U217

Bucks-Celtics
Bos 113-107 OT, -4.5, O199.5
Bos 120-106, -1, O200

Pacers-Cavaliers
Ind 98-80, +7.5, U212.5

Clev 100-97, -8, U209

Spurs-Warriors
GState 113-92, -8, U209.5

GState 116-101, -9 O205.5

Pelicans-Blazers
NO 97-95, +5.5, U216.5
NO 111-102, +6, U216

Jazz-Thunder
OKC 116-108, -4.5, O205

Utah 102-95, +4, U206.5

Wolves-Rockets
Hst 104-101, -11.5, U215.5

Hst 102-82, -10.5, U212.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Thursday, April 19

Trend Report

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 17-1 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Philadelphia is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Miami
Philadelphia is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami Heat
Miami is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Miami is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Miami is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games at home
Miami is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Miami is 3-4-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia


Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Portland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games
Portland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Portland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Portland's last 18 games on the road
Portland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Portland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Portland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Portland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home
New Orleans is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 15 of New Orleans's last 23 games at home
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Portland
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Portland
New Orleans is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Portland
New Orleans is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Portland


Golden State Warriors
Golden State is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games
Golden State is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games
Golden State is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games on the road
Golden State is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing San Antonio
Golden State is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Golden State is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Golden State's last 9 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
San Antonio is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games
San Antonio is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games at home
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Antonio's last 11 games at home
San Antonio is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Golden State
San Antonio is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing Golden State
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
San Antonio is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Golden State
San Antonio is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 9 games when playing at home against Golden State

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Thursday's NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continue Thursday with a pair of Game 4's - the Maple Leafs are hosting the Bruins while, in Columbus, the Blue Jackets will take on the Capitals.

Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs (-105, 6)

Bruins lead series 2-1.

Almost left for dead after the first two games of their Eastern Conference first-round series, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a chance to level the best-of-seven set when they host the Boston Bruins in Game 4 on Thursday night. The Maple Leafs absorbed a pair of beatings at Boston's TD Garden by a combined 12-4 score, but reversed the momentum with a 4-2 home win on Monday night.

ABOUT THE BRUINS (52-21-9-3, 38-42 O/U): Boston's top line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak was all the rage in the opening two games, combining for a collective 20 points, but the unit was blanked in Game 3. Pastrnak, who had six points in Game 2, has six goals and seven assists in seven meetings versus Toronto this season. Bruins rookie D Matt Grzelcyk is expected back in the lineup after sitting out Game 3.

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (50-28-5-2, 43-35 O/U): While Boston's top line dominated the first two games, Toronto's No. 1 unit was floundering by being held off the scoresheet, but star forward Auston Matthews provided the biggest moment for the Maple Leafs by netting the tiebreaking goal in Game 3. Frederik Andersen allowed eight goals in four periods in the first two contests, but his 40 saves Monday were his highest total since Feb. 20. Mitch Marner had two assists Monday to give him 13 points in seven games versus Boston this season.

SERIES PRICE (PER SPORTS INTERACTION):



LINE HISTORY: The Leafs opened the betting as slight -115 favorites however action on the Bruins pushed that moneyline over the fence to Boston -115 by Thursday morning. 52 percent of Covers Consensus users are siding with the Bruins in this contest. The total hit betting boards at 6 and has yet to move.

INJURY REPORT:

Bruins - D Matt Grzelcyk (Probable, Lower Body), D Adam McQuaid (Questionable, Upper Body), D Brandon Carlo (Out For Season, Ankle), LW Anders Bjork (Out For Season, Shoulder).

Maple Leafs - C Leo Komarov (Out, Lower Body), C Nazem Kadri (Elig Sat, Suspension), LW Joffrey Lupul (I-R, Conditioning).

MATCHUP CHART:



TRENDS:

* Bruins are 0-5 in their last 5 road games.
* Maple Leafs are 1-5 in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 3-0-2 in Bruins last 5 overall.
* Over is 7-0-1 in Maple Leafs last 8 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Bruins are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings in Toronto.




Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets (-115, 5.5)

Jackets lead series 2-1.

Fresh off their second straight overtime loss, Alex Ovechkin generated both headlines and raised eyebrows after declaring that the Washington Capitals would return to the District of Columbia tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets at two victories apiece in their Eastern Conference first-round series. Halfway there after a double-overtime win, the visiting Capitals look to make Ovechkin's words ring true in Game 4 on Thursday.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (50-26-8-1, 48-35 O/U): Ovechkin recorded his second straight two-point performance when he notched a pair of assists in his 100th career playoff game before Lars Eller ended Tuesday's marathon after the puck caromed off him and into the net for a 3-2 win. Braden Holtby earned his keep on Tuesday with 33 saves, prompting coach Barry Trotz to declare the 2016 Vezina Trophy winner the starter the following day. "I don't think there's any doubt about that," Trotz said of Holtby, who answered a 1-5-2 mark with a gaudy 4.82 goals-against average and .854 save percentage from Feb. 11-March 5 with a solid 5-1-0 record in his final six regular-season starts.

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (47-30-4-4, 43-42 O/U): Former Calder Trophy winner Artemi Panarin scored and set up a goal in Game 3 to give him seven points (two goals, five assists) in the series and 20 (four goals, 16 assists) in the eight-game stretch. Cam Atkinson joined defenseman Seth Jones with an assist on Tuesday to extend their respective point streaks, with the former riding a 12-game stretch (10 goals, seven assists). Two-time Vezina Trophy winner G Sergei Bobrovsky owns a .925 save percentage after facing 133 shots in three contests of the series.

SERIES PRICE (PER SPORTS INTERACTION):



LINE HISTORY: The Blue Jackets opened as -120 favorites and as of Thursday morning that number is down slightly to -115. Covers Consensus betting action is split with 51 percent of the selections on the Capitals. The total hit betting boards at 5.5 and has not moved.

INJURY REPORT:

Capitals - LW Andre Burakovsky (Out, Upper Body).

Jackets - C Alexander Wennberg (Questionable, Upper Body), LW Lukas Sedlak (Out Indefinitely, Head).

MATCHUP CHART:



TRENDS:

* Capitals are 6-0 in their last 6 road games.
* Blue Jackets are 11-2 in their last 13 vs. Eastern Conference.
* Over is 5-1 in Capitals last 6 overall.
* Over is 8-1 in Blue Jackets last 9 overall.
* Capitals are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Dunkel

Thursday, April 19


Boston @ Toronto

Game 1-2
April 19, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
11.797
Toronto
10.645
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-115
6
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-115); Under

Washington @ Columbus

Game 3-4
April 19, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
11.053
Columbus
12.492
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Columbus
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Columbus
-115
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Columbus
(-115); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 19

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

BOSTON (52-21-0-12, 116 pts.) at TORONTO (50-28-0-7, 107 pts.) - 4/19/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 35-41 ATS (-18.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 19-10 ATS (+30.3 Units) when trailing in a playoff series since 1996.
TORONTO is 11-1 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 9-7 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 9-7-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

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

WASHINGTON (50-26-0-9, 109 pts.) at COLUMBUS (47-30-0-8, 102 pts.) - 4/19/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 51-35 ATS (+6.2 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-13 ATS (+5.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-1 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in April games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 16-9 ATS (+6.7 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-17 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 10-6 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 10-6-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Thursday, April 19

Trend Report

Boston Bruins
Boston is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
Boston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 10 games on the road
Boston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Boston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Toronto's last 23 games
Toronto is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Toronto's last 16 games at home
Toronto is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston


Washington Capitals
Washington is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Columbus
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Columbus
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games when playing on the road against Columbus
Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Columbus is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Columbus's last 9 games
Columbus is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Columbus is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 6 games at home
Columbus is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Washington
Columbus is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing Washington
Columbus is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Columbus's last 13 games when playing at home against Washington

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tony Brown

Tony's *5 mlb free pick

NY Mets vs. Atlanta, 04/19/2018 19:35 EDT

Total: +109/+9 Over

Sportsbook:
PinnacleSports

Fp: braves number 1 scoring team in the Mlb this season I seen this reach this total alone . With the Mets bats swinging well right now I expect this total to sky rocket making the over my mlb free pick.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

National Sports Service

MLB Angels -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Primetime Sports Picks

NBA 76ers -2