Thursday Service Plays 4/24/08

[the duke]

Comps



Brian Marshall

Game: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Plays On: St. Louis Cardinals/Pittsburgh Pirates Over 9.5 (-110)

Game Analyses: Do you love high-scoring baseball games? If yes, you will love Thursday's baseball game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Both these teams will be sending to the mound poor starting pitchers which means we should see a lot of runs scored today.

The St. Louis Cardinals will be lead by starting pitcher Joel Pineiro. Joel Pineiro has pitched terrible so far this season. In fact, Joel Pineiro has a 8.10 ERA on the season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will be lead by Tom Gorzelanny. Tom Gorzelanny has also pitched terrible so far this season. In fact, Tom Gorzelanny has a 9.35 ERA on the season.

The Over is 7-3 in the St. Louis Cardinals last 10 games as an underdog, while the Over is 14-4 in the Pittsburgh Pirates last 18 games as a favorite.

The Over is a Perfect 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams, and we expect to see another high-scoring game tonight!

St. Louis Cardinals/Pittsburgh Pirates Over 9.5



Tony Mathews

Matchup: Florida Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves

Selection: Florida/Atlanta Over 10 (-110)

Explanation: We expect a high-scoring game as the Florida Marlins face-off against the Atlanta Braves in Thursday's MLB contest.

The Florida Marlins will use starting pitcher Burke Badenhop. Burke Badenhop has struggled so far this season. In fact, Burke Badenhop has a 7.00 ERA on the season. We see Burke Badenhop giving up many runs again today.

The Atlanta Braves will use starting pitcher Chuck James. Chuck James has also struggled so far this season. This is shown by Chuck James having a 7.88 ERA on the season. We see Chuck James also giving up many runs once again today.

The Over is 13-6-1 in the Florida Marlins last 20 games as an underdog, while the Over is 6-2 in Chuck James' last 8 starts as a favorite.

Take the Florida Marlins/Atlanta Braves Over 10!


John Fina

Selection: San Francisco Giants (+120)

Reason: Put us down on the San Francisco Giants (+120) for our Free MLB Selection on Thursday. Today the San Francisco Giants will be on the road as they take on the San Diego Padres. We will side with the San Francisco Giants as underdogs. The San Francisco Giants will be sending to the mound the much superior pitcher. The San Francisco Giants will send to the mound Tim Lincecum. Tim Lincecum has been solid so far this season. Tim Lincecum is a Perfect 3-0 with a 1.54 ERA on the season. On the other hand, the San Diego Padres will send to the mound Chris Young. Chris Young has been having pitching problems so far this season which is shown by his 4.57 ERA. In addition, the San Diego Padres are 1-3 in Chris Young's 4 starts this season. As you can see, the San Francisco Giants will be sending to the mound the much better pitcher. The San Francisco Giants are already 3-1 (this season) in their last 4 meetings against the San Diego Padres, and should be able to get another win tonight! Take the San Francisco Giants!


Orlando at TORONTO (-4) Sports Gambling Hotline

It is hard to argue against playing the OVER in tonight's third game of this Orlando-Toronto series.

Thus far, two games played, two games OVER the total. Both teams have been consistently getting their points, as both have hit triple-digits in both of the previous tilts.

Backtrack the previous series meetings between the teams, and you will find that 5 of the last 6 battles have landed OVER the posted price, and 6 of the last 8 overall have eclipsed the total.

Until we see some evidence that defense will be played, we must side with another high-scoring affair for Game Three of this best of seven showdown.

Too much offense on the court once again.

Play the OVER!

4♦ OVER


Cleveland (+5) at WASHINGTON Karl Garrett

The G-Man needs a little help here...Tonight the Cavaliers are catching around 5-points. This is a Cleveland team that has been inspired by the trash talk the Wizards laid on them before the series started, and has reeled off a quick two games to none lead. The second meeting producing a 30-point rout.

Now you want to give me the Cavs plus significant points? I am going to have to take those points, as I am not sure that Washington now actually believes they can win this series, let alone win a game!

Dating back to the regular season, Cleveland has captured 4 of the 6 meetings both straight up, and against the math, and of course we all know they swept the Wizards out of last season's playoffs.

Gilbert Arenas is clearly compromised, and none of the Wizards have been stepping their game up. Maybe the shift to their home floor will give them a lift, but to the G-Man it looks like Washington is a beaten bunch, and it looks like Cleveland is on a mission.

I will take the dog.

3♦ CLEVELAND



N.Y. Yankees at CHICAGO WHITE SOX (+105) Bobby Maxwell

We're 4-1 with our last five FREE plays on the diamond and today we've got a winner coming with the White Sox as they host the Yankees in Chicago.

I know the Yankees get a lot of respect, but I think the bookmakers missed the boat on this one. Chicago will win this one in front of the home fans.

New York starter Philip Hughes (0-3, 8.82 ERA) is on the hill against the White Sox Gavin Floyd (2-0, 1.40). Hughes is probably tired of starting on the road because he's been getting drilled on the highway. In his last three outings, all on the road, he's allowed 15 runs on 21 hits in 10.1 innings of work.

The Orioles were the last team to get to him on Friday when they scored five runs on nine hits in 5.1 innings of an 8-2 win.

Meanwhile Floyd has been a very pleasant surprise for Chicago. In his three starts he's allowed five runs (three earned) on nine hits in 19.1 innings of work. He last pitched a week ago and gave up two runs (both unearned) on two hits in six innings against Baltimore.

New York took the first two games of this series and Chicago will certainly salvage the final game of the set. Play the White Sox in this one.

3♦ WHITE SOX



Marc Lawrence

Play On: St. Louis vs Gorzelanny

Note: Cardinals and Pirates close out this mini-two game set in Pittsburgh against Tom Gorzelanny who is struggling in a major way to start the season. That's confirmed by the fact he has issued 12 walks against just 6 strikeouts in his last three starts. He's also winless (0-2) at home against the Red Birds with a 4.51 ERA in his MLB career. Look for the Cardinals to have their way here tonight.



James Patrick Sports

Cardinals vs. Pirates 7;05 p.m. est.

St. Louis has had their way with the Bucs in the Steel City and our Major League Baseball complimentary selection is #907 St. Louis as they look for their 17th win in their past 26 outings at Pittsburgh. If you enjoy the high flying action of NBA Basketball then check out Thursday?s action at jamespatricksports.com as the Big Man has the best pair of games on a pay after you profit format for $15. When you need that Big Win think about the Big Man at James Patrick Sports .Good Luck! Pot of Gold is the feature game on today?s card. As part of a pair of winners in Thursday Major League Baseball action, Big Game James Patrick is releasing his Grand Slam Play in Major League Baseball action for $15 on a pay after you profit format. Get on the diamond for the opening pitch of this game as the Big Man is salivating. Huddle Up now at the Diamond Club.




Dave Cokin

Play: Red Sox

The Red Sox have had to juggle their rotation with Beckett's neck acting up along with a flu bug sidelining Matsuzaka. That's created an opening for the debut of hot shot prospect Justin Masterson. He's been lights out at AA Portland to start the season, and it widely regarded as behind only Clay Buchholz on the Boston pitching prospect chart. Joe Saunders goes for the Angels here, and he's been very solid. But the price is going to be lower than it ought to be with the somewhat unknown quantity making his bow and I believe the value will be on the Red Sox and Masterson to win this series windup.


Jim Feist

My free pick of the day is the game between (519) CLE Cavaliers and (520) WAS Wizards. Take "Under". Cleveland has reverted back to the style of play that got them to the NBA Finals last season .5? a defensive oriented game plan. They held the explosive Wizards to 86 points in each of the first two games. The Cavaliers are on a 7-1 run under the total. Now playing at Washington in a hostile environment, there.5?s no need for the Cavs to change their style if they want to put the pressure on the Wizards. Look for the visitors to control the tempo.

Cavaliers/Wizards under



Matt Rivers

Magic and the points

I'm done with the Raptors, I really am. Toronto is a fairly talented team with a stud in Chris Bosh and a speedy point guard in TJ Ford along with Anthony Parker and Andrea Bargnani but this team has underachieved for the last few months and today are laying points to what is the clear better team.

Suure Toronto needs to win and may win but to get a beast in Dwight Howard along with the far superior and more sound team in Orlando plus a handful of points is a no-brainer.

Howard, Turkoglu, Lewis and Nelson are a quality nucleus that will not be flustered here up North. This game will not be easy at all but it is also easily winnable so to get a decent enough number back with the Magic is enough for me.


Tony Weston


Early totals set for this game have been hovering at about 202 points. That of course is subject to change, but it won?t matter because Toronto and Orlando will blow right past that.

Over their last eight meetings the over is 6-2 and it is also 5-1 over their last six meetings. In that six-game stretch the teams have averaged 211.1 points per game. And in the first two games of their playoff series the teams have averaged 210.5 points per.

These two will put the points up again and hit that over.

Take the over in this one.


3♦ MAGIC-RAPTORS OVER (1♦ to 5♦ Scale)



Jeff Benton

The comp play streak rolls right along after the Lakers easily got it done Wednesday night, so I?m now 29-13-1 with freebies over the last 43 days. For Thursday, we?ll switch back to baseball ? where I?m 14-5 with free selections so far ? and try our first total of the year, playing the Padres-Giants contest UNDER the total.

Here are the final scores of the last three Padres-Giants games this season: 3-2 last night (in 13 innings), 1-0 on April 9 and 3-2 (in 11 innings) on April 8. Hardly a surprise, given the fact these are two of the weakest offenses in the big leagues (both batting around .240 as a team). Well, I don?t see much changing tonight for the hitters, who have to face to of the biggest power arms in the National League in the Giants? Tim Lincecum and the Padres? Chris Young.

Now, while Lincecum has been dynamite this season (3-0, 1.57 ERA), Young has definitely struggled (1-1, 4.57 ERA). However, Young?s struggles have come on the road (8.00 ERA); at home, he?s got a 2.13 ERA, giving up three runs in 12 2/3 innings. That home-road split is hardly shocking, considering Young had a 1.69 ERA in 13 home starts in 2007, compared with a 4.52 ERA in 17 road outings.

And as you might expect, Young has been very good against the Giants in four starts on his home mound (3.04 ERA). Meantime, Lincecum has mowed down the Padres three times in his brief career, posting a 1.66 ERA (with all three games staying under the total). Finally, when you consider that the under is 8-3 at Petco Park this year, with the Padres scoring a grand total of five runs in their last 48 innings in their own yard, and I?ve got to play this one UNDER.

(Based on a 1♦ to 10♦ rating system)

5♦ Giants-Padres UNDER the total



Mike Rose

Chicago White Sox (108)
Thu Apr 24 '08 8:10p

Youngster Phil Hughes will look to get off the schneid this evening and pick up his first victory of the year in the final game of the series. He enters tonight?s start 0-3 with a lofty 8.82 ERA allowing 25 hits and 16 earned runs with a K/BB ratio of 10/10 in just a little over 16 innings of work. He?s been roughed up in his last three starts of which all came on the road. Baltimore pounded him for nine hits and five earned runs in last weekends start at Camden Yards. He?s yet to face the White Sox stout line-up in his career.

Gavin Floyd has been simply sensational to start the season for the White Sox, and Manager Ozzie Guillen hopes he has it in him again tonight to allow his club to take one from the ?Bronx Bombers?. Over his last two starts, Floyd has allowed three hits over 13 1/3 innings, without giving up an earned run. He flirted with a no-hitter against Detroit at home back on April 12th, and then retired the first 12 batters he faced in his next start. Overall, Floyd?s 2-0 with a 1.40 ERA allowing a measly nine hits and three earned runs in a shade under 20 innings of work. He?s never started against the Yankees in his career.

The Yankees have had the White Sox number recently winning 7 of the L/8 meetings overall, and they?re 6-3 the L/9 times they?ve squared off in US Cellular Field. However, they?re 1-4 in Hughes? L/5 starts as a road favorite between ?110 and ?150. Chicago?s 4-1 the L/5 times they were installed an underdog at home including Tuesday night?s loss, and they?re yet to lose game three of a series this season (4-0), which includes a 2-0 mark after a loss.




Inside Las Vegas Sports Selection

Orlando Magic + 4 over (at) Toronto Raptors

Orlando finished an NBA second best 38-14 versus the East, and an East second best 27-14 on the road. The Magic are 4-1 (3-2 ATS) versus Toronto this season.

Chicago Cubs (Marquis) + 125* over (at) Colorado (Cook)

Cubs are 9-1 last ten games off winning at Colorado 7-6 Wednesday night, outhitting the Rockies 15-8. These two pitchers faced off in Colorado last August, Cubs winning 6-2.

 

[the duke]

Matt Fargo

Chicago Cubs at Colorado Rockies 3:05 PM ET

Chicago Cubs (Marquis) +120

It?s hard to go against this price considering the Cubs are currently the hottest team in baseball and are finding ways to win whether it is from solid pitching or great hitting or a combination of both. Chicago has won six straight, nine of 10 and 14 of 17 to build a two-game lead in the already tough National League Central. The Cubs are 5-2 on the road and with the extra-inning victory on Wednesday, they have won seven of the last nine meetings in this series.

Colorado has certainly had an up and down start to the young season. After starting the year 1-5, the Rockies went 8-3 in their next 11 games but since then, they have dropped four in a row as the pitching simply has not shown up. They have allowed 7.5 rpg during this recent skid and that pitching has been inconsistent all season, posting a 4.55 ERA including 5.42 at home. The offense has not been much better as the Rockies are hitting .249 including .252 at home, compared to .280 and .298 respectively last season.

Jason Marquis takes the hill for the Cubs as he looks to back up his last start with a similar performance. He allowed just one run in six innings against the Pirates in an easy 13-1 victory. After issuing five walks against the Phillies in his previous start, he gave up just one. All three of his outings have improved from the last and the Cubs are 3-0 in his three starts. Most pitchers have had trouble in Coors Field but Marquis is not one of those. In three starts, he is 3-0 with a 2.49 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.

Aaron Cook is the ace of this Rockies pitching staff and he has been the one bright spot in a season of struggles. After a rough outing against the Cardinals to start the year, he has tossed three straight complete games and that is a key factor here. Being the ace of the Rockies doesn?t say a lot and his 4.43 career ERA is telling us to go against here based on the quality outing situation with a non-high echelon pitcher. He has a 2.35 ERA in three career starts against the Cubs but his 1.39 WHIP is a big problem.

Chicago Cubs 1.5 Units

 

[the duke]

Vegas Experts


NY Mets at Washington Nationals
Thursday, April 24th, 7:10 PM ET

This just in. The Washington Nationals are not a good team. They are opposed tonight by Oliver Perez, who owns a sensational 15-1 team start record on the road if favored by -150 or less. Mets are 4-0 vs. the Nats this season and 15-4 here in the Nation's Capital overall. Over the last two seasons, Washington is a revolting 5-29 vs. pitchers with an ERA less than 3.50.

Play on: NY Mets



Big Al Mcmordie

Sport: MLB
Game: Florida v Atlanta
Date/Time: 4/24/2008 7:10PM EST
Pick: 'under' 10 runs

Reason: At 7:10 pm ET our complimentary selection is on the Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves 'under' the total. Tonight's game features two starters with ERAs of at least seven runs: Florida's righthander Burke Badenhop and Atlanta's southpaw Chuck James. For James' part, he's only had two starts, and he pitched well in his second outing and may have been hurting in his first one. He also has only given up two walks so far this season so control has not been a problem. In fact, control has almost never been a problem for James, who has given up no more than 1 free pass in any of this last nine starts going back to last August. And James always seems to pitch well against the Marlins, as in four lifetime starts he has only given up a total of four earned runs in almost 27 innings of work. Not hurting James' cause tonight is the fact that Florida is batting below the Mendoza line (.199) against lefties this season. Badenhop can be partially excused because he is a rookie who pitched all but 18 innings in the Minors at the single 'A' level, so he is being thrust into a starting role due more to Florida's pitching injuries (Josh Johnson, Sergio Mitre, Anibel Sanchez) than for any other reason. It didn't help that Badenhop's first Major League start was in one of the most hitter-friendly parks in Houston, and he should fare much better in pitcher-friendly Turner Field tonight. Take the 'under'. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.



Joel Tyson

Cleveland (+5) at WASHINGTON

The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Washington tonight to take on the Washington Wizards. The Cavaliers will be looking to take a commanding three games to none lead in this best of seven series.

The Cavs catch the points tonight, and we will take the points with them, as I see no way that Washington will beat them, much less beat them ATS. Washington has showed in the first two match ups they have no one that can match up to Cleveland superstar LeBron James. James has had his way in the first two games, as he led his team to victory.

The Cavaliers have defeated the Wizards four of the last five times the two have met, with the lone loss coming by a score of 101-99.

Offensively over each of the teams last five games, the Wizards have out averaged the Cavs 96.2 ppg, to 91.6 ppg, but the defensive end as it usually is has been the difference. Cleveland has given up just 84.4 ppg in their last five contests, compared to the Wizards that have allowed 103.

Play the Cavs to get the win and cover here today.

4♦ CAVALIERS




Alex Smart

Game: Houston Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds
Game Time: 4/24/2008 12:35:00 PM
Prediction: Cincinnati Reds

Johnny Cueto the Cincinnati Reds starter today is just 1-1 on the season, but has given his team decent performances each time he has gone to the hill , as is evident by having garnered a stable 3.42 ERA in 4 starts. I look for him to have another solid outing today, against a light hitting Astros squad that is owns a .216 BA in road games this year. His pitching opponent from the Astros,will be a Triple A call up , Jack Cassel , to the hill to replace the injured Wandy Rodriguez. Hes been good against lesser competition , but today against what can be an explosive Reds batting order hes in trouble. If he falters he will be backed with a bullpen that has recorded a bloated 5.84 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP. Needless to say, the Reds very much look like the right side this afternoon! Final notes & Key Trends:Houston is is 8-24 L/32 against the money line in road games in day games.

Cincinnati Reds


Jimmy The Moose

Game: Texas Rangers at Detroit Tigers Apr 24 2008 1:05PM
Prediction: over

Reason: Texas has played the over in 4 straight games and 5 of their last 6. The over is 5-1 in their last 6 road games. Jason Jennings will take his 7.08 ERA to the mound vs. a Tigers team that has found their offense. Detroit has played the over in 8 of their last 11 games. The over is 5-0 in their last 5 home games. In their last 36 games vs. a team with a winning % below 400 the over is a profitable 26-6-4. The over is 5-0 in Bonderman's last 5 starts vs. Texas. The first two games of the series easily played the over and this one will too. Play the over.

 

[the duke]

THE SPORTS ADVISORS


MLB

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Arizona (15-6) at L.A. Dodgers (9-12)
The National League West-leading Diamondbacks, who opened this two-game midweek series Wednesday night with an 8-3 loss, send right-hander Edgar Gonzalez (0-1, 4.50 ERA) to the Dodger Stadium hill against fellow righty Chad Billinsgley (0-3, 6.14).
Arizona had been on a 14-3 tear prior to last night?s defeat, scoring at least four runs in all 17 of those contests. Despite the setback, the DBacks still has a commanding six-game lead in the N.L. West, and is the only team in the division with a winning record.
Los Angeles is still just 5-10 in its last 15 games after last night?s victory, though it has won three straight at home. In a bit of an oddity, the Dodgers have scored eight runs or more in each of their last four wins and one run or fewer in five of their last six losses.
Dating to last season, the Diamondbacks are on a 9-4 run against the Dodgers (4-3 in L.A.).
Gonzalez will make his fourth start of the season, having gotten no-decisions in two outings, though Arizona won both those games. Last Saturday against San Diego, he allowed three runs on four hits in six innings, and the DBacks pulled away late for a 10-3 victory. Gonzalez has struggled against the Dodgers, with a 1-4 career mark and a troubling 8.48 ERA in seven appearances (six starts). However, he won his lone start at Dodger Stadium last season, allowing just one run on six hits in five innings.
Billingsley came on in relief in his first two outings of the season, allowing one run on three hits in 2 1/3 innings. But he?s been the loser in all three starts since then, including a 4-1 setback Saturday at Atlanta in which he allowed all four runs (all in the fifth inning) on six hits in five innings, although he did strike out nine. Billingsley is 4-2 with a 3.19 ERA against Arizona in six starts (eight appearances), though he got blasted at Arizona on April 8, giving up five runs on five hits in just 2 1/3 innings.
The Diamondbacks are on streaks of 4-1 against right-handed starters, 5-1 on the highway and 5-2 on Thursday, but they are 4-10 in their last 14 road games versus righties and 6-19 in their last 27 with Gonzalez an underdog.
The Dodgers are also 5-2 in their last seven on Thursday and are a solid 18-7 in their last 25 as a home chalk and 4-0 in Billingsley?s last four Thursday. On the flip side, L.A. is 4-7 in its last 11 against right-handers and 2-5 in its last seven against the N.L. West.
The over for Arizona is on a 9-2-1 overall streak, but the under is on run of 36-18-3 in DBacks road games against right-handed starters, 13-4 when Gonzalez works on the road and 12-4 when Gonzalez is a road underdog. For Los Angeles, the over is on a 6-1 run at Dodger Stadium and is 8-3-1 with the Dodgers favored. But the under is 11-4 in Billingsley?s last 15 starts overall and 5-2 in his last seven home outings. Finally, even though last night?s game flew over the total, the under is still 6-3 in the last nine series battles at Dodger Stadium.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER



AMERICAN LEAGUE

N.Y. Yankees (12-10) at Chicago White Sox (11-9)
The Yankees, who are looking to sweep this three-game road series at U.S. Cellular Field, will pit struggling young righty Phil Hughes (0-3, 8.82 ERA) against White Sox right-hander Gavin Floyd (2-0, 1.40).
New York opened the series with a 9-5 victory Tuesday night, then claimed a 6-4 victory Wednesday night for its third straight win. That streak comes on the heels of a three-game skid ? which, oddly enough, was preceded by another three-game winning streak. Tonight, New York is looking to win four in a row for the first time in 2008.
Chicago has lost four of its last six following a 4-1 run, and they?ve dropped three of their last four at home. The Sox are just 4-5 at U.S. Cellular this season, though they have won 11 of their last 18 starts overall.
The Yankees have owned this series lately, winning seven of the last eight clashes, including five in a row at Chicago.
Hughes opened the season with a solid start, allowing two runs on four hits in six innings, getting a no-decision in a 3-2 New York victory over Toronto on April 3. However, he?s been tagged for 15 runs in 10 1/3 innings since then in three road starts, including five runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings last Friday in an 8-2 setback at Baltimore. Hughes, a 21-year-old who made 13 starts last season in his first year with the Yanks, is facing the White Sox for the first time.
Floyd, a veteran by comparison at 25 years old, got off to a 2-0 start by allowing just three runs in 13 1/3 innings, then got a no-decision last Thursday in Baltimore after yielding two runs (none earned) on two hits in six innings in his team?s 6-5 loss. In his lone appearance against New York, though, Floyd allowed five runs on six hits in three innings of relief in a 16-3 Yankees rout last July at the Stadium.
The Yankees are on 5-1 road tear against right-handed starters and are 5-2 in their last seven as a road favorite and an astounding 161-75 in their last 236 games against the A.L. Central. That said, New York is only 2-5 in Hughes? last seven road starts and 1-4 with Hughes a road favorite.
Despite two straight home losses to the Yanks, the White Sox are still 4-1 in their last five as a home ?dog and 8-3 in their last 11 overall as an underdog. On the downside, they are 3-7 in Floyd?s last 10 starts overall and 2-6 in their last eight Thursday contests.
The over has cashed the past two nights in this series and is 4-1 in the last five clashes overall. But beyond that, the ?under? trends are heavy for both teams, including 10-3 for New York overall, 7-2 for New York on the road against winning teams, 8-2 with the Yanks a road chalk, 8-2 for Chicago overall and 8-1 for the Sox in Floyd?s last nine starts. Finally, the under is 10-5-2 the last 17 Yankees-Sox battles in Chicago.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO and UNDER




NBA PLAYOFFS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(6) Toronto (41-43, 39-44-1 ATS) at (3) Orlando (54-30, 51-30-3 ATS)
The Magic take a 2-0 series lead north of the border when they meet the now-desperate Raptors for Game 3 of this best-of-7 opening-round series at the Air Canada Centre.
Behind another dominant effort from Dwight Howard, Orlando narrowly held off Toronto 104-103 Tuesday night, failing to cover as a 6?-point home chalk. Howard had 29 points and 20 rebounds, giving him back-to-back 20-20 efforts in this series. Although the Magic had their four-game ATS run halted, they are still on a 5-0 SU tear and are 8-3 SU and 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 starts. Toronto, meanwhile, ended a four-game pointspread slide but is still just 3-7 SU and ATS in its last 10 games.
The Magic are on a 3-0 SU run against Toronto (2-1 ATS), with all three games in Orlando. However, dating to 2005, the Raptors are now 9-3 ATS against the Magic (7-5 SU), and they are on a 7-1 ATS stretch when facing Orlando in Toronto.
Despite Tuesday?s ATS setback, the Magic still are on a plethora of positive pointspread streaks, including 5-1 against the Eastern Conference, 4-1 on the highway, 27-9-1 after a non-cover, 14-5-1 as a road ?dog, 21-8 getting less than five points on the road and 10-4 on one days? rest. One negative note: Orlando is just 2-8 ATS in its last 10 Thursday starts.
The Raptors are 37-16-2 ATS against Southeast Division opponents and 5-1 ATS on Thursday, but the ATS trends are all negative from there, including 8-20 overall, 2-8 against teams with a winning SU mark, 3-7 against the East, 2-8 on one days? rest and 1-7 following a spread-cover.
The over has cashed in the first two games of this playoff series and is also 5-1 in the last six meetings between these two teams and 4-1 in the last five when Toronto hosts Orlando. In addition, the over is 7-1 in Orlando?s last eight first-round playoff games, 4-0 in Toronto?s last four first-round games and 5-1 for the Raptors against winning teams.
Conversely, the under is on streaks of 6-1 for Orlando on the road, 14-5 for Orlando after a SU win, 6-2-1 for Toronto at home and 8-3-1 for the Raptors after a SU loss.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER



(5) Washington (43-41, 46-38 ATS) at (4) Cleveland (47-37, 39-45 ATS)
The defending Eastern Conference champion Cavaliers, who are coming off an impressive Game 2 victory, take their show on the road to the Verizon Center against the Wizards, who are in a must-win situation trailing this best-of-7 series 2-0.
LeBron James & Co. led Washington by 13 points at halftime Monday and poured it on from there in a 116-86 rout, with Cleveland easily cashing as a 1?-point home favorite. The Cavs have cashed in both games in this series and are 3-1 ATS in their last four starts after going 2-8 ATS in their pervious 10 outings. Meanwhile, the Wizards have followed up a 4-1 SU and ATS surge with a three-game SU and ATS slide.
The Cavs have now beaten the Wizards eight straight times in the playoffs over the last three postseasons (6-2 ATS), including a 4-0 sweep in last year?s first round (3-1 ATS). In 2006, the Cavs won in six games, going 3-3 ATS.
Including Monday?s contest, Cleveland is now 4-2 SU and ATS against Washington this year (3-0 ATS in the last three), with the home team winning all six contests (4-2 ATS). Finally, the favorite in this rivalry is on a 6-2 ATS run.
The Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last four first-round playoff games ? all against Washington ? and are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 as a playoff underdog and 31-15 ATS in their last 46 as a road pup. However, they carry negative ATS trends of 2-5 against teams with a winning record, 1-4 after a pointspread win, 2-9 after putting up more than 100 points and 1-6 after a SU win of more than 10 points.
The Wizards are on negative ATS runs of 1-6 after a SU loss, 1-4 against winning teams and 2-5 as a home favorite. On the bright side, they?re 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games played on two days? rest and 11-4 ATS in their last 15 as a home chalk of five to 10? points.
Although Monday?s game sailed over the posted price of 188?, the under for Cleveland is still on runs of 7-1 overall, 4-0 as an underdog, 5-0 as a pup of 5 to 10? points and 13-3 as a playoff ?dog. On the flip side, for Washington, the over is on streaks of 13-3 at the Verizon Center, including 11-0 as a home chalk, 9-4 overall, 5-1 after a SU loss, 22-8 against the East and 6-3 in the playoffs (all against Cleveland). Finally, the over is 6-2 the last eight clashes between these rivals in Washington.

ATS ADVANTAGE: WASHINGTON and OVER



WESTERN CONFERENCE

(4) Utah (56-28, 48-36 ATS) at (5) Houston (55-29, 47-35-2 ATS)
The Jazz, who took complete control of this best-of-7 series by winning the first two games in Houston, head home to EnergySolutions Arena ? where they have lost just four times all season ? for Game 3 against the Rockets.
Utah edged Houston 90-84 Monday, covering for the second straight game as a one-point underdog. The Jazz have cashed in nine of their last 10 starts overall (8-2 SU), while the Rockets have slid to 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five after a 5-0 SU and ATS streak. The straight-up winner is 12-0 ATS in Houston?s last 12 contests.
Jerry Sloan?s club has now beaten Houston in four straight playoff games, covering in all four, going back to last season?s seven-game first-round series. Utah is on an 8-1 overall ATS run against Houston (7-2 SU) and is 6-1 ATS in its last seven at home against the Rockets. On the flip side, the road team is 5-1 ATS in the last six clashes in this rivalry, all as an underdog.
The Rockets are on an 0-7 ATS freefall in the playoffs ? all against Utah ? and are on several more pointspread slides, including 1-4 as an underdog overall, 0-4 as a playoff underdog, 0-5 as a road pup of five to 10? points and 0-4 against the Northwest Division. However, Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last five when playing on two days? rest and 23-8-3 ATS in its last 34 Thursday starts.
The Jazz are on a bevy of positive ATS streaks, including 25-8 against the Western Conference, 8-1 against the Southwest Division, 38-16-1 against winning teams, 6-0-1 as a playoff favorite, 7-1 after a spread-cover, 6-1 after a SU win and 37-14-1 at home. On the negative side, Utah is 7-15 ATS in its last 22 playing on two days? rest and 4-10 ATS in its last 14 on Thursday.
The under for Houston is on runs of 6-1 overall, 4-0 as a ?dog of any price, 17-5 as a road pup of five to 10? points, 11-2 against the Northwest Division and 8-3 in first-round playoff games. For Utah, the under is 11-3-1 in the team?s last 14 against the Southwest Division, 15-6 in its last 20 first-round playoff games and 6-2 in the last eight overall. Finally, the under is 2-0 in this series and 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in Salt Lake City.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UTAH and UNDER

 

[the duke]

Gamblers Data

Orlando +4.5


MIGHTY QUINN

Mighty hit with the Pistons (-10) Wednesday night.

Thursday it's the Yankees. The surplus is 795 sirignanos.



Arthur Ralph Comp

San Diego Padres


CAPPERS ACCESS

Thur (NBA) Raptors
Thur (MLB) Rockies
Thur (MLB) White Sox


Hondo

Tonight, he's goin' to Kansas City, Kansas City here he comes. Ten units on Lee and the Indians to slide by Bannister.

 

[the duke]

EZWINNERS

Early Games


2 STAR: (905) CHICAGO (+$110) over Colorado
(Listing Marquis and Cook)
(Risking $200 to win $220)
2:05PM Central Time


2 STAR: (921) MINNESOTA (+$110) over Oakland
(Listing Liriano only)
(Risking $200 to win $220)
2:35PM Central Time


1 STAR: (901) HOUSTON (+$155) over Cincinnati
(Action)
(Risking $100 to win $155)
11:35AM Central Time

 

[the duke]

Dunkel Index



MLB

NY Mets at Washington
The Mets stretched their winning streak over the Nats to five last night and look to build on that today behind starter Oliver Perez, who hasn't allowed a run in three of his four starts this season. New York is the pick (-140) according to Dunkel, which has the Mets favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-140).



Game 901-902: Houston at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Cassel) 15.427; Cincinnati 14.421
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-180); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+170); Under

Game 903-904: Philadelphia at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Moyer) 15.761; Milwaukee (Suppan) 15.131
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+115); Over

Game 905-906: Chicago Cubs at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Marquis) 15.912; Colorado (Cook) 15.296
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Colorado (-130); 10
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+120); Over

Game 907-908: St. Louis at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Pineiro) 14.390; Pittsburgh (Gorzelanny) 13.554
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+105); Over

Game 909-910: NY Mets at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Perez) 15.169; Washington (Hill) 13.564
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-140); Under

Game 911-912: Florida at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Badenhop) 14.337; Atlanta (James) 15.618
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-150); 10
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-150); Under

Game 913-914: San Francisco at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 15.311; San Diego (Young) 14.349
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-140); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130); Under

Game 915-916: Arizona at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Gonzalez) 15.781; LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 14.899
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+125); Over

Game 917-918: Texas at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Feldman) 13.958; Detroit (Bonderman) 16.162
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 2; 12 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 919-920: LA Angels at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Saunders) 15.906; Boston (Masterson) 16.551
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 921-922: Minnesota at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Liriano) 14.649; Oakland (Smith) 15.312
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Oakland (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-120); Over

Game 923-924: Toronto at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (McGowan) 14.399; Tampa Bay (Sonnanstine) 14.887
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-120); Under

Game 925-926: Cleveland at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Lee) 14.729; Kansas City (Bannister) 13.864
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-125); Under

Game 927-928: NY Yankees at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Hughes) 15.755; White Sox (Floyd) 15.794
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-115); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+105); Under

Game 929-930: Baltimore at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Loewen) 15.445; Seattle (Washburn) 15.726
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Seattle (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-155); Under

Game 9331-932: Cleveland at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Carmona) 14.988; Kansas City (Tomko) 13.427
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

 

[the duke]

Dunkel Index


NBA

Houston at Utah
After taking the first two games in Houston, the Jazz return home where they were 37-4 SU and 28-12 ATS this season. Utah is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Jazz favored by 13. Dunkel Pick: Utah (-8 1/2).


Game 517-518: Orlando at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 122.029; Toronto 122.228
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 4; 202
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+4); Under

Game 519-520: Cleveland at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 117.451; Washington 120.307
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 3; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 5; 190
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+5); Over

Game 521-522: Houston at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 120.708; Utah 133.690
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 13; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 8 1/2; 181
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-8 1/2); Over

 

[the duke]

Dunkel Index


NHL

Philadelphia at Montreal
The Flyers broke through with two road wins against the Capitals, including the series-clincher in Game Seven. Philadelphia is the underdog pick (+165) tonight against the Canadiens in Game One according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored straight up by 1/2 a goal.
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+165)



Game 1-2: Colorado at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 12.177; Detroit 11.706
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-195); 5
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+170); Under

Game 3-4: Philadelphia at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.904; Montreal 11.207
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-190); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+165); Under

 

[the duke]

Ice Picks

Best NHL bets


Philadelphia vs. Montreal (-185, 5 ?)

Both of these teams are coming off grueling seven-game sets in the first round and that makes picking a side tough in this spot. It might be best to stick with the total and we think oddsmakers got it right by setting this number a little higher at 5 1/2.

These teams will likely show some signs of tired legs and lapses, especially Montreal, who finished out the last series at home and the city celebrated like it had just been awarded the Stanley Cup for the next five years.

Don't expect this series to be all goals and glitz, though. Philly's Martin Biron isn't getting enough credit for playing a great first-round series and the Flyers can play a trap-style of play when they want to. With defensive-minded Montreal, you might be able to take advantage of some high totals later in the series.

Pick: over 5 1/2



Colorado vs. Detroit (-190, 5)

The Avs are coming off a hard-hitting, defensive, seven-game series against the Wild and you shouldn't expect them to play their best game of the series tonight.

Colorado needed some stellar goaltending from Jose Theodore to get past the Wild in Round 1 after the Avs allowed 34 shots per game. The good news is, Colorado also played some of its best hockey of the season in the series, but those kinds of defensive lapses will hurt against the Wings.

Detroit blasted 40 shots per game against Nashville in the first round and even a red-hot Dan Ellis couldn't keep enough pucks out. The Wings got scoring from every line and a change in goal to Chris Osgood gave Detroit the final edge it needed to finish off the Preds.

Expect the Wings to be strong again in Game 1 against a tired Avs squad, then look out for the rest of the way because this series is going to be tough.

Pick: Red Wings -1 1/2 (+165)

 

[the duke]

Pick 'n' Roll

BEST BETS

Orlando at Toronto (-4, 202 ?)

On average, the Raptors score two more points and allow three fewer points at home compared with their overall stats. Their 22-19 ATS record at home is also much better than the 18-24 mark on the road. They have developed a strong fan base and the Air Canada Centre has become a loud and raucous building that's tough on visiting teams.

But all that doesn't change the fact that the Raptors are severely overmatched in this series. All year, the Raps depended on Chris Bosh to score in the low post, but with Dwight Howard acting like King Kong in front of the Magic basket, Bosh has been neutralized and the Toronto offense is lost without him. Hedo Turkoglu has dominated Andrea Bargnani and Rashard Lewis has been able to score from anywhere on the floor. Defense isn't something the Raptors have ever done well and when they can't run their offense, it gets ugly.

Pick: Magic



Houston at Utah (-8 1/2, 181)

If the Rockets couldn't beat the Jazz in Houston, their chances of keeping it close in Salt Lake are pretty bleak. The Jazz were awful on the road this season, but they made up for it with the best winning percentage at home, going 29-12 ATS in their own house.

There's talk that Rafer Alston could lace up his sneakers for the Rockets tonight after missing the last four games with a strained hamstring. Head coach Rick Adelman told the Houston Chronicle that it would be a huge help to have Alston back, but soberly added, "Then again, he's been sitting around for a week. How sharp is he going to be? We'll just have to take it day by day."

Good point, Rick. This game will come down to Deron Williams versus Tracy McGrady - and if you don't know which guy has the edge there, just read this column from the Salt Lake Tribune.

Pick: Jazz

 

[Pepi]

Handicappers Paradise

Handicappers Paradise

He said he's releasing his NHL WINNER just before 630. Remember he's 7-0 with his NHL system and 15-0 with all his systems thus far. I'll try to get back here and post his NHL playoff pick but I'd just check the website incase I cant GL!

Josh Dean
----------------------------------
A.P. MLB Totals
----------------------------------

1*=[A] 2*= 4*=[C]

*****************************
Todays Play(s):

Hou/Cinci UNDER 9.5

Chi/Col UNDER 9.5

LA/Bos UNDER 11
*****************************
System Record: 2-0
Units to bet today: 1
Total Profit: +2.1

 

[the duke]

Eddie Roman


NBA
15,000 total over Toronto
1,000 Wizards
1,000 Indians

 

[the duke]

Michael Cannon

NBA Playoffs: 4-2 (+45 dimes)


20 Dime
CAVALIERS


5 Dime
BLUE JAYS (With McGowan as listed pitcher)

INDIANS

 

[the duke]

Insider Sports Report


4*Cleveland (Lee)/Kansas City (Bannister) UNDER 8.5
Range 9 to 8

3* Chicago White Sox (Floyd) -105 over N.Y. Yankees
(Hughes)
Range +115 to -125

3* Houston/Utah (NBA) OVER 181
Range 179.5 to 183




Winners Edge

MLB:

KC Royals + 105 , 2 units

NY Yanks -115 , 2 units


NBA

Houston Rockets + 8.5 , 4 units (GAME OF WEEK )

 

[the duke]

SportsKingz

MLB:

ANGELS +125 (1000 TO WIN 1250)
CLEVELAND -130 (1300 TO WIN 1000)
S.F. GIANTS +120 (1000 TO WIN 1200)

NBA:

ORLANDO +4 (10 UNITS)
ORLANDO O 202 (10 UNITS)
UTAH -8 (10 UNITS)

 

[the duke]

Larry Ness

15* Getaway Day GOW (12-4 s/Apr 7) $35.00
Larry took a tough loss last night with his latest GOW play, as Trevor Hoffman allowed a 9th-inning HR and the blown save resulted in a 3-2 extra-inning loss for the Padres. Despite that loss, Larry is still on a 12-4 run with his GOW plays since April 7 and he gets things going early on Thursday with his 15* Getaway Day GOW

Milwaukee Brewers



Daytime Delight-MLB $35.00
Larry took 4-1 MLB run into Weds night but in true baseball vernacular, "took the collar" going 0-3. He lost 3-2 games with both Sea and SD, leaving him a very disappointing 29-29 to open the '08 MLB season. However, the season is not even four weeks old. Don't miss Larry's busy Thursday afternoon. Here, it's his Daytime Delight.

Oakland A's

 

[the duke]

Winners Inc.

Guaranteed Selections
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2008
$25.00 Guaranteed: Last year in BASEBALL we were 77-31 for PLUS 50.2 Units on the season and that my friends is playing just ONE UNIT PER GAME! So far this year we are 17-8 for PLUS 8.1 UNITS! Today we are featuring ANOTHER HOME RUN BASEBALL WINNER that you can get for just $25 and you will be charged only after you win! We are currently on a REMARKABLE 49-23 run with all of our selections! 4/24/2008

ANOTHER HOME RUN BASEBALL WINNER
Cleveland with Carmona -158 6:10 EST

 

[the duke]

Lenny Del Genio

MLB Afternoon Delight $30.00
After a PHENOMENAL 11-day stretch that saw him go 32-11 w/ all picks, Lenny had "one of those days" on Wednesday (0-3). However, he's still on an 18-8 MLB Run and you don't have to wait long for his next winner as this former linesmaker drops an MLB Afternoon Delight! Put an oddsmakers edge on your side today and win!

Chicago Cubs

 

[the duke]

Brandon Lang

20 Dime
Jazz

10 Dime
Cubs

10 Dime
Indians Run Line - Game 1 of Doubleheader - Specify Pitchers: Carmona vs. Tomko

Free Pick
Mets Run Line