Magic-Cavs, Game 6
By Brian Edwards
With its season on the line Thursday night in Game 5 at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland blew a 22-point lead and appeared to be on the ropes when it fell behind in the third quarter.
“The Q” was on edge and that was palpable from my laz-y-boy hundreds of miles away. The hometown faithful were likely thinking about John Elway, Ernest Byner, Jose Mesa and/or Edgar Renteria.
But those infamous characters in Cleveland sports lore weren’t on center stage Thursday. Instead, LeBron James was. And Bron-Bron wasn’t about to let his team go down – not at home, not on this night.
Once again, King James was nothing short of sensational, dominating the final stanza with 17 points to will his team to a 112-102 victory. For the first time in the series and in the last 10 head-to-head meetings against Orlando, the Cavs took the cash as 7 ½-point home favorites. The 214 combined points sailed ‘over’ the 190 ½-point total.
James produced his fourth career playoff triple-double with 37 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. Mo Williams added 24 points, while Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 16. Daniel Gibson also provided a big lift off the bench by knocking down 3-of-4 attempts from 3-point range.
Mike Brown’s team came out blazing, quickly taking a double-digit lead before settling for a 35-18 advantage at the end of the first quarter. But just like in Games 1 and 2, the Magic were unfazed, rallying to within one at intermission thanks to Rashard Lewis’ 3-pointer from the right wing with a few ticks left in the second quarter.
With Cleveland (76-19 straight up, 58-36-1 against the spread) leading 56-55 at halftime, oddsmakers made the Cavs 4 ½-point favorites with a total of 96 for the second half. Those numbers equated to the Magic as a 5 ½-point underdog for the game with the total adjusted to 207. In the second half, the Cavs and the ‘over’ were winners.
According to BoDog Sports Book Manager Richard Gardner, bettors cashed prop-bet tickets on LeBron James’ points (33) that the offshore website had set at an expensive minus-260 price for ‘over’ wagers. The ‘over’ also hit for Dwight Howard’s points (22) on proposition wagers.
Howard finished with 24 points, while Hedo Turkoglu had a team-high 29 points. The 29-point effort was a career-best for Turkoglu during the postseason. Lewis tallied 15 points, eight rebounds and four steals.
For Saturday’s Game 6 at Amway Arena, Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Orlando (70-30 SU, 59-40-1 ATS) as a 1 ½-point favorite with a total of 192 ½. As of late Friday afternoon, most spots were using the same numbers with a few exceptions. Those books had moved the Magic to two and changed the tally to 193. Bettors can take the Cavs on the money line for a plus-105 return (risk $100 to win $105).
Stan Van Gundy’s team has played host to Cleveland four times this year, winning each contest both SU and ATS. For the season, the Magic are 38-11 SU and 28-21 ATS at home.
The Cavs are 31-16 SU and 26-21-1 versus the number on the road. They have compiled a 6-7 spread record in 13 underdog spots (both home and away) this year. This is just the second time Cleveland has been a ‘dog in the playoffs, losing 99-89 at Orlando as a 1 ½-point ‘dog in Game 3.
The ‘over’ is 4-1 in this series to date. In eight head-to-head encounters between these clubs this year, the ‘over’ is 5-3. Orlando is 5-3 SU and 7-1 ATS in those games.
The ‘under’ is 52-42-1 overall for the Cavs, 26-21 in their road assignments. Meanwhile, Orlando has watched the ‘under’ go 56-44 overall, 31-18 in its home games.
Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on TNT.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--According to an alert sent out by LVSC late Friday afternoon, Deltonte West is “questionable” with a hip pointer sustained in Game 5. If West can’t play, Gibson will take on a larger role and see increased minutes. Gibson is a streaky shooter who had not been stroking it very well going into Game 5. Gibson, a 42-percent career shooter from 3-point range in 44 playoff games, has made only 32.4% of his treys in these playoffs.
--West is averaging 13.2 points per game in 13 playoff games so far.
--The ‘under’ is 7-6 in the Cavs’ 13 postseason games.
--Orlando is 4-2 ATS in six single-digit ‘chalk’ spots in the playoffs.
--The Cavs are trying to become just the ninth team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 deficit in the postseason. While eight teams have succeeded in such a task, 182 squads have failed.
--During Thursday’s edition of the Power Hours, Gardner of BoDog confirmed that the offshore book did have several tickets that could’ve potentially cashed last night if Orlando had won outright. Those tickets were for the Magic to win the series in exactly five games and would’ve paid out at vacation-making odds of 40/1. Surely those ticket holders came back with some Cleveland minus-400 on the money-line action in Game 5?
vegasinsider
By Brian Edwards
With its season on the line Thursday night in Game 5 at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland blew a 22-point lead and appeared to be on the ropes when it fell behind in the third quarter.
“The Q” was on edge and that was palpable from my laz-y-boy hundreds of miles away. The hometown faithful were likely thinking about John Elway, Ernest Byner, Jose Mesa and/or Edgar Renteria.
But those infamous characters in Cleveland sports lore weren’t on center stage Thursday. Instead, LeBron James was. And Bron-Bron wasn’t about to let his team go down – not at home, not on this night.
Once again, King James was nothing short of sensational, dominating the final stanza with 17 points to will his team to a 112-102 victory. For the first time in the series and in the last 10 head-to-head meetings against Orlando, the Cavs took the cash as 7 ½-point home favorites. The 214 combined points sailed ‘over’ the 190 ½-point total.
James produced his fourth career playoff triple-double with 37 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. Mo Williams added 24 points, while Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 16. Daniel Gibson also provided a big lift off the bench by knocking down 3-of-4 attempts from 3-point range.
Mike Brown’s team came out blazing, quickly taking a double-digit lead before settling for a 35-18 advantage at the end of the first quarter. But just like in Games 1 and 2, the Magic were unfazed, rallying to within one at intermission thanks to Rashard Lewis’ 3-pointer from the right wing with a few ticks left in the second quarter.
With Cleveland (76-19 straight up, 58-36-1 against the spread) leading 56-55 at halftime, oddsmakers made the Cavs 4 ½-point favorites with a total of 96 for the second half. Those numbers equated to the Magic as a 5 ½-point underdog for the game with the total adjusted to 207. In the second half, the Cavs and the ‘over’ were winners.
According to BoDog Sports Book Manager Richard Gardner, bettors cashed prop-bet tickets on LeBron James’ points (33) that the offshore website had set at an expensive minus-260 price for ‘over’ wagers. The ‘over’ also hit for Dwight Howard’s points (22) on proposition wagers.
Howard finished with 24 points, while Hedo Turkoglu had a team-high 29 points. The 29-point effort was a career-best for Turkoglu during the postseason. Lewis tallied 15 points, eight rebounds and four steals.
For Saturday’s Game 6 at Amway Arena, Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Orlando (70-30 SU, 59-40-1 ATS) as a 1 ½-point favorite with a total of 192 ½. As of late Friday afternoon, most spots were using the same numbers with a few exceptions. Those books had moved the Magic to two and changed the tally to 193. Bettors can take the Cavs on the money line for a plus-105 return (risk $100 to win $105).
Stan Van Gundy’s team has played host to Cleveland four times this year, winning each contest both SU and ATS. For the season, the Magic are 38-11 SU and 28-21 ATS at home.
The Cavs are 31-16 SU and 26-21-1 versus the number on the road. They have compiled a 6-7 spread record in 13 underdog spots (both home and away) this year. This is just the second time Cleveland has been a ‘dog in the playoffs, losing 99-89 at Orlando as a 1 ½-point ‘dog in Game 3.
The ‘over’ is 4-1 in this series to date. In eight head-to-head encounters between these clubs this year, the ‘over’ is 5-3. Orlando is 5-3 SU and 7-1 ATS in those games.
The ‘under’ is 52-42-1 overall for the Cavs, 26-21 in their road assignments. Meanwhile, Orlando has watched the ‘under’ go 56-44 overall, 31-18 in its home games.
Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on TNT.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--According to an alert sent out by LVSC late Friday afternoon, Deltonte West is “questionable” with a hip pointer sustained in Game 5. If West can’t play, Gibson will take on a larger role and see increased minutes. Gibson is a streaky shooter who had not been stroking it very well going into Game 5. Gibson, a 42-percent career shooter from 3-point range in 44 playoff games, has made only 32.4% of his treys in these playoffs.
--West is averaging 13.2 points per game in 13 playoff games so far.
--The ‘under’ is 7-6 in the Cavs’ 13 postseason games.
--Orlando is 4-2 ATS in six single-digit ‘chalk’ spots in the playoffs.
--The Cavs are trying to become just the ninth team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 deficit in the postseason. While eight teams have succeeded in such a task, 182 squads have failed.
--During Thursday’s edition of the Power Hours, Gardner of BoDog confirmed that the offshore book did have several tickets that could’ve potentially cashed last night if Orlando had won outright. Those tickets were for the Magic to win the series in exactly five games and would’ve paid out at vacation-making odds of 40/1. Surely those ticket holders came back with some Cleveland minus-400 on the money-line action in Game 5?
vegasinsider
NBA LONG SHEET
Saturday, May 30
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CLEVELAND (76 - 19) at ORLANDO (70 - 30) - 5/30/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 60-40 ATS (+16.0 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 42-33 ATS (+5.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 55-38 ATS (+13.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ORLANDO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
ORLANDO is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ORLANDO is 31-14 ATS (+15.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
CLEVELAND is 57-37 ATS (+16.3 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all playoff games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
CLEVELAND is 43-28 ATS (+12.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 13-2 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 10-5 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NBA SHORT SHEET
Saturday, May 30th
Eastern Conference Finals
Game Six
Orlando Leads, 3-2
Cleveland at Orlando, 8:35 ET
Cleveland:
14-4 ATS after scoring 110+ points
31-17 ATS after a DD win
Orlando:
7-0 Under after allowing 100+ points BB games
13-5 Under off road loss
Saturday, May 30
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CLEVELAND (76 - 19) at ORLANDO (70 - 30) - 5/30/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 60-40 ATS (+16.0 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 42-33 ATS (+5.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 55-38 ATS (+13.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ORLANDO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
ORLANDO is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ORLANDO is 31-14 ATS (+15.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
CLEVELAND is 57-37 ATS (+16.3 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all playoff games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
CLEVELAND is 43-28 ATS (+12.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 13-2 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 10-5 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NBA SHORT SHEET
Saturday, May 30th
Eastern Conference Finals
Game Six
Orlando Leads, 3-2
Cleveland at Orlando, 8:35 ET
Cleveland:
14-4 ATS after scoring 110+ points
31-17 ATS after a DD win
Orlando:
7-0 Under after allowing 100+ points BB games
13-5 Under off road loss
NHL DUNKEL
Pittsburgh at Detroit
The Penguins open the series looking to build on their 9-3 record in their last 12 games as an underdog between +110 and +150. Pittsburgh is the pick (+140) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+140). Here are all of today's playoff picks.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Game 1-2: Pittsburgh at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 14.299; Detroit 14.013
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+140); Over
NHL LONG SHEET
Saturday, May 30
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PITTSBURGH (57-32-0-10, 124 pts.) at DETROIT (63-23-0-12, 138 pts.) - 5/30/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 50-12 ATS (+20.0 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 16-3 ATS (+10.1 Units) in the Stanley Cup finals since 1996.
DETROIT is 54-18 ATS (+15.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 118-83 ATS (+15.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 79-47 ATS (+18.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 49-33 ATS (+12.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 65-50 ATS (+13.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 27-13 ATS (+11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-3 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 6-3-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.9 Units)
Pittsburgh at Detroit
The Penguins open the series looking to build on their 9-3 record in their last 12 games as an underdog between +110 and +150. Pittsburgh is the pick (+140) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+140). Here are all of today's playoff picks.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Game 1-2: Pittsburgh at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 14.299; Detroit 14.013
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+140); Over
NHL LONG SHEET
Saturday, May 30
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PITTSBURGH (57-32-0-10, 124 pts.) at DETROIT (63-23-0-12, 138 pts.) - 5/30/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 50-12 ATS (+20.0 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 16-3 ATS (+10.1 Units) in the Stanley Cup finals since 1996.
DETROIT is 54-18 ATS (+15.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 118-83 ATS (+15.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 79-47 ATS (+18.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 49-33 ATS (+12.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 65-50 ATS (+13.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 27-13 ATS (+11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-3 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 6-3-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.9 Units)
Trend Report
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8:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. DETROIT
Pittsburgh is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Detroit
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
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8:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. DETROIT
Pittsburgh is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Detroit
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
VEGAS EXPERTS
Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Angels
Despite the 5-2 win Friday night, the Mariners bats are weak right now, averaging just 3.7 runs per game while hitting .253 as a team. Against righties, it gets even worse as the scoring average dips down to 3.4 runs per game and the team batting average goes down to .246. That's no good against "diamond in the rough" starter Matt Palmer, who has seen the Angels win all six of his starts to date. Even with yesterday's win, Seattle has won just 8 of 23 in Anaheim.
Play on: LA Angels
Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Angels
Despite the 5-2 win Friday night, the Mariners bats are weak right now, averaging just 3.7 runs per game while hitting .253 as a team. Against righties, it gets even worse as the scoring average dips down to 3.4 runs per game and the team batting average goes down to .246. That's no good against "diamond in the rough" starter Matt Palmer, who has seen the Angels win all six of his starts to date. Even with yesterday's win, Seattle has won just 8 of 23 in Anaheim.
Play on: LA Angels
Jimmy The Moose
Oakland Athletics at Texas Rangers
The A's have lost 3 in a row and that includes two to the Rangers on Friday. Texas has won 6 of their last 8 games overall. Oakland is 2-9 in their last 11 games as an underdog. The A's have lost 6 of Anderson's 8 starts this season. Texas is 10-1 in their last 11 games as a favorite. The Rangers are 11-2 in their last 13 home games. Oakland is 4-12 in their last 16 trips to Texas. The Rangers have been red hot at home and they'll take this one.
Play on: Texas
Oakland Athletics at Texas Rangers
The A's have lost 3 in a row and that includes two to the Rangers on Friday. Texas has won 6 of their last 8 games overall. Oakland is 2-9 in their last 11 games as an underdog. The A's have lost 6 of Anderson's 8 starts this season. Texas is 10-1 in their last 11 games as a favorite. The Rangers are 11-2 in their last 13 home games. Oakland is 4-12 in their last 16 trips to Texas. The Rangers have been red hot at home and they'll take this one.
Play on: Texas
Cajun Sports
Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles
Play: Detroit Tigers
Baltimore looks to keep their winning streak going on Saturday night they have taken the first two games of a four-game set versus the Detroit Tigers and their last five overall. Baltimore will send Jeremy Guthrie to the bump with his 4-4 W/L record and ERA of 4.90 on the season. The right-hander has gone 1-4 W/L with a 6.26 ERA in his previous seven starts. Guthrie is 1-0 W/L with a 4.85 ERA in one start and three relief appearances against Detroit. The Tigers hope to end the O’s winning streak and they will send one of the major’s hottest pitchers to the hill on Saturday night. Justin Verlander is 5-2 W/L with an ERA of 3.55 on the year but the right-hander is 5-0 W/L with a 0.85 ERA in his last six starts, striking out sixty in 42 1/3 innings of work. Verlander has been solid in four starts versus this Orioles team posting a record of 3-0 W/L and an ERA of only 1.29. In his last outing on Monday Verlander allowed five hits while striking out eight in seven scoreless innings in a 13 to 1 win over the Royals. Baltimore is 20-41 W/L (-18.9) in home games versus an AL starting pitcher whose ERA is 4.00 or better the last 3 seasons. The Orioles are 15-36 W/L when facing a team with a winning record and 20-51 W/L when installed as a home underdog of +150 or less. The Tigers are 37-18 W/L as a favorite of -150 or less and 18-6 W/L their last twenty-four as a road favorite. Because of the O’s current winning streak we are getting decent line value with one of the league’s best pitchers so lay the chalk with the Tigers as Verlander and his teammates take down the Orioles on Saturday night.
Graded Selection: 2* Detroit Tigers 5 Baltimore Orioles 2
Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles
Play: Detroit Tigers
Baltimore looks to keep their winning streak going on Saturday night they have taken the first two games of a four-game set versus the Detroit Tigers and their last five overall. Baltimore will send Jeremy Guthrie to the bump with his 4-4 W/L record and ERA of 4.90 on the season. The right-hander has gone 1-4 W/L with a 6.26 ERA in his previous seven starts. Guthrie is 1-0 W/L with a 4.85 ERA in one start and three relief appearances against Detroit. The Tigers hope to end the O’s winning streak and they will send one of the major’s hottest pitchers to the hill on Saturday night. Justin Verlander is 5-2 W/L with an ERA of 3.55 on the year but the right-hander is 5-0 W/L with a 0.85 ERA in his last six starts, striking out sixty in 42 1/3 innings of work. Verlander has been solid in four starts versus this Orioles team posting a record of 3-0 W/L and an ERA of only 1.29. In his last outing on Monday Verlander allowed five hits while striking out eight in seven scoreless innings in a 13 to 1 win over the Royals. Baltimore is 20-41 W/L (-18.9) in home games versus an AL starting pitcher whose ERA is 4.00 or better the last 3 seasons. The Orioles are 15-36 W/L when facing a team with a winning record and 20-51 W/L when installed as a home underdog of +150 or less. The Tigers are 37-18 W/L as a favorite of -150 or less and 18-6 W/L their last twenty-four as a road favorite. Because of the O’s current winning streak we are getting decent line value with one of the league’s best pitchers so lay the chalk with the Tigers as Verlander and his teammates take down the Orioles on Saturday night.
Graded Selection: 2* Detroit Tigers 5 Baltimore Orioles 2
Craig Trapp
New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Indians
Play: New York Yankees
Records
New York Yankees 28-20, 14-11 away (Sabathia 4-3, 3.42 ERA)
Cleveland Indians 21-29, 11-12 home (Carmona 2-4, 6.42 ERA)
Betting Trends
-Yankees are 12-3 in their last 15 overall.
-Yankees are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter.
-Indians are 2-5 in Carmonas last 7 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
-Indians are 3-7 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record.
Sabathia will pitch on Saturday for the NYY and after a slow start he has been much better. In his last 4 starts he has only given up 6 runs an has pitched 32 innings and was 3-1 in that stretch of games. The NYY have been on fire the last 15 games only losing three times and averaging over 6 runs per game. For Cleveland they go to Carmona who has been very up and down this year. His last three games he has been down right horrible giving up 15 runs in only 13 innings. Not good news for the Tribe as the NYY will be scoring a ton of runs on Saturday. Run Line is a great play today as Sabathia will shut down an average Indians lineup, and the NYY will score at least 7 runs today. SCORE NYY 7 - CLE 2
New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Indians
Play: New York Yankees
Records
New York Yankees 28-20, 14-11 away (Sabathia 4-3, 3.42 ERA)
Cleveland Indians 21-29, 11-12 home (Carmona 2-4, 6.42 ERA)
Betting Trends
-Yankees are 12-3 in their last 15 overall.
-Yankees are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter.
-Indians are 2-5 in Carmonas last 7 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
-Indians are 3-7 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record.
Sabathia will pitch on Saturday for the NYY and after a slow start he has been much better. In his last 4 starts he has only given up 6 runs an has pitched 32 innings and was 3-1 in that stretch of games. The NYY have been on fire the last 15 games only losing three times and averaging over 6 runs per game. For Cleveland they go to Carmona who has been very up and down this year. His last three games he has been down right horrible giving up 15 runs in only 13 innings. Not good news for the Tribe as the NYY will be scoring a ton of runs on Saturday. Run Line is a great play today as Sabathia will shut down an average Indians lineup, and the NYY will score at least 7 runs today. SCORE NYY 7 - CLE 2
Mike Rose
Orlando Magic -2
The Cavaliers faced elimination for the first time in the 2009 NBA Playoffs in Game 5, but put their fishing poles on hold by defeating the Magic. Cleveland finally found a way to beat Orlando by closing out on their three-point shooters defensively; while getting its role players going offensively. Cavs F LeBron James scored 37 points to mark the second time he has failed to reach 40 in this series; incidentally, Cleveland won both of those contests. If the Cavaliers are to win in Orlando tonight they will need another solid performance from the supporting cast and a bench that scored 15 points in Game 5. The Cavs cover on Thursday was their first against the Magic in the L/10 meetings.
The Magic have the Cavs right where I predicted it before this series began and sure took some heat for being a homer. This game is a must-win for Orlando to reach the NBA Finals or they will be in deep trouble if there is a Game 7 in Cleveland. Magic F Rashard Lewis powered his team to a victory at home in Game 4 and turned in another solid performance on Thursday putting up 15 points with eight rebounds. Lewis has made every crucial shot of this series for Orlando and will be a big key to its success tonight in closing out Cleveland. The Magic have covered the L/5 spreads at home against the Cavs and are 4-1 ATS overall in this series.
My pick before the series was the Orlando Magic in six games and that hasn't changed a bit as Cleveland winning games two and five on their home floor was part of the plan. Orlando has found a way to defeat Cleveland on its home floor for the last two seasons and I don't expect tonight to be any different. Look for the Magic to take control of this contest early and answer any charge the Cavaliers might mount late in the game.
Orlando Magic -2
The Cavaliers faced elimination for the first time in the 2009 NBA Playoffs in Game 5, but put their fishing poles on hold by defeating the Magic. Cleveland finally found a way to beat Orlando by closing out on their three-point shooters defensively; while getting its role players going offensively. Cavs F LeBron James scored 37 points to mark the second time he has failed to reach 40 in this series; incidentally, Cleveland won both of those contests. If the Cavaliers are to win in Orlando tonight they will need another solid performance from the supporting cast and a bench that scored 15 points in Game 5. The Cavs cover on Thursday was their first against the Magic in the L/10 meetings.
The Magic have the Cavs right where I predicted it before this series began and sure took some heat for being a homer. This game is a must-win for Orlando to reach the NBA Finals or they will be in deep trouble if there is a Game 7 in Cleveland. Magic F Rashard Lewis powered his team to a victory at home in Game 4 and turned in another solid performance on Thursday putting up 15 points with eight rebounds. Lewis has made every crucial shot of this series for Orlando and will be a big key to its success tonight in closing out Cleveland. The Magic have covered the L/5 spreads at home against the Cavs and are 4-1 ATS overall in this series.
My pick before the series was the Orlando Magic in six games and that hasn't changed a bit as Cleveland winning games two and five on their home floor was part of the plan. Orlando has found a way to defeat Cleveland on its home floor for the last two seasons and I don't expect tonight to be any different. Look for the Magic to take control of this contest early and answer any charge the Cavaliers might mount late in the game.
Red Dog Sports
Minnesota Twins at Tampa Bay Rays
Play Tampa Bay
David Price starts at home where the Rays are 70-30 in their last 100 games. Liriano of the Twins has an ERA of 8.36 in his last 3 and the team is 3-7 in his 10 starts. The Twins are just 5-15 on the road. We won with the Twins at home vs. the Rex Sox on Tuesday and Wednesday and go against them on the road today!
Minnesota Twins at Tampa Bay Rays
Play Tampa Bay
David Price starts at home where the Rays are 70-30 in their last 100 games. Liriano of the Twins has an ERA of 8.36 in his last 3 and the team is 3-7 in his 10 starts. The Twins are just 5-15 on the road. We won with the Twins at home vs. the Rex Sox on Tuesday and Wednesday and go against them on the road today!
Marc Lawrence
St Louis Cardinals at San Francisco Giants
Prediction: St Louis Cardinals
When the Cardinals send Cris Carpenter to the mound in San Francisco this evening they will do so knowing he is back in commanding KW form with 2 walks and 16 strikeouts in his last three starts. He is also 3-1 with a 3.04 ERA in his career team starts in this series. Look for Carpenter to improve to 14-2 in his last sixteen road starts in May here tonight.
St Louis Cardinals at San Francisco Giants
Prediction: St Louis Cardinals
When the Cardinals send Cris Carpenter to the mound in San Francisco this evening they will do so knowing he is back in commanding KW form with 2 walks and 16 strikeouts in his last three starts. He is also 3-1 with a 3.04 ERA in his career team starts in this series. Look for Carpenter to improve to 14-2 in his last sixteen road starts in May here tonight.
Matt Rivers
For Saturday lay a little wood with the Cardinals.
I am the last person to normally lay some decent coin on the road but with that said how can you not back the visitors in this game from San Francisco!?!?!?
Chris Carpenter is as injury prone these days as they come but with that said, when the guy takes the hill he doesn't give up runs, literally! The former Cy Young award winner has yet to have an opposing player cross the plate and just took a perfect game into the seventh inning in Milwaukee against a very competent Brewer squad. The bottom line with Carpenter is that he is a beast and will be on his game once again today.
Barry Zito has improved a bit this season and is no longer a total disaster but the lefty is not close to being the Cy Young pitcher that he used to be and with Ankiel and Ludwick back in the fold to help out Albert the Redbirds are the same team that started the first month of the season in such fine form.
The Giants have been winning some games of late and at home have actually been pretty good but let's be honest here, San Francisco is a light hitting team that is just not good without Lincecum or Cain holding things down on the bump. The Giants are offensively challenged with very little blue chip talent and when compared to the clear superior Cardinals with Carpenter are in a ton of trouble today!
If this game ends 7-1 I would not bat an eye!
For Saturday lay a little wood with the Cardinals.
I am the last person to normally lay some decent coin on the road but with that said how can you not back the visitors in this game from San Francisco!?!?!?
Chris Carpenter is as injury prone these days as they come but with that said, when the guy takes the hill he doesn't give up runs, literally! The former Cy Young award winner has yet to have an opposing player cross the plate and just took a perfect game into the seventh inning in Milwaukee against a very competent Brewer squad. The bottom line with Carpenter is that he is a beast and will be on his game once again today.
Barry Zito has improved a bit this season and is no longer a total disaster but the lefty is not close to being the Cy Young pitcher that he used to be and with Ankiel and Ludwick back in the fold to help out Albert the Redbirds are the same team that started the first month of the season in such fine form.
The Giants have been winning some games of late and at home have actually been pretty good but let's be honest here, San Francisco is a light hitting team that is just not good without Lincecum or Cain holding things down on the bump. The Giants are offensively challenged with very little blue chip talent and when compared to the clear superior Cardinals with Carpenter are in a ton of trouble today!
If this game ends 7-1 I would not bat an eye!
Jeff Benton
For Saturday’s Bonus Play in baseball, we’ll back the Marlins and Josh Johnson against the Mets in early action from Citi Field.
Johnson has faced the Mets twice this season and had the unfortunate luck of drawing Johan Santana as his opponent on both occasions. Despite that cruel twist of fate, Johnson delivered two solid outings – a complete-game, one-run effort at home and a three-run, six-inning effort on the road – and the Marlins won both contests by scores of 4-3 and 2-1.
Today, Johnson not only avoids Santana, he gets to go up against journeyman Tim Redding, he of the 0-1 record and 6.75 ERA in two starts, both of them Mets losses. Last year with Washington, Redding faced the Marlins a whopping six times and went 1-4 with a ghastly 7.76 ERA. Florida won five of the six games and Redding didn’t so much has have a single quality start!
On the flip side, including this year’s two wins, the Fish are 6-1 in Johnson’s seven lifetime starts against the Mets (3-0 in New York), with the hard-throwing right-hander posting a 5-0 mark and a 1.97 ERA. This year, Florida is 7-3 in games started by Johnson, and he’s allowed three runs or fewer in nine of those 10 games.
One last reason to love Johnson in this one: He doesn’t have to deal with two of New York’s better offensive players (Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran are both on the D.L.). This is a ridiculously cheap price to be laying with stud like Johnson matching up against a crappy pitcher like Redding. Jump all over Florida here!
7? FLORIDA
For Saturday’s Bonus Play in baseball, we’ll back the Marlins and Josh Johnson against the Mets in early action from Citi Field.
Johnson has faced the Mets twice this season and had the unfortunate luck of drawing Johan Santana as his opponent on both occasions. Despite that cruel twist of fate, Johnson delivered two solid outings – a complete-game, one-run effort at home and a three-run, six-inning effort on the road – and the Marlins won both contests by scores of 4-3 and 2-1.
Today, Johnson not only avoids Santana, he gets to go up against journeyman Tim Redding, he of the 0-1 record and 6.75 ERA in two starts, both of them Mets losses. Last year with Washington, Redding faced the Marlins a whopping six times and went 1-4 with a ghastly 7.76 ERA. Florida won five of the six games and Redding didn’t so much has have a single quality start!
On the flip side, including this year’s two wins, the Fish are 6-1 in Johnson’s seven lifetime starts against the Mets (3-0 in New York), with the hard-throwing right-hander posting a 5-0 mark and a 1.97 ERA. This year, Florida is 7-3 in games started by Johnson, and he’s allowed three runs or fewer in nine of those 10 games.
One last reason to love Johnson in this one: He doesn’t have to deal with two of New York’s better offensive players (Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran are both on the D.L.). This is a ridiculously cheap price to be laying with stud like Johnson matching up against a crappy pitcher like Redding. Jump all over Florida here!
7? FLORIDA
Sports Gambling Hotline
Cleveland at ORLANDO
We are on a 10-5 comp play run the last 15 days!
Another NBA total tonight, as we will play the Cleveland-Orlando game OVER the posted total.
The last pair in this series, and 4 of 5 overall in this Eastern Conference Finals have eclipsed the posted price.
That makes 5 of the last 6 series meetings having gone OVER the total, and it also puts Cleveland on a 7-1 OVER run their last 8 conference finals games.
With Cleveland facing elimination once again, expect the Cavaliers to do whatever it takes to send this series back home on Monday. That means we will see some points on the Amway Arena scoreboard tonight.
Play on the OVER.
4♦ OVER
Cleveland at ORLANDO
We are on a 10-5 comp play run the last 15 days!
Another NBA total tonight, as we will play the Cleveland-Orlando game OVER the posted total.
The last pair in this series, and 4 of 5 overall in this Eastern Conference Finals have eclipsed the posted price.
That makes 5 of the last 6 series meetings having gone OVER the total, and it also puts Cleveland on a 7-1 OVER run their last 8 conference finals games.
With Cleveland facing elimination once again, expect the Cavaliers to do whatever it takes to send this series back home on Monday. That means we will see some points on the Amway Arena scoreboard tonight.
Play on the OVER.
4♦ OVER
Jake Timlin
Free action on the NBA hardwood I look for yet another series game going HIGH between Cleveland & Orlando. You see in a series that has going over the total in 4 of the last 5 games it is clear that both offenses are getting the upper hand in this series. I mean even going back to the regular season the over has cashed in 5 of the last 6 games in this series as the Oddsmakers are given both defenses way to much respect. Well given yet another total posted under two hundred the Oddsmakers have erred once again as I fully expect for both teams to top the century mark for the third straight game. Flat out, with the way Orlando is able to score on the Cavaliers mixed in the Cavs all but unstoppable when LeBron touches the ball I fully expect a high scoring game tonight.
PICK: Cleveland & Orlando OVER
Free action on the NBA hardwood I look for yet another series game going HIGH between Cleveland & Orlando. You see in a series that has going over the total in 4 of the last 5 games it is clear that both offenses are getting the upper hand in this series. I mean even going back to the regular season the over has cashed in 5 of the last 6 games in this series as the Oddsmakers are given both defenses way to much respect. Well given yet another total posted under two hundred the Oddsmakers have erred once again as I fully expect for both teams to top the century mark for the third straight game. Flat out, with the way Orlando is able to score on the Cavaliers mixed in the Cavs all but unstoppable when LeBron touches the ball I fully expect a high scoring game tonight.
PICK: Cleveland & Orlando OVER
Bobby Maxwell
Cincinnati at MILWAUKEE -125
Got the FREE winner Friday night with the Blue Jays at home over the Red Sox and we'll deliver another comp play tonight as we go with the Brewers and lay the chalk with them at home against the Reds.
The Brewers love playing at home behind starter David Bush (3-1, 3.92 ERA) and we're going to cash in with it tonight. Meanwhile the Reds can't win on the road when Aaron Harang (5-4, 3.36 ERA) takes the hill.
Milwaukee won Friday's series opener 3-2 and snapped the Reds' four-game winning streak. The Brewers are on hot streaks of 13-5 at home, 18-6 against N.L. Central foes, 17-5 against teams with a winning record and 18-6 as a home favorite.
But more importantly, with Bush on the mound, Milwaukee is on rolls of 36-16 at home, 13-3 when he starts as a favorite and 18-4 when he starts a thome against a team with a winning record. They are 6-1 in his last seven starts overall.
On the opposite side, Harang has been brutal on the road and the Reds are just 3-13 in his last 16 on the highway and 1-8 in his last nine on the road against teams with a winning record.
Even though the Brewers' offense has struggled lately, they will get enough runs for Bush tonight to score the victory. Bush dominates on the Miller Park mound and he'll show more of that in this one.
Go ahead and lay the chalk, this one is an easy play on Milwaukee with Bush on the hill.
2♦ MILWAUKEE
Cincinnati at MILWAUKEE -125
Got the FREE winner Friday night with the Blue Jays at home over the Red Sox and we'll deliver another comp play tonight as we go with the Brewers and lay the chalk with them at home against the Reds.
The Brewers love playing at home behind starter David Bush (3-1, 3.92 ERA) and we're going to cash in with it tonight. Meanwhile the Reds can't win on the road when Aaron Harang (5-4, 3.36 ERA) takes the hill.
Milwaukee won Friday's series opener 3-2 and snapped the Reds' four-game winning streak. The Brewers are on hot streaks of 13-5 at home, 18-6 against N.L. Central foes, 17-5 against teams with a winning record and 18-6 as a home favorite.
But more importantly, with Bush on the mound, Milwaukee is on rolls of 36-16 at home, 13-3 when he starts as a favorite and 18-4 when he starts a thome against a team with a winning record. They are 6-1 in his last seven starts overall.
On the opposite side, Harang has been brutal on the road and the Reds are just 3-13 in his last 16 on the highway and 1-8 in his last nine on the road against teams with a winning record.
Even though the Brewers' offense has struggled lately, they will get enough runs for Bush tonight to score the victory. Bush dominates on the Miller Park mound and he'll show more of that in this one.
Go ahead and lay the chalk, this one is an easy play on Milwaukee with Bush on the hill.
2♦ MILWAUKEE
