Service Plays Saturday 5/22/10

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

New Addition to Service Play Forum..Specifically for posting additional topics.

The Rx.com Mod Team has created this Service Play sub-forum in order to supply an area for Rx Service Play Posters to expand upon their posting topics without creating a logjam in the main forum where the three principle threads are maintained..

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I will leave this thread open for a month to take questions and do my best to answer them. I will check in daily but am off on Wednesday and Thursday.

I hope this additional Service Play Forum will satisfy those posters that would like to widen the scope of topics relating to service plays and the industry in general to have their own threads. Mods will be liberal as possible regarding topics but this forum was specifically created to allow you more freedom to express your ideas regarding service plays and related subject matter. No off topic threads will be allowed.

Thank you, wilheim




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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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<!-- icon and title --> <table style="width: 467px; height: 140px;" border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border: 1px inset;"> Steven Budin-CEO
SATURDAY'S PICK
The New York Crew has a 50 Dime Release on Boston as the home favorite Saturday night againet Orlando in Game 3. As I release this play on Thursday at 5:45 PM Eastern, the Celtics are betwheen -3 and -3 1/2 in Las Vegas and offshore. In either case, I would purchase the insuralce and buy down the 1/2 point on Boston, reducing the price to -2 1/2 or -3 depending on your beginning number+ </td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[jblonghorn]

Guys, We MUST find Vegas Snitch's CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAY OF THE YEAR. Please post if you find it. Have a blessed weekend all.

 

[ugk]

NBA NEWS AND NOTES
GAME OF THE DAY
Magic at Celtics
By Sean Murphy

Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics (-3.5, 190)

Series story

The Celtics continue to surprise, opening this series with back-to-back wins in Orlando, putting an end to the Magic’s perfect playoff run.

Winning a pair of games in Orlando was no small feat. The Magic were 38-7 SU at home entering this series. Boston can now take credit for three of Orlando’s nine home losses in 2009-10.

Oddly enough, the Celtics have actually been better on the road than at home this season. The Magic should be able to draw confidence from their perfect 2-0 record in Boston during the regular season.

While Orlando is 26-18-1 ATS on the road, Boston is just 17-29-1 ATS at TD Garden.

Do you believe in Magic?

Has Orlando’s slow start in this series been a product of its relatively easy first and second round matchups?

The Bobcats and Hawks offered little resistance, as the Magic cruised to back-to-back series sweeps. It’s apparently made stepping up in class all the more difficult here in the Eastern finals.

The Magic are certainly saying all of the right things entering Saturday’s Game 3.

Philadelphia native Jameer Nelson is drawing parallels to the Flyers unbelievable comeback against the Bruins.

"Those guys on the Flyers were counted out and look what they did. The Flyers believed in themselves and we believe, too.”

The only problem with that logic is the Bruins were a team that barely snuck into the playoffs. The Celtics are just two years removed from an NBA championship and playing their best basketball of the season.

Dwight Howard came close to giving the Celtics bulletin board material.

"If they want to continue to talk, that's fine. There's no need to say we're going down fighting because we're not going down."

Care to offer a guarantee?

Time to relax?

“Our fans aren’t going to let us relax,’’ Paul Pierce said in an ESPN interview immediately following the Celtics Game 2 victory.

Pierce added, “Y’all not going to let us relax. We’re going to try to close this out in two games, you hear me? We’re coming home to close it out.”

Strong words.

Remember, this is a team that returned home only to be trounced by 29 points in Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers last round.

Head coach Doc Rivers says his team and namely Pierce, could use a dose of humility if they’re serious about finishing this series off at home.

“I don’t mind the confidence part. That’s good. You have to have confidence, but we want to be humble, and we haven’t achieved anything. I think that’s what he was trying to say.”

Under the radar

Defense has ruled in this series, but it’s a trend that goes much deeper than that.

The under is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings between these two teams, including 9-1 in the last 10 dating back to Game 4 of last year’s playoff series.

Under backers were certainly fortunate to cash their ticket in Game 3, as that game sat just nine points shy of the posted total with a little over three and a half minutes left to play. Two missed free throws by Vince Carter proved to be the difference in that over/under result.

Perhaps it should come as no surprise that the under has been money in this series, as we’re talking about two of the league’s elite defensive teams.

Since allowing 124 points in Game 3 against the Cavs, the Celtics have really stepped up the intensity, allowing just 88 points per game on 40.2 percent shooting over their last five contests.

Even though the Magic are in an 0-2 hole, they’re still playing efficient defense, holding the Celtics to 92 and 95 points on 60-of-148 (40.5 percent) shooting in the first two games of this series.

Line moves

The Celtics opened as 3-point favorites at most offshore books, but have since been bet up a half-point to -3.5.

That’s in keeping with current consensus reports, which have bettors backing the Celtics at a 60/40 split.

Despite the first two games of this series playing under, the oddsmakers opened the Game 3 total one point higher than the closing number of 188.5 we saw in Game 2. Keep in mind, the Game 2 total opened at 186.5.

Consensus reports indicate a slight bias to the under, yet we’ve seen the total rise by a full point, and as high as 191 at some books.

 

[ugk]

PICK 'N' ROLL

Saturday's Best NBA Bet

Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics (-3.5, 190)

Before everyone writes off the Magic, there are a few things we should all remember about Stan Van Gundy’s club, like how Orlando was the hottest team in the league before the long layoff and how only the Celtics, Cavs and Mavs had a better road record than the Magic.

Covers Expert Ted Sevransky tells anyone who listens that home court means less as the postseason continues for a reason. Good teams aren’t bothered by hostile environments; some even play better away from home.

And please don’t tell us how Orlando was a better team last season. We’re not huge Vince Carter fans, but did anyone see Hedo Turkuglu play for the Raptors? Enough said.

The Magic are too good to get swept out of the postseason, especially but an overconfident Boston team. Not that the Magic needed any extra motivation, but Paul Pierce’s promise to finish off the Magic in Boston on national TV following the Game 2 win will be in the minds of all Orlando players.

Expect Orlando to steal Game 3 thanks to some improved shooting from downtown.

Pick: Orlando Magic

 

[ugk]

MLB NEWS AND NOTES
Saturday’s Fox Tips
By Kevin Rogers

The Saturday FOX slate in baseball takes place under the lights with four games getting regional coverage. Two of the East Coast tilts take place inside NL East ballparks, while the other two contests involve a pair of American League clubs playing extremely well. The Subway Series will bat lead-off in tonight's preview with a fantastic pitching matchup between two solid right-handed pitchers.

Yankees at Mets - 7:10 PM EST

These two rivals sent out hurlers from the back-end of their rotation on Friday, but will see instant improvement on Saturday when Phil Hughes and Mike Pelfrey take the mound. Both these pitchers have won five games each, as each righty is finally come into their own.

Hughes (5-0, 2.25 ERA) has been nearly automatic when he takes the mound, but is coming off his worst start of the season. The Red Sox tagged Hughes for five earned runs in five innings, but the Yankees rallied for an 11-9 victory as the righty picked up a no-decision. Three of Hughes' four road starts have been quality ones, including wins at Detroit and Boston. The run support is outstanding for Hughes, as the Yankees have scored at least eight runs in each of his last four outings.

Pelfrey (5-1, 3.02 ERA) began the season on fire by allowing just two earned runs in his first four starts (Mets 4-0). The tables have turned recently as the Mets' righty gave up 15 earned runs in his last four outings, while the New York is 2-2 in that span. Pelfrey's numbers at home are strong, owning a 2.61 ERA in five starts, with the Mets winning four times. This will be the third start against the Yankees for Pelfrey, coming off a 9-1 home loss last June, as the righty lasted just five innings.

The Yankees grabbed five of six meetings last season, including all three at Citi Field. The road team is 9-3 the previous 12 matchups, as the Mets are 1-5 the last six home games against the Bombers.

Red Sox at Phillies - 7:10 PM EST

Philadelphia owned the worst interleague record among NL teams last season, but the Phillies try to turn their luck around against Daisuke Matzusaka and the Red Sox. After Cole Hamels took the mound in the series opener, the Phillies send out Kyle Kendrick tonight.

Matzusaka (2-1, 7.89 ERA) was knocked around in his last outing against the Yankees, allowing five runs in the first inning of an 11-9 loss. Luckily, the Sox came back to take a late lead to get Dice-K off the hook, but Boston ultimately lost on a Marcus Thames walk-off homer. Matzusaka has not pitched well on the road in two away starts, giving up 13 earned runs in 9.1 innings of defeats to the Yankees and Orioles. Dice-K lasted four innings against the Phillies, pitching through an hour and a half rain delay, as the Sox picked up an 11-6 victory.

Kendrick (2-1, 5.24 ERA) struggled to start the season, but the Phillies have won each of his last three outings. The righty pitched well against the Pirates and Cardinals at home, allowing two earned runs in 15 innings. Kendrick lost his only career start versus the Red Sox back in 2008, yielding six hits and six earned runs in three innings of a 7-4 home setback.

Boston finished last season at 6-3 on the road in interleague play, including a pair of victories at Citizens Bank Park. On the flip side, the Phillies are 1-8 the previous nine games against the American League, including getting swept by the Orioles and Blue Jays.

Tigers at Dodgers - 7:10 PM EST

One of the better matchups this weekend takes place at Chavez Ravine, as the Tigers and Dodgers continue their series. Los Angeles has been on fire by winning ten of 11, while going 'under' the total in eight of the last 12. Detroit has not been able to put up a substantial winning streak, as the Tigers have not won more than two straight games over the last three weeks.

The Tigers send out Armando Galarraga (1-0, 1.59 ERA), as the righty is trying to reclaim the magic of the 2008 season in which he finished 13-7. Galarraga won his season debut over the Red Sox, limiting Boston to three hits and one earned run in 5.2 innings of a 5-1 victory. Detroit went 4-8 in Galarraga's 12 starts on the highway last season, while going 1-5 when he is listed as a road underdog.

John Ely (2-1, 3.51 ERA) has become a nice addition to the back end of the Dodgers' rotation, turning in three straight quality starts. Los Angeles has won each of his previous three outings, while all four of his starts have finished 'over' the total. Ely forces batters to earn their way on base by going three consecutive starts without walking a batter.

Following a nice run in interleague play on the road, the Tigers won just three of nine games on the highway last season against NL opponents. The Dodgers weren't much better with a 4-5 home mark in interleague, including dropping a series to the Mariners.

Cubs at Rangers - 7:10 PM EST

Texas looks to keep swinging hot bats, as the Rangers host the Cubs in Arlington. Ron Washington's club captured all four games against the Angels and Orioles, while winning three of those games by one run. The Cubs are playing better after a bit of a funk by grabbing victories in four of their last five.

Randy Wells (3-2, 4.12 ERA) has bounced back from two bad starts by putting together quality outings in each of his last two trips to the mound. The Cubs' righty did not figure in the decision of a 4-2 extra-innings victory over the Rockies last Tuesday, but Wells did turn in 6.2 innings of seven-hit baseball. Wells compiled three quality starts on the road to start the season, but was rocked in his last outing on the highway, allowing seven runs in just two innings of an 11-1 thumping at Pittsburgh.

The Rangers counter with lefty Derek Holland (2-0, 2.38 ERA), who has turned in two home victories in his first two starts since returning from a stint in the minors. Holland had his moments last season, but needed to sure some things up at Triple-A Oklahoma City. The southpaw responded with a 4-1 mark and ERA of 0.93 at the Triple-A level, then was promoted after Matt Harrison hit the DL with biceps tendinitis. Holland was dominant over Oakland in his season debut by hurling six scoreless innings, followed by a win over the Angels.

The Cubs are 1-11 the last 12 interleague road games, while the Rangers finished 3-6 against NL opponents at home in 2009.

 

[ugk]

HOT LINES

Saturday's Best MLB Bets

Tampa Bay Rays at Houston Astros (+135, 8)

Things began to look a little brighter for the Astros after sweeping the Cardinals on the road last weekend.

Since then, Houston has gone 1-6 and ace pitcher Roy Oswalt has asked to be traded. The offensive struggles also continue for the ‘Stros, averaging 2.6 runs per game over their last seven.

"It seems like we can't find the rhythm," Carlos Lee told the Astros' official website. "We will do good and score some runs and hit with people on base and all of a sudden stop doing that. It seems like we find a way to lose by one run."

Houston has lost six one-run ballgames this season and Lee added that losing in that scenario is “frustrating.”

And of course the worst team in baseball would draw the best team in baseball in the first interleague series of the season. The Rays have won seven of their last eight, against quality teams like the Yankees and Angels, so Tampa shouldn’t have any problem dealing with the pathetic Astros.

Pick: Tampa Bay Rays


New York Yankees at New York Mets (+140, 8)

Jose Reyes said he felt like he was “going home” after Jerry Manuel placed him back at the top of the Mets order last Saturday. It’s a small sampling, but Reyes hasn’t hit like he is in the comfort of his home the last six games.

New York’s shortstop is 6-for-27 with a pair of RBI, one walk and one stolen base since returning to the No. 1 spot in the lineup. Not surprisingly, the Mets have gone 2-4 in those games.

“It’s going to be tough for us to put together any kind of offense,” Manuel said this week. “We are really, really struggling right now in that area.”
The Mets have played to the under in four of their last five games, including getting shutout Friday night in the Subway Series opener.

Taking the under in game that involves the Yankees is always a scary bet but with two quality starters on the hill in this matchup and without a designated hitter, look for another low-scoring game in the Big Apple.

Pick: Under

 

[ugk]

NHL NEWS AND NOTES
WHAT BETTORS NEED TO KNOW
Flyers at Canadiens

Die hard Habs

After many hockey bettors wrote the Montreal Canadiens off after losing the first two games of the Eastern Conference final, the Habs fired back with a 5-1 victory at home in Game 3.

“I think our whole team played well,” Montreal defenseman Roman Hamrlik told the Montreal Gazette. “We did some good things in the first period of the first two games but tonight we got a lead and we kept skating.”

The Canadiens jumped out to a strong start, scoring two goals on 17 shots in the first period - their first two goals of the series. From there, the flood gates opened. Montreal would add three more goals and finishing the game with 38 shots on goal.

Struggling stars Michael Cammalleri and Brian Gionta finally got on the score sheet versus the Flyers. Cammalleri opened scoring in the first period, netting his 13th maker of the playoffs, while Gionta notched his eighth goal of the postseason two minutes into the final frame.

“Yeah, don’t get me wrong, it felt good and we needed to score,’’ Cammalleri told reporters. “But I think the result really drives the talk. So I think we did some things OK in the last game too (but) I think we lose 3-0, and it’s our second game without scoring. So for everyone in this room and for everybody watching it’s a big deal, and it’s something to really talk about.

“But for us, we like the way we play, and we thought the goals were going to come. I just think that so much is made of the result that ends up determining the way you guys analyze the game. Sometimes for us it’s more important to worry about how we’re playing than scoring the goal. The goal goes in and it helps, but we know it’s coming.”

Trading places

If any team in the NHL should know that it ain’t over till it’s over, it’s the Philadelphia Flyers.

"Playoffs are never about momentum," Flyers coach Peter Laviolette told the Ottawa Sun. "They're always about desperation. Desperate teams are tough teams."

Philadelphia lost the first three games to the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference semifinals only to win four straight and advance to the conference championship. After taking a 2-0 lead in this series, the Flyers hope Game 3’s loss doesn’t snowball like it did to the Bruins.

“That was an old-fashioned ass-kicking,” captain Mike Richards told reporters. “They handed it to us right from the get-go. I don’t know if we felt we were going to put our sticks on (the ice) and it was going to be easy.”

Philadelphia mustered 26 shots Thursday night, with only eight in the third period. The Flyers have made the most of their chances versus the Canadiens. They’ve scored 10 goals on just 74 total shots through the first three games of this series.

On the other end of the ice, Philadelphia’s blueline was nowhere near the level it was in the first two games. The defense looked lethargic and slow getting to pucks, allowing the Montreal fore-check to control the play and generate chances.

The Flyers admitted to getting pushed around by the Canadiens and let their frustrations get the best of them. They took six penalties in the third period, eventually leading to Marc-Andre Bergeron’s power-play goal with just under 30 seconds remaining in the game.

"I don't think you want to forget it," veteran defenseman Chris Pronger told the media. "I think you need to use it and feed off it - use it as a wakeup call or whatever you want to call it. We need to understand it's going to take a lot more than we showed out there today to be successful."

Halak back, Leighton lost

Canadiens goaltender, appointed postseason savior, was back to his old tricks again in Game 3, after struggling in the opening games of the series.

Halak stopped 25-of-26 shots faced Thursday night, improving to 9-6-1 in the playoffs. His performance in the conference final has been the flip of Flyers goaltender Mike Leighton, who opened the series with back-to-back shutouts, but gave up five goals on 38 shots in Game 3.

Leighton suffered his first defeat of the postseason since stepping in for injured starter Brian Boucher in the second round. Although Thursday’s performance couldn’t fall solely on Leighton, with his blueline playing so poorly.

"I felt OK. I'm not going to dwell on them scoring that many goals," Leighton told the Philadelphia Daily News. "We didn't think we were going to win this series 4-0 so we're just going to regroup. They're back in the series and the next game's big for us."

 

[ugk]

ICE PICKS

Saturday's Best NHL Bet

Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens (-140, 5)

A deafening crowd inside the Bell Centre was able to wake the Montreal Canadiens from their offensive slumber in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final Thursday night.

After getting shutout in both games in Philadelphia, the Habs exploded for five goals on 38 shots for their biggest offensive showing since knocking off the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 5-2 victory in Game 7 of the conference semifinals.

"We are a much better team when our backs are against the wall," Brian Gionta told reporters. "We've dealt with it all year."

Gionta scored early into the second period, making it 4-0 and breaking the backs of the Flyers blueline. The Canadiens went on to add a power-play goal in the dying seconds of the game, pushing the final score over the 5-goal total.

Montreal is 4-1 over/under in its last five games. With the offense picking up and both goaltenders showing weakness in this series, hockey bettors are in for another high-scoring game Saturday.

Pick: Over

 

[ugk]

WNBA NEWS AND NOTES
A NEW WNBA SEASON EMBARKS
By StatFox Staff Writer

The WNBA season begins with a little change as Sacramento closes its doors and Detroit is moved to Tulsa and the Western Conference. This is the league’s 14th season with the Phoenix Mercury the defending champions. Teams like Minnesota and Chicago are on the rise, while strongholds like Connecticut and San Antonio look to return to former elite status. Sports bettors that put in the time have profited handsomely by following the WNBA regularly. Here are the season previews of this year’s squads

Tulsa Shock 2010 Preview
Yes, the Shock relocated from Detroit to Tulsa, but there is very little “Detroit” that carried over in the transition. The Shock resembles more of an expansion team than a relocated team. Even so, there is a palpable feeling that comes with a new coach, new players, new fans, and a new city — a strong belief in each other.

When Nolan Richardson was announced as head coach, the former Arkansas Razorback brought with him an unmistakable winning pedigree that the Shock desperately needed. In Richardson’s system, you are only as good as your weakest link. His up-tempo style of play needs a certain buy-in from every player during every minute of every game. He’ll have his team in shape, fundamentally sound, and ready to exemplify the meaning of “40 Minutes of Hell.”

It might sound cheesy, but the closest thing I can think of to describe Richardson’s system is the ancient Greek military formation known as the phalanx. In that philosophy, soldiers protected the respective soldier next to them and so on and so forth down the line. Thus, if there is a hole in the formation, the entire squadron falls apart. In Richardson’s system, the defense puts so much pressure on the offense that if a defender gets beat, it is not just necessary but vital that the help defense collapses on the driving offensive player. Rotations must be crisp. The weak-side has to be in your peripheral vision at all times. A rebound-by-committee mentality is mandatory.

But, in order to implement such as system, you need the right players. The Shock added 10 new players to their roster so far and the majority of them are known for their work ethic, a team-first mentality, or simply wanting an opportunity to breakthrough in the league and showcase their skills (i.e. Shanna Crossley). Along with Crossley the Shock has added Chante Black, Amber Holt, Ivory Latta, Scholanda Robinson, Christi Thomas, Amanda Thompson, Iciss Tillis, and Marion Jones. The common link between all of them is they are willing to work hard and be coached — something not all professional athletes are willing to do. Perhaps more importantly, the willingness to be “coached” is a must for anyone playing for Nolan Richardson.

In the group of returning players from their Detroit days (there are only 5), Shavonte Zellous will be looked at to be the Shock’s main scoring threat. She had a phenomenal season as a rookie while playing second-fiddle to Katie Smith and Deanna Nolan averaging 12 ppg in just over 20 minutes of action each night. With Zellous, the Shock have an open opportunity for emerging players such as Shanna Crossley, Kara Braxton, Plenette Pierson, Scholanda Robinson, and Marion Jones to display what they can do on the court.

Jones has been a hot-button topic for not just WNBA fans, but sports fans across the globe. Some are frustrated that her spot on the roster didn’t go to a player who has previously been in the league while others are excited to see what Jones can do in the WNBA. I, for one, applaud her desire to compete at such a high level again and am thrilled that she has been given another chance. Make no mistake about it; if she wasn’t a good player, she wouldn’t have been given this opportunity. In her first pre-season game against the Seattle Storm, Jones saw about 12 minutes of action and produced 4 points (2-5 shooting), 2 steals, and 3 rebounds — not bad at all.

All optimism aside, it will be extremely difficult and improbable for the Shock (in their first year in Tulsa) to beat out the other five Western Conference powers for a Playoff spot. The Mercury, Storm, Sparks, and Lynx are simply too talented. Still, I don’t think the Shock is expecting to do so. After all, they basically are an expansion team and will be searching for their identity and niche in the league. Yet, in spite of all the constant change and turmoil that will inevitably face the Shock in 2010, I honestly believe they’ll be one of the most fun teams to watch in the league.

Chicago Sky 2010 Preview

Over the off-season, one of the biggest stories involved the three-way trade between New York, Phoenix and Chicago. Yet, as the media focused on Candice Dupree joining the reigning champions and Cappie Pondexter making her way to New York, Chicago’s additions went under the radar. Everywhere WNBA fans discuss their favorite league; you found links to every article written on Pondexter’s arrival in New York or a link to every photoshopped picture of Dupree in her new Phoenix uniform. It is understandable, but it was interesting that Chicago’s overnight improvement went unnoticed as a whole.

Although it was difficult to let Dupree go to Phoenix, the Sky became a much better team by simple math. Adding both Shameka Christon and Catherine Kraayeveld was a stroke of genius for Steven Keys team and, on paper, made the Sky a Playoff team. Christon, a fan favorite in New York and an All-Star is one of the WNBA players who most flies under the radar. That won’t be the case in Chicago. Kraayeveld is a fine player and her value to her new team is immeasurable, as she goes about her job quietly, not looking for media attention. Now, as is the case with all WNBA teams, health becomes one of the biggest issues.

Any discussion of health on the Chicago Sky begins and ends with Sylvia Fowles, who has only played 41 games through her first two years in the league. If Fowles is able to remain on the court, there are not many in the league–let alone the Eastern Conference–who can match up with her in the post. Although those who follow the WNBA know Fowles well, it is time for the Sky to find a way to keep her on the floor so her level of dominance can catapult the team into a Playoff berth. Only when that happens will casualfans truly notice the dominance and greatness of “Big Syl.” If the injury bug attacks Fowles again, the Chicago post rotation gets sketchy, but after a fine season overseas, this just may be the year for her to shine all season.

Another issue that may plague the Sky throughout the season is whether or not second year player, Kristi Toliver, will accept her role on the team. At this point, Toliver remains a backup point guard, but has stated in the past she should be a starter. Unless she dramatically improved while overseas, she must accept her spot and become an asset off the pine for Chicago. If she is able to do so, the Sky has another fine weapon at their disposal. As a great player in college, one can only hope she is able to complete the transition to a team player, willing to accept a smaller role for the greater good of the team.

This team has always had talented pieces, but also missing a piece or two. The team had little leadership on and off the court throughout their history, but addressed that glaring issue by bringing in Christon and Kraayeveld. Both players are under-appreciated around the league, but are also consummate professionals and, quite simply, what this team has lacked in the past. Although Chicago may not have the pieces to compete with the Indiana Fever, the reigning Eastern Conference champions, or the beasts out West, this season should be the first step in the turnaround of the team’s fortunes.

The summer of 2010 is a big season for head coach Steven Key. Fans have seemingly been on his case since taking over in Chicago as the team failed to make the Playoffs. In a somewhat weak Eastern Conference, the Sky have all the pieces to grab a Playoff spot. If they do not find the right chemistry and falter again, he just may be on his way out of town. Quite simply, there are no more excuses. This team must take the next step this summer.

 

[ugk]

LADY LUCK

Saturday's Best WNBA Bets

Los Angeles Sparks at San Antonio Silver Stars (-2, 148.5)

The Los Angeles Sparks were poised for big things this season. However, L.A. isn’t off to the start it expected.

The Sparks are 0-2 to start the new WNBA season, falling to the defending champion Phoenix Mercury in the season opener, then losing to the veteran rich Seattle Storm last weekend. Los Angeles has had plenty of time off to right the ship before the season gets out of hand.

The Sparks went toe-to-toe with the Storm in the first three quarters, but fell apart as fouls started adding up. Los Angeles managed just nine points in the final frame and finished shooting just under 39 percent for the game.

"There was no fatigue. It was all mental," star forward Candace Parker, who scored 11 points on 4-of-11, told reporters. "We just didn't execute down the stretch."

Los Angeles runs into another savvy team Saturday. The Silver Stars rebounded from an opening-game losing for an 83-74 win over the Tulsa Shock Thursday, covering as 1.5-point favorites.

These teams have split their last four meetings but San Antonio has taken five of their last eight meetings. Expect this to be another close battle, with the Silver Stars edging the Sparks.

Pick: San Antonio Silver Stars


Seattle Storm at Phoenix Mercury (-4.5, 171)

Phoenix Mercury star guard Diana Taurasi insists her broken right hand isn’t giving her any problems. But if she puts up another shooting night like the one she posted in the team’s season opener, Taurasi might want to consider making some excuses.

Taurasi went just 2-of-11 from the field, scoring 10 of her 14 total points from the free-throw line, in the Mercury’s 78-77 win over the Los Angeles Sparks last weekend, failing to cover as 6.5-point favorites.

"We didn't play that well, but we've been together for like a day," Taurasi told the media following the tight win. "But we saw a lot of good things and some things we have to clean up."

Taurasi injured her hand while playing in Russia before the WNBA season began. She averaged over 20 points and almost six rebounds a game last season, taking Phoenix to the WNBA title.

With some new faces and an aching hand, expect the Mercury to struggle against a savvy Storm squad that could have the best defense in the Western Conference. Taurasi will tangle with veteran guard Sue Bird, who she said was the best point guard she's ever played against, during a live chat with ESPN last week.

Pick: Seattle Storm

 

[ugk]

HAMMERtheBOOK
3 UNIT* NBA* Boston Celtics, -3
4 UNIT* NBA* Boston Celtics, Under 190.5

 

[ugk]

SEAN MICHAELS
Saturday's Play

100 DIME Boston Celtics minus the points at home against Orlando. Here in Vegas as I realize this play on Friday night, the Celtics are a solid -3 1/2.

 

[Typhoon]

Burns
10* Magic
10* Ariz
7* STL
7*COLO
7*NATS

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DCI

Season
Straight Up: 861-373 (.698)
ATS: 658-613 (.518)
ATS Vary Units: 1564-1481 (.514)
Over/Under: 631-648 (.493)
Over/Under Vary Units: 819-848 (.491)

Eastern Conference Playoffs, Finals
Game 3, best-of-7 series
Orlando vs. BOSTON: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DUNKEL NBA

Orlando at Boston

The Celtics look to take advantage of an Orlando team that is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games as a road underdog. Boston is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-3). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 22
Time Posted: 6:30 a.m. EST (5/20)
Game 507-508: Orlando at Boston (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 123.073; Boston 132.581
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 9 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 3; 190
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-3); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with the Sharks last night.

Today it's the Flyers and Magic (86% System). The deficit is 1010 sirignanos.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hondo

The Reds made partial amends for Thursday's hor rific loss, holding off the Tribe to slash Hondo's defi cit to 455 concepcions.

Today, he'll get off Cincy and pledge temporary allegiance to the Brewers and Phillies. Ten units apiece.

 

[bigtime3]

Chris jordan ...... 400 units on the Braves + 100 units on the Magic...... didnt put that u list both pitchers, so guys, list both pitchers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports
450 - 326 run 58 %

Bonus Play Sat over the total 190 Orl Magic NBA