Service Plays Thursday 5/29/14

[cracy]

StatSystemsSports
Inside the Paint- Thursday

Gregg Popovich had seen enough. With his San Antonio Spurs trailing the Thunder by 25 in the third quarter on Tuesday night, he benched the last of his starters. Only one played in the fourth quarter, and that was for just 49 seconds. When asked about his thought process behind the moves, he simply said, ''Thursday.'' That's when the Spurs host Game #5. Game #4, he rightly figured, was already over.

Russell Westbrook had 40 points and 10 assists, and Oklahoma City beat the Spurs 105-92 to tie the Western Conference finals at two games apiece. Kevin Durant added 31 points on 11-for-22 shooting. It was his highest-scoring game of the series after the NBA's leading scorer was held to a 22.7-point average in the first three games. Serge Ibaka added nine points and eight rebounds for the Thunder, who have turned around the series since he returned from an injury that was expected to keep him out for the rest of the postseason.

NBA Playoffs Betting News & Notes
Nevada sportsbooks followed a record-breaking March with a $9.2 million win in April, earning more than $5 million on basketball betting – an all-time April record for basketball win in the state. The NCAA Final Four kicked off the action on the hardwood in April and the start of the NBA Playoffs kept the profits coming at the end of the month. According to the latest reports from the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, more than $95.8 million was wagered on basketball (college and NBA) in April, with books celebrating a 5.31 (hold) win percentage. Nevada sportsbooks won $19.4 million on $343.5 million wagered on basketball in March, sparked by the NCAA Tournament.

The start of the baseball season was also a big winner for books in the Silver State, earning almost $4.5 million on a 5.52 hold percentage. However, this is a decrease from April 2013 in which baseball betting won $6.4 million for books. The category of “Other Sports” - which includes hockey, golf, tennis, boxing, MMA, auto racing and soccer - raked in $3.4 million for Nevada sportsbooks in April, getting a big hand from the NHL playoffs, The Masters tournament and Manny Pacquiao’s rematch with Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas. Books took a $3.6 million loss on football betting in April with outstanding tickets on NFL and college football being cashed and no football wagers coming in during the offseason.

The $9.2 million overall win by Nevada books topped April 2013’s earnings of $5.7 million. April 2014's earnings nearly broke the state’s all-time total sports gaming win for the month, which is $9.9 million in April 2011. On the year (January to April), Nevada sportsbooks have won a total of $65.3 million. That's a major bump from 2013, in which books earned $41.7 million on sports betting from January to April. Nevada casinos recorded a total gaming win of $852,005,476 in April 2014, a 0.27% decrease from April 2013 ($854,287,264). Those overall earnings pale in comparison to the previous month (March 2014) in which casino’s scored a $982,168,390 gaming win.

Betting Notes - Thursday
•Oklahoma City is 6-2 versus San Antonio this year, 6-0 when Ibaka plays, 0-2 if he does not; Spurs shot 39.6%/39.8% in last two games, after making 58%, 50% in two series games at AT&T Center, with Ibaka out. OKC has now won 12 of last 16 games with San Antonio, is 9-0 in last nine series games played at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Thunder was +17 in turnovers last two games. Nine of last twelve series meetings stayed under total. Home team covered eight of nine games in this round of playoffs so far. Lot of pressure on Spurs here; they led Thunder 2-0 two years ago, then lost in six games, when they had won 20 games in a row.

--Over is 46-35 in playoffs this season, 4-5 in this round.
--Favorites are 32-49 in playoffs this season, 8-1 in this round.

Hoop Trends - Thursday
•OKLAHOMA CITY is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) versus very good teams - outscoring their opponents by 6+ points/game this season.
The average score was OKLAHOMA CITY 105.9, OPPONENT 102.6.

•SAN ANTONIO is 29-14 UNDER (+13.6 Units) in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 105.5, OPPONENT 94.4.

•OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-16 against the 1rst half line (-10.6 Units) versus good passing teams, averaging >=23 assists/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
The average score was OKLAHOMA CITY 53.2, OPPONENT 55.0.

•SAN ANTONIO is 30-9 UNDER (+20.1 Units) the 1rst half total versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game this season.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 53.3, OPPONENT 45.5.

•GREGG POPOVICH is 67-35 UNDER (+28.5 Units) the 1rst half total as a # 1 seed in the playoffs as the coach of SAN ANTONIO.
The average score was POPOVICH 48.1, OPPONENT 45.4.

Situation Analysis of The Day
•Play Under - All teams where the total is 200 to 209.5 (OKLAHOMA CITY) - an excellent offensive team (>=76 PPG) against an average defensive team (92-98 PPG) after 42+ games, well rested team - playing 4 or less games in 10 days, with a winning record on the season playing another winning team.
(41-18 over the last 5 seasons.) (69.5%, +21.2 units. Rating = 2*)

The average total posted in these games was: 201.5
The average score in these games was: Team 98.6, Opponent 98 (Total points scored = 196.6)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 35 (55.6% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (5-7).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (17-9).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (82-55).
___________________________________________

 

[tgunn11]

Basketball Crusher
San Antonio Spurs -190 over OKC
(Playoff Record: system 15-1: overall 15-17-3, lost last 4 games)
(Regular Season Record: 78-8)
Overall Record: 93-102-8

Rest of the Plays
San Antonio Spurs + OKC over 206.5

 

[tgunn11]

Soccer Crusher
Flamengo + Figueirense UNDER 2.5
This match is happening in Brazil
(System Record: 581-21, lost last game)
Overall Record: 581-485-84

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Thursday, May 29

Oklahoma City is 6-2 vs Spurs this year, 6-0 when Ibaka plays, 0-2 if he does not; Spurs shot 39.6%/39.8% in last two games, after making 58%, 50% in two series games here, with Ibaka out. OC has now won 12 of last 16 games with San Antonio, is 8-0 in last eight series games played here. Thunder was +17 in turnovers last two games. Nine of last twelve series games stayed under total. Home team covered eight of nine games in this round of playoffs so far. Lot of pressure on Spurs here; they led Thunder 2-0 two years ago, then lost in six games, when they had won 20 games in a row.

Over is 46-35 in playoffs this season, 4-5 in this round..
Favorites are 32-49 in playoffs this season, 8-1 in this round.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Wednesday, May 28

Rangers had allowed 11 goals in previous seven games before 7-4 loss in Game 5 debacle that resembled pond hockey; NY won six of last eight games overall, but is just 5-4 at home so far in playoffs. Montreal is 9-5 in last 14 series games, but needs win here to keep series alive; they're 2-3 in last five road games- five of their 16 playoff games went OT. Habs are 10-6 in the playoffs, 5-3 on road. Over is 45-26-14 in playoffs, 6-2-2 this round. Rangers tied Game 5 with three goals in 4:24 span of second period after they pulled Lundqvist; Bourque scored twice after that to get hat trick, keep Montreal alive in series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

NBA | OKLAHOMA CITY at SAN ANTONIO
Play On - Favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (SAN ANTONIO) revenging a road loss vs opponent of 10 points or more, in a game involving two good teams (60% to 75%)
120-72 since 1997. ( 62.5% | 40.8 units )
5-4 this year. ( 55.6% | 0.6 units )

NBA | OKLAHOMA CITY at SAN ANTONIO
Play Against - Any team vs the money line (SAN ANTONIO) revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more, off 2 or more consecutive road losses
206-94 over the last 5 seasons. ( 68.7% | 71.0 units )
23-14 this year. ( 62.2% | -1.3 units )

NBA | OKLAHOMA CITY at SAN ANTONIO
Play Under - Any team vs. the 1rst half line in a playoff series which is tied, good team, winning 60-75% or more of their games on the season
200-119 since 1997. ( 62.7% | 69.1 units )
9-14 this year. ( 39.1% | -6.4 units )

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Spurs ready for pivotal Game 5

Oklahoma City (69-30) at San Antonio (72-26)

Western Conference Finals
Game 5 - Series Tied 2-2
Tip-off: Thursday, 9:05 p.m. ET
Line and Total: San Antonio -4.5, Total: 206

The Western Conference Finals head back to Texas all tied up as the Thunder and Spurs each try to gain a series edge in Thursday's Game 5.

This series has gone the way of the home team, which has won each of the first four games easily. In the first two contests, the Spurs won by an average of 26.0 PPG while the Thunder took both games at home by an average of 11.0 PPG. On Tuesday night, Oklahoma City came out and put on a show, hitting 51% of its shots in the first half and finishing the game with a 105-92 victory as two-point favorites. San Antonio’s offense was stagnant in the two road defeats, shooting under 40% from the field in each loss. No starter on the Spurs played more than 26 minutes in Game 4, as they were down by too much and were setting up for the next contest.

PG Russell Westbrook and SF Kevin Durant combined for 71 points in Tuesday's win while no player on San Antonio put up more than 14 points. San Antonio will be happy to head back home as it has lost nine straight in Oklahoma City and is 40-10 SU (26-24 ATS) when playing in front of its fans this season. Meanwhile, the Thunder are 29-20 SU (24-24-1 ATS) in their away games over the course of the season.

Including the playoffs, Oklahoma City is now 6-2 (SU and ATS) in this season series to improve to a solid 13-8 SU (14-6-1 ATS) in this matchup over the past three seasons. But during this same timeframe, the Spurs are 7-3 SU (5-4-1 ATS) at home versus the Thunder.

Oklahoma City has gone 53-34 ATS (61%) after having won two of its previous three games in the past two seasons while the Spurs are 124-86 ATS (59%) after a double-digit loss since 1996.

Both teams come into this game with no significant injuries to their rosters.

Oklahoma City has been a great offense all season long, scoring 105.6 PPG (47% FG) throughout the season, including 103.0 PPG (45% FG) in the playoffs. They club has shot well in this series too, hitting at least 46% FG in three of the four games.

SF Kevin Durant (24.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.3 SPG in series) had his best scoring performance of this series in Game 4, netting 31 points on 11-of-22 shooting while adding five rebounds, five assists and three steals. He has been all over the place with his shooting in this round, hitting 50% or more of his shots in two games while going 14-for-35 (40% FG) in the other two.

PG Russell Westbrook (26.5 PPG, 7.3 APG, 5.8 RPG, 2.5 SPG in series) was absolutely unbelievable on Tuesday, going for 40 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and five steals while looking unstoppable as he shot 12-of-24 from the field and 14-of-14 from the charity stripe. Even with his strong shooting performance in Game 4, he is still shooting just 41% in this series.

PF Serge Ibaka (12.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG in series) has made a profound effect in this series since returning from a hamstring injury and has been a force down low with seven blocks in his two games. He has not played much of a role in the offense though, attempting just 15 shots in the two contests while making 10. PG Reggie Jackson (9.8 PPG, 3.3 APG in series) was just 1-for-5 for three points on Tuesday after dealing with a tweaked ankle, and has made just 3-for-11 from long range over the four games.

San Antonio has been one of the most efficient offensive teams all season long with 105.4 PPG on 48.6% FG, and has been just as strong in the postseason with 105.6 PPG on an identical 48.6% FG. The Spurs defense has held opponents to 97.8 PPG on 44.3% FG, including 98.6 PPG on 44.0% FG during the postseason. These playoff defensive numbers have been even more impressive at home (94.4 PPG on 42.5% FG), including limiting the Thunder to just 91.0 PPG on 42.6% FG over the two games in San Antonio this series.

PG Tony Parker (14.8 PPG, 6.3 APG in series) averaged only 11.5 PPG and 4.0 APG in the two losses in Oklahoma City while failing to get to the free-throw line once. He has shot 50% or better in three of the four games in this series, but has nearly as many turnovers (11) as assists (13) over the past three contests.

PF Tim Duncan (16.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG in series) played just 25 minutes in Game 4, making 3-of-8 shots while scoring nine points and adding six rebounds. He has not logged more than 30 minutes in any of the games in this series, and has shot under 42% from the field in each of the past three games.

SF Kawhi Leonard (10.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.5 SPG in series) has seen his production really drop in this series, and has made just 16-of-40 FG (40%) over the four games. He had 10 points and five rebounds in Tuesday’s loss while on the court for 25 minutes. SG Manu Ginobili (14.3 PPG, 1.3 SPG in series) played only 11 minutes in Game 4, shooting just 2-for-8 while not adding a single assist or rebound in the game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Canadiens (46-28) at Rangers (45-31)

Date: May 29, 2014 8:00 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) - The last time the New York Rangers had a game to forget, they responded with five straight wins that put them on the cusp of the Stanley Cup finals.

They are still there, and the Montreal Canadiens aren't going away without a fight.

New York needs one more victory to reach the championship round for the first time in 20 years. The Rangers know that Game 6 at home on Thursday is their best chance to get it.

They returned home from Montreal on Wednesday, one day after a wild 7-4 loss cut their series lead to 3-2. If New York doesn't end it Thursday, the Rangers will have to go back to Montreal for a deciding Game 7.

New York, which went the full seven games in each of the first two rounds of this year's playoffs, will be playing its 20th postseason game. No team that played a pair of seven-game series before the conference finals has reached the Stanley Cup finals.

'It's an opportunity to win the game to go to the Stanley Cup final,' Rangers forward Brad Richards said. 'I think everybody is alert and ready that way. We were talking about it all (Tuesday) how excited we were to get on the ice and start playing.

'We had some mental breakdowns, but I don't think it had anything to do with (fatigue). We've had a lot of rest this series. The opportunity that faces us right now, we're pretty excited about it. I don't think there is too much letdown.'

In the second round, a poor performance at home in Game 4 against Pittsburgh dropped the Rangers into a 3-1 series hole. But New York won Game 5 on the road, took Game 6 at home, and won the clincher back in Pittsburgh to set up the matchup with Montreal.

Now that the Canadiens have staved off elimination once, the Rangers are wary of giving them any more hope they can turn the tables.

'You learn a lot from it. That's why experience is experience,' Richards said. 'You go through many situations. (Tuesday) night was a bad feeling, but today we're getting on a plane to go back to our city, and we get to play in front of our fans.

'It's always, forget as quick as possible and try to remember the good things that we're doing. It was one bad night, but we've been doing a lot of good things in this series.'

The Rangers won the opening two games in Montreal and then split a pair of overtime decisions at home. Even though they have had success on the road and in recent Game 7s, they know that going the distance again works against them.

'It's a desperate time,' Richards said. 'You don't want to go back to a Game 7 where anything can happen. We want to get this done. They're a good team anywhere.

'We're going to have to be a lot better, and we will be.'

This is as far as New York has advanced since captain Mark Messier led the club to the 1994 Stanley Cup title - breaking the Rangers' 54-year drought.

The Garden will be ready to celebrate again Thursday. After the Rangers lost Game 4 to Pittsburgh, the loyal fans thought they might not see their team again until next season. That will be the situation again if the Canadiens pull off another victory.

'You win a game, and things change in your locker room and you start feeling better about yourselves,' Rangers defenseman Marc Staal said. 'We know how it feels coming back in a series, but it doesn't change anything in our room. We are as confident as ever going into our building, and looking forward to it.'

So are the Canadiens.

They know that if they would've scored in overtime of Game 4 as they did in Game 3, they would've had a two-game sweep at the Garden and would be the ones looking to advance Thursday.

'We'll be ready for one of those tight-checking games,' defenseman Josh Gorges said Wednesday after an optional practice in Montreal. 'I'm sure it will be again one of those hard-fought games that we'll have to make sure that we're even better than we were last game.'

Montreal will have rugged forward Brandon Prust back in the lineup after he served a two-game suspension for a late hit on Derek Stepan in Game 3 that broke the Rangers forward's jaw. Stepan returned Tuesday and scored two goals while wearing a full faceguard.

The Rangers will be without defenseman John Moore. He was suspended for two games Wednesday after receiving a match penalty Tuesday night for a hit to Montreal forward Dale Weise's head.

Moore will miss the remaining two games in this series if it goes the distance, or will sit out Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals if the Rangers advance with a win Thursday.

'It's kind of what I would've thought would've happened,' Canadiens captain Brian Gionta said Wednesday night after the team arrived at their New York hotel. 'They were very similar plays, and I guess the precedent was set on Prust's hit.'

Henrik Lundqvist will be back in goal for the Rangers after he was pulled in Game 5 on a rare off night in which he allowed four goals on 19 shots in less than two periods. He avoided the loss when New York rallied from a 4-1 deficit to get even. Backup goalie Cam Talbot gave up two goals in relief.

'(Tuesday) night was probably the best game we've played in this series,' Canadiens forward Lars Eller said. 'If we keep doing a lot of those things, I think the end result will be good.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

WNBA | CONNECTICUT at INDIANA
Play Against - Underdogs (CONNECTICUT) off a home win, on Thursday nights
93-50 since 1997. ( 65.0% | 38.0 units )

WNBA | CONNECTICUT at INDIANA
Play On - Any team vs the money line (CONNECTICUT) poor team from last season - outscored by opponents by 3 or more points/game, after a win by 10 points or more
34-17 since 1997. ( 66.7% | 0.0 units )

WNBA | CONNECTICUT at INDIANA
Play Under - Home teams where the first half total is between 65.5 and 70.5 points off a win against a division rival, in May, June, or July games
176-103 since 1997. ( 63.1% | 62.7 units )
2-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 2.0 units )

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

MLB | BALTIMORE at HOUSTON
Play On - Home underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (HOUSTON) with a starting pitcher whose strikes out 5 or more batters per start, with a team batting average of .260 or worse on the season (AL)
149-115 since 1997. ( 56.4% | 62.3 units )
4-6 this year. ( 40.0% | -1.4 units )

StatFox Situational Power Trends

MLB | KANSAS CITY at TORONTO
TORONTO is 19-7 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
The average score was: TORONTO (5.5) , OPPONENT (4.1)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Steves Golf picks the Memorial

Bradley
Rose
Chappel
Donald
Van Pelt
Henely
All 1*

Head To Head

4* Van Pelt -170 Over Fowler

 

[cracy]

STATSYSTEMS SPORTS MLB PITCHING REPORT
THURSDAY, MAY 29TH 2014
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_______________________________________

#951 NY METS @ #952 PHILADELPHIA - 7:05 PM
•Mets RH Zack Wheeler (1-5, 4.63 ERA, WHIP: 1.528) - Wheeler has pitched well enough to win with four quality starts during his drought and the Mets are 3-4 in those turns. The Georgia native, who turns 24 on Friday, allowed three runs (two earned) and six hits while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings of New York's 3-2 loss to Arizona on Saturday. Wheeler pitched twice against Philadelphia in 2013 - his first season - and recorded a 3.18 ERA in 11 1/3 innings while losing one start and receiving a no-decision in the other.

--KEY STAT: WHEELER is 8-2 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was WHEELER 6.1, OPPONENT 2.8.

--WHEELER is 8-2 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games versus an National League team with an on base percentage .325 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was WHEELER 6.1, OPPONENT 2.8.

•Phillies RH David Buchanan (1-0, 3.60 ERA, WHIP: 1.000) - Buchanan, who was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to replace the injured Cliff Lee in the rotation, allowed two runs and five hits in five innings of a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. "A dream," the 25-year-old Georgia native told reporters afterward. "Just to be out there, have my family out there and to do it in front of the home fans – I'm overwhelmed with emotion right now. It was an experience of a lifetime." Buchanan was 5-1 with a 3.98 ERA at Lehigh Valley.

#953 SAN FRANCISCO @ #954 ST LOUIS - 8:15 PM
•Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (3-2, 3.20 ERA, WHIP: 1.243) - Vogelsong has struck out 13 and given up eight hits and two walks in his back-to-back terrific performances. He has allowed one run or less in five of his last six starts after posting a 7.71 ERA over his first four outings of the season. Vogelsong is 2-5 with a 6.71 ERA in 17 career appearances (seven starts) against St. Louis.

--KEY STAT: VOGELSONG is 17-5 (+14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.6, OPPONENT 3.0.

--VOGELSONG is 26-9 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in road games versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.7, OPPONENT 3.5.

--VOGELSONG is 17-7 (+12.7 Units) against the money line after giving up 1 or less earned runs last outing over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.0, OPPONENT 3.1.

--VOGELSONG is 12-3 UNDER (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 3.3, OPPONENT 2.8.

--VOGELSONG is 10-0 UNDER (+10.0 Units) as an underdog of +100 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 2.9, OPPONENT 3.3.

--VOGELSONG is 14-3 UNDER (+10.9 Units) after giving up <=2 earned runs in his last 2 outings over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.2, OPPONENT 2.8.

--VOGELSONG is 20-6 against the run line (+15.3 Units) in May games since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.0, OPPONENT 3.2.

•Cardinals LH Jaime Garcia (1-0, 4.26 ERA, WHIP: 0.868) - Garcia is making his third start since undergoing major shoulder surgery that curtailed his 2013 campaign after nine starts. He defeated Cincinnati in his last turn when he struck out seven and walked none while giving up two runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. Garcia is 2-1 with a 1.27 ERA in four career starts against the Giants.

#955 CINCINNATI @ #956 ARIZONA - 9:40 PM
•Reds LH Tony Cingrani (2-4, 4.06 ERA, WHIP: 1.421) - Cingrani has lost back-to-back outings in his second stint of the season as a member of the rotation. He gave up four earned runs and seven hits in each start— against Philadelphia and St. Louis – while giving up a combined four homers. He is 1-3 with a 4.71 ERA in four road outings this season.

--KEY STAT: CINGRANI is 10-2 OVER (+8.1 Units) versus poor power teams - averaging 0.9 or less HR's/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was CINGRANI 5.1, OPPONENT 4.4.

•Diamondbacks RH Josh Collmenter (3-2, 3.91 ERA, WHIP: 1.208) - Collmenter has won consecutive starts and three straight decisions overall since last losing April 20. He beat the New York Mets in his last turn when he gave up two runs and six hits in six innings. Collmenter has a 1.35 career ERA in three relief appearances against Cincinnati.

--KEY STAT: COLLMENTER is 10-1 OVER (+9.0 Units) in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was COLLMENTER 5.7, OPPONENT 5.3.

#957 PITTSBURGH @ #958 LA DODGERS - 10:10 PM
•Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (4-3, 3.76 ERA, WHIP: 1.330) - Cole has pitched at least six innings in eight of his 10 starts, including last Saturday when he limited Washington to two runs while striking out seven over six frames. Yasiel Puig is 3-for-3 against the 23-year-old, who was Pittsburgh’s No. 1 overall draft pick in 2011. Cole earned the win in his only career start against the Dodgers last June, allowing three runs over 5 2/3 innings in the Pirates’ 6-3 victory.

•Dodgers RH Dan Haren (5-3, 3.16 ERA, WHIP: 1.245) - Haren threw a season-high 115 pitches and allowed five runs (two earned) over six innings in a 5-3 loss to Philadelphia last Saturday. “Danny has really been doing what we expect him to do,” manager Don Mattingly told MLB.com. “He keeps us in the game. He hits spots, he hits corners and he’s going to keep fighting.” Andrew McCutchen is 4-for-9 with two homers against Haren, who is 3-2 with a 4.98 ERA in eight career starts against the Pirates.

--KEY STAT: HAREN is 3-13 (-15.2 Units) against the money line versus teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HAREN 2.9, OPPONENT 5.7.

--HAREN is 5-14 (-13.9 Units) against the money line versus poor power teams - averaging 0.9 or less HR's/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HAREN 3.3, OPPONENT 5.2.

--HAREN is 1-9 (-11.2 Units) against the money line versus National League teams scoring 3.8 or less runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HAREN 2.3, OPPONENT 5.8.

--HAREN is 4-14 (-14.9 Units) against the money line versus teams outscored by opponent by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HAREN 3.3, OPPONENT 5.2.

--HAREN is 6-14 (-16.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 to 7.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HAREN 3.2, OPPONENT 5.5.

--HAREN is 8-21 against the run line (-15.3 Units) versus teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per game over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HAREN 3.2, OPPONENT 5.3.

--HAREN is 16-41 against the run line (-27.6 Units) in May games since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was HAREN 3.4, OPPONENT 4.6.

#959 TEXAS @ #960 MINNESOTA - 1:10 PM
•Rangers RH Nick Martinez (1-1, 2.14 ERA, WHIP: 1.424) - Martinez scattered eight hits and yielded one run in six innings of Texas' 12-2 victory at Detroit on Saturday in his fourth career start. “These kinds of outings just reassure you that you can do it,” the 23-year-old Florida native told reporters. “It just pushes you over that little hump that lets you know you can do it up here.” Martinez has proven versatile to the Rangers as he is 1-0 with a 2.86 ERA as a starter and 0-1, 0.77 in five relief appearances.

•Twins RH Samuel Deduno (1-3, 3.48 ERA, WHIP: 1.147) - Deduno allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings of a 2-1 loss at San Francisco on Saturday and has proven his worth as a starter. "You earn your spots up here and he's definitely doing that," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told reporters. "I don't think anybody, if he keeps pitching like that, is going to take his spot in the rotation." The 30-year-old Dominican Republic native is 1-2 with a 3.97 ERA in four starts this season and 15-15 with a 4.08 ERA in 37 career turns.

--KEY STAT: DEDUNO is 14-1 UNDER (+13.0 Units) versus American League teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DEDUNO 2.9, OPPONENT 3.1.

--DEDUNO is 13-3 UNDER (+9.8 Units) versus teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DEDUNO 3.1, OPPONENT 3.5.

--DEDUNO is 14-2 UNDER (+11.8 Units) versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DEDUNO 3.0, OPPONENT 3.3.

--DEDUNO is 18-4 UNDER (+13.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DEDUNO 3.0, OPPONENT 3.3.

--DEDUNO is 18-3 UNDER (+14.9 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DEDUNO 3.0, OPPONENT 3.1.

#961 DETROIT @ #962 OAKLAND - 3:35 PM
•Tigers RH Rick Porcello (7-2, 3.88 ERA, WHIP: 1.155) - Porcello's personal six-game winning streak came to a crashing halt against Texas at home Saturday, when he was reached for eight runs on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings. He gave up multiple home runs for the first time in 12 starts dating to last season and walked more than one batter for the third time in 2014. The former first-round pick, who has let up four runs in 21 innings on the road this month, is 0-4 with a 5.46 ERA in six games (five starts) at Oakland in his career.

--KEY STAT: PORCELLO is 19-5 (+12.6 Units) against the money line versus an American League team with a team batting average of .260 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was PORCELLO 5.5, OPPONENT 3.7.

--PORCELLO is 36-17 (+18.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was PORCELLO 5.2, OPPONENT 4.0.

--PORCELLO is 11-1 against the run line (+10.3 Units) in road games versus an American League team with they batting average of .265 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was PORCELLO 5.9, OPPONENT 2.3.

•Athletics RH Jesse Chavez (4-2, 2.61 ERA, WHIP: 1.129) - After going 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA in April, Chavez is 2-2 with a 3.75 mark in May while serving up five homers over his last three outings. He yielded four runs (two earned) on a season high-tying eight hits in 5 1/3 innings at Toronto on Saturday to suffer his second loss of the season. The 30-year-old converted reliever has allowed two or fewer runs in three of his four home starts.

#963 KANSAS CITY @ #964 TORONTO - 7:05 PM
•Royals RH James Shields (6-3, 2.95 ERA, WHIP: 1.173) - Shields is 6-1 in his last eight starts after going 0-2 in his first three, allowing three runs or fewer in eight of 11 outings this season. The 32-year-old has struck out 63 and walked only 15 in 73 1/3 innings. Adam Lind has hit five homers in 51 at-bats and Jose Bautista is 9-for-28 with four blasts against Shields, who is 12-6 with a 3.09 ERA in 23 career starts versus Toronto.

--KEY STAT: SHIELDS is 19-7 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was SHIELDS 5.0, OPPONENT 2.9.

--SHIELDS is 7-23 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was SHIELDS 3.0, OPPONENT 4.3.

--SHIELDS is 22-9 (+13.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was SHIELDS 5.1, OPPONENT 3.2.

--SHIELDS is 20-5 against the run line (+17.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was SHIELDS 4.9, OPPONENT 2.4.

•Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (5-4, 3.95 ERA, WHIP: 1.303) - Dickey has also rebounded from a slow start by yielding three or fewer earned runs in the last seven starts, winning four of five decisions. The knuckleball specialist surrendered two runs and five hits over 8 1/3 innings to beat Oakland last Saturday. Omar Infante is 16-for-31 with two homers against Dickey, who is 3-3 in 12 appearances (six starts) with a 4.33 ERA versus Kansas City.

--KEY STAT: DICKEY is 13-1 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in home games versus poor power teams - averaging 0.9 or less HR's/game over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DICKEY 5.8, OPPONENT 3.4.

--DICKEY is 14-3 UNDER (+10.6 Units) when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DICKEY 3.3, OPPONENT 3.2.

--DICKEY is 11-3 against the run line (+10.8 Units) in home games versus poor power teams - averaging 0.9 or less HR's/game over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DICKEY 5.8, OPPONENT 3.4.

--DICKEY is 16-7 against the run line (+12.8 Units) in home games in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DICKEY 5.1, OPPONENT 3.7.

#965 BALTIMORE @ #966 HOUSTON - 8:10 PM
•Orioles RH Ubaldo Jimenez (2-6, 4.98 ERA, WHIP: 1.536) - Jimenez surrendered a total of one earned run in three starts from May 2-13 but fell off a cliff in his last two outings. The Dominican Republic native allowed a total of 10 runs and 12 hits in nine innings while walking six in losing both turns. Jimenez has never lost to Houston and owns a 4-0 record with a 2.32 ERA against the Astros in eight career starts.

--KEY STAT: JIMENEZ is 16-35 (-23.9 Units) against the money line after 2 or more consecutive losses since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was JIMENEZ 3.5, OPPONENT 4.9.

--JIMENEZ is 18-5 UNDER (+12.7 Units) when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was JIMENEZ 3.9, OPPONENT 3.8.

--JIMENEZ is 13-26 against the run line (-21.4 Units) in road games versus teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was JIMENEZ 4.2, OPPONENT 4.5.

•Astros RH Brad Peacock (1-4, 5.20 ERA, WHIP: 1.667) - Peacock sat out his last turn due to stiffness in his right forearm but made it through a bullpen session with no issues Monday and was cleared to return. The 26-year-old picked up his first win of the season last time out May 18, holding the Chicago White Sox to two runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. Peacock will be making his first career start against Baltimore and is just 1-1 with a 5.87 ERA in seven games - four starts - at home this season.

--KEY STAT: PEACOCK is 7-1 (+9.5 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was PEACOCK 5.1, OPPONENT 2.3.

#967 LA ANGELS @ #968 SEATTLE - 10:10 PM
•Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (2-1, 3.18 ERA, WHIP: 1.145) - Shoemaker will be making his fourth start following three relief appearances. The 27-year-old was victorious in his first two turns before settling for a no-decision against Kansas City on Saturday, when he yielded three runs (two earned) in five innings. Shoemaker made his first major-league start - and appearance - against Seattle last year, tossing five scoreless frames, and held the Mariners to one hit over 2 1/3 innings of relief on April 1 in his 2014 debut.

•Mariners RH Brandon Maurer (1-3, 6.99 ERA, WHIP: 1.659) - Maurer looks to halt a personal losing streak that reached three games Saturday, when he was tagged for six runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings. All three of the losses have come at home, where the 23-year-old has posted an 8.05 ERA while allowing 29 hits in 19 frames. Maurer is 1-1 with a 7.15 ERA in three career appearances - two starts - against Los Angeles.

--KEY STAT: MAURER is 1-11 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was MAURER 3.1, OPPONENT 6.4.

--MAURER is 0-7 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was MAURER 3.6, OPPONENT 7.7.

#969 ATLANTA @ #970 BOSTON - 7:10 PM
•Braves LH Mike Minor (2-3, 3.90 ERA, WHIP: 1.300) - Minor has put together a quality start in four of five outings since coming off the disabled list but failed to notch his third straight win on Saturday. The Vanderbilt product held Colorado to three runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings but did not get enough support in a 3-1 setback. Minor is making his second career start against Boston and was lit up for seven runs - four earned - on six hits (three home runs) the first time around in 2012, though none of those home runs came against a player n the current lineup.

--KEY STAT: MINOR is 11-2 OVER (+9.3 Units) after giving up 2 or more home runs last outing over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was MINOR 5.5, OPPONENT 5.5.

•Red Sox RH Jake Peavy (1-2, 4.65 ERA, WHIP: 1.500) - Peavy is in the midst of a terrible stretch in which he has surrendered a total of 16 runs and 28 hits in 16 1/3 innings over his last three starts. The Alabama native cut down on his walk rate in those three outings but is struggling to locate within the zone. Peavy does not have much of a track record against the current Atlanta roster but has struggled with slugger Justin Upton, who is 6-for-9 with a home run and five RBIs against the veteran.

--KEY STAT: PEAVY is 19-3 UNDER (+15.6 Units) versus National League teams scoring 3.8 or less runs/game on the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was PEAVY 3.3, OPPONENT 2.9.

--PEAVY is 34-11 UNDER (+21.0 Units) in home games versus an National League team with an on base percentage .325 or worse since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was PEAVY 3.4, OPPONENT 2.8.

--PEAVY is 12-2 UNDER (+9.7 Units) when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was PEAVY 3.4, OPPONENT 3.6.

--PEAVY is 66-34 UNDER (+28.2 Units) in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was PEAVY 3.8, OPPONENT 3.0.
____________________________________________________

 

[pascal5757]

Today at 9:22 AM
XpertPicks

THURSDAY

• Play Oklahoma City +4.5 over San Antonio (NBA)---RISK 10% OF YOUR BANKROLL
  9:00 PM EST

Oklahoma City has won 92 of the last 133 games after scoring 105 points or more in their last game and they have won 79 of the last 114 games coming off a win by ten points or more.Oklahoma City has won 47 of the last 70 games when the total posted is greater than 200 points and they have won 82 of the last 138 road games.

=========================================================


NHL HOCKEY

• Play New York -180 over Montreal (NHL)---RISK 8% OF YOUR BANKROLL

 

[pascal5757]

Today at 9:21 AM
XpertPicks

THURSDAY BASEBALL

• Play Atlanta +110 over Boston---Top Play (Risk 8% of your Bankroll)
  7:10 PM EST

Mike Minor has won 8 of the last 9 games when pitching on a Thursday and he has won 16 of the last 24 games when pitching as an underdog of +100 to +150. Mike Minor has won 24 of the last 42 games when pitching in the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] half of the season and he has won 45 of the last 79 games when the total posted is between 7 and 8.5 runs.

• Play Pittsburgh +110 over Los Angeles Dodgers----Top Play (Risk 8% of your Bankroll)
  10:00 PM EST

Dan Haren has lost 30 of the last 50 games when the total posted is between 7 and 8.5 runs and he has lost 20 of the last 34 home games. Dan Haren has lost 25 of the last 41 games when pitching in the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] half of the season and he has lost 29 of the last 51 games when pitching as a favorite of -110 or higher.

 

[pascal5757]

Kevin's Pick(s):
With good defense by Toronto we were able to pick up an underdog winner last night, as they walked off on an error in the bottom of the ninth for a 3-2 victory. I'm coming right back on the Jays tonight...
2 UNIT = Kansas City Royals @ Toronto Blue Jays - BLUE JAYS TO WIN (-120)
Listed Pitchers: Shields vs Dickey
(Note: I'm risking 2.00 units to win 1.67 units)
The Blue Jays continued their winning ways as of late with a sweep of the Rays last night - their 9th straight victory. They are also 19-5 over their last 24 games, and 32-22 on the season. The Royals on the other hand were swept at home by the Astros yesterday afternoon and have lost 4 straight and 7 of their last 9 games overall to drop to 24-28 on the season. James Shields will take the mound for the Royals, and he is 6-3 with a 2.95 ERA, .252 OBA and 1.17 WHIP. He has been pretty solid all season long, but he has allowed 7 earned runs over his last two starts (13 innings combined) as he gave up 9 hits in each start. The Jays counter with their knuckleballer, R.A. Dickey, who is 5-4 with a 3.95 ERA, .224 OBA and 1.30 WHIP. After a shaky start to the season he has given up 3 or fewer earned runs against in his last 7 starts. He also is 5-1 with a 2.89 ERA, .216 OBA and 1.09 WHIP at home. Take note that the Blue Jays are the best hitting team in baseball right now with a team .831 OPS in May. The next best team OPS is .794 (Colorado) and the Royals are dead last in the Majors in that category at .626. Toronto is also one of the best hitting home teams, while the Royals are one of the worst hitting teams on the road. Note that the Royals are just 3-10 in their last 13 games as an underdog, and 1-9 in their last 10 as an underdog between +110 and +150. The Blue Jays are 15-3 in their last 18 games following a win, 7-0 in their last 7 home games, and 5-0 in their last 5 game 1s of a series. Toronto is also 5-2 in Dickey's last 7 starts and 5-0 in his last 5 home starts. Toronto is 24-10 in their last 34 home games vs the Royals. Although Shields is a great pitcher this Toronto team is playing great all around baseball right now and winning games. I'll take them again tonight to continue their winning streak

 

[pascal5757]

FantasySportsGametime

THURSDAY
NBA BASKETBALL

1000* Play Oklahoma City +4.5 over San Antonio (NBA TOP PLAY)
9:00 PM EST

Oklahoma City has won 28 of the last 40 games when the total posted is between 200 and 209.5 points and they have won 57 of the last 86 games vs. Southwest Division Opponents.Oklahoma City has won 37 of the last 48 games coming off an UNDER the total in their last game and they have won 29 of the last 45 games after having won two of the last three games.

=========================================


NHL HOCKEY


50* Play New York Rangers -180 over Montreal (NHL TOP PLAY)

 

[pascal5757]

FantasySportsGametime

MLB Baseball

1000* Play Toronto -110 over Kansas City (MLB TOP PLAY)


RA Dickey has won 28 of the last 42 home games and he has won 31 of the last 54 games when the total posted is between 7 and 8.5 runs.RA Dickey has won 27 of the last 43 games when pitching in the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] half of the season and he has won 8 of the last 13 games when pitching on a Thursday.

=====================================================



50* Play St. Louis -130 over San Francisco (MLB BONUS PLAY)
50* Play Oakland -130 over Detroit (MLB BONUS PLAY)

 

[pascal5757]

BeatYourBookie

THURSDAY

NBA BASKETBALL

10* Play Oklahoma City +4.5 over San Antonio (Top NBA Play)


==================================


NHL HOCKEY


10* Play New York -180 over Montreal (Top NHL Play)

 

[pascal5757]

BeatYourBookie

THURSDAY

MLB BASEBALL


10* Play Pittsburgh +110 over LA Dodgers (MLB TOP PLAY)

Pittsburgh is 73-59 when playing in the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] half of the season
Pittsburgh is 52-47 when playing as an underdog of +100 or higher
Pittsburgh is 79-57 in night games the last two seasons


10* Play Cincinnati +115 over Arizona (MLB TOP PLAY)

Arizona is 7-17 in home games this season
Arizona is 8-16 when the total posted is between 8.5 and 10 runs
Arizona is 3-9 vs. left-handed starting pitchers this season

=============================================

5* Play New York Mets +115 over Philadelphia (MLB BONUS PLAY)
5* Play Atlanta +110 over Boston (MLB BONUS PLAY)

 

[bettenguy]

Hondo brought his deficit back into three figures Wednesday night when his victories with the Marlins and Reds overwhelmed a lone loss with the Pods and lowered the dirty digits to 980 covingtons.

Thursday night: Mr. Aitch will make a major wager on Minor — 10 units on Los Bravos to swat the Sawx.

BRAVES