Brandon Lang
Tuesday ...
15 Dime - Denver Nuggets
Free pick - Over Hawks/Cavs (See daily video for your analysis on this game)
15 Dime Denver Nuggets - The only chance the Mavericks have in getting to this Denver team would be if they could thwart all efforts and immediately deflate the confidence of the home team. That being said, let me just tell you that won't happen.
Not tonight, and I'm not so sure later this week in Dallas. Denver is too good.
Some say the Nuggets are maturing as the games progress; I say the team is grown. Chauncey Billups arrived and the Nuggets look awfully good after five dominating postseason wins - four over the Hornets and in Game 1 against Dallas.
And the scary thing is, the team looks more confident with each blowout win. And after watching the Lakers lose outright last night, I wouldn't be surprised to see Denver feed off that and gain momentum. A win tonight would mean it's the best-performing team in the Western Conference. And quite frankly, I already think it is.
Focus guys: Denver hasn't lost a game at the Pepsi Center since March 11. Its average margin of victory this postseason is 22.5 points.
Dallas knows what it has to do, but I just don't think it can. Denver is playing tremendous basketball right now, and we're going to ride the Nuggets to another win in the second round.
Tuesday ...
15 Dime - Denver Nuggets
Free pick - Over Hawks/Cavs (See daily video for your analysis on this game)
15 Dime Denver Nuggets - The only chance the Mavericks have in getting to this Denver team would be if they could thwart all efforts and immediately deflate the confidence of the home team. That being said, let me just tell you that won't happen.
Not tonight, and I'm not so sure later this week in Dallas. Denver is too good.
Some say the Nuggets are maturing as the games progress; I say the team is grown. Chauncey Billups arrived and the Nuggets look awfully good after five dominating postseason wins - four over the Hornets and in Game 1 against Dallas.
And the scary thing is, the team looks more confident with each blowout win. And after watching the Lakers lose outright last night, I wouldn't be surprised to see Denver feed off that and gain momentum. A win tonight would mean it's the best-performing team in the Western Conference. And quite frankly, I already think it is.
Focus guys: Denver hasn't lost a game at the Pepsi Center since March 11. Its average margin of victory this postseason is 22.5 points.
Dallas knows what it has to do, but I just don't think it can. Denver is playing tremendous basketball right now, and we're going to ride the Nuggets to another win in the second round.
Cajun Sports
Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners
Play: Texas Rangers
Safeco Field will be the site of today?s American League clash between the host Seattle Mariners and the visiting Texas Rangers. This will be an afternoon start and the second and final game of this series. The Mariners will send left-hander Erik Bedard to the bump with his 2-1 W/L record and ERA of 2.61 on the season he is 1-1 W/L his last three outings with an ERA of 3.06. Seattle is 2-3 W/L on the year when Bedard takes the hill, 2-5 W/L their last seven when he is working on five days rest and 1-4 W/L their last five when he starts in game two of a series. The Mariners are 16-33 W/L their last forty-nine when installed as a favorite. The Rangers will counter with right-handed starter Vicente Padilla who is 1-2 W/L on the season with an ERA of 7.42. Over his last three trips to the bump he is 0-1 W/L with an ERA of 6.11. Texas has managed a winning record overall when Padilla starts going 3-2 W/L this season. The total in this contest is set at 8 and that is a key number for this Rangers team as they are 16-5 W/L their last twenty-one games when the total is set between 7 and 8.5, they are 15-3 W/L when playing away from home with the same total range. This total range is a key number for Rangers starter Padilla as well; he is 9-0 W/L (+12.1 Units) when the total is 7 to 8.5 the last 2 seasons and 8-0 W/L (+11.0 Units) on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5 the last 2 seasons. Padilla is 7-1 W/L (+8.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record the last 2 seasons, 20-8 W/L (+17.3 Units) in road games vs. teams whose batters strike out 6 or less times per game since 1997 and 10-1 W/L (+10.5 Units) vs. teams whose batters draw 3 walks or less per game the last 2 seasons. The Rangers have won two out of the last three times Padilla has taken the hill while Seattle is only 1-2 W/L their last three when Bedard is on the mound. With solid technical support and for both Texas and Padilla we will back the visitor here as the Rangers grab the win and cash a nice underdog ticket on Tuesday afternoon in the Pacific Northwest.
Graded Selection: 2* Texas Rangers 4 Seattle Mariners 3
Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners
Play: Texas Rangers
Safeco Field will be the site of today?s American League clash between the host Seattle Mariners and the visiting Texas Rangers. This will be an afternoon start and the second and final game of this series. The Mariners will send left-hander Erik Bedard to the bump with his 2-1 W/L record and ERA of 2.61 on the season he is 1-1 W/L his last three outings with an ERA of 3.06. Seattle is 2-3 W/L on the year when Bedard takes the hill, 2-5 W/L their last seven when he is working on five days rest and 1-4 W/L their last five when he starts in game two of a series. The Mariners are 16-33 W/L their last forty-nine when installed as a favorite. The Rangers will counter with right-handed starter Vicente Padilla who is 1-2 W/L on the season with an ERA of 7.42. Over his last three trips to the bump he is 0-1 W/L with an ERA of 6.11. Texas has managed a winning record overall when Padilla starts going 3-2 W/L this season. The total in this contest is set at 8 and that is a key number for this Rangers team as they are 16-5 W/L their last twenty-one games when the total is set between 7 and 8.5, they are 15-3 W/L when playing away from home with the same total range. This total range is a key number for Rangers starter Padilla as well; he is 9-0 W/L (+12.1 Units) when the total is 7 to 8.5 the last 2 seasons and 8-0 W/L (+11.0 Units) on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5 the last 2 seasons. Padilla is 7-1 W/L (+8.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record the last 2 seasons, 20-8 W/L (+17.3 Units) in road games vs. teams whose batters strike out 6 or less times per game since 1997 and 10-1 W/L (+10.5 Units) vs. teams whose batters draw 3 walks or less per game the last 2 seasons. The Rangers have won two out of the last three times Padilla has taken the hill while Seattle is only 1-2 W/L their last three when Bedard is on the mound. With solid technical support and for both Texas and Padilla we will back the visitor here as the Rangers grab the win and cash a nice underdog ticket on Tuesday afternoon in the Pacific Northwest.
Graded Selection: 2* Texas Rangers 4 Seattle Mariners 3
Robert Ferringo
2-Unit Play. Take #951 Houston (-125)
2-Unit Play. Take #975 Boston (+110)
1.5-Unit Play. Take #962 St. Louis (-125)
1.5-Unit Play. Take #953 San Francisco (-110)
2-Unit Play. Take #977 Chicago White Sox (+120)
1.5-Unit Play. Take #966 Los Angeles Dodgers (-120)
Today's Totals
2-Unit Play. Take ‘Over’ 9.5 Chicago White Sox
1.5-Unit Play. Take ‘Over’ 10.0 Minnesota at Detroit
1.5-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 8.0 Texas at Seattle
1.5-Unit Play. Take 'Over' 8.5 Houston
2-Unit Play. Take 'Over' 10.0 Cleveland
1.5-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 9.0 Milwaukee
2-Unit Play. Take #951 Houston (-125)
2-Unit Play. Take #975 Boston (+110)
1.5-Unit Play. Take #962 St. Louis (-125)
1.5-Unit Play. Take #953 San Francisco (-110)
2-Unit Play. Take #977 Chicago White Sox (+120)
1.5-Unit Play. Take #966 Los Angeles Dodgers (-120)
Today's Totals
2-Unit Play. Take ‘Over’ 9.5 Chicago White Sox
1.5-Unit Play. Take ‘Over’ 10.0 Minnesota at Detroit
1.5-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 8.0 Texas at Seattle
1.5-Unit Play. Take 'Over' 8.5 Houston
2-Unit Play. Take 'Over' 10.0 Cleveland
1.5-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 9.0 Milwaukee
Brian Joseph
Baseball’s Best Bet
Colorado Rockies (-112) over San Diego Padres
Colorado Rockies starter Aaron Cook has had loads of success against the San Diego Padres. He’s 12-4 with a 2.80 ERA lifetime against San Diego and at Petco Park, Cook is an astounding 5-1 with a 1.69 ERA. His opponent is Josh Geer who earned his first Major League victory over the Rockies last year. This could be a game where both pitchers pitch well and the game is decided by the bullpens. If so, I don’t know if that is good or bad for the outcome since both ‘pens have been inconsistent with the exception of Padres closer Heath Bell. It doesn’t deter me from selecting the Rockies and making them BDD’s BBB for Tuesday
Baseball’s Best Bet
Colorado Rockies (-112) over San Diego Padres
Colorado Rockies starter Aaron Cook has had loads of success against the San Diego Padres. He’s 12-4 with a 2.80 ERA lifetime against San Diego and at Petco Park, Cook is an astounding 5-1 with a 1.69 ERA. His opponent is Josh Geer who earned his first Major League victory over the Rockies last year. This could be a game where both pitchers pitch well and the game is decided by the bullpens. If so, I don’t know if that is good or bad for the outcome since both ‘pens have been inconsistent with the exception of Padres closer Heath Bell. It doesn’t deter me from selecting the Rockies and making them BDD’s BBB for Tuesday
NBA DUNKEL
Atlanta at Cleveland
The Hawks are just 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog and face a Cleveland team that is 14-3 ATS in its last 17 playoff games as a favorite. The Cavaliers are the pick (-11 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Cleveland favored by 15. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-11 1/2). Here are all of today's playoff picks.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
Game 707-708: Atlanta at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 115.955; Cleveland 130.893
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 15; 175
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 11 1/2; 179 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-11 1/2); Under
Game 709-710: Dallas at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 122.683; Denver 127.983
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 5 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 6 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+6 1/2); Under
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Atlanta at Cleveland
The Hawks are just 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog and face a Cleveland team that is 14-3 ATS in its last 17 playoff games as a favorite. The Cavaliers are the pick (-11 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Cleveland favored by 15. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-11 1/2). Here are all of today's playoff picks.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
Game 707-708: Atlanta at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 115.955; Cleveland 130.893
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 15; 175
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 11 1/2; 179 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-11 1/2); Under
Game 709-710: Dallas at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 122.683; Denver 127.983
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 5 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 6 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+6 1/2); Under
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MLB DUNKEL
Chicago White Sox at Kansas City
The Royals come off a 3-0 win last night, but are just 2-5 in Kyle Davies' last 7 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game, while the White Sox are 7-1 in Gavin Floyd's last 8 starts as an underdog between +110 and +150. Chicago is the underdog pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the White Sox favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+125). Here are all of today's games
TUESDAY, MAY 5
Game 951-952: Houston at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oswalt) 15.998; Washington (Olsen) 14.731
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Houston (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-135); Under
Game 953-954: San Francisco at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 15.606; Cubs (Marshall) 14.225
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-110); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-110); N/A
Game 955-956: Milwaukee at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Suppan) 14.537; Pittsburgh (Snell) 15.315
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+110); Over
Game 957-958: Cincinnati at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Volquez) 14.412; Florida (Volstad) 15.014
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-120); Over
Game 959-960: NY Mets at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Hernandez) 13.814; Atlanta (Kawakami) 15.452
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-120); Over
Game 961-962: Philadelphia at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Myers) 14.475; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.883
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-140); Over
Game 963-964: Colorado at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Cook) 13.870; San Diego (Geer) 14.098
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+100); Over
Game 965-966: Arizona at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Scherzer) 15.755; LA Dodgers (Weaver) 14.576
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 10
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+130); Over
Game 967-968: Cleveland at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Reyes) 15.288; Toronto (Cecil) 16.362
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-120); Over
Game 969-970: Baltimore at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Uehara) 14.263; Tampa Bay (Garza) 15.606
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-200); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-200); Over
Game 971-972: Texas at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Padilla) 14.940; Seattle (Bedard) 16.415
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Seattle (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-165); Under
Game 973-974: Minnesota at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 15.372; Detroit (Porcello) 15.709
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-120); Under
Game 975-976: Boston at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Beckett) 14.897; NY Yankees (Chamberlain) 16.345
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-125); Over
Game 977-978: Chicago White Sox at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Floyd) 15.467; Kansas City (Davies) 15.245
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+125); Under
Game 979-980: LA Angels at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Loux) 15.289; Oakland (Braden) 16.165
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-140); Over
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Chicago White Sox at Kansas City
The Royals come off a 3-0 win last night, but are just 2-5 in Kyle Davies' last 7 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game, while the White Sox are 7-1 in Gavin Floyd's last 8 starts as an underdog between +110 and +150. Chicago is the underdog pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the White Sox favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+125). Here are all of today's games
TUESDAY, MAY 5
Game 951-952: Houston at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oswalt) 15.998; Washington (Olsen) 14.731
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Houston (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-135); Under
Game 953-954: San Francisco at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 15.606; Cubs (Marshall) 14.225
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-110); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-110); N/A
Game 955-956: Milwaukee at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Suppan) 14.537; Pittsburgh (Snell) 15.315
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+110); Over
Game 957-958: Cincinnati at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Volquez) 14.412; Florida (Volstad) 15.014
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-120); Over
Game 959-960: NY Mets at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Hernandez) 13.814; Atlanta (Kawakami) 15.452
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-120); Over
Game 961-962: Philadelphia at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Myers) 14.475; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.883
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-140); Over
Game 963-964: Colorado at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Cook) 13.870; San Diego (Geer) 14.098
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+100); Over
Game 965-966: Arizona at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Scherzer) 15.755; LA Dodgers (Weaver) 14.576
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 10
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+130); Over
Game 967-968: Cleveland at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Reyes) 15.288; Toronto (Cecil) 16.362
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-120); Over
Game 969-970: Baltimore at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Uehara) 14.263; Tampa Bay (Garza) 15.606
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-200); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-200); Over
Game 971-972: Texas at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Padilla) 14.940; Seattle (Bedard) 16.415
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Seattle (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-165); Under
Game 973-974: Minnesota at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 15.372; Detroit (Porcello) 15.709
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-120); Under
Game 975-976: Boston at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Beckett) 14.897; NY Yankees (Chamberlain) 16.345
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-125); Over
Game 977-978: Chicago White Sox at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Floyd) 15.467; Kansas City (Davies) 15.245
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+125); Under
Game 979-980: LA Angels at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Loux) 15.289; Oakland (Braden) 16.165
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-140); Over
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NHL DUNKEL
Vancouver at Chicago
The Canucks try to bounce back from their 6-3 loss in Game Two, but are just 1-7 in their last 8 games after allowing 5 or more goals in their previous game. Chicago is the pick (-145) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-145). Here are all of today's playoff picks.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
Game 17-18: Vancouver at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.499; Chicago 12.758
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-145); Over
Game 19-20: Detroit at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.535; Anaheim 11.779
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+130); Under
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Vancouver at Chicago
The Canucks try to bounce back from their 6-3 loss in Game Two, but are just 1-7 in their last 8 games after allowing 5 or more goals in their previous game. Chicago is the pick (-145) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-145). Here are all of today's playoff picks.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
Game 17-18: Vancouver at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.499; Chicago 12.758
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-145); Over
Game 19-20: Detroit at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.535; Anaheim 11.779
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+130); Under
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THE SPORTS ADVISORS
(4) Atlanta (4-3 SU and ATS) at (1) Cleveland (4-0 SU and ATS)
The Cavaliers, who have been resting up the past eight days after breezing through the first round, return to action at Quicken Loans Arena against the lightly rested Hawks.
Cleveland plowed through Detroit in four games, winning and covering each time, including a 99-78 series-clinching road rout as an 8½-point chalk in Game 4 on April 26. In that contest, LeBron James posted a double-double of 36 points and 13 rebounds, while adding eight assists, and Mo Williams chipped in 24 points. The Cavs are on a 22-3 SU tear (14-11 ATS), dating to March 7.
The Cavaliers won all four games against Detroit by double digits, averaging 93.5 ppg while allowing a suffocating 78 ppg – 13 points below the 91.4 ppg they allowed in the regular season. James leads all playoff scorers, averaging 32 ppg on 50.6 percent shooting, and the newly named MVP is also averaging 11.2 rebounds (fifth) and 7.5 assists (fourth). Mo Williams is averaging 14.8 ppg.
Atlanta needed all seven games to put away Dwyane Wade and the fifth-seeded Heat, finishing it off with Sunday’s 91-78 win as a 5½-point home chalk. Joe Johnson scored 27 points, hitting 6 of 8 from three-point range, and Josh Smith had 21 points and nine rebounds. The Hawks shot 47.8 percent from long distance in Game 7 (11 of 23) and held Miami to just 4 of 19 (21.1 percent), and they won the turnover battle decisively (19-9).
The Hawks averaged 87.2 ppg in the first round, well off their regular-season average of 98.1. In fact, despite winning the series, they were actually outscored by about a point per game, as Miami put up 88.1 ppg. Johnson led a balanced scoring attack with 17.1 ppg, and Smith averaged 16.3 points and 8.9 rebounds. All seven games against Miami were double-digit routs, with the SU winner going 7-0 ATS.
Cleveland went 3-1 SU in the season series with Atlanta, but the Hawks went 3-1 ATS, covering in the last three clashes. Their last regular-season meeting was on March 21, when the Cavs won 102-96, but the Hawks cashed as an eight-point road pup. The Hawks are 5-2 ATS on their last seven trips to Cleveland, and the underdog is on a 4-1 ATS run in this rivalry.
Cleveland is an NBA-best 41-2 SU (30-13 ATS) at home this season, while Atlanta is just 17-27 SU (22-22 ATS) on the highway.
The Cavaliers, who went a league-leading 50-32 ATS in the regular season, are on pointspread rolls of 8-0 overall, 36-16 at home, 7-0 after a SU win, 5-0 in second-round playoff games, 7-1 after three or more days of rest and 14-3 as a playoff chalk.
The Hawks have gone 12-2 ATS in their last 14 starts against Central Division foes, and they’re on an 11-5-1 ATS run playing on one day’s rest, but they carry negative pointspread streaks of 1-5 after a SU win, 1-6 as an underdog and 0-5 catching 11 points or more.
The under for Cleveland is on a bundle of runs, including 14-4 in conference semifinal games, 5-1 with the Cavs a playoff favorite and 7-2-1 at Quicken Loans Arena. Likewise, the under for Atlanta is on tears of 7-2 overall, 4-0 on the road, 9-2 against winning teams and 4-0 with the Hawks as a playoff pup.
On the flip side, the over for Atlanta is on a 20-8-1 stretch against the Central Division, and in this rivalry, the total has gone high in four of the last five clashes overall and four of the last five in Cleveland.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(6) Dallas (4-2 SU and ATS) at (2) Denver (5-1 SU, 6-0 ATS)
The red-hot Nuggets aim to take a 2-0 lead in their second-round series when they once again host the Mavericks at the Pepsi Center.
Coming off a dominating 4-1 series win over New Orleans, Denver kept rolling with Sunday’s 109-95 Game 1 victory over Dallas as a 6½-point home chalk. Point guard Chauncey Billups (six points, six assists) was kept under wraps, and leading scorer Carmelo Anthony (23 points) didn’t get going until the fourth quarter, but center Nene scored 24 points, and the Nuggets got big bench contributions from J.R. Smith (15 points, six assists), Chris Andersen (11 points, six blocks) and Anthony Carter (12 points).
The Mavericks got 28 points and 10 boards from Dirk Nowitzki, but star guard Jason Kidd (15 points) tied a playoff high with eight turnovers against just four assists, and Dallas finished with 20 turnovers to Denver’s 15. The Mavs also had 11 shots blocked, including a few during Denver’s game-clinching 15-4 fourth-quarter run that turned an 82-80 lead into a 97-84 bulge. Dallas, which held San Antonio to just 90.4 ppg in the first round, allowed Denver to post its 21st 100-point effort in its last 23 games.
The Mavs shot a respectable 48.8 percent in Game 1, but it paled in comparison to Denver’s 54.8 percent shooting effort. Also, the Nuggets enjoyed a huge advantage at the free-throw line, hitting 25 of 36 while Dallas went only 9-for-13.
Denver is 8-1 SU and ATS in its last nine meetings with Dallas, including 5-0 SU (4-1 ATS) this season. The Nuggets are 6-2 ATS in the last eight clashes at the Pepsi Center, but the underdog is still on a 6-2 ATS run in this rivalry.
Overall this season, Denver is 37-8 SU (27-17-1 ATS) at home, and Dallas is 20-25 SU (23-22 ATS) on the road.
The Nuggets have gone 19-4 SU (15-8 ATS) in their last 23 games and are on additional ATS tears of 14-4 overall, 14-3 against the Western Conference, 13-3 against winning teams, 8-1 as a favorite, 8-0 against the Southwest Division and 5-0 at home. The Mavericks are on ATS upswings of 5-2 overall, 17-6 as a playoff pup and 10-3 after a SU loss, but they are just 8-17 ATS in their last 25 starts against Northwest Division teams.
The over is on streaks of 8-4 for Denver at home (all as a chalk), 5-1 for Dallas on the road, 7-2 with the Mavs as a playoff pup and 20-9 for Dallas in second-round playoff games. However, the under is 6-2 in Denver’s last eight games overall (4-0 in the last four), and the under for Dallas is 13-5 in its last 18 contests as a ‘dog and 62-29 in its last 91 games against Northwest Division opponents.
Finally, the under is 15-6 in the last 21 meetings in this rivalry, with the last four battles in a row staying low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER and UNDER
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia (13-10) at St. Louis (17-9)
Adam Wainwright (3-0, 2.76 ERA) looks to keep his perfect record in tact when he leads the Cardinals against the Phillies and Brett Myers (1-2, 4.38) in the finale of a brief two-game series at Busch Stadium.
Philadelphia got a grand slam from Ryan Howard and cruised to a 6-1 victory in Monday’s series opener. The Phillies have won seven of their last nine overall and seven of their last eight on the road, including the last four in a row as a visitor. Additionally, the defending world champs are on runs of 37-16 overall, 7-0 as an underdog, 11-3 against the N.L. Central and 29-14 on Tuesday.
Despite last night’s loss, the Cardinals still lead the N.L. Central and have the second-best record in the National League. They’ve done most of their damage at home, where they’re 10-4 on the season. Going back to last season, St. Louis is on hot streaks of 23-9 overall, 20-8 at Busch Stadium and 9-3 against the N.L. East, and it is also 9-3 in its last 12 as a favorite.
The Phillies have owned this rivalry of late, going 5-1 in the last six meetings overall, 13-5 in their last 18 at Busch Stadium, 7-3 in Myers’ last 10 starts versus the Cardinals and 5-1 in his last six pitching in St. Louis.
Myers has barely produced three straight quality starts, giving up three earned runs in each outing while lasting six innings twice and 6 2/3 innings once. During this three-start stretch, he beat the Marlins 7-3 on the road, but the Phillies lost his two home starts to the Padres (8-5) and Nationals (4-1). Philly is 2-0 this season with Myers working on the road, but it has still dropped 15 of the right-hander’s last 22 starts on the highway.
Wainwright has allowed six runs (three earned) over 13 innings in his last two outings, picking up a 5-3 victory at Atlanta on Thursday after getting a no decision in a 4-3 Cardinals home win over the Cubs on April 24. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.56 ERA in three home starts in 2009, and with Wainwright on the hill, the Redbirds are on runs of 35-17 overall, 21-8 at home, 17-5 as a favorite and 4-0 when playing on Tuesday.
Myers is 3-2 with a 5.19 ERA in 12 career games (10 starts) against the Cardinals, and in his last three starts against them he’s surrendered 14 runs in 18 innings (7.00 ERA). On the flip side, Wainwright has dominated the Phillies in five career appearances, going 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA. In three starts against Philadelphia – all in 2007 – he allowed three runs in 21 innings (1.28 ERA).
The under is 5-1-1 in St. Louis’ last seven games overall, but otherwise the Redbirds are on “over” stretches of 11-6-1 at home, 4-1 when playing on Tuesday and 9-3-2 with Wainwright pitching. Philadelphia carries “over” trends of 13-6-2 overall, 7-1-1 on the road, 5-1 as an underdog and 4-1-1 when Myers faces the Cardinals. However, the under is 5-1-1 in the last seven clashes between these squads.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ST. LOUIS
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston (16-10) at N.Y. Yankees (13-12)
After back-to-back horrific starts, Red Sox ace Josh Beckett will try to get back on track when he opposes the Yankees’ Joba Chamberlain as these rivals complete a brief two-game set at new Yankee Stadium.
Boston waited out a lengthy rain delay Monday then went out and held on for a 6-4 victory in its first-ever game at new Yankee Stadium. Although the Red Sox are only 3-4 in their last seven games, they remain on a solid 14-4 overall run. Additionally, they’re on positive stretches of 9-3 against the A.L. East, 10-4 versus right-handed starters, 13-1 on grass and 7-0 against teams with a winning record
New York is just 6-4 threw 10 games in its new home, scoring five runs or more in each of the six wins. The Yankees are on hot streaks of 4-2 overall, 5-2 at home, 4-0 on Tuesday and 6-3 as a favorite.
The Red Sox have won the first four meetings against their hated rivals this season, outscoring the Yankees 31-20 in the process.
Beckett gave up eight runs (all earned) on 10 hits in five innings against the Yankees back on April 25, but got bailed out as Boston rallied for a 16-11 home win. But he wasn’t so fortunate in his ensuing start Friday at Tampa Bay, yielding seven runs on 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings in a 13-0 loss. Beckett has seen his ERA balloon from 3.79 to 7.22 because of those two poor outings, and he’s 0-2 with a 9.28 ERA in two road starts.
Beckett is now 7-4 with a 5.90 ERA in 13 career regular-season starts against the Yankees. However, prior last month’s ugly effort at home, the right-hander had delivered five straight quality stats against New York, posting a 2.86 ERA. Boston has won five of Beckett’s last six starts against the Yanks.
Chamberlain gave up just one run on three hits over seven innings at Detroit on Thursday, earning an 8-6 victory. The hard-throwing right-hander has given up exactly one earned run in three of his last four starts, however in his lone start in the Bronx, he got tagged for five runs in 4 2/3 innings, but New York rallied for a 6-5 win over the Indians, improving to 4-0 in Chamberlain’s last four starts at home.
Chamberlain pitched in Boston on April 24 and allowed 13 baserunners (nine hits, four walks) in 5 1/3 innings, but gave up just two runs (one earned). He left with a 4-2 lead, but his bullpen couldn’t hold it and the Yankees eventually fell 5-4 in 11 innings. In seven appearances (three starts) covering 22 2/3 innings against the BoSox, Chamberlain is 2-0 with a 2.78 ERA.
The Red Sox are on a plethora of “over” streaks, including 15-6-1 overall, 9-3-1 on the road, 13-4-1 on grass, 9-2-1 on Tuesday, 4-0 in Beckett’s last four outings overall and 9-4 in Beckett’s last 13 efforts versus New York. The Yankees are on “over” runs of 5-0-1 overall, 4-0-1 at home, 8-3-1 after a loss and 5-1 with Chamberlain on the mound.
Finally, the over is 6-4-1 in the last 10 Red Sox-Yankees clashes (2-1-1 this season)
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and OVER
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(4) Atlanta (4-3 SU and ATS) at (1) Cleveland (4-0 SU and ATS)
The Cavaliers, who have been resting up the past eight days after breezing through the first round, return to action at Quicken Loans Arena against the lightly rested Hawks.
Cleveland plowed through Detroit in four games, winning and covering each time, including a 99-78 series-clinching road rout as an 8½-point chalk in Game 4 on April 26. In that contest, LeBron James posted a double-double of 36 points and 13 rebounds, while adding eight assists, and Mo Williams chipped in 24 points. The Cavs are on a 22-3 SU tear (14-11 ATS), dating to March 7.
The Cavaliers won all four games against Detroit by double digits, averaging 93.5 ppg while allowing a suffocating 78 ppg – 13 points below the 91.4 ppg they allowed in the regular season. James leads all playoff scorers, averaging 32 ppg on 50.6 percent shooting, and the newly named MVP is also averaging 11.2 rebounds (fifth) and 7.5 assists (fourth). Mo Williams is averaging 14.8 ppg.
Atlanta needed all seven games to put away Dwyane Wade and the fifth-seeded Heat, finishing it off with Sunday’s 91-78 win as a 5½-point home chalk. Joe Johnson scored 27 points, hitting 6 of 8 from three-point range, and Josh Smith had 21 points and nine rebounds. The Hawks shot 47.8 percent from long distance in Game 7 (11 of 23) and held Miami to just 4 of 19 (21.1 percent), and they won the turnover battle decisively (19-9).
The Hawks averaged 87.2 ppg in the first round, well off their regular-season average of 98.1. In fact, despite winning the series, they were actually outscored by about a point per game, as Miami put up 88.1 ppg. Johnson led a balanced scoring attack with 17.1 ppg, and Smith averaged 16.3 points and 8.9 rebounds. All seven games against Miami were double-digit routs, with the SU winner going 7-0 ATS.
Cleveland went 3-1 SU in the season series with Atlanta, but the Hawks went 3-1 ATS, covering in the last three clashes. Their last regular-season meeting was on March 21, when the Cavs won 102-96, but the Hawks cashed as an eight-point road pup. The Hawks are 5-2 ATS on their last seven trips to Cleveland, and the underdog is on a 4-1 ATS run in this rivalry.
Cleveland is an NBA-best 41-2 SU (30-13 ATS) at home this season, while Atlanta is just 17-27 SU (22-22 ATS) on the highway.
The Cavaliers, who went a league-leading 50-32 ATS in the regular season, are on pointspread rolls of 8-0 overall, 36-16 at home, 7-0 after a SU win, 5-0 in second-round playoff games, 7-1 after three or more days of rest and 14-3 as a playoff chalk.
The Hawks have gone 12-2 ATS in their last 14 starts against Central Division foes, and they’re on an 11-5-1 ATS run playing on one day’s rest, but they carry negative pointspread streaks of 1-5 after a SU win, 1-6 as an underdog and 0-5 catching 11 points or more.
The under for Cleveland is on a bundle of runs, including 14-4 in conference semifinal games, 5-1 with the Cavs a playoff favorite and 7-2-1 at Quicken Loans Arena. Likewise, the under for Atlanta is on tears of 7-2 overall, 4-0 on the road, 9-2 against winning teams and 4-0 with the Hawks as a playoff pup.
On the flip side, the over for Atlanta is on a 20-8-1 stretch against the Central Division, and in this rivalry, the total has gone high in four of the last five clashes overall and four of the last five in Cleveland.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(6) Dallas (4-2 SU and ATS) at (2) Denver (5-1 SU, 6-0 ATS)
The red-hot Nuggets aim to take a 2-0 lead in their second-round series when they once again host the Mavericks at the Pepsi Center.
Coming off a dominating 4-1 series win over New Orleans, Denver kept rolling with Sunday’s 109-95 Game 1 victory over Dallas as a 6½-point home chalk. Point guard Chauncey Billups (six points, six assists) was kept under wraps, and leading scorer Carmelo Anthony (23 points) didn’t get going until the fourth quarter, but center Nene scored 24 points, and the Nuggets got big bench contributions from J.R. Smith (15 points, six assists), Chris Andersen (11 points, six blocks) and Anthony Carter (12 points).
The Mavericks got 28 points and 10 boards from Dirk Nowitzki, but star guard Jason Kidd (15 points) tied a playoff high with eight turnovers against just four assists, and Dallas finished with 20 turnovers to Denver’s 15. The Mavs also had 11 shots blocked, including a few during Denver’s game-clinching 15-4 fourth-quarter run that turned an 82-80 lead into a 97-84 bulge. Dallas, which held San Antonio to just 90.4 ppg in the first round, allowed Denver to post its 21st 100-point effort in its last 23 games.
The Mavs shot a respectable 48.8 percent in Game 1, but it paled in comparison to Denver’s 54.8 percent shooting effort. Also, the Nuggets enjoyed a huge advantage at the free-throw line, hitting 25 of 36 while Dallas went only 9-for-13.
Denver is 8-1 SU and ATS in its last nine meetings with Dallas, including 5-0 SU (4-1 ATS) this season. The Nuggets are 6-2 ATS in the last eight clashes at the Pepsi Center, but the underdog is still on a 6-2 ATS run in this rivalry.
Overall this season, Denver is 37-8 SU (27-17-1 ATS) at home, and Dallas is 20-25 SU (23-22 ATS) on the road.
The Nuggets have gone 19-4 SU (15-8 ATS) in their last 23 games and are on additional ATS tears of 14-4 overall, 14-3 against the Western Conference, 13-3 against winning teams, 8-1 as a favorite, 8-0 against the Southwest Division and 5-0 at home. The Mavericks are on ATS upswings of 5-2 overall, 17-6 as a playoff pup and 10-3 after a SU loss, but they are just 8-17 ATS in their last 25 starts against Northwest Division teams.
The over is on streaks of 8-4 for Denver at home (all as a chalk), 5-1 for Dallas on the road, 7-2 with the Mavs as a playoff pup and 20-9 for Dallas in second-round playoff games. However, the under is 6-2 in Denver’s last eight games overall (4-0 in the last four), and the under for Dallas is 13-5 in its last 18 contests as a ‘dog and 62-29 in its last 91 games against Northwest Division opponents.
Finally, the under is 15-6 in the last 21 meetings in this rivalry, with the last four battles in a row staying low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER and UNDER
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia (13-10) at St. Louis (17-9)
Adam Wainwright (3-0, 2.76 ERA) looks to keep his perfect record in tact when he leads the Cardinals against the Phillies and Brett Myers (1-2, 4.38) in the finale of a brief two-game series at Busch Stadium.
Philadelphia got a grand slam from Ryan Howard and cruised to a 6-1 victory in Monday’s series opener. The Phillies have won seven of their last nine overall and seven of their last eight on the road, including the last four in a row as a visitor. Additionally, the defending world champs are on runs of 37-16 overall, 7-0 as an underdog, 11-3 against the N.L. Central and 29-14 on Tuesday.
Despite last night’s loss, the Cardinals still lead the N.L. Central and have the second-best record in the National League. They’ve done most of their damage at home, where they’re 10-4 on the season. Going back to last season, St. Louis is on hot streaks of 23-9 overall, 20-8 at Busch Stadium and 9-3 against the N.L. East, and it is also 9-3 in its last 12 as a favorite.
The Phillies have owned this rivalry of late, going 5-1 in the last six meetings overall, 13-5 in their last 18 at Busch Stadium, 7-3 in Myers’ last 10 starts versus the Cardinals and 5-1 in his last six pitching in St. Louis.
Myers has barely produced three straight quality starts, giving up three earned runs in each outing while lasting six innings twice and 6 2/3 innings once. During this three-start stretch, he beat the Marlins 7-3 on the road, but the Phillies lost his two home starts to the Padres (8-5) and Nationals (4-1). Philly is 2-0 this season with Myers working on the road, but it has still dropped 15 of the right-hander’s last 22 starts on the highway.
Wainwright has allowed six runs (three earned) over 13 innings in his last two outings, picking up a 5-3 victory at Atlanta on Thursday after getting a no decision in a 4-3 Cardinals home win over the Cubs on April 24. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.56 ERA in three home starts in 2009, and with Wainwright on the hill, the Redbirds are on runs of 35-17 overall, 21-8 at home, 17-5 as a favorite and 4-0 when playing on Tuesday.
Myers is 3-2 with a 5.19 ERA in 12 career games (10 starts) against the Cardinals, and in his last three starts against them he’s surrendered 14 runs in 18 innings (7.00 ERA). On the flip side, Wainwright has dominated the Phillies in five career appearances, going 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA. In three starts against Philadelphia – all in 2007 – he allowed three runs in 21 innings (1.28 ERA).
The under is 5-1-1 in St. Louis’ last seven games overall, but otherwise the Redbirds are on “over” stretches of 11-6-1 at home, 4-1 when playing on Tuesday and 9-3-2 with Wainwright pitching. Philadelphia carries “over” trends of 13-6-2 overall, 7-1-1 on the road, 5-1 as an underdog and 4-1-1 when Myers faces the Cardinals. However, the under is 5-1-1 in the last seven clashes between these squads.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ST. LOUIS
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston (16-10) at N.Y. Yankees (13-12)
After back-to-back horrific starts, Red Sox ace Josh Beckett will try to get back on track when he opposes the Yankees’ Joba Chamberlain as these rivals complete a brief two-game set at new Yankee Stadium.
Boston waited out a lengthy rain delay Monday then went out and held on for a 6-4 victory in its first-ever game at new Yankee Stadium. Although the Red Sox are only 3-4 in their last seven games, they remain on a solid 14-4 overall run. Additionally, they’re on positive stretches of 9-3 against the A.L. East, 10-4 versus right-handed starters, 13-1 on grass and 7-0 against teams with a winning record
New York is just 6-4 threw 10 games in its new home, scoring five runs or more in each of the six wins. The Yankees are on hot streaks of 4-2 overall, 5-2 at home, 4-0 on Tuesday and 6-3 as a favorite.
The Red Sox have won the first four meetings against their hated rivals this season, outscoring the Yankees 31-20 in the process.
Beckett gave up eight runs (all earned) on 10 hits in five innings against the Yankees back on April 25, but got bailed out as Boston rallied for a 16-11 home win. But he wasn’t so fortunate in his ensuing start Friday at Tampa Bay, yielding seven runs on 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings in a 13-0 loss. Beckett has seen his ERA balloon from 3.79 to 7.22 because of those two poor outings, and he’s 0-2 with a 9.28 ERA in two road starts.
Beckett is now 7-4 with a 5.90 ERA in 13 career regular-season starts against the Yankees. However, prior last month’s ugly effort at home, the right-hander had delivered five straight quality stats against New York, posting a 2.86 ERA. Boston has won five of Beckett’s last six starts against the Yanks.
Chamberlain gave up just one run on three hits over seven innings at Detroit on Thursday, earning an 8-6 victory. The hard-throwing right-hander has given up exactly one earned run in three of his last four starts, however in his lone start in the Bronx, he got tagged for five runs in 4 2/3 innings, but New York rallied for a 6-5 win over the Indians, improving to 4-0 in Chamberlain’s last four starts at home.
Chamberlain pitched in Boston on April 24 and allowed 13 baserunners (nine hits, four walks) in 5 1/3 innings, but gave up just two runs (one earned). He left with a 4-2 lead, but his bullpen couldn’t hold it and the Yankees eventually fell 5-4 in 11 innings. In seven appearances (three starts) covering 22 2/3 innings against the BoSox, Chamberlain is 2-0 with a 2.78 ERA.
The Red Sox are on a plethora of “over” streaks, including 15-6-1 overall, 9-3-1 on the road, 13-4-1 on grass, 9-2-1 on Tuesday, 4-0 in Beckett’s last four outings overall and 9-4 in Beckett’s last 13 efforts versus New York. The Yankees are on “over” runs of 5-0-1 overall, 4-0-1 at home, 8-3-1 after a loss and 5-1 with Chamberlain on the mound.
Finally, the over is 6-4-1 in the last 10 Red Sox-Yankees clashes (2-1-1 this season)
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and OVER
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