Service Plays Wednesday 10/27/10

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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Thank you, wilheim




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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tips and Trends

Texas Rangers at San Francisco Giants [FOX | 7:55 PM ET]

RANGERS: (-124, O/U 5.5) Texas is playing in their first World Series in franchise history. This Rangers team, from the organization down to the players, have felt all season long that they are a team of destiny. There isn't a single expert that can doubt them at this point. Texas earned their World Series berth with a dominating series win over the New York Yankees. Texas is 97-76 SU this season, including 44-43 SU on the road this season. The Rangers are +2.38 and -16.42 units both SU and on the RL respectively this season. The biggest reason for the Rangers being confident tonight is because of ace Cliff Lee. Lee has never lost in the postseason, as he is 7-0 with a 1.26 lifetime. Lee is 15-9 SU overall this season, with an ERA of 2.93 and a WHIP of 0.96 this year. Playing in San Francisco will leave the Rangers without a DH, meaning Lee will have to bat. The Rangers are 7-1 in their last 8 road games against a team with a winning record. The Rangers are 5-1 in their last 6 playoff road games. Texas is 13-3 in their last 16 interleague games overall. The Rangers are 4-13 in their last 17 games against the National League West. Texas is 4-0 in Lee's last 4 starts overall. Texas is 4-1 in Lee's last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. The Rangers are 4-1 in Lee's last 5 starts against a team with a winning record.

Rangers are 8-0 last 8 interleague road games against a right-handed starter.
Under is 7-1 last 8 interleague road games against a team with a winning record.

Key Injuries - None Reported.

Projected Score: 2

GIANTS: San Francisco has had an incredible season, and it's being capped off with their 4th ever World Series berth. The Giants have never won a World Series in San Francisco, going 0-3 overall. With this amazing pitching staff, anything is possible. The National League Champions limited a powerful Philadelphia lineup to a .216 batting average during the NLCS. San Francisco is 99-73 SU overall this year, including 52-34 SU at home. The Giants are +19.42 and -3.38 units both SU and on the RL overall this season. Ace Tim Lincecum will make the start in Game 1 of the World Series, as he is 18-11 SU with an ERA of 3.28 and a WHIP of 1.23 this season. The Giants are 5-1 in their last 6 games as a home underdog. San Francisco is 4-1 in their last 5 interleague home games against a left-handed starter. The Giants are 6-2 in their last 8 playoff games overall. The Giants are 41-19 in their last 60 games against a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. San Francisco is 4-1 in Lincecum's last 5 starts as an underdog. The Giants are 4-1 in Lincecum's last 5 starts against the American League West. San Francisco is 36-15 in Lincecum's last 51 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. The Giants are 11-5 in Lincecum's last 16 starts with the total set at 6.5 or lower.

Giants are 7-0 last 7 games following an off day.
Over is 7-3 last 10 home games against a team with a winning road record.

Key Injuries - CF Andres Torres (hip) is questionable.

Projected Score: 3 (SIDE of the Day)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Payoff Pitch: Today's Best Mound Matchup

Cliff Lee, Texas Rangers vs. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants

Cliff Lee (12-9, 3.18 ERA)

There isn’t much to say that hasn’t already been said about Cliff Lee and his incredible numbers.

He heads into Game 1 with a 7-0 record with a 1.26 career postseason ERA and went 3-0 in the AL side of this year’s playoffs while striking out 34 batters and walking just one. He has also been just as dominant against the Giants, going 3-0 lifetime with a 1.13 ERA.

You’re really grasping at straws to find anything concerning about the lefty at this point, but he hasn’t pitched since Oct. 18th, which is a healthy layoff.

"With Cliff Lee, I have no concerns about anything," Rangers manager Ron Washington told reporters. "Not pitching in nine or 10 days, he won't make any excuses if it doesn't go right. In his mind, it will always go right. That's why he is who he is."

However, there are a few Giants who hit Lee in the past. Jose Guillen is hitting .360 against him with two homers in 25 at bats and Juan Uribe has 11 hits and a pair of dingers in 37 previous matchups.

Tim Lincecum (16-10, 3.43 ERA)

Lincecum doesn’t have the playoff experience that Cliff Lee has, but then again, experience has never been something he has needed to be successful.

At 26 years old, he already has two Cy Young awards in his back pocket and made a big splash in his first playoff start by firing a complete-game 1-0 win over the Atlanta Braves while striking out 14 batters. Heading into Game 1 of the World Series, he’s 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA in four postseason appearances, the last of which being a stint out of the bullpen to help the Giants get past the Phillies in Game 6.

Lincecum has never faced San Francisco before, but knowing his ace, Giants manger Bruce Bochy wasn’t concerned about that. He gave some consideration to starting Matt Cain in Game 1, but decided to try to get off on the right foot with the leader of the staff.

"He doesn't think about who he's going against as much as doing his job, and that's going out there and giving the team a chance to win," Bochy told reporters of Lincecum. "He's going against a tough lineup, that's his only thought. He can't think about who he's going against. He's got enough responsibility going out there and trying to pitch well and win the ballgame for us."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets

Texas Rangers at San Francisco Giants (+110, 5.5)

At the beginning of the playoffs, one of the Texas Rangers’ main concerns was the health of their slugger Josh Hamilton. And early on, you had to wonder if his ribs were going to hold up as he went 2-for-18 in the ALDS.

But he answered those questions in a big way by picking up the ALCS MVP after finishing with four home runs, seven RBIs, and eight walks to lead Texas to a six-game victory over the New York Yankees.

"I'm pretty sure the breaks have healed up," Hamilton told reporters Monday. "The muscle is there at times, but it's not affecting anything on the field. Every once in a while I feel the muscle, but I just keep it loose and massaged good and it's fine."

That’s why the Yankees were so careful with him at the plate, pretty much giving him a free pass to first every time it made any sort of sense. However, eventually it was that strategy that finally did them in when Vladimir Guerrero cracked a game-winning, two-run double in Game 6. Now that Hamilton and Guerrero have seen how the Yanks handled the middle of the order, they’ll be even more prepared with what comes at them from San Francisco’s staff.

"They'll probably test me at first, see if I'm swinging out of the zone," Hamilton said. "They'll try to play to my adrenaline, but I think I'll be calm enough to be patient. I won't know though until I play the game."

Pick: Texas

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB DUNKEL

Texas at San Francisco
The Giants look to open the series and build on their 9-2 record in Tim Lincecum's last 11 starts as an underdog from +110 to +150. San Francisco is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Giants favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27

Game 951-952: Texas at San Francisco (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Lee) 16.363; San Francisco (Lincecum) 16.821
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+110); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tips and Trends

Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder [ESPN | 8:00 PM ET]

BULLS: LeBron James has been on the minds of Chicago throughout the summer. The Bulls were eliminated from the playoffs from the James led Cleveland Cavaliers. Afterwords, the Bulls tried to persuade James to join the Bulls, to no avail. The Bulls press forward though with a very solid nucleus, led by PG Derrick Rose and C Joakim Noah. Rose was one of the best players for Team USA during the summer, ultimately winning gold medal. Rose is expected to lead this Bulls team into the 2nd round of the playoffs, at least. Noah is healthy to start this season, and he is a huge presence to this Chicago team. Chicago has also added the services to F Carlos Boozer, who is hurt at the moment. Bottom line, the Bulls feel they have the talent in place to contend for an Eastern Conference championship. For this team to take the next step, winning on the road will be crucial. The Bulls need someone besides Rose to step up and be able to make the winning shot at the end of games.

Bulls are 9-2 ATS last 11 road games.
Under is 4-1 last 5 road games.

Key Injuries - C Joakim Noah (flu) is probable.

Projected Score: 99

THUNDER: (-6, O/U 195) Oklahoma City begins their much anticipated season, as they are expected to build on the fantastic season they had last year. Last year the Thunder had a 27 game improvement over the previous year, an NBA high. Oklahoma City went 50-32 SU last year, and pushed the Lakers to the limit in their playoff series. The Thunder were also represented by F Kevin Durant and G Russell Westbrook for Team USA during the summer. These two stars are young, but the simple fact is these guys didn't have much of a break before this season started. It will be a completely different situation this year, as the Thunder will be the hunted instead of the hunter. With targets on their backs, how will this young team handle the spotlight? Oklahoma City split the season series last year with Chicago, 1-1 both SU and ATS. Over the past 8 meetings, the Thunder are only 2-6 ATS against the Bulls. F Jeff Green is in the last year of his rookie contract, so he has plenty of motivation to prove his worth this season.

Thunder are 4-1 ATS last 5 home games.
Over is 8-1 last 9 games against the Eastern Conference.

Key Injuries - C Nenad Krstic (finger) is questionable.

Projected Score: 102 (OVER-Total of the Day)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets

Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder (-6, 195)

Two of the NBA’s up-and-comers square off in Oklahoma City Wednesday.

The Chicago Bulls and OKC Thunder are expected to make waves in their respective conferences this year behind the play of two young superstars. The Thunder are leaning on small forward Kevin Durant, who led the NBA in scoring last season, while the Bulls will be on the back of point guard Derrick Rose.

Rose will be counted on even more with so much turnover and injuries to key players during the offseason. Chicago has plenty of new faces with Carlos Boozer (out until December), Ronnie Brewer, C.J. Watson and Kyle Korver all signing with the team. But only a few players were healthy in the preseason, leaving the Bulls to work out the kinks during the first few weeks of the regular season.

"It's not just going to come just like that," Rose told the Chicago Sun-Times. "It's going to take a lot of practices for us to gel. But I think that the more we have good practices it should help us out."

Expect to see some growing pains from new-look Chicago on the road Wednesday night.

Pick: Oklahoma City -6


Charlotte Bobcats at Dallas Mavericks (-7, 185.5)

After years of coming up on the short end of shootouts, the Dallas Mavericks have slowly assembled a corps of stoppers to combat their defensive-minded Western Conference foes.

The most recent addition is center Tyson Chandler, who joined the Dallas bench to bolster the frontcourt but more importantly giving the Mavs some muscle down low. Chandler is a terrific shot blocker and defensive rebounder, playing alongside fellow defensive stalwarts Brendan Haywood, Shawn Marion, Brian Cardinal and Ian Mahinmi.

"I think our athleticism at center is going to help us," head coach Rick Carlisle told the Dallas Morning News. "I like our length. And I think we have the ability to be a very good rebounding team."

Last season, Dallas allowed 99.3 points per game, which ranked 15th in the NBA, and finished the season with a 43-39 over/under mark. With the recent trend towards defense, expect the Mavs to hold great value with the under while people still assume they are an offensive-minded team.

Pick: Under 185.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets

Atlanta Thrashers at New York Rangers (-155, 5.5)

When the New York Rangers lost both captain Chris Drury and sniper Marian Gaborik to injury in the same game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, most figured the Blueshirts would be digging themselves out of a major hole by the time they got healthy again.

Instead, the rest of the lineup has stepped up in a big way. The Rangers won three of four and each of their last three since that overtime loss to the Leafs and have only allowed seven goals since that game.

"We talked at the start of the season about having an identity of a hard-working team that finished its checks and had each other's backs, but we'd only been doing it in spurts," Ryan Callahan told reporters. "So we had a few meetings before the Toronto game to reinforce those things.”

Callahan has been a big part of that transformation. He picked up his first goal of the year in the second period of their 3-1 win over the Devils on Sunday that stood up to be the game-winner, but he’s also second in team scoring with six points and is one of the club’s emotional leaders.

Pick: Rangers


New Jersey Devils at San Jose Sharks (-150, 5.5)

Martin Brodeur used to steal games for the Devils on a nightly basis, but it looks like those days are long gone.

It’s not that he isn’t giving it a good go. He has a 2.69 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage and made 29 saves in a 3-0 shutout over Montreal to give New Jersey one of its two wins so far this season.

The Devils just aren’t wining the 2-1 games they used to. They have a new crew anchoring the blue line and are having major production problems up front – highlighted by the benching of the $100-million man Ilya Kovalchuk last weekend. New Jersey has put up three goals in only two games so far, one in a 4-3 opening-night loss to Dallas and the other in the win over Montreal.

The Devils are hoping a five-game road trip starting in San Jose brings them together.

“We don’t know much about each other,” Brodeur told the Newark Star-Ledger. “On the road trips (during which) we spent a little time together, we won both games. The Washington (trip) we didn’t spend any time, so this will help us build chemistry and to play for one another.

Maybe, but we’ll believe it when we see it.

Pick: Sharks

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bettors' best friend: Wednesday's wagering tips

Lines to watch

Detroit Pistons at New Jersey Nets – total down to 190 after opening at 194.5.

Charlotte Bobcats at Dallas Mavericks – total down to 185 after opening at 190.5.

Portland Trailblazers at Los Angeles Clippers – total down to 193 after opening at 197.5.

Who’s hot

Texas Rangers have won eight of their last nine road games.

Sacramento Kings have covered in six of their last eight meetings with Minnesota.

Chicago Bulls are 6-2 ATS in their last eight matchups with Oklahoma City.

Houston Rockets have covered in seven of their last nine games against Golden State.

Who’s not

Memphis Grizzlies have covered in just one of their last seven games against the Atlanta Hawks.

Dallas Mavericks have covered in just nine of their last 39 home games.

New York Islanders have won just four of their last 17 games in Montreal.

San Jose Sharks are 1-7 in their last eight games against New Jersey.

Key stat

+1 – the run scoring differential for the San Francisco Giants in the playoffs, meaning the Giants have only scored one more run than their opponents even though they’re 7-3 in the postseason.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Andre Iguodala (wrist), Philadelphia 76ers – Iguodala is suffering from what is reportedly a sprained wrist and hasn’t been able to shoot the ball in four days leading up to Wednesday’s opener against the Miami Heat. Iguodala wants to play, but coach Doug Collins said he expects to have a better idea whether his swingman would be OK to play after Wednesday’s shootaround.

Game of the day

Texas Rangers at San Francisco Giants (+110, 5.5)

Notable quotable

“We haven’t handled him, to make a long story short. I don’t know if you ever handle great players. They have so many different ways of beating you. You have to realize that we’ve got to try to handle the whole game and the whole team.” – Utah Jazz owner on facing Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets Wednesday.

Notes and tips

The Tampa Bay Lightning could be without as many as five regulars due to illness and injury against the Pittsburgh Penguins Wednesday. The team placed Simon Gagne (neck) on injured reserve Tuesday, while Dominic Moore (groin), Mattias Ohlund (knee), Matt Smaby (stomach virus), and Brett Clark (wrist) all missed Monday’s practice.

Stephen Curry says he’s ready to go for Wednesday’s opener despite nursing an ankle sprain over the last few days. He picked the injury in last Thursday’s exhibition loss to the Lakers but the team doesn’t expect it to slow him down much for the first regular season game of the season. Curry was also named a team captain along with Monta Ellis on Tuesday.

With Martell Webster (back), Sebastian Telfair (heel, shoulder) and rookie Wesley Johnson (hamstring) all battling injuries, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ lineup is in disarray for Wednesday’s opener against Sacramento. If Telfair sits, shooting guard Wayne Ellington may have to back up Luke Ridnour at point guard. Webster is considered out for Wednesday, while Johnson’s status is still up in the air.

 

[IceDragon926]

Super Sports Group - World Series


PICK: UNDER 5.5 Game (7*)

PICK: San Fran ML +115 Game (10**) Game of the week

_____PROP PLAYS________

PICK: UNDER 3 1st 5 innings -130 (2*)

PICK: Giants Score 1st +120 (2*)

 

[IceDragon926]

GOLDSHEET

KEY RELEASE

LA CLIPPERS 105 - Portland 93—Portland has dominated this series the last few years, winning 9 of last 11 meetings straight-up, and 5 of last 6 visits to Staples Center. That was then, this is now. Blake Griffin will make his NBA debut for L.A. in this game, and it finally looks as if the Clippers might have their franchise player in place. By all measures, Griffin is the real deal and an NBA All-Star waiting to happen. You'll recall also that at the very end of last season, the Clips were without Gs Baron Davis and Eric Gordon. Gordon looks like he's made progress and should augment his production of last season (17 ppg). On the other side (stop us if you've heard this one) Portland has injury problems. The Blazers have had little or no luck with injuries over the past few years, and (in a not-so-major surprise) C Greg Oden is out indefinitely, forward Jeff Pendergraph is gone for the season, and C Joel Przybilla is also out for a few weeks. Add in the fact that Portland lost three contributing forwards over the offseason through attrition (Juwan Howard, Martell Webster and Travis Outlaw...adding none), and you can see that the Blazers now have a matchup problem on the frontline facing Griffin and L.A. pivot Chris Kaman (19 ppg, 9 rpgLY). Clippers give fans something to cheer about...until Griffin gets injured.

 

[IceDragon926]

STATFOX

FEATURED MATCHUP

10/28/2010
Washington at Orlando

John Wall makes his NBA debut in this battle of Southeast Division foes. Wall will be a great player, but the Wizards are years away from becoming a quality team. Orlando will once again be one of the beasts in the East this season. The Magic are 9-3 vs. Washington in the past three seasons, outscoring the Wizards 103 to 90. The Magic, coming off a perfect 7-0 preseason, know how to take care of business at Amway Center. They were 39-9 SU at home in ‘09-10 including a strong 27-19-2 home record ATS (59%). The Wizards were 5-11 ATS (31%) and 3-13 SU against Southeast Division clubs last season.

Play: Orlando -13.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Betting Preview

THRASHERS (3-4-1) at RANGERS (4-2-1)

TV: FS-S (HD), MSG-PLUS (HD)

Season Series -- It's the first of four meetings between the clubs this season, but they won't play again until Jan. 22 in Atlanta.

Big Story -- It's early, but these are two teams heading in different directions right now. The Thrashers hope to change course Wednesday as they ride into New York on a three-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Rangers hope to stay on course and extend their current three-game winning streak.

TEAM SCOPE:

Thrashers -- The good news came Monday when goalie Ondrej Pavelec was activated. Pavelec collapsed on the ice just 2:25 into the Thrashers' season-opener on Oct. 8 and suffered a concussion thanks to the fall. He was sent to the AHL's Chicago Wolves on Tuesday for a rehab start Wednesday and is expected in net for Atlanta on Saturday in St. Louis. In the meantime, the Thrashers are seeing the benefit of playing Andrew Ladd in an offensive role. Ladd, a former first-round pick for Carolina, has a team-high 8 points. He's playing on a line with Bryan Little and Niclas Bergfors. Defenseman Noah Welch will be with the team in New York due to injuries to Zach Bogosian and Freddy Meyer.

Rangers -- It's a testament to teamwork -- and more than that, even, hard work -- that the Rangers have managed to win three straight without Marian Gaborik, Vinny Prospal and Chris Drury in the lineup. They're getting fantastic goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist and very composed play from guys like Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and, yes, even Sean Avery, who has 5 assists in seven games. Defenseman Michal Rozsival, often booed by the Garden crowd, has been one of the team's top performers so far this season.

"We're trying to model ourselves after a team that has won, and done it for a long time," Avery said. "That's winning three or five games in a row, and not losing two in a row."

Who's Hot -- Dubinsky leads the Rangers with 7 points, including a goal and 2 assists in the last two games. Rozsival is on a three-game point streak (1-3-4). … Evander Kane scored 2 goals Saturday in the Thrashers' 4-3 overtime loss in Washington and now has 5 goals this season.

Injury Report -- Rangers coach John Tortorella told reporters Tuesday that Drury (broken finger) is going through early morning workouts on his own, but he'll be out a few more weeks. Gaborik (shoulder) is hoping to return to the ice in two weeks and Prospal (knee surgery) is out indefinitely. … Bogosian (shoulder) will miss his sixth straight game and Meyer (mid-body injury) is also likely out.

Stat Pack -- If Ladd keeps up his current point-per-game pace, he'll finish with 82 points this season. His career high is 49, a mark he hit two seasons ago. Ladd was the No. 4 pick in the 2004 Entry Draft because he was a point-per-game player who could be held accountable in the defensive end. Now that he's in a top-six role, he might reach his full potential.

Puck Drop -- Looking to keep perspective on a three-game winning streak, something the Rangers accomplished only four times last season, Rangers coach John Tortorella had this to offer reporters after Tuesday's practice:

"We've played three pretty good games here, but it shouldn't be something special or to be sky-high about it."


DEVILS (2-6-1) at SHARKS (3-3-1)

TV: NHLN-US (HD), NHLN-CA, MSG PLUS (HD), CSN-CA (HD)

Season Series: First of two meetings this season, with San Jose paying a trip to New Jersey on Feb. 11. Ilya Kovalchuk and Travis Zajac each had a goal and an assist as the Devils held on for a 4-3 win in the most recent matchup, March 2 at HP Pavilion. Devin Setoguchi scored a pair of third-period goals to help rally the Sharks.

Big Story: Neither team has won yet on home ice this season, which would seem to benefit the Devils as the visitors on Wednesday night. However, little has gone right in general for New Jersey, which has the NHL's worst percentage of points to games played.

"We're all really frustrated with the start we've had, the results we've had," forward Zach Parise said after a 3-1 loss to the rival New York Rangers on Sunday. "You've got a lot of frustrated guys in here."

TEAM SCOPE:

Devils: This is the second stop on a six-game road trip for New Jersey, which is 2-2-0 away from the Prudential Center. Traditionally one of the better home teams in the League, the Devils are off to an 0-4-1 start in front of their home fans. But before they can worry about fixing that they have to deal with the Sharks, followed by games in Anaheim, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Chicago. The Devils are currently dead last in offense, managing just a single goal in weekend losses to the Sabres and Rangers.

"I think we played a good game, we just can't score goals right now," said Kovalchuk, who had the lone tally against New York. "We need to be a little more simple and get more traffic in front. It seems like all the goalies play their best games against us. We need to get through that together."

Sharks: After winning twice to begin a three-game road trip, San Jose was blanked in the finale, 4-0 by Calgary on Sunday. All the damage was done in the first period, with goalie Antti Niemi being chased after allowing 3 goals on just 5 shots. The Sharks now shoot for their first victory at home, where they dropped previous games to the Thrashers and Hurricanes. One thing's for sure, they'll need a much better start than they had against the Flames.

"In the first period, there could have been two pucks on the ice and we wouldn't have had either one of them," coach Todd McLellan said. "We were that slow. We were pushed off pucks. We didn't compete along the boards. We weren't playing the way we were supposed to play as far as the system went. Very disappointing."

Who's Hot: Dainius Zubrus has 1 goal and 4 assists during a four-game points streak for the Devils. … Joe Pavelski has 3 goals and 3 assists in the last three games for the Sharks.

Injury Report: New Jersey hasn't had defenseman Anton Volchenkov in the lineup since a deflected shot in Washington broke his nose on Oct. 9. Fellow blueliners Mark Fraser (hand), Bryce Salvador (concussion) and Anssi Salmela (knee) are all out for the long term, as is forward Brian Rolston (sports hernia). … San Jose defenseman Derek Joslin is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.

Stat Pack: The Devils are averaging 1.67 goals per game and have scored two or fewer in seven of their first nine. … The Sharks have the League's second-best power play, clicking at a success rate of 31.4 percent.

Puck Drop: New Jersey isn't daunted by the long road trip ahead, instead choosing to view it as a possible catalyst in turning around a difficult start.

"I think it's going to be a good thing for us," captain Jamie Langenbrunner said. "We'll be able to spend some time together, do a few dinners and get ourselves going all in the same direction. That's going to be important because it's not going to get any easier for us to dig ourselves out of the hole we've put ourselves in."

 

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Teddy Covers Ws gm 1

Rangers

 

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RANDALL THE HANDLE

NBA FUTURES: OVER/UNDER WIN TOTALS FOR THE YEAR
Memphis Grizzlies over 39½ +1.26
Utah Jazz over 49½ +1.25
Toronto Raptors over 26½ -1.25

 

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RE-POSTING:

Payne Insider

NBA Futures Wager

#611 Dallas Mavericks OVER 49.5 Wins
50-DIME WAGER
For me, this team is an absolute direct slap in the face to the Mavericks at this number. This team has won 50 or more games since 2000-2001! I don't care what they do in the playoffs, I care about cashing tickets and this team right here is one of the best regular season teams the NBA has had this decade. Some elements to this team that I absolutely love is that everybody keeps talking about the eastern conference and how great they are. These west coast teams are chomping at the bit and have used it as motivation all summer long. You then take a look at this roster up and down and see they are 2-deep at every position. That is key to playing win totals like these. Jason Kidd at 37 keeps doing what he does. Dirk at 32 no matter what you say (Numbers don't lie) is one of the best power forwards of all time. You look at Caron Butler starting at the 2 guard position and is in the best shape of his life (playing for a new contract at years end). You add Hayward to the Mix at center and you find a team that won 55 games last season finally have their two weapons which they acquired late in the year to finally have some time to gel and play together. 55 wins with half of their starting lineup not with them for 70% of the season last year. They add Tyson Chandler who could start on half the teams in the NBA and is coming of a huge confidence-building summer with the Olympic Team. The depth on this team is the best in the entire NBA. You have 6th man in Jason Terry a real scorer off the pine -- and in Juan Barea as one of the best backup point guards in the league. We haven't even added the Shawn Marion, Deshawn Stephenson to the depth conversation yet. These guys aren't world beaters but they add depth and they certainly can play some ball. You also look for young guys that can help teams and install some energy and we have two of those guys on this roster as well with Rodrigue Beaubois and a rookie 1st rounder from South Florida in Dominique Jones. You also have a few of the intangibles that I like and that comes with a great coach in Rick Carlisle who preaches defense -- and that is one thing this defense can do with guys like Butler, Marion, Stephenson, Chandler, and Hayward. The other factor that you have to love here is that if things aren't going as picture perfect as Owner, Mark Cuban expects them to be he has the ability like none-other to go out and execute a trade to make his team perfect in that picture. He has done it year in, and year out. The window is closing on a championship run and he will do what it takes! Again, I just don't see how this ball club with their defense, experience, and depth to not do get us 18 games over .500. At 50-32 that is all you need -- bank on the Mavs getting over 50 wins somewhere in the 55 range and having us cash this NBA Future.

#628 Memphis Grizzlies UNDER 39.5 Wins
50-DIME WAGER
Many thought last year the Grizzlies had a great season baring the circumstances -- and no doubt they did. They now follow that up with a very impressive 8-0 record in the preseason so everybody is extremely high on this team. You know my approach to things, we treat sports wagering at PayneInsider | The Worlds #1 Sports Handicapper like the stock market. We buy low and sell high, and that is exactly what we are doing on this 2010-2011 Grizzlies team. Let's start off with a few things, the depth on this team is absolutely putrid. They have nobody in the front court in terms of depth, plain and simple. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol is who you have. Anybody who doesn't think Hashem "I wish I was the dream" Thebeet, is horrible, you are sadly mistaken. This front office from people I speak to say this guy has zero chance of coming close to producing what we thought. They are so down on this guy it's funny, and he was the first top 5 pick ever to be sent down to the NBDL. We now come into the season (and i think hot starts are important) with Marc Gasol possible their best player, certainly their most physical and biggest presence in the paint out with a high ankle sprain. This forces Thabeet to start. Again, no depth in the front court and that does not bode well when you are playing out west. The Grizzlies also didn't address their starting point guard situation in the off season. Mike Conley is not your answer at point guard, he is a backup. I believe his PG rating for all 30 point guard starters last season was 28! They tried to move OJ Mayo there during summer league, and that went like a fart in a space suit. Your best player in Rudy Gay is now going to sleep well at nights after signing his huge off-season contract. We talk about contract years, and this guy was playing for one last year, let's see how comfortable he gets with that money for an organization that doesn't set high goals, and plays in the West where a great year is finishing with 40 wins. That is the win total this team had last year, and I just see no way they get there this year. Teams out West are desperate with teams like Dallas and San Antonio knowing their windows are closing, you have the Lakers this year, Portland is getting healthy, Chris Paul is back this year. Teams out west have gotten better and if you are not one of those teams where hunger drives you - then you aren't going to be successful. This team has done zero to none to help it improve on the defensive end of the court and I don't think allowing 104 points per game can have you winning more than 40 games this year, the number it will take to beat us.

#651 Sacramento Kings OVER 25.5
50-DIME WAGER
This will end up being one my favorite wagers this season -- as I will be able to keep an eye on these guys more than usual and track an up and coming team. Again, we talk about buying low and selling high. So for those of you that are on that Oklahoma City bus, be advised your bus fare is at an all time high right now. Placing wagers on them to go over 53.5 wins where I see it posted now on Pinnacle is absolute insanity! This Kings team is one of those young teams, looking to turn the corner and they will do it on the shoulders of one of the best highschool kids I have ever seen play in Tyrek Evans. The growth of this kid over the years is exponential, and we will see more of that this season. I love this teams depth. Beno Udrich is the back up point guard and he could start for many teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies above They have great, great depth in the front court with the addition of a Demarcus Cousins, Samuel Dalembert, and Carl Landry. We talk about depth on the front court in the West and how it is so important, and they have it. You also add guys off the bench like a Jason Thompson who is another young kid and he started a lot of games last year but they have added so much talent in the front court that he will be forced to coming off the pine. You also have some experience scorers coming off the bench in Luther Head and Francisco Garcia, Head did good things for the Rockets last playoff run. So you have a mix of tons of young talent that has only gotten bettor, and mix it with depth at every position on the court -- and being 2-deep at virtually every position you have a team that can only have gotten better since last season. This team put up 25 wins last year, and that was with Evans only a rookie running point. A talent like that won't get better? You throw Demarcus Cousins in the mix who was a top 5 pick and already has an NBA body who most would agree is better than 80% of the big men in the league already. He won't help you improve? You added huge depth with the aforementioned Delambert and Landry pickups. Point guard is key and we have a guy who has filled in great in Udrich, he could start for many teams. I just get the feeling that this is one of those teams that takes the big leap this year. By no means am I saying this is a playoff contending team because let's be realistic, that will take 48+ wins out west this year. I think we can see that 25 number jump leaps and bounds to 35 and I wouldn't be shocked if they're this years Memphis Grizzlies, where they push towards the 40 win mark.

DIME SCALE: 10 to 100

 

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GOLDRUSHCAPPING

Wednesday's MLB pick:
3 UNIT - Texas Rangers -125 / 7:57pm

 

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Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with Heat (PK) Tuesday night.

Wednesday it's the Texas Rangers (Game 1 and series). The profit is 495 sirignanos.

 

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Hondo

Hondo gathered some green in Boston last night when he wisely invested on the Celtics over the Miami Fat Cats and reduced the debt to 2,855 wamb sgansses.

Tonight, Mr. Aitch is figuring on the Giants to roar out of the blocks en route to their drought-ending destiny -- 10 units apiece on San Fran in Game 1 and the Series.

 

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Arthur Ralph Sports
540 - 389 run 59 %

Bonus Play 23-9 Bonus Play run WED: Over the total 205 Utah Jazz​