Paul Bovi of Vegas Insider/Panorama Sports
LA Clippers/Seattle Sonics Over 204.5 OVER
The injury bug has hit the Clippers as Chris Kaman, Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas will join Elton Brand on the bench in LA's quest for lottery balls. It will be up to Corey Maggette, Dan Dickau and Al Thorton to toe the line against the Sonics, who are also doing their part to get some balls of their own as Damien Wilkins (personal reasons) will join Chris Wilcox on the bench. Look for the scrubs to get some 'me time' here while they showcase their offensive talents. Very little defense prevails as these two get up and down the court and go OVER the number.
LA Clippers/Seattle Sonics Over 204.5 OVER
The injury bug has hit the Clippers as Chris Kaman, Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas will join Elton Brand on the bench in LA's quest for lottery balls. It will be up to Corey Maggette, Dan Dickau and Al Thorton to toe the line against the Sonics, who are also doing their part to get some balls of their own as Damien Wilkins (personal reasons) will join Chris Wilcox on the bench. Look for the scrubs to get some 'me time' here while they showcase their offensive talents. Very little defense prevails as these two get up and down the court and go OVER the number.
Drew Gordon
Today's Games...
1. 200,000♦ Pacers
2. 50,000♦ Bradley
3. 50,000♦ Devil Rays
1. Pacers- Several reasons to like the Pacers in this spot, but let's start with the return of Jermaine O'Neal. Not only does his presence give the team a much needed morale booster, but let's not forget, when healthy, O'Neal is one of the better bigmen in the East. He's still playing limited minutes, but when he's in the game, he's a huge upgrade over Jeff Foster, who's been holding down the fort since O'Neal went out.
The single largest motivational factor has to be the playoff race. While Boston has locked down the # 1 seed and home court throughout the playoffs, the Pacers are on the outside looking in, sitting 3 games back from the Hawks and 8th and final playoff spot with just 8 games to go. In other words, while unlikely, Indiana must win this game... And even if they don't, a all-out "max-effort" can and will keep this game close enough for them to cover the bloated number.
One thing I like about the Pacers, is they didn't give up when both O'Neal and Tinsely went down. Instead, players adjusted, and now the Pacers have learned to play without their stars, getting consistent contributions from Grangers, Murhpy, and Dunleavy. Also, Marquis Daniels and Flip Murray have slid into their roles nicely in Tinsley's stead. Because of the balance, Indiana's offense has taken off, averaging 111 ppg on 45% shooting (46% from 3-point) over their last 5 games. Granted, their defense has been shaky, but the return of O'Neal should help shore up their interior D when he's on the floor.
Finally, I honestly believe we're entering the part of the season that becomes the dangerzone for Boston-backers. With 8 games remaining, and not a winning team left on their schedule, what motivation do the Celtics have to go all-out? Sure, they destroyed sorry-ass teams like the Heat the other day, but Indiana is still in the playoff hunt, and will come out fired up for this one. Indiana's won 6 of its last 8 games SUATS, and while they may not win this game outright, they sure as hell will keep it within the number!
Take the Pacers plus the points over the Celtics as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Bradley- The best of 3 format of the CBI offers a unique opportunity here, as the losing team (in this case Bradley), not only gets to exact their revenge, but also gets to do it AT HOME. This is huge in this particular match up because Tulsa has proven excellent at home, but extremely vulnerable on the road, winning just 3 of its 13 true road games this season!
Statistically, the answer lies in the Golden Hurricane defense, which falls apart when they travel, allowing 76 ppg on 46% shooting on the highway this season... Up a whopping 12 points per game from their season average of 64 ppg allowed! That's bad news for Tulsa, because like most college teams, the Braves offense is much more fluid at home, dropping 76 ppg on 45% shooting in Peoria this season.
We learned a lot from their first meeting in this best of 3 series, but most importantly three things: First, that the Bradley guards, Crouch and Ruffin, had little trouble beating the Golden Hurricane defense. Second, Bradely has trouble adjusting to Tulsa's 6'11 Jerome Jordan, who was dominant down-low. And thirdly, Tulsa won because of a tremendous disparity in fouls (Tulsa attempted 37 to Bradley's 18 free throws).
There isn't much the Braves can about Jerome Jordan, but you have to believe seeing him for the second time in 3 days is going to benefit the Braves and coach Les, who'll devise a better gameplan to stop him. Also, don't underestimate the free throw disparity, as clearly the home team will benefit in this series.
Bottom line, look for the Braves to bounce back hard in this one, as Tulsa is more like a "Golden Breeze" than a "Hurricane" on the road this season. Motivational and home court edges have all signs pointing to the Braves, as they regroup and even this series at 1 apiece with a convincing victory tonight in Peoria.
Take Bradley comfortably over Tulsa in Game 2 of the CBI Finals Best of Three series.
3. Devil Rays- I hear everyone is the media spouting off about Daniel Cabrera's career numbers against the D-Rays, going 6-0 with a 3.04 ERA, however I'm not convinced. First of all, until he proves otherwise, he remains wildly inconsistent, with his control more than anything else (led the Majors in walks L2 seasons). And second, he'll be facing a Tampa Bay batting order that you do best not to underestimate. They got 10 hits Monday of off Gurthrie, with Crawford, Pena, and Upton all contributing (a good sign).
Opposing Cabrera will be the Rays new addition, Matt Garza, who's youth (24 years old) and upside are tremendous. He went 5-7 with a solid 3.69 ERA in 16 appearances for the Twins last season. Garza appears to save his best for the Orioles, going 3-0 with a lockdown 2.16 ERA in 3 career starts (all at Camden Yards) against the them.
Unlike Tampa Bay which does have some solid bats in their lineup, the Orioles batting order is far less potent. They did all their damage in the first inning of Monday's 6-2 loss, and after Shields settled down, we didn't hear much from their offense after that. Garza is by far the more consistent pitcher in this one, and making his debut for his new team will only motivate him more in this contest.
Bottom line, look for the Devil Rays to make it 2 for 2 tonight, as I'll take Garza over Cabrera any day. Sure, Cabrera is capable of some pretty great stuff, but then again, he's also capable of some bone-headed pitching. Take the Rays, who will be looking to start this season right, and have the offense to do it in this one.
Take the Devil Rays behind Garza over the Orioles and Cabrera in this MLB match up.
Today's Games...
1. 200,000♦ Pacers
2. 50,000♦ Bradley
3. 50,000♦ Devil Rays
1. Pacers- Several reasons to like the Pacers in this spot, but let's start with the return of Jermaine O'Neal. Not only does his presence give the team a much needed morale booster, but let's not forget, when healthy, O'Neal is one of the better bigmen in the East. He's still playing limited minutes, but when he's in the game, he's a huge upgrade over Jeff Foster, who's been holding down the fort since O'Neal went out.
The single largest motivational factor has to be the playoff race. While Boston has locked down the # 1 seed and home court throughout the playoffs, the Pacers are on the outside looking in, sitting 3 games back from the Hawks and 8th and final playoff spot with just 8 games to go. In other words, while unlikely, Indiana must win this game... And even if they don't, a all-out "max-effort" can and will keep this game close enough for them to cover the bloated number.
One thing I like about the Pacers, is they didn't give up when both O'Neal and Tinsely went down. Instead, players adjusted, and now the Pacers have learned to play without their stars, getting consistent contributions from Grangers, Murhpy, and Dunleavy. Also, Marquis Daniels and Flip Murray have slid into their roles nicely in Tinsley's stead. Because of the balance, Indiana's offense has taken off, averaging 111 ppg on 45% shooting (46% from 3-point) over their last 5 games. Granted, their defense has been shaky, but the return of O'Neal should help shore up their interior D when he's on the floor.
Finally, I honestly believe we're entering the part of the season that becomes the dangerzone for Boston-backers. With 8 games remaining, and not a winning team left on their schedule, what motivation do the Celtics have to go all-out? Sure, they destroyed sorry-ass teams like the Heat the other day, but Indiana is still in the playoff hunt, and will come out fired up for this one. Indiana's won 6 of its last 8 games SUATS, and while they may not win this game outright, they sure as hell will keep it within the number!
Take the Pacers plus the points over the Celtics as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Bradley- The best of 3 format of the CBI offers a unique opportunity here, as the losing team (in this case Bradley), not only gets to exact their revenge, but also gets to do it AT HOME. This is huge in this particular match up because Tulsa has proven excellent at home, but extremely vulnerable on the road, winning just 3 of its 13 true road games this season!
Statistically, the answer lies in the Golden Hurricane defense, which falls apart when they travel, allowing 76 ppg on 46% shooting on the highway this season... Up a whopping 12 points per game from their season average of 64 ppg allowed! That's bad news for Tulsa, because like most college teams, the Braves offense is much more fluid at home, dropping 76 ppg on 45% shooting in Peoria this season.
We learned a lot from their first meeting in this best of 3 series, but most importantly three things: First, that the Bradley guards, Crouch and Ruffin, had little trouble beating the Golden Hurricane defense. Second, Bradely has trouble adjusting to Tulsa's 6'11 Jerome Jordan, who was dominant down-low. And thirdly, Tulsa won because of a tremendous disparity in fouls (Tulsa attempted 37 to Bradley's 18 free throws).
There isn't much the Braves can about Jerome Jordan, but you have to believe seeing him for the second time in 3 days is going to benefit the Braves and coach Les, who'll devise a better gameplan to stop him. Also, don't underestimate the free throw disparity, as clearly the home team will benefit in this series.
Bottom line, look for the Braves to bounce back hard in this one, as Tulsa is more like a "Golden Breeze" than a "Hurricane" on the road this season. Motivational and home court edges have all signs pointing to the Braves, as they regroup and even this series at 1 apiece with a convincing victory tonight in Peoria.
Take Bradley comfortably over Tulsa in Game 2 of the CBI Finals Best of Three series.
3. Devil Rays- I hear everyone is the media spouting off about Daniel Cabrera's career numbers against the D-Rays, going 6-0 with a 3.04 ERA, however I'm not convinced. First of all, until he proves otherwise, he remains wildly inconsistent, with his control more than anything else (led the Majors in walks L2 seasons). And second, he'll be facing a Tampa Bay batting order that you do best not to underestimate. They got 10 hits Monday of off Gurthrie, with Crawford, Pena, and Upton all contributing (a good sign).
Opposing Cabrera will be the Rays new addition, Matt Garza, who's youth (24 years old) and upside are tremendous. He went 5-7 with a solid 3.69 ERA in 16 appearances for the Twins last season. Garza appears to save his best for the Orioles, going 3-0 with a lockdown 2.16 ERA in 3 career starts (all at Camden Yards) against the them.
Unlike Tampa Bay which does have some solid bats in their lineup, the Orioles batting order is far less potent. They did all their damage in the first inning of Monday's 6-2 loss, and after Shields settled down, we didn't hear much from their offense after that. Garza is by far the more consistent pitcher in this one, and making his debut for his new team will only motivate him more in this contest.
Bottom line, look for the Devil Rays to make it 2 for 2 tonight, as I'll take Garza over Cabrera any day. Sure, Cabrera is capable of some pretty great stuff, but then again, he's also capable of some bone-headed pitching. Take the Rays, who will be looking to start this season right, and have the offense to do it in this one.
Take the Devil Rays behind Garza over the Orioles and Cabrera in this MLB match up.
Jay Firestone
3-1 on the bases to start the season.
Play the Tigers -1.5 runs for 2 units
I am always hesitant to lay 1.5 runs against the pesky Royals, however 7 of the last 9 Tigers wins in this series have been decided by 2 or more runs. The Tigers have owned the Royals over the past couple of years winning 25 of the last 37 meetings. I expect this game today to be another 1 sided Tigers win. Their offense was very un-impressive on Monday, but that had a lot to do with Gil Meche. There is a reason why KC paid him that money. He is an ace, and Brian Bannister isn't even close. I expect the Tigers offense to explode today in front of the home crowd to make up for the game on Monday. The Tigers will send out Kenny Rogers to pitch today, and while he was really bad against the Royals last year, I expect him to continue to do what he does best, and that's win games at home. The Tigers are 16-5 in Roger's last 21 Home starts. I also am not 100% sold on the Royals being better. To me, they are only better when Meche pitches. This is still not a 500 ball club. One of the main reasons why is their in-ability to put winning streaks together. KC is 8-20 in their last 28 games following a win. I expect them to be content with stealing one on Opening day, and I expect a big letdown in this one today.
Tigers 7-3
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3-1 on the bases to start the season.
Play the Tigers -1.5 runs for 2 units
I am always hesitant to lay 1.5 runs against the pesky Royals, however 7 of the last 9 Tigers wins in this series have been decided by 2 or more runs. The Tigers have owned the Royals over the past couple of years winning 25 of the last 37 meetings. I expect this game today to be another 1 sided Tigers win. Their offense was very un-impressive on Monday, but that had a lot to do with Gil Meche. There is a reason why KC paid him that money. He is an ace, and Brian Bannister isn't even close. I expect the Tigers offense to explode today in front of the home crowd to make up for the game on Monday. The Tigers will send out Kenny Rogers to pitch today, and while he was really bad against the Royals last year, I expect him to continue to do what he does best, and that's win games at home. The Tigers are 16-5 in Roger's last 21 Home starts. I also am not 100% sold on the Royals being better. To me, they are only better when Meche pitches. This is still not a 500 ball club. One of the main reasons why is their in-ability to put winning streaks together. KC is 8-20 in their last 28 games following a win. I expect them to be content with stealing one on Opening day, and I expect a big letdown in this one today.
Tigers 7-3
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