Jack Jones
Game Details
Apr 30 '17, 2:10 PM
MLB | A's vs Astros
Play on: Astros -1½ +105 at Bovada
Game Analysis
Jack's Free Pick Sunday: Houston Astros -1.5 (+105)
Dallas Keuchel is back to the form that won him the Cy Young two years ago. That's why we'll back the 15-9 Houston Astros to win by multiple runs over the Oakland A's today at home.
Keuchel has gone 4-0 with a 1.22 ERA and 0.838 WHIP in five starts this season, including 2-0 with a 0.86 ERA and 0.762 WHIP in three home starts. Keuchel is also 303 with a 2.65 ERA and 1.223 WHIP in 13 career starts against Oakland.
Keuchel has given up just 11 earned runs over 66 2/3 innings in his last nine starts against the A's for a 1.48 ERA. Jesse Hahn hasn't had nearly the same success against the Astros, going 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA and 1.499 WHIP in three career starts against them.
The A's are 12-39 in their last 51 road games vs. a left-handed starter. The Astros are 28-9 in Keuchel's last 37 home starts. Houston is 46-21 in its last 67 vs. a team with a losing record. Bet the Astros on the Run Line Sunday.
Game Details
Apr 30 '17, 2:10 PM
MLB | A's vs Astros
Play on: Astros -1½ +105 at Bovada
Game Analysis
Jack's Free Pick Sunday: Houston Astros -1.5 (+105)
Dallas Keuchel is back to the form that won him the Cy Young two years ago. That's why we'll back the 15-9 Houston Astros to win by multiple runs over the Oakland A's today at home.
Keuchel has gone 4-0 with a 1.22 ERA and 0.838 WHIP in five starts this season, including 2-0 with a 0.86 ERA and 0.762 WHIP in three home starts. Keuchel is also 303 with a 2.65 ERA and 1.223 WHIP in 13 career starts against Oakland.
Keuchel has given up just 11 earned runs over 66 2/3 innings in his last nine starts against the A's for a 1.48 ERA. Jesse Hahn hasn't had nearly the same success against the Astros, going 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA and 1.499 WHIP in three career starts against them.
The A's are 12-39 in their last 51 road games vs. a left-handed starter. The Astros are 28-9 in Keuchel's last 37 home starts. Houston is 46-21 in its last 67 vs. a team with a losing record. Bet the Astros on the Run Line Sunday.
Preview: Washington At Boston
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, April 30, 2017
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
The No. 1 seed Boston Celtics became the fourth team in NBA history to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first two games at home when they dominated the Chicago Bulls on Friday. Their reward for winning four straight to close out the series is an Eastern Conference semifinal date with the fourth-seeded Washington Wizards, who beat the Atlanta Hawks in six games in round one and enjoyed a heated rivalry with the Celtics during the regular season.
Things got heated between the teams at the end of a 117-108 Celtics' win at home that featured five technical fouls on Jan. 11, with extra security being called into the tunnel to make sure both teams stayed in their respective locker rooms, and Washington star shooting guard Bradley Beal had his team arrive for a Jan. 24 meeting in all black clothes prior to a 123-108 win 13 days later. Wizards point guard John Wall wasn't ready to start talking up the rivalry after finishing off the Atlanta Hawks in a 115-99 triumph on Friday. "We know we will probably go up against a tough Boston team that we have battled with all year," Wall told reporters. "It is going to be fun and exciting." Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas dealt with personal tragedy during the first round and will head home to Tacoma, Wash., between games on Sunday for his sister's funeral.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, ABC
ABOUT THE WIZARDS: Wall scored a postseason career-high 42 points in Friday's closeout game at Atlanta and drew raves for his defensive effort, especially a chase-down block in the fourth quarter that helped cut off a Hawks' run. "It’s really not fair - a point guard being able to do what he does," Washington coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "It’s only one player in the league who does that, and we all know who that is. But (Wall) does it every game. That’s a sign of a champion. You chase down plays. You stay in plays." Wall, who averaged 29.5 points and 10.3 assists in the first round, was held to 17.8 points on 37.3 percent shooting in four meetings with Boston in the regular season.
ABOUT THE CELTICS: Thomas averaged 28.9 points in the regular season but watched his shooting numbers take a dip as he averaged 23 points in the six games against Chicago and went a combined 3-of-26 from 3-point range in the final three games of the series. Boston's other players picked up their hurting leader over the final four games, with Avery Bradley emerging as the hero of Friday's 105-83 Game 6 triumph. "I was really proud of our guys for how they treated each other, how they stood together, stuck together, and how nobody pointed fingers," coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "They were just a great support network for one another, and especially for Isaiah."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Bradley averaged 23.5 points in Games 5 and 6 against the Bulls after posting 12.3 over the first four contests.
2. Beal averaged 30 points in the last three games against Atlanta while totaling eight steals.
3. Boston SF Gerald Green averaged 20.5 minutes while starting the final four games against the Bulls after totaling six minutes off the bench in the first two contests.
PREDICTION: Celtics 119, Wizards 109
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, April 30, 2017
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
The No. 1 seed Boston Celtics became the fourth team in NBA history to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first two games at home when they dominated the Chicago Bulls on Friday. Their reward for winning four straight to close out the series is an Eastern Conference semifinal date with the fourth-seeded Washington Wizards, who beat the Atlanta Hawks in six games in round one and enjoyed a heated rivalry with the Celtics during the regular season.
Things got heated between the teams at the end of a 117-108 Celtics' win at home that featured five technical fouls on Jan. 11, with extra security being called into the tunnel to make sure both teams stayed in their respective locker rooms, and Washington star shooting guard Bradley Beal had his team arrive for a Jan. 24 meeting in all black clothes prior to a 123-108 win 13 days later. Wizards point guard John Wall wasn't ready to start talking up the rivalry after finishing off the Atlanta Hawks in a 115-99 triumph on Friday. "We know we will probably go up against a tough Boston team that we have battled with all year," Wall told reporters. "It is going to be fun and exciting." Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas dealt with personal tragedy during the first round and will head home to Tacoma, Wash., between games on Sunday for his sister's funeral.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, ABC
ABOUT THE WIZARDS: Wall scored a postseason career-high 42 points in Friday's closeout game at Atlanta and drew raves for his defensive effort, especially a chase-down block in the fourth quarter that helped cut off a Hawks' run. "It’s really not fair - a point guard being able to do what he does," Washington coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "It’s only one player in the league who does that, and we all know who that is. But (Wall) does it every game. That’s a sign of a champion. You chase down plays. You stay in plays." Wall, who averaged 29.5 points and 10.3 assists in the first round, was held to 17.8 points on 37.3 percent shooting in four meetings with Boston in the regular season.
ABOUT THE CELTICS: Thomas averaged 28.9 points in the regular season but watched his shooting numbers take a dip as he averaged 23 points in the six games against Chicago and went a combined 3-of-26 from 3-point range in the final three games of the series. Boston's other players picked up their hurting leader over the final four games, with Avery Bradley emerging as the hero of Friday's 105-83 Game 6 triumph. "I was really proud of our guys for how they treated each other, how they stood together, stuck together, and how nobody pointed fingers," coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "They were just a great support network for one another, and especially for Isaiah."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Bradley averaged 23.5 points in Games 5 and 6 against the Bulls after posting 12.3 over the first four contests.
2. Beal averaged 30 points in the last three games against Atlanta while totaling eight steals.
3. Boston SF Gerald Green averaged 20.5 minutes while starting the final four games against the Bulls after totaling six minutes off the bench in the first two contests.
PREDICTION: Celtics 119, Wizards 109
Preview: Utah At L.A. Clippers
When: 3:30 PM ET, Sunday, April 30, 2017
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Utah center Rudy Gobert's level of effectiveness will be observed closely when the Jazz visit the Los Angeles Clippers in Sunday's winner-take-all, first-round series finale. Gobert twisted his left ankle late in Friday's Game 6 and X-rays ruled out a serious injury, so he will be available for Game 7.
Gobert was hobbled with a knee injury earlier in the series and the Jazz need him to match up with Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, who is averaging 14 points and 13.8 rebounds in the series while recording six consecutive double-doubles. Point guard Chris Paul registered 29 points and eight assists in Friday's 98-93 do-or-die victory at Utah to even the series. "He is as competitive as a human being as I've ever been around," Clippers coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "When you put that with the talent and the will, that's why he has performances like this in big games." Utah small forward Gordon Hayward scored 31 points and has four 20-point outings in the series while Gobert is averaging 13.7 points and 11 rebounds over the past three games.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
ABOUT THE JAZZ: Utah hasn't won a playoff series since 2010 and it squandered a big opportunity by losing Game 6 at home. The Jazz received poor shooting performances from series star Joe Johnson (nine points on 3-of-9 shooting) and backup shooting guard Rodney Hood (four points on 2-of-10 shooting) and that sabotaged their ability to score. "I'm not sure if we got tired or got tired of missing," Utah coach Quin Snyder told reporters. "(The Clippers) were the more energetic team. Their physicality on the defensive end, we didn't respond offensively the way that we needed to, or as forceful as we needed to be. When you're not aggressive enough with your frame of mind, I don't think you shoot the ball as well."
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Los Angeles held a 91-77 edge with 3:58 left in Game 6 and had to hold off a frantic Utah charge to even the series. Paul helped quell the comeback attempt and will again be counted on heavily Sunday in a series in which he is averaging 27.3 points and 10 assists and topped 20 points in all six games. "He's so unselfish he wants to get other guys going, but sometimes we need him to get going," Jordan told reporters of Paul. "He's been able to do that in this series and just take advantage of whatever they're giving him and then still be able to get other guys involved and keep everybody engaged. As one of the leaders of this team, he's done a great job of that all season and even more in the playoffs."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The winner opens the Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
2. Utah PG George Hill scored 22 points in Game 6 and is averaging 16.8 points in the series.
3. Los Angeles SG J.J. Redick is averaging just 10.2 points in the series and scored in single digits four times.
PREDICTION: Clippers 96, Jazz 94
When: 3:30 PM ET, Sunday, April 30, 2017
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Utah center Rudy Gobert's level of effectiveness will be observed closely when the Jazz visit the Los Angeles Clippers in Sunday's winner-take-all, first-round series finale. Gobert twisted his left ankle late in Friday's Game 6 and X-rays ruled out a serious injury, so he will be available for Game 7.
Gobert was hobbled with a knee injury earlier in the series and the Jazz need him to match up with Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, who is averaging 14 points and 13.8 rebounds in the series while recording six consecutive double-doubles. Point guard Chris Paul registered 29 points and eight assists in Friday's 98-93 do-or-die victory at Utah to even the series. "He is as competitive as a human being as I've ever been around," Clippers coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "When you put that with the talent and the will, that's why he has performances like this in big games." Utah small forward Gordon Hayward scored 31 points and has four 20-point outings in the series while Gobert is averaging 13.7 points and 11 rebounds over the past three games.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
ABOUT THE JAZZ: Utah hasn't won a playoff series since 2010 and it squandered a big opportunity by losing Game 6 at home. The Jazz received poor shooting performances from series star Joe Johnson (nine points on 3-of-9 shooting) and backup shooting guard Rodney Hood (four points on 2-of-10 shooting) and that sabotaged their ability to score. "I'm not sure if we got tired or got tired of missing," Utah coach Quin Snyder told reporters. "(The Clippers) were the more energetic team. Their physicality on the defensive end, we didn't respond offensively the way that we needed to, or as forceful as we needed to be. When you're not aggressive enough with your frame of mind, I don't think you shoot the ball as well."
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Los Angeles held a 91-77 edge with 3:58 left in Game 6 and had to hold off a frantic Utah charge to even the series. Paul helped quell the comeback attempt and will again be counted on heavily Sunday in a series in which he is averaging 27.3 points and 10 assists and topped 20 points in all six games. "He's so unselfish he wants to get other guys going, but sometimes we need him to get going," Jordan told reporters of Paul. "He's been able to do that in this series and just take advantage of whatever they're giving him and then still be able to get other guys involved and keep everybody engaged. As one of the leaders of this team, he's done a great job of that all season and even more in the playoffs."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The winner opens the Western Conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
2. Utah PG George Hill scored 22 points in Game 6 and is averaging 16.8 points in the series.
3. Los Angeles SG J.J. Redick is averaging just 10.2 points in the series and scored in single digits four times.
PREDICTION: Clippers 96, Jazz 94
Trends - Washington at Boston
ATS Trends
Washington
•Wizards are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Wizards are 23-11-1 ATS in their last 35 games following a ATS win.
• Wizards are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Wizards are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Wizards are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Atlantic.
• Wizards are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Boston
•Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
• Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
• Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
• Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Celtics are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Celtics are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Celtics are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games.
• Celtics are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Washington
•Over is 3-0-1 in Wizards last 4 road games.
• Over is 3-0-1 in Wizards last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Over is 4-0 in Wizards last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
• Over is 12-5 in Wizards last 17 Sunday games.
• Over is 14-6 in Wizards last 20 vs. NBA Atlantic.
• Over is 18-8-1 in Wizards last 27 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 18-8 in Wizards last 26 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 35-16 in Wizards last 51 games following a straight up win.
• Over is 19-9-1 in Wizards last 29 overall.
• Over is 36-17 in Wizards last 53 games following a ATS win.
Boston
•Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Over is 3-0-1 in Celtics last 4 home games.
• Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 vs. NBA Southeast.
• Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Celtics last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Under is 6-2-1 in Celtics last 9 games following a straight up win.
• Over is 18-7-1 in Celtics last 26 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Head to Head
•Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
• Favorite is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
• Wizards are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
• Wizards are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Boston
ATS Trends
Washington
•Wizards are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Wizards are 23-11-1 ATS in their last 35 games following a ATS win.
• Wizards are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Wizards are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Wizards are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Atlantic.
• Wizards are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Boston
•Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
• Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
• Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
• Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Celtics are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Celtics are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Celtics are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games.
• Celtics are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Washington
•Over is 3-0-1 in Wizards last 4 road games.
• Over is 3-0-1 in Wizards last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Over is 4-0 in Wizards last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
• Over is 12-5 in Wizards last 17 Sunday games.
• Over is 14-6 in Wizards last 20 vs. NBA Atlantic.
• Over is 18-8-1 in Wizards last 27 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 18-8 in Wizards last 26 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 35-16 in Wizards last 51 games following a straight up win.
• Over is 19-9-1 in Wizards last 29 overall.
• Over is 36-17 in Wizards last 53 games following a ATS win.
Boston
•Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Over is 3-0-1 in Celtics last 4 home games.
• Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 vs. NBA Southeast.
• Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Celtics last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Under is 6-2-1 in Celtics last 9 games following a straight up win.
• Over is 18-7-1 in Celtics last 26 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Head to Head
•Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
• Favorite is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
• Wizards are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
• Wizards are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Boston
Trends - Utah at L.A. Clippers
ATS Trends
Utah
•Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
• Jazz are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
• Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
• Jazz are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Pacific.
• Jazz are 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Jazz are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Conference Quarterfinals games.
• Jazz are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Jazz are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
• Jazz are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
• Jazz are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 Sunday games.
L.A. Clippers
•Clippers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Clippers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Conference Quarterfinals games.
• Clippers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Northwest.
• Clippers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 Sunday games.
• Clippers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS win.
OU Trends
Utah
•Under is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 road games.
• Under is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Under is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 8-2 in Jazz last 10 Conference Quarterfinals games.
• Under is 6-2 in Jazz last 8 vs. NBA Pacific.
• Over is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 games following a straight up loss.
• Under is 9-4 in Jazz last 13 Sunday games.
L.A. Clippers
•Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 home games.
• Under is 17-5-1 in Clippers last 23 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Under is 6-2 in Clippers last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Over is 14-6 in Clippers last 20 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Head to Head
•Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Los Angeles.
• Jazz are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Los Angeles.
• Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
ATS Trends
Utah
•Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
• Jazz are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
• Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
• Jazz are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Pacific.
• Jazz are 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Jazz are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Conference Quarterfinals games.
• Jazz are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Jazz are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
• Jazz are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
• Jazz are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 Sunday games.
L.A. Clippers
•Clippers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Clippers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Conference Quarterfinals games.
• Clippers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Northwest.
• Clippers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 Sunday games.
• Clippers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS win.
OU Trends
Utah
•Under is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 road games.
• Under is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Under is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 8-2 in Jazz last 10 Conference Quarterfinals games.
• Under is 6-2 in Jazz last 8 vs. NBA Pacific.
• Over is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 games following a straight up loss.
• Under is 9-4 in Jazz last 13 Sunday games.
L.A. Clippers
•Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 home games.
• Under is 17-5-1 in Clippers last 23 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Under is 6-2 in Clippers last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Over is 14-6 in Clippers last 20 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Head to Head
•Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Los Angeles.
• Jazz are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Los Angeles.
• Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Preview: St. Louis at Nashville
When: 3:00 PM ET, Sunday, April 30, 2017
Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
Trailing with less than 17 minutes to play and staring at the possibility of a 2-0 series deficit on their home ice, the St. Louis Blues were rescued by their resident superstar. Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice as St. Louis rallied for a 3-2 victory to level the Western Conference semifinals heading into Sunday's Game 3 at the Nashville Predators.
Tarasenko netted his second goal of the game with just under four minutes to play to break a 2-2 deadlock as the Blues handed eighth-seeded Nashville its first defeat in six postseason games. "We lost the first game, we couldn't lose this one," said Tarasenko, who also connected on the power play earlier in the contest. The Predators, who swept top-seeded Chicago in the first round, surrendered three goals for the second straight game after limiting the Blackhawks to three for the entire series. "Good situation, 1-1," Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne told reporters after the loss. "It's a series. Obviously going home now and a huge game at home on Sunday. It's going to be a big one, but yeah we're in a good situation."
TV: 3 p.m. ET, NBC, Sportsnet, TVAS
ABOUT THE BLUES: Tarasenko, who pumped in a team-high 39 goals this season after scoring 40 in 2015-16, had been limited to one tally and three points before breaking loose in Game 2. "What he's done in the playoffs speaks for itself," St. Louis coach Mike Yeo said of the Russian standout. "If you want to look up the stats and what he's done speaks for itself. ... It’s not like he’s been playing poorly.” Goaltender Jake Allen also stood tall when it mattered most, making 14 saves in the final 20 minutes after facing only nine shots in the first two periods.
ABOUT THE PREDATORS: Despite its inability to hold the third-period lead and the fact that Nashville put St. Louis on the power play five times without having one of its own in Game 2, a bright spot was provided by forward James Neal. A 31-goal scorer for the Predators last season, Neal ended a 10-game goal drought with his first of the postseason after tallying four times in each of the previous two seasons. The Predators' blue-line corps continues to provide production, with Ryan Ellis following up P.K. Subban's three-point game with a goal and assist on Friday.
OVERTIME
1. The Blues are 2-for-21 on the power play in seven postseason games.
2. Predators C Ryan Johansen, who had a five-game point streak halted Friday, had two goals and two assists in five regular-season meetings versus the Blues.
3. The starting time for Game 5 on May 5 in St. Louis is 8 p.m. ET.
PREDICTION: Predators 3, Blues 2
When: 3:00 PM ET, Sunday, April 30, 2017
Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
Trailing with less than 17 minutes to play and staring at the possibility of a 2-0 series deficit on their home ice, the St. Louis Blues were rescued by their resident superstar. Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice as St. Louis rallied for a 3-2 victory to level the Western Conference semifinals heading into Sunday's Game 3 at the Nashville Predators.
Tarasenko netted his second goal of the game with just under four minutes to play to break a 2-2 deadlock as the Blues handed eighth-seeded Nashville its first defeat in six postseason games. "We lost the first game, we couldn't lose this one," said Tarasenko, who also connected on the power play earlier in the contest. The Predators, who swept top-seeded Chicago in the first round, surrendered three goals for the second straight game after limiting the Blackhawks to three for the entire series. "Good situation, 1-1," Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne told reporters after the loss. "It's a series. Obviously going home now and a huge game at home on Sunday. It's going to be a big one, but yeah we're in a good situation."
TV: 3 p.m. ET, NBC, Sportsnet, TVAS
ABOUT THE BLUES: Tarasenko, who pumped in a team-high 39 goals this season after scoring 40 in 2015-16, had been limited to one tally and three points before breaking loose in Game 2. "What he's done in the playoffs speaks for itself," St. Louis coach Mike Yeo said of the Russian standout. "If you want to look up the stats and what he's done speaks for itself. ... It’s not like he’s been playing poorly.” Goaltender Jake Allen also stood tall when it mattered most, making 14 saves in the final 20 minutes after facing only nine shots in the first two periods.
ABOUT THE PREDATORS: Despite its inability to hold the third-period lead and the fact that Nashville put St. Louis on the power play five times without having one of its own in Game 2, a bright spot was provided by forward James Neal. A 31-goal scorer for the Predators last season, Neal ended a 10-game goal drought with his first of the postseason after tallying four times in each of the previous two seasons. The Predators' blue-line corps continues to provide production, with Ryan Ellis following up P.K. Subban's three-point game with a goal and assist on Friday.
OVERTIME
1. The Blues are 2-for-21 on the power play in seven postseason games.
2. Predators C Ryan Johansen, who had a five-game point streak halted Friday, had two goals and two assists in five regular-season meetings versus the Blues.
3. The starting time for Game 5 on May 5 in St. Louis is 8 p.m. ET.
PREDICTION: Predators 3, Blues 2
Preview: Anaheim at Edmonton
When: 7:00 PM ET, Sunday, April 30, 2017
Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta
The Anaheim Ducks find themselves in unfamiliar territory, as the five-time reigning Pacific Division champions have answered an 18-game point streak (15-0-3) with back-to-back regulation losses for the first time since the first two contests of the season (Oct. 13-15). Coach Randy Carlyle's charges face the mountainous task of solving Cam Talbot and the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday when the Western Conference series shifts to Alberta for Game 3.
"The situation is tough. They came in and stole two, but by no means is it impossible. There's a lot of fight in this group," said Ducks All-Star defenseman Cam Fowler, who had an assist in Friday's 2-1 setback but otherwise watched his Anaheim teammates stymied by a scintillating 39-save performance from Talbot. The 29-year-old Talbot has turned aside 126 of 134 shots en route to winning four in a row and has yielded one goal or fewer in four of the last seven games. "Goaltending is a must in this league," Edmonton coach Todd McLellan told reporters. "For me it's like pitching in baseball. If you don't have it, good luck." The Oilers have enjoyed good luck by emerging victorious in each of the previous four playoff series in which they have won the first two games on the road, including the 2006 conference final against Anaheim.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, Sportsnet, TVAS
ABOUT THE DUCKS: The "other" goaltender in this series is John Gibson, who rebounded from a four-goal performance in the series opener by stopping 21 shots on Friday - although he yielded his ninth power-play tally of the playoffs. "If you're going to play a long time, you're going to have adversity," the 23-year-old Gibson told the Orange County Register. "We have it now. If you want to have success, we have a job to get done." Jakob Silfverberg scored for the second time in as many games Friday to match captain Ryan Getzlaf with a team-leading four goals, while the 26-year-old Swede's point total resides at 28 in 29 playoff appearances since 2015.
ABOUT THE OILERS: While likely Hart Trophy candidate and generational talent Connor McDavid traditionally commands the undivided attention of the opponent, several unsung Edmonton players temporarily have grabbed the spotlight in his stead. Andrej Sekera has joined fellow defenseman Adam Larsson and forwards Zack Kassian, David Desharnais and Anton Slepyshev in providing offense in the playoffs for the Oilers. Former Duck Patrick Maroon, who scored the game-winning tally on the power play Friday, has no trouble in that regard after setting career highs in both goals (27) and points (42) to go along with personal bests in rating (plus-13) and games played (81).
OVERTIME
1. Edmonton ranked last in the league in the faceoff circle during the regular season by winning just 47.0 percent of its draws, a number that dwarfed its success rate in Game 2 (36.2 percent).
2. Anaheim has lost all seven playoff series in which it lost the first two games.
3. Oilers C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has notched an assist in back-to-back contests after being held off the scoresheet in all six games of the first-round series versus San Jose.
PREDICTION: Ducks 3, Oilers 2
When: 7:00 PM ET, Sunday, April 30, 2017
Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta
The Anaheim Ducks find themselves in unfamiliar territory, as the five-time reigning Pacific Division champions have answered an 18-game point streak (15-0-3) with back-to-back regulation losses for the first time since the first two contests of the season (Oct. 13-15). Coach Randy Carlyle's charges face the mountainous task of solving Cam Talbot and the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday when the Western Conference series shifts to Alberta for Game 3.
"The situation is tough. They came in and stole two, but by no means is it impossible. There's a lot of fight in this group," said Ducks All-Star defenseman Cam Fowler, who had an assist in Friday's 2-1 setback but otherwise watched his Anaheim teammates stymied by a scintillating 39-save performance from Talbot. The 29-year-old Talbot has turned aside 126 of 134 shots en route to winning four in a row and has yielded one goal or fewer in four of the last seven games. "Goaltending is a must in this league," Edmonton coach Todd McLellan told reporters. "For me it's like pitching in baseball. If you don't have it, good luck." The Oilers have enjoyed good luck by emerging victorious in each of the previous four playoff series in which they have won the first two games on the road, including the 2006 conference final against Anaheim.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, Sportsnet, TVAS
ABOUT THE DUCKS: The "other" goaltender in this series is John Gibson, who rebounded from a four-goal performance in the series opener by stopping 21 shots on Friday - although he yielded his ninth power-play tally of the playoffs. "If you're going to play a long time, you're going to have adversity," the 23-year-old Gibson told the Orange County Register. "We have it now. If you want to have success, we have a job to get done." Jakob Silfverberg scored for the second time in as many games Friday to match captain Ryan Getzlaf with a team-leading four goals, while the 26-year-old Swede's point total resides at 28 in 29 playoff appearances since 2015.
ABOUT THE OILERS: While likely Hart Trophy candidate and generational talent Connor McDavid traditionally commands the undivided attention of the opponent, several unsung Edmonton players temporarily have grabbed the spotlight in his stead. Andrej Sekera has joined fellow defenseman Adam Larsson and forwards Zack Kassian, David Desharnais and Anton Slepyshev in providing offense in the playoffs for the Oilers. Former Duck Patrick Maroon, who scored the game-winning tally on the power play Friday, has no trouble in that regard after setting career highs in both goals (27) and points (42) to go along with personal bests in rating (plus-13) and games played (81).
OVERTIME
1. Edmonton ranked last in the league in the faceoff circle during the regular season by winning just 47.0 percent of its draws, a number that dwarfed its success rate in Game 2 (36.2 percent).
2. Anaheim has lost all seven playoff series in which it lost the first two games.
3. Oilers C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has notched an assist in back-to-back contests after being held off the scoresheet in all six games of the first-round series versus San Jose.
PREDICTION: Ducks 3, Oilers 2
Trends - St. Louis at Nashville
W/L Trends
St. Louis
•Blues are 5-0 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Blues are 4-0 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Blues are 7-1 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Blues are 13-3 in their last 16 Sunday games.
• Blues are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Blues are 20-6 in their last 26 overall.
• Blues are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Central.
• Blues are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
• Blues are 20-7 in their last 27 road games.
• Blues are 18-7 in their last 25 games following a win.
• Blues are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
Nashville
•Predators are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Central.
• Predators are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Predators are 5-1 in their last 6 overall.
• Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 Sunday games.
• Predators are 7-2 in their last 9 home games.
• Predators are 19-7 in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Predators are 20-8 in their last 28 vs. Western Conference.
OU Trends
St. Louis
•Under is 3-0-1 in Blues last 4 Sunday games.
• Over is 4-0-4 in Blues last 8 Conference Semifinals games.
• Under is 5-1 in Blues last 6 games following a win.
• Under is 4-1 in Blues last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Blues last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 16-5-5 in Blues last 26 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Under is 6-2-3 in Blues last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 16-6-4 in Blues last 26 vs. Western Conference.
• Under is 5-2-1 in Blues last 8 overall.
• Under is 10-4-1 in Blues last 15 road games.
• Under is 5-2-1 in Blues last 8 vs. Central.
Nashville
•Under is 1-0-3 in Predators last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Over is 1-0-4 in Predators last 5 overall.
• Under is 3-0-2 in Predators last 5 home games.
• Over is 1-0-4 in Predators last 5 vs. Western Conference.
• Over is 5-0-4 in Predators last 9 Conference Semifinals games.
• Over is 1-0-4 in Predators last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 5-1-2 in Predators last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Predators last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 13-4-4 in Predators last 21 Sunday games.
• Over is 14-5-7 in Predators last 26 vs. Central.
• Over is 30-13-9 in Predators last 52 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Head to Head
•Under is 34-11-6 in the last 51 meetings in Nashville.
• Home team is 12-4 in the last 16 meetings.
• Under is 52-23-9 in the last 84 meetings.
• Blues are 19-9 in the last 28 meetings.
• Blues are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings in Nashville.
W/L Trends
St. Louis
•Blues are 5-0 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Blues are 4-0 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Blues are 7-1 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Blues are 13-3 in their last 16 Sunday games.
• Blues are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Blues are 20-6 in their last 26 overall.
• Blues are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Central.
• Blues are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
• Blues are 20-7 in their last 27 road games.
• Blues are 18-7 in their last 25 games following a win.
• Blues are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
Nashville
•Predators are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Central.
• Predators are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Predators are 5-1 in their last 6 overall.
• Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 Sunday games.
• Predators are 7-2 in their last 9 home games.
• Predators are 19-7 in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Predators are 20-8 in their last 28 vs. Western Conference.
OU Trends
St. Louis
•Under is 3-0-1 in Blues last 4 Sunday games.
• Over is 4-0-4 in Blues last 8 Conference Semifinals games.
• Under is 5-1 in Blues last 6 games following a win.
• Under is 4-1 in Blues last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Blues last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 16-5-5 in Blues last 26 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Under is 6-2-3 in Blues last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 16-6-4 in Blues last 26 vs. Western Conference.
• Under is 5-2-1 in Blues last 8 overall.
• Under is 10-4-1 in Blues last 15 road games.
• Under is 5-2-1 in Blues last 8 vs. Central.
Nashville
•Under is 1-0-3 in Predators last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Over is 1-0-4 in Predators last 5 overall.
• Under is 3-0-2 in Predators last 5 home games.
• Over is 1-0-4 in Predators last 5 vs. Western Conference.
• Over is 5-0-4 in Predators last 9 Conference Semifinals games.
• Over is 1-0-4 in Predators last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 5-1-2 in Predators last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 5-1-1 in Predators last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 13-4-4 in Predators last 21 Sunday games.
• Over is 14-5-7 in Predators last 26 vs. Central.
• Over is 30-13-9 in Predators last 52 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Head to Head
•Under is 34-11-6 in the last 51 meetings in Nashville.
• Home team is 12-4 in the last 16 meetings.
• Under is 52-23-9 in the last 84 meetings.
• Blues are 19-9 in the last 28 meetings.
• Blues are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings in Nashville.
Trends - Anaheim at Edmonton
W/L Trends
Anaheim
•Ducks are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Ducks are 12-3 in their last 15 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Ducks are 8-2 in their last 10 overall.
• Ducks are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. Western Conference.
• Ducks are 16-5 in their last 21 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Ducks are 6-2 in their last 8 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Ducks are 44-17 in their last 61 Sunday games.
• Ducks are 23-9 in their last 32 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Ducks are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Ducks are 5-2 in their last 7 road games.
• Ducks are 39-17 in their last 56 vs. Pacific.
Edmonton
•Oilers are 6-0 in their last 6 Conference Semifinals games.
• Oilers are 11-1 in their last 12 home games.
• Oilers are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Oilers are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win.
• Oilers are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Oilers are 17-5 in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Oilers are 22-7 in their last 29 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Oilers are 22-7 in their last 29 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Oilers are 20-7 in their last 27 overall.
• Oilers are 7-3 in their last 10 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Oilers are 39-19 in their last 58 vs. Western Conference.
• Oilers are 109-222 in their last 331 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Oilers are 63-131 in their last 194 vs. Pacific.
• Oilers are 6-21 in their last 27 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
OU Trends
Anaheim
•Over is 3-0-1 in Ducks last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 1-0-3 in Ducks last 4 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 4-0 in Ducks last 4 Sunday games.
• Over is 5-0-2 in Ducks last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1-2 in Ducks last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Over is 3-1-2 in Ducks last 6 road games.
• Over is 6-2-1 in Ducks last 9 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 8-3-6 in Ducks last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 13-6-12 in Ducks last 31 vs. Pacific.
Edmonton
•Over is 4-1-4 in Oilers last 9 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 8-2-1 in Oilers last 11 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 10-3 in Oilers last 13 Conference Semifinals games.
• Under is 12-4-1 in Oilers last 17 Sunday games.
• Under is 23-9-4 in Oilers last 36 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Over is 5-2 in Oilers last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 9-4-2 in Oilers last 15 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 34-16-6 in Oilers last 56 home games.
• Under is 31-15-5 in Oilers last 51 games following a win.
Head to Head
•Under is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings in Edmonton.
• Ducks are 16-5 in the last 21 meetings in Edmonton.
• Ducks are 27-10 in the last 37 meetings.
• Under is 5-2-2 in the last 9 meetings.
W/L Trends
Anaheim
•Ducks are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Ducks are 12-3 in their last 15 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Ducks are 8-2 in their last 10 overall.
• Ducks are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. Western Conference.
• Ducks are 16-5 in their last 21 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Ducks are 6-2 in their last 8 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Ducks are 44-17 in their last 61 Sunday games.
• Ducks are 23-9 in their last 32 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Ducks are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Ducks are 5-2 in their last 7 road games.
• Ducks are 39-17 in their last 56 vs. Pacific.
Edmonton
•Oilers are 6-0 in their last 6 Conference Semifinals games.
• Oilers are 11-1 in their last 12 home games.
• Oilers are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Oilers are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win.
• Oilers are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Oilers are 17-5 in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Oilers are 22-7 in their last 29 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Oilers are 22-7 in their last 29 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Oilers are 20-7 in their last 27 overall.
• Oilers are 7-3 in their last 10 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Oilers are 39-19 in their last 58 vs. Western Conference.
• Oilers are 109-222 in their last 331 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Oilers are 63-131 in their last 194 vs. Pacific.
• Oilers are 6-21 in their last 27 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
OU Trends
Anaheim
•Over is 3-0-1 in Ducks last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 1-0-3 in Ducks last 4 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 4-0 in Ducks last 4 Sunday games.
• Over is 5-0-2 in Ducks last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1-2 in Ducks last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Over is 3-1-2 in Ducks last 6 road games.
• Over is 6-2-1 in Ducks last 9 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 8-3-6 in Ducks last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 13-6-12 in Ducks last 31 vs. Pacific.
Edmonton
•Over is 4-1-4 in Oilers last 9 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 8-2-1 in Oilers last 11 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 10-3 in Oilers last 13 Conference Semifinals games.
• Under is 12-4-1 in Oilers last 17 Sunday games.
• Under is 23-9-4 in Oilers last 36 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Over is 5-2 in Oilers last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 9-4-2 in Oilers last 15 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 34-16-6 in Oilers last 56 home games.
• Under is 31-15-5 in Oilers last 51 games following a win.
Head to Head
•Under is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings in Edmonton.
• Ducks are 16-5 in the last 21 meetings in Edmonton.
• Ducks are 27-10 in the last 37 meetings.
• Under is 5-2-2 in the last 9 meetings.
Dave Cokin
Wizards +4.5
I really don't see much difference in these two teams and feel either side could win any game for as long as the series lasts. The host team won all four regular season hookups, but they were each competitive battles.
So, bottom line for me is that I'll be looking at the underdog side in perhaps all of the games between Washington and Boston, and that includes today's Game One.
Wizards +4.5
I really don't see much difference in these two teams and feel either side could win any game for as long as the series lasts. The host team won all four regular season hookups, but they were each competitive battles.
So, bottom line for me is that I'll be looking at the underdog side in perhaps all of the games between Washington and Boston, and that includes today's Game One.
SPORTS WAGERS
BOSTON -113 over Chicago
The Cubbies win expectation in this market is so high that when you bet on them, rarely will you be getting a fair price, which is certainly the case here. The Cubs are not rolling over folks like they were last year and come into this game with a 13-10 record. Kyle Hendricks’ (RHP) stock is also high given his breakout 2016 campaign but the very early signs in 2017 suggest that he could be in store for bigger regression than you might expect. His skills so far have been pretty bad with 6.3 K’s/9 3.9 BB’s/9 and a 50% groundball rate. However, what sticks out to us is that he's missing bats at a very low 6% swing and miss rate. That’s significant here because Boston has struck out the fewest times in the major leagues so they will be putting the ball in play here and likely cashing in some runs. For all you fantasy players out there, it’s still early but the window to sell Hendricks at his peak could be quickly closing.
By contrast, the Cubbies swing and miss often. They have struck out 212 times thus far, which is the sixth highest mark in the game. That bodes well here for Eduardo Rodriguez (LHP), who has struck out 22 batters in 17 frames with a 17% swing and miss rate. That elite K-rate carries over from last September in which Rodriguez had 29 K’s in his final 17 innings. All told, he gives up less than a hit per inning and now he’s mowing 'em down too. Rodriguez’s groundball/fly-ball split of 34%/43% is the last piece of this puzzle that needs improvement and if that comes around, this is a Cy Young candidate. The temperature in Boston tonight is expected to be around 48° (9 Celsius) so those fly-balls should be of little concern. We get the Red Sox/Rodriguez combo at home at a bargain price because it’s the Cubs.
Seattle/CLEVELAND Over 9½
We’re committed to playing one baseball total daily for the remainder of the year and if it works out, we’ll start posting more. We’re studying weather conditions and how it affects the flight of the baseball. The effect of humidity on air density is very slight and is actually opposite what it is commonly purported to be. The common reputation of humidity is that it is heavy; however, this is a misnomer. Humidity is actually light for a projectile to fly through, because there is more hydrogen in humid air than in dry air, which contains a larger percentage of nitrogen. And, of course, nitrogen is heavier than hydrogen.
There is a scale that takes into account humidity, as well as temperature and elevation-related barometric pressure that gives us an Air Density Index reading at every ballpark or zip code and the reading today at Progressive Field is 62.19, whereas yesterday the reading in Cleveland was 71.78. The temperature in Cleveland is in the 80's so the air is warm and humidity is high.
Keep in mind that Coors Field Air Density Index reading is generally in the low 50’s while almost all other parks are between 60 and 80. Also keep in mind that low Air Density Index means high scoring and a high reading means low scoring. This is a low reading and the wind is blowing out to centre too. The Mariners will send a rookie pitcher to the mound while the Indians will send the very hittable Josh Tomlin and his 5% swing and miss rate.
Please keep in mind that we’re still experimenting with these readings when applying them to baseball totals. We’re fine tuning it as we go along but we’ve put in the work and have a clear understanding of how this all works. This looks like the best total of the day.
Pittsburgh +117 over MIAMI
The Pirates have taken the first two games of this series while outscoring the Marlins 16-2. Once again, the Pirates are being offered a price with the better pitcher and so once again, we’ll bite. Tom Koehler (RHP) is a 31-year old journeyman that showed glimpses of improving but he’ll never be anything more than an average innings eater. In four starts this season, Koehler has a BB/K split of 10/17 in 21 innings. While his strikeout rate is decent, the Pirates have struck out the fewest times in the NL while ranking 4th in the NL in most walks taken so this is a disciplined team at the dish. Credited with a "quality start" in 53 of 96 games started over the past three seasons, Koehler’s skills say he's never come close to being a league-average pitcher. In fact, since 2014, ERA/xERA/WHIP have all been on a steady climb. Pitching for the laboring offense of Miami and spotting a tag, we’ll pass.
Chad Kuhl (RHP) is 1-2 in two starts with an unsightly 6.63 ERA so his stock is low. Kuhl does not have a sexy prospect pedigree either and his rookie results with the Pirates in 2016 were more mediocre than intriguing (4.20 ERA, 1.32 WHIP. However, Kuhl had a great run in September that was hidden by a terrible 39% hit rate and 62% strand rate. His ability to keep the ball on the ground and post a solid command ratio makes him a decent target in certain spots when taking back a price. Kuhl has a BB/K split of 11/15 in just 19 innings this year but his 13% swing and miss rate and 65% first-pitch strike rate says that BB/K ratio is in line for a serious correction to the good, which makes he and the Pirates a rock soild option here with value.
L.A. Angels -1½ +152 over TEXAS
Martin Perez (LHP) crashed back to earth after a hit%/strand%-fueled mirage in the 1st half of last season. He kept the ball on ground, though not quite to 2015's degree and it’s getting worse this year with a 42% rate after five starts. Other signs are gloomy too, as Perez doesn't miss enough bats to reverse an ugly strikeout rate slide. Perez has walked 15 batters in 26 frames this year. His poor xERA from last season is holding steady again at 5.05 this year. Lots and lots of bad innings are in store for this stiff but this one is priced like the pitching matchup is even. It’s not.
J.C. Ramirez (RHP) has a 4.47 ERA after three starts and three relief appearances but one poor relief outing has caused most of the damage. Ramirez is a pitcher that is proving to be hard to hit. His high-octane fastball is finally translating into strikeouts. Ramirez has whiffed 22 batters in 22 innings while walking just seven and brings a 3.44 xERA into this start. He's always been of the "live arm" variety and perhaps knowing that he’ll be starting every fifth day has resulted in a sense of calmness and confidence. Take out his relief appearances in which he was trying too hard to do too much in an inning and Ramirez’s last three appearances, all starts, have all been progressively better, capped off by a two-hit gem in seven innings in his last start. Better suited to start than relieve, Ramirez is absolutely the better option here and so are the Halos.
BOSTON -113 over Chicago
The Cubbies win expectation in this market is so high that when you bet on them, rarely will you be getting a fair price, which is certainly the case here. The Cubs are not rolling over folks like they were last year and come into this game with a 13-10 record. Kyle Hendricks’ (RHP) stock is also high given his breakout 2016 campaign but the very early signs in 2017 suggest that he could be in store for bigger regression than you might expect. His skills so far have been pretty bad with 6.3 K’s/9 3.9 BB’s/9 and a 50% groundball rate. However, what sticks out to us is that he's missing bats at a very low 6% swing and miss rate. That’s significant here because Boston has struck out the fewest times in the major leagues so they will be putting the ball in play here and likely cashing in some runs. For all you fantasy players out there, it’s still early but the window to sell Hendricks at his peak could be quickly closing.
By contrast, the Cubbies swing and miss often. They have struck out 212 times thus far, which is the sixth highest mark in the game. That bodes well here for Eduardo Rodriguez (LHP), who has struck out 22 batters in 17 frames with a 17% swing and miss rate. That elite K-rate carries over from last September in which Rodriguez had 29 K’s in his final 17 innings. All told, he gives up less than a hit per inning and now he’s mowing 'em down too. Rodriguez’s groundball/fly-ball split of 34%/43% is the last piece of this puzzle that needs improvement and if that comes around, this is a Cy Young candidate. The temperature in Boston tonight is expected to be around 48° (9 Celsius) so those fly-balls should be of little concern. We get the Red Sox/Rodriguez combo at home at a bargain price because it’s the Cubs.
Seattle/CLEVELAND Over 9½
We’re committed to playing one baseball total daily for the remainder of the year and if it works out, we’ll start posting more. We’re studying weather conditions and how it affects the flight of the baseball. The effect of humidity on air density is very slight and is actually opposite what it is commonly purported to be. The common reputation of humidity is that it is heavy; however, this is a misnomer. Humidity is actually light for a projectile to fly through, because there is more hydrogen in humid air than in dry air, which contains a larger percentage of nitrogen. And, of course, nitrogen is heavier than hydrogen.
There is a scale that takes into account humidity, as well as temperature and elevation-related barometric pressure that gives us an Air Density Index reading at every ballpark or zip code and the reading today at Progressive Field is 62.19, whereas yesterday the reading in Cleveland was 71.78. The temperature in Cleveland is in the 80's so the air is warm and humidity is high.
Keep in mind that Coors Field Air Density Index reading is generally in the low 50’s while almost all other parks are between 60 and 80. Also keep in mind that low Air Density Index means high scoring and a high reading means low scoring. This is a low reading and the wind is blowing out to centre too. The Mariners will send a rookie pitcher to the mound while the Indians will send the very hittable Josh Tomlin and his 5% swing and miss rate.
Please keep in mind that we’re still experimenting with these readings when applying them to baseball totals. We’re fine tuning it as we go along but we’ve put in the work and have a clear understanding of how this all works. This looks like the best total of the day.
Pittsburgh +117 over MIAMI
The Pirates have taken the first two games of this series while outscoring the Marlins 16-2. Once again, the Pirates are being offered a price with the better pitcher and so once again, we’ll bite. Tom Koehler (RHP) is a 31-year old journeyman that showed glimpses of improving but he’ll never be anything more than an average innings eater. In four starts this season, Koehler has a BB/K split of 10/17 in 21 innings. While his strikeout rate is decent, the Pirates have struck out the fewest times in the NL while ranking 4th in the NL in most walks taken so this is a disciplined team at the dish. Credited with a "quality start" in 53 of 96 games started over the past three seasons, Koehler’s skills say he's never come close to being a league-average pitcher. In fact, since 2014, ERA/xERA/WHIP have all been on a steady climb. Pitching for the laboring offense of Miami and spotting a tag, we’ll pass.
Chad Kuhl (RHP) is 1-2 in two starts with an unsightly 6.63 ERA so his stock is low. Kuhl does not have a sexy prospect pedigree either and his rookie results with the Pirates in 2016 were more mediocre than intriguing (4.20 ERA, 1.32 WHIP. However, Kuhl had a great run in September that was hidden by a terrible 39% hit rate and 62% strand rate. His ability to keep the ball on the ground and post a solid command ratio makes him a decent target in certain spots when taking back a price. Kuhl has a BB/K split of 11/15 in just 19 innings this year but his 13% swing and miss rate and 65% first-pitch strike rate says that BB/K ratio is in line for a serious correction to the good, which makes he and the Pirates a rock soild option here with value.
L.A. Angels -1½ +152 over TEXAS
Martin Perez (LHP) crashed back to earth after a hit%/strand%-fueled mirage in the 1st half of last season. He kept the ball on ground, though not quite to 2015's degree and it’s getting worse this year with a 42% rate after five starts. Other signs are gloomy too, as Perez doesn't miss enough bats to reverse an ugly strikeout rate slide. Perez has walked 15 batters in 26 frames this year. His poor xERA from last season is holding steady again at 5.05 this year. Lots and lots of bad innings are in store for this stiff but this one is priced like the pitching matchup is even. It’s not.
J.C. Ramirez (RHP) has a 4.47 ERA after three starts and three relief appearances but one poor relief outing has caused most of the damage. Ramirez is a pitcher that is proving to be hard to hit. His high-octane fastball is finally translating into strikeouts. Ramirez has whiffed 22 batters in 22 innings while walking just seven and brings a 3.44 xERA into this start. He's always been of the "live arm" variety and perhaps knowing that he’ll be starting every fifth day has resulted in a sense of calmness and confidence. Take out his relief appearances in which he was trying too hard to do too much in an inning and Ramirez’s last three appearances, all starts, have all been progressively better, capped off by a two-hit gem in seven innings in his last start. Better suited to start than relieve, Ramirez is absolutely the better option here and so are the Halos.
SPORTS WAGERS
NASHVILLE -½ +120 over St. Louis
Regulation only. The Blues were outplayed in their series with the Wild, yet were able to win four of five games. This is not an isolated case. The same could be said of the Ducks and Penguins, both of which won short series after being the second-best team on the ice every night. Hockey is a funny game that more often than not comes down to which of the two goaltenders had the better night. Minnesota State Troopers are still looking for Jake Allen after he robbed the Wild in all four victories. In the third period of Game 2 of this series in St. Louis, Allen saved the day again. Vladimir Tarasenko has received all the headlines and heroics that come with scoring a pair of goals in a comeback win, but it was Allen that weathered a 14-shot third period to give the Blues a chance to win it late. It’s been a one-man goaltending show for the Blues in this year’s playoffs, as Tarasenko had just three points in the Wild series and was shut out in Game 1 of round two. The Blues continue to be the second best team on the ice in every single game they play and now they’re on the road again and one of the league’s most difficult venues. If Allen bails them out again, so be it.
The Predators may have tasted playoff defeat for the first time in 2017 after a 3-2 loss in St. Louis, but they got the split and now have home ice advantage. Sure, with a 2-1 third-period lead, the Predators would have liked a better result, but Nashville has a ton of good things to build on heading into Game 3. The Preds controlled play through the first two games of this series and outshot the Blues in both games. In Game 1, the Preds won the faceoff battle 38-23 and they’ve been the more physical team too by out-hitting the Blue Notes in both games while imposing their will. Let’s not forget that Nashville was also short-handed up front after the unfortunate injury to Kevin Fiala midway through Game 1 and the ejection of Vern Fiddler in Game 2, thus forcing them to play with just 11 forwards for most of this series and yet they still outplayed the Blues in St. Louis in both games.
If you watched Washington manhandle Pittsburgh last night, it’s a reminder that one man in hockey, the goaltender, combined with some puck luck can result in the inferior team winning often. We’re not going to bank on that occurring over and over. What we’re confident about is that the Preds are extremely likely to impose their will again at home and dominate play from start to finish. This team and their fans are hungry as a pack of wolves and we’re betting that a big response and an easy victory is in the cards today.
NASHVILLE -½ +120 over St. Louis
Regulation only. The Blues were outplayed in their series with the Wild, yet were able to win four of five games. This is not an isolated case. The same could be said of the Ducks and Penguins, both of which won short series after being the second-best team on the ice every night. Hockey is a funny game that more often than not comes down to which of the two goaltenders had the better night. Minnesota State Troopers are still looking for Jake Allen after he robbed the Wild in all four victories. In the third period of Game 2 of this series in St. Louis, Allen saved the day again. Vladimir Tarasenko has received all the headlines and heroics that come with scoring a pair of goals in a comeback win, but it was Allen that weathered a 14-shot third period to give the Blues a chance to win it late. It’s been a one-man goaltending show for the Blues in this year’s playoffs, as Tarasenko had just three points in the Wild series and was shut out in Game 1 of round two. The Blues continue to be the second best team on the ice in every single game they play and now they’re on the road again and one of the league’s most difficult venues. If Allen bails them out again, so be it.
The Predators may have tasted playoff defeat for the first time in 2017 after a 3-2 loss in St. Louis, but they got the split and now have home ice advantage. Sure, with a 2-1 third-period lead, the Predators would have liked a better result, but Nashville has a ton of good things to build on heading into Game 3. The Preds controlled play through the first two games of this series and outshot the Blues in both games. In Game 1, the Preds won the faceoff battle 38-23 and they’ve been the more physical team too by out-hitting the Blue Notes in both games while imposing their will. Let’s not forget that Nashville was also short-handed up front after the unfortunate injury to Kevin Fiala midway through Game 1 and the ejection of Vern Fiddler in Game 2, thus forcing them to play with just 11 forwards for most of this series and yet they still outplayed the Blues in St. Louis in both games.
If you watched Washington manhandle Pittsburgh last night, it’s a reminder that one man in hockey, the goaltender, combined with some puck luck can result in the inferior team winning often. We’re not going to bank on that occurring over and over. What we’re confident about is that the Preds are extremely likely to impose their will again at home and dominate play from start to finish. This team and their fans are hungry as a pack of wolves and we’re betting that a big response and an easy victory is in the cards today.
Bob Balfe
Dodgers -1.5
The Phillies were on a nice winning streak that should have continued last night by LA hit back to back to back home runs in the 9th to win the game. The Phillies are not great against left handed pitching so I expect the Dodgers to come out with the same fire power as that 9th inning yesterday. This will start the downfall of the Phillies over the next few weeks.
Dodgers -1.5
The Phillies were on a nice winning streak that should have continued last night by LA hit back to back to back home runs in the 9th to win the game. The Phillies are not great against left handed pitching so I expect the Dodgers to come out with the same fire power as that 9th inning yesterday. This will start the downfall of the Phillies over the next few weeks.
John Martin
Apr 30 '17, 2:10 PM
MLB | Braves vs Brewers
Play on: Brewers -101 at BMaker
1 Unit Bonus Play on Milwaukee Brewers -101
The Milwaukee Brewers have lost the first two games of this series at home to the Atlanta Braves. I think they'll be motivated to avoid the sweep here Sunday and get a win in Game 3. Matt Garza owns a 2.25 ERA in his lone start this season. The Braves are 0-3 in Mike Foltynewicz's three starts this year. Atlanta is 25-51 in its last 76 during game 3 of a series. The Brewers are 4-0 in their last four games after losing the first two games of a series.
Apr 30 '17, 2:10 PM
MLB | Braves vs Brewers
Play on: Brewers -101 at BMaker
1 Unit Bonus Play on Milwaukee Brewers -101
The Milwaukee Brewers have lost the first two games of this series at home to the Atlanta Braves. I think they'll be motivated to avoid the sweep here Sunday and get a win in Game 3. Matt Garza owns a 2.25 ERA in his lone start this season. The Braves are 0-3 in Mike Foltynewicz's three starts this year. Atlanta is 25-51 in its last 76 during game 3 of a series. The Brewers are 4-0 in their last four games after losing the first two games of a series.
