Wednesday 5/3/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - San Francisco at LA Dodgers


W/L Trends


San Francisco
•Giants are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss.
• Giants are 6-13 in their last 19 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Giants are 5-11 in their last 16 Wednesday games.
• Giants are 13-29 in their last 42 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Giants are 4-9 in their last 13 overall.
• Giants are 4-9 in their last 13 games on grass.
• Giants are 3-7 in their last 10 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Giants are 4-10 in their last 14 vs. National League West.
• Giants are 8-20 in their last 28 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Giants are 2-5 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Giants are 15-43 in their last 58 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Giants are 2-6 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Giants are 1-5 in their last 6 road games.
• Giants are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Giants are 1-6 in their last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Giants are 3-8 in Samardzijas last 11 road starts.
• Giants are 1-5 in Samardzijas last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Giants are 1-5 in Samardzijas last 6 starts vs. National League West.
• Giants are 1-6 in Samardzijas last 7 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Giants are 1-6 in Samardzijas last 7 starts.
• Giants are 1-6 in Samardzijas last 7 starts on grass.
• Giants are 1-7 in Samardzijas last 8 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Giants are 1-11 in Samardzijas last 12 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Giants are 0-6 in Samardzijas last 6 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Giants are 0-4 in Samardzijas last 4 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.



LA Dodgers
•Dodgers are 5-1 in their last 6 overall.
• Dodgers are 5-1 in their last 6 games on grass.
• Dodgers are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Dodgers are 40-13 in their last 53 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Dodgers are 12-5 in their last 17 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
• Dodgers are 7-3 in their last 10 Wednesday games.
• Dodgers are 56-24 in their last 80 home games.
• Dodgers are 13-6 in their last 19 during game 3 of a series.
• Dodgers are 15-7 in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Dodgers are 4-0 in Urias' last 4 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Dodgers are 7-1 in Urias' last 8 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Dodgers are 6-1 in Urias' last 7 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Dodgers are 6-1 in Urias' last 7 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Dodgers are 10-3 in Urias' last 13 starts.
• Dodgers are 10-3 in Urias' last 13 starts on grass.
• Dodgers are 6-2 in Urias' last 8 home starts.


OU Trends


San Francisco
•Over is 6-1-1 in Giants last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 6-1 in Giants last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Giants last 5 road games.
• Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 4-1 in Giants last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 8-3 in Giants last 11 Wednesday games.
• Under is 5-2 in Giants last 7 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 5-2 in Giants last 7 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
• Under is 4-0-1 in Samardzijas last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Under is 4-0 in Samardzijas last 4 starts during game 3 of a series.
• Under is 4-0 in Samardzijas last 4 starts vs. National League West.
• Under is 10-1 in Samardzijas last 11 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Under is 6-1-1 in Samardzijas last 8 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 8-2-2 in Samardzijas last 12 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Samardzijas last 6 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 15-4-2 in Samardzijas last 21 starts on grass.
• Under is 15-4-2 in Samardzijas last 21 starts overall.
• Under is 6-2-1 in Samardzijas last 9 road starts.
• Under is 5-2-1 in Samardzijas last 8 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.



LA Dodgers
•Under is 8-1 in Dodgers last 9 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 on grass.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 games following a win.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 home games.
• Under is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 during game 3 of a series.
• Over is 5-2 in Dodgers last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 22-9-3 in Dodgers last 34 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
• Under is 4-1 in Urias' last 5 starts vs. National League West.
• Under is 5-2 in Urias' last 7 starts on grass.
• Under is 5-2 in Urias' last 7 starts overall.


Head to Head


•Giants are 4-11 in the last 15 meetings in Los Angeles.



Umpire Trends - Hunter Wendelstedt


•Under is 4-0 in Wendelstedts last 4 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
• Giants are 4-0 in their last 4 games with Wendelstedt behind home plate.
• Under is 7-0 in Wendelstedts last 7 games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
• Dodgers are 4-1 in their last 5 Wednesday games with Wendelstedt behind home plate.
• Dodgers are 4-1 in their last 5 games with Wendelstedt behind home plate.
• Home team is 14-5 in Wendelstedts last 19 games behind home plate.
• Road team is 5-2 in Wendelstedts last 7 games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
• Home team is 12-5 in Wendelstedts last 17 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Under is 15-7-3 in Wendelstedts last 25 games behind home plate.
• Under is 25-12-2 in Wendelstedts last 39 Wednesday games behind home plate.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Colorado at San Diego


W/L Trends


Colorado
•Rockies are 8-1 in their last 9 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Rockies are 7-1 in their last 8 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Rockies are 8-3 in their last 11 vs. National League West.
• Rockies are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Rockies are 7-16 in their last 23 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Rockies are 2-5 in their last 7 overall.
• Rockies are 2-5 in their last 7 games on grass.
• Rockies are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Rockies are 0-4 in their last 4 Wednesday games.
• Rockies are 4-1 in Senzatelas last 5 starts.
• Rockies are 4-1 in Senzatelas last 5 starts on grass.



San Diego
•Padres are 6-0 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
• Padres are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Padres are 4-1 in their last 5 Wednesday games.
• Padres are 18-37 in their last 55 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Padres are 16-36 in their last 52 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
• Padres are 12-27 in their last 39 games following a win.
• Padres are 4-10 in their last 14 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Padres are 3-8 in their last 11 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Padres are 1-5 in their last 6 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Padres are 0-5 in Weavers last 5 starts.
• Padres are 0-5 in Weavers last 5 starts on grass.


OU Trends


Colorado
•Over is 5-0 in Rockies last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 5-1 in Rockies last 6 Wednesday games.
• Over is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 games following a loss.
• Over is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 during game 2 of a series.
• Over is 6-2 in Rockies last 8 overall.
• Under is 9-3 in Rockies last 12 road games.
• Over is 6-2 in Rockies last 8 on grass.
• Under is 6-2 in Rockies last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 6-2 in Rockies last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Under is 6-2 in Rockies last 8 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 14-5 in Rockies last 19 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Under is 11-4 in Rockies last 15 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 5-2 in Rockies last 7 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-2 in Rockies last 7 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 11-5 in Rockies last 16 vs. National League West.



San Diego
•Over is 3-0-1 in Padres last 4 home games.
• Over is 8-1-1 in Padres last 10 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 5-1-1 in Padres last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 8-2 in Padres last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
• Over is 6-2 in Padres last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 5-2 in Padres last 7 Wednesday games.
• Under is 5-2-1 in Padres last 8 games following a win.
• Over is 5-2-2 in Padres last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 7-3-1 in Padres last 11 overall.
• Over is 7-3-1 in Padres last 11 on grass.
• Under is 16-7 in Padres last 23 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.


Head to Head


•Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
• Rockies are 7-19 in the last 26 meetings in San Diego.



Umpire Trends - Mark Carlson


•Road team is 4-1 in Carlsons last 5 games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
• Road team is 5-2 in Carlsons last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate.
• Padres are 5-2 in their last 7 games with Carlson behind home plate.
• Under is 7-3 in Carlsons last 10 games behind home plate.
• Home team is 15-7 in Carlsons last 22 games behind home plate vs. Colorado.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Washington at Pittsburgh
When: 7:30 PM ET, Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Where: PPG PAINTS Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Sidney Crosby was in the midst of another memorable playoff run before a cross-check to the head has the Pittsburgh Penguins' transcendent superstar in an all-to-familiar place: the NHL's concussion protocol. The Penguins look to overcome his absence and push the reigning Presidents' Trophy-winning Washington Capitals to the brink of elimination on Wednesday when the teams play Game 4 of their second-round series at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

"He's very upbeat and positive. We're very optimistic and hopeful we'll have him back in a timely fashion," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan told reporters on Tuesday of Crosby, a two-time Hart Trophy winner and a finalist for the award this season. The 29-year-old's history of concussions is well-chronicled, and the latest chapter was written after he was blasted early in the first period of Monday's 3-2 overtime loss by Washington defenseman and former Penguin Matt Niskanen. Niskanen received a five-minute major for cross-checking and a game misconduct and likely will be the subject of scorn by the Pittsburgh faithful on Wednesday. The 30-year-old Niskanen told reporters that it was "absolutely not" his intention to injure his former teammate while coach Barry Trotz flat-out dismissed the notion that sidelining Crosby was premeditated - "I hear the noise. I think it's ridiculous, but we're just going to look forward," he said on Tuesday.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, CBC, TVAS

ABOUT THE CAPITALS: While a significant portion of the spotlight rests with Niskanen and his role in Crosby's concussion, fellow defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk finally saw a positive light in the playoffs with his power-play goal 3:13 into overtime on Monday. The prized in-season acquisition had been called more derogatory names than most politicians after entering Game 3 with a league-worst minus-eight rating in eight playoff contests. Nicklas Backstrom has enjoyed more consistent success with a goal and an assist in back-to-back contests to give him a team-best 10 points (four goals, six assists) in nine games.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS: While Crosby remains the face of the league, fellow former Hart Trophy winner Evgeni Malkin leads the NHL with 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in eight playoff games and is no stranger to picking up the slack in the absence of "Sid the Kid." "(Malkin) is an elite player. He has that ability," Sullivan told reporters. "We're going to rely on him that much more, and we believe he'll get the job done for us. I don't think the burden falls on him solely." Fellow forward Phil Kessel is the next man up both figuratively and literally, as the 29-year-old's 12 points trail only Malkin in the league entering Tuesday.

OVERTIME

1. Pittsburgh LW Conor Sheary also sustained a concussion on Monday after colliding with teammate Patric Hornqvist and has been ruled out of Game 4.

2. Capitals captain LW Alex Ovechkin has secured at least one point in all three games of the series (one goal, three assists) and has 25 (11 goals, 14 assists) in 16 career postseason contests versus the Penguins.

3. Pittsburgh offensive-minded D Justin Schultz has five points (one goal, four assists) in his past five games.

PREDICTION: Capitals 4, Penguins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Anaheim at Edmonton
When: 10:00 PM ET, Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta

The Anaheim Ducks have made themselves at home in the relatively cool Alberta air this postseason, and the five-time reigning Pacific Division champions can breathe new life into their Western Conference second-round series should they continue that dominance in Wednesday's Game 4 against the Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks doused the Flames in both encounters in Calgary during the first-round series and improved to 3-0 in Alberta with Sunday's 6-3 triumph in Edmonton.

Jakob Silfverberg recorded his first career multi-goal performance and extended his goal-scoring streak to three contests after tallying twice in the victory, trimming Anaheim's series deficit to 2-1. The 26-year-old Swede's six goals trail only Pittsburgh rookie Jake Guentzel for the league lead while his 31 career points (10 goals, 21 assists) in 30 playoff games over the last three seasons underscores his worth in contests that count. Edmonton captain Connor McDavid schooled Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen while scoring a highlight-reel goal in Game 3 for his second point in the series and sixth in the playoffs, but his minus-2 rating on Sunday shows that the 20-year-old still can learn a thing or two in the eyes of coach Todd McLellan. "He (McDavid) like everybody else is learning and we'll sit with him," McLellan said of McDavid, who was named a Hart Trophy finalist on Monday on the heels of his 100-point regular-season performance.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, Sportsnet, TVAS

ABOUT THE DUCKS: Anaheim's walking wounded tag was taken to the extreme as forward Patrick Eaves was seen wearing a walking boot following Game 3 on the heels of a neutral-zone collision with former Duck Patrick Maroon in the third period. The 33-year-old Eaves joined defenseman Kevin Bieksa (lower body) in the stands during Tuesday's battle drills, with his availability to play in Game 4 depending greatly on if he's able to skate on Wednesday morning, coach Randy Carlyle said. Bieksa's status is much clearer as he will miss his third straight contest on Wednesday.

ABOUT THE OILERS: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins finished the regular-season with nine points in his last nine games before seeing his offense dry up in the postseason. "I feel like I've had a lot of chances. ... I'm close, but I've got to find a way to take the next step," said the top overall pick of the 2011 draft , who was held off the scoresheet in the first round versus San Jose before notching an assist in the first two contests against Anaheim. Fellow former first-round pick Jordan Eberle is also struggling, setting up two goals in nine playoff games after recording six points (four goals, two assists) in his final four regular-season contests.

OVERTIME

1. Anaheim captain C Ryan Getzlaf, who scored a goal in Game 3 to move within one of tying Teemu Selanne for the franchise lead, has recorded nine points (five goals, four assists) in seven playoff games.

2. Edmonton G Cam Talbot owns an .898 save percentage in his past six starts after recording two shutouts in the previous three contests.

3. Ducks D Shea Theodore has provided an offensive boost with seven points (two goals, five assists) in seven playoff games.

PREDICTION: Ducks 4, Oilers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Washington at Pittsburgh


W/L Trends


Washington
•Capitals are 6-0 in their last 6 Wednesday games.
• Capitals are 6-1 in their last 7 road games.
• Capitals are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. Metropolitan.
• Capitals are 40-11 in their last 51 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Capitals are 19-7 in their last 26 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Capitals are 8-3 in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Capitals are 40-17 in their last 57 overall.
• Capitals are 39-17 in their last 56 games following a win.
• Capitals are 54-24 in their last 78 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Capitals are 38-17 in their last 55 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Capitals are 35-16 in their last 51 vs. Eastern Conference.
• Capitals are 3-9 in their last 12 Conference Semifinals games.



Pittsburgh
•Penguins are 21-6 in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Penguins are 59-19 in their last 78 home games.
• Penguins are 6-2 in their last 8 overall.
• Penguins are 6-2 in their last 8 Conference Semifinals games.
• Penguins are 38-13 in their last 51 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Penguins are 44-17 in their last 61 vs. Metropolitan.
• Penguins are 54-22 in their last 76 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Penguins are 66-29 in their last 95 vs. Eastern Conference.
• Penguins are 44-20 in their last 64 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.


OU Trends


Washington
•Under is 9-1-3 in Capitals last 13 vs. Metropolitan.
• Under is 7-1 in Capitals last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 7-1-2 in Capitals last 10 Wednesday games.
• Under is 7-1 in Capitals last 8 games following a win.
• Under is 4-1 in Capitals last 5 overall.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Capitals last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 17-5-9 in Capitals last 31 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 13-4-6 in Capitals last 23 Conference Semifinals games.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Capitals last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 15-5-2 in Capitals last 22 vs. Eastern Conference.
• Over is 9-4-1 in Capitals last 14 road games.



Pittsburgh
•Over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Penguins last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Penguins last 6 Wednesday games.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Penguins last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 18-7-6 in Penguins last 31 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Over is 48-23-11 in Penguins last 82 home games.


Head to Head


•Over is 3-1-4 in the last 8 meetings in Pittsburgh.
• Home team is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
• Over is 5-2-1 in the last 8 meetings.
• Capitals are 1-6 in the last 7 meetings in Pittsburgh.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Anaheim at Edmonton


W/L Trends


Anaheim
•Ducks are 4-0 in their last 4 road games.
• Ducks are 4-0 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Ducks are 7-1 in their last 8 games following a win.
• Ducks are 4-1 in their last 5 Wednesday games.
• Ducks are 16-5 in their last 21 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Ducks are 16-5 in their last 21 vs. Western Conference.
• Ducks are 19-7 in their last 26 overall.
• Ducks are 26-10 in their last 36 games playing on 2 days rest.
• Ducks are 36-15 in their last 51 vs. Pacific.
• Ducks are 40-18 in their last 58 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.
• Ducks are 51-25 in their last 76 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.



Edmonton
•Oilers are 12-2 in their last 14 Wednesday games.
• Oilers are 6-1 in their last 7 Conference Semifinals games.
• Oilers are 11-2 in their last 13 home games.
• Oilers are 8-2 in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Oilers are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss of 3 or more goals.
• Oilers are 20-6 in their last 26 vs. Western Conference.
• Oilers are 20-8 in their last 28 overall.
• Oilers are 109-223 in their last 332 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Oilers are 37-77 in their last 114 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.
• Oilers are 63-132 in their last 195 vs. Pacific.
• Oilers are 24-55 in their last 79 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
• Oilers are 1-5 in their last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.


OU Trends


Anaheim
•Under is 3-0-2 in Ducks last 5 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-1-2 in Ducks last 8 games playing on 2 days rest.
• Over is 4-1-2 in Ducks last 7 road games.
• Under is 16-5-5 in Ducks last 26 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.
• Over is 3-1-2 in Ducks last 6 games following a win.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Ducks last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.



Edmonton
•Over is 3-0-2 in Oilers last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Under is 8-2-1 in Oilers last 11 games playing on 2 days rest.
• Over is 4-1 in Oilers last 5 following a loss of 3 or more goals.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Oilers last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
• Over is 15-5-2 in Oilers last 22 Wednesday games.
• Over is 3-1-3 in Oilers last 7 home games.
• Over is 5-2-2 in Oilers last 9 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.
• Under is 10-4 in Oilers last 14 Conference Semifinals games.
• Under is 13-6-2 in Oilers last 21 following a home loss of 3 or more goals.


Head to Head


•Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Ducks are 28-10 in the last 38 meetings.
• Ducks are 19-7 in the last 26 meetings in Edmonton.
• Under is 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings in Edmonton.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Toronto At Cleveland
When: 7:00 PM ET, Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio

The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to stumble in the postseason and aim for their sixth consecutive victory when they host the Toronto Raptors in Wednesday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The defending champion Cavaliers jumped on the third-seeded Raptors from the outset of the series opener and rolled to a 116-105 victory.

Second-seeded Cleveland orchestrated a four-game sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the opening round and built a 12-point lead after one quarter while cruising past the Raptors on Monday. "I just liked our energy," Cavaliers forward LeBron James told reporters. "Our energy was very, very good and it sustained. That was a mystery with our eight-day layoff. For the most part, for 48 minutes we kept that level of intensity up." Cleveland knocked off the Raptors in last season's Eastern Conference finals when its four victories were by an average of 28.5 points and Toronto players know they need to prevent a landslide. "We've just got to play defense and not let them go up and down and do what they do, play defense for 48 minutes," Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry told reporters after Game 1. "We got to find ways to limit their spurts."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE RAPTORS: Toronto coach Dwane Casey bristled when it was suggested his team was dominated in Game 1 but the final margin of the contest didn't reflect Cleveland's supremacy. The Raptors trailed by 22 points after three quarters and cutting the deficit in half in a quarter in which the outcome was long decided left the impression on shooting guard DeMar DeRozan that the Game 2 effort needs to be substantially better. "We already got that foot in the hole and that's where we kick in and understand we fight well under adversity," DeRozan told reporters. "We have done it all year. That has been our mantra, so that's something we have to exploit next game."

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS: James contributed 35 points and 10 rebounds in the opener and needs just 25 points to pass Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (5,762 points) for second place on the all-time postseason scoring list. Point guard Kyrie Irving also stood out in the opener with 24 points and a career playoff-best 10 assists while setting the tone for the victory. "We wanted to come out, make a conscious effort to move the basketball as well as get out in transition, keep the pace up, make them play our game and go from there," Irving told reporters. "Coach (Tyronn Lue) was right. It could have gone either way, but I'm glad it went in the direction of us getting out in transition and getting some easy shots as well as moving the basketball."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. C Tristan Thompson collected 14 rebounds in Game 1 to raise his playoff average to 11.6 and he has reached double digits in all five of Cleveland's playoff games.

2. Lowry recorded 20 points and 11 assists in the opener for his second double-double of the playoffs.

3. James has 88 career 30-point outings in the postseason, matching Kobe Bryant for second place on the all-time list.

PREDICTION: Cavaliers 107, Raptors 100

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Houston At San Antonio
When: 9:30 PM ET, Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas

The Houston Rockets delivered a stunning beat down in the opener of their series with San Antonio and aim to take a 2-0 series lead when they visit the Spurs on Wednesday. Third-seeded Houston ripped open a 30-point halftime lead in the Western Conference semifinal contest and was never threatened during the 126-99 steamrolling of the second-seeded Spurs.

The opening salvo from the Rockets included 22 3-point baskets and bolstered the club's already-high hopes of claiming the series from San Antonio. "You have to play like a champion, and that's what we did - that's just one day," Houston coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters. "We need to repeat this three more times. We were locked in and competed well. Our defense was good, and we hit some shots. We don't expect this to be like this always." The Spurs shot just 36.9 percent in Game 1 and had no answers on the defensive end during the highly disappointing effort. "We really have to step up, and it's hard to pinpoint something because we got outplayed in just about everything," San Antonio veteran guard Manu Ginobili told reporters. "We were not ready or attentive, and they were inspired - they played great."

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Star guard James Harden contributed 20 points, 14 assists and four steals in the opener and downplayed the large margin of victory. "We are going to have to be in sync and focused like this in every game," Harden told reporters. "San Antonio is a veteran team, and they are capable of getting hot at any moment. I have to limit them. We were just taking what their defense gave us.
"It was important for us to get off to a really good start, especially on the road, and our energy level was up and we were very active." Forward Trevor Ariza added 23 points and knocked down five 3-pointers in an eye-opening performance after he averaged just 6.2 points in the five-game first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

ABOUT THE SPURS: Star small forward Kawhi Leonard was just 5-of-14 shooting while registering 21 points and 11 rebounds in the opener and power forward LaMarcus Aldridge was inept with just four points on 2-of-7 shooting. "I just have to take my time," Aldridge said after Game 1. "I have to ask for the ball more for sure. And when I get it, take my time. I was trying to rush because there were so many mismatches on me." Point guard Tony Parker was unable to follow up his strong effort (27 points on 11-of-14 shooting) in the closeout win over the Memphis Grizzlies and had just 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Rockets have won six consecutive playoff games in San Antonio.

2. Spurs SG Danny Green is just 5-of-26 over the past five postseason games.

3. Houston F Ryan Anderson made four 3-pointers in Game 1 after being just 3-for-24 in the series against the Thunder.

PREDICTION: Spurs 109, Rockets 106

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Toronto at Cleveland


ATS Trends


Toronto
•Raptors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.
• Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
• Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Raptors are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games.
• Raptors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss.
• Raptors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Raptors are 24-11-1 ATS in their last 36 Wednesday games.



Cleveland
•Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Conference Semifinals games.
• Cavaliers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.
• Cavaliers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Atlantic.
• Cavaliers are 11-5-3 ATS in their last 19 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
• Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.


OU Trends


Toronto
•Over is 4-0 in Raptors last 4 Conference Semifinals games.
• Under is 5-0 in Raptors last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Under is 9-2 in Raptors last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Under is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Under is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 15-5 in Raptors last 20 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Under is 15-5 in Raptors last 20 games following a ATS loss.
• Under is 19-7 in Raptors last 26 road games.
• Under is 19-7 in Raptors last 26 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Under is 10-4 in Raptors last 14 games following a straight up loss.
• Under is 7-3 in Raptors last 10 Wednesday games.
• Over is 29-13 in Raptors last 42 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.



Cleveland
•Over is 8-1 in Cavaliers last 9 home games.
• Over is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Over is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 overall.
• Under is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 Wednesday games.
• Over is 8-2 in Cavaliers last 10 games following a straight up win.
• Over is 21-6-1 in Cavaliers last 28 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Under is 6-2 in Cavaliers last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Over is 6-2 in Cavaliers last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 21-8-1 in Cavaliers last 30 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 10-4-1 in Cavaliers last 15 vs. NBA Atlantic.
• Over is 32-13-1 in Cavaliers last 46 vs. Eastern Conference.
• Over is 37-18-1 in Cavaliers last 56 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.


Head to Head


•Favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
• Raptors are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
• Raptors are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Cleveland.
• Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Houston at San Antonio


ATS Trends


Houston
•Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Conference Semifinals games.
• Rockets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Southwest.
• Rockets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Rockets are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Rockets are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Rockets are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 vs. Western Conference.
• Rockets are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Rockets are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
• Rockets are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS win.
• Rockets are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games.
• Rockets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Rockets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
• Rockets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.



San Antonio
•Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Spurs are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss.
• Spurs are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Spurs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
• Spurs are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 vs. NBA Southwest.
• Spurs are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a double-digit loss at home.
• Spurs are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
• Spurs are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
• Spurs are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 Wednesday games.
• Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Conference Semifinals games.


OU Trends


Houston
•Over is 7-1 in Rockets last 8 Conference Semifinals games.
• Under is 10-2-1 in Rockets last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Under is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 Wednesday games.
• Under is 8-2-1 in Rockets last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 4-1-1 in Rockets last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Rockets last 5 vs. NBA Southwest.
• Over is 9-4-1 in Rockets last 14 games following a ATS win.
• Under is 9-4 in Rockets last 13 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.



San Antonio
•Over is 5-0 in Spurs last 5 overall.
• Over is 4-0 in Spurs last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Over is 6-0 in Spurs last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 5-0 in Spurs last 5 vs. Western Conference.
• Over is 5-0 in Spurs last 5 vs. NBA Southwest.
• Over is 5-0 in Spurs last 5 games following a ATS loss.
• Over is 5-0 in Spurs last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Over is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Over is 13-3 in Spurs last 16 games following a straight up loss.
• Under is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 Wednesday games.
• Over is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Spurs last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Over is 18-8 in Spurs last 26 games following a double-digit loss at home.


Head to Head


•Over is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings in San Antonio.
• Under is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.
• Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
• Road team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Black Widow
May 03 '17, 8:10 PM
MLB | OAK vs MIN
Play on: OVER 9 +110

Widow's Free Pick: A's/Twins OVER 9

Bets on the OVER on all teams with a total of 9 to 9.5 (Minnesota), a team that's batting .260 or less on the season against an AL starting pitcher with an ERA of 3.60 or less and a WHIP of 1.300 or less, with an AL starting pitcher with a WHIP of 1.300 or better on the season is 52-16 (76.5%, +36.1 units) over the last five seasons. Give me the OVER.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Kyle Hunter

Chicago vs. Kansas City
Play: Chicago

I'm not one to like to back Mike Pelfrey on a regular basis, but this price is ridiculous. The Royals offense has been consistently the worst in the majors. They'll likely get to Pelfrey a decent amount, but Nate Karns isn't a shutdown guy by any means. Karns and Pelfrey have similar FIP's, and these are two guys who are unreliable. What about the bullpens? The White Sox have a huge advantage here. The Royals have one of the three or four worst bullpens in baseball. With the White Sox having the better offense and the better bullpen, this price should be around even money. I'll gladly take the big plus money price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Andre Ramirez
MLB | May 03, 2017
Rangers vs. Astros
Astros -1½ +115 at BMAKER

MLB 60 DIME FREE GAME

The Rangers bullpen has been terrible. They have cost Rangers at least 6 wins this season and once again last night it was cause of ugly Texas loss. Tonight have to give much hotter offense of Astros the edge as Houston keeps the winning going. The Astros are 6-1 in the last 7 games. The Astros win 6-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Vic Duke
NBA | May 03, 2017
Rockets vs. Spurs
Spurs -5½ -102 at 5DIMES

Rockets/Spurs 9:35: Spurs were ambushed Monday evening by the Rockets and never recovered. On the surface, the Spurs were a step slow on both sides of the floor. They allowed Houston to shoot 46% from floor and 44% from 3 pt. range. The Spurs shot a dismal 36% from the floor and 31% from 3 pt. range while getting nothing out of Aldridge, Danny Green and David Lee; moreover, bench players Mills and Ginobili struggled. It's uncharacteristic of a Popovich coached Spurs team to take a savage beating like that once let alone twice. We'll look for the Spurs to come out with more energy and passion tonight. Spurs are 4-1 ATS after allowing 100+, 5-2 ATS off a SU loss and 5-2 ATS after allowing 125+. And it is unlikely the Rockets' 26th ranked defense, which allows 110 PPG, can keep the Spurs' functional offense at bay on their home floor for the second time in two days. Spurs the call.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jeff Benton

Yes, Game 1 on Monday sailed Over the total, but that was because Houston didn't miss too many shots as the Rockets played about as perfect of a game as you can play and netted 126 whopping points!

I say no chance the Spurs allow the Rockets to go off for that many tonight. No chance at all.

That is why I will play Game 2 Under the total in this Houston-San Antonio Texas tussle.

Remember that prior to Tuesday's Over, the teams had gone 4-0-1 Under the total in their previous 5 showdowns. That and the fact Houston had played their last pair in their previous series against OKC Under the posted total.

San Antonio surprisingly, is on a 5 game playoff Over run, and 8 of their last 9 since the regular season have also gone Over. If the Spurs want to get into a shooting contest with the Rockets, that would prove deadly I feel, so look for this game to be a little more half-court, slowdown oriented, and look for the Under to be the play.

Rockets-Spurs Under the total.

3* HOUSTON-SAN ANTONIO UNDER

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brad Wilton

So much for the theory that a team simply cannot flip the switch from "off" to "on", as just before the playoffs started, and even into the early stages of their opening round against Indiana, there were plenty of question marks surrounding the defending champion Cavaliers! Now? Now those question marks are exclamation marks, as the Cavs are 5-0 straight up this postseason, and have covered in each of their last 3 wins.

Cleveland is also 6-1 straight up the last 7 series meetings - last year's East Finals included - and have covered in 5 of the 7 meetings. Throw in 5 covers the last 7 series meetings at Quicken Loans Arena, and you can see why I am a little "bullish" on backing the Cavs minus the number at home.

This series could wind up a sweep when it is all said and done. Maybe the Raptors can summon a win before this one is through, but that won't likely be until they are on their home floor over the weekend.

In the meantime, have to lay the wood with the defending champs to notch their 6th win in as many playoff games, and their 4th cover in a row.

5* CLEVELAND

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Eric Schroeder

My free winner is on the San Diego Padres, against the Colorado Rockies.

My Bonus Play is on the San Diego Padres, catching money at home against the Colorado Rockies. The National League West rivals continue their three-game set, after the Friars won the opener last night.

San Diego has won three in a row and is 6-4 at home on the year. The Padres could use a run of luck right now, and keep themselves distanced from last-place San Francisco, which is two games behind San Diego in the West.

The Padres are three games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers, while the Rockies are one-half game back of division-leading Arizona.

Standings don't tell us much in May, but the Padres certainly would rather get closer to the top, instead of sinking to the bottom.

1* PADRES

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jack Brayman

My Bonus Play for Wednesday is on the high-powered Washington Nationals, over the Arizona Diamondbacks. And in this one I want you listing scheduled starting pitchers Gio Gonzalez over Robbie Ray.

Gonzalez, who is 2-0 with a 2.21 ERA in his last three starts, is 3-0 with a 1.62 ERA through five starts and has completed at least six innings in each. The sturdy strikeout pitcher has show a live arm from three quarters early on this season.

The crafty and hard-throwing southpaw appears to be in mid-season form, as everything is working nicely right now. I've always loved how Gonzalez turns his back to create deception with his delivery. He also finds a knack for getting late run down with his two-seam fastball, which ranges between 90 and 94 miles per hour. He also changes the shape on a plus curveball and fades his changeup from lefties.

I know Ray is making his third start away from Chase Field, and I realize he has fared better on the road so far this season - he is 1-0 with an 0.71 ERA on the road and 1-1 with a 5.60 ERA in three outings at home - but he has also pitched at San Francisco and Los Angeles, against teams he knows well.

This Nationals lineup leads the league with a .292 batting average and ranks second in the bigs with 43 home runs.

Take Washington tonight, and list both.

1* NATIONALS

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Golden Lock Sports

MLB PITTSBURGH PIRATES ‑130

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Shadow Sports Syndicate

MLB WASHINGTON ‑130