SPORTS WAGERS
Chile +6.50/+1 +1.04 over Spain
It's shocking to see Chile not get more respect in this match. Spain hasn't found their EURO CUP 2008 form as of yet and now that's all supposed to change against Chile? Chile has been underestimated all tournament long and there is no game that they want more than this one. A win or draw here against the Spaniards would claim them victory in Group H and give them an opportunity to avoid Brazil, assuming Brazil doesn't lose to Portugal. The Chileans have been one of the most exciting and electrifying teams in the tournament. Alexis Sanchez is proving that he belongs on the pitch with the best in the world and he could certainly break through in this match to score his first World Cup goal. Chile's coach Marcelo Bielsa will have to find a way to overcome the loss of the injured Carlos Carmona and the suspended Matias Fernandez. However, he has promised that Chile will maintain an attacking formation and this is a squad that is capable of opening up any defense for scoring opportunities. Spain has had a very difficult time putting away their scoring chances in this World Cup. They looked better in their last match vs. Honduras, but they still missed a number of key opportunities including a missed penalty kick by David Villa. Overall, the South American teams have been leaps and bounds better than the European teams so far in this installment of the World Cup. This betting line for this match certainly appears to underestimate Chile and overestimate Spain. It's quite possible that Spain comes out and plays its best game of the tournament, but there is just too much value on the Chilean side in this match. They will be playing their hearts out for a draw, but they are very capable of cutting open the Spanish defense and putting one past the Spaniards. It's always good to have multiple ways to cash in a wager and taking a goal with Chile gives you just that. It also makes sense to swing for the fences and make a small play on Chile to win outright at over 6-1. Many feel that Spain will come out and find a way to win this match, but those are the same people who backed Italy and to a lesser extent France in their losing must-win efforts. Tons of value on a Chilean side that will not lay down for Spain today. Play: Chile +6.50 (Risking 0.5 units). Play: Chile +1 +1.04 (Risking 1.5 units).
Honduras +1 -108 over Switzerland
If not for sloppy Spanish defending the Swiss wouldn't even have a goal at this World Cup. It's hard to believe that anyone would lay a goal on a team that is so defensive minded. The stakes are certainly higher today, but it's still asking a lot of a defensive minded team to score at least one goal, yet alone two. Switzerland had only three shots on target this entire World Cup and it's not like they have been just missing the net, as they also sport just eight shots off target. It might be hard to make a case for Honduras to win this match, but they don't have to win. They are certainly capable of keeping the Swiss off the score sheet or at least holding them to a lone goal, both of which would be good enough to cash or push a play on them at +1. Honduras' defense has proved they can hang with offenses stronger than the Swiss, holding Chile to one goal and Spain to two. There is a very good chance that Switzerland will be anxious to qualify for the next round and attempt to play out of their defensive element today. If that were to happen, Honduras might be able to launch a counter-attack and find themselves scoring their first goal at this World Cup. The books may have set this line because they know that many will side with the more recognizable country in Switzerland or because the public loves to bet on a team that MUST WIN. However, the Italians were in a MUST WIN yesterday and how did they fare? The wagering line is giving the Swiss way too much credit in this one and the value rests solely on the side of Honduras. Play: Honduras +1 –1.08 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
DUNKEL INDEX
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Boston at San Francisco
The Giants look to build on their 7-1 record in Jonathan Sanchez' last 8 starts as a favorite from -110 to -150. San Francisco is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Giants favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-125)
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 951-952: San Diego at Florida (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Richard) 15.398; Florida (Volstad) 15.216
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Florida (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+100); Under
Game 953-954: Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 15.980; White Sox (Peavy) 15.279
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+120); Under
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 955-956: Philadelphia at Toronto (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Halladay) 15.371; Toronto (Litsch) 14.999
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-240); 9
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-240); Under
Game 957-958: Washington at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Martin) 13.957; Baltimore (Arrieta) 14.801
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-105); Under
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 959-960: Minnesota at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Slowey) 15.272; NY Mets (Pelfrey) 15.875
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-145); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-145); Over
Game 961-962: Cleveland at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Laffey) 14.464; Cincinnati (Harang) 14.074
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-180); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+160); Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 963-964: Arizona at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Jackson) 14.481; Tampa Bay (Niemann) 14.751
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-200); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-200); Over
Game 965-966: Detroit at Atlanta (7:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Oliver) 14.954; Atlanta (Medlen) 15.538
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-165); 9
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-165); Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 967-968: Houston at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Moehler) 15.080; Texas (Lewis) 16.839
Dunkel Line: Texas by 2; 10
Vegas Line: Texas (-320); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-320); Over
Game 969-970: St. Louis at Kansas City (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Suppan) 15.081; Kansas City (Greinke) 14.571
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-150); 9
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+130); Under
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 971-972: Seattle at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Rowland-Smith) 16.449; Milwaukee (Bush) 15.992
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-160); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+140); Under
Game 973-974: Pittsburgh at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Lincoln) 13.924; Oakland (Sheets) 14.991
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-180); 8
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-180); Under
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 975-976: Colorado at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Francis) 15.870; LA Angels (Weaver) 15.479
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+140); Under
Game 977-978: NY Yankees at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 16.739; LA Dodgers (Padilla) 16.093
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-190); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-190); Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 979-980: Boston at San Francisco (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Wakefield) 15.195; San Francisco (Sanchez) 15.724
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-125); Over
WNBA
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Phoenix at Connecticut
The Sun look to build on their 7-1 ATS record in their last 8 home games.
Connecticut is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sun favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-4 1/2)
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 601-602: Phoenix at Connecticut (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 109.519; Connecticut 117.285
Dunkel Line & Total: Connecticut by 8; 189
Vegas Line & Total: Connecticut by 4 1/2; 186
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-4 1/2); Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 603-604: New York at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 112.947; Tulsa 104.100
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 9; 171
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 2 1/2; 167
Dunkel Pick: New York (-2 1/2); Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 605-606: Washington at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 108.689; Chicago 114.567
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6; 144
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 4; 150
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-4); Under
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Game 607-608: Indiana at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 115.875; Seattle 118.071
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 2; 141
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 6; 144 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+6); Under
Steve Merril
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Yankees vs. Dodgers
Play: Over 8.5
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Joe Torre will take on his former team as the Dodgers host the Yankees on Friday night. Vicente Padilla gets the start for the Dodgers. He's 1-1 with a 7.00 ERA in five starts this season. The righty gave up four runs and five hits in 5.3 innings of work to the Red Sox in Boston. Last year, Padilla gave up seven runs and seven hits in 3.7 innings pitched to the Yankees. Robinson Cano (4-11), Derek Jeter (4-10), Jorge Posada (1-3), and Brett Gardner (1-1) hit the righty the best. New York has scored 28 runs over their last five games with their last three games going Over the total. The Yankees are hitting .289 against right-handed pitching going Over in 26 of their 46 games against them. New York’s CC Sabathia is 3-3 with a 4.73 ERA on the road this season. Sabathia has struggled against Los Angeles hitters as they are hitting .337 against him. Garret Anderson (9-34), Manny Ramirez (12-21), Russell Martin (1-3), James Loney (1-3), Matt Kemp (1-3), and Jamey Carroll (1-2) have had past success against the burly left hander. The Dodgers have gone Over in 22 of their 36 home games, and since both offenses are in good current form, we expect a high-scoring game between these two tonight and recommend a play on the Over.
Cajun Sports
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Nationals vs. Orioles
Play: Under 9
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles open a three-game interleague series on Friday night. This series has gone under in four of the last five meetings overall and five of seven in Baltimore. The Nationals are 10-0 Under after scoring 4 runs or less 4 straight games this season, 11-1 Under after 5 or more consecutive home games this season and 7-0 Under after 6 or more consecutive home games this season. Washington has gone 6-0 Under in their last six interleague contests, 5-0 Under in interleague games facing a right-handed starter and 19-7-1 Under when playing Game 1 of a series. Baltimore has gone 40-28 Under overall this season, 31-17 Under playing under the lights, 12-5-1 Under their last 19 when playing in Game 1 of a series and 6-2 Under their last eight home games versus a team that has a road win percentage of .400 or less on the season. These teams have seen ten of their last fifteen meetings fall below the posted total and we believe this game will follow that trend.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
PROJECTED FORECAST: 2* Washington – Baltimore UNDER 9
Rob Vinciletti
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Twins vs. Mets
Play: Under 8.5
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
What we want to do in this game is play the under when we have a home team like the Mets off a home favored loss with a total of 8 or less vs an opponent that is off a road dog loss by 5 or more runs. This system has cashed 6 of the last 7 times over the past few years. The Twins have gone under in 5 of 7 games as a road dog in this range. The Mets have gone under in 8 of 10 Friday games. Both teams have solid bullpens. The Twins at 3.23 on the road and the Mets at 2.15 at home. The Mets M. Pelfrey has been solid this year at home with a 1.87 era. Look for this one to go under the total.
BEN BURNS
Brazil @ Portugal
PICK: Portugal
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
As usual, Brazil has a very strong squad. They're always among the favorites to win the World Cup and this year is no exception. However, such lofty expectations also often bring inflated odds. Here, we can get a talented Portugal team at +0.5 goal, in a game that Brazil doesn't really need to even win.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Regardless of the situation, Brazil always wants to win. Also, being a former colony of Portugal, beating the Portuguese is always extra enjoyable. That said, they've already qualified for the next round and that may cause a slight letdown here.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
They know that a draw is all they really need to ensure first place in their group. Kaka was quoted as saying: "This final group game is important for us to finish first. A draw would also be good..."
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Portugal is coming off an impressive 7-0 victory over North Korea, a team Brazil only beat 2-1. That gives the Portuguese a ton of confidence here. I expect them to build positive momentum from that victory and look for them to give their South American cousins all they can handle. Getting an extra +0.5 goal, in a game that could easily finish in a draw, I feel that the underdog is well worth a look. Consider Portugal at +0.5 goal.
Nick “The BookieKiller” Parsons
Brazil @ Portugal
PICK: Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
There are many options when wagering on soccer; this play is based off The Greek Sportsbook on the "over" 2 total goals scored in this game at -128:
Brazil has already punched its ticket to the knock-out round and will finish first if they win or draw in this game.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
It's been a long-time since Brazil has lost a game; in fact its won 28 matches in a row, last losing against Bolivia at an extremely high altitude.
On the other side of the pitch: If the Portuguese win, they will take the top spot in this Group; but if they lose they could still be caught by the Ivory Coast in second (however, that scenario is almost impossible as "The Elephants" would need an unprecedented 9-goal swing to make that happen).
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Portugal is coming off a 7-0 destruction of North Korea, but now faces an entirely different beast in Brazil.
Keep in mind that Portugal's last defeat was actually against Brazil, when it was crushed 6-2 in late 2008.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Bottom line: These are a couple of the Worlds best going head-to-head here; both have explosive offenses and over-powering defenses; that said, I believe that this number is just too low when taking into account the amount of offensive power that each possess; consider a second look at the OVER in this situation.
MARC LAWRENCE
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Seattle Mariners @ Milwaukee Brewers
PICK: Milwaukee Brewers
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Brewers host the Mariners in the opening game of this three game weekend series when they send David Bush to the hill against Ryan Rowland-Smith tonight at Miller Park in Milwaukee. Bush checks in with a 3-1 record with a 2.98 ERA in his last four starts. He's also 4-2 in his last six home starts in June. With Rowland-Smith leaking oil as badly as BP at 1-6 in his last seven team starts and 1-7 in his last eight road team starts, look for the Brew Crew to get the job done here this evening. We recommend a 1-unit play on Milwaukee.
Jim Feist
Diamondbacks vs. Rays
Play: Under 9
The Tampa Bay offense has gone to sleep of late, part of their recent slide. A pair of above average pitchers are on the hill for this one. Edwin Jackson of the Diamondbacks has found a groove with his new team, with a 3.98 ERA his last three starts. The Rays go with Jeff Niemann (6-1) has bene strong all season and has a 3.00 ERA his last three starts, with 5 walks and 17 Ks in 20 innings. Look for another low scoring tilt in the TropicanaDome. Play the Diamondbacks/Rays Under the total.
Jimmy Moore
Washington @ Baltimore
Pick: Washington
I don't have to tell you how bad Baltimore is right now and Arrieta was terrible in his last start only getting through 3 innings. Washington is not great but they have been rejuvenated by Strassburg and will be ready to play in this big rivalry game. Take the Nationals to get the win.
Tom Freese
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
St. Louis at Kansas City
Play: Kansas City
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Kansas City starter Zack Greinke has 1 walk and 23 strikeouts in his last 3 starts. The Royals are 4-0 home their last 4 home games when the Total is 9.0 to 10.5. Kansas City is 5-2 vs. National League Central teams. St Louis starter Jeff Suppan has made 2 starts this year and hasn't made past the fifth inning in either start. The Cardinals are 2-7 their last 9 road games as underdogs. Suppan is 3-7 when he starts game one of a series.
Craig Trapp
St Louis Cardinals vs. Kansas City Royals
Play: St Louis Cardinals
Last year this time KC's Grienke was nearly unhittable. What a difference a year makes as Grienke is struggling going 2-8 with a 3.94 ERA. In his career Grienke has struggled against STL 1-2 with a 5.82 ERA in three career starts. KC has hit the ball much better than expected this year but with Grienke on the mound they score only 3 runs per game. Only good news for KC is they get to face Suppan for STL. Suppan has not been horrible last two starts for STL but has not got a decision in either. The lineup for STL has been getting hot and think the added DH will be big lift for them. Look for Grienke and Suppan to struggle but lets take the better bullpen and lineup STL!
VEGAS EXPERTS
Cleveland Indians at Cincinnati Reds
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Cincinnati Reds have taken six consecutive series' against interstate rival Cleveland. The Reds are 10-0 when their bullpen has a WHIP that is under 1.000 the last 5 games. Cleveland has struggled against NL Central opponents recently going just 7-17 in these contests. The Indians have lost nine of their last 10 games overall. They will start Aaron Laffey who comes up from AAA Columbus. He lost his lone start against the Reds in 2008 after allowing five runs in five innings. Go with the Reds tonight.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play on: Cincinnati Reds
Matt Fargo
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Washington Nationals vs. Baltimore Orioles
Play: Washington Nationals
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Orioles were winners on Thursday and a rare win it was indeed. Baltimore came into yesterday riding a horrid 7-28 run over its last 35 games and the streak started right after the last time it won consecutive games which was way back on May 13th and 14. Since then, the Orioles are 0-8 following a win and those losses have been by an average of 3.75 rpg so they haven’t even been close. The Nationals meanwhile won their last series at home against the Royals following a six-game losing skid. Ironically, the only loss in that Kansas City series was with Stephen Strasburg on the mound so it easily could have been a sweep. That momentum of the series heads into Friday. Looking at wins and losses and J.D. Martin is not a play on pitcher right now according to the majority but that is why wins and losses do not account for much. The Nationals are 0-4 in his four starts but Martin has put up a 3.55 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in those four games with only one bad outing of the bunch. He is a third of an inning away from having a 75 percent quality start ratio. He goes up against Jacob Arrieta who started his Major League career with two quality starts but he was hit hard in his last outing, allowing six runs, five earned, in just three innings against the Padres. The Nationals are 6-1 in their last seven games as a favorite of -110 to -150 while the Orioles are 3-8 in their last 11 games as a home underdog. Washington also falls into a solid situation. Play against American League underdogs that are averaging 4.2 or fewer rpg and with a bullpen whose WHIP is 1.55 or worse on the season going up against a team with a bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 or better. This situation is 66-23 (74.2 percent) over the last five seasons. The average moneyline in these games is -143 so with a line this low for the Nationals, it presents tremendous value as well. 3* Washington Nationals
Jimmy Boyd
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
1 Unit on Cincinnati Reds -1.5 +115
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Laffey makes his first start of the season for the Tribe tonight, and I expect it to be a rough outing as he hasn't exactly sparkled in triple-A or in relief work. Plus, he is 0-3 lifetime against the Reds with an ERA of 11.05. Harang has pitched well against the Indians in his career, going 3-2 (6-3 on the money line) with an ERA of just 2.84. In addition, Cincy has owned this series, winning 11 of 15 games the last 3 seasons, including 5 of 6 at home. Cincy has won 4 of the last 5 overall in this matchup with all 4 of those wins coming by 2 or more runs. In addition, Cincy is a perfect 10-0 this season when playing a game with a hot bullpen whose WHIP is under 1.000 the last 5 games, winning in these spots by an average of 2.3 runs. I'll take the Reds on the run line tonight.