SPORTS ADVISORS
WORLD SERIES
Philadelphia (9-5) at N.Y. Yankees (10-4)
The World Series shifts to back to Yankee Stadium where the Yankees will try once again to wrap up their record 27th world title when they send Andy Pettitte (17-8, 4.06 ERA) to the mound on three days’ rest for Game 6 while the Phillies counter with Pedro Martinez (5-2, 3.28).
Facing elimination, Philadelphia came out swinging in Game 5 on Monday, jumping out to 6-1 lead after three innings and holding on for an 8-6 home victory. Chase Utley hit two more home runs – giving him five in this World Series – and Cliff Lee picked up his second series win despite allowing a postseason-high five runs in seven innings.
Philadelphia is now 20-8 in the playoffs since the beginning of last year’s run to the World Series title. Additionally, the Phillies are on positive runs 5-2 on the highway, 7-3 in playoff road games, 11-5 as an underdog, 9-3 as a road ‘dog, 37-18 against left-handed starters, 38-15 after a day off and 4-0 on Wednesday. On the downside, Charlie Manuel’s squad has lost 12 of 17 interleague games (all versus the A.L. East).
New York, looking for its 27th championship overall and first since 2000, had a three-game losing skid snapped on Monday. Still, the Yankees enter Game 6 on a plethora of positive runs, including 51-21 overall, 42-11 at home, 6-1 in playoff home games, 9-3 in World Series home games, 9-1 as a playoff favorite, 8-2 in interleague play (all against the N.L. East), 59-26 when hosting National League opponents, 19-7 following a defeat, 47-18 against right-handed starters and 7-0 in interleague play against righties.
The Yankees are 13-1 all-time when taking a 3-1 lead in the World Series. The last time a team overcame a 3-1 World Series deficit was the Royals in 1985, but New York has lost three straight games just twice since the All-Star break.
These teams have now split eight meetings this season, including a three-game interleague series in the Bronx in May. Going back to 1999, the Yankees are 11-7 against the Phillies. The visitor has won nine of the last 13 head-to-head matchups.
Making just his second start since Sept. 30, Martinez held the Yankees to three runs on six hits over six innings in Game 2 of this series at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, but he lost 3-1 as he was outdueled by A.J. Burnett. Including a Game 2 start at Dodger Stadium in the NLCS, Martinez has given up three runs on eight hits in 13 postseason innings (2.08 ERA), walking two and striking out 11. However, the Phillies lost both games by scores of 3-1 and 2-1 after going 8-1 in the veteran right-hander’s first nine starts this year. Martinez has allowed three runs or less in eight straight starts and 10 of 11 since making his Phillies debut on Aug. 12.
Martinez is now 3-2 with a 4.28 ERA in six road starts this year, 6-3 with a 3.22 ERA in 15 career playoff games (13 starts), 12-14 with a 3.43 ERA in 39 lifetime appearances (38 starts) against New York (playoffs included) and 8-6 with a 3.38 ERA in 20 games (18 starts) in the Bronx.
Pettitte improved to 3-0 in this postseason on Saturday, guiding New York to an 8-5 victory in Philadelphia in Game 3, despite yielding four runs on five hits and three walks with seven strikeouts in six innings. New York is now 3-1 behind Pettitte in the playoffs, with the lefty giving up nine runs (all earned) on 22 hits in 25 innings (3.24 ERA). Prior to Saturday’s six-inning effort, Pettitte had gone exactly 6 1/3 innings in his first three postseason outings.
With Pettitte on the hill, New York is on incredible runs of 11-4 overall, 79-38 at home, 81-38 as a home favorite, 20-8 as a chalk overall, 7-1 in interleague play and 29-9 on Wednesday. Including one solid playoff outing against the Angels, the 37-year-old is 7-4 with a 4.40 ERA in 17 starts in new Yankee Stadium this season. The all-time leader in postseason victories, Pettitte is 17-9 with a 3.88 ERA in 39 career playoff starts, and with the Game 3 victory in Philadelphia, he’s 3-2 with a 3.97 ERA in eight career starts against the Phillies.
All three games in Philadelphia flew over the posted total after the first five meetings between these teams this season – all in the Bronx – stayed under the posted price.
The Yankees are now 5-2-1 “over” in their last eight overall in this postseason, but otherwise they’re still on “under” rolls of 35-17-3 at home (6-0-1 at home in these playoffs), 12-4-1 as a favorite, 6-2-1 after a day off, 17-9 in interleague play, 4-0 in interleague home games, 16-7 in the World Series, 7-0 in World Series home games, 8-3-2 against right-handed starters and 6-0 on Wednesday. Finally, behind Pettitte, the under is on runs of 55-25-3 overall, 10-3 at home, 12-3-1 against the National League (10-3 vs. the N.L. East) and 46-21-1 when Pettitte is favored.
On the flip side, Philadelphia carries “over” trends of 21-6-2 overall (6-1 last seven), 9-2-1 in these playoffs, 5-1-1 against the A.L. East, 7-3 as an underdog, 5-2-1 as a playoff pup, 5-1 against left-handed starters and 5-1 after a day off. However, the under is 5-2 in Martinez’s last seven starts.
ATS ADVANTAGE: N.Y. YANKEES
NBA
Phoenix (4-0, 2-2 ATS) at Orlando (3-1 SU and ATS)
The surprising Suns continue a five-game, seven-day Eastern Conference road swing when they invade Amway Arena for a clash with Dwight Howard and the Magic.
Phoenix opened its road trip with last night’s 104-96 victory over the Heat as a four-point underdog, remaining unbeaten on the season and extending its winning streak to seven dating to the end of last season. The Suns have scored 104 or more throughout the winning streak, averaging 114.6 points per game, yet they’re just 4-3 ATS during the run.
After three consecutive blowout wins and covers to open the season, Orlando went to Detroit on Tuesday and was stunned by the Pistons 85-80 as an 8½-point road favorite. Going back to last February, the Magic are still 13-4 SU in their last 17 regular-season home games, but just 8-9 ATS. That includes a 111-99 rout of Phoenix as a 7½-point favorite on March 3, the Suns’ lone trip to Orlando last year.
Prior to losing in Orlando, the Suns had won six straight meetings in this rivalry, going just 2-4 ATS. In fact, the Magic have cashed in seven of the last nine meetings overall and four of the last five in Orlando. Still, the ‘dog is on a 7-2 ATS roll over those past nine meetings, with the visitor cashing in six of the last seven.
Phoenix has alternated spread-covers in its last six road games. Meanwhile, dating to last year’s playoffs, the Magic are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven against the Western Conference and 1-4 ATS in their last four against the Pacific Division (all against the Lakers in last year’s NBA Finals).
For Phoenix, the under is on runs of 7-2 overall (3-1 this year), 4-0 on the road (2-0 this year) and 7-1 against the Southeast Division, but the over is 6-1 in its last seven when playing the second night in a row and 21-8 in its last 29 on Wednesday. Orlando carries “under” trends of 8-1 against the Western Conference, 4-1 against the Pacific Division (all in the NBA Finals) and 7-3 on Wednesday. Finally, the over is 8-3 in the last 11 Suns-Magic battles.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO
L.A. Lakers (3-1, 0-4 ATS) at Houston (3-1 SU and ATS)
The surprising Rockets go for their fourth straight win when they entertain the Lakers at the Toyota Center in a rematch of last year’s thrilling Western Conference semifinal playoff series.
Los Angeles opened a brief two-game Midwest road trip with last night’s 101-98 overtime win at Oklahoma City. Kobe Bryant shook off affects from the flu and scored a game-high 31 points in 46 minutes, while Andrew Bynum (22 points, 10 rebounds) and Ron Artest (20 points, six assists) also aided in the win. However, the Lakers failed to cover as a seven-point road favorite and they’ve yet to cash a ticket this year (all as a favorite).
Since falling 96-87 at Portland on opening night, Houston has pulled off three straight upset wins over the Warriors (108-107 on the road), Blazers (111-107 at home) and Jazz (113-96 on the road). In Monday’s rout of Utah as an eight-point road underdog, the Rockets shot 50 percent from the field, going 10-for-19 from three-point range. Eight players scored in double figures, and they outscored the Jazz 59-39 in the second half.
The Rockets took the heavily favored Lakers to seven games in last year’s playoffs, eventually falling 89-70 as a 13-point underdog in the decisive Game 7 in Los Angeles. The home team won and covered the final four meetings. The Lakers also won and covered all three regular-season matchups against Houston last year, improving to 8-3 ATS in the last 11 series clashes. L.A. has also covered in nine of its last 13 trips to the Toyota Center, and the SU winner is on a perfect 12-0 ATS roll in this rivalry.
The Lakers had covered in four straight road games going back to last year’s NBA Finals against Orlando prior to last night’s ATS setback, and they’re 4-1 ATS in their last five on Wednesday. Houston has covered in four of five at home dating to its playoff series against L.A. in May, but is 1-5 ATS in its last six on Wednesday.
Los Angeles is riding “under” streaks of 36-17-1 overall (2-2 this year), 13-7 on the road, 10-3 against the Western Conference and 5-0 versus the Southwest Division. Likewise, the under for Houston is 7-2 in its last nine at home and 7-3 in its last 10 when playing on one day of rest. Finally, the final four playoff contests between these teams last spring stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS and UNDER
Dallas (3-1 SU and ATS) at New Orleans (1-3 SU and ATS)
One night after an impressive come-from-behind home win over Utah, the Mavericks head east to New Orleans Arena for a Southwest Division clash with the struggling Hornets.
Dallas outscored the Jazz 44-18 in the final quarter on Tuesday to not only pull out a 96-85 win, but also cover as a 6½-point home favorite, improving to 3-0 SU and ATS since a season-opening home loss to Washington. Dirk Nowitzki scored 29 of his 40 points in the final quarter, as the Mavericks overcame a 67-52 deficit. Dallas is struggling offensively, totaling just 91, 94, 93 and 96 points in its first four games, but it is playing strong defense, yielding just 87.8 points per game on less than 43 percent shooting
New Orleans has played three of its first four games on the road, losing all three, including Monday’s 117-111 setback at New York as a three-point road favorite. The Hornets’ lone home game was a 97-92 win over Sacramento, but they failed to cover as a hefty 12-point favorite. New Orleans has been held under 100 points in 13 of its last 16 contests, and defensively, the Hornets are giving up 104.8 ppg (47 percent shooting) this year.
Including a 2008 first-round playoff series between these teams, New Orleans has won five of the last six meetings (4-2 ATS) and seven of the last nine (6-3 ATS). The host has covered in 10 of the last 13 in this series – with the Hornets going 6-1 ATS in the last seven in the Big Easy – and the favorite is 20-7-1 ATS in the last 28 head-to-head battles.
Dallas’ three-game ATS winning streak comes on the heels of an 0-6 pointspread nosedive, and the Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last six divisional games and 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 on Wednesday.
Going back to last year, the Hornets have lost 13 of their last 17 games both SU and ATS (playoffs included) going 1-8 ATS in the last nine (0-3 ATS at home). Additionally, New Orleans is in pointspread slumps of 1-5 at home, 3-13 against Western Conference teams and 1-4 on Wednesday.
The over is 7-3 in the Mavericks’ last 10 road games, 7-3 in their last 10 on Wednesday and 4-1 in their last five against division rivals, but they’ve stayed under the total in seven straight games when playing on back-to-back nights. New Orleans carries “under” trends of 5-2 overall, 13-3 at home, 4-0 when playing on one day of rest and 15-6 in Southwest Division contests. Finally, the under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings between these teams, but the over is 5-2-1 in the last eight at New Orleans Arena.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DALLAS
DUNKEL
Philadelphia at NY Yankees
The Yankees look to bounce back from the 8-6 loss in Game Five and build on their 6-0 record in Andy Pettitte's last 6 starts after scoring 5 or more runs in the previous game. New York is the pick (-180) according to Dunkel, which has the Yankees favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-180)
Game 961-962: Philadelphia at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Martinez) 16.522; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 16.919
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-180); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-180); Over
NBA
Boston at Minnesota
The Celtics look to take advantage of a Minnesota team that is 3-14 ATS in its last 17 games as a home underdog between 5 and 10 1/2 points. Boston is the pick (-10) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by 13. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-10)
Game 501-502: Detroit at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 114.631; Toronto 122.957
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 8 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 503-504: Phoenix at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 116.967; Orlando 130.096
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 13; 199 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 505-506: Miami at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 118.328; Washington 120.531
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 3 1/2; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3 1/2); Over
Game 507-508: Denver at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 123.458; New Jersey 118.543
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 5; 200 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 509-510: Indiana at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 116.181; New York 120.930
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 4 1/2; 222
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 4; 226
Dunkel Pick: New York (-4); Under
Game 511-512: Boston at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 126.994; Minnesota 113.897
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 13; 193 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 10; 186 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-10); Over
Game 513-514: LA Lakers at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 125.619; Houston 127.878
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 2 1/2; 195 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 515-516: Dallas at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 118.705; New Orleans 114.237
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 4; 188 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 517-518: Atlanta at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 121.110; Sacramento 109.951
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 11; 211 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 5; 208
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-5); Over
Game 519-520: Memphis at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 117.675; Golden State 115.310
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 2 1/2; 222
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 6; 226
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+6); Under
NHL
San Jose at Columbus
The Sharks look to build on their 5-1 record in their last 6 road games. San Jose is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Sharks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-120)
Game 1-2: NY Islanders at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 12.402; Buffalo 12.087
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+170); Under
Game 3-4: Washington at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.008; New Jersey 12.164
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-140); Over
Game 5-6: San Jose at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.947; Columbus 12.040
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-120); Over
Game 7-8: Carolina at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 10.428; Florida 12.050
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-135); Over
Game 9-10: Calgary at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.457; Dallas 12.016
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-120); Over
Game 11-12: Phoenix at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.470; Colorado 12.583
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-125); Under
Scott Spreitzer
Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks
Prediction: Indiana Pacers
After losing a couple of battles in overtime, the Knicks finally got their first win of the season when they knocked off the Hornets, 117-111. But the Knicks play no defense whatsoever, and I suspect the Pacers will be the team that gets their first win tonight. Indiana shot less than 40% from the field last night, including just 3-for-22 from behind the arc. But tonight, they get the perfect elixir. New York is giving up over 117 ppg in their first four contests. They have allowed teams to connect on 51% of their shots. And if you remove poor-shooting Charlotte from the list, the Knicks other three opponents have made 56% of their shots, including 41% of their "treys." Indiana has opened the season with games against the Spurs, Hawks, Heat, and Nuggets. Most NBA teams would be 0-4 against that slate. Tonight, the Pacers take a big step-down in level of competition, and I believe they'll take full advantage. I'm taking the points with the Pacers on Wednesday.
Rob Vinciletti
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks
Play: Over 226
The game fits a solid,which plays the to the over for home favorites of -4 or less with 1 or more days of rest if they are coming off a home game as a dog of 4 or less and they scored 110 or more points. If their opponent was a dog of 5 or more points in their last game the system has cashed every time. These two teams play an up tempo style and this will lead to many fast break points and an exciting high scoring game. take the over 226 here tonight in the Pacers at Knicks game.
JIM FEIST
DENVER NUGGETS / NEW JERSEY NETS
TAKE NEW JERSEY NETS
The schedule hasn't been kind to the Nets yet, playing 3 of their first 4 on the road. Searching for their first win, they finally catch a break with the schedule. New Jersey is home and rested while Denver comes to town on a long road trip. The Nuggets play their 3rd game in 4 nights here, including the second of a back to back road situation, playing at Indiana last night. This is the second of a 6-game road trip for Denver. Play the Nets!
BIG AL
Philadelphia at New York
The Phillies lived to fight another day after their closer-than- it-needed-to-be 8-6 victory on Monday night, in which they beat up on the Bronx Bombers and starter AJ Burnett. That wasn't too surprising as Burnett came into that game with a 2-3 record and 5.04 ERA in his career at Citizens Bank Park. Even with that big win, the party will likely end Wednesday night for Philadelphia as the teams head back to the Bronx and New York will send the all- time post-season wins leader to the mound in veteran lefthander Andy Pettitte. Pettitte has had many successful postseasons in his career, but 2009 may be his best yet. In four 2009 post- season starts, Pettitte is 3-0 with a 3.24 ERA and he may not be done as he no doubt would love to add the deciding victory in this year's fall classic to his trophy case. Veteran righthander Pedro Martinez will get the start for the Phillies tonight, and although he has had a lot of playoff success, Martinez has not beaten the Yankees in the postseason since 1999 and he is only 1-3 against them in his career in post-season play. Since 1985, there have been 12 game 6s played in the World Series, and the home team is 9-3 in those contests. The Yankees are also extremely strong in the -175 to -250 price range this season, with 38 wins in 49 games. And they're 57-18 at home since mid-May!
PLAY NEW YORK
EZWINNERS
Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Yankees
Play: New York Yankees -$206
The Bronx Bombers return home after taking two out of three games in Philadelphia and I expect them to close out the series tonight. The Yankees send Andy Pettitte to the mound seeking his 18th career postseason victory. New York added a lot of payroll to their roster this season and those new additions paid off, but its going to be a veteran Yankee in Andy Pettite that seals this series. Pettite might not be a dominate pitcher or blow you away with his numbers, but he is a winner. He is mentally tough and will get the job done here against Pedro and company. Play on New York!
Dominic Fazzini
Miami at WASHINGTON -3
I'm on a 13-7 run on my complimentary selections, including wins in my last three, with the Celtics' rout of Philadelphia on Tuesday. I'm staying with the NBA today to pick up another winner.
Both the Heat and the Wizards are playing on consecutive nights tonight, but Washington gets to come home after losing at Cleveland, while Miami hits the road after a tough home loss to Phoenix.
Gilbert Arenas looks fully healed from his injuries, averaging 26.5 and 6.3 assists per game. While some of the other Washington starters, such as Mike Miller and Caron Butler, haven't really stepped up their offensive game yet, Andray Blatche has provided 17.5 points per game off of the bench.
The Wizards are hitting 50.6 percent of their shots from the field, while holding opponents to 42.3 percent shooting. We all know Heat star Dwyane Wade is going to get his points, but he hasn't received too much help from his teammates, and now Jermaine O'Neal is playing with a broken nose, which he received Sunday against Chicago.
Miami is playing for the third time in four nights, and it is 3-7 ATS on the second night of back-to-back games. Washington is 5-2 ATS in its last seven home games, 6-2 ATS after not covering the previous game and 4-0 ATS following a SU loss of more than 10 points. Take the Wizards to cover tonight at home.
3♦ WASHINGTON
Stephen Nover
Memphis at GOLDEN STATE -6
I've cashed on my last six free plays, including getting an easy totals winner on Tuesday with the Suns-Heat going under.
Tonight I'm going with the Warriors to cover as a home favorite against a Grizzlies team that can't play defense and has chemistry issues.
Memphis is giving up 115.8 points per game, while allowing its four opponents to shoot 49.7 percent from the floor. That's what happens when you field a lineup of Zach Randolph, O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay with Allen Iverson coming off the bench.
It's also a lineup rife with strife. Already Mayo and Gay have gotten into it, having to be separated during Sunday's game. It didn't take Iverson long either to make ripples. He's complaining about his lack of playing time after missing the first three games with a hamstring injury.
The bad karma Grizzlies are playing their third road game in four nights. They had to go overtime in losing to the Kings on Monday night. Sacramento could be the worst team in the NBA, yet its reserves outscored Memphis' bench, 67-14.
Golden State is fresh. The Warriors have only played two games. They've been idle since Friday and are itching to get their first victory following losses to Houston and Phoenix.
Expect an all-out effort from the Warriors. They certainly have the scorers and run-and-gun style to put up a lot of points against such a bad defense. Because of that, the spread isn't as high as it might seem.
The Grizzlies are 17-35-1 (32 percent) against the spread as a road underdog in the price range of plus 5 to 10 1/2 points. Golden State is 21-10-2 (67 percent) against the spread following a loss.
3♦ GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Bobby Maxwell
Philadelphia +180 at N.Y. YANKEES
Tuesday's FREE winner rolled in as the Thunder hung right with the Lakers before losing in OT, and Monday night I also scored a FREE winner right here in the World Series Game 5 as I told you the Phillies were the play.
Tonight I'm right back in the series with a Game 6 winner on the Phillies. With all this plus-money, it is certainly worth a shot to play the Phillies tonight behind the arm of vetern Pedro Martinez. He’s certainly had some good outings in New York in his career.
Martinez threw six innings in Game 2 in New York, allowing three runs on six hits over six innings of the 3-1 loss. This postseason, Martinez has given up three runs on eight hits in 13 postseason innings, walking two and striking out 11. His numbers are very impressive considering he wasn’t in Philly until late August.
Now, the real reason for this wager is to go against Yankees’ lefty Andy Pettite, who shouldn’t be going on three days rest and it’s going to cost skipper Joe Girardi. Pettitte is the postseason’s most celebrated pitcher, but in his career he’s just 3-2 against the Phillies with a 3.97 ERA. And in the new Yankee Stadium, Pettitte is just 7-4 with a whopping 4.40 ERA in 17 starts.
Pettitte allowed four runs on five hits in six innings of Game 3
The Philadelphia offense plated eight runs on Monday and Chase Utley is looking like he’s taking the all-time home run trophy for World Series action as that guy has been getting great wood on the ball and stroking it all over the park.
The Phillies are on ATS runs of 37-18 against left-handers, 38-15 after a day off and 7-3 as playoff road gear and 9-3 as a road ‘dog. I’m going to grab the money and bet the Phillies.
2♦ PHILADELPHIA
Sports Gambling Hotline
Philadelphia at NY YANKEES
Easy comp play winner last night on the Boston Celtics drubbing Philadelphia. Now 51-44-4 with our comp plays.
World Series Game Six tonight, and we expect the bats to continue to have their way.
After a pair of UNDERS to start the Series, we have had 3 straight OVERS, as the teams have combined for 13, 11, and 14 runs in the 3 games played in the City of Brotherly Love.
Now it is back to the Bronx, and Pedro Martinez going against Andy Pettitte. 10 years ago, we would say this game would be a classic pitcher's duel, but not any more.
With Martinez going on 4 days rest, and Pettitte 3 days rest, we feel the bats will be on their pitches in this one.
Let's make it 4 straight OVERS in the World Series.
5♦ OVER
Michael Cannon
Philadelphia at NY YANKEES
I am 20-7-1 with my last 28 overall free releases.
Take the Phillies plus the run and a half tonight on the road in Game 6 over the Yankees.
Pedro Martinez will start for Philadelphia and you know he’s going to be motivated to pitch in this spot tonight. He would love nothing more than to stick it to the Yankees just one more time and since he’s pitching on full rest he should be sharp tonight.
The Yankees will turn to Andy Pettitte to close it out and he’s pitching on short rest. But contrary to what the media is saying about that, I don’t think it’s going to be that big of a deal to a guy like Pettitte. He’s a veteran who has pitched in this spot since his rookie year and the adrenaline will be enough to offset the short rest between starts.
The reason why I like the Phillies plus the run and a half is because I believe Pedro will hold his own here and the Philadelphia bats have enough pop to generate some offense against Pettitte.
Take the Phillies plus the run and a half as this one goes down to the wire.
3♦ PHILADELPHIA +1.5
Randall the Handle
Washington +1.27 over NEW JERSEY
The fact that Alex Ovechkin is out is one of the main reasons for this choice. When a player of his caliber goes down the rest of the team digs down deep for the first game for sure and perhaps a few games after that. These guys have a ton of pride and they want to show everyone they can win without its superstar. Besides, it’s not like the Caps aren’t deep. They’re a top-seeded playoff team with or without OV and tonight you’ll see them play their hearts out. The Devils have struggled miserably at home with just one win in five games. They’re also struggling offensively and in fact, has scored two goals or less in eight of the first 12 games. Don’t get me wrong, the Devils are playing great and they’re one of the hotter teams in the league right now. However, the Caps will treat this one like a playoff game because all they’ve been hearing for three days is questions about how they’re going to get along without AO. We’ll see. Play: Washington +1.27 (Risking 2 units).
FLORIDA -½ +1.30 over Carolina
The Hurricanes are in a bigger panic than the public at a flu-vaccine clinic. Here’s a team that has dropped nine in a row and while the team tries to figure it out, someone should tell them it’s not rocket science. I said it all of last year and this year that the Canes are just a bad hockey team with not a lot of talent. The defense stinks, the offense is filled with a bunch of castoffs and aging vets and until they show us something different, why not kick a team when they’re down. Not only are the Canes losing, they’re getting buried. Its last three losses have been by scores of 5-1, 6-1, and 5-2. They also have a 7-2 loss and a 6-2 loss earlier in the year. Meanwhile, the Panthers are coming on with two straight wins over two good teams, Dallas and St. Louis. Both of those were on the road and now they’ll play at home and they’ll play with some momentum. The Panthers remain perhaps the most undervalued team in the business. The kicker here is that these two met once already and that game was the Panthers first back upon its return from overseas to start the year. Florida lost 7-2 and there’s no way they’ve forgotten about it. Well, the tide has turned and it’s not in the Hurricanes favor. Play: Florida -½ +1.30 (Risking 2 units).
COLUMBUS +1.05 over San Jose
The Sharkies are warming up big time after a shaky start but I’m not convinced they’re as good as advertised. The first line of Thornton, Heatley and Clowe is as good as it gets but after that they take a big drop off and the defense leaves plenty to be desired as well. The Sharks are a team that can be pressured to cough it up in its own end and Ken Hitchcock and the Jackets should be able to exploit that. The Jackets roll out four good lines and two outstanding lines. The first two lines of Nash, Vermette and Huselius and Umberger, Brassard and Voracek just keep getting better and just keep racking up points. R.J. Umberger might be the most underrated player in the game. Anyway, these Blue Jackets are a team on the rise and they’re not rebuilding anymore. The Jackets are built and they’re damn good. They’re not going to be a pooch in its own building much this year but when they are and the circumstances are not unfavorable, I’m on them with no questions asked and absolutely make no exception here. Play: Columbus +1.05 (Risking 2 units).
Frank Jordan
Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees
Play: New York Yankees
Both Pedro Martinez and Andy Pettitte pitched well in their respected first start of the World Series. In game two it was Pedro going 6 innings allowing 3 runs, but got the loss as the AJ Burnett pitched well and the bullpen backed him up. Pettitte went 6 innings also giving up 4 runs, but the Yankee offense picked him up as they won game 3 8-5 and Pettitte earned the win. In this game both pitchers are somewhat on short rest as Pettitte is on three days which is short rest and Pedro is on 4 days which is normally normal rest, but he hasn't pitched with that short of rest in quite some time. In this one look for something big early on to shift the momentum to the Yankees as they wrap up the series at home behind Pettitte. Play NY Yankees
Tom Freese
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors
Prediction: Over
Golden St is 19-7 OVER their last 26 games as home favorites and they are 10-3 OVER off a loss. The Warriors are 6-0 OVER with 3 or more days rest and they are 39-18-1 OVER their 58 home games. Memphis is 6-2 OVER off a straight up loss by more than 10 points and they are 16-6 OVER vs. a team with a win percentage of below 40%. The Grizzlies are 7-3 OVER vs. a team with a losing home record and they are 4-0 OVER as an underdog. PLAY ON 'OVER'