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LT Profits
Houston Rockets @ Utah Jazz Under 180.0
The Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets have gone Under in four of the first five games of this series, and we expect a carbon copy tonight.
In fact, besides Houstons 94-92 win in the only Over in Game 3, none of the four Unders have exceeded 175 total points scored, with those contests averaging just a combined 170.3 points. Then again, low scoring games are nothing new for the Rockets, as the Under is now 50-36-1, 58.1 percent in all Houston games this season combining regular season and playoffs.
Now the Jazz obviously prefer a faster pace as they are averaging 105.1 points per game for the year. However, they have not been able to solve this Houston defense this series, as the 93 points they scored in Game 1 is still their highest output so far. In fact, going back even further, the Under is 11-5 in the last 16 head-to-head meetings between these teams here in Utah.
Now the Jazz are not nearly as bad as they looked in their 94-69 loss at Houston in Game 5, but they may still be hard-pressed to score much more than 90 points here. Since we still feel that Utah will win this game, this means that we do not expect more than 175 total points at the most.
Rockets, Jazz Under 180
WINNERS EDGE
NBA
Atlanta Hawks + 8.5 , 3 units ( Game of week )
Houston Rockets / Utah Jazz Over 180 , 2 units
MLB
NY Mets even , 2 units
Oakland A's RL +140 , 1 unit
Oakland / Texas under 8.5 -105 , 1 unit
Chuck Franklin
The Wizards backed up some of the trash talk on Wednesday night at Cleveland. They will come into this Game 6 overconfident.Their cocky swagger will backfire tonight in front of the home crowd. Washington is only 1-5 ATS the last six games played on one day of rest.
Cleveland is on a 4-1 ATS run in the playoffs when getting less than five points. They have covered the spread 20 of the last 28 road games when listed as an underdog of less than five points. The Cavs are also 4-1 ATS the last five games after an ATS loss.
They have been hugely profitable on the road against teams with a better than .600
home record, going 25-9-1 ATS in that situation.
3* CLEVELAND
Drew Gordon
I know after watching the Pistons close out the 76ers Thursday, many in the public are expecting the # 1 seed Celtics to finish off the # 8 seed Hawks tonight, but I disagree and here's why:
First, although the two series are similar in the sense of a higher seed having trouble with a lower seed, that's where the similarities end. The Hawks, unlike the 76ers, won outright on their home court twice in convincing fashion (by 9 in Game 3 & by 5 in Game 4). Yes, they got pounded in Boston, but that was to be expected, especially after consecutive losses by the Celts. Now back at home, look for Atlanta to make this game, even if they lose SU.
Second, the young Hawks clearly played better in the Atlanta, with Joe Johnson and Josh Smith leading the way on their home court. Also, the emergence of Al Horford is a positive sign, because he should be able to outplay Perkins at every turn. Its not just on the offensive end either, as the Hawks defense has been considerably better at home, allowing the Celtics 92.5 ppg on 42% shooting in their two wins there.
Finally, as in all these closeout games, you've got the "back against the wall" factor. Granted, it didn't work for the 76ers yesterday, but that doesn't mean it won't work for the Hawks tonight. Reason being, the Hawks have won both games in Atlanta, giving them confidence they just didn't play with in Boston. Again guys, I'm not saying they win outright, but what I am saying is they make the Celtics work for their series win, grabbing the cash in the process.
Take Atlanta plus the points over Boston in Game 6 of this Eastern Conference Playoffs series.
2* ATLANTA
Chris Jordan
Los Angeles ace right-hander took full advantage of an early hitting frenzy, as his teammates set the tone early with a 10-2 first inning lead. He then held the potent Rockies lineup in check over seven frames his longest stint of the season.
Penny is now 13-2 against the defending National League champions, and has won both decisions against them this season. Los Angeles is on a bit of a roll right now, and should be able to get to Colorados Jeff Francis, who is 0-2 on the year with a paltry 5.01 ERA on the season.
Ill lay the low chalk with the better team, despite us being on the road, and will bank on a balanced effort from both the offense and Penny.
3* DODGERS
Nick Parsons NHL Pick for Friday!
Play ON San Jose Sharks $ line (-) vs Dallas @
My, how quickly momentum can change in a series. Yes, the Sharks are still down 3 games to 1 in this series but, amazingly, they can win this series simply by defending their home ice and winning just one more game in Dallas. Of course that is easier said than done but the fact is that the Sharks have shifted the momentum in this series with their big win in Game Four. If San Jose wins tonight, simply taking care of business on home ice, then they head back to Dallas for Game Six. A road win there and suddenly the Sharks are hosting a Game Seven with a chance to advance to the conference finals simply by defending their home ice. Of course the Sharks know they cant jump ahead of themselves here but its amazing how quickly a teams mentality can change once they finally get a big win. The Sharks were down 1-0 in the second period of Game Four when they got a key shorthanded goal. San Jose than later proceeded to score the game winner on the power play. It was the Sharks special teams that defeated the Stars in Game Four as San Jose held a 2-0 advantage when the special teams were on the ice. A shorthanded goal and a power play goal and, next thing you know, the Sharks are back home and back in the series! Give credit to Dallas for playing very, very solid hockey so far in these playoffs. However, they were totally outplayed after the first period on Wednesday and the Sharks have proven they can play with this team. Note that two of the Stars three wins in this series have come in overtime and this series is clearly much tighter than the 3-1 that is currently showing on the series scoreboard. Momentum is a funny thing and the Sharks have it now and are well worth the price on their home ice on Friday night!
Ferringo
Take Minnesota (+1.5, -135) over Detroit
Playing on a letdown here, and looking to get on a team that is hitting the ball a bit better. I also think that Andy Gallaraga's tailing fastball lends itself to get crushed by left-handed batters. Minnesota has a few of them that can make him pay. This wager comes down to one thing, really: if we can make it through three innings without being down multiple runs we could be in a good spot. Detroit doesn't play well in the Metrodome and their shaky bullpen hasn't blown a game in a little while here.
Take St. Louis (-120) over Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are coming off a deflating loss in an emotional series against Milwaukee and now have to travel to St. Louis to meet their biggest rivals. The Cardinals should be rested and ready, and they are going to beat on Rich Hill. Hill has always been a shaky road hurler, and this year has given up five runs and 14 base runners in just eight road innings. Look for a big hit out of Troy Glaus in this one as the rowdy home crowd propels the Cardinals to a Game 1 win.
WUNDERDOG
Game: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis
Pick: St. Louis -116
The Cards have allowed the fewest runs of any team this season (104). They ahve won five of their six three-game series at home this season and they start Adam Wainwright who is 3-1 with a 2.79 ERA this season. This line isn't larger due to the Cubs' offensive success thus far but St. Louis certainly has the edge in this one. St. Louis is 12-6 at home and with Wainright pitching and a very solid bullpen to back him up (3.35 home ERA), this will be a tough one for the Cubs who are just 32-41 vs. winning teams under Lou Piniella
SportsKingz
ST. LOUIS -115
N.Y. YANKEES -140
L.A. DODGERS -105
ARIZONA -1250
L.A. ANGELS -165
Matt Fargo
Milwaukee Brewers vs Houston Astros
Milwaukee Brewers +130
Milwaukee is coming off a huge win in Chicago yesterday, scoring three runs in the top of the 9th to take two of three in the series. It has been a while since the Brewers have won back-to-back games, nine days to be exact, but a win like the one on Thursday can give all sorts of confidence to a team. There were the days when Houston used to own this series with Milwaukee but that has since changed as the Brewers won 13 of the 18 meetings last season.
Houston is looking forward to being back at home after finishing its roadtrip with four losses in the final five games. The offense, which started the season extremely slow, had a few breakout games at the beginning of last week but it has since fallen off once again. The Astros have averaged 3.8 rpg over their last six games after putting up 8.2 rpg in their previous five games. Houston is hitting just .243 on the season after an offseason of expectations that the unit would turn things around.
Roy Oswalt has turned things around after a horrendous start to the year. He has tossed three straight quality outings but the run could very well end here as he faces a Brewers team that he has had some recent struggles against. He used to have great success against Milwaukee but over his last eight starts, he has allowed four runs or more four times while posting a 4.56 ERA over that span. Last season, he faced this Brewers lineup three times, going 0-2 with a 5.49 ERA.
The Brewers counter with Carlos Villanueva who like Oswalt, has turned things around after a very shaky start to the season. He has put together two straight quality outings and while that normally triggers a play against spot, his recent form has been too good. He has allowed only nine hits over those last two starts while not issuing a single walk last time out. He faced the Astros once last season and he pitched a gem, going six innings and allowing just one run, a solo home run to Chris Burke.
Play Milwaukee Brewers 1.5 Units
GINA
Houston Rockets (57-30) at Utah Jazz (57-30)
The Rockets haven't been lucky in playoff battles at Utah. Houston has dropped eight of their last 10 playoff games in Salt Lake City. Look for the Jazz with home court advantage to finish off the Rockets, but Tracy McGrady and crew will make this Game 6 a hard fought battle. Take the points. The underdog has covered the spread in four of the last 5 meetings.
Houston Rockets
Boston Celtics - 8
Rockets +7'
Baltimore Orioles (15-13) at Los Angeles Angels (18-12)
The struggling Orioles have dropped four of their last five games and have played poorly away from home, 1-6 in its last seven. Baltimore will send Jeremy Guthrie to the mound. The right-hander is 0-3 with a 4.43 ERA in six starts. The Orioles have lost six of Guthries last 7 starts on the road.
The Angels have won three of their last five and have beaten the Orioles in seven of the last nine meetings. Los Angeles sends Jered Weaver to the hill. The right-hander is 2-3 with a 4.21 ERA. Weaver pitched sound in his last start on Sunday, allowing two runs in 6 1/3 innings of a 6-2 victory against Detroit. The Angels are 2-6 in Weavers last 8 starts, but went 7-3 in his last 10 as a home favorite. He is 2-0 in his career against the Orioles.
Go with Los Angeles at Angel Stadium. The Orioles' bats have gone limp and they have dropped six of the last seven contests against the Angels in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Angels -165
Gator
MLB 70% Super Situations (MLB Record 5-3 +170 units)
MLB Friday: Play Over MLB (NL) teams where the total is 9 to 9.5 with a team who averages 4.3 to 4.8 runs per game against a starting pitcher whose ERA>=5.70, with a bullpen whose ERA is 4.50 or worse on the season, 40-10 (80%) PLAY: Milwaukee / Houston OVER 9 (+100)
Vic Monte
100* Inside Info - LA Dodgers
I am going to start off by saying Joe Torre has the Dodgers playing GREAT baseball right now. The Dodgers have won 6 straight games coming into play tonight while the Rockies have gone 1-5 in there last 6 & 2-8 in there last 10 overall. During the Dodgers current 6 game winning streak they have scored a total of 47 runs. WOW. That hot line up will take there swings against lefty Jeff Francis. The Rockies are 1-4 -$272 in Francis starts this season. Dodgers starter Brad Penny has been a Cash Cow so far. The Dodgers are a profitable 4-2 +$200 when Penny starts. Even better is that the Dodgers are 13-3 when Penny starts against the Rockies. Coming into this game the Dodgers have the hotter bats and the better arms in this contest. Want more? The Dodgers have grabbed this chips in there last 4 games against left handed starters. Oh did I mention the Dodgers are batting .321 as a team against lefties this season
100* Inside Info Selection Dodgers
JB's Computer Plays
New York Yankees - 140
Philadelphia Phillies - 170
Arizona Diamondbacks - 125 * * *
Best Bet ***