LT Profits
Toronto Raptors -4.0
The Toronto Raptors showed a lot of heart after losing Game 1 and falling behind by 18 points in Game 2, coming back to have a chance to win on a last-second shot. They should crack the win column at home tonight to bring this series to 2-1.
The Raptors have been a much better team at home this season anyway, as they average 102.1 points per game north of the border while allowing just 94.8 points. That average winning margin of +7.3 would be more than enough to cover this modest spread. Also, the Raptors won handily the last time Orlando came to visit them 127-110, also as four-point favorites like they are tonight. In fact, the Raptors are 7-1 against the spread in the last eight meetings with the Magic in Toronto, and 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings overall.
Granted, Orlando is one of the better road teams in the league, and they do average 104.4 points away from home. However, they do not play much defense on the road allowing 99.8 points per, and as mentioned they have not had as much success in Toronto as they have had in their other NBA travels. Also, it would be only natural for the Magic to relax here with a 2-0 series lead, especially since they are the higher seed.
Thus, look for Toronto to build on that strong second half in Orlando in Game 2 and come out of here with a handy win tonight.
Pick: Raptors -4
Colorado Avalanche +165
The Detroit Red Wings remain prime Stanley Cup contenders and they are prohibitive favorites in these Conference Semifinals over the Colorado Avalanche, but the Wings may have a surprise in store for them in Game 1.
Now granted, Detroit swept the four-game season series from the Avalanche, not even allowing a single goal in the last three matchups. However, that may serve as a negative here, as the Wings may be a tad overconfident and may feel that they should be able to conserve some energy this series with a perceived tougher opponent on deck in the next round. That could backfire tonight though vs. a Colorado team that is playing its best hockey of the season right now.
The Avs won two games on the road while knocking off the Minnesota Wild in six games in the opening round, as they got some solid goaltending from Jose Theodore, who allowed just four goals in the last three games. Colorado also received a lift from three players they acquired or re-acquired before the trading deadlines in Ruslan Salei and old favorites Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote. Thus this is not the same team that the Wings dominated most of the year and they cannot be taken lightly.
Now we feel that Detroit is going to win this series regardless of the result tonight. However, we do look for the Avalanche to send the Wings a wake-up call with a Game 1 upset.
Pick: Avalanche +165
E Roman
15,000* Toronto Over
1,000* Wizards
1,000* Indians
PHILLY CONNECTION
Colorado Rockies
Brandon Lang
20 Dime - Jazz
10 Dime - Cubs
10 Dime - Indians Run Line - Game 1 of Doubleheader - Specify Pitchers: Carmona vs. Tomko
Free Pick - Mets Run Line
Larry Ness' 15* Getaway Day Game of the Week (12-4 since April 7)
My 15* play is on the Mil Brewers at 1:05 ET
Larry Ness' Daytime Delight-MLB
My Daytime Delight is on the Oak A's at 3:35 ET
Lenny Del Genio's MLB Afternoon Delight **EARLY**
Play on Chicago Cubs at 3:05 ET
Winners Inc. Guaranteed Selections
ANOTHER HOME RUN BASEBALL WINNER
Cleveland with Carmona -158
Michael Cannon
20 Dime
CAVALIERS
5 Dime
BLUE JAYS (With McGowan as listed pitcher)
INDIANS
SportsKingz
MLB
ANGELS +125
CLEVELAND -130
S.F. GIANTS +120
NBA
ORLANDO +4
ORLANDO OVER 202
UTAH -8
Winners Edge
MLB
KC Royals + 105 , 2 units
NY Yanks -115 , 2 units
NBA
Houston Rockets + 8.5 , 4 units (GAME OF WEEK )
Josh Dean
Hou/Cinci UNDER 9.5 (B)
Chi/Col UNDER 9.5 (B)
LA/Bos UNDER 11 (B)
1*=A 2*= B 4*=C
Wild Bill
Astros +155 (2 units)
St Louis +105 (4 units)
Over 8 1/2 AZ-Dodgers (2 units)
Over 10 Texas-Tigers (1 unit)
Toronto +110 (1 unit)
Royals gm 1 +110 (2 units)
Royals gm 2 +120 (2 units)
Seattle -160 (3 units)
Locksmith Sports
1 Unit on San Francisco Giants +124
(listing Young and Lincecum)
It's already becoming the Padres problem again. They can't score runs in their home ball park to support their pitchers so they lose close games. Young has been struggling ever since the second half of last season while Lincecum is looking like the ace of the future for the Giants. The Padres are 0-5 in Young's last 5 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150, 0-4 in Young's last 4 starts vs. the National League West, and 3-8 in Young's last 11 starts as a favorite overall. The Padres are just 1-7 in their last 8 overall and 0-5 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Giants are 7-2 in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a losing record, 4-1 in Lincecum's last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game, 6-2 in Lincecum's last 8 starts with 4 days of rest, and 11-5 in Lincecum's last 16 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5. Take the Giants tonight.
Jeff Alexander Sports
1 Unit on Atlanta Braves -140
(listing James)
I like the Braves tonight with the southpaw James on the hill as Florida has had a rough of it against lefties. In fact, the Marlins are just 4-12 in their last 16 road games vs. a left-handed starter. The Braves are 5-1 in James' last 6 starts and 4-0 in James' last 4 starts vs. the National League East. The Braves are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a right-handed starter and 5-0 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. At 13-6 their last 19 games as a home favorite, the Braves have been a solid bet in the home chalk role. Take the Tomahawks tonight.
BIG AL McMORDIE
THURSDAY NIGHT NBA WINNER
Wizards
Trace Adams
Utah Jazz
Sports Book Edge
SF Giants/SD Padres Over 7
Valley Sports
Magic/Raptors Over 202
TB D'rays -115
Bob Akmens
To.Raptors -4
Min.Can/Ph.Flyers Un.5.5
LA Dodgers/Ariz.D'backs Un.8.5
LPW Sports Forecast
Magic +4
Pure Lock
Indians -120
R&R Totals
Mets/Nationals Un.9
Beat Your Bookie
Red Wings
Silver Key Play
Cubs/COLORADO Over 9.5
Lance's Lock
Wizards -5
2-Minute Warning
Utah Jazz