Josh Dean
Cws/Cle UNDER 8
Bob Harvey
San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers Under 192
Defense should dominate Game 4 of the NBA's Western Conference Finals tonight. Take the Under Tuesday when the San Antonio Spurs host the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers will have to do a better job of defending the Spurs, and in particular Manu Ginobli, if they?re going to have a shot tonight in Game 4.
Following two sub-par efforts in Games 1 and 2 in Los Angeles, Ginobili rose from the dead, scoring a team-high 30 points to lead San Antonio to a 19-point victory. Tim Duncan added 22 points and a game-high 21 rebounds, while Tony Parker tallied 20 points for the Spurs, who shot 51.4 percent from the field, including an out-of sight 55.6 percent from three-point land (10-for-18).
On the flip side, the Lakers averaged 95 points on 48 percent shooting in two home wins to begin this series but were limited to 42.7 percent shooting in Game 3, including missing 17 of 23 attempts from long range. Kobe Bryant had 30 points to pace the Lakers, who finished with their lowest point output of the postseason.
LA needs Lamar Odom to bring his 'A' game if they?re hoping to steal a game on the road. Odom was pretty much a no-show in Sunday?s game hitting just 2 of 11 from the field and 3-of-8 from the foul line. Of concern to coach Phil Jackson is that his team is relying too much on Kobe Bryant. The Lakers need much more production from Kobes supporting cast: Odom, Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher.
Slumps happen and it appears the Lakers are in one. The Spurs could easily be up in the series 2-1 if they hadn?t given up a 20-point lead in Game 1. I like San Antonio tonight but I like the Under even more. Look for defense to dominate with neither team reaching the century mark in points.
Pick: Lakers-Spurs Under 192
Tom Freese
Game: Boston Red Sox at Seattle Mariners
Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Reason: Boston is 10-0 in Daisuke Matsuzaka's 10 starts this year. Seattle has lost 7 straight games and it doesn't look like they will right their ship tonight as starter Miguel Batista has been getting roughed up of late allowing 20 runs in his last 16 innings of work. OUCH! Batista has a 6.14 ERA in 8 career starts vs. the Red Sox. PLAY ON BOSTON
Erin Rynning
MLB Playmaker: St. Louis
MLB LA Angels Under 8.5
Winning Points
TEXAS +140 over TAMPA BAY
Vicente Padilla has been the single most profitable pitcher in baseball this year, leading the Rangers to victories in 9 of his 11 starts (+$1035). Tonight he's available at a fat price in a favorable circumstance. Texas checks in with solid numbers vs. righthanders,most notably in road night games (+$1020 with 5.9 runs per game). Tampa Bay's Andy Sonnanstine has certainly not been imposing (5.09 ERA in 10 starts),so look for the Texas hitters to come out swinging. Good value on the visitor at Tropicana Field tonight.
GOLD SHEETS LTS
SAN ANTONIO
Fairway Jay
MLB 4* Texas Rangers
NBA 3* LA Lakers +4
Ethan Law
2% Rangers
Root
Chairman - Lakers
Millionaire - Orioles
Money Maker - Braves
Billionaire - Angels
Winners Inc. Guaranteed Selections
5000* BASEBALL HOME RUN WINNER
Boston w/Matsuzaka -170
Teddy June
5* Atl/Milw Un 8
Winners Inc. Guaranteed Selections
5000* NBA PLAYOFF CONFERENCE FINALS GAME OF THE YEAR
715 LA Lakers +4
Teddy Covers
MLB 3* Atlanta Braves
NBA 4* La Lakers +4
Dr Bob
3 Star Selection
L.A. Lakers (+4) over SAN ANTONIO
The Spurs were in a great situation for game 3 and they responded with a 103-84 victory. However, the Lakers apply to a 62-23-2 ATS situation for game 4 and I expect them to come through with a victory. My ratings favor the Spurs by 2 points in this game without adjusting for the situation and I’ll take the Lakers in a solid 3- Star Best Bet at +3 points or more and for 2-Stars at +2 ½ or +2 points.
My predicted total is 190 ½ points and I have no opinion on the total at 192 points, although I’d lean Under at 193 points or higher.
3-Stars at +3 or more, 2-Stars at +2 1/2 or +2.
The HitmanGuaranteed Selections
5000 LARGE BASEBALL WINNER
Arizona w/Haren -158