CAL SPORTS
4* Tampa Rays
3* NY Knicks
Erin Rynning
Atlanta Over 204
Nick "BookieKiller" Parsons
6* St. Louis -200
Throw the ATS stats out the window for this one; for a number of different reasons I believe the Blues are going to smoke the fricassee the Ducks tonight:
This is Keth Tkachuk's final game in front of the home town crowd after nearly 20 years in the league; although he only played nine years with the Blues, he's seventh all-time on the clubs point list with 425.
“I have been privileged to have a long career in this terrific league and play for first class organizations,” the 38-year-old Tkachuk said.
After losing 6-5 to the Blackhawks on Wednesday, his teammate David Backes had this to say; “If anything, he gives us more to play for,” said Backes. “He was a warrior for 19 years in this league. It was almost semi-disrespectful that the night he says he’s going to retire that we put the sort of effort we did in the first half of the game.”
Anaheim is coming off a disappointing 3-2 shootout loss to the Stars last night.
The Ducks played without Teemu Selanne, Scott Niedermayer and Saku Koivu as the final road trip of the year gives Anaheim the opportunity to gauge the progress of its young players including forwards Dan Sexton and Ryan Carter, and defensemen Nathan Oystrick, Brett Festerling and Brendan Mikkelson.
“With the youth we have around us, it gives us an opportunity to look at some of our future players, potentially,” coach Randy Carlyle said. “Just see where they are as far as their level of play and their execution at the NHL level.”
Bottom line: Anaheim has already "checked out" for the season while Chris Mason and the rest of the Blues will leave everything they have on the ice tonight to ensure that Tkachuk ends his career with a final home victory!
Bob Balfe
Philadelphia -1.5
The Astros are the only winless team in all of baseball after three games, which is kind of a shock since usually there are a handful of teams that start off very slow. Houston can not find their bats and failed to generate any offense yet this year. The Phillies are a hot-hitting team and, with the better pitcher in an up-and-coming J.A. Happ, should get the easy win. Take the Phillies -1.5
Dwayne Bryant
San Francisco -107
Just a very tough situational spot for the Braves. Atlanta played at home last night against the Cubs and had to fly cross country to play this early afternoon game on the West coast. That will definitely mess with the Braves' body clocks and I wouldn't be surprised if some starters got the day off. The Giants had yesterday off to travel back home after sweeping the Astros in Houston. The Giants swept the only three-game home series against Atlanta last season and this situation should lead to the Giants taking the series opener this afternoon. Take San Francisco.
Tony George
Chicago -5.5
This time of year I look for teams who have thrown it in, and New Jersey started throwing it in about a month ago. Watch them play sometime, they give up on plays, play horrific defense, and do not have much talent. The Bulls off a HUGE win on TNT against the Cavs, a confidence building win, and they are in a dogfight for a playoff spot and will bring their A game again tonight. The Bulls are healthier than they have been in awhile as well. Two weeks ago the Bulls POUNDED the Nets by 23 at home and while the spread will not be that large here, they will win by double digits. Big rebounding advantage as well for the Bulls on the offensive glass, lots of cheap buckets. Play 1.5 Units on Da Bulls
Lenny Del Genio
Dallas +4
It’s been 10 years since Portland has been able to win the season series from the Mavs, and they did it this season in big time fashion, winning all three meetings. Dallas will be all business tonight knowing that they may face the Blazers in the playoffs. Dallas has been playing good basketball since acquiring Butler and Haywood, winning 17 of 22 games. This is the first game back home for Portland off a 3-game road trip. After getting killed in Denver, they responded by beating Sacramento and the Clippers. The Blazers are a losing ATS team at home this season with Dallas is a profitable 23-15 ATS on the road. We’re taking the points with the Mavs looking for them to get revenge. Play on Dallas.
Marc Lawrence
Oakland +120
When the A's send Gio Gonzalez to the hill against Matt Palmer and the Angels in Anaheim this evening they will do so knowing Gonzalez compiled a super-sharp 2.96 ERA in 24.3 innings of work this spring. On the flip side, Matt Palmer was shelled most of the spring while posting a 12.10 ERA in 9.3 innings of work. With Gonzalez 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA in his career team starts in this park, we'll back the A's here tonight. We recommend a 3-unit play on Oakland with Gonzalez versus Palmer. Play On: Oakland w/Gonzalez vs Palmer.
Mike Lineback
Oklahoma City -4
Oklahoma City should be rested and focused after getting robbed in Utah (late no-call) & blowing a late lead to Denver on Tuesday & Wednesday respectively. Thunder were playing back-to-back and 4th game in 5 nights' vs. Denver so will give them a running-out-of-gas-pass. Tonight they play another team playing at a high level, the Phoenix Suns. However, believe OKC's physicality will be a problem for the Suns. The Thunder play big, fast and strong, and have the physical guards to wear Steve Nash down. In addition, they play better team defense, and have a shut down defender, Sefolosha, that can slow any Phoenix hot hand. Amare Stoudemire should get his points. However, at the same time, OKC play great help defense. This is a game where Phoenix will miss injured center Robin Lopez. Stoudemire will have to have a monster game. If not, Oklahoma City should run away easy. Regardless, like the Thunder behind a strong home court. Lay the points. Take the Thunder.
Rocketman
San Antonio -10.5
Memphis is 9-21 ATS last 3 years as a road underdog of 9 1/2 to 12 points. San Antonio is 6-1 ATS this year as a home favorite of 9 1/2 to 12 points. Memphis has lost 6 of their last 7 games overall. Grizzlies are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. Grizzlies are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss. Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Grizzlies are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 Friday games. Grizzlies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Southwest. Grizzlies are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Grizzlies are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning SU record. Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games. Grizzlies are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog. Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog. Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Spurs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss. Spurs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Friday games. Spurs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Spurs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Southwest. Spurs are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Spurs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Spurs are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Spurs are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. Spurs are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite. Spurs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Spurs are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 vs. Western Conference. Spurs are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite. Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5. Spurs are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games overall. Spurs are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Spurs are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5. Favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings. Grizzlies are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings. Grizzlies are 1-4-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in San Antonio. We'll play San Antonio for 5 units tonight!
The Duke's Sports
Dallas (+5) for 2.5 Units
Both of these teams are jockeying for a better seeding position and we expect a competitive game. However, we're looking at a vengeful Dallas team that lost all three matchups to Portland this year. We'll look for a more focused Dallas team that has addressed its turnover and defensive concerns. Dallas has covered 7 of its last 9 road tilts and should do well in this sport; after all, the dog in this series has covered 8 of its last 11. nd with the Blazers at 1-4 ATS at home vs a team with a winning road record, we'll jump on Dallas here.