MLB Predictions
Baltimore Orioles +142
The Orioles have started the season 5-4 with a 4-2 road record. They are coming off 2 straight wins in Boston. The Yankees are 4-4 on the season and 1-2 at home. They opened the season losing 2 of 3 to Boston at home and then Detroit on the road, but they've won 3 straight games to get back to .500 on the year. The Orioles will send Miguel Gonzalez to the mound. He has one start in Tampa Bay where he went 6.1 innings giving up 5 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 4 and walking 2. Last year he was 9-4 with a 3.25 ERA, .235 OBA and 1.21 WHIP. He was actually better on the road with a 6-2 record, 2.74 ERA, .214 OBA and 1.05 WHIP. New York sends their ace CC Sabathia to the mound. Sabathia has two starts and two different results. In his first start he gave up 8 hits in 5 innings of work with 5 strikeouts and 4 walks vs the Red Sox. In his last time out he allowed just 4 hits in 7 innings of work with 4 strikeouts and 3 walks. Last year Sabathia was 15-6 with a 3.38 ERA, .238 OBA, and 1.14 WHIP. CC is always solid at home and that shows with his 2.69 ERA, 1.99 OBA, and 0.95 WHIP at Yankee Stadium last year. Last April Sabathia had a 4.58 ERA. Take note that the Orioles are 5-1 in Gonzalez's last 6 starts and 8-3 in his last 11 road starts. Although the Yankees have been hitting well they are coming off two days of being rained out in Cleveland. The Orioles have scored 5+ runs in 6 of their 9 games this season and with Gonzalez on the mound I think we are getting a good underdog price on them tonight.
Rangers / Mariners Under 7
Texas took the first game of this series 4-3 last night. Tonight we will see two very good pitchers on the mound in a pitchers friendly park. The Rangers send Yu Darvish to the mound who is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA to start the year. After going 8.2 innings in his first start being one out away from a perfect game with 14 strikeouts and 0 walks Darvish went just 5 innings giving up 6 hits and 3 earned runs against the Angels. Darvish may have been a little taxed from his long first outing, but after a shorter outing where he didn't reach 90 pitches I think we will see another solid outing from him. Last year he was 16-9 with a 3.90 ERA, .220 OBA and 1.28 WHIP. On the road last year batters hit just .209 against Darvish. The Mariners have Hisashi Iwakuma getting the start today He is 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA, to start the year. He has been amazing giving up just 6 hits in 14 innings of work with 0 walks and 10 strikeouts. Last year he was 9-5 with a 3.16 ERA, .248 OBA, and 1.28 WHIP. At home he was even better with a 2.49 ERA, .229 OBA, and 1.18 WHIP. In their 9 meetings last year in Seattle there was a total of 7 or fewer runs in 7 of those games. Including last night's game 8 of their last 10 meetings in Seattle have had 7 or fewer runs. Note that the Mariners have scored 3 or fewer runs in 8 of their 11 games this year. Take the UNDER here with Darvish and Iwakuma on the mound.
Joe GavazziFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Baltimore Orioles vs. New York YankeesFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: New York YankeesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
It was just 6 short months ago that a hard charging Baltimore team was fended off by NYY for the Division Crown. Behind Sabathia, they survived to win the Division Series, 3 games to 2. That was highlighted by a Game #5 win behind Sabathia, 3-1, when the big left hander allowed just 4 hits while recording 9 Ks. In the regular season from this mound vs. Baltimore, Sabathia is 5-1 with a 2.84 ERA. Following a modest opening day performance, Sabathia out-dueled Verlander allowing just 4 hits in 7 IP of a 7-0 victory by NYY vs. Detroit. Tonight NYY enters on a 3-0 run outscoring Detroit and Cleveland by a count of 32-7. The Bombers will be well-rested following a pair of rainouts in Cleveland the last two nights. But the victory will not come easily against a Baltimore team who enters with solid momentum after winning a pair from Boston by a combined count of 11-7. Nor will the pickins be easy against Baltimore’s emerging starter Gonzalez. In his first start of the year, he allowed just 2 runs in 6 1/3 IP of a 6-3 win vs. Tampa Bay. In 3 outings against the Yankees at this site, Gonzalez is 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA.
Rob VincilettiFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Oklahoma City vs. PortlandFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: OverFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
This one fits a solid totals system that plays to the over for road favorites of 5 or more with no rest, like OKC If the total is 180 or higher, vs an opponent like Portland that scored 100 or more as a home dog. These games fitting the criteria have played over in 10 straight. The Blazers have flown over in 12 of the last 16 vs teams who scored 99 or more and 5 of the last 7. The Blazers are chucking up shots and looking to score as they have thrown in the towel and are playing no defense. Look for this one to fly over the total here tonight. Play Portland and OKC Over the total here tonight.
Jack JonesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Oklahoma City Thunder -10FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a lot to play for here down the stretch. If they go on to win their final three games, they would be assured of home-court advantage throughout the playoffs in the Western Conference.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
While the Thunder have every reason to be motivated, the Portland Trail Blazers have nothing to play for. That has been evident over the last several weeks as the Blazers have clearly packed it in.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Portland is 0-9 SU & 0-8-1 ATS in its last nine games overall. The biggest indicator that this team has given up is the fact that seven of those nine losses during this skid have come by double-digits.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Making matters worse for the Blazers is that they have been playing without three starters in Nicolas Batum (arm), Wesley Matthews (ankle) and J.J. Hickson (back) for much of this skid. Both Batum and Mathews are expected to miss tonight's game, while Hickson is listed as questionable. This team was already short-handed even when all three of these guys were playing.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Thunder are 6-0 SU & 5-0-1 ATS in their last six meetings with the Blazers. Four of those six victories have come by 14 points or more. The Thunder are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Bet Oklahoma City Friday.
King CreoleFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Utah Jazz -8.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
EVERY GAME IS CRUCIAL for the Utah Jazz these days. And a DOUBLE-DIGIT 'whoop-ass' of the Minnesota Timberwolves is in the cards tonight. After all, the Jazz have DOMINATED these division opponents as of late. Utah has gone a PERFECT 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings against the Timberwolves. Average winning margin during that streak has been +12.3 points-per-game. And it certainly doesn't hurt us that we will be ON the team with the league's 4th BEST home ATS winning percentage on the season (Utah).
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
10-2 ATS this season: All FRIDAY division home teams off a SU loss (JAZZ) vs any opponent also off a SU loss (T'Wolves).
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Minnesota SUCKS on the division road. The T'WOLVES are 7-18 ATS as division road dogs off a SU loss. They've gone a PERFECT 0-4 ATS this season in that role... and 1-9 ATs in the last two seasons.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Utah is a great HOME team when playing off a home loss (got beat by Ok City in last home game). The JAZZ are 10-1 ATS as division home favorites of < 20 points playing off a SU home loss.
SPORTS WAGERSFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Tampa Bay +102 over BOSTONFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
1st 5 innings. The Red Sox were rolling along before Joel Hanrahan blew a save opportunity on Wednesday. Boston subsequently lost again yesterday and suddenly things aren’t so peachy anymore. Felix Doubront maintained impressive strikeout numbers and xERA growth for the entire season a year ago after stepping into the rotation following some Boston injuries. However, real control gains remained elusive and gopheritis has killed him for two straight seasons. Doubront’s abysmal .894 OPS with RISP and .815 OPS at Fenway (.732 on the road) says there's work to be done. Doubront is the second best starter in this matchup.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Alex Cobb went 11-9 with a 4.03 ERA in 136 IP for the Rays last season. The GBer acquitted himself well in extended trial with his 1H/2H splits being a little inconsistent due to shift in hit and strand percentages. However, skills were similar. Cobb had plenty of dominant starts mixed in with a few disasters but that’s not surprising for a young pitcher. Cobb has stepped up his game this year. He was completely dominant this past spring where he posted a 28/5 K/BB in 25 IP. Cobb followed that up with a gem in his season opener when he threw a seven-inning, four-hit, and no runs gem against the Indians. His elite groundball rate of 58% was second in the majors last season among qualified pitchers. Cobb has a better chance than Doubront of having the lead after five frames and that’s precisely the way we’ll play it.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Houston +164 over L.A. ANGELSFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
1st 5 innings. The Astros have won two straight while scoring 24 runs over those two victories and it came at Seattle’s Safco Field. Overall, Houston has scored six more runs than the Angels while also allowing fewer runs than Anaheim and they come into this series in a much better frame of mind than the reeling Halos. The Angels have lost four straight and seven of their first nine games. At some point they figure to turn things around but until we see proof of that, they will remain high on our fade list at prices like this. Tommy Hanson’s partially torn rotator cuff last season led to a new delivery, which led to his worst MLB results. A high 2H hit rate adds to the concern and that cranky shoulder makes him a big health risk. Hanson has suffered back and rotator cuff injuries over the past two seasons and was barely breaking 90 mph when he was forced to shut it down for a couple of weeks last year in early August. In Hanson’s first start of the year in Texas, he put up some nice numbers but luck played a big role, as he only struck out four batters in six frames and had a GB%/FB% profile of 25%/60%. Hanson’s skills took a steep dive last year and it got progressively worse as the season wore on. His under the surface stats in his first game this year instills even more doubt and at prices like these, he’s a huge risk.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Bud Norris’s ERA rose nearly a full run from 2011 despite carbon-copy skills. His dip in strand % drove the ERA spike. Norris's third straight year of sub-4.00 xERA underscores the strength of his skill set. In fact, Norris was nearly unhittable in 2012 when he faced RH bats. Likewise, he was one of the NL's best SP when pitching at home. He was bad against LH bats and he was bad on the road but being bad on the road doesn’t make a lot of sense. It remains to be seen how his transition to the AL will go, but there's a mid-3.00s ERA lurking here with a little more consistency. Even in an unsupportive environment, the percentage play is to bet that those skills will win out, making the reward here certainly worth the risk.
SPORTS WAGERSFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Ottawa +136 over NEW JERSEYFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
OT Included. The Devils current slide is the longest for New Jersey since 1985-86, and it coincides with Ilya Kovalchuk's injury against Florida March 23. Since then, New Jersey has not won in eight games and over that span they lost four games in a shootout or OT. That’s no surprise either, as these Devils are handicapped between the pipes with Martin Brodeur carrying a workload he’s not capable of enduring. He’s also a fraction of the goaltender he used to be. For a team that has been so well structured and has made so many good moves for 20 years and counting, it’s mind blowing that management didn’t address its goaltending issues. Brodeur is a second rate goaltender and has been for over two years. The Devils after will also be without defenseman Anton Volchenkov after he was suspended four games Thursday for elbowing Bruins forward Brad Marchand in the head
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Every time the Senators are written off for dead, they respond. Ottawa ended a season-high five-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory in Philadelphia on Thursday. The Sens are in sixth place, tied with the Islanders but they’re still just two points ahead of the eighth and ninth seeds, Winnipeg and New York. Don’t expect this determined Sens club to let up. They have a significant edge in net and that alone makes them a much better play taking back a tag than the Devils spotting one. Ottawa also gets a healthy body back tonight in Milan Michalek and his presence can only help. Should the game go into OT, a distinct possibility, again, give a big edge to the visitor. The Sens are 16-2-1 when scoring at least three goals. Facing Brodeur, we like their chances of netting three.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Dallas +115 over NASHVILLEFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
OT included. The Stars aren’t done yet. They have a game in hand on the eighth place Red Wings and they’re just three points back. Dallas is coming off a resounding 5-1 win over the Kings. The Stars have won three in a row and have scored five goals in back-to-back games. Dallas playing with a huge chip on their shoulders after they cleaned house and it’s paying off big time.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Nashville is virtually unplayable right now. They’ve been shut out in two of their last three games and have scored just four goals in their last four games combined. The Stars scored more than that in two successive games. Coach Barry Trotz was quoted a week ago saying that Pekka Rinne would start the remainder of the games this season because “we have to go with our best chance of winning”. New flash: Chris Mason gets the start tonight. In other words, Trotz has thrown in the proverbial towel. Mason has a 3.55 GAA with a .866 save %. Both those marks are the worst in the NHL and in Mason’s one home game this year he allowed three goals in 16 minutes before being yanked. The Preds can’t score, the coach has thrown in the towel and Mason can’t stop pucks. The Stars are hungry, they’re playing well and they’re intent on making the playoffs. We also get a tag. Get in line.
Wunderdog
Los Angeles Clippers at New Orleans
Pick: Los Angeles Clippers -8.5
Despite the fact that they own a .667 winning percentage, the Clippers would open on the road in the Western Conference playoffs as the No. 5 seed if the season ended today. They are within one game of securing the No. 4 seed, so the rest of their games carry tremendous meaning, and I would expect a spirited effort here in New Orleans tonight. It has again been a long season for New Orleans, and their last seven losses have all come by double-digits. The Clippers have done well in these games, as they are 7-1 TS in their last eight vs. a team below .400. The Hornets enter at 0-6 ATS after reaching the century mark in their previous game. Lay the points, and back the Clip Joint in this one.
Hollywood Sports
Boston Celtics at Miami Heat
Prediction: Miami Heat
Miami (62-16) will be resting their Big Three once again as they await the playoffs next week -- but with veterans like Rashard Lewis, Shane Battier, Ray Allen and Mike Miller, this team has still won four in a row and six of their last seven. The Heat come off a 103-98 win at Washington on Wednesday as a 3.5-point underdog -- and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after both a point spread win and a straight-up victory. The Celtics are just 13-25 on the road this year -- and Miami has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. Boston (40-38) has lost four of their last six games after their 101-93 loss to Brooklyn on Wednesday. With a comfortable three-game lead over Milwaukee for the 7th slot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, head coach Doc Rivers will likely not play Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce which leaves this team depleted given the season-ending injury to Rajon Rondo. The Celtics have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a loss. And in their last 8 games on the road, Boston has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of these games. Lay the points with Miami.
Michael Alexander
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Detroit Pistons
Play: Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons have notched back-to-back victories for the first time in two months as they host the road challenged Charlotte Bobcats tonight. Detroit defeated the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers in its last two outings to win consecutive games for the first time since Feb. 8-9. Charlotte has lost 13 consecutive road games and is 6-34 away from home. The Bobcats have dropped eight of their last 10 overall contests
Freddy Wills
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Play: Cleveland Cavaliers
I think this is a tough spot for the Knicks after playing in OT last night. They are already short handed as we saw last night. After losing their 13 game winning streak they will likely be a bit hung over here tongiht. They are a very tired team having to play against a young team on 0 days rest. The Cavs would like nothing better than to beat the #2 seed in the East before they end their season especially after losing by 1 and 5 points in their meetings this season.
Teddy Covers
Milwaukee vs. Atlanta
Pick: Atlanta
My clients and I cashed a Big Ticket winner supporting the Hawks in their last game; a 124-101 blowout at Philly. While tonight’s game doesn’t grade out as another Big Ticket opportunity, the situation favoring Atlanta remains strong as they face off at home against the slumping, injury riddled Bucks.
Hawks head coach Larry Drew was not amused following an ugly home loss to Philly last week. Atlanta’s awful start defensively, allowing Philly to hit 16 of their first 22 shots, set the tone for the game, as Philly scored a season high 40 first quarter points. Drew decided to rest center Al Horford, forward Josh Smith and point guard Jeff Teague on Saturday at San Antonio. The Hawks lost the game by only two as 10.5 point dogs.
Here are two key Drew quotes: “Going back to training camp ... we've had to be a team that is gritty, a blue-collar team, particularly on the defensive end. Somewhere along the line, we have forgotten who we are. ... I'm very concerned about the mentality of our team.”
Drew’s second quote is even more telling: “I actually had a meeting with Al, Josh and Jeff. Those three guys are the head of the snake for me. I need them playing at a very high level. Hopefully, they can look at the San Antonio game and saw how the reserves came in and just competed hard and played hard. I need that type of effort from them as we move forward. They're all in agreement.”
The Hawks responded to adversity by beating up the Sixers. I don’t expect any sort of a letdown here against a Bucks team expected to be without starting point guard Brandon Jennings and leading interior defender Larry Sanders. The Bucks have lost 12 of 17 overall, stumbling down the stretch. They’re riding an 0-7 SU and ATS run on the highway. And they’ve lost all three previous meetings with the Hawks this year, failing to cover a single pointspread in defeat. Expect more of the same tonight!
Ryan James
Indiana -5.5
The Brooklyn Nets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games when playing against teams winning 60% or more of their games on the season and they are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games against any team with a winning record. The Pacers are allowing 88.8 points per game at home which means Brooklyn, a team that already struggles to get points on the board, is going to have a hard time getting enough points on the board to cover this spread. Lay the points on the Pacers.
Dave Price
Arizona Diamondbacks +1.5 -120
The D-backs are up against Clayton Kershaw but are showing value catching 1.5 runs at this price consider each of LA's last 2 wins have come by a single run and considering Kershaw has lost his last 3 starts against the D-backs. He's also lost his last 3 in Arizona. Pat Corbin pitched well against the Dodgers last season, giving up just 2 runs in 2 starts spanning 11 1/3 innings. Corbin looked good in his season debut against Milwaukee and is 4-1 on the money line in his last 5 starts. The Dodgers are 2-10 in the last 12 meetings and 0-5 in the last 5 meetings in Arizona. Take the Snakes on the run line.
Jeff Alexander
Washington Nationals -132
The Nats get the call at home, where they are 6-0, with Detwiler dealing. Washington has won 5 of the southpaw's last 7 starts versus Atlanta as he has limited the Braves to 2 earned runs or less in 5 of those. Detwiler was lights out against a very good Cincinnati club in his first start of the season while Teheran struggled in his first start against the lowly Cubs. Bet Washington.