SPORTS ADVISORS
NBA
Toronto (38-42, 37-43 ATS) at Detroit (26-54, 33-45-2 ATS)
The Raptors try to bounce back from Sunday’s devastating loss to the Bulls when they travel to the Palace of Auburn Hills for a matchup with the Pistons.
After Sunday’s 104-88 home loss to Chicago as a 2½-point underdog, the Raptors are now one game behind the Bulls with two games remaining in the race for the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Toronto has now dropped five straight (1-4 ATS) and eight of its last 11 (6-5 ATS) overall. One positive: The Raptors have won four of seven on the road (6-1 ATS).
Detroit has followed up an 11-game losing streak by winning three of its last four, and the Pistons have matched a season-best 5-0 ATS run after a 10-game ATS slump. Most recently, Detroit cashed as a 7½-point underdog in Sunday’s 99-95 road loss in Charlotte. In fact, the Pistons’ 5-0 ATS run has all come from the underdog role and includes Wednesday’s 90-88 outright home win over the Hawks as a 5½-point pup. That win snapped a five-game SU and ATS home slide.
The Raptors have won and covered in each of the three head-to-head meetings this season, including a 94-64 blowout victory inside the Palace on Dec. 23, easily cashing as a one-point underdog. The favorite has been the play in nine of the last 11 series clashes, but Toronto’s upset victory on Dec. 23 snapped its 0-4 ATS slide in the Motor City.
Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games and 4-1 ATS in its last five roadies against teams with losing home records, but it is otherwise on pointspread skids of 1-6 against Central Division teams and 7-20 on the second night of a back-to-back. While Detroit has cashed in five straight, it is still on several negative ATS runs, including 1-5 at home, 0-4 on Monday and 8-20-1 against teams with losing records.
For the Raptors, the under has been the play in 36 of 51 Monday contests, but their also on “over” upticks of 6-2 overall, 4-0 on the road and 4-1 against Central Division teams. The Pistons have topped the total in seven straight against Atlantic Division squads and nine of 11 against an opponent with a losing record, but they have stayed low in four of five at home. In this series, the under has cashed in five of the last six in Detroit.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Oklahoma City (49-31, 47-33 ATS) at Portland (49-31, 43-35-2 ATS)
Two of the three teams locked in a battle for the sixth seed in the Western Conference hook up at the Rose Garden, as the Thunder visit the Trail Blazers for Northwest Division clash.
Oklahoma City suffered a costly 120-117 loss at Golden State on Sunday, falling as a 7½-point road favorite. The loss dropped the Thunder back into a three-way tie with San Antonio and Portland for the sixth slot in the conference playoff standings. The loser of this game will drop into eighth and face a possible first-round matchup with the defending-champion Lakers.
With Sunday’s loss to the Warriors, the young Thunder have now dropped three of their last four following a four-game winning streak. They’ve also alternated ATS wins and losses in their last six contests. Oklahoma City has also followed up a three-game SU and ATS road winning streak with back-to-back SU and ATS losses on the highway. The winner has covered the spread in each of the Thunder’s last 12 road games.
Hours before the Thunder fell in Golden State, Portland got a much-needed win in Los Angeles, edging the Lakers 91-88 as a 2½-point underdog. The Blazers have now won seven of their last nine overall (6-3 ATS) and six of their last seven inside the Rose Garden (4-3 ATS). Nate McMillan’s team has been playing lock-down defense lately, yielding between 83 and 87 points in four straight games and holding 22 of its last 28 opponents under triple digits.
The road team has won and covered all three meetings between these teams this season, including the Thunder’s 89-77 win as a 1½-point favorite in Portland back on Feb. 9. The Blazers returned the favor in Oklahoma City on March 28, prevailing 92-87 as a four-point pup. Going back to last season, Portland are on a 5-1 SU and ATS roll in this rivalry, with the favorite also going 5-1 ATS in the last six.
The Thunder are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven when playing the second night of a back-to-back, but they’re still on several positive ATS runs, including 4-1 on the road, 6-1 on Monday, 20-7 on the road against teams with winning home records and 9-5 against the Western Conference. The Trail Blazers are a whopping 35-16 in their last 51 games playing the second night of a back-to-back (including 14-4 ATS this year), but they’re otherwise on pointspread skids of 2-6 against Northwest Division rivals and 1-5 at home against opponents with a winning home record.
Oklahoma City has stayed below the number in 10 of 12 Monday games and 14 of 19 against winning teams, but it is otherwise on “over” runs of 6-2 overall, 6-0 on the road and 6-2-1 on the second night of a back-to-back. Portland has soared past the total in 10 of 14 on the second night of a back-to-back, 12 of 15 on Monday and seven of 10 against division foes, but it is on “under” streaks of 7-3 overall, 7-0 at home against teams with winning road records and 12-2-1 against winning teams.
Finally, the “under” has cashed in 10 of 11 overall in this series (3-0 this year) and four of five in Oregon.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PORTLAND
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Cincinnati (3-3) at Florida (4-2)
The Reds hit the road for the first time in 2010 and send Johnny Cueto (0-0, 3.00 ERA) to the mound at Sun Life Stadium opposite the Marlins and Ricky Nolasco (0-0, 4.05).
Cincinnati took two of three from the Cubs over the weekend, including Sunday’s 3-1 victory, to give the Reds three wins in their last four games. The Reds are 5-1 in their last six road games and 6-2 in series openers, but they are just 1-6 in their last seven roadies against winning teams.
The Marlins won the final two of a three-game set against the Dodgers, including Sunday’s 6-5 victory, to give them four wins in their last five. Florida is 6-1 in its last seven against right-handers, but 0-4 in its last four on Monday and 1-8 in its last nine series openers.
Cincinnati is 12-5 in the last 17 meetings between these two teams, even though the two squads split six clashes last season.
Cueto started Wednesday for the Reds in a 6-3 home loss to the Cardinals, allowing two runs on five hits in six innings. He had a strong finish to the 2009 season, allowing three runs or less in six of his last eight starts, with the Reds winning five of his last six. His only career start against the Marlins was in June 2008 when he gave up three runs on eight hits in six innings of an 11-3 win.
Cincinnati is just 1-4 in Cueto’s last five Monday outings and 0-6 the last six times he’s pitched after full four days off.
Nolasco was solid in his Wednesday start in New York, holding the Mets to three runs on three hits in 6 2/3 innings of a 7-6 victory. He closed the 2009 campaign by limiting the opposition to three runs or less in seven of his last nine outings, including a 3-2 win over the Reds, allowing two runs on four hits in seven innings. He’s 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA in five career outings (four starts) against Cincinnati, yielding three runs or less in three of the four starts.
With Nolasco on the hill the Marlins are on streaks of 5-2 overall, 21-8 in series openers and 7-3 as a favorite.
Cincinnati is on “over” runs of 5-1 against right-handers, 4-1 as an underdog, 20-6-2 against N.L. East teams and 4-1 in Cueto’s last five starts, but the Reds are also on “under” streaks of 19-7-1 on the road and 19-9-2 when Cueto is an underdog. Florida is on a plethora of “over” streaks, including 6-1 overall, 22-7 at home, 9-1-2 against right-handers, 17-6 as a home favorite, 8-1 in Nolasco’s last nine starts, 4-0 when Nolasco pitches at home and 5-0 when Nolasco is favored.
In this series, the under is 5-0-1 in the last six meetings, but the over is 8-2 in the last 10 in South Beach.
ATS ADVANTAGE: FLORIDA
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston (3-3) at Minnesota (5-2)
The Twins open their brand-new, outdoor Target Field with veteran Carl Pavano (1-0, 1.29 ERA) welcoming the Red Sox and southpaw Jon Lester (0-0, 7.20).
Boston won its final two games in Kansas City over the weekend, holding on for an 8-6 victory Sunday. The Red Sox are still just 2-6 in their last eight road games, but they are 37-17 in their last 54 as a favorite and 15-6 in their last 21 as a road chalk.
After losing their season opener in Los Angeles on Monday, the Twins won five straight before dropping a 5-4 decision in Chicago on Sunday. Dating back to last season, the Twins are on surges of 22-9 overall, 10-2 at home, 37-16 against left-handed starters and 5-1 on Monday.
Boston took four of six from the Twins last season and has won seven of nine since July 2008. However, the Red sox are just 6-13 in their last 19 games in Minneapolis.
Lester gave up four runs on five hits over five innings of Tuesday’s 6-4 home loss to the Yankees, He was stellar to finish last season, though, holding teams to three runs or less in eight of his last nine games. Lester saw the Twins once last season and allowed five runs on six hits in six innings of a 5-2 loss in Minnesota, and in his four career appearances (four starts) versus the Twins he’s allowed 15 runs (13 earned) in 18 2/3 innings (5.66 ERA).
Behind Lester, Boston is on positive runs of 57-27 overall, 47-16 as a favorite, 9-2 on Monday, 5-1 as a road chalk and 6-1 after five days off.
Pavano was outstanding in his Wednesday start in Los Angeles, allowing just one run on six hits over seven innings of a 4-2 victory, with no walks and six strikeouts. He struggled down the stretch last season, though, allowing four runs or more in three of his final four starts. With Pavano on the hill, Minnesota is on runs of 6-2 overall and 5-2 as an underdog.
Pavano faced the Red Sox last May as a member of the Indians, limiting them to two runs on six hits in six innings of a 9-2 win. He is 3-2 with a hefty 7.07 ERA in six career starts against the Red Sox, with last year’s being the first since 2005.
Boston is on “over” runs of 36-16-1 as a favorite, 8-1 as a road chalk, 5-1 on Monday, 15-5 in series openers, 5-2 when Lester starts on the road and 5-1-1 when he gets five days off. Minnesota is on several “under” runs, including 7-2-1 overall, 6-2-1 as an underdog, 19-5-2 against A.L. East teams, 11-4-2 in series openers, 5-2-3 in Pavano’s last 10 starts and 4-0-1 when Pavano is an underdog.
Finally, the under cashed in 20 of the last 29 Red Sox-Twins battle in the old Metrodome.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MINNESOTA and UNDER
DUNKEL INDEX
Atlanta at Milwaukee
The Hawks are coming off a win at Washington and look to build on their 8-2 ATS record in their last 10 games following a SU win. Atlanta is the pick (+1) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+1)
Game 501-502: Miami at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 119.579; Philadelphia 118.500
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 1; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 4; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+4); Under
Game 503-504: Orlando at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 126.343; Indiana 124.307
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 3 1/2; 210 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+3 1/2); Under
Game 505-506: Washington at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 112.824; New York 116.969
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 4; 208
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 4 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+4 1/2); Under
Game 507-508: Toronto at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 111.507; Detroit 120.403
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 9; 199
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 509-510: Charlotte at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 119.452; New Jersey 112.448
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 7; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 5 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-5 1/2); Over
Game 511-512: Atlanta at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 121.351; Milwaukee 121.749
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 1; 188
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+1); Over
Game 513-514: Minnesota at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 110.954; San Antonio 124.193
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 13; 207
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 14; 203
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+14); Over
Game 515-516: Memphis at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 110.864; Denver 123.783
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 13; 198
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 517-518: Houston at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 118.349; Sacramento 114.599
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 4; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 1 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+1 1/2); Under
Game 519-520: Oklahoma City at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 122.150; Portland 123.562
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 1 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 521-522: Dallas at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 122.332; LA Clippers 109.196
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 13; 197
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
MLB
Boston at Minnesota
The Twins look to build on their 8-2 record in their last 10 games as an underdog of +110 to +150. Minnesota is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Twins favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+130)
Game 951-952: Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Davis) 15.029; Cubs (Dempster) 14.349
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-155); No Total
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+135); N/A
Game 953-954: Washington at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Marquis) 15.031; Philadelphia (Hamels) 15.558
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-275); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-275); Under
Game 955-956: Houston at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Rodriguez) 13.886; St. Louis (Wainwright) 14.793
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-205); 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-205); Over
Game 957-958: Atlanta at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Jurrjens) 15.050; San Diego (Correia) 14.684
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-155); Under
Game 959-960: Cincinnati at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.094; Florida (Nolasco) 15.206
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-155); Under
Game 961-962: Pittsburgh at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Ohlendorf) 15.298; San Francisco (Zito) 14.753
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+170); Over
Game 963-964: Kansas City at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Hochevar) 15.066; Detroit (Scherzer) 14.699
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+170); Over
Game 965-966: Texas at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Harden) 14.576; Cleveland (Carmona) 15.100
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-110); Over
Game 967-968: Boston at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 15.902; Minnesota (Pavano) 16.373
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-150); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+130); Over
Game 969-970: Oakland at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Duchscherer) 15.211; Seattle (Rowland-Smith) 15.380
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-120); Over
Game 971-972: Tampa Bay at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Garza) 14.769; Baltimore (Guthrie) 14.616
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-155); Over
Game 973-974: Chicago White Sox at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago White Sox (Peavy) 16.089; Toronto (Tallet) 15.413
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-125); Under
Marc Lawrence
Cincinnati Reds at Florida Marlins
Prediction: Florida Marlins
The Marlins and Reds meet at Sun Life Stadium Monday night when Ricky Nolasco matches serves with Johnny Cueto in a matchup of right handers. Nolasco put the finishing touches on a terrific spring camp where he was 3-0 with a 1.78 ERA while compiling a 1-to-21 walk to strikeout ratio. With Cueto off a rough spring (5.40 ERA), look for him to drop to 3-9 in his career team starts in April here tonight.
Tom Freese
Charlotte Bobcats at New Jersey Nets
Prediction: Charlotte Bobcats
New Jersey can't wait for this season to end. Center Brook Lopez scores 19.9 points and 8.7 rebounds a game. Point guard Devin Harris scores 16.9 points a game. Shooting guard Courtney Lee scores 12.3 points game. The Nets score 92.4 points a game. New Jersey is 17-35 ATS as home underdogs of 5.0 to 10.5 points and they are 1-4 ATS their last 5 games overall. Charlotte looks like they will be the Seventh Seed in the East. Steven Jackson scores 21.2 points a game. Small forward Gerald Wallace scores 18.3 points and 10.1 rebounds a game. Point guard Raymond Felton scores 12.2 points a game. The Bobcats score 95.2 points a game. Charlotte is 7-3-1 ATS when their opponent allowed 100 or more points in their last game and they are 4-1 ATS their last 5 games vs. a team with a win percentage of under 40%. PLAY ON CHARLOTTE -
Frank Jordan
Boston Red Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
Play: Minnesota Twins
Boston got back on track against Kansas City after losing two of three to the Yankees in their opening series taking two of three from the Royals to even up at 3-3. Minnesota went 5-2 to start the year as they return home to break in a brand spanking new outdoor ball park. This match up features Jon Lester who gave up 4 runs in 5 innings to the Yankees against 1-0 Carl Pavano who went 7 strong against the Angels allowing just one run. This match up with Lester on the hill can cause some trouble for the lefty dominate Twins, but look for Pavano to limit the Red Sox as the Twins win their first game in the new Digs with a 3-2 victory. Play Minnesota
BIG AL
Houston Astros @ St. Louis Cardinals
PICK: St. Louis Cardinals
It looks like the Astros offense is going to rival that of the Nationals and Padres this season as the NL's worst, at least as long as Lance Berkman is on the shelf. The former All-Star first baseman may return from his knee injury in time for this game, but even if he does, he won't be near 100 percent. Without Berkman, the biggest bat in this lineup is probably outfielder Carlos Lee, but Lee turns 34 years old this season and appears to be on the downside of his career, and with not much else around him in the lineup, pitchers can just choose to pitch around him as Lee is no longer a threat to steal bases. Southpaw Wandy Rodriguez will get his second start of the season and although Rodriguez pitched very well in his season debut last Tuesday (the 'Stros lost that game to the Giants), that start was at home, and in case you're one of the few who hasn't heard, Wa-Rod has the biggest home-away pitching bias in baseball. And despite a decent ERA at Busch Stadium, Rodriguez has only won one of five starts there. Cardinal ace #1, Chris Carpenter, got the opening day start, so ace #2, Adam Wainwright, gets the honors in the home opener. It shouldn't matter as they're almost interchangeable. Take the Cards.
David Chan
Houston Astros @ St. Louis Cardinals
PICK: Houston Astros
Will the ‘Stros win this game? Likely not, but this one’s about the price. Houston wasted some fine pitching performances last week as the club’s anemic offense gave the staff almost no run support. This bet is partly about “sooner or later” with the bats but it’s also partly about Astros’ starter Wandy Rodriguez.
If the Astros’ offense is only going to squeeze out two or three runs against the Cards, Wandy is the man you want going. In five outings against the Cards last year he had three quality starts and was on the way to another before a minor injury caused his removal.
Opposing pitcher Adam Wainwright is no slouch, and pitched well in three outings against the Astros last year. He had a good outing last week against the Reds. But in a day-after-night spot the Cards are something like 60% to win this game. Breakeven is +150 on the dog. We’ll take +190-ish, expect to lose, but hope for the best. If we find two of these types of dogs a week, over the run of a year we’ll do pretty well.
JIM FEIST
KANSAS CITY ROYALS / DETROIT TIGERS
TAKE: OVER
Detroit off to a fast start in 2010, winning four of their first five games. The Tigers have been on fire with the bats, averaging well over five runs per game (2nd in the league) and with a batting average of .274. On Sunday, the Tigers the big bats to beat the Indians, 9-8. Now the Tigers will get to feast on the poor pitching of the Royals. Kansas City had the 2nd worst runs per game allowed heading Sunday (5.60 rpg) and a team ERA of over five. Those numbers will likely be going up after allowing eight runs to the Red Sox on Sunday. Last week the Tigers opened against these Royals and scored 15 runs in three games. Luke Hochevar had a good first start for the Royals, allowing no earned runs over 7 2/3 innings. But I feel he will revert back to what we saw last season where he was 1-10 with a 8.21 ERA in his last 13 starts. I don't expect the Tigers to be held down by Hochevar here, not as well as they are swinging the bats. We have a nice day on tap in Detroit and the ball should be flying. Take the OVER.
EZWINNERS
Chicago Cubs -155
This is a tough spot for the Brewers who played the Sunday night game last night and then have to travel for a day game today in Chicago. The Cubs Ryan Dempster takes the mound after a strong game in his first start of the season against Atlanta. Dempster only had two walks while striking out nine batters against the Braves and left the game in position to pick up the win. Dempster has also had great success against Milwaukee in the past posting an 11-3 career record against the Brew Crew with an ERA of only 2.69. This includes a strong 3-1 record and 3.67 ERA against the Brewers last season. The Cubs are also 25-11 in Dempster's last 36 home starts and I expect that success to continue today. Play on Chicago.
Brad Diamond Sports
Play on: Philadelphia over Washington
Don't look now, but here comes the Washington Nationals. The Nats, after falling in the series to Philadelphia, have now won back-to-back games against the last place Mets. The lineup has started to hit on a more consistent basis with Guzman, Willingham, Desmond, Rodriquez and Taveras looking real good. So, despite the Phillies at 5-1 (first place) in the division, I look for a tough customer in Washington at the Bank on Monday. However, the negatives for the Nationals, including Zimmerman's injury, and the fact RHP Marquis (washed up) is going again for Washington, still makes this a one-sided affair in favor of Philadelphia.
James Patrick Sports
Mavericks vs. Clippers
LA has surpassed the (100) point mark just (4) times in their past (17) contests and this series with the Mavs has gone Under the Total in (10) of (12) in Los Angeles and is (20-7) Under the Total in the past (27) series meetings. Big Game James Patrick's Monday Night NBA selection is Dallas - LA Clippers Under the Total.
MTi Sports
Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies
Prediction: Washington Nationals
The Phillies are 0-7 when Cole Hamels starts as a favorite in the afternoon. The Nationals are 5-4 as a road 170+ dog when they lost the last time they faced their opponent?s starting pitcher. Finally, Philadelphia is 0-4 as a favorite after a win in which they allowed 1 or fewer walks and it is the first game of a series. Consider a small investment at this big price.
VEGAS EXPERTS
Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is a huge favorite tonight at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and for good reason. Minnesota has lost 21 of their last 22 games, and recently five straight. And their last game wasn’t even close, losing by 28 points at New Orleans yesterday. Now they travel and play without rest at San Antonio, who is looking to close out the season with some momentum. The Spurs can finish the season anywhere from sixth to eighth place in the Western Conference, and would obviously like to stay away from the Lakers in the first round. Everything lines up for a Spurs blowout win!
Play on: San Antonio Spurs
Rocketman Sports
Charlotte Bobcats vs. New Jersey Nets
Play: New Jersey +5.5
Charlotte is 6-16 ATS last 3 years and 1-5 ATS this year in April. New Jersey is 16-5 SU overall vs Charlotte since 1996. Bobcats are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing SU record. Bobcats are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Bobcats are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 Monday games. Bobcats are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win. Nets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Nets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Nets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss. Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog. Nets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest. Bobcats are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Bobcats are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in New Jersey. We'll recommend a small play on New Jersey tonight!
Bryan Leonard
Milwaukee at Chicago
Tough turnaround for the Brewers who played last night at home on ESPN against hated rival St Louis, only to jump on a plane and travel to Chicago for this afternoon matchup. Milwaukee has won only 4 of the last 11 games in Chicago. Doug Davis fared well against the Cubs last year but we're not a big fan of the veteran lefty who is only asked to keep the game close with this Brewer offense.
Dempster remains one of the most underrated starters in baseball. The Cubs have won 5 of his last 7 starts against the Brewers. Last year the veteran righty faced Milwaukee twice on this mound holding the Brew Crew to a .222 average and four total runs.
Off to a disappointing 2-4 start we look for a big effort from Dempster and the Cubs in their home opener against a Brewer team still celebrating a nationally televised victory.
PLAY CHICAGO CUBS