Free Picks: Service Plays for Tuesday, April 1

DUNKEL INDEX

MLB

Cleveland at Oakland
The Indians look to follow up last night's 2-0 win in the opener and build on their 5-0 record in Corey Kluber's last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Cleveland is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Indians favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+115)

Game 951-952: LA Dodgers at San Diego (6:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Greinke) 16.461; San Diego (Kennedy) 14.788
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-155); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-155); Under

Game 953-954: Colorado at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Anderson) 15.611; Miami (Eovaldi) 14.168
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Miami (-110); 7
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-110); Over

Game 955-956: Atlanta at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Wood) 15.034; Milwaukee (Lohse) 14.016
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+105); Under

Game 957-958: San Francisco at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Cain) 15.070; Arizona (Miley) 14.152
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-115); Over

Game 959-960: NY Yankees at Houston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 14.328; Houston (Feldman) 12.827
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-160); Under

Game 961-962: Toronto at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Hutchison) 16.197; Tampa Bay (Cobb) 15.686
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-160); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+140); Over

Game 963-964: Cleveland at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Kluber) 16.138; Oakland (Kazmir) 15.244
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+115); Under

Game 965-966: Seattle at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Ramirez) 14.240; LA Angels (Wilson) 15.965
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-170); Over

Game 967-968: Philadelphia at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Burnett) 15.267; Texas (Perez) 14.502
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Texas (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+105); Over

NHL

Colorado at Columbus
The Avalanche head to Columbus tonight to take on a Blue Jackets team that is 1-4 in its last 5 home games. Colorado is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Avalanche favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110)

Game 1-2: Dallas at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 12.174; Washington 11.270
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+105); Over

Game 3-4: Calgary at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 10.150; Toronto 11.144
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 5-6: Colorado at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.530; Columbus 10.477
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110); Under

Game 7-8: Florida at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 9.716; NY Islanders 10.946
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 9-10: Carolina at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 10.940; Pittsburgh 12.379
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-210); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-210); Under

Game 11-12: New Jersey at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.364; Buffalo 9.959
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-165); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-165); Over

Game 13-14: Montreal at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.130; Tampa Bay 12.204
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-135); Over

Game 15-16: Philadelphia at St. Louis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.936; St. Louis 11.423
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+165); Under

Game 17-18: NY Rangers at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 12.527; Vancouver 10.597
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-130); Over

Game 19-20: Winnipeg at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 11.058; Phoenix 10.122
Dunkel Line & Total: Winnipeg by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+155); Under

Game 21-22: Edmonton at San Jose (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 9.931; San Jose 11.619
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-280); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-280); Over

Matt Fargo

Toronto vs. Tampa Bay
Pick: Toronto

The Blue Jays were handed a loss on opening day as they allowed four runs through the first three innings and could not recover. R.A. Dickey was far from sharp and they are hoping to get a better start from Drew Hutchison who had a great spring and won the job as the second starter. He may not be recognizable to many but he was a big prospect and had to have Tommy John surgery in 2012 but returns stronger than ever. He posted a 1.80 ERA this spring over 15 innings, striking out 19 while allowing only eight hits and four walks. The Rays counter with Alex Cobb who is coming off a great season in 2013 despite being shortened by two months. He too has a solid spring but if there is one major detriment, it is the fact that at home last season, only seven of his 14 starts were quality outings. He was the beneficiary of terrific run support as the Rays scored four runs or more in 16 of his 24 starts including five runs or more 12 times. I don't see that happening today as while the Rays offense is a potent bunch, they face the unknown Hutchison tonight. Look for Toronto to bounce back and even its record and we get a very good price in doing so.

Matt Fargo's Featured Package

Scott Spreitzer

Clemson vs. SMU
Play: SMU -3

Most felt SMU "got the shaft" from the NCAA selection committee, but instead of sulking for too long, Larry Brown got his team focused on the task at hand and now they're in the NIT's Final Four. The Mustangs' revival under Brown is due mainly to their attention to detail on the defensive end. SMU ranks 6th in the nation in FG percentage allowed and they have held the opposition to less than 32% shooting from behind the arc. Clemson has played well on the defensive end also this season, but the difference between these teams tonight should come on the offensive end. The Tigers can be absolutely horrible shooting the rock, while SMU hits over 48% of their shots, including better than 38% from the 3-point line. And while this is a neutral site game we should note that Clemson allowed teams to "can" 45% of their shots away from home this season. The Tigers also haven't put a lot of pressure on opponents forcing just 10.1 turnovers per game. SMU has played well against poor pressure teams, those forcing no more than 14 tpg, going 14-7 ATS this season and out-scoring those 21 teams by an average score of 70-60. I expect more of the same tonight. I'm recommending a play on SMU minus the points.

Timothy Black

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres
Play: Los Angeles Dodgers -149

The Dodgers are 9-3 in Greinke's last 12 road starts and 16-5 in his last 21 starts as a favorite. Also, the Dodgers are 4-0 in Greinke's last 4 starts against the Padres and they're 7-2 in their last 9 meetings overall vs. the Padres. After getting beat on "Opening Night" Sunday, I look for L.A. to get back to their dominance of San Diego on Tuesday.

Ray Monohan

Atlanta Braves vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Play: Milwaukee Brewers -110

Getting shut out on opening day is embarrassing given what the Braves invested in their lineup this offseason. Getting a little over anxious will play right into the hands of veteran Kyle Lohse who frustrates with his mediocre stuff. Also, I am not convinced that Alex Wood of the Braves is really ready and the Brew Crew are loaded with righty power hitters. The Braves get chopped again.

Jim Feist

Trailblazers at Lakers
Pick: Over

Your free pick for Tuesday, April 1st, 2014, comes in the NBA as Portland and the LA Lakers meet in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. Can't seen any defense in this one! Portland (4th in the NBA in points scored) is back to playing uptempo basketball, scoring 105 points on Memphis, one of the best defensive teams in the game. Portland is 7-2 over the total vs. team with losing record, and they face one of the worst defensive teams in NBA. Lakers rank 29th in points allowed. At least they are finding some offense, scoring 115 points in a win against Phoenix. LA is 12th in the NBA in scoring, 4th in assists, and on a 10-4 run over the total against the Western Conference. LA is also 17-6 over the total vs. the NBA Northwest division. When these teams meet the over 7-2 last nine meetings, plus 4-1 over the total here at the Staples Center.

Ken Thomson

Yale / VMI Over 163

I got this total at 162 and there are a couple of 162 1/2's still left but most of you will have to lay 163. VMI has been dictating pace and games are averaging 195 points in their three College Insider games. I expect more of the same as DJ Covington should lead the charge. He has averaged 35 points a contest in the three CIT Games. Covington has help from two other solid scorers in QJ Peterson & Rodney Glasgow, both of whom are getting 24 points per CIT game so far. Yale has a solid one - two tandem with Javier Duren & Justin Sears who combined for 50 points in the Bulldogs comeback win over Columbia. I know Yale does not have a deep team but with VMI forcing tempo I expect the Bulldogs to cash in on a bunch of easy looks. The Keydets as they are known will continue to push the pace as that is their M.O. I like this game to hit at least 174

Rob Vinciletti

Minnesota vs. Florida State
Play: Florida State -1½

The Seminoles have revenge in this game vs Minnesota in a battle between 2 evenly matched teams. Minnesota has failed to cover 3 of their last 4 neutral court games, while Florida St has covered 8 of 10 when the total is 1`30 to 140. The Seminoles have won 12 of 15 vs non conference teams and 7 of 9 when playing with 5 or 6 days rest. Florida St should get their revenge in this game ad move. Take Florida St tonight.

Rob Vinciletti's Featured Package

Chase Diamond

Los Angeles vs. San Diego
Play: San Diego +1½ -135

Today's game features the 2-1 Dodgers and the 1-0 Padres. I played on the Padres to win on Sunday night to open up my MLB season and for my 4th straight year hit my opener. Tonight I am going back to the well with the Padres but this time taking the +1.5 line. Zach Greinke might be showing a little rust today as he's missed the preseason due to a calf injury on the other mound is Ian Kennedy off a rough 2013 season he will look to start off strong. I believe the Padres will contend this year and if it's like last season expect the Dodgers to start slow again.

Chase Diamond's Featured Package

DAVE COKIN

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS AT ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
PLAY: ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS -105

The Giants are off to a winning start thanks to a solid comeback last night that resulted in a win over Arizona. As for the Diamondbacks, they’ve stumbled out of the gate with the two losses in Australia to the Dodgers and the disappointing Monday night defeat.

The loss last night was a tough one for the Snakes. They blew a big lead and ended up wasting a 16-hit attack. There are already serious concerns with the pitching staff both among the starters and the bullpen.

Nevertheless, here’s where I can see the Diamondbacks breaking through. Matt Cain is going to have to prove to me he’s back to where he used to be. Cain had some tough times in 2013, and he had a very poor final start in spring training. It’s also important to note that Cain did not get out of the gate well last season, and in fact his career numbers are worse in April than any other month.

Wade Miley is not what one looks for in a top of the rotation starter. But he’s basically stuck with that #1 tag on the Diamondbacks, at least for the time being. Ideally, Miley is a #3-4 type who can chew up innings and give his team a chance to win. He’s simply not an ace.

But one thing I do like about Miley is his grit. He’s a real battler, and with his team still winless and in need of a strong stint, I think Miley will find a way to deliver a good start tonight. Whether or not the dicey Snakes pen can protect a late lead is problematic, but at least Miley might give them a good chance to do so.

I’m mainly taking an anti-Cain stance here. He’s had success in this park and he’s on the better team. But I tend to think he’s being favored more on reputation that what might be the current reality, and it looks to me like there’s some value on the host tonight. I’ll side with Miley and the Diamondbacks to finally get a win.

Mid-Major Matt

Colorado Rockies at Miami Marlins
Pick: Colorado Rockies

The Rockies struck out on Monday as they failed to hit Jose Fernandez. Now they get a crack at former Dodger Nathan Eovaldi. The righty went 1-2 with a 3.44 ERA in five starts for Miami allowing 20 hits in just over 18 innings. Eovaldi's worst two starts came in his last two against the Astros and Braves where he allowed six runs while walking four batters as well. He made one start against the Rockies last year shutting them out over six innings at Coors Field. Colorado hitters are 12 for 46 combined against the righty. Brett Anderson makes his first start for Colorado. The lefty is trying to come back after some injury plagued seasons with the Athletics. Anderson has been seen by three Miami hitters with Jarrod Saltalamacchia getting the most experience going 3-for-15. The Marlins lineup broke out against Jorge De La Rosa, but really isn't that good as a unit. They are asking a lot from Casey McGehee and Garrett Jones. I like the Rockies to bounce back and take game two of this series.

LT Profits

Pacific Vs Murray State
Pick: Pacific +6

A combination of schedule strength, offensive rebounding and free throws could give the underdog Pacific Tigers the edge vs. the Murray State Racers in the CIT Tuesday. Pacific has not been intimidated by its move up to the WCC this season from the Big West as it has 18 wins right now The Tigers should have the edge in second chance points here as they are above average in offensive rebounding percentage at 32.2 percent vs. a national average of 31.4 percent while Murray State is just 234th in defensive rebounding percentage. Pacific would also have an edge if this game is close as it ranks seventh in the country in foul shooting at 77.1 percent while Murray is 293rd at 66.3 percent. The Tigers have faced a schedule ranked 105th in SOS, dwarfing a Racers’ SOS ranked 245th. Pacific is 9-3 ATS its last 12 non-conference games.

Jesse Schule

Atlanta Braves at Milwaukee Brewers
Pick: Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers took Game 1 of their series with Atlanta, as Yovani Gallardo tossed six scoreless innings in a 2-0 shutout win over the Braves on Opening Day. It won't get any easier for the Braves, facing Kyle Lohse tonight. Lohse only faced the Braves once last year, and he tossed a complete game (two hit) shutout in his final start of the season. He pitched well in Milwaukee all year, posting a home record of 7-4 with a 2.97 ERA. The Braves have promoted 23 year old lefty Alex Wood to fill in for injured starters Kris Medlen and Mike Minor. Wood is coming off a fantastic spring, holding opponents scoreless in 14 innings of work. The pressure will be a whole lot greater here tonight in Milwaukee though. Wood was 1-1 with a 3.09 ERA in five starts on the road in his rookie season. The home team showcases what should be a more potent offense with Braun back alongside Carlos Gomez and Jean Segura. Priced at almost even money, the Brew Crew are looking like a bargain at home tonight.

Jesse Schule's Featured Package

Marc Lawrence

Houston Rockets at Brooklyn Nets
Prediction: Houston Rockets

Something's got to give in this non-conference clash at the Barclay Center Tuesday. It's where the Nets have won 13 home games in a row, cashing 12 times, ever since Punxsutawney Phil came out of his hole on Ground Hog's Day. On the flip side the Rockets have dominated the Nets ion this series, winning 13 games in a row while going 11-1-1 ATS. Talk about mirror-like results! With Brooklyn off a revenge win over Minnesota, and the Rockets off Saturday's crushing home loss to the Clippers, we'll grab the points with the better team here tonight. We recommend a 1-unit play on Houston.