Wunderdog
Indiana at Atlanta
Pick: Indiana +6.5
The playoffs have started for the Indiana Pacers - even though they might not be in them. They sit one game behind Charlotte for the eighth and final spot in the NBA East, so expect a playoff-like effort in this one. The Pacers have risen against the better teams in the NBA all season long, and they need to step up again here. The Pacers have roared as a road dog, as they are 7-2 ATS over their last nine played in that role. The old gambling adage, "the team in need, is the team indeed." applies to this one. I will back the Pacers to make a huge effort, and at least stay close here.
Vegasflyer Sports
Free Play
under 8 on mke/chi
Larry Ness
SAN -2 vs UTA
The Jazz traveled to New Orleans on Sunday, having lost 16 consecutive road games this year to team with winning records. However, the Jazz jumped out to a 41-19 first quarter lead, extended their lead to as many as 30 points and won, 108-94. I'm not sure where that performance came from but the Jazz reverted to form on Wednesday night. They lost 130-101 in Dallas and fell to 1-12 this year on the road vs Western Conference playoff contenders (other seven postseason qualifiers, plus the Suns). Now I realize the Spurs look vulnerable these days with Ginobili out for the season (including the playoffs) and Duncan being bothered by aching knees (he was pulled with nearly eight minutes remaining in a 95-83 home loss to Portland on Wednesday night). The Spurs have lost FOUR of their last six and at 50-28, trail the Rockets by half-game in the Southwest Division, while finding themselves in a tie with the Blazers for the No. 4 seed (could lose home court advantage in the first round). However, the Jazz have lost 19 consecutive road games in San Antonio against the Spurs, losing by an average margin of 16.1 PPG. Utah's last win in San Antonio came back on Feb 28 of 1999. I'm not about to 'spit' into that 'wind!' Take the Spurs.
GoodFella
DET (-140) vs TEX
The Texas Rangers are off to their best start in 13 years, when they won the first of the only three division titles in franchise history. They hope Kris Benson, who hasn't pitched in the majors for more than 2 1/2 years, can help them remain the AL's only unbeaten team Friday night when they open a three-game set against the Tigers Texas now gives the ball to Benson, who hasn't thrown a pitch in the majors since Sept. 27, 2006, with Baltimore. The Rangers signed the oft-injured Benson to a minor-league contract in the hopes that he could add some depth to the rotation. The right-hander, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 draft by Pittsburgh, missed 2007 after having surgery to repair a torn right rotator cuff. He went 1-4 with a 5.52 ERA in 11 starts last year for Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia's Triple-A affiliate, before the Phillies released him Aug. 30. Texas, though, went 3-6 against Detroit last season, and has dropped five in a row at Comerica Park since winning there on Sept. 11, 2007. The Tigers turn to Amando Galarrage (13-7, 3.73 ERA) in their home opener, as they attempt to rebound from Thursday's 6-2 defeat at Toronto. Galarraga emerged as Detroit's most reliable starter last season as a rookie following his acquisition from Texas in February 2008. The right-hander led the Tigers in wins while posting the lowest ERA of any member of the rotation. He also won his only start against his former club on Aug. 19, giving up three runs and six hits with five strikeouts in six innings of an 11-3 victory. I will back the much better starting pitcher & I see no edge in the bullpen between the two teams.
ROCKETMAN
Toronto @ Cleveland
Play: Cleveland
Toronto is 9-22 the past 3 years as a road underdog of +125 to +150. Cleveland is 10-3 overall vs Toronto the past 3 years including 6-1 at home vs Toronto the past 3 years. Richmond is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA vs Cleveland since 1997. Blue Jays are 3-7 in their last 10 games following a win. Blue Jays are 2-6 in their last 8 Friday games. Blue Jays are 1-4 in their last 5 games as an underdog. Indians are 6-0 in their last 6 home games. Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 Friday games. Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5. Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Indians are 6-2 in their last 8 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Indians are 5-2 in their last 7 games as a favorite of -151 to -200. Indians are 25-10 in their last 35 during game 1 of a series. Indians are 45-19 in their last 64 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200. Indians are 4-0 in Lewis' last 4 starts. Indians are 4-0 in Lewis' last 4 starts on grass. Blue Jays are 7-23 in the last 30 meetings. Blue Jays are 2-15 in the last 17 meetings in Cleveland. We'll recommend a small play on Cleveland today!
Ben Burns
Columbus Blue Jackets at St. Louis Blues
Prediction: St. Louis Blues
This game means much more to the home team. The Blue Jackets just clinched their first playoff berth while the Blues are still desperately fighting to make the playoffs. Consider laying the wood.
Dennis Macklin
Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers
Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia has pretty much played themselves out of the 4-5 matchup in the East so in reality, what do they have to play for ??? The 76ers have lost three staright by an aggregate 46 points and generally seem disinterested. Tha Cavs have not ben covering numbers (1-4 ATS L5) but are 24-4 in L28 and still battling Lakers for soooooooooo important home court should both get that far. The Cavs ARE 11-4 ATS versus the Atlantic and have won last four trips here covering three. Philly no closer than eight in the series so far this year. Take Cleveland.
Black Widow
1* on Golden State Warriors +10
With Houston having played last night, we find it hard to believe they’ll be able to cover this double-digit spread again Friday. The Rockets were struggling with Sacramento Thursday before pulling away late in the second half. They used a lot of energy to get that win, and won’t have a lot left to give tonight against a Warriors’ team that loves to run the floor and ware down their opposition. Though the Warriors are battling injuries, they have been dealing with this all season. So they’ve had plenty of time to develop a bench and these guys will be able to compete with a tired Houston team Friday. Head coach Don Nelson is 26-10 ATS as a home underdog as the coach of Golden State. Houston is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) off a road win this season. Golden State is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games after 1 or more consecutive losses this season. The Warriors are 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in home games vs. excellent free throw shooting teams - making >=80% of their shots - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons. This is simply too good of a price to pass up. Take the Warriors and the points.
Dave Price
1 Unit on Charlotte Bobcats -3
Every game here on out is a must win for the Bobcats if they hope to make the playoffs and I don't see the Thunder standing in their way tonight. The Thunder have lost 7 of their last 8 and their last 4 home losses haven't even been close. Here's the key: Plays against home teams where the line is +3 to -3 (OKLAHOMA CITY) after 3 or more consecutive losses, in April games are 30-9 ATS the last 5 seasons. I call this the packing it in system. Lay the number.
Red Dog Sports
NY Yankees at Kansas City
Play KC ROYALS (+150)
The Yankees FINALLY got their first win of the new season yesterday at Baltimore but New York was only 5-5 against these Royals last year. Kansas City was 36-25 versus left-handed pitchers last year, averaging over 5 runs per game, and the Royals actually beat the Yankees to start last year 5-2 and 4-0 in their first two home games of 2008. Sidney Ponson starts for the Royals and he would love to beat his former team. Play the underdog Royals at home!
Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports
241 - 160 run 60 % 6-3 last 9
Friday Oakland A's