Drew Gordon
Orlando at PHILADELPHIA -5
First off, don't go crazy putting your kids tuition on the 76ers tonight, as this game will not be the major blowout some are expecting. That being said, the 76ers will win and cover this contest, and here's why:
Obviously the absence of Howard is critical in this match up. For one thing, Howard was dominating the paint, on both ends of the court, in this series. We all know about his exploits on the offensive end, but it was his rebounding and shot blocking abilty on the defensive end that was just as important for the Magic.
Also, all those open shots that Lewis and Turkoglu were used to with Howard on the floor and now gone. Without their manchild center to draw the attention, defenders can now stay at home on the Magic's sharp-shooting forwards, and that's a HUGE defensive advantage for the 76ers. Not only that, but the lane is now wide open for the penetration of such players as Miller and Iguodala.
The injury to Courtney Lee is also a big one. Although he's just a rookie, he was filling an important role on this Orlando team, scoring 15+ points or more in 3 of the 5 games they've played this series. He was the answer when the rest of the Magic went cold, and without him, they lose another offensive option.
Then of course, there's the win or go home factor. At first glance, one might be concerned about the 76ers taking their foot off the gas because of the absence of Howard and Lee, but not when they're playing in an elimination game! Look for the 76ers to remain sharp, attacking early and often against a now vulnerable Magic defense. In the end, the 76ers have too much to lose not to bring their "A" game tonight, and with their best player on the bench in a suit, it wouldn't surprise me if the Magic come out flat, and already looking ahead to Game 7 at home.
Take Philadelphia over Orlando in Game 6 of this Eastern Conference Playoffs series.
2♦ PHILADELPHIA
EZWINNER'S FREE SELECTION ;D
(559) Portland Trailblazers +5
The Blazers came very close to pulling off a win in game three and
four in Houston and I think they might get that win in this game. The
pressure will be on the Rockets as they once again try to get out of
the first round of the playoffs. This one should be close all the way.
Take the points.
2009 Free Selections Record 64-54 (54.2%)
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Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports ;D
254 - 164 run 60 %
Thursday Bost Red Sox
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Free Selection from Totals4U ;D
Thursday's free selection: St. Louis/Washington under 10
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8)
Jeff Scott Sports
3 UNIT PLAY
(Power Angle Play)
Toronto +120 over KANSAS CITY
The Blue Jays are 8-2 in their last 10 during game 4 of a series and 38-14 in their last 52 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game, while the Royals are 14-31 in their last 45 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600 and 1-5 in Davies' last 6 starts following a team loss in their previous game. After Posting a 12.47 ERA in his first start I belive that Brian Burres will bounce back with a strong effort today. He will be facing a KC squad that is 22nd in scoring at 4.2 rpg and 25th in hitting at .247. The Royals also score just 4.4 rpg at home and in their 8 day games they have hit just .200 and have scored just 3 rpg. toronto has had no such hitting problems as they are 4th in scoring (5.9 rpg) and 1st in hitting (.290), plus they average 6.5 rpg on the road and 6.1 rpg vs righty starters. That Toronto offense will take aim at a struggling Kyle Davies, who is 1-1 with a high 6.88 ERA in his slast 3 starts, plus he is 1-1 with an 8.18 ERA at home. The Jays offense will win this one as I just don't see KC putting up enough runs to outscore them.
POWER ANGLE For This Play--- Since June 22nd 2008 The Blue Jays are a sparkling 25-3 after allowing 6+ runs.
1 UNIT PLAY
Oakland/ Texas Under 11
The Under is 26-11 in Athletics last 37 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 6-1 in Bradens last 7 starts as a road underdog, while the Under is 8-1 in Padillas last 9 starts with the total set at 11.0 or higher. You won't see this that often, me taking an Under in a Rangers home game, but Padilla is due for a good game and 6 of his last 7 home starts with teh total of 11 or higher have gone under the total. Dallas Braden has been pitching well this year as he owns a 2.52 ERA overall, including a 1.89 ERA in his last 3 starts. His starts have averaged just 5.3 rpg overall and a mere 2 rpg in his 2 road starts. No more than 9 in this one.
Wunderdog
Oakland at Texas
Pick: Texas -120
The Athletics are 7-11 on the season including 3-6 on the road, yet they are nearly even money here? Yes they have the pitching advantage but the Rangers have been pounding left-hand pitching to the tune of 9.2 runs per game on the season and the A's offense will be hard pressed to keep up. Vicente Padilla has not gotten off to a big start for the Rangers, but he does own a career 5-1 mark against the A's. And this Oakland offense is producing only four runs per game against right-hand pitching. Texas is 27-17 the past two seasons vs. poor power teams (those averaging under .75 HRs per game). With Padilla on the mound during that span, the Rangers are 8-1 vs such teams! Oakland is just 39-54 in expected close games (line of -125 to +125) over the past two seasons. That includes a 14-28 mark on the road in those games. I'll back the Rangers on the moneyline in this one.