Friday's Betting Tips
By Covers.com
Who’s hot
MLB: The over is 8-1 in Cleveland pitcher Justin Masterson’s last nine starts.
MLB: The Phillies are 19-3 in Halladay’s last 22 starts on five days’ rest.
MLB: The White Sox are 8-3 in John Danks’ last 11 home starts.
Who’s not
MLB: The Rockies are 5-11 in their last 16 home games.
MLB: The Royals are 0-6 in their last six series openers.
MLB: The under is 5-12 in the Braves’ last 17 games.
Key stat
12 – That’s how many regular-season series the Texas Rangers have won in a row heading into their weekend set against visiting Tampa Bay. Six of those have come this season. Texas has not lost a three-game series at the Ballpark in Arlington since July 1-3 against the Marlins last year.
Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked
Orlando Magic center Glen Davis (ankle) is questionable for Saturday’s playoff opener at Indiana. X-rays were negative on Davis' ankle, but there’s been no word on the severity of the injury. With Dwight Howard ruled out following back surgery, the Magic desperately need Davis.
Games of the day
Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers (-140, 9)
Washington Nationals at Los Angeles Dodgers (-175, 6)
Notable quotable
"They punish mistakes. It's not singles. It's usually extra-base hits and home runs.” – Yankees manager Joe Girardi on the Rangers, who lead MLB with 107 runs scored.
Tips and notes
Thunder swingman James Harden, the best sixth man in the NBA, will practice Friday after recovering from the concussion he sustained when Metta World Peace elbowed him hard in the hard. Harden does not have a minutes restriction heading into the playoffs. "I'm thankful that James is healthy. That's the bottom line," OKC coach Scott Brooks said.
Nashville defenseman Hal Gill (lower body injury) is practicing with a regular line and should play in the second-round series against Phoenix. "He’s moving pretty good," Preds coach Barry Trotz said. "He’s practiced and he’s had a little more of the grind and the battles that he needed to have to see where he is. Right now he’s on track and I expect him to play in the series."
Indians RF Shin-Soo Choo missed his second straight game Thursday with a sore left hamstring. Aaron Cunningham replaced Choo, who has five doubles, nine RBIs and 10 walks in 15 games played.
Kansas City starter Danny Duffy (3.63 ERA) won’t be on the mound as scheduled Friday due to elbow tightness. The 23-year-old lefty isn’t believed to be seriously hurt, but the Royals aren’t taking any chances. Everett Teaford is expected to start against the Twins.