All posts by JoeDuffy.net Administrator

Rays-Mariners Odds Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays and the Seattle Mariners will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Safeco Field.
The Rays will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander James Shields in this game. Shields has a 2-1 record and a 4.58 ERA this season.
It’ll be Felix Hernandez toeing the rubber for the Mariners in this contest. Righthander Hernandez is 2-0 with a 4.26 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Mariners listed as 115-moneyline favorites versus the Rays, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Rays got out to a seven-run lead and went on to defeat the Mariners 9-3 on Wednesday, as a -110 pick’em. That game’s 12 combined runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9).
Evan Longoria had three hits and drove in three runs to lift the Rays, while Carlos Pena had two RBIs. Jeff Niemann tossed 5 1-3 innings for the victory, allowing three runs off three hits.
Jose Lopez belted a three-run homer for the Mariners, and Chris Jakubauskas gave up six runs off 10 hits in just over three innings of work.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 6-9
SU
Seattle
: 9-6 SU
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 9-1
Before playing Oakland are 6-4
After playing Seattle are 7-3
After a win are 4-6

Seattle most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing LA Angels are 4-6
After playing Tampa Bay are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Next up:
Tampa Bay at Oakland, Friday, April 24
Seattle at LA Angels, Friday, April 24

 

Reds-Cubs Lines Preview

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Thursday when the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs meet at Wrigley Field.
The Reds will pin their hopes on the pitching of ace righthander Aaron Harang in this game. Harang has a 1-2 record and a 2.70 ERA this season.
Starting this game for the Cubs will be ace Carlos Zambrano. The righthander has a 5.21 ERA to go along with a 1-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 162-moneyline favorites versus the Reds, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Johnny Cuteo combined on a six-hit shutout on Wednesday, as the Reds got past the Cubs 3-0. The Reds won the game as +155 underdogs, and the three runs went UNDER the posted over/under (8.5).
Jay Bruce went 2-for-4 at the plate, including a solo home run for the Reds. Francisco Cordero notched the final three outs for his sixth save.
Ted Lilly allowed just five hits and one run in suffering the loss for the Cubs, who were favored at -175 in that game.
Team records:
Cincinnati: 8-6
SU
Chicago
: 8-5 SU
Cincinnati most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 5-5
After playing Chi Cubs are 7-3
After a win are 4-6

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing St. Louis are 4-6
After playing Cincinnati are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati’s last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati’s last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs’s last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs’s last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs’s last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Chi Cubs are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Next up:
Cincinnati home to Atlanta, Friday, April 24
Chi Cubs at St. Louis, Friday, April 24

 

Mets-Cardinals Lines Preview

The St. Louis Cardinals will be trying to extend a winning streak on Thursday when they take on the New York Mets at Busch Stadium.
Livan Hernandez will be the starting pitcher for the Mets on this day. Righthander Hernandez is 1-0 this season with a 4.63 ERA.
The Cardinals will counter Hernandez with Kyle Lohse. Righthander Lohse has a 2.57 ERA to go along with a 2-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cardinals listed as 145-moneyline favorites versus the Mets, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Cardinals defeated the Mets for a second straight game with a 5-2 win on Wednesday, as +105 underdogs. That game’s seven runs went UNDER the night’s posted over/under (9.5).
Albert Pujols went 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs for the Cardinals. Joel Pineiro improved to 3-0 with the win, and Ryan Franklin notched his fourth save.
Carlos Beltran had three hits and drove in one run for the Mets, who were favored at -115. John Maine gave up five runs off seven over 5 2-3 innings in the loss.
Current streak:
New York has lost 3 straight games.
St. Louis has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York:
6-8 SU
St.
Louis: 10-5 SU
New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Washington are 5-5
After playing St. Louis are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Chi Cubs are 7-3
After playing NY Mets are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets’s last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets’s last 8 games when playing St. Louis
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
NY Mets are 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis’s last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis’s last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
St. Louis is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games
Next up:
NY Mets home to Washington, Friday, April 24
St. Louis home to Chi Cubs, Friday, April 24

 

Brewers-Phillies Lines Preview

The Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Citizens Bank Park.
The Brewers will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander David Bush in this game. Bush has a 0-0 record and a 4.38 ERA this season.
The Phillies will counter Bush with ace Cole Hamels. Lefthander Hamels has a 11.17 ERA to go along with a 0-1 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 165-moneyline favorites versus the Brewers, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
J.J. Hardy homered as the Brewers got past the Phillies 3-1 on Wednesday, as +115 underdogs. The four runs went UNDER the posted over/under (10).
Mike Cameron hit a two-run double for the Brewers. Braden Looper tossed six shutout innings for the win, and Todd Coffey threw the ninth in getting the save.
Jayson Werth went 2-for-4 at the plate with a solo home run for the Phillies, who were favored at -135 in that contest. Joe Blanton allowed three runs off eight hits over six innings in the loss.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 5-9 SU
Philadelphia: 6-7 SU
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 2-8
After a win are 3-7

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Florida are 5-5
After playing Milwaukee are 8-2
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee’s last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Milwaukee is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Milwaukee is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games on the road
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia’s last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Philadelphia is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee at Houston, Friday, April 24
Philadelphia at Florida, Friday, April 24

 

Royals-Indians Lines Preview

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Thursday when the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians meet at Progressive Field.
The Royals will give the ball to ace starter Gil Meche in this one. Righthander Meche is 1-0 this season with a 2.25 ERA.
Starting this game for the Indians will be Anthony Reyes. The righthander has a 5.73 ERA to go along with a 1-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Indians listed as 115-moneyline favorites versus the Royals, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Brian Bannister threw six-complete shutout innings as the Royals defeated the Indians 2-0 on Wednesday, as +170 underdogs. The team’s played UNDER the posted over/under (9.5).
David DeJesus and Willie Bloomquist drove in the runs for the Royals. Joakim Soria tossed a scoreless ninth inning to earn his fifth save.
Cliff Lee gave up nine hits and two runs over eight innings of work for the Indians, who were favored at -190 in that game.
Team records:
Kansas City: 8-6
SU
Cleveland
: 5-10 SU
Kansas City most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Detroit are 3-7
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a win are 6-4

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Minnesota are 5-5
After playing Kansas City are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Kansas City’s last 9 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Kansas City is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games on the road
Kansas City is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Cleveland’s last 9 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland’s last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Cleveland’s last 14 games
Next up:
Kansas City home to Detroit, Friday, April 24
Cleveland home to Minnesota, Friday, April 24

 

Lakers-Jazz Odds Preview

The fans at EnergySolutions Arena will be treated to a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz when they take their seats on Thursday for the third game of this first-round playoff series.
Odds aren’t yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Kobe Bryant went for 26 points, nine assists, and six rebounds to lead the Lakers over the Jazz 119-109 to take a 2-0 lead in their series on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles failed to cover as 11.5-point home favorites as the game played over the 211.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Pau Gasol added 22 points and six boards for the Lakers, who got 19 points off the bench from Lamar Odom in the victory.
Deron Williams had 35 points, nine assists, and four steals for Utah, while Carlos Boozer went for 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Jazz.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 65-17 SU, 42-39-1 ATS
Utah: 48-34 SU, 39-43 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Utah are 8-2
After playing Utah are 8-2
After a win are 8-2

Utah most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After playing LA Lakers are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing Utah
LA Lakers are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games
LA Lakers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah’s last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Utah is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Utah’s last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Utah’s last 13 games at home
Next up:
LA Lakers at Utah, Saturday, April 25
Utah home to LA Lakers, Saturday, April 25

 

Spurs-Mavericks Lines Preview

The division rival San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks are set to renew hostilities on Thursday when they meet at American Airlines Center in the third game of their first-round playoff series.
Oddsmakers currently have the Mavericks listed as 4½-point favorites versus the Spurs, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Tony Parker went for 38 points and eight assists as the Spurs handled the Mavericks 105-84 to knot their series at one game apiece on Monday night.
San Antonio cashed as 5.5-point home favorites as the game pushed the 189-point total set by sportsbooks.
Tim Duncan added 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Spurs, who got 13 points off the bench from Drew Gooden in the payday.
Reserve Jason Terry dropped 16 points for Dallas, while Dirk Nowitzki had 14 points and six boards for the Mavericks.
Team records:
San Antonio: 54-28 SU, 40-40-2 ATS
Dallas: 50-32 SU, 40-42 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 9-1
Before playing Dallas are 8-2
After playing Dallas are 9-1
After a win are 5-5

Dallas most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing San Antonio are 7-3
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
San Antonio is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Dallas is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas’s last 7 games at home
Next up:
San Antonio at Dallas, Saturday, April 25
Dallas home to San Antonio, Saturday, April 25

 

Celtics-Bulls Odds Preview

The Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at United Center in the third game of their first-round playoff series.
Oddsmakers currently have the Bulls listed as 2½-point favorites versus the Celtics, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Ray Allen’s three-pointer with two seconds on the clock lifted the Celtics past the Bulls 118-115 to even their series at one game apiece on Monday night.
Boston couldn’t cover as 8.5-point home favorites as the game played over the 196-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Allen finished with 30 points for the Celtics, who got 26 points and nine rebounds from Glen Davis in the win.
Ben Gordon dropped 42 points for Chicago, while John Salmons netted 17 points for the Bulls.
Team records:
Boston: 62-20 SU, 43-39 ATS
Chicago: 41-41 SU, 42-39-1 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Chicago are 6-4
After playing Chicago are 8-2
After a win are 7-3

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 9-1
After playing Boston are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston’s last 9 games
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston’s last 5 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago’s last 5 games when playing Boston
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Chicago is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Boston
Next up:
Boston at Chicago, Sunday, April 26
Chicago home to Boston, Sunday, April 26

 

Susan Boyle Vegas Betting Odds Abound

We thought forensic sports handicapping was an overnight sensation nearly four years ago when his sports betting picks going public.

Britain’s Got Talent phenomenon Susan Boyle hopes to have the staying power of Vincent, but there is no better rag to riches story than hers.

Now Irish sportsbook Paddy Power has many a betting option for all things Susan Boyle. With her 15 minutes of fame likely extended for some time, some of the opportunities seem like great bets. Among them:

Will Susan Boyle perform on American Idol in 2009-2010? Considering she is the all-time poster child for reality television at 9-4 she seems like a lock. Will a movie about her be made in Hollywood by 2012? Though seemingly inevitable, the odds have that at 8-1.

The long shot odds don’t seem long enough at 500-1. Those proposition bets include Miss Boyle posing in Playboy. Oh not just anywhere, but as a centerfold. Will she date Mel Gibson?

The top sports handicappers advise against those dark horse bets.

Other reasonable bets including will she meet with US President Barack Obama at the White House before the year is out? Considering he’s been backslapping dictators, inviting Boyle would seem to be good public relations.

The more logical proposition bets include whether or not she wins a Grammy Award or tops the Billboard 200 Album chart.

Either way, the sportsbooks seem to be “Boyleing” over with Hollywood and entertainment betting odds.

Of course she may not be a lock to win Britain’s Got Talent. Sheheen Jafargholi is 10-3 and Flawless is 6-1 to topple the heavy favorite. At 8-1, don’t count out Julian Smith.

Bodog is Back, Pirates Victory Big For Sharp Bettors, Big Picks For Tonight

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Heat look to get into the win column, the Habs try to avoid the loss column, and the Sox continue their set with the Twins.

Bodog is back…

Bodog Life  is Bodog again as the popular sportsbook won back its domain. Is more good news coming in the betting news world? Barney Frank is expected to take steps to end gambling prohibition this month just as Formula 1 betting is taking off the way the UFC odds did.

Tipping off on the hardwood  . . .

Dwyane Wade and the Heat will be trying to bounce back from an embarrassing Game 1 loss on Wednesday night when they play in Atlanta for the second time in the best-of-seven series. The Hawks pounded Miami 90-64 in the opener on Sunday, with Josh Smith picking up 23 points and 10 rebounds. Wade had 19 points for Miami in the loss; the Heat are listed as 5-point underdogs in Game 2.

Along with the Heat, the Magic and Hornets are also down 1-0 in their first-round series heading into play on Wednesday. Orlando was upset 100-98 in the opener by Philadelphia on Sunday, with Andre Iguodala scoring 20 points for the Sixers. New Orleans was blasted 113-84 by Denver in Game 1 on Sunday. The Magic are favored by 10 points in Game 2 Wednesday; Denver is favored by 5.5 points.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Twins and Red Sox are scheduled to play twice on Wednesday (a day/night doubleheader), as their Tuesday night matchup at Fenway Park was rained out.  Also on the American League schedule for Wednesday: Oakland at the Yankees, the White Sox at Baltimore, Kansas City at Cleveland, Texas at Toronto, Tampa Bay at Seattle, and Detroit at the Angels. The Tigers will use Justin Verlander (0-2, 7.88 ERA) on Wednesday; the Angels go with Joe Saunders (2-1, 2.18 ERA).

Meanwhile, 2-0 Paul Maholm and his microscopic 0.87 ERA will take the mound for Pittsburgh on Wednesday afternoon in their meeting with the Marlins in one of the eight games on the NL schedule. Also on tap: Colorado at Arizona, San Diego at San Francisco, Milwaukee at Philadelphia, Atlanta at Washington, the Dodgers at Houston, Cincinnati at the Cubs, and finally the Mets at St. Louis.

The Pirates are already in for GodsTips and the world’s top baseball handicapper does have a free pick going tonight.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The Bruins will be looking to deal a death blow to the rival Canadiens on Wednesday night, as they take a commanding 3-0 series lead into the 7:00pm ET puck drop. Boston doubled up Montreal 4-2 in Game 3 on Monday night, as Phil Kessel scored his third goal of the playoffs and Tim Thomas made 23 saves. Carey Price stopped 26 of 29 Boston shots in a losing cause for the Canadiens.

There are two other games on the NHL’s playoff schedule for Wednesday, with Washington at the Rangers and Chicago at Calgary. The Capitals cut their series deficit to 2-1 on Monday night with a 4-0 road win behind the goaltending of Simeon Varlamov. The Flames also showed some life on Monday night, topping the Blackhawks 4-2; Calgary is down 2-1 in that series heading into Wednesday.