Rockets-Lakers Odds Preview

The Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at STAPLES Center.
Oddsmakers currently have the Lakers listed as 13-point favorites versus the Rockets, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Luis Scola poured in 24 points to go with 12 boards for a double-double on Thursday, as the Rockets defeated the Lakers 95-80 to send the series to a Game 7. The Rockets won the game as 9-point underdogs, while the 175 points went UNDER the posted total of 197.5.
Aaron Brooks chipped in with a team-high 26 points for the Rockets. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with a game-high 32 points.
Team records:
Houston: 53-29 SU, 40-41-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 65-17 SU, 42-39-1 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
After playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
After playing Houston are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston’s last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston’s last 8 games when playing LA Lakers
Houston is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Houston’s last 18 games on the road
LA Lakers are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games at home
LA Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the LA Lakers last 9 games

 

Official Betting Previews: Lakers-Rockets, Magic-Celtics

Put aside the winnings from the Preakness results as filly Rachel Alexander and Jess Jackson sets sight on the Belmont Stakes after the Preakness payouts.

The Orlando Magic-Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets-Los Angeles Lakers each battle in Game 7s on Sunday.  Let’s check out the betting previews.

The NBA odds at BetED has Boston a 2.5 point favorite with a total of 186 at Sports Betting Sportsbook.

Boston is 49-26 straight up including 40-8 at home. Orlando is 66-28 straight up, 30-17 on the road.

The Magic allows just 93.9 points per game to teams normally getting 99.5. Boston allows 94.6 to 99.8. Each team scores less than a point more than their opponent normally allows.

Now some betting trends, all records against the spread: the Magic are 44-19 as an underdog of 4.5 or less. Boston is 4-12 in the Conference semifinals. Orlando has gone under 21-8 their last 39. Boston has gone over 13-3 off a loss.

Meanwhile the betting line for Houston-LA is the Lakers -12.5 at BetUs Sportsbook with the total of 194 at Bodog Life.

Houston is 66-34 straight up but just 22-25 away from home. The Lakers are 72-21 including 41-6 as the home team.

Against the spread trends: Houston is 3-8 on the road versus an opponent with versus teams with a winning home record. The Lake Show has gone under 14-2 off a straight up loss. They’ve also gone under 23-9 as a favorite.

For more information: Get the top NBA picks to beat the live NBA odds at OffshoreInsiders.com

2009 Preakness Odds: Horse Handicappers Say Morning Line Longshot Wins

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The second jewel of the Triple Crown takes place at Pimlico, NASCAR has its All-Star race, and the Giants take on the Mets. Preakness handicapper Joe Duffy of GodsTips as the win, place and show and the 2009 Preakness Odds and many prop bets are at Sports Betting Sportsbook, BetUs Sportsbook, Bodog Life, and BetED.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Mets will send ace Johan Santana to the mound on Saturday afternoon for their road matchup with the Giants. Lefthander Santana (4-2, 0.78 ERA) took the loss against the Braves last time out despite giving up just two unearned runs in 6 1-3 innings of work. Countering for the Giants will be lefthander Randy Johnson. The Big Unit (3-3, 5.89 ERA) got a win vs. the Nationals in his last start.

Elsewhere on the National League schedule for Saturday it’ll be Houston at the Cubs, Milwaukee at St. Louis, the Dodgers at Florida, Colorado at Pittsburgh, Arizona at Atlanta, and Cincinnati at San Diego. As well, the Phillies and Nationals will stage a doubleheader in Washington; Game 1 will be Brett Myers (2-2, 4.81 ERA) vs. Scott Olsen (1-3, 7.00 ERA), while Game 2 has a probable matchup of J.A. Happ (1-0, 2.75 ERA) taking on Daniel Cabrera (0-4, 4.98 ERA).

Over in the American League on Saturday the Yankees will try to get another win out of Joba Chamberlain (2-1, 3.89 ERA) when they play host to the Twins and Nick Blackburn (2-2, 4.32 ERA). Righthander Chamberlain beat the Orioles in his last outing, giving up just three earned runs over six innings of work. Righthander Blackburn threw seven scoreless innings against the Mariners in his last outing.

Rounding out the Junior Circuit slate for Saturday: the White Sox at Toronto, Cleveland at Tampa Bay, the Angels at Texas, Oakland at Detroit, Baltimore at Kansas City, and Boston at Seattle. Projected Red Sox starter Josh Beckett (3-2, 6.42 ERA) got a no-decision vs. the Rays last time out, allowing three runs in six innings. Lefthander Garrett Olson (0-0, 2.57 ERA) gets the ball for the Mariners.

 

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Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Filly Rachel Alexandra (Post #13) was pegged as the 8/5 morning line favorite for Saturday’s running of the 134th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. Rachel Alexandra competed in the Kentucky Oaks instead of the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago, winning that race by 20 ¼ lengths. Pioneerof The Nile (Post #9) sits second at 5/1 odds for the Preakness, while Kentucky Derby champ Mine That Bird (Post #2) and Friesan Fire (Post #5) are both listed in third at 6/1 odds.

Finally, the Sprint Cup Series stages its All-Star event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Saturday, with Jimmie Johnson listed as the 6/1 Vegas favorite to win the non-points race. Kyle Busch is next at 7/1 odds, followed by both Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart at 8/1, and Kurt Busch and Denny Hamlin at 10/1. Kasey Kahne, the 2008 All-Star winner, is back at 30/1 to get the trophy again on Saturday. Martin Truex Jr. is pegged as the 6/1 favorite for the Sprint Showdown.

Angels-Rangers Odds Preview

The Texas Rangers will be trying to extend a winning streak on Saturday when they take on the Los Angeles Angels at Rangers Ballpark.
Ace John Lackey will be the starting pitcher for the Angels on this day. Righthander Lackey is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
It’ll be ace Vicente Padilla toeing the rubber for the Rangers in this contest. Righthander Padilla is 2-2 with a 4.97 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Rangers listed as 120-moneyline favorites versus the Angels, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Rangers scored five runs in the ninth inning and went on to defeat the Angels 10-8 on Friday, as -125 favorites. The game’s 18 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (10).
Ian Kinsler belted two home runs and finished with three RBIs for the Rangers. Kevin Millwood tossed six innings for the win, allowing nine hits and two runs.
Erik Aybar went 3-for-5 at the plate with a solo home run and two RBIs for the Angels, who were +105 underdogs. Joe Saunders allowed seven runs over 5 1-3 innings in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Texas has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 18-16 SU
Texas: 21-14 SU
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Texas are 8-2
After playing Texas are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4

Texas most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing LA Angels are 4-6
After playing LA Angels are 3-7
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas
LA Angels are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
LA Angels are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games when playing Texas
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing LA Angels
Texas is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Next up:
Texas home to LA Angels, Sunday, May 17

 

Indians-Rays Odds Preview

The Cleveland Indians and the Tampa Bay Rays will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Tropicana Field.
Carl Pavano will be the starting pitcher for the Indians on this day. Righthander Pavano is 3-3 this season with a 6.45 ERA.
Starting this game for the Rays will be Matt Garza. The righthander has a 3.56 ERA to go along with a 3-2 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Rays listed as 170-moneyline favorites versus the Indians, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Rays came from seven runs down to defeat the Indians 8-7 on Friday, as -155 favorites. The game’s 15 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (10.5).
B.J. Upton had three hits and drove in one run for the Rays. Dan Wheeler tossed an inning of relief and picked up his first win of the season.
Shin-Soo Choo hit a two-run homer for the Indians, who were +135 underdogs in that game. Luis Vizcaino gave up the winning run and was tagged with the loss.
Team records:
Cleveland: 14-23 SU
Tampa Bay: 17-20 SU
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 7-3
After playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Cleveland are 3-7
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games when playing Tampa Bay
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Cleveland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Tampa Bay is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games when playing Cleveland
Next up:
Tampa Bay home to Cleveland, Sunday, May 17

 

Mets-Giants Lines Preview

The New York Mets will be trying to extend a winning streak on Saturday when they take on the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.
The Mets will give the ball to ace starter Johan Santana in this one. Lefthander Santana is 4-2 this season with a 0.78 ERA.
The Giants will counter Santana with Randy Johnson. Lefthander Johnson has a 5.89 ERA to go along with a 3-3 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Mets listed as 180-moneyline favorites versus the Giants, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Mets defeated the Giants for a second straight game with an 8-6 win Friday, as +155 underdogs. The Mets won the game as +155 underdogs, while the 14 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (8).
David Wright had three hits and drove in four runs to propel the Mets. Brian Stokes earned the win in relief, and Francisco Rodriguez collected his 11th save.
Fred Lewis had two hits, including a solo home run for the Giants, who were -175 favorites in that contest. Brian Wilson gave up two runs off three hits in the loss.
Current streak:
New York has won 2 straight games.
San Francisco has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 20-15 SU
San Francisco: 18-17 SU
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing San Francisco are 7-3
After playing San Francisco are 7-3
After a win are 7-3

San Francisco most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing NY Mets are 3-7
After playing NY Mets are 3-7
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
NY Mets are 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
NY Mets are 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Mets are 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
San Francisco is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
Next up:
San Francisco home to NY Mets, Sunday, May 17

 

White Sox-Blue Jays Lines Preview

The Chicago White Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Rogers Centre.
Righthander Bartolo Colon will take the mound for the White Sox to start this game. Colon is 2-3 this season with a 4.88 ERA.
The Blue Jays will counter Colon with Robert Ray. Righthander Ray has a 6.00 ERA to go along with a 0-1 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Blue Jays listed as 120-moneyline favorites versus the White Sox, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Aaron Hill hit a two-run homer to lead the Blue Jays to an 8-3 victory over the White Sox on Friday, as -125 favorites. The game’s 11 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8.5).
Marco Scutaro had two hits with two runs scored and one RBI to lead the Blue Jays. Brett Cecil threw six innings for the win.
Jermaine Dye cracked a two-run homer for the White Sox, who were +105 underdogs. John Danks surrendered nine hits and seven runs over three innings on the mound.
Current streak:
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 15-19 SU
Toronto: 24-14 SU
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Toronto are 2-8
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Chi White Sox are 7-3
After playing Chi White Sox are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 2-11 SU in their last 13 games when playing Toronto
Chi White Sox are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Toronto is 11-2 SU in their last 13 games when playing Chi White Sox
Toronto is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Toronto home to Chi White Sox, Sunday, May 17

 

Astros-Cubs Lines Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the Chicago Cubs on Saturday when they battle the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field.
The Astros will pin their hopes on the pitching of ace righthander Roy Oswalt in this game. Oswalt has a 1-2 record and a 4.15 ERA this season.
Starting this game for the Cubs will be Sean Marshall. The lefthander has a 4.20 ERA to go along with a 1-2 record this season.
Odds aren’t yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Wandy Rodriguez whiffed 11 batters and the Astros held off the Rockies for a 5-3 victory in the series finale on Thursday, as -115 favorites. That game’s eight runs went UNDER the posted over/under (8).
Michael Bourn had four hits and scored twice, and Carlos Lee went deep for the Astros. Rodriguez improved to 4-2 with the win.
The Cubs completed a three-game sweep of the Padres with an 11-3 rout on Thursday, as -160 home favorites. The game’s 14 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (9.5).
Bobby Scales had two hits and drove in four runs to lead the Cubs. Ryan Dempster thew seven innings for the win, giving up three hits and two runs.
Current streak:
Houston has won 2 straight games.
Chicago has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 16-18
SU
Chicago
: 20-14 SU
Houston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Chi Cubs are 5-5
After playing Colorado are 9-1
After a win are 6-4

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 5-5
After playing San Diego are 8-2
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston’s last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Houston’s last 22 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Houston’s last 25 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games at home
Chi Cubs are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Houston
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Chi Cubs’s last 22 games when playing at home against Houston
Next up:
Chi Cubs home to Houston, Sunday, May 17

 

2009 Preakness Odds Say Rachel Alexandra, American Idol Betting Line on Adam Lambert To Win

The 2009 Preakness Odds and Triple Crown betting take center stage this weekend. Rachel Alexandra, Pioneerof The Nile, Friesen Fire, Mine That Bird, and Musket Man are the favorites.

Meanwhile American Idol Vegas odds have Adam Lambert as the presumed winner.

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Giants play host to the Mets, the Cardinals get a visit from the Brewers, and the Royals send their ace to the hill.

 

Sports headlines…

 

Waymen Tisdale, a popular former NBA player is dead at age 44 from bone cancer…Remember that the Drudge Report for gamblers is the betting news section.

What more can we say? GodsTips goes 5-0. This included the Rockets and Magic to improve to 9-0 with NBA Wise Guys. N-I-N-E and oh! Yet again, a Game of the Month wins in MLB, the AL Day Game of the Month on Texas. Best of all, your wallet loved Carolina +180 as an NHL Wise Guy.

 

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Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Tim Lincecum (3-1, 3.25 ERA) will be looking for his sixth straight quality start on Friday when his Giants play host to the Mets. Righthander Lincecum had to settle for a no-decision against the Dodgers last time out, allowing just three earned runs on six hits over six innings of work; he had previously won three straight starts. The Mets will go with veteran Livan Hernandez (3-1, 5.08 ERA) on Friday night. Righthander Hernandez has won each of his past two outings for New York, allowing just three earned runs on 14 hits over those 12 1-3 innings pitched.

Elsewhere on the NL schedule for Friday it’ll be Houston at the Cubs, Colorado at Pittsburgh, Philadelphia at Washington, the Dodgers at Florida, Arizona at Atlanta, Cincinnati at San Diego, and Milwaukee at St. Louis. The Brewers will use Yovani Gallardo (4-1, 3.09 ERA) against their division rival on Friday; the righthander hasn’t lost since April 13. The Cards will counter with righthander Kyle Lohse (3-2, 4.25 ERA), who has given up 13 runs in his last 10 1-3 innings.

Over in the Junior Circuit on Friday the Royals will send red-hot ace Zack Greinke (6-1, 0.51 ERA) to the mound in their home game against the Orioles. Greinke tasted defeat for the first time this season last time out, but he only surrendered one earned run on four hits (and no walks) over eight innings versus the Angels. The Orioles are slated to start righthander Adam Eaton (2-3, 7.18 ERA) in Friday night’s contest. Eaton beat the Yankees in his start last Saturday.

The full slate of AL action on Friday also includes Oakland at Detroit, the White Sox at Toronto, Cleveland at Tampa Bay, the Angels at Texas, Boston at Seattle, and Minnesota at the Yankees. New York will be hoping Phil Hughes (1-2, 8.49 ERA) can get back on track for the Friday outing; the righthander was pounded for eight earned runs in 1 2-3 innings by the Orioles last time out. The Twins will send Francisco Liriano (2-4, 5.75 ERA) to the mound to take on the Yankees. The lefthander has won his last two starts, due in large part to 16 runs of support.

Hockey Betting – Conference Finals Get Underway On The Ice

After your Preakness betting action is all done on Sunday, players can start placing their online sports bets on the NHL’s conference series, which kick off Sunday in Detroit. Last year’s Stanley Cup finalists both made it to the final four again this year, and they’re favored to draw first blood against a pair of pesky teams that won’t lie down.

Blackhawks vs Red Wings odds – Sunday, May 17, 3:00 PM ET

The Red Wings are favored at -190 to win the first game at Joe Louis Arena, and they took four of six from the young Blackhawks during the regular season. Detroit, who is the oldest team in the NHL, put away Anaheim in seven games, and they can trot out four productive lines all capable of playing well at both ends of the ice. The Blackhawks, who are the second-youngest team in the league, used their speed to defeat Vancouver in six games, and they’ll try to attack the Red Wings from all angles. However, they showed some nerves early in the Vancouver series, and it’ll come up again on Sunday against a team that doesn’t get frazzled easily. Take Detroit’s NHL odds on Sunday.

Hurricanes vs Penguins odds – Monday, May 18, 7:30 PM ET

The Penguins are -205 favorites at home on Monday, coming off an exciting seven-game series with Washington. Sidney Crosby is tied with the Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin in playoff scoring with 21 points, and he had a pair of goals and an assist in the series-clinching 6-2 romp in Washington, while Evgeni Malkin woke up about halfway through the series and is third in points. The Hurricanes upset Boston in seven games, taking the deciding game in overtime, and Eric Staal is the engine that makes them go offensively, as Carolina is only 1-4 in the postseason when he doesn’t score. These two split four meetings this year, and the key matchup will come between the pipes as Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury takes on Carolina’s Cam Ward in a battle of two top young goalies. Score one for Fleury, who would love to make up for a below-par performance at home in Game 6 against Washington with the series on the line. Make Pittsburgh your hockey betting pick on Sunday.

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