Athletics-Rangers Odds Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the Texas Rangers on Thursday when they battle the Oakland Athletics at Rangers Ballpark.
Lefthander Dallas Braden will take the mound for the Athletics to start this game. Braden is 2-2 this season with a 2.52 ERA.
The Rangers will counter Braden with ace Vicente Padilla. Righthander Padilla has a 8.27 ERA to go along with a 1-1 record this season.
Odds aren’t yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Nelson Cruz’s RBI-single in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted the Rangers past the Athletics 5-4 on Tuesday night.
Texas won as -145 home favorites as the game played under the 10-run total listed by sportsbooks.
Cruz finished with two runs batted in for the Rangers, while Kevin Millwood allowed two earned runs over eight innings to earn the win for Texas.
Ryan Sweeney was 2-for-4 with a homer for Oakland, as Michael Wuertz was handed the loss after allowing the single to Cruz in the eighth.
Current streak:
Texas has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Oakland: 7-11 SU
Texas: 10-10 SU
Oakland most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Seattle are 4-6
After playing Texas are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6

Texas most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Chi White Sox are 6-4
After playing Oakland are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Oakland is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing Texas
Oakland is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Oakland is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Texas
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Oakland
Texas is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games when playing Oakland
Texas is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
Next up:
Oakland at Seattle, Friday, May 1
Texas home to Chi White Sox, Friday, May 1

 

Trail Blazers-Rockets Odds Preview

The Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Toyota Center in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series.
Oddsmakers currently have the Rockets listed as 5-point favorites versus the Trail Blazers, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points and seven rebounds as the Trail Blazers stifled the Rockets 88-77 in Game 5 of the series on Tuesday night.
Portland covered as 5-point home favorites as the game played under the 182-point total posted by sportsbooks.
Brandon Roy also scored 25 points for the Trail Blazers, who got 15 points and seven boards from Steve Blake in the payday.
Luis Scola led the way with 21 points and six rebounds for Houston, which leads the best-of-seven series 3-2.
Team records:
Portland: 54-28 SU, 46-36 ATS
Houston: 53-29 SU, 40-41-1 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

Houston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
After playing Portland are 7-3
After a loss are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland’s last 5 games on the road
Portland is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Portland is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland’s last 8 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston’s last 5 games at home
Houston is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Portland

 

Magic-76ers Lines Preview

The Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Wachovia Center in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series.
Oddsmakers currently have the 76ers listed as 5½-point favorites versus the Magic, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Dwight Howard went for 24 points and 24 rebounds to lead the Magic past the 76ers 91-78 to take a 3-2 lead in the series on Tuesday night.
Orlando covered as 8.5-point home favorites as the teams played under the 188.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Rashard Lewis also scored 24 points for the Magic, who got 14 points from Rafer Alston in the payday.
Andre Iguodala dropped 26 points for Philadelphia, while Andre Miller had 17 points, six assists, and four steals for the 76ers.
Team records:
Orlando: 59-23 SU, 49-32-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 41-41 SU, 36-44-2 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
After playing Philadelphia are 8-2
After a win are 5-5

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
After playing Orlando are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando’s last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Orlando is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Philadelphia
Orlando is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
Philadelphia is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Philadelphia is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando

 

Celtics-Bulls Odds Preview

The fans at United Center will be treated to a game between the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls when they take their seats on Thursday for Game 6 of this first-round playoff series.
Oddsmakers currently have the Bulls listed as 3-point favorites versus the Celtics, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Rajon Rondo had 28 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds to lift the Celtics past the Bulls 106-104 in overtime to take a 3-2 lead in the series on Tuesday night.
Boston couldn’t cover as 7-point home favorites as the game played over the 200-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Paul Pierce went for 26 points and seven boards for the Celtics, who got 21 points and six rebounds from Glen Davis in the win.
Ben Gordon led Chicago with 26 points and six assists, while Kirk Hinrich added 19 points off the bench 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 6-4
After playing Chicago are 8-2
After a win are 7-3

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
After playing Boston are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Boston is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games
Boston is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Boston is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Chicago
Boston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Chicago is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games at home
Chicago is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Boston
Chicago is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

 

Pacquiao vs Hatton odds — Can Hatton reinvent himself successfully?

Finally, the biggest fight in boxing odds this year  is here. Well, almost; it’s just days—hours away as the Pacquiao vs Hatton odds arrive this Saturday night. Manny Pacquiao (48-3-2) is looking to add another huge accomplishment to his illustrious boxing betting career, having beaten the mighty Erik Morales and Oscar De La Hoya, among many other greats, in the past. Coming off a knockout win over De La Hoya, he has the momentum and is a justified -280 favorite.

The Hatton odds of +220 reflect those of a great fighter who has suffered a major career setback and must prove to those betting online that he can still be great. Hatton (45-1) was crushed and depressed for months after suffering his first career loss against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and it remains to be seen how he’ll bounce back from not just his first loss, but his first time being knocked out. What we do know is that he’s preparing to change his approach entering these boxing odds. He’s training with Floyd Mayweather Sr. and working on his defense. Traditionally a furious, aggressive fighter, Hatton may be more tentative in this fight, but can you teach an old dog new tricks? Will Hatton throw himself off by leaving his comfort zone?

Even if Hatton’s new strategy works, he’s in tough against Pacquiao. The Filipino warrior has maintained speed and power while winning belts in an astounding five different weight classes. His power exceeds Mayweather Jr.’s, so Hatton will have to keep that chin tucked in to avoid being dropped. In the end, the smart play is to bet on Manny Pacquiao. He’s faster, just as powerful and, more importantly, in a much better place mentally than Hatton right now. If Pacquiao wins, you can bet at the sportsbook that Mayweather Jr. will come out of retirement for the fight of the decade.

Betting online pick: Manny Pacquiao -280

Sports Betting

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Nuggets can knock out the Hornets, the Hawks are locked up with the Heat, and the Royals send their ace to the mound.

Tipping off on the hardwood  . . .

The Nuggets can finish off the Hornets on Wednesday night in one of just two games on the NBA postseason slate. Denver demolished New Orleans 121-63 on the road on Monday night to take a commanding 3-1 lead in that best-of-seven Western Conference series. Carmelo Anthony led the way with 26 points for the Nuggets in that victory, while Chauncey Billups picked up 17 points and eight assists.  Chris Paul was held to just four points for the Hornets on that day.

The other matchup on tap for Wednesday has Miami at Atlanta, with the Heat and Hawks knotted up at two games apiece in that Eastern Conference series. Atlanta came out on top in Game 4 on the road on Monday night, getting a team-high 15 points from Mike Bibby in an 81-71 victory. Joe Johnson added 14 points for the Hawks in the win, while Josh Smith had 13 points and seven boards. Dwyane Wade picked up 22 points for the Heat, and Jermaine O’Neal scored 20.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Red-hot righthander Zack Greinke will be looking to keep his spotless stats line intact on Wednesday night when his Royals play host to the Blue Jays. Greinke is 4-0 already on the season, and he’s yet to give up an earned run through 29 innings of work (fanning 36 and walking just six). The Blue Jays will counter Greinke with lefthander Brian Tallet, who is 1-0 with a 2.95 ERA so far this year.

There are six other games on the American League schedule for Wednesday including matinee matchups between the Angels and Orioles in Baltimore, and the Mariners and White Sox in Chicago. As well, it’ll be the Yankees at Detroit, Boston at Cleveland, Oakland at Texas, and Tampa Bay at Minnesota. Rays lefthanded starter Scott Kazmir is 3-1 with a 3.97 ERA to date after four outings.

Making up the National League slate for Wednesday: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, Florida at the Mets, San Diego at Colorado, the Cubs at Arizona, Washington at Philadelphia, St. Louis at Atlanta, Houston at Cincinnati, and the Dodgers at San Francisco. The Giants will send ace righthander Tim Lincecum to the mound in that last contest; Lincecum has a 1-1 record with a 2.96 ERA over his four starts.

 

Tonight’s sports betting picks…

 

Not even the aquada car is more futuristic than forensic sports betting guru Stevie Vincent. Congratulations to the new clients who joined the astounding percentage of long-time clients with The Great One‘s special sale yesterday. You are about to win at a rate you previously could only fantasize about. Stevie’s winning rate has never been seen before thanks to forensic sports handicapping.

 

The latest: 2-0 this season in pro baseball. He is on a 23-8 blitz in pro basketball. Get a pro basketball side plus four pro baseball including the first Level 5 of the 2009 baseball season. Click now to purchase

Yankees-Tigers Lines Preview

The New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Comerica Park.
The Yankees will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Joba Chamberlain in this game. Chamberlain has a 0-0 record and a 3.94 ERA this season.
The Tigers will counter Chamberlain with Rick Porcello. Righthander Porcello has a 4.50 ERA to go along with a 1-2 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Yankees listed as 143-moneyline favorites versus the Tigers, while the game’s total is sitting at 9.
Jose Molina hit a grand slam, as the Yankees ripped the Tigers 11-0 on Tuesday night.
New York won as -125 road favorites as the game played over the 10-run total listed by sportsbooks.
Nick Swisher went 2-for-3 with a big fly for the Yankees, while winning pitcher Phil Hughes held the Tigers scoreless over six innings of work.
Ryan Perry took the loss in relief of Detroit starter Edwin Jackson, who held New York off the board for six innings in the loss.
Team records:
New York: 10-10 SU
Detroit: 11-9 SU
New York most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing LA Angels are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Cleveland are 4-6
After playing NY Yankees are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
NY Yankees are 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against Detroit
NY Yankees are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing Detroit
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Detroit is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Detroit is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing NY Yankees
Detroit is 8-4 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
Next up:
NY Yankees home to LA Angels, Thursday, April 30
Detroit home to Cleveland, Friday, May 1

 

Mariners-White Sox Lines Preview

The Seattle Mariners and the Chicago White Sox will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at U.S. Cellular Field.
The Mariners will trot ace Erik Bedard out to the mound in this one. Lefthander Bedard has a 2-1 record and a 2.08 ERA this season.
Starting this game for the White Sox will be Gavin Floyd. The righthander has a 5.79 ERA to go along with a 2-2 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Mariners listed as 117-moneyline favorites versus the White Sox, while the game’s total is sitting at 8½.
Yuniesky Betancourt was 3-for-5 with a three-run bomb and five runs batted in, as the Mariners pounded the White Sox 9-1 in Game 2 of their doubleheader on Monday night.
Seattle cashed as -125 road favorites as the game played over the 8.5-run total listed by sportsbooks.
Felix Hernandez tossed eight innings of scoreless baseball to earn the win for the Mariners, while Russell Branyan went 5-for-5 with an RBI for Seattle.
Losing pitcher John Danks allowed five runs over four innings for Chicago, which won Game 1 of the twinbill 2-1 as -140 home chalk earlier in the day.
Team records:
Seattle: 13-8
SU
Chicago
: 10-10 SU
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Oakland are 5-5
After playing Chi White Sox are 5-5
After a win are 6-4

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Texas are 4-6
After playing Seattle are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
Seattle is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Seattle is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Seattle is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Seattle
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
Next up:
Seattle home to Oakland, Friday, May 1
Chi White Sox at Texas, Friday, May 1

 

Angels-Orioles Lines Preview

The fans at Camden Yards will be treated to a game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Baltimore Orioles when they take their seats on Wednesday.
Righthander Shane Loux will take the mound for the Angels to start this game. Loux is 0-2 this season with a 6.61 ERA.
The Orioles will counter Loux with Koji Uehara. Righthander Uehara has a 4.56 ERA to go along with a 2-1 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Orioles listed as 138-moneyline favorites versus the Angels, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Howie Kendrick smashed a two-run shot, as the Angels defeated the Orioles 7-5 on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles cashed as -120 road favorites as the teams played over the 10-run total listed by sportsbooks.
Kendry Morales was 2-for-4 with two runs batted in for the Angels, while winning pitcher Joe Saunders allowed two earned runs over six innings for Los Angeles.
Melvin Mora went 3-for-5 with two RBIs for Baltimore, as Adam Eaton allowed five runs over six innings to take the loss for the Orioles.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 2 straight games.
Baltimore has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 8-11
SU
Baltimore
: 9-12 SU
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 10-0
Before playing NY Yankees are 8-2
After playing Baltimore are 7-3
After a win are 1-9

Baltimore most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Toronto are 4-6
After playing LA Angels are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
LA Angels are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing Baltimore
LA Angels are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
LA Angels are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games on the road
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Baltimore is 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing LA Angels
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
LA Angels at NY Yankees, Thursday, April 30
Baltimore at Toronto, Friday, May 1

 

Hornets-Nuggets Odds Preview

The New Orleans Hornets and the Denver Nuggets will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Pepsi Center in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series.
Oddsmakers currently have the Nuggets listed as 11-point favorites versus the Hornets, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Carmelo Anthony had 26 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, as the Nuggets slammed the Hornets 121-63 to take a 3-1 lead in the series on Monday night.
Denver cashed as 3-point road underdogs as the game played under the 193-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Chauncey Billups went for 17 points and eight assists for the Nuggets, who got 14 points off the bench from Linas Kleiza in the blowout.
David West dropped 14 points for New Orleans, while reserve James Posey added 12 points and seven boards for the Hornets.
Team records:
New Orleans: 49-33 SU, 35-45-2 ATS
Denver: 54-28 SU, 45-36-1 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
After playing Denver are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6

Denver most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
After playing New Orleans are 7-3
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of New Orleans’s last 23 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans’s last 6 games when playing Denver
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Denver is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games

 

Sports betting blog with sports handicapping picks from the best sports handicappers, pregame betting information, sports handicapping articles, links to live odds, free picks, sportsbook information and more. All pro gamblers go to this betting blog before placing a bet.