MLB
St. Louis Cardinals (-150) at Houston Astros
Yes, I know that this is the same game that I called yesterday (and won) but I really can't stay away from this matchup. The last place Astros will be sending their worst starting pitcher, Nelson Figueroa (0-3, 8.55 ERA), against the Cards and Kyle McClellan (3-0, 2.16 ERA). Figueroa has yielded five or more earned runs in every start except when he faced the feeble Padres. He allowed 11 base runners and six runs in four innings last outing vs the Brewers. McClellan hasn't allowed over two earned runs all season in four starts. My only fear is the putrid Cardinal bullpen, which almost gave away another game last night. Someone has to tell Tony LaRussa not to let Ryan Franklin pitch again.....ever. Go with the Cards!!
NBA
Orlando Magic (-1.5) at Atlanta Hawks - Over/Under 179
Let's make this quick. These teams have played each other eight times this season, only once has the game gone over 179. In addition, the games in Atlanta have averaged less points (171) than the games in Orlando. This game should be a battle with no easy buckets and a lot of fouls. Let's roll with the Under 179!!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
MLB Pick of the Day
MLB
St. Louis Cards (-135) at Houston Astros - Over/Under 8.5
The first place Cards send their righty Kyle Lohse (3-1, 2.01 ERA), who has won his last three starts against the last place Astros and their starter JA Happ (1-3, 6.94 ERA). Happ has given up 10 runs and 13 hits in his last two outings. The Cards pound lefties this season and are second in the NL in scoring. Look for the Cardinals to pound Happ early and often. This game could get really ugly in a hurry. Go with the Cards!!
St. Louis Cards (-135) at Houston Astros - Over/Under 8.5
The first place Cards send their righty Kyle Lohse (3-1, 2.01 ERA), who has won his last three starts against the last place Astros and their starter JA Happ (1-3, 6.94 ERA). Happ has given up 10 runs and 13 hits in his last two outings. The Cards pound lefties this season and are second in the NL in scoring. Look for the Cardinals to pound Happ early and often. This game could get really ugly in a hurry. Go with the Cards!!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Big Monday Picks
NBA
OKC Thunder at Denver Nuggets (-2.5) - Over/Under at 205
Denver is playing for their playoff lives tonight in Denver against the Thunder. Denver lead the NBA in scoring during the season averaging over 107 points a game. The Thunder have taken down the Nuggets in all three games so far, and the Nuggets have shot the ball terribly in the series. Denver will find their stroke tonight and should push the ball to avoid the Thunder's tough half court defense led by Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. Denver has the fire power and should at least go down firing tonight. Go with the Over!!
MLB
Oakland A's at LA Angels (-150)
The Angels send their ace Jared Weaver (5-0, 1.23 ERA) to the mound against Oakland's Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 1.80 ERA). Gonzalez's luck finally caught up to him against Boston last week, losing 5-3. Gonzalez allows a lot of baserunners, and that could lead to his demise tonight. Weaver has pitched better than any other pitcher in baseball so far, and should have no problem with the weak hitting A's offense. The A's rank in the bottom of the AL in hits, runs and homeruns. Look for Weaver to shut down the A's, Go with the Angels!!
OKC Thunder at Denver Nuggets (-2.5) - Over/Under at 205
Denver is playing for their playoff lives tonight in Denver against the Thunder. Denver lead the NBA in scoring during the season averaging over 107 points a game. The Thunder have taken down the Nuggets in all three games so far, and the Nuggets have shot the ball terribly in the series. Denver will find their stroke tonight and should push the ball to avoid the Thunder's tough half court defense led by Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. Denver has the fire power and should at least go down firing tonight. Go with the Over!!
MLB
Oakland A's at LA Angels (-150)
The Angels send their ace Jared Weaver (5-0, 1.23 ERA) to the mound against Oakland's Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 1.80 ERA). Gonzalez's luck finally caught up to him against Boston last week, losing 5-3. Gonzalez allows a lot of baserunners, and that could lead to his demise tonight. Weaver has pitched better than any other pitcher in baseball so far, and should have no problem with the weak hitting A's offense. The A's rank in the bottom of the AL in hits, runs and homeruns. Look for Weaver to shut down the A's, Go with the Angels!!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Picks of the Day- Friday Fool!
NBA
Boston Celtics at NY Knicks (-3) - Over/Under 190
Yes, Boston is up 2-0 in this series. Yes, Boston is better on paper and has the experience to reach the Finals again. But, the Celtics nearly lost both games in Boston against the Knicks and failed to cover the spread in each game. Boston was a bottom five team against the spread on the road this season. This is the first postseason game in New York since 2004, the Knicks should be ready and real active with the crowd on their side. The Knicks formula for winning is to push the ball and create quick open shots. The Celtics are old and slow and will try to slow it down unless they get behind early. I think the Knicks come to play tonight. For them to win the game, it will have to be high scoring. Let's parlay the Knicks and the Over!!
MLB
Washington Nationals at Pittsburgh Pirates - Over/Under 8 Runs
Washington sends Livan Hernandez (2-1, 2.88 ERA) to the hill against the worst offense in the NL. The Pirates are last in the NL in runs scored and have lost three straight games. The Pirates are 1-5 with 15 runs scored at home so far in 2011. Hernandez has allowed just one run in each of his last two starts (13.66 IP). The Pirate run line is Over/Under 4 runs, and I just can't seem them scoring five runs tonight in the cold (43*F). Go with the Pirates Under 4!!
Boston Celtics at NY Knicks (-3) - Over/Under 190
Yes, Boston is up 2-0 in this series. Yes, Boston is better on paper and has the experience to reach the Finals again. But, the Celtics nearly lost both games in Boston against the Knicks and failed to cover the spread in each game. Boston was a bottom five team against the spread on the road this season. This is the first postseason game in New York since 2004, the Knicks should be ready and real active with the crowd on their side. The Knicks formula for winning is to push the ball and create quick open shots. The Celtics are old and slow and will try to slow it down unless they get behind early. I think the Knicks come to play tonight. For them to win the game, it will have to be high scoring. Let's parlay the Knicks and the Over!!
MLB
Washington Nationals at Pittsburgh Pirates - Over/Under 8 Runs
Washington sends Livan Hernandez (2-1, 2.88 ERA) to the hill against the worst offense in the NL. The Pirates are last in the NL in runs scored and have lost three straight games. The Pirates are 1-5 with 15 runs scored at home so far in 2011. Hernandez has allowed just one run in each of his last two starts (13.66 IP). The Pirate run line is Over/Under 4 runs, and I just can't seem them scoring five runs tonight in the cold (43*F). Go with the Pirates Under 4!!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
MLB and NBA Picks for Wednesday
MLB
Minnesota at Baltimore (-140)
The hapless twins continue their road trip in Baltimore tonight to face the Orioles star rookie Zach Britton. Britton is 2-1 with an ERA of 2.75 and will face the Twins' Nick Blackburn (1-2, 3.06 ERA). The Twins are 6-11 and in last place in the AL Central. The Orioles have struggled so far as well and are 7-9, but won last night against the Twins 11-0. The Twins are last in the majors in runs scored and will be without C Joe Mauer and 1B Justin Mourneau. The soft tossing Blackburn will have to be perfect to win. The Orioles lineup is much more dangerous and should benefit from playing at home with a better starting pitcher. Go with the Orioles!!
NBA
Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (-8) - Over/Under 193
The Grizzlies stole game one 101-98 against the Spurs, who were without their best player G Manu Ginobili. Ginobili should return for game two, in a must win contest for the Spurs. The Spurs only shot 40% from the floor in game one, but shot a astronomical 47 free throws. On the other hand, the Grizzlies hit 55% FG and made 6 of 10 three pointers. Memphis has played the Spurs tough all season (3-2), and four of those five matchups resulted in greater than 196 points scored. These teams averaged a combine score of 204 total points during the regular season. The Spurs will play tough tonight and the Grizzlies believe in themselves. Go with the Over!!
Minnesota at Baltimore (-140)
The hapless twins continue their road trip in Baltimore tonight to face the Orioles star rookie Zach Britton. Britton is 2-1 with an ERA of 2.75 and will face the Twins' Nick Blackburn (1-2, 3.06 ERA). The Twins are 6-11 and in last place in the AL Central. The Orioles have struggled so far as well and are 7-9, but won last night against the Twins 11-0. The Twins are last in the majors in runs scored and will be without C Joe Mauer and 1B Justin Mourneau. The soft tossing Blackburn will have to be perfect to win. The Orioles lineup is much more dangerous and should benefit from playing at home with a better starting pitcher. Go with the Orioles!!
NBA
Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (-8) - Over/Under 193
The Grizzlies stole game one 101-98 against the Spurs, who were without their best player G Manu Ginobili. Ginobili should return for game two, in a must win contest for the Spurs. The Spurs only shot 40% from the floor in game one, but shot a astronomical 47 free throws. On the other hand, the Grizzlies hit 55% FG and made 6 of 10 three pointers. Memphis has played the Spurs tough all season (3-2), and four of those five matchups resulted in greater than 196 points scored. These teams averaged a combine score of 204 total points during the regular season. The Spurs will play tough tonight and the Grizzlies believe in themselves. Go with the Over!!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Picks of the Day
NBA
Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic (-9.5) - Over/Under 183
The Hawks look to go up 2-0 in the series tonight in a must-win game for the Magic at home. The Hawks have now beaten the Magic four times in five games this season. These teams are very similar, but the longer and more athletic Hawks seem to have Orlando's number. Both teams focus on defense and primarily shoot a lot of outside jumpers. The Hawks have no answer for Howard (46 points in game 1) inside but seem content to let him have his points while stopping Orlando from getting their 3-pointers. The Hawks shot the ball ridiculously well at 51% FG. That won't happen again, but what I noticed was how aggressive they were at going to the hoop collecting 29 FTs. The Hawks are younger and hungrier than the Magic. The Magic look old and slow right now. Go with the Hawks and the points!! If you need another pick, than go with the Under!!
MLB
LA Angels at Texas Rangers (-190) - Over/Under 10
The Rangers thrive at home and should have no problem with Angels right-hander Matt Palmer. Palmer didn't get out of the fifth inning at home against a struggling Toronto Blue Jay offense, yielding 10 hits and a walk with 5 runs scoring. He is the Angel's emergency starter and really belongs in the minor leagues. He is a journeyman that throws in the mid-eighties without good off speed stuff. The Rangers have scored 44 runs in seven games at home this season for an average of 6.3. They beat the Angels and Ervin Santana 7-1 last night. This could get really out of control in a hurry. The Ranger Run Line is 5----please take the OVER 5!!
Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic (-9.5) - Over/Under 183
The Hawks look to go up 2-0 in the series tonight in a must-win game for the Magic at home. The Hawks have now beaten the Magic four times in five games this season. These teams are very similar, but the longer and more athletic Hawks seem to have Orlando's number. Both teams focus on defense and primarily shoot a lot of outside jumpers. The Hawks have no answer for Howard (46 points in game 1) inside but seem content to let him have his points while stopping Orlando from getting their 3-pointers. The Hawks shot the ball ridiculously well at 51% FG. That won't happen again, but what I noticed was how aggressive they were at going to the hoop collecting 29 FTs. The Hawks are younger and hungrier than the Magic. The Magic look old and slow right now. Go with the Hawks and the points!! If you need another pick, than go with the Under!!
MLB
LA Angels at Texas Rangers (-190) - Over/Under 10
The Rangers thrive at home and should have no problem with Angels right-hander Matt Palmer. Palmer didn't get out of the fifth inning at home against a struggling Toronto Blue Jay offense, yielding 10 hits and a walk with 5 runs scoring. He is the Angel's emergency starter and really belongs in the minor leagues. He is a journeyman that throws in the mid-eighties without good off speed stuff. The Rangers have scored 44 runs in seven games at home this season for an average of 6.3. They beat the Angels and Ervin Santana 7-1 last night. This could get really out of control in a hurry. The Ranger Run Line is 5----please take the OVER 5!!
Monday, April 18, 2011
NBA Pick of the Day
Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls (-11) - Over/Under 193
Let's roll with the Under 193. The Pacers played about as well as they could play last game shooting over 46% (55% on 3s) and only scored 99. The Bulls are phenomenal on defense and should stop the Pacers cold in Game 2. The Bulls play their best ball when they run their half court offense and pound the boards. I don't think that the Pacers will start out hot again and dictate an uptempo game like Game 1. The Bulls should take an early lead then methodically attack the Pacers. Go with the Under!!
Let's roll with the Under 193. The Pacers played about as well as they could play last game shooting over 46% (55% on 3s) and only scored 99. The Bulls are phenomenal on defense and should stop the Pacers cold in Game 2. The Bulls play their best ball when they run their half court offense and pound the boards. I don't think that the Pacers will start out hot again and dictate an uptempo game like Game 1. The Bulls should take an early lead then methodically attack the Pacers. Go with the Under!!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
NBA Pick for Sunday
Game: Denver Nuggets at OKC Thunder -- Over/Under 200
Take the Over 200!! Both these teams like to run and shoot. Look for an uptempo game with a lot of scoring. Westbrook pushes the ball for the Thunder nearly every possession and Denver has a lot of weapons. Both team should score over 100 points in this contest. Go with the OVER!!
Take the Over 200!! Both these teams like to run and shoot. Look for an uptempo game with a lot of scoring. Westbrook pushes the ball for the Thunder nearly every possession and Denver has a lot of weapons. Both team should score over 100 points in this contest. Go with the OVER!!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
MLB Pick of the Day
MLB Pick
SD Padres at Houston Astros (-110) Over/Under 8.5 -- Padre Run Line is 4
SD and their putrid offense go into Houston to face Houston righty Bud Norris. Norris is decent but throws hard and collects strikeouts. Norris should be able to overpower the Padre hitters. The Padres have scored over 4 runs just three times this season out of eleven games, and two of those came in the first two games of the season against the Cardinals. The pick is the Under 4 runs for the Padres!!
**Remember 4 runs and you tie.
SD Padres at Houston Astros (-110) Over/Under 8.5 -- Padre Run Line is 4
SD and their putrid offense go into Houston to face Houston righty Bud Norris. Norris is decent but throws hard and collects strikeouts. Norris should be able to overpower the Padre hitters. The Padres have scored over 4 runs just three times this season out of eleven games, and two of those came in the first two games of the season against the Cardinals. The pick is the Under 4 runs for the Padres!!
**Remember 4 runs and you tie.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
MLB Matinee Picks
MLB Picks
Cincy Reds (-120) at SD Padres - Over/Under 7
The Reds have won two straight in San Diego so far in this series and will send young lefty Travis Wood (1-1) to the mound against San Diego's Tim Stauffer (0-1, 5.06 ERA). The Reds are playing like last year's NL Central Champs and are in first place with a 8-3 record. The Reds are again one of the top offenses in the NL while SD ranks as the lowest (.213 BA). The Padres simply cannot hit and score runs, especially in spacious PetCo Park. Wood should be able to silence the Padre bats, while the Reds offense should hit SD's worst starting pitcher. Just gotta hope the defense or bullpen doesn't blow it.Go with the Reds!! The Under would seem logical as well.
Cincy Reds (-120) at SD Padres - Over/Under 7
The Reds have won two straight in San Diego so far in this series and will send young lefty Travis Wood (1-1) to the mound against San Diego's Tim Stauffer (0-1, 5.06 ERA). The Reds are playing like last year's NL Central Champs and are in first place with a 8-3 record. The Reds are again one of the top offenses in the NL while SD ranks as the lowest (.213 BA). The Padres simply cannot hit and score runs, especially in spacious PetCo Park. Wood should be able to silence the Padre bats, while the Reds offense should hit SD's worst starting pitcher. Just gotta hope the defense or bullpen doesn't blow it.Go with the Reds!! The Under would seem logical as well.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
MLB Pick
MLB Pick of the Day
Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros (-120)
The Cubbies will throw rookie left-hander James Russell against the Astros with Brett Myers tonight. The Cubs won last night 5-4, but I liked how Houston fought back down 5-0 early. The Cubs used closer Carlos Marmol for 1.3 last night and barely held on. Russell is making his first career start and has worked primarily out of the bullpen this year. Myers is the ace of the Houston staff and has thrown two great games so far, only allowing 3 runs in 13.3 innings. Myers has owned the Cubs recently going 8-0 over his last nine starts. Go with the Houston Astros!!
Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros (-120)
The Cubbies will throw rookie left-hander James Russell against the Astros with Brett Myers tonight. The Cubs won last night 5-4, but I liked how Houston fought back down 5-0 early. The Cubs used closer Carlos Marmol for 1.3 last night and barely held on. Russell is making his first career start and has worked primarily out of the bullpen this year. Myers is the ace of the Houston staff and has thrown two great games so far, only allowing 3 runs in 13.3 innings. Myers has owned the Cubs recently going 8-0 over his last nine starts. Go with the Houston Astros!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Picks of the Day
MLB Pick
Chicago Cubs Scoring Over 4 Runs at Houston Astros. If they score 4 then you tie and get your money back (Just FYI). The Cubs travel to Houston to play in the old Minute Maid bandbox with the short left field wall. On the mound for the Astros will be Nelson Figueroa, who gave up 11 hits and 10 runs to the Cincy Reds last Wednesday. Figueroa is a bum. The Cubs have all their big hitters in the lineup tonight. They are even playing my personal favorite Tyler Colvin, who hammers right handers. Get on the Cubs Scoring Over 4!!
NBA Pick
The OVER in the OKC Thunder at Sacramento Kings game at 207. The Thunder can score and the Kings play no defense. Great combo for a OVER call. The Thunder are playing great ball, having just beaten the Lakers last night in LA. The Thunder are playing for a higher seed in the West, while the Kings are finishing up their run in the city of Sacramento. Both teams rank at the top of the NBA in their games going over the point total (42-37 and 42-36 on the year). Go with the OVER 207!!
**Update: Sac G Tyreke Evans ruled out tonight at 7:00 pm
Chicago Cubs Scoring Over 4 Runs at Houston Astros. If they score 4 then you tie and get your money back (Just FYI). The Cubs travel to Houston to play in the old Minute Maid bandbox with the short left field wall. On the mound for the Astros will be Nelson Figueroa, who gave up 11 hits and 10 runs to the Cincy Reds last Wednesday. Figueroa is a bum. The Cubs have all their big hitters in the lineup tonight. They are even playing my personal favorite Tyler Colvin, who hammers right handers. Get on the Cubs Scoring Over 4!!
NBA Pick
The OVER in the OKC Thunder at Sacramento Kings game at 207. The Thunder can score and the Kings play no defense. Great combo for a OVER call. The Thunder are playing great ball, having just beaten the Lakers last night in LA. The Thunder are playing for a higher seed in the West, while the Kings are finishing up their run in the city of Sacramento. Both teams rank at the top of the NBA in their games going over the point total (42-37 and 42-36 on the year). Go with the OVER 207!!
**Update: Sac G Tyreke Evans ruled out tonight at 7:00 pm
Friday, April 8, 2011
NBA and MLB Pick of the Day
NBA Pick
Phoenix Suns at NO Hornets (-5)
The Suns are out of the playoff hunt and could be without their star PG Steve Nash. IF there is no Nash tonight then there will be no hope. Nash has just 12 points in his last two games and could easily sit out tonight with a sore hamstring. The Suns are 3-7 over their last ten games and are only 17-22 on the road this season.
The Hornets have won two straight and are playing for their playoff lives during this final week of the season. The Hornets are excellent at home going 27-12 so far this season. They need this game to fend off Memphis for the #7 seed in the West. Chris Paul should have his way with Suns backup PG Brooks, who plays terrible defense and is a shoot first point guard. Go with the Hornets!!
MLB Pick
Colorado Rockies (-130) at Pittsburgh Pirates
The Rockies (4-1) have won four straight games, including last night's 7-1 victory in Pittsburgh. The Rockies will send #2 started Jorge De La Rosa to the mound tonight against Pittsburgh's Ross Ohlendorf (6.0 ERA). De La Rosa went 5.3 scoreless innings in beating Arizona last Saturday. Ohlendorf is a career journeyman that loses more games every season. The Pirates (4-3) simply don't have the talent that the Rockies do this season. Go with the Rockies!!
Phoenix Suns at NO Hornets (-5)
The Suns are out of the playoff hunt and could be without their star PG Steve Nash. IF there is no Nash tonight then there will be no hope. Nash has just 12 points in his last two games and could easily sit out tonight with a sore hamstring. The Suns are 3-7 over their last ten games and are only 17-22 on the road this season.
The Hornets have won two straight and are playing for their playoff lives during this final week of the season. The Hornets are excellent at home going 27-12 so far this season. They need this game to fend off Memphis for the #7 seed in the West. Chris Paul should have his way with Suns backup PG Brooks, who plays terrible defense and is a shoot first point guard. Go with the Hornets!!
MLB Pick
Colorado Rockies (-130) at Pittsburgh Pirates
The Rockies (4-1) have won four straight games, including last night's 7-1 victory in Pittsburgh. The Rockies will send #2 started Jorge De La Rosa to the mound tonight against Pittsburgh's Ross Ohlendorf (6.0 ERA). De La Rosa went 5.3 scoreless innings in beating Arizona last Saturday. Ohlendorf is a career journeyman that loses more games every season. The Pirates (4-3) simply don't have the talent that the Rockies do this season. Go with the Rockies!!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Picks of the Day
MLB Pick
Over 9 in the Detroit Tigers at Baltimore Orioles
Brad Penny is putrid and is throwing on the road in Baltimore, a great hitters park. The O's lineup is stacked with lefties today and they should knock him around. The Tigers have a very good offense and should get after O's pitcher Chris Tillman. He shut down the D-Rays last week, but the Rays are horrible without Longoria in the lineup.Go OVER!!
NBA Pick (Updated 4:51 pm)
Boston Celts at Chicago Bulls (-5) - Over/Under at 179.5
The Celtics are a very unpredictable team, they have had some real stinkers on the road this season. When they score over 90 points they are very difficult to beat. The Celts are a veteran team and know how important this game is for home court advantage. The Bulls play great defense, but just not recently. They have been winning games but not covering spreads. They are so tough in Chicago and the city will be ready to greet the C's tonight. I am guessing that we will see an intense game with sufficient scoring. Let's roll with the Over!!
Over 9 in the Detroit Tigers at Baltimore Orioles
Brad Penny is putrid and is throwing on the road in Baltimore, a great hitters park. The O's lineup is stacked with lefties today and they should knock him around. The Tigers have a very good offense and should get after O's pitcher Chris Tillman. He shut down the D-Rays last week, but the Rays are horrible without Longoria in the lineup.Go OVER!!
NBA Pick (Updated 4:51 pm)
Boston Celts at Chicago Bulls (-5) - Over/Under at 179.5
The Celtics are a very unpredictable team, they have had some real stinkers on the road this season. When they score over 90 points they are very difficult to beat. The Celts are a veteran team and know how important this game is for home court advantage. The Bulls play great defense, but just not recently. They have been winning games but not covering spreads. They are so tough in Chicago and the city will be ready to greet the C's tonight. I am guessing that we will see an intense game with sufficient scoring. Let's roll with the Over!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Two Quick Picks
NBA
Detroit Pistons at Washington Wizards (pick)
Take the Wiz, they have won two in a row and actually look decent right now. The Pistons stink, and just benched starting point guard Stuckey for insubordination. Go Wiz!!
MLB
Angels vs TB Rays (pick at -110)
Take the Angels with ace Jared Weaver on the mound. The Rays' lineup is really struggling right now and they are throwing their fourth starter Jeff Niemann. Angels should dominate. Pick is the Angels!!
Detroit Pistons at Washington Wizards (pick)
Take the Wiz, they have won two in a row and actually look decent right now. The Pistons stink, and just benched starting point guard Stuckey for insubordination. Go Wiz!!
MLB
Angels vs TB Rays (pick at -110)
Take the Angels with ace Jared Weaver on the mound. The Rays' lineup is really struggling right now and they are throwing their fourth starter Jeff Niemann. Angels should dominate. Pick is the Angels!!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
NCAA Title Game
NCAA Title Game
UCONN (-3 points) vs Butler (+145 to win) - Over/Under 128.5
Each team dictated the pace of their semi final match up on Saturday and came away victorious. UConn is so tough inside on defense. They jammed up the lane and forced Kentucky to settle for long jumpers. Kentucky couldn't buy a shot in the first half and got into foul trouble (namely Harrellson). Kentucky shot 33% from the floor while the Huskies hit 47% of their field goals. An even greater advantage was generated from the free throw line, where Kentucky hit only four of twelve FTs and the Huskies made nine of eleven. Those five points were the difference in the game. The Wildcats' Terrence Jones missed the front end of a one-and-one with two minutes to go and then DeAndre Liggins missed a crucial FT with 50 seconds to go in the game. Make no doubt about it, the Husky defense was the key in their 56-55 victory. Kemba Walker only made 6-15 shots, but he got serious help from Jeremy Lamb (12 points, 9 boards).
Well I guess Butler did it again. They didn't look impressive or shoot the ball well (35% FG, 77% FT) and still won the game. Truly amazing stuff. The Bulldogs pounded VCU on the boards 46-30 and shot twice as many free throws 26-13 in beating the Rams 70-62. I was pulling for VCU and couldn't believe the discrepancy in foul calls, now I am not blaming the officiating for the VCU loss but it was really unbalanced. I am sure CBS is happy that Butler won the game too. Butler only had eight assists and shot the ball worse than VCU from the field. Butler pushed VCU around all over the floor and ended up winning rather easily despite not playing well. The problem for Butler is that they showed some of their weaknesses in beating VCU.
Our pick: I don't think that Butler is even close to UConn as far as talent is concerned. I honestly can't see how Butler beats teams. They obviously have great coaching and desire. But everything comes to an end sometime, and that time will be Monday 6:23 pm. Butler won't be able to overcome poor shooting and push around the UConn Huskies. The Huskies are way too big and physical for the Butler Bulldogs. Go big with the UConn Huskies minus the points.
The Over/Under at 128.5 seems rather low. Whoever loses this game will go down fighting and fouling. Let's go with the Over!!
***Updated 4:27 pm--MLB Pick of the Day
Rangers to score OVER 4.5 runs tonight vs Mariners (Bedard) in Arlington, Texas 5:05 pm
UCONN (-3 points) vs Butler (+145 to win) - Over/Under 128.5
Each team dictated the pace of their semi final match up on Saturday and came away victorious. UConn is so tough inside on defense. They jammed up the lane and forced Kentucky to settle for long jumpers. Kentucky couldn't buy a shot in the first half and got into foul trouble (namely Harrellson). Kentucky shot 33% from the floor while the Huskies hit 47% of their field goals. An even greater advantage was generated from the free throw line, where Kentucky hit only four of twelve FTs and the Huskies made nine of eleven. Those five points were the difference in the game. The Wildcats' Terrence Jones missed the front end of a one-and-one with two minutes to go and then DeAndre Liggins missed a crucial FT with 50 seconds to go in the game. Make no doubt about it, the Husky defense was the key in their 56-55 victory. Kemba Walker only made 6-15 shots, but he got serious help from Jeremy Lamb (12 points, 9 boards).
Well I guess Butler did it again. They didn't look impressive or shoot the ball well (35% FG, 77% FT) and still won the game. Truly amazing stuff. The Bulldogs pounded VCU on the boards 46-30 and shot twice as many free throws 26-13 in beating the Rams 70-62. I was pulling for VCU and couldn't believe the discrepancy in foul calls, now I am not blaming the officiating for the VCU loss but it was really unbalanced. I am sure CBS is happy that Butler won the game too. Butler only had eight assists and shot the ball worse than VCU from the field. Butler pushed VCU around all over the floor and ended up winning rather easily despite not playing well. The problem for Butler is that they showed some of their weaknesses in beating VCU.
Our pick: I don't think that Butler is even close to UConn as far as talent is concerned. I honestly can't see how Butler beats teams. They obviously have great coaching and desire. But everything comes to an end sometime, and that time will be Monday 6:23 pm. Butler won't be able to overcome poor shooting and push around the UConn Huskies. The Huskies are way too big and physical for the Butler Bulldogs. Go big with the UConn Huskies minus the points.
The Over/Under at 128.5 seems rather low. Whoever loses this game will go down fighting and fouling. Let's go with the Over!!
***Updated 4:27 pm--MLB Pick of the Day
Rangers to score OVER 4.5 runs tonight vs Mariners (Bedard) in Arlington, Texas 5:05 pm
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Final Four Saturday
Final Four Saturday
1. Butler (-3.5) vs VCU
Wow, great game. The spread has increased from 2.5 to 3.5 in the last few days. All the sharps are declaring that Butler will win and cover the spread. Butler has the experience and the size, but so has every team that VCU has played during the tournament. VCU has no business in the tourney let alone this far in the tourney. The Money line is VCU +150. I am real tempted to take VCU +150, because I think that this game could go either way. Both teams rely on three pointers and tough defense. Take VCU +3.5 to be safe or take the money line.
2. Kentucky (-2) vs UCONN
The Wildcats have carried over their dominance from the SEC tournament into the NCAA tourney. UCONN is playing great ball as well. The Huskies won the Big East tourney then beat SDSU and Arizona in Anaheim, CA. It will come down to Kemba Walker's supporting cast--he will need someone to step up and help him with the scoring. I think that the Wildcats athleticism will triumph in the end in a close game. Go with Kentucky!!
1. Butler (-3.5) vs VCU
Wow, great game. The spread has increased from 2.5 to 3.5 in the last few days. All the sharps are declaring that Butler will win and cover the spread. Butler has the experience and the size, but so has every team that VCU has played during the tournament. VCU has no business in the tourney let alone this far in the tourney. The Money line is VCU +150. I am real tempted to take VCU +150, because I think that this game could go either way. Both teams rely on three pointers and tough defense. Take VCU +3.5 to be safe or take the money line.
2. Kentucky (-2) vs UCONN
The Wildcats have carried over their dominance from the SEC tournament into the NCAA tourney. UCONN is playing great ball as well. The Huskies won the Big East tourney then beat SDSU and Arizona in Anaheim, CA. It will come down to Kemba Walker's supporting cast--he will need someone to step up and help him with the scoring. I think that the Wildcats athleticism will triumph in the end in a close game. Go with Kentucky!!
Friday, April 1, 2011
NBA and MLB Pick of the Day
NBA Game
Indiana (-1) vs Milwaukee.
The Pacers are at home playing against an inferior team. What am I missing? The Bucks are 11-25 on the road and the Pacers are 21-16 at home this year, including the last two over Boston and Detroit. This shouldn't be difficult. Go Pacers!!
MLB Game
LA Angels (-140) at KC Royals.
The Halos will send Dan Haren to the mound to face newly acquired Jeff Francis for the Royals. The Angels won last night 4-2 (which I had but sweated the entire game) and should continue their dominance over the Royals. Angels are a much better team with a much better pitcher. The only concern that I have is that their bullpen struggles again. Hopefully, they will have a big enough lead by then so we won't have to worry about it. Go with the Angels!!
Indiana (-1) vs Milwaukee.
The Pacers are at home playing against an inferior team. What am I missing? The Bucks are 11-25 on the road and the Pacers are 21-16 at home this year, including the last two over Boston and Detroit. This shouldn't be difficult. Go Pacers!!
MLB Game
LA Angels (-140) at KC Royals.
The Halos will send Dan Haren to the mound to face newly acquired Jeff Francis for the Royals. The Angels won last night 4-2 (which I had but sweated the entire game) and should continue their dominance over the Royals. Angels are a much better team with a much better pitcher. The only concern that I have is that their bullpen struggles again. Hopefully, they will have a big enough lead by then so we won't have to worry about it. Go with the Angels!!
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