Mavericks-Hornets Lines Preview

The fans at New Orleans Arena will be treated to a game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Hornets when they take their seats on Sunday.
Oddsmakers currently have the Hornets listed as 4-point favorites versus the Mavericks, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Mavericks were badly outplayed in the fourth quarter but came away with a 100-92 victory over the Hornets on Friday. The Mavericks covered the 7-point spread, but the 192 points fell UNDER the posted total of 196.
Josh Howard led the Mavericks with 25 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. Dirk Nowitzki also had 25 points in that win.
The Hornets were defeated 102-92 by the Mavericks last time out, as 7-point underdogs. The 192 points fell UNDER the posted total of 196.
Chris Paul poured in a game-high 42 points with nine rebounds and seven assists in a losing effort.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 3 straight games.
New Orleans has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 48-31 SU, 39-40 ATS
New Orleans: 48-31 SU, 33-44-2 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing New Orleans are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Houston are 6-4
After playing Dallas are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games on the road
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Dallas is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Orleans's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Dallas
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
Next up:
Dallas home to Minnesota, Monday, April 13
New Orleans at Houston, Monday, April 13

Cubs-Brewers Lines Preview

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Sunday when the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers meet at Miller Park.
Ryan Dempster will be the starting pitcher for the Cubs on this day. Righthander Dempster is 0-0 this season with a 3.00 ERA.
It'll be Jeff Suppan toeing the rubber for the Brewers in this contest. Righthander Suppan is 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 143-moneyline favorites versus the Brewers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Alfonso Soriano launched a two-run shot in the ninth inning to give the Chicago Cubs a 6-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park Saturday.
Soriano finished the day 2-for-5 with three RBI. Starer Carlos Zambrano went six inning, allowing three runs on seven hit while striking out seven batters.
Brewers slugger Prince Fielder hit his first home run of the season and finished 2-for-3 with two RBI. Starer Dave Bush gave up three runs on six hits in six innings of work. Milwaukee's bullpen coughed up three runs on three hits in the later innings.
Chicago won as a -128 road favorites while the final score played over the 8.5-run total.
Team records:
Chicago: 3-2 SU
Milwaukee: 2-3 SU
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Colorado are 8-2
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a win are 3-7

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Cincinnati are 1-9
After playing Chi Cubs are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Chi Cubs are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Chi Cubs are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games when playing Milwaukee
Chi Cubs are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games
Milwaukee is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing Chi Cubs
Milwaukee is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Next up:
Chi Cubs home to Colorado, Monday, April 13
Milwaukee home to Cincinnati, Monday, April 13

Mets-Marlins Lines Preview

The fans at Dolphin Stadium will be treated to a game between the New York Mets and the Florida Marlins when they take their seats on Sunday.
The Mets will pin their hopes on the pitching of ace lefthander Johan Santana in this game. Santana has a 1-0 record and a 1.59 ERA this season.
The Marlins will counter Santana with Josh Johnson. Righthander Johnson has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 1-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Mets listed as 140-moneyline favorites versus the Marlins, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Mets rode a solid outing from Livan Hernandez to an 8-4 victory over the Marlins at Dolphin Stadium Saturday night.
Jose Reyes recorded two hits including a home run for three RBI on the day. Second baseman Luis Castillo went 5-for-5 at the plate with one RBI. Hernandez gave up just two runs on six hits in over six innings of work.
Marlins third baseman Emilio Bonifacio recorded three hits and a RBI in the loss. Stater Ricky Nolasco last five innings, allowing four runs on seven hits.New York won as a +133 road underdog while the final score played over the 9.5-run total.
Team records:
New York: 3-2 SU
Florida: 4-1 SU
New York most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing San Diego are 4-6
After playing Florida are 5-5
After a win are 3-7

Florida most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing NY Mets are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
NY Mets are 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Florida is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Next up:
NY Mets home to San Diego, Monday, April 13
Florida at Atlanta, Tuesday, April 14

Saturday Morning Line: Tiger Woods and Kenny Perry Masters Co-Favorites

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Bulls try to fend off the Bobcats, the Yankees and Indians send out their aces, and The Masters starts its third round.

Masters betting line updated . . .

The third round of The Masters gets going on Saturday morning, with Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry tied for the lead at 9-under. Angel Cabrera sits a stroke back in third place, with Todd Hamilton at 6-under, and Tim Clark at 5-under. Tiger Woods shot an even-par 72 on Friday afternoon, putting him at 2-under for the tournament, while Phil Mickelson is tied for 11th at 4-under. Retief Goosen, Ernie Els, and Zach Johnson are several notables who missed the cut.

Tiger Woods and Kenny Perry are now the co-favorites to win the Masters at 9-2 according to the latest golf odds. Co-leader Chad Campbell is 7-1, which puts him behind Angel Cabrera at 6-1.  

Tipping off on the hardwood  . . .

The Bulls will be looking to solidify their hold on an Eastern Conference playoff berth on Saturday night when they take on the upstart Bobcats in Chicago. Ben Gordon and Tyrus Thomas each poured in 24 points on Thursday night as the Bulls rolled to a big 113-99 win over the Sixers, with Derrick Rose adding 16 points and eight assists. Chicago, though, hasn’t had much luck against Charlotte, as they lost to the Bobcats in their matchups in March and December.

The Pistons have been jockeying with the Bulls for playoff positioning in the East, and they’ll be in Indiana on Saturday in one of the other six games on the NBA’s schedule. Rounding out the slate: Phoenix at Minnesota, Oklahoma City at Milwaukee, Golden State at Utah, Portland at the Clippers, and Orlando at New Jersey. The Magic are trying to get ahead of the Celtics for the second seed in the East; they’ve managed to top the Nets in each of the teams’ last four games.

Top picks…

The baseball betting line continues to be kind for the third straight decade for clients of America‘s only Grandmaster sports handicapper Joe Duffy.  Oh what a night. Memphis as our Game of the Month, an underdog that wins outright by 17. Our other Wise Guy, the Knicks a double digit dog wins by double digits. We go 3-1 in the NBA and win in MLB as well!

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Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Cliff Lee and CC Sabathia will both be looking to bounce back from ugly outings on Saturday when they take to the mound. The Indians’ Lee was rocked for seven earned runs in five innings by the Rangers on Monday, and he’ll try to do better against the Blue Jays and Roy Halladay on Saturday afternoon. The Yankees’ Sabathia surrendered six earned runs in 4 1-3 innings of work versus the Orioles on Monday, and he’ll take on the Royals and starter Horacio Ramirez.

The other American League matchups for Saturday: Texas at Detroit, Seattle at Oakland, Boston at the Angels, Minnesota at the White Sox, and Tampa Bay at Baltimore. The full Saturday slate in the National League includes Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, Houston at St. Louis, the Mets at Florida, the Cubs at Milwaukee, Washington at Atlanta, Philadelphia at Colorado, the Dodgers at Arizona, and San Francisco at San Diego. Jake Peavy will make the start for the Padres; he allowed three earned runs in seven innings in a loss to the Dodgers on Monday.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The Flyers, Hurricanes, and Penguins will continue their fight for home-ice advantage in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs on Saturday. Those three teams each have 97 points on the season heading into play on Saturday, with Carolina playing in New Jersey, Philadelphia travelling to Long Island, and Pittsburgh going north to Montreal. The Flyers have two games left on their schedule, while the Canes and Pens end their regular season Saturday.

Overall there are 13 games on the National Hockey League’s schedule for Saturday, with other matchups including Vancouver at Colorado, Boston at Buffalo, San Jose at Los Angeles, Ottawa at Toronto, Washington at Florida, Tampa Bay at Atlanta, Minnesota at Columbus, Anaheim at Phoenix, and Edmonton at Calgary. As well, rivals Chicago and Detroit will meet in Motown; the last time the Blackhawks got past the Red Wings was back on April 2, 2008.

Giants-Padres Lines Preview

If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Saturday when the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres meet at PETCO Park.
The Giants will give the ball to starter Jonathan Sanchez in this one. Lefthander Sanchez is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
It'll be ace Jake Peavy toeing the rubber for the Padres in this contest. Righthander Peavy is 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Padres listed as 150-moneyline favorites versus the Giants, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Padres took the opener of a three-game set with a 7-3 win over the Giants last time out, as -115 favorites. The 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8).
Scott Hairston went 3-for-5 at the plate and belted a three-run homer for the Padres. Shawn Hill allowed two runs over five innings for the win.
Barry Zito gave up four runs off seven hits over four innings in the loss.
Current streak:
San Diego has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Francisco: 2-2 SU
San Diego: 3-2 SU
San Francisco most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing San Diego are 9-1
After playing San Diego are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5

San Diego most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing San Francisco are 2-8
After playing San Francisco are 3-7
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
San Francisco is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Diego
San Francisco is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Francisco is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
San Diego is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against San Francisco
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Francisco
Next up:
San Diego home to San Francisco, Sunday, April 12

Phillies-Rockies Lines Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the Colorado Rockies on Saturday when they battle the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field.
The Phillies will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Brett Myers in this game. Myers has a 0-1 record and a 6.00 ERA this season.
Myers's opponent in this one will be Jorge De La Rosa. The Rockies lefthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Rockies listed as 105-moneyline favorites versus the Phillies, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Rockies scored five runs in the third inning en route to a dominating 10-3 victory over the Philles in Friday's opener, as +110 underdogs. The game's 13 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9.5).
Todd Helton drove in three runs for the Rockies, and Garrett Atkins belted a two-run homer. Jason Marquis tossed seven innings for the win, allowing two runs off five hits.
Jayson Werth went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, including a solo home run for the Phillies. Cole Hamels got banged around for seven runs off 11 hits over 3 2-3 innings on the mound.
Current streak:
Colorado has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 1-3 SU
Colorado: 3-1 SU
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Colorado are 7-3
After playing Colorado are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3

Colorado most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
Philadelphia is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Next up:
Colorado home to Philadelphia, Sunday, April 12

Dodgers-Diamondbacks Lines Preview

If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Saturday when the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks meet at Chase Field.
The Dodgers will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Hiroki Kuroda in this game. Kuroda has a 1-0 record and a 1.59 ERA this season.
Kuroda's opponent in this one will be Yusmeiro Petit. The Diamondbacks righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Diamondbacks rallied with five runs in the third inning and went on to defeat the Dodgers 9-4 on Friday, as -115 favorites. The 13 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (10).
Chris Young went 3-for-3 at the plate with a solo home run, and Conor Jackson drove in three runs. Jon Garland threw seven innings for the win, allowing three runs off five hits.
Casey Blake belted a two-run homer for the Dodgers, who were +105 underdogs. James McDonald surrendered five runs over 2 1-3 innings in the loss.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 2-3 SU
Arizona: 2-2 SU
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Arizona are 5-5
After playing Arizona are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4

Arizona most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing LA Dodgers are 4-6
After playing LA Dodgers are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Arizona
LA Dodgers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games
Arizona is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Arizona is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Next up:
Arizona home to LA Dodgers, Sunday, April 12

Nationals-Braves Lines Preview

The fans at Turner Field will be treated to a game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves when they take their seats on Saturday.
John Lannan will be the starting pitcher for the Nationals on this day. Lefthander Lannan is 0-1 this season with a 18.00 ERA.
Lannan's opponent in this one will be Kenshin Kawakami. The Braves righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Braves listed as 175-moneyline favorites versus the Nationals, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Kelly Johnson drove in the winning run in the 10th inning on Friday, as the Braves defeated the Nationals 6-5. The Braves won the game as -210 favorites, while the 11 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8.5).
Yunel Escobar finished 3-for-5 at the plate with a three-run homer. Jorge Campillo tossed an inning of relief to earn the win.
Ryan Zimmerman had two hits and two RBIs for the Nationals, who were +190 underdogs in that game. Joe Beimel gave up the winning run in relief.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 0-4 SU
Atlanta: 3-1 SU
Washington most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a loss are 1-9

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Washington are 4-6
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Washington is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Atlanta
Washington is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Washington
Atlanta is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Washington
Next up:
Atlanta home to Washington, Sunday, April 12

Yankees-Royals Lines Preview

The New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Kauffman Stadium.
Ace CC Sabathia will be the starting pitcher for the Yankees on this day. Lefthander Sabathia is 0-1 this season with a 12.47 ERA.
Sabathia's opponent in this one will be Horacio Ramirez. The Royals lefthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Andy Pettitte allowed just three hits and one run over seven innings on Friday, as the Yankees defeated the Royals 4-1 in Game 1 of a three-game series. The Yankees won the game as -175 favorites, but the five runs went UNDER the day's posted over/under (9.5).
Jorge Posada led the way with a two-run single, and Nick Swisher hit an RBI double. Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless ninth to earn the save.
Mike Jacobs drove in the only run for the Royals, who were +155 underdogs. Sidney Ponson surrendered four runs over six innings in the loss.
Current streak:
New York has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 2-2 SU
Kansas City: 2-2 SU
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Kansas City are 5-5
After playing Kansas City are 7-3
After a win are 8-2

Kansas City most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing NY Yankees are 5-5
After playing NY Yankees are 2-8
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
NY Yankees are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
NY Yankees are 14-5 SU in their last 19 games
NY Yankees are 16-6 SU in their last 22 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games
Kansas City is 6-16 SU in their last 22 games when playing NY Yankees
Kansas City is 3-9 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
Next up:
Kansas City home to NY Yankees, Sunday, April 12

Rays-Orioles Lines Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Camden Yards.
Jeff Niemann will be the starting pitcher for the Rays on this day. Righthander Niemann is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
Meanwhile, it'll be ace Jeremy Guthrie who starts for the Orioles. Righthander Guthrie is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Orioles listed as 115-moneyline favorites versus the Rays, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Melvin Mora drove in three runs to lead the Orioles in a 5-4 win over the Rays in Friday's series-opener, as +100 underdogs. The game's nine runs fell UNDER the posted over/under (10).
Nick Markakis drove in the other run for the Orioles. Mark Hendrickson tossed 5 1-3 innings for the victory, and George Sherrill picked up his second save.
Evan Longoria belted two home runs to drive in all three runs for the Rays, who were favored at -120. Andy Sonnanstine surrendered five runs over 4 2-3 innings in the taking the loss.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 2-2 SU
Baltimore: 3-1 SU
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Baltimore are 9-1
After playing Baltimore are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4

Baltimore most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Tampa Bay are 1-9
After playing Tampa Bay are 1-9
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Tampa Bay is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing Baltimore
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Tampa Bay is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Baltimore is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games at home
Baltimore is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
Next up:
Baltimore home to Tampa Bay, Sunday, April 12