Rockets-Kings Odds Preview

The Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at ARCO Arena.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Yao Ming went for 20 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Rockets over the Magic 93-83 on Tuesday night.
Houston covered as 1-point home favorites as the teams played under the 189.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Spencer Hawes went for 21 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Kings in their 122-104 loss to the Lakers on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles covered as 10-point road favorites as the teams played over the 217-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Houston has won 2 straight games.
Sacramento has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 50-28 SU, 38-39-1 ATS
Sacramento: 16-61 SU, 36-41 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Golden State are 5-5
After playing Orlando are 4-6
After a win are 6-4

Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing LA Clippers are 5-5
After playing LA Lakers are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 9 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 9 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing Houston
Sacramento is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Houston
Next up:
Houston at Golden State, Friday, April 10
Sacramento at LA Clippers, Friday, April 10

MLB Betting – Friday Night Picks

Some online betting fans are looking ahead to next weekend’s UFC 97 odds, but there’s plenty of good baseball betting to enjoy in the meantime. Let’s make a few Friday-night ballgame picks, shall we?

Phillies vs Rockies odds—Cole Hamels vs Jason Marquis

Definite potential for a sportsbook upset here. On paper, there’s every reason to pick the defending champion Phillies; their big bats are heading to Coors to face the mediocre Jason Marquis. That’s a recipe for great Phillies odds, right? Not necessarily. For one, Marquis has a career 2.51 ERA at Coors Field, so the thin air may not affect him. Also, Cole Hamels battled elbow pain all spring and could have rust to shake off. This is one of the only times all year when betting against Hamels is a good idea, so seize the opportunity.

Online betting pick: Rockies

Red Sox vs Angels odds – Tim Wakefield vs Shane Loux

You may want to bet the OVER in this one, folks. Tim Wakefield isn’t dominant, especially when his knuckler isn’t dancing, but he has the advantage against Shane (who?) Loux Friday night. Loux has just seven career starts and opponents hit .296 off him; it doesn’t take a genius online betting fan to realize that the slugging Red Sox are a scary matchup for him. Given that he has 19 – –19! — career strikeouts in 60.1 innings, he can’t overpower a little leaguer, let alone a major league hitter, so the Red Sox odds look pretty good in this one.

Online betting pick: Red Sox

Dodgers vs Diamonbacks odds – James McDonald vs Jon Garland

At their comfy hitter’s park in Chase Field, the D’Backs should be favored against rookie hurler James McDonald, but the Dodgers odds could offer good value here. McDonald threw 11.1 scoreless innings last season in a brief debut that included the regular season and playoffs. The D’Backs know little about him, so he could surprise. The overrated Garland is new to the D’Backs and was bombed in his only career start in Chase Field, so don’t be surprised if he serves up a few gopher balls to Manny Ramirez and company. Go with the Dodgers in this MLB betting matchup.

Online betting pick: Dodgers

76ers-Bulls Lines Preview

The fans at United Center will be treated to a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls when they take their seats on Thursday.
Oddsmakers currently have the Bulls listed as 6-point favorites versus the 76ers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Andre Miller led Philadelphia with 23 points and seven assists in its 101-98 loss to Charlotte on Tuesday night.
Charlotte couldn't cover as 4.5-point home favorites as the game played over the 185.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Kirk Hinrich scored 25 points off the bench to lead the Bulls over the Knicks 110-103 on Tuesday night.
Chicago couldn't cover as 8-point home favorites as the teams played under the 217-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.
Chicago has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 40-37 SU, 36-39-2 ATS
Chicago: 38-40 SU, 40-37-1 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing New York are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Chicago is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Next up:
Philadelphia home to Cleveland, Friday, April 10
Chicago home to Charlotte, Saturday, April 11

76er-Bulls Lines Preview

The fans at United Center will be treated to a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls when they take their seats on Thursday.
Oddsmakers currently have the Bulls listed as 6-point favorites versus the 76ers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Andre Miller led Philadelphia with 23 points and seven assists in its 101-98 loss to Charlotte on Tuesday night.
Charlotte couldn't cover as 4.5-point home favorites as the game played over the 185.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Kirk Hinrich scored 25 points off the bench to lead the Bulls over the Knicks 110-103 on Tuesday night.
Chicago couldn't cover as 8-point home favorites as the teams played under the 217-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games.
Chicago has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 40-37 SU, 36-39-2 ATS
Chicago: 38-40 SU, 40-37-1 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Charlotte are 5-5
After playing New York are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Chicago is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Next up:
Philadelphia home to Cleveland, Friday, April 10
Chicago home to Charlotte, Saturday, April 11

Wednesday Betting: Masters 2009 Favorites and MLB Early Winnings

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Orioles host the Yankees, the Spurs try to get past the Trail Blazers, and the Blackhawks face off with the Blue Jackets.

Gambling Prohibition entering final days…

PartyGaming Plc, one of the biggest poker sites in the world, got a better-than-expected settlement from the United States government. The non-prosecution agreement coupled with Congressman Barney Frank promising to introduce pro-choice gambling legislation has made industry insiders pro-life about the future of online betting. Follow the latest developments and expert analysis is the betting and online gambling news section

Masters favorites….

There are some 2009 Masters sleepers for both Masters Calcutta and Vegas odds betting.  Not only betting on Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson to win, golf handicappers can utilize proposition bets.

Speaking of Masters, America‘s only Grandmaster sports handicapper Joe Duffy just wins.

Here we go again. GodsTips is already 4-1 this MLB season. Three of the winners were underdogs as was the one loser. It’s déjà vu all over again. We’ve been destroying bookmakers for decades with underdogs and small favorites.

We start out with a 3-0 day sweep now. We added the night card which includes our first two Wise Guys of the MLB season and two NBA. Hop on board now or you can just wait until we are 9-1 before you finally decide to give up losing for Lent and beyond Click now to purchase

Tipping off on the hardwood  . . .

The marquee action is in the NBA’s Western Conference on Wednesday night, with Utah at Dallas, Phoenix at New Orleans, and Portland at San Antonio. The Spurs will have to do without Manu Ginobili for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs because of an ankle injury; the guard also sat out the last meeting between these teams, a 102-84 Portland home rout back on March 1. Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge each picked up 26 points that night for the Blazers.

Elsewhere on the NBA’s schedule for Wednesday night it’ll be Memphis at Orlando, Toronto at Indiana, Detroit at New York, New Jersey at Boston, Atlanta at Milwaukee, Oklahoma City at Denver, Minnesota at Golden State, and Washington at Cleveland. The Wizards upset the Cavaliers 109-101 at home on April 2 as a 9.5-point underdog. Caron Butler scored 25 points for Washington in that victory, while LeBron James led Cleveland with 31 points in a losing cause.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Yankees will be looking to bounce back from a season-opening loss when they take on the Orioles in Baltimore again on Wednesday night. New York saw prized offseason acquisition CC Sabathia get lit up by the Orioles offense on Monday, and they’ll be looking for a better result from righthander Chien-Ming Wang (8-2, 4.07 ERA in 2008) on Wednesday. The Orioles will counter with Japanese righthander Koji Uehara, who will be making his Major League debut.

Elsewhere in the American League on Wednesday it’ll be Detroit at Toronto, Cleveland at Texas, Seattle at Minnesota, Kansas City at the White Sox, Oakland at the Angels, and Tampa Bay at Boston. The Rays and Red Sox will both be sending young guns to the mound; lefthander Scott Kazmir (12-8, 3.49 ERA) for Tampa Bay, and lefthander Jon Lester (16-6, 3.21 ERA) for the BoSox.

There’s a full slate of eight games in the NL on Wednesday, including an early-afternoon matchup between the Nationals and Marlins in Florida. Righthander Daniel Cabrera (8-10, 5.25 ERA) will get the ball for Washington, while Chris Volstad (6-4, 2.88 ERA) goes for Florida. As well, it’ll be Atlanta at Philadelphia, Colorado at Arizona, the Mets at Cincinnati, the Cubs at Houston, Pittsburgh at St. Louis, the Dodgers at San Diego, and then also Milwaukee at San Francisco.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The National Hockey League offers up just a pair of games on Wednesday night, with Buffalo at Toronto and Columbus at Chicago. The Blue Jackets and Blackhawks met in Columbus on Sunday, with Chicago pulling out a 1-0 overtime victory. Kris Versteeg had the game-winning goal in the extra frame for the Blackhawks, while Nikolai Khabibulin made 20 saves to pick up his second shutout of the campaign. Blue Jackets netminder Steve Mason stopped 24 shots.

NFL Betting: the NFL Draft

With the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, NFL betting fans are getting curious with all the trade winds swirling. The Cleveland Browns have placed Braylon Edwards, Brady Quinn and Shaun Rogers on the trade block, the New York Giants have been rumored to be moving Plaxico Burress, the Arizona Cardinals have put Anquan Boldin up for grabs and the Cincinnati Bengals are still testing the waters with Chad Johnson.

On top of all of that, there’s also the 2009 NFL Draft, which NFL betting fans know is one of the most important days of the NFL offseason.

The Detroit Lions hold all the cards right now as they have the first pick in the draft. Some people believe that they have their mind made up and will be draft Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. Other people believe that the Lions will choose to rebuild their lines of scrimmage first and select one of the offensive linemen from this tackle-rich class.

Baylor Bears tackle Jason Smith would likely be the selection in that case but there must be some trepidation concerning that pick. After all, it’s not like Baylor is an NFL talent factory.

Behind the Lions will be the St. Louis Rams, who mailed in a 2-14 season. They also have a number of avenues they can take when you consider how decrepit their franchise has become.

Most NFL betting fans would advise they take an offensive linemen since quarterback Marc Bulger has had very little time to work with the last couple of years. On the flip side, Bulger has taken a lot of hits and some people might wonder if it’s time to draft a quarterback like Mark Sanchez, and move in a different direction.

The Kansas City Chiefs will have the third pick overall and they are in a different category than the aforementioned teams. While the Lions and Rams are barren, the Chiefs have a good young corps and have seemingly passed their low point and are now heading back upwards.

The acquisition of Matt Cassel pulls them out of the running for a quarterback and while they could nab one of the talented offensive tackles, NFL betting fans wouldn’t mind seeing them splurge on a sexy pick like Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

The Chiefs could do pretty well for themselves by drafting a defensive player, like Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry, who is rates as the best defensive player in the draft. The Chiefs defense was a big weakness for the team last season.

Next in line are the Seattle Seahwks and Cleveland Browns, both of whom are always hard to handicap. Football betting minds might think that the Seahawks would be smart to draft an offensive linemen, given how poorly they pass-protected last season, and the Browns would be smart to help their defense, but logic doesn’t always factor with these franchises.

With plenty of players on the trade block and a draft full of prospects without a consensus No. 1 pick, the 2009 NFL Draft should be a dandy. Check out the best NFL handicappers.

Brewers-Giants Lines Preview

The Milwaukee Brewers and the San Francisco Giants will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at AT&T Park.
Ace righthander Yovani Gallardo will take the mound for the Brewers to start this game. Gallardo is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
Starting this game for the Giants will be Randy Johnson. The lefthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Giants listed as 110-moneyline favorites versus the Brewers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Aaron Rowand was 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and three runs batted in, as the Giants downed the Brewers 10-6 on Tuesday.
San Francisco cashed as -185 home favorites as the game played over the 7-run total set by sportsbooks.
Travis Ishikawa went 2-for-5 with three RBIs for the Giants, while Joe Martinez picked up the win in relief of starter Tim Lincecum for San Francisco.
Rickie Weeks was 2-for-3 with an RBI for Milwaukee, as Jeff Suppan was roughed up for six runs over four innings to take the loss for the Brewers.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 0-1 SU
San Francisco: 1-0 SU
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing San Francisco are 5-5
After playing San Francisco are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6

San Francisco most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Francisco
Milwaukee is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
San Francisco is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
San Francisco is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
San Francisco is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Next up:
San Francisco home to Milwaukee, Thursday, April 9

Athletics-Angels Odds Preview

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Wednesday when the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels meet at Angel Stadium.
Righthander Dana Eveland will take the mound for the Athletics to start this game. Eveland is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
Eveland's opponent in this one will be Nick Adenhart. The Angels 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.
Jack Cust went 3-for-4 with two runs batted in to lead the Athletics over the Angels 6-4 on Tuesday night.
Oakland cashed as +120 road underdogs as the teams played over the 9-run total listed by oddsmakers.
Jason Giambi was 3-for-5 with an RBI for the Athletics, while Michael Wuertz got the victory in relief of starter Trevor Cahill for Oakland.
Bobby Abreu had a pair of RBIs for Los Angeles, as Kevin Jepsen was tagged with the loss after coming into the game for Angels starter Dustin Moseley.
Team records:
Oakland: 1-1 SU
Los Angeles: 1-1 SU
Oakland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing LA Angels are 6-4
After playing LA Angels are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Oakland are 6-4
After playing Oakland are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Oakland is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Oakland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Oakland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Oakland
LA Angels are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games at home
Next up:
LA Angels home to Oakland, Thursday, April 9

Dodgers-Padres Lines Preview

The division rival Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are set to renew hostilities on Wednesday when they meet at PETCO Park.
The Dodgers will pin their hopes on the pitching of ace righthander Chad Billingsley in this game. Billingsley has a 0-0 record and a 0.00 ERA this season.
Billingsley's opponent in this one will be Walter Silva. The Padres righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Dodgers listed as 175-moneyline favorites versus the Padres, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Chase Headley plated two runs to lead the Padres past the Dodgers 4-2 on Tuesday night.
San Diego cashed as -130 home favorites as the teams played under the 7.5-run total listed by oddsmakers.
Chris Young gave up two runs over six innings to get the win for the Padres, while Kevin Kouzmanoff went 2-for-4 for San Diego.
Russell Martin and Casey Blake each drove in runs for Los Angeles, as Randy Wolf surrendered four runs over 5 1-3 innings to take the loss for the Dodgers.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 1-1 SU
San Diego: 1-1 SU
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing San Diego are 8-2
After playing San Diego are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3

San Diego most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing LA Dodgers are 4-6
After playing LA Dodgers are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
LA Dodgers are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing San Diego
LA Dodgers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games
San Diego is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
Next up:
San Diego home to LA Dodgers, Thursday, April 9

Pirates-Cardinals Lines Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Busch Stadium.
Lefthander Zach Duke will take the mound for the Pirates to start this game. Duke is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
It'll be Todd Wellemeyer toeing the rubber for the Cardinals in this contest. Righthander Wellemeyer is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cardinals listed as 170-moneyline favorites versus the Pirates, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Albert Pujols went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer, as the Cardinals overpowered the Pirates 9-3 on Tuesday night.
St. Louis cashed as -165 home favorites as the game played over the 8.5-run total listed by sportsbooks.
Khalil Greene and Joe Thurston were both 2-for-5 with two runs batted in for the Cardinals, while Kyle Lohse gave up two earned runs over seven innings to get the victory for St. Louis.
Freddie Sanchez was 2-for-4 with a two-run shot for Pittsburgh, as losing pitcher Ian Snell was roughed up for six earned runs over four innings for the Pirates.
Team records:
Pittsburgh: 1-1 SU
St. Louis: 1-1 SU
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing St. Louis are 7-3
After playing St. Louis are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5

St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Pittsburgh are 2-8
After playing Pittsburgh are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Pittsburgh is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Pittsburgh is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games on the road
St. Louis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
St. Louis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Next up:
St. Louis home to Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 9