Spurs-Thunder Odds Preview

The San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Ford Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Tony Parker had a team-high 24 points in the Spurs' 101-81 loss to the Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon.
The Cavaliers had no trouble covering the 5.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell just UNDER the day's posted total (182.5).
The Thunder lost to Indiana 117-99 as a 2-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (211).
Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 25 points and Nick Collison had 15 points in the loss.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 49-27 SU, 37-37-2 ATS
Oklahoma City: 21-55 SU, 42-33-1 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Portland are 6-4
After playing Cleveland are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3

Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Denver are 6-4
After playing Indiana are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games on the road
San Antonio is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Oklahoma City's last 10 games at home
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oklahoma City's last 11 games
Oklahoma City is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio home to Portland, Wednesday, April 8
Oklahoma City at Denver, Wednesday, April 8

Trail Blazers-Grizzlies Lines Preview

The Portland Trail Blazers and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at FedExForum.
Oddsmakers currently have the Trail Blazers listed as 6½-point favorites versus the Grizzlies, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Trail Blazers lost to Houston 102-88 as a 4-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (184.5).
LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy each scored 22 points for the Blazers.
The Grizzlies won their fifth straight by knocking off the Bucks 107-102 on Saturday, as 7-point underdogs. The 209 points made it OVER the posted total of 200.5.
Rudy Gay led the way with 26 points, while Mike Conley had 17 points, six rebounds and nine assists in the win.
Current streak:
Memphis has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 48-28 SU, 41-35 ATS
Memphis: 22-54 SU, 35-40-1 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 2-8
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2

Memphis most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Orlando are 5-5
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games at home
Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
Next up:
Portland at San Antonio, Wednesday, April 8
Memphis at Orlando, Wednesday, April 8

Hornets-Heat Lines Preview

The New Orleans Hornets and the Miami Heat will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Heat listed as 4-point favorites versus the Hornets, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Hornets lost to Utah 108-94 as a 2.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (192).
David West led New Orleans with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Chris Paul delivered 19 points and 12 assists.
Dwyane Wade dropped a game-high 33 points to help the Heat defeat the Wizards 118-104 on Saturday. The Heat covered the 2-point spread, while the combined 222 points sailed OVER the posted total of 201.5.
Jermaine O'Neal and Yakhouba Diawara had 16 points apiece in that win.
Current streak:
New Orleans has lost 2 straight games.
Miami has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 47-29 SU, 32-42-2 ATS
Miami: 41-36 SU, 38-38-1 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Phoenix are 4-6
After playing Utah are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

Miami most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of New Orleans's last 13 games when playing on the road against Miami
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Orleans's last 13 games
Miami is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Miami is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Miami's last 13 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
New Orleans home to Phoenix, Wednesday, April 8
Miami at Boston, Friday, April 10

Hawks-Raptors Odds Preview

The Atlanta Hawks and the Toronto Raptors will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Air Canada Centre.
Oddsmakers currently have the Hawks listed as 1-point favorites versus the Raptors, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Hawks were defeated 88-82 by the Magic last time out, as 1.5-point underdogs. The 170 points fell UNDER the posted total of 192.
Josh Smith had 19 points and 11 rebounds in a double-double in that loss.
The Raptors lost to New York 112-103 as a 5.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (217.5).
Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 31 points and 14 rebounds, while Andrea Bargnani netted 18 points.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 43-34 SU, 41-35-1 ATS
Toronto: 30-46 SU, 30-43-3 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Milwaukee are 3-7
After playing Orlando are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Indiana are 4-6
After playing New York are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Atlanta's last 18 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Atlanta is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Atlanta at Milwaukee, Wednesday, April 8
Toronto at Indiana, Wednesday, April 8

76ers-Bobcats Lines Preview

The fans at Time Warner Cable Arena will be treated to a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Charlotte Bobcats when they take their seats on Tuesday.
Oddsmakers currently have the Bobcats listed as 5-point favorites versus the 76ers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The 76ers lost to New Jersey 96-67 as a 2.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (196).
Louis Williams led the 76ers with 14 points and Samuel Dalembert had nine points and 11 rebounds.
The Bobcats lost to Detroit 104-97 as a 2.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (176).
D.J. Augustin led the Bobcats with 22 points and Raymond Felton netted 18 points
Current streak:
Charlotte has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 40-36 SU, 35-39-2 ATS
Charlotte: 34-43 SU, 46-31 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 9-1
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing New Jersey are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5

Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Oklahoma City are 3-6
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Philadelphia is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Philadelphia is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Charlotte is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Next up:
Philadelphia at Chicago, Thursday, April 9
Charlotte at Oklahoma City, Friday, April 10

Michigan State-North Carolina Not the Only Betting Opportunity Monday

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Michigan State and North Carolina battle for the NCAA Tournament crown, and teams around baseball start their campaigns.

Tipping off on the hardwood  . . .

The NBA has a rare night off on Monday to give the hoops spotlight to the NCAA Tournament’s championship game. The league returns with nine games Tuesday.

Finishing off the Madness . . .

Michigan State will be gunning for the upset on Monday night when they take on North Carolina in the championship game of this year’s NCAA Tournament at Detroit’s Ford Field. The Spartans bounced Connecticut by a final score of 82-73 in their Final Four meeting on Saturday, getting 21 points from Kalin Lucas and 18 points from Raymar Morgan. The Huskies had been listed as 4.5-point faves at BetUs Sportsbook.

North Carolina had no trouble getting past Villanova in their half of the Final Four on Saturday as Ty Lawson scored 22 points in an 83-69 victory. Wayne Ellington was good for 20 points in that contest, while Tyler Hansbrough picked up 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Tar Heels managed to cover that 7.5-point spread.

The oddsmakers opened the Tar Heels as a 6.5-point favorite to win the title on Monday night, but that line quickly moved to North Carolina -7.5 at Bet Online. The total for the game is sitting at 152 points. The Michigan State/UConn matchup on Saturday went OVER the posted total of 134.5, while UNC/Villanova played UNDER the listed 160-point total. Tipoff for Monday night’s college hoops finale is 9:21pm ET.

For last minute tickets or fan gear check out the Guy Store.

Who covers?

A sweep of Final 4 Wise Guys on North Carolina and Michigan State means the Dream Team of GodsTips, anchor of OffshoreInsiders.com is 8-2 the last 10 in the Big Dance. Make that 10-2 after we again, yes again sweep the National Championship side and total. We start out baseball where we left off the last quarter century—underdog Atlanta wins.

Why would anyone bet against the greatest sports betting service ever? Either sweep the side and total tonight or subsidize the bookmakers for those of us who will. Plus we added a Monday MLB underdog. Click now to purchase

Sports headlines…

Sean Miller is leaving Xavier to become the head coach at Arizona…In what used to be the traditional opener, at press time the NY Mets and Cincinnati Reds are in a pitcher’s duel. We are monitoring it in 700 WLW now.  Get all the baseball betting information.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Yankees will roll out their new ace pitcher, the expensive CC Sabathia, when they open their season late on Monday afternoon in Baltimore. The lefthander went 17-10 overall in 2008 with a 2.70 ERA, but he was a stellar 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA after being traded from the Indians to the Brewers. The O’s will counter with their ace, righthander Jeremy Guthrie, who went 10-12 with a 3.63 ERA last year.

The Red Sox will host the Rays in the marquee American League matchup on Monday, with Boston’s Josh Beckett (12-10, 4.03 ERA in 2008) taking on Tampa Bay’s James Shields (14-8, 3.56 ERA). Elsewhere around the Junior Circuit it’ll be Kansas City at the White Sox, Cleveland at Texas, Seattle at Minnesota, Oakland at the Angels, and Detroit at Toronto. Righthander Roy Halladay, who won 20 games last season, will get the ball for the Blue Jays on Monday night.

A dozen National League clubs also take to the field on Monday, with the Mets at Cincinnati, Colorado at Arizona, Washington at Florida, Pittsburgh at St. Louis, the Cubs at Houston, and the Dodgers at San Diego. Los Angeles will use righthander Hiroki Kuroda to begin their campaign; he was 9-10 with a 3.73 ERA in 2008. San Diego will counter with righthander Jake Peavy, who is coming off a season in which he went just 10-11 with a 2.85 ERA for a last-place Padres club.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

There are just three games on the National Hockey League’s schedule for Monday, with Detroit at Buffalo, Los Angeles at Calgary, and Ottawa at Montreal. The Canadiens romped to a 6-2 win over the rival Maple Leafs on Saturday night, getting 36 saves from Jaroslav Halak and four points from Alexei Kovalev. Habs defensemen Andrei Markov and Mathieu Schneider both left the matchup with Toronto with injuries, but both are expected to be able to play Monday night.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Golf’s biggest event is on the schedule for this week, with Tiger Woods seeking another Masters victory. Woods entered the week as the big 2/1 Vegas favorite to pick up the green jacket; the tournament begins at Augusta Thursday morning.

Masters Odds – Breaking Down the Big Favorites

Any online betting fan knows that April means (usually) Easter and (always) the Masters odds. With Tiger Woods playing his first major since the 2008 U.S. Open, Masters betting should be hotter than ever this week. Let’s examine what we can expect from the big sportsbook favorites at Augusta this year.

Tiger Woods

Make no mistake; Tiger is the heavy favorite to win the 2009 Masters odds, and deservedly so. After he closed out the back nine at the WGC-CA Championship a few weeks ago, most golf betting experts picked him to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational. They were bang on, as Tiger staged one of his trademark Sunday charges and broke Sean O’Hair’s heart with an 18th-hole putt. Tiger is back to firing on all cylinders, especially with his putter really on fire. He is by far the safest bet to win the Masters odds this weekend. It will be his fifth Green Jacket if he pulls it off, and he’s at least a virtual lock to crack the top 10.

Phil Mickelson

It’s fitting that Tiger’s greatest rival is in the opposite situation entering Masters betting. After a healthy 2008, Lefty is slumping badly, partially because he is recovering from a virus, and even missed the cut at last week’s Shell Houston Open. He’s in a definite funk right now and, while the Masters could be the perfect motivator to jolt him awake, he’s too risky right now—especially for a sportsbook favorite.

Geoff Ogilvy

He may be the best player not named Tiger Woods right now. With a World Match Play title under his belt this season and a 2006 U.S. Open title, Ogilvy is both hot at the right time and capable of handling the sportsbook pressure. Let’s look at his 2009 PGA betting stats quickly, shall we? Two tournament wins before April, first in the FedEx Cup standings, first on the money list…yeah, it’s safe to say he’s a good online betting pick if you’re not feeling Tiger. He’ll also provide much better value than Mr. Woods.

Other favorites to consider

This weekend probably isn’t Sergio Garcia’s time; he hasn’t looked good at all this season and shot a disgusting 81 at the Shell Houston Open on Sunday. Your money would be better spent elsewhere. How about Retief Goosen? He already has a win and top-three under his belt this season, not to mention two major championships. Don’ t forget about Padraig Harrington either; he hasn’t set the world on fire in 2009 but he showed last year that he plays his best in majors, so you could do a lot worse than picking him at the sportsbook.

Athletics-Angels Odds Preview

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Monday when the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels meet at Angel Stadium.
The Athletics will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander Dallas Braden in this game. Braden has a 0-0 record and a 0.00 ERA this season.
It'll be Joe Saunders toeing the rubber for the Angels in this contest. Lefthander Saunders is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Angels listed as 131-moneyline favorites versus the Athletics, while the game's total is sitting at 8½.
Team records:
Oakland: 0-0 SU
Los Angeles: 0-0 SU
Oakland most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing LA Angels are 6-4
After playing Seattle are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Oakland are 6-4
After playing Boston 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 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Angels's last 15 games at home
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
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home
Next up:
LA Angels home to Oakland, Tuesday, April 7

Mariners-Twins Odds Preview

The fans at The Metrodome will be treated to a game between the Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Twins when they take their seats on Monday.
The Mariners will give the ball to starter Felix Hernandez in this one. Righthander Hernandez is 0-0 this season with a 0.00 ERA.
It'll be ace Francisco Liriano toeing the rubber for the Twins in this contest. Lefthander Liriano is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Twins listed as 135-moneyline favorites versus the Mariners, while the game's total is sitting at 7½.
Team records:
Seattle: 0-0 SU
Minnesota: 0-0 SU
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-7
Before playing Minnesota are 8-2
After playing Oakland are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Seattle are 4-6
After playing Chi White Sox are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Seattle's last 12 games when playing Minnesota
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 12 games when playing Seattle
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Seattle
Next up:
Minnesota home to Seattle, Tuesday, April 7

Tigers-Blue Jays Odds Preview

The Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Rogers Centre.
The Tigers will pin their hopes on the pitching of ace righthander Justin Verlander in this game. Verlander has a 0-0 record and a 0.00 ERA this season.
Verlander's opponent in this one will be Roy Halladay. The Blue Jays ace righthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Blue Jays listed as 150-moneyline favorites versus the Tigers, while the game's total is sitting at 7½.
Team records:
Detroit: 0-0 SU
Toronto: 0-0 SU
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Monday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 3-7
After playing Chi White Sox are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing Baltimore are 8-2
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Detroit's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games
Next up:
Toronto home to Detroit, Tuesday, April 7