Friday, April 30, 2010

Horse Betting: Guineas, Kentucky Oaks, and Kentucky Derby

Super online horse racebook and one-time Sportsbook of the Year BetUs has odds for the 1000 Guineas and the Kentucky Derby. We start out with 1000 Guineas.

1

Special Duty    

+300

2

Seta    

+450

3

Music Show    

+500

4

Rumoush    

+700

5

Pollenator    

+800

 

Now for some Kentucky Derby odds. In addition to odds to win the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks betting line there are many proposition bets in the first leg of the Triple Crown including odds to finish in the Top 3:

1

Lookin At Lucky    

-200

2

Ice Box    

+150

3

Noble's Promise    

+200

4

Super Saver    

+300

 

Also up for this weekend are NBA playoff point spreads for playoff action, NHL playoff odds and plenty of sports betting picks

Kentucky Derby Run for the Roses: Bodog Betting Previews Top Contenders

Go from bad to good faster than Shelley Lubben courtesy of Bodog previews of the top Kentucky Derby contenders.

Stately Victor left getting into the Kentucky Derby to the last minute, but he did so in a big way in the Gr. 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. His only previous graded stakes experience had come on Oct. 10 in the Gr. 1 Breeders' Futurity, also at Keeneland, where he finished a dismal sixth and well behind Noble's Promise, a Kentucky Derby rival.

Get your Stately Victor odds to win the Kentucky Derby at Bodog! Who wins? GodsTips of OffshoreInsiders.com will have the winners.

Winless in his next four races at Gulfstream Park, this Michael Maker trainee's dreams of making it to the Run for the Roses seemed to be getting slimmer by the race. As well, the Blue Grass field included top contenders Aikenite, Odysseus and Interactif. But with a powerful rally, Stately Victor weaved his way to victory and the $450,000 winner's share, guaranteeing him a berth in the Kentucky Derby.

Stately Victor is a son of 2004 Breeders' Cup Classic champion Ghostzapper, which suggests he should be able to get the 1 ¼ mile distance and handle the dirt track despite his exclusive success on synthetics. Alan Garcia, who piloted Stately Victor to his Blue Grass Stakes win, will get the call on Derby Day.

One of Todd Pletcher's contenders, Super Saver is a dirt-experienced 3-year-old who has yet to win a race in 2010 – though he has come close. He closed out his 2-year-old campaign with a pacesetting win in the $150,000 Gr. 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs – a win that should serve him well when he returns to the same track in the Kentucky Derby on May 1.

Get your American Lion morning line odds to win the Kentucky Derby at Bodog!

On March 13 in the Gr. 3 Tampa Bay Derby, his swift initial pace wasn't enough to deter two latecomers who nipped him for victory in the final strides. And it was the same story in the Gr. 1 Arkansas Derby on April 10 when he was surprised in the late going by rival Line of David and had to settle for runner-up.

But in the Kentucky Derby, the son of Maria's Mon will have a big advantage: He will be ridden by Calvin Borel, who piloted longshot Mine That Bird to victory in the 2009 edition of this race.

One of this year's top Kentucky Derby contenders is Sidney's Candy, who will go into the Derby riding an impressive four-race win streak. Though he broke his maiden on dirt, Sidney's Candy has competed exclusively on synthetic tracks for all of his graded stakes races. With wins in the Gr. 2 San Vincente Stakes and the San Felipe Stakes as well as in the Gr. 1 Santa Anita Derby, Sidney's Candy has steadily stretched out in distance and shown great improvement and maturity. In his Santa Anita Derby score, he even defeated top rival Lookin At Lucky despite a poor start and earned a career-high 100 Beyer Speed Figure. John Sadler's trainee is currently fourth on the graded stakes earnings list with $630,000.

Get your Sidney's Candy Kentucky Derby betting line at Bodog!

Sidney's Candy is a son of Candy Ride, who won the 1 ¼ mile Gr. 1 Pacific Classic over dirt in 2003. He was an early arrival at Churchill Downs and posted a 5-furlong work in :59.80 on April 17. With his versatility and improving form, Sidney's Candy is one to watch on May 1. Twenty-year-old Joe Talamo is slated to get the mount for the Kentucky Derby.

Is Sidney's Candy your Derby pick? Get your Kentucky Derby betting oddsat the Bodog Racebook!

 

Game 1 Preview: Vancouver Canucks @ Chicago Blackhawks

The online sports betting experts usually use numbers to develop their odds for each upcoming NHL playoff series, and the hockey betting world sees the Vancouver Canucks as underdogs. In the upcoming Western Conference semi-final series between the Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks, the Blackhawks are -155 favorites to win. The Canucks biggest obstacle to overcome is their captain and goaltender Roberto Luongo.

In past years NHL playoff betting has usually passed the Canucks by as they get deeper into the playoffs. Luongo's inability to perform in the big games has seen the Canucks falter in every playoff tournament he has played for them. This year was supposed to be different because this year Luongo is a gold medal winning Canadian Olympic hero. But in the first round against the Los Angeles Kings, Luongo showed signs of cracking with a sub-900 save percentage and a goals against average hovering around 3.00.

Game 1 will look like a bunch of Kentucky Derby contenders blasting out of the starting gate. The Blackhawks with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews  will be buzzing all around the Vancouver net, and the Sedin twins will have that Canuck logo flying around Chicago goalie Antti Niemi. The difference is that Niemi can withstand the pressure, Luongo has shown that he cannot.

This first game will set the tone for what should be a hockey fan's dream series. The Canucks have significant firepower with Henrik and Daniel Sedin complimented by Mikael Samuelsson, and they can hit with players like Kevin Bieska and Christian Ehrhoff. The Blackhawks have a very well-rounded team with offense from Kane and Toews along with Marian Hossa, along with grinders like Duncan Keith. These are two hockey teams built for NHL playoff hockey.

The Blackhawks are 7-2 favorites to win the Stanley Cup, and the Canucks are given 6-1 odds at being champions this season. Given the inconsistent play of the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings in these playoffs, the Western Conference champion will probably come from this Chicago versus Vancouver series.

This game will be high-flying, hard-hitting and full of precision passing that makes highlight reels at the end of the season. It will come down to a battle between Luongo and Niemi, and in past years that sort of a situation was an area of concern for Canuck fans. But Luongo has been gaining in confidence all season long. From his gold medal in the Olympics to the first round win over the Los Angeles Kings, Luongo is feeling good about himself and he is hoping that this is the year that he gets the playoff monkey off his back.

The Blackhawks have a lot of contracts coming up at the end of this season and are pressed right up against the cap, so there may be some movement on the Chicago roster when this season is over. The Blackhawks will want to make one good push for the Cup, and they have the talent to get there.

Pick: Chicago Blackhawks 6-4

Kentucky Derby Betting Preview From Bodog Racebook

It's a great sports betting weekend with the NBA playoffs and NHL playoffs match-ups going deeper. It's also the Run for the Roses and super book Bodog has a series of previews.

The final field of 20 is set for Derby 136 — without the potential star ESKENDEREYA and without Sunland Derby winner ENDORSEMENT. Both were scratched on Sunday and Wednesday respectively due to injuries.

Their defections let the filly DEVIL MAY CARE in the race along with 50-1 shots BACKTALK and HOMEBOYKRIS. And we have seen enough of recent Derbies to know that any horse who qualifies for this 1-1/4 mile classic has a chance to get lucky.

Speaking of lucky, or better yet speaking of unlucky, Lookin At Lucky's drew post #1 in a race that can be a cavalry charge in the run to the first turn. The other top rated California horse, Santa Anita Derby winner, SIDNEY'S CANDY, drew into the parking lot (post #20). Below are comments on each horse, including how they have trained at Churchill Downs in recent weeks.

Best of Luck to the horses, jockeys and all Bodog Beat readers!

$2 MILLION KENTUCKY DERBY #136. Grade-1, for 3 yr olds at 1-1/4 miles. . . POST TIME 6:24 EDT.

# 1: Lookin At Lucky: A very game, very classy colt with late speed. Likely to endure tough trip from difficult post. Worked well enough to run his race.

# 2: Ice Box: A deep closer who won the Florida Derby by a nose; needs the fast pace we expect to fire his best and he did work sharply over a sloppy track this week.

# 3: Noble's Promise: Apparently overcame his lung infection to work well twice over the track, has been close to Lookin At Lucky often, but 1-1/4 miles may be a touch too far.

# 4: Super Saver: Fast horse with expert Derby jockey (Calvin Borel). Super Saver has won here and trained as well as any horse in the field. Must avoid getting caught in the speed duel.

# 5: Line of David: A fast front-running type with good and a bad work over the track, leaving some doubt about current condition. One of two probable front runners.

# 6: Stately Victor: Deep closer with poor dirt form who surprised Blue Grass stakes on Polytrack at Keeneland. Training was yes-and-no on a track two miles from Churchill.

# 7 American Lion: Front running winner of Illinois Derby in his first start on dirt, trained well here and is going to be part of the speed brigade. Bred well for slop and distance.

# 8 Dean's Kitten: Entrymate to Stately Victor won the Lane's End on Polytrack in March and might be a turf horse in the wrong race. Works were uninspiring.

# 9 Make Music For Me: Another turf specialist. Was close to Lookin At Lucky three times last year on synthetic tracks. Never saw him train, but he is bred well for wet tracks.

# 10 Paddy O'Prado: Was second in the Blue Grass after pressing the pace and taking the lead in upper stretch. Has trained forwardly at CD and seems to love wet going.

# 11 Devil May Care: Modest sized, talented filly trained by Todd Pletcher. Has a bit of a stretch kick and did look good training over the track this week.

# 12 Conveyance: Front running type was undefeated until Endorsement beat him in Sunland Derby. Has trained sharply and galloped strongly; to be sent from the gate.

# 13 Jackson Bend: Was a star last summer in Florida and has held his form well enough to be second twice to Eskendereya. Fast local works, but distance is big question.

# 14 Mission Impazible: Winner of Louisiana Derby with gritty rally has trained superbly and is one of the potential stretch runners from mid pack to consider.

# 15 Discreetly Mine: Won Risen Star wire to wire in February but was unable to hold together in Louisiana Derby won by stablemate. OK local works, should be part of the speed brigade.

# 16 Awesome Act: Won the Gotham with good rally and then lost shoe and stumbled in Eskendereya's Wood Memorial romp. Trained solidly here. Has wet track breeding. OffshoreInsiders.com will have the predictions from Grandmaster Sports Handicapper Joe Duffy of GodsTips.

# 17 Dublin: Consistent Graded stakes performer trained by D. Wayne Lukas, has had a strange week here, bearing out often in works and gallops. Bred well for the task though.

# 18 Backtalk: Late comer to the Derby, was good two year old in 2009 and is making third race off a layoff including a win at Delta on a sloppy track. Trained at Keeneland.

# 19 Homeboykris: Another late comer to the Derby who was a very good two year old. Has not run since February, but local works have been better than reported in most forums.

# 20 Sidney's Candy: Won three straight, including SA Derby on the Pro Ride. Worked fast here, with moderate gallop outs. Can he overcome outside post? Avoid speed duel?

Get your Kentucky Derby Odds in the Bodog Racebook!

With the Kentucky Derby almost upon us, Steve Davidowitz, Bodog's resident horse racing expert, has recently been featured in the New York Times blog to discuss the revised, third edition to his hugly successful 1977 best-seller, Betting Throughbreds. In Betting Thoroughbreds for the 21st Century, Davidowitz delves into the changes in horse racing and how horse betting has been influenced by these changes.

In the Q&A, when asked who he favored for this year's Kentucky Derby, Davidowitz said, "I loved Eskendereya until he started to train so gingerly over the track. It was a warning sign and no surprise that he was going to be scratched last Sunday. . .There is so much early speed in this Derby that I think we will see a stretch-running winner. Right now, I slightly prefer Awesome Act, with Mission Impazible, Lookin at Lucky and Ice Box as the other logical stretch threats, although Sidney's Candy is a very good horse and might not get caught up in the hot pace."

Davidowitz goes on to tell the New York Times, "I am firmly convinced that far from a game of pure luck, horse racing is the most interesting, the most intellectually challenging, the very best gambling game man has ever invented."

Davidowtiz is also a regular contributor to Daily Racing Form's Simulcast Weekly and DRF Plus and his columns appear in the Bodog Racebook each week. He will also be providing his insight with his "Face Off" articles on Bodog.com as well as his blog posts right here on the Bodog Beat.

Do you have your Kentucky Derby picks yet? Head over to the Bodog Racebook and get your Kentucky Derby betting before the big race tomorrow. 

Kentucky Derby Contenders: Lookin At Lucky the Fave; NBA Playoff Spreads For Friday

Kentucky Derby odds including Churchill Downs head-to-head match-ups and many betting lines from the Kentucky Oaks are up at many sportsbooks.  

Here are the top contenders according to BetUs

1

Lookin At Lucky    

+375

2

Ice Box    

+800

3

Noble's Promise    

+1000

4

Super Saver    

+1500

 

Courtesy of OddsShark.com: Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Hawks play host to the Bucks, the Jazz try to close out Denver, and the Habs and Capitals play Game 7 in Washington.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

There are two games on the NBA's playoff schedule for Wednesday, with Milwaukee at Atlanta and Utah at Denver. The Bucks and Hawks are tied at two wins apiece in their best-of-seven set as Milwaukee won Game 4 111-104 at home on Monday night. Brandon Jennings had 23 points for the Bucks in that game, while Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 29 points. The Jazz are up 3-1 on the Nuggets and can close out their first-round set on the road on Wednesday night.  Utah won Game 4 of the series 117-106 at home on Sunday, with Carlos Boozer pouring in 31 points. Carmelo Anthony scored 39 points for the Nuggets.

Kentucky Derby 2010, NHL playoffs, NBA playoffs and betting previews from all sports are up now on covers experts.  

Top expert picks on today's card…

The Center of the Handicapping Universe, GodsTips is 6-1 with NBA Wise Guys in the postseason. Get three super strong plays for tonight including another NBA Wise Guy winner to go to 7-1. We also have our first MLB pick in three days. Click now to purchase 

Meeting up on the diamond . . .


The American League schedule for Wednesday has Seattle at Kansas City, the Yankees at Baltimore, Minnesota at Detroit, Cleveland at the Angels, Boston at Toronto, Oakland at Tampa Bay, and the White Sox at Texas. Jake Peavy (0-1, 7.66 ERA) will take on Rich Harden (0-1, 4.58 ERA) in that last matchup. Righthander Peavy was pounded by the Rays in his last trip to the mound, giving up seven earned runs on seven hits over 4 1-3 innings. Righthander Harden took a no-decision against the Tigers last start, giving up two runs over 4 1-3 innings.

Meanwhile, the National League on Wednesday offers up San Diego at Florida, Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, the Dodgers at the Mets, Washington at the Cubs, Arizona at Colorado, Cincinnati at Houston, Atlanta at St. Louis, and Philadelphia at San Francisco. Cole Hamels (2-2, 5.11 ERA) will take on Tim Lincecum (4-0, 1.00 ERA) in the Phillies/Giants game. Lefthander Hamels is coming off back-to-back losses to the Marlins and Diamondbacks; against Arizona last time out Hamels gave up six runs over six innings of work. Righthander Lincecum has won each of his four starts this season, allowing three runs over his 27 innings.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .


Finally, the first round of the NHL playoffs concludes on Wednesday night with Montreal at Washington in Game 7 of their best-of-seven series. The Canadiens forced a deciding contest with a 4-1 home win in Game 6 on Monday night. Michael Cammalleri scored twice for Montreal in that win, while Maxim Lapierre and Tomas Plekanec (into an empty net) had one goal apiece. Habs netminder Jaroslav Halak was the game's First Star after stopping 53 of 54 Washington shots. Eric Fehr had the only Caps goal, and Semyon Varlamov made 18 saves.

NBA Odds: Nuggets vs Jazz

 

Courtesy of OddsShark.com:

If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Friday when the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz meet at EnergySolutions Arena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Jazz listed as 5-point favorites versus the Nuggets, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Carmelo Anthony went for 26 points and 11 boards in a double-double on Wednesday, as the Nuggets defeated the Jazz 116-102 and now trail the Western Conference quarterfinal series 3-2.
The Nuggets covered the 7-point spread, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 216.5.
Chauncey Billups added 21 points in the win for the Nuggets. Deron Williams had a game-high 34 points and dished out 10 assists in the loss.
Team records:
Denver: 53-29 SU, 34-42-6 ATS
Utah: 53-29 SU, 49-30-3 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 5-5
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a win are 4-6

Utah most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Denver are 6-4
After playing Denver are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 7 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home
Utah is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah's last 7 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games
Next up:
Denver home to Utah, Sunday, May 2
Utah at Denver, Sunday, May 2

 

NBA Handicapping: Lakers vs Thunder

Courtesy of OddsShark.com:

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Ford Center.
Oddsmakers currently have the Thunder listed as 1-point favorites versus the Lakers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Pau Gasol went for 25 points and 11 rebounds, as the Lakers cruised past the Thunder 111-87 in Game 5 of their Western Conference first round series on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles covered as 6.5-point home favorites, while the teams played OVER the 194.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Andrew Bynum had 21 points and 11 boards for the Lakers, who now lead the best-of-seven series 3-2.
Kevin Durant dropped 17 points for Oklahoma City, while Russell Westbrook posted 15 points and six assists for the Thunder.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 57-25 SU, 34-46-2 ATS
Oklahoma City: 50-32 SU, 48-34 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Oklahoma City are 7-3
After playing Oklahoma City are 7-3
After a win are 4-6

Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 15-3 SU in their last 18 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 7 games
LA Lakers are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games
Next up:
LA Lakers home to Oklahoma City, Sunday, May 2
Oklahoma City at LA Lakers, Sunday, May 2

 

NBA Odds: Hawks vs Bucks

Courtesy of OddsShark.com:

The Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Bradley Center.
Oddsmakers currently have the Hawks listed as 2-point favorites versus the Bucks, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Milwaukee stormed Atlanta with 30 points in the fourth quarter, as the Bucks rallied past the Hawks 91-87 on Wednesday and now lead the best-of-seven Eastern Confererence quarter-finals 3-2. The Bucks won Game 5 as 9-point underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the posted total of 191.5 set by oddsmakers.
Brandon Jennings led the Bucks with a game-high 25 points, and John Salmons had 19 in the win.
Al Horford collected a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort.
Team records:
Atlanta: 53-29 SU, 48-34 ATS
Milwaukee: 46-36 SU, 53-28-1 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 7-3
After playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Atlanta's last 13 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 13 games when playing Atlanta
Milwaukee is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Next up:
Atlanta home to Milwaukee, Sunday, May 2
Milwaukee at Atlanta, Sunday, May 2

 

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Mavericks vs. Spurs

The first-round of NBA Playoff matchups are all on the verge of elimination. On Thursday, the San Antonio Spurs will try to finish off a 3-2 series lead against the Dallas Mavericks. On Friday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder will try evening their series with the Los Angeles Lakers at three games apiece. Here are today's free picks:

Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs (-3.5) – Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET

San Antonio lost much of its momentum from a three-game winning streak with Tuesday's 103-81 loss in Dallas. The Spurs couldn't get any offense going whatsoever and shot just 35 percent from the field. San Antonio has only won five of its last 10 games and has been even worse at the sportsbook, going 4-5-1 in its last 10 games on NBA odds. Returning home for a game should make a big difference, as the Spurs have covered seven of their past 10 home games (plus one push).

Despite dropping three straight in this series, Dallas remains pretty solid over the past few weeks. The Mavericks are 7-3 in their past 10 games straight up and even a little better on NBA betting lines in the same span (7-2-1 ATS). Dallas is 5-1-1 in its last seven road games against the spread, though the loss and push both came in the last two games in San Antonio.

Tim Duncan looks really shaky right now (15 total points in the past two games). The Mavericks, on the other hand, have regained their mojo. Expect a big win and a Game 7 on the way.

Pick: Dallas

Top expert picks on today's card is from Power of 620 sports services behind every selection, the MasterLockLine. Statmaven Sports is No. 1 all-time on as far as plays that have risen to the level to be re-released. Rankings trace back to the 976-LOCK scorephone days through the SuperLockLine and are all-sports combined.  In other words, their highest rated plays have proven since 1980 to be as good as any sports service. NBA system that is their No. 1 all-time in basketball or football, college or pro applies tonight. It's an offense/defense efficiency angle that is +233 units on Dallas/San Antonio side. Click now to purchase or for more information and a free pick

  

NBA Spread: Mavericks vs. Spurs Handicapper Picks

The first-round of NBA Playoff matchups are all on the verge of elimination. On Thursday, the San Antonio Spurs will try to finish off a 3-2 series lead against the Dallas Mavericks. On Friday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder will try evening their series with the Los Angeles Lakers at three games apiece. Here are today's free picks:

Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs (-3.5) – Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET

San Antonio lost much of its momentum from a three-game winning streak with Tuesday's 103-81 loss in Dallas. The Spurs couldn't get any offense going whatsoever and shot just 35 percent from the field. San Antonio has only won five of its last 10 games and has been even worse at the sportsbook, going 4-5-1 in its last 10 games on NBA odds. Returning home for a game should make a big difference, as the Spurs have covered seven of their past 10 home games (plus one push).

Despite dropping three straight in this series, Dallas remains pretty solid over the past few weeks. The Mavericks are 7-3 in their past 10 games straight up and even a little better on NBA betting lines in the same span (7-2-1 ATS). Dallas is 5-1-1 in its last seven road games against the spread, though the loss and push both came in the last two games in San Antonio.

Tim Duncan looks really shaky right now (15 total points in the past two games). The Mavericks, on the other hand, have regained their mojo. Expect a big win and a Game 7 on the way.

Pick: Dallas

Top expert picks on today's card is from Power of 620 sports services behind every selection, the MasterLockLine. Statmaven Sports is No. 1 all-time on as far as plays that have risen to the level to be re-released. Rankings trace back to the 976-LOCK scorephone days through the SuperLockLine and are all-sports combined.  In other words, their highest rated plays have proven since 1980 to be as good as any sports service. NBA system that is their No. 1 all-time in basketball or football, college or pro applies tonight. It's an offense/defense efficiency angle that is +233 units on Dallas/San Antonio side. Click now to purchase or for more information and a free pick

  

Mayweather vs. Mosley Boxing Odds

ScoresOddsPicks.com  handicapper Shea Matthews takes a boxing preview.

It's no Mayweather/Pacquiao; no point pretending it is. But we can at least appreciate that this weekend's Floyd Mayweather Jr./Shane Mosley fight is a battle between two of the best boxers of this generation. Let's break down the fight and make a sports betting pick.

Floyd "Pretty Boy" Mayweather Jr. (40-0) vs "Sugar" Shane Mosley (46-5)

Saturday, May 1, 11:00 p.m. ET

Boxing odds: Mayweather Jr. -450, Mosley +360

Love him or hate him, Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been the most untouchable boxer of the last 15 years without a doubt. His record is perfect and it largely reflects his pretty much perfect technical style. I'm not sure any boxer on the planet not named Manny Pacquiao can match Mayweather's talent and even Pacquiao, who would still probably be favored to beat Mayweather, may not be as technically crisp as Mayweather.

Mayweather has it all – blinding speed and footwork, surgical precision with his punches and, perhaps most importantly, absolutely impregnable defense. It seems no opponent can penetrate and put even the slightest hurt on him. Mayweather is also strong for his size and an extremely hard worker at the gym.

His opponent may be past his prime but is still certainly a quality challenger. Shane Mosley also spent much of the last 15 years mentioned in the same breath as "best pound-for-pound." He brings great experience to the table, having tangled with the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Vernon Forrest and many other huge names over the years.

On paper, Mosley does plenty of the same things Mayweather does. He's fast, he's tough to hit, he's extremely fit and he's an accurate puncher. The problem is that, as well as Mosley does all of those things, Mayweather does them all a little bit better at this stage of his career.

It's not that Mosley doesn't have a puncher's chance, so betting on him at your sportsbook isn't a ridiculous waste. For one, he has the knockout power advantage, having scored an outstanding 39 of his 45 wins via KO. He also has an excellent chin and a more tested chin. We now Mosley can take a punch but can we say the same about Mayweather? It's more that no one can even land a flush punch on him.

Mosley's power and experience should at least make this fight entertaining. But Mosley at age 38 simply won't be fast enough or sharp enough to defeat a fighter with 40 wins and zero losses to his name. It will take a superstar in his prime like Manny Pacquiao to do so.

Today's free pick: Floyd Mayweather Jr. -450 

NBA Handicapping: Mavericks vs Spurs

Courtesy of OddsShark.com:

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Thursday when the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs meet at AT&T Center.
Oddsmakers currently have the Spurs listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Mavericks, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Caron Butler went for 35 points and 11 rebounds, as the Mavericks rolled past the Spurs 103-81 in Game 5 of their Western Conference first round series on Tuesday night.
Dallas covered as 5-point home favorites, while the teams played UNDER the 191-point total set by oddsmakers.
Dirk Nowitzki added 15 points and nine boards for the Mavericks, who got 12 points off the bench from Jason Terry in the win.
Tony Parker had 18 points and six assists for San Antonio, which now leads the best-of-seven series 3-2.
Team records:
Dallas: 55-27 SU, 36-44-2 ATS
San Antonio: 50-32 SU, 44-37-1 ATS
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing San Antonio are 7-3
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing Dallas are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Dallas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Dallas is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing Dallas
San Antonio is 9-2-1 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Next up:
Dallas home to San Antonio, Saturday, May 1
San Antonio at Dallas, Saturday, May 1

 

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Kentucky Derby Post Preview; NBA Playoff Picks Odds

The Kentucky Derby post positions have been announced and the latest Kentucky Derby preview for bettors is up. For those who want sports handicappers wearing a Superman cape rather than the Cape Wind of most touts, tonight's NBA picks are up.

Courtesy of OddsShark.com: Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Hawks play host to the Bucks, the Jazz try to close out Denver, and the Habs and Capitals play Game 7 in Washington.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

There are two games on the NBA's playoff schedule for Wednesday, with Milwaukee at Atlanta and Utah at Denver. The Bucks and Hawks are tied at two wins apiece in their best-of-seven set as Milwaukee won Game 4 111-104 at home on Monday night. Brandon Jennings had 23 points for the Bucks in that game, while Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 29 points. The Jazz are up 3-1 on the Nuggets and can close out their first-round set on the road on Wednesday night.  Utah won Game 4 of the series 117-106 at home on Sunday, with Carlos Boozer pouring in 31 points. Carmelo Anthony scored 39 points for the Nuggets.

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 Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The American League schedule for Wednesday has Seattle at Kansas City, the Yankees at Baltimore, Minnesota at Detroit, Cleveland at the Angels, Boston at Toronto, Oakland at Tampa Bay, and the White Sox at Texas. Jake Peavy (0-1, 7.66 ERA) will take on Rich Harden (0-1, 4.58 ERA) in that last matchup. Righthander Peavy was pounded by the Rays in his last trip to the mound, giving up seven earned runs on seven hits over 4 1-3 innings. Righthander Harden took a no-decision against the Tigers last start, giving up two runs over 4 1-3 innings.

Meanwhile, the National League on Wednesday offers up San Diego at Florida, Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, the Dodgers at the Mets, Washington at the Cubs, Arizona at Colorado, Cincinnati at Houston, Atlanta at St. Louis, and Philadelphia at San Francisco. Cole Hamels (2-2, 5.11 ERA) will take on Tim Lincecum (4-0, 1.00 ERA) in the Phillies/Giants game. Lefthander Hamels is coming off back-to-back losses to the Marlins and Diamondbacks; against Arizona last time out Hamels gave up six runs over six innings of work. Righthander Lincecum has won each of his four starts this season, allowing three runs over his 27 innings.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .


Finally, the first round of the NHL playoffs concludes on Wednesday night with Montreal at Washington in Game 7 of their best-of-seven series. The Canadiens forced a deciding contest with a 4-1 home win in Game 6 on Monday night. Michael Cammalleri scored twice for Montreal in that win, while Maxim Lapierre and Tomas Plekanec (into an empty net) had one goal apiece. Habs netminder Jaroslav Halak was the game's First Star after stopping 53 of 54 Washington shots. Eric Fehr had the only Caps goal, and Semyon Varlamov made 18 saves.

Matt Rivers Free Wednesday Winner

Leading sports service Matt Rivers has a free MLB pick Wednesday on the Toronto Blue Jays. They are getting 143 to Boston according to BetUs.  

It's never a terrible call to back a home dog and especially when doing so against a team that is probably not as good as most people believe. Right now these teams fit that description as the Red Sox are banged up and just not all that. I do like Pedroia and Youkilis but all in all without Ellsbury the visitors have some major issues. Terry Francona's club no longer possesses the power it once did in the middle with Manny and a great Ortiz.

I do really like and respect the heck out of Jon Lester. This kid has survived Cancer and has come up very large in big World Series type spots. But the southpaw has not been great this season and is up against a potentially potent right-handed laden lineup led by a pair of studs in Vernon Wells and Aaron Hill among others. Toronto after 162 games will probably only has about 70 or so wins but Cito's squad has been pretty good early on and has more than enough to win this game up North.

Brett Cecil is a lefty that certainly is far from being trustworthy but is also a guy who had some success in the bigs last season and in that last start and first of the season he struck out a whopping eight Rays batters and was dominant at times. Even Gaston was extremely impressed with that effort and has some confidence in Cecil going into tonight.

Lester is certainly the better starter today and the Sox are still at the very least a good team but I'm not so sure that will mean all that much after 9 innings.

The pick: Toronto at Bodog  

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NBA Handicapping: Jazz vs Nuggets

 

Courtesy of OddsShark.com:

The Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets will meet on the court at Pepsi Center on Wednesday.
Oddsmakers currently have the Nuggets listed as 7-point favorites versus the Jazz, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
The Jazz defeated Denver 117-106 as a 2.5-point favorite in Game 4 of this Western Conference first-round series on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (212.5).
Carlos Boozer scored 31 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for Utah, while Deron Williams added 24 points and 13 assists in the win.
Carmelo Anthony scored a game-high 39 points to go with 11 rebounds for Denver and Kenyon Martin had 14 points and nine rebounds.
Team records:
Utah: 53-29 SU, 49-30-3 ATS
Denver: 53-29 SU, 34-42-6 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing Denver are 7-3
After a win are 6-4

Denver most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Utah are 6-4
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games when playing Denver
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
Utah is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing Utah
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Utah
Denver is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games at home
Next up:
Utah home to Denver, Friday, April 30
Denver at Utah, Friday, April 30

 

NBA Odds: Bucks vs Hawks

Courtesy of OddsShark.com:

The Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Philips Arena.
Oddsmakers currently have the Hawks listed as 9-point favorites versus the Bucks, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Brandon Jennings went for 23 points and six assists to lead the Bucks past the Hawks 111-104 in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Monday night.
Milwaukee cashed as 2-point home underdogs, while the game played OVER the 189.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
John Salmons and Carlos Delfino both dropped 22 points for the Bucks, who knotted the best-of-seven series at two games apiece in the win.
Joe Johnson had 29 points and nine assists for Atlanta, while Jamal Crawford dropped 21 points off the bench for the Hawks.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 46-36 SU, 53-28-1 ATS
Atlanta: 53-29 SU, 48-34 ATS
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 6-4
Before playing Milwaukee are 8-2
After playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 12 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Milwaukee is 18-4-1 ATS in its last 23 games on the road
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Atlanta's last 12 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Next up:
Milwaukee home to Atlanta, Friday, April 30
Atlanta at Milwaukee, Friday, April 30

 

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

2010 Kentucky Derby Odds, NBA Picks From Bodog Sportsbook

No stranger to the winner's circle, Lookin At Lucky has been a top contender since his 2-year-old season in which he won four races in a row, including two consecutive Grade 1 titles. This year, Bob Baffert's trainee hasn't been perfect – coming in third in the $750,000 Gr. 1 Santa Anita Derby in his last outing on April 3 – but he has demonstrated grit and determination and the ability to rally in less-than-ideal circumstances, qualities that will serve him well in a loaded Derby field. He can also win on dirt as well as synthetics.

Get your Lookin At Lucky odds to win the 2010 Kentucky Derby at Bodog!

A son of Smart Strike, Lookin At Lucky turned in a 6-furlong work at Churchill Downs on Saturday, April 21, clocking in at 1:12.16 under exercise rider Dana Barnes. On May 1, he will have the services of Garrett Gomez, who has ridden him exclusively. Gomez himself has much to prove, having turned in a questionable ride in Lookin at Lucky's second career loss.

Lookin At Lucky goes into the Derby atop the graded stakes earnings list with $1,480,000 and a 2010 record of 2-1-0-1.

Is Lookin at Lucky your Derby pick? Bet on the Kentucky Derby at the Bodog Racebook!

For more information: Get breakdowns used by covers experts to beat the scores and odds at top sportsbooks on the OffshoreInsiders.com Network.  

Struggling Baltimore will try to get things back on track on MLB odds this Tuesday when they host the Yankees.

Phil Hughes (2-0, 2.19 ERA) should make his third start of the season for New York. Hughes has been great this season and is coming off a one-hit, one-run, 7.1 inning effort against Oakland.

The righthander has faced Baltimore eight times (five starts) with poor results. Hughes is 2-2 with a 6.92 ERA in those games.

Kevin Millwood (0-3, 3.38 ERA) will get the call for Baltimore. Despite pitching pretty well so far this season, Millwood has guided Baltimore to losses in all four of his starts. He allowed four runs in eight innings against Seattle last week.

Millwood is 2-4 with a 4.86 ERA in nine career starts against the Yankees.

Bodog also takes a look at the Lakers vs. Thunder match-up.

The Lakers and Thunder have only been able to win at home in this NBA playoff series, which is tied 2-2. Will the trend continue on Monday night?

If one trend leads the way in this series, it's poor shooting. Los Angeles hit just 41.5 percent of its shots in Game 4. Oklahoma City, which won 110-89, was just 40.8 percent from the field. Kevin Durant led the way with 22 points. Russell Westbrook chipped in 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, but much of the damage was done by the bench. Guard James Harden scored 15 off the pine, while Eric Maynor posted 13 of his own.

Kobe Bryant scored just 12 points for Los Angeles. Pau Gasol had only 13 points and four rebounds, but neither was as bad as Ron Artest. Artest scored just five points on 2-9 shooting.

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Get your NBA Odds in the Bodog Sportsbook!

Now to the Spurs vs. Mavericks.

The Spurs own a commanding 3-1 lead in this best-of-seven NBA playoff series after winning Game 4 92-89. The set resumes on Tuesday night.

San Antonio has won three straight in this series. On Sunday, it was George Hill playing the role of hero. Hill—who has been very impressive this year since taking over for the injured Tony Parker—hadn't played especially well in this series after being hobbled with an ankle injury. He bounced back with a game-high 29 points on Sunday.

Tim Duncan was limited to just four points on 1-9 shooting, but he still contributed with 11 rebounds. Manu Ginobili scored 17 points while Parker added 10 off the bench.

Dirk Nowitzki scored just 17 points on 4-10 shooting. He did grab 11 rebounds, though. Caron Butler tied Nowitzki for the team-lead in scoring with 17 points of his own.

Finally the Heat vs. Celtics: The Heat fought off elimination by the Celtics for one game, but they still face an uphill battle as they trail 3-1 in their NBA playoff series.

Dwyane Wade exploded for 46 points in Game 4, a 101-92 Heat victory. The impressive effort including 30 second-half points, as Wade picked up the Heat and carried them on his back. Quentin Richardson also came through in the clutch, delivering 20 points and seven rebounds. Michael Beasley added 15 points for Miami.

Rajon Rondo led the attack for Boston with 23 points and nine assists. Kevin Garnett also looked quite sharp, racking up a double-double with 18 points and 12 boards. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen scored 16 and 15 points, respectively.

Boston needs Miami's three-point shooting to cool off if it's going to finish off this series; the Heat knocked down 10 of their 18 three-point attempts in Game 4.

Get your NBA Odds  in the Bodog Sportsbook!

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NBA Free Pick From Matt Rivers

Basketball handicapper Matt Rivers a free pick on the Boston Celtics against the Miami Heat. They are laying seven at BetUs.  If you are sick and tired of handicappers as shady as Josh Birnbaum and Daniel Sparks of Goldman Sachs.

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It's tough to lay half a dozen or so points with an aging Boston squad against a bonafide superstar in Dwyane Wade but I don't see this Miami team being able to muster much of anything in this spot.

The Heat has been absolutely horrific overall, save the heroic last game performance by Wade. I could not have been any less impressed with Pat Riley's franchise in this series and especially in that absolutely abysmal game two in Boston where the visitors looked as disinterested in a playoff game as I have ever seen in my entire life.

Now down 3-1 the Heat are going back to Beantown looking to extend the series. I just don't see that happening, as this team is just not right at all.

Jermaine O'Neal has turned into a joke and Michael Beasley is as untrustworthy as any player in the league.

With the amount of talent the former Kansas State star possesses much more is expected but yet this guy has not shown it.

Doc Rivers' boys are aging before our eyes and probably have no shot to beat LeBron and the Cavs and win a championship but a quality nucleus is still there with Garnett, Pierce, Allen and Rondo and at home here should eliminate the fairly gutless Heat.

I'm not the biggest chalk eater but after seeing what Miami has done in this series on the road I can't help but believe they pack it in here and get ready for the summer.

They left Ray Allen open ad nausea in the corner in that last road game thanks to a total lack of effort and I'm not expecting much to be a changing here.

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