Service Plays Saturday 6/1/13

Please remember, this forum is not here for regular posters who cap their own games to post ther daily plays. Please use our individual sport forums to post your plays. Professional cappers (those that sell plays) must remain in the Site Promotion Forum.
Do not post any copy written info from the following services.

Apple Handicappers
Allan Eastman (do not post)
PlusLineSports-
PowerPlay Wins
Pregame
The Real Animal
THELOCKOFTHEDAY
Any services represented by Stevo Design Inc.
ATSadv ice.com
Right Angle Sports (RAS)
Tony Karpinski and 3G-Sports
Discreat Cat (do not post at all)
Doc Sports Services (do not post at all)
Big Al Mcmordie (do not post at all)
Dr. Bob Sports
Dr. guru sports
madduxsports
Red Zone Sports
Dennis Hill
Peter Gold at VI
Strike Point Sports (do not post)
Vegas Sports Informer (do not post)
Winning Points/Sports Reporter
ASA, ASA Inc’s or American Sports Analysts
Sal Bansa/sportspicks1019
Mikelineback
Larry Ness
zen_gambler
Tom Stryker
Lenny Delgenio
Scott Spreitzer
Matt Fargo
@ntonwins
Robert Ferringo (do not post)
Pacific (Pac Star) Sports
The Prez
Mike Rose
Gametimereport
LT Profits
Alex Smart
JB Sports
ATS Consultants
Ken Jenkins
AJ Apollo
Jim Avery
Jim Kruger
Paul Stone
Ross Benjamin
Dave Cokin
Tony George
Fred Wallin
Rocky Atkinson
Jorge Gonzalez
Greg DiPalma
Vernon Croy
Ron Raymond
Dennis Macklin
Ben Lewis
Lucky Lester
Bruce Marshall
Ted Sevransky (Teddy Covers)
Ben Burns
Fairway Jay
EZ Winners
Pointwise Sports
Pro Sports Info
Steve Merril SportsAlatex Sports
Tennessee Valley Sports
Trushel Sports Consulting
Sports Memo Crew which include:
Rob Veno,Brent Crow,Erin Rynning,Donnie Black,Marty Otto,Jared Klein,David Jones,Ed Cash
Sixth Sense Sports
Marc Lawrence, and/or
Playbook, and/or
Preferred Picks
Vegasadvisor s.com.
PayneInsider
Killersportslive
Hittingpaydirt
Vegas Winning Crew: (do not post)
Sports Money Profit System (do not post top plays)
-------
GL!

NHL Western Conference Final preview: Blackhawks vs. Kings

The four remaining NHL teams in this year’s playoffs are the last four Stanley Cup champs. That’s the first time that's happened since 1945. The Chicago Blackhawks overcame a 3-1 series deficit to slip by the Detroit Red Wings in Game 7 Wednesday night while the Los Angeles Kings also needed seven games to dispatch the San Jose Sharks.

No. 1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. No. 5 Los Angeles Kings

Season series: Blackhawks won 2-1 SU, 2-0-1 over/under

Series prices: Blackhawks -160, Kings +140

Why bet the Blackhawks: The Blackhawks have won three straight games and have some serious momentum heading into their series with the defending Stanley Cup champs. Corey Crawford has been superb in goal for Chicago, posting a .948 save percentage and 1.50 goals-against average in the last four contests of the conference semifinals. The Blackhawks' penalty kill has yielded just one power play goal on 41 opportunities in 12 playoff games. That is by far the best percentage in this year’s postseason at 97.6 percent.

Why bet the Kings: The Kings are the defending champs and goaltender Jonathan Quick is reproducing the kind of numbers that earned him Conn Smythe honors last season. Quick leads all goalies in goals-against average (1.50), save percentage (.948) and shutouts (3). Quick’s stellar play has under bettors laughing all the way to the bank to date. Los Angeles is 2-10-1 over/under entering the conference finals and is allowing a league-low 1.54 goals per game. The Kings also have a distinct size advantage in this series. The average weight of the 12 forwards expected to suit up for Game 1 is 211 pounds.

Capping the calendar: June's best and worst MLB pitchers
By MARC LAWRENCE

The MLB calendar flips to June and we look at which pitchers perform well in the third month of the schedule and which ones run out of gas in June.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a 2-to-1 or better success ratio in team starts the last three seasons during the month of June. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in June team starts, winning 33 percent or less of their efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts with at least one start each June over the last three years.

GOOD JUNE PITCHERS

Joe Blanton, Los Angeles Angels • 7-3

This might take a leap of faith to back the Angels right-hander who is on pace to have the worst year of career. If he’s going to help his team the rest of the season, giving up over 1.5 hits per innings pitched has to change immediately. Maybe turning the calendar will help.

Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox • 11-1

Buchholz begins this month after missing a start with irritation in his collarbone/AC joint. Otherwise, the Red Sox righty has done little wrong in 2013, as opposing batters are below the Mendoza Line (.200 batting average) against his tosses this year. The biggest difference is his ability to be focused for each start, which was not the case previously.

Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds • 10-4

Having returned from the DL on May 20, Cueto is expected to continue what was the start of a quality campaign. Being backed with a ballclub which can score runs helps, but the Dominican native hides the ball expertly with a lively two and four-seam fastballs and a quick biting slider. Confident hurler.

Ryan Dempster, Boston Red Sox • 11-3

The 36-year-old right-hander has struggled to find his pitch location, explaining his mediocre record. The fastball has lacked the tailing action of the past and left-handed batters are squaring up his tosses more often. It’s time for Dempster to start contributing for Boston.

R.A. Dickey, Toronto Blue Jays • 12-4

The dancing knuckleball has not been there for the Cy Young winner. Consistently, Dickey has not had the same dropping action from his knuckler as last year, which is why he’s been so prone to the long ball. The conundrum is exasperated by the fact this has not happened even when he changed speeds. It is time for Dickey to start earning his wages.

Jason Hammel, Baltimore Orioles • 11-5

In spite of a solid record this year, Hammel still has an ERA over 5.00. Where he’s been generally improved is more quality starts, but when Orioles starter has an “off day”, he is hammered. If the 6-foot-6 right-hander can maintain the same win percentage in June as in the past, manager Buck Showalter will take it.

Tommy Hanson, Arizona Diamondbacks • 12-2

Has been on the restricted list and on May 25 threw a five-inning, 75-pitch simulated game in Arizona and appears to be on the verge of rejoining the Angels' staff. With the Angels’ recent play; they would really like to have one of their main starters back to strengthen the rotation and the bullpen. Having Hanson put together another hot June would be a big plus.

Ubaldo Jimenez, Cleveland Indians • 11-5

No longer the mid-to-upper 90’s pitcher from his Colorado days, Jimenez is a back of the rotation starter for Cleveland, capable of two or three solid outings in a row and then struggle with his complicated delivery and be tagged. Always the key for this 29 year old is not walking batters, since that is when things unravel.

Mat Latos, Cincinnati Reds • 12-4

Since arriving in Cincinnati, Latos has grown up and pitched with greater maturity. He is less bothered with mistakes and moves on to the next pitch instead of dwelling on what happened two batters ago. Could reach the next level as a pitcher if he develops a better plan for going through the lineup the third and fourth time.

Jon Niese, New York Mets • 13-4

Not having a very good season on a below average club, Niese has started to focus on himself. The lefty has developed bad mechanics, leaning to the side and forward in his delivery instead of being straight up. The Mets year is probably lost, but Niese can turn it around by doing what he does best with his drop-and-drive motion.

David Price, Tampa Bay Rays • 12-5

Price has been on the DL since May 15 with a left triceps strain in the midst of his worst professional season. Maybe the rest will help and the velocity will return for the current AL Cy Young winner. Hard to imagine Tampa Bay makes the playoffs without Price finishing the year strong when he returns.

C.C. Sabathia, New York Yankees • 14-2

For really the first time, the Yankees big man is starting to show some mileage. Sabathia’s batting average allowed is on a pace for a career-worst and he is well ahead of surrendering the most home runs of his storied career (11 to this point; 22 HR is previous high). The fastball has lost a couple of miles per hour and his slurvy breaking pitches have not yet had the usual bite. Nonetheless, he’s still C.C. and chances are he will figure out how to win more games.

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers • 14-3

After a couple of domineering years, Detroit’s ace has been ordinary by his standards in 2013. Verlander is permitting a hit an inning, something he has not done since his breakout year in 2006. His past suggests he could return to his usual productive ways at any moment and this is typically a sendoff point for him.

Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels • 8-4

The tall, lanky Halos hurler is back from a broken left elbow and is expected to do what he throughout his career, win nearly two out three decisions (102-53 record). This premier starter works all four corners of the strike zone like a surgeon.

C.J. Wilson, Los Angeles Angels • 14-1

Interesting to note there are four Anaheim starters on this list, thus if history is a predictor of the future, the Halos could have a monster June. A little hesitant at first being an ace when Weaver was injured, the left-hander looked more comfortable as time wore on and at least looked the part. Has owned this month.

BAD JUNE PITCHERS

Jeremy Guthrie, Kansas City Royals • 3-10

After setting a Kansas City franchise-record with 17 consecutive starts without a loss, Guthrie was roughed up the latter part of May and seen his ERA begin to return to career norms. Unless the Royals offense displays the ability to score like they did in sharp 17-10 start to the season, it is going to be difficult to back Guthrie.

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies • 5-12

The Phillies’ left-hander has already lost more games (8) than all of last season (6). After a rocky start, Hamels’ ERA has been in the mid-four’s since late April and though run support has been an issue from time to time, his yo-yo performances have made a bad situation worse. Hamels’ unusually high ERA at home (5.35) is what has really hurt him and finishing above .500 could be quite a task.

Justin Masterson, Cleveland Indians • 5-10

Playing on his best team since joining Cleveland, Masterson is trending positively. The Jamaican-born sidearm pitcher is at career-lows in batting average allowed and WHIP and if he can surpass the problems he’s endured in past June’s, he is setting himself up for a fine campaign.

Brian Matusz, Baltimore Orioles • 4-13

Has only been used in relief by Baltimore this season and appears to have found a niche as a non-starter.

Ricky Nolasco, Miami Marlins • 5-12

The Corona, CA native is statistically having his best year since 2007, when he was 15-8 with a 3.52 ERA. Unfortunately, Nolasco can’t be expected to come close to matching the same win total, playing for an abysmal Marlins outfit. He has to be considered prime acquisition material for a contender before the season heads too much further down the road.

Anibal Sanchez, Detroit Tigers • 5-10

Unlike Nolasco, Sanchez has been saved from Miami, pitching for Detroit. More comfortable in his first full season in MoTown, Sanchez’s 5-4 record does not indicate how well he thrown for the Tigers. His previous negative numbers figure to be in the past with a championship contender.

DCI Pro Hockey
The Daniel Curry Index

06/01/13 Predictions

Season: 315-194 (.619)

Eastern Conference Finals
Game 1, best-of-7
PITTSBURGH 4, Boston 2

Western Conference Finals
Game 1, best-of-7
CHICAGO 3, Los Angeles 2

DCI Pro Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index

06/01/13 Prediction

Season
Straight Up: 852-404 (.678)
ATS: 667-620 (.518)
ATS Vary Units: 1664-1576 (.514)
Over/Under: 662-625 (.514)
Over/Under Vary Units: 917-842 (.521)

Eastern Conference Finals
Game #6
Miami vs. INDIANA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Heat at Pacers: What bettors need to know

Miami Heat at Indiana Pacers (2.5, 182)

Heat lead best-of-seven series 3-2.

LeBron James has not gotten much help from the rest of the “Big Three,” but he hasn’t really needed it. James and the Miami Heat will be looking to close out the Eastern Conference finals when they visit the Indiana Pacers for Game 6 on Saturday. James went for 30 points in Game 5 and took over in the second half after the Heat had fallen behind. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh combined for 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting.

James outscored the Pacers 16-13 in the third quarter and added eight rebounds and six assists. “That’s LeBron showing his greatness and making it look easy,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “…His engine in the third quarter was incredible. He was tireless, he was making plays on both ends of the court, rebounding, covering so much ground defensively and then making virtually every play for us offensively. It’s really remarkable.” Paul George had 27 points and 11 rebounds for Indiana but could not drag the team back by himself in the fourth quarter after James had given the Heat a double-digit advantage.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE HEAT: Miami is one win away from a third straight trip to the NBA Finals and has not dropped back-to-back games since January. The Heat were able to correct huge deficiencies on the glass and in points in the paint in Game 5, and will need to avoid falling into a hole in those areas again when the series shifts back to Indiana for Game 5. Udonis Haslem had his second strong supporting performance of the series with 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting in Game 5 and Chris Andersen continued to provide the Heat with some toughness on the interior, though his shove to Pacers forward Tyler Hnasbrough’s chest is sure to draw some scrutiny from the league. But James was head-and-shoulders above the rest and seemed to control every aspect of the game during the decisive runs. “That’s what I came here for,” James said, “to be able to compete for a championship each and every year. I’m one step away from doing it again.”

ABOUT THE PACERS: Indiana counts on its size advantage on the frontline to lead the way, as it has in each of the Pacers’ two victories in the series. While George, Roy Hibbert and David West combined for 66 points, the rest of the lineup managed just 13 in the 90-79 setback. The starting backcourt of George Hill and Lance Stephenson was especially disappointing with a total of five points. Stephenson picked up two quick fouls on James in the first quarter and was in trouble the rest of the night, preventing him from crashing the paint and doing some damage on the glass. George was the only Indiana player to knock down a 3-pointer, and the starting five combined for 14 turnovers. “(The Heat are) one of the best teams that this league has ever seen and we’re enjoying competing against them,” Pacers coach Frank Vogel said after Game 5. “We know we can beat them, but we’ve got to play better than we did tonight.”

TRENDS:

* Pacers are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a loss.
* Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.
* Over is 14-2 in Pacers’ last 16 games following a loss.
* Heat are 0-4 ATS in their last four games following a win.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Andersen remains perfect from the field at 15-for-15 in the series. He has not missed a shot since Game 4 of the semifinals at Chicago but will be suspended for Game 6 for his shove of Indiana's Tyler Hansbrough in Game 5 on Thursday night.

2. Stephenson is 10-for-39 in the series outside of Game 4, when he went for 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting.

3. Wade has failed to reach 20 points in 12 straight games.

NBA betting: Heat are closers with three wins in a series

When the Miami Heat have three wins in a series, they historically finish off their opponent and close out the series. The Heat have that opportunity presented to them again as they take a 3-2 lead into Indianapolis against the Indiana Pacers.

Miami has played 11 games in the "Big Three" era when they have the opportunity to close out a series. They are 9-2 SU (straight up), 7-4 ATS and 7-4 O/U (over/under). Their only SU losses came in a first-round series in 2011 against the Philadelphia 76ers and 2012 versus the New York Knicks.

In the three Game 6's they have played with three wins, as is the case for the game Saturday, Miami is 2-1 SU and ATS and 2-1 O/U.

Miami and Indiana squared off in a Game 6 with the Heat up 3-2 in the 2012 playoffs. The Heat won that game in Indiana 105-93 and covered as 2.5-point favorites.

Ironically, Miami is a 2.5-point favorite for Game 6 Saturday.

Saturday's NHL playoffs: What bettors need to know

Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks (-160, 5)

Jonathan Quick authored an amazing performance en route to securing the Conn Smythe Trophy during the Los Angeles Kings' Stanley Cup-winning season in 2012. The Connecticut native is penning quite the sequel in 2013 as the fifth-seeded Kings visit the United Center for Game 1 of their Western Conference final against the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks. Quick helped Los Angeles turn aside fourth-seeded St. Louis in six games and sixth-seeded San Jose in seven behind three shutouts, an NHL-best 1.50 goals-against average and .948 save percentage.

While Quick has been sensational in the playoffs, he was rather pedestrian as the Kings dropped two of three meetings to the Blackhawks this season. Corey Crawford, who is Quick's counterpart, also has posted impressive numbers in the playoffs - sitting second in goals-against average (1.70) and third in save percentage (.938). Crawford helped Presidents' Trophy-winning Chicago to a five-game series victory over eighth-seeded Minnesota in the first round before pulling out an overtime victory in Game 7 against Original Six rival Detroit in the second.

TV: 5 p.m. ET, NBC Sports, TSN, RDS

ABOUT THE KINGS: During last season's run to the Cup, Los Angeles made itself at home on the road by winning its first 10 games. The tables have turned in 2013 as the Kings have won just once in six contests away from the Staples Center. Los Angeles could welcome the return of Jarret Stoll, who missed the final six contests of the second round after absorbing a brutal hit from San Jose's Raffi Torres. The Kings are led by Mike Richards' team-leading 10 points and fellow former Philadelphia star Jeff Carter's five goals. Defenseman Drew Doughty is logging nearly 28 minutes of ice time.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS: After being held off the scoresheet in four straight contests, Patrick Sharp recorded his seventh goal of the postseason in Wednesday's Game 7 - tying him with Pittsburgh teammates Sidney Crosby and Pascal Dupuis for the league lead. Perhaps Sharp's scoring touch can find its way to captain Jonathan Toews, who has just one goal in the playoffs after matching Patrick Kane with a team-high 23 during the season. Toews did collect a goal and an assist in all three meetings against Los Angeles in 2013.

TRENDS:

* Kings are 1-11 in their last 12 road games.
* Under is 7-0-2 in Kings’ last nine road games.
* Blackhawks are 1-4 in their last five vs. Pacific foes.

OVERTIME

1. Los Angeles has won 14 consecutive games at the Staples Center, although Chicago opened the season with a 5-2 triumph on Jan. 19. The Blackhawks
posted a 3-2 victory at home on Feb. 17 before dropping a 5-4 decision at the United Center on March 25.

2. Chicago advanced to the conference final for the first time since 2010. The Blackhawks won that series and felled the Flyers in six games to seize the Stanley Cup.

3. Chicago has killed off a league-best 97.6 percent of its short-handed situations in the postseason.


Boston Bruins at Pittsburgh Penguins (-170, 5.5)

Jarome Iginla carefully weighed his options before accepting a trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins over two months ago. In doing so, the veteran spurned the advances of several teams - notably the fourth-seeded Boston Bruins. While Iginla has added to the top-seeded Penguins' powerful punch, he'll face the team he hit in the mouth in the visiting Bruins on Saturday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference final. The teams are meeting in the playoffs for the first time since 1992. Pittsburgh won that series en route to the latter half of its back-to-back Stanley Cup titles.

"When I was faced with that choice and had the opportunity of being very fortunate to have a couple of really good teams (trading for me), I knew the possibility that this would be the case," Iginla said earlier in the week. With four goals and eight assists, the veteran did his part in helping Pittsburgh eliminate the eighth-seeded New York Islanders in six games before ousting seventh-seeded Ottawa in five. Boston defeated a pair of Original Six rivals to advance to the conference final. The Bruins nearly squandered a 3-1 series lead in the first round before rallying past fifth-seeded Toronto. They had considerably less difficulty with the sixth-seeded New York Rangers, eliminating them in five.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBC, CBC, RDS

ABOUT THE BRUINS: While hardly considered chopped liver, Jaromir Jagr was the "consolation prize" for the Bruins at the trade deadline - but the former Penguin has yet to score a goal in 12 postseason games. Boston has been bolstered by the offensive contributions from its defensemen - notably rookie Torey Krug, who has scored three of his four goals on the power play. Fellow blue-liner Johnny Boychuk also has four tallies - not a shabby accomplishment considering he had just one goal in 44 games during the regular season. David Krejci leads the league with 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) and is a plus-9.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS: Offense hasn't been the issue in the Steel City, as the Penguins have scored 46 goals - including 13 in their final two contests. Norris Trophy candidate Kris Letang has an NHL-best 13 assists, leads all defensemen with 16 points and shares the team lead in that category with reigning Hart Trophy winner Evgeni Malkin. Captain Sidney Crosby has matched teammate Pascal Dupuis and Chicago's Patrick Sharp with a league-leading seven tallies and former 40-goal scorer James Neal has scored five times in his last two games.

TRENDS:

* Bruins are 0-6 in the last six meetings.
* Penguins are 5-0 in their last five Conference Finals games.
* Under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings.

OVERTIME

1. The Penguins posted a 3-2 victory over the Bruins on March 12 and a 2-1 triumph five days later. They also recorded a 3-2 decision on April 20 - one day
after the scheduled contest was postponed as authorities conducted a manhunt for one of the suspects involved in the Boston Marathon bombings.

2. Pittsburgh is making its first appearance in the Eastern Conference final since 2009 - while Boston reached this stage for the second time in three years.

3. Penguins G Tomas Vokoun has won six of seven starts and recorded a 1.85 goals-against average since replacing former Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Bruins G Tuukka Rask has won eight of 12 postseason outings and boasts a .928 save percentage.

Heat Look to Capture Another East Title Saturday

Eastern Conference Finals
Game 6 - Heat lead series 3-2
Tip-off: Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Line: Miami -2, Total: 182

The Heat will be looking to earn a third straight conference title when they head to Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Saturday for Game 6 against the Pacers.

Miami was down four points at halftime in Game 5, but that was before LeBron James called a huddle to rally up his teammates. When the second half began, James completely dominated the game from that point on. The Heat outscored the Pacers by 17 points in the third quarter (30-13) and they ended up winning the game 90-79 behind 30 points from the league MVP. This game was heated and tempers were flaring as there was almost a fight between Chris Andersen and Tyler Hansbrough in the first half, followed by Udonis Haslem and David West nearly going at it in the second half. The two teams do not like each other one bit and it has made for some exciting, physical play. So far in this series, Indiana is 3-2 ATS, with the teams alternating SU wins in all five contests. Miami is a strong 34-13 SU and 29-18 ATS (62%) on the road this season, including a 5-1 mark (SU and ATS) in the playoffs, outscoring these hosts by 11.3 PPG. But the Pacers are 7-1 (SU and ATS) at home this postseason, and a strong 37-12 SU and 29-20 ATS mark (59%) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse for the entire 2012-13 campaign. They have already bounced back from two SU losses this series with corresponding wins, making them 26-12 SU and 25-13 ATS (66%) when coming off a defeat this season.

The Heat looked like they were in for some big trouble after the first half of Game 5, but SF LeBron James (28.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 5.4 APG in series) was able to bail his team out. With little help on the evening, James did everything he could to will Miami to a victory and in the end finished with 30 points (13-of-26 FG, 2-of-7 threes), eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and a game-high +14 rating in 44 minutes of play. SG Dwyane Wade (15.4 PPG, 5.6 APG, 5.0 RPG in series) and PF Chris Bosh (12.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG in series) were nowhere to be found on the evening as they combined to score just 17 points on 6-of-15 FG. James is going to need help from his co-stars and so far they are yet to give it to him. Wade averaged 21.2 PPG on 52% FG in the regular season, but has just 13.9 PPG on 46% FG in the playoffs, failing to score 20 points in each of the past 12 contests. And Bosh has nearly has many fouls (16) as total rebounds (18) in this series. The player who impacted the game the most besides James was PF Udonis Haslem (8.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG in series). Haslem found himself open on the baseline throughout most of the second half where he was able to hit jumper after jumper on his way to 16 points (8-of-9 FG) and three rebounds in 26 minutes. PG Mario Chalmers (12.4 PPG, 3.6 APG in series) also provided some offense for Erik Spoelstra’s team with 12 points (5-of-12 FG) and a series-high six assists. In the two games at Indiana this series, Chalmers has scored an impressive 17.0 PPG on 10-of-20 shooting.

The Pacers played a great first half in Game 5, but they were unable to stop LeBron James in the second half and that was ultimately their downfall. As soon as things started going poorly on the defensive end for Indiana, they began to struggle mightily on offense, scoring just 35 points over the final two quarters. SF Paul George (20.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.4 APG in series) led the way for the Pacers with 27 points (11-of-19 FG, 5-of-8 threes), 11 rebounds and five assists. But he also committed five turnovers for the third straight contest. C Roy Hibbert (22.6 PPG, 10.8 RPG in series) also played a great game for Indiana, finishing with 22 points (8-of-14 FG, 6-of-6 FT), six rebounds and two blocks. This duo combined for all 23 points that the team scored in the first quarter. PF David West (18.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG in series) also had solid numbers for Indiana, finishing with 17 points (7-of-16 FG) and eight rebounds, but he also tallied a game-worst rating of minus-19. PG George Hill (12.4 PPG, 4.4 APG, 3.0 RPG in series) and SG Lance Stephenson (9.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG in series) provided nothing for Indiana, combining for just five points in the game on 2-of-11 FG. Hill had averaged 18.7 PPG in his previous three games before going 0-for-4 on Thursday night, finishing with one point and four assists, while Stephenson pumped in 20 points on 9-of-15 FG in Game 4 before notching more fouls (six) than points (four) on Thursday. The Pacers are going to need their starting backcourt to play much better in Game 6 if they are going to even up the series and extend their season.

[h=1]Today's NHL Picks[/h] [h=2]Los Angeles at Chicago[/h] The Blackhawks look to take advantage of a Los Angeles team that is 1-11 in its last 12 road games. Chicago is the pick (-150) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-150). Here are all of today's picks.

Hockey Crusher
[FONT=verdana,helvetica,sans-serif]

Chicago Blackhawks -160 over LA Kings
​

(System Record: 72-3, won last game)
Overall Record: 72-49-4[/FONT]

MLB

Hot pitchers
-- Fernandez is 0-0, 2.05 in four home starts.
-- Samardzija is 2-1, 1.13 in his last three starts.
-- Wainwright is 3-1, 2.35 in his last four starts. Miller is 2-1, 1.99 in his last five starts. Giants won last six Cain starts (4-0, 3.86).
-- Liriano is 3-1, 2.31 in four starts this season. Leake is 2-0, 0.86 in his last three starts.
-- GGonzalez is 1-1, 2.76 in his last five starts.

-- Buehrle is 1-0, 2.08 in his last two starts.

-- Straily is 2-0, 0.69 in his last two starts. Quintana is 1-1, 2.92 in his last two.
-- Hammel is 2-0, 2.45 in his last couple starts.
-- Hughes is 0-0, 2.08 in his last two starts.
-- JWilliams is 3-0, 2.02 in his last four starts.


Cold pitchers
-- McHugh was 0-3, 8.82 in four '12 starts; he is 3-2, 2.74 in eight AAA starts so far this season.
-- Peralta is 0-4, 10.70 in his last four starts. Cloyd is 1-1, 5.74 in three starts this season.
-- Greinke is 0-1, 12.38 in his last two starts. Chacin is 0-3, 6.46 in five starts since coming off the DL.
-- Kennedy is 1-1, 5.28 in his last five starts.
-- Bumgarner is 1-3, 5.75 in his last five starts.
-- Hudson is 0-3, 8.14 in his last four starts, but Atlanta is 5-0 in his starts at home (3-0, 2.97).

-- Padres used Saturday starter Richard in relief in 16th inning last night, so not sure who they're pitching tonight.

-- Archer is making first '13 start; he is 5-3, 3.96 in 10 AAA starts this year, and was 1-3, 4.60 in four big league starts LY. Jimenez is 0-1, 5.63 in his last three starts.
-- Harang is 0-3, 10.67 in his three road starts. Correia is 2-3, 5.93 in his last five starts.
-- Shields is 0-4, 4.03 in his last four starts. Tepesch is 1-3, 5.27 in his last five starts.
-- Verlander is 2-2, 9.15 in his last four starts.
-- Doubront is 0-2, 6.10 in his last four starts.
-- Norris is 0-3, 13.89 in his last three road starts.

Starting Pitchers/First Inning
You can wager on whether teams will score in first inning. Below is how often a starting pitcher has allowed 1+ runs in first inning in one of his starts........
-- McHugh 0-0; Fernandez 2-10
-- Peralta 3-11 (3 of last 3); Cloyd 2-3
-- Greinke 2-5; Chacin 2-9
-- Kennedy 4-10; Samardzija 4-11
-- Leake 2-10; Liriano 1-4
-- Cain 4-11 Bumgarner 0-11; Miller 3-10 Wainwright 3-11
-- Gonzalez 4-11; Hudson 2-11

-- Buehrle 4-11 (1 of last 8); Unknown

-- Archer 0-0; Jimenez 4-10
-- Harang 4-7; Correia 3-10
-- Quintana 3-10; Straily 2-7
-- Shields 5-11; Tepesch 2-10
-- Verlander 4-11 (4 of last 4); Hammel 4-11
-- Doubront 2-8; Hughes 4-10
-- Norris 4-11; Williams 1-5

Totals
-- Seven of last nine Arizona road games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Nine of last thirteen Pirate games stayed under the total.
-- 11 of Mets' last 15 games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Washington games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-1-1 in Cain's last eight starts.
-- Eight of last twelve Colorado games stayed under the total.

-- Seven of last nine Toronto games went over the total.

-- Over is 12-3-1 in Baltimore's last sixteen games.
-- Over is 24-7-1 in last 32 Tampa Bay games.
-- Five of last seven Bronx games stayed under total.
-- Over is 4-2-1 in last seven Texas games.
-- Three of last four Minnesota home games stayed under.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in Angels' last eight games.
-- Six of last seven Oakland home games stayed under total.


Hot teams
-- Cubs won their last five games, scoring 36 runs.
-- Pirates won 13 of their last 17 games. Reds won 15 of their last 20.
-- Mets won five of their last six games.
-- Atlanta won ten of its last fourteen games.
-- Cardinals won 21 of their last 28 games.

-- Padres won three of their last four games.

-- Orioles won six of their last eight games.
-- Rays won their last five games, scoring 42 runs.
-- Twins won five of their last seven games.
-- Angels won nine of their last twelve games. Houston won four of last five.
-- A's won 12 of their last 14 games.

Cold teams
-- Arizona lost its last four road games, allowing 25 runs.
-- Brewers lost 13 of their last 17 games. Philly is 3-5 in its last eight games.
-- Marlins lost 19 of their last 23 games.
-- Nationals lost four of their last seven games.
-- Giants lost five of their last eight games.
-- Dodgers lost nine of their last twelve road games. Rockies lost six of their last seven games overall.

-- Toronto lost seven of its last ten road games.

-- Detroit lost its last four games, scoring eight runs.
-- Indians lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Bronx lost five of its last six games. Boston lost three of last four.
-- Royals lost 13 of their last 15 games. Texas lost three of last five.
-- Mariners lost ten of their last fourteen games.
-- White Sox lost their last four games, allowing 27 runs.

Umpires
-- NY-Mia-- Five of last seven Fairchild games stayed under.
-- Mil-Phil-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Hallion games.
-- LA-Col-- Favorites won 15 of last 20 Davis games.
-- Az-Chi-- Underdogs won 14 of last 20 West games.
-- Cin-Pitt-- Favorites won 10 of last 11 Hirschbeck games, with over 4-0-3 in his last seven.
-- Wsh-Atl-- Visiting team won last six Vanover games.

-- Tor-SD-- Underdogs are 7-7 (+$257) in last 14 Eddings games.

-- TB-Cle-- Home team won six of last seven O'Nora games.
-- Sea-Min-- Favorites won six of last seven McClelland games.
-- A's-KC-- Over is 31-9-4 in last 44 Emmel games.
-- KC-Tex-- Under is 9-4 in last thirteen Tichenor games.
-- Det-Balt-- Eight of last nine Wendelstedt games went over total.
-- Bos-NY-- Underdogs are 10-9 in last nineteen Cederstrom games.
-- Hst-LA-- Seven of last nine TBarrett games stayed under total.

Cappers Access

Heat -2.5
D'Backs +140
W.Sox +160

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

Our Bonus Plays are 1040-773 (58 + %) over the last 5 1/2 years !

Free winner Sat: Pacers + 2 1/2

Gamblers Data

Bonus Play Saturday

Blue Jays -115

Joe Wiz

Bonus Play Saturday Toronto/San Diego Under 8 1/2