Bettor's best friend: Wednesday's wagering tips
Lines
to keep an eye on
The total in the Spurs-Suns game has been
hammered upward at least three points since opening at 202. Most shops
are currently offering 205.5. The last four games between these teams
have gone over.
Phoenix opened as a 4.5-point home favorite but
that spread has been bet down to 2.5.
With a strong wind expected
to blow out to right in the Tigers-Twins game, the total has been bet
up a full run from 9 to 10.
The Cardinals-Phillies game has also
seen a total jump from 9 to 10.
An opening total of 9 for the
Nationals-Braves game has dropped a full run and now most sportsbooks
are working with 8.
Most shops are working with a total of 8.5 in
the Jays-Indians matchup after opening at 9.
The total in the
Orioles-Yankees game has been bumped a half run in most markets since
opening and now stands at 9.
Weather to watch
A 23
mph wind will be blowing out to right field in the Tigers-Twins game.
There is also a 20 percent chance of rain.
There is a small
chance of precipitation for the Royals-White Sox game with the wind
expected to blow in from right at 14 mph.
Who’s hot
Phoenix
is 3-0 SU and ATS in its last three home games versus the Spurs.
The
Bruins are 4-0 SU in the last four games against Philly.
Vancouver
has covered the puckline during the team’s last four wins.
Who’s
not
The Spurs have a 1-5 over/under mark in a six-game
stretch.
Houston has dropped six straight heading into Tuesday
and is 3-7 over a 10-game stretch.
After winning eight in a row,
the Mets were on a three-game slide going into Tuesday’s game.
Key
stat
30-4 – Suns record this season when Jason Richardson
scores at least 20 points.
Injuries that shouldn’t be
overlooked
A couple of starting shortstops were tossed onto
the disabled list heap Tuesday. Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar found
himself on the 15-day DL after being sidelined since Thursday with a
groin injury. Omar Infante has been starting in Escobar's absence and
the team is expected to call up Brandon Hicks from Triple-A. Dodgers
shortstop Rafael Furcal hasn't played since April 27 because of a
hamstring injury and will be inactive for at least 15 days. Furcal will
be replaced in the lineup by Nick Green and Jamey Carroll.
Games
of the Day
San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns (-2.5, 205.5)
Boston
Bruins at Philadelphia Flyers (-160, 5)
Notable quotable
"I've
made a tremendous amount of phone calls. I continue to make phone
calls. I've made several phone calls in the last three or four days. But
it's like hunting season. It's not hunting season right now. Nobody's
selling."
-- Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik on trying
to find a hitter to improve the team’s pitiful and powerless lineup.
Tips
and notes
- Two half-court, defensive-minded teams have
attempted to slow down the Suns – both have failed. The Blazers couldn’t
stop the high-octane offense in Round 1 and the Spurs surrendered 110
to Phoenix on Monday. Coach Alvin Gentry said his team’s mindset is “to
push the basketball” so Steve Nash can create scoring opportunities. San
Antonio’s defense isn’t what it used to be and this team will run if
needed. Game 1 went over the total and Wednesday’s number is set at just
a half point higher.
- After giving up 12 earned runs in his
first two starts, Toronto pitcher Brandon Morrow is 2-1 in his last
three outings with 25 strikeouts in 19.0 innings (five earned runs). He
credits a mechanical change to his recent success. Morrow said his arm
was feeling good after the “little tweaks” he made and that he is
beginning to feel “more comfortable and consistent” after the changes.
The Blue Jays are even money tomorrow at Cleveland.
- The Spurs
are contemplating a lineup change Wednesday. The decision coach Popovich
has to make is to either start Tony Parker or George Hill in Game 2.
Hill has been starting throughout the playoffs and Parker has been
content with a sixth-man role. But Hill couldn’t score or guard Steve
Nash Monday so it might be time for Parker to step back in to the
starting spot. Dabbling with rotations can affect team chemistry at this
point in the season. The Spurs are 2.5-point dogs for Wednesday’s game.