Orlando Magic have to cope with Kobe

The great thing about the NBA Finals is no matter how magnified a blowout win or loss is, it only counts for one game. The Los Angeles Lakers showed in Game 1 against Orlando why they were favored to win the NBA title, with conclusive 100-75 mauling. This was the third consecutive full team effort from the Lakers, who might be finally matching everyone’s expectations.

If Kobe Bryant continues with the “mean face” he might land a few minor acting roles as villain or thug. The way he played in the series opener, he might be on his way to MVP after scoring 40 points, while dishing out eight assists and snaring the same amount of rebounds. It was rather evident, Bryant was setting the tone for the Lakers intensity and anybody wearing a gold uniform that wasn’t going to play hard, might as well grab some bench or face the wrath of Kobe the Terrible.

The Los Angeles defensive game plan was brilliant, holding Orlando to 29.9 percent shooting. The Magic are unlikely to shoot as woefully again in the series, nonetheless the difference between how Cleveland defended Orlando’s long range shooters and what the Lakers did was clear. The Cavaliers defense is more structured and is not as good straying 20 feet away from the rim. Los Angeles, when focused, has the athletes and length to contest three point shots and when Orlando players give ball-fakes and drive to basket, a number of tall Lakers are part of the greeting committee.

That was the Lakers first cover of a NBA Finals game in last dozen tries (1-10-1 ATS) and it does not guarantee they will cover the 6.5-point spread at DiamondSportsbook.com for next contest. Since 1997, the last 20 teams that won by 10 or more points are only 12-8 and 10-8-2 ATS in next contest.

You have to chuckle about what teams say about injuries. Jameer Nelson was either “definitely out” or “will not play under any circumstances”, yet a guy wearing number 14, with “Nelson” on a back of deep water blue Orlando jersey played better than 23 minutes in the opening contest. Coach Stan Van Gundy may have opened the Pandora’s Box in letting Nelson play so much, as Rafer Alston was rendered useless. Alston is smart enough to know Nelson is a better shooter, probably a better playmaker, but it was he who took over the squad at the point guard and helped bring the team into the Finals.

Nelson was immediately effective upon hitting the floor, however after about the six minute mark of playing; he was ineffectual like the rest of his teammates. Van Gundy has potentially hazardous situation to workout.

The Magic got away a little too quickly from the big man in the middle, when the game was still within reach just before the midpoint of third quarter. Dwight Howard totaled six shots, with ONE make and was 10 for 16 from the charity stripe. Orlando offense works best most nights when they play inside-out, giving the touches the broad-shouldered one has requested. The Magic are 15-4 ATS off a road loss and 14-3 against the spread if it is by double digits.

Orlando complained outwardly about not being mentally ready, but what they were really saying they weren’t ready for was Kobe and the Lakers actually prepared to play 48 minutes. The Magic have had two days of preparation to make adjustments and forgettable loss is easy to shake for a team that is 13-5-1 ATS who about 71 hours between assignments.

Phil Jackson will presume Howard will see the ball with a higher frequency and be more aggressive in taking it to the hoop. His players might need to be a few inches even closer in second encounter, with Orlando likely hitting more of their shots. Offensively, keep attacking the Magic off the dribble and have motion that sets up Lamar Odom and Luke Walton for interior baskets. The Lakers also are very solid off two days of rest with 8-2 ATS mark.

The total has been reduced to 202 and L.A. is 12-2 UNDER as a postseason favorite. You have to figure the Magic bunch can’t play any worse and are 20-11 UNDER when the total is greater than or equal to 200.

The start time Sunday for Game 2 moves up an hour to 8 Eastern and Hedu Turkoglu and the guys will have to bring more game if they expect to improve upon recent 7-2 ATS run.

Viva Las Vegas

Well friends, I'll be posting Game 2 of NBA later, but that will be it for awhile. I'm heading to Sin City for a little fun and relaxation. I'd like to say I'll have some updates, but let's be honest, it's not going to happen. I can already pick up the scent of the green felt of the Craps table calling my name. Back at you next Thursday.

Saturday Selections and Comment

Got clipped with 1-2 Friday, as Paul Buck saved us from complete misery with another Free Winner. He’s got a NL play going today. Because there are no ML system plays that are 80 percent or higher, thought I’d try and change recent poor stretch with run line action, that hits four out of five over last 12 years. The Top Trend is 100 percent in West Coast action. Good Luck.

Thoughts- I’m guessing only a very few of you have any interest in the WNBA. I bring this up because the Phoenix Mercury, less then two years removed from being champions, recently sold their name out literally. Though they will still be listed as such in media, their jerseys will say Life-Lock (no team name), their new sponsor. The Mercury will receive three million over three years for this deal and it shows what is going on.

This is commonly done in Europe; however this is new territory in the States. I understand why, but have to say I think it sets a bad precedent. When this deal is up, what’s next, up the ante or go out of business? I understand it’s the WNBA and I can’t imagine the Yankees, Cowboys or Lakers doing something like this, since they are brands onto themselves. Yet I never thought every home run, walk or touchdown of more than 35 yards would be sponsored either. Keep watching.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST all teams against a run line (+1.5, -130) to (-1.5, +160), who are good NL offensive team scoring 5 or more runs a game, against a poor starting pitcher (5.70 or higher ERA), starting a pitcher who gave up two earned runs in his last two outings. This RL system is 36-9, 80 percent and suggests playing against the Dodgers.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Baltimore Orioles are 0-13 revenging a road blowout loss vs opponent of eight runs or more over the last three seasons.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Paul Buck is now on 14-3 run and playing the Metropolitans in our nation’s capital.

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Red Wings turn to respond

A regulation NHL hockey game lasts three 20-minute periods, sometimes these contests only need a few minutes to render a verdict as to who wins the game. This exact scenario happened in Game 4 at The Igloo in Pittsburgh and it might turn out to be the turning point of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2009.

Detroit again outplayed the Penguins in the first period, out-shooting them 19-11 and just 46 seconds into the second period, Brad Stuart gave the Red Wings a 2-1. Detroit was still carrying the action to Pittsburgh and drew a penalty to set up power play and everybody watching knew one more goal and the party in the Motor City was about to go into the planning stages.

After Nicklas Lidstrom had his shot blocked by Maxime Talbot, who passed to Jordan Staal, everything at the Mellon Center started happening in slow motion. Staal who had been a non-factor, glided by Brian Ralafski and beat goalie Chris Osgood for a short-handed goal to pull the Pens even at 2-2.

"It was huge," Sidney Crosby said of Staal's goal. "They had gotten a couple power plays right in a row. I think it was three minutes before he scored that goal, straight power play time. So, that was a huge momentum shift for us to get that. To get that kill. That first one, and then for Jordan to score that was a bonus. And then we bounced back right away."

Most businesses suffering from the recession which they could “bounce back” the way the Penguins did. For a period of five minutes and 37 seconds, Pittsburgh put on a display seldom seen in the Finals, as Crosby and Tyler Kennedy lit the lamp to give their team a 4-2 lead, which they never relinquished. It was a unique display of talented players at their best. Something else occurred which happens about as often as Heidi Montag avoiding a photo-op, Detroit lost their poise.

"You can't have letdowns against a team like that three-on-twos, two-on-ones, because eventually they're going to capitalize," Lidstrom said. "We didn't keep our composure there in the second period."

With the race for the Cup now a best two-of-three, the scene shifts back to Detroit, where the Wings are 10-1 in the playoffs and understand how these things go in late spring.

"We've been 2-2 over the years quite a bit, whether it be with Calgary, Nashville, whether it be in the Anaheim series," Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. "Everyone talks about momentum, but I'm a big believer that momentum is, you know, as good as the next day's start kind of thing. Just get out there and get playing again and go from there. ..the next game's absolutely huge for us."

Detroit has won 49 of last 66 contests at Joe Louis Arena and is -150 money line favorites at DiamondSportsbook.com. The formula to victory might be as simple as the math. The Red Wings have won both games the total was Under and lost twice when the score went Over the number. The Wings are 22-3 at home after one or more consecutive Overs this season. With the total at Ov5.5, are oddsmakers telling us Pittsburgh might be the play? Detroit is 7-1 OVER in home games revenging a loss vs opponent of two goals or more.

Pittsburgh is revitalized and has Crosby, Evgani Malkin and Staal all playing well, which could spell large conundrum for Detroit. They have broken the ice on Osgood’s invincibility and Marc-Andre Fleury is back to being dependable puck-stopper. The Penguins are 21-8 following a triumph and have played OVER last six times with a day between games.

Thankfully, the Finals return to NBC starting at 8 Eastern, with the favorite having won last five meetings.

Five Thoughts from House of Sports

Pay Up, Your Majesty

NBA commissioner David Stern says LeBron James has been fined $25,000 for skipping the postgame news conference after Cleveland lost to Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals. Stern said Thursday night that he spoke with the Cavaliers star on Wednesday and that James admitted he was wrong to not congratulate Orlando’s players and coaches after the loss. Initially, Stern had said he wasn’t going to fine James, but the commissioner said, “It was inappropriate for me to give someone a pass here.” As much as we admire the skill and charisma that LeBron has brought to the NBA, we’ll have to side with the Commish on this one.

A No-Doubt Rout

After spending the entire week declaring to the world that they “absolutely belonged in the NBA Championship round,” the Orlando Magic performed a disappearing act last night that would have made David Copperfield envious. In one of the most dominating openers to the NBA Finals, the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant poured in 40 points to lead his team to an embarrassingly easy 100-75 destruction of the Magic. “I think the best thing we can do is forget about it,” said a magnanimous Bryant, who added eight assists, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. “This is a resilient Orlando Magic team.” The Magic, heading into Sunday’s Game 2 in Los Angeles, face an ominous deficit even after one game. Orlando must stare down history to overcome the favored Lakers: Phil Jackson-coached teams have a 43-0 record after winning the first of a best-of-five or seven-game series. Yikes!

Big Day For The Big Unit

He’s no longer the fearsome, intimidating presence he used to be on the mound but pitcher Randy Johnson finally joined the 300-win club. The Big Unit pitched two-hit ball for six innings to pick up his 300th career win Thursday night at Nationals Park, but the milestone nearly had to wait. First his Wednesday start was postponed by rain, and then the San Francisco Giants’ 5-1 victory against the Washington Nationals on Thursday nearly slipped away. With the score 2-1 in the eighth inning, reliever Brian Wilson stuck out Adam Dunn looking on a 3-2 fastball with the bases loaded and two outs. An inning later Johnson became the 24th pitcher to win 300 games.

Sometimes You Feel Like A Nutt

Can we call it “The Houston Nutt Rule?” After Ole Miss signed 37 players in February, the SEC passed a rule last week limiting conference football teams to signing 28 players annually. “The Ole Miss situation was embarrassing for a lot of our coaches,” commissioner Mike Slive said. “I know Ole Miss’ plan was to steer those non-qualifiers to the local JUCOs in Mississippi. But it left a sour taste in a lot of coaches’ mouths that stress that these recruits are students first and athletes second.” NCAA rules allow schools 25 scholarships per year, but there is no rule about how many letters of intent a school can send out to players. Programs across the nation generally oversign in anticipation that a few of the players they sign won’t qualify academically. The SEC joins the Big Ten as the only conferences in the nation to have a limit in place, but one Big 12 assistant who asked to remain anonymous said he hopes this will push the NCAA to make it a rule throughout Division I football.

Take Off, You Hosers

No, we haven’t forgotten about Bob and Doug McKenzie’s favorite sport and the annual battle for Lord Stanley’s Cup. But after Detroit jumped out to a quick 2-0 series lead over Pittsburgh, it looked like a sweep was in the offing. Not so fast, my friends! When Pittsburgh Penguins center Jordan Staal outmuscled Brian Rafalski to score a shorthanded goal against the Detroit Red Wings last night, it ignited the Penguins to a 4-2 victory that tied the best-of-seven series at 2 heading into Game 5 on Saturday in Detroit. Now, two-out-of-three takes home the big prize.

Courtesy of the www.houseofsports.com/

Red Hot Friday Action Plays

It was the ol’ 2-2 day, leaving us at 90-60-3 in about two months of plays. Paul Buck had two dandy winners and looks to stay relevant with another Free Play. The Top Trend suffered a rare lose and heads down to Hotlanta for hopefully a sweaty winner. Time for the Best System to deliver and it is 85.7 percent the last five years. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday- The Athletics have won three consecutive games with a rookie starting pitcher getting the win in each game: Brett Anderson on Thursday, Josh Outman on Wednesday and Vin Mazzaro on Tuesday. It's only the second time since the A's moved to Oakland in 1968 that they've won three straight games, with a rookie starter getting the win in each one. It also happened in April 1978 when the rookies were Matt Keough, Alan Wirth and John Henry Johnson. (Thanks Elias Sports)

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs like the Angels with money line of +100 or higher, who average less than 0.9 homers a game, against a starting pitcher who gives up one or less long ball every two starts, with a cold starting pitcher, who has WHIP of 2.000 or higher over his last three starts. This desirable system is 36-6, 85.7 percent since 2004.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Atlanta Braves are 10-1 playing against a good team (win percentage of 54 to 62) this season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Paul Buck was delectable 2-0 yesterday here and is 11-3 the last three days and backs the Cubs in Cincy.

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MLB Series Wagering- Rangers at Red Sox

The Texas Rangers maintain their lead in the American League West and to stay in the same spot, they will have to whether one of the roughest periods on the schedule. The Rangers just lost two out of three to the Yankees and are spending three days in New England to take on Boston, before heading home to play four with Toronto and a series next weekend against currently the best team in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Texas (31-22, +10.7 units) is going to have to do this without one of its big sluggers, Josh Hamilton. He was placed on the disabled list Tuesday with a sports hernia and could miss up to two months or more if it requires surgery. Hamilton is currently resting and taking anti-flammatory medications in the hope he will be able to return in a more normal fashion from the DL. The talented centerfielder was not having a 130-rbi year like last season; nevertheless he’s an important cog in the Texas lineup and will be missed.

The Rangers arrive in Boston with 49-26 record having lost two of their last three games; however Fenway Park gives them the chills. Texas has lost eight in a row and nine of 11 at the venerable ball yard and will send Kevin Millwood (4-4, 3.23 ERA) to try his luck. Millwood came into camp in the best shape in years and has been more productive than wins and losses indicate. He is 10th in the AL in ERA and is 3-1 lifetime at Fenway. DiamondSportsbook.com has Texas as +125 underdog to Brad Penny (5-1, 5.63) and Boston.

The Red Sox (32-22, +4.4 units) are riding four-game winning streak and are 17-6 at home this season. With the total listed Ov10, that would seem to favor Boston who is 30-6 on home turf when the number is 10 or higher. Conversely, Millwood and the Rangers are 5-17 on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last two seasons.

Game 1 Edge: Boston

Manager Terry Francona’s club feels pretty confident coming into this series. They had just completed 6-4 road trip and swept division leader Detroit, which gave them a tie atop the AL East with New York. This does not suggest everything is well in Red Sox nation. David Ortiz continues to hit about 30 or more pounds below his weight, with .187 batting average and will have his eyes tested. Kevin Youkilis was stepped on at first base, making him day to day for this series with bad calf. What has saved the Red Sox is starting pitching. As this weekend series begins, the Boston starters have 2.01 ERA in last five contests and when backed up with bullpen that has Major League best 2.86 earned run average, if the Red Sox could score just four runs, they will be difficult to beat.

The BoSox are 18-3 vs. AL teams scoring 5.2 or more runs a game on the season and will start Jon Lester (4-5, 5.65). The left-hander has been inconsistent, but is coming off career-high 12 strikeouts in his last start, a win over Toronto. Over six innings, Lester allowed one run on three hits and he and his teammates are 23-5 at Fenway.

Texas will counter with Derek Holland (1-2, 6.33). The 23-year old was brought up from the minors when injuries hit the Rangers starting staff. Holland physically matured a year ago and solved a few mechanical issues and throws true Texas heat. On the radar gun, mid-90’s is common and upper 90’s is not unusual. His future lies in ability to develop curveball that could make his power starter or power reliever. He’s made two starts and is 0-1 with 6.75 ERA and Boston is 12-4 against lefties. The Rangers on the other hand are 19-39 vs. southpaws.

Game 2 Edge: Boston

The final game of the series will have two veteran pitchers, trying to find their way in 2009. Vincente Padilla (3-3, 5.57) thought he was on his way in May with three razor-sharp performances, surrendering five runs total, in picking up three victories. He was then felled by strained right shoulder, which landed him on DL and in his first start back was clocked for seven runs in 3 2/3 innings. Maybe the light of day will help, since Padilla and Texas are 4-1 when he pitches day ball, with matching record as underdog this season.

Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-3, 7.17) finally broke into the win column in his last outing, allowing one run over five innings against Detroit. The right-hander walked three and struck out six. Matsuzaka has been taxing on the bullpen, having pitched into the sixth inning just once in 2009. Based on both pitchers current form, this could be high scoring affair, though the oddsmakers have taken into account both teams daytime activities and they are combined 20-18-1 UNDER when playing in the afternoon.

Game 3 Edge: Texas

Thus far, the picks have been lousy at best and twice talked myself out of the right plays. This won’t happen this week. Boston owns Texas at Fenway and has favorable pitching matchups in first two games and is playing with more confidence. The Red Sox can mash with Texas and is 10-2 vs. good power teams, averaging 1.25 or more home runs per game this year. Boston is the play.

DiamondSportsbook.com series odds: Texas +190, Boston -250

3DW Pick: Boston

2009 Record – 2-5

Bullpen matters to baseball bettors

Maybe it’s the SportsCenter syndrome, or too many highlights on Baseball Tonight, but it sure seems like their have been more blown saves this season then in the past. Talked to a number of people, from normal every day fans to serious baseball bettors and the answer was the same, they agreed, more blown saves in 2009 then in the past. This piqued my curiosity and had to find the correct answer. As it turns out, they are up slightly, however not as much as I and others believed.

This year, save conversions are running about 65 percent, which is actually up from last season’s total of 64 percent. From 2002 to 2007 the range was 66 to 68 percent. This is not earth-shattering news. Over the past seven seasons, the average number of save opportunities per team is just over 63 per year. The difference between the best and worst years is two blown saves per season, which does not automatically mean a team loses the game, as they often come back and win, like the Los Angeles Angels did Thursday afternoon in Toronto.

Where it matters to baseball bettors is the best and worst teams in the big leagues. The top five teams in saves are as follows. (Thru June 3, rounding up numbers)

1) Cincinnati - 93 percent
2) Texas – 85 percent
3) Boston – 83 percent
4) N.Y. Mets – 73 percent
5) Philadelphia – 73 percent

This group is not necessarily the best teams in baseball; nonetheless they have unique quality every one laying down money wants to see. Collectively, these teams are +29.8 units. When handicapping games, why this is important is if any of these teams have a favorable to somewhat favorable pitching matchup and they can enter the later innings with a lead, chances are they will close the deal with set-up man and closer.

Value is also to be found on the bottom end of the spectrum, playing against teams that have lamentable bullpens. In this case, if the starting pitching matchup is close to dead even and the teams are fairly equal in hitting numbers, the club with relief pitchers that struggle to hold opponents at bay, are intriguing plays. With these types of teams, a one or two run lead means it is slightly better then 50-50 they will hold the advantage and deliver a winning wager. Here is current bottom five teams in save percentage.

30) Washington - 38 percent
29) Houston – 52 percent
28) Toronto 53 percent
27) Cleveland 55 percent
26) Florida 55 percent

This grouping has lost 35.1 units in combining to blow 52 saves already this year. Though the Blue Jays are actually in the black for units won, they have given up leads, only to rebound and come back to win in last at bats.

While saving games is important, it helps to have depth and quality hurlers who have a great deal to offer. For example, the starting pitcher is cuffed around for five runs in four innings and is pulled. The particular team trails 5-1, but because of the long reliever and his cohorts shut down the opposition, sometimes they end up scoring enough runs and can sneak away with a victory, because the pen held the fort.

There are two units of measurement to identify the entire bullpen, earned run average and WHIP. (For those who forgot about how WHIP is formulated- Divide the number of hits and walks by the number of innings pitched)

The ERA is a fairly accurate method of looking at a bullpen, from a broader perspective. Generally speaking, most good teams will have lower ERA’s and most bad teams will have high ERA’s. Among the weakness of this statistic, it does not take into consideration the affects of ball parks (pitcher’s parks vs hitter’s parks). If a reliever allows the tying or winning run to score, the previous pitcher is held accountable, not the hurler that gave up the hit, which is why the stat “holds” was invented.

Here is the top and bottom teams in each league by ERA’s for bullpens.

National League
1) N.Y. Mets
2) Milwaukee
3) Cincinnati
4) St. Louis
5) L.A. Dodgers

12) Houston
13) Chic. Cubs
14) Arizona
15) Colorado
16) Washington

American League
1) Boston
2) Chic. White Sox
3) Seattle
4) Tampa Bay
5) Oakland

10) Texas
11) N.Y. Yankees
12) Cleveland
13) Baltimore
14) L.A. Angels

Nearly all the National League teams are in relative harmony with the teams’ records; this is not the case in the American League. Four of the top five teams in ERA bullpens in the junior circuit are average to mediocre clubs. Possibly the reasons for this is starting pitching is sordid or the offensive doesn’t generate enough runs, even if the pen does its job. In the bottom assemblage is first place teams the Yankees and Rangers. Both clubs have suffered blowouts that inflated numbers and play in what is today pitcher’s parks. While the jury is still out how good these bullpens will ultimately be, they have been masked in sorts by high scoring offenses.

This is where the WHIP comes into play to tie up the loose ends. The WHIP counts from first pitch by any reliever. Give up a hit or walk, it matters and here we can start to understand why certain ERA’s differ from the WHIP. The Yankees WHIP is 6th in the AL, more in line with how they are playing. The White Sox, they fall to 7th when using this as measuring stick, suggesting they are not quite as effective and the offense is lagging. The most notable differential is the Mariners, who have the 3rd best ERA, yet are next to last in WHIP in the AL. This shows their pitchers create problems for themselves. For the most part the Seattle relievers have avoided major disasters; however, over the course of 162-game season, chances are this will catch up with any team.

Here is how the WHIP’s shake out in each league.

National League
1) Milwaukee
2) St. Louis
3) Philadelphia
4) N.Y. Mets
5) Cincinnati

12) Chic. Cubs
13) Arizona
14) Pittsburgh
15) Colorado
16) Washington

American League
1) Toronto
2) Boston
3) Tampa Bay
4) Minnesota
5) Oakland

10) Texas
11) Baltimore
12) Kansas City
13) Seattle

14) L.A. Angels

Knowing what are the best and worst bullpens, from a complete perspective, will add real dollars to wagering account over the course of a long season.

Let's dreg up Four Winners Today

Our Best System plays have been off a little, but we continue to deliver in other areas, giving us 2-1 day. Maybe today will be the day it fires and today’s system is 36-6. Phillies and Dodgers meet four times in L.A., who has the edge in opener, see Top Trend. Paul Buck offers two Free Plays today. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday- Trevor Hoffman earned his 14th save of 2009 in Milwaukee's win against Florida on Wednesday night. Hoffman, at age 41, has not allowed a run in his 16 innings pitched this season. The last pitcher age 40 or older to begin a season with at least 16 consecutive scoreless innings was Art Fowler for the 1963 Angels.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST all underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175, who are not so hot AL offensive team like Oakland, scoring 4.5 or less runs a game, against a good starting pitcher (ERA of 4.20 or less), with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.500 to 1.600 on the season. This special system comes in at 36-6, 85.7 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The L.A. Dodgers are 13-0 against the money line in home games after three consecutive games versus a NL West rival this season.

Free Baseball and Hoops Selection -3) Paul Buck liked Tampa Bay so much yesterday, he’s playing them again Thursday. He’s also taking the UNDER in Game 1 of NBA Finals.

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NBA Finals Preview

“Do you believe in Magic”

Whether you like the original hit song by the Lovin’ Spoonful from 1965 and the countless times it has been used in television commercials or the updated version by Disney Channel’s Aly and AJ, the question remains the same.

Do you believe in the Orlando Magic?

Dwight Howard and his gang of long range bombers have certainly been up to the test, eliminating Philadelphia as expected, Boston as presumed (without Kevin Garnett) and Cleveland most unexpectedly. In many ways Orlando has grown up right before our very eyes.
The Magic gave away games to the Sixers and Celtics, yet closed out each on the road to advance. When LeBron James made thaumaturgy shot to save Cleveland in Game 2 of East Finals, Orlando could have suffered carry over, yet did not.

We have seen the maturation of Dwight Howard from somewhat passive Clark Kent to angry superstar, demanding the ball and when the pill came his way, put up exemplary numbers to lead his team. Even coach Stan Van Gundy, who has been come under much scrutiny (here for example), has grown as head coach, working out details with Howard and not letting ego get in the way and has his team four wins away from being NBA champions.

Do you believe in the Magic?

Oddsmakers, like those at DiamondSportsbook.com don’t seem to, making the Lakers -260 favorites to take the series. The most popular exact game wager is Los Angeles in six (+220 bet). Others don’t necessarily see it that way.

Mark Lawrence of Playbook.com offered this about The Finals - “Interesting technical aspects conflict in this matchup. The Lakers have been miserable in championship finals the past two rounds, going 3-8 SU and 0-10-1 ATS. On the flip side they've pushed the Magic around in the series, going 29-10 SU and 24-12-1 ATS, despite dropping both games this season. The feeling here is it would be no surprise if either team wins.”

Also made a call to Joe Nelson of Nellysports.com, who is on the Playbook roster and he gave his insights. “The Magic made at least ten 3-point shots in all four games against the Lakers in the regular season the last two years, winning three of the four games. Orlando shot over 40 percent in the Eastern Conference Finals and if they continue to shoot well from long-range, the Magic will win this series and become the NBA champions.”

Nelson added, “The Lakers are a heavy favorite for the series but with the Magic winning twice in Los Angeles in the regular season (last two years), it would not be a surprise to see Orlando steal one of the first two games. Much like last season the Finals will feature extreme coast-to-coast travel with over 2,500 miles separating these venues. The Lakers went 0-6 ATS in Finals last season and Los Angeles was just 5-5 ATS in home contests in the first three rounds of the playoffs. With two impressive wins to wipe out Denver in the Western Conference Finals the Lakers have alleviated some of the concerns raised early in the playoffs but this will be a tough match-up for Los Angeles and Orlando has the talent and versatility to be a serious threat in the series despite the solid underdog status.”

Orlando has given several reasons to like them. The Magic are 12-7 in the playoffs and after dropping first four games to Philly as favorites, they are 11-4 ATS since. Orlando is 5-5 SU and ATS on the road under postseason pressure and 32-19 straight up and against the number for the entire season. Hedo Turkoglu and the fellas can play with teams scoring bundles of points, because of perimeter shooting and are 16-4 ATS in road games versus offensive clubs scoring 103 or more points a game.

The Lakers have shown unwillingness to go all out until necessary since the playoffs started, which could prove fatal against Orlando. Denver made a ton of long range shots in first four encounters against Lakers, due to poor defensive rotations. Derek Fisher is still defensive liability and Lamar Odom; it depends which multiple personality shows up at game time. Howard has the strength and power to push around Pau Gasol and draw fouls expediently on Andrew Bynum.

“Do you believe in Magic”

Steve Makinen of StatFox.com thinks Orlando can cause Phil Jackson’s squad trouble, just not enough to wager against them. “Last I saw, Orlando swept this regular season series, while the Lakers took both games from the Cavaliers. In my opinion, oddsmakers have inflated the line of Game 1 of the NBA Finals by at least 1-1/2 points, installing L.A. as a 6-point favorite. If you recall last year, Los Angeles was overwhelmed in the finals by an outstanding defensive club in Boston. While Orlando isn’t quite as good overall or defensively as that team, the Magic are still strong enough to compete and possibly win this series. In the end I figure it comes down to how well Orlando shoots it from the perimeter. If it’s anything like the regular season in which the Magic made 12 3-point shots in each game versus the Lakers, they will win. However, I think the series format of home court advantage (2-3-2) favors L.A., and that will be the deciding factor.”

Everything since being humiliated 131-92 in Game 6 at Boston last year has pointed to this for Los Angeles. The Lakers are well-rested and are 8-1 ATS when playing only their second game in seven days this season. Gasol showed his wherewithal in making big baskets in Games 5 and 6 against Denver and could force Howard into foul trouble if he becomes overaggressive.

Rashard Lewis and Turkoglu are primarily perimeter players and if Odom shows up mentally and Trevor Ariza continues to distinguish himself, the Lakers should be able to hold down the scoring of this duo. On the other end of the floor, Odom can be a handful for either, with inside and outside capabilities. The Lakers bench has become increasingly more useful, as the dates have come off the calendar since the end of the regular season. Jordan Farmar, Shannon Brown and Luke Walton have all given efficient minutes since mid-May.

Then you have the “Kobe” factor. Bryant was denied ring he so dearly wants last season and has been on a mission since. He’s still selfish from time to time, however, in the last couple of years, that has had more to do with desire to win, than just wanting to improve image. Whether it is Courtney Lee or Mickael Pietrus trying to defend Bryant, he should school them individually and carve up Magic defense when they try and double team with his crisp, accurate passes.

Lastly, is the coaching difference. Phil Jackson was strangely out-maneuvered by Doc Rivers last spring, however in hindsight, Boston had more players motivated towards a cause and Rivers pushed all the right buttons with what was a better team. Jackson was at his best against Denver. After getting a read on exactly what the Nuggets were doing, he had his team effectively took away what Denver did best in last two games and Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony were disabled after strong beginning.

Like any coach, when things are going well, they look smart, when they don’t, it’s about how they react. If the Magic lose first two games at Staples Center, does the surly side of Van Gundy return? If the Lakers are able to deny Howard touches, does that create more friction between Superman and the coach? It has been Van Gundy’s M.O. to micromanage when situations become stressful, how will he respond? This could be telling factor in this series.

The action starts Thursday night on ABC, with Lakers as 6.5-point favorites and total of 206. Before placing wager, know the underdog is on 6-0 ATS roll.

Do you believe in the Orlando Magic?

Penguins look to exploit Detroit weakness

Pittsburgh could never have envisioned being outplayed for the better part of two periods on home ice down 0-2 to Detroit and coming away with a victory to close the series to 2-1 in favor of the Red Wings. But that is exactly what happened, thanks to jubilant crowd and the Penguins digging deeper in the third period to win the game.

By the end of the second period, Pittsburgh had taken Detroit’s best shot and lived to tell about. After a 2-2 first period, the Red Wings out-shot, out-played and out-hustled the Pens in the second period. Detroit had 14 shots on goal, compared to four by Pittsburgh, including five that would be considered true goal potential attempts. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury withstood the flurry of Wings’ shots and saved his team for the first time in the Cup Finals.

This must have given Pittsburgh a glimmer of hope as they played wide-open in the third period from the start, peppering Detroit netminder Chris Osgood with shots and laying hits on everyone in a white and red jersey.

This led to Detroit penalty and Sergei Gonchar made them pay, taking 3-2 lead. Detroit played like an older team forced to play third game in four days and mustered only three shots in last stanza.

The Penguins have won 20 of last 25 as playoff favorites and have found one of the few Detroit weaknesses. Much like Rafael Nadal was able to undercover Roger Federer doesn’t play the shoulder height backhand well; Pittsburgh has to be super aggressive in there own end to force penalties. The Red Wings have give up 18 power play goals in 63 penalty kills, for a contemptible 71.4 percentage in the postseason. This is a direct carryover from the regular season, when Detroit was ranked 25th in the league at 78.3 percent. With creative playmakers like Sidney Crosby and Evgani Malkin, the Penguins lit the lamp twice in Game 3 under those circumstances.

Even Detroit players are puzzled. Defenseman Brad Stuart said, "For whatever reason, we've had some trouble with it (killing penalties). If we knew exactly why, we would have corrected it. We're getting some bad breaks. The last goal, we just got caught out there and we're a little gassed. We've come up with some timely kills, but definitely, statistically this doesn't look too good."

Of course the easiest solution is not to commit penalties, however when fatigued or forced to play out of character, miscues occur. Detroit is still in control and a sharper performance could put them one game away from playing decisive game for Stanley Cup. The Red Wings are 44-12 after opponent allows two or fewer goals and are encouraged to possibly have center Pavel Datsyuk back for first time in the Finals. “He’s one of the best players in the world,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. “Obviously, we’d like to have him.”

Pittsburgh is -145 money line favorites, with total Ov5.5 at DiamondSportsbook.com. The Penguins are 51-16 as home chalk and are 5-0 OVER on one day’s rest. Detroit has now lost last five encounters as road underdogs and is 6-1 OVER when oddsmakers place them in this role.

If the last contest was huge for Pittsburgh, then Game 4 is gargantuan, since a loss means going to the Motor City with Red Wings poised to win another Cup. This conflict will start a little after 8 Eastern on Versus, with the favorite having won last four meetings.

Better late then never Wednesday action

Sorry to be so late, had to get NBA Finals material completed. Bounced right back with 2-1 day and have top notch system that has complete write up below. (Interestingly enough, a few LCC members like Texas) Boston won in MoTown yesterday, can they make it two straight, see Top Trend. The Dodgers dodged defeat scoring five in the eight inning to beat Snakes 6-5, will Paul be as fortunate again or will he have blowout winner? Good Luck. By the way, added new feature to bottom of page.

What I learned yesterday - Washington took a six-game losing streak into Tuesday night's game against Tim Lincecum and the Giants. The Nationals scored four runs against Lincecum and then six runs off the San Francisco bullpen for a 10-6 victory. It's only the third time that a team carrying a losing streak of more than five games beat an opponent that was starting the reigning National League Cy Young award winner. It happened in 1972, when the Cardinals ended an eight-game losing streak with a win against Ferguson Jenkins and the Cubs, and in 2001, when the Rockies beat Randy Johnson and the Diamondbacks to stop a six-game drought.

Free Baseball System-1) See below article for today’s best system.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Josh Beckett and the Boston Red Sox are is 12-1 as a road favorite of -125 to -150 over the last three seasons.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Paul Buck was very lucky with the Dodgers pick last night and he hopes his luck continues playing Tampa Bay tonight.

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Rangers in bad betting spot

Life has been pretty darn good for manager Ron Washington’s club in 2009. The Los Angeles Angels were everyone’s selection to runaway with the AL West crown, but Texas (30-21, +10.1 units) will have something to say about who is crowned champion this year. They rank fifth in runs scored in baseball and for the most part, their pitching has been decent enough to be in the middle of the road in runs allowed. Texas does have demons and in this battle of two first place teams in the American League, the Rangers are being lassoed by better team.

Texas has frequently had issues with the New York Yankees, dating back to 1998-99, when they lost consecutive postseason series to them. This year, the Bronx Bombers have won three of four and the losses by the Rangers have not been close. Texas has lost by 10, 7 and 9 runs, with the last figure coming last night. After Vincente Padilla was slapped around for seven runs in less than four innings of work, the bullpen came in and made matters worse with New York adding five more runs the rest of the way.

In contrast, two New York relievers pitched two innings and allowed no runs. Though the Yankees bullpen still have troublesome ERA of 5.03, this is far better than the one that was well over six before they helped contribute to skipper Joe Girardi’s club winning 16 of last 20.

New York (31-21, +1.5) is 21-3 in home games with a hot bullpen whose WHIP is under 1.000 the last five games and Andy Pettitte (5-1, 4.10 ERA, 1.461 WHIP) will try to continue to ease the strain on pen. The veteran left-hander has won last three decisions and the team has won the last five times Pettitte was the starter. DiamondSportsbook.com has the Yankees as -170 money line favorites with the total Ov10.5 and they will face a good pitcher in Scott Feldman (4-0, 3.91, 1.180), who is 4-0 with a 2.59 ERA in seven starts after being used out of the bullpen for the first two weeks of the season.

Unfortunately for Feldman and Texas, the odds may be stacked against them with this super situation.

Play Against all underdogs with a money line of +150 or more, after a game where the bullpen was rocked for five or more earned runs, against opponent with a hot bullpen who’s WHIP is under 1.200 the last 10 games.

The logic here is if a team is this large an underdog, they will likely have to go back to the bullpen again, which was just roughed up. Contrast that with the favorite, who has received a number of fine performances of late and we come across a system that delivers winners at the rate of 84.1 percent since 2004 at 58-11.

While there is no truth to the rumor General Motors, in an effort to conserve money wanted to use the new Yankee Stadium for wind-tunnel testing, at least one home run has been hit in all 24 games played there. Most have been hit to right field, but with the lefty Pettitte on the mound, that should curtail unsightly element.

The average margin of victory has been 2.5 runs and this system has been on turbo-charge, winning 30 of last 33. With New York 12-2 vs. a mediocre bullpen whose WHIP is 1.450 to 1.550 this season, this might be the right spot to go against the Rangers.

Trying for Terrific Tuesday

With yesterday’s 0-2 mark, our record of late is 84-56-3, 60 percent on the button. Today is a hard day to wager MLB in my opinion, with many large numbers and underdogs with obvious flaws. The Twins don’t have many flaws in today’s Top Trend. The Best system in is NL and Tim Lincecum will play a role. Paul Buck is back and offers Free Play. Good Luck. By the way, added new feature to bottom of page.

What I learned yesterday -The Yankees played error-free baseball in their 5-2 win at Cleveland, extending their errorless streak to 18 games, a new major-league record. That the Yankees have posted a 14-4 record to move from third place to first during their errorless streak should not be viewed as a coincidence. Over the past two years, since June 1, 2007, they have posted a 131-60 record in games in which they haven't committed an error (.686), compared to a 60-73 mark in games with errors (.451).

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST home underdogs (Washington) with a money line of +125 to +175, who score between 4.3 to 4.8 runs a game, against a solid NL starter (ERA of 3.70 or less), after a loss by two runs or less. This sweet system brings home the bacon 81 percent of the time with 51-12 record.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Minnesota Twins are 13-1 after scoring four runs or less five straight games over the last three seasons.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Paul Buck is 6-2 in last eight plays on the base paths and prefers the Dodgers this evening.

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Penguins' focus is on Game 3, not series

The Pittsburgh Penguins players are saying all the right things, it’s just nobody is listening. The Penguins have had bad luck with unusual bounces, ringing the Detroit goalie cage like it’s a doorbell and outplaying the defending Stanley Cup champions for extended periods of time. One problem, Pittsburgh still trails like they did last year 2-0 after two games in the Finals.

Sidney Crosby has had point blank chances all around the Red Wings net, the problem has been, Detroit bodies have been stacked like logs for a log cabin house, with goalie Chris Osgood acting as insulation.

“I think we outplayed them,” Penguins defenseman Hall Gill said. “Last year, we got outplayed pretty badly.”

Those are the kinds of things you say when you have out-shot the opposition 64 -56 and been outscored 6-2 in the first two contests.

Evgeni Malkin is not the pushover he was last year at this time, however he could hardly be called a force and rightfully should be suspended for Game 3, except for another quick NHL office change. Malkin took out his frustration on Detroit‘s Henrik Zetterberg in the closing seconds of last conflict and should have gotten instigator penalty, which carries an automatic one-game suspension when such an occurrence happen in the last five minutes.

However, this is the NHL, who changed around Finals schedule to increase viewership at the last minute and they offered this as reason. “Suspensions are applied under this rule when a team attempts to send a message in the last five minutes by having a player instigate a fight [or] when a player seeks retribution for a prior incident. Neither was the case here," league disciplinarian Colin Campbell.

Campbell must have watching the Travel Channel if he didn’t believe Malkin wasn’t trying to send a message. You can bet the Phoenix Suns wished Campbell was handing out discipline when Robert Horry deliberately threw Steve Nash into scorers table a couple seasons ago and Suns players came to his rescue, drawing similar automatic suspensions, which was enforced.

Pittsburgh returns home, after what amounts to a four game road trip, where they are 6-2 in the postseason and winners of 10 of last 12. The Penguins acted angry and frustrated and are 9-2 off a loss by two or more goals on the road. They can be as hyped up as they want, but unless netminder Marc-Andre Fleury starts playing like he’s in the Finals, instead of like a member of the New York Islanders, it’s a moot point.

Fleury played very skitterish in opener and was better Sunday, until rookie Justin Abdelkader tossed a half-hearted knuckling shot at Fleury, who swung and missed, giving Detroit a huge two goal lead. While the NBC commentators said the Pittsburgh defensemen should have done a better job (and they should have), this is for the Cup and you NEVER allow such a soft goal, IF you have ambitions of being champions.

The Red Wings are ludicrous 18-3 in last 21 Finals encounters and they have been smarter, more productive and had superior goaltending to this juncture.

The way Detroit plays keep away with the puck, it reminds one of watching taller children playing “keep away” with a ball, with younger and smaller kids chasing them around, hollering at them to give up the ball. This strategy has really paid off at the end of games, when tuckered out Pens defensemen have no legs and makes miscues.

Crosby and company might be 12-1 in home games revenging two straight losses where opponent scored three or more goals, nevertheless Pittsburgh is up against a harrowing situation, as only one of 32 teams have lost first two games on the road and come back to be crowned the champions of hockey and that was 38 years ago when Montreal accomplished the feat.

Pittsburgh is left with little choice other than to place all energy into Game 3, where they are -150 money line favorites with total of 5.5 at DiamondSportsbook.com. Possibly returning to playoff favorites will help Penguins who are 19-5 in that role. It would appear Pitt has to play Over to win and they are 9-2 OVER after three or more consecutive Unders this season.

Despite playing so effectively, Detroit has lost last four games as underdog and will try to maintain playing so controlled and are 10-2 UNDER in road games after allowing two goals or less in four straight tilts.

Amazingly, the Versus Network will have the next two games, starting at 8:05 Eastern in western Pennsylvania, where the Wings have triumphed six of eight times.

Detroit has something to prove

If you’ve been following the American League in 2009, you’ve noticed Boston and New York have played about as expected. Though they had recent losing streak, Toronto is in the mix of good teams in the league and Texas has started surprising well in leading the AL West. One team that gathered few headlines is the Detroit Tigers and that is just fine with skipper Jim Leyland.

After a splashy introduction in 2006, which led to World Series appearance, Detroit and Leyland have misfired the last two seasons with higher expectations. This year, the Tigers sacrificed offense for defense at a couple of positions and their pitching has improved markedly.

Detroit (28-21, +5.8 units) is atop the AL Central, with an offense that still scores plenty of run, totaling 5.2 per game. With a 15-7 record at Comerica Park, these Tigers have had plenty in the tank in scoring six runs per contest at home. Despite missing pitchers like Jeremy Bonderman as starter, others have stepped up like Rick Porcello (6-3, 3.48 ERA, 1.200 WHIP). The 20-year old was the prize of the farm system and after a rocky beginning, the right-hander has settled in and a big reason for Detroit’s early season success.

Porcello throws a fastball, sinker and curve and was 5-0, with 1.50 ERA in May, the first Detroit rookie to win five games in the second month of the season in 55 years. I’ve had a couple of starts now and I’m able to settle in a little better out there and focus. And all the jitters are kind of gone,” Porcello said. “I think I’m getting a little more comfortable with each start.”

Detroit welcomes the challenge of Boston (29-22, +1.2 units) for three game series. The Tigers are 10-1 at home against teams with winning records. This is the final stop on the Red Sox 10-game road trip and they are 3-4 thus far, with an overall 12-16 mark as visitors. That plays to Detroit’s advantage with 6-2 record on home turf versus teams with losing road records.

Boston’s offense is as potent as Detroit’s just not on the road this season. The Red Sox also average 5.2 PRG, but fall off dramatically on the road to 4.4. Manager Terry Francona’s team typically excels versus high scoring teams, with 17-3 record against AL teams scoring 5.2 or more RPG and they are 19-5 on the road after a day off the last three years.

Daisuke Matsuzaka (0-3, 8.82, 2.237) has not come close to resembling the pitcher Boston fans are used to seeing. Matsuzaka’s control and command has been an issue, walking 10 batters in just over 16 innings, while being hit rather easily, allowing 28 base hits. In his last outing, Matsuzaka uncorked four wild pitches. He is 3-1 with a 2.81 ERA in four career starts against Detroit; including his only career complete game.

DiamondSportsbook.com has Tigers as -129 money line favorites, with total Un9.5. When Matsuszaka is in typical form, Boston is 10-1 UNDER on the road when the total is 8.5 to 10 since last season. The Red Sox have taken last 22 of 31 Game 1’s, but are only 1-4 as recent underdog. Detroit has flourished as favorites with 13-3 mark and is 15-3-1 UNDER off a victory.

This matchup starts at 7:05 Eastern and is available to be seen in local markets. This is first meeting between these clubs in 2009, with Detroit 4-3 the last couple of years hitting with the last at bat.

Let's start June with Winners

The Pittsburgh Pirates can’t hit Mike Hampton (they are about the only ones) over his career, which gave us a 1-2 Sunday. Today will have just two official plays, with Best System just missing as qualifier, but very strong totals play. Top Trend is unbeaten and Jason looks to carry weekend success into the start of the week. Good Luck. By the way, added new feature to bottom of page.

What I learned yesterday- Adrian Gonzalez hit his 20th home run of the season in the Padres 5-2 win at Colorado. After Gonzalez led the National League with nine home runs in April, he hit an NL-high 11 homers in May. Gonzalez is the first player to lead the National League in home runs (either tied or outright) in both April and May (of the same season) since Mark McGwire in 1998.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY UNDER the total is 7 to 8.5, with a marginal losing team like Seattle (46 to 49 win percentage) who is playing a losing team, playing on Monday. This system just falls short of qualifying at 79.5 percent, with a swell 35-9 record since 2004.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Dodgers are 10-0 when playing against a crummy team with 38 to 46 win percentage.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Jason hit six of seven MLB plays over the weekend and taking the Mets as his best bet today.

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Yankees favored in Cleveland Monday

The New York Yankees go for the series win in game number four against Cleveland, trying to maintain lead over Boston for first place in the American League East. New York came back from a four run deficit Sunday, thanks to Mark Teixeira’s four runs batted in. Teixeira now has a 13-game hitting streak, off a bad start and is hitting .400 (22 for 55) with eight homers and 20 RBIs during his streak.

However, a lead off walk by reliever Phil Coke ended up setting the table for Cleveland’s Jhonny Peralta, who drove in the winning run with his third hit of the day giving the Indians a 5-4 walk-off win.

The Yankees (29-21, -0.5 units) will turn to Joba Chamberlain (2-1, 3.97 ERA) looking for the series win, after winning first two contests. The young right-hander had another shaky start in his last outing Tuesday at Texas, allowing three runs over four innings with four walks. Chamberlain has ERA of 10.00 in the first inning this season in his nine starts. “Plain and simple, I was terrible,” he said. “I’ve got to do a better job of keeping the team in the game.”

New York has won the last six times they have played in Game 4 of a series and they have captured 14 of last 18 tilts during this run. With Chamberlain on the mound, the Yanks are 8-2 against teams with losing records and 13-4 when favored.

Cleveland (22-30, -8.8) will counter Jeremy Sowers (1-2, 7.71) who returns to the starting rotation. Sowers was dreadful with 0-2 record and 12.00 ERA, in two spot starts in May. He redeemed himself in part last Monday, tossing five scoreless innings in relief, in unfathomable 11-10 win against Tampa Bay. That was the left-hander’s first career stint out of the bullpen.

Sowers and the Tribe are 1-6 when he starts the game versus a team with winning record.
The early line from DiamondSportsbook.com has New York as -160 money line favorites with the total Un10. The Bronx Bombers are 7-1 against lefty starters, with matching record on the road if total is between 9 and 10.5 runs. Cleveland, despite their troubles this campaign, is 10-4 as home underdogs, though 6-15 in that role if Sowers is pitcher.

The Yankees are 7-3-1 OVER when Chamberlain toes the rubber and the Indians are 20-7 OVER as underdogs. It should be noted, nine of last dozen at Progressive Field between these teams have gone UNDER.

This is ESPN contest, which starts at 7:05 Eastern and if you follow baseball on the days of the week, New York is 5-13 in last 18 Monday affairs and the Tribe are 11-4 on the first day of the work week.

Trying to stay HOT on Sunday afternoon

Extra sweet 3-0 day, being very lucky here and personally, winning by half-point on total of Cavs and Magic. Only one system climbed to 80 percent and it is listed at 3Daily Winners. Have a double trend for the same division matchup this afternoon. Sal will look to add to his bulging bankroll with Free play. Good Luck. By the way, added new feature to bottom of page.

What I learned yesterday- Dwight Howard scored 40 points and collected 14 rebounds in the Magic's 103-90 victory over the Cavaliers in Game 6, propelling Orlando into the NBA Finals. Only one other player in NBA history had 40 points and 14 rebounds in a victory that put his team into the Finals; that was Charles Barkley, who had 44 points and 24 rebounds in the Suns Game 7 win over the Seattle in the 1993 Western Conference Finals.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road teams like Washington who are average NL offensive team scoring 4.3 to 4.8 runs game, against a awful starting pitcher with ERA of 5.70 or worse, with a very bad bullpen whose ERA is 5.00 or worse on the season. This system has clocked in at 32-8, 80 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Kevin Millwood and Texas are 9-0 in home games when playing against a team with win percentage of 38 to 46 percent since 2007 and Oakland is 3-17 in road games after a loss by 10 runs or more. (If it’s wrong, I will not be counting as two losses)

Free Baseball Selection -3) Sal has knocked down quite a few winners here and is 18-7 since Tuesday and likes Pittsburgh Pirates.

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