By OddsShark on Apr 18 2014, 12:07p
Sunday, April 20, 2014
NBA betting odds: Spurs are the team to beat in Western Conference
NBA betting odds: Spurs are the team to beat in Western Conference
By OddsShark on Apr 18 2014, 12:07p
Bettors and experts keep waiting for age to catch up to Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs, but after posting the NBA's best regular-season record of 62-20 SU, it hasn't happened yet. The Spurs are a 3/2 favorite to win the tough Western Conference with the first-round kicking off on Saturday.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers - Game 1 on Saturday in Los Angeles
This looks to be one of the first round's most exciting matchups between two great young offensive teams. Since 2012, Golden State (28/1 to win the championship) is 7-4 SU and ATS against the Clippers (9/1).
The home team won every game in the four-game season series this year. The total has gone OVER in seven of the last nine games between these two teams.Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - Game 1 on Saturday in Oklahoma
With Russell Westbrook sidelined in the postseason last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder (4/1) went 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS against the Memphis Grizzlies (66/1). The Thunder get a shot at redemption this postseason after going 3-1 SU and 2-1-1 ATS against Memphis during the regular season.
The Grizzlies are 5-0 SU and 3-1-1 ATS over their last five games. Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs - Game 1 on Sunday in San Antonio
In addition to finishing with the conference's top seed, the San Antonio Spurs (3/1 to win the championship) landed a favorable first-round matchup against the Dallas Mavericks (66/1).
San Antonio is 13-2 SU and 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games against the Mavericks, including a current 9-0 SU and 7-2 ATS run. Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets - Game 1 on Sunday in Houston
Portland (40/1) ended the season on a 9-1 SU and 6-4 ATS run, but couldn't jump Houston (20/1) for homecourt advantage in this series. This appears to be a good draw for the Rockets, who are 9-3 SU and 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games against the Trail Blazers.
The total has gone OVER in each of the last seven games between Portland and Houston.
By OddsShark on Apr 18 2014, 12:07p
Friday, April 18, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
For These Ten MLB Players, 2014 Could Be Their Breakout Season
For These Ten MLB Players, 2014 Could Be Their Breakout Season
Every year, the baseball season produces a handful of stars that nobody knew much about before. In 2013, that group would have included a portly 20-year-old pitcher for the Miami Marlins named José Fernández, who only made the team out of spring training thanks to one of those infuriating purges of top-tier talent by owner Jeffrey Loria.
Also 28-year-old Carlos Gomez of the Milwaukee Brewers, a top defensive outfielder who, in his seventh season in the big leagues, ratcheted up his offense to levels (.284 average, 24 homers, 73 runs batted in, 40 stolen bases) that took him the All-Star Game and made his former employers at the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets drool.
And then there is a certain Cuban defector who helped turn the Los Angeles Dodgers’ season around when he got called up at the beginning of June with his timely hitting and swashbuckling feats in the field and on the basepaths.
In compiling this year’s 10 most likely to succeed list, we haven’t forgotten the “Wild Horse,” Yasiel Puig. One thing about being mercurial, it’s awfully hard to predict what the hell you’re going to do next.
Every year, the baseball season produces a handful of stars that nobody knew much about before. In 2013, that group would have included a portly 20-year-old pitcher for the Miami Marlins named José Fernández, who only made the team out of spring training thanks to one of those infuriating purges of top-tier talent by owner Jeffrey Loria.
Also 28-year-old Carlos Gomez of the Milwaukee Brewers, a top defensive outfielder who, in his seventh season in the big leagues, ratcheted up his offense to levels (.284 average, 24 homers, 73 runs batted in, 40 stolen bases) that took him the All-Star Game and made his former employers at the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets drool.
And then there is a certain Cuban defector who helped turn the Los Angeles Dodgers’ season around when he got called up at the beginning of June with his timely hitting and swashbuckling feats in the field and on the basepaths.
In compiling this year’s 10 most likely to succeed list, we haven’t forgotten the “Wild Horse,” Yasiel Puig. One thing about being mercurial, it’s awfully hard to predict what the hell you’re going to do next.
Wildcats G James Young to enter NBA draft
Wildcats G James Young to enter NBA draft
By GARY B. GRAVES (AP Sports Writer)
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky guard James Young will enter the NBA draft, becoming the first of the Wildcats' heralded freshmen to turn pro.
The 6-foot-6 Young led Kentucky with 82 3-pointers last season. He was one of six high school All-American recruits on a Wildcats squad that began the season No. 1 with expectations of winning the national championship. His 43 percent shooting from long range in the NCAA tournament helped Kentucky reach the final before it lost 60-54 to Connecticut last week.
The Wildcats' second-leading scorer averaged 14.3 points and 4.3 rebounds.
Projected as a first-round selection, Young said in a statement Thursday that ''my time at Kentucky has been special to me, something I'll always treasure, but I feel that I'm ready to take the next step to the NBA.''
Young made the Final Four all-tournament team after averaging 18.5 points and 6 rebounds. Though known for his perimeter shooting, the Rochester Hills, Mich., native wasn't afraid of contact.
In the second half of the championship game at Arlington, Texas, Young drove the lane through several Huskies defenders for a vicious dunk that brought teammates off the bench and on to the elevated court.
Earlier Thursday, Kentucky coach John Calipari gave no indication which of his talented freshmen would leave for the NBA. Forward Julius Randle and twin guards Aaron and Andrew Harrison are expected to announce their decisions soon, and 7-foot center Dakari Johnson might be mulling his options. Forward Marcus Lee plans to return.
Young played a big role in Kentucky's late-season run and now moves on to the next level, as many expected.
''From Day 1, the NBA people who came to our practices in the preseason raved about him,'' Calipari said in a statement. ''He's done everything we've asked of him all season, investing himself in his brothers for the betterment of the team, and I think we all saw the end result in the tournament and Final Four.
''Whatever team drafts James is not only getting a superb athlete, they are getting the ultimate teammate.''
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
New Playoff Format Gives N.H.L. Matchups It Wanted
New Playoff Format Gives N.H.L. Matchups It Wanted
Under a new format this season, the N.H.L. playoffs are arranged by division, with no reseeding after each round,resembling an N.C.A.A. tournament bracket. Even though some teams face more difficult matchups than they would have under the former format, the league got exactly what it wanted: matchups with plenty of spice and the renewal of some good rivalries. READ MORE
Brandon Lloyd, San Francisco 49ers strike 1-year dea
Brandon Lloyd, San Francisco 49ers strike 1-year deal
The San Francisco 49ers announced Tuesday that the wide receiver has signed a one-year deal to rejoin the team that originally picked him in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft.
Lloyd didn't register a snap last season after the Patriots released him in April on the heels of a 74-catch season in New England. Amid reports that his "erratic behavior" in the locker room bothered the Pats, Lloyd drew little interest on the open market before landing a role in a zombie flick.
Add Lloyd to a flock of 49ers wideouts who lack speed, but know how to catch the ball in traffic. He's on the wrong side of 30, but has a shot to make the roster behind Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree. San Francisco still lacks a true burner at the position, one reason the 49ers showed interest in DeSean Jackson before he signed with the Washington Redskins. READ MORE
At long last, Brandon Lloyd has found a new home.
Lloyd didn't register a snap last season after the Patriots released him in April on the heels of a 74-catch season in New England. Amid reports that his "erratic behavior" in the locker room bothered the Pats, Lloyd drew little interest on the open market before landing a role in a zombie flick.
Add Lloyd to a flock of 49ers wideouts who lack speed, but know how to catch the ball in traffic. He's on the wrong side of 30, but has a shot to make the roster behind Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree. San Francisco still lacks a true burner at the position, one reason the 49ers showed interest in DeSean Jackson before he signed with the Washington Redskins. READ MORE
Cal names Tennessee's Cuonzo Martin as new basketball coach
Cal names Tennessee's Cuonzo Martin as new basketball coach
Martin's decision to take the Cal job apparently caught Tennessee off-guard, according to a story on SB Nation. He flirted with Marquette right after the season, but when the Warriors decided to go in a different direction, Martin was expected to stay at Tennessee. But the SB Nation story said he had come under heavy criticism earlier in the 2013-14 season, including a petition to replace him.
The Volunteers staged a strong run at the end of the season, winning five of their final six conference games to finish 11-7 overall, good for fourth place. They were eliminated in the second round of the SEC tournament by Florida, which was ranked No. 1 in the country at the time.
Before going to Tennessee, Martin spent three seasons as the head coach at Missouri State, where he was 61-41 overall but just 26-28 in the Missouri Valley Conference.
A native of East St. Louis, Ill., he played college ball for Gene Keady at Purdue. Martin played for two seasons in the NBA after being a second-round pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1995 draft. He appeared in a total of seven games with the Vancouver (now Memphis) Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks.
(Associated Press)
If
Cal was trying to hit a home run with the hiring of a new men's
basketball coach, the Golden Bears appeared to come close enough,
announcing Tuesday that Tennessee head coach Cuonzo Martin would replace
Mike Montgomery.
Martin, 42, had been the Volunteers' coach for
the past three years, and led the Vols to a 24-13 record this past
season, including a surprise appearance in the Sweet 16, where they were
eliminated by Michigan. He was 63-41 overall in his three seasons at
Tennessee.Martin's decision to take the Cal job apparently caught Tennessee off-guard, according to a story on SB Nation. He flirted with Marquette right after the season, but when the Warriors decided to go in a different direction, Martin was expected to stay at Tennessee. But the SB Nation story said he had come under heavy criticism earlier in the 2013-14 season, including a petition to replace him.
The Volunteers staged a strong run at the end of the season, winning five of their final six conference games to finish 11-7 overall, good for fourth place. They were eliminated in the second round of the SEC tournament by Florida, which was ranked No. 1 in the country at the time.
Before going to Tennessee, Martin spent three seasons as the head coach at Missouri State, where he was 61-41 overall but just 26-28 in the Missouri Valley Conference.
A native of East St. Louis, Ill., he played college ball for Gene Keady at Purdue. Martin played for two seasons in the NBA after being a second-round pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1995 draft. He appeared in a total of seven games with the Vancouver (now Memphis) Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks.
Check back here for more on this developing story.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens Preview
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens Preview
Wednesday, April 16 7:00 PM ET
Leaning towards Montreal in this series !!
Leaning towards Montreal in this series !!
The Montreal Canadiens are the road team in their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, but that didn't look likely a week ago, before the Canadiens laid an egg at home and lost 2-0 to the New York Islanders.
Now the Habs start on the road, their play heading into the playoffs has gone back to alarming, and a healthy and not-suspended Douglas Murray lurks in the background like the menacing beat of The Tell-Tale Heart.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Sexy Michelle Joy Phelps
A native to California, Michelle Joy Phelps, is a creative talent with her focus set on becoming a successful actress in the world of Film and Television.
AND SHE LOVES HER BOXING ! :)
Michelle Joy Phelps: Various Boxing Topics:
Cubs vs Cardinals - My Pick: ST. LOUIS 0 (-220) ML WON
Cubs 4 - Cardinals 6 Final My Pick: ST. LOUIS 0 (-220)
Bet $220 To Win $100
WON
Bet Summary
Going with St. Louis and Wacha (1-0, 0.71 ERA) for today's bet. Wacha has way better numbers vs Cub hitters then Jackson has vs St Louis batters. The Cards are batting over 300 vs E. Jackson lifetime.
-SportsProbabbilityBlog-
Cubs-Cardinals Recap
ST. LOUIS -- Matt Carpenter drove in three runs, leading Michael Wacha and the St. Louis Cardinals over the Chicago Cubs 6-4 Sunday.
The Cardinals took two of three from the Cubs. Chicago has lost three of four overall.
Carpenter hit a two-run single in the second inning and added a sacrifice fly in the fourth that put St. Louis ahead to stay at 4-3.
Wacha (2-0) allowed three runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. He gave up a two-run homer to Anthony Rizzo on his 16th pitch of the game.
Wacha struck out eight and walked one.
Trevor Rosenthal gave up a run in the ninth, but retired Luis Valbuena and Emilio Bonifaciowith the trying runs on base to pick up his fourth save in as many opportunities.
Edwin Jackson (0-1) allowed four runs and eight hits in six innings.
Copyright by STATS LLC and The Associated Press
Friday, April 11, 2014
Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley Jr. Preview
Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley Jr. Preview
It's fight weekend in Las Vegas.
And unlike the first time Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley met at the same venue – the MGM Grand – nearly two years ago, Saturday's rematch between the two brings along an accompanying buzz that's been generated by a whole host of factors, particularly who's wearing the title belt.
Both Pacquiao's reign as the World Boxing Organization's (WBO) welterweight champion and his seven-plus year unbeaten run went by the boards when he dropped a split decision to Bradley in June 2012, but you'd be hard-pressed to find many who believed the Californian truly earned his bounty.
Indeed, the verdict in the new champion's favor encountered almost universal scorn among fans, prompted a hasty departure from the sport by embattled judge C.J. Ross and was deemed “Robbery of the Year” by many of the sport's most prominent media outlets, including BoxingScene.com.
The official weigh-in for the fight is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. ET. The fight card will begin Saturday at 6 p.m. ET, with the HBO pay-per-view broadcast set to open at 9 p.m. ET.
Even Bradley, who's since defended Pacquiao's belt with wins over one of the Filipino's former sparring partners (Ruslan Provodnikov) and his most familiar four-time foe (Juan Manuel Marquez), concedes the lack of clarity from the initial go-round will be a contributing factor in his encore effort.
“This is for all the people, all the millions of people who saw the first fight and said ‘Bradley lost the fight, but they gave it to him,'” he said. “It's for them, so they can say, ‘Dang, Tim Bradley the second time around made it more decisive. Maybe the first fight he didn't win, but he won the second one for damned sure.' The credit is what I'm looking for, for beating a legend.”
Bradley has spiced up the pre-fight hype by insisting Pacquiao, who was knocked cold by Marquez six months after their first fight and has appeared only once since – beating Brandon Rios in Macau, China last November – has lost the competitive zeal that had made him a pound-for-pound kingpin.
Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, predictably takes issue with the assessment, and said that he's been using it as fuel during the former seven-division champion's pre-fight preparation.
“He's kind of motivated Manny to go for the knockout if he hurts him, because he's saying that Manny's no longer hungry and fights for the money only and has lost his killer instinct,” Roach said. “For him to say that is like a slap in the face to Manny. He's a little pissed off about it. I've never seen him this pissed off. He said, ‘Do you believe he said that to me?' and I remind him every day.”
How does Pacquiao win?
Because the consensus is that he won the first meeting in 2012, most would anticipate that he'd simply do more of the same, which would entail being faster and busier and continually landing the harder shots. Much will depend on how much, if any, he's slipped in the nearly two years since the first fight – a stretch which has seen him knocked out and shelved for 11 months before a one-fight return.
How does Bradley win?
Just as most believe Bradley lost the first time, most concede that he's progressed in the meantime. The post-Pacquiao defeat of Ruslan Provodnikov showed an acumen for absorbing punishment and outlasting a strong foe, while the points win over Juan Manuel Marquez proved he could handle a top-end foe with footwork and speed. The latter is more likely to be in play Saturday.
Prediction: Bradley by a close, unanimous decision
If the snarling, perpetually violent version of Pacquiao is the one who reaches the ring Saturday night – and if the assumptions are wrong that Bradley has made significant improvement – then it could be a short night in the Filipino's favor. However, the guess here is that “Desert Storm” is schooled enough to frustrate Pacquiao with movement and smart counters, and tough enough to fight his way out of trouble when it does inevitably present itself. That should be enough to win seven rounds in a fight that, if it goes according to Bradley's plan, will be far more strategic than spectacular. Call it 115-113.
It's fight weekend in Las Vegas.
And unlike the first time Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley met at the same venue – the MGM Grand – nearly two years ago, Saturday's rematch between the two brings along an accompanying buzz that's been generated by a whole host of factors, particularly who's wearing the title belt.
Both Pacquiao's reign as the World Boxing Organization's (WBO) welterweight champion and his seven-plus year unbeaten run went by the boards when he dropped a split decision to Bradley in June 2012, but you'd be hard-pressed to find many who believed the Californian truly earned his bounty.
Indeed, the verdict in the new champion's favor encountered almost universal scorn among fans, prompted a hasty departure from the sport by embattled judge C.J. Ross and was deemed “Robbery of the Year” by many of the sport's most prominent media outlets, including BoxingScene.com.
The official weigh-in for the fight is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. ET. The fight card will begin Saturday at 6 p.m. ET, with the HBO pay-per-view broadcast set to open at 9 p.m. ET.
Even Bradley, who's since defended Pacquiao's belt with wins over one of the Filipino's former sparring partners (Ruslan Provodnikov) and his most familiar four-time foe (Juan Manuel Marquez), concedes the lack of clarity from the initial go-round will be a contributing factor in his encore effort.
“This is for all the people, all the millions of people who saw the first fight and said ‘Bradley lost the fight, but they gave it to him,'” he said. “It's for them, so they can say, ‘Dang, Tim Bradley the second time around made it more decisive. Maybe the first fight he didn't win, but he won the second one for damned sure.' The credit is what I'm looking for, for beating a legend.”
Bradley has spiced up the pre-fight hype by insisting Pacquiao, who was knocked cold by Marquez six months after their first fight and has appeared only once since – beating Brandon Rios in Macau, China last November – has lost the competitive zeal that had made him a pound-for-pound kingpin.
Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, predictably takes issue with the assessment, and said that he's been using it as fuel during the former seven-division champion's pre-fight preparation.
“He's kind of motivated Manny to go for the knockout if he hurts him, because he's saying that Manny's no longer hungry and fights for the money only and has lost his killer instinct,” Roach said. “For him to say that is like a slap in the face to Manny. He's a little pissed off about it. I've never seen him this pissed off. He said, ‘Do you believe he said that to me?' and I remind him every day.”
How does Pacquiao win?
Because the consensus is that he won the first meeting in 2012, most would anticipate that he'd simply do more of the same, which would entail being faster and busier and continually landing the harder shots. Much will depend on how much, if any, he's slipped in the nearly two years since the first fight – a stretch which has seen him knocked out and shelved for 11 months before a one-fight return.
How does Bradley win?
Just as most believe Bradley lost the first time, most concede that he's progressed in the meantime. The post-Pacquiao defeat of Ruslan Provodnikov showed an acumen for absorbing punishment and outlasting a strong foe, while the points win over Juan Manuel Marquez proved he could handle a top-end foe with footwork and speed. The latter is more likely to be in play Saturday.
Prediction: Bradley by a close, unanimous decision
If the snarling, perpetually violent version of Pacquiao is the one who reaches the ring Saturday night – and if the assumptions are wrong that Bradley has made significant improvement – then it could be a short night in the Filipino's favor. However, the guess here is that “Desert Storm” is schooled enough to frustrate Pacquiao with movement and smart counters, and tough enough to fight his way out of trouble when it does inevitably present itself. That should be enough to win seven rounds in a fight that, if it goes according to Bradley's plan, will be far more strategic than spectacular. Call it 115-113.
76ers vs Grizzlies - My Pick: 1st Qtr-MEMPHIS -5 (-115) WON
1st Qtr Score
76ers 30 vs Grizzlies36
My Pick: 1st Qtr-MEMPHIS -5 (-115)
Bet $100 To Win $86
WON
WON
Just
barely got this bet, but i wasn't confident if Memphis would cover the
full game 14 points with the couching staffs usually benching the
starters in the 4th qtr to prepare for the next game and rest them.
~SportsProbabilityBlog~
Philadelphia 76ers' Michael Carter-Williams (1) goes to the basket between Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and forward James Johnson (3) in the first half of an NBA basketball game on Friday, April 11, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mike Brown)
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United Re-Cap
Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United Re-Cap
MUNICH -- Reaction to Bayern Munich's 3-1 win
vs. Manchester United on Wednesday, which sees the defending champions
advance to the Champions League semifinals 4-2 on aggregate.
1. The Stars of the South
At the final whistle, Willy Astor’s Bayern Munich anthem blared out across a rocking Allianz Arena, as it had just before the game began. “Who always handles the big pressure?” the lyrics asked, the crowd enthusiastically answering “FC Bayern Munich, Star of the South.” With their backs against the wall after Manchester United’s second-half sucker punch, Bayern’s big names stepped up to take them to the Champions League semifinals for a third successive season. READ MORE
1. The Stars of the South
At the final whistle, Willy Astor’s Bayern Munich anthem blared out across a rocking Allianz Arena, as it had just before the game began. “Who always handles the big pressure?” the lyrics asked, the crowd enthusiastically answering “FC Bayern Munich, Star of the South.” With their backs against the wall after Manchester United’s second-half sucker punch, Bayern’s big names stepped up to take them to the Champions League semifinals for a third successive season. READ MORE
2014 MASTERS GOLF BETTING LINE
2014 MASTERS GOLF BETTING LINE
WHO'S YOUR PIC ??
TOP 10
FULL LIST ON LINK BELOW
How Tough Is Augusta National?
How Tough Is Augusta National?
#golf #themasters
BY DEAN KNUTH
PHOTOS BY J.D. CUBAN
April 2010
Nearly every golf course in North America, Asia and Continental Europe has been rated for handicapping purposes using the USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating system that I developed more than 30 years ago. Notably, all but a handful of the courses among Golf Digest's list of America's 100 Greatest have been rated officially by authorized regional and state golf associations. So it seems curious that the No. 1-ranked course, Augusta National Golf Club, doesn't have an official USGA rating.
The reason? Despite the fact that almost every member has a USGA Handicap Index from another club, Augusta National maintains its system for members only.
As Golf Digest Contributing Editor David Owen wrote in his book, The Making of the Masters,the system developed by co-founder Clifford Roberts is based on the number of pars a player ordinarily makes in a round, with a small adjustment for birdies. If you average six pars per round, for example, your handicap would be 12. (Think of it as 18 holes minus six pars equals a handicap of 12.) The club also uses Roberts' method for allocating handicap strokes, using yardage as the criterion. READ MORE
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Fitness Model Sarah Allen
Fitness Model Sarah Allen
#fitness #babes #sexy #model - sarahallen.com.au
The Mass Nutrition Health and Fitness Calendar featuring Sarah Allen
available in October. Sponsored by Flush Fitness. Calendar produced by
Hawke Anderson. Photography by David Collins. Styling by Molly King.
Music - Dancehall Queen (feat Beenie Man) by Sampology and DJ Butcher.
Fuel your Fire today www.massnutrition.com.au
Australians Follow Adam Scott’s Lead to Augusta
Australians Follow Adam Scott’s Lead to Augusta
#golf #themasters
#golf #themasters
AUGUSTA,
Ga. — Adam Scott’s shout of “C’mon Aussie” after he drained a long putt
that vaulted him into a playoff at the Masters last year echoed a late
1970s cricket jingle that became a country’s rallying cry. Little did
Scott know then that his countrymen would treat it as an exhortation.
A
year after Scott became the first Australian to win the Masters with a
sudden-death victory over Ángel Cabrera, he is back at Augusta National
Golf Club with six countrymen in tow. This week’s field of 97 includes
three Australian first-timers, who answered Scott’s implicit challenge
to come on and join him among golf’s elite. READ MORE
Monday, April 7, 2014
UConn Defeats Kentucky for Men’s Title
UConn Defeats Kentucky for Men’s Title
#ncaabasketball #SPORTS
ARLINGTON, Tex. — All week, Shabazz Napier was asked about the Connecticut team of 2011, the team that rumbled through the N.C.A.A. tournament. He was a freshman on that team, as old as the five players in Kentucky blue joining him Monday for the opening tip-off in the national championship.
He could not compare them; the teams, he said, were just different, but Napier at least had a frame of reference.
Connecticut was the anti-Kentucky, with two seniors and two juniors in its starting lineup, players who affirmed their loyalty through conference realignment and sanctions and postseason bans. They stayed, and they were rewarded Monday night, with another title, improbable as that would have seemed three weeks ago. READ MORE
ARLINGTON, Tex. — All week, Shabazz Napier was asked about the Connecticut team of 2011, the team that rumbled through the N.C.A.A. tournament. He was a freshman on that team, as old as the five players in Kentucky blue joining him Monday for the opening tip-off in the national championship.
He could not compare them; the teams, he said, were just different, but Napier at least had a frame of reference.
Connecticut was the anti-Kentucky, with two seniors and two juniors in its starting lineup, players who affirmed their loyalty through conference realignment and sanctions and postseason bans. They stayed, and they were rewarded Monday night, with another title, improbable as that would have seemed three weeks ago. READ MORE
Indiana Pacers on a Downside
Indiana Pacers on a Downside
#nba #sports
Only scoring 23 points in the first half vs Atlanta. Will they be ready for the playoffs ??
What on earth is going on in Indiana?
The Pacers’ magical season has been derailed these past few weeks, as a skid turned into a full wreck on Sunday night. The Pacers were hosting the 33-42 Atlanta Hawks…and they got run off the floor. The Hawks were winning 33-11 after the first quarter. The Pacers only scored 23 points in the first half. This is a team that is supposed to contend for a title. READ MORE
East Standings - ESPN
#nba #sports
Only scoring 23 points in the first half vs Atlanta. Will they be ready for the playoffs ??
The Pacers’ magical season has been derailed these past few weeks, as a skid turned into a full wreck on Sunday night. The Pacers were hosting the 33-42 Atlanta Hawks…and they got run off the floor. The Hawks were winning 33-11 after the first quarter. The Pacers only scored 23 points in the first half. This is a team that is supposed to contend for a title. READ MORE
East Standings - ESPN
78th Masters Tournament Preview
78th Masters Tournament Preview #themasters #golf
Henrik Stenson, the third-ranked player in the world,
continues to play with wrist pain that he has been dealing with since
last year. No. 4 Jason Day hasn't played since winning the WGC-Accenture
Match Play Championship, while No. 5 Phil Mickelson is battling the
newest injury.
The three-time Masters champion and reigning British Open champ hurt his oblique at the Texas Open, and withdrew. After some practice at Augusta, he shared 12th at the Houston Open.
While those four battle with injuries, the remainder of the field deals with a lack of momentum. Outside of the last two Masters winners, not many players have any momentum heading into Augusta.
Reigning champion Adam Scott has six top-25 finishes in six starts this season. However, he did close the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a 76 to lose the title. READ MORE
The three-time Masters champion and reigning British Open champ hurt his oblique at the Texas Open, and withdrew. After some practice at Augusta, he shared 12th at the Houston Open.
While those four battle with injuries, the remainder of the field deals with a lack of momentum. Outside of the last two Masters winners, not many players have any momentum heading into Augusta.
Reigning champion Adam Scott has six top-25 finishes in six starts this season. However, he did close the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a 76 to lose the title. READ MORE
Yankees Win Jeter’s Last Home Opener
Yankees Win Jeter’s Last Home Opener
By DAVID WALDSTEINAPRIL 7, 2014
Among
the memorable games involving Derek Jeter, Monday’s home opener against
the Baltimore Orioles will not vault to the top of the list. There was
no signature moment or defining play that put Jeter’s indelible stamp on
the game.
But
there was some bad news: The Yankees announced after the game that
David Robertson, who took over as closer this year after the retirement
of Mariano Rivera, had a Grade 1 groin strain and would be placed on the
15-day disabled list. Robertson has two saves this season and allowed
one hit in three scoreless innings.
The Yankees won, 4-2, and improved to 4-3, moving them over .500 for the first time this season.
Derek Jeter went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in the Yankees' 4-2 win over the Orioles.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
UConn vs Florida - My Pick: Teaser Bet Bought 3 points FLORIDA -3.5 (-190) LOSS
UConn 63 vs Florida 53 FINAL
My Pick: Teaser Bet Bought 3 points FLORIDA -3.5 (-190)
Bet $190 To Win $100
LOSS
In shock on how easily UCONN was able to rattle Florida in this game - SPB
LOSS
In shock on how easily UCONN was able to rattle Florida in this game - SPB
UConn-Florida Recap
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Florida played its worst game of the season on college basketball's biggest stage.
And the team's backcourt had a lot to do with it.
Southeastern Conference player of the year Scottie Wilbekin and guards Michael Frazier IIand Kasey Hill struggled in a 63-53 loss to Connecticut in an NCAA semifinal Saturday night. It ended Florida's season and school-record, 30-game winning streak.
Wilbekin finished with four points and just one assist for the Gators (36-3). Frazier hit a 3-pointer off the opening tip, but did little else the rest of the way. Hill scored seven points and was in foul trouble.
On the defensive end, the three guards were no match for UConn's Shabazz Napier andRyan Boatright. The Huskies duo combined for 25 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
Friday, April 4, 2014
NCAA Tournament 2014 Final Four: Kentucky vs. Wisconsin Prop Bets
NCAA Tournament 2014 Final Four: Kentucky vs. Wisconsin Prop Bets - Bovada
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Team Points – Kentucky
Over/Under 70½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Team Points – Wisconsin
Over/Under 69
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Winning Margin
Kentucky to win by 1-2 pts 15/2
Kentucky to win by 3-6 pts 4/1
Kentucky to win by 7-9 pts 15/2
Kentucky to win by 10-13 pts 15/2
Kentucky to win by 14-16 pts 14/1
Kentucky to win by 17-20 pts 20/1
Kentucky to win by 21+ pts 14/1
Wisconsin to win by 1-2 pts 15/2
Wisconsin to win by 3-6 pts 5/1
Wisconsin to win by 7-9 pts 9/1
Wisconsin to win by 10-13 pts 10/1
Wisconsin to win by 14-16 pts 20/1
Wisconsin to win by 17-20 pts 22/1
Wisconsin to win by 21+ pts 20/1
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Made 3 Point Shots in the game
Over/Under 12½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Julius Randle (UK)
Over/Under 15
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Rebounds – Julius Randle (UK)
Over/Under 11
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Aaron Harrison (UK)
Over/Under 14½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total 3 Point Shots Made – Aaron Harrison (UK)
Over
Under
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – James Young (UK)
Over/Under 13
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Andrew Harrison (UK)
Over/Under 10½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Frank Kaminsky (WIS)
Over/Under 15½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Ben Brust (WIS)
Over/Under 12½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total 3 Point Shots Made – Ben Brust (WIS)
Over/Under 2½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Sam Dekker (WIS)
Over/Under 10½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Traevon Jackson (WIS)
Over/Under 9½
Topics: Final Four, Kentucky Wildcats, Wisconsin Badgers
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Team Points – Kentucky
Over/Under 70½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Team Points – Wisconsin
Over/Under 69
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Winning Margin
Kentucky to win by 1-2 pts 15/2
Kentucky to win by 3-6 pts 4/1
Kentucky to win by 7-9 pts 15/2
Kentucky to win by 10-13 pts 15/2
Kentucky to win by 14-16 pts 14/1
Kentucky to win by 17-20 pts 20/1
Kentucky to win by 21+ pts 14/1
Wisconsin to win by 1-2 pts 15/2
Wisconsin to win by 3-6 pts 5/1
Wisconsin to win by 7-9 pts 9/1
Wisconsin to win by 10-13 pts 10/1
Wisconsin to win by 14-16 pts 20/1
Wisconsin to win by 17-20 pts 22/1
Wisconsin to win by 21+ pts 20/1
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Made 3 Point Shots in the game
Over/Under 12½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Julius Randle (UK)
Over/Under 15
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Rebounds – Julius Randle (UK)
Over/Under 11
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Aaron Harrison (UK)
Over/Under 14½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total 3 Point Shots Made – Aaron Harrison (UK)
Over
Under
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – James Young (UK)
Over/Under 13
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Andrew Harrison (UK)
Over/Under 10½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Frank Kaminsky (WIS)
Over/Under 15½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Ben Brust (WIS)
Over/Under 12½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total 3 Point Shots Made – Ben Brust (WIS)
Over/Under 2½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Sam Dekker (WIS)
Over/Under 10½
(Kentucky vs. Wisconsin) – Total Points – Traevon Jackson (WIS)
Over/Under 9½
Topics: Final Four, Kentucky Wildcats, Wisconsin Badgers
NCAA Tournament 2014 TV schedule
The 2014 Final Four NCAA tournament will provide 'hometown' TV game coverage of the 'Final Four,' utilizing broadcast announcers with local ties to each school. This is the first time March Madness has offered 'team-specific' live broadcasts simultaneously.
Connecticut vs. Florida
- Gators fans: Top seed and South region champion Florida will be on TNT at 6 p.m. Eastern time Saturday. Former University of Florida sports broadcast host David Steele will handle the play-by-play, with Mark Wise and James Bates taking care of analysis and sideline reporter duties.
- Huskies fans: Coverage of East region champ Connecticut, which is the Gators' opponent in the first semifinal, can be found on truTV at 6 p.m. Eric Frede, UConn women's television play-by-play announcer this season, will be joined by former Huskies greats Donny Marshall and Swin Cash.
Kentucky vs. Wisconsin
- Wildcats fans: 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first semifinal on TNT, Midwest champion Kentucky will tip off against Wisconsin. Longtime Lexington, Kentucky sports broadcasters Rob Bromley and Dave Baker of WKYT-TV will take care of the play-by-play and sideline reporting chores, respectively. Former Wildcats legend Rex Chapman will provide analysis of the game action.
- Badgers fans: At the same time over on truTV, West region champion Wisconsin fans can find Green Bay Packers radio voice Wayne Larrivee calling the NCAA action. He will be joined by former Badger star Mike Kelley, who helped Wisconsin reach the 2000 NCAA Final Four
Kentucky vs. Wisconsin betting, odds favor Wildcats over Badgers
Kentucky is favored again as a lower seed in Final Four betting against
No. 2 Wisconsin. The trends favor the Wildcats, but the computer
prediction says Badgers.
Kentucky has already knocked
off No. 1 seed Wichita State, No. 4 seed Louisville and No. 2 seed
Michigan as an eight seed and is looking to add another high-seeded team
to the win column.
Wisconsin is making its first
appearance in the Final Four since losing to Michigan State back in
2000. The Badgers have proven to be the last team standing out of the
Big Ten, currently on a 13-2 SU run that includes a 4-0 ATS record
through the tournament.
Computer Prediction: 74-73 Wisconsin
Wisconsin won and covered as a
favorite through the first three rounds before upsetting No. 1 seed
Arizona in overtime as a 3.5-point underdog.
Kentucky has had the total go
OVER in each of its last three games after seeing the UNDER go 10-4 over
its previous 14 games. Conversely, the total has gone UNDER in three of
Wisconsin's last four games after going OVER in each of its previous
four.
Both of these teams are in top
form with 4-0 SU and ATS records in tournament play and both offenses
have played well with Wisconsin averaging 73.3 PPG and Kentucky
averaging 70.8 PPG. READ MORE
Minnesota vs Miami - My Pick: ML-MIAMI 0 (-400) LOSS
Minnesota 122 vs Miami 121
My Pick: ML-MIAMI 0 (-400)
Bet $100 To Win $25
LOSS
RECAP
My Pick: ML-MIAMI 0 (-400)
Bet $100 To Win $25
LOSS
RECAP
MIAMI -- Corey Brewer hit one of two free throws with 1.8 seconds left in the second overtime, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Miami Heat 122-121 on Friday night.
Kevin Love scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Minnesota, which got 24 fromChase Budinger, 15 from Gorgui Dieng and 13 apiece from JJ Barea and Ricky Rubio, who also added 14 assists. Referee Ken Mauer called the last foul on Miami's Norris Cole, saying he hit Brewer on a pass into the paint.
Ray Allen missed a wild jumper as time expired for Miami, which blew a chance to move two games clear of Indiana in the loss column atop the Eastern Conference standings.
LeBron James scored 34 points for the Heat, who got a season-high 24 from Mario Chalmers and 24 more from Chris Bosh, including a tying 3-pointer with 10.8 seconds left in the second overtime. ESPN
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Jackson has special bond with his players
DALLAS -- It can't be easy to have a birthday on April Fools' Day, especially when you're an NBA coach who, day after day lately, suddenly finds yourself fielding job-security questions.
Yet something tells me Mark Jackson is going to have only fond recollections about this particular April 1.
"Everything worked out in the end," Jackson said with a smile when it was all over.
That's not a sentiment you hear often from those in Jackson's gloomy line of work, but this indeed turned out to be a pretty idyllic Tuesday for the head coach. His 49th birthday began with the unexpected sight of celebratory Coach Jackson T-shirts being passed out by Warriors equipment manager Eric Housen and then actually worn by countless members of the traveling party. It ended with the Warriors escaping Dallas with a 122-120 overtime victory -- one watched courtside by owner Joe Lacob and most of Golden State's front-office team -- on a Stephen Curry rainbow dagger from the wing that dropped through despite the fact Curry looked as though he didn't even have the chance to get his feet set.
"I almost started moonwalking," Jackson said of seeing Curry's bomb connect.
Yet something tells me Mark Jackson is going to have only fond recollections about this particular April 1.
"Everything worked out in the end," Jackson said with a smile when it was all over.
That's not a sentiment you hear often from those in Jackson's gloomy line of work, but this indeed turned out to be a pretty idyllic Tuesday for the head coach. His 49th birthday began with the unexpected sight of celebratory Coach Jackson T-shirts being passed out by Warriors equipment manager Eric Housen and then actually worn by countless members of the traveling party. It ended with the Warriors escaping Dallas with a 122-120 overtime victory -- one watched courtside by owner Joe Lacob and most of Golden State's front-office team -- on a Stephen Curry rainbow dagger from the wing that dropped through despite the fact Curry looked as though he didn't even have the chance to get his feet set.
"I almost started moonwalking," Jackson said of seeing Curry's bomb connect.
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