Archive for May, 2009
NBA Playoff Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Nuggets - 5 , Total 208 The Los Angeles Lakers will try and close out the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals on Friday. The Nuggets have outplayed the Lakers for the most part in this series but at critical times they have made mistakes and they trail three games to two. “For most of the series, we outplayed them for most stretches of the game,” Denver’s Chauncey Billups said. “We just couldn’t get over the hump in the fourth quarter in a few different situations.” SBG Global reports that early NBA betting has the public taking Lakers on the Road. The Nuggets have not played with much discipline in this series and it has cost them but head coach George Karl is not going to do anything different on Friday. “You guys are almost saying you’ve got to have savvy and poise to be a championship team,” Karl told reporters, “I mean, you think the Detroit Pistons have the poise that the San Antonio Spurs have? No, I mean there’s a different way of handling emotional, passionate, intense players. We have some guys who are emotional. Maybe a little too emotional. But for me, I’m not going to tell them to stop that because I think that stops them from becoming a competitor.” The Lakers have been so unpredictable in the playoffs that anything is possible in Game 6. If Los Angeles brings their best game they could end this series but rarely have the Lakers played great in back-to-back games. “That’s what the conversation has been about this entire postseason, our team, our potential and our capabilities,” Derek Fisher said. Here are the NBA betting stats for Friday’s game. The Lakers are 21-8-2 ATS in their last 31 games as a road underdog. The Lakers are 12-5 ATS in the last 17 meetings between the two teams. The Nuggets are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a home favorite. The Nuggets are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games overall. SBG Global Current Line: Nuggets - 5.5 , Total 208.5 The Under is 9-1 in the Lakers last 10 Conference Finals games. The Under is 11-4 in the Lakers last 15 road games. The Over is 11-5 in the Nuggets last 16 games as a home favorite. The Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Denver between the two teams. Pick: Nuggets
Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets (Lakers lead 3-2)
Friday, 9:05 pm Eastern – ESPN
Tags: basketball, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles lakers, nba, sports
NBA Playoffs Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Cleveland -7.5, 190 O/U Orlando leads series 3-1 The Orlando Magic have surprised the world after capturing two straight victories over the Cleveland Cavaliers and now have a chance to win the series this Thursday night in Cleveland. The Magic pulled off two straight victories at home to put some distance over the Cavaliers who were favorites to win the series. The two teams participated in a classic battle in Game 4 which needed extra minutes outside of regulation to decide the contest. Lebron James had another stellar effort scoring 44 points in the match-up. However, James missed a last second shot in overtime which handed them their 3rd loss of the series and really dampened their chances at the NBA Finals. King James and the Cavaliers return home this Thursday night in a must win scenario. Cleveland’s back is now against the wall and there is no room for mistake when they host the Magic this Thursday. Calculating how well the Cavaliers have played at home this season and the fact they must come out playing their best, the sports books have Cleveland listed as a 7.5 point favorite this Thursday night in Game 5. However, Dwight Howard and the rest of the Magic will try to play the spoiler role again and earn a trip to the NBA Finals. Orlando’s winning efforts came from yet another strong shooting effort on Tuesday night. Orlando shot 50% from the field as a team for the 2nd time for the series. Dwight Howard had another solid effort against the glass pulling down 14 rebounds while leading the team with 27 points. However, Howard did pick up his 6th technical foul of the post-season during Tuesday night’s affair. Howard now can not afford to give up another technical as a 7th would result in a one game suspension and it would be safe to say that would be devastating for Orlando. Rafer Alston had a huge performance that likely was the difference maker in Game 4. Alston drained six 3 pointers on the night and tallied up 26 points in the breakout performance. The Magic drained 17 3 pointers on the night shooting a lucrative 45% from behind the arc. If not for the constant ability to knock down the 3 ball, the game likely would have had a different outcome. However, Orlando found a way to make it happen and now are a mere one game away to take down the Eastern Conference Championship. The Cavaliers would have loved for Lebron James’ last second shot to have similar results as his last second effort in Game 2, but that was not to be the case. James still had an extraordinary performance with 44 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists on the night. However, Cleveland as a team just could not stop the Magic from raining 3 pointers for much of the second half. Delonte West and Mo Williams were both effective in the game as they combined for 35 points. It was a step in the right direction for West who had been rather quiet over the last few match-ups. Williams has played well throughout the playoffs and he continues to be the biggest threat on Cleveland’s side of the court outside of James. However, the difference was Orlando’s ability to knock down the long shots. Cleveland shot a poor 27% from behind the arc and only one person outside of Lebron James was able to knock down a 3 pointer. The Cavaliers who were a perfect 8-0 in the postseason just a short time ago are now staring elimination in the face. The Cavaliers will look for some confidence when they head back home Thursday night where they have been dominate all season and attempt to keep their Championship hopes alive. Pick – Over 190
Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers
Thursday, 8:30PM Eastern
Tags: Cleveland Cavaliers, Eastern Conference, nba basketball, nba playoffs, Orlando Magic
NBA Playoffs Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Lakers -6.5, 209.5 O/U Series tied 2-2 The Denver Nuggets put together an impressive performance Monday night in Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Chauncey Billups and J.R. Smith fueled a dominating effort by the Nuggets as both stars tallied 24 points each to get the series all square. However, the Nuggets now will take the road and travel to the Staples Center where the Lakers always play their best. Denver would like nothing more than their effort in Game 4 to carry over and give them a chance to steal a game on the road. Los Angeles suffered from poor bench effort in their most recent loss to the Nuggets. Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom who are usually impact players only combined to score 10 points. Outside of Pau Gasol who added some help, it was mostly all Kobe Bryant offensively for the Lakers. Los Angeles just could not get any momentum going as they were held to a low 41% shooting from the floor. The Lakers will look for that to change as they will likely come out with a lot of confidence as normal when they are at home. However, Denver will be attempting to take control of the series by pulling off what would be a mild upset. The Lakers will have to come out with their back against the wall in Game 5. Los Angeles can not afford to let Denver steal a win and head back to Denver for Game 6 with a chance to lose the series. The Lakers will likely be a tough challenge as usual Wednesday night inside the Staples Center. However, if they are to get back control of the series they will have to overcome some poor efforts from Monday night. The Lakers bench which is has always been solid throughout the season had one of their worse nights of the postseason. The Denver Nuggets bench outscored the Lakers bench 42-24 in the double digit victory. Los Angeles may have been completely blown out the building if not for Bryant still managing to put together a 34 point performance despite not quite being 100%. The Lakers big men will also need to have bigger impact down low. Lamar Odom had an off night while Pau Gasol had a solid 21 point performance. However, the two combined to pull down only 5 offensive rebounds the entire night and it is more than safe to say that Denver dominated the glass on both ends of the floor. The Lakers can not afford to let the Nuggets dominate the boards again Wednesday night if they hope to pull out the victory. Denver had a very strong performance Monday night despite their biggest superstar Carmelo Anthony having an off night. In defense for Anthony, he was not only battling a battered ankle but also had a stomach virus that had him really sick before the game even began. However, some familiar faces picked up the slack to hand the Lakers a rather embarrassing loss. J.R Smith knocked down four 3 pointers that helped lead to his 24 point night. Chauncey Billups also had a 24 point performance to lead the Nuggets. Billups was able to get to the charity stripe on multiple occasions which led to a perfect 9 for 9 effort from the line. The Nuggets only shot 44% as a team from the floor which may be surprising considering they posted 120 points on the evening. However, the true battle was won down in the paint where the Nuggets out-rebounded the Lakers a whopping 58-40. The 58 rebounds was a playoff high by the Nuggets and if they can dominate the glass again Wednesday night it will go along way in effort to bringing the series back to Denver with the chance to win the Western Conference in Game 6. Pick – Denver +6.5
Denver Nuggets at LA Lakers
Staples Center, Wednesday 9:00PM Eastern
Tags: Denver Nuggets, L.A Lakers, nba, nba playoffs, Post season, Western Conference
NBA Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Cleveland -9, O/U 188 Orlando leads series 1-0 The Eastern Conference has truly had some outstanding match-ups throughout the post-season and it is quite evident that we may have one more left to play out. The Orlando Magic pulled off what many would consider an upset when they took down the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland 107-106 in dramatic fashion. The Cavaliers jumped out to an early lead in the game leading by 15 at the half and it appeared as they would cruise to another home victory. However, the Magic answered back throughout the 2nd half and Rashard Lewis nailed a 3 pointer to cap the comeback in the closing seconds to capture the surprising win. Cleveland now looks to rebound tonight when they host Orlando for the 2nd game of the series. If somehow the Magic could find a way to win again, then it would be just completely devastating to Cleveland considering how they have dominated all year at home. However, Orlando would take complete control if that scenario were to happen as they get the next two games at home as well. Orlando came out the gates with a sluggish start Wednesday night, but regrouped at the break which led to a solid 2nd half effort. The Magic will try to put together another similar effort and take down the Cavaliers twice at home; a feat no other team has done this year. Dwight Howard had a solid performance as always in Wednesday night’s showdown. Howard led the Magic with 30 points while shooting a strong 70% from the floor. Howard also grabbed 13 rebounds on the night. However, Rashard Lewis was perhaps the biggest aid in second half. Lewis was just 2 of 5 from the floor with 5 points in the first half, but ended up getting some momentum after the break. Lewis scored 17 second half points that included 3 for 3 behind the arc in the final quarters which handed Cleveland their first loss of the post-season. Hedo Turkoglu got in on the action dropping 15 and led the team with 14 assists on the night. Turkoglu and Lewis will be huge factors throughout the series and their ability to play strong will likely determine if the Magic can take down the series. Cleveland completely appeared to be stunned after Wednesday night’s home loss in the opening game of the Conference Finals. The Cavaliers looked to be in control for most of the night, but could not hold off Orlando in the end. The loss certainly did not result from a lack of effort from the league’s reigning MVP. Lebron James played strong throughout the night and appeared to score at will. James put together a masterful 49 point performance that included 8 assists and 6 rebounds. However, Cleveland true downfall possibly came from the play of their defense which has been superb throughout the season. The Cavaliers have led the NBA all season in defense holding opponents to just 91 points on the year. However, the Cavaliers fell victim to a strong shooting performance from Orlando and allowed the Magic to shoot for 55% and 107 points both of which equal the worse Cleveland defensive performance of the postseason. The Cavaliers will look to get back the rhythm and stick to their style of play this Friday night when they will be 9 point favorites to try and get the series back all square. Pick – Cleveland -9
Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers
Friday, 8:30PM Eastern
Tags: Cleveland Cavaliers, Eastern Conference Finals, Game 2, nba, nba playoffs, Orlando Magic
NBA Playoffs Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Lakers -6.5, O/U 215 Western Conference Finals The heavily favored team out west in the Los Angeles Lakers battled 7 games with the Houston Rockets before finally coming out victorious. The Lakers played fairly inconsistent throughout the series, but they will again be favorites to win the Western Conference when they meet the Denver Nuggets for Game1 inside the Staples Center this Tuesday night. Denver has also been one of the hottest teams in the conference especially through the latter part of the regular season. The Nuggets overpowered the Dallas Mavericks in 5 games to make their way to the Conference Finals. Denver has vastly improved as the season has progressed and Chauncey Billups has been a big factor to the newfound success. However, Denver has not faired extremely well against the Lakers this season losing 3 out of 4 meetings. Then again this is not the same Denver team from those earlier meetings as they will attempt to earn their first NBA Finals appearance. Los Angeles will definitely have a load of confidence when they host the Denver Nuggets this Tuesday night. Usually when you have had your way with a team in the past it stays fresh in your mind. However, the Lakers need to be ready for a more sound Denver team to take the floor. Kobe Bryant played strong against Denver in every meeting this season as 29 points was the least amount of points scored against the Nuggets. The Lakers and the Nuggets both possess high scoring offenses that attack the basket quickly. Bryant struggled at times against a feisty Houston defense. However, Denver is not known to be a great defensive unit and that could be the Lakers biggest advantage because they always play very well against those types of teams. Los Angeles has actually won 9 out of the last 10 meetings with the Nuggets and they will try to thwart any confidence building efforts Denver might throw there way Tuesday night. Denver has really played well over the last two months dating back to the end of the regular season. The Nuggets have come together well as a team with the early season trade with Chauncey Billups. Billups has averaged slightly over 22 points per game during the post season and is shooting the ball very well. Billups could be the missing link to the puzzle as Denver strives towards the first Finals appearance. Carmelo Anthony has also been playing well which is rather traditional. Anthony has looked fabulous throughout both series averaging 27 points in the playoffs. Denver has really looked strong on the offensive side of the ball, but it will be the defensive side of the ball that gains the focus. If the Nuggets are to have any success against the Lakers, they will have to play strong defense. The Nuggets will have to play similar to their only win against the Lakers this year when they held Los Angeles to nearly a season low 79 points. Denver may not have to keep the Lakers scoring down that low, but they will definitely need some solid defensive efforts if they are to have a chance to win the series. Pick – Lakers – 6.5
Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers
Tuesday, 9:00PM Eastern
Tags: Denver Nuggets, L.A Lakers, nba, nba playoffs, Western Conference Finals
NASCAR All Star Race Preview The best drivers in the world will take center stage Saturday night in NASCAR’s All-Star Race in Charlotte, North Carolina. The race is one of the biggest events on the calendar for NASCAR drivers and fans. The All Star Race is the ultimate venue for the best of the best drivers in the sport. The All Star Race is a non-points race that drivers go all out for the chance at victory. In points races, drivers may try to stay out of trouble and take it easy at times. However, in the All Star Race drivers give it their all every lap because there is a million dollars on the line for the winner. Absolutely nothing matters except winning and that’s why this race is so exciting for fans. There are 18 drivers locked into the event based on previous Sprint Cup Champions, All Star winners, or race winners in the past year. The All Star race over the years has highlighted some of the greatest racing the sport has ever seen and we would expect nothing less this Saturday night. Lowes Motor Speedway is always huge for drivers and race teams because it is next door to Mooresville which houses the majority of team racing centers. Many drivers also consider Charlotte home putting some added focus on winning in front of family and friends. We will take a look at some drivers to keep in mind heading into this weekend’s big race. Dale Earnhardt Jr has really been struggling over the recent weeks this season. Earnhardt has been plagued by pit road mistakes and car that seems to get worse as the race rolls along. However, Earnhardt did run well last year at Lowes Motor Speedway in both May races. Dale Jr actually led shortly in the All Star race and had the best car in the Coca Cola 600 before cutting down a tire while leading the race. Earnhardt won the All Star event in his rookie year changing tires in the final 10 lap segment to become the first ever rookie to win the event. Well this year the final segment returns to 10 laps to add more excitement like it was back in 2000 when JR won, and it would be the perfect time for Earnhardt to get back on track. Kasey Kahne won both the All Star Race and the Coca Cola 600 last year. Kahne would not even have got into the All Star race if not for a fan vote that allowed him to get into the event after failing to advance from the preliminary race for drivers that are not locked into the event. Kahne has struggled this year like Earnhardt, but both drivers run the high line very well which can be used very effectively at Lowes Motor Speedway. Tony Stewart has been running very well over the last few weeks and has been so close to winning for the first time as an owner. Stewart had a huge lead in the final laps of the 600 last season before cutting a tire that ruined his night. Stewart along with teammate Ryan Newman has been running very well over the last few weeks for Stewart-Haas Racing. Newman is also a past winner in 2005 of the All-Star Race and this could be a great opportunity for him to get to victory lane as well. Jeff Gordon has won the All Star Race a record 3 times tied with the late Dale Earnhardt. Gordon is leading the points in 2009 which is a big turnaround from where the #24 team was this time last year. Mark Martin has gotten very hot over the last few weeks winning 2 out of the last 4 races. Martin is also a two time winner of the event as well and the way the number 5 car has been running it would be a stretch to say they have a chance as well. Kyle Busch jumped out to an early lead last year in the All-Star Race and flat out drove away from the field. Busch undoubtedly NASCAR’s most talented driver blew an engine which perhaps was the only thing that stopped him from going to victory lane. Busch has to be a key driver to watch in this type of races, because the young gun always pushes the car to the limit which is what you need in this type of environment. There will be a ton more drivers fighting for the right to take home one of the most prestigious race wins in NASCAR Saturday night in what is guaranteed to be an exciting race. Will we have another first time All-Star Winner like last season or will one of the veterans get back to victory lane? Only time will tell as we count down the moments to the green flag drops a little after 9:00PM Eastern Saturday night.
Lowes Motor Speedway
Saturday, 9:00PM Eastern
NBA Playoffs Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Orlando -7, O/U 190 Boston leads series 3-2 The Boston Celtics were able to capitalize off the home court advantage and take down the Orlando Magic in a close 92-88 victory. The Celtics victory allowed them to take control in the series 3-2. Orlando now gets the opportunity to host the Celtics on their home floor this Thursday night in attempt to get the series back square and to force a Game 7. Boston has battled back to win the last two games after being down 1-2 to Orlando after Game 3. The Celtics have pulled off two straight very close defeats and will have the chance to win the series this Thursday night. The Magic are expected to put together their best effort at home which is why they will enter the contest as 7 point favorites. Orlando has struggled shooting the ball over the last two nights averaging 41% from the floor. Orlando must get a strong effort from all their shooters this Thursday and not allow Boston the opportunity to keep the game close. Orlando has failed to win the battle on the boards over the last two games which have also led to two straight losses. Dwight Howard has a strong reputation for dominating the glass and rightfully so consider he has averaged 16 rebounds throughout the playoffs. However, that still does not change the fact that Orlando as a team has not been winning the battle among the glass. The team that has won the rebounding aspect of the game has also been the winner in the last 4 games. The Magic also need someone to step up on the offensive side of the floor and have a big night. Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard have both had their bright moments. Howard has been the most consistent scoring threat, but Orlando has failed to have any player with a really huge performance. Orlando needs somebody to catch the hot hand this Thursday night and take some pressure off the rest of the starters. JJ Redick has gotten more playing time with his ability to shoot the 3 ball, but after only 3 points in Game 5 his back is against the wall. Hedo Turkoglu has not shot the ball as well as he did during the season and Orlando could definitely benefit from one of these players having a big night. Boston has been apart of some great battles during the playoffs. If you are a Celtics fan, you have probably been holding your breath all throughout the post-season. Boston battled 7 games with Chicago is possibly the most exciting opening series in history. The Celtics then turned around and were beaten the first 2 out of 3 games against Orlando. Boston has definitely not been over powering throughout the playoffs, but the defending champions have done everything needed at the right times. The Celtics likely will come out the gates firing Thursday night as they can sense the opportunity is there to take the series. The Celtics defense will be the most important aspect in Game 6 to follow. They must keep Orlando off the offensive boards and not allow any uncontested shots. If the Celtics defense can wear down Orlando, you would definitely like the Celtics chances in a close ending game as they have just been very clutch down the stretch. Paul Pierce has come on strong in the closing weeks at the right time for Boston. There have been quite a few scenarios where Pierce has put the team on his back in key moments during the ball games and his shooting has definitely been back on the upswing after some lackluster performances in the 2nd half of the regular season. Pierce and his 22 point playoff average will try and get the Celtics to come together and finish off Orlando on Thursday night. Pick – Boston +7
Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic
Thursday, 7:00PM Eastern
Tags: Boston Celtics, nba basketball, nba playoffs, Orlando Magic
A number of horses from the Kentucky Derby will be entered in the Preakness Stakes betting on Saturday but they will all be underdogs to the filly Rachel Alexandra. Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and Kentucky Derby betting favorite Friesan Fire will be among the horses that look to challenge the talented filly. Friesan Fire’s trainer Larry Jones knows all about a filly going against the males in a big race. He trained Eight Belles last year when she finished second in the Derby before breaking her ankles and having to be put down. This year Jones is on the opposite end as he has Friesan Fire to challenge Rachel Alexandra. “Anytime the horse is as fast as her, you wish you didn’t have to run against them,” Jones said, “I’ve chased her twice with fillies. If I’ve got any shot of beating her, it’s going to have to be with a boy. I ain’t got a filly that can try her.” Rachel Alexandra will be the Preakness Stakes betting favorite in what could be full 14-horse field in the Preakness. The entries and post positions will be announced on Wednesday. “She may never know there’s any colts in here. She just may go in the front and think there’s a bunch of girls chasing her around there,” Jones said. A filly has not won the Preakness since 1924 when Nellie Morse hit the winner’s circle. Some of the other trainers are hoping that Rachel Alexandra will draw extra attention to the Preakness. Gary Stute, who trains Kentucky Derby fourth place finisher Papa Clem, said that the sport needs a good story. “Personally, it’s a little disappointing, but for racing I think it’s great,” he said. “I figure it should bring 20-30,000 extra fans here on Saturday. And when the husbands are watching the race at home, the wives will be watching, too. Racing is in kind of a downward spiral right now, and this can only help it in the long run.” Horse betting at SBG Global. Hall of Fame Trainer Bob Baffert will be sending Pioneerof the Nile against Rachel Alexandra. Baffert was the last trainer to send a filly in the Preakness as he had Excellent Meeting in 1999 but she was pulled up in that race and finished last. “There is going to be a lot of excitement with that filly in there,” Baffert said, “She’s an incredible athlete. She’s going to be forwardly placed, so she’ll be out of the way. She’s got a beautiful fluid stride and a great turn of foot. She’s dangerous.” The addition of Rachel Alexandra has stolen the spotlight from Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird although not many people believe the horse can win the Preakness anyway. “He has to do it twice in a row to make me a believer,” Jones said.
Tags: Derby, handicapping, Horses, Preakness, Rachel Alexandra, Racing
NBA Playoff Betting Preview Betus.com betting line- Denver -8.5, O/U 213.5 Denver leads series 3-1 The Denver Nuggets will have the chance to lock up the series when they host the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 on Wednesday night. A win would secure Denver the right to play the winner of Houston/Los Angeles in the conference finals. The Dallas Mavericks avoided being swept in 4 games with an exciting 119-117 high scoring victory in Game 4. Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with a blazing 44 points which prevented the Nuggets from sweeping the series. Denver will be trying to rebound on Wednesday night and avoid losing back to back games. The Nuggets have not lost back to back games since the beginning of March. Fortunately for the Nuggets they have a few trends that bode well heading into the contest. For starters, Denver has yet to lose a playoff game at home and they are also 2-0 against the Mavericks at home this season as well. The Nuggets will try to put together another solid home performance this Wednesday night and take down the series. Dating back to the end of the season, Denver has only been held to less than 100 points in 2 out of their last 25 games. One of the big reasons the Nuggets have performed so well over the last few weeks is that they have shot the ball very well. Denver high scoring offense has just been too much to handle for their opponents throughout the playoffs. Only did a huge night from Dirk Nowitzki finally result in the Nuggets defeat. Carmelo Anthony also had a huge performance in the lost draining 41 points. Anthony has been solid as ever averaging 26.7 points throughout the post-season. Chauncey Billups has also been giving solid effort along with Carmelo averaging over 20 points per game. Add JR Smith to the picture and Denver’s best 3 scorers are responsible for nearly 60 points per game. If things are to take any major turns in this series, Denver will either have to get very cold in terms of shooting or Dallas will have to step up with some defense. Denver was among one of the hottest teams in the league heading into the post-season and so far their momentum has yet to take any major hits as they are just one game away from playing for the right to this year’s NBA Finals. The Mavericks entered the playoffs as fairly large underdogs taking on San Antonio in the first round. After some media scrutiny and predictions that Dallas would get blown away, the Mavericks were out to prove they belonged and beat up on the Spurs in 5 games. However, the Mavericks have simply been over-matched in their series with the Nuggets. Dallas finally put together a big scoring performance in Game 4 that saved the series, but they will have to find away to score a lot of points again in Denver. The team must give some help and not place all the weight on Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk has averaged a stout 26 points throughout his stint in the playoffs, but has not gotten the help needed against the Nuggets. Josh Howard and Jason Terry have both been solid, but not spectacular. Howard has been hampered with an ankle injury early in Game 2 as he should be returning to full strength. Terry has not been as big of factor as the Mavericks would have hoped, but still is averaging 14.5 points per game. One of these two guys needs to have a really big night to help the Mavericks take down the Nuggets in Denver this Wednesday night. Pick – Denver -8.5
Dallas Mavericks at Denver Nuggets
Wednesday, 9:00PM Eastern
Tags: Conference Semi-Finals, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, nba, playoffs
The superstar filly Rachel Alexandra is headed for the Preakness Stakes betting . After a weekend of confusion, Mine That Bird’s owner Mark Allen and Pioneerof The Nile’s Ahmed Zayat have said they will not enter additional horses to keep the filly out of the Preakness. Now, not only is Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness, she is favored in horse racing odds. On Monday, Pimlico vice president Mike Gathagan said there are 13 horses, including Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness field. The exact number and the post position draw will be finalized on Wednesday. The inclusion of Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness betting field gives horse racing some intrigue that they badly need and it avoided a public relations nightmare had she been left out. Normally in the Preakness it is not an issue of having too many horses in the field. Rarely do enough horses ever enter to get to the 14-horse maximum allowed in the Preakness. Preakness odds will have Rachel Alexandra favored over the rest of the Preakness Stakes betting field and by quite a bit. Most experts believe she is head and shoulders above anyone in the field. The early consensus has her going off at odds of less than 2-1, perhaps as low as even money. Jockey Calvin Borel, who is getting off Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, has said Rachel Alexandra is a super horse. Mine That Bird is now expected to be ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith. Rachel Alexandra is expected to ship to Pimlico on Wednesday. She would become the first filly in 10 years to be entered in the Preakness. The last filly to win the Preakness was Nellie Morse in 1924. The last filly to be favored in the Preakness was Winning Colors in 1988 but she did not win.
The rest of the Preakness field is expected to include Kentucky Derby second place finisher Pioneerof The Nile, third and fourth place finishers Musket Man and Papa Clem. 10th place finisher General Quarters and the last two finishers in the Derby, Flying Private and Friesan Fire are also expected to be in the field. Newcomers include Terrain, Big Drama, Tone It Down, Luv Guv and Take The Points. One of the newcomers that was expected to be in the race, Hull was withdrawn on Monday. Did you know that with every bet made through the Racebook at Bookmaker.com you get a 8% cash rebate win or lose? Signup now using BONUS CODE BM100 and get $100 cash bonus on a $250 deposit. Or use MLB20 and get 20% on any deposit made. Stop by today by clicking here!
Tags: handicapping, Horse Racing, kentucky derby, Preakness, Rachel Alexandra, triple crown
