Michael Cannon
NBA Playoffs 26-16-2 (+130)
Friday's Plays...
15 Dime –
PISTONS
Take the Pistons as the home chalk tonight over the Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.
I know there is some question about the status of Rip Hamilton tonight, but if there is one team in the entire league equipped to handle the loss of a leading scorer it’s Detroit.
The Pistons depth has been a source of strength the entire season. You need to look no further than the job Rodney Stuckey has done since Chauncey Billups went down with an injury.
I’m confident that the Pistons have all the necessary ingredients in place for a win and cover tonight in the Palace.
Besides, watching the Celtics in the 4th quarter of Game 5 put some serious doubts in my mind about their killer instinct and ability to close. They looked tentative and scared and basically shifted into a play-not-to-lose mode.
That came about with the Celtics holding a double-digit lead.
It’s no surprise then that Boston is only 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games. They are also just 1-7 ATS in their last eight road games, 2-8 ATS on one day of rest, 1-4 ATS as a dog and 1-4 ATS after a SU win.
Detroit is on positive ATS runs of 14-6 in its last 20 games going back to the regular season, 8-2 on one day of rest, 6-0 after a SU loss, 6-2 as a chalk and 14-5 at the Palace.
Take the Pistons minus the points as they grab the win and cover.
5 Dime –
WHITE SOX (With Contreras as listed pitcher)
Take the White Sox as the road dog for the win over Tampa Bay tonight.
Chicago will start Jose Contreras and he’s been perfect against the Rays in his career, going 5-0 with a 2.89 ERA in eight appearances. The White Sox have also had great success against the Rays overall, going 8-1 in the last nine meetings, including a 7-1 mark at Tampa during that span.
The ChiSox have been hot overall as well, going 12-3 in their last 15 overall games. They are 8-1 on the road during that span.
Take the White Sox as they grab the road win.
YANKEES (With Mussina as listed pitcher)
Take the Yankees tonight for the road win over the Twins.
Very generous price for the Bronx Bombers tonight. I know they are off to their usual slow start, but there’s been evidence of them breaking out recently.
Mike Mussina will start tonight and he’s 7-4 with a 4.39 ERA in 11 games this year, including a 2-1 mark with a 4.50 ERA over his last three starts.
Mussina has had great success against Minnesota in his career, going 20-6 with a 3.18 ERA in 30 games.
The Twins will counter with youngster Glen Perkins, who has pitched well but has yet to face the formidable Yankees lineup.
Take the Yankees as they grab the road win.