Service Plays Memorial Day Monday 5/26/14

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

 

[superbeets]

 

[superbeets]

English League Two Mo 26May 15:00

Burton

v

Fleetwood

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		23/10	23/10	11/8	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
HWADHLALHWAD​ Most recent​	2 - 4 1 - 0 1 - 1 3 - 2	AWHWHDALAWHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Burton have won just one of their last five matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Burton will be desperate to make up for defeat in the semi-finals last season but Fleetwood look fair favourites. The win over York, who were on a 17-game unbeaten run when they lost the first leg of their semi-final to Fleetwood, suggests the Cod Army are turning it on when it counts.

RECOMMENDATION: Fleetwood
1


REFEREE: Michael Naylor STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Pacers at Heat

Indiana Heat at Miami Heat (-6.5, 183.5)

Heat lead series 2-1

The Miami Heat placed the on-off switch firmly in the “on” position to take control of the Eastern Conference finals. The Heat will try to keep their energy at that level and earn a commanding 3-1 lead in the series when they host the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 on Monday. The Pacers have appeared to be the dominant team in the series for long stretches in each game but failed to put together the necessary run in the fourth quarter of the last two contests.

The Pacers raced out to a 17-4 lead in the first quarter and were up 15 early in the second in Game 3 before letting Miami up off the mat. “You can’t play around with this team,” Indiana forward Paul George told reporters of the Heat. “I thought we got comfortable at one point early in the game, you know, just being up early. This game is all about runs, and ultimately the team that makes the biggest run or the last run is the team that’s going to win.” That team was Miami with a 12-2 fourth-quarter run to spark Game 2’s 87-83 win and then a 61-45 advantage over Indiana in the second half of Game 3.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: Line opened at the Heat -6.5 with a total of 183.5.

INJURY REPORT: Pacers - C A. Bynum (Out/Knee)

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "Have the Heat cracked the code to the one of the top defenses in the League? The second half of Game 3 seemed to support that with the Heat outscoring the Pacers 61-45. The Heat are now 6-0 SU at home in these playoffs. The Heat are 6.5 point favorites and are seeing 70% of the action at that number so far." - Michael Stewart of Carbonssports.ag

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "It will be interesting to see how the Pacers respond after blowing a 15-point lead in Game 3 versus the Heat and being outscored by 27 points the rest of the game from that point on. Indiana is still 5-1 SU after a straight-up loss in the playoffs this season, but they're 0-1 so far in that situation versus the Heat in this series." Covers Experts' Steve Merril

ABOUT THE HEAT: Miami got a big boost in the fourth quarter of Game 3 from Ray Allen, who hit four 3-pointers in the period and finished with 16 points. “That’s kind of like my territory,” Allen told reporters. “The flow of the game doesn’t come in my direction early in the game. … But in the fourth quarter, if a guy is guarding me and just thinks I’m here biding time, I’m not. I’m just trying to figure out how I can have an impact.” Allen’s strong game came as a compliment to another solid performance from James, who is averaging 24.3 points on 58 percent shooting in the series.

ABOUT THE PACERS: The concern prior to Game 3 was the health of George, who had to pass concussion protocols before being cleared to play. George never found much of a rhythm offensively while being guarded primarily by LeBron James but still managed to lead the team in scoring with 17 points on 5-of-13 shooting. George was also one of several players dealing with foul trouble. “We didn’t manage our foul trouble well and didn’t manage (the Heat) picking up their defensive intensity well,” coach Frank Vogel told reporters. “I though we attacked appropriately but didn’t finish plays, and obviously turned it over a little too much and let them get going.”

TRENDS:

*Pacers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.
*Over is 11-5 in Heat last 16 Conference Finals games.
*Over is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in Miami.
*Home team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

COVERS CONSENSUS: 51 percent of bettors are taking the Pacers +6.5.

 

[tgunn11]

Baseball Crusher
Colorado Rockies -106 over Philadelphia Phillies
(System Record: 31-0, lost last game)
Overall Record: 31-24

Rest of the Plays
Chicago White Sox -110 over Cleveland Indians
Minnesota Twins -102 over Texas Rangers
Los Angeles Dodgers -110 over Cincy Reds

 

[tgunn11]

Hockey Crusher
Chicago Blackhawks +119 over LA Kings
(Playoff Record: system 20-1: overall 20-13-1, lost last 4 games and a push)
(Regular Season Record: 91-4)
Overall Record: 111-87-3

Rest of the Plays
Chicago Blackhawks + LA Kings UNDER 5

 

[tgunn11]

Basketball Crusher
Indiana Pacers +6.5 over Miami Heat
(Playoff Record: 15-14-3, lost last game)
(Regular Season Record: 78-8)
Overall Record: 93-99-8

Rest of the Plays
Indiana Pacers + Miami Heat OVER 183.5

 

[tgunn11]

Soccer Crusher
Burton Albion + Fleetwood Town UNDER 2.5
This match is happening in England
(System Record: 579-21, lost last game)
Overall Record: 579-484-84

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Today's MLB Picks

LA Angels at Seattle

The Angels open up their series in Seattle and come into today's contest with a 7-0 record in Tyler Skaggs' last 7 starts as a favorite. LA is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Angels favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-130). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, MAY 26 Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST

Game 901-902: Pittsburgh at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Cumpton) 15.270; NY Mets (deGrom) 14.159 Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 7 1/2 Vegas Line: NY Mets (-115); 7 Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-105); Over

Game 903-904: Miami at Washington (1:35 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Eovaldi) 14.390; Washington (Roark) 15.756 Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 6 Vegas Line: Washington (-130); 7 Dunkel Pick: Washington (-130); Under

Game 905-906: Chicago Cubs at San Francisco (4:55 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Samardzija) 15.107; San Francisco (Petit) 16.641 Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 6 Vegas Line: San Francisco (-125); 7 Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-125); Under

Game 907-908: Colorado at Philadelphia (5:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Chacin) 14.793; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 15.656 Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 10 Vegas Line: Colorado (-120); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+100); Over

Game 909-910: San Diego at Arizona (8:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Ross) 15.360; Arizona (McCarthy) 14.359 Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 9 Vegas Line: Arizona (-135); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+115); Over

Game 911-912: Cincinnati at LA Dodgers (8:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.448; LA Dodgers (Ryu) 14.365 Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 5 Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-120); 6 Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+100); Under

Game 913-914: Texas at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Tepesch) 16.362; Minnesota (Correia) 14.822 Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 10 Vegas Line: Texas (-115); 9 Dunkel Pick: Texas (-115); Over

Game 915-916: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Tomlin) 14.353; White Sox (Quintana) 15.772 Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-120); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-120); Under

Game 917-918: Detroit at Oakland (4:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Smyly) 16.202; Oakland (Milone) 15.124 Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 9 Vegas Line: Oakland (-135); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+115); Over

Game 919-920: LA Angels at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Skaggs) 16.836; Seattle (Young) 15.350 Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: LA Angels (-130); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-130); Under

Game 921-922: Tampa Bay at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Bedard) 16.803; Toronto (Hutchison) 15.947 Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 10 Vegas Line: Toronto (-160); 9 Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+140); Over

Game 923-924: Houston at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Feldman) 16.172; Kansas City (Ventura) 15.162 Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 6 Vegas Line: Kansas City (-160); 7 Dunkel Pick: Houston (+140); Under

Game 925-926: Boston at Atlanta (1:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Buchholz) 13.867; Atlanta (Santana) 15.512 Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: Atlanta (-145); 7 Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-145); Over

Game 927-928: Baltimore at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Tillman) 14.266; Milwaukee (Lohse) 15.849 Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-140); 8 Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-140); Under

Game 929-930: NY Yankees at St. Louis (4:15 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Whitley) 15.002; St. Louis (Wacha) 16.617 Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: St. Louis (-170); 7 Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-170); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Today's NBA Picks

Indiana at Miami

The Pacers look to bounce back from their 99-87 loss to Miami in Game 3 and come into tonight's contest with a 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. Indiana is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by only 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+6 1/2). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

MONDAY, MAY 26 Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST

Game 513-514: Indiana at Miami (8:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 122.725; Miami 126.343 Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 3 1/2; 186 Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 6 1/2; 183 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+6 1/2); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Today's NHL Picks

Chicago at Los Angeles

The Kings look to go up 3-1 in the series against a Chicago team that is 7-19 in its last 26 road games. Los Angeles is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Kings favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-130). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

MONDAY, MAY 26 Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST

Game 15-16: Chicago at Los Angeles (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.286; Los Angeles 13.411 Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1; 6 Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-130); 5 Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-130); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA Basketball Picks

Minnesota at Chicago

The Lynx head to Chicago to face the Sky (4-0) and come into the contest with a 9-0 ATS record in their last 9 games against a team with a winning SU record. Minnesota is the pick (+1) according to Dunkel, which has the Lynx favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+1). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.

MONDAY, MAY 26 Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST

Game 651-652: Minnesota at Chicago (3:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 118.332; Chicago 116.342 Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 2; 167 Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 160 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+1); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Heat goes for 3-1 lead
May 25, 2014

Indiana (65-33) at Miami (64-30)

Eastern Conference Finals
Game 4 – Miami leads series 2-1
Tip-off: Monday, 8:35 p.m. ET
Line and Total: Miami -6.5, Total: 183

After relinquishing a golden opportunity to win back home-court advantage on Saturday, the Pacers will look to tie up their Eastern Conference Finals series with the Heat on Monday night.

The team that has shot better has won every game of this series, with Miami prevailing in the past two contests with blistering shooting rates of 51% FG (40% threes) in Game 2 and 54% FG (56% threes) in Saturday's 99-87 victory. In the Game 2 home loss, Indiana made just 40% FG despite a hefty 47% clip from three-point range, but in Game 3, the club drained 48% FG and only 29% threes (6-of-21) in a game they led 19-5 late in the first quarter before getting outscored 94-68 the rest of the way. The Heat did a great job of staying even on the boards with a superior Pacers rebounding team with both clubs grabbing exactly 23 defensive rebounds and six offensive rebounds, and the points in the paint being 40-38 in favor of Miami.

With Saturday's outcome, the Heat now hold a 16-11 SU (14-13 ATS) advantage in the past three seasons in this series, but they have completely dominated in South Beach, as Indiana is just 3-16 SU (7-12 ATS) in its past 19 visits to American Airlines Arena. But the Pacers are a decent 26-22 SU (22-26 ATS) on the road this season, and they are also a stellar 31-17 ATS (65%) when coming off a road loss in the past two seasons. Miami has been a subpar 22-24-1 ATS at home, but is 38-9 SU when hosting this season. And although they are a mediocre 32-35-3 ATS with less than two days' rest this season, the Heat are an excellent 10-2 ATS when playing five or less games in a 14-day span. There are no significant injuries for either team.

Indiana has scored just 92.3 PPG this series, but the club has made 46.0% FG and 39.0% three-pointers in the three contests. During the regular season, the club averaged a more respectable 96.7 PPG, but was much less efficient with 44.9% FG and 35.7% threes. All five starters are averaging at least a dozen points in this series led by SF Paul George (18.3 PPG, 5.7 APG, 3.7 RPG in series). But he didn't shoot very well in Game 3 when he scored only 17 points on 5-of-13 FG, 1-of-6 threes and 6-of-10 FT. He also committed four fouls and had a minus-10 rating. George's other starting frontcourt mates, C Roy Hibbert (15.7 PPG, 8.0 RPG in series) and PF David West (14.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.7 APG in series), played well offensively on Saturday with a combined 29 points on 12-of-21 FG (57%), but combined for a mere seven rebounds while each wound up with a minus-21 rating. If this trio does not play better against a smaller and weaker Heat frontcourt, they will not win another game this series.

SG Lance Stephenson (17.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.3 SPG in series) has been the best all-around player for Indiana during the Eastern Conference Finals, making up for a poor 3-of-9 shooting night in Game 3 with a game-high 11 rebounds plus five assists and three steals. Stephenson has been off the mark all postseason on the road with shooting numbers of 43% FG (26% threes), which pale in comparison to home shooting rates of 48% FG and 45% threes. PG George Hill (12.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG in series) has shot 47% from three-point range in the East Finals, but both he and backup PG C.J. Watson (5.7 PPG in series) have more turnovers than assists in the three postseason meetings with Miami. Hill has only three assists and five turnovers in the series, while Watson has two assists and four turnovers. Watson also posted a minus-17 rating in his 28 minutes off the bench on Saturday.

The Heat were a great offensive team in the regular season with 102.2 PPG on 50.1% FG and 36.4% threes, and although they haven't scored as much versus an excellent Pacers defense with 94.0 PPG, their shooting percentages have been even better this series at 52.1% FG and 39.3% threes. SF LeBron James (24.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 6.0 APG, 3.0 SPG in series) and SG Dwyane Wade (24.3 PPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG in series) have both scored 73 points this series on blistering shooting clips with James at 58% FG and Wade at 62% FG (3-of-5 threes). Even though James committed six turnovers in Game 3, he still pitched in 26 points, seven boards, five assists and four steals to produce a game-best rating of +24. Wade finished with 23 points, four boards, four assists, three steals and a solid +9 rating. SG Ray Allen (10.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG in series) is the only other Miami player averaging double-figure scoring in this series, as he has knocked down 47% FG and 54% threes (7-for-13). He made all four of his long-range tries on Saturday, finishing with 16 points and a +8 rating.

PF Chris Andersen (6.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG in series) has also provided great energy in a reserve role, with his rebounding making up for the continued soft play of PF Chris Bosh (9.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG in series). While Andersen has a stellar +26 rating for the series, Bosh has a minus-28 mark, showing that the Heat have been much better with Andersen on the floor. The All-Star Bosh has scored exactly nine points in all three games this series, making only 36% FG (2-of-12 threes) with as many personal fouls as rebounds (12 each) in his 29.8 MPG. Miami's point-guard situation hasn't been much better than Indiana's floor generals. PGs Mario Chalmers (6.0 PPG, 3.0 APG in series) and Norris Cole (6.7 PPG in series) have just 14 assists and nine turnovers this series, but the combination did shoot well in Game 3 by making 7-of-11 FG.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pacers-Heat Game 4: The game inside the game
By DAVID MALINSKY

After breaking down game #1 of this series there was a hypothesis presented – could some of those late-season Indiana struggles, and the sloppy showing through the first two rounds of these playoffs, been a result of too much focus on beating Miami, instead of developing all-around as a team. And as the series progresses, that notion brings some intriguing dynamics into play.

The Heat have taken control over the last 55 minutes; after being down 1-0 and by four points nearly midway through the fourth quarter of Game #2, it is now a 2-1 advantage, and clear momentum. The stars have been stars, with the probing floor game of LeBron James peeling away Pacer layers, and Dwayne Wade showing that renewed vigor that was written about here prior to Game #3. But while that is the most visible story, the changing tide of the series shows a different current as a major factor.

Despite being down 2-1, Indiana may indeed have been ready for the version of Miami that the Pacers had lost to in the past, and were most expecting to face. The lineup of James-Wade-Mario Chalmers-Chris Bosh-Udonis Haslem beat them in the playoffs last June, and except for Shane Battier getting the nod in the opener, has been the starting group again. How have they fared? Not as well as your first instincts may tell you. Yes, with James on the court the Heat are a +15 through three games. But for as good as Wade has been his minutes only add up at a -5; for Haslem it is -27; Bosh -28; and Chalmers -30.

Indiana has played pretty darn well, against the group that Frank Vogel and his team have been thinking about for so long. But while the Pacers are who they are, with little ability to change gears, the Miami roster has been developed to bring a lot of flexibility. And that has been the story.

First, keep in mind that +/- numbers are inexact, and should never be more than an accessory to a properly-dressed handicap. But they do tell a tale here. How can the Heat be in control of this series despite such bad scoreboards when most of the starters are on the court? From performances that would have been difficult to anticipate a week ago. How about a +28 from Ray Allen, +27 from Norris Cole, and +26 from Chris Anderson? But it is not a fault to any handicapper that could not project their impact; it is that Vogel and the Pacers could not anticipate, and as the chess match of this series has unfolded they have consistently been a move behind.

The Miami pieces are such that Battier can go from starting in the opener to being a 7:23 afterthought on Saturday. James Jones mattered enough in the Brooklyn series to play 28:42 over the last two games; in the last two in this series his appearance was for the final 42 seconds on Saturday, etc. There is a corps of bench players that lack strong all-around games but do bring particular skills, and all share a common bond – they are veterans that want to win a ring, and will fulfill their role to do it. It is a tribute to Spoelstra’s handling of both basketball tactics and basketball players’ egos, and also to the way that James and Wade command a high level of respect from the rest of the roster.

When the series started the Heat struggled on defense and the boards. Anderson helped to solve that inside, and Cole on the perimeter, in Game #2. On Saturday energy and offense were badly lacking, with that humbling 38-point first half their lowest output of the season. So Spoelstra went to a smaller and quicker lineup, not only turning up the defensive pressure, but also creating offensive spacing that the bigger but slower Indiana defense could not solve. The Heat were 22-37 in the second half, including that barrage from long-range from Allen that showed how confused the Pacer defense was – it was actually David West having to chase him on man of those possessions.

Which now leads to Monday. To recapture the momentum Indiana has to not only be better at the parts of the game that have the Pacers still alive this late in the season, but to also to be flexible enough to adjust to Miami changes. The question the handicapper must answer is just how much capacity Vogel & Co. have to do that. For once, there will not be the usual Zig Zag line adjustment, so someone wanted the underdog is not being whittled. But to take that plunge means answering affirmatively to a question that has been the defining one of this series so far.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Heat goes for 3-1 lead
May 25, 2014

Indiana (65-33) at Miami (64-30)

Eastern Conference Finals
Game 4 – Miami leads series 2-1
Tip-off: Monday, 8:35 p.m. ET
Line and Total: Miami -6.5, Total: 183

After relinquishing a golden opportunity to win back home-court advantage on Saturday, the Pacers will look to tie up their Eastern Conference Finals series with the Heat on Monday night.

The team that has shot better has won every game of this series, with Miami prevailing in the past two contests with blistering shooting rates of 51% FG (40% threes) in Game 2 and 54% FG (56% threes) in Saturday's 99-87 victory. In the Game 2 home loss, Indiana made just 40% FG despite a hefty 47% clip from three-point range, but in Game 3, the club drained 48% FG and only 29% threes (6-of-21) in a game they led 19-5 late in the first quarter before getting outscored 94-68 the rest of the way. The Heat did a great job of staying even on the boards with a superior Pacers rebounding team with both clubs grabbing exactly 23 defensive rebounds and six offensive rebounds, and the points in the paint being 40-38 in favor of Miami.

With Saturday's outcome, the Heat now hold a 16-11 SU (14-13 ATS) advantage in the past three seasons in this series, but they have completely dominated in South Beach, as Indiana is just 3-16 SU (7-12 ATS) in its past 19 visits to American Airlines Arena. But the Pacers are a decent 26-22 SU (22-26 ATS) on the road this season, and they are also a stellar 31-17 ATS (65%) when coming off a road loss in the past two seasons. Miami has been a subpar 22-24-1 ATS at home, but is 38-9 SU when hosting this season. And although they are a mediocre 32-35-3 ATS with less than two days' rest this season, the Heat are an excellent 10-2 ATS when playing five or less games in a 14-day span. There are no significant injuries for either team.

Indiana has scored just 92.3 PPG this series, but the club has made 46.0% FG and 39.0% three-pointers in the three contests. During the regular season, the club averaged a more respectable 96.7 PPG, but was much less efficient with 44.9% FG and 35.7% threes. All five starters are averaging at least a dozen points in this series led by SF Paul George (18.3 PPG, 5.7 APG, 3.7 RPG in series). But he didn't shoot very well in Game 3 when he scored only 17 points on 5-of-13 FG, 1-of-6 threes and 6-of-10 FT. He also committed four fouls and had a minus-10 rating. George's other starting frontcourt mates, C Roy Hibbert (15.7 PPG, 8.0 RPG in series) and PF David West (14.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.7 APG in series), played well offensively on Saturday with a combined 29 points on 12-of-21 FG (57%), but combined for a mere seven rebounds while each wound up with a minus-21 rating. If this trio does not play better against a smaller and weaker Heat frontcourt, they will not win another game this series.

SG Lance Stephenson (17.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.3 SPG in series) has been the best all-around player for Indiana during the Eastern Conference Finals, making up for a poor 3-of-9 shooting night in Game 3 with a game-high 11 rebounds plus five assists and three steals. Stephenson has been off the mark all postseason on the road with shooting numbers of 43% FG (26% threes), which pale in comparison to home shooting rates of 48% FG and 45% threes. PG George Hill (12.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG in series) has shot 47% from three-point range in the East Finals, but both he and backup PG C.J. Watson (5.7 PPG in series) have more turnovers than assists in the three postseason meetings with Miami. Hill has only three assists and five turnovers in the series, while Watson has two assists and four turnovers. Watson also posted a minus-17 rating in his 28 minutes off the bench on Saturday.

The Heat were a great offensive team in the regular season with 102.2 PPG on 50.1% FG and 36.4% threes, and although they haven't scored as much versus an excellent Pacers defense with 94.0 PPG, their shooting percentages have been even better this series at 52.1% FG and 39.3% threes. SF LeBron James (24.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 6.0 APG, 3.0 SPG in series) and SG Dwyane Wade (24.3 PPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG in series) have both scored 73 points this series on blistering shooting clips with James at 58% FG and Wade at 62% FG (3-of-5 threes). Even though James committed six turnovers in Game 3, he still pitched in 26 points, seven boards, five assists and four steals to produce a game-best rating of +24. Wade finished with 23 points, four boards, four assists, three steals and a solid +9 rating. SG Ray Allen (10.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG in series) is the only other Miami player averaging double-figure scoring in this series, as he has knocked down 47% FG and 54% threes (7-for-13). He made all four of his long-range tries on Saturday, finishing with 16 points and a +8 rating.

PF Chris Andersen (6.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG in series) has also provided great energy in a reserve role, with his rebounding making up for the continued soft play of PF Chris Bosh (9.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG in series). While Andersen has a stellar +26 rating for the series, Bosh has a minus-28 mark, showing that the Heat have been much better with Andersen on the floor. The All-Star Bosh has scored exactly nine points in all three games this series, making only 36% FG (2-of-12 threes) with as many personal fouls as rebounds (12 each) in his 29.8 MPG. Miami's point-guard situation hasn't been much better than Indiana's floor generals. PGs Mario Chalmers (6.0 PPG, 3.0 APG in series) and Norris Cole (6.7 PPG in series) have just 14 assists and nine turnovers this series, but the combination did shoot well in Game 3 by making 7-of-11 FG.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blackhawks (46-21) at Kings (46-28)

Date: May 26, 2014 9:00 PM EDT

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - Darryl Sutter is a hockey coach and a farmer, not always in that order. He is not the type of person to argue about etiquette and unwritten rules.

So while the Kings rested and the Blackhawks went through a light practice Sunday, Sutter and Joel Quenneville left the touchy-feely rhetoric to the coaches in the Eastern Conference finals.

With little separating Chicago and Los Angeles in a series headed to a key Game 4 on Monday night, both coaches believe the West is likely to be won with simple, straightforward execution and effort. The Kings have been slightly better at both in the first three games, but they're not comfortable or complacent.

'We're playing the Stanley Cup champion,' Sutter said. 'If you go into every game thinking it's an elimination game, that's a good way of doing it. That's what we'll do again, and when it's over, it'll be over, and we'll get ready for the next elimination game. It's not as complicated as it seems.'

When the Kings attempt to take a 3-1 series lead at Staples Center, they'll stick to their no-nonsense game plan against the powerful Blackhawks. At its core, the Kings require scoring and defense from all four lines, because Sutter won't mix his forwards or play matchup games against Chicago's top players.

The plan is working splendidly so far against the Blackhawks, who have managed just four 5-on-5 goals in the series' nine periods - just two in the Kings' two victories. Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Bryan Bickell haven't scored a goal against Los Angeles, while Patrick Sharp only got his first with 5 seconds left in Chicago's 4-3 loss in Game 3.

'L.A. is playing pretty well, and we know they have momentum,' said Kane, a minus-3 with no points in the conference finals. 'They're maybe the best team in the league, and have been the best team in the playoffs when they do have the momentum, so we've got to try to get it back from them and sustain it.'

The Blackhawks are trailing 2-1 for the fourth time in their last six playoff series, but the champions have won their last six consecutive playoff series. They see simple solutions to their latest deficit, starting with a commitment to gritty goals and penalty-free defense - but Kane also realizes he must step up soon.

Kane's only goal in the last eight games was his overtime series-clincher against Minnesota, and he has identified two goals for himself in Game 4.

'Demand the puck, and when I do get it, be confident with it,' Kane said. 'Just put it on yourself to play better for your teammates. Try to get the puck in better spots and let my instinct take over.'

The Kings have done a remarkable job limiting Kane, whose famed first step isn't much use when Los Angeles constantly shadows his moves and limits him largely to the perimeter of the offense. Much of the defensive work against Chicago's top line is done by Anze Kopitar, the Selke Trophy finalist and the playoffs' leading scorer with 20 points in 17 games despite managing just one goal in the last 10.

'Kopitar versus Toews, that's clearly a good matchup, but there's also times where it's dictated by what's just happened on the ice,' Sutter said. 'I believe our fourth line should be able to take three or four shifts a game against that line. If they can't, they shouldn't be in the lineup.'

Los Angeles' defensive success also is related to its shockingly effective offensive game in the postseason. The Kings were the lowest-scoring NHL team to make the playoffs this season, but they're the highest-scoring team in the playoffs after another four-goal performance in Game 3 led by dynamic center Jeff Carter, who has 10 points in four games.

The Kings put 18 shots on Corey Crawford in the third period of Game 3, forcing Chicago to play defense instead of trying to tie it. The Blackhawks been in too many tight spots to worry, but their leaders realize it's time to counter the Kings' successes.

'You can't think about what's going to happen in the series too much, but tomorrow is obviously a huge game,' Kane said. 'It gets us right back in the series if we can win it. ... We've had a good track record of coming back in series, so hopefully history can repeat itself and we can do it again, but it's not going to be easy.'

Although the Kings' regulars stayed off the ice Sunday, defenseman Robyn Regehr skated with the reserves. The veteran has missed Los Angeles' last nine games with a knee injury.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cappers Access

Pacers +6
W. Sox -115
Blackhawks +130

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Blackhawks at Kings: What bettors need to know


Chicago Blackhawks at Los Angeles Kings (-128, 5)


Jeff Carter and rookie linemates Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson have made their presence known in the Western Conference final. Dubbed "That '70s line" in reference to the jersey numbers, the trio looks to continue its momentum and push the defending Stanley Cup champions to the brink of elimination when the Los Angeles Kings host the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 4 on Monday. Carter followed up his four-point performance in Game 2 by collecting a goal and two assists as the Kings seized a 2-1 edge in the series with a 4-3 triumph on Saturday.


Carter has scored four goals and set up four others during the conference final, while the 22-year-old Toffoli's third tally in as many games snapped a tie late in the second period on Saturday. Although that line has produced seven goals and eight assists in the series, Chicago captain Jonathan Toews has been his team's primary weapon with three of the club's eight tallies. "There's no time for getting discouraged or getting frustrated," Toews said. "We know we're going to keep pushing for that next level."


TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN, RDS


ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS: Patrick Kane was a dominant fixture in last season's playoffs, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as a result. After scoring the series-clinching goal against Minnesota in the second round, Kane has been held off the scoresheet in each of the three contests against Los Angeles. Patrick Sharp, who had a team-leading 34 goals in the regular season, dented the scoresheet for the first time in four contests as he tallied with five seconds remaining in Game 3.


ABOUT THE KINGS: Pearson finished with an assist in Game 3 to join Toffoli in extending their respective point streaks to four games. "I think these guys just hate to lose," the 21-year-old Pearson said of the team. "From the experience of the older guys right down to us young guys, everyone wants to chip in and do their part. We don't want to let our teammates down." Winning in the faceoff circles has been a big part of Los Angeles' success, highlighted by Jarret Stoll's 40-for-63 effort in the series.


TRENDS:


* Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Los Angeles.
* Home team is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
* Over is 5-2-1 in Blackhawks last eight road games.
* Kings are 4-1 in their last five overall.


OVERTIME:


1. Chicago C Andrew Shaw returned from a seven-game absence due to a leg injury on Saturday but lost all seven of his faceoffs.


2. Carter's offensive outburst has him at 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists), one shy of teammate Anze Kopitar (five goals, 15 assists) for the league lead.


3. The Blackhawks have yielded three power-play goals in their last two contests after allowing four in their previous 13.