Daily tips for April 25

Racing for April 25

Horse racing: Flemington (Vic), Warwick Farm (NSW), Beaudesert (Qld), Gawler (SA), Pinjarra (WA), Gosford (NSW), Swan Hill (Vic), Yarra Valley (Vic), Kalgoorlie (WA), Bathurst (NSW), Darwin (NT)

Harness racing: Coolamon (NSW), Gold Coast (Qld), Mildura (Vic), Penrith (NSW), Northam (WA)

Greyhound racing: Warragul (Vic), Dubbo (NSW), Geelong (Vic), Maitland (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Sandown Park (Vic), Angle Park (SA), Hobart (Tas), Dapto (NSW), Mandurah (WA)

There’s a huge program of ANZAC Day racing scheduled around the country highlighted by the Listed VRC St Leger over 2800m at Flemington. Remarkably, the first running of this race pre-dates the Melbourne Cup by four years to 1857!

While the honour roll includes Phar Lap and Tulloch, the St Leger isn’t rated among the top staying tests but has attracted a decent enough field this year. Indeed, our best of the day comes up here as #1 Hippopus backs-up after finishing fifth in the ATC Australian Derby to It’s A Dundeel. All nine of the 3yo colt’s starts have been north of the border, so we respect the decision by Gai Waterhouse to go with Craig Williams here.

The big question mark is whether he will stay the distance, having won up to only 1900m although the High Chapparal-Straight Eight bloodlines are both littered with champion stayers. We’re tipping he will, and salute at a good thing’s price of $2.25, with #2 Serpent the main danger.

Suggested bet: Flemington R6 #1 Hippopus WIN (two units) 1st $2.30

Other racing tips

Yarra Valley R1 #7 Stinchar (WIN) 1st $1.30

Warwick Farm R2 #1 Liberty’s Choice (WIN) LOSE (2nd)

Flemington R3 #12 Vain Queen (WIN) 1st $2.10

Flemington R5 #15 Khalifa (WIN) LOSE (4th)

Beaudesert R4 #1 Cash In (E/W) LOSE (2nd)

Gawler R6 #9 Rose of Lincoln (E/W) 2nd $1.90

Harness racing tip: Mildura R8 #6 Mista Taptoe Lombo (win) LOSE (2nd)

Greyhound racing tip: Dapto R4 #2 Run Dee Cee (win) LOSE (2nd)

NRL (rd 7) for April 25

Roosters v Dragons, Allianz Stadium, Thursday, April 25, 4pm

The high-flying Roosters will be focused on shattering the Dragons’ tight grip on traditional ANZAC Day meetings when they lock horns with the back-on-track visitors. Trent Robinson’s squad have been the surprise packet of the 2013 season thus far, turning around their paper-thin defence of the past few years to rank among the Telstra Premiership’s hardest nuts to crack.

But the rock-hard resistance that has seen them already notch three shut-outs through just six rounds of the competition will be tested by a resurgent St George Illawarra, who will play with confidence after stringing together a hat-trick of victories over the Sharks, Knights and Wests Tigers – albeit their last win a lucky escape after surrendering a 12-nil lead with 15 minutes to play.

The Dragons have won eight of 11 ANZAC Day games between these sides but that will only serve as motivation for the Roosters. The Dragons will struggle for points in the face of a rock solid defence, meaning the total score is likely to also stay low.

Suggested bet: Roosters -9.5 (two units) WIN, game total -36.5 (one unit) LOSE (34-10)

Other tips

Storm -14.5 v Warriors LOSE (28-18)

AFL (rd 5) for April 25

Essendon v Collingwood, MCG, Thursday, April 25, 2.40pm

It’s the 19th time these clubs have met in their now traditional ANZAC Day clash. The Magpies hold the advantage on the day, winning 10 of the game to the Bombers' seven. There was one draw – in the first game in 1995.

To the surprise of most, Essendon sits on top of the ladder, unbeaten after a challenging start to the season. Without key trio Michael Hurley (ankle), Dustin Fletcher (groin) and Paddy Ryder (suspension) they might be susceptible, although the Magpies also have a number of experienced players missing.

Collingwood could hardly have been more impressive in the third quarter of its win over Richmond last week but we fancy the Bombers to give them a much closer run here, which could again go down to the wire.

Suggested bet: Game total -200.5 (two units) WIN, Essendon +8.5 (one unit) WIN (121-75)

St Kilda v Sydney, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, NZ, Thursday, April 25, 5.50pm

The 1-3 Saints meet the reigning premiers in the first match for AFL premiership points to be played internationally; there have been two pre-season matches previously played at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, in 2000 and 2001, but never has a home-and-away game been played outside Australia.

A common feature of Wellington is wind, and tonight promises testing conditions for players with rain also forecast. The layout of the ground is similar to the SCG, which will suit the Swans who will be keen to atone for last week’s loss to Geelong.

The game total line is yet to be released, but we’re expecting the bookies to open at about 187.5 (currently showing on TAB Sportsbet). If that’s the case, we’ll smash the under as that total has only been surpassed once in the last five between two sides renowned for low scoring affairs.

Suggested bet: Game total -185.5 (three units) WIN, Sydney 1-39 (one unit) WIN (63-79)

Come in spinner!

A true-blue Aussie tradition, the game of two-up is only legal on ANZAC Day. Brought to Australia as ‘pitch and toss’ by English and Irish immigrants, it was popular as far back as the gold rush days and became part of the ANZAC tradition when played by soldiers during WWI. As a result it’s become synonymous with April 25, during which pubs across the country will host games. And it couldn’t be much easier to play!

• Two coins are placed on a paddle (kip) by the ‘spinner’. You and fellow punters will need to surround them and commence bellowing things like “tennahead!” (i.e. I want to bet $10 on both coins landing heads up).

• Want to take that bet? Lock eyes and vigorously wave your $10 in the head-bettor’s direction, then give them your cash if they accept (heads holds the money).

• The boxer (referee) yells ‘come in spinner’, to cease betting then the coins are flicked in the air. They have to reach higher than the spinner’s head and fall within the circle to count as valid toss. If it’s heads, you lost. Tails? You won! One of each? The spinner keeps tossing till there's a result.

• Celebrate/console yourself with a beer; repeat!

NBA playoffs for April 25

Eastern Conference round 1, game 2: Atlanta Hawks @ Indiana Pacers, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN, Thursday, April 25, 9.40am (Pacers lead 1-0)

The Atlanta Hawks are ready to start mixing it up with Indiana. They don't have a choice. After complaining about how the first playoff game was called, then getting chastised by their own coach for their poor effort in the loss, the Hawks spent two days assessing the damage and how to counter the Pacers' tough, in-your-face brand of basketball. The simple solution: Punch back.

But even the Hawks’ best is unlikely to be enough to overcome a Pacers side that has lost just 11 of 41 at home this season. At face value, the market isn’t offering a lot of value however the ‘under’ is 12-4 in the Hawks’ last 16 conference quarter-final games, while the Pacers have fallen shot of that number in six of their last eight after scoring 100 or more points.

Suggested bet: Game total -186.5 (two units) LOSE, Pacers -7 (one unit) WIN (98-113)

Other tips

Western Conference round 1, game 2: Rockets @ Thunder +212 LOSE (102-107)

Western Conference round 1, game 2: Lakers @ Spurs -8.5 WIN (91-102)

• Place a bet on a “head to head” market during the NBA playoffs match and if your team score 100 points or more but lose, our sports betting partner Centrebet will refund your first bet up to $100 cash!

MLB for April 25

Milwaukee Brewers @ San Diego Padres, Petco Park, San Diego, CA, Thursday, April 25, 12.10pm

The Milwaukee Brewers have been a cash cow for us in recent times, they continue to roll and aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. The slumping San Diego Padres will be glad to see them leave town. Seeking a 10th consecutive win, the Brewers try to sweep the Padres for the first time in 10 seasons. The Padres (5-15), meanwhile, find themselves on the verge of dropping eight straight home games for the first time since 2008.

The Padres will try to get back on track against Marco Estrada (2-0, 4.50 ERA), who allowed three runs and seven hits over six innings Friday in a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs. We just can’t see how the Padres will be able to reverse their fortunes with Edinson Volquez (0-3, 8.84) on the mound.

Suggested bet: Milwaukee Brewers WIN (two units) LOSE (1-2)

Other tips

Cubs @ Reds WIN WIN (0-1)

Yankees WIN @ Rays LOSE (0-3)

Cardinals WIN @ Nationals WIN (4-2)

Diamondbacks @ Giants -1.5 LOSE (3-2)

Indians @ White Sox WIN WIN (2-3)

Pirates WIN @ Phillies WIN (5-3)

Rangers @ Angels +1.5 LOSE (11-3)

Athletics @ Red Sox WIN WIN (5-6)

NHL for April 25

Los Angeles Kings @ Detroit Red Wings, Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI, Thursday, April 25, 9.40am

The Los Angeles Kings are already returning to the playoffs while the Detroit Red Wings could use more consistent scoring in their quest to reach the postseason as they eye a fourth straight home win over their west coast rivals. The road weary Kings face a quick turnaround after playing in Minnesota last night against a team that has played its best hockey this season on its home ice and is in desperate need of a win.

Detroit (21-16-8) sits ninth in the conference, one point back of Columbus for the eighth and final playoff position and two in front of Dallas. This contest has an excellent chance of staying under the five-goal total with the Red Wings also worth a play to win outright as they are 5-1 in the past six they’ve played on a day’s rest.

Suggested bet: Game total -5 (two units) WIN, Red Wings WIN (one unit) WIN (1-3)

Other tips

Maple Leafs @ Lightning WIN WIN (2-5)

Blackhawks WIN @ Oilers WIN (4-1)

Sharks @ Coyotes -5 WIN (1-2)

Daily tips for April 24

NBA playoffs for April 24

Eastern Conference round 1, game 2: Milwaukee Bucks @ Miami Heat, AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL, Wednesday, April 24, 9.40am

The Heat smashed the Bucks by 23 in the series opener, and it’s not hard to see them dishing up a similar result once again on their home floor. One area where the Heat struggled in game one was three-point shooting, where they went 7 for 23. It was a focus for Miami at practise during the week and even the slightest improvement on that number could spell doom for the visitors.

Another concern for the Bucks – who are 1-4 against Miami this season – is finding ways to get Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis some help on the offensive end. Jennings and Ellis combined for 48 points in game one; their teammates chipped in only 39 more.

Suggested bet: Heat -14 (one unit) LOSE, game total -197 (two units) WIN (86-98)

Western Conference round 1, game 2: Golden State Warriors @ Denver Nuggets, Pepsi Center, Denver, CO, Wednesday, April 24, 12.40pm

The Warriors will be forced to play this game without All-Star David Lee, who will also miss the remainder of the playoffs due to a hip injury he suffered in Game 1. Going back three seasons, Lee has missed a total of 21 games, and Golden State is just 3-18 SU in that situation.

However, Golden State is a perfect 7-0 ATS in their last seven games that follow a SU loss and they are 5-2 ATS in their last seven played on the highway. And if Golden State can do a better job of protecting the ball – something they failed to do in Game 1 – we figure this one could be another close one.

Suggested bet: Warriors +8.5 (two units) WIN, game total +208 (two units) WIN (131-117)

NHL for April 24

New York Islanders @ Carolina Hurricanes, PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC, Wednesday, April 24, 9.10am

Normally at this point of the season, Islanders fans would be lamenting another miserable campaign and making plans for the summer. Not this year. The Islanders are chasing their first post-season appearance since 2006-07 and they eye a fourth straight win here.

New York has gone 11-1-2 over its last 14 games to bolster its playoff chances. It is two points behind Toronto for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference while holding a one-point edge on the eighth-place Rangers.

Evgeni Nabokov, 10-1-2 with a 1.74 GAA over his last 13 starts, will be in the net here. He's 8-1-1 with a 2.04 GAA in 11 career starts against the Hurricanes. With so much on the line, it’s hard to go past the Islanders here and the puck-line price of $3.05 looks excellent value.

Suggested bet: Islanders -1.5 (two units) LOSE (3-4)

Other tips

Jets @ Capitals -1.5 WIN (3-5)

Sabres @ Penguins -1.5 LOSE (4-2)

Bruins WIN @ Flyers LOSE (2-5)

Avalanche @ Blues -5 WIN (1-3)

MLB for April 24

New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL, Wednesday, April 24, 9.10am

There’ve been plenty of postponed games in the opening three weeks of the MLB season due to inclement weather, but no danger here as the mercury hovers in the mid-80s for this match-up where the Rays look hard to beat.

The Rays (9-10) opened the three-game series at Tropicana Field with a 5-1 win with starter Matt Moore dominant. Rays pitcher David Price, who gets the start here, fared well in his final three outings against the Yankees last season, going 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 19 innings.

New York will give the ball to right-hander Phil Hughes (0-2, 6.43 ERA), who is also trying to iron things out after a shaky start. In his last outing he gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings at Arizona.

Suggested bets: Rays -1.5 (two units) LOSE, game total -7 (two units) WIN (4-3)

Other tips

Athletics @ Red Sox -8.5 LOSE (13-0)

Blue Jays @ Orioles -8 WIN (3-4)

Pirates WIN @ Phillies WIN (2-0)

Royals @ Tigers -1.5 POSTPONED

Mariners -1.5 @ Astros LOSE (2-3)

Brewers WIN @ Padres WIN (6-3)

Braves @ Rockies +9.5 WIN (10-2)

Diamondbacks @ Giants WIN LOSE (6-4)

Daily tips for April 23

Racing for April 23

Horse racing: Geelong (Vic), Wagga Wagga (NSW), Mackay (Qld)

Harness racing: Menangle (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Shepparton (Vic), Harvey (WA)

Greyhound racing: Bendigo (Vic), Devonport (Tas), Angle Park (SA), Goulburn (NSW), Horsham (Vic), Ipswich (Qld), Lismore (NSW), Gosford (NSW), Warragul (Vic), Townsville (Qld), Mandurah (WA)

Today’s racing program features meeting sat Geelong (on the synthetic track), Mackay and Wagga, where the track has been rated a good (3) where our best of the day comes up in race 8.

The move south from Queensland to Canberra and the stable of Matthew Dale seems to have agreed with #4 Lucky Morna. The 4yo mare lines up in the Home Building Society Benchmark 65 Handicap (1400m) 17 days after cruising to victory at Goulburn.

She carried 59kg on that occasion over 1200m and looked to have plenty left in the tank. Today she drops to 57.5kg and should go straight to the front again for barrier three, with jockey Brendan Ward in the saddle once again.

Suggested bet: Wagga Wagga R8 #4 Lucky Morna WIN (two units) LOSE U/P

Other racing tips

Geelong R4 #5 Lady Nhung (E/W) 3rd $1.90

Wagga R4 #12 Testanova (win) 1st $2.90

Mackay R3 #1 Bynazar (E/W) LOSE U/P

Harness racing tip: Shepparton R3 #3 Luke Hobbs (win)

Greyhound racing tip: Gosford R5 #1 Ariek Pirate (win)

MLB for April 23

Texas Rangers @ Los Angeles Angels, Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA, Tuesday, April 23, 12.05pm

Our best of the day in Major League Baseball comes up in one of the late games where Hot-hitting Texas seeks a fourth consecutive victory while ending the host Angels’ three-game winning streak in the opener of a three-game series.

After going 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 2011, Texas pitcher Derek Holland's numbers slipped last season as he finished 12-7 with a 4.67 ERA but he’s gone 1-1 with a 1.64 ERA so far this year and gets the start here.

The Rangers (12-6) led the majors in runs scored last season, but the offense sputtered at times before outscoring the Mariners 23-3 in their recent series. Angels starter Joe Blanton has dropped each of his first three outings while posting a dismal 8.59 ERA. He's given up 15 runs in 14 2/3 innings, including four in 4 2/3 of an 8-2 loss to Minnesota.

Suggested bet: Rangers WIN (three units) WIN (7-6)

Other tips

Athletics WIN @ Red Sox LOSE (6-9)

Cardinals WIN @ Nationals WIN (3-2)

Yankees @ Rays WIN WIN (1-5)

Blue Jays @ Orioles -8.5 WIN (1-2)

Cubs @ Reds -1.5 LOSE (4-5)

Mariners -1.5 WIN @ Astros +7.5 WIN (7-1)

NHL for April 23

Chicago Blackhawks @ Vancouver Canucks, Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Tuesday, April 23, noon

Both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Vancouver Canucks have qualified for the playoffs, but won’t be winding down ahead of the opening game. The Blackhawks (34-5-5), who have already clinched the Central Division and the West's top seed, can earn their first Presidents’ Trophy since 1991.

Chicago carries an 11-game point streak (9-0-2) into this contest and is trying to become the first team to post four consecutive shutouts away from home since the Phoenix Coyotes accomplished the feat in 2004.

Extending that streak will be difficult as Vancouver (25-13-7) bears down on the Northwest title. The Canucks secured a playoff spot with a 2-1 shootout victory over Detroit that also extended their home winning streak to a season-high seven games. Vancouver is also chasing Anaheim for the No. 2 spot in the West. Expect a low-scoring affair here.

Suggested bet: Game total -5 (two units) WIN (1-3)

Other tips

Jets WIN @ Sabres WIN (2-1)

Penguins @ Senators WIN LOSE (3-1)

Coyotes @ Red Wings -5 WIN (0-4)

Ducks -1.5 @ Oilers WIN (3-0)

NBA playoffs for April 23

Eastern Conference round 1, game 2: Chicago Bulls @ Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, Tuesday, April 23, 10am

The Nets picked apart the Bulls defence in game 1, rolling to a 106-89 victory. And when the teams return to Barclays Center for Game 2, the Bulls will have to slow down a team that finished the regular season well and opened the playoffs even better.

The opener was close for only the first few minutes. The Nets began pulling away late in the first quarter, and then made 16 of 20 shots in the second, shooting 60 per cent in the first half and opening a 60-35 lead.

Brooklyn won six of its final seven games of the regular season after opening April with a 92-90 loss to Chicago. The Nets scored more than 100 points in each victory, are much healthier than the banged-up Bulls, and with Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson, have three starters who can hurt even one of the NBA’s best defences.

Suggested bet: Nets -5 (two units) LOSE, game total +183 LOSE (90-82)

Western Conference round 1, game 2: Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Clippers, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, Tuesday, April 23, 10.30am

The opening game in LA was close through the first three quarters. After the Grizzlies clawed within one in the fourth, the Clippers blew it open when they made 15 of 22 shots while shooting 68 per cent, owned a 15-5 rebounding advantage, and outscored the Grizzlies 37-22.

Los Angeles carried over the momentum it created in putting together a seven-game win streak to close out the 2012-13 regular season—covering the number in six of its last eight contests.

The Grizzlies had only one game during the regular season in which they allowed as many as 112 points, as they led the league in allowing 89.5 points per game by holding 71 of 82 opponents under the century mark.

Suggested bet: Clippers -5.5 (two units) LOSE, game total +179.5 WIN (91-93)

• Place a bet on the “head to head” market during the NBA playoffs and if your team scores 100 points or more but lose our sports betting partner Centrebet will refund your first bet up to $100 cash!

Daily tips for April 22

IPL – of course it’s real!

Last year, Yahoo! India conducted a public perception survey regarding the Indian Premier League (IPL). Almost 20,000 cricket enthusiasts responded, and the results were staggering.

A resounding 68.9 per cent of the respondents said they believe match-fixing is rampant. Bizarrely, 61.5 per cent felt that despite this, the format has had a positive effect on cricket. Arguably the most surprising result of his survey was that 31.1 per cent thought that match-fixing in the IPL wasn’t rampant!

Last week, I watched an IPL game featuring the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Needing two off the last delivery, CSK’s Ravindra Jadeja was caught at deep third man only for the umpire to signal no-ball after R.P. Singh’s left foot landed at least 10cm over the crease. Jadeja scuttles through for a single, Super Kings win.

It was about as surprising as watching pro wrestling legend The Undertaker stretch his Wrestlemania winning streak to 21-0 a week earlier! Without stating the obvious, the IPL is not sanctioned by the International Cricket Council meaning the rules of the ICC don’t apply in this competition.

It seemed the Board of Control for Cricket in India might be taking a harder line last year when it announced in May 2012 that five players were to be suspended for spot-fixing.

However, that paled into insignificance when, less than two weeks later, it was revealed on the IPL website that the Chennai Super Kings defeated the Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator before earning a spot in the final against the Kolkata Knight Riders thanks to victory over the Delhi Daredevils in Qualifier 2. Just one problem – the results of those games were published before they’d been played!

Unless you happen to have an open-line to someone in the know, tread cautiously when it comes to IPL betting. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the competition, especially towards the end of the season when the standings seemingly condense to ensure the majority of teams have the opportunity to make the finals with a handful of games to play.

Racing for April 22

Horse racing: Stawell (Vic), Grafton (NSW), Narromine (NSW)

Harness racing: Menangle (NSW), Horsham (Vic), Albion Park (Qld), Canberra (ACT), Globe Derby (SA), Gloucester Park (WA)

Greyhound racing: Dubbo (NSW), Northam (WA), Ballarat (Vic), Albion Park (Qld), Launceston (Tas), Angle Park (SA), Bulli (NSW), Cranbourne (Vic), Shepparton (Vic), Bathurst (NSW)

Just the three race meetings scheduled for today, and wouldn’t it be great to spend a lazy Monday at the Clarence River Jockey Club for the nine-race program at Grafton! They’ll be racing on a dead (4) with good-sized fields the order of the day.

Our best comes up in the last race, the Shamardashing Open Hcp over 1206m, where a locally trained chance looks hard to beat. Formerly part of the Darley camp, the move north to join local trainer Debbie Trembath looks to have agreed with #8 Reckons.

Under Trembath, Reckons is a winner of four from 22 with three of those wins coming in his last five starts. Reckons has been sent forward in each of those runs with the son of Lonhro stepping his form up to a new level. #2 Darshan Joh will keep Reckons honest, but we’re confident the 5yo gelding will be winning here.

Suggested bet: Grafton R9 #8 Reckons (WIN two units) LOSE U/P

Other racing tips for April 22

Stawell R3 #4 Actionova (E/W) 3rd $1.60

Grafton R3 #2 Speed of Dark (E/W) 1st $11.80/$3.50

Harness racing tip: Globe Derby R4 #4 Linvel Daintee (E/W) 2nd $1.50

Greyhound racing tip: Bulli R6 #5 Zulu Zircon (win) 1st $1.70

Are Tom’s FTA TV days numbered?

Live betting odds are set to be banned during sports broadcasts after the industry's peak body, Free TV Australia, said it would draft a new code of practice.

FairfaxMedia is reporting this morning that, in a move that would severely restrict the appearance of bookmakers like Tom Waterhouse, the new code also bans commentators and guests from promoting live betting odds during play and for 30 minutes before and after events.

It was designed to "reduce and control the promotion of live odds during the broadcast of live sporting events,” it was stated in a FreeTV release this morning. The proposed code was open for public comment until 20 May, after which it would be submitted to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

“The proposed amendments to the code reflect an agreement reached between the Government and commercial radio, commercial television and subscription broadcasters to reduce and control the promotion of live odds during the broadcast of sporting events,” FreeTV stated.

MLB for April 22

St Louis Cardinals @ Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA, Monday, April 22, 10.30am

The St. Louis Cardinals bounced back, while the Philadelphia Phillies’ performance seemed to suggest that the previous game was little more than an aberration. Philadelphia will turn to Kyle Kendrick as it tries to salvage a four-game split at Citizens Bank Ballpark.

The Cardinals’ Jake Westbrook may have a 0.00 ERA but the right-hander has walked 10 batters while striking out four, and he was roughed up in Pittsburgh where the Pirates plated four in the opening frame of a game eventually rained out. We can’t bet either side with much confidence, so will settle on a play on the under based on Kendrick’s showing in Cincinnati last week.

Suggested bet: Game total -8.5 (two units) LOSE (3-7)

Others tips

Athletics @ Rays WIN (WIN 1-8)

Yankees @ Blue Jays +8.5 WIN (4-8)

Royals @ Red Sox (1) +9 LOSE (4-2)

Cubs @ Brewers WIN WIN (2-4)

Nationals @ Mets WIN WIN (0-2)

Diamondbacks @ Rockies WIN LOSE (5-4)

Mariners @ Rangers -1.5 WIN (3-11)

NHL for April 22

Columbus Blue Jackets @ San Jose Sharks, HP Pavilion, San Jose, CA, Monday, April 22, 10am

With playoff implications for both sides, we’re expecting a tight tussle here. The Sharks have the best home record in the league, making their fight for home-ice advantage in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs even more important. San Jose, just 8-12-2 on the road, is tied with LA for the fourth seed in the West.

Simply qualifying for the postseason would be an accomplishment for the Blue Jackets, though they haven't had much success in their trips to HP Pavilion. Columbus (21-17-7) had a five-game winning snapped with Friday’s 2-1 defeat at LA, its first loss in four stops on its six-game road trip. Despite the defeat, the Blue Jackets are locked in a tight battle with Detroit and Dallas for the West's final playoff berth.

Suggested bet: Game total -5.5 (two units) LOSE (4-3)

Others tips

Hurricanes @ Lightning -6 WIN (3-2)

Panthers @ Bruins WIN WIN (0-3)

Devils @ Rangers -1.5 WIN (1-4)

NBA playoffs for April 22

Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder, Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK, Monday, April 22, 11.30am

All four round one-playoff games today feature short-priced favourites so we’re looking elsewhere for some value to kick-off the new week.

In a classic plot twist to spice up the NBA playoffs, James Harden and his Houston Rockets faded just enough in the final stretch of the regular season to drop to the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, just as his old team locked up the top seed. That set up a first-round clash between Harden and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team that drafted him and where he spent his first three seasons in the league.

The series will feature two of the NBA’s top three teams in scoring, with Houston averaging 106 points per game and Oklahoma City right behind at 105.7. We’re fully expecting the high scoring trend (218, 218, and 241 in the regular season) between these sides to continue here but with a little playoff intensity thrown in, we'll play the under – just!

Suggested bet: Game total -212.5 (two units) WIN (91-120)

Others tips

Hawks @ Pacers -7 WIN (90-107)

Bucks @ Heat +198.5 LOSE (87-110)