Friday 1/13/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA roundup: Nuggets win in London, Mavs in Mexico
By The Sports Xchange

The Denver Nuggets traveled 4,683 miles to play a home game, and the trek paid off with one of its best games of the year.
Nikola Jokic had 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, Wilson Chandler scored 21 points, and the Nuggets beat the Indiana Pacers 140-112 on Thursday at O2 Arena in London, England.
Danilo Gallinari scored 18 points and Kenneth Faried finished with 15 points and nine rebounds for the Nuggets (15-23), who set their season high in points to stop a five-game skid in the NBA Global Games London 2017.
Denver flew to England on Monday and spent three days together in London. The experience helped the team grow together, and the results showed on the court.

Mavericks 113, Suns 108
Deron Williams scored 23 points and Harrison Barnes had 22 as Dallas used an 18-4 run to start the third quarter to pull away for a win over Phoenix in Mexico City.
Dirk Nowitzki and Wes Matthews added 18 points each for the Mavericks, who avenged a loss to the Suns seven days ago in Dallas. On Thursday, the Mavericks won in front of a large and appreciative crowd at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico.
Devin Booker tied a career high with 39 points on 14-for-20 shooting and scored the final 21 points of the game for the Suns, with two free throws getting Phoenix to within 105-99 with 2:10 left. He was the only Suns player to score in the final seven minutes of play.

Knicks 104, Bulls 89
NEW YORK -- Joakim Noah recorded his fifth double-double of the season, scoring 12 points and grabbing 15 rebounds to help New York beat Chicago, his former team.
Carmelo Anthony paced the Knicks, who had lost nine of their last 10 games, with 23 points. Former Bull Derrick Rose contributed 17 points and Kyle O'Quinn came off the bench to score 12 points and pull down 11 rebounds.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas recorded a career-high 19 points for the Knicks.
Rose and Noah were acquired by the Knicks over the summer in an effort to beef up their scoring and defense.

Pelicans 104, Nets 95
NEW YORK -- Tyreke Evans scored 14 of his season-high 29 points in the fourth quarter and New Orleans overcame the absence of Anthony Davis by executing down the stretch of a victory over Brooklyn.
Evans, who missed the first 26 games of the season while recovering from right knee surgery, made 10 of 15 shots in a season-high 27 minutes. It was the first time he scored more than 25 points since Jan. 10, 2016, against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Davis (left hip) missed his second game of the season due to injury after being listed as questionable following the hard foul from New York Knicks forward Kyle O'Quinn. The Pelicans received little from centers Omer Asik and Donatas Motiejunas, who combined for one point on 0-of-7 shooting.

Spurs 134, Lakers 94
SAN ANTONIO -- Kawhi Leonard poured in 31 points in just three quarters of play as four of San Antonio's starters scored in double figures as the Spurs waylaid Los Angeles at the AT&T Center.
San Antonio's 134 points were a season high, as were the 72 points scored by the Spurs in the first half and the overall margin of victory of 40 points.
Pau Gasol added 22 points for San Antonio, while LaMarcus Aldridge and Tony Parker added 13 each, all in just three quarters of the lopsided game. The Spurs also got 12 points from Jonathan Simmons and 10 from Dejounte Murray and a game-high 12 rebounds from Dewayne Dedmon.

Warriors 127, Pistons 107
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala connected on a pair of 3-pointers apiece during a long-range shooting exhibition in the third quarter that propelled Golden State to a victory over Detroit.
Riding double-figure scoring from four starters, the Pistons hung within 60-58 at halftime and 68-65 in the fourth minute of the third period before the Warriors exploded into a comfortable margin and a season-series sweep.
Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Ian Clark combined with Thompson and Iguodala for seven 3-pointers over the final 7:07 of the third quarter, fueling a 33-12 burst that opened a 101-77 advantage by period's end.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hornets (20-19) at 76ers (11-25)

Date: January 13, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA -- The struggling Charlotte Hornets find themselves in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The surging Philadelphia 76ers, who host the Hornets on Friday, can only hope to be there at some point as well.

"Playoff time, baby," rookie center Joel Embiid joked after the Sixers beat the New York Knicks 98-97 Wednesday night on a buzzer-beating jumper by guard T.J. McConnell.

The Sixers, one of the NBA's worst teams the past four years, won four of their past five games to improve to 11-25. They have already exceeded their victory total for all of last season.

"We've just got to take it step by step, game by game," Embiid said. "We've just got to get better every game, try to win every game."

Embiid is a big reason for the team's improvement. He leads the 76ers, as well as all NBA rookies, in scoring (19.4 points per game), rebounding (7.5 per game) and blocked shots (2.0 per game) despite playing an average of just 25.1 minutes. The team is limiting his action because Embiid, the third overall pick in the 2014 draft, missed two seasons after undergoing a pair of foot surgeries.

He also has rested periodically, and the Sixers plan to hold him out of Saturday's game in Washington. He is expected to play Friday, despite sustaining a slight sprain of his left ankle late in the first half Wednesday against New York.

He returned and finished with 21 points and a career-high 14 rebounds as the Sixers erased a 10-point deficit in the final 2:29.

"The last couple games we've been finishing," Embiid said, "so it gives us a lot of confidence."

Embiid, who has seven double-doubles this season, exceeded the 20-point mark in each of his past seven games. According to the team's official website, that is the longest such string by any Philadelphia player since Brett Brown became the coach in 2014.

The Hornets (20-19) have lost the first three games on a five-game road trip and five of six in all. Most recently, they fell 121-114 at Houston on Tuesday, when Rockets guard James Harden scored 40 points in a triple-double. Kemba Walker scored a team-high 25 points for the Hornets, adding 10 assists and six rebounds.

Charlotte hopes to have forward Nic Batum back on Friday. He missed the previous two games with a hyperextended right knee but practiced Thursday.

"I can't say enough about how much this team needs Nic Batum," power forward Marvin Williams told the Charlotte Observer. "Not only offensively what he brings to the table for himself and the rest of us, but defensively as well. He's such a smart player, such a great player, on both ends of the floor.

"When you (lose) a guy like that, who does so many things, the team does struggle a little bit in his absence. If he's back out there, it will make a huge difference."

The Hornets beat the Sixers 109-93 on Nov. 2, but Embiid did not play.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nets (8-30) at Raptors (25-13)

Date: January 13, 2017 7:30 PM EDT

On May 4, 2014, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry drove the lane with the backing of a raucous crowd in Toronto only to have his shot blocked by Paul Pierce. The play ended Game 7 of an exciting first-round series with the Brooklyn Nets advancing with a 104-103 win.

Since Lowry and the Raptors experienced the disappointment of getting a shot blocked in a playoff elimination game, the fortunes of both teams have been drastically different.

The evidence of how different things have gone for both teams since their postseason series will be on display when the Toronto Raptors host the league-worst Nets Friday night.

The Raptors won the Atlantic Division in 2013-14 to get homecourt advantage against the Nets. The Raptors then won the last two division titles and are vying for another division crown while fending off the Boston Celtics.

In the regular season, Toronto is 130-72 since Pierce's block while the Nets are 67-135.

Besides Lowry, four other players remain from that series for Toronto, including DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan is averaging a career-best 28.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He also is shooting 47.4 percent this season, the second-highest mark of his eight-year career.

DeRozan's latest big game occurred Tuesday night in a 114-106 home win over the Boston Celtics. Besides scoring a season-high 41 points on 16-of-29 shooting, DeRozan grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds.

It was DeRozan's 11th career double-digit rebounding game and the significance of that was not lost on coach Dwane Casey, who played Patrick Patterson 21 minutes after the forward missed four games with a strained left knee.

The Raptors average 42.7 rebounds per game and are near the bottom of the league with 31.6 defensive rebounds per game. Tuesday was the sixth time Toronto finished with at least 50 boards and that included Jonas Valanciunas getting a career-high 23 rebounds.

"More than anything else, the 41 points is nice, but 13 rebounds, the 11 defensive rebounds when we needed it with Pat not being 100 percent and (Boston) putting two guys on JV trying to keep him out.

"DeMar came in and got some big rebounds, tough rebounds so that was impressive. That was more of a sign of grit and grind as much as the 41 points."

Toronto is 5-5 in its last 10 games since getting a 116-104 win over Brooklyn on Dec. 20. The Raptors won their next two after beating the Nets but dropped five of seven before Tuesday.

Friday will begin four straight games against sub-.500 teams, and 12 of Toronto's next 20 games through the All-Star break will be against teams at or under .500.

Brooklyn takes a 15-game road losing streak into Friday and is 1-17 overall on the road. The Nets' lone road win was Nov. 12 in Phoenix, and since then the average margin of defeat away from home is 13.2 points.

Brook Lopez is the lone holdover for the Nets from the classic series but seems to get his name mentioned in trade rumors annually.

Lopez scored 20 points but also committed six turnovers in a 104-95 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans Thursday. Brooklyn often struggles in the third quarter, but Thursday it was the fourth quarter that resulted in a season-high eighth straight loss.

The Nets held a six-point lead through three but shot 6 of 18 and committed seven of their 16 turnovers in the fourth.

"We really struggled to score the ball," Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said. "We had a few turnovers and just didn't make the plays."

"We just turn the ball over," Lopez said. "It's kind of the story. That's really it. You got to do a better job taking care of it, myself first and foremost."

Toronto is on a five-game winning streak over the Nets and its next win matches its longest winning streak in the series. The Raptors won six straight over the Nets from Jan. 28, 2009, to Dec. 17, 2010.

In the most recent meeting, the Raptors picked up a 116-104 home win on Dec. 20. Lowry scored 23 points and Norman Powell's 21 points compensated for DeRozan shooting 6 of 20.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Celtics (24-15) at Hawks (22-16)

Date: January 13, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

ATLANTA -- Al Horford's return to Atlanta with the Boston Celtics to face the Hawks for the first time isn't the only storyline to Friday night's game.

The Hawks, seemingly in teardown mode only a week or so ago after trading guard Kyle Korver, have won seven in a row to regain first place in the Southeast Division and are no longer listening to trade offers for forward Paul Millsap.

Millsap and Horford, who left during the summer to sign with the Celtics as a free agent, were cornerstones of a team that won 60 games two seasons ago, but it appeared both would be gone when the Hawks lost 10 of 11 games and rumors of a dismantling started to swirl.

The Hawks, though, notified other teams early this week that they planned to hold on to Millsap, a pending free agent, and the turnaround has left Atlanta (22-16) just behind Boston (24-15) for the third-best record in the Eastern Conference.

"I think him staying a part of this group and pushing forward this year is important to us," Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said.

"It's a sigh of relief to know that nothing is going to happen," said Millsap, who is averaging 17.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists. "I can focus on basketball, focus on getting this team to the playoffs and, hopefully, get a championship."

By not trading Millsap, though, the Hawks risk losing him to free agency after the season and getting nothing in return. That is what happened with Horford, who spent the first nine seasons of his NBA career in Atlanta and made the All-Star Game four times like Millsap.

"It will be different for me, you know the first time going back, but I'm looking forward to it," Horford said.

Horford is averaging 15.3 points, 6.9 records and 4.9 assists for his new team. It will be interesting to see the reaction from Hawks fans at Phillips Arena.

"I realize it is (a big deal) ... (but) my approach is the same," he said. "I'm going to prepare the same. I'm going to do the tings I'm going to do. It's a new experience for me, but I have a job to do here with our team."

Millsap hopes that Horford will be appreciated for what he went to Atlanta and the Hawks but that the Celtics don"t leave as winners.

"Al is a good basketball player, but, more importantly on top of that, he is a great guy off the court," Millsap said. "He did a lot in the community. He is a good friend to a lot of us. He is sadly missed. He is with a good team. It's going to be good to see him come to Atlanta and play. Fans are excited about it. We are excited about it."

It will be the third game in four nights over three cities for the Celtics. The Hawks have been off since a victory at Brooklyn on Tuesday.

The Celtics were without five players but still won for the fifth time in six games on Wednesday against Washington at home.

Guard Isaiah Thomas, averaging 28.2 points per game, had 38 against the Wizards and has scored at least 20 points in each of the past 23 games.

"He's been playing as impressive as I've seen someone play," Horford said.

Guard Avery Bradley, Boston's second-leading scorer at 18 points per game, has been sidelined because of a strained right Achilles' tendon, and forward Amir Johnson missed the Washington game with a sprained ankle.

Guard Mike Dunleavy Jr., acquired from Cleveland as part of the return for Korver, will be in uniform as a Hawk for the first time against the Celtics.

It won't be a normal Atlanta uniform, though. The team will wear blue and lime green throwbacks from the early 1970s.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Heat (11-29) at Bucks (19-18)

Date: January 13, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

MILWAUKEE -- Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be back in the Milwaukee Bucks' starting lineup Friday when they host the Miami Heat at the Bradley Center.

Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee's leader in every major offensive statistical category, sat out the Bucks' game Sunday against the Wizards and played just nine minutes Wednesday against the Spurs because of an illness.

But Bucks head coach Jason Kidd said that Antetokounmpo was back to full strength and went through practice Thursday with no issues.

With Antetokounmpo out, the Bucks got a full dose of reserve Michael Beasley's best. The nine-year veteran scored 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting in the loss to Washington, then followed that up with a season-high 28 against San Antonio, to go along with five rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a pair of steals.

And more important for the Bucks, he was a stabilizing presence on the floor down the stretch, as Milwaukee held on for a 109-107 victory.

"It says that I've been here before," Beasley said. "I work on those shots every day, before and after practice. I come here (to the Cousins Center) at night."

"They've got to understand their pace and can't be in a rush," Kidd said. "And it's not just from Beasley but from other closers in this league.

"It's understanding pace and rhythm is a big thing, and not rushing. Those are the things young players struggle with early."

Milwaukee struggled in its last meeting with the Heat, scoring just 73 points on 32 percent shooting back on November 18. The Bucks managed just 25 second-half points and only 11 in the final quarter.

Dion Waiters scored 23 points in that game to lead Miami while Hassan Whiteside added 12 points with 17 rebounds.

The game wraps up a six-game road trip for Miami, which has dropped three in a row and nine of its last 10.

The Heat led Golden State at halftime Wednesday and got within three in the final minutes before falling 107-95 to the defending Western Conference champions.

"We're not looking for moral victories," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. "We're looking to get better and improve every single day. The tough thing on this road trip is you have to step back and really evaluate, which I'm not able to do right now. I'm still emotional about the game. But you can see our basketball team is getting better."

The Heat had a rough arrival in Milwaukee. Freezing rain fell on the area Wednesday night, leaving the runway at Mitchell International Airport slick. Miami's charter flight skidded while taxiing to the terminal, requiring an emergency response and a tow for the plane.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

"Could have been worse. Thank God it wasn't," Miami guard Wayne Ellington Tweeted after the incident.

The Bucks have won six of their last eight meetings with the Heat, including three of the last four meetings at the Bradley Center.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (24-17) at Rockets (31-10)

Date: January 13, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

HOUSTON -- The Rockets recorded a pair of unappealing firsts on Wednesday night in Minnesota, and when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at Toyota Center, they'll look to avoid another.

With their loss to the Timberwolves, the Rockets (31-10) fell on the second night of a back-to-back for the first time in 10 occurrences. Additionally, the Timberwolves were the first team with a losing record to defeat the shorthanded Rockets this season. The setback also set the table for Houston to drop consecutive games for the first time. The Grizzlies beat the Rockets 115-109 on Dec. 23 in Memphis.

"With a couple players down and playing big minutes these other guys on a back-to-back, the schedule has been pretty tough and it's getting tougher," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said. "We just ran into one of those nights where we didn't have it. We didn't have it."

The Rockets had their nine-game winning streak snapped. They won 10 consecutive games to open December, the 10th victory coming in overtime at Minnesota on the second game of a back-to-back.

"The good thing about ending a streak is we can start another one," D'Antoni said.

Houston played without reserve guard Eric Gordon and starting center Clint Capela. Gordon missed his second consecutive game with a sprained left big toe and is questionable against Memphis; Capela has missed 13 games with a small fibula fracture in his left leg and is scheduled to return later this month.

Even in the face of injury the Rockets can hang their hat on consistency, having posted a 20-3 record since Dec. 1. Things haven't been so rosy for the Grizzlies (24-17), whose last winning streak of longer than two games came in early December when they won six consecutive games to open that month.

In that span Memphis has lost to the Kings, the Magic and Lakers while beating the Cavaliers and Warriors. The Grizzlies are the only team to defeat the Warriors twice this season, but they also followed up a 34-point home win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Dec. 29 with a 103-95 loss in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night. Under first-year coach David Fizdale the Grizzlies toyed with the idea of a hastened pace and leaving behind their 'Grit & Grind' persona. Injuries scuttled those plans and Memphis currently ranks 28th in the NBA in pace and 25th in points per game with 99.2.

Establishing both a consistent level of play and a feasibly acceptable new identity has been surprisingly difficult. Uncovering solutions to those specific problems will require additional labor for the Grizzlies.

"Obviously when you play the game you see things one way, but when you look at film and try to see when you try to execute plays and when you try to run stuff, on film you can see why it's not happening," Grizzlies center Marc Gasol said. "All you can do is look at yourself and see what you can try to do better to help the team."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Thunder (24-16) at Timberwolves (13-26)

Date: January 13, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

MINNEAPOLIS -- A tough four-game homestand for the Minnesota Timberwolves included the defensive-minded Utah Jazz, followed by a slight reprieve against the Dallas Mavericks before Minnesota was scheduled to host the top triple-double men in the NBA, James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

The Timberwolves kept Harden from a triple-double and, most importantly, beat the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. On Friday they will host Oklahoma City and Westbrook for the first time this season.

Minnesota hopes it can take what it learned against Harden and the Rockets and apply it Friday. The Timberwolves let a lead slip away against Houston before recovering and extending the advantage in the fourth quarter.

"We learned from our mistakes," Minnesota center Karl-Anthony Towns said. "We did a great job of staying disciplined. It was just a great game. Games like this, I can finally smile again. It was good to see us get the lead and keep building on it."

Towns posted his ninth straight double-double with 23 points and 18 rebounds. Ricky Rubio had 10 points and tied his career high and a franchise best with 17 assists. His steady play has helped the Timberwolves (13-26) maintain composure in the second half in back-to-back wins.

Andrew Wiggins scored 28 points for Minnesota and took the defensive responsibility against Harden, who had 33 points, six rebounds and 12 assists. In defending Harden, the Timberwolves might have a blueprint for trying to limit Westbrook.

"I thought overall, you're not going to be able to stop a guy like that, you have to make him work and I thought our guys did that," Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau said about defending Harden. "Wiggins battled him the whole night and I thought him and Karl set the tone for us, and I thought they played very unselfishly."

Rubio will likely draw the assignment on Westbrook, who had his 18th triple-double on Wednesday in a win against Memphis. Westbrook tallied 24 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. His 18 triple-doubles are the most by any player since Magic Johnson during the 1981-82 season.

"I just read the game," Westbrook said. "You have to read it. Make plays and take what the defense gives you."

Westbrook has led the Thunder (24-16) to two wins against Minnesota this season in Oklahoma City. He had 28 points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals in a 112-92 victory in November and followed with 31 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds in a 112-100 win on Christmas Day.

As big in those games was the play of reserve Enes Kanter. He averaged 20 points and seven rebounds in the two games. Kanter has become a valuable player for the Thunder, who have won three straight games. Kanter had 19 points and 13 rebounds on Wednesday.

"He's made a lot of strides," Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan said. "He's done a better job. I think the one thing I've tried to discuss with Enes, you never want to get into a situation where you are taken off the floor because of your defense."

The Timberwolves could be without starting shooting guard Zach LaVine for a second straight game. He is listed as questionable with a left hip contusion. LaVine leads the NBA in minutes per game and is averaging 20.4 points per game.

Without LaVine on Wednesday, Brandon Rush started and contributed a season-high 12 points on four 3-pointers, and had three steals and two blocks. Shabazz Muhammad added 20 points off the bench.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Magic (16-24) at Trail Blazers (18-23)

Date: January 13, 2017 10:00 PM EDT

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Trail Blazers' defense seems to be catching up to the offense, which is a good thing at the halfway point of the NBA season.

Portland (18-23) has put together strong back-to-back defensive performances heading into Friday night's matchup with the Orlando Magic (16-24) at Moda Cener.

After limiting the Los Angeles Lakers to 38.6 percent shooting from the field in a 108-87 win at Staples Center on Tuesday, the Trail Blazers kept the Cleveland Cavaliers to a season-low 34.3 percent from the floor in a 102-86 romp on Wednesday at Moda Center.

"The last time we played them (a 137-125 loss at Cleveland on Nov. 23), they scored 80 in the first half," point guard Damian Lillard said. "Tonight they barely got to 80 for the game. It's a good measuring stick. Shows how much we've grown."

Portland got the bulk of its offensive production against Cleveland from shooting guard CJ McCollum, who scored a game-high 27 points, and his backup, Allen Crabbe, who chipped in 24 points on 9-for-11 shooting from the field.

McCollum has scored 25 points or more in seven straight games, the first Blazer to achieve that distinction since Clyde Drexler in 1987. Crabbe has made 25 of 34 shots from the field in the past three games.

A year ago, Portland hit the halfway point at 17-24 on its way to a 44-38 regular-season-record. The Blazers are a game ahead of that now, with hopes for a similar second-half surge.

"The last six or seven games, we've started playing basketball the way we want to play," Lillard said. "We've continued to be true to who we are, we've kept working, and we're finally starting to learn to be more consistent. It's working in our favor."

The Blazers believe they can begin to make a move up in the standings.

"It's time to pick it up," reserve forward Ed Davis said. "We have a schedule coming up where we can go eight out of 10, seven out of 10, nine out of 10 -- something like that."

There is less room for optimism for the Magic, who have lost four in a row, including the first two stops on their current six-game road trip.

"We knew it would be a tough trip," guard Jodie Meeks said. "This isn't the time to get down on ourselves. We have to keep competing and have faith that it will turn around. By no means are we out of the playoff hunt."

Orlando's 105-96 loss to the L.A. Clippers on Wednesday at Staples Center was frustrating in that the Magic led 75-73 after three quarters but was only 8 of 25 from the field in the fourth quarter.

"This is a make-or-miss league a lot of the time," Orlando coach Frank Vogel said. "We didn't make enough plays down the stretch."

"It's a game we should've won," said forward Aaron Gordon, who scored a game-high 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting from the field. "We had a couple of breakdowns here and there, a couple of lapses in defensive execution, a few too many turnovers. All those things lead to a loss."

The Magic were hampered by the loss of power forward Serge Ibaka, who sat out the game with a sore right shoulder. Ibaka, who averages 16.6 points and 9.0 rebounds, is questionable.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pistons (18-23) at Jazz (24-16)

Date: January 13, 2017 10:30 PM EDT

SALT LAKE CITY -- Now armed with a fully healthy roster, the Utah Jazz are quickly showing they can be a dangerous opponent for even the most elite NBA teams.

The Jazz shared that message loud and clear while taking down the defending NBA champions on Tuesday night. Cleveland offered token resistance over the final three quarters in a 100-92 loss to Utah.

The next club to challenge the Jazz will be the Detroit Pistons, who visit Utah on Friday night.

The Cavaliers scored a season-low 12 points in the second quarter Tuesday, and after LeBron James sparked a brief rally to open the third quarter, faded away behind a 16-0 Jazz run.

Six different players scored in double figures for Utah (24-16) -- including all five starters. Gordon Hayward led the way with one of his best performances of the season. Hayward finished with 28 points on 10-of-12 shooting and made several baskets that keyed the decisive third-quarter run.

"When he is playing like that, he is a real leader, and that's what we need," Utah center Rudy Gobert said.

Hayward and Gobert both continue to make strong cases for All-Star consideration. Hayward is averaging a career-best 22.2 points per game this season on 45.9 percent shooting. Gobert is just as imposing on the defensive end. He has accumulated 10-plus rebounds in 25 straight games and has notched 27 double-doubles this season. Gobert is also averaging career highs in points (12.3 per game), rebounds (12.3) and blocks (2.5).

For his part, Hayward is playing it cool about potentially getting an All-Star nod in February. Continued success, he says, will settle the question sooner or later.

"I feel like we got to move up a little higher in the standings," Hayward said. "I'm worrying about wins more than anything. That stuff usually comes when your team is winning."

Detroit now draws the task of figuring out new ways to deal with Hayward, Gobert and the rest of the Jazz. The Pistons (18-23) have struggled to slow opponents since enduring a five-game losing skid in mid-December. In a 3-3 start to January, they are allowing 114 points per game, having held just one opponent under 100.

Golden State became the latest team to torch Detroit. The Pistons allowed the Warriors to shoot 51.7 percent (15 of 29) from 3-point range in Golden State's 127-107 win Thursday at Oakland, Calif. Five different Warriors hit a 3-pointer during a decisive 33-12 third-quarter run, led by Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala with a pair each.

"We made too many defensive game plan mistakes where we weren't doing what we were supposed to be doing," Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said. "We didn't get back in transition, we didn't get matched up, and we turned the ball over. When you don't do those three things against a team like that, you have no chance."

Detroit sustained a blow when shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was knocked out of Thursday's game with a shoulder injury. Caldwell-Pope ran into a pick early in the first quarter and ran off the floor clutching his left shoulder. X-rays were negative, but he did not return.

Caldwell-Pope could be questionable for the Friday game, but Detroit is expected to welcome back forward Reggie Bullock. He was away from the team Thursday for personal reasons.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (28-10) at Kings (16-22)

Date: January 13, 2017 10:30 PM EDT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Cleveland Cavaliers made it to Sacramento without a snow-dictated hiccup. In that respect, the latest stop on their Western tour already is better than their previous one.

Now, if they can get just their guards to starting raining again.

The weather-whipped defending champs will try to end a two-game losing streak Wednesday when they face the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center, and they would figure to be a bit refreshed.

Cleveland (28-10) lost 100-92 at Utah on Tuesday night, then arrived at Portland at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday and got to the hotel after 4 a.m. amid a blizzard.

On Wednesday night against the Trail Blazers, Kyrie Irving and Kyle Korver clanked 5 of 21 shots from the field, continuing a recent slump that has LeBron James' bunch trying to avoid its second three-game losing streak of the season as the Cavs continue a season-high, six-game road trip.

The two guards are generally are far more consistent, having combined to shoot 41.6 percent from 3-point range in their careers.

Irving, who went 4 of 16 from the floor against Portland, is shooting just 36.2 percent (29 of 80) from the field in four games since returning from a slightly pulled hamstring. He canned just 10 of 26 attempts (38.4 percent) from beyond the arc in that span.

"In Kyrie's case, he missed three games, almost a week ... and you can lose a lot of timing," Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue told Cleveland.com. "Right now, he's just struggling to find his timing. A few times (against Portland), he had open shots he didn't take."

In Korver's case, the former Atlanta guard still appears to be finding his way. Korver, 36, was acquired from the Hawks for Mike Dunleavy, Mo Williams and a 2019 first-round pick on Saturday. He missed all five of his 3-point attempts in the two games he has played with Cavs, and he has scored only a combined four points on 2-of-10 shooting in 43 minutes.

The Kings (16-22) might not be a bad team for Irving and Korver to get well against. Sacramento allows opponents to shoot 38 percent from beyond the arc, the third-worst mark in the NBA. The Detroit Pistons bombed away for 12 against them Tuesday while falling 100-94 to the Kings.

Even so, Sacramento finds itself in a relatively sunny place despite the backdrop of torrential downpours over the past week that have been the state capital's worst in years. The win over the Pistons ended a four-game home losing streak and a three-game skid overall.

Sacramento's franchise player, center DeMarcus Cousins, also lent credence to reports that he will stick around long term by signing a five-year, $207 million contract this summer.

"Guess what people?" he said after the game. "I'm here!"

Cousins hit the biggest shots in the comeback against Detroit. However, he said that until the Kings become more consistent, they can't say they are making much progress.

"It's been well noticed that we're a team that can come back in the fourth quarter and all that, but it's starting to run its course," he said. "We can't keep putting ourselves in a situation where we have to have these dramatic finishes at the end, because it's not always going to turn out (with a win). We need to put a full four quarters together."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NBA Picks: Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

I guess we can put those rumors of the Sacramento Kings trading franchise player DeMarcus Cousins to bed. Cousins is signed through next season, and if he told the Kings he was leaving then, they probably would have no recourse but to trade Cousins. However, Cousins is eligible to sign an extension this summer, and the Kings are going to give him the max offer possible, a nice five-year, $207 million extension (dollars could change slightly depending on where the official cap number lands). As an eligible designated player, Cousins can take home up to 35 percent of the team's salary cap, which is set at roughly $102 million for next season. That designated player exception is an addition to the CBA and it allows smaller-market teams a better opportunity to hang onto their stars. Cousins does plan to sign the deal because it will be worth about $35 million more over the life of it than any other club could offer. I know for a fact the Lakers and Celtics covet Cousins and have the assets to get something done, but it's going to be a moot point. Maybe the Kings will actually reach the playoffs once in Cousins' career.

Hornets at 76ers (TBA)

Charlotte lost its third in a row Tuesday, 121-114 in Houston. Kemba Walker had 25 points. Big man Cody Zeller was out with an illness and swingman Nic Batum sat a second in a row with a hyperextended knee, but Batum returned to practice on Thursday so there's a chance he returns sooner than expected. Philadelphia tries for its first three-game winning streak of the season. It comes off a 98-97 win over the Knicks in which T.J. McConnell hit a buzzer-beater. The 76ers were down 10 with 2:29 left. Joel Embiid had 21 points and 14 rebounds. Charlotte beat Philadelphia 109-93 on Nov. 2, has won six straight in the series and the past two in Philly.

Key trends: The Hornets are 4-1 against the spread in the past five meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in Philly's past five at home.

Early lean: Philly plays again Saturday, so wait and see what Sixers do with Embiid.

Nets at Raptors ( -14.5, 222.5)

Brooklyn hosted the Pelicans on Thursday, so you could see the Nets sit their best player, center Brook Lopez, in the second of a back-to-back. They have at times this season. Toronto ended a two-game losing streak with a 114-106 win over Boston on Tuesday. DeMar DeRozan had a season-high 41 points and the Raptors closed the game on a 19-4 run. Jonas Valanciunas added a career-high 23 rebounds and 18 points in his best game of the season. Toronto beat Brooklyn 116-104 on Dec. 20 and has taken five straight in the series.

Key trends: The road team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 4-1 in those.

Early lean: Raptors and over.

Heat at Bucks (TBA)

Miami lost 107-95 in Golden State on Tuesday, its third straight defeat. Hassan Whiteside had 28 points and 20 rebounds for the Heat, who were outscored 26-14 in the third quarter after leading 54-53 at halftime. This concludes a six game cross-country road trip, so I love the Bucks even though it could be a bit of a letdown game for them off a 109-107 upset in San Antonio on Tuesday. Michael Beasley scored a season-high 28 points largely in place of an ill Giannis Antetokounmpo, who did play but lasted only nine minutes and was scoreless. Miami beat visiting Milwaukee 96-73 on Nov. 17.

Key trends: The Heat are 2-6 ATS in the past eight meetings. The under is 6-2-1 in the previous nine in Milwaukee.

Early lean: Wait on Greek Freak, but if he plays like Bucks and under.

Grizzlies at Rockets (TBA)

Memphis saw its two-game winning streak end in a 103-95 defeat at Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Marc Gasol, the team's leading scorer at nearly 20 points per game, finished with nine on 4-for-12 shooting. Houston's nine-game winning streak was snapped Wednesday in the second of a back-to-back, 119-105 in Minnesota. James Harden had 33 points and 12 assists as he tried to become the first player in league history with three straight 40-point triple-doubles. He was six rebounds shy of a triple-double. Eric Gordon sat out again. Houston lost the first meeting in Memphis 115-109 on Dec. 23. The Rockets led 78-77 to start the fourth but the Grizz pulled away on a 21-5 run. Harden had 16 points, 17 assists, seven rebounds and nine turnovers.

Key trends: The Rockets are 9-0 ATS in their past nine after a loss. The over is 7-2 in the previous nine meetings.

Early lean: Wait on Gordon.

Thunder at Timberwolves (TBA)

Oklahoma City won its third consecutive Wednesday, 103-95 over Memphis. Russell Westbrook had 24 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists for his 18th triple-double, matching his total for all of last season. OKC is now 15-3 when he has one this year. This starts a six-game trip for the Thunder. Minnesota is on a two-game winning streak after a 119-105 upset of Houston on Wednesday. Andrew Wiggins scored 28 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had 23 points and 18 rebounds, and Ricky Rubio tied his own team record with 17 assists. Zach LaVine missed the game with a left hip contusion. OKC is 2-0 vs. Minnesota this season, with the Thunder scoring 112 points and winning by at least 12 in each. Both of those were home, though.

Key trends: The home team is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The over is 10-3 in OKC's past 13 vs. teams with a losing home record.

Early lean: Wait on LaVine.

Celtics at Hawks (TBA)

First of an ESPN doubleheader. Boston bounced back from a loss in Toronto on Tuesday with a 117-108 win over Washington on Wednesday. Isaiah Thomas had 38 points, 20 in the fourth quarter. There were nearly a couple of fights in the game. Avery Bradley, Amir Johnson and Tyler Zeller were among the Celtics out injured. Atlanta won its seventh in a row Tuesday, 117-97 in Brooklyn. Dennis Schroder had 19 points and 10 assists, and Dwight Howard added 14 points and 16 rebounds. First meeting of the season between these clubs and of course Al Horford's return to Atlanta, where he had spent his entire career and became an occasional All-Star before leaving last offseason in free agency.

Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 5-1 in the previous six.

Early lean: Wait on those Celtics.

Magic at Trail Blazers (TBA)

Orlando dropped its fourth straight Wednesday, 105-96 at the Clippers. Aaron Gordon had 28 points and Nikola Vucevic 16 points and 12 rebounds for his team-high 18th double-double. Serge Ibaka missed the game with a sprained right shoulder. Portland won a second straight Wednesday with a 102-86 home upset of Cleveland. C.J. McCollum had 27 points and Allen Crabbe 24 off the bench. First meeting of the season between Orlando and Portland. They split last year, each winning at home.

Key trends: The home team is 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 6-1 in Portland's past seven after a win.

Early lean: TBA for Ibaka but like Blazers and over regardless.

Cavaliers at Kings (+6, 211)

Cleveland followed a loss in Utah on Tuesday with a 102-86 defeat in Portland on Wednesday. LeBron James had 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavs, who didn't get into Portland until early morning due to weather delays. Kevin Love left briefly after a collision but returned and thus should be fine. Sacramento ended a three-game losing streak with a 100-94 win over Detroit on Tuesday. Cousins had 24 points, 13 rebounds and six assists to help lead a comeback from an 18-point hole. First meeting between Cleveland and Sacramento. The Cavs swept last year and scored 120 points in each game.

Key trends: The Cavs are 0-6 ATS in their past six. The under is 6-1 in the Kings' past seven vs. the East.

Early lean: Like the Kings in an upset as the Cavs could be looking forward to Monday's trip to Golden State.

Pistons at Jazz (-8, 191)

Second ESPN game. Detroit was in Golden State on Thursday so I don't expect much from the Pistons here. Utah beat Cleveland 100-92 on Tuesday. Gordon Hayward had 28 points and led a decisive 16-0 run in the third quarter. Rudy Gobert posted his franchise-best 25th consecutive game with 10-plus rebounds (14). Watching Gobert battle Andre Drummond will be good TV here. First meeting between Detroit and Utah. The Pistons swept two low-scoring games last season.

Key trends: The Pistons are 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 6-2 in the past eight.

Early lean: Love the under even as small as it is. Go Jazz.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Friday’s games

Philly won four of its last five games (5-0 vs spread); they won three of last four home games, are 11-6 as home dogs. Under is 3-1 in their last four games. Charlotte lost five of its last six games; they’re 3-8 in last 11 road games, 3-5 as road favorites. Over is 7-2 in their last nine games. 76ers lost their last six games with Charlotte (2-4 vs spread); Hornets won last two visits here by 20-15 points. Over is 6-4 in last ten series games.

Brooklyn lost its last eight games; they’re 7-9-1 vs spread as road underdogs. Under is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games. Toronto is 3-5 in its last eight games, 10-5 vs spread as a home favorite. Raptors’ last three games all went over the total. Raptors won their last five games with Brooklyn; Nets lost last three visits to Canada, by 12-5-12 points. Four of last five series games stayed under the total.

Celtics won five of last six games; they’re 3-3-1 as road underdogs. Over is 11-1-1 in their last 13 games. Atlanta won its last seven games, covered last six; they’re 1-7 in last eight games as a home favorite. Under is 6-2-2 in their last ten games. Hawks won seven of last nine games with Boston; five of last six series games stayed under the total. Celtics lost their last five visits to Atlanta (1-4 vs spread).

Heat lost nine of their last ten games; they’re 11-8 vs spread as road underdogs. Under is 8-4 in their last 12 road games. Milwaukee is 6-4 in its last ten games, 6-7 vs spread as home favorites; over is 8-4 in their last 12 games. Bucks won six of their last eight games with Miami; under is 7-3 in last ten series games. Heat lost three of last four visits to Milwaukee (1-3 vs spread).

Grizzlies lost five of their last seven road games, are 6-7 vs spread as road underdogs. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Rockets won nine of their last ten games, are 9-8 as home favorites (1-3 in last four tries). Four of their last five games went over the total. Memphis won four of last six games with Houston; they split last four visits to Houston. Over is 7-2 in last nine series games.

Oklahoma City won its last three games, covered its last four; they lost four of last five road tilts, are 8-5 vs spread in last 13 road games. Under is 6-3 in their last nine games. Minnesota won its last two games, covered its last three; they’re 8-2 vs spread in last ten home games. Thunder won nine of last ten games with Minnesota (6-4 vs spread); they won three of last four visits to Twin Cities (2-2 vs spread). Under is 6-3-1 in last ten series games.

Orlando lost its last four games, is 12-6 vs spread as a road underdog. Last four Magic games stayed under total. Portland won three of last four games, covered five of their last six; they’re 9-4 vs spread as a home favorites.
Home side won last eight Orlando-Portland games; Magic lost their last four games in Moda Center (2-2 vs spread). Under is 4-1-1 in last six series games.

Detroit lost in Oakland last nite; they’re 4-10 in last 14 games, 5-11 vs spread as a road underdog. Five of their last six games went over total. Jazz won their last three home games, are 5-9 as home favorites; their last five games stayed under the total. Pistons won last two games with Utah after losing six of previous seven series games; Detroit lost three of last five games here. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games.

Cleveland lost three of its last five games; they’re 5-9 as road favorites (0-4 in last four tries). Under is 7-4 in their last 11 games. Sacramento lost five of last seven games, is 5-4 as a home underdog. Over is 6-3 in their last nine games. Cavaliers won last three games with the Kings by 11-20-9 points; they covered four of last five series games. Cleveland lost three of last four visits to Sacramento. Under is 6-4 in last ten series games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Friday’s games

Central Michigan lost its first three MAC games, by 22-4-4 points- they gave up 87 pts/game, maybe because they start two guards who are both 5-9 (they scored 60 of CMU’s 85 points in last game). Chippewas won their last five games with Toledo, winning by 8-8 points in last two games played here. MAC home favorites are 7-4 vs spread. Toledo won four of last five games, winning two of first three MAC tilts, scoring 83.7 pts/game. Rockets are 6th-worst team in nation at forcing turnovers; they’re 1-4 in true road games, with only win by 4 at Wright State.

Detroit is 1-14 vs D-I teams (schedule #69); they’ve lost five games in row, losing first two on Horizon road by 14-7 points. Titans are 0-4 vs top 100 teams, with all four losses by 20+ points. Oakland won five of last six games with Detroit; they beat Titans by 4-11 points LY. Detroit lost its last three visits here, by 8-5-11 points. Horizon home favorites of 7+ points are 5-3 vs spread. Grizzlies won last five games; they’re 4-0 in Horizon, winning first two Horizon home games by 19-11 points. Oakland has #13 eFG% defense this year, a big improvement from last year.

Princeton won its last four games, giving up 54.6 pts/game; Tigers are are 5-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, winning by 16-13-3-28-29 points- they beat Penn 61-52 in Ivy League opener in last game. Princeton won its last six games with Brown, which lost its last six visits here, by 18-34-17-4-18-11 points. Bears allowed 83.5 pts/game in losing last two games by total of five points; their last four games were all decided by five or less points. Brown is 0-3 vs top 100 teams this season, losing by 29-7-38 points.

Yale won five of its last six games; they’re 2-5 in true road games, with wins at Washington/Sacred Heart- four of their five road losses were to top 100 teams. Bulldogs are 7-1 vs teams ranked outside top 100, with only loss at Bryant. Yale won its last eight games with Penn, winning last four games in Palestra by 9-7-27-20 points. Quakers won three of last four games; they’re 3-2 at home, losing to Villanova/George Mason. Penn is 5-2 vs teams ranked outside top 100, losing to Geo Mason/Navy.

Rider won its last three games, scoring 85 pts/game; they’re in first place in MAAC. 11 of their 16 games have been on road. Broncs are 9-2 vs teams ranked outside top 200; they’re #91 experience team that is playing pace #31. Rider won three of last four games with Manhattan; underdogs covered three of those four games. Broncs won four of last six games in Draddy Gym. Manhattan lost three of its last four games; they’re turning ball over 24% of time, 6th-worst %age in country. MAAC home underdogs are 5-4 vs spread.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

We have a big day coming up at Gulfstream Park on Saturday with a 12-race card that features three graded takes, all drawing competitive fields that will make for good betting opportunities.

The first on the card is the $150,000 Marshua’s River (G3) for fillies and mares, four-year-olds and upward at 1 1/16 miles on the turf course.

A field of eight will go to the post led by 9-5 morning line favorite Isabella Sings, who took the field gate to wire to win the My Charmer Handicap (G3) at Gulfstream Park West on Nov. 26 in her last outing. She has won seven of her 18 career starts, all on turf.

The $200,000 Ft. Lauderdale (G2) drew a full field of 12 that will go 1 1/16 miles on turf. The Bryan Lynch trained Heart to Heart is the 3-1 morning line favorite.

The six-year-old son of English Channel is perfect in his three trips over the Gulfstream Park turf, last out winning the El Prado in gate to wire fashion.

The $150,000 Hal’s Hope (G3) drew a solid group of nine, the race contested at one mile on the main track. The Ed Plesa trained Mr. Jordan is the 5-2 morning line favorite. He won the Millions Classic Preview at Gulfstream Park West in his last start.

His main foes figure to be Tommy Macho (9-2), fourth in the Richard W. Small last out at Laurel Park and Realm (3-1), who was third in the Cigar Mile Handicap (G1) in his last outing.

I will have selections for the Hal’s Hope in tomorrow’s column and my full card report for Saturday’s action will be available tonight.


Here is the opening race from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:

GP Race 1 Clm $12,500B (12:35 ET)
2 Rilla 8-1
3 Sherry Angel 4-1
5 Flash Jak 3-1
1 Racen 7-2

Analysis: Rilla returns off a two-month break after a runner up finish last out at Churchill Downs against restricted $8,000 claimers. The winner Ultra Arumba came back to beat open $16,000 claimers in her next start on Nov. 20 at Churchill Downs. Our top pick was claimed out of her last outing by the Sancal barn that is showing a 1 for 10 mark first off the claim. She has landed in the money in 7 of 10 career starts and picks up Lopez. Decent value if this gal goes off near her 8-1 morning line.

Sherry Angel chased the early pace and finished evenly in a third place finish last out against Alw-1 optional claimers. She drops into a softer spot here, the nine-time winner facing non-winners of three or a race in six months. Her last win came over the main track here last May.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 9-2 or better.
EX: 2,3 / 1,2,3,5
TRI: 2,3 / 1,2,3,5 / 1,2,3,5,7
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:

GP Race 8 Md $50,000 (4:02 ET)
5 Conquest Lucknlove 4-1
9 Sistine Sista 7-2
2 September Issue 15-1
8 City Section 9-2

Analysis: Conquest Lucknlove drops back in for a tag here after setting the early fractions and weakening to finish seventh last out over good ground at the Big A. Brown lost this mare for $75,000 and it was a good sing to see him claim him right back in her next start. Three back when last in for a tag she was beaten just a nose. She has landed in the money in 7 of her 10 starts without getting her diploma but looks capable of handling this group. She has seven sibs that are winners and five have won on turf.

Sistine Sista drops in for a tag for the first time in her career here for the Arnold barn. Last out the filly tracked the early pace, made a good middle move to get to the front heading for home but she did not have enough left late, weakening to finish fourth. Two back at Keeneland going nine furlongs she was a decent third behind repeat winner Burma Road, who beat Alw-1 foes at Churchill Downs in her next outing.

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 5,9 / 2,5,8,9
TRI: 5,9 / 2,5,8,9 / 2,5,8,9,10


Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Gulfstream Park
R1: #2 Rilla 8-1
R2: #2 Simon the Cyrenian 10-1
R3: #4 Rare Mix 8-1
R4: #9 Mistiz 20-1
R6: #5 Dointhewatusi 15-1
R8: #2 September Issue 15-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Miami Valley

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 3 - Post: 6:45 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$12500 - CLAIM TO FAME SERIES LATE CLOSER - 1ST LEG - 1ST DIVISION HORSES & GELDINGS CLAIMING $12,500 W/ALLOWANCES NO. 10 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 TORRINGTON 6/1
# 10 PONTIAC LUCK 9/2
# 3 ONESPORTONLY 7/2

Really keen on the chance of TORRINGTON taking down the winner's share in this event. Have an instinct this one might thieve in this contest. If performance in the last race is representative, this entrant will have a very competitive shot for this one. High last race TrackMaster Speed Rating. Very high winning percentage makes this interesting entrant an excellent selection to take home the dough. PONTIAC LUCK - Talk about a dynamic duo, De Long and Stewart have some of the best driver/conditioner markings at the track. Extremely profitable driver-trainer pair, with a 21 ROI when working with each other. ONESPORTONLY - Surely think these two have a special working relationship. Morgan sending the horse out means a very nice chance to get the score. Sutton is racking up the wins recently. Outstanding win percentage makes this harness racer our pick

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodbine

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 1 - Post: 7:30 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 79 - Purse:$18000 - NW 3
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 7 LEGGS MATTER 7/2
# 4 AMOUREUSE HANOVER 12/1
# 5 ONE TOO MANY 5/1

LEGGS MATTER is the most competitive bet in this race. His 84 average has this horse among the best TrackMaster speed figs in here. AMOUREUSE HANOVER - Has a bang-up shot this time, if she can perform to her back racing class. Performing very well, recorded a huge speed rating in her last outing (79). ONE TOO MANY - More wins than is normal have been recorded by standardbreds lining up behind the 5 position at Woodbine. It's often dangerous to consider solely based on class, but this mare has among the top class figures of the group of animals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 5 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $6000 Class Rating: 65

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $8,000 OR LESS SINCE JANUARY 12, 2016 OR WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $8,000 OR LESS. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 29, 2016 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 12, 2016 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 12, 2016


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 4 SUNSHINE HEAT 3/1

# 5 TAYLORNATOR 2/1

# 6 KEYLIMAR RAIN 5/1

SUNSHINE HEAT is my choice. With one of the best jockeys in terms of profits at the window, don't count this mare out. With a very good 53 speed rating last time out, will surely be a factor in this contest. Her 65 average has this mare with among the best Equibase speed figs in this race. TAYLORNATOR - Exhibits the look of a profitable play, averaging a solid 59 Equibase Speed Figure which is one of the strongest in this field. Well above average win clip at this distance/surface. KEYLIMAR RAIN - Could best this group based on the Equibase Speed Figure - 59 - of her last affair.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $7000 Class Rating: 55

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,500.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 6 GUNNY 4/1

# 3 BLAZING MISS 2/1

# 9 CHISELED IN STONE 8/1

I think GUNNY is a strong choice. Should be considered here on the basis of the figures in the speed section alone. Will likely be one of the front-runners of the pack going into the midpoint of the contest. Recently Sanchez has been on fire which may give the edge to this filly. BLAZING MISS - Recent figures for the rider - 21 win percent - make this filly stand out in this field. Meeting a much less demanding field of horses than last time out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Charles Town - Race #9 - Post: 10:47pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 50

Rating:

#4 WILD AFFAIR (ML=3/1)


WILD AFFAIR - Quite frequently, I play a maiden that finished in the place spot easily ahead of the 3rd place horse in her last race. Trainer Weeks moves this one to a lower class level to face a lower class of horses. Look for a sharp effort with this class drop. Ranked at the top of the list in earnings per race. Another confirmation that this horse is the class of the race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 PATRIOT LADY (ML=5/2), #2 MORNING VOW (ML=4/1), #6 INTO WILDERNESS (ML=5/1),

PATRIOT LADY - Not easy to play this less than sharp equine this time. Make her show you something in a sprint contest before you bet on her in a race of 7 furlongs. Hasn't raced or had any morning drills since Dec 7th. Not much value on this favorite. MORNING VOW - Mediocre speed figure last time around the track at Charles Town at 6 1/2 furlongs. Don't feel this pony will improve too much in today's event. INTO WILDERNESS - This mount likes to be there at the wire, but doesn't usually finish on top. Forget the top spot. When examining today's Equibase class figure, she will have to register a better rating than last time around the track to compete in this dirt sprint.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#4 WILD AFFAIR is the play if we get odds of 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

4 with 9

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Gulfstream Park - Race #10 - Post: 5:02pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $22,000 Class Rating: 83

Rating:

#14 REDISCOVER (ML=6/1)
#10 TAP THE PISTOL (ML=6/1)
#2 LOOKIN UP (ML=4/1)


REDISCOVER - Comparing how the horses in this field have fared under similar conditions, I see this one has the highest Equibase speed figure for the distance-surface. Looking at today's class rating, this horse is meeting an easier group than last out at Gulfstream Park. TAP THE PISTOL - This racer may have too much power on the grass for the rest of the field. When the field turns for home, he could put these away. The 83 latest race rating looks sound in the TrackMaster PPs. LOOKIN UP - Don't often see a profitable return on investment like +20. This rider/trainer twosome has done well together over the last year.

Vulnerable Contenders: #13 CRAFTY KITTEN (ML=3/1), #11 LITTLE SKY (ML=9/2), #5 VINO BLANCO (ML=5/1),

CRAFTY KITTEN - This colt raced well above average on Dec 22nd finishing second, but hasn't even visited the track since then. Not really a good sign. LITTLE SKY - Would have to get much more than the morning line of 9/2 to wager on this thoroughbred. VINO BLANCO - This entrant ran a substandard speed figure last race out. He shouldn't improve and will likely suffer defeat in today's race running that figure.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#14 REDISCOVER is the play if we get odds of 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

14 with [2,10]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Box [2,10,14] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

[2,10,14] with [2,10,14] with [2,6,10,13,14] with [2,6,10,13,14] Total Cost: $36

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:

[2,10,14] with [2,10,14] with [2,10,13,14] with [2,6,10,11,13,14] with [2,6,10,11,13,14] Total Cost: $72