Friday 1/22/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bulls (24-17) at Celtics (22-21)

Date: January 22, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics have learned this month that they have a long way to go to be true contenders in the Eastern Conference, but both have diagnosed what they need to do to get there.

For the Celtics it's a return to their defensive principles that can start with Friday night's visit from Chicago, while for the Bulls it's that and harnessing the effectiveness and conditioning of Derrick Rose.

Boston (22-21) has lost eight of 12 while looking nothing like the defensive stalwart it was in the season's first few months. Only Golden State and San Antonio allowed fewer points per 100 possessions than the Celtics (97.4) before Dec. 30, but since then half the league has been better than the 104.3 per 100 allowed by Brad Stevens' club.

It allowed at least 115 points in each stop on a 1-2 road trip - one of which went to overtime - and Toronto's 55.4 shooting percentage in Wednesday's 115-109 loss was the second-best by a Celtics opponent this season.

"We know we can score. It's been good to see the ball go in the hole for a lot of guys on this road trip," forward Jae Crowder told the team's official website. "But we've got to get back to our defense."

At 19-3 when holding opponents under 100, there's plenty of incentive. The same could be said for the Bulls (24-17), who are 18-2 when keeping teams from triple digits.

They've only done that once while losing five of seven, yielding 109.3 points per 100 possessions, and they'd gone nearly six years without giving up more points at home than they did in Wednesday's 125-94 loss to Golden State.

'It's embarrassing,' Rose said. 'We stopped communicating while we were out there. You could easily tell there was no communication on both sides of the ball. The only thing we can do from it is learn.

"We've got a back-to-back coming up (the Bulls visit Cleveland on Saturday) and a chance to redeem ourselves."

Rose had 29 points in 30 minutes against the Warriors, bumping his average to 22.3 in three since missing a game with left knee tendinitis.

Last season he was still one of the league's most effective guards when taking the ball toward the basket, as Rose was 10th in team points produced per drive at 1.27. He's dropped to a pedestrian 1.15 this season, but helped account for 21 Bulls points on 10 drives against Golden State.

"Derrick was great, was really good coming out, was attacking, was carrying us on offense," coach Fred Hoiberg told the team's official website. "If he keeps playing like that and attacking like that we've got a chance to have a good rest of the year."

No team allows fewer points per drive (1.07) than the Celtics, and the disparity in Rose's drives was evident in two earlier meetings. Rose's eight drives produced five Chicago points in a 105-100 loss at TD Garden on Dec. 9, but his 10 drives led to 16 points in a 101-92 home win Jan. 7 - though that one came with Avery Bradley sitting due to a hip injury.

The Bulls were more successful in the meeting where Jimmy Butler served as a distributor. He had 36 points but no assists in Boston, then recorded 19 points with 10 assists in Chicago. Pau Gasol has averaged 19.4 points and 15 boards as the Bulls have won four of five in the series.

Bradley, who was shooting 43.1 percent from 3-point range through 22 games, is at 23.8 percent from beyond the arc in his last 16.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Clippers (27-15) at Knicks (22-22)

Date: January 22, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The New York Knicks have given their fans more than their money's worth so far on this homestand.

The Knicks are enjoying their longest home win streak in three seasons and will try to make it seven in a row at Madison Square Garden on Friday night when they face a Los Angeles Clippers team playing without Blake Griffin.

New York (22-22) can cap a three-game homestand by continuing its longest run at the Garden since winning its last 10 there in 2012-13. The Knicks have given their fans plenty of drama, winning 119-113 in double overtime over Philadelphia on Monday and needing one extra session to win 118-111 over Utah on Wednesday.

'I thought a level of grit and mental toughness is required to persevere in those situations,' coach Derek Fisher said. 'I thought our guys, kind of regardless of what happened, kept playing and found ways to make the necessary plays to win.'

Carmelo Anthony had 30 points, nine assists and seven rebounds against the Jazz.

The superstar passed Larry Bird on the all-time scoring list and needs 21 points Friday to move into 30th place ahead of Gary Payton.

"It's an honor just to be on that list and to know the great work that Larry Bird put in throughout his career," Anthony said. "I'm still going, I'm having fun with this game of basketball, I've got a long way to go and I feel like the team is helping me, I'm helping them, I feel like we've got something good going for us."

New York seeks to end a six-game slide against Los Angeles, which will once again be without Griffin as he recovers from a partially torn left quadriceps tendon.

Los Angeles (27-15) fell to 10-2 without him by losing 115-102 at Cleveland on Thursday. Its six-game road win streak ended despite Chris Paul's 30 points and nine assists.

The Clippers allowed opponents to shoot 42.8 percent and average 98.0 points in winning their first nine games without Griffin. They have lost two of three since, with foes shooting 49.4 percent and averaging 119.0 points.

"We're not being solid, we're not being disciplined, we're not doing our principles," Paul said. "The good thing about it is that we know the right things to do. I think we just gotta work on our communication and start talking more."

DeAndre Jordan, who has an NBA-best 71.3 field-goal percentage, posted a 10th straight double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Looking forward to this contest is a Knicks player who hails from the Los Angeles area in reserve Derrick Williams, who scored 18 on Wednesday. He's averaging 16.8 points in his last five games.

"Chris Paul runs the show, so it's going to be big on our guards and obviously DeAndre rolling down the lane, he's going to try to dunk everything that's in his way so this is going to be a big team game," Williams said.

New York's Kristaps Porzingis ranks third among rookies with 14.0 points per game and first with nearly 2.0 blocks per contest. He scored 16 on Wednesday despite being questionable with a foot injury.

The Clippers' J.J. Redick is shooting an NBA-best 49.5 percent on 3-pointers and averaging 20.7 points in his last 10 games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bucks (19-25) at Rockets (22-22)

Date: January 22, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

No matter how often Dwight Howard sits out with an injury - and it's been plenty since he arrived in Houston - the Rockets never become accustomed to missing their force in the middle.

A disappointing stretch makes his latest setback a bit more troubling.

Howard will sit out at least Friday night's visit from Milwaukee as the Bucks look to tie their longest winning streak of the season by handing the Rockets a fourth defeat in five games.

Howard posted a double-double in each of the 10 previous games he played but missed a win over Utah on Jan. 7 with lower-back tightness. He had a season-high 36 points and tied a career best with 26 rebounds in Monday's 140-132 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers before leaving one minute into Wednesday's contest.

The Rockets (22-22) lost 123-114 to Detroit at home despite 33 points, a career-high 17 rebounds and 14 assists from James Harden, who became the first player to hit all of those numbers since Wilt Chamberlain had 53 points, 32 rebounds and 14 assists for Philadelphia against the Lakers on March 18, 1968.

Howard underwent an MRI on Thursday and was diagnosed with a sprained ankle that will keep him out of this matchup with the streaking Bucks (19-25). The Rockets are 3-4 this season when Howard doesn't play and 36-23 since he signed as a free agent in 2013-14.

"We have to figure it out," Harden said. "We've been through this situation before. Guys are going to have the opportunity to step up and play extra minutes, so just take advantage of it. Every go on this roster is preparing themselves for a situation like this."

The good news is that point guard Patrick Beverley, who sat out Wednesday with a sprained ankle of his own, should be back in the lineup. He's missed three of the last five.

Houston has dropped three of four following a season-high five-game winning streak.

"Every team is going to have some slippage," Harden said. "It's just a matter of us regrouping and getting a win (Friday). Basically we just have to focus on what we can control and just go out there and compete."

The Rockets have won the last four meetings, including when Harden scored 33 points to overcome 27 and 15 rebounds from Giannis Antetokounmpo in a 117-111 win in the last matchup Feb. 6.

Harden is shooting 52.1 percent in 11 career games against the Bucks, but he might have a more difficult time in this matchup considering how well Milwaukee has been defending.

The Bucks beat Atlanta in overtime Friday before holding Charlotte to 37.9 percent from the floor in a 105-92 win the following night. Miami then managed just 36.5 percent shooting in Milwaukee's 91-79 victory Tuesday.

Khris Middleton scored 22 points and Greg Monroe added 15 and 10 rebounds for the Bucks, who can win four in a row for the first time since Nov. 2-7.

"We're getting back to our principles (on defense)," Middleton said of the Bucks, who allowed opponents to shoot 45.7 percent prior to the last two. "We're starting to figure out these rotations and how we need to play defense. It's been great these last couple games."

Milwaukee has gone 8-7 under interim coach Joe Prunty, who has filled in for coach Jason Kidd as he recovers from a resurfacing of his right hip Dec. 21. The Bucks play at New Orleans on Saturday, and Kidd is expected to return to the bench for Tuesday's home game against Orlando.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Heat (23-20) at Raptors (27-15)

Date: January 22, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

DeMar DeRozan has Toronto on the verge of its longest winning streak in nearly 14 years, while Miami's scoring average on a losing streak could make one check to see if they're looking at NBA or NCAA numbers.

It has the Raptors building a solid lead in the Atlantic Division, while the banged-up Heat are falling further back of first place in the Southeast as the teams prepare to meet Friday night in Toronto.

The Raptors (27-15) have won six in a row on the heels of an embarrassing 22-point loss in Cleveland on Jan. 4. Toronto reached that level three times last season but hasn't gone beyond since a franchise-record, nine-game run March 19-April 9, 2002.

DeRozan has keyed the last two victories with an average of 32.0 points, including 34 on 13-of-25 shooting in Wednesday's 115-109 home win over Boston.

Shot selection has been part of the praise recently heaped on the 6-foot-7 guard with his 44.4 percent season mark up from 42.3 over the previous two. His 23.1 points and 4.2 assists per game are on pace to be career bests.

"I think it just comes with experience," DeRozan said. "When you're consciously trying to become a better player every single year you look at the things you can clean up on, get better on. That's one thing I always study, and critique myself on more than anything."

Plenty of that progress seems to have come over the last 16 games with DeRozan averaging 25.3 points and shooting 45.8 percent after opening the season with 21.7 and 43.4 marks through 26 contests.

"He's playing extremely well right now he's playing at a really high level and he's about to hit his prime right now," point guard Kyle Lowry said. "I think you can expect him to get better over the next couple of years, grow and be an All-Star type player and a perennial All-Star."

It's helped the Raptors shoot 48.4 percent in the last six games, but the streak hasn't come entirely without concern. In the last four games, opponents have shot 48.8 percent and connected on 46.3 from 3-point range.

"We have lost our defensive mojo a little bit," said coach Dwane Casey, whose team moved 5 1/2 games up on the second-place Celtics. "Defending the three ... that has been a concern for the past two or three games now."

That might all be cleared up against the Heat (23-20). They have lost six of seven with two of their three three-game losing steaks for the season. On the latest, they've averaged 80.0 points while losing by an average of 18.7.

Wednesday's 106-87 defeat in Washington was at least an offensive improvement with Miami shooting 48.5 percent and hitting 7 of 15 from 3-point range.

It came with Dwyane Wade sitting out for the second time in four games due to shoulder soreness, while Chris Andersen, Goran Dragic and Beno Udrih all remained out. Hassan Whiteside left with a strained left oblique and did not return, nor did Luol Deng after being poked in the right eye.

"I just think it's very inflamed right now," Wade said of his shoulder. "It needs to calm down so it's going to be a day-to-day process. It's very unfortunate because we're down so many bodies, but you know you got to do what's best."

The Raptors have won three of the last four in the series after a 16-game losing streak to the Heat. The latest was a 108-94 Toronto win in Miami on Dec. 18. DeRozan scored 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Thunder (32-12) at Mavericks (25-19)

Date: January 22, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

Russell Westbrook's unselfishness has keyed the Oklahoma City Thunder's six-game win streak. Now he might need to show some in a different way for the run to continue.

Not letting his emotions get the better of him could be important for Westbrook just to stay on the floor as he faces well-known irritant J.J. Barea for the second time in 10 days. And there's a chance all the major players - maybe not Dirk Nowitzki - will be needed for extended minutes Friday night when the Thunder visit the Dallas Mavericks.

That's because a down-to-the-wire game or even overtime seems like a real possibility. Of the last six meetings in Dallas, five were decided by six points or fewer and the other went to OT.

That's a period Mavericks fans are used to.

If this one goes past regulation, Dallas (25-19) would set an NBA record with a fifth consecutive overtime game at home. The Mavericks are the only team to play four straight, having also done so in 1985.

Dallas lost 108-89 in Oklahoma City on Jan. 13, but that's not a good barometer for the rematch. The Mavs' entire starting five was rested following an overtime loss the previous night, and this game is in Dallas where the Thunder (32-12) have lost three straight.

Westbrook got into two skirmishes with Barea and was ejected after the second one. Dallas' Charlie Villanueva was tossed as he defended Barea after the first, earning two of the game's six technical fouls. Both incidents stemmed from Barea's physicality as he guarded Westbrook, who refused to talk about the dustups.

The All-Star played 15 minutes but had eight assists, his only game of the last seven not reaching double figures. Westbrook went scoreless and hasn't lit up the scoreboard lately anyway, with no more than 16 points in four of five games.

'With the weapons we have, the best way for us to play and the best way for myself to play is to find those guys, get those guys shots, and I can score when I need to,' Westbrook said.

With his assists up during the six-game streak, his field-goal attempts have dropped to 13.3 per game after he previously averaged 19.2. The Thunder are 12-1 when he has fewer than 18.

Westbrook shot 5 of 14 but had 15 assists, eight rebounds and five steals in Wednesday's 109-95 victory over Charlotte.

'He's playing a video game," said Kevin Durant, who had 26 points. "Trying to get all the assists early and trying to get everybody involved early, and it's helping us out."

Durant has reached 20 points in 29 straight games, including 29 last week against the Mavericks. The former University of Texas star has averaged 42.0 in his last three in Dallas.

Durant missed both visits last season and a 117-114 win over the Mavericks on Nov. 22 as Westbrook had 31 points and 11 assists.

Nowitzki was rested for last week's matchup but missed a game Wednesday for the first time due to injury. Swelling in his right knee kept him out of a 106-94 overtime victory over Minnesota, and it's unclear if he'll return Friday.

"The good thing is I really didn't have any pain,' said Nowitzki, who had surgery on the same knee in 2012. ' ... When you're old, there's always something coming up and this came up out of nowhere.'

Chandler Parsons stepped up to score 16 of his season-high 30 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Dallas, which overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth, is 11-1 in OT games over the past two seasons.

'It's a composed, experienced, veteran team,' Parsons said. 'We never get too high or too low in a game, and we never have a doubt."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pacers (23-19) at Warriors (39-4)

Date: January 22, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Golden State started a four-game span against the Central Division with an 18-point loss. What's followed against some of the Eastern Conference's top teams has been quite the opposite.

Next up on the Warriors' attempted demolition of the Central: the Indiana Pacers on Friday night as Golden State returns from blowout wins in Cleveland and Chicago hoping to equal Larry Bird and Boston with its 38th straight home win.

Wednesday's 125-94 win over the Bulls came two nights after a 132-98 victory over the Cavaliers, marking the Warriors' top two-game scoring output of the season after being held to a season-low 36.2 percent shooting in Saturday's 113-95 loss in Detroit.

"Good teams bounce back quick and we were able to do that," Stephen Curry said. "It says a lot about our resiliency."

The game against the Bulls placed a particular emphasis on Chicago's single-season win record that Golden State (39-4) is chasing, and though it looked every bit capable in the last two games, it had lost two of three prior to that.

"I feel like we kind of have that chip back on our shoulders," said Draymond Green, who's been held to an average of 8.5 points on 34.4 percent shooting in four games since resting in a Jan. 13 loss in Denver. "It kind of fell off a little bit."

That's yet to happen in Oakland. The Warriors are 19-0 this season as part of a 37-game regular-season winning streak, which is one from matching the 1985-86 Celtics for third all-time and trails Orlando in '95-96 (40) and Chicago in '95-96 (44). They've won this season's home games by an average of 15.4 points.

They didn't have as easy of a time with the Pacers in a 131-123 win in Indiana on Dec. 8, the Warriors' third victory in the last four meetings. Klay Thompson scored 39 for his third straight game in the series with at least that many. The guard has shot 52.7 percent in those games while hitting 21 of 40 from 3-point range.

While the Warriors are beginning a three-game homestand with San Antonio coming in on Monday, the Pacers (23-19) are playing the third of a four-game road trip.

Indiana won 97-94 in Phoenix on Tuesday to avoid losing a season-worst fourth straight, though it nearly blew a 20-point second-half lead. Over the losing streak, Indiana had allowed 116.7 points per game on 49.1 percent shooting before holding the Suns to an opponent season-low 34.6.

"This was all about us getting a win and getting back to playing winning basketball," Paul George said. "It was poor closing this game out. We've got to do a better job, but it was a good start to getting back to playing some defense."

The Pacers needed it with continued struggles from 3-point range. A 4-for-20 mark has them shooting 24.1 percent in the last four games and 27.7 in their last nine. Considering Golden State has limited its last five opponents to 23.4 percent from outside, it might be another game before the Pacers come around.

George has been limited to 19.5 points and 38.1 percent shooting in his last eight games while never eclipsing his dipping season average of 23.7. Plenty of that has to do with a 25 percent mark from long range after entering that span at 40.5.

His supporting cast has been banged up with George Hill missing the last two games for personal reasons, while Rodney Stuckey isn't yet nearing a return due to a sprained right ankle and bone bruise. Hill has already been ruled out, likely again creating a backcourt partnership of Monta Ellis and Glenn Robinson III.

Ellis is averaging 20.3 points and shooting 48 percent in the last three games. The former Golden State guard has averaged 10.8 points and shot 31.7 percent in his last four against the Warriors.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Spurs (37-6) at Lakers (9-35)

Date: January 22, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Even with two stalwarts out, the San Antonio Spurs had little difficulty matching a franchise-best start while extending their season-high win streak.

With a highly anticipated game looming, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich could choose to rest some of his players again - or at least go light on the minutes - Friday night against the lowly Los Angeles Lakers.

Tony Parker sat out with a sore right hip and Popovich rested Tim Duncan for Thursday's opener to a three-game trip, which will end with a matchup against league-best Golden State on Monday.

The Spurs easily romped to a 12th consecutive victory, 117-89 over Phoenix, while getting a chance to take it easy on the rest of their roster.

Parker's replacement in the starting lineup, Ray McCallum, was the only player to log more than 25 minutes at 28:42. Kawhi Leonard scored a team-best 21 points in a season-low 22:12 on the same day he earned his first start in an All-Star Game.

"It was just a time for us to really execute our plays and make sure we were in our defensive rotation,'" Leonard said.

The Spurs got 66 points from their bench while matching their 37-6 start in 2010-11. That team lost its 44th game, but this squad has a prime chance to win its 44th when it faces the Western Conference's worst team.

The Spurs are also 7-0 in the second of back-to-back games, the league's only team with a perfect mark.

The Lakers (9-35) endured their eighth loss in nine games Wednesday with a 112-93 defeat to visiting Sacramento. They've been outscored by an average of 20.3 points and outshot 49.0 to 39.8 percent in a string of four consecutive defeats.

"I swear if this was a couple years ago I would say something extremely inappropriate," said Kobe Bryant, who was the leading vote-getter for his final NBA All-Star Game. "You can't be chumps, and nobody in this locker room is a chump to capitulate to that and accept that fact. It's not going to happen, so you just come out and try to improve and work every single game and get better."

The Spurs routed the Lakers 109-87 in the first meeting this season Dec. 11 with LaMarcus Aldridge providing 24 points and 11 rebounds. Patty Mills had a season-high 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting.

San Antonio has won 14 of 17 over the Lakers, including a opening-round sweep in the 2013 playoffs. The Spurs have also claimed the past five road matchups including the postseason.

The Lakers have lost five of six at home and Bryant hasn't helped too much lately, averaging 8.0 points on 30.0 percent shooting in the past five overall contests. This matchup with the Spurs falls on the 10th anniversary of his 81-point performance against Toronto.

"It's amazing how time flies,' Bryant said. 'It's absolutely crazy it was 10 years."

Bryant had 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting against the Spurs in December. Rookie point guard D'Angelo Russell scored what was a career-high 24, later topped by his 27 in a loss in Sacramento on Jan. 7.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Friday, January 22, 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

OK, this is getting ridiculous. NBA players like Andre Drummond, Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan need to suck it up pride-wise and go to Hall of Famer Rick Barry, one of the greatest free-throw shooters in NBA history, and learn how to shoot from the charity stripe underhanded. It really does work. Drummond is a magnificent player, but on Wednesday against Houston and Howard, Drummond missed a league-record 23 freebies (36 attempts). If I'm the opposing team, I simply foul the guy every time he touches the ball; use up your scrub big men at times. That's what Houston did as Drummond was fouled 12 straight times at one point. The previous record for most misses was 22, set by Wilt Chamberlain on Dec. 1, 1967. Drummond's 36 attempts were third-most in league history, behind two 39-attempt games by Howard. Steph Curry, by the way, hasn't missed 23 free throws all season.


Hornets at Magic (TBA)

Charlotte lost 109-95 in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Kemba Walker followed up his 52-point game Monday with 21. Nic Batum was scoreless in 24 minutes and left with a toe injury, so he's in question here. Big man Cody Zeller also left with a shoulder injury and is questionable. Orlando lost a fourth in a row Wednesday, a 96-87 home shocker to Philadelphia. The Magic are now under .500 for the first time since Nov. 29. Guard Victor Oladipo missed a second straight game with a sprained knee. Orlando won the first meeting, 113-98 at home on Dec. 16. All five Magic starters tallied double-figure scoring, led by Channing Frye with 17 points. Jeremy Lamb led Charlotte in scoring with 16 points off the bench. Charlotte was 2-0 in Orlando last year.

Key trends: The Hornets are 8-2 against the spread in the past 10 meetings. The "over/under" is 4-1 in the past five.

Early lean: Magic end skid, Oladipo or not. I'm guessing Scott Skiles has quite the intense practice coming for those guys.

Bulls at Celtics (-4, 204)

There's obviously no shame in losing to the amazing Warriors, but the Bulls were destroyed by them at home Wednesday, 125-94. Derrick Rose was great with 29 points, but Pau Gasol had one point and the Bulls were 1-for-20 from 3-point range. Boston lost a second in a row Wednesday, 115-109 in Toronto. Isaiah Thomas had his fifth double-double of the season with 21 points and 10 assists in the loss. These teams have split two pretty close meetings, each winning at home. Chicago's Jimmy Butler is averaging 27.5 points in the two. Gasol has had a double-double in each.

Key trends: The favorite is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 5-1 in the past six.

Early lean: Celtics and over.

Jazz at Nets (TBA)

Utah lost its second in a row Wednesday, 118-111 in OT at the Knicks. Gordon Hayward had 27 for the Jazz and hit three free throws with a few seconds left to send it to OT. The Jazz are 8-7 against the East this season. Brooklyn dropped a fourth straight Wednesday, 91-78 to Cleveland. This is the first meeting of the season. Utah won both last year, including a 35-point home victory that was the Jazz's largest margin of victory in 2014-15.

Key trends: The favorite is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 9-3 in the Nets' past 12.

Early lean: TBA likely again for Utah's Derrick Favors, who hasn't played in a few weeks. He's doubtful again. No matter the number here, go under. I expect neither team to top 90 points.

Clippers at Knicks (+2.5, 203)

Los Angeles was in Cleveland on Thursday. The Knicks won their second straight high-scoring OT game on Wednesday, beating the Jazz by seven. Carmelo Anthony had 30 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, and Robin Lopez had perhaps his best game of the year with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Rookie Kristaps Porzingis was questionable but played and had 16 points. The Knicks' six-game home winning streak is their longest since they won their final 10 home games of the 2012-13 season. First meeting between these teams. The Clippers have won six straight, three at the Garden.

Key trends: The Clippers are 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The under is 5-1 in the past six.

Early lean: Knicks and under.

Heat at Raptors (TBA)

First of an ESPN doubleheader and should have live betting at sportsbooks. Miami lost a third in a row Wednesday, 106-87 in Washington on Wednesday. The Heat are totally banged up. Dwyane Wade was a late scratch with a shoulder issue that probably costs him a few games. Hassan Whiteside left in the second quarter with a strained left oblique and didn't return. Luol Deng left after getting poked in the eye. Goran Dragic has missed five games with a calf injury. A few reserves also have been out. Toronto won a season-high sixth in a row Wednesday, beating the Celtics by six behind 34 points from DeMar DeRozan. The Heat and Raptors have split two games in Miami this season. The Heat have won seven of their past eight in Toronto, where Chris Bosh is still booed regularly.

Key trends: The Heat are 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings in Toronto. The over is 7-1 in the Raptors' past eight after scoring at least 100 points in their previous game.

Early lean: I doubt this is close as half the Heat probably sit out.

Bucks at Rockets (TBA)

Milwaukee brings a three-game winning streak into this one after a 12-point win in Miami on Tuesday. Khris Middleton, the only Buck to play every game this season, had 22 points. Houston lost 123-114 at home to Detroit on Wednesday. Howard sprained his ankle early in the first quarter and did not return so he seems likely to miss this game at least. James Harden had his first triple-double of the season and seventh of his career, with 33 points, a career-high 17 rebounds and 14 assists in the loss. Point guard Patrick Beverley missed the game with an ankle injury. Houston has won four straight in this series. Last year the Rockets averaged 117.0 points in the two wins. Harden averaged 33.5 points on 64.3 percent shooting.

Key trends: The road team is 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 5-2 in the past seven overall.

Early lean: TBA for Howard. I like Houston to win regardless.

Thunder at Mavericks (TBA)

Oklahoma City won a sixth consecutive game Wednesday, beating visiting Charlotte by 14. Russell Westbrook had 16 points, 15 assists, eight rebounds and five steals in 27 minutes -- Coach Billy Donovan didn't let him try for the triple-double, sitting his star in the fourth quarter. Dallas won a second straight home OT game on Wednesday -- fourth straight home OT game overall -- in a 106-94 victory over Minnesota. Chandler Parsons scored 16 of his season-high 30 points in the fourth quarter. Dirk Nowitzki got the night off with a knee injury and is questionable here. The 1984-85 Mavericks are the only other NBA team in the shot clock era to play four overtime home games in a row. OKC is 2-0 in this series this season, winning both at home and averaging 111.0 points. The Mavericks have won the last three regular-season matchups in Dallas.

Key trends: The Thunder have covered 13 of their past 19 in Big D. The over has hit in six straight there.

Early lean: TBA for Dirk. Go over regardless. Thunder should roll.

Pacers at Warriors (-12, 215.5)

Second game in the ESPN doubleheader. Indiana ended a three-game losing streak in Phoenix on Tuesday, 97-94. Monta Ellis had 20 points and Paul George 19 points and eight rebounds. Center Ian Mahinmi left late in the second quarter with a sprained ankle and probably sits this out. Starting point guard George Hill missed a second straight game due to personal reasons. Golden State blew out the Bulls on Wednesday to close a three-game road trip. Will this be a trap game? The Warriors host the Spurs on Monday in the game of the year thus far. In their first meeting this season on Dec. 8 with the Pacers, Golden State scored 79 points in the first half -- the highest scoring first half in the NBA this season -- en route to a 131-123 win in Indianapolis. Golden State has not won a season series against Indiana since 2000-01.

Key trends: The favorite is 7-3 ATS in the past 10 meetings. The over is 5-1 in the Warriors' past six following an ATS win.

Early lean: Warriors and over.

Spurs at Lakers (+15, 199)

San Antonio was in Phoenix on Thursday night without Tony Parker, so don't look for him here. Or probably Tim Duncan and/or Manu Ginobili, either. Los Angeles lost a fourth straight Wednesday, 112-93 to the Kings. It's the Lakers' seventh losing streak of at least four games this season. The Spurs beat the Lakers 109-87 in San Antonio on Dec. 11. It was tight at halftime but the Spurs outscored the Lakers 58-38 in the second half. LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points and 11 rebounds. Los Angeles rookie D'Angelo Russell recorded 24 points, six rebounds and six assists in perhaps his best game thus far. The Spurs have won three straight at the Lakers.

Key trends: The Spurs are 4-1 ATS in the past five at the Lakers. The under is 9-2 in L.A.'s past 11 at home.

Early lean: Lakers and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Friday's hot teams
-- Clippers won 11 of their last 13 games (6-3-1 last 10AF). Knicks won seven of their last ten games (4-5HU).
-- Bucks won five of their last seven games (8-3 last 11AU).
-- Toronto won its last six games (3-0 last three HF).
-- Thunder won last six games, covered four of last five. Dallas won three of its last four games, winning last two in OT.
-- Warriors won eight of last ten games (3-5 last 8HF).
-- Spurs won their last twelve games (13-5AF).

Cold teams
-- Charlotte lost eight of its last ten games (2-4 last 6AU). Magic lost eight of last nine games (1-3 last 4HF).
-- Jazz lost four of their last five games (3-2AF). Brooklyn lost its last four games, all by 12+ points (2-9 last 11HU).
-- Bulls lost five of their last seven games (5-7AU). Boston lost six of its last nine games (9-8HF).
-- Houston lost three of its last four games (6-12HF).
-- Miami lost six of its last seven games (4-7AU).
-- Pacers lost four of their last six games (1-5 last 6AU).
-- Lakers lost eight of their last nine games (6-9HU).

Series records
-- Road team won four of last five Charlotte-Orlando games.
-- Nets lost six of last eight games with Utah.
-- Celtics lost seven of last nine games with Chicago.
-- Knicks lost their last six games with the Clippers.
-- Rockets won their last four games with Milwaukee.
-- Raptors won three of last four games with Miami.
-- Home side won six of last seven Thunder-Maverick games.
-- Warriors won three of last four games with Indiana.
-- Lakers lost eight of last ten games with San Antonio.

Totals
-- Six of last eight Charlotte-Orlando games went over.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in Utah's last four games.
-- Five of last six Boston-Chicago games went over.
-- Last five New York games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Milwaukee games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Miami games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Oklahoma City games stayed over.
-- Six of last eight Golden State games went over.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Laker games.

Back/backs
-- Clippers 4-6 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- San Antonio is 7-0 vs spread if it played the night before.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Warriors Host Wounded Pacers'

There's never a good time to lose your starting center, but the Indiana Pacers (23-19, 22-20 ATS) could be in extra-deep trouble if they don't get Ian Mahinmi back in time for Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors (39-4, 26-16 ATS). Mahinmi (8.4 PPG, 7.1 RBG) sprained his left ankle during the first half of Tuesday's 97-94 victory over the Phoenix Suns and did not return to the game. Mahinmi's status still remains unknown.

If that were not enough, the Warriors are tough nuts to crack on home court having won 37 consecutive regular season games in front of the friendly crowd. Oddsmakers have opened Warriors -12.0 point favorites. Might be a little generous.

Over the mentioned impressive home streak the Dubs were not the greatest bets going 20-17 ATS including 14-12 ATS laying double digits. Additionally, Warriors are just 10-9-1 ATS following a 25 or more point victory, Pacers have responded against the betting line going 7-3-1 ATS with two days rest on the road and are 4-4 ATS last eight trips into Oakland.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

College basketball betting TV guide: Must-watch, must-wager games
By STEVE MERRIL

College basketball is in full swing with conference play shaping the field for the NCAA tournament. Steve Merril has scoured the schedule for the must-watch, must-wager games for each day on the college hoops calendar so that you don’t miss any of the action.

Friday - Rhode Island Rams at George Washington Colonials (espn2)

Rhode Island and George Washington play a similar style of basketball as both teams like a slow pace while playing solid half-court defense. The Rams have played much worse on the road than at home this season, so that’s a concern for them in this game. George Washington is a perfect 10-0 SU at home, including an upset win over Virginia. The Colonials come into this game off a road loss at Dayton, so they’ll be looking to bounce back off that defeat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Friday's games..........

Duquesne lost five of its last seven games; they are 0-3 on A-14 road, losing by 11-27-22 points. Dukes are playing fastest tempo in A-14 but have made only 26.4% of 3's in league play. George Mason is 1-5 in its league games, losing both home games by 19-14; their only A-14 win is at Saint Louis. Patriots are forcing least turnovers of any team in whole country. Dukes won two of their three games with Mason.

Yale ran out to 27-8 lead, beat Brown 77-68 Saturday, their 10th win in last 12 series games. Yale rebounded 45.7% of its own misses, very high number. Bulldogs lost two of last three visits here, in series where home team won five of last six meetings. Brown lost five of last six games vs D-I teams, with two OT losses; Bruins are 0-5 vs top 100 teams, with four of five losses by 8+ points.

Rhode Island swept George Washington LY by 4-13 points after losing four in row to GW before that; Rams are 1-5 in last six visits here, with losses by 69-61/69-56 in last two visits. URI is 1-4 in true road games with only win in OT at Brown; Rams lost their two A-14 road games by 5 points each. GW won its two conference home games by 6-27 points. A-14 home favorites of 5 or less points are 6-3 vs spread.

Valparaiso won eight of last 11 games with Wright State, splitting last four visits to Dayton, with wins by 7-10 points. Crusaders won first six Horizon games, with 12 points closest game- their road wins are by 17-18-31 points. Wright State won eight of last nine games, with only loss at Green Bay by 8; Raiders are shooting 54% inside arc in Horizon tilts. Horizon home underdogs are 3-8 against the spread.

Northern Kentucky won two of last three games after starting season at 4-10; their two Horizon wins are by 17-20 points, over Youngatown and Oakland. Norse turns ball over 20.1% of time (#284). Ill-Chicago is 0-15 vs D-I teams in McClain's first year as coach; all four of Flames' losses on Horizon road are by 17+ points. Horizon double digit home favorites are 8-4 vs spread. UIC turns ball over 22.2% of time (#336).

St Peter's is in first place in MAAC; they lost nine of last 12 games with Iona, losing last five visits here by 18-37-19-3-7 points. Peacocks won four of five MAAC road games, with only loss by a basket at Niagara- they won last three games overall. Iona lost last two games and will still be without suspended Washington here. Gaels are 1-4 in games decided by 8 or less points. MAAC home favorites of 7 or less points are 3-8.

Home side won last nine Fairfield-Marist games; Stags lost last four tilts in McCann Center by 2-13-19-6 points. Fairfield lost three MAAC road games by 24-6-15 points; they're 9-9 despite winning all three OT games this season. Marist is 27-101 in MAAC games since Matt Brady left for JMU; Red Foxes lost last six games, are 0-3 at home in MAAC. MAAC home teams are 8-5 vs spread if spread was 2 or less points.

Canisius won four of last five games with Niagara, winning last three in this gym by 7-6-13 points. Griffins are 4-4 in MAAC, 3-1 on road, with wins by 9-3-10 points and only loss at Monmouth. Canisius has #329 eFG% defense in country. Niagara is 3-5 in MAAC, 3-1 at home, with only loss by 14 to Monmouth; Eagles turn ball over 22.5% of time. #340 in US. MAAC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 8-4 vs spread.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Oklahoma at Baylor January 23, 12:00 EST

Baylor Bears riding a five game winning streak (4-1 ATS) enter the contest 15-3 on the year (5-7 ATS) and 5-1 in conference play (4-2 ATS). Bears with four players scoring in double digits lead by Taurean Price (15.0) are netting 80.7 PPG and are solid at keeping the ball out of their own basket allowing opponents 66.6 per/contest on 42.2% from the field, 33.8% from long range. Bears great at protecting home court have won thirteen straight in Waco and sixteen consecutive in front of the frienzied home crowd with a 5-5 ATS mark in lined games.

Oklahoma Sooners losing 82-77 at Iowa State last time out carry a 15-2 (7-8 ATS) record into the game, 1-7 ATS skid overall, 4-2 (1-5 ATS) record within the conference. Lead by last year's BIG XII P.O.Y. Buddy Hield (26.1) along three other double digit scorers the Sooners are dropping 85.7 points/game while allowing opponents 71.6 per/contest. Sooners have struggle away from Norman in true road games going a 4-4 last eight with a 2-6 record against the betting line.

Each team won/covered in its own back yard last season but Sooners remain a commanding 7-4 SU last eleven trips into Waco with a money-grabbing 11-2 record against the betting line.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

The Saturday promotion at Aqueduct is just about perfect. If you make it to the track and buy a racing publication, they will give you a knit hat and gloves.

The timing is perfect since there is 6-10 inches of snow headed that way, and it is very likely racing will get canceled on Saturday. It is even worse in the Mid-Atlantic area and don’t expect to see any racing at Laurel Park or Parx Racing with as much as two feet of snow in the forecast.

It is times like this I appreciate having moved from the Maryland area to Florida in 2003.

The weather at Gulfstream Park is not good for Friday, with an 80% chance of rain and it seems likely we will have an off track and off the turf. Things will improve for the weekend.

Instead of Aqueduct on Saturday I will take a look at the racing action from Santa Anita with my strongest plays included in my Best Plays Report.

It actually is a pretty quiet weekend, with just one graded stake on tap, the $200,000 Santa Monica (G2) at Santa Anita. The race is a seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares.

The next Road to the Kentucky Derby points race is coming up on Saturday, Jan. 30. The $350,000 Holy Bull (G2) will offer up 10-4-2-1 points for entry into the Run for the Roses.

The betting favorite for that race will be Mohaymen, who worked five furlongs in :59.40 at Palm Meadows on Thursday. The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee is undefeated in three career starts, taking the Remsen (G2) in his last outing on Nov. 28.

The colt is the current early betting favorite for the Kentucky Derby at odds of 6-1.


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

GP Race 1 Clm $6,250N2L (12:35 ET)
1 Party Crasher 2-1
3 Crazy Frank C 3-1
5 El Gran Gayego 4-1
7 I Believe I Can 6-1

Analysis: Party Crasher was off a beat slow, stalked the early pace, made a good middle move to take command and drifted out and bumped a foe in the stretch in a runner up finish as the beaten favorite. The gelding makes his third start off the bench here for the Kaplan barn and while he is 0 for 2 on wet tracks he does have a solid off track pedigree.

Crazy Frank C prompted the early pace and could not match strides late with the winner in a runner up finish at this level. He was claimed out of the race by the Sobarzo barn that is showing a 1 for 4 mark (with a +ROI) first off the claim. Rosario takes the call and with just four starts under his belt the gelding still appears to have some upside. He broke his maiden over a wet track.

Wagering
WIN: #1 t win at 2-1 or better
EX: 1,3 / 1,3,5,7
TRI: 1,3 / 1,3,5,7 / 1,3,5,7,8

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:

GP Race 8 OClm $35,000N3L (4:05 ET)
3 Dreaming of Neno 3-1
4 Blame Jim 5-2
1 Trev 5-1
5 City of Weston 4-1

Analysis: Dreaming of Neno dueled for the early lead, had the lead heading for home and weakened inside the final furlong to finish fourth last out in the slop in a race washed off the turf in the Claiming Crown Canterbury. This guy looks back on track after subpar efforts two and three back. He beat optional claimers here four back in a sharp effort and has run well over wet tracks, landing in the money in four of five trips on off going.

Blame Jim dueled for the early lead and faded to finish eighth last out at the Spa against Alw-2 optional claimers. He comes back here off nearly a five-month break for the Pletcher barn that is 22% winners with runners coming back off a 61-180-day layoff. The gelding owns back numbers good enough to win here and has been working sharply at Palm Beach Downs.

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 5-2 or better
EX: 3,4 / 1,3,4,5
TRI: 3,4 / 1,3,4,5 / 1,3,4,5,6

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.

Gulfrstream Park
R2: #1 Calm 15-1
R2: #10 My Music 10-1
R3: #2 Fifty Two 10-1
R4: #6 Summer Morn 8-1
R10: #1 Mascherato 12-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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


Race 3 - Post: 1:09 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$2500 - NW $255


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 AMAZING QUEST 6/5


# 3 WIZARD OF ART 3/1


# 4 AMERICAN FIGHTER 4/1


AMAZING QUEST is the best play in this affair. Hard to put finger on it, but give the nod to him for this one. Should be considered in this contest if only for the very nice speed rating achieved in the last race. One of the best win stats with this driver/trainer make this gelding dangerous. WIZARD OF ART - Looks like a strong selection in this field of horses and his successful winning percentage says he has the ability to score in this race. Positively the class of the field of starters with an average rating of 82. A nice selection. AMERICAN FIGHTER - Certainly should be given a look based on the great speed rating earned in the last contest. Pace makes the race is a favorite saying of this brain trust. Pace stats here point to a sharp play.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Meadowlands

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


Race 13 - Post: 10:35 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 87 - Purse:$12000 - N/W $10,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS AE: N/W 4 EXTENDED PM RACES OR $87,500 LIFETIME OPTIONAL CLAIMING $20,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 BORN TO FIGHT 6/1


# 4 KEYSTONE THOMAS 7/2


# 2 T JS MR LAVEC 15/1


BORN TO FIGHT has a really strong shot to take this contest. Has great TrackMaster Speed Ratings and positively has to be considered for a bet in this event. This gelding has been running versus some of the most competitive horses in this group of animals recently. This standardbred earned a very nice TrackMaster Speed Rating last out. Looks sharp to come right back. KEYSTONE THOMAS - Exemplary win figure combined with recent very nice performances. We think he can handle this group. Has very good speed figures and quite possibly has to be thought of for a play in here. T JS MR LAVEC - Take a good long look at making this horse your win wager based on excellent win clip alone. Some trainers just fit better with certain interesting entrants. That seems to be the case right here with Blackler. A very nice play.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Aqueduct

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


Race 6 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $57000 Class Rating: 93

INNER DIRT FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD FOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $13,000 ONCE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE OTHER THAN CLAIMING OR STARTER SINCE AUGUST 1, 2015 ALLOWED 2 LBS. (NON-STARTERS FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $25,000 OR LESS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 LITTLE POPSIE 3/1


# 5 FALLFIRE 20/1


# 8 COPERNICUS 7/2


LITTLE POPSIE has a formidable shot to take this race. Difficult to pass on this colt with Ortiz in the irons. Is a solid contender - given the 99 Equibase Speed Fig from his most recent race. He has a quite good distance/surface win record - 2 / 8. FALLFIRE - He has been running strongly as of late while recording sharp Speed Figures. Has been running admirably lately and should be close to the lead early on. COPERNICUS - With a respectable 91 speed figure last time out, will unquestionably be a factor in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Oaklawn Park

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


Race 5 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $32000 Class Rating: 67

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $50,000, IF FOR $40,000, ALLOWED 4 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 DROP DEAD RED 9/2


# 7 FRISKY WHISKEY 10/1


# 4 MORE THAT LILY 6/1


I've got to go with DROP DEAD RED. Hobby has this filly running well and is a competitive pick based on the quite good Equibase Speed Figs garnered in sprint races recently. This pick will feel the med change - with second time Lasix today. Is a contender - given the 70 Equibase speed fig from her most recent race. FRISKY WHISKEY - Look for a strong pace improvement from this animal who enters with second time Lasix today. Profitable rider and conditioner team, with a +34 return on investment. MORE THAT LILY - Looks very good to be on the lead at the first call. Has run well when racing a dirt sprint race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Fair Grounds - Race #7 - Post: 8:32pm - Optional Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $42,000 Class Rating: 97

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 OH NO PETRINO (ML=8/1)
#2 MISS RUBY'S LEGACY (ML=3/1)
#7 REINA DE APRISA (ML=4/1)


OH NO PETRINO - This should be an easier task than what she was asked last time out against 'open' company. MISS RUBY'S LEGACY - Jock jumped on this filly's back for the first time on Dec 20th. Should be acquainted with the animal even better this time around. Looking at this filly's running lines, I see she's almost always in the money. Based on this filly's recent efforts, she should benefit from this race's shorter distance. REINA DE APRISA - The ROI when Murrill and Heitzmann hook up is outstanding. I have to like this filly's chances at the shorter trip. Look at this pattern of improvement. 58/69/87 are the last three speed figures.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 RAMONA'S WILDCAT (ML=9/5), #6 JUST GLOSSY (ML=6/1), #5 SQUATTY (ML=8/1),

RAMONA'S WILDCAT - Not easy to back any pony in a short distance event if she hasn't finished in the money in a sprint in the last two months. You should normally gamble against morning-line favorites that haven't raced or show no activity in the morning over the last 3 weeks. JUST GLOSSY - Difficult to play this vulnerable equine this time. Make her show you something in a sprint race before you wager on her in a race of 5 1/2 furlongs. SQUATTY - Garnered a run-of-the-mill speed rating last time out in an Allowance race on Jan 3rd. Doubtful to see an improved performance off of that figure.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 OH NO PETRINO is the play if we get odds of 4/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Santa Anita - Race #1 - Post: 1:00pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $32,000 Class Rating: 79

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 ZORRO'S STORM (ML=6/1)
#5 READY CAT (ML=3/1)


ZORRO'S STORM - Maldonado and Periban perform well when they work together. It's hard to beat a +143 ROI for a jockey and conditioner. Widely used handicapping theory - 3rd or 4th start after a vacation generally leads to a big effort. Today's the day. READY CAT - He keeps getting closer at the finish with each and every start. Gelding won shipping here on December 31st and looks good right back. Have to give this gelding a good chance. Ran a sharp race in the last race within the last 30 days. This horse has increased his speed ratings from a fig of 58 to 62 to 80 in succession.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 SWISS MINISTER (ML=2/1), #6 GREYSON AND JOHN (ML=4/1), #4 CHEROKEE DYNASTY (ML=5/1),

SWISS MINISTER - This colt hasn't been showing me anything in the last two races. GREYSON AND JOHN - Improbable that the speed rating he recorded on December 31st will be enough in this event.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #1 ZORRO'S STORM on top if we're getting at least 8/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None