Friday 12/12/14 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Dayton Raceway

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


Race 8 - Post: 8:55 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$5500 - N/W $4000 IN LAST 4 STARTS AE: N/W 5 PM RACES AE: CLAIMING $8000 W/ALLOWANCES DAYTON RACEWAY BREWER PICKS 4 OVER 9 TY. SMITH PICKS 2 OVER 1 KAUFFMAN PICKS 8 OVER 3 #5 TEAM ZORDIN ELIGIBLE AT TIME OF ENTRY


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 RUSSELL MANIA 5/2


# 6 BOY MEETS GIRL K 7/2


# 1 ALLTHATNABAGOFCHIP 6/1

After thorough analysis by the panel of smart guys, RUSSELL MANIA comes out as the top play. Dayton Raceway has been playing to this solid standardbred's running style, we're looking for a substantial effort. The number crunching team happens to know that when you put Smith and Wilfong together good results frequently occur. Take a good look at making this horse your win bet based on high win percentage alone. BOY MEETS GIRL K - Worth looking at here given the statistics in the TrackMaster Speed Rating department alone. Most definitely the class of the group with an average rating of 90. A nice selection. ALLTHATNABAGOFCHIP - Chances are greatly increased for entrants beginning from the 1 post at Dayton Raceway. Might be there at a reasonable price tag. Definitely one to keep in your exotics.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Flamboro Downs

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


Race 10 - Post: 9:00 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 73 - Purse:$2700 - CLAIMING $5000.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 TALIESIN 4/1


# 2 NOSTALGIA SEELSTER 7/5


# 4 FRILLY THONG 9/2


TALIESIN will not be denied the ultimate prize this time. With a 78 average class number, this race horse has one of the most respectable class edges in the grouping. Battling well, achieved a substantial speed rating in his most recent competition (62). Looks like a strong selection in this group and his successful winning percentage says he has the determination to dominate for this one. NOSTALGIA SEELSTER - Should be in the hunt again in here, looking to improve that already high lifetime winning clip. Has the look of a profitable play, averaging a rather good 74 TrackMaster Speed Rating. FRILLY THONG - Post 4 has been winning at a much higher than average percent, suggesting competitive probability of success here. Tough to pass on this mare with talented Henry in the sulky. Major player for the ultimate prize.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Golden Gate

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


Race 1 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $13000 Class Rating: 94

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE SEPTEMBER 1 ALLOWED 3 LBS. ONE SUCH RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000, IF FOR $9,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 FUNNY HOW 9/5


# 3 SLAMMER TIME 7/2


# 1 TWIN SIX 2/1


FUNNY HOW looks to be a solid contender. Ran a solid last race. Has been racing soundly and has among the most competitive speed in the race for today's distance. I like the jock on this gelding - competitive chance to win the affair. SLAMMER TIME - He has been racing well lately while recording very solid Equibase Speed Figs. Has to be carefully examined - I like the figs from the last race. TWIN SIX - Displays formidable Equibase speed figs on average overall when matched with the rest of this group of horses. Will most likely be one of the early speedsters of the bunch going into the midpoint of the contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

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


Race 8 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $12750 Class Rating: 62

FOR ACCREDITED OKLAHOMA-BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 8 T A'S BAY 8/1


# 5 TINY STITCHES 8/1


# 9 NUTTY FUDGE 6/1


T A'S BAY gets the edge as the wager in here especially at a such a nice price. Must be given a shot in this race if only for the strong speed figure garnered in the last affair. It's a good sign that Asmussen is using Navarro on this one. Always seems to be close at the finish. TINY STITCHES - Should be carefully examined based on the strong speed figure put up in the last race. Tough to pass on this filly with Vazquez in the irons. NUTTY FUDGE - Has to be given a shot against this group displaying very strong numbers recently and an average speed figure of 59 under similar conditions. Since this equine changes blinkers - on - there is a respectable chance for a speed improvement in today's contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #9 - Post: 10:38pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,500 Class Rating: 44

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#11 MIX MAX (ML=8/1)
#5 MY SWEET TEA (ML=12/1)


MIX MAX - Likes to go to the lead and the fact that today is a shorter trip should be beneficial. Haughton brings her back again. I suggest you stick with this live mare. MY SWEET TEA - After the affair aboard this horse on November 21st, the jockey is going to be in tune with the filly much better. This filly likes to be near the lead. Today's race is a shorter distance and should aid her likelihood of winning.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 WINDY STARLITE (ML=5/2), #1 DISTINCTIVELY MINE (ML=3/1), #9 STYLISH TOUCH (ML=7/2),

WINDY STARLITE - This runner has been disappointing the public as the favorite time and time again. Hard to back the favorite when she continues to lose as the favorite. DISTINCTIVELY MINE - Doesn't appear to be worth 3/1 this time around. Pass on her this time. STYLISH TOUCH - This horse doesn't have a conquering state of mind. Regularly finishes near the winner.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#11 MIX MAX is going to be the play if we are getting 3/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #4 - Post: 7:22pm - Allowance - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $29,500 Class Rating: 90

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 GENEVIEVE'S BREEZE (ML=8/1)
#9 AMELIA MAR (ML=12/1)
#3 QUE REGALO (ML=7/2)


GENEVIEVE'S BREEZE - I look for this pony to sit chilly and make a strong move on the turn, cruising straight on to the finish line. AMELIA MAR - This horse should be rumbling down the lane. QUE REGALO - A filly like this one, almost always in the money, usually makes an excellent trifecta key horse. I like this filly. Has the highest earnings per race in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #10 ITS MY TOWN (ML=4/1), #6 COURSE I'LL WYNN (ML=9/2), #5 AS NOTED (ML=5/1),

ITS MY TOWN - Hasn't been getting close at all of late. The Brain always cautions me to keep away from horses in short distance affairs that haven't hit the board in short distance events recently. COURSE I'LL WYNN - If she goes off at the morning line of 9/2, I'll have to pass. AS NOTED - Recent lessening speed figs of 81/64/56 give a sign that this equine may be going off form. I'd like to see more conducive recent showings with M/L odds of 5/1.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #4 GENEVIEVE'S BREEZE on the nose if you can get odds of 7/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[3,4,9] with [3,4,9] with [1,3,4,5,9] with [1,3,4,5,9] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

We had a pretty good day on Thursday, with three winners on top ($6.00, $10.20 and $12.40) along with five exactas ($12.40, $16.60, $59.00, $38.20 and $14.40), but we missed out on the early Pick 5.

We had Street Swagg ($6.00) win the opener as my top pick, and then second choice Coach Inge ($4.30) getting it done in the second. My top pick My Won Love ($10.20) won the third, followed by my second choice Lightning Lilly ($11.00) winning the fourth.

I was set up nicely, with the $1 probables with my top three picks in the final race of the Pick 5 returning $832.00, $1,622.50 and $4,131.00.

I was already thinking about how much easier Christmas shopping was going to be after hitting the Pick 5, and then my top pick Two Seventeen broke through the gate. The betting favorite ended up fifth.

I did not use the winner, with Sandcat pressing the early pace, taking over the lead and it was really never in doubt in the stretch, the colt winning by 2 ½ lengths. The Pick 5 paid $3,001.50.

The track was muddy all day on Thursday, but we are going to see the sun on Friday, and by post time, we should be fast.

Coming up on Saturday, we have the $350,000 Starlet (G1) from Los Alamitos, with Take Charge Brandi trying to clinch the Eclipse Award for top two-year-old filly.

We have the $100,000 Queen’s County at Aqueduct featuring Vyjack, who was fifth in the Cigar Mile (G1) in his last start. The Rudy Rodriguez trainee is perfect in two starts on the inner track.

I will have selections and analysis for the two stakes in Saturday’s column.

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

AQU Race 1 Clm $25,000N2L (12:30 ET)
4 Little Gidding 8-5
6 Marriedtomichael 6-1
5 William'sluckygray 9-2
3 Untiltherewasyou 5-2

Analysis: Little Gidding pressed the early pace from the outside and finished up gamely for the runner up spot on the main track here for a $17,500 tag. The filly is 0 for 5 since the RRod barn claimed this gal for $16,000 at the Spa this summer but looks like she fits well in this spot.

Marriedtomichael was a smart looking maiden winner last out against $25,000 state breds in her sixth career start. Two back she had run third in the slop behind repeat winner Literata, who came back to beat $12,500 non-winners of two and then ran second against state bred Alw-1 foes in her most recent outing. She should get a good trip sitting outside of the early speed and she looks headed in the right direction for the Brown barn.

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 9-5 or better.
EX: 4,6 / 4,5,6
TRI: no play

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:

AQU Race 8 Alw $67,000N1X (3:43 ET)
9 Sustainable 5-1
10 Mallory Street 8-1
8 Irish Sweepstakes 7-2
4 Ridingwiththedevil 8-1

Analysis: Sustainable is making her first start since May for the McLaughlin barn that is 27% winners (with a +ROI) with runners coming back off a +180 day layoff. This gal ran second in a couple of stakes on the inner track earlier this year and was sixth in the Jersey Girl in her last outing, a race that produced a couple of next out winners. Decent works on the morning tab and the 5-1 morning line looks more than fair.

Mallory Street faces winners for the first time here after a game maiden win last out in her second start off the bench for the RRod barn. She owns solid early and mid pace numbers and does not need to move forward all that much third off the bench to be in the mix here at a decent enough price.

Wagering
WIN: #9 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 9,10 / 4,8,9,10
TRI: 9,10 / 4,8,9,10 / 4,8,9,10,12

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.

Aqueduct
R2: #2 Tencendar 8-1
R4: #8 Posse Man 10-1
R5: #1 Sideways Vision 10-1
R6: #5 Share ‘n Stone 10-1
R8: #10 Mallory Street 8-1
R8: #4 Ridingwiththedevil 8-1
R9: #6 Wishandaprayer 15-1
R9: #9 My Terms 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 12/12 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 22 - 104 / $107.90 BEST BETS: 4 - 6 / $14.80

Best Bet: HILL I AM (2nd)

Spot Play: SCORCHER HALL (12th)


Race 1

(10) ONEIDA finished a solid second behind Propulsion in his recent qualifier and that foe scored easily last time. Barn change to Julie Miller and the weak competition make this colt worth a shot. (1) FERRAGAMO raced okay after missing two months of action; driver change to Gingras. (7) MAXIMUS DEO also qualified well as he heads somewhat south from Canada for the winter.

Race 2

(8) HILL I AM made a slight attempt at leaving the gate last time which is certainly a step in the right direction. Barring any traffic issues, he should win. (7) KEYSTONE SADIE rallied nicely in the slop to win. She is clearly feeling good now. (4) FONDANT hasn’t thrown in many bad races this year.

Race 3

(5) EASTER SURPRIZE was used in the early pace two starts back and couldn’t rally by the entire field last time. Those are legitimate excuses as she tackles a field full of question marks. (8) KZ BEACH GAL couldn’t last on the engine last time but may be the one to beat; shaky as the favorite. (2) SUNLIGHT DANCER improved with Lasix added in her previous start.

Race 4

(4) SIR WINSTON drops down, has early speed and faces a suspect group. (5) FOX VALLEY LEGEND has been racing well lately but needs a smooth trouble-free trip. (9) CASHAHALLIC finds a good spot this week and picks up a hot driver. (6) CURRENT CRISIS & (7) BIG SKY ANGELINA are both getting positive driver changes.

Race 5

(3) THE SUMMER WIND has perked up since adding Lasix. Mare knows how to win here and should have every chance to get the job done. (2) VICTORIA MAY N draws better this week and this field leaves plenty to be desired. (9) BRING THEM HOME didn’t fire in the slop but deserves another shot.

Race 6

(5) APPOMATTOX moves into the Ron Burke barn and adds top driver Yannick Gingras. He’ll either improve by leaps and bounds or he’ll be overbet and perform as usual. Steer clear if he takes too much money. (8) MELADYS MONET could be the sharpest horse in the country. (7) HANDOVER BELLE is clearly capable if the trip works in her favor.

Race 7

(4) CAROLSIDEAL won his last two starts with a catch-driver in the bike. This is not an easy spot, but he does know how to win at the Meadowlands. (3) BEST BOSS stopped badly last time over an off track. Perhaps a dry surface will help this week. (1) PEMBROKE VIOLET flew past the field last time. Was the addition of Lasix the reason or did she love the sloppy track? (6) DO YOUR JOB has early speed and some form.

Race 8

(7) HOT TYPE blew up after getting parked at Yonkers last time. His prior start at the Meadowlands resulted in a win. (3) SWEET JUSTICE is best when he brings his best game. Will that happen tonight? (4) SIXTEEN MIKES comes in from Philly in good form. (9) HARBOR POINT has lost my support but remains capable.

Race 9

(2) KEN DOLL J comes with the question mark of missing three months, but she did qualify back well and looks fast enough to play on paper. (1) BALLINEEN gets class relief and a new driver. (5) BROOKLYNS BEST & (8) ROCK N SOUL have been racing well; using.

Race 10

(1) DEWYCOLORINTHELINE doesn’t face the easiest field in the world, but he comes off a decent effort and is as good as any in here. (3) SOUTHWIND WARSAW switches barns and adds hobbles; maybe. (4) WAR CRY HALL rallied pretty well after a break last time; drops; dangerous. (9) LINDY’S TRU GRIT moves into the Miller stable.

Race 11

(5) SPIRIT OF DESIRE arguably finds an easier spot this week and the price should be right. (2) MOMMA ROCK put in a good effort in her first start since May. Notice she won in 1:50 2/5 here this year. (3) MONTENEGRO is off a pair of good second-place efforts. (7) SET ME UP wired them last time.

Race 12

(3) SCORCHER HALL flashed early speed, broke, lost about eight lengths and still rallied home strongly nearing the wire. There is clearly talent here if he minds his manners. (6) CLEMENTINE DREAM closed from ninth to third in her first trip to the track since June. (10) WALLTOCOUSINS drew poorly put finds a pretty good spot.

Race 13

(7) PERMANENT JOY looked like a legitimate option with Amateur Driver of the Year Robert Krivelin in the bike. Now with the driver switch to Scott Zeron I’m sold against this dull group. (3) FREE ROLLIN stayed trotting with hobbles added; worth a look. (2) LINDYAHOLIC looks competitive but lacks a top driver. (12) WHATNBLAZES & (11) DON’T KNOW CHIP could have a say if they can navigate the second tier.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 12/12 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 371 - 1404 / $2,467.00 BEST BETS: 31 - 115 / $141.00

Best Bet: I’M BLUE TOO (7th)

Spot Play: SIR JILLIAN Z TAM (11th)


Race 1

(3) STONEBRIDGE COWBOY is 1 for 30 this year however he fits well in here and could run these down in the stretch drive. (2) CARD KNOCK LIFE Even finish in his latest. (5) ART Z Philly invader can have a say in the outcome.

Race 2

(5) FALL TOY put in a nice run in his latest and this gelding could be ready to fire his best. (3) LUCKY LUCKY LEO Tough break in his last one but could contend in here. (4) ER ROOM could land a share.

Race 3

(3) HEMERS CARD SHARK just held on for win honors last time out and a repeat effort is clearly not out of the question. (4) DINNER GUEST was sent down the road last out for all the glory. (2) TALKTOMECOURAGE N was second best in his last trip.

Race 4

(2) TIME STOOD STILL gets serious post relief and that should help this gelding's cause. (5) GREAT ARTIST moves down the ladder and could be a factor in here. (6) MERCURIO N might grab a share of the purse.

Race 5

(2) GIDDY UP DELIGHT is better than his last try and this gelding can get back on the winning track with a fine-timed drive from McDonald. (5) CLEM has fine speed and could contend against this group. (4) JUST THAT rallied strongly for the victory last out.

Race 6

(3) ROCKAROUND SUE got the job done last out at Philly and this pacing miss will be clearly be the one to deny based on her sharp form this year. (5) ROBIN CRUISER should fare better than in her latest trip. (2) PALM PATROL will be closing in the final strides.

Race 7

(7) IM BLUE TOO Sharp in victory last time around and this gelding can wheel right back for his 10th score of the year. (5) LIGHTNING STRIKE has tactical speed and could make some noise in this event. (1) MR COOLIE should fare well from the fence.

Race 8

(2) ATLAS ALLIANCE N With a perfect trip, this guy could take these to task for all the marbles. (1) ARTHUR gets a better slot to work with. (3) CAVIART KEY raced evenly in his latest try.

Race 9

Will take a shot with (7) KEYSTONE WANDA to put it all together against these. (2) CRAZY ON YOU moves to the 2-hole and that can help her chances. (1) CLASSY LANE ROSE is knocking at the door based on her last two trips.

Race 10

(4) FLIPPER J Game effort last out for the score and now he moves up in class, still he fits well in here and could grab top honors for score number five this year. (3) PAPPYS PAL has tactical speed and could contend in here. (1) TWIN B HOLLISTER should do much better from the rail slot.

Race 11

(4) SIR JILLIAN Z TAM flashed good early zip in her latest and this gal could mow these down at her best. (1) ROCK N LOAD just missed the victory last time around. (5) KNOW IT ALL was nailed for win honors in her most recent outing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

#1 Sports

Friday's free selection: Detroit Pistons + 10

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Razor Sharp

FREE PICK FOR FRIDAY: Take FLORIDA -24½ over Texas Southern

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Totals4U

Friday's Free Selection: Cleveland Cavaliers/New Orleans Pelicans under 205 1/2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

High Stakes Syndicate

Free Selection for Friday: Florida Gators - 24

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mr. Vegas

Mr. Vegas Free Friday NBA pick 12/12:

A lot more was expected from the Knicks this season and they have once again disappointed. New York is just 5-19 S/U on the season and just 8-16 ATS. On the road it gets even worse at 1-11 S/U and 5-7 ATS. And the defense has been horrible, especially away where they have a 115.3 defensive rating (league average is 107.3). Meanwhile, the Celtics aren't great, but with no big names on this club other than Rajon Rando, not much was expected of a club with just one player over 30 years old. Still, the Celtics are 7-13 S/U and 10-10 ATS, 5-7 S/U at home. The Celitcs like a fast paced game, posting a 97.2 pace rating (league average is 92). And against a poor defensive efficient team like the Knicks, that means lots of good scoring opportunities for the Celtics.

Boston has covered five of its last six games and I look for them to easily handle this Knicks club on Friday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Comp NBA Pick for Friday, December 21, 2014: 7:35 PM EST

(811) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS VS (812) BROOKLYN NETS

Take: (811) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Friday, December 12, 2014 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Nets in Brooklyn. Philadelphia is showing plenty of life (and improvement), on a 5-1 spread run. That included a pair of wins as a big dog each time over Detroit and Minnesota. The 76ers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and face a struggling Brooklyn team that is 22nd in scoring, 17th in points allowed. They looked lifeless the last game, a 105-80 loss at Chicago. The Nets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games, 2-6 ATS when playing on 1 days rest. Brooklyn is on an 0-3 SU/ATS run getting smoked by 25, 22 and 13 points! The 76ers are 18-8 ATS in their last 26 vs. the Eastern Conference as well as 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Brooklyn, so grab the visitors. Play the Philadelphia 76ers!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Doc's Sports

Charlotte Hornets vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Bonus Play Under

These teams met early in the season, and the low-scoring slugfest totaled only 140. While we don’t think this one will be that low scoring, we do see some nice value on the under here. Memphis is the top defensive team in the league and allows only 94 points per game. The Hornets average around the same amount on offense. We think they will really struggle to get out of the 80s here. They gives us a lot of leeway even if the Grizzlies have a nice offensive night. Memphis has its nights where they have a big offensive output, but they are in the middle of the pack offensively, and the Hornets have been playing better of late and we think they can hold the Grizzlies around the century mark. Both of these teams play at among the slowest paces in the NBA, and we think the pace will benefit the under here. The under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings, and that is the direction we see this one going in as well.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Stephen Nover

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Bonus Play Minnesota Timberwolves

The spot certainly is right for Minnesota. The Timberwolves catch the Thunder traveling without rest after posing a huge 103-94 nationally televised home win against the Cavaliers.

Kevin Durant has been limited to 30 minutes a game since returning from a broken foot. He may play even less minutes in this game since it's a back-to-back situation for Oklahoma City.

The Thunder do not have a good track record versus bad teams going 1-7-1 ATS the past nine times on the road when facing a foe with a losing home mark.

The key question is are the decimated Timberwolves still good enough to keep this game close enough to cover? The Timberwolves are relying on a lot of youth because of Ricky Rubio, Nikola Pekovic and Kevin Martin all being out. Veteran point guard Mo Williams isn't likely to play either.

But the Timberwolves didn't have any of these players when they held the Trail Blazers to a season-low 38.8 percent shooting in a 90-82 home win this past Wednesday. So the Timberwolves are capable of winning outright by nearly double-digits against an elite opponent if that opponent comes in flat.

Up-and-down rookie Andrew Wiggins has been hot lately shooting 17-of-35 from the field during his last two games.

The Timberwolves have enjoyed good point spread success versus Oklahoma City, too, covering nine of the past 13 times.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Spreitzer

Indiana Pacers vs. Toronto Raptors

Bonus Play Toronto Raptors

I'm recommending a play on Toronto on Friday night. DeMar DeRozan is still out and it looks like he's going to be for a while. But the Raptors, off a loss to the Cavaliers, get "just what the doctor ordered" on Friday night, a date with the struggling Indiana Pacers. The Pacers have dropped six straight and they rank 28th in ppg and FG percentage. The Raptors are not only on a 4-0 ATS run against the Pacers, including 19-7 ATS in their last 26 meetings at home, but they bounce back well off a loss in general. The Raptors will enter Friday on an 18-4 ATS run off a SU defeat. Indiana will also have to deal with a Toronto team that can still fill the basket even without DeRozan, especially against lessor competition. It's a strong spot for the Raptors and we'll recommend a play on Toronto minus the points. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.