Friday 12/9/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pacers (11-11) at Mavericks (4-17)

Date: December 09, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

DALLAS -- Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, whose team sits dead last in the Western Conference, held an emergency film session following a game for the first time in his 15-year career in the NBA, he said.

That game was Wednesday's demoralizing 120-89 loss to the visiting Sacramento Kings, who outscored Dallas (4-17) 29-12 in the third quarter to cruise to the win. After that assault on Carlisle's senses, he delivered a short statement to the media and walked off without taking questions. Soon after, reporters were ushered out of the Mavs' locker room and the doors were locked for an impromptu, 35-minute film session.

"I just wanted to watch the third quarter with them right after the game. We lost it by 17," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said following Thursday's practice. "It was really the most decisive quarter of the game. I just told them that I'm tired of coming in here and watching film every morning. I wanted them to see what happened. I wanted it to be fresh in their minds walking out of the building."

Mavs forward Harrison Barnes said the lopsided loss was "a disservice to us as teammates, to the coaching staff that put in work and a disservice to the fans who came here."

It was also Dallas' third loss in its last four home games as it heads into the finale of a four-game homestand Friday against the Indiana Pacers. That's followed by a tough road game at Houston on Saturday night.

The Pacers (11-11) are just 3-7 on the road, but two of those victories have come on this five-game road trip that can finish up with a winning record if Indiana can get past the struggling, but motivated Mavs.

Indiana is looking to sweep the season series after taking a 130-121 overtime win in the season-opener back in late October. Center Myles Turner, who went to high school in the Dallas area and spent one season at the University of Texas, had 30 points and 16 rebounds in that first meeting. Both remain season highs for the second-year emerging star who is averaging 14.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in 28.4 minutes this season.

In his first trip back to Dallas as a rookie last season, Turner had an impressive 15 points and seven boards in an Indiana victory.

While Turner might have been eager to get back to his hometown, he had to wait a bit longer because of the travel philosophy new coach Nate McMillan instituted. Instead of leaving the city they had just played in immediately after the game, as most teams do, only to arrive in the next city in the wee hours of the morning, McMillan now often has the team stay overnight in the city in which it played and then travel the next day. The approach is designed to give the team optimal rest.

So the Pacers remained in Phoenix after beating the Suns 109-94 on Wednesday, then practiced there on Thursday before taking an afternoon flight to Dallas. Turner, who had 20 points, four rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes in the win, said the arrangement has its advantages, even if it means his one trip home for the season is delayed just a bit.

"I think in the long haul it does (work)," Miles told the Indianapolis Star. "As much rest as you can get as the season goes on, where you can find places to get more, you've got to do it. It's a grind. As much as you train for it, your body still needs it. In all actuality, you don't get the amount of rest we should get for the amount of stuff we do. That's not a sob story. It's just the nature of what we do. Don't get me wrong, though. We do get compensated for it."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Knicks (12-10) at Kings (8-13)

Date: December 09, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Carmelo Anthony does not want to see the positive vibes surrounding the New York Knicks disappear because of one bad night against the defending champions.

The memories about too many bad nights in the past turning into several consecutive ones remain too fresh for the 14-year veteran, now in his sixth full season with the Knicks.

"We've got to put this behind us," he told reporters in video shown on Knicks.com after New York braced for a five-game road trip with a 126-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. "We just want to chalk it up as a bad night, put it behind us, and get ready for this road trip."

The road trip comes just as the Knicks are winning for the first time in years. New York opens its longest sojourn of the season when they face the Sacramento Kings on Friday night at the Golden 1 Center. The trip is entirely against Western Conference teams, against whom New York has won six of nine, one of them a 106-98 home victory against Sacramento on Sunday.

In that one, Anthony and guard Derrick Rose scored 20 points and Brandon Jennings 19 for the Knicks, part of a 9-4 stretch that has propelled them to their best 22-game start (12-10) since the 2012-13 campaign. In this one, they'll try to put away the stench of a game they never were in after a 20-4 Cleveland run put the Knicks behind 34-17 in the first quarter

"We'll learn from this," Anthony said. "We don't want to let this linger around when we have the opportunity to go on the road and do something good."

New York faces only one team with a winning mark on the trip. The Golden State Warriors (19-3) are two-time defending Western Conference champions, but the other four opponents entered Thursday with a combined mark of 32-57. New York has played only one other road game against the Western Conference, a 106-104 victory at Minnesota on Nov. 30.

Rose didn't play against the Cavaliers because of back spasms, but the New York Daily News reported that an MRI exam did not reveal any serious injury. Rose played in New York's first 21 games, averaging 16.7 points and 4.8 assists in 32 minutes per contest.

The Kings (8-13) could use a boost, period, after a very uneven first quarter of the season. Back-to-back victories could provide it, and the Kings are coming off a 120-89 blowout of the Dallas Mavericks that finished off a 2-3 road trip that included a cancellation of a scheduled game in Philadelphia.

Sacramento has strung together consecutive victories only twice this season.

"We're competitive," first-year Kings coach Dave Joerger told the Sacramento Bee. "The spirit's good, the chemistry is good, different guys have been in and we've had a chance to look at different guys in the rotation, and we'll continued to do that going forward."

Center DeMarcus Cousins averaged 32.2 points and 13.2 rebounds during the trip, He is averaging 28.8 and 10.6 for the season, ranking third and 10th in the NBA through Wednesday's games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Suns (6-16) at Lakers (10-14)

Date: December 09, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES -- Two struggling teams trying to find themselves meet Friday night at Staples Center.

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns both looked like lost causes lately.

The Lakers, who are on a four-game slide, were handed a humiliating 134-95 loss at Houston on Wednesday, the third time they lost by 30 or more points. The Rockets converted 28 Los Angeles turnovers into 42 points and blew the game open by outscoring their counterparts 39-22 in the third quarter.

"We just didn't compete," Lakers guard Lou Williams told the Los Angeles Times. Williams scored a team-high 24 points but committed six turnovers in the defeat. "Simple game to me. Any time you ask me questions, I'm not going to give you answers about numbers. It's a simple game. You play hard, play smart, you play together, you give yourself an opportunity to win. We didn't do any of those things."

Injuries continue to hamper the Lakers (10-14). They remain without starting point guard D'Angelo Russell (sore left knee), starting shooting guard Nick Young (calf strain, right leg), backup guard Jose Calderon (right hamstring strain) and reserve center/forward Tarik Black (right ankle sprain). None of the four is expected to be available against the Suns.

Without them, Los Angeles' bench, which started out as the most productive in the NBA, is severely depleted. Instead, Lakers coach Luke Walton has been forced to use eight different starting lineups in the past 11 games, including a stretch of five variations in five consecutive contests.

"Obviously we're missing key players, you're gonna lose games," Walton said, according to the Times, "but if we're just sitting around as a team saying, 'Hey, let's just wait for Nick and D'Angelo and this guy and that guy to get back,' what kind of mindset is that? You come out and you play hard."

The Suns (6-16) are in the midst of a parallel slump. Phoenix dropped its past three games and five of its past six, a 109-94 setback at home to the Indiana Pacers being the latest debacle.

The Suns are off to one of their worst starts in the past 20 years.

"We just didn't execute and they did," said Suns guard Devin Booker, who scored 13 points against the Pacers. "That was the difference in the game. It comes down to stops. We didn't get those. We know we're not the most talented team in the league, so we know every game has to be a dogfight for us. That's what we have to do."

As with the Lakers, defense is one of the problems for Phoenix. The Suns rank 29th in points allowed (113 per game) and are tied for 25th in opponents field-goal shooting (46.4 percent).

Los Angeles are giving up an average of 110.3 points per game (27th), and they rank last in opposing teams' shooting (48 percent).

The Lakers are 26th in turnovers (16.4 per game), and the Suns are 25th (16.3).

In their initial meeting on Nov. 6 at Staples, the Lakers defeated the Suns 119-108.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's Tip Sheet
By Kevin Rogers

Underdogs cashed in four of six games on Thursday night in the NBA, including outright victories by the Grizzlies, 76ers, and Bulls. Chicago handed San Antonio its first road loss of the season following a 13-0 start on the highway, while Philadelphia pulled off its first away victory in 24 tries at New Orleans. Both Washington and Toronto rallied for home victories, while Golden State held off Utah as 11-point favorites in a seven-point road triumph.

Game of the Night – Rockets (-1, 224) at Thunder – 8:00 PM EST – ESPN

Two of the most dynamic offensive talents in the league meet up in Oklahoma City for an expected shootout. Thunder guard Russell Westbrook has reeled off six consecutive triple-doubles, while leading Oklahoma City (14-8 SU, 12-10 ATS) to six straight wins. In Monday’s 102-99 victory at Atlanta, Westbrook scored 32 points, pulled down 13 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists to pick up his 12th triple-double of the season. The Thunder lost three straight at Chesapeake Energy Arena in mid-November, but have won five of their past six home games, while covering four times.

The second star to keep an eye in Westbrook’s former teammate James Harden, who has helped lead Houston (15-7 SU, 15-7 ATS) to four consecutive victories and second place in the Southwest division behind San Antonio. Harden ranks fourth in the NBA in points per game (28.5), while Westbrook sits in second behind Pelicans’ center Anthony Davis at 31.0 ppg. Both Harden and Westbrook are 1-2 in the NBA in assists per game at a shade over 11 dimes dished out, so it’s hard to call them both ball-hogs.

The Rockets avenged an opening night loss to the Lakers by blasting Los Angeles on Wednesday at Toyota Center, 134-95 to easily cash as 13 ½-point favorites. Seven Rockets scored in double-figures, led by Eric Gordon’s 26 points off the bench, including eight three-pointers. Houston has played nearly twice as many road games as home games (14 to 8), but the Rockets have responded with a 9-5 road mark, including victories at San Antonio and Golden State.

Westbrook and the Thunder held off the Rockets in their first meeting of the season on November 16 in OKC, 105-103. Gordon drilled a meaningless three-pointer at the buzzer to give Houston the cover as 2 ½-point ‘dogs, as the two teams combined for 33 points in the fourth quarter to keep the game UNDER the total of 218. The Rockets have covered seven consecutive matchups with the Thunder, but Houston has lost its last three trips to Oklahoma City.

Last Stop

The Pacers (11-11 SU, 9-13 ATS) are finally healthy following numerous injuries, including forward Paul George missing seven games. George returned to the lineup for Indiana’s 111-102 victory over the Clippers as 11 ½-point underdogs this past Sunday, as the Pacers have won two of their last three contests. The most recent win came at Phoenix on Wednesday night, 109-94 as George scored 25 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. The Pacers have struggled off a win this season, going 2-8 SU/ATS in this situation.

Indiana heads to Dallas (4-17 SU, 8-13 ATS) to wrap up a five-game road swing as the Mavericks own the worst record in the Western Conference. Dallas has dropped two in a row since blowing out Chicago, as the Mavericks look to avenge an opening night overtime loss at Indiana, 130-121 as 5 ½-point road underdogs.

Atlantic Avenue

The top two teams in the Atlantic division meet in Boston as the Celtics host the Raptors. Boston (13-9 SU, 12-10 ATS) will likely be without leading scorer Isaiah Thomas for the second straight game due to a groin injury. The Celtics routed the Magic on Wednesday without Thomas, 117-87 to wrap up their three-game road trip at 2-1. Each of Boston’s last nine victories have come against teams that are currently at .500 or below, as the beat squad record-wise the Celtics have topped this season is the Hornets, who are 13-9.

The Raptors (15-7 SU, 15-6-1 ATS) have won seven of eight games after pulling away from the Timberwolves last night, 124-110 to cash as 9 ½-point favorites. Toronto has also cleaned up against subpar competition as its best win during this hot streak came at Houston on November 23. Out of the seven losses suffered by the Raptors this season, three defeats came to Cleveland, one to the Clippers, and one to Golden State. Toronto has cashed the OVER in all four opportunities with no rest, as the Raptors have scored at least 115 points in all four of those contests.

Something’s Gotta Give

The Suns and Lakers aren’t exactly competing for the Pacific division title as the two squads meet up at Staples Center for the second time this season. The first time around, Los Angeles pulled away from Phoenix on November 6 by a 119-108 count to cash as 3 ½-point home favorites. Both these teams are struggling at the moment as the Lakers have lost four straight, while the Suns have dropped five of six. Phoenix owns a solid 9-4 ATS mark as a single-digit underdog, while L.A. is 3-10-1 ATS in the past 13 games overall.

Head-to-head stats

-- The Hornets captured three of four meetings from the Magic last season as the two Southeast rivals hook up in Charlotte. Since January 2015, Charlotte owns a 5-1 SU record against Orlando, while covering four times.

-- The home team won all three matchups between the Cavaliers and Heat last season with Miami winning twice in South Florida. However, Friday’s contest is at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland as the Cavaliers have beaten the Heat the last three times at home by double-digits since 2015.

-- Milwaukee beat Atlanta two of three times last season, with both victories coming in overtime. The Hawks held off the Bucks in the first matchup this season, as Atlanta limited Milwaukee to nine points in the second quarter of a 107-100 victory.

-- Detroit swept Minnesota in the two-game season series in 2015-16, including a 96-86 triumph at Target Center last November. The Wolves are in a profitable rest spot as Minnesota is 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS with no rest coming off last night’s loss at Toronto.

-- Sacramento grabbed four straight meetings with New York from 2014-16 before the Knicks beat the Kings at Madison Square Garden, 106-98 this past Sunday. Three of the last four meetings in Sacramento have been won by the Kings, but two of the victories came by two points or less with the other win coming in overtime.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NBA Picks: Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

All eyes Friday night will clearly be on the Houston-Oklahoma City game, not so much because either side is a championship contender but to see if the incomparable Russell Westbrook can have a seventh straight triple-double. Do you know how many Hall of Famers didn't even have six triple-doubles in their careers? Westbrook is the first player with a triple-double in six consecutive games since Michael Jordan had seven straight in 1989. But Westbrook is the first player in NBA history to put up minimums of 11 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in each of six straight games, topping the previous record of five consecutive "triple-elevens." that was shared by Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain. I'm starting to think Westbrook is actually glad that Kevin Durant left this past offseason because now Russ can completely run the show and get the spotlight. LeBron James said this week he believes Westbrook can average a triple-double for the season. I'm still skeptical.

Magic at Hornets (-8, 197)

Orlando's three-game winning streak ended Wednesday at home vs. Boston, 117-87. The Magic shot just 37 percent from the field. D.J. Augustin led with 15 points -- all in the first half -- and Evan Fournier had 14. Charlotte won its second in a row Wednesday, 87-77 over Detroit. Kemba Walker had 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. Nic Batum had 14 points and 14 rebounds. Marvin Williams returned to Charlotte's starting lineup after missing the last six games with a hyperextended knee and finished with 12 points. The Magic have lost five of the last six regular-season meetings with the Hornets and 10 of the last 15 overall.

Key trends: The underdog is 6-2 against the spread in the past eight meetings. The "over/under" is 6-2 in those.

Early lean: Hornets and under.

Heat at Cavaliers (-11.5, 207.5)

Miami dropped a third straight Wednesday, 103-95 in Atlanta. Tyler Johnson had a career-high 27 points for the Heat, who had just eight players due to injuries. Cleveland made a statement on Wednesday at the Knicks in a 126-94 blowout win. Kyrie Irving had 28 points and LeBron James 25 -- you know LeBron wanted to take some punishment out on the Knicks for Phil Jackson's "posse" comments a few weeks ago. J.R. Smith sat out with a knee injury, and you likely won't see him here. Last season, Miami won the season series, 2-1, and has won 14 of the last 17 overall against Cleveland. But then most of those wins were when LeBron was in Miami.

Key trends: The home team has covered eight in a row in the series. The under is 4-1 in the Heat's past five on the road.

Early lean: Cavs and under.

Raptors at Celtics (TBA)

Toronto hosted Minnesota on Thursday. Boston won by 30 in Orlando on Wednesday despite playing without All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas. Boston shot 51.2 percent from the field and had seven players score in double figures. Thomas tweaked his groin on Monday, but nothing really was known about it until early Wednesday. Thomas is not expected to play here, either. Marcus Smart started for him vs. the Magic and had 13 points. Terry Rozier also got a major bump in minutes. Toronto won three of four vs. Boston in 2015-16 but did lose the last game by 12 in Beantown.

Key trends: The Raptors have covered three of their past 14 in Boston. The over is 5-2 in the Celtics' past seven overall.

Early lean: Raptors if Thomas sits as expected (why the TBA).

Hawks at Bucks (-3, 208)

Atlanta ended a seven-game losing streak with a 103-95 home win over short-handed Miami on Wednesday. Dwight Howard had 23 points and 17 rebounds, and Paul Millsap added 21 points. Starting swingman Kent Bazemore sat out with a sore right knee and isn't expected here. Tim Hardaway Jr. started for him but then left with his own injury and is in question. Milwaukee beat visiting Portland 115-107 on Wednesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 15 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for his seventh career triple-double -- second-most with the franchise behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's eight. Atlanta won the first meeting vs. Milwaukee at home on Nov. 16, 107-100. The Hawks shot 48.6 percent as a team, which is the highest shooting percentage by a Bucks opponent so far this season. Atlanta has won five of the past seven in the series overall.

Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five. The under is 6-2 in the previous eight.

Early lean: Bucks and under.

Rockets at Thunder (-1.5, 223)

First of an ESPN doubleheader. Houston won a fourth straight Wednesday, 134-95 over the Lakers. Eric Gordon made a career-high eight 3-pointers and scored 26 points, and James Harden had 25 points in three quarters. It was Houston's season high in points. OKC won a sixth consecutive game Monday, 102-99 over Atlanta. Westbrook had 32 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. It was his 11th triple-double already this year. By contrast, Jordan had 15 triple-doubles for the entire 1988-89 season. Oklahoma City beat visiting Houston 105-103 on Nov. 16. Westbrook finished with 30 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Over the past five meetings, the teams are separated by one point in Thunder's favor.

Key trends: Houston has covered seven in a row in the series. The under is 8-2 in the past 10 in OKC.

Early lean: Rockets and over.

Pistons at Timberwolves (+2, 205.5)

Minnesota was in Toronto on Thursday night. Detroit lost 87-77 in Charlotte on Wednesday in the second of a back-to-back. Andre Drummond had a season-high 26 points and 20 rebounds. But the Pistons shot just 38 percent from the field. Reggie Jackson did play the second of a back-to-back for the first time this year but clearly was a bit gassed and had 10 points. Detroit went 2-0 against the Timberwolves last season. Drummond averaged 22.0 points and 14.5 rebounds for the Pistons, while Andrew Wiggins averaged 21.0 points for the Wolves.

Key trends: The favorite is 6-1-1 ATS in the past eight. The under is 4-1 in the previous five in Minnesota.

Early lean: Pistons and under.

Pacers at Mavericks (+4, 201.5)

Indiana won 109-94 in Phoenix on Wednesday in Game No. 4 of a five-game Western Conference road trip. Paul George had 25 points and 13 rebounds. Myles Turner added 20 points, and Jeff Teague had 19 points and a season-high 11 assists. Dallas dropped its second straight Wednesday, 120-89 at home to the Kings. Deron Williams had 20 points for Dallas, which was missing several guys. The team announced that center Andrew Bogut would miss 10-14 days with a knee injury suffered Monday, but that's actually good news. Dallas and Indiana opened the 2016-17 regular season against one another and the Pacers recorded a 130-121 overtime win. They have taken the past five meetings overall and three straight in Big D.

Key trends: The Pacers are 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 5-1 in the previous six.

Early lean: Pacers and over.

Suns at Lakers (-4, 220.5)

Second ESPN game. Phoenix lost a third in a row Wednesday, 109-94 to Indiana. Eric Bledsoe led Phoenix with 15 points, and Tyson Chandler had 10 points and 10 rebounds. Chandler became the 122nd player in NBA history to play 1,000 career games. Los Angeles dropped a fourth straight Wednesday, 134-95 in Houston. Julius Randle had 21 points and 10 rebounds. Coach Luke Walton said D'Angelo Russell (sore left knee) is getting better but he isn't sure when he'll return. The Lakers won the first meeting vs. Phoenix at home on Nov. 6, 119-108. Nick Young, now hurt, had 22 points to lead L.A. Devin Booker had a career-high 39 for Phoenix.

Key trends: The favorite is 6-2-1 ATS in the past nine meetings. The over is the same record in those nine.

Early lean: Lakers and over.

Knicks at Kings (TBA)

Did you really think Derrick Rose would play all 82 games this year for New York? He missed his first of the season on Wednesday as the Knicks were crushed at home by Cleveland. Rose was dealing with lower back/side pain and Brandon Jennings started for him. Rose is questionable here. Sacramento ended a three-game skid Wednesday with a 31-point win in Dallas. DeMarcus Cousins had 24 points and 14 rebounds to conclude a six-game road trip. Arron Afflalo was a DNP-CD and Ben McLemore started for him. These teams just played Sunday at Madison Square Garden and New York won 106-98 behind 20 points from Rose and Carmelo Anthony. The Kings have won the past two home meetings.

Key trends: The favorite is 4-1-1 ATS in the past six. The over is 4-1 in New York's past five on the road.

Early lean: TBA for Rose -- take the Kings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Friday’s games

Orlando won three of last four games, covered five of last six on road; they’re 8-3 as a road underdog. Under is 9-4 in their last 13 games. Hornets won five of last seven games, are 1-6 vs spread in last seven home games. Over is 5-3-1 in their last nine games. Charlotte won five of last six games with Orlando; over is 6-2 in last eight series games. Magic lost by 8-14 points in last two visits here.

Miami lost its last three games; they’re 3-1-1 vs spread in last five road games, 6-3 as road underdogs. Over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games. Cleveland is 2-0 this week, 9-4 in its last 13 games; they’ve 4-6-1 as home favorites. Over is 7-1 in their last eight games. Home side won last seven Miami-Cleveland games; Heat lost last three visits here, by 20-26-10 points. Over is 3-1 in last four series games played here.

Toronto won six of its last seven games after beating Minnesota last night; they’re 6-3 on road (6-2-1 vs spread). Over is 11-3-1 in their last fifteen games. Celtics are 7-3 in last ten games but lost three of last four at home; they’re 3-6 vs spread at home. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Raptors won three of last four games with Boston; Toronto won three of last five visits here (under 3-2).

Atlanta lost seven of last eight games; they lost last five road games, are 2-6 as road underdogs. Under is 12-2 in their last 14 games. Bucks won five of last six games, are 7-4 vs spread in last 11 home games. Three of their last four games stayed under the total. Hawks won seven of last ten games with Milwaukee; under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Atlanta won three of last four visits here.

Pistons won six of last nine games, three of last four on road; they’re 4-9 on road, 0-2 as road favorites. Last three Detroit games stayed under total. Minnesota lost five of last six games, is 0-5 as a home underdog. Over is 4-2 in their last six games. Detroit won its last two games with Minnesota after losing previous eight series games. Under is 4-1 in last five series games played here. Pistons lost four of last five visits here (2-2-1 vs spread).

Houston won four in row, nine of last 11 games; they won/covered five of last six road games. Over is 6-1 in their last seven games. Thunder won/covered its last six games; they’re 9-4 vs spread at home. Over is 6-3 in their last nine home games. Home won eight of last ten Houston-Oklahoma City games; Rockets lost last three visits here, by 8-4-2 points- they covered last seven series games overall. Under is 4-2 in last six series games played here.

Indiana won four of its last six games; they’re 3-2 in their last five road games. Pacers are 1-3 as road favorites. Dallas lost 12 of its last 14 games; they’re 3-6 vs spread as home underdogs. Over is 5-3-1 in their last nine games. Pacers won their last five games with Dallas, winning four of last five visits here, last two by 11-7 points. Five of last six series games went over total.

New York won/covered eight of its last ten games; they’re 3-6 on road, 4-5 vs spread. Over is 5-2-1 in Knicks’ last eight games. Kings lost three of last four games; they’re 4-5 at home, 7-2 vs spread (3-1 as favorite, 4-1 as dog). Three of last four Sacramento games stayed under. Knicks lost four of last five games with Sacramento; they lost last two visits here by 6-2 points. Last three series games stayed under the total.

Phoenix lost five of last six games; they’re 3-10 on road, but 8-4 vs spread as a road underdog. Four of Suns’ last five games went over total. Lakers lost four in row, nine of last 12 games; they’re 1-2-1 as home favorites. Under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Lakers beat Phoenix by 11 at home last month, just their second win in last nine series games. Suns won three of last five visits here. Over is 6-2-1 in last nine series games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Top 25 roundup: UT-Arlington upsets Saint Mary's
By The Sports Xchange

MORAGA, Calif. -- Texas-Arlington got its first win against a Top 25 team, and the Mavericks did it on the road, upsetting No. 12 Saint Mary's 65-51 on Thursday.
Texas-Arlington (8-3) had been 0-28 against Top 25 teams before Thursday, but the Mavericks were too quick for the Gaels (6-1).
Saint Mary's shot 31 percent from the field and committed 16 turnovers. The Gaels came into the game ranked second nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio, but had only 11 assists Thursday. Arlington shot 49 percent and turned the ball over 15 times.
Kevin Hervey scored 15 points and collected seven rebounds for Arlington, and point guard Erick Neal added 13 points, eight assists and five turnovers. Jock Landale, who came into the game averaging 19.7 points on 76.1 percent shooting, scored 14 points on 3-for-10 shooting for the Gaels. No other Gaels player scored in double figures.

Iowa 78, No. 25 Iowa State 64
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Hawkeyes picked up their biggest victory of the season, earning their first win against the Cyclones in four years.
Iowa's Peter Jok shot 9 of 17 from the floor and finished with 23 points and nine rebounds, both game-high totals. The Hawkeyes (5-5) also received an 11-point outing from freshman Cordell Pemsl.
Matt Thomas finished with 14 points to lead Iowa State (6-4). He was one of five Cyclones to score in double figures.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Longwood Lancers (2-4) at Creighton Bluejays (9-0)

Date: December 09, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

OMAHA, Neb. -- Less than 48 hours after passing their first road test, the Creighton Bluejays return to CenturyLink Center on Friday for one last quiz prior to finals week.

Longwood will challenge the No. 10-ranked Bluejays and Creighton looks to improve to 10-0 before wrapping up the first semester. Creighton's next game won't be until Dec. 17 when the Bluejays host Oral Roberts.

The Lancers, members of the Big South Conference, are 2-4 after a 71-59 loss to James Madison on Dec. 3. Longwood's home court at Willett Hall in Farmville, Va., was named Jerome Kersey Court in honor of the 17-year NBA veteran who won an NBA championship with San Antonio.

Kersey played at Longwood from 1980-84 and returned to his alma mater in 2006. He passed away from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 52 in February 2015.

This will be the Lancers' first game against a team ranked in the Top 25 since they played Georgetown in 2012.

Creighton is coming off its 77-62 victory over Nebraska in Lincoln late Wednesday night. After leading by just one point at halftime, the Bluejays scored 12 straight points to go ahead 51-37 with 9:54 remaining in the game.

Then with a 55-43 lead, Creighton put the game away with an 11-2 burst with all the points coming from Maurice Watson Jr. and Toby Hegner. Watson led all scorers with 25 points and Hegner added eight to go with his 10 rebounds.

Sophomore Khyri Thomas also had 10 rebounds to go with his seven points. Senior Cole Huff, a Nevada transfer, finished with 13 points and became the second Creighton player this year (Watson was the first) to eclipse the 1,000-point milestone for his career.

Creighton coach Greg McDermott said Wednesday's win was the best overall defensive performance by the Bluejays. While Nebraska had its share of shooting struggles, Creighton's defensive pressure also helped force some of the Huskers' 13 turnovers.

The 5-4 Huskers also made just 23 of 71 shots (32.4 percent), including a paltry 3-of-22 performance (13.6 percent) from 3-point range. Creighton finished with a season-low 12 points off fast breaks, but the Huskers had no points in those situations.

Through the first nine games of the season, Creighton still has one of the country's most prolific offenses. The Bluejays are averaging 89.2 points per game (ninth nationally) while shooting 53.8 percent from the field (second) and 43.7 percent from 3-point range (fourth).

Four Bluejays are averaging in double figures, led by Kansas State transfer Marcus Foster at 18.0 per outing. Watson (13.4), Thomas (13.0) and redshirt freshman Justin Patton (12.3) are the others.

The Lancers have three players in double figures through six games -- Darrion Allen (15.7), Khris Lane (15.5) and Isaiah Walton (13.3). That trio accounts for 63 percent of Longwood's offense.

Creighton won the previous two meetings between the two schools. The latest was a 105-57 victory over the Lancers on Nov. 20, 2012.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-2) at UNC Greensboro Spartans (7-2)
By Mark Roberts
Friday, December 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm (Greensboro Coliseum)
The Line: UNC Greensboro Spartans +8.5 -- Over/Under:

The North Carolina-Greensboro Spartans battle the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in college basketball.

It’s difficult to gage the Wake Forest Demon Deacons until their conference schedule begins but at 7-2, things don’t look too bad. The Demon Deacons will be looking for their third straight win after downing Charlotte 91-74 on Tuesday as they raced out to an 18 point lead at the break and then traded baskets the rest of the way. Although the 49ers hit shots at a decent 45%, Wake burned the nets at 54.7% and nailed 14 more free throws. John Collins was the Demon Deacons top gun with a game high 22 points and 15 rebounds on 7-11 with Bryant Crawford dropping 15 while Keyshawn Woods and Konstatinos Mitoglou added 12 and eleven points.

It’s tough to complain about the North Carolina-Greensboro Spartans six game winning streak but the only thing I can say is their opponents are not the bigger names in college basketball. The Spartans come off a 108-56 victory versus visiting Mars Hill on Monday. UNCG exploded to a 33 point bulge after 20 minutes and never let up. The Lions were limited to 34% shooting and 25 turnovers with UNC-Greensboro firing away at 62.7% which equaled 18 more baskets. Marvin Smith tossed in a game high 23 points on 9-10 with Francis Alonso netting 16 points. Demetrius Troy gave the Spartans 12 points while Malik Murray and Diante Baldwin combined for 21 points.

The under is 13-5 in Wake Forest last 18 road games. The under is 8-0 in UNCG last 8 home games and the under is 8-2 in UNCG last 10 vs. Atlantic Coast while UNCG are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 home games.

The Spartans soft schedule gives me reason to look elsewhere to be honest…

MARK'S PICK
UNC-Greensboro +8.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Georgia Southern Eagles (4-4) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-1)
By Chris Ruffolo
Friday, December 9, 2016 at 9:00 pm (Williams Arena)
The Line: Minnesota Golden Gophers -12.5 -- Over/Under: 146
TV: BTN

The Minnesota Golden Gophers look to defend home court when the Georgia Southern Eagles come to town in college basketball action on Friday night.

The Georgia Southern Eagles look to start a new win streak after having their 3-game stretch snapped by Florida Gulf Coast. FGCU beat Georgia Southern by a final score of 85-82. Leading scorer Ike Smith led the team with 23 points on 10 of 16 from the floor. Tookie Brown followed close behind in 2nd with 21 points to go along with 2 threes and 4 steals. B.J. Gladden came 3rd with 12 points and Mike Hughes made just 2 of his 12 attempts and failed to hit a three in 6 tries from behind the arc but made all 7 of his free throws for 11 points. Smith leads the team by averaging 21.4 points on 54.8% from the floor, Coye Simmons is the team’s top rebounder by logging 5.1 rebounds per game and Tookie Brown is the team’s top passer by averaging 4 assists per game. Georgia Southern is scoring 78.6 points per game on 44.5% from the floor, 34.2% from behind the arc and 64% from the foul line.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers will try to build on their strong 8-1 start to the season by defeating NJIT 74-68 behind a game-high 19 points from Akeem Springs including 4 threes. Nate Mason came close behind in 2nd with 18 points with 4 threes of his own. Leading scorer Amir Coffey was 3rd with 13 points including 9 of 11 from the foul line and a team-high 8 rebounds and Dupree McBrayer contributed 11 points. Reggie Lynch made an impact of his own by notching 5 blocks in addition to 9 points and 7 rebounds. Amir Coffey is scoring 13.8 points per game on 46.5% from the floor to leads the Gophers in scoring, while Nate Mason is dishing out a leading 4.8 assists per game and Jordan Murphy is the team’s best on the glass, pulling down 7.9 rebounds per game. Reggie Lynch is tied for 4th in the country with an average of 3.8 rejections per game. As a team, Minnesota is scoring 75.7 points per game on 43.8% from the floor, 34.6% from behind the 3-point line and 68.1% from the foul line.

Georgia Southern is 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games as an underdog and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games while the over is 7-1 in their last 8 non-conference games. Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. the Sun Belt conference and 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games after a win while the over is 13-6 in their last 19 games as a favorite.

Minnesota has come out firing out of the gate, and while their numbers don’t look impressive on paper, they’re still a tough out at home, and has had success against the Sun Belt, while Georgia Southern has been inconsistent against average competition here.

No reason why Minnesota shouldn’t win big here.

CHRIS'S PICK
Minnesota Golden Gophers -12.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Friday’s games

Minnesota is 8-1 with five wins vs teams outside top 200, with wins by 12-24-6-12-6 points; Gophers have #4 eFG% defense in country, holding teams to 39.7% inside arc- they start two sophs, two juniors with only one senior in their rotation. Georgia Southern is 4-4 with three top 100 losses, by 2 at NC State, 8 at Akron, 3 at Fla Gulf Coast. Eagles start four sophs; their other five rotation guys are all juniors. Big 14 home favorites are 21-24 vs spread; Sun Belt road underdogs are 15-15.

Wake Forest beat NC-Greensboro by 10 LY, outscoring Spartans 27-10 on foul line; Deacons are 7-2 this year with both losses to top 50 teams- they’re 7-0 vs teams outside top 100, with all seven wins by 8+ points. Wake is shooting 38.2% on the arc- they start two juniors, two sophs. UNCG is 7-2 vs schedule #345; they’ve won last six games- they lost by 25 at home to Virginia in their only top 100 game. Spartans are forcing turnovers 24.9% of time (#6); their only top 10 win was over #145 North Dakota State by 11.

Creighton is off in-state rivalry win over Nebraska Wednesday; they’re 2-0 vs teams outside the top 200, winning by 7-30 points. Bluejays are shooting 43.9% on arc, have #2 eFG% in country. Longwood is 1-4 vs schedule #346; they’re making 40.5% of 3-pointers but also turn ball over 22.4% of time. Lancers lost by 6 at SF Austin in their only top 200 game- their other three losses are by 22-15-12 points. Creighton has three games before conference play starts, none of them especially challenging.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: James Madison Dukes (11-1) vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats (12-0)
By Randy Chambers
Friday, December 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm (Bridgeforth Stadium)
The Line: James Madison -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPN2

The Sam Houston State Bearkats and James Madison Dukes clash Friday night in a college football quarterfinal at Bridgeforth Stadium on ESPN2.

The Sam Houston State Bearkats look for another victory after beating Chattanooga in the second round, 41-36. Jeremiah Briscoe is completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 4,459 yards, 57 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Briscoe must continue to take care of the ball for the Bearkats to advance. Yedidiah Louis and Davion Davis have combined for more than 2,060 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns while Stewart Nathan has 50 receptions. The Sam Houston State Bearkats ground game is averaging 184.6 yards per contest, and Remus Bulmer leads the way with 816 yards and seven touchdowns. Defensively, Sam Houston State is allowing 26.8 points and 428.5 yards per game. Justin Johnson leads the Sam Houston State Bearkats with 89 tackles, P.J. Hall has 11 sacks and Alfonzo McMillian has two interceptions.

The James Madison Dukes look to advance after beating New Hampshire last week, 55-22. Bryan Schor is completing 74.4 percent of his passes for 2,397 yards, 23 touchdowns and four interceptions. Schor is coming off a five-touchdown performance last week. Brandon Ravenel and Terrence Alls have combined for more than 1,220 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while Domo Taylor has 28 receptions. The James Madison Dukes ground game is averaging 285.5 yards per contest, and Abdullah Khalid leads the way with 1,387 yards and 17 touchdowns. Defensively, James Madison is allowing 23.3 points and 354.5 yards per game. Brandon Hereford leads the James Madison Dukes with 91 tackles, Simeyon Robinson has four sacks and Raven Greene has five interceptions.

I'll update this article later once a line is released, but I have James Madison winning this game. The Dukes are more balanced offensively and have beaten some of the top teams the FCS has to offer. Remember, the Dukes only loss came to North Carolina, and that game was fairly close for a while. Sam Houston State is unbeaten, but the Bearkats can be scored on often and that's not good against a James Madison team that's balanced offensively. James Madison is also 22-5 SU on its home field since the start of the 2013 college football season.

I like the Dukes to win this game.

RANDY'S PICK
James Madison Dukes

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Cal-Expo

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

Race 7 - Post: 8:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 73 - Purse:$2400 - FILLIES & MARES - NON-WINNERS OF $750
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 MIKELEH 5/2
# 9 GRAN GABRIEL 7/2
# 7 BS TYRICHESS 10/1

The choice in this event is MIKELEH. Could very well be the most respectable in the field of horses here, showing very good numbers of late. Avg speed is a solid 77. It's chancy to consider based only on class, but this mare has among the finest class statistics of the race. Could best this pack, just look at the speed fig - 64 - from her most recent contest. GRAN GABRIEL - It's dangerous to consider solely based on class, but this mare has among the most respectable class rankings of the pack. Racing competently, recorded a very promising TrackMaster Speed Rating in her most recent race (72). BS TYRICHESS - Hard to put finger on it, but love her for this one.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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

Race 7 - Post: 9:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 86 - Purse:$14000 - F& M NON-WINNERS OF $10,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS WINNERS OVER $60,000 IN 2016 NOT ELIGIBLE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $20,000 AE. 2,3& 4 YEAR OLD F& M NON-WINNERS OF $100,000 LIFETIME.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 3 MACHO CHICK 3/1
# 2 ROYAL KNOCKOUT 8/1
# 5 EDEN PAIGE N 10/1

If you want a really strong play in this event, feast your eyes on MACHO CHICK. This fine animal will be greatly helped with Merton controlling. 29 percent winners the past month. ROYAL KNOCKOUT - Many selectors will recognize the exemplary TrackMaster Speed Rating in the last contest. Stacks up against any horse in this grouping. Chances are greatly enhanced for horses beginning from the 2 post at Yonkers Raceway. EDEN PAIGE N - Could provide us a win based on very nice recent TrackMaster speed figs - earning an avg of 87. The 88 avg class statistic may give this mare a distinct advantage in the group of animals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Thoroughbred)

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


Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $23000 Class Rating: 87

FOR CALIFORNIA BRED OR CALIFORNIA SIRED MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $50,000, FOR EACH $5,000 TO $40,000 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 6 BLOW MY MIND 7/2

# 3 AMODEI 8/5

# 1 LOFTY CAUSE 2/1

I've got to go with BLOW MY MIND. Formidable average Speed Figures in dirt sprint races make this equine a solid choice. This equine enters today's race with second time Lasix. AMODEI - Has decent Equibase speed figs and has to be considered for a wager here. Has been moving in the most competitive company of the group of animals lately. LOFTY CAUSE - Recently Arroyo has been scorching which may give the edge to this filly. Solid average speed figures in dirt sprint races make this animal a definite contender.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Penn National

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


Race 7 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10500 Class Rating: 67

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 9 FLEETING HOPE 3/1

# 6 LOCO FOR COCO 5/2

# 4 FIGHT FOR FREEDOM 7/2

FLEETING HOPE is the most favorable wager in this race. He has been running solidly and the speed figures are among the strongest in this group. This gelding looks good for this event since McMahon has a sharp win percent with horses going this distance. Looks solid to be close to the front end at the first call. LOCO FOR COCO - Is worth serious consideration and may be a bet - strong speed figures (56 average) at today's distance and surface as of late. Ran a solid last race. FIGHT FOR FREEDOM - Horses who have been prepared to race at this distance and surface by Barr have shown strong results as of late. Must be considered - I like the numbers from the last race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Tampa Bay Downs - Race #1 - Post: 12:25pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,200 Class Rating: 76

Rating:

#5 SPECTACULARWARRIOR (ML=2/1)
#1 CHICO GRIS (ML=4/1)


SPECTACULARWARRIOR - Sub-par outing last time out at Tampa Bay Downs was due to the off-going (he finished fourth). Have to give a better effort in this race without the slop. Was in a Maiden Special race at Tampa Bay Downs in the last race. That event had a class number of 85 and he is moving down right here. A certain strong challenger. No need to look any further. This horse has my cash. Way too much pace. This horse brings in a lot of dough per race around the track. I believe he will add to the lifetime bankroll in this race. O'Connell moves this gelding to the dirt today. Look for an improvement from the most recent race on the turf. CHICO GRIS - Always beware of the longer priced horse when a trainer has an 'uncoupled' entry in a race. The jockey and handler combination have a favorable return on investment when they combine forces. This trainer has a super ROI with 1st time starters.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 SUPERMANS CAPE (ML=3/1), #3 TRISMEN (ML=9/2), #6 THURSTON (ML=5/1),

SUPERMANS CAPE - No picnic to back any steed in a sprint affair if he hasn't finished in the money in a sprint in the last sixty days. TRISMEN - This steed will probably be at the back of the pack as this group crosses the finish. THURSTON - I don't possess a positive sensation about this questionable contender in this event.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - CHICO GRIS - O'Connell is fantastic with a first time starter. Terrific winning percentage.*
*


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Bet on #5 SPECTACULARWARRIOR to win if we can get at least 3/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

None

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:

None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Hawthorne - Race #3 - Post: 1:55pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,000 Class Rating: 57

Rating:

#1 NAME IT AFTER ME (ML=7/2)
#8 SUMMIE BABY (ML=4/1)


NAME IT AFTER ME - This filly has 'tactical' speed, Santiago will use this advantage by laying in stalking position behind the leaders, and getting first run on the leaders. Dorris brings her back again. I suggest you stay with this hot filly. This filly earned a nice speed fig of 46 in her last race. That speed fig should be lofty enough to win in today's event. She has the highest earnings per start. Check out this horse. SUMMIE BABY - I like the fact that this first time starter's recent works have been over this track. I always like to see a thoroughbred getting Lasix for the first time. Becker adds it on this one today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 GEAUX TIGERS (ML=9/2), #6 CROOKED LADY (ML=5/1), #3 SILVER SKYLER (ML=6/1),

GEAUX TIGERS - The seventh place result in the last event was not the greatest. CROOKED LADY - Finished second in her most recent race with a pedestrian speed rating. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to triumph after that in this bunch. SILVER SKYLER - Last performed on December 1st at Hawthorne, finishing fourth. Not likely to move up off of that outing in today's race.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - NAME IT AFTER ME - I enjoy wagering on big class droppers like this one. Much easier field this time out.
*

STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Go with #1 NAME IT AFTER ME on top if we're getting at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [1,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #8 -AQUEDUCT - 3:47 PM

The Garland of Roses Stakes

6.0 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $125,000.00 PURSE

#6 PAULASSILVERLINING
#1 KELSOCAIT
#2 DISCO CHICK
#4 MY SAVANNAH BELLE

For your information folks ... the Garland of Roses is named for the Hobeau Farm color-bearer who won the 1974 Parlo Turf Handicap and 1975 Black Helen Handicap at the ages of 5 and 6, respectively. Here in the 23rd running of this stakes event, #6 PAULASSILVERLINING takes a class drop(-6), is the overall speed and pace profile leader in this stakes field sprinting at 6.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, including a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency. Jockey Jose Ortiz has been in her irons on 10 previous occasions, hitting the board in 7 of those rides, winning five times, and is back this afternoon here in Ozone Park for his 11th ride, gunning for a "Double Hat Track Win!" #1 KELSOCAIT, a 6-1 shot, has hit the board in four of her last five outings, winning three times, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 2nd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

The next Road to the Kentucky Derby points race comes up on Saturday, the $300,000 Los Alamitos Cash Call Futurity (G1), but it turns out it is not much of a betting race.

There are 10-4-2-1 Derby points up for grabs for the top four finishers.

The race drew a small field of jut five, led by the Bob Baffert trained Mastery, who is the 1-2 morning line favorite. The colt won the Bob Hope (G3) in his last outing and is currently listed at +1000 in early Kentucky Derby wagering.

Baffert has won the Futurity a record eight times including last year with Mor Spirit and in 2015 with Dortmund.

Baffert will also saddle Show Me Da Lute, the 7-2 second choice on the morning line. The colt broke his maiden in his debut and is currently listed at +14000 in early Derby betting.

If the Baffert duo are going to get upset, it could be Dangerfield (6-1) that does the trick. The Doug O’Neill trainee won the Oak Tree Juvenile on Oct. 1 and most recently was third in the Delta Downs Jackpot (G3).

Peter Miller will saddle Bobby Abu Dhabi (4-1), who broke his maiden in his debut on Nov. 19. Completing the field is Irap, still maiden after two starts on turf for the O’Neill burn. The colt is 20-1 on the morning line.

It looks as if we will have better wagering races on Saturday with the $125,000 Garland of Roses at the Big A and we have seven $75,000 stakes on tap at Gulfstream Park.

I will have full card reports for both tracks available by Friday evening.


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

GP Race 1 Clm $6,250N3L (12:35 ET)
#9 Horse Spotter Carl 9-2
#8 Joey Six Pack 7-2
#3 Starship Apache 2-1
#4 Candy Jam 6-1

Analysis: Horse Spotter Carl is going to be the higher price among the duo sent out by the Dwoskin barn. The colt tracked the early pace and could not catch the winner in the stretch in a runner up finish last out at this level while lugging in. The colt beat $12,500 non-winners of two in his first start against winners three back at GP West. He looks back on track after failing to fire two back and we should catch a fair price.

Joey Six Pack set the early fractions and weakened in the stretch to finish fourth last out, exiting the same race as our top pick. He was a good second two back in his first start at this condition in the slop. He owns solid early and mid pace numbers and his numbers two and three back are good enough to beat this group.

Wagering
WIN: #9 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 8,9 / 3,4,8,9
TRI: 8,9 / 3,4,8,9 / 3,4,5,8,9

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

GP Race 8 OClm $12,500N1X (4:02 ET)
#1 Mia Torri 2-1
#4 April Rose 8-1
#3 True Pleasure 9-2
#7 Melody Girl 6-1

Analysis: Mia Torri made a mild late rally to finish third last out at Philly versus Alw-2 company. Two back this gal was beaten just a neck in the Charles Town Oaks (G3). She makes her first start here for the Navarro barn that is 23% winners with newcomers to the barn and has already picked up three wins at the meeting from his first 11 starters. Castellano takes the call and this gal likely goes off at less than the 2-1 morning line.

April Rose beat $16,000 non-winners of three or a race in ix months last out in her first start off an eight-month layoff. The filly earned a career top speed fig and looks sharp enough to handle the step up in class here for the Klesaris barn. She does not need to move forward much off her last win to be right in the mix in this spot.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 8-5 or better.
EX: 1,4 / 1,3,4,7
TRI: 1,4 / 1,3,4,7 / 1,3,4,7,8

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
R3: #7 Medal 15-1
R4: #3 Infilitrada 8-1
R6: #4 Prince of England 15-1
R7: #9 Angel Choir 8-1
R7: #1 Forever Plus 10-1
R8: #4 April Rose 8-1
R10: #12 Feel Proud 8-1
R10: #6 Mojo Rising 8-1

Good luck today!