Friday 2/26/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bulls (30-26) at Hawks (31-27)

Date: February 26, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Unexpected contributors have enabled the Chicago Bulls to reverse their recent misfortunes.

The Atlanta Hawks, on the other hand, remain searching for answers to their prolonged struggles.

Though virtually tied in the Eastern Conference standings, the teams have been heading in opposite directions leading into Friday night's matchup in Atlanta.

The Bulls' season appeared to be sinking a week ago following a season-high fifth consecutive loss, but they've won three straight since despite continued absences from All-Star Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic. A resurgence from Derrick Rose has helped trigger the turnaround, as has increased production from a number of players called upon for greater roles.

Rose recorded a third straight game of at least 24 points in Sunday's 126-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers but sat out Wednesday against Washington to rest a tender right hamstring. The offense still didn't skip a beat, as seven players finished in double figures in a 109-104 win.

Tony Snell scored 16 points starting in Rose's place and E'Twaun Moore had 17 three days after recording 24 on 10-of-14 shooting against the Lakers. Doug McDermott, averaging 20.0 points on a 67.6 field goal rate during the streak, added 14 off the bench.

'It's the next man up mentality,' coach Fred Hoiberg said. 'It's not an ideal situation, but it's what guys like Justin Holiday, Tony Snell, E'Twaun Moore, it's why you play this game. It's for opportunities like this when your main players aren't out there.'

The Bulls (30-26) have averaged 117.0 points during the surge and shot 50 percent or better in all three wins. They were a combined 40.9 percent while failing to top 95 points in their previous three losses.

Chicago will see if it can maintain that success on the road, where it's lost four straight, and against a Hawks team it's lost handily to in two prior 2015-16 meetings.

Atlanta (31-27) has been unable to build on a 113-90 rout at the United Center on Feb. 10 that seemed to signal a return to form, however. The Hawks have emerged from the All-Star break with three consecutive home losses while continuing be inconsistent on both ends.

There were some encouraging signs out of Monday's 102-92 defeat to league-leading Golden State. The Hawks outscored the Warriors 36-18 in the third quarter and used a 33-6 run to take an 80-76 lead early in the fourth before the defending NBA champions rallied for their 50th win.

"Obviously we're in a little bit of a tough spot, but there's some positives to build on from (Monday)," coach Mike Budenholzer said.

Al Horford and Dennis Schroder have continued to play well for Atlanta, which is trying to avoid its first five-game home skid since December 2006. Horford had 23 points and 16 rebounds against Golden State and is averaging 19.4 points over his last five. Schroder followed a career-high 25-point, near triple-double in Saturday's double-overtime loss to Milwaukee with 18 on 8-of-12 shooting on Monday.

Both have given the Bulls problems this season. Horford's season-high 33 points carried the Hawks to a 120-105 home win on Jan. 9 and Schroder had 18 in this month's first meeting.

Atlanta has won four of the series' past five matchups.

Kirk Hinrich, acquired from the Bulls in a three-team trade at last week's deadline, has yet to appear in any of Atlanta's three games following the swap.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nuggets (23-35) at Mavericks (30-28)

Date: February 26, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

Dallas is entering the third of a six-game homestand on which the schedule lines up for it to regain some of the ground it's dropped this month, but wasting the opportune stretch is beginning to seem just as likely given the team's recent play.

Denver is next up Friday night in the span of five of six under-.500 teams visiting with the Mavericks seeking a fourth straight win in the series.

Dallas (30-28) has lost six of eight in February to fall into a group along with Portland, Utah and Houston battling for the Western Conference's last three postseason berths. The homestand started with Sunday's 129-103 win over Philadelphia, then regressed with Wednesday's 116-103 loss to Oklahoma City.

The good news for Dallas is the Nuggets (23-35) are followed to town by Minnesota, Orlando and Sacramento. The bad is the Mavericks' 2-6 span has teams averaging 110.1 points and shooting 47.8 percent. Factor in a minus-7.4 rebounding differential and their own 42.7 percent shooting mark, and their coach is understandably more concerned with game-to-game issues than their place in the West.

"I don't look at the standings that much. I'm looking at how we're playing," coach Rick Carlisle told the team's official website. "I didn't like the way we played in the first and fourth quarters tonight. And those are pretty important quarters, so we've got to pick it up. And these games at home are a precious commodity. Oklahoma City is a terrific team, but we can do better than what we did tonight."

Dirk Nowitzki scored 33 points on 10-of-16 shooting, but the rest of the starting five was 16 of 44. Wesley Matthews had 15 points but was 5 of 16 from the field, and the guard has been limited to 9.7 points on 35.9 percent in his last 12 games.

In three of the last four contests, the Mavericks have been outscored in the fourth quarter by at least seven points. The two before Wednesday were overtime losses after entering the fourth with nine-point leads.

"We've got to finish games," Matthews said. "... We had a little slippage, and that seems to be the trend for us this season. We're too good of a team to be doing that, and this loss hurts. But we've got to get back and get one Friday."

There's been no such trend against the Nuggets while winning four of five, including three straight overall and in Dallas after a 92-81 home win on Nov. 28.

Denver is seeking consecutive victories after Wednesday's 87-81 win at the Los Angeles Clippers - an unlikely winning scoreline for the Nuggets after giving up an average of 117.0 points on 49.8 percent on a preceding three-game losing streak. The Clippers put up 46 3-point attempts - more than they'd ever attempted and more than the Nuggets had ever faced - but only 13 fell as Denver had one of its best defensive efforts of the season by limiting Los Angeles to 35.3 percent overall.

"We have beaten some of the best teams in the NBA when we defend, and this is the first game, post All-Star break, where we defended for four quarters," coach Michael Malone said. "Hopefully we can get back to defending at a high level like we were before the break."

Their 37.8 percent mark at the other end was their second lowest winning shooting effort of the season, and a 6-of-24 effort from 3-point range has them at 30.5 percent from deep over a 4-5 span.

Kenneth Faried, however, had 21 points on 10 of 15 and is shooting 65.1 percent in 10 games this month.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Clippers (37-20) at Kings (24-32)

Date: February 26, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

Straying from what had been working resulted in one of the Los Angeles Clippers' poorest offensive performances their last time out.

Facing the high-scoring Sacramento Kings on Friday night, a repeat effort would likely spell further trouble.

Los Angeles (37-20) had been rolling offensively behind a game plan balancing its strong outside shooting with high-percentage looks to DeAndre Jordan in the post. It deviated sharply from that strategy Wednesday against Denver with a franchise-record 46 attempts from 3-point range while Jordan, the NBA's field-goal percentage leader (69.1), had just five shots.

The Clippers made 13 of those 3s and shot 35.3 percent overall - their second-lowest mark of the season - in losing 87-81 at home to the non-contending Nuggets.

"You have to give them a lot of credit for playing hard, but at the same time, we have to win games like this," point guard Chris Paul said. "It was kind of flat out there, kind of dead. In these tight games, we have to win."

Coach Doc Rivers didn't have much of an issue with his team's shot selection, attributing the outcome to simply an off night.

"We played with the right intentions," he said. "We missed wide-open shot after wide-open shot. It's going to happen."

Los Angeles went 13 of 24 from beyond the arc in Monday's 124-84 rout of Phoenix and had shot 43.5 percent from deep in its previous four games.

Another perimeter-oriented approach may in the works Friday, considering Sacramento (24-32) has allowed a league-high 598 3-pointers and the Clippers are still without Blake Griffin, who totaled 70 points in two October wins over the Kings but missed a 110-103 home loss Jan. 16 due to a partially torn quadriceps.

Los Angeles will have to hit those shots, however, to succeed against the league's third-highest scoring team. That wasn't the case in the previous meeting, when the Clippers shot 39.6 percent after making a combined 51.9 percent of their attempts in the two wins.

The Clippers have won six straight in Sacramento and 18 of the series' last 22 matchups, and they're an NBA-best 12-3 on the road since Christmas.

Sacramento averaged 114.7 points during a three-game win streak it brought into Wednesday's matchup with San Antonio, but it had a far tougher time against the Spurs' stout defense in a 108-92 loss. DeMarcus Cousins was held to 22 points on 8-of-23 shooting after the All-Star center scored 37 and 39 in consecutive victories over Denver out of the All-Star break.

"You're looking at a championship team that's probably going to play for the Western Conference finals," coach George Karl said. "Their defense is in the top echelon of the league, maybe the best defense in the league right now."

The Clippers have been very solid in that area as well, having limited 10 of their last 13 opponents to 93 points or less. They're second in the NBA in scoring defense (96.5) and third in field-goal percentage defense (42.7) during that stretch.

Sacramento stands on the other side of the spectrum, surrendering a league-high 109.1 points per game. The Kings have allowed 107 or more in 13 straight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (33-23) at Lakers (11-48)

Date: February 26, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies are known for stingy defensive play that compensates for their lack of offense.

That hasn't been the case for the past six weeks.

The Grizzlies look to build on their best offensive showing of the season and continue their dominance of the Los Angeles Lakers with a sweep of this home-and-home set Friday night.

Memphis ranks sixth in the league in scoring defense (99.5), but it's been the offense that's keyed a 12-4 run. The Grizzlies (33-23) are averaging 105.6 points during that stretch, a major improvement from their 95.9 over the first 40 games.

"It's a lot different," guard Mike Conley said. "We're taking the wide-open shot. We're not just settling. ... I think everybody's having a lot of fun. And, as you can see, when you have fun, we put up points."

Fun is something the Grizzlies have had a lot of lately against the Lakers (11-48), averaging 107.8 points during an eight-game winning streak - their longest in series history.

They set a season high in points and shot 56.5 percent - their second-best mark of the season - in Wednesday's 128-119 home victory. Memphis set a season high with 13 3-pointers, getting five from Matt Barnes, who had his most productive game of 2015-16 with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting and eight rebounds.

Conley added 24 points, eight assists and six boards, and is averaging 20.8 points on 52.0 percent from the floor over the last five games. He's scored 20 per game on 55.8 in his past seven against Los Angeles.

The Western Conference-worst Lakers are playing out the remainder of a dreadful season, having lost 21 of 24 as Kobe Bryant's retirement tour continues.

With 23 games remaining, they're on pace to break the team record for fewest wins in a season - 19 in 1957-58 when the team was located in Minneapolis.

Los Angeles has been particularly awful during a seven-game skid, allowing 120.2 points and 47.6 percent from 3-point range in the last five contests.

"The last three games especially, we just haven"t been able to guard anyone," coach Byron Scott said. "Teams are pretty much scoring at will."

Jordan Clarkson has been one of the few bright spots of late, averaging 21 points and making 19 of 32 from long range in the last five games. He had 28 points Wednesday and set a career-high with six 3-pointers.

Clarkson has scored 21.7 in his last three meetings with Memphis.

Bryant has had a tough time over the last two games, shooting 8 of 26 and totaling 28 points after finishing with 13 against the Grizzlies. He was averaging 24.5 points over the previous eight games.

D'Angelo Russell is looking to build on his 22 points and eight assists from Wednesday. The rookie guard, though, is averaging 10.7 and 3.3 at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Friday, February 26, 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

While it's easy for Golden State to cast a huge shadow over every other team in the NBA, there's actually other important basketball being played at times. And the game of the year in the Eastern Conference is Friday night when Cleveland visits Toronto, one of the biggest regular-season games in that city's history. The Cavs (41-15) lead the Raptors (38-18) by three games atop the conference. Oddsmakers have little faith in the Raptors winning the East as they are +700 compared to -450 for Cleveland. I'd give Toronto a shot if it can get the top seed and home-court advantage. The winner of this game would hold the head-to-head tiebreaker as it's the final of three meetings. There's no doubt they will finish 1-2 in some order. The Cavs and Raptors have split the first two games, each winning at home.


Hornets at Pacers (-4, 205)

Charlotte's five-game winning streak predictably ended in a 114-103 loss in Cleveland on Wednesday. Kemba Walker had 20 points for Charlotte, which had won four straight on the road. Frank Kaminsky scored 16 points for the Hornets, who fell to eighth place in the East. Reserve big man Spencer Hawes missed a third straight game with a sore lower back. Indiana beat the visiting Knicks 108-105 on Wednesday. Paul George scored 15 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter. Good-looking Pacers rookie Myles Turner had 24 points, including a key late free throw. The Pacers shot 50.5 percent from the field. Guard C.J. Miles did not play because of a strained calf injury. Charlotte won the lone meeting thus far, 117-95 at Indiana on Feb. 10 to snap a 12-game road losing streak in the series. Walker led all scorers with 25 points.

Key trends: The home team is 4-1-1 against the spread in the past six meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in six of the past eight in Indianapolis.

Early lean: Pacers and over.

Wizards at 76ers (+7.5, 215)

Washington couldn't beat a decimated Bulls team in Chicago on Wednesday, falling 109-104. Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 19 points. Forward Alan Anderson played for the first time this season after surgery on his left ankle. He finished with nine points in 16 minutes. Philadelphia dropped a sixth in a row Wednesday, 111-91 in Detroit. Jahlil Okafor had 13 points, but just two rebounds. Washington won the first meeting, 106-94 at home on Feb 5. John Wall had 18 points, a career-high 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth career triple-double. It was 38-18 Wizards after one quarter.

Key trends: The Wizards are 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The over is 17-4 in Philly's past 21 at home vs. teams with a losing road record.

Early lean: Wizards and over.

Magic at Knicks (-1.5, 206.5)

Orlando hosted Golden State on Thursday. So this probably is a huge letdown game regardless of what happens there, especially also having to travel. New York lost a second in a row Wednesday, 108-105 at Indiana. Kristaps Porzingis missed a 3-point shot that would've given the Knicks the lead with 1.9 seconds remaining, and Carmelo Anthony missed a 3 at the buzzer. Porzingis led New York, which has dropped 13 of 15, with 22 points. Orlando leads the season series 2-0. The Magic won at the Garden 107-99 on Dec. 21. Nik Vucevic had 26 points and nine boards. Orlando is still only 2-5 in its past seven visits.

Key trends: The Magic are 4-10-1 ATS in the past 15 meetings. The over is 5-0 in the Knicks' past five vs. the Eastern Conference.

Early lean: Knicks and under.

Cavaliers at Raptors (+1, 208)

You knew Cleveland was going to play well at home Wednesday after laying an egg there Monday, and the Cavs did in beating red-hot Charlotte 114-103. LeBron James and Kyrie "bed bug" Irving scored 23 points each. Cleveland used a 40-point second quarter to take control of the game. Channing Frye showed why the Cavs acquired him, hitting four 3-pointers and finishing with 15 points. Iman Shumpert missed a third straight game with a shoulder injury but is close to returning. Toronto won a 12th straight home game over Minnesota on Wednesday, 114-105. DeMar DeRozan had 31 points as the Raptors tied a team record with a ninth home win in a row overall.

Key trends: The Cavs are 6-1 ATS in the past seven in Toronto. The over is 4-0 in the past four meetings.

Early lean: Cavs and over.

Bulls at Hawks (TBA)

First of an ESPN doubleheader and will have live betting at sportsbooks. It's so aggravating betting on Chicago because you never know when brittle Derrick Rose will beg out of a game right before tipoff. He did on Wednesday with a hamstring issue yet Chicago beat the visiting Wizards 109-104 despite using a starting backcourt of E'Twaun Moore and Tony Snell. There are a few NCAA backcourts I'd rather have. But they played well, as Moore had 17 points and Snell 16. Rose said it was nothing serious and was just being cautious. Atlanta lost a third straight Monday, 102-92 to Golden State. Al Horford led the Hawks with 23 points. It was Atlanta's fourth straight home loss, a franchise first since 2007. Atlanta has blown out Chicago twice this season.

Key trends: The Bulls are 1-4 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 13-5 in the previous 18.

Early lean: TBA for Rose; Bulls will lose regardless.

Nuggets at Mavericks (-6, 209.5)

Denver ended a three-game losing streak with a surprise 87-81 win at the Clippers on Wednesday. Kenneth Faried had 21 points and 11 rebounds as the Nuggets improved to 7-13 on the road vs. Western Conference opponents. Denver outscored the Clippers in the paint 44-22. It was a season low in points allowed overall for the Nuggets. Dallas lost 116-103 at home to Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Dirk Nowitzki had a season-high 33 points to lead the Mavericks, who were swept in the season series. David Lee had four points and four boards in 15 minutes in his Dallas debut. The Mavericks have won three straight and four of the last five regular-season meetings with the Nuggets. Dallas won the first this season, 92-81 at home on Nov. 28. It also has won three in a row at home in the series.

Key trends: The home team has covered four of the past six meetings. The under is 5-2 in the past seven in Dallas.

Early lean: Mavs and over.

Clippers at Kings (+2.5, 219)

L.A. was stunned at home by Denver on Wednesday, 87-81. I get the NBA is a 3-point shooting league these days, but the Clippers threw up a franchise-record 46 of them. That's crazy. They made just 13. Chris Paul had 17 points, 10 assists and six rebounds but appeared to suffer a calf injury in the game, although he played through it. Monitor that. Sacramento's three-game winning streak ended in a 108-92 home loss to San Antonio on Wednesday. DeMarcus Cousins started 0-for-10 from the field, failing to score in the first quarter for the first time this season. Rajon Rondo had seven points, 18 assists and eight rebounds. This closes the season series and will be L.A.'s final game ever at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings have lost six in a row there to Los Angeles but did pull off an upset at Staples Center in the most recent meeting.

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

Early lean: Clippers (unless Paul sits) and over.

Grizzlies at Lakers (+4, 209)

Second ESPN game and also the second of a home-and home between these two. On Wednesday, the Lakers lost their seventh straight game, 128-119 in Memphis. Matt Barnes had a season high 25 points and the Grizzlies also had a season high in points. Guard Tony Allen missed a second straight game with a sore left knee. Jordan Clarkson scored 21 of his 28 points in the second half to lead the Lakers. Kobe Bryant had 13 points in his final game at Memphis. The Lakers have scored at least 101 points in their past five games but have allowed at least 108 in each of them.

Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 4-1 in the previous four in L.A.

Early lean: It's actually quite tough to sweep a home-and-home regardless of the opponent. So I'll take the points here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Friday's hot teams
-- Washington is 5-4 in its last nine games (2-2AF).
-- Charlotte won seven of its last nine games (10-9AU). Indiana won five of its last seven games (11-6 last 17HF).
-- Orlando won four of last seven games, covered eight of last 11.
-- Toronto is 14-3 in its last 17 games (2-0HU). Cleveland won six of its last seven games (4-0 last 4AF).
-- Chicago won last three games, covered last four (2-5 last 7 AU).
-- Sacramento won three of last four games (3-5HU).
-- Memphis won 14 of its last 19 games (7-5AF).

Cold teams
-- 76ers lost 10 of their last 11 games (6-2 last 8HU).
-- Knicks lost nine of their last ten games (9-6HF).
-- Atlanta lost five of its last six games (0-3 last 3HF).
-- Nuggets lost four of their last six games (7-2 last 9AU). Dallas lost six of last eight games (7-3 last 10HF).
-- Clippers lost three of last five games (5-1 last 6AF).
-- Lakers lost their last seven games (5-2 vs spread).

Series records
-- 76ers lost seven of last eight games with Washington.
-- Pacers won seven of last ten games with Charlotte.
-- Knicks lost five of last seven games with Orlando.
-- Cavaliers won four of last five games with Toronto
-- Hawks won four of last five games with Chicago.
-- Dallas won four of its last five games with Denver.
-- Clippers won five of last six games with Sacramento.
-- Lakers lost last eight games with Memphis (5-2-1 vs spread).

Totals
-- Four of last five Washington road games went over the total.
-- Nine of last 12 Indiana games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Orlando games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Toronto games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Chicago games.
-- Last six Dallas games went over the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Sacramento games went over.
-- 15 of last 18 Memphis games went over the total.

Back/backs
-- Orlando is 6-4 vs spread if it played the night before.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

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

Penn shot 58% inside arc, won 92-84 at Cornell 13 days ago, its 6th win in last seven series games; Big Red lost two of last three visits here, with losses by 7-7 points. Cornell lost its last six games, allowing 76+ points in all six- they're 2-3 on Ivy road, losing by 4-6-31 points. Ivy League home favorites of 5 or less points are 5-4 vs spread. Pen won three of its last four home games, with lone loss by 21 to first-place Yale last week.

Yale is tied for first with Princeton with four games left in Ivy season; they won 67-55 at Harvard Feb 13, fifth straight home court loss in this ancient rivalry. Crimson won their last four visits here. Harvard doesn't have its PG this year; they're 2-7 in last nine games, 1-4 on road in Ivy, with losses all by 10+ points. Ivy League double digit favorites are 1-4 vs spread this season. Three of Yale's five Ivy home wins are by 13+.

Princeton is tied for first in Ivy League with four games left; Columbia is one game behind; Tigers won the first meeting 88-83 in OT at Columbia Feb 13 after trailing 67-59 with 3:05 left to play. Princeton won 12 of last 13 series games-- Columbia is 1-11 in last 12 visits here, losing by a hoop LY after winning here in '12. Ivy League home favorites of 8 or less points are 8-4 against the spread. Lions are 4-1 in Ivy road games.

Brown lost 87-70 at Dartmouth Feb 13; Big Green pounded them 43-21 on boards, in winning for third time in last four series games- but Brown is 9-1 in last ten series games played here, losing in '14. Brown lost last five games, three by 6 or less points; they're 2-3 at home in Ivy- this is their first home game in 20 days. Ivy League home teams are 6-4 against the spread in games where spread was 3 or less points.

Iona shot 72.7% inside arc, beat Manhattan 70-56 at home Jan 29, third win for Gaels in last four series games. Iona won four of last six visits to Draddy Gym. Iona won seven of last eight games; five of the seven wins were on road. Manhattan lost three of last four games, losing last game 61-40 at home to St Peter's Tuesday. MAAC home underdogs of 6 or less points are 14-15 against the spread.

Marist lost 16 of its last 18 games, upsetting Rider at home Tuesday, in its last game; Red Foxes lost 79-53 at Quinnipiac in first meeting Feb 4- Bobcats made 13-26 on arc, Marist shot just 27.1% for night. Foxes are 2-2 in last four home games. Quinnipiac lost five of last six games; they are shooting 37.7% for year inside arc, worst in country. MAAC home favorites of 3 or less points are 4-9 vs spread.

Monmouth made 13-22 on arc, won 79-78 at Rider Feb 12, rallying back to win from 14-point deficit with 3:58 to play. Hawks are 2-4 vs Rider in MAAC games, home team lost four of five games, with Rider taking 89-83/63-60 decisions here. Broncs lost five of last seven games, with both wins vs lowly Niagara. MAAC double digit home favorites are 5-7 against the spread. Monmouth won nine of its last ten games. .

Akron made 16-32 on arc, won 83-68 at Bowling Green Feb 9, after they trailed by 11 early in game; Zips won 14 in a row over BG, winning last six played here, with five of six by 10+ points. Zips are 1-3 in last four games but losses were on road; they're 6-0 at home in MAC, with four wins by 9+ points. Falcons snapped 7-game skid with upset over Ohio in last game. MAC double digit home favorites are 3-2 vs spread.

Valparaiso won eight of its last nine games, winning last three road tilts by 18+ points; they beat Milwaukee 68-56 at home Jan 14, beating the Panthers on boards 47-22, but making only 7-17 on foul line. Valpo won eight of last nine series games, winning last four here by 3-24-15-7- only Milwaukee series win since 2012 was in '14 Horizon tourney. Horizon home underdogs of less than five points are 2-7 against the spread.

Green Bay won 78-76 at Ill-Chicago Jan 14, their 7th straight series win; Phoenix won 69-54/72-67 in last two visits here- they were down 12 in first meeting, which was before UIC had a D-I win this year. .Green Bay won its last three games, scoring 85 ppg; they're 6-1 at home, with only loss to Oakland. UIC is 0-7 on Horizon road, losing last road game by 1 in two OTs at Youngstown. Horizon double digit home faves are 15-7.

Oakland shot 59% inside arc, won 86-82 at Detroit Jan 16, its 4th win in five Horizon games with Titans, who lost 77-69/83-78 in last two visits here. Grizzlies won nine of last 11 games; they split last four home tilts. are only 4-4 at home in Horizon. Detroit won six of its last eight games after starting season 9-11; Titans won four of their last five road games. Horizon League single digit home favorites are 7-15 vs spread.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Friday 2/26 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 3,7/1,4,7/3,5/2,3,10/5,7,8 = $21.60

EARLY PICK 4: 2,3,10/5,7,8/3,4,9/7,8,9 = $81

LATE PICK 4: 7,8,9/5/2,8/2,4,5,7,8 = $30

MEET STATS: 261 - 818 / $1374.60 BEST BETS: 42 - 76 / $149.90

SPOT PLAYS: 18 - 76 / $196.90

Best Bet: PRETTY BOY (8th)

Spot Play: ARRIVISTA HANOVER (10th)


Race 1

(3) HERBIES WILDFLOWER powered up late last week and looks good to repeat here vs. similar. (7) WIZARD OF OSNEY set all the pace but was caught late by the choice. He could turn the tables with a different trip here. (1) DOMITIAN HALL was claimed by Vanderkemp for himself and could be an exacta factor here.

Race 2

(1) IN THE SHADOWS improved first time out for Moiseyev; notice the much quicker final 1/4; top call. (7) SANDY DE VIE faces much easier and is the one to beat. (4) WHITEGLANCE made a big middle move then pounced late for the win last week. She is a threat but often has gait issues.

Race 3

(5) NEVERSAIDIWASSWEET faces easier here and should be able to carry her speed a long way. (3) OLIVIAS WAY comes up tagged again following a big win and looks like the main threat. (6) FROSTY DELIGHT is capable but erratic. She should be passing horses late but needs a slowing pace to get by all of them.

Race 4

(3) HOPE FOR PADDY drops back down to her best class and should get lots of pace to chase here. (2) YES YOU CAN closed swiftly in her most recent qualifier and adds Lasix. She should be ready to contend. (10) DAZZLE AND DELIGHT has been racing well and offers some Pick 4 value here starting furthest out.

Race 5

(5) PARTY IN ROME exits a stakes series and should show much more vs. this group. (7) QUEENIFTHEJUNGLE showed dramatic improvement for trainer Brealey last time and could go even better here. (8) CRACKLIN ROSIE failed as the choice in the Miss Vera Bars Final last time but should have a much better chance here vs. non-winners of two.

Race 6

(9) MISSYS GA GA qualified faster than these rivals have been racing at night on Feb. 18. She could have everything figured out now. (3) SOUTHWIND ALICE was a winner here two back and should be prominent throughout here. (4) MERCURY FASHION looks well-prepped for this return to the races. Include her in early pick 4 tickets.

Race 7

(7) WAASMULA and (9) WITCH DALI both face easier here. Slight nod to the former due to the better post. (8) BET YA returns from a break and meets a field she can beat if she is fully cranked up.

Race 8

(5) PRETTY BOY raced very well for trainer Johnson first off the claim and looks best here. (9) O NARUTAC PERFETTO qualified sharply; notice the swift final 1/4. If trainer Nixon has fixed his gait issues, he can contend at a price here. (1) JUSTALITTLEFASTER faces his easiest company in several weeks and he should be able to hit the ticket vs. these rivals.

Race 9

(2) JORDIES HOPE went a big first-over trip vs. better last week. Expect a speed try here. (8) ROCK HER WORLD exits the same dash and should show more here in her 2nd start of the year. (7) TWIN B SWEETHEART exits a stakes series to face mostly easier and can complete the tri.

Race 10

(7) ARRAVISTA HANOVER should get sent early here and could take these a long way. (8) GOOD LUCK KATHY is another that should get good position at the start here and she can take a big chunk of this pot. (4) NINETTE B showed a bit of life at the end of her mile last time. She's another to consider in a wide-open dash. (2) B SANTANNAS LOVE should make the Super starting from the inside. (5) CHEEKIE should get put into this race earlier and is another to consider for the late Pick 4.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 2/26 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 3 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 5 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 9 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 98 - 341 / $567.70 (-$114.30) BEST BETS: 13 - 25 / $53.30 (+$3.30)

Best Bet: STONEBRIDGE IDOL (10th)

Spot Play: OPENING NIGHT (7th)


Race 1

(1) SOAPY SAP is not a horse I back often and certainly not one that inspires confidence. That said, he drops to the basement condition and faces a very soft group. There are no easier spots at the Meadowlands. (10) BROOKROAD KNIGHT is the other class-dropper in the field. He’s lightly raced but knows how to win. The outside post is the only issue tonight. (5) KEYSTONE TREVOR is not in raging form but seems to have enough right now to menace. (9) ONLY IN MY DREAMS has early speed and should hit the exotics somewhere.

Race 2

(1B) GURAL HANOVER finished with a big final quarter in his return qualifier. I’m not crazy with the outside draw tonight, but he is the best horse in the race and comes with two entrymates as back-up plans. (6) CAN DO has been putting in an honest effort every week; major danger. (5) CROSBYS CLAM BAKE proved he can win at this level last week, though the trip was pretty sweet.

Race 3

(5) YOU LITTLE RASCAL didn’t impress in either of her recent qualifiers, but if you use a basic rule of thumb that she can drop a couple of seconds going into a regular race, she fits right in with this formless bunch. Eight-year-old has put in some decent efforts here in the past and seems worth a flyer at a good price. (6) BRING THEM HOME has found a race that should suit her perfectly. Known for her strong early speed, this race seems to lack that quality. (4) DELTA DAWN HANOVER gets a better post to work with this week and could do better. (3) GOINROUNDNCIRCLES raced okay last time with Tetrick in the bike.

Race 4

(7) MESMERIZED took tons of air and battled gamely to the wire a week ago. Lasix seems to have helped this guy out. (6) STITCH IN TIME could get a rather easy lead this week and sit the pocket having not been used up early. (9) MADMAN HALL gets a major driver switch to Tetrick and automatically deserves some respect.

Race 5

(1) LIBERTARIAN was like a different horse in his recent qualifier, his first start for the Remmen barn. Four-year-old has proven he has speed in the past and this weak field looks ripe for the taking. (8) PHOTO MASS & (2) SCOTTISH BLUE should be live if given a smooth trip.

Race 6

(9) JERSEYLICIOUS may not be the mare she once was, but I love the fact that she is coming off a confidence-building mile. I’ll give her the slight nod in a very close-knit race on paper. (7) VIRGIN MARY raced evenly after two months off and now gets to drop one class; dangerous. It is interesting that regular driver Jim Marohn Jr is not on (6) CLORIS HANOVER this week and the connections elected for Tim Tetrick. Sometimes a new set of hands makes all the difference. (5) MISS DEFIANCE drops back down and could show more.

Race 7

(4) OPENING NIGHT made good progress from his first to second start after a long time on the shelf. I’m going to toss out the somewhat lackluster mile last time from an outside post and expect a more aggressive effort this week. (1) A LITTLE MORE LOVE gets some major class relief coming out of the Open ranks and may still offer a bit of value. (7) ROCK OF CASHEL is another coming out of the Opens; must use. (5) MAGENTA MAN is perfect in five starts this year but faces his toughest test to date.

Race 8

(3) GWENEEEE J is plenty sharp and finds a good spot with outside speed signed on to set up her late rally. (1) MISSSOMEBEACH BLUE has been in form for some time. (6) CLEAR VIEW HANOVER reunites with Tetrick this week.

Race 9

(3) CHARLES VII just missed to a foe that is undefeated this year. I don’t love his chances, but none of these really jump off the page for me. (6) DEWYCOLORINTHELINE returns off a decent qualifier and has class. (4) HOMINY HILL has a bit of GO and really wouldn’t be shocked if he won. (2) HOT TYPE took advantage of a good pace scenario last time.

Race 10

(5) STONEBRIDGE IDOL gets a bit of post relief and seems to be in a prime spot to leave hard for a cozy trip. (1) ORANGE BIGI has been racing well of late. (8) MC TINY’S HOPE should be leaving fast and could stick around for a nice chunk.

Race 11

(4) BALLARE HANOVER has won two straight at this level and deserves the call again. (2) TWISTED PRETZEL visits the basement condition and is certainly good enough to play with these. (6) ANGELS RANSOM has some form but couldn’t pass the top one last time.

Race 12

(4) SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR has seemingly been knocking on the door of late but just hasn’t been in the right spot to make it happen. She visits the bottom level tonight and draws well; no excuses. (1) THAT WOMAN HANOVER clearly needed the start last out; very capable. (6) CARRICKMANNON N bested cheaper at Freehold and we really don’t know how good this Down Under import is yet. (3) CAVIART SHELLY almost lasted on the engine a week ago.

Race 13

I’m far from enamored with any of these trotters, so let’s try (3) R CHOOCHOO CHARLIE at a price. He didn’t fire in his first start for this barn, but that was over the half at Yonkers from a bad post in an added distance race. (5) P L HOUDINI could make an early lead and get away with soft fractions. (6) DILUTH couldn’t take the air on the rim last time; threat with better trip.

Race 14

This field represents the bottom of the low level trotting ranks here at the Big M. This field is 71 for 758 lifetime. Ouch! While I can’t say she is a lock, you have to like the chances of (1) MY HEIDI starting from the inside this week. (10) BAD DAY BLACK ROCK wasn’t that bad a week ago and might have been my top pick from a good post. (7) MICHAEL’S WILD BOY has been racing okay at Freehold and has some early speed. (6) STIRLING ACCORD has a hint of form, which is saying a lot in this field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 2/26 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 50 - 205 / $369.10

BEST BETS: 4 - 17 / $19.80

Best Bet: WANNA ROCK N ROLL (4th)

Spot Play: HIPNUMBERONE (10th)

Race 1

(4) TRINE HANOVER Sears sent this gal down the road but was nailed for all the glory by Hustleonhome in her latest; sharp enough to take another stab at these for all the marbles. (2) HUSTLEONHOME had live cover and mowed most of these down for the score last out. (1) LEXUS ARTIST was sitting in the pocket most of the way but could not get close to the top two in her recent outing.

Race 2

(7) UPFRONTWHOSURLADY took charge right from the start on her way to an easy victory last out; moves outside but stays in same condition. Two straight is not out of the question. (2) MISS ALI MACH N will need a favorable trip just like in her January 28th start to contend with these. (3) LOCAL ART did not have steady progress when she was up on the rim at the half last out; could make some noise based on her tactical speed.

Race 3

(1) LOVINEVERYMINUTE gets serious post relief and drops a notch in class; has every right to boss these just like she did from the fence on January 28th. (2) FIRSTCLASSFLIGHT most likely was used up in the early stages last out; needs to revert back to her closing punch two trips ago. (6) HAPPILY EVER AFTER comes by way of The Meadowlands and on February 5th, this gal was a sharp second; post hurts but seems logical.

Race 4

(2) WANNA ROCK N ROLL Pacing mare is quite sharp based on her last four outings; sitting in the pocket most of the way, but could not get by the winner in her last trip to the post; ready to get back to greet the cameraman for pictures. (1) BLUSH HANOVER closed fast to land the show spot last out and should fare well from the fence tonight. (3) RIVER RUNS THRU IT briefly took the lead, stayed in the pocket and made a rail run for all the glory in her last try.

Race 5

(2) ZIGGY SKY was in a duel for a half, flashed a wicked pace and the gas had run out at the 3/4 pole for this gelding last time around; moves now to the 2-hole and despite the rise in class, he fits with this group. (5) GOTTA LAUGH AGAIN was sent down the road turning for home but could not sustain that speed of his for the final stretch run last time out. (6) MCCITO two starts back, this guy missed the victory by only 1/2 of length; moves down the ladder and that might help his cause.

Race 6

(2) DUNE IN RED has shown life in her last two starts against most of these open mares; if she gets a favorable trip combined with a fine-timed drive, she can make tonight a winning one. (6) ROCKN RUBY N took the pocket route home for all the glory last time out. (7) REGIL ELEKTRA led every step of the way but was nailed at the wire by Rockn Ruby N in their latest trip.

Race 7

(7) ALL ABOUT KISSES put in a very game effort for the placing last out; moves outside but this gal seems to be in excellent form. Can't fault her if she moves a step forward. (2) EYRE HOSTESS N was late on the scene to nail down the place spot last time around. (4) HANDSOFFMYCOOKIE makes her return to Yonkers after a long stay at Delaware and has hit the board 3 of 5 starts this year.

Race 8

(7) DELIGHTFUL DRAGON very sharp for second money last out and most likely was used up early; with a different tactic from Holland, this 5-year-old mare can make her return to the winner's circle. (4) JADED DREAM was in over her head in her most recent outing so the drop should give her some confidence against these. (3) MASSIVE ATTACK A is another one on the dropdown and good to see Brennan with the return call.

Race 9

(8) LYONS SHADOW is on a roll scoring her third victory in a row; now she moves to the 8-hole but if the early leaders have a complete meltdown, then she will mow them down for the four-peat. (4) JENNAS PATRIOT flashed good speed from the pocket but could not get past the winner Hazmatt in her last try. (1) CRUISINWITHMYBABY just got up for the score via the pocket route last time out.

Race 10

(2) HIPNUMBERONE showed signs of life in her last start. Mare might be ready to put it all together against these if given a favorable trip. (5) ART IDEAL did not fire in her latest but could contend with a return effort from January 28th. (1) GROUNDED rallied strongly to get the job done at 19-1 recently.

Race 11

Will give (8) MATT MAJOR a shot to make an impact with these rivals; did put in a mild bid for fourth last out and does have tactical speed to hopefully grab good position early. (2) FRIDAYNIGHTFLIGHT has wheeled off two straight victories and is very consistent; figures despite the rise in class. (1) FITZ'S Z TAM should be right in the mix given the post relief in here.

Race 12

(3) SO NICE gets a cozy post to work with and this seems to be a perfect spot for this pacing mare to get back to the winner's circle with a fine-timed drive. (2) GIANNAS DELIGHT is another that gets post relief, has early zip and Sears is back in the sulky. (6) ICOMMANDMYSPIRIT Sharp efforts in her last three trips puts this gal right in the mix.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (4th) Wisdom of Oz, 6-1
(8th) Daisy Cutter, 9-2

Charles Town (2nd) Majestic Cat, 8-1
(6th) Mighty Grand, 3-1

Delta Downs (7th) Henyetta, 8-1
(10th) Fifty Acres, 3-1


Fair Grounds (7th) Timebobanna, 3-1
(8th) Love Thy Neighbor, 7-2


Golden Gate Fields (2nd) Sacrificial Action, 3-1
(6th) Danzig Thorn Song, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (5th) The Long Walk, 4-1
(7th) Nileator, 6-1


Oaklawn Park (2nd) Retro Citizen, 9-2
(6th) Miss Sammy, 7-2


Penn National (2nd) Honest Feelings, 4-1
(6th) Top Odds, 3-1


Sam Houston (1st) Etasong, 4-1
(3rd) Gospel Vision, 6-1


Santa Anita (2nd) Avicii, 3-1
(7th) Hawkedon, 3-1


Sunland Park (8th) Shining Source, 6-1
(9th) Cowboy Cool, 4-1


Tampa Bay Downs (2nd) Great Aztec, 4-1
(9th) I Zoom, 3-1


Turf Paradise (2nd) Aly's Bobcat, 6-1
(5th) Odds On Favorite, 7-2


Turfway Park (5th) Army Ranger, 7-2
(9th) Whole Lotta Run, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's six-pack

-- Hofstra 70, UNCW 69-- Pride won after trailing by 18; they lost first matchup vs Seahawks, after leading by 20.

-- UAB 95, Marshall 91-- Blazers have two-game lead in Conference USA.

-- Utah 81, Arizona State 46-- This game was 44-10 at the half. 44. to. 10.

-- California 75, UCLA 63-- Golden Bears won their last six games.

-- East Tennessee State 80, Furman 75-- Bucs are 9-1 in SoCon games decided by 6 or less points or in OT.

-- Cal-Riverside 77, Hawai'i 71-- Big upset out west in latenight action.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Art Aronson

Oilers vs Ducks

1* Bonus Play UNDER Oilers/Ducks

These teams are on exact opposite ends of the spectrum right now, as Edmonton has lost five in a row and eight of its last nine, while Anaheim is ranked by many as the No. 1 team in the league right now, winner of six straight (and note that the Ducks have won six of the last seven in this series in front of the home town crowd). After coming out of the break with two straight victories, the Oilers have gone just 1-8, sitting with just 50 points on the season. Offensive inefficiency has been the biggest reason for Edmonton’s slide, it’s scored just nine goals in its last five games and only 17 goals in its last eight (and note that five of those markers would come in a single game). The Oilers are 26th in the league in scoring, managing an average of just 2.4 GPG. As mentioned off the top, the Ducks are currently rolling right now, anchored by possibly the best goaltender in the league in Frederik Andersen, who owns a 2.31 GAA on the year and an 8-4, 1.99 GAA at home. And vs. the Oilers he’s been even better, 5-1 with a tiny 2.16 GAA lifetime. Note that Anaheim is ranked fifth in the league in goals allowed, giving up just 2.3 per game, while ranking second in the NHL on the penalty kill, allowing the opposition to convert on just 13.3 percent of their power play chances. Note that Edmonton has seen the total go UNDER the number in 16 of 20 this season vs. teams with winning records, while Anaheim has seen the total dip below the posted number in four of five after shutting out its opponent in its previous game. Consider a second look at the UNDER in this one.

AAA Sports

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Doc's Sports

Valparaiso vs Wisc-Milwaukee

Free College Basketball Prediction From Doc's Sports : Take #869 Valparaiso over Milwaukee (9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26)

The Crusaders are the best team in the Horizon League, and they have already clinched the top spot in the conference. But this is a one-bid league, and they want to finish the season strong to keep the momentum going in this one-bid conference. Valpo already beat Milwaukee by double digits this season, and I see them winning this game by 6-8 points. Valpo has beaten every team in the Horizon League besides Wright State, and Milwaukee just does not have the firepower to keep pace.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Lundin

Cavs vs Raptors

5* NBA Free Pick Under

The Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers will visit second-placed Toronto Raptors Friday night. Both teams are coming in red hot, and I expect a tight low-scoring playoff-like contest. The over is 4-0 in the last four meetings overall but only 5-20-1 in the last 26 meetings at Toronto. The Raptors grabbed a 103-99 home win on Nov. 25 as they're giving up just 96.7 points per game home at Air Canada Centre this season, and we can note that the under is 3-0 in Toronto's home games where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points. The Cavs are scoring 100.2 points per game on the road while surrendering 95.4, and the under is 16-11 in the Cavs 27 games on the road this season. The Cavs are playing at a higher tempo since Tyronn Lue took over as head coach, but Toronto has the tools to slow them down.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bob Harvey

Hornets vs Pacers

Bonus Play Indiana Pacers

The Charlotte Hornets look to build on their post All-Star break winning streak when they visit the Indiana Pacers. Game time is set for 7 PM ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse where Indy is favored by -3 with the total at 203.5. The Hornets are 2-1 on a five-game, post-All-Star break trip that ends Sunday against Atlanta.

The Hornets (29-27, 28-27 ATS) had their five-game winning streak come to an end with a 114-103 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Charlotte’s poor defensive effort snapped a string of eight straight games holding opponents under 100 points, during which the Hornets went 7-1. Charlotte committed 14 turnovers and gave up 28 fast-break points to the Cavaliers

The Pacers (31-26, 28-28 ATS) got a huge game from Paul George in Wednesday’s 108-105 win over the New York Knicks. George scored 25 of his 27 points in the second half, including 15 in the fourth quarter. He’s gone for 20 or more points in eight straight contests and scored 22 points in February’s 117-95 loss to Charlotte. Rookie Myles Turner has picked up his level of play since the All-Star break. The Texas product is averaging 17 points in four games since the break, topped by a 24-point effort in Wednesday’s win over the Knicks.

The Hornets are 10-18 SU on the road and 14-14 ATS while the Pacers are 18-9 SU at home. Indiana is 8-2-1 ATS vs. the division and 21-11-1 ATS vs. the Eastern Conference. Charlotte is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven series meetings.

The UNDER is 10-4-1 in the past 15 meetings and 6-2 last eight in Indiana.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jimmy Adams

Valparaiso vs Wisc-Milwaukee

Bonus Play Valparaiso

These two teams met earlier in the season, with Valparaiso coming away victorious 68-56. The main takeaway that I got from that game was the way Valpo absolutely crushed Wisconsin-Milwaukee on the boards. When you have a huge advantage on the glass, this is obviously going to lead to lots of second chance opportunities as well as limit your opponent to just one shot more times than not. Ken Pomeroy has the Crusaders ranked 31st in his personal rankings.

If there's one downside to this game, it's that Valpo has already won their conference. They need to stay motivated and keep playing well, because you want to be playing your best heading into the postseason. Wisconsin Milwaukee has shown the ability to score the basketball in recent games. They don't have near the talent level of Valpo, however, hence being ranked 114th in Ken Pom's rankings. The Crusaders have won 5 of their last 6 road games, so playing at Milwaukee won't be a problem. They've also dominated this series from an ATS perspective. Look for the trends to keep rolling in the Crusaders favor. Take Valparaiso.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Red Dog Sports

Chamois Niortais vs Le Havre

Bonus Play LaHavre +226

Take the road team in France on Friday afternoon. LaHavre is #6 in the table while Niort is #17 with a -8 differential.

LaHavre 2

Niort 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Friday, February 26, 2016, NBA.

Charlotte has plenty of offensive punch, scoring 104 and 103 the last two games. They've topped 100 in 5 of the last 6. Indiana likes to run, especially at home. The Pacers are No. 11 in scoring, 6-1 over the total at home. The Over is 11-3 in Pacers last 14 games playing on one day of rest.

Play the Hornets/Pacers Over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Roz Wins

Roz's Friday, February 26, 2016, Free NBA Pick:

Memphis is still a strong defensive team, No. 6 in the league in points allowed. The offense loses Marc Gasol for the season, an offense ranked No. 24 in points scored. The Under is 21-7-1 in the Grizzlies last 29 vs. NBA Pacific. They face the LA Lakers, a bad offensive team ranked No. 27 in points scored. The Under is 14-5 in Lakers last 19 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. And the Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles. Play Memphis/LA Lakers under the total.

Play Memphis/LA Lakers under the total.