Friday 3/11/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Timberwolves (20-45) at Thunder (44-20)

Date: March 11, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

A matchup between the high-powered Oklahoma City Thunder and defensively challenged Minnesota Timberwolves has the makings of being one-sided.

Not surprisingly, the Thunder have reeled off 10 straight victories in the series, but they needed clutch performances from their All-Stars to escape with a victory in the last meeting in Minnesota.

Before turning their attention to a prime-time matchup with a Western Conference power, the red-hot Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant look to help Oklahoma City continue its home dominance over the Timberwolves on Friday night.

The Thunder (44-20) easily took care of one West stalwart Wednesday, leading by as much as 19 in a 120-108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. It was the second straight victory following a 2-6 stretch for Oklahoma City, which moved 2 1/2 games ahead of the Clippers for third place in the conference.

Westbrook led the way with 25 points, a career-high 20 assists and 11 rebounds for the NBA's first triple-double with at least 25 points, 20 assists and 10 boards since Magic Johnson did it in 1988. It was the second straight triple-double for Westbrook, and the Thunder are 11-0 this season when he records one.

'More important just to see all my teammates happy and see all my teammates enjoy the game and enjoy this win," he said. "That's the most important part for me."

Westbrook's heroics overshadowed another outstanding night from Durant, who nearly had a triple-double of his own with 30 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. He has scored 30 or more in four straight and has racked up seven consecutive games of at least 25 points, 10 boards and five assists, the longest such streak in 30 seasons.

Oklahoma City, which visits San Antonio in a national TV game Saturday night, shot 52.7 percent and had a season-high 33 assists.

"We moved the ball, we moved our bodies and we had a really good groove on the offensive end," Durant said. "We have to keep it up."

That shouldn't be a problem against the Timberwolves (20-45), who are allowing an average of 112.6 points in their last 16 games.

Second in the league in scoring, Oklahoma City averaged 113.3 points in winning three January matchups with Minnesota.

The most recent wasn't easy, however, as the Thunder needed two big shots from Durant in the last two minutes and seven points from Westbrook in the final 3 1/2 to win 126-123 on Jan. 27.

The Thunder, though, cruised to a 113-93 home victory over Minnesota on Jan. 15, as neither Durant nor Westbrook played in the fourth. Oklahoma City's 12-game home winning streak against the Timberwolves is currently its longest over a single opponent.

The Timberwolves have also lost 12 straight in Toronto for their longest active road skids.

Losers in 17 of 19 away from Minnesota, the Timberwolves are coming off Tuesday's 116-91 defeat to the Spurs. Minnesota was pushed around in the paint, allowing San Antonio's starting frontcourt to make 24 of 34 shots.

'If you're ever going to get better, if you're ever going to win," interim coach Sam Mitchell said, "you have to remember the times where you got your butt kicked."

That's been happening a lot to the Timberwolves, who are allowing an average of 50.4 points in the paint over the last nine games. That poses problems against a Thunder team averaging 50.3 points in the paint over its last seven.

Zach LaVine had a season-high 35 points on 14-of-17 shooting in the last meeting while Andrew Wiggins scored 25 at Oklahoma City.

Wiggins is averaging 24.7 points over the last three games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Heat (37-27) at Bulls (32-31)

Date: March 11, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

While the Chicago Bulls' main injury concern saw a positive development, the Miami Heat's situation remains cloudy.

It's the Heat, though, who have made a postseason push since the All-Star break as the Bulls continue to teeter on a fine line between in and out.

After receiving good news about Jimmy Butler, Chicago seeks its third win in four games Friday night against a visiting Heat team trying to bounce back from its only loss in a nearly two-week stretch that included a historic performance against the Bulls.

Chicago (32-31) was already struggling through January with Butler in the lineup, but things took a turn for the worse last month largely without him. The All-Star played just one game during a 3-9 span Feb. 5-March 2 that helped drop the Bulls one-half game behind Detroit for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

After returning with 24 points and 11 rebounds in Saturday's 108-100 win over Houston, Butler sat out Monday's 100-90 victory against Milwaukee and Thursday's 109-101 loss at San Antonio with swelling in the same knee that sidelined him for 11 games.

He sought a second opinion on his left knee from Dr. James Andrews on Thursday and the result was that no structural damage was found. It was undoubtedly positive news for the Bulls, who have averaged 100.3 points since Jan. 15, though there is still no timetable for his return as the importance of each game rises.

Their two-game win streak was snapped with their fifth loss in seven games against the Spurs. Pau Gasol finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, though he committed seven of Chicago's 21 turnovers. The Bulls have 65 giveaways in their last three games.

"I wouldn't say one play (away), a couple of plays away," said Derrick Rose, who had 21 points. "Communication has been key the entire year and that's something we didn't go out there and do (Thursday night)."

Miami (37-27) also received an update Thursday on injured star Chris Bosh and released a statement saying he does not have blood clots in his leg. The statement did not say if he was off blood thinners and did not give any timeline for a return.

Bosh was leading Miami with 19.1 points per game when he discovered the issue over the All-Star break, which was similar to a blood clot on his lung last season.

"I will continue to support my teammates in every way possible," Bosh said in his statement. "I remain positive that I will be able to return this season."

The Heat, though, are tied for the league's fourth-best record since the All-Star break (8-3) even without Bosh. They won five straight before Wednesday's 114-108 loss at Milwaukee, taking over the Southeast Division lead in the process.

With newly-acquired Joe Johnson plugged into the starting five, the Heat are playing at a quicker pace. They're averaging 112 points and shooting 51.1 percent in the last five games, including a record night in a second win this season against Chicago.

Miami set a franchise mark with a 67.5 field-goal percentage in a 129-111 home win over the Bulls on March 1. Hassan Whiteside made 8 of 11 shots for 26 points, while Johnson went 10 of 13 for 24.

It was a season high in points for the Heat, who made 52 of 77 shots and outscored the Bulls 74-48 in the paint. It was the NBA's best single-game percentage over the last six years - until Minnesota shot 68.4 percent in Saturday's 132-118 win over Brooklyn.

It was also a single-game high for a Bulls opponent since field-goal percentage was first tracked in the 1983-84 season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wizards (30-33) at Jazz (29-35)

Date: March 11, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

The postseason may be over a month away, but it's more or less already playoff time for the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.

Both teams will have the opportunity to improve their prospects and earn a sorely needed win when they face off Friday night in Salt Lake City.

Utah (29-35) appeared poised to end a three-year postseason drought after a seven-game winning streak Jan. 27-Feb. 9 vaulted it to seventh in the Western Conference. The Jazz have dropped 10 of 13 since and now sit three games back of eighth-place Houston.

Offensive inefficiency has triggered Utah's downturn, as it's averaged 91.3 points and shot 41.3 percent - both league lows - over a 1-7 stretch. After a 34.9 percent performance led to a 91-84 home loss to Atlanta on Tuesday, the Jazz weren't able to keep up with high-powered Golden State in Wednesday's 115-94 road defeat.

Utah was held to 40.5 percent shooting and never recovered from a 9-0 run to end the first half that gave the Warriors a 52-41 lead.

"I felt like we played a pretty gritty first half. We didn't play great, but we did enough to be right there," coach Quin Snyder said. "And then that run. You come in the locker room down double figures to that team at the end of the half. We weren't able to really rebound from that."

The Jazz were also undone by 18 turnovers that led to 28 points, another problem area of late. They've averaged 18.0 giveaways over their last four games.

Gordon Hayward finished 5 of 15 from the field Wednesday and is shooting 39.8 percent over a six-game span. Rodney Hood, who sat out with lower back soreness, is averaging 10.7 points on a 32.8 percent rate in his last six.

Washington (30-33) has lost ground in the East by dropping three straight following a four-game winning streak that sparked hope of a playoff return. Sitting 10th in the conference, the Wizards come in off a pair of close defeats to Indiana and Portland.

After being dealt a 100-99 loss Saturday on two Paul George free throws with 3.0 seconds left, the Wizards fell 116-109 in overtime in Tuesday's opener of a three-game trip after Portland's C.J. McCollum tied it with 5.9 seconds remaining in regulation.

Washington had its chances against the Blazers, missing 12 of 23 free throws and yielding 18 second-chance points while being outrebounded 40-33.

"In an overtime game, you can't have 12 missed free throws and give up 18 second-chance points," coach Randy Wittman said. "We talk about the same things over and over again. We defend, give them two or three opportunities and it comes down to a tight game."

The Wizards may feel better about their chances in this one, as they've held Utah to 91 points or less in winning four straight meetings. They outscored the Jazz 56-38 in the paint in a 103-89 home victory Feb. 18, receiving 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting from Marcin Gortat and 16 on a 7-of-11 effort from Nene.

Washington may also have Bradley Beal back after he sat out Tuesday with a sprained pelvis. The team's second-leading scorer is expected to rejoin the Wizards for the remainder of the trip.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Magic (27-36) at Kings (25-38)

Date: March 11, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

DeMarcus Cousins unleashed his frustration in the direction of his coach yet again, adding another chapter to his feud with George Karl.

The All-Star center, however, isn't the only one unhappy during the Sacramento Kings' slide after Willie Cauley-Stein voiced concerns over his role.

Both clubs will be missing their top big men Friday night when the Kings and visiting Orlando Magic each look to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat.

The in-house fighting began shortly after Karl was brought in late last season and only seemed to escalate after reports surfaced that Karl had tried to trade the hot-tempered Cousins shortly after being hired.

The Kings were forced to have a meeting in November that was attended by upper management in the wake of a report that Karl wanted to suspend Cousins after his profanity-laced tirade following a loss to San Antonio.

Things flared up again Wednesday when Cousins had to be calmed by assistant coach Corliss Williamson and guard Rajon Rondo after yelling and heatedly gesturing in Karl's direction during a timeout in a 120-111 home loss to Cleveland. The Kings (25-38) announced Thursday that their leading scorer and rebounder was suspended one game for 'conduct detrimental to the team.'

The fifth overall pick in 2010 finished with 29 points and 11 rebounds against the Cavaliers, giving him averages of 29.9 and 13.1 over his last 10.

Now Sacramento will try to avoid an eighth loss in 10 games without Cousins and eighth in nine overall. The Kings have won five of seven against the Magic (27-36) after Cousins had 29 points and 12 rebounds in a 97-91 road victory Nov. 21 in his return from a one-game suspension for hitting Atlanta's Al Horford with a forearm to the head.

'Cous is a frustrated guy who wants to win,' Karl said after the first meeting. "Sometimes it gets to him maybe in a negative way, but he cares, he wants to win and he lashes out sometimes in maybe a disruptive way.'

Cauley-Stein and Kosta Koufos are likely to fill in, while Rudy Gay should carry the scoring load. Cauley-Stein wasn't happy Wednesday after playing 12 minutes partly because of the "matchup," according to Karl, who is expected to coach despite undergoing a cancer-related procedure Thursday.

"I can guard five positions," the rookie said. "There should be no matchup problems ever. So that's just an excuse I think. However, I'm not the coach."

The Magic are having their own issues as they try to avoid their first four-game losing streak since an eight-game skid Jan. 9-29. Nikola Vucevic is expected to miss his third straight game with a strained groin.

Orlando dropped to 2-3 without its leading scorer and rebounder and 0-2 on a four-game trip with Tuesday's 107-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Victor Oladipo had 26 points and Evan Fournier added 23, but Orlando was outrebounded 45-35 and outscored 56-44 in the paint.

'On good nights, we're full of focus on what's going on on the floor. It's very frustrating," said Fournier, who has averaged 19.7 points in his last three games against the Kings dating to his time with Denver.

The Magic hope to tighten things up defensively after allowing 113.0 points per game and a 49.7 field-goal percentage in their last two. The Kings, though, have averaged 111.5 on 48.5 percent shooting over their past two.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Knicks (27-39) at Clippers (41-22)

Date: March 11, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers struggled to contain one of the league's highest-scoring teams last time out but have been incredibly stingy in recent matchups with their next opponent.

The New York Knicks are hoping to change those woes against the Clippers following a season-high scoring performance on their lengthy road trip, though they'll face much stiffer competition Friday night.

The Clippers (41-22) have displayed fine defensive form for much of the past six weeks but lost 120-108 on Wednesday at Oklahoma City, the league's second-best offensive club.

Los Angeles had allowed an average of 97.3 points in its previous 18 contests - including a 103-98 win over the visiting Thunder on March 2 - and held 12 opponents to 95 or fewer.

"I thought our defense overall from the tip was bad. It was one of those rare games where we never established ourselves defensively," coach Doc Rivers said. "I thought we were horrible. It was one of those games."

After facing a team that's averaging 110.1 points, the Clippers will see an opponent that's scoring 99.3 per game. The Knicks (27-39) have also averaged 84.1 points in a seven-game skid against Los Angeles, including a 116-88 drubbing at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 22.

The Clippers' defensive effort is the NBA's best against one opponent in the past four seasons, edging San Antonio's 84.5 points per game allowed in eight matchups with Philadelphia.

The Knicks will seek to end that trend and earn back-to-back victories for the first time since Jan. 18-20 after a 128-97 win against Phoenix on Wednesday.

New York made a season-high 16 3-pointers on 24 attempts and shot 56.1 percent overall. Sasha Vujacic went 6 of 7 from beyond the arc and scored 23 points - two shy of matching his career best - while starting in place of an injured Arron Afflalo (abdominal).

"I just got into a game rhythm early. We played the right way. We were swinging the ball. We played as a team on both ends of the court. That helped everybody to have a good game,' Vujacic said.

The Knicks got the benefit of facing one of the league's worst defensive teams in the second of six straight road games. The Suns, who are second-to-last in the Western Conference, are allowing 107.7 points per game while the fourth-place Clippers are giving up an average of 100.5.

Los Angeles has yielded 79.3 points per game and 37.5 percent shooting in three consecutive home wins against New York.

"We want to go (into Los Angeles) and build off this win," forward Carmelo Anthony said. "We want to go and try to play a different game than we played at (Madison Square Garden)."

Anthony was held to 16 points on 4-of-12 shooting in the matchup in January after averaging 28.5 points in his previous four games in the series.

DeAndre Jordan had 20 points on 7-of-7 shooting in the latest meeting and is averaging 19.5 while knocking down 26 of 34 shots in four games this month.

The Clippers also now have Jeff Green, who has averaged 20.2 points in his last five games against New York.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Trail Blazers (34-31) at Warriors (57-6)

Date: March 11, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Seemingly the only potential speed bump on the Golden State Warriors' way to 50 consecutive regular-season wins at home is a home-grown star and his team.

Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers put Golden State's streak to the test Friday night after dominating the league's most dominant team a few weeks ago.

Of the Warriors' six losses, the most lopsided came in Portland as Lillard had the game of his life. The Oakland native had a career-high 51 points, seven assists and six steals in a 137-105 victory Feb. 19, snapping Golden State's 11-game win streak.

"Obviously they're gonna change some things up that we did really good, but if we have another 50-point performance from Damian, then I'm pretty sure we'll be in another good spot to win the game," Blazers guard Allen Crabbe said.

This is Lillard's first trip to Oracle Arena since last April, looking to prevent the Warriors (57-6) from pushing their NBA-record home winning streak to 47 games. Portland (34-31) is the only opponent remaining on Golden State's six-game homestand which isn't more than 10 games under .500 - the final three are Phoenix, New Orleans and New York.

"I think I'm more excited this time going back than I have been since my rookie year," Lillard said. "It's gonna be fun. Just because of the kind of season that we're having. It's a big game for us. They haven't lost at home, so it's an opportunity for us to go there and be the first team to do it."

He's won in Oakland once in five games as a pro. He had 37 points in his Oracle Arena debut in 2013 but has since averaged 18.0 while shooting 34.8 percent.

Lillard had no such trouble in February against the Warriors, going 9 of 12 from 3-point range. Stephen Curry had seven 3s en route to his 31 points, but Golden State finished 12 for 34 from beyond the arc and Portland was 17 for 30.

The Blazers lost the previous four meetings - one in January by 20 - before becoming the only Warriors opponent this season to top 125 points and 52 percent from the field.

"I'm sure that they probably have a little bit of a sour taste in their mouth about how it happened," Lillard said.

He had another 50-point night last week in Toronto, then scored 41 on Tuesday as Portland ended a three-game losing streak with a 116-109 overtime win over Washington. Prior to that skid, only Golden State had more wins since Jan. 10.

The Blazers have the ammunition to keep up with the Warriors' league-best long-range shooting, ranking among the NBA's top five in 3s made (669) and percentage (36.3). C.J. McCollum has hit 51.8 percent in the last 11 games.

"Obviously they lost three in a row recently, but they've been rolling," Warriors forward Draymond Green said. "Obviously two very good scorers, looking forward to the challenge."

Lillard's 182 3-pointers rank third behind Golden State's Klay Thompson (196) and Curry's league-record 304.

Curry has been inconsistent this month, going 16 of 47 from 3-point range, but remains a threat from anywhere. The reigning MVP had 12 points Wednesday but hit a 55-footer at the halftime buzzer in a 115-94 victory over Utah, improving to 13 of 27 from 30 feet and beyond.

"That's not a surprise anymore," Green said.

Sixth man Andre Iguodala returned after missing three of four games with a tight hamstring, chipping in four points, four rebounds and three assists.

"We're a different team with Andre," coach Steve Kerr said. "... He does everything for us."

Iguodala had one of his worst games in the Portland loss, shooting 1 for 6 with four turnovers. Golden State's point differential with him on the floor was a season-worst minus-20.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Friday, March 11, 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

And now we start to see Operation Tank Mode across the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers almost surely were going to finish with the NBA's worst record regardless, but they pretty much would assure that by shutting down top rookie Jahlil Okafor for the season. He has missed the past five games with soreness in his right knee, and the team may just end his year. At this point, might as well. With Philly's luck, it probably would turn into something serious if he continued to play. Okafor was a preseason favorite for Rookie of the Year, but that will go to Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns. Okafor is averaging 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, solid numbers to be sure. Maybe the next time we see him on the court, it's actually next to Joel Embiid, who has missed the past two seasons with foot issues.


Pistons at Hornets (-4, 203.5)

Detroit won a second in a row Wednesday, 102-96 in Dallas. Andre Drummond had 25 points and 17 rebounds as the Pistons exceeded their win total of last season with victory No. 33. Rookie pistons forward Stanley Johnson missed a seventh straight game with a right shoulder injury but is getting close. Charlotte won a fifth straight Wednesday, 122-113 over New Orleans. Kemba Walker had 35 points, his fourth in a row with at least 30. Charlotte won in Detroit 104-84 on Dec. 7. The Hornets never trailed after the 6:09 mark of the first quarter. They have won two straight at home in the series.

Key trends: The Pistons are 2-6 against the spread in the past eight meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in four of the past five in Charlotte.

Early lean: Hornets and over.

Nets at 76ers (+1, 211.5)

Brooklyn lost a second in a row Tuesday, 104-99 in Toronto. Brook Lopez had 35 points, one shy of his season high. He was the only Nets player to attempt a free throw, which is rather hard to believe. Philadelphia lost its 13th straight game Wednesday, 118-104 to Houston. Nerlens Noel was back after missing two games and had 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists. These teams have split, each winning at home. The Nets are 10-4 in the series since moving to Brooklyn.

Key trends: The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 7-0-1 in the past eight.

Early lean: Nets and under.

Rockets at Celtics (-6, 222)

Houston won its second in a row Wednesday, 118-104 in Philly. James Harden had 29 points and Dwight Howard 21 and 18 rebounds. The Rockets are back at .500. The next time Howard plays in Boston, it could be as a member of the Celtics as they are likely to look at Howard in free agency this summer. Boston beat visiting Memphis 116-96 on Wednesday for its 14th straight home win. Isaiah Thomas had 22 points and one turnover -- amazingly his first giveaway in four games. Boston won the first meeting with Houston 110-95. The Celtics hadn't scored more than 103 points in the previous nine meetings. Houston had won the previous four.

Key trends: The favorite is 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings. The under is 7-0 in the past seven.

Early lean: Rockets and under.

Heat at Bulls (TBA)

Miami's five-game winning streak ended in a 114-108 loss in Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Heat hadn't lost since signing Joe Johnson as a free agent on Feb. 27. Hassan Whiteside had 23 points and 13 rebounds in the loss. It's possible rookie Justise Winslow could be suspended here as he was called for a Flagrant Type 1 foul in the game. Chicago was in San Antonio on Thursday without Jimmy Butler, who was off to see Dr. James Andrews. So clearly you won't see him here. Miami leads the season series 2-0 and has won two straight in the Windy City.

Key trends: The road team is 4-1 ATS in the past five. The under is 6-1 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Knowing Derrick Rose, he'll get hurt Thursday too and miss this one. Heat will win.

Pelicans at Grizzlies (TBA)

New Orleans lost 122-113 in Charlotte on Wednesday despite 40 points from Anthony Davis and a season-high 38 from Jrue Holiday. The injury-ravaged Pelicans were without point guard Norris Cole, so they had to start someone named Orlando Johnson, who was just called up from the D-League. He had five points in 20 minutes. Memphis lost by 20 in Boston on Wednesday and was again without Mike Conley and Zach Randolph. To make matters worse, guard Mario Chalmers went down with what looked like a serious right leg injury. He's not playing here and the other two are questionable. This is the final meeting of the season and New Orleans looks to avoid the 4-0 sweep.

Key trends: The Grizzlies are 12-3-1 ATS in their past 16 after a loss. The under is 6-1 in the past seven meetings in Memphis.

Early lean: Wait on Conley and Randolph.

Timberwolves at Thunder (-14, 226)

Minnesota lost a second straight Tuesday, 116-91 in San Antonio. Andrew Wiggins had 23 points and eight rebounds for the Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and nine boards. Nikola Pekovic remains out for the Wolves. OKC beat the Clippers 120-108 on Wednesday behind another triple-double from Russell Westbrook. He had 25 points, a career-high 20 assists and 11 rebounds. It was the first triple-double with at least 25 points, 20 assists and 10 rebounds since Magic Johnson did it for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1988 -- the year Westbrook was born. Minnesota is 0-3 vs. the Thunder this season and has dropped 12 in a row in OKC.

Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over has hit in seven of the past 11 in OKC.

Early lean: I'll take the points. Thunder might be a tad flat off a big win over the Clips.

Wizards at Jazz (TBA)

Washington lost a third in a row Tuesday, 116-109 in overtime at Portland. Marcin Gortat had a floating layup attempt with about three seconds left in regulation to win but it was blocked by Gerald Henderson. The Wizards led by as many as 13 points in the third quarter. Bradley Beal missed the game with a sprained pelvis. Utah lost 115-94 in Golden State on Wednesday. Jazz guard Rodney Hood missed the game with lower back soreness but he's likely to be back here as Wednesday was the second of a back-to-back. Washington beat visiting Utah 103-89 on Feb. 18 in a game postponed from Jan. 23. John Wall had 17 points and 11 assists.

Key trends: Utah is 1-9 ATS in its past 10 games. The under is 4-0 in the past four meetings.

Early lean: TBA for Beal, who might return. Jazz win regardless.

Magic at Kings (TBA)

Orlando lost a third in a row Tuesday, 107-98 at the Lakers. Victor Oladipo scored 26 points and Evan Fournier had 23 for the Magic, who were clearly flat after playing well at Golden State the night before. Center Nik Vucevic missed a second straight game with a groin strain. Sacramento lost its third in a row Wednesday, 120-111 at home to Cleveland. DeMarcus Cousins had 29 points and 11 rebounds. He was called for his 15th technical foul, meaning one more and he's suspended. Ben McLemore and Marco Belinelli missed the Cavs game with injuries. Orlando has lost five of the past seven meetings, including 97-91 at home on Nov. 21. Cousins tallied 29 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, three blocked shots and three steals.

Key trends: The Magic are 2-5 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 7-3 in the previous 10.

Early lean: Magic are gassed on this trip. Kings win.

Trail Blazers at Warriors (-13.5, 228.5)

Portland returned home from a long road trip and ended a three-game skid with a 116-109 OT win over Washington on Tuesday. Damian Lillard had 14 points and 11 assists. He became just the third player in NBA history with at least 1,500 points and 400 assists in each of his first four seasons. The others: LeBron James and Oscar Robertson. Nice company. Golden State won its 46th straight at home Wednesday, 115-94 over Utah. Steph Curry had just 12 points but another long-distance ridiculous make at the halftime buzzer. It was his fourth make from at least 40 feet this season. Portland and Golden State have split the season series, with the Blazers winning the most recent matchup in a 137-105 stunner on Feb. 19. Lillard had a career-high 51 points in that one. It was Golden State's worst loss since April 2012.

Key trends: The Blazers are 8-20 ATS in the past 28 meetings. The over is 4-0 in the previous four.

Early lean: Warriors want major payback. They cover and go over.

Knicks at Clippers (-10, 205)

New York won in Phoenix on Wednesday, 128-97. Sasha Vujacic made an incredibly rare start and had 23 points -- normal starter Arron Afflalo missed the game -- as did Carmelo Anthony. It was New York's highest point total and biggest margin of victory this season. Forward Lance Thomas also sat for the Knicks. L.A. lost 120-108 in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Chris Paul shot just 5-of-15, scoring 12 points with 16 assists. That loss likely dooms the Clips to the No. 4 seed in the West and a conference semifinals matchup with Golden State (assuming both get there). The Clippers won in New York 116-88 on Jan. 22. Paul had 16 points, 13 assists and six rebounds. L.A. has won seven in a row overall in the series.

Key trends: The Knicks are 0-5 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 6-1 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Clippers and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Friday's hot teams
-- Charlotte won its last five games (4-1 last 5HF). Detroit won six of its last eight games (2-4 last 6AU).
-- Celtics won six of last seven games (9-4 last 13HF). Houston won three of its last four games (3-1 last 4AU).
-- Memphis won six of its last nine games (10-5-1 last 16HF).
-- Miami won five of its last six games (4-2 last 6AU).
-- Clippers won four of their last six games (4-6 last 10HF).
-- Golden State won nine of its last ten games (5-8 last 13HF).

Cold teams
-- 76ers lost their last ten games (3-6 last 9HU). Nets lost four of their last five games (1-0AF).
-- Pelicans lost five of their last six games (6-4 last 10AU).
-- Thunder is 4-6 in its last ten games (1-4 last 5HF). Minnesota lost five of its last six games (4-7 last 11AU).
-- Chicago lost five of its last seven games (1-3 last 4HF).
-- Washington lost its last three games (7-5 last 12AU). Jazz lost seven of their last eight games (1-4 last 5HF).
-- Orlando lost four of its last five games (4-2 last 6AU). Kings lost seven of their last eight games (4-2 last 6HF).
-- Knicks lost six of their last nine games (6-3 last 9AU).
-- Portland lost three of its last four games (6-4 last 10AU).

Series records
-- 76ers lost six of last eight games with Brooklyn.
-- Hornets won six of last eight games with Detroit.
-- Rockets won four of their last five games with Boston.
-- Grizzlies won six of last eight games with New Orleans.
-- Thunder won last 10 games with Minnesota (6-4 vs spread).
-- Heat won three of its last four games with Chicago.
-- Washington won its last four games with Utah.
-- Kings won five of their last seven games with Orlando.
-- Clippers won last seven games with New York (6-1 vs spread).
-- Blazers lost four of last five games with Golden State.

Totals
-- Five of last six Philly games went over the total.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Charlotte-Detroit games.
-- Last seven Houston-Boston games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven New Orleans games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Miami-Chicago games stayed under.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Utah games.
-- Seven of last ten Orlando-Sacramento games went over.
-- Six of last seven Clipper-Knick games stayed under.
-- Six of last seven Blazer-Warrior games went over total.

Back/backs
-- Chicago is 2-8 vs spread last ten times they played night before.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the hardwood'

Portland at Golden State March 11, 10:30 EST

It’s the Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry show Friday evening when Portland Blazers and Golden State Warriors clash at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Lillard playing like a man possessed has netted an average 33.5 points/game since the all-star break dropping 40 or more three times including a whopping 51 points in Blazers' 137-105 victory vs Warriors up in Portland to open the second half. While Golden State got a modest 12 points from Curry in their last game the reigning MVP still leads the league averaging 30.4 per/contest.

Bettors love-affair with Golden State continues as Warriors are a whopping -13.0 point home favorites. As always, laying double digits on a game is risky. Though, in this case, the amount of supporting data in favor of Golden State makes it much less risky. Dubs with revenge on their mind along with protecting an unblemished home record send a message to the Blazers. Lay the points, Warriors have cashed tickets in 14 of 20 meetings and have grabbed the loot in 15 of 19 encounters when hosting Portland.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

ACC Trends and Angles

Venue: Verizon Center - Washington, DC

Overall Betting Results
Favorites/Underdogs: 8-2 SU, 3-6-1 ATS
Over/Under: 8-2

Friday, Mar. 11
Semifinals
Matchup Records Skinny Projection

No. 1 North Carolina
Overall: 26-6 SU, 14-17-1 ATS
Totals: 17-15-1 O/U

No. 4 Notre Dame
Overall: 21-10 SU, 14-14-1 ATS
Totals: 15-14-1 O/U

No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 4 Notre Dame (ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET)
It’s a rematch of last season’s ACC championship when Notre Dame outlasted North Carolina, 90-82 as 3 ½-point underdogs to claim the Fighting Irish’s first conference title since leaving the Big East in 2013. Notre Dame (12-7 ACC) looks to keep up its momentum from Thursday’s dramatic overtime triumph over Duke, 84-79 as the Irish erased a 16-point second half deficit. The Irish knocked off the Tar Heels in South Bend, 80-76 as 2 ½-point home ‘dogs in early February. North Carolina (15-4 ACC) cruised past Pittsburgh, 88-71 to easily cash as 7 ½-point chalk, while covering as a favorite for the fourth time in the last five opportunities. Following an 11-3 run to the ‘under,’ the Tar Heels eclipsed the ‘over’ of 150 ½ in Thursday’s victory over Pitt.

North Carolina 83
Notre Dame 78


No. 2 Virginia
Overall: 25-6 SU, 16-13 ATS
Totals: 11-18 O/U

No. 3 Miami, FL
Overall: 25-6 SU, 18-11-1 ATS
Totals: 14-16-1 O/U

No. 2 Virginia vs. No. 3 Miami, FL (ESPN, 9:30 p.m. ET)
---

TBD
TBD

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Big East Trends and Angles

Venue: Madison Square Garden - New York, NY

Overall Betting Results
Favorites/Underdogs: 5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS
Over/Under: 4-2

Friday, Mar. 11
Semifinals
Matchup Records Skinny Projection

No. 1 Villanova
Overall: 28-4 SU, 15-15-1 ATS
Totals: 16-14-1 O/U

No. 4 Providence
Overall: 23-9 SU, 17-14 ATS
Totals: 18-13 O/U

No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 4 Providence (FS1, 6:30 p.m. ET)
These are the past two champions of the Big East Tournament, with 'Nova having won last year. The Wildcats dropped Georgetown 81-67 but may have suffered a substantial blow since center Daniel Ochefu winced in pain upon reaggravating an ankle sprain, playing just 13 minutes. He's the only regular taller than 6-foot-8 on the Villanova roster and may be shelved until next week's NCAA Tournament to give him time to heal. The Friars got 38 points from 6-9 power forward Ben Bentil, the second-highest total in Big East Tourney history, in beating Butler 74-60. Hes the Big East's leading scorer (21.2 ppg), but lost out on Player of the Year honors to PG Kris Dunn, who aided the Friars cause with 15 points and seven assists. Providence has overcome a run of five losses in February's first six games by winning its last four and is now an NCAA Tournament lock. These teams split their regular-season meetings, as the Friars won in Philly, 82-76 in OT on Jan. 24, while Villanova returned the favor on Feb. 6, winning in Providence.

Villanova 69
Providence 70


No. 2 Xavier
Overall: 27-4 SU, 19-12 ATS
Totals: 20-11 O/U

No. 3 Seton Hall
Overall: 23-8 SU, 21-9 ATS
Totals: 13-17 O/U

No. 2 Xavier vs. No. 3 Seton Hall (FS1, 9:00 p.m. ET)
Both teams here held serve in high-scoring games, finishing off the realistic NCAA Tournament at-large hopes of Marquette and Creighton. The Musketeers scored 90 points for the third time in four games in an 18-point win over the Golden Eagles, delivering the 'over' in six straight games and nine of their last 11. The Pirates survived a comeback bid from the Blue Jays behind terrific games from guards Khadeen Carrington (27 points) and Isaiah Whitehead (24 pts, 12 rebs, 6 asts). Seton Hall won the rebounding battle 45-25 and pulled down some crucial ones in key situations. These semifinalists have split their regular-season meetings, each winning by double-figures on their home floor. Whitehead suffered a bruised tailbone on a rebound late Thursday but should be in the mix here.

Xavier 81
Seton Hall 75

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

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

Big 14 tournament (Indianapolis)
Maryland won 70-65 at Nebraska Feb 3, despite -12 turnover ratio; they won first conference tourney game four of last five years, are 2-4 in last six games, losing last three road games, one at Minnesota. Nebraska won last two nights after going 2-9 in last 11 regular season games; they used only one kid more than 30:00 last nite, but Maryland hasn't played since Sunday, so they're more rested team here. Terps are 3-0 vs Nebraska in Big 14 games, winning by 4-3-5 points.

Atlantic 14 tournament (Brooklyn)
St Joe's won 84-66 at George Washington Feb 10, shooting 64% inside arc, scoring 1.38 ppp; in last decade, Hawks are 8-2 in first tournament game, losing 60-49 to Bonnies LY. St Joe's lost last two games, allowing 88 ppg, after its 24-5 start. GW beat Saint Louis by 8 last nite, despite Billikens going 10-18 on the arc; they're 5-2 in last seven games overall, haven't won two games in same conference tournament since 2007.

AAC tournament (Orlando)
Cincinnati beat UConn twice this year, 58-57 on road Jan 28, 65-50 at home Feb 20- Huskies shot under 39% inside arc both games. They say both teams are on bubble; is this an elimination game? Bearcats won first conference tourney game five of last six years; they're 9-3 in last twelve games overall, 2-3 in last five on road. UConn lost three of last five tilts since beating SMU at home- they're 12-3 in conference tourneys the last five years- they didn't play in one in 2013.

Memphis is 5-9 in its last 14 games; they lost first AAC tourney game last two years- this is their worst season in years. Tigers beat Tulsa ten days ago at home, 92-82; were 31-39 on foul line, shot 56% inside arc, scoring 1.21 ppp- that was Tulsa's only loss in last five games- veteran Hurricane team is 8-1 in first conference tourney game in last nine years. Tulsa ranks #1 in country in experience, starting four seniors, one junior.

SEC tournament (Nashville)
Texas A&M won its last six games after a 1-5 skid, beating Kentucky, Vandy in hot streak; Aggies beat Florida 71-68 at home Jan 12, with an 20-4 edge on foul line, +9 (16-7) turnover edge. A&M is 4-7 in tourneys last seven years, losing its first game last two years. Florida was on a 1-4 skid before beating Arkansas yesterday; only one Gator played 30:00+. Florida is 10-4 in SEC tourney last 5+ years, but obviously that was in Donovan era- this is a young Gator squad with a new coach.

ACC tournament (Washington DC)
Notre Dame rallied from 16 down to upset Duke yesterday; all five of their starters played 35:00+; PG Jackson played 44:00, has played 39+ in seven of last nine games. Irish won ACC tourney LY, they beat UNC 80-76 Feb 6, after trailing by 9 at half. Irish won last three games against the Tar Heels. Carolina won five of its last six games, beating Pitt by 17 yesterday, shooting 64% inside arc- Paige was only guy to play 30:00+

Home side won both Miami-Virginia games this year; Cavaliers won at home 66-58 Jan 12, lost 64-61 in Miami Feb 22, when 'canes hit 10-19 on arc. Virginia they shot 55% inside arc, were +7 in TOs in easy win yesterday; Miami had tougher game vs Va Tech, playing three guys 31+ minutes- they're 9-2 in last 11 games overall. Virginai won its last four games, beating Carolina/Louisville- they've won five of last six games in ACC tournament.

Big East tourney (NYC)
Since 2005, Villanova is 1-7 in second game of Big East tourney, with a win LY when they won tournament. Road team won both Providence-Villanova games this year; Friars won 82-76 in OT Jan 24, lost 72-60 at home Feb 6- Friiars shot 30.3% inside arc. Providence is 5-2 in Big East tournament last two years, with title in '14, they've won last four games, scoring 80.5 ppg. Villanova won 11 of last 12 games, with only loss by 7 at Xavier Feb 24.

Seton Hall is 10-2 in last 12 games, with both losses to Butler; Pirates split with Xavier this year, losing 84-76 in Cincy Jan 23 (Pirates were 6 of 27 on arc), winning rematch 90-81 Feb 28 (outscored Xavier 27-11 on line). Musketeers are 13-2 in last 15 gams; no one played more than 28 minutes last nite, while Seton Hall played three starters 35:00+. Xavier is deeper team here; Seton Hall should have big edge in crowd support. .

Big 12 tournament (Kansas City)
Baylor lost three of its last five games; they lost twice to Kansas this year, 102-74 in Lawrence Jan 2, 66-60 at home Feb 23. Bears are 5-2 in last three Big X tourneys; they beat Texas easily yesterday, but played three guys 35:00+. Jayhawks are 14-3 in last six Big X tourneys, since losing in first round back in '09; they won last 12 games; four of its last six wins were by nine or less points. Kansas also had fairly easy game laat night, beating K-State by 22.

WVU won its first conference tourney game in six years last nite; they won last five games overall- only one kid played 30:00+ vs TCU in last night's win. Mountaineers lost twice to Oklahoma this year, 70-68 in Norman (WV led by 7 in 2nd half), 76-62 at home, shooting 33% from floor. Sooners are just 5-10 in Big X tourney the last 10 years- last time they won this tournament was in 2003; Oklahoma won five of last six games; they're heavily veteran team, useful against pressing defense. .

Pac-12 tournament (MGM, Las Vegas)
Oregon ended Arizona's 49-game home win streak Jan 28, with +13 TO margin (Arizona shot 70% inside arc); Ducks are 7-2 in Pac-12 tourney last three years. Arizona won Pac-12 tourney LY, first time in over a decade; they're 8-2 in last ten games overall. Wildcats were up 21 last night vs Colorado, hung on to win game 82-78- they played three guys 33:00+. Arizona pounded the Ducks 80-52 in LY's tourney, but the gap between programs has obviously closed this year.

Big West tournament (Anaheim)
Hawai'i beat UCSB twice this season, 65-57 at home Jan 9, 76-64 Feb 4 in Thunderdome; since that loss, Santa Barbara is 9-0, with last five wins by 15+ points. Gauchos are 2-3 in Big West tourney last four years- its last tourney titles were in '10/'11. Hawai'i is 3-1 in Big West tourney last two years, after being 1-8 in conference tourneys before then; Rainbows are 8-1 in last nine games on mainland, with loss at Long Beach State.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CBB Betting: March Madness
Larry Ness

Selection Sunday Looms

NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament

The second-to-last regular season AP poll was released Monday (March 7) and for the first time all season, the same 25 teams were ranked from the previous week (minor changes in some places). Kansas, which has won 12 straight Big 12 regular season titles, was No. 1 for a second straight week (4th week at No. 1 this season) but does ANY team want to be ranked No. 1 in the final regular season AP top-25? The final regular season polls will be taken after all schools have completed their respective conference tourneys and will be released late next Sunday or early Monday. Considering the following, probably not.

A look at the history book shows that teams entering the NCAA tournament No. 1 in the final AP poll have not fared well since the heyday of John Wooden's UCLA Bruins. UCLA won 10 of 12 titles from 1964-75, seven times entering the tournament as the nation's top-ranked team. Bob Knight's 1975-76 team, the last to finish a season unbeaten at 32-0, also entered that year's tourney as No. 1. However, since that season, just SIX schools have finished No. 1 in the AP's final regular poll and gone on to win the title. The most recent school to do so was Kentucky in 2012, with the short list also including Duke (2001), UCLA (1995), Duke (1992), North Carolina (1982) and Kentucky (1978). Doing the math, that's just SIX in 39 years or 15.4 percent, not exactly making this year's AP's final regular season No. 1 an overwhelming favorite to "cut down the nets" at NRG Stadium in Houston come April 4.

The AAC, Big West, Sun Belt and WAC open their respective conference tourneys on Thursday (March 10), as all leagues have now begun or finished their postseason events. Yale clinched the Ivy’s regular season title last Saturday and earned that league’s automatic bid for the first time since 1962. That same day, Austin Peay (OVC) claimed the first of 31 conference tourneys and will make the school’s 7th NCAA trip with an 18-17 record. The Governors won four games in four days and will take a six-game winning streak into the Big Dance. The team’s 18-17 record seems quite modest but note that Austin Peay opened this season having won 12, 8, 12 and 8 games the previous four years!

The most recent school to punch its NCAA ticket was Holy Cross, which beat Lehigh 59-56 Wednesday night (March 9) in the championship game of the Patriot League. It marks the school’s 13th all-time NCAA appearance (first since 2007) but more notably, Holy Cross (14-19) is the 25th team to make the NCAA tournament with a losing record and just the FIFTH team to make the tournament with 19 or more losses, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Like Austin Peay, the Crusaders needed to win four games, although the event was contested over nine days. Remarkably, after going 0-9 in conference road games this season, Holy Cross won all four of its tourney games as a visitor, including wins over the league’s top two seeds, No. 1 Bucknell and No. 2 Lehigh.

As of Wednesday, a ‘lucky 13’ teams have earned automatic bids to the Big Dance. Joining Yale (Ivy), Austin Peay (OVC) and Holy Cross (Patriot) are Chattanooga (Southern), Florida Gulf Coast (Atlantic Sun), Northern Iowa (MVC), Iona (MAAC), UNC-Asheville (Big South), UNC-Wilmington (CAA), Wisconsin-Green Bay (Horizon), Fairleigh Dickinson (NEC), South Dakota St (Summit) and Gonzaga (WCC). Northern Iowa’s, Iona’s, Wisconsin-Green Bay’s and Gonzaga’s wins hold extra significance, as 24-8 Wichita St (MVC), 27-7 Monmouth (MAAC), 26-6 Valparaiso (Horizon) and 27-5 St Mary’s (WCC) all now need to earn at-large bids or see outstanding regular season go for naught.

All will need ‘bubble teams’ from major conferences to lose early in their respective conference tourneys. I think most bracketologists believe Wichita St is safe (I agree) but the other three schools are sure to be nervous come Sunday. Monmouth’s resume includes road (UCLA & Georgetown) and neutral-court (Notre Dame & USC) wins and supposedly, that’s an important factor. I’d let them in if the school promised to leave its “bench antics” at home plus I have a soft spot in my cold handicapper’s heart for Valpo and its head coach, Bryce Drew. As for St Mary’s, the Gaels just can’t seem to escape the ‘shadow’ of Gonzaga, as it once again came up short in a major test vs its biggest rival. Hard to believe all four will get in but Wichita St and two of the other three seems reasonable. Then again, results from these Thursday-Sunday games will help shape the outcome. Talk about NOT being in control of one’s own destiny!

The action heats up beginning Thursday, as prior to that, the only ranked team (according to the AP) to have played was No. 19 Duke, which barely escaped 92-89 (as a 7 1/2-point) favorite over NC St on Wednesday. I’ll return Monday with a Tournament by the Numbers article and will begin an NCAA Tourney Journal on Wednesday (March 16).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

With the focus on Kentucky Derby preps and two points races on tap on Saturday, I nearly forgot about the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap (G1).

While California Chrome and Hoppertunity are pointing toward the $10 million Dubai World Cup (G1) in a couple of weeks, the Big ‘Cap still drew a solid field of nine older runners.

Effinex is the 2-1 morning line favorite and will be making his first start since taking the Clark Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs. I thought his runner up finish to American Pharoah in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) was a bit of a fluke, but he proved me wrong with his Clark win.

Imperative is the 3-1 co-second choice on the morning line. He has run seventh and eighth in the last two editions of the race and is 0 for 11 over the main track. However, he is coming off a solid effort in a nose loss in the San Antonio (G2) on Feb. 6 where he was beaten a nose by Hoppertunity.

Donworth is 3-1 on the morning line and was third in the San Antonio, beaten a half-length for the top spot. It was his first start off a 7 ½ month layoff. With just five starts under his belt he still appears to have some upside.

Golden A Rod competed in all three jewels of the 2014 Triple Crown, with a fourth in the Preakness Stakes (G1) his best finish. He ships in from Florida for trainer Todd Pletcher and is coming off a 7 ½ length win against $100,000 optional claimers in the slop, earning a 105 Beyer Speed Figure. He is 4-1 on the morning line.


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

GP Race 1 Clm $30,000B (12:35 ET)
#1 Gombey Dancer 2-1
#2 Roll On the Navajo 4-1
#5 I'm Steppin' It Up 5-2
#4 Urban Cool 6-1

Analysis: Gombey Dancer tracked the early pace, came with a four wide bid and finished gamely for the runner up spot last out. Two back this guy was beaten just a neck in his first go off the claim by the Navarro barn. The gelding owns a solid pace profile throughout and looks tough in this spot for a hot barn.

Roll On the Navajo was beaten double digit lengths in his last pair in stakes company. Four back on opening day this guy was beaten just 3/4 of a length in a good third in the Claiming Crown Iron Horse. He fits better showing up tagged here for $30,000 and facing non-winners of three or a race since Sept. 11.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 8-5 or better.
EX: 1,2 / 1,2,4,5
TRI: 1,2 / 1,2,4,5 / 1,2,3,4,5

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

GP Race 9 OClm $62,500N2X (4:35 ET)
#1 Generous Kitten 6-1
#6 Seeking Alpha 7-2
#5 Snow Trouble 8-1
#2 Jonrah 4-1

Analysis: Generous Kitten made a good late rally to beat Alw-1 foes last out going 1 1/16 miles over good ground. The third place finisher Farz came back to beat Alw-1 company in his next start on March 5. The Maker trainee looks capable of handling the extra ground and the step up in class here.

Seeking Alpha is one of two in here sent out by Chad Brown and this is where Castellano lands. The colt beat Alw-1 foes last out in his first trip against winners. The third place finisher Flatlined came back to beat Alw-1 optional claimers in his next outing on Feb. 26. Three straight career tops for this guy and he looks as if he still has some upside. He is by Medaglia d'Oro out of the stakes winner Royale Michele ($231,365) and the extra ground here should not pose a problem.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 9-2 or better.
EX: 1,6 / 1,2,5,6
TRI: 1,6 / 1,2,5,6 / 1,2,5,6,8

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
R2: #1 Fuhrious Warrior 12-1
R3: #1 Pure Bliss 12-1
R4: #1 Sugar Pi Squared 10-1
R6: #6 Royal Moment 10-1
R8: #1 Apologynotaccepted 12-1
R9: #5 Snow Trouble 8-1
R10: #9 Don’t Make Me Cry 12-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Friday 3/11 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 5,6,9,10/5,9/3,4,5/5,8/3,4,9 = $28.80

EARLY PICK 4: 5,8/3,4,9/2,5,9/4,5,6,7 = $72

LATE PICK 4: 4,5,6,7/1,5,8/3/5,8,10 = $36

MEET STATS: 288 - 898 / $1494.90 BEST BETS: 46 - 83 / $162.90

SPOT PLAYS: 20 - 84 / $208.00

Best Bet: A PLUS (9th)

Spot Play: TWIN B INSPIRING (6th)


Race 1

(6) WAR FILLY was making a big move around the final turn but then kept getting pushed farther and farther wide as others tipped out in front of her. That was a pretty good effort but ground loss was critical. She can take this with a better trip. (10) BOAT HOUSE ROW drops to a level where she can threaten but she is win-shy and must overcome this post. (5) SHADYS M THREE is another that rarely wins but can threaten at this class and she could even get the job done with the right trip.

Race 2

(5) PERFECT ROAD has raced well for trainer Fellows and was a devastating winner last week vs. a bit easier. Call to repeat. (9) HARLEIGH RYDER motored home in the final 1/4 last week and passed more than 1/2 the field while doing so. She could win this if she can get off to a better start. (10) DONICUS puts a five-race win streak on the line here and is up against it facing better and drawing the 10-hole; minor share predicted.

Race 3

(5) MOONLIT DANCE raced decently in her four-year-old debut now gets what should be a better set-up in this shorter field. Top call at what might be a square price. (4) WAASMULA was driven very aggressively last time putting up big fractions and she held on gamely. She is in top form and must be reckoned with here. (3) WITCH DALI fell just short of nailing Waasmula late and is another mare in with a shot in a compact but competitive field.

Race 4

(8) STONEBRIDGE MEDUSA is the first starter for a modest dam but she may have some talent based on the way she finished her final qualifier. Slight nod in a race full of unknowns. (5) DORABELLA came up with her best effort to date last seek. She may have found a field she can handle here. (3) DEUCETTE is related to several winners that won dozens of races but all had mediocre to poor debut efforts; your call.

Race 5

(4) JETPEDIA was live last week but just too far back early; another chance hoping he leaves a bit this time. (3) WIZARD OF OSNEY stole a soft middle 1/2 and was impossible to catch late. He has raced great for Moreau and is the one to beat once again. (9) HILLSONATOR escapes the outstanding Musical Rhythm and has to be considered here.

Race 6

(5) TWIN B INSPIRING was a blowout winner here at the end of January then had two tough trips. She can take this group a long way. (9) ST LADS PENNY LANE drops to a level where she is usually solid but must overcome this post. (2) TRUE REFLECTION could upset with the right trip, but it would need to be near-perfect considering her lack of killer instinct.

Race 7

(5) IRISH SCOTCH closed strongly in his Woodbine return last week and is capable of leaving much better. Perhaps he will blast off early here looking for position. (4) OAKLEA WYATT has been racing well in the top class at Flamboro and has to be considered here. (7) ASPEN CALIFORNIA may benefit from getting off the rail here and hit the ticket at a price.

Race 8

(8) WANDA BAYAMA wasn't hurried early in her comeback race and as such couldn't reach a sprinting leader late. She likely leaves harder and moves earlier here; top call. (1) OUR HOT MAJORETTE was an easy winner in the open leg and will have to be caught here. (5) ANISTON SEELSTER was a bit rusty last week now comes back in 7 days and should be better for it.

Race 9

(3) A PLUS used a devastating 3rd 1/4 move to blow her rivals away last week. Call to repeat in her current form. (7) DOCTOR TERROR is capable of a much better effort and the slight drop in class may wake her up in her fourth start back. (4) KISS ME OR NOT drops a level and should be prominent early, at the very least.

Race 10

(5) OSTINATO debuts for Moreau and slides into a claimer. She might be a decent price too; slight nod. (8) CYNDALIANNE DUC also drops and last time she was in a claimer she was a sharp winner; using. (10) OLIVIAS WAY fits great in this class but post could do her in here. (7) NUNETTE B and (4) CARLY HOLLYWOOD are reliable check earners that can make the Super or High-5 ticket.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 3/11 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


MEET STATS: 111 - 395 / $646.90 (-$143.10) BEST BETS: 15 - 29 / $62.90 (+$4.90)

Best Bet: AVA N ELLA (5th)

Spot Play: UPFRONT BILLY (6th)


Race 1

(10) KEYSTONE THOMAS was perfect in four starts at the Meadowlands during amateur competition with Heckhoff in the bike. That includes a win from post 10. Ignore the bad form. (8) JACKS TO OPEN had some issues last week while facing tougher. Amateur Driver of the Year Hannah Miller should get a better performance out of him this time. (6) CELEBRITY STIMULUS has an inside post edge on the main competition.

Race 2

(4) BEACH GRANNY got a speed-tightening mile in last time and now drops in class. If she can't best this group, it may be time to lay off her for a few more starts to follow. (8) MISSSOMEBEACH BLUE drops for the third straight week and should prove competitive. (2) SWEET TIME has early speed and picks up Tetrick.

Race 3

(4) MICHAEL'S WILD BOY wasn't going far from post 8 at Freehold a week ago, but raced well when last seen here. This field is awful and he deserves the call. (8) OPINION HANOVER hasn't won in some time but probably hasn't faced a field this easy, either. (7) KAMERON P has a bit of ability and actually stayed flat with hobbles added in his most recent qualifier.

Race 4

(2) DETROIT RAPPER is an interesting case since you have to decide if his lack of success has to do with racing in the Open ranks or just bad form. I'm going with the former. (4) ULSTER finds a field that lacks an abundance of early speed; good trip likely. (3) WORLD CUP is certainly in good form but can't seem to fight his way to a win. (1) CHARLES VII drops down and should offer decent value. (6) MAGENTA MAN remains a factor at least underneath.

Race 5

(10) AVA N ELLA is perfect in two starts and now moves into a more prominent barn and picks up a catch-driver. Against this weak field, despite post 10, all signs point to a win at 3-5. (1) SHE CAN CRUISE raced against experienced stakes-caliber older mares in her recent qualifier and kept up nicely. She may be ready at first asking. (7) CAMEO DELIGHT has been stuck with outside posts at Yonkers and seems to be coming into form now. (6) SHESGOTTHEBEAT shipped in and raced reasonably well.

Race 6

(4) UPFRONT BILLY didn’t quite live up to expectations for me last week against a much tougher field. I have to think he gets the job done this time. (6) BLUE MUSE gets post and class relief; big threat in here. (1) ANGELS RANSOM has proven capable when he minds his manners. (10) MONEY ON MY MIND drops down and has the speed to menace.

Race 7

(1) MR LOVER finds a field loaded with early speed and he does pick up Tetrick again; taking a shot. (4) T JS MR LAVEC gets the top first, which gives him the best chance of not being used too hard early. (7) WALLTOCOUSINS has been leaving in the morning and qualified really well. With the right trip he can win.

Race 8

(4) ROYAL ENGAGEMENT raced better than I expected last week and now gets an improved post to work with tonight. (9) THAT WOMAN HANOVER reunites with Tetrick and should be firing off the gate. (1) BLACK MAGIC EYES seems like a fit in here but needs to stay in striking position.

Race 9

(8) MODEST PRINCE has been uncontrollable on the engine in recent weeks, but you have to think Tetrick will try to keep him calm and make one run this time around. This field is ripe for the taking. (4) SCORCHER HALL won up in company last time and drops in for a tag tonight to avoid a class jump. (6) STONEBRIDGE IDOL should hustle to the top and be involved.

Race 10

(2) MADMAN HALL finds himself down in class with a clear shot at the early lead from post 2. I can see Schnittker sticking close in second or third and pulling off the upset. (1) BROOKROAD KNIGHT gets a much better post to work with this week and should be involved. (5) HALL PASS HELEN hardly looks like a world-beater but is in cheap against a mostly formless group.

Race 11

(8) CLEAR VIEW HANOVER has won three straight with Tetrick at the controls and doesn’t exactly face any killers tonight. (4) SAYITALL BB didn’t exactly improve as much as I hoped last time, but she has class. (2) NOT BEFORE EIGHT is right there each week and might get over the top sooner or later.

Race 12

(2) SHEER FLEX is in theory moving up in class off a good second-place finish, but I thought the group he faced in NW5000 was tougher than this NW7500 field. (8) MC TINY’S HOPE has the early speed to make an serious impact. (5) FUSION POWER gets Tetrick back in the bike and faces easier.

Race 13

(1) SPECTATOR K moves into a good barn and has won here in the past. (6) BIG BANG HANOVER has been facing slightly tougher and gets the best post he has seen in some time. (2) LAZURUS was competitive versus better most recently. (3) CATALYST is more of a Freehold horse but he is capable of getting into the money.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 3/11 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 61 - 241 / $447.00

BEST BETS: 6 - 19 / $24.70

Best Bet: EXHILARATED (4th)

Spot Play: KNOCKING AROUND (8th)


Race 1

(5) OR did make up some ground having live cover but could not make headway to catch the top three last week. If he could revert to his February 23rd trip, it could be game over for the rest of these. (3) SWIFT AS A SHADOW flashed good speed to finish third when this 6-year-old took a drop in class last time out. (6) GREYSTONE CASH needs a better trip to contend; maybe.

Race 2

(1) OUTA MY HEAD moves back inside when this pacer was a very game second three trips ago; poised to return to the winner's circle. (3) REPORT FOR DUTY N was used hard to grab the lead at the 1/4 pole but did not have enough gas in the tank in the final stretch drive last out. (6) ARTHUR got the job done via the pocket last out. Post hurts, but is very capable.

Race 3

If you throw out (6) WHAT THE SHEIK's last start, he was an easy winner against same company. At his best he can make tonight a winning one. (4) DOUBLE YOUR BET is knocking at the door based on his last two trips to the post. (2) HERE COMES HUDD gets post relief and that could help his cause; we shall see.

Race 4

(5) EXHILARATED might have found the right condition to get greet the cameraman for pictures. When right, this mare has good early pace to grab a favorable position; gets the call. (3) BAD NIGHT MARE was late on the scene to nail down the placing in her latest. (2) ART IDEAL here's another that rallied strongly to miss the victory by only a neck; watch out.

Race 5

(3) HIPNUMBERONE lost good cover, was second turning for home but flattened out in deep stretch last time around. She fits with these and if she can overcome traffic, there's a good chance she can mow these down at her best. (4) GROUNDED took charge past the 1/2 mile pole and held on for win honors last time out. (7) FANTICIPATION gets a tough post to work with but the drop in class will put her right in the mix.

Race 6

(6) ROCKN RUBY N Pacing mare did show some early zip before tiring against some of these last week. She has hit the board 4 of 7 trips this year and with some luck, this gal can get back into the winner's circle just like she did on February 19th. (7) GALLIE BYTHE BEACH Consistent mare was sent down the road last out for all the glory; dangerous. (8) KRISPY APPLE put in a nice qualifier at the Meadowlands last week; threat.

Race 7

(7) CRACKER COFFEE showed signs of life missing the victory by only 3/4 of a length. She does have speed to grab a good spot early and mow them down when the real racing starts. (3) SCOOTIN FOR JOY was battling outside and still pecked out a score in her last try. (1) GEISHA GIRL N will need a better trip than in her last two starts. Was a sold wire to window victor three starts back; watch out.

Race 8

(2) KNOCKING AROUND was extremely wide turning for home and could not get close to the top two in his last start. Gelding has excellent late kick and with a covered up trip, he can blow these away for all the marbles. (3) ART FOR ARTS SAKE took a 3-hole trip throughout and was at the helmet of two of his rivals but missed the score by a head. (1) IDEAL CARVER is 0 for 7 this year but should fare well from the fence; maybe.

Race 9

(6) ROCKAROUND SUE moves down the ladder where this mare had done her best running (NW$12k). Has the tactical speed to pick them up and lay them down for all the glory. (1) GIANNAS DELIGHT had to re-take the lead at the 1/4 pole and that might have compromised her chances last out. (2) NIPPY W HANOVER gets the luck of the draw and this mare got the job done on January 29th; not out of this.

Race 10

(1) ARI ALLSTAR Gelding did not fire his best in his last start but hey that was in the 7-hole. The good news is he moves to the fence and has the tactical speed to be the boss over this group. (2) URBANA BAYAMA flashed speed for most of the way but did not have any more fuel in the gas tank and tired badly to fifth last time out. (3) OUTRAGEOUS ART had live cover and just got up for win honors in his latest.

Race 11

(3) PAMS LEGACY had no chance from the 8-hole last out but now this gelding gets serious post relief; could top these. (1) THESEYESRCRYING retains the rail slot and does have some early pace; threat. (6) TWIN B HOLLISTER is 0 for 6 this year but did show signs of life in his most recent outing.

Race 12

(4) ELISAVETA N was very dull in her last start but that was against a much better group. Now she moves down in class and Carlson knows this pacing mare so there's a good chance she can put it all together with the right trip. (1) INITTOWINAFORTUNE Sharp in her last trip at the Big M and now she moves back to Yonkers where she has done quite well. (3) KNOW IT ALL got the job done via the pocket recently against lesser.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (2nd) Valkimqua, 5-1
(6th) Shovalla, 3-1

Charles Town (2nd) King Richard, 3-1
(5th) Crafty Mary, 8-1

Delta Downs (5th) Due to Paradise, 8-1
(6th) Zarba's Charm, 3-1


Fair Grounds (2nd) Our Biggest Fan, 6-1
(5th) Walker the Wiz, 6-1


Golden Gate Fields (1st) Romancemediscretly, 6-1
(5th) Handful of Pearls, 6-1


Gulfstream Park (2nd) Boca Scuttlebutt, 3-1
(6th) Parmel Landing, 6-1


Hawthorne (2nd) Away She Glows, 7-2
(6th) Legend Forever, 3-1


Laurel Park (5th) Western Conqueror, 3-1
(7th) Orbit, 8-1


Oaklawn Park (1st) Nueces, 9-2
(7th) Spinner, 9-2


Penn National (2nd) Frecuencia, 6-1
(8th) Scud Lilly, 3-1


Santa Anita (2nd) Dissension, 4-1
(9th) Latina Mo, 3-1


Sunland Park (6th) Crown of Ambition, 3-1
(8th) Super Accord, 4-1


Tampa Bay Downs (2nd) Me Llamo Sam, 6-1
(9th) Synthesizer, 8-1


Turfway Park (2nd) El Romano, 6-1
(8th) Mygalsal, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's six-pack

Six of the top minor league prospects of the Philadelphia Phillies.....

1) JP Crawford, SS-- 21-year old figures to play in AAA this year.

2) Nick Williams, OF-- Acquired from Texas in Cole Hamels deal.

3) Nick Thompson, P-- Was 5-1, 1.80 in seven Eastern League starts.

4) Andrew Knapp, C-- Hit .360 in half a season in Eastern League

6) Cornelius Randolph, OF-- Won't be 19 years old until June.

19) Aaron Brown, OF-- Alum of Pepperdine, where a few years ago, the batboys were Pamela Anderson's sons.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Friday, March 11, 2016, NBA.

A tough situational spot for a bad Brooklyn team, its 9th straight road game, the end of a brutal trip. The Nets are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 vs. the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia is home and rested, its second straight home contest. The 76ers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning percentage below .400.

Play the 76ers.