Friday 3/4/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Jazz (28-32) at Grizzlies (36-24)

Date: March 04, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies have displayed a lackluster offense in two defeats against the Utah Jazz but have been a more dynamic team since the latest matchup - even with their roster makeover.

The Grizzlies will try to avoid another poor performance against the Jazz on Friday night while sending Utah to a season-high fifth consecutive defeat.

Memphis (36-24) averaged 83.0 points and shot 36.6 percent in two visits to Utah but took the Jazz to overtime in a 92-87 defeat Jan. 2. The Grizzlies head into this matchup averaging 105.8 points in a 15-5 stretch - a nearly 10-point increase from their 95.9 mark in the first 40 games - and 110.6 while winning four of five.

They've been productive despite losing leading scorer Marc Gasol to a season-ending foot injury last month and Tony Allen (knee) missing the past six games.

Memphis has also continued to work Chris Andersen, P.J. Hairston and Lance Stephenson into the mix. All three were brought over before the trade deadline.

Mike Conley has aided the Grizzlies by averaging 19.0 points on 50.8 percent shooting in his last nine games while going 15 of 34 on 3-pointers. He made all three attempts from beyond the arc and 9 of 12 overall while scoring 24 in a 104-98 victory against Sacramento on Wednesday.

Zach Randolph had 19 points in the opener to a three-game homestand and has averaged 18.1 in 12 games since the beginning of February, up from 13.7 in his first 43.

"We're getting closer but we've got a long way to go," Conley said. "We're happy with getting these wins but we're not satisfied. We've got to keep on pushing forward, get the guys acclimated to all our new plays and to our new system."

While seeking a fourth consecutive home win, the Grizzles will try to hand the Jazz their eighth loss in 10 games. Utah (28-32) has fallen to ninth in the Western Conference and dropped its fifth in a row on the road Wednesday, 104-94 to Toronto.

Starting guard Rodney Hood suffered what was deemed a minor head injury with 8:23 remaining in the second quarter.

"It's huge," forward Gordon Hayward said. "He's another guy who can make plays for himself, make plays for our team, and the defense has to respect him. ... It was a bad loss for us."

Hood's status is unclear for Utah's attempt at its first season sweep of the Grizzlies since 2008-09 and its third consecutive win in Memphis. The Jazz are in a stretch where they're playing nine of 13 on the road, and they conclude a four-game trip Saturday against New Orleans.

Hood, averaging 14.7 points in his second season, scored a career-best 32 with a career high-tying eight rebounds in the victory in January.

Conley has shot 31.7 percent against Utah but has still scored 35 points. Randolph has totaled 18 points while missing 13 of 22 shots.

The Jazz have held the Grizzles to less than 90 points in each of the last four matchups dating to their most recent visit to Memphis, a 93-82 victory last March.

Utah hasn't lost five in a row since a nine-game skid Nov. 21-Dec. 8, 2014.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Timberwolves (19-42) at Bucks (25-36)

Date: March 04, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

An intriguing 6-foot-11 youngster plays for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Milwaukee Bucks - one at center and the other at point guard.

Minnesota's Karl Anthony-Towns should keep getting plenty of attention in the post and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely to continue handling the playmaking duties when the teams meet Friday night at the Bradley Center.

Anthony-Towns has started every game at center for the Timberwolves (19-42) since being drafted No. 1 overall last year. He appears to be the Rookie of the Year favorite, tied for fifth in the league with 35 double-doubles while averaging 17.3 points and 10.3 rebounds.

All that production, though, has caused opposing defenses to increase their focus on him. The 20-year-old has failed to reach 15 points in back-to-back games for the first time since mid-January, totaling 21 field-goal attempts and six free throws. Anthony-Towns attempted an average of 18.7 field goals and 6.3 free throws in the previous six games.

"I'm trying to attack, I'm trying to get to the rim," he said. "Doing things like that allows the court to be more open for my teammates."

Anthony-Towns said he was "catching the ball seeing about four people, three people at a time" very early in Wednesday's 104-98 home loss to Washington. Minnesota fell to 2-16 since the beginning of December when he has fewer than 15 points, though he grabbed 15 rebounds and tied a season high with five assists.

Antetokounmpo has averaged 7.8 assists in the Bucks' past five games, with coach and former point guard Jason Kidd giving the 21-year-old much of the ballhandling duties. Still, he remains a scoring threat and a force on the boards, averaging 17.9 points and 11.3 rebounds in his last eight.

'You can see that his leadership skills are starting to come out," said Kidd, who mentioned that Antetokounmpo's height allows him to see different passing lanes. "He has that skill of being able to find guys.'

The Greece native has topped 40 minutes in each of the last two games with backup point guard Michael Carter-Williams sidelined by patella tendinitis. It's unclear if he will return Friday.

Antetokounmpo was among six Bucks to score in double figures in a 95-85 win in Minnesota on Jan. 2.

Greg Monroe helped harass Anthony-Towns into one of his worst games as a pro - eight points on 4-of-17 shooting - while leading Milwaukee with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Monroe still sees significant playing time despite being relegated to the bench in early February but has gone a season-high five straight games without a double-double.

The Bucks (25-36) have won the past three meetings.

Both teams have lost three of four overall due greatly to poor defense. Milwaukee has allowed an average of 107.0 points in that span and has let three straight opponents hit at least 40 percent from 3-point range. Minnesota has given up more than 100 points in 12 consecutive games, yielding an average of 112.0, and allowed at least 10 3-pointers in each of the last five.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nets (17-44) at Nuggets (24-37)

Date: March 04, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

The Denver Nuggets put an end to a three-game home losing streak their last time out. Now they appear to be in good position to snap a couple of slides against the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nuggets have dropped four in a row and two straight at home to the lowly Nets, who stagger into Denver looking to avoid a third straight loss as they continue a nine-game road trip Friday night.

Denver (24-37) averted a third consecutive defeat overall in ending its home skid by beating the Los Angeles Lakers 117-107 on Wednesday. D.J. Augustin scored 22 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter to lead six Nuggets in double figures, and Denver shot 48.7 percent from the field and went 12 of 23 from 3-point range.

The Nuggets have shot 47.8 percent in the past six at home, but they've allowed opponents to score 111.0 points per contest over the last five of them.

Augustin helped to overcome another shaky night on defense - the Lakers are averaging 97.8 points - with his second 20-point game in the last three. Both were season highs.

'Just going with the flow of the game. It happens sometimes,' said Augustin, who went 3 for 3 from beyond the arc and 9 for 9 from the foul line. 'I took what they gave me.'

Augustin has hit 57.6 percent from the floor over the past three.

He'll look to continue his hot shooting against the Nets (17-44), who fell to 2-3 on their grueling trek with a 107-101 loss to the Lakers on Tuesday. Brook Lopez, Thaddeus Young and Bojan Bogdanovic combined for 60 points, but Brooklyn allowed Los Angeles to shoot 49.4 percent and go 11 of 26 from 3-point range.

Rookie D'Angelo Russell torched the Nets for 16 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter and went 8 for 12 on 3s.

'We didn't play well, and they got going, so it's on us,' said Lopez, who's averaged 23.4 points in his last seven. 'We played selfish. All things considered, we still had a shot and we got some good looks. We had opportunities to get back into the game, but it just never happened.'

Young added 15 rebounds while Bogdanovic scored 18 in his fourth straight start since the Nets parted ways with Joe Johnson. He's averaged 17.3 points in that span - well above his season mark of 9.9.

Brooklyn has outscored Denver 107.3-92.8 in its four-game run in the series. It took the first meeting of the season 105-104 at home Feb. 8, and its two consecutive road victories over the Nuggets have come by an average of 25.5 points.

The Nets played for the second straight night Tuesday and third time in four days, and they're opening another back-to-back with Minnesota on tap for Saturday night. Brooklyn's trip, which began Feb. 23, runs through March 11.

Young scored 20 points Feb. 8 while Kenneth Faried had 22 and 13 rebounds for Denver. Teammate Danilo Gallinari scored 24, but he's missed two straight games and is day-to-day with a sprained ankle.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hawks (33-28) at Lakers (12-50)

Date: March 04, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Though not in a position to celebrate moral victories, the Atlanta Hawks still had to be encouraged by how they began an important road trip.

The Hawks stand a better chance of being rewarded in Friday night's matchup with a Los Angeles Lakers team that may have Kobe Bryant among several notable absences.

After recording key wins over fellow Eastern Conference contenders Chicago and Charlotte to build momentum for a season-high five-game trek, Atlanta (33-28) nearly ended Golden State's 42-game regular-season home winning streak in Tuesday's 109-105 overtime loss.

Though the Warriors held out Stephen Curry with a sore ankle, the Hawks continued a strong defensive stretch by limiting the NBA's highest-scoring team to 39.8 percent shooting - the fourth time Golden State has finished below 40 percent this season. Atlanta trailed by only one when the Warriors' Draymond Green hit a desperation 3-pointer as the shot clock expired with 40.2 seconds left in overtime.

The Hawks had held the Bulls and Hornets to a combined 34.9 percent and yielded a season low in points in Sunday's 87-76 win over Charlotte. They are allowing 97.6 points per game since Jan. 16 and lead the NBA in defensive rating during that span (96.2 points per 1000 possessions).

"I think there was a lot of, continues to be a lot of good positives on the defensive end of the court," coach Mike Budenholzer said. "They made a couple of tough shots, crazy shots, and offensively we didn't get quite enough to go down for us."

Los Angeles (12-50) is the NBA's worst shooting team at 41.6 percent but has been making progress, averaging 108.1 points and connecting on 38.2 percent of its 3-point tries in seven games since the All-Star break.

Jordan Clarkson is 20 of 47 from 3 while averaging 17.1 points over that stretch, but he may not play after exiting Wednesday's 117-107 loss at Denver with a strained left knee. Lou Williams, the team's third-leading scorer behind Bryant and Clarkson, will miss a second straight game with a strained left hamstring.

Bryant returned from a two-game absence to log 11 minutes in his final appearance in Denver. The retiring superstar, dealing with a nagging shoulder injury, said afterward he only played as a show of gratitude to the fans.

'It was important to get out there and play and show appreciation for all these years,' he said. 'Had it not been the case, I wouldn't have played."

Bryant's injury has allowed the Lakers to accelerate D'Angelo Russell's development, and the rookie is indeed showing progress by averaging 26.8 points over his last four. After amassing a career-high 39 points to help end Los Angeles' eight-game skid with Tuesday's 107-101 win over Brooklyn, the No. 2 overall pick followed with 21 and six assists against the Nuggets.

"Everybody knows they've got to step up when guys go down," Russell said.

The Lakers haven't displayed improvement on the defensive end, though. They've allowed 116.4 points per game over their last eight, with opponents shooting 44.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Eight different Hawks hit 3-pointers in a 100-87 home win over the Lakers on Dec. 4.

Los Angeles had won eight straight at home in the series prior to the Hawks' 91-86 victory March 15, 2015. Atlanta hasn't won back-to-back road games over the Lakers since 2002.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Friday, March 4, 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

For much of this season, it looked like the Los Angeles Lakers made a mistake taking D'Angelo Russell with the No. 2 overall pick in last year's draft instead of going with Jahlil Okafor and especially Kristaps Porzingis. And while I still think Porzingis will be the better pro (not sold on Okafor yet), Russell is starting to show signs of what the Lakers saw in him -- and why they should play Kobe Bryant only a few minutes a night (to let the fans see him) so Russell can be the "guy." On Tuesday with Kobe out injured, Russell scored a career-high 39 points, the most for any NBA rookie this season and the most for any Lakers rookie since the franchise moved to Los Angeles prior to the 1960-61 season. And on Wednesday, with Kobe playing just 11 minutes, Russell added 24 points. Coach Byron Scott has kept Russell on a short leash virtually all season but that leash appears to be coming off. It's at the point in this lost season where that should happen. Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns has won every Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors this season, but Russell is off to a good start to steal that in March.

Pacers at Hornets (-3, 200)

Indiana ended a three-game losing streak with a 104-99 win in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Paul George had 15 points and a game-high 10 rebounds for Indiana, which had seven players score in double figures. The bench scored 21 of the Pacers' 31 fourth-quarter points. Charlotte won a second straight blowout Wednesday, 119-99 at Philadelphia. Kemba Walker had 30 points and seven rebounds. This starts a seven-game homestand for the Hornets. Charlotte has never swept a regular-season series against the Pacers but can with a win here. And the Hornets won the first two meetings in Indianapolis. The Pacers were held to 95 points in each.

Key trends: The Pacers are 1-6-1 against the spread in the past eight meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in 11 of the past 16.

Early lean: Hornets and under.

Suns at Magic (-12.5, 217.5)

Phoenix was in Miami on Thursday, no doubt losing again. Orlando thumped Chicago 102-89 on Wednesday. Nikola Vucevic scored 24 points and rookie Mario Hezonja, who is starting to get more minutes, added a career-high 21, He has started three straight games in place of an injured Evan Fournier, who maybe won't get that job back. Phoenix won the first meeting 107-104 at home on Dec. 9. But the Suns were respectable back then with Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight. Phoenix has won two straight in Orlando.

Key trends: The road team is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The over is 6-2 in Orlando's past eight overall.

Early lean: Magic and over.

Heat at 76ers (TBA)

About as easy as a back-to-back as you can ask for here for Miami, which hosted Phoenix on Thursday. Philadelphia lost its 10th straight game Wednesday, 119-99 to Charlotte. The Sixers have allowed 100-plus in nine straight games and more than 120 points four times during that span. Okafor sat out for the second straight game with a bruised right shin. Miami won the first meeting 96-91 at home on Nov. 21. The Heat have won 20 of the past 23 in the series.

Key trends: The Heat are 6-2 ATS in the past eight in Philly. The over is 7-2 in the Sixers' past nine overall.

Early lean: TBA for Okafor, who is questionable. I might take the points here -- I could see the Heat perhaps giving Dwyane Wade the night off.

Knicks at Celtics (-9.5, 210)

New York was blown out a second straight game Tuesday at home, this time 104-85 by Portland. Carmelo Anthony had 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, who have dropped 15 of 18. Boston won a 12th straight home game Wednesday, beating those Blazers 116-93. Isaiah Thomas had 30 points to lead Boston to its fourth straight win overall. The Celtics haven't won 13 in a row at home since 2008-09. Boston leads the season series 2-1 and has won two straight at home vs. the Knicks.

Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 7-3 in Boston's past 10 overall.

Early lean: Celtics and over.

Trail Blazers at Raptors (-5, 207)

Terrific point guard matchup here between somewhat overlooked All-Stars Damian Lillard and Kyle Lowry. I say overlooked because of the cities they play in and lack of national TV games. Portland lost by 23 in Boston in the second of a back-to-back on Wednesday. That ended the Blazers' six-game road winning streak. Toronto beat Utah 104-94 on Wednesday for its 11th straight home victory. Lowry had 32. Toronto won in Portland 110-103 on Feb. 4 behind 30 points from Lowry. Lillard had 27.

Key trends: The road team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 4-1 in the past five.

Early lean: Raptors and over.

Wizards at Cavaliers (TBA)

First of an ESPN doubleheader and should have live betting at sportsbooks -- and could be a first-round Eastern Conference playoff preview. Washington won a fourth straight Wednesday, 104-98 in Minnesota. Bradley Beal, still on a minutes restriction, had 26 points off the bench. The Wizards' reserves outscored the Wolves' 64-18. Cleveland ended a two-game losing streak with a 100-96 win over Indiana on Monday. LeBron James had 33 points and Kyrie Irving 22. This is the final meeting of the regular season. Washington actually leads 2-1 and won in Cleveland on Dec. 1 by 12 and just beat the Cavs on Sunday, but LeBron sat that out.

Key trends: Washington is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The over is 4-1 in the past five.

Early lean: Honestly not sure why the opening TBA here. A few Wizards are dealing with injuries but not John Wall or Beal at this point. Cavs will cruise. They aren't about to lose the season series or get swept at home.

Jazz at Grizzlies (-1.5, 194)

Utah dropped a fourth straight Wednesday, 104-94 in Toronto. The Jazz led by 12 in the first half. Gordon Hayward had 26 points and six assists. Rodney Hood was helped off the floor in the second quarter following a collision and didn't return. So he's obviously in doubt for this one. Memphis won a second consecutive Wednesday, 104-98 over Sacramento. Mike Conley scored 10 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter. Guard Tony Allen missed a sixth straight game with a sore left knee. Utah has won two very low-scoring games vs. Memphis this season, both in Salt Lake City.

Key trends: The Jazz are 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The under is 9-3 in the past 12.

Early lean: Grizzlies and under.

Timberwolves at Bucks (-4.5, 212.5)

Minnesota lost a second straight Wednesday, 104-98 at home to Washington. Towns had 14 points, 15 rebounds and five assists. Kevin Garnett, Nemanja Bjelica and Nikola Pekovic all sat out again and none seem close to returning. Milwaukee lost 104-99 at home to Indiana on Wednesday. Khris Middleton had 23 points to lead the Bucks, who have lost three of four. Michael Carter-Williams missed a second consecutive game with patella tendinitis and isn't expected here. Minnesota lost by 10 at home to Milwaukee on Jan. 2. The Bucks have won three straight overall in the series.

Key trends: The Wolves are 0-4 ATS in the past four meetings. The under has hit in 12 of the past 16.

Early lean: Bucks and under.

Nets at Nuggets (-5.5, 208)

Brooklyn lost at the Lakers 107-101 on Tuesday. Brook Lopez had 23 points before fouling out with 2:43 left. Thaddeus Young had 19 points and 15 rebounds -- I don't know why he wasn't dealt at the deadline. Denver ended a two-game skid with a 117-107 home win over the Lakers on Wednesday. D.J. Augustin had 22 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter. Brooklyn beat visiting Denver 105-104 on Feb. 8. The Nuggets have dropped four straight overall vs. the Nets.

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

Early lean: Nuggets and under.

Hawks at Lakers (TBA)

Second ESPN game. Atlanta could still be a bit flat off nearly winning at Golden State on Tuesday, falling in overtime. Paul Millsap missed a wide-open 3-pointer with 24 seconds left in regulation that might have won it. The Hawks rallied from a 14-point deficit to force overtime before dropping to 0-4 in OT this season. You might see Kris Humphries debut here for the Hawks. He was just signed off waivers from the Suns. As noted above, Kobe played just token minutes in Wednesday's loss in Denver in his final visit to the city. Lou Williams missed it and could miss a week with a hamstring injury suffered Tuesday. Fellow guard Jordan Clarkson left in the third quarter with a knee injury but doesn't think it's serious. So Russell should get a ton of minutes again here, and you never know if Kobe will play with his bothersome shoulder. Los Angeles lost in Atlanta 100-87 on Dec. 4. Kobe had 14 points on 4-for-19 shooting.

Key trends: The home team is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 13-6 in the Lakers' past 19 at home.

Early lean: Wait on all those Lakers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Friday's hot teams
-- Miami won six of its last eight games (8-4AF).
-- Hornets won eight of their last ten games (4-2 last 6HF).
-- Raptors won five of last six games (7-2 last 9HF). Portland won nine of its last ten games (5-3 last 8AU).
-- Celtics won five of their last six games (8-3 last 11HF).
-- Washington won seven of its last nine games (7-3 last 10AU). Cavs won seven of their last ten games (3-6HF with Lue).
-- Memphis won four of its last five games (10-4-1 ast 15HF).
-- Nets split last four games, covered five of their last seven.

Cold teams
-- 76ers lost their last ten games (1-6 vs spread in last seven).
-- Indiana lost three of its last four games (3-0 last 3AU).
-- Suns lost 15 of their last 15 games (0-11 last 11AU). Magic lost four of last seven games (8-2 last 10HF).
-- Knicks lost 11 of their last 13 games (5-2 last 7AU).
-- Utah lost five of its last six games (3-9 last 12AU)
-- Bucks lost three of last four games (4-1 last 5HF). Minnesota lost five of its last seven games (4-3 last 7AU).
-- Denver lost five of its last seven games (2-5HF).
-- Hawks lost six of their last nine games (6-9 last 15AF). Lakers lost nine of their last ten games (5-3 last 8HU).

Series records
-- 76ers lost four of last five games with Miami.
-- Pacers are 6-4 in last 10 games with Charlotte, but lost last two.
-- Suns won four of last five games with Phoenix.
-- Trailblazers won four of last five games with Toronto.
-- Knicks lost five of last six games with Boston.
-- Cavaliers won four of last six games with Washington.
-- Jazz won three of their last four games with Memphis.
-- Bucks won their last three games with Minnesota.
-- Nets won their last four games with Denver.
-- Lakers lost four of last six games with Atlanta.

Totals
-- Four of last five Miami road games stayed under.
-- Seven of last nine Indiana games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Phoenix games went over the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Toronto games went over total.
-- Under is 3-0 in last three games for both Boston/New York.
-- Five of last seven Cleveland games stayed under total.
-- Over is 17-5 in last 22 Memphis games.
-- Eight of last ten Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Denver games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Laker games went over the total.

Back/backs
-- Phoenix is 3-7 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Miami covered its last four games if it played night before.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Previews, Streaks, Tips, Notes

Cavs Seek Revenge on Re-Tooled Wizards

The Cleveland Cavaliers (42-17 SU, 25-31-3 ATS) are still the best team in the Eastern Conference. At press time, they're –400 to win the East. But things haven't gone very smoothly for the Cavs as of late. They're 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS in their last five games, including a loss to the team they'll face Friday night, the Washington Wizards. Tip-off is at 8 PM ET on ESPN.

This past Sunday, the Wizards beat Cleveland 113-99 as 3-point home dogs; the Cavs were favored by 6.5 points before LeBron James was given the day off to rest. James will presumably play in the rematch. Meanwhile, the word on the street is that Kyrie Irving wants out of Cleveland, and that morale on the team is generally low.

Washington (29-30 SU, 31-28 ATS) is working its way back into playoff contention in the East after being hampered by injuries earlier this season. The Wiz are 8-4 SU and ATS over their past dozen games; new arrival Markieff Morris made his first start at power forward in Monday's 116-108 win over the Philadelphia 76ers (+13 away), putting up 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists with a pair of steals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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

It is the final week of the college basketball regular season as teams make their final push to be a part of the field for the NCAA tournament. Steve Merril has scoured the schedule for the must-watch, must-wager games for each day on the college hoops calendar so that you don’t miss any of the action.

Friday: Texas at Oklahoma State
Where to watch: espn2, 9:00 p.m. ET

Texas has been a pleasant surprise this season. The Longhorns played their first year under head coach Shaka Smart, and they did so without their best player. Texas comes in off a embarrassing home loss to Kansas on Monday night. Oklahoma State was a young team decimated with injuries, but they only lost by 5 points at Texas earlier this season. The Cowboys will play their final home game, but they are just 3-14 SU over their last 17 games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Longhorns (19-11) at Cowboys (12-18)

Date: March 04, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Texas coach Shaka Smart pointed to his team's lack of humility as one reason for a lopsided defeat earlier this week. Isaiah Taylor's nagging injury certainly didn't help either.

The No. 23 Longhorns hope to have their leading scorer available for Friday night's regular-season finale against short-handed Oklahoma State.

Texas (19-11, 10-7 Big 12) knocked off then-No. 3 Oklahoma last weekend, and Smart felt his team let that upset go to its head before an 86-56 rout by No. 1 Kansas on Monday.

"We beat Oklahoma and because of human nature, there was a lack of humility that impacted us," Smart said. "With a majority of teams, there has to be a humility level that we have to do the things that go into winning that we control. If we don't do those things, we are drastically reducing our chances of winning."

Taylor missed nine of his 10 shots and finished with five points while being plagued by plantar fasciitis. Smart said the junior guard, averaging 15.1 points and 4.9 assists, was in a walking boot from Sunday until just before game time.

Smart said Taylor was feeling better Tuesday and would be "amazed" if he sat out the visit to Oklahoma State (12-18, 3-14).

"It's one of those things you could sideline him for a month and it would get better. But obviously we don't have the luxury of doing that, and he doesn't want to do that," Smart said. "It's a painful injury. It's one of those things that you kind of have to grit your teeth.

"He's a tough kid, but you're talking about someone whose game is based on explosiveness and quick movement."

If he plays, Taylor will try to help the Longhorns end a four-game losing streak at Oklahoma State. He's scored 18 points in each of his last two matchups with the Cowboys, but both were in Austin. He's averaged 10.5 points and 27.3 percent shooting in his two games in Stillwater.

A 74-69 home victory Jan. 16 was just Texas' second in the past eight overall meetings. The then-No. 10 Longhorns lost 69-58 in their most recent visit to Oklahoma State on Jan. 10, 2015.

The Cowboys have dropped 12 of their last 13 against Top 25 teams, earning the win against then-No. 3 Kansas on Jan. 19. They've also dropped six of seven home games against ranked opponents.

Oklahoma State has played four Top 25 teams in its season-high five-game skid and fell 58-50 at No. 21 Iowa State on Monday. No Cowboys player scored in double figures in a 31.7-percent shooting night, which included a 4-for-27 effort from 3-point range.

Oklahoma State is guaranteed to finish ninth in the 10-team league but sophomore swingman Tavarius Shine isn't ready to mail it in. He'll have to shake off a shoulder injury suffered against Iowa State, but indicated that ailment wasn't too serious.

"We're going to come out and give it our best (against Texas)," Shine said. "It's Senior Night so I'm going to do it for all my seniors. It's been a tough stretch for us but we've just got to keep pushing."

Oklahoma State's Jawun Evans and Phil Forte III are out for the season. The statuses of Jeffrey Carroll (illness) and Leyton Hammonds (finger/ankle) are uncertain after they missed Monday's game.

Hammonds scored 18 points Jan. 16, four shy of matching his career high.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

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

Akron was outscored 22-6 on foul line in 85-76 loss at Kent State two weeks ago, teams split last eight meetings. Flashes lost five of last six visits to Akron. Zips are 8-0 at home in MAC, 5-2-1 as home favorites; five of their last six home wins are by 10+ points. Kent lost its last five road games, four by 9+ points- Akron shoots 40.9% on arc, best in the league. MAC home favorites of 9+ points are 4-5 vs spread.

Oklahoma State's two best guards are out for year; they've lost five in a row, 14 of last 17 games. losing last two home games by 10-14. points. Texas beat Cowboys 74-69 at home Jan 16, despite going 7-31 on arc; Longhorns are 2-6 in last eight series games, losing their last four visits to Stillwater, by 12-13-13-11 points. Big X home underdogs of less than 5 points are 5-10 against spread. Texas lost its last game by 30 at home to Kansas.

Missouri Valley tournament (St Louis)
Wichita State is 85-21 in MVC last seven years, but only 10-5 in Valley tournament, winning it once, in '14. Shockers swept Loyola by 26-22 in this year's meetings, with last one ten days ago. Wichita won its last five games. with 16 points closest one. Ramblers are 3-2 in this event, losing by 13-14 points; they beat Bradley by 8 last night- four starters played 32:00+. Shockers won first tourney game last six years, with all six wins by 10+ points, three by 14+. .

Home side won both Southern Illinois-Northern Iowa games this season; Salukis made 13-22 on arc in 75-73 win, 4-18 in 67-58 loss. UNI is 4-2 in last six series games-- they won Arch Madness LY after losing in first round four years before that. SIU went 11-7 in Valley this year after a 35-73 run the six years before that; Salukis are 3-8 in this event the last eight years, since making tournament finals in both '06, '07.

Evansville swept Missouri State this year, by 17-19 points; Aces were +15/+10 on foul line in two games. Evansville won last four games in series, but are just 2-9 in Arch Madness last nine years, with both wins by 8 points. State made 10-20 on arc, won 69-67 over Drake last night; three starters played 37:00+. Purple Aces won four of last five games, with a 54-52 loss to Northern Iowa in last game Saturday.

Indiana State snapped 6-game skid with win over lowly Bradley in last game. Illinois State won six of last eight games. Home side won both ISU-ISU games this year; Sycamores shot 38.2/29.3% inside the arc in games- they were down 21 at half in 78-50 loss in Normal in last series meeting Feb 17, just 4th Redbird win in last dozen series games. Illinois State won first tourney game six of last eight years; Sycamores are 3-9 in last 12 (3-2 in last five). .

CAA tournament (Baltimore)
Elon beat Drexel 83-78/81-76 this year, going 21-40 on arc in two tilts; Phoenix is 3-1 vs Drexel in CAA play- they split pair of games in CAA tourney LY, their first after jumping from SoCon. Drexel went 3-15 in CAA after Damion Lee bolted to Louisville; Dragons won two of its last three games- they lost last four CAA tourney games, by 8-3-6-3 points. Elon went 21-40 on arc vs Drexel, but was 33.5% on arc in all CAA tilts.

Charleston lost its last four games, three by 4 or less points; Cougars are 18-37 in three years in CAA, 1-2 in tourney- they split pair of games with Delaware this year, shooting 37.3/34.9% from floor, in games that were decided by total of 4 points. Blue Hens are 4-1 in first tourney tilt last five years, losing in first round LY after winning event year before. Delaware is 5-1 against Charleston since Coigars joined CAA in 2014.

WCC tournament (Las Vegas)
LMU-San Diego split last ix games; home side won both this year, even with Toreros going 17-34 on arc. LMU won its first WCC tourney game four of last six years; Lions were 6-12 in WCC, but won last two games, both in OT. USD lost its last three tourney games by 3-9-3 points; they lost six of last seven games overall, beating Portland in finale. Pacific is not in WCC tourney, so this is standalone game- good tix are available.

MAAC tournament (Albany)
Monmouth is 17-3, top seed, but they're missing top rebounder Jones (hand), are 1-5 in conference tourney games last nine years- they won two NEC titles in '04/'06. Rider lost twice to Monmouth this year- they blew 12-point lead in last 3:14 at home Feb 12, then lost 79-58 on road two weeks later. Hawks are 11-1 in last 12 games, losing at Iona. Rider won last two games 60-57/60-57, after losing six of previous eight tilts.

Canisius won in triple OT last night, using four kids 42:00+; now Griffs have to play fast-paced Iona, who beat Griffins 84-66/86-78 this year, with last win six nights ago- Canisius led 40-35 at half, were 15-35 on arc- as much as kids played last nite, their legs won't be good at shooting 3's the next night. Iona is 10-4 in MAAC tourney last five years, taking 2+ games last three years- they won first tourney game last five years, with three wins by 23+ points. .

Ohio Valley Conference tournament (Nashville)
Belmont is 21-3 in conference tourney games since 2006, winning seven tourneys. Austin Peay is 6-2 in its last eight games overall, upsetting Tennessee St, Tennessee Tech last two nites (72-76 possession games), while Belmont has been off. Governors are 6-2 in last eight games, but are 0-4 vs Bruins in OVC, losing 76-58 on road Jan 16 (was 46-23 at half). Young Belmont split its last eight games after a 16-6 start.

Morehead State won last six games overall, is 13-5 in OVC tourney since 2009, winning it in '09/'11- its ast eight losses are all by 6 or less points. UT-Martin won eight of last nine games; they are 3-7 in tourney since 2003, 20-13 overall in OVC under Schroyer- he raised level of program in his two years. Skyhawks lost 64-58 at Morehead Jan 9, going 6-25 on arc in game- Martin loss 11 of its last 12 games against Morehead State.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

We were back in action on Thursday after Gulfstream Park was dark on Wednesday due to the Fasig-Tipton sale and we had a pretty good day with five winners on top along with five recommended exactas.

Over the weekend we had five winners on top on Saturday with eight recommended exactas and followed that up on Sunday with four winners on top and four exactas. That is 17 recommended exactas over the past three days at Gulfstream Park.

We have an 11-race card on tap for Friday and another 13 races coming up on Saturday’s card including a trio of graded stakes.

The stakes action on Saturday starts with the $150,000 The Very One (G3) which drew a field of six that will go 1 3/16 miles on turf. The Chad Brown trained Dacita is the 2-1 morning line favorite and makes her first start since running ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).

The $500,000 Gulfstream Park Handicap (G2) drew a field of seven led by Valid (5-2) and Itsaknockout (2-1), who were second and fourth respectively in the Donn Handicap (G1).

The $300,000 Mac Diarmida (G2) drew seven that will go 1 3/8 miles on the turf. Twilight Eclipse is the 2-1 morning line favorite and makes his first start since an eighth place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1).


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

GP Race 1 Clm $12,500 (12:35 ET)
4 Amberjack 5-2
1 Dangerous Brew 6-1
3 Symphony Forty One 4-1
7 Toh's Grey Cat 3-1

Analysis: Amberjack caught a sloppy track last out, checking in sixth for a $30,000 tag in his first start off am eight-month layoff. The third place finisher Running Cat came back to beat $25,000 foes in his next outing on Feb. 25. He stretches out to a mile and should be tighter second off the bench. The Maker barn is 18% winners with runners making their second start off a +180-day layoff.

Dangerous Brew was bumped coming out of the gate, stalked the early pace, came with a four wide bid and finished up well for the runner up spot. This guy has now landed in the exacta in all six trips over the main track here but with just one win. He is more effective at a mile.

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 1,4 / 1,3,4,7
TRI: 1,4 / 1,3,4,7 / 1,3,4,6,7


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

GP Race 9 OClm $16,000SAL (4:35 ET)
5 Viva Bertha 5-1
9 L.A. Style 6-1
2 Zeta Zody 3-1
4 Electro Peg 4-1

Analysis: Viva Bertha tracked the early pace, made a good middle move to get to the front and then ran out of gas late in a sixth place finish last out against Alw-1 optional claimers. She makes his third start of her current form cycle and third since landing with the sharp Walder barn. The mare beat $16,000 claimers three back at Hawthorne on turf, her sixth career win over the weeds. She drops into a good spot here facing starter optional claimers.

L.A. Style caught a sloppy track last out that was kind to speed, making a mild late run to finish fourth. The winner Double Berg returned to beat $16,000 foes in her next start here on Feb. 10. She has been best on turf and beat $16,000 non-winners of three her least September earning a fig good enough to be in the mix in this spot.

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


Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Gulfrstream Park
R2: #9 Geo Niko 8-1
R4: #7 Rockmeagain 10-1
R5: #2 Pampam 12-1
R6: #7 Accelerato 10-1
R7: #9 Senor Casanova 8-1
R8: #4 Cattindog 12-1
R10: #4 Sharp Valor 8-1
R10: #8 Match Up 8-1
R11: #7 Angel of Love 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Friday 3/4 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: 2,5/7/2,5/4,5,6/4,5,8,9 = $9.60

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

LATE PICK 4: 2,8/4,7,8,9/7/3,5,6,7 = $32

MEET STATS: 273 - 858 / $1433.20 BEST BETS: 44 - 80 / $156.40

SPOT PLAYS: 19 - 80 / $205.60

Best Bet: OLIVIAS WAY (9th)

Spot Play: BET YA (5th)


Race 1

(2) MISSYS GA GA was such a powerful winner last week that she is hard to go against here but be mindful that she will be odds-on and has had gait issues in the past. (5) ALL B OVER escapes the sensational Musical Rhythm here and looks most likely to benefit if the choice falters. (1) LOVE HUNTER can use a covered following trip to take a good share here.

Race 2

(7) OUR HOT MAJORETTE beat Preferred type mares last time and stands out here but is another that will be a very low price on the board. (2) YES YOU CAN had a useful tightener last week and seems like the one most likely to register an upset if there is one. (3) MISCHIEVOUS GIRLS can close for a piece of this but is unlikely to threaten for the win.

Race 3

(5) WANDA BAYAMA dominated the Niagara series then took a break. There is no doubt she is best here and will take this if cranked up to offer close to her best. (2) MUCH ADOO is on a roll but will need to deal with a rival that handled her easily several times in December. (7) DOUBLE OLIVES was motoring late last time but had too much to do. A similar scenario is likely here, but she will be passing many of these at the end of the mile.

Race 4

(5) PONDER THE DREAM made two moves last time and finished well. She looks best of a weak group here. (4) INEXPLICABLE RUBY left, dropped back, then came on again late. She should break her string of 5th-place finishes here. (6) DOCS DIVA seemed to stop to a walk once passed after the 1/2 last week. Expect different tactics here.

Race 5

(4) BET YA makes her second start back and gets post relief. She is quite capable of beating these if ready to produce her best; price play. (5) GREYSTONE LADYLIKE steps up off a sharp win and has beaten better in the past; using. (9) MOONLIT DANCE is obviously a top-class mare but she may need one - especially starting from an outer post in her seasonal debut.

Race 6

(7) MERCURY FASHION closed well chasing a dominant winner in his 2016 debut and improvement - and perhaps a more aggressive steer - can be expected here. (3) FLEET BUMBLEBEE raced okay in the General Brock series and these are easier. Toss him in your Pick 4 tickets. (5) JOHNNY RIDGE moves to a cagey trainer; notice the quick final 1/4 in the qualifier.

Race 7

(2) MISS COCO LUCK plunges to a class where she should be prominent throughout and could easily work out her preferred pocket trip her; top call. (8) RUBIS PRESCOTT is another that plunges to a class where she fits and she should be blasting early. (4) DAZZLE N DELIGHT went the longest trip possible last time and paid the price. With a better post expect an improved trip; upset chance.

Race 8

(7) JETPEDIA was visibly flying at the end of his mile last week. Perhaps third time over Woodbine will be the charm here. (8) PRETTY BOY has produced better late speed in the new barn and is a major threat here again. (4) HERBIES WILDFOLOWER goes for three straight here but looked tired at the end of her most recent win; your call.

Race 9

(7) OLIVIAS WAY meets mostly a very weak group here and could dominate from start to finish. (2) JENNA CASIMIR finished just behind the choice last time and looks like the only real threat - if there is one. (3) CARSONS CASHIN gets a new barn and adds Lasix. She could take a minor share here.

Race 10

(5) CHEEKIE was out a long way yet kept coming last week. Filion may roll the dice earlier with this mare tonight; top call. (6) WAR FILLY faces easier and is a contender here but needs a trip. (3) NINETTE B could work out a similar trip as last time and take a good share here. (7) CALL IT COURAGE fits in this class but needs to avoid the kind of trip she had last week to threaten for the top spot. (10) FLIGHT OF AN ANGEL has been racing well and could make one of the lower exotic rungs here at a big price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 3/4 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: 105 - 369 / $619.30 (-$118.70)

BEST BETS: 14 - 27 / $59.90 (+$5.90)

Best Bet: WORLD CUP (10th)

Spot Play: MASSACAIA (1st)


Race 1

(6) MASSACAIA comes off an even effort from post 10 which looks like a toss from my viewpoint. His prior effort was a solid win and while it was seemingly ‘down in class’, that group shapes up favorably with tonight’s foes. (2) MAGENTA MAN was handed his first loss of the year while tackling better last week; obvious threat. (5) ULSTER comes out of the same race as the former and certainly has a shot.


Race 2

(3) HIPPITY HOP has a couple of starts under her belt now for a barn that tends to take it slow with young horses. She is still facing the boys and older opponents, but there are no monsters signed on in here. (4) CURFEW is the obvious horse to beat at short odds if you can overlook the recent breaks. (2) CYPRESS POINT comes off a decent effort and can get into the number.

Race 3

(2) WINNERS OVER closed well from an outside post at Yonkers with no shot in her first start since September 1, 2015. Her level of ability is still in doubt, but she faces a field full of questions. (4) ARTISTIC GUSSIE rallied nicely on the switch to the big track. (6) WEEKLY SPECIAL got caught in a fast mile at Yonkers on Monday and should find this group more to her liking.

Race 4

(1) THAT WOMAN HANOVER hasn’t been very good of late but does have some class and faces a dull group. While I wouldn’t say I’m confident she will win, I do think she is the best mare in the race. (8) CNDIANA JONES took plenty of air from post 10 last time. She has a legitimate chance with a cleaner trip. (7) YOU LITTLE RASCAL passed some horses in her first start since December and could show more now. (2) KELLI RACHELLE returns to the Big M at a reduced level.

Race 5

(1) DANISH DURANGO comes with the risk of a possible break, but if he behaves this is clearly his race to lose. Also worth noting that driver John Campbell stays here over his brother’s horse, Opening Night. (6) T JS MR LAVEC has displayed the ability to go down the road here and was simply in too tough last week. (3) JACKIE GOLDSTEIN is no world-beater but should hit the ticket somewhere.

Race 6

(1) KASCARA ROSA comes with the risk of a break, but if she minds her manners I expect her to get the job done for this high percentage barn. Notice the removal of the trotting hobbles prior to her last qualifier. (9) CELEBRITY STIMULUS raced in an Amateur race rather than a qualifier and probably got more out of that anyway. He fits perfectly in here if up to speed. (2) KEYSTONE TREVOR should save ground and have a chance if the trip works out.

Race 7

(7) BEACH GRANNY raced okay from post 10 in her first start since October and can show more now. (8) BETTOR CHILL OUT had no shot closing off slow fractions against better company a week ago; better spot. (3) HEY KOBE is another making her second start off the bench; shows more?

Race 8

(3) ROCK OF CASHEL couldn’t be much sharper. He proved he can go with the Open types on Feb. 19 and looks to be in a good spot to pull off the minor upset. (6) OPULENT YANKEE is probably the one to beat this week with Gural Hanover taking the week off. (5) CROSBYS CLAM BAKE is certainly sharp and could be sitting a sweet trip behind #6.

Race 9

(5) INITTOWINAFORTUNE was locked in the pocket and had to check late while appearing to have something left in the tank. If she is rounding into form (which appears to be the case), I expect she’ll try to cut the mile. (1) SAYITALL BB raced reasonably well in her first start since November and can certainly improve for a Ron Burke barn that was heating up last weekend. (7) CLEAR VIEW HANOVER has won two of three starts at this level but loses Tetrick, who is in Florida.

Race 10

(2) WORLD CUP came up with a nice effort last out and seems to be sitting on a peak performance. (4) YOU ROCK MY WORLD ships in for a barn that has had plenty of success this meet. I wouldn’t be shocked if he showed early speed and raced big. (3) HOT SUMMER KNIGHT just missed in his last appearance in this condition.

Race 11

(7) LOONEY DUNE drops down for the fourth consecutive week and actually displayed some semblance of life with early speed last time; winning spot. (8) SWEET TIME comes off a sharp winning effort. (4) LEAN ON YOURSELF raced well for fifth on the drop-down considering she made a break during the mile.

Race 12

(7) MC TINY’S HOPE raced well from off the pace a week after besting lesser foes with an early speed move. This group looks soft and he can take charge. (1) WINDSUN ILLUSION has been right there every week and is clearly facing easier this time around. (3) VEGLIANTINO doesn’t win enough for my tastes but should get into the lower exotics somewhere. (6) MARION MILLIONAIR has early speed and could be dangerous if she behaves.

Race 13

(7) BAD DAY BLACK ROCK is sitting on a win from what I’ve seen in recent weeks. This field is abysmal and he has no excuses. (3) TEA PARTY POLITICS has dangerous early speed. (1) HOT START raced well at this level two starts back but seems to be a follower with her lackluster 2 for 24 career record. (2) MY HEIDI is better than her recent performances.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 3/4 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 58 - 229 / $426.80

BEST BETS: 5 - 19 / $24.70

Best Bet: SWIFT AS A SHADOW (3rd)

Spot Play: SELL A BIT N (6th)


Race 1

(2) REAL FLIGHT was quite dull from the 7-hole last out but the good news is the gelding moves back inside where he just missed glory by a 1/2 length two trips ago; ready for action. (1) CHEYENNE CAM if you throw out his latest clunker, pacer has hit the exacta four times in a row. (5) GREYSTONE CASH put in a nice rally to nail down the show spot last time around.

Race 2

(1) MOVEMENT makes her return from Ohio facing open foes out there; obviously this mare has a fondness for Yonkers and with a fine-timed drive, this 7-year-old trotter can greet the cameraman for pictures. (3) SCOTTISH CROSS did flash speed from the second tier and raced evenly last time out. (6) JUSTA REBEL was extremely wide to grab the lead on turn one and might have been compromised by that effort in his most recent trip.

Race 3

(1) SWIFT AS A SHADOW gets serious post relief and moves down in class; has not been to the Hilltop since 2014 but he is sharp and Bartlett has the assignment; ready to boss these at his best. (2) OR rallied outside to get up for win honors last time out. (4) DOUBLE YOUR BET was sitting in the pocket most of the way but was mowed down by Or in their latest.

Race 4

(3) CELEBRITY BLUECHIP was sharp last out and missed the victory by only a nose; has tactical speed and could top these with a covered up trip. (2) SILVER CREDIT did not fire at the Meadowlands last out but she has a good record here so the mare must be considered. (6) WILD SMILE moves down the scale and that could help his cause.

Race 5

(7) FAT MANS ALLEY Gelding seems to be coming around based on his last two starts; last outing he was first over but could not get past (3) FOUR BOYS. The latter was sitting in the pocket and took the passing lane on his way to glory . (5) COME ON RIDGE should have a say from the 5-hole and the gelding has tactical speed.

Race 6

(6) SELL A BIT N Pacing mare showed signs of life in her last try; was first up at the 3/4 pole, did make headway turning for home but could not catch the winner Gallie Bythe Beach in her last outing; capable of getting the job done tonight. (2) JUNGLE GENIE N flashed speed but tired in the final stretch drive last out. (5) REGIL ELEKTRA rallied strongly to nail down the show spot last time around.

Race 7

(4) PASADENA STAR's last try he took charge right from the start, led into the final stretch run but did not have enough gas in the tank; all systems go for this trotter to boss these down the road. (1) HOORAYFORVACATION has been in the exacta in his last four tries; capable. (2) THERAPUTIC closed well from the outside to grab the show spot last out.

Race 8

(7) MAJOR ATHENS Sharp trotter seems to be getting better based on his last two game outings; retains the 7-hole but with a covered up trip this guy can make tonight a winning one. (8) NOT AFRAID was sent by Dube down the road from door number four to grab all the marbles last time out; post hurts but he is very capable. (3) CAN DO should appreciate the move to the 3-hole and figures to be right in the thick of it.

Race 9

(5) ALHAMBRA was inside turning for home, swung very wide and rolled on home for the victory in her latest; form is quite good enough for this pacing mare to take another. (6) DUBLIN ROSE has wheeled off two straight victories and both of them wire to window. (2) UF DRAGON QUEEN was up on the rim at the half and grinded out a victory by a neck last out.

Race 10

Hopefully (2) BJS BEQUIA could put it all together; 9-year-old rallied strongly to get the job done two trips ago and the move to the 2-hole can enhance his potential of taking these down for all the glory. (4) HARDTS OR BETTOR led every step of the way and just held on for win honors in his last try. (1) DELLA CRUISE did put in a mild rally and missed the victory by only a length.

Race 11

(7) DEWYCOLORINTHELINE 6-year-old is a proven trotter; went off as the even money favorite and raced evenly for third in his 2016 debut at the Big M. With a favorable trip and a fine-timed drive, the rest will have to settle for second money, but the trip will be everything. (2) TAKE MY PICTURE has been knocking at the door based on his last three trips to the post. (1) OUTBURST had live cover and blew past them going away for the score last time out.

Race 12

(6) AL RAZA N retook from Jaded Dream approaching the 1/4 pole to lead all the way last time out; will have to do her best from the 6-hole but her form seems to be good enough to knock these off with a covered up trip; we shall see. (4) THE EMPIRESSISTER Tough break in her latest but hey that was against a much stronger group so this class drop can only help her cause. (3) JADED DREAM was sitting in the pocket most the trip but could not catch Al Raza N in their most recent outing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (5th) Distinctive Lady, 6-1
(8th) Midnight Champagne, 4-1

Charles Town (1st) Drifter's Escape, 3-1
(8th) Just a Lil Runaway, 5-1

Delta Downs (6th) My Prophet, 6-1
(9th) Green Juice, 6-1


Fair Grounds (5th) Hot Yankee, 6-1
(6th) Rising Fawn, 9-2


Golden Gate Fields (5th) McCann's Half Full, 8-1
(6th) Golden Dynamo, 5-1


Gulfstream Park (7th) Planet, 3-1
(9th) Zeta Zody, 3-1


Oaklawn Park (4th) Ice Blue Vision, 5-1
(5th) Rhodium, 7-2


Penn National (4th) Able Archer, 7-2
(6th) Scattered Dreams, 4-1


Sam Houston (3rd) Piccolo David, 4-1
(8th) Rain Expectations, 9-2


Santa Anita (5th) Dive Down, 9-2
(6th) Love My Bud, 6-1


Sunland Park (7th) Dreamcatcher, 7-2
(8th) Mystic Who, 8-1


Tampa Bay Downs (6th) Orcus, 8-1
(7th) Red Rocket Express, 6-1


Turfway Park (3rd) Wild About Jack, 5-1
(9th) Fujita Five, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Friday, March 4, 2016, NBA.

Portland likes to run with its stellar backcourt, No. 8 in the league in points scored. They are on a 7-3 run over the total, plus 8-2 over in the Trail Blazers last 10 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Toronto has plenty of offensive punch inside and out on a 4-1 run over. They are 5-1-1 over against the West and the over is 11-4 when the Raptors face a team with a winning straight up record.

Play Portland/Toronto over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Roz Wins

Roz's Friday, March 4, 2016, Free NBA Pick:

Cleveland likes to run under their new coach and they will score plenty on a Washington defense that is terrible, No. 23 in points allowed and No. 26 in field goal shooting defense. The Over is 14-6 in the Wizards last 20 road games. Cleveland is 4-0 over the total against the NBA Southeast division and when these teams clash the over is 4-1.

Play Washington/Cleveland Over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp NBA Pick, Friday, March 4, 2016 10:35 PM EST

(839) ATLANTA HAWKS VS (840) LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Take: UNDER

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Friday, March 4, 2016 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Atlanta Hawks and the Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Atlanta is a strong defensive club, No. 7 in the NBA in points allowed. The Under is 10-3 in Hawks last 13 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. They face a punchless LA Lakers offense ranked No. 27 in points scored. LA is 13-5 under the total at home and the Under is 15-6 in the Lakers last 21 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. And the under is 4-1 when these teams meet at the Staples Center. Play the Hawks/Lakers Under the total. Play UNDER Hawks/Lakers

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ray Monohan

Kent State vs Akron

FREE 5* CBB ATS Play Kent State Golden Flashes +9.5

The Golden Flashes head into Akron and a lot is on the line for them in this one.

Kent must win or they will be forced to play in the first round of the MAC Tournament. On the Akron side of things, they have already clinched the one seed. Yes, motivation is still high considering this is their rival, but Akron really has nothing to play for besides that.

Kent State won in Kent as they dominated the inside game and they did it without Jaylin Walker. The PG is back and has 2 games under his belt, giving him no rust. He's been a major difference maker and should be a threat here on both ends of the floor in this one.

Some trends to consider. Golden Flashes are 5-2-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings. Golden Flashes are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.

Look for Kent State to bring everything they have here and have a chance to win this one outright.

Back Kent State +9.5.

Good Luck, Razor Ray.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Doc's Sports

Texas vs Oklahoma State

Bonus Play from Doc’s Sports. #861 Take Texas -2.5 over Oklahoma State (Friday 9 pm ESPN 2)

The Travis Ford Era is winding down at Oklahoma State and this will likely be the second to last game he ever coaches with the Pokes. Injuries and poor play have ravaged this team and they are facing a Texas team coming off an embarrassing home loss on Monday. A similar situation happened with the Longhorns against Baylor and they went on to beat Kansas State on the road in their next game. Expect more of the same tonight in Stillwater.