Monday 1/23/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Warriors (38-6) at Heat (14-30)

Date: January 23, 2017 7:30 PM EDT

MIAMI -- Forgive the Golden State Warriors if they are not intimidated by the Miami's Heat's adorable, little three-game win streak.

The Warriors (38-6) have the best record in the NBA and would lead the Heat (14-30) by 24 games if the teams were in the same conference.

Golden State has won seven straight games, including a 118-98 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday afternoon. The Warriors have yet to lose consecutive games this season, and two of their six losses came in overtime.

Miami's win streak includes an impressive victory vs. a good Houston Rockets team. But the other two wins were against sub-.500 teams -- the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks.

Heat point guard Goran Dragic is averaging 26.0 points and 5.3 assists during Miami's win streak, but now he will face Warriors superstar Stephen Curry.

"Our next game, we are going to play a good team," Dragic said in a vast understatement. "But we're at home, so ... why not?"

Here's why not: Because Curry, who is averaging 24.6 points and 6.1 assists and was named the NBA's MVP in 2015 and 2016, may not even be the best player on the team this season.

The consensus opinion seems to be that teammate Kevin Durant, who is averaging 26.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 blocks, is the Warriors' top player.

Golden State shooting guard Klay Thompson, who averages 21.1 points and is making 39.0 percent of his three-point tries, is another star. And Draymond Green leads the Warriors in rebounds (8.7), assists (7.7) and blocks (2.0) as one of the most unique talents in the league.

Forward David West (fractured left thumb) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, and that hurts Golden State's bench. But there are still some excellent reserves available such as guard Shaun Livingston and forwards Andre Iguodala, Ian Clark and JaVale McGee.

Livingston rested and did not play against Orlando, and Iguodala may get the same treatment at Miami.

In Sunday's win at Orlando, the Warriors played in their first Eastern-time-zone noon tipoff in 22 years, falling behind by 11 points to the lowly Magic.

But a 42-point third quarter in which Golden State outscored Orlando by 18 points broke open a game that had been tied at halftime.

Curry and Thompson combined to shoot 14-of-22 on three-pointers. All 21 of Thompson's points came on three-pointers.

Golden State settled down after giving away 11 turnovers in the first 15 minutes. In the final 33 minutes, Golden State was charged with just seven turnovers.

"I think we were on pace for 100 turnovers five minutes into the game," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told mercurynews.com. "Noon start after a big week, natural letdown ... You have to play through that and execute, and we did do that."

Green said the noon start on the East Coast was "brutal", but the team should have better rest for Monday night's game in Miami. Worst yet for the Heat, Curry should be relatively fresh after not being needed for Sunday's fourth quarter.

Indeed, the Heat's only shot at even keeping Monday's game close would seem to be getting big performances from its star players, including center Hassan Whiteside and Dragic.

In addition, Dion Waiters, who tied his career high with 33 points against the Bucks on Saturday, will be need to be on target.

Waiters said he's learning from Dragic, specifically when it comes to finishing at the rim for a high percentage.

"Goran is one of the best in the league (at finishing)," Waiters said. "I got some tips from him this past weekend, just being physical when you get there, lowering your shoulder.

"I get there (the rim) with the best of them. Now it's about concentrating when I get there."

Miami's backcourt took a hit on Saturday when reserve guard Tyler Johnson sat out the Bucks game due to a strained left shoulder. Even though he is a reserve, Johnson is fifth on the Heat in minutes, fourth in assists and third in points.

In addition, Johnson is among the league leaders in fourth-quarter minutes, and Miami would love to get him back in time for the Warriors.

On Sunday, Johnson did not practice but felt strong enough to lift weights, according to Anthony Chang of the Palm Beach Post.

Johnson, who is averaging a career-high 14.2 points, missed eight games last season due to a left-shoulder issue. He said this injury is not as serious.

"I'm not sure about Monday," Johnson told Chang about his ability to face the Warriors. "But it's not the same pain as it was last (time). It's just a strain. The swelling has gone down. It feels better."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Clippers (29-16) at Hawks (26-18)

Date: January 23, 2017 7:30 PM EDT

ATLANTA -- Blake Griffin is expected to return to the Los Angeles Clippers lineup either against the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday or against the 76ers on Tuesday in Philadelphia.

That's good news for the Clippers, who definitely need some.

Los Angeles has lost two straight games since Chris Paul had surgery on his left thumb to repair torn ligaments and the point guard will be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks.

Griffin has missed 17 games since having arthroscopic surgery to remove debris from his right knee and the Clippers (29-16) can't afford to be without both of their top players.

Los Angeles lost six straight shortly after their power forward had surgery, but they had won seven in a row before Paul was hurt last Monday against Oklahoma City.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers said before Saturday's 123-98 loss in Denver that he hadn't made a decision on whether to play Griffin on Monday in Atlanta or wait until Tuesday in Philadelphia.

"We'll wait and see," Rivers said.

Griffin is tired of waiting and the Clippers certainly need him with a pair of games against Golden State coming soon.

"(There's) not a game that I'm targeting," Griffin told reporters in Denver. "But this trip, this is it."

The second of three games before the Clippers head back to California is against a Hawks team that has won 11 of its past 13 games and leads the Southeast Division.

At 26-18, Atlanta is eight games over .500 for the first time this season. The 1-10 skid after a 9-2 start has been followed by a 16-6 recovery.

"I think we have a lot of room to grow, but I love the direction that we are headed in," Hawks center Dwight Howard said after Saturday's 110-93 home victory over Philadelphia.

"I think we are playing great team basketball. I think our defense can be better, be a little bit sharper. But overall, I think we've done an excellent job as a team of staying focused and staying locked in to what our goal is."

The Clippers and Hawks split their two games last season, each winning on the opponents' court. The teams meet in Los Angeles on Feb.15.

Griffin worked out Friday in Denver, took part in the shootout on Saturday and was scheduled to work out in Atlanta on Sunday before a decision would be made on whether he plays against the Hawks.

"It's as close as I can be, I think," Griffin said in Denver. "It's good to get some like real work in besides just running and shooting."

"He told me he feels normal, which is good," Rivers said before the Nuggets game.

Griffin, who last played Dec. 18, was averaging 21.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists before being sidelined.

"I needed to take care of it, needed to get (the surgery) done," Griffin told reporters. "I feel so much better than the last three or four weeks before. It's January. You hate missing games. You hate leaving your teammates out there. But I think the long-term health is more important."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockets (34-13) at Bucks (20-23)

Date: January 23, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

MILWAUKEE -- Jabari Parker will be back in the starting lineup Monday night when as the Milwaukee Bucks try to snap a five-game losing streak when they host James Harden and the Houston Rockets at the Bradley Center.

Parker came off the bench Saturday night in a 109-97 loss to Miami as punishment for violating team policy. It was reported that Parker was reprimanded for sharing comments of a team meeting with the media.

"I spoke up for the first time and it didn't go my way," Parker told reporters after a Friday night loss at Orlando. "I was getting thrashed, but hey, as long as I give them another perspective I did my job."

Head coach Jason Kidd wouldn't elaborate on the decision and rookie Thon Maker started in place of Parker against the Heat.

"I thought he did a great job," Kidd said of Maker. "He got into the flow of the game and I thought he was really good today."

The Rockets had their way with the Bucks last Wednesday, riding 38 points, eight assists and six rebounds from James Harden to a 111-92 victory in Houston. They have had a bit of a rough stretch of late, going 3-4 in their last seven games including a 125-108 loss against the Warriors Friday night but bounced back Saturday for a 119-95 victory over the Grizzlies at Memphis.

Second-year forward Sam Dekker got his first career start in that contest and responded in a big way, scoring a career-high 30 points. He hit his first three and went 7-of-9 from the floor to go into halftime with 16.

"It settles you in, calms you down a little bit," said Dekker, who grew up an hour north of Milwaukee and starred at the University of Wisconsin. "I think that's for every basketball player in the world. If your first few go in, I think my first five or six went in, it really puts you at ease and kinda think everything is going to go in after that and hopefully I can continue that and knock shots down."

The Bucks, meanwhile, are trying to regroup. They were 20-18 and sixth in the Eastern Conference when their losing streak began but have since plummeted to 10th in the conference, one game behind Chicago for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.

Looking to snap out of the funk, Kidd also put Matthew Dellavadeova back in the starting group against Miami. Dellavedova had been coming off the bench since he returned from a leg injury but hadn't been quite as sharp, averaging 4.4 points and 3.7 assists in 19 minutes over a seven-game stretch.

"I haven't been playing that well, so I've just got to play better on both ends," said Dellavedova, who had 15 points and seven assists against the Heat. "We've just got to fight our way out of this.

"It's tough to win, but that's why it's worth it. It's a little of everything but defensively we haven't done what we did at the start of the year. We've been talking through things and all that and watching film. But we've just got to go out there and do it on the court."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (30-12) at Pelicans (17-27)

Date: January 23, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

NEW ORLEANS -- The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off a difficult overtime loss. The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off an absolute stinker.

Despite sitting atop the Eastern Conference, the defending world champion Cavaliers (30-12) have looked like anything but world beaters in losing five of their last nine games, including a 118-115 home loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night in which two players forgot to run the correct inbounds play after a timeout in the waning seconds.

The Pelicans (17-27), who had shown some signs of life in the last two weeks, prompted coach Alvin Gentry to launch a tirade after a humbling 143-114 home loss to the woeful Brooklyn Nets, the team with the NBA's worst record, on Friday night.

With challenging home games Monday night against the Cavaliers, Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Friday against the Spurs, the Pelicans realize how bad their loss to the Nets was for their confidence and for their hopes for the eighth playoff spot in the West.

"I thought we were playing good," Gentry said Sunday after practice. "I thought we were kind of getting it offensively, as far as moving the ball, and so it was a real, real tough setback. Realistically, when you step away after a couple of days, you understand that was one of those games that you have. I think all the teams in the league can go through that."

After the game, Gentry was anything but genteel. He blasted his players' effort and his coaching staff for failing to get the Pelicans ready to play against the Nets.

"Everything (stunk)," Gentry said after the game. "The effort that we played with (stunk), the coaching (stunk). The ball movement, everything about it was horrendous. ... They kicked our (butt)."

New Orleans forward Solomon Hill agreed.

"I think it was the worst loss of my career, by far," Hill said. "You're not looking at Brooklyn to be an offensive juggernaut. They were out there playing like they were the Houston Rockets."

Pelicans All-Star forward Anthony Davis, who is averaging 28.6 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, sat out much of the second half with a deep thigh bruise. Davis did not practice Sunday, but Gentry expects him to be ready for the Cavaliers.

"I think so," Gentry said. "This is one of those things that's just nagging more than anything. I guess the layman's term would be a charley horse. It is just soreness more than anything. I think he'll be fine."

Davis said he expects to play but added that the Pelicans can't afford to take games off.

"We've got to do a better job of coming out and playing more desperate," Davis said. "Sometimes we come out and just think we're going to get a win instead of going out there and taking the win. When you end up in a predicament like we are, you have to take wins."

Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said he wasn't sure if LeBron James and Kyrie Irving would play after logging 45 and 41 minutes, respectively, against the Spurs. James scored 29 points with six rebounds, seven assists and two steals, and the 45 minutes represented his second-highest total of the season.

"We've got to see how they feel," Lue said.

The Cavaliers defeated New Orleans 90-82 at home on Jan. 2, scoring the first eight points of the fourth quarter and holding the Pelicans to 13 fourth-quarter points. Irving did not play in that game and Kevin Love was not at full speed after battling the stomach flu.

Davis led New Orleans with 20 points and 17 rebounds, but he missed all five of his shots in the fourth quarter.

James said the Cavaliers can't afford to hurt themselves with late-game breakdowns. He was credited with a turnover on the crucial inbounds play in overtime, but Irving and center Tristan Thompson failed to execute the designed call.

"It's no excuse," James said. "It's a crucial part of the game. We've got to be able to execute. We come out of a timeout. We just sat down and were able to catch our breath. As a ball club trying to win a championship, we' can't go from a timeout, go on the court and forget what we're supposed to do. It's that simple."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Knicks (19-26) at Pacers (22-21)

Date: January 23, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers will look to end a two-game losing streak when they play host to the New York Knicks on Monday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

The teams have met twice this season, with the home team winning both times.

The Pacers (22-21) have won seven of their last 10 games despite the recent straggles. They are returning home after a three-game Western road trip.

Things haven't gone well for the Pacers on the road this season, but they have put together a 16-5 home record.

"I think one of the biggest things right now is energy," forward Thaddeus Young told Pacers.com. "We start off with a lot of energy at home, get ourselves a big lead and we are able to sustain that throughout the games.

"For some reason in the second half (on the road) we tend to pick it up, but it's just too hard. You make a run and tire yourself out."

Indiana standout Paul George had similar comments after a 109-100 loss to Utah on Saturday night.

"To be honest, I didn't even feel the energy within our group tonight," George told The Indianapolis Star. "From the huddle to the layup line, it was just dead."

It's not the first time Pacers players have made those type of comments.

At times, they look like a top team in the Eastern Conference. Other times, they look disinterested, especially on the defensive end.

Only time will tell if they'll pick things up away from home or continue their inconsistent play.

The Knicks (19-26) have been consistent lately, but not in the way they'd like. They've lost seven of their last nine games.

After a promising 14-10 start to the season, the Knicks have gone just 5-16 since. Their last three losses have all been within three points, adding to their recent frustration.

New York fell 107-105 to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night at home despite another 30-point night from Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony had a chance to win the game with a 3-pointer but missed.

"You couldn't have asked for a better look or a better shot than that," Anthony told NorthJersey.com. "The shot felt good. It was a tough one to see not go in."

Offensively, Monday's opponents have similar numbers.

The Knicks average 105.5 points per game and the Pacers average 105.4.

They both average 14.3 turnovers per game and both shoot 36 percent from behind the arc.

The matchup between All-Stars George and Anthony will be one to watch.

The Pacers have won eight of the last nine meetings between the teams, including a 123-109 victory over the Knicks earlier this month.

Rodney Stuckey (left hamstring strain) and Lance Thomas (left orbital fracture) are still out for Indiana and New York, respectively.

With the Pacers and Knicks squaring off, it's only fitting that Reggie Miller will be in the building. The game will be televised at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, with Miller serving as one of the analysts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Thunder (25-19) at Jazz (29-16)

Date: January 23, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

SALT LAKE CITY -- If Russell Westbrook is playing angry, he's not showing his hand.

Westbrook did not claim a starting spot in the upcoming NBA All-Star game after losing a tiebreaker with James Harden and Stephen Curry in voting. The snub will likely prove temporary. Westbrook has done more than enough to bolster his All-Star credentials this season.

The Oklahoma City guard leads the NBA in scoring, averaging 30.6 points per game. He also ranks second in assists at 10.4 per game and 11th in rebounds at 10.6 per contest. Westbrook has posted 21 triple-doubles so far this season and is the first player to average a triple-double this late into a season since 1963-64.

Still, when the Thunder travel to Salt Lake City to face Utah on Monday night, Westbrook won't be looking to any special statement over being denied a starting spot.

"I don't play for All-Star bids," Westbrook told reporters on Friday. "I play to win championships, and every night I compete at a high level, and it'll work out. I just continue doing what I'm doing and play the game the right way, and everything else will work out."

Westbrook has averaged 29.7 points, 11.1 rebounds and 9.5 assists in January. He'll likely need a little help for the Thunder regain some positive momentum against the Jazz. Oklahoma City (25-19) has lost three of four games during its current road trip and is just 2-6 away from home this month. The Thunder are allowing 111.0 points per game in those eight contests.

That's music to the ears of the Jazz players. Utah (29-16) is riding a season-best six game winning streak after taking down Indiana 109-100 on Saturday. The Jazz led the Pacers wire-to-wire behind a season-high 30 points from George Hill.

Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert both added more evidence to build their respective all-star cases.

Hayward finished with 27 points -- a career-best 16th straight game with 16 or more points. He is averaging career highs in points (22.2), rebounds (5.7) and free-throw shooting percentage (.871).

Gobert totaled 19 points and 11 rebounds for his 31st double-double of the season and his 30th consecutive game with 10 or more rebounds. He is averaging 14.1 points, 15.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in January. Gobert leads the league in blocked shots per game (2.51) and ranks second in field-goal percentage (.669) and fifth in rebounds (12.7).

As good as both players have been on offense since the start of the year, Hayward points to defense as the key reason why they -- and the Jazz as a whole -- are having so much success.

"We got a lot of weapons offensively, but we're a defensive team first," Hayward said. "That's usually how we get our wins. When we play well on that end, even if we're not making shots on the other end, we give ourselves a chance. That's kind of been who we are this season. That's got to continue to be who we are. That's what we're made of."

This is the second meeting between the two teams this season. Utah beat Oklahoma City 109-89 on Dec. 14 behind 25 points from Rodney Hood, who shot 5-of-9 from distance against the Thunder. The Jazz shot 56.5 percent from the 3-point line against Oklahoma City to earn their first wire-to-wire victory of the season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday’s NBA Game of the Day: Thunder at Jazz

Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz (-6, 203)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are limping toward the end of a long road trip and now must visit the hottest team in the NBA in the Utah Jazz on Monday night. The Thunder have dropped three of four to begin their six-game trip and two in a row by a total of 43 points, although they have been afforded four full days off since Wednesday's 122-100 setback at Golden State.

The hope is that more days of practice will help the squad establish some consistency. "It's really focusing on practice. We lost games we feel like we should have won," guard Anthony Morrow told the team website Saturday. "We just have to lock in on some things and clean some things up. There's no better way to do that than practice. Everybody came in focused today and locked in." Utah's six-game winning streak is its longest of the season and it has not lost at home since before Christmas. George Hill scored a season-high 30 points in Saturday's 109-100 win over Indiana as the Jazz inched closer toward to the top four spots in the Western Conference.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN Oklahoma, ROOT Rocky Mountain (Utah)

LINE HISTORY: The Jazz opened as 6-point home favorites and that line has yet to move as of Sunday evening. The total hit the betting board at 202 and was bumped quickly to the current number of 203.

INJURY REPORT:

Thunder - C S. Adams (Questionable, concussion).

Jazz - SG R. Hood (Early Feb, knee).

POWER RANKINGS: Thunder (-3.8) - Jazz (-8.7) + home court (-3) = Jazz -7.9

ABOUT THE THUNDER (25-19 SU, 23-20-1 ATS, 19-25 O/U): Oklahoma City was outrebounded 46-36 at Golden State and awaits the return of center Steven Adams, who has missed two straight games due to a concussion and is questionable for this one. Russell Westbrook did his thing in the most recent loss with his NBA-high 21st triple-double (27 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists) and Enes Kanter chipped in 22 points and nine boards off the bench. Westbrook was off the mark (7-for-25) in a 20-point loss at Utah earlier this season.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (29-16 SU, 21-23-1 ATS, 22-23 O/U): Center Rudy Gobert's streak of consecutive games with at least 10 rebounds reached 30 in the win over the Pacers, leaving him one shy of matching DeAndre Jordan (Dec. 12, 2013-Feb. 9, 2014) for the fifth-longest run since the start of the 1997-98 season. The big man has also hit on 39-of-53 shots over a six-game stretch. Hill, who missed the win over the Thunder earlier in the season, is shooting 54.4 percent from long range in 12 home games.

TRENDS:

* Thunder are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
* Jazz are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
* Under is 8-1 in Thunder last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Over is 7-1 in Jazz last 8 Monday games.
* Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Utah.

CONSENSUS: 65 percent of the picks are siding with the road underdog Oklahoma City Thunder and Under is picking up 60 percent of the totals wagers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'King-James and his Cavaliers take on Pelicans'

Cleveland Cavaliers at New Orleans Pelicans January 23, 8:00 EST

Cavaliers coming in off a 118-115 OT loss at Quicken Loans Arena vs Spurs there is little argument King James and his Cavaliers bounce back vs Pelicans' that have won just 38.6% of games. However, Cavaliers giving away six points does not bode well for supporters.

The Cavaliers have a habit of coming up short at the betting window in road games going 7-12 ATS. Additionally, Cavaliers have been money-burner's in the situation they find themselves Monday. Cavaliers have not responded last six regular season games on the road vs the Western Conference (1-6 ATS), have shown rust against the betting line with a days rest (1-6 ATS).

Additionally, Cavaliers have not been great bets on the road off a loss facing a team also off a loss its previous effort (1-7-1 ATS) and are on a 1-3 ATS skid at this venue.

The numbers above clearly point towards Pelicans having a shot at improving its current 6-2 ATS record as home underdogs. As always best of luck*

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's Tip Sheet
By Kevin Rogers

Game of the Night – Thunder at Jazz – 9:05 PM EST

The top two teams in the Northwest division meet in Salt Lake City as Utah owns a 3 ½-game edge over Oklahoma City. The Jazz (29-16 SU, 21-23-1 ATS) are riding a six-game winning streak following Friday’s 109-100 victory over the Pacers as seven-point home favorites. Jazz guard George Hill burned his former team for 30 points, while forward Gordon Hayward dropped 27 points to lift Utah to its sixth straight victory at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah snapped a three-game ATS skid with the cover in Friday’s win, while the Jazz own a 3-1 ATS mark in its last four home contests.

Oklahoma City (25-19 SU, 23-20-1 ATS) continues a six-game road trip, while coming off consecutive blowout losses to the Clippers and Warriors. The Thunder has been off since Thursday’s 121-100 setback at Golden State as 15-point underdogs, as Russell Westbrook posted a triple-double with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists. However, Westbrook also committed 10 turnovers, while the Thunder dropped to 1-8 SU and 2-7 ATS the last nine games in the road underdog role.

Last season, the Thunder captured all four meetings with the Jazz, but Utah claimed the first matchups this season. The Jazz routed the Thunder on December 14 in Salt Lake, 109-89 as 7 ½-point favorites, led by Rodney Hood’s 25 points. Utah torched OKC from the floor by knocking down 58% of its shots, while connecting on 13-of-23 three-point attempts. However, the Thunder did play that game with no rest as Billy Donovan’s squad lost the night before in Portland, 114-95.

Staying Golden

Westbrook’s old buddy Kevin Durant and the Warriors cruised to another road victory on Sunday by trouncing the Magic, 118-98. Golden State and Orlando were tied at 50-50 at halftime, but the Warriors outscored the Magic, 42-24 in the third quarter to help secure a cover as 14-point favorites. Steve Kerr’s team has won seven consecutive games, including each of its last three away from Oracle Arena by double-digits.

Golden State travels south to Miami on Monday night to face the suddenly streaking Heat. Miami looks to close out its homestand with a perfect 4-0 record following victories over Houston, Dallas, and Milwaukee. The Heat have cashed in four of the past five games, including in a 107-95 setback at Golden State as 14 ½-point underdogs on January 10 in Oakland. Golden State has fared well at American Airlines Arena over the years by winning four straight in Miami, while topping the 114-point mark in each of the last three trips.

CP3 Straight Losses?

The Clippers have struggled without Chris Paul this season by compiling a 2-7 record with the All-Star point guard out. Los Angeles had won seven straight games prior to Paul’s thumb injury against Oklahoma City, but the Clippers have dropped two in a row with losses to the Timberwolves and Nuggets. The Clippers venture east to Atlanta to face a Hawks’ squad that has captured victories in 11 of its past 13 games. Since losing at home to Minnesota on December 21, Atlanta has won six of its previous eight games at Philips Arena, while covering in five of those victories. The Hawks have owned the Clippers recently by grabbing four of the past six matchups since November 2012, while winning three of the last four against Los Angeles at Philips Arena.

Buzzing Back

The Hornets began January by dropping seven of their first eight games, but Charlotte has rebounded of late with three consecutive victories. Charlotte continues a five-game homestand against Washington in a critical divisional matchup before Golden State comes to town on Wednesday. The Hornets’ offense has woken up by posting 107, 113, and 112 points during this hot streak, while cashing the UNDER in five consecutive games.

The Wizards had their four-game winning streak disappear at the buzzer in Saturday’s 113-112 setback at Detroit, but Washington managed a cover as two-point ‘dogs. Washington is riding a five-game ATS hot streak, while eclipsing the OVER in five of the past seven contests away from Verizon Center. The home team has won six consecutive meetings in this series, as Washington held off Charlotte as two-point home ‘dogs in mid-December, 109-106.

Not That Easy

The Cavaliers venture to New Orleans before returning home for three games as the Cavaliers try to bounce back from Saturday’s overtime setback to the Spurs. Cleveland has dropped three of its past four games away from Quicken Loans Arena, while scoring below 92 points in each of those defeats. The Cavs struggled offensively against the Pelicans in their last meeting earlier this month, holding off New Orleans, 90-82, but Kyrie Irving sat out for Cleveland.

The Pelicans are coming off their most embarrassing defensive performance of the season by allowing 143 points in a 29-point home loss to a Nets’ team who had lost their previous 11 games. However, New Orleans owns a solid 7-2 ATS mark as a home underdog this season, while winning the last five home matchups with Cleveland since 2010.

What the Buck?

Milwaukee is free-falling of late by losing five consecutive games, including all three on its most recent trip at Houston, Orlando, and Miami. The Bucks’ offense was nowhere to be found by getting held to 97 points in each of those defeats, while allowing at least 100 points in 10 straight contests. Milwaukee gets another shot at Houston for the second time in a week as the Rockets invade BMO Harris Bradley Center.

The Rockets have alternated wins and losses in each of their past six games, while coming off a 119-95 blowout of the Grizzlies on Saturday. Houston has rolled on the road of late by compiling a 10-3 SU and 9-4 ATS record in its previous 12 contests away from Toyota Center. The Rockets have had success in Wisconsin over the years by winning three of the past four visits to Milwaukee, but the Bucks came out with a 128-121 triumph as three-point ‘dogs last season.

Head-to-Head Trends

-- The Spurs have captured four of the last five meetings with the Nets, including a 130-101 home blowout last month. However, San Antonio has lost two of the last three visits to Barclays Center as the Spurs embark on a three-game road swing.

-- Detroit has won six of the past eight matchups with Sacramento since January 2013 as the two teams meet up at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Kings knocked off the Pistons at Golden 1 Center earlier this month, 100-94 as Sacramento looks to end a six-game skid in the Motor City dating back to 2011.

-- The Pacers have had their way with the Knicks recently by winning eight of the last nine meetings since January 2015. However, the only victory by New York in this stretch came at home against Indiana in late December, 118-111. Indiana picked up revenge by lighting up New York in early January, 123-109.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Monday’s games

Washington won seven of last nine games, is 7-5 as a road underdog. Over is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Charlotte won nine of last ten home games, is 7-2 in its last nine games as a home favorite. Hornets’ last five games stayed under the total. Home side won last six Washington-Charlotte games; Wizards lost last two visits here, by 14-4 points. Last four series games went over total.

Sacramento lost five in row, eight of last nine games; they’re 5-3 vs spread in last eight road games, 8-10 as road underdogs. Kings’ last three games stayed under total. Detroit won its last three games, is 1-7 in last eight games as a home favorite. Over is 7-3 in their last 10 games. Pistons won six of last eight games with the Kings, but lost 100-94 in Sacramento Jan 10; Kings lost last four visits to Motor City (1-2-1 vs spread). Six of last seven series games stayed under.

San Antonio won its last three games by 8-14-3 points; they’re 12-7 as road favorites. Over is 11-2 in their last 13 games. Brooklyn lost 12 of last 13 games but covered last three; they’re 10-9 as home underdogs. Four of their last five games went over. San Antonio won its last three games with the Nets by 27-27-29 points; Spurs lost two of last three visits here, in series where host won six of last seven meetings. Under is 7-2-1 in last ten series games.

Golden State won its last seven games (6-1 vs spread); they’re 12-10 as road favorites, but 1-6 vs spread if they played night before. Miami won/covered its last three home games; they’re 4-7 as home underdogs. Under is 5-1 in their last six games. Warriors won their last five games with Miami but Heat covered last three; Golden State won last four visits to South Beach (3-1 vs spread). Five of last seven series games went over.

Clippers are without Paul/Griffin here; they lost five of last seven games with Atlanta, losing four of last five visits here (1-4 vs spread, over 4-1). Clippers are 0-2 since Paul injured his thumb, losing by 3-25 points. Under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Hawks are 11-2 in their last 13 games (9-3 vs spread in last 12), covering five of last six home games. Four of their last five games went over the total.

Houston is 3-4 in its last seven games, splitting last four on road; Rockets are 11-6 vs spread as road favorites- their last four games stayed under. Milwaukee lost its last five games (0-5 vs spread); they’re 4-3 as home underdogs. Over is 5-2 in their last seven home games. Rockets won six of last seven games with Milwaukee, winning three of last four visits here (2-2 vs the spread, over 3-1).

Cleveland lost four of last six games, three of last four road; Cavaliers are 6-9 as road favorites. Three of their last four games went over. Pelicans lost three of last four games, are 4-2 as home underdogs. Under is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Home side won eight of last nine Cleveland-New Orleans games; Cavaliers lost last four visits to Bourbon Street (1-3 vs spread). Six of their last nine games went over total.

Knicks lost 13 of last 16 games, are 5-6 vs spread in last 11 road games. Three of their last four games went over. Indiana won its last five home games (4-1 vs spread); they’re 10-6 as a home favorite. Three of their last four games stayed under total. Pacers won eight of last nine games with New York, winning last five series games played here (4-1 vs spread). Under is 7-3 in last 10 series (0-2 in last two).

Oklahoma City lost three of last four games, is 2-5 in its last seven games as a road underdog. Four of their last six games stayed under total. Jazz won their last six games, are 4-2 vs spread in last six home games. Last four Utah games went over the total. Thunder won six of last eight games with Utah; teams split last four games played here. Eight of last nine series games stayed under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: N.C. State Wolfpack (13-7) at Duke Blue Devils (15-4)

Date: January 23, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke and North Carolina State have been in some similar situations up to this point in the season, with the debuts of freshmen delayed and injuries striking along the way.

So while both teams are aiming for continuity, they might be sensing desperation in their own ways when they meet Monday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

No. 18 Duke coped with injured freshmen at the start of the season and the Blue Devils have dealt with other distractions. N.C. State had eligibility issues postpone the debuts of a pair of freshmen and an injury kept another key player off the court for weeks.

The teams, albeit with different accomplishments, can be compared to some degree.

"It's just hard to get your team developed, but you have to figure it out," N.C. State coach Mark Gottfried said. "We have to figure it out. They have to figure it out. Everybody has to figure it out."

Duke has found some solutions, perhaps most notably with Saturday night's comeback from 12 points down to defeat Miami 70-58.

The Blue Devils (15-4, 3-3 ACC) said turning anger into something good was part of the winning formula for that game.

"It was just us coming together and saying enough is enough," Duke freshman forward Jayson Tatum said. "We know what we have to do and it's just a matter of us all being in and being hungry. We were hungry in the second half and when we're hungry, man, we're scary."

Interim coach Jeff Capel liked the response.

"I think we were all fed up," Capel said. "There has to be a sense of urgency to change it."

N.C. State (13-7, 2-5) suffered a 93-88 home loss to Wake Forest on Saturday.

With the second game in three days for both teams, it's important to look ahead in a hurry.

"We'll have to play hard and follow the coaches' plan," Wolfpack forward Abdul-Malik Abu said. "We'll go into the game with the same focus we go into every game."

N.C. State played two games in three days last week, winning on the back end.

"I'm just excited to keep playing. Every game is only worth one game," N.C. State guard Torin Dorn said. "We've got 11 more tests to go, so there is no time to sulk and worry about this (latest) loss."

Duke has used seven different starting lineups, with senior forward Amile Jefferson returning to that role after a two-game absence with a bruised foot. Capel said it was too soon to know what group would be used Monday night after his lineup shuffle at the beginning of the second half sparked the big rally in the Miami game.

"That group did great," Capel said. "For us, it shouldn't matter who starts."

N.C. State freshman Dennis Smith Jr. has led the Wolfpack in scoring in eight of the last 11 games. He was a recruiting target for Duke, so Capel is aware of his abilities.

"A team that can really score," Capel said of N.C. State, "and with as talented of a guard (in Smith) as there is in college basketball."

Monday night's game is the only scheduled meeting of the season between the teams. Duke has won the last four in the series, including a sweep of three matchups last season.

If N.C. State pulls an upset, it will mark a couple of milestones. It would be the 100th all-time victory against Duke, which leads the series 146-99, and it would be Gottfried's 400th career coaching win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Gonzaga Bulldogs (19-0) at Portland Pilots (9-10)

Date: January 23, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

Fourth-ranked Gonzaga must try to motivate itself to play at a high level when it competes against West Coast Conference opponents.

The Bulldogs, the lone unbeaten team in the nation with a 19-0 record, again have that task Monday (8 p.m. ET) at Portland only two days after they struggled but defeated the Pilots 73-52 in Spokane, Wash.

Monday's game originally was scheduled to be played on Jan. 7 but was postponed because of inclement weather that included snow and freezing rain in Portland, Ore.

Gonzaga leads the WCC with a 7-0 record. Portland, which is without top scorer Alec Wintering for the rest of the season because of a knee injury, is 9-10 and 5-5.

The Pilots are one of five WCC teams with a .500 record or worse overall. Saint Mary's is the only other ranked team in the conference at No. 23. No other WCC teams even received votes in the latest AP Top 25 poll.

Gonzaga defeated Portland by 21 points on Saturday despite outrebounded 41-33. The Bulldogs also had only two fast-break points and shot 31.8 percent from 3-point range.

It was Portland's first game without Wintering, a guard who was averaging 19.5 points a game.

"It was kind of a choppy game," said Gonzaga coach Mark Few, who is 34-2 against the Pilots. "Portland did a nice job, especially being undermanned, of coming in here and fighting us, playing us physical and beating us to some balls.

"But a 20-point win at home is nothing to not feel good about."

Portland, which has lost seven consecutive games to Gonzaga, trailed by seven points with 16:20 left in regulation after trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half. The Bulldogs pulled away by outscoring Portland 29-11 midway through the second half.

While Gonzaga will make it a mission to improve its rebounding performance, Portland will attempt to take better care of the ball. The Pilots committed 16 turnovers with only four assists in Saturday's loss.

"We probably had more turnovers than I would like," said first-year Portland head coach Terry Porter, a former NBA player and coach. "We try to stay at that 13 or under range."

Porter attributed the amount of turnovers to the team's new guard rotation with Wintering out. Guards Jazz Johnson, Andre Ferguson and Rashad Jackson combined for seven turnovers and only two assists.

"Sometimes when you lose your leader like that, it wipes you out," Porter said of Wintering. "But the guys responded well with a great effort. We knew it was going to be a tall task. I loved the way we fought and got after it."

A major concern for Few is the health of starting point guard Nigel Williams-Goss, who left the locker room Saturday night on crutches. He landed awkwardly on his left hip with a little less than five minutes remaining. The Bulldogs' leading scorer, Williams-Goss hobbled directly to the training room.

"At the time (it happened), it was a lot of pain," said Williams-Goss, who averages 15 points and 4.7 assists per game. "I couldn't put a lot of pressure on my left leg. A couple days of treatment, I think I should be good."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Blue Devils 13-0 home vs Wolfpack'

Wolfpack vist Blue Devils January 23, 2017

Duke Blue Devils and N.C. State clash in Durham Monday night in a series that has been one side when meeting in front of the Cameron Crazies. Since 2000, the Blue Devils have won thirteen consecutive vs N.C. State Wolfpack on home court.

Blue Devils undefeated at home this season reeling off ten straight along with fifteen of the last sixteen in Durham and Wolfpack winless in true road games this season and winless in their last nine on enemy hardwood Duke extends the N.C. State misery at this venue.

A word of caution for Duke supporters. Coach K's troops giving away a huge allotment of points to the competition hasn't been automatic money. Blue Devils 5-4 ATS in lined home games this season, 7-8 ATS last sixteen in front of the home audience and just 5-9 ATS last fourteen overall in regular season laying double digits including 4-7 ATS in their own back yard.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Big Monday Tip Sheet
By David Schwab

Big Monday on ESPN offers up a double header of college basketball action in the ACC and the Big 12 starting with the NC State Wolfpack going up against the Duke Blue Devils followed by Oklahoma heading on the road to face Texas. As a bonus game for Monday’s tip sheet, TCU will square off against Oklahoma State in another battle in the Big 12.

North Carolina State Wolfpack at No. 18 Duke Blue Devils (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Duke -16

Betting Matchup

It has been a rough start for the Wolfpack in the ACC this season with a 2-5 record both straight-up and against the spread in their first seven conference games. Their latest setback came at the hands of Wake Forest in a 93-88 loss as one-point home favorites. NC State (13-7 SU, 8-10 ATS) is ranked 34th in the nation in scoring with an average of 81.6 points a game, but it falls way down the list when it comes to points allowed; giving up an average of 77.2 points per game.

The Blue Devils continue to press on without their head coach Mike Krzyzewski at the helm as he continues to recovers from recent back surgery. They have a spotty 3-3 SU record in conference play and they have been tough on bettors since mid-December with a 2-6 record ATS in their last eight outings. Duke is 15-4 SU (8-10 ATS) on the year following Saturday’s 70-58 victory against Miami as a 9 ½-point home favorite. Freshman forward Jayson Tatum led the team in scoring in that game with 14 points.

Betting Trends

-- The Wolfpack have failed to cover in their last five road games and the total has stayed UNDER in eight of their last 11 Monday games.

-- The Blue Devils are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following a SU win and the total has stayed UNDER in their last four games played on Monday.

-- Head-to-head in this in-state battle, Duke has won the last four meetings SU, but the series is tied at an even 2-2 ATS. The total has gone OVER in eight of the last 10 games between the two.


TCU Horned Frogs at Oklahoma State Cowboys (ESPNU, 7 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Oklahoma State - 4 ½

Betting Matchup

Back-to-back losses to Texas Tech on the road and Baylor at home both SU and ATS as an underdog have dropped TCU to 3-4 SU (4-3 ATS) in the Big 12 as part of an overall SU record of 14-5 SU (10-7 ATS). In this past Saturday’s 62-53 loss to the Baylor as three-point underdogs, the Horned Frogs got a big effort from junior forward Vladimir Brodziansky and junior guard Kenrich Williams with a combined 35 points and 22 rebounds.

Oklahoma State (11-8 SU, 8-7 ATS) snapped a SU six-game losing streak in the Big 12 with Saturday’s stunning 83-64 rout of Texas Tech as a 6 ½-point underdog on the road. The total stayed UNDER the 155-point closing line and it has stayed UNDER in four of its seven conference games. Junior guard Jeffery Carroll led all scorers with 25 points and senior guard Phil Forte III added 21 points and six defensive rebounds to the winning cause.

Betting Trends

-- The Horned Frogs are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss and the total has stayed UNDER in six of their last seven games following a SU loss.

-- The Cowboys have gone 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games and the total has gone OVER or ended as a PUSH in their last five games played at home.

-- The favorite in this Big 12 clash has covered in five of the last seven meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in four of the last five meetings at Oklahoma State.


Oklahoma Sooners at Texas Longhorns (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Texas -2 ½

Betting Matchup

The Sooners followed up last week’s thrilling 89-87 upset against West Virginia as heavy 16 ½-point road underdogs with a disappointing 92-87 double overtime loss to Iowa State at home this past Saturday as two-point favorites. They are now 8-10 SU (8-7-1 ATS) on the year and 2-5 SU in conference play. The total has gone OVER in four of their last five games. Oklahoma senior guard Jordan Woodard leads the team in both points (17.9) and assists (3.9). He has scored 20 points or more in each of his last three games.

Texas is tied for last in the Big 12 at 1-6 SU as part of an overall record of 7-12. When it comes to betting on the Longhorns it has been a whole other story with a 6-1 mark ATS in conference play as part of an 11-7 record ATS. The Longhorns have been able to cover as double-digit underdogs in their last three games despite averaging just 67.7 points in a losing cause. Their leading scorer Tevin Mack (14.8) has sat out all three of those games due to a team suspension.

Betting Trends

-- The Sooners are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five road games and the total has stayed UNDER in seven of their last 10 games on the road.

-- The Longhorns are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 conference games and the total has stayed UNDER or ended as a PUSH in six of their last seven games played on a Monday.

-- The underdog in this Big 12 matchup has covered ATS in the last four meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in eight of the last 11 meetings in Texas.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Monday’s games

Duke was down 11 at half, Saturday, stormed back to beat Miami 70-58; Blue Devils are 3-3 in ACC, 3-0 at home, winning by 53-11-12 points- they got Jefferson back vs Miami (12 rebounds in 34:00) which is big help. NC State lost five of last seven games, is 0-3 on ACC road, losing by 18-51-8 points- they’re 12-40 on arc in last two road games. Duke won four in row, seven last eight games with NC State, winning last nine played here, but only one of last four was by more than 13 points. ACC home favorites of 13+ points are 4-3 vs spread.

Georgia Southern is 6-0 in Sun Belt but their last five wins were all by 5 or less points; they won their two road games by total of 7 points over UL schools, Lafayette/Monroe. Eagles is holding teams to 30.1% on arc; their 47.1% eFG% is best in Sun Belt. Coastal Carolina won four of last five games but 1-2 on Sun Belt road, with losses by 21-20 points and a win at Texas State. Chanticleers are solid defensive team that doesn’t foul a lot; teams shoot more from arc against them, and Eagles aren’t great at that. Double digit favorites are 3-2-1 in Sun Belt this season.

Georgia State won its last three games after an 8-7 start, scoring 83.3 pts/game; Panthers are 2-1 at home in Sun Belt, losing to Troy, winning by 3-20 points over Coastal Carolina, USA. Appalachian State is 1-5 in Sun Belt, 0-4 on road, losing away games by 9-15-12-4 points; ASU is putting opponents on foul line more than anyone in league, but they do hold foes to 46.6% inside the arc. Home side won all four App State-Georgia State games; ASU lost last two visits here, by 44-13 points. Sun Belt home favorites of 8+ points are 3-6-1 vs spread.

Green Bay allowed 86 pts/game in losing its last two games after a 5-0 Horizon start; Phoenix is 3-1 at home in Horizon, with wins by 6-9-17 points. Green Bay is 9-2 in its last 11 games with Cleveland State, winning last three by 20-17-1-12 points- they won 76-75 in OT in Cleveland in first meeting this season, after being down 13 early. Vikings lost four of last five visits here, losing by 4-27-11-5 points. State lost five of last six games, is 1-3 on Horizon road, with losses by 4-1-8 points and an upset win at Oakland. Horizon home favorites of 7 or less points are 7-8.

TCU is 3-4 in Big X after an 11-1 pre-conference mark; Horned Frogs are are 1-2 on Big X road, losing by 12 at West Va, 6 at Texas Tech- they scored 61 pts/game in losing last couple games. Oklahoma State won by 19 at Texas Tech Saturday; OSU is now 1-6 in Big X, but led 5 of the 7 games at half. Cowboys are 6-2 in last eight games with TCU, winning last four played here, by 18-32-12-21 points. Home side won last four series games. OSU is last in Big X in 4 of 9 defensive metrics. Big X home favorites of 4 or less points are 2-4 vs spread.

Troy is 2-4 in Sun Belt, 1-3 on road, with losses by 1-4-2 points. Troy is 7-7 in its last 14 games, with all seven losses by 6 or less points. Little Rock is 3-5 in its last eight games after a 9-2 start against a weak non-league schedule; they’re 3-3 in league, 2-2 at home. UALR starts three seniors, has two others in rotation- they’re 3-0 in Sun Belt if they score 73+ points, 0-3 if they don’t. Little Rock won its last six games with Troy State, winning last two played here, by 8-23 points. Sun Belt home favorites of 5 or less points are 5-3 vs spread.

Arkansas State is 4-2 in Sun Belt, 3-0 at home, winning by 3-31-2 points; three of their four Sun Belt wins are by 5 or less points. ASU is shooting 40% from arc in Sun Belt games. Red Wolves won seven of their last eight games with South Alabama; three of last four series games were decided by 5 or less points. Jaguars lost four of last five visits here, with losses by 12-12-12-6 points. USA lost nine of last 11 D-I games; five of their six league games were decided by 6 or less points or in OT. Sun Belt home favorites of 8+ points are 3-6-1 vs spread.

UL-Lafayette is 3-3 in Sun Belt; road team won four of the six games. ULL is 2-1 on road, with wins at Little Rock/Texas St- they lost by 3 at Arkansas St. ULL is rebounding 37.1% of its own misses, but they’re not great on defense. Tex-Arlington is 3-0 at home in Sun Belt, allowing 62.7 pts/game in wins by 21-15-16 points (they’re allowing 85.7 pts/game on road). Cajuns won five of last seven games with Arlington; they won two of three visits here, losing by 1 in OT LY. Sun Belt home favorites of 8 or less points are 7-11 against the spread.

UL-Monroe won its last four games with Texas State, winning by 3-19 points in last two visits here. ULM is 0-6 in Sun Belt, with three losses by 2 points or in OT; Warhawks are 0-4 in Sun Belt road games, losing by 4-9-16-31 points; they’re last in league in 6 of 9 offensive metrics. Texas State is 3-3 in Sun Belt, with all six games decided by 9 or less points; Bobcats play one of ten slowest tempos in country- they lead Sun Belt in both blocked shots/steals in league play. Sun Belt home favorites of 8 or less points are 7-11 against the spread.

Oklahoma is #325 experience team thats played Schedule #6, which explains why they’re 8-10; Sooners are 2-5 in Big X- they split last two games, both in OT. Oklahoma is 1-2 on road, losing by 3-11 points with win at West Va. Texas lost its last five games, losing last two home games by total of 5 points; Longhorns are turning ball over 23.2% of time, shooting only 32.3% on arc. Oklahoma won five of last six games with Texas, splitting last four visits here. Oklahoma is shooting only 44.6% inside arc. Big X home favorites of 4 or less points are 2-4 vs spread.

Canisius lost its last two games by total of nine points; Griffins are 5-4 in MAAC, 2-3 on road, with losses by 6-23-5 points. Niagara snapped 4-game skid with win at St Peter’s Saturday; Purple Eagles are 1-3 at home in MAAC with only win over Siena; their home losses are by 3-6-7 points. Canisius won seven of last eight games with Niagara; they won last four visits here, by 9-13-6-7 points- they beat Purple Eagles in triple OT (102-97) in MAAC tourney LY. MAAC road favorites of 6 or less points are 5-8 against the spread.

St Peter’s won four of last five games, but for some reason, this is their 5th game in last nine days. Peacocks beat Rider 71-65 on road eight days ago, going 22-27 on line, but Broncs are 9-4 in its last 13 games with St Peter’s, winning last five visits to Jersey City- they won 76-45 here LY. St Peter’s forces turnovers 21.6% of time, best in league. Rider lost three of last four games, losing last two road games, by 3 at Manhattan, 10 at Siena. Broncs are worst team in MAAC on foul line (65.3%). MAAC home favorites of 4 or less points are 4-7 vs spread.

Quinnipiac won its last two games, is 5-4 in MAAC but 1-3 on road with losses by 6-4-7 points; Bobcats beat Iona 97-91 in OT nine days ago, after trailing by 6 with 3:08 left- Gaels were 7-23 on arc in game (they’re shooting 41.5% on arc overall in MAAC games). Iona won its last three home games by 13-23-7 points; Gaels won five of last six games with Quinnipiac, winning last three here, by 22-8-19 points. Favorites covered five of last six series games. Double digit home favorites are 3-6 against the spread in MAAC games.

Gonzaga never trailed in 73-52 home win over Portland Saturday; this game is makeup of a previous snowout. Pilots lost PG Wintering (ACL) for season LW, so they’re in trouble, losing last five games. Portland lost last two home games, by 1-41 (vs St Mary’s) points. Gonzaga needs to make sure they don’t get bored; they’re 3-0 on road in WCC, winning by 20-15-31 points. Zags are 27-1 in last 28 series games, winning last two here by 12-26 points. Double digit road favorites are 6-1 vs spread in WCC games this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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

Race 4 - Post: 1:25 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 70 - Purse:$2100 - F& M N/W $150 P/S LAST 5 OR 2016 $2900 P/C L/S J DEVAUX 1 OVER 8 O CURTIN 3 OVER 5
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 ROSE RUN PAIGE 3/1
# 2 WAITTED OUT 4/1
# 1 FLASHY 6/1

The consensus this time is that ROSE RUN PAIGE is the one to beat. Had one of the top TrackMaster Speed Ratings of the pack in her last affair. I'd recommend using in your wagers. WAITTED OUT - The panel of smart guys always likes a proven performer. This horse's high winning percentage is proof of that. This standardbred could get the top prize here beginning from the Monticello Raceway 2 post. FLASHY - The 1 post sports a much higher than average win percent at Monticello Raceway. Top players love to play the driver of this mare - great win statistic most recently.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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

Race 7 - Post: 9:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 75 - Purse:$20000 - NON-WINNERS OF 4 P-M RACES OR $40,000 LIFETIME. 3,4& 5 YEAR OLD COLTS, HORSES & GELDINGS
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 DAKOTA JACK 3/2
# 2 LUKES COWBOY 6/1
# 1 FINAL JUSTICE 2/1

Really keen on the probability of DAKOTA JACK taking down the winner's share today. This competition could be controlled by this horse. Just one look at the avgerage TrackMaster Speed Rating will prove that. This pick will feel the change in med - with second time Lasix today. Had one of the most favorable speed figures of the group of animals in his last affair. I'd recommend using in your wagers. LUKES COWBOY - Running sharply, achieved a very strong speed rating in his most recent race (75). You have to strongly consider a horse that wins a lot, very impressive win percent. FINAL JUSTICE - When the starter calls, race horses coming out of the 1 position have more wins than normal. Horoscope said take a chance today, this contender is as good as any to take a shot with.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Sam Houston

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


Race 5 - SO - 5.0f on the Turf. Purse: $9500 Class Rating: 90

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $7,500 OR LESS IN 2016 - 2017 OR CLAIMING PRICE $15,000. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 23 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 23 ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 11 PREVIOUS HONOR 12/1

# 6 SECONDHAND JUSTICE 8/1

# 3 I FORGOT IT'S NAME 6/1

PREVIOUS HONOR looks to be a formidable contender and is a competitive value-based bet given the 12/1 line. Could provide positive returns based on strong recent speed figs with an average of 79. This mare is a solid contender based on her earnings per start in turf sprint events. Have to examine solely on class, with some of the strongest class figs of this field. SECONDHAND JUSTICE - Looks strong to be close to the front end at the first call. I FORGOT IT'S NAME - Looks quite good for the conditions of this contest today, showing solid numbers in turf sprint races lately. This horse has a wonderful winning percentage in turf sprints.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

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


Race 5 - Claiming - 250y on the Dirt. Purse: $3500 Class Rating: 69

QUARTER HORSE 250Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 7 FANTASTIC WAVE 5/2

# 1 APOLLITICAL START 10/1

# 3 A ROYAL ALIBHAI 3/1

FANTASTIC WAVE gets the edge as the bet in here. Demonstrates the look of a lucrative play, averaging a solid 58 speed figure which is one of the strongest in this field. Like the finishes in the last couple of races. Is a key contender - given the 70 speed fig from her most recent race. APOLLITICAL START - Had one of the best speed figs of this field in her last affair. A solid 70 avg class fig may give this mare a distinct class edge versus this field. A ROYAL ALIBHAI - Is a definite contender - given the 69 Equibase speed fig from his most recent race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #8 - Post: 4:00pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,500 Class Rating: 61

Rating:

#9 MIND YOUR MANNERS (ML=6/1)
#3 SUPER CRYBABY (ML=8/1)


MIND YOUR MANNERS - Looking at today's class rating, this horse is meeting an easier group than last out at Mahoning Valley Race Cour. I am keen on that latest race on December 28th at Mahoning Valley Race Cour where he ended up second. This gelding should be at the peak of fitness, this far into his form cycle. A repeat of that last effort on December 28th where he notched a speed fig of 61 looks good enough to prove victorious in this contest. SUPER CRYBABY - Looking at today's Equibase class figure, this campaigner is encountering an easier group than last time around the track at Mahoning Valley Race Cour. Jockey hops back aboard after getting to know the beautiful animal by riding last out. That's always a good tip. Last ran at Mahoning Valley Race Cour and finished fourth. Reviewing his PP lines, I see he was close at the finish line, within five of the winner.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 STEPHEN BREAKEVEN (ML=2/1), #8 RISENER (ML=3/1), #4 FOCUS POCUS (ML=8/1),

STEPHEN BREAKEVEN - Hard to put your cash on the win end of any horse that finishes second and third as regularly as this horse does. RISENER - 3/1 is not enough of a value to take on most any animal that has run poorly in back to back races. Should be difficult for this horse to beat this bunch off of that last speed figure. Not probable to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's class figure, so put him on the likely underpriced equines list. FOCUS POCUS - Finished third in his most recent performance with a most unsatisfactory speed figure. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this group.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Bet on #9 MIND YOUR MANNERS to win if you can get at least 2/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [3,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Pass