Monday 11/2/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Flyers (3-4) at Canucks (4-2)

Date: November 02, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

Jared McCann had a significant hand in Vancouver's first home win of the season and he's getting a chance to stick around for more games in front of the Canucks fans.

The rookie will try to boost his team to another victory on its own ice Monday night against the slumping Philadelphia Flyers.

McCann scored a pair of first-period goals in a 5-1 rout of previously 9-0-0 Montreal on Tuesday, helping end Vancouver's 0-2-3 start at home. The 19-year-old center tallied his team-best fifth goal in a 4-3 victory Friday in Arizona, and the Canucks (5-2-4) rewarded him for his play this week by deciding to keep him on the roster instead of sending him back to his junior league team.

Vancouver also chose to keep winger Jake Virtanen, who has two assists during the team's 2-0-1 stretch. Virtanen was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2014 draft and McCann was the 24th.

"Both guys deserve to be here, and saying that, there is still lots to learn," coach Willie Desjardins said. "That's one thing we are counting on, that by January we are going to have an even better player."

The two players will try to pay the Canucks back by helping them win two in a row for just the second time this season. Vancouver won back-to-back games Oct. 12 and 13.

"They both have been really good for us so far, but it's only a small sample. Now that they're here for the long run, we need them to step up and play big minutes for us every game," forward Alexandre Burrows said.

The Canucks swept last season's two meetings with Philadelphia (4-4-2) by a combined 8-1 margin. Burrows scored a pair of third-period goals in a 4-1 home win March 17, including the tiebreaker with 13:16 remaining.

The Flyers lost 3-1 to Buffalo in the opener to a five-game trip, falling to 0-2-1 in their last three and 1-2-1 away from home. They only avoided a shutout when Mark Streit scored with 3:26 remaining, and have been outscored 17-9 on the road.

The team has also struggled on special teams lately, going 0 for 10 on the power play in its last four overall contests and allowing six goals in 19 times short-handed in its past five.

"I think there are a lot of things that aren't clicking right now," general manager Ron Hextall said. "I think the special teams are losing that battle. That's a big one. That's a huge one. That's one that's hurting us right now. We need to get it corrected soon."

Scoring more goals could prove difficult if Philadelphia has to face Ryan Miller. He has shutouts in each of his last two matchups with the Flyers, stopping 30 shots in a 4-0 win in Philadelphia on Jan. 15.

Burrows has three goals and five assists in a six-game point streak against the Flyers. Daniel Sedin has tallied four goals and 12 assists in his last 10 matchups.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Dallas Stars won eight of their last nine games.
-- Kings won last seven games, allowing nine goals. Chicago won its last five home games, allowing a total of four goals.

Cold teams
-- Toronto lost its last six games, scoring nine goals.
-- Flyers lost last three games, scoring five goals. Canucks lost five of last seven games.

Series records
-- Maple Leafs won five of last six games with Dallas.
-- Kings lost four of last six games with Chicago.
-- Flyers lost six of last seven games with Vancouver.

Totals
-- Eight of last ten Dallas games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-0-2 in last nine Chicago-LA games.
-- Last three Vancouver games went over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Dallas Stars at Toronto Maple Leafs November 2, 7:30 EST

Dallas Stars showing they're for real have won 9 of their first 11 games lighting the lamp 3.6 times/games including a sharp 4-1 mark on enemy ice. The Buds have posted just 1 win in their first 10 of the season managing 2.0 goals/game and have yet to win on home ice. Teams trending in opposite direction, Stars a solid 13-3 in their last 16 road games, Leafs 5-16 vs the Western Conference, 1-6 against a Central opponent the lean is Dallas.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (2-1) at 76ers (0-2)

Date: November 02, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

With a pair of stars on the mend, a weekend off followed by a lighter stretch in the schedule might be the perfect medicine for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After surviving a physical and emotional opening week, the Cavs return to action Monday night at Philadelphia looking to keep the 76ers winless.

The Cavaliers (2-1) will continue to feel out their injury concerns during a stretch of six games against non-playoff teams from a year ago, rolling on with home matchups against New York and the 76ers later this week.

Cleveland opened with three games in four days - physical contests against Chicago and Memphis and an emotional one versus Miami. While point guard Kyrie Irving remains sidelined following offseason knee surgery with no timeline for his return, LeBron James and Kevin Love are each playing through injury concerns.

James said Friday he intends to play 82 games after missing a career-high 13 last season, but he is three weeks removed from his second anti-inflammatory injection in 10 months to treat an ongoing issue with his back.

An uneasy sight for Cavs fans has been the 30-year-old laying on his stomach near Cleveland's bench in order to take the stress off his back.

He opened the season with 25 points and 10 rebounds in a loss to the Bulls on Tuesday but scored just 12 the next day in a blowout win over the Grizzlies. James hit 13 of 19 shots Friday for 29 points in a 102-92 victory over the Heat, whom he won two championships with before returning to Cleveland last season.

Not concerned with his own body, James has said he wants Love to get as involved as possible. Love had 24 points and 14 rebounds against Miami and shot 3 of 7 on 3-pointers.

"Kevin Love is our main focal point," James said. "We want to get Kev to know how great he is and how good he is for our team."

The physical games may have been bigger tests for Love's surgically repaired left shoulder, which he injured in last season's first-round playoff series against Boston.

"If it was going to go against two teams, it was going to be (the Bulls and Grizzlies)," said Love, who is averaging 19.7 points while knocking down 8 of 21 from 3-point range. "Definitely got hit, got pulled, got my arm locked a few times and I'm pretty sore, too, so it's definitely been tested and I'm sure it will continue to be."

Cleveland is chasing its sixth win in seven meetings with Philadelphia, though the 76ers have won six of the last seven at Wells Fargo Center.

The 76ers (0-2) heard a familiar sound Friday when their home crowd booed them off the court following a 99-71 loss to Utah.

Philadelphia's rebuilding era looks like it will last another season without Joel Embiid, leaving the rest of its inexperienced roster to take the lumps.

"Maybe it's going to take a little bit of time," Nik Stauskas said. "Maybe we need to work on a few more things. But we're relatively young and inexperienced at this point."

The 76ers have made shot just 36.1 percent while turning the ball over 43 times, including eight by rookie Jahlil Okafor in Wednesday's 112-95 loss at Boston.

Okafor had a solid game otherwise, making 10 of 16 shots for 26 points, but he followed with 10 points against the Jazz.

He was one of five players to score in double digits. The problem was none of them finished with more than 12 while the team shot 30.2 percent and committed 19 turnovers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Spurs (2-1) at Knicks (2-1)

Date: November 02, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs' seasons have often gone in contrasting directions since the turn of the millennium.

The Knicks, though, have gotten the better of the five-time NBA champions in most of the recent matchups.

A seemingly rejuvenated Carmelo Anthony will try to help them earn another victory over San Antonio on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

New York (2-1) has finished with just three winning records since the end of the 2000-01 season and reached the playoffs four times. San Antonio, meanwhile, has made the postseason in 18 consecutive years and boasts an NBA-record 16 consecutive seasons with at least 50 wins, including a 50-16 finish in a lockout-shortened 2011-12.

Despite those differing fortunes, the Knicks have won four of the past six matchups and three of four at MSG. New York prevailed 104-100 in overtime on its own floor in the most recent meeting March 17 despite Anthony's absence due to left knee surgery. Langston Galloway led the Knicks with what was a then-career high 22 points.

Anthony was back in superstar form in a 117-110 victory at Washington on Saturday, scoring 37 points on 11-of-18 shooting. The forward totaled 36 points in the first two games since his surgery while missing 29 of 43 shots, including 11 of 12 from 3-point range.

"It felt good. It's been a while since February," he said. "I keep saying it, but it's been a while for me to kind of have this experience."

Anthony will face San Antonio for the first time since registering 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting and 12 rebounds in a 105-101 road victory Jan, 2, 2014. He was dealing with soreness in his left knee before a 109-95 loss in San Antonio on Dec. 10.

The Spurs (2-1) will try to limit him this time after a pair of stingy performances in wins against Brooklyn and Boston. They yielded an average of 81.0 points on 37.7 percent shooting after allowing Oklahoma City to shoot 48.8 percent in a 112-106 road loss Wednesday.

San Antonio held Boston to 35.7 percent and a 6-of-29 showing from 3-point range in a 95-87 victory Sunday. The win was also an NBA-record 541st for the Spurs' trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, but it was their newest star that led them in scoring.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points and 14 rebounds after totaling 21 points in his first two games with San Antonio following a shining tenure in Portland. Kawhi Leonard contributed 19 points and is averaging 22.3 in the first three games.

"We're all still trying to figure it out," guard Danny Green said. "It's still going to take some time. We're still trying to figure it out. Even the old guys that have been here are trying to figure it out."

Aldridge had 24 points and 11 rebounds in his most recent game against the Knicks, a 103-99 victory in the Garden on Dec. 7. He has five consecutive double-doubles versus New York.

The Spurs didn't have Ginobili for either of last season's matchups. He was resting for the first and dealing with a sprained right ankle during the visit to New York. Duncan (rest), Parker (hamstring) and Leonard (hand) didn't play in the victory in December.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bucks (0-3) at Nets (0-3)

Date: November 02, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

Jason Kidd's second season in Milwaukee hasn't begun as planned, though his former team is experiencing its share of early problems as well.

Off to their worst start in 39 years, the Bucks visit the Barclays Center on Monday for a matchup between 0-3 teams coming off playoff appearances.

After orchestrating an abrupt exit following one season as the Nets' coach to take over a Milwaukee franchise that won a league-low 15 games in 2013-14, Kidd earned NBA Coach of the Year consideration by guiding the rebuilding Bucks to a 41-41 record and a surprise No. 6 seed in last season's Eastern Conference.

The follow-up hasn't gotten underway nearly as smoothly, with the Bucks losing their first three games for the first time since an 0-5 beginning in 1976-77. Milwaukee had the longest streak in NBA history without starting 0-3 end with a 106-87 defeat at Toronto in Sunday's road opener.

Just as Kidd's emphasis on sound defense triggered last season's turnaround, a lack of efficiency in that area may be most to blame for the Bucks' current struggles. Milwaukee has allowed an average of 115.3 points and opponents are shooting 46.4 percent from 3-point range.

The Bucks finished fifth in field goal percentage defense (.437) while yielding 97.4 points per game last season.

Injuries have played a part in the slow start as well. Jabari Parker is still nearing a return from December's torn ACL, O.J. Mayo also has yet to play due to a strained hamstring and John Henson, the team's best interior defender, will miss a third straight game with a sore Achilles.

Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out Wednesday's 122-97 season-opening loss to New York serving a one-game suspension but has totaled 47 points and 18 rebounds since returning.

Brooklyn slipped from 44 wins and a conference semifinals appearance under Kidd to 38 in Lionel Hollins' debut, and seems headed to a further drop-off in what's expected to be a transitional year intended to save cap space for a run at the anticipated 2016 free agent class.

The Nets' main issues during their first 0-3 start since they lost their first 18 games in 2009-10 have come on offense. They're averaging a mere 88.7 points while shooting a league-worst 21.1 percent (8 for 38) on 3-point attempts.

'I think everybody is pretty frustrated at this point,' said Joe Johnson, whose 7.7 points per game is nearly 10 under his career average. "But we have to keep working. Just keep going hard on both ends of the floor. It'll come together.'

Bojan Bogdanovic did have an encouraging performance in Saturday's 101-91 loss at Memphis, going 3 for 3 on 3s in a 19-point effort. Johnson finished with 11 points after being held to two on 1-of-7 shooting in Friday's 102-75 defeat to San Antonio.

Brook Lopez averaged 20.0 points and 10.0 rebounds in Brooklyn's four 2014-15 meetings with Milwaukee, of which the Bucks won three including a 122-118 triple-overtime verdict in Kidd's return to the Barclays Center on Nov. 19. Lopez had 32 points and 18 rebounds in a 129-127 Nets' victory, also in triple-overtime, in Brooklyn on March 20.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Thunder (3-0) at Rockets (0-3)

Date: November 02, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

With their two stars back healthy, the Oklahoma City Thunder seem poised for a return to the Western Conference's upper echelon.

The Houston Rockets are hurting, and haven't resembled anything close to a contender.

Oklahoma City puts its unblemished record on the line, while the reeling Rockets seek an elusive first victory of 2015-16, when the teams square off Monday in Houston.

After extensive absences from Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook led to a 3-12 start and sabotaged a 2014-15 campaign in which they narrowly missed a playoff berth, the Thunder (3-0) have already matched the win total from last season's first 15 games under new coach Billy Donovan. And Durant and Westbrook have been two reasons why Oklahoma City is off to its best start since opening 5-0 in 2011-12.

Durant has averaged 30.0 points while showing no effects from the foot problems that limited the 2014 MVP to 27 games last season. He had 25 on 8-of-11 shooting in just 28 minutes as Oklahoma City cruised to a 117-93 win over Denver on Sunday, the Thunder's first easy result after needing fourth-quarter rallies to dispose of San Antonio and Orlando.

Westbrook tallied 48 points in Friday's 139-136 double-overtime decision over the Magic and is averaging 32.0 points and 8.7 assists while shooting 50.0 percent.

Both rested along with Oklahoma City's other starters during the fourth quarter of Sunday's rout, in which the Thunder displayed their impressive depth and skill by shooting 52.3 percent and having seven players finish in double figures.

"When we play like that, when everybody plays together like that, it makes it easy," Durant said.

Durant missed two of Oklahoma City's three 2014-15 meetings with Houston (0-3) as the Rockets swept the series en route to a Southwest Division title and West finals appearance. That Houston team sported one of the league's more efficient offenses, an attribute that can't be applied to this one at the moment.

The Rockets have shot a lowly 37.1 percent while averaging 88.7 points in losses to Denver, Golden State and Miami, all by 20-point margins. They've committed at least 17 turnovers in each game while starting 0-3 for the first time since opening with five straight losses in 2010-11.

'We have not played well all preseason. We have not played well in the first three games,' coach Kevin McHale said. 'No one feels sorry for us. We just have got to go out and find our rhythm and keep on playing.'

James Harden's struggles have been the most alarming, with the 2015 MVP runner-up now 3 for 32 from 3-point range after missing all 10 attempts in Sunday's 109-89 loss to the Heat. Harden finished 2 of 15 overall after a 4-of-18 effort against Golden State on Friday.

Harden averaged 30.3 points and made 14 of 26 attempts from beyond the arc last season against the Thunder.

Defense has been an issue as well, particularly during a second half in which Miami outscored the Rockets 65-26 to overcome a deficit as large as 21 points.

'You can't have a stagnant offense and not get stops,' Harden said. 'That's a sign of disaster, which happened in the second half.'

Houston was playing without Dwight Howard as the three-time Defensive Player of the Year was rested on the first night of a back-to-back. He's slated to play Monday, though forward Terrence Jones (eyelid laceration) is uncertain after also missing Sunday's game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Trail Blazers (1-2) at Timberwolves (2-0)

Date: November 02, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

It hasn't taken long for Karl-Anthony Towns to provide a significant boost to the grief-laden Minnesota Timberwolves and show why he was worthy of the No. 1 overall pick.

In what will be an emotional home opener, Towns will try to lift the Timberwolves to their second 3-0 start in three seasons Monday night against the revamped Portland Trail Blazers.

Towns had 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting, 14 rebounds and four blocks in leading Minnesota to a 95-78 win over Denver on Friday. He had 14 points while making 6 of 10 shots and 12 rebounds in his NBA debut, a 112-111 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

"I'm really happy because it has been a tough week for us," interim coach Sam Mitchell said. "Our guys have worked extremely hard and should be proud."

After its 2-0 start, the team headed back for Flip Saunders' memorial service Saturday in Minnesota. The Timberwolves coach and team president passed away Oct. 25 after a battle with cancer, and the franchise will hold a tribute to him before Monday's game.

The players will also wear a patch honoring Saunders on their uniform beginning with the matchup against Portland (1-2).

"(The patch) will mean a lot. It means a lot because it's just the unity," Towns said. "He's the one who brought almost all of us in here. He's the one who has taken this organization to another level."

Minnesota will try to cap off the night with a victory over a Portland team that has just one starter on its roster from last season, Damian Lillard. LaMarcus Aldridge (San Antonio), Wesley Matthews (Dallas) and Robin Lopez (New York) exited via free agency while Nicolas Batum was traded to Charlotte in June.

One of the players the Blazers acquired in that deal, guard Gerald Henderson, is recovering from hip surgery and has yet to play. Minnesota starting center Nikola Pekovic (Achilles) has also been out.

C.J. McCollum stepped up to score a career-high 37 points in Portland's season-opening win against New Orleans on Wednesday but has a combined 31 in the past two games while missing 24 of 37 shots, including 10 of 13 from 3-point range.

Lillard tallied a combined 47 points in a home-and-home series with Phoenix but no other teammate had more than 16 points in either loss. He had 23 points and eight assists in a 101-90 home defeat Saturday.

"We haven't been playing together that long, especially in real game situations," Lillard said. "It's just going to take time and experience in situations for us to be able to execute and do the things necessary to win the game down the stretch."

The Timberwolves and Blazers split four meetings last season with each team winning twice at home.

Andrew Wiggins averaged 23.3 points in the final three games against Portland, and Kevin Martin has averaged 24.5 in his past four matchups. Martin played in two of the meetings last season.

Lillard is averaging 26.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in his last four games in Minnesota, but Portland has just one victory in those contests.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (2-1) at Warriors (3-0)

Date: November 02, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

Following an unforgettable championship run by his Golden State Warriors, reigning MVP Stephen Curry is remarkably exceeding expectations so far in 2015-16.

The high-scoring guard, however, could find the going a bit tougher against the defensive-minded Memphis Grizzlies.

In their first meeting since the Grizzlies gave them a scare in the Western Conference semifinals, the Warriors seek a franchise-record 20th straight home win Monday night.

Curry was sixth in the league last season with 23.8 points per game, third in 3-point shooting at 44.3 percent and first in foul shooting at 91.4 percent, yet somehow the seventh-year pro has been even better through the first three games. He's averaging 39.3 points, has hit 17 of 35 (48.6 percent) 3-point attempts and 21 of 22 (95.5) free throws.

He finished with 53 points - including a career high for a quarter with 28 in the third - in Saturday's 134-120 win over New Orleans. Curry sank eight 3s and made all 11 of his attempts from the stripe while also contributing nine assists and four steals.

Curry is just the fourth player in NBA history to score at least 118 points in the first three games of a season, joining Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan and Jerry West.

"You just get better as a player and try to take it to another level," he said. "So that's what I'm trying to do this year."

The Warriors (3-0) will try to break the team mark for consecutive home wins, which was set from Dec. 14-Jan. 25 last season. The Grizzlies (2-1), however, are one of only three visitors to win in the past 50 games at Oracle Arena, including the postseason.

That win came by a 97-90 score in Game 2 of the conference semifinals. Mike Conley and Courtney Lee helped slow Curry while the Grizzlies gained a surprising 2-1 series edge.

Curry averaged 21.3 points and shot 8 of 29 from 3-point range in those contests before scoring 27.7 per game and sinking 18 of 35 from downtown as the Warriors closed out the series with three straight victories.

Memphis (2-1) has finished in the top five in defensive scoring in each of the past four years, but is giving up 100.0 points per game on 48.1 percent shooting this season.Golden State has averaged 119.0 on 47.6 percent shooting, including 40.7 from long range.

Conley led the way with 22 points - including a 4-of-7 performance from outside the arc - and eight assists, while Zach Randolph had 15 points and 13 rebounds in Saturday's 101-91 home win over Brooklyn.

Memphis has shot 16 of 39 (41.0 percent) from 3-point range in back-to-back wins after going 2 for 16 in Wednesday's 106-76 loss to Cleveland. The Warriors, however, have limited their opponents to just 30.2 percent shooting from long distance.

"When we're making shots from the outside, I think we're a tough team to beat," Conley said. "The league knows that, and we've just got to find more consistency with it."

Marc Gasol banged his right hand, jammed two fingers and finished with just seven points on 2-of-10 shooting. The All-Star center averaged 19.2 points but shot just 37.6 percent to go along with 11.2 rebounds versus Golden State in last season's playoffs.

Klay Thompson hasn't played more than 28 minutes for the Warriors due to an ailing back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Suns (2-1) at Clippers (3-0)

Date: November 02, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have posted a .673 winning percentage while reaching the playoffs in each of the past four years following Blake Griffin's breakout rookie season.

But they've never be able to run off four consecutive victories to begin a campaign.

As Griffin tries to continue his hot start, the Clippers look to extend their best beginning in eight years Monday night with their eighth consecutive victory over the visiting Phoenix Suns.

Griffin, who has helped the franchise turn things around since winning the Rookie of the Year award five years ago, says Los Angeles is playing with a sense of urgency this season.

It's certainly shown in his play, as he's averaging 32.0 points on 64.4 percent shooting. The star forward scored 37 with nine rebounds in Saturday's 114-109 home win over Sacramento.

'To get off to a good start and beat a good team like that is important for us,' Griffin said. 'If we would have won one more game last year, it would have put us in second place in the conference and we would have had homecourt advantage through the first two rounds of the playoffs. You think about those things.'

Given his success against the Suns, Griffin could help the Clippers continue their best start since winning their first four games in 2007-08. He's averaging 27.8 points on 61.0 percent shooting over the last six of a seven-game winning streak that's their longest in the history of the series.

Griffin had 45 points - including a 3-pointer at the buzzer - in a 121-120 win in the most recent meeting at Staples Center on Dec. 8.

The Clippers have limited opponents to 40.8 percent shooting so far. They'll need to play well defensively against a Phoenix team that boasts one of the NBA's highest-scoring backcourts.

Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight are one of three guard tandems (Washington's John Wall and Bradley Beal, Portland's Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum) averaging 20.0 points apiece.

Bledsoe finished with 33 points, six assists, four steals and two blocks Saturday, while Knight contributed 27 points, five assists, five rebounds and hit four 3-pointers in a 101-90 win that gave the Suns (2-1) both meetings of a home-and-home set with Portland.

'When you have two guys who can penetrate and shoot and make the right play, it is going to work fine,' Knight said. 'It's about all of us, really, meshing and jelling and finding the right way to play together.'

Tyson Chandler, who signed a four-year, $52 million deal in July, had 15 points and 13 rebounds in the home win over the Trail Blazers before finishing with five and 11 at Portland. He'll be tasked with trying to contain DeAndre Jordan, second in the league with 15.0 boards per game.

Jordan had 15 points and 18 rebounds against the Kings, leaving him just 31 boards shy of Elton Brand's franchise record of 4,710. He's averaged 15.5 rebounds in his last eight versus the Suns.

Chris Paul has scored 22.3 per game and hit 19 of 39 from 3-point range while totaling 57 assists with just 16 turnovers in his last six meetings, but he's looking to bounce back after shooting 8 for 21 in his last two games overall and committing five turnovers Saturday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors November 2, 10:30 EST

When the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies go at it on Oracle Arena hardwood Monday they'll look to continue a strong series trend. In the last twelve encounters the 'Under' has cashed 9 times with 3 'Over' In the last seven meetings at this venue the 'Under' has been the right choice 5 times with 2 'Over'. Adding to those numbers Warriors are 12-3 'Under' vs a conference opponent, Grizzlies 29-9-1 'Under' vs the Western Conference. - The total opened at 199.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Dayton Raceway

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


Race 1 - Post: 6:35 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 62 - Purse:$4500 - FILLIES & MARES N/W 1 PM RACE DAYTON RACEWAY


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 DREAMLINER JET 5/2


# 2 BETTY FLYNN 3/1


# 3 MS I AM 15/1


DREAMLINER JET has a competitive shot to take this gathering. Worth careful consideration here based on the numbers in the TrackMaster Speed Rating department alone. Very likely the class of the pack with an average rating of 65. A nice selection. Many handicappers will recognize the exemplary TrackMaster Speed Rating in the last contest. Stacks up against any horse in this field of horses. BETTY FLYNN - Feel the need for speed, this entrant has been turning in some outstanding TrackMaster speed figs averaging around 64. Many race players will recognize the stellar speed figure in the last outing. Stacks up against any horse in this pack. MS I AM - This mare has been doing work versus some of the most competitive company in this group of horses lately.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Meadows

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


Race 12 - Post: 4:35 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 86 - Purse:$10000 - CD ALL AGES F& M NW $4400 LAST 4 STARTS HORSES RACING FOR A PURSE GREATER THAN $12,501 LAST START NE - STAKES, CLOSERS & 10 HORSE BONUS MONEY EXCLUDED


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 CIAO DOUGH 5/2


# 2 SOUTH JERSEY HONEY 5/1


# 7 VEGLIANTINO 6/1


The pick today is CIAO DOUGH. Her 89 avg has this mare among the most compelling TrackMaster Speed Ratings for this one. The wagering panel gives this contender a great chance to take this race, class figures are tops in the field. With a great 86 TrackMaster SR last time out, will definitely be a factor in this race. SOUTH JERSEY HONEY - With a tremendous driver, who has won at a really good 29 percent rate the past month, this has to be one of the best picks. VEGLIANTINO - It's chancy to consider solely based on class, but this mare has among the finest class ratings of the field. Had one of the most competitive TrackMaster Speed Ratings of the grouping in her last gathering. A good idea to use in your wagers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

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


Race 8 - Allowance - 8.2f on the Dirt. Purse: $20400 Class Rating: 88

FOR NY-BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE STATE BRED RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OPTIONAL, OR STARTER. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE OCTOBER 2 ALLOWED 2 LBS. ONE SUCH RACE ALLOWED 4 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 ONE MORE ACT 9/2


# 6 UNREPENTED 5/2


# 5 KELLSTER 6/1


ONE MORE ACT appears to be the wager in here. Lopez has a winning percentage of 33 over the last 30 days. Ferraro has this filly racing well and is a formidable selection based on the competitive speed figures recorded in route races recently. This filly gets a boost with Lopez in the irons. UNREPENTED - Is worth considering and may be a wager - strong Equibase Speed Figures (81 average) at today's distance and surface lately. Always good to invest in a conditioner with this kind of competitive win percentage - 22 percent - at this distance & surface. KELLSTER - Has to be carefully examined - I like the figs from the last race. The average Equibase class rating of 76 makes this one tough to beat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Zia Park

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


Race 11 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $11500 Class Rating: 57

FOR REGISTERED NEW MEXICO BRED MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 G T EL GATO 8/1


# 7 MARTINS PLEASURE 3/1


# 11 PRIVATE CRUISE 4/1


G T EL GATO is my pick and the potential return justifies the hazardous nature of the long odds. Has performed solidly lately in sprint races, posting a nifty 65 avg Equibase Speed Figure. If you look closely, this one has some longshot possibilities. His chances to prove victorious are much better this time out facing this easier bunch. MARTINS PLEASURE - Look for a strong attempt with the class drop. The average Equibase class figure alone makes this one a key contender. PRIVATE CRUISE - I like Murphy on this gelding to give him a solid chance to hit the wire first.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #3 - Post: 1:56pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 70

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 GERMANY BAY (ML=2/1)
#3 ROCKY BAR OF GOLD (ML=6/1)


GERMANY BAY - Entered last at Los Alamitos (Thoroughbre in a race with an Equibase class figure of 83. Dropping a significant amount in Equibase class figure in today's event puts him in a solid position in this race. Just view his recent speed figure, 79. That one fits in this field. ROCKY BAR OF GOLD - Ran in the last race against a higher rated class of horses at Sun Ray Park. The move down the class ladder should suit him well. 'Blinkers On' is a time-honored positive angle in handicapping the races.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 BOSQUE ANGEL (ML=3/1), #1 TERRELL ME A STORY (ML=7/2), #2 OUR VALID TWIRL (ML=9/2),

BOSQUE ANGEL - Substandard speed figure last race out at Turf Paradise at 4 1/2 furlongs. Don't think this entrant will improve too much in today's event. TERRELL ME A STORY - Tough to take this steed at the price after the finish (fifth) in the last event. Not easy to play this vulnerable equine today. Make him show you something in a short distance race before you play him in a race of 5 furlongs. OUR VALID TWIRL - I'm foretelling a less than stellar try out of her this time.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #4 GERMANY BAY to win. Have to have odds of at least 3/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #6 - Post: 2:59pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,700 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 MON AMI GABY (ML=9/2)


MON AMI GABY - She'll be laying in perfect stalking position, right behind the early speed. Don't often see a profitable return on investment like +25. This rider/trainer tandem has done well together over the last 12 months. This mare is at the top in earnings per race entered. Check out this one before the race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 SUMMON THE RAIN (ML=4/1), #10 ABBY'S SLEW (ML=5/1), #8 MOON OVER PARADOR (ML=6/1),

SUMMON THE RAIN - Common speed figure in the last race at Mountaineer Park at 6 furlongs. Don't feel this runner will improve too much in today's event. ABBY'S SLEW - You think this animal is going to win just because she's always close. Just doesn't get the job done regularly. MOON OVER PARADOR - Unlikely that this animal will finish better than she did last time out of the box when finishing third. Looked like she was in good form on October 5th. Hasn't been near the track since then though. Not a positive sign. Substandard speed rating last time out at Mountaineer Park at 1 mile. Don't feel this less than sharp equine will improve too much in today's race.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #1 MON AMI GABY to win if you can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
1 with 9

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 11/2 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 6,8/1,3,8/2,3,4/2,3/6,7 = $14.40

EARLY PICK 4:2,3/6,7/4,6,7/1,4,10 = $36

LATE PICK 4:10/3,4,6,9/1,3,5/1,3,6,9 = $48

MEET STATS: 51 - 178 / 227.40 BEST BETS: 6 - 15 / $18.00

SPOT PLAYS: 3 - 16 / 30.30

Best Bet: LAY LADY LAY (5th)

Spot Play: HES GONE BAD (4th)


Race 1

(8) JULERICA looks much the best here off last week's lifetime-best score but the price on him will drop dramatically. (6) SPORTS LIGHTNING was a decent 2nd to the choice first time in a claimer and figures again. (1) STEVES LEGACY took a shuffle in the same race and is capable of better with a clean trip.

Race 2

(1) HAILEYSGONEDANCING shows some miles from the summer that make her competitive in this inexperienced field. Trainer sends them ready; top call. (3) T C SNO MASSIVE raced okay last week and her good early speed makes her a threat here in what could be a paceless race. (8) TYMAL TEMPEST made the Breeders Crown final but broke stride during the race. She has a much better shot here and could try to wire this field.

Race 3

(2) LMC MARSHMELLOW was live last week but was thwarted by the slow pace carved out by the leader. That one is in here too but she will likely get pushed a bit harder early. (3) MEADOW SEELSTER slowed the pace to a crawl in the middle stages then sprinted away. Her good early speed always makes her a threat it seems. (4) JUDY THE BEAUTY's good closing power could come into play here in a race that figures to have a bit of action early.

Race 4

(3) HES GONE BAD showed little until the end of the mile last week where he was closing late. Perhaps coming back onto a 7-day cycle will make him sharper and more aggressive. (2) THINK AGAIN finally moves inside after leaving from outside posts for several weeks. Sharp improvement is very possible. (1) HP BLACK SHADOW was first up last week then tired. An easier trip and better result is feasible.

Race 5

(7) LAY LADY LAY provided perfect cover for the winner last time but was game and nailed only very late. She looks best here. (6) ACTIVE LADY was nailed late for the 2nd week in a row but will get there soon with her good speed. (4) MAXIM SEELSTER closed well into an accelerating pace and merits inclusion on Pick 4 tickets.

Race 6

(7) FRANNIEGETYOURGUN finished 2nd two starts back to the filly that was subsequently 2nd in the Breeders Crown final. She should do well here with the class drop if she stays flat. (6) HURRICANE HAZEL makes her first start since being sold for $43K earlier in the month. The new connections are likely looking for an immediate return; using. (4) COUNTRY PROPHET won a class lower in his Woodbine debut. He's a contender but likely needs to knock a couple of seconds off to beat these.

Race 7

(10) HIT AND GIGGLE A drops in class here and could clear these early and be gone. (1) WARAWEE PHEONIX moves inside which gives him a much better chance to contend. (4) CANADIAN EDITION has been racing well in the top classes out of town and fits here.

Race 8

(9) LADY MARINA has been solid since ditching stakes company and will be tough to beat here. (4) NOONE TO DEPEND ON is stuck on one win but can trip out here with her good tactical speed and is one to stick on late pick 4 tickets. (6) BARBARAS SHADOW showed marked improvement in her second start and would be no surprise here.

Race 9

(1) VEGAS RICH showed little last time vs. a winner that is unbeaten this year. This is an easier spot and he should be more prominent throughout. (3) HIDDEN POTENTIAL has been racing well out of town and his good tactical speed gives him a shot here. (5) AMERICAN ROCK left hard then followed a strong winner home. He's another in with a shot here as he should be up near the front throughout.

Race 10

(1) TWIN B SPORTSMAN finally got a good post last week and just about pulled off the upset. There vs. this group. (3) IWILLNOTBEMACHED ships in from Yonkers and his form there should transfer well vs. these. (6) STATE NEWS set out on a speed mission last time but was overtaken on the backstretch. He should be prominent here. (9) ON THE ROCKS broke while moving last time. His effort two back makes him a contender if he can come close to repeating it. (7) JET ER DONE has really improved his form in the past three starts at Kawartha and could get a piece of this at a price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 11/2 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 335 - 1024 / $1,847.10 BEST BETS: 49 - 82 / $168.40


Best Bet: GIRLLOOKATTHATBODY (5th)

Spot Play: ODYSSEUS BLUECHIP (10th)


Race 1

(3) REAL FLIGHT has had absolutely no chance in his last two from outside posts. Prior to that he won in 1:54 2/5 at Monticello and we know he's got back class; take a long look here. (1) LISTOWEL gets needed post relief and will be a big player. (2) SOMETHING FOR DOC returns locally as a shell of his former self; I guess I need to see one first.

Race 2

(2) HARDTS OR BETTOR makes his second start for Banca and despite facing tougher I'm sticking with him. (1) WAYWARD SON moves all the way inside and will be a big player. (3) HILARIOUS HALO drops and has proven capable with these for Lachance. (6) BOBJACKS ANGLE A gets a mention with Sears driving again.

Race 3

(3) V I P BAYAMA gets both class and post relief for Lahance and should be winging early. (4) SOME HEART THROB was decent upon arrival for Allard despite burning money and he should be better tonight. (7) IDEAL CHAMP plunges in class and will be firing from the gate; six races back he had a huge winning effort here.

Race 4

(4) SEA ROSE ships in off a decent effort first time in the Brandon Simpson barn and the freshman filly can show more tonight. (2) COZY BEACH jogged last out for Casie Coleman and she's clearly the one to beat but there's better 1/5 shots out there. (5) VICTORIA'S MUNKY finally broke her maiden last start.

Race 5

(3) GIRLLOOKATTHATBODY was barely defeated in a needed start after shipping in last week and she can carry her speed further tonight. (2) HEAVENS LEGACY gets needed post relief and will be close up throughout. (4) SHE'S A HOT MESS has raced well for Alagna in her last three.

Race 6

(1) MY SUGAR DADDY ships down from Saratoga for Rohr, draws best and gets Mr. 6,000 Bartlett in the bike; winning trip looms from this spot. (3) TWIN B SPEEDO battled but was defeated upon dropping to this level last week; he can be forwardly placed again. (2) BUBBIE BOY has been racing better but rarely wins.

Race 7

(5) MOVEOUTOFMYWAY ships back to Yonkers in racing shape off the layoff and Carlson chose him over two other legitimate contenders. (2) ETHAN HANOVER returns locally into a good spot and he's had his moments here in the past. (4) MONTREAL PHIL was well placed in his two starts off the claim but hung in both of them; proceed with caution.

Race 8

(7) FAN OF TERROR has jogged in two straight and three of four, and he gets a free ride at this level; repeats. (2) DONT TELL WAYNE gets post relief and has raced well for Burke. (1) LIVE ON draws best again but is camera-shy and should be considered underneath.

Race 9

(5) ZIGGY SKY debuts for Banca via claim and lures Bartlett; he could pop first out for the new barn. (3) HYPNOTIST always has to be considered at this level from decent posts. (2) MIDNIGHT DYLAN N is another that should be used from the inside post.

Race 10

(4) ODYSSEUS BLUE CHIP has raced well in his three starts since arriving from Canada and Dube should have him on the move early from this spot. (1) SHORTSTACKED hasn't won in a while but should be considered from the rail. (2) HISTOIRE ETERNELLE gets post relief and Lachance can sit around and hold for a share.

Race 11

(2) LONEWOLF CURRIER gets post relief and picks up Dube; lots to like. (1) KIWI IDEAL N just missed from the pocket last week while surging late; gets another crack inside. (7) PANIC DISORDER has done nothing wrong in all recent and he'll likely be a good price again with the outside post.

Race 12

(6) LITTLE JOKE may have gone too slow last out inviting pressure; filly should be firing early again and is worth another try. (2) NIPPY W HANOVER gets post relief for good connections. (8) OK HALLELUJAH has obvious talent but is in a tough starting spot arriving from Saratoga.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Finger Lakes (4th) Flash Bullett, 4-1
(7th) Jen's Miracle, 4-1


Mahoning Valley (6th) Summon the Rain, 4-1
(7th) Righteous Ride, 3-1


Parx Racing (6th) Roman Officer, 4-1
(8th) Island Cat, 7-2


Turf Paradise (7th) Wonder About Lola, 6-1
(8th) Mobius, 7-2