Monday 11/23/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Monday's games..........

San Diego State lost 46-43 to Ark-Little Rock Saturday, shooting 28.3%; Aztecs are 2-2, forcing turnovers only 12.5% of time (#339), while they turn ball over 22.4% of time (#302) so they've got issues at guard. East Carolina lost by 8 at Cal Friday. AAC underdogs are 7-2 against spread. Mountain West home favorites are 6-6.

Santa Clara is 0-4, scoring 55.2 ppg; they turn ball over 21.5% of time, make 26.7% from arc- they're #331 in experience. Cal-Irvine is 3-0 with OT win at Central Florida last game; Anteaters have 7-6 center; they are #5 in country in eFG% defense. Big West home favorites are 4-2 against spread; WCC road underdogs are 3-9.

Florida State is 3-1, scoring 91.8 ppg; they're shooting 61.9% inside arc; Hofstra made 10-22 from arc in FSU's only loss. Ohio U blew 19-point lead in 90-88 loss to Tulsa Friday; Bobcats are 3-1; none of teams they beat are in top 250 nationally. ACC favorites on neutral courts are 7-4 vs spread. MAC underdogs are 4-8 against the spread.

St John's is undermanned in Mullin's first year as coach, but giving them 15 when Vandy just beat Stony Brook in OT? Oy. Red Storms allowed 56.3 ppg in winning first three games vs stuffs (no one in top 200)- they turn ball over 22.6% of time. Vanderbilt made 40% of its 3's in 3-0 start. SEC favorites are 13-9. Big East underdogs are 5-6 against spread.

Indiana scored 92 ppg in winning first three games, beating Creighton by 21 last game; Hoosiers are turning ball over 24% of time but making 43% from arc, 66% inside it. Wake Forest is 6th-worst team in country forcing turnovers; they're 2-1, losing 91-82 to Richmond. Deacons are young but are good on boards. Big 14 favorites are 11-15 against the spread.

Pac-12 teams are 3-0 vs Mountain West this year, but covered only one of the three games. UCLA scored 83.3 ppg in 2-1 start, turning ball over 21.9% of time but rebounding 42.2% of missed shots. UNLV has young team that is taking step up in competition here; Rebels are shooting just 23.5% on 3's, but force TOs 21% of time, can match UCLA athleticism.

Marquette is 1-2, turning ball over 22.3% of time; only game they won was in OT over IUPUI (#281)- Eagles are shooting 21.9% from arc; their eFG% defense is #280. LSU won first three home games vs stiffs behind dynamic frosh Simmons, by 11-22-12 points; Tigers are shooting 38.2% behind arc. SEC favorites on neutral courts are 6-2 vs spread.

NC State is 2-1, losing opener to Wm & Mary; they haven't shot ball too well so far- they're #301 in experience, losing key guys early to the NBA. Arizona State is also 2-1 in three home games in Hurley's first year with ASU; Sun Devils are #61 in experience. Pac-12 teams are 20-14 against spread this month; ACC teams are 19-16.

Kansas State/Missouri used to be Big 12 rivals. Mizzou is is rebuilding with 2nd-year coach- they lost last game to Xavier by 12, are in bottom 25 in country in experience. K-State is 3-0 with 81-71 win over a decent Columbia team- they beat South Dakota by 21 last game after trailing at halftime. Big X favorites are 1-5 against spread on neutral floors.

Duke alum Collins' Northwestern plays North Carolina after Tar Heels lost at Northern Iowa Saturday, blowing 16-point lead in 2nd half. UNC is still without star G Paige; they scored 87 ppg in three wins. Tar Heels are starting three sophs now. Wildcats are 3-0, with OT win vs Columbia in last game- this is big step up in competition for them.

Clemson allowed 47 ppg in 3-0 start against stiffs, winning by 34-33-20 points; best team they beat was #218 NC Central. Tigers' eFG% is #12 in country, but UMass can match them athletically. Minutemen are 3-0 so far; Harvard is best team they beat. UMass foes are shooting 23.3% on arc. A-14 teams 15-12 vs spread. ACC favorites are 20-15.

Belmont is 2-2; they were underdog in three of four games, are shooting 60.5% inside arc, only 32.3% outside it. Bruins lost 93-88 at Evansville Saturday, after playing in Milwaukee/Tempe weekend before that- they could be tired. South Alabama is lost first two D-I games by 18-12 points to NC State/LSU; Jaguars are shooting just 37.5% inside the arc.

Mercer is 3-0 with win over George Mason, which had pretty good week in Charleston; Bears have young team, starting three sophs. Davidson is scored 86 ppg in winning first two games by total of six points, against Charleston/UCF- they outscored Charleston 4-0 over last 2:52 in 82-81 win Saturday. Wildcats don't sub much; they're #332 in bench minutes.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pompano Park

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


Race 7 - Post: 9:18 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 80 - Purse:$5500 - THREE TO FIVE-YEAR-OLDS WINNERS OF 3 BUT NOT MORE THAN 5 EXTENDED PARI-MUTUEL RACES LIFETIME. NO.5 WILD BILL M - 1ST TIME LASIX BYRON PICKED 2 OVER 9


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 WILD BILL M 8/1


# 6 ALONEINSPADES 5/2


# 8 PAIR OF DEUCES 6/1


WILD BILL M is the clear stand out bet in the eyes of the wagering panel and the morning line makes this a dynamite value wager. Top players should make a mental note that this interesting entrant runs with first time Lasix today. Feel the need for speed, this standardbred has been turning in some fantastic TrackMaster Speed Ratings averaging around 81. The panel of smart guys will always toss in a horse from the 5 position here at Pompano Park, definite exotic possibilities. ALONEINSPADES - Really liked this gelding's last race. Ran a solid 86 TrackMaster Speed Rating. Major player. Hennessey will be looking to dominate in this race, has been on fire recently. Win percent the last 30 days is a sparkling 24. PAIR OF DEUCES - Many handicappers will recognize the fantastic speed figure in the last affair. Stacks up against any horse in this pack.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodbine

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


Race 1 - Post: 7:30 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 87 - Purse:$16000 - NW $7,500 LAST 5 STARTS OR NW $18,500 LAST 10 STARTS. AE: OPT. CLM. $20,000.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 MURMUR HANOVER 5/2


# 7 NOWUCIT NOWUDONT 5/1


# 2 LEXUS ROCKY 7/1


MURMUR HANOVER looks really strong to best this pack. Has very good TrackMaster Speed Ratings and quite possibly has to be thought of for a bet in this event. Most definitely the class of the group with an average rating of 94. A nice selection. Achieved a 83 TrackMaster SR last out. A duplicate effort here should get the win today. NOWUCIT NOWUDONT - With a 89 avg class ranking, this fine animal has one of the most competitive class advantages in the group. A really good play in here as he has one of the highest winning percents in the field of starters as well as excellent credentials all around. LEXUS ROCKY - Lately Henry has been en fuego, which may give the edge to this gelding in here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

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


Race 8 - Allowance - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $20400 Class Rating: 90

FOR FOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY 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, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE OCTOBER 23 ALLOWED 2 LBS. ONE SUCH RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 UNREPENTED 9/5


# 5 ONE MORE ACT 8/5


# 3 JUST CATTY 5/1


UNREPENTED is the most favorable wager in this race. Always seems to be close at the finishing post. Englehart has this filly running well and is a respectable choice based on the competitive Equibase Speed Figures garnered in route races lately. With better than average trips to the winner's circle, Davila will most likely have this filly in excellent position to win the affair. ONE MORE ACT - Formidable average Equibase Speed Figures in dirt route races make this equine a contender. This trainer has the most competitive return on investment in this group with entries running at this distance and surface. JUST CATTY - Ought to be considered based on the very good speed figure earned in the last affair. Is hard not to consider based on Equibase Speed Figures which have been formidable - 73 avg - of late.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course

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


Race 1 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $14600 Class Rating: 74

FOR REGISTERED OHIO BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE MAY 23. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 23 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 URBAN RENEWAL 5/2


# 8 BLUE TIE AFFAIR 7/2


# 4 ATLANTIC WAVES 9/2


URBAN RENEWAL is my choice. Have to wager on this horse with the formidable earnings per start in dirt sprint races. Has to be used in the exotic wagers. Is a definite contender - given the 73 Equibase Speed Figure from his most recent race. BLUE TIE AFFAIR - The winning percentage shown by horses entered by Metz running at this distance are the most favorable in this field. Could best this field based on the speed rating - 69 - of his last race. ATLANTIC WAVES - Will make a good showing versus this field. Players ought to take a good look at this one as this gelding has one of the best win percentages at this distance in this group of horses.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #9 - Post: 4:20pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,500 Class Rating: 79

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#10 SPACED OUT (ML=7/2)


SPACED OUT - This gelding registered a good fig of 79 in his last event. That speed fig should be high enough to win this time around.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 COULD BE GAME (ML=3/1), #8 GRAND SLAM KID (ML=4/1), #3 SILVER FORKED SKY (ML=6/1),

COULD BE GAME - Somewhat easily forgotten speed figure in the last race at Thistledown at 6 furlongs. Don't believe this pony will improve too much in today's race. I checked out his past performances and he hasn't done well out of the number one post. GRAND SLAM KID - Hard to put any money on this gelding on the win end. Likes to hit the board though. When scrutinizing today's class rating, he will have to garner a much better fig than in the last race to battle in this dirt sprint. SILVER FORKED SKY - Hasn't been close at all lately. This gelding is always close, but just doesn't finish first. Tough to wager on him on the front end. Notched a most unsatisfactory speed figure last time out in a $7,500 Maiden Claiming race on November 4th. Not probable to see an improved performance off of that fig.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #10 SPACED OUT to win. Have to have odds of at least 1/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #6 - Post: 3:18pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 77

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 BRUNO'S WAGER (ML=6/1)
#5 EASY HIT (ML=9/2)


BRUNO'S WAGER - This gelding is entered to race right back into a race in less than 10 days; this is a positive sign. This horse's last race was out at Turf Paradise in a race with a class number of 88. Dropping a significant amount in Equibase class figure this time out puts him in a solid position in this race. You'll be generating money left and right by turning your cash onto this rider/conditioner combination. EASY HIT - This one absolutely loves this track. All his wins have been here at Turf Paradise. In my secret list of handicapping angles, this is a good one. Horse's last two speed figures are higher than today's class rating. That indicates to me we have a strong contender here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 GERMANY BAY (ML=8/5), #2 TIU (ML=5/1), #10 RIO DE DINERO (ML=8/1),

GERMANY BAY - Run-of-the-mill rating last out at Turf Paradise at 5 furlongs. Don't think this runner will improve too much in today's event. TIU - Can't play this horse in today's sprint of 5 furlongs. Hasn't even finished in the money in a short distance event recently. Just cannot wager on this runner. Didn't show me anything last time out or on October 17th. The speed figure last time out doesn't fit very well in this affair when I look at the class figure of today's event. Mark this horse as a likely underlay. RIO DE DINERO - The speed rating last time out doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class rating of today's contest. Mark this horse as a possibly overvalued contestant.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - EASY HIT - Having the best speed fig last race of 82 at Turf Paradise on Jan 27th. This gelding has an excellent chance to win here.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #1 BRUNO'S WAGER on the nose if you can get odds of 7/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 11/23 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 1,3,6/1,4,5,7/1/1,3,5/1,2,3,5 = $28.80

EARLY PICK 4: 1,3,5/1,2,3,5/2,7/2,7,8 = $72

LATE PICK 4: 2,7,8/3/1,3,6/3,4,5,8,9,10 = $54

MEET STATS: 88 - 303 / $445.60 BEST BETS: 14 - 27 / $46.80

SPOT PLAYS: 7 - 27 / $85.00

Best Bet: DAMFOOLRMILLIONAIR (3rd)

Spot Play: CAMS TUX (4th)


Race 1

(1) KINETIC KING has been racing well at this level and should get a good trip here; slight nod in the opener. (5) MICHAELS TURN raced better last time and is reaching his best form now. He's dangerous here. (6) MURMUR HANOVER drops again and will likely be overbet here.

Race 2

(5) KG CHEYENNE couldn't close after tracking a slow pace is his debut; more is expected here. (7) HES GONE BAD is getting closer and looks like one of the best ones in here. (4) RISING FELLA raced better last week and is another that is getting closer to breaking his maiden.

Race 3

(1) DAMFOOLRMILLIONAIR takes a big class drop here and should handle this group. (6) WILD AND CRAZY GUY has improved his late speed the past two and looks like the main threat. (6) J CS JAKE has been racing great since being claimed by the top trainer. He can't be dismissed even with the class rise.

Race 4

(3) CAMS TUX was visibly closing well late last week after breaking early. If he stays flat he can take this group. (5) CLIFF DRUMMOND was swooped by the winner on the backside and couldn't recover from that move. He stands a better chance of controlling things here. (1) CARACCI HANOVER left hard from the 10-hole then took a major shuffle last week. Post relief should help here.

Race 5

(1) SPORTS WARNING roared home last time in his first start of the year. He looks good here but might get hammered in the win pool. (5) DIGGIN IN ships in after being claimed out of a blowout win. The 17-day gap in action may not help though; your call. (2) SHADES OF BAY ships in off some quick miles at the Red Mile bit has now missed more than a month. He is worth trying to beat here.

Race 6

(2) MUSCLE UP THE GOAL drops and likely pops here. (7) MR LOVER has a powerful late kick but needs to stay flat. (6) STORMONT KATE is having a good year for her owner/trainer/driver and is dangerous here on or close to the lead.

Race 7

(7) MUSICAL SPELL showed big early speed last time which is perhaps a sign and last time MacDonald drove he was a wire-to-wire winner; top call. (8) GAME ON HANOVER had some trot late in her mile last week and should have more to offer here in her 2nd start back on the big track.

Race 8

(3) WAZZUP WAZZUP - the king of the drop-and-pop - takes the plunge here and should be formidable. (5) HIT AND GIGGLE A unleashed a furious late kick to win last time and should be respected here. (7) SENIOR MARKET is sharp and should be heard from starting from a better post here.

Race 9

(3) IL SOGNO DREAM was way too far back last time and should get a more aggressive steer here from the middle of the gate. (1) WINDSUN REVENGE is in top form and is the one to knock off here. (6) ETRUSCAN HANOVER is very fast on his best day but hasn't been able to stay flat lately; tough call.

Race 10

(5) VELOCITY HEADLIGHT drops back to claiming here in his 2nd start for the new barn; top call. (9) ALWAYS HERE went a long way on the lead cutting fast fractions last week; using. (8) CASIMIR LOW GEAR has been racing well in claimers out of town. His trainer shipped one in to win Thursday night here. (10) IDOLE DUHARAS is sharp but will need to work out a trip somehow from out there. (3) DOUBLETROUBLE should be passing many of these late for a share.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 11/23 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Best Bet: ARTHUR (6th)

Spot Play: CHANTEPLEURE (11th)


Race 1

(4) AMASA AL put in two sharp efforts in a row; can put his best foot forward against these. (8) GRANTOR HANOVER This level might help his cause if he could overcome the 8-hole; threat. (1) BOS SO HOT moves to the rail slot and has good speed; watch out.

Race 2

(1) YOU CANBEANANGEL makes her return to the fence after a dull run from the eight slot; if this pacing filly can get a favorable trip, she can top this group. (2) SEAFOOD PATTY another one that leaves the far outside post; went down the road at Monticello two trips ago; main danger. (4) SHES A PANSATION might have moved too soon in her latest; could contend with these.

Race 3

(6) AMERICAN CHAMP showed signs of life in his last one; this 5-year-old is very capable of getting the job done with a fine-timed drive from Dube. (2) ASTOR raced evenly in his most recent outing; could be a big factor in here. (3) GIDDY UP DELIGHT Two good efforts puts this guy right in the mix.

Race 4

(7) COSMICPEDIA was caught on the rim and tired in the stretch run last out; It's nice to see Brennan back in the sulky with this pacer and could make some serious noise against these. (2) REPORT FOR DUTY N was sent down the road last time out for all the glory; major player. (3) COLONIAL ROAD was sharp in the pocket but could not get to the winner last time around; watch out.

Race 5

(6) THUMPEM N Clearly this gelding is knocking at the door based on his last two tries; poised to boss these at his best. (1) CARTOON DADDY This might be a perfect spot for this guy to put it all together; big threat. (5) WAYWARD SON showed speed for three quarters but tired in the stretch run last time out; exotics factor.

Race 6

(1) ARTHUR Sharp in victory last out; moves up the scale but seems to be in solid form; the pick. (6) BIG BAMBU Two game seconds in a row makes this guy a solid contender to take this. (5) LITTLE MICHAEL B could land a share of the purse.

Race 7

(5) SOME HEART THROB Even finish in his latest; did put in two good starts on October 26th & November 2nd respectably; dangerous. (2) ALL WEEK showed good early zip at Pocono last time around and now is back at Yonkers with Brennan at the helm; big factor. (7) ONTHECLOCK HANOVER was nailed for win honors in his most recent outing; not out of this.

Race 8

(3) AMERITIME put in an even finish in her last try. Pacing filly is very capable of making tonight a winning one with a favorable trip. (5) E TICKET RIDE Very game effort for the place spot last out; consider. (1) KAYS DRAGON LADY Pocono invader showed good early pace in her most recent outing; the rail slot should help her cause.

Race 9

(4) SHES A HOT MESS Pacing filly is knocking at the door; could mow these down with a November 2nd run. (2) ART I SWEET Speedy filly fits well in here and most likley will be on the engine; big threat. (1) HEAVENLY BRIDE Easy score in her last try makes this gal a strong contender with this group.

Race 10

(1) TWIN B SCANDAL is much better than his last start. Gelding now moves to the fence and with some luck, can make his return to the winner's circle. (3) RANGERS SURESHOT took the pocket route home to victory in his last try; main danger again. (2) TONY CHEESECAKE led every step until deep stretch when he tried badly; could rebound in this event.

Race 11

(4) CHANTEPLEURE Gelding was quite sharp in his last start; has good tactical speed so at his best and with a fine-timed drive from Dube, he can get it done. (2) TAURANGA rallied strongly to nail down the show spot last time out; main danger. (1) CLASSIC GENT moves back to the rail slot and Brennan has the assignment; watch out.

Race 12

(1) BS TYRICHESS seems to be rounding back to form based on her last start; fits well in here and could score against these at her best. (6) MAYA SCAPE Pacing miss lost the victory by only a head; must be considered. (5) BOSSERS JOY put in a mild rally for the fourth spot recently; beware.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Finger Lakes (2nd) Kylies Wildcard, 5-1
(6th) Robert Noble, 7-2


Mahoning Valley (6th) Chella, 8-1
(9th) Spaced Out, 7-2


Parx Racing (6th) Magic Harbor, 8-1
(9th) Jason's Angel, 8-1


Turf Paradise (4th) Bear's Accountant, 9-2
(7th) Aggressive Beauty, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's six-pack

Westgate Super Contest (1,727 entrants-- prize pool is $2.5M)
six most popular picks in Week 11 season record: 34-31-2

6) Broncos +1 (404)-- Osweiler getting first NFL start in his fourth year- W.

5) Vikings -1 (409)-- Minnesota covered its last eight games- L.

4) Bengals +5 (410)-- Long trip on short week after first loss- W.

3) Packers +1 (414)-- Lot of opinions on this game, both ways- W.

2) Jets -2 (514)-- Fitzpatrick had left thumb operated on nine days ago- L.

1) Cowboys even (515)-- As you can tell, Romo is back at QB- W.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Monday

751 LSU vs. 752 MARQUETTE 7:00 PM

Take: LSU -5.5

I have yet to see LSU play, so I’m looking forward to seeing them in action tonight. The Tigers take on Marquette in the Legends Classic at Brooklyn. LSU is out of the gate 3-0 but the opposition to date has been very low level. Tonight should provide a little more info on the Bayou Bengals, and I’m very much looking forward to watching freshman Ben Simmons. Simmons has certainly not disappointed thus far. He drew rave reviews for his performance in Australia this summer, and I would expect he’s excited about his first real national exposure taking place this evening.

LSU is about as freshman-centric as it gets. Antonio Blakeney and Brandon Sampson are starting and contributing nicely, and with that trio on the court for extended minutes, there are sure to be some mistakes made. But few are doubting the talent level and potential on this basketball team.

Marquette has its own big time freshman big man in Henry Ellenson, and he has gotten his college career off to an impressive start. Unfortunately, he’s not getting much in the way of help from his teammates. The Golden Eagles are struggling big time in the backcourt thus far. They aren’t hitting from the outside and the turnover rate through the first three games has been unacceptable.

The good news for Marquette is that they don’t lack for effort. Head coach Steve Wojciechowski seemed to extract the most out of a very limited roster last season. It didn’t show in the record as Marquette ended up 13-19 and won only four Big East games. But the team played very hard and I would think that bodes well for the future as the very young current crop starts to mature.

But that’s later and for the purposes of this space, I’m only interested in tonight. Losing at home to a respectable Belmont entry wasn’t horrible. But needing overtime to put away a limited IUPUI squad and then getting destroyed at Iowa is not a great way to start the new season. I also feel the shaky guard play could be a big factor here. Marquette will not enjoy a physical advantage in the paint against LSU and if the backcourt play remains below par, it’s tough for me to see the Golden Eagles getting a win this evening.

LSU should be a popular favorite with the bettors this evening. The oddsmakers realized this as well when they set the number as high as it is here. Off the pre-season projections, this figured more like LSU -1 or -1.5. The fact they’re forcing Tigers backers to pay a premium of sorts tonight is smart. But off what I’ve seen from Marquette to date, and even with LSU having faced three nobodies so far, I have to side with the favorite here. I’ll go LSU minus the points for tonight’s free play.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Monday, Nov 23, 2015 7:35 PM ET

(705) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (706) MIAMI HEAT

Take: (705) NEW YORK KNICKS

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Monday, November 23, 2015 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat.The Knicks have won four straight games S/U and have won seven straight against the spread. New York plays their third road game here in a row, with impressive wins to start this trip over Oklahoma City and Houston. The Knicks drafting of Kristaps Porzingis looked to be a gamble, one that is now paying off. Porzingis is averaging 13.2 ppg and a team high 8.8 rebounds. Porzingis has also proved to be an excellent defensive player. The Miami Heat also became the first team this season to surrender a win to the winless 76ers. However, the Heat overcame a 17-point third quarter deficit to pull out the win over Philly, 96-91. The Heat have struggled from long distance, hitting only 6.3 shots per game from beyond the arc (worst in the NBA). The Knicks have been very good on the road, winning five of seven games. I'm impressed with this Knicks rookie and the enthusiasm he's pumped into a lifeless New York club. I'm taking the points here on Monday with the Knicks.