Monday 12/14/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Heat (13-9) at Hawks (14-11)

Date: December 14, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

While the Atlanta Hawks haven't come close to their lofty expectations, the Miami Heat aren't far removed from their championship years yet are stuck in a similar rut.

The Hawks seek their eighth consecutive victory against the visiting Heat on Monday night with Miami trying to build off a surprising comeback win a day earlier.

After losing nine in a row in the series, the Hawks turned it around and have won the previous four matchups in Atlanta. They extended the run with a 98-92 victory at Miami on Nov. 3 - their fourth on a seven-game win streak following a season-opening loss.

Things have since dropped off considerably. Atlanta (14-11) has struggled to a 7-10 record since the streak while failing to find balance on offense, a trait that helped the club to an Eastern Conference-best 60 wins last season.

Consecutive wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas seemed to signal a possible turnaround, but the Hawks followed with back-to-back losses. Saturday's miserable effort resulted in a 103-78 defeat against San Antonio in the opener of a three-game homestand.

Atlanta scored 25 points in the first half, marking the fewest this season for any team in any half. The previous low was Houston's 26 second-half points Nov. 1 at Miami.

It was also the Hawks' worst first-half total since scoring 20 at Chicago on Jan. 14, 2013. They shot 37.5 percent in the game and made just 5 of 24 attempts from 3-point range while committing 17 turnovers.

"It was tough," said Paul Millsap, who was the only Atlanta player to score in double figures with 22 points. "I felt like we overthought everything on offense. ... We got caught into their game and nothing good happened with that."

Jeff Teague scored a season-high 26 points in the first matchup against the Heat, but he finished with a season-low four while missing all five shots against the Spurs. Al Horford scored just nine points for the second consecutive game.

Atlanta is 8-5 at Philips Arena but has lost two of its last three there.

Miami (13-9) is 2-5 away from home while averaging just 88.1 points. It seemed as if the Heat would lose their fourth consecutive game Sunday, but they rallied from a 16-point deficit for a 100-97 win over Memphis.

The Grizzlies led by eight in the final three minutes, but Dwyane Wade's jumper with 21.9 seconds left gave Miami its only lead of the second half as part of an 11-0 run.

Wade was just 5 of 14 before converting on a driving layup and then hitting a 19-foot jumper that bounced high off the rim in the final minute. He finished with 14 points.

"Dwyane's uncanny," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He can play absolutely horrible stretches of basketball and have the quickest memory, and all of a sudden get to the last 2 minutes and he has incredible confidence. ... Sometimes when you don't know where to go, that's always a great option, having a Hall of Famer."

Hassan Whiteside dominated the Hawks the first time around with 23 points on 11-of-12 shooting and 14 rebounds, but he has failed to score in double digits in his last three games while still shooting a solid 11 of 14. In two career games against Atlanta, Whiteside is 17 of 20 from the floor while grabbing 38 rebounds.

Tyler Johnson (shoulder strain) and Josh McRoberts (bone bruise in knee) sat out against Memphis but will be evaluated prior to Monday's game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wizards (10-12) at Grizzlies (13-12)

Date: December 14, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies keep finding ways to lose, while the Washington Wizards may have found the short-term solution to an injury issue.

The Grizzlies look to rebound from a disheartening loss when the Wizards visit on Monday night without one of their top offensive weapons.

Washington (10-12) snapped a two-game skid with Saturday's 114-111 win at Dallas, the second of a four-game trip that's been played without second-leading scorer Bradley Beal.

Top scorer John Wall has done his best to keep the Wizards relevant, averaging 27.3 points and 10.9 assists while the team has won four of its last eight. Wall, though, has played the previous two without his back-court mate Beal, who won't return for at least two weeks because of a right leg injury.

Without Beal's 19.8 points per game, Otto Porter stepped up with a career-high 28 against the Mavericks a day after scoring 15 in a 107-105 loss at New Orleans.

The third-year small forward averages just 12.6 points but has scored in double figures in six straight while hauling in 8.3 rebounds per game in that time. He made 11 of 18 shots against Dallas, including 4 of 8 from 3-point range.

With Beal out, Porter says it's up to the entire offense to pick up the slack.

"Of course," Porter said after the Wizards improved to 4-1 when he scores at least 17 points. "I'm speaking for the whole team. Everybody has to step up."

Washington's fourth and fifth games this season shooting better than 50 percent have come without Beal. The Wizards have shot a combined 50.9 percent in their last two, and they hit 14 of 29 from 3-point range against the Mavericks with a season-high 33 assists.

In a season full of blowout losses, the Grizzlies (13-12) might have suffered their most crushing defeat Sunday when they wasted a 16-point lead in a 100-97 loss at Miami.

Memphis coughed up an eight-point advantage in the final three minutes and didn't trail in the second half until the last 30 seconds. The Heat ended the game on an 11-0 run to hand the Grizzlies their third loss in four games.

"We had a great chance to win," coach Dave Joerger said. "We had all kinds of open shots but we didn't make them. We needed to make one shot in the final two and a half minutes. We didn't. They needed to score in about six straight possessions, and they did."

The loss was only the second by single digits this season for the Grizzlies, whose other 10 defeats have come by an average of 23.1 points.

A change to the starting lineup seemed to boost the offense as Memphis had its highest field-goal percentage in 14 games at 51.9. Shortly before tipoff, Tony Allen was ruled out with a right knee injury and Zach Randolph was replaced in the lineup by Matt Barnes.

Barnes wound up being the Grizzlies' second-leading scorer with 13 points behind Jeff Green's 26, while Randolph added 12 in his first game as a reserve since March 23, 2013.

Washington has won the last two in the series, including a 92-83 victory in Memphis on April 4 that ended a nine-game losing streak at FedEx Forum.

While the Wizards have won three of their last four road games, the Grizzlies have lost four of six at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Suns (11-14) at Mavericks (13-11)

Date: December 14, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

The "D" has been missing for Dallas lately at home.

Trying to salvage the finale of a three-game homestand, the Mavericks look to put together a 48-minute effort Monday night versus the Phoenix Suns.

Any momentum Dallas (13-11) gained from road victories at Washington and New York was blunted with home losses to Atlanta and the Wizards, who shot 51.8 percent overall and 14 for 29 from 3-point range in beating the Mavericks 114-111 on Saturday night.

Coach Rick Carlisle shouldered the blame for the defeat, noting he failed to make adjustments during a Washington's 39-point third quarter in which it made 6 of 8 from beyond the arc and 16 of 23 overall.

"We allowed them to get into an unbelievable shotmaking groove," Carlisle said. "It's a one-point game at halftime, which is manageable. The third quarter was what did us in. I blame myself. We need to get these guys better prepared to play, and we're just not where we need to be."

The century mark has usually been a bell weather for the Mavs, who are 9-2 when holding opponents under 100 points and 4-9 when failing to do so. Dallas has also allowed at least 98 points in all five of its home losses and is trying to avoid its first winless homestand of at least three games since going 0-3 from Feb. 17-21, 1998.

That inconsistent defense turned in a solid effort in a 111-95 win at Phoenix in the first meeting Oct. 28. The Mavs limited the Suns to 39.1 percent shooting and 6 for 24 from beyond the arc, while Raymond Felton's 18 points paced eight players in double figures.

Felton had 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Saturday's loss for his second career triple-double and may see extended minutes again since Deron Williams could miss his second straight game due to an illness.

Dirk Nowitzki, who has averaged 22.0 points in his career against the Suns, has gone 2 for 11 from 3-point range on the homestand and has 26 total points on 9-for-29 shooting. He's 76 points shy of tying Shaquille O'Neal (28,596) for sixth on the all-time list.

Wesley Matthews improved his 3-point shooting at home to 30.8 percent (20 for 65) after making 6 of 11 on Saturday.

Phoenix (11-14) is seeking its fourth win in five games after taking advantage of turnover-prone Minnesota in Sunday's 108-101 victory. The Suns scored an NBA season-high 43 points off 24 turnovers - the most by any team since Milwaukee had 47 against Philadelphia on April 13.

"We want to play great defense, get stops and get out in transition and run and have fun," said guard Eric Bledsoe, who had 23 points and nine assists.

Bledsoe's backcourt partner Brandon Knight shook off an 0-for-12 shooting effort in Friday's loss to Portland by hitting a career-high seven 3-pointers and scoring 25 points.

"It always feels good to see the ball go in the hoop," Knight said. "I'm not going to change the way I've been playing. It was one off night, a really off night. But I'm a very confident person and my teammates always stick behind me."

Knight and Bledsoe were held in check by the Mavericks in October, combining for 28 points on 10-of-25 shooting, and also struggled defensively with minus-23 and minus-25 marks, respectively. Phoenix forced just eight turnovers in that game, leading to four points, while Dallas scored 13 off 18 miscues by the Suns.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Jazz (10-12) at Spurs (20-5)

Date: December 14, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

Gregg Popovich's demeanor was decidedly "ho-hum" after the latest stingy defensive effort from his San Antonio Spurs. Getting another to extend their home winning streak probably wouldn't surprise him - or anyone else, either.

The Spurs haven't lost a regular-season home game in nine months and seek their 22nd consecutive win at AT&T Center against the Utah Jazz on Monday night.

San Antonio (20-5) last suffered a home defeat March 12 when it was outlasted by Cleveland 128-125 in overtime. Visiting opponents are averaging 87.9 points since then, and only one has reached the century mark.

Opposing teams are shooting 41.6 percent in San Antonio this season, but the Spurs' most impressive defensive performance may have come in Saturday's 103-78 rout at Atlanta.

They led 47-25 at halftime, allowing the least points in a single half by an NBA team this season. The Hawks shot 37.5 percent and committed 17 turnovers, bumping San Antonio's total to 54 forced in the last three games.

To Popovich, though, it was just "one of those NBA games" - one which elicited yet another of his cut-and-dry quotes.

"We had a good night, they had a poor night," he said. "That's all it is."

Plenty of teams have had issues scoring against the Spurs. Only five have reached 100 points, including just one in the last 13 games. They've allowed an average of 84.4 points on 41.6 percent shooting in that span.

San Antonio allows just 88.2 per game overall this season - 5.5 fewer than second-place Miami - while holding opposing offenses to an NBA-low 30.7 percent shooting from 3-point range. The NBA's best defense now draws one of its lowest-scoring offenses.

Utah (10-12) is one of 12 teams averaging less than 100 points at 97.8. The Jazz have upped their average to 102.4 in their last nine, but six of those games were in Utah and two went to overtime. They now enter an arena where opponents are averaging 85.8 points this season, and their most recent visit resulted in an 89-69 blowout loss Jan. 18.

Utah has lost five of its last seven games and six of eight on the road, the latest Sunday's 104-98 overtime loss at Oklahoma City. The Jazz missed their first nine shots in the extra period and avoided a shutout on Gordon Hayward's basket with 8.6 seconds left.

"It hurts," coach Quin Snyder said. "We were clearly fatigued in overtime. We'd been able to attack most of the game and just ran out of steam."

The Jazz switched up their lineup, starting Alec Burks at point guard in place of Raul Neto - who had started each of the previous 20 games but did not play. Burks finished with 21 points, five rebounds and three assists with one turnover.

Rodney Hood made 4 of 9 from 3-point range for 23 points, Hayward finished with 22 and Derrick Favors chipped in 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Favors has averaged 18.2 points and 10.6 boards in his last five against the Spurs, while Hayward has made just 8 of 30 shots for 28 points in his previous two. San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker have combined for just 29 points in the last two meetings.

The Jazz have won two of the last three in the series, but the Spurs have won 13 of 17 - including eight in a row in San Antonio. Utah won two straight there during the 2009-10 season, but the Spurs have won the other 28 since May 2, 1999.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockets (12-12) at Nuggets (9-14)

Date: December 14, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

It's taken a while, but the Houston Rockets are finally back at .500.

Whether they feel like they've regained last season's form that resulted in a berth in the Western Conference finals is another matter.

The Rockets look to make it eight wins in 10 games Monday night when they visit the last-place Denver Nuggets, who have also been playing better lately.

James Harden scored 30 points to lead Houston (12-12) to a 126-97 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.

'We've come a long way,' interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. 'We've got to give guys credit for accepting responsibility of where we were and accepting responsibility and putting responsibility on themselves that they had to do something to change it.'

The Rockets shot 52.2 percent from the field and 15 for 33 from 3-point range. They limited the Lakers to 40 percent shooting and 10 for 32 from beyond the arc.

Houston has scored more than 100 points in nine straight games, averaging 111.7 in that span to push their season average to 104.2.

Rockets reserves scored 55 points Saturday, led by Marcus Thornton with 18. The bench has averaged 39.1 points in the past nine after scoring 24.0 per game prior to that stretch.

"We are a better-than-.500 basketball team," Bickerstaff said. "Obviously the record speaks for itself, but we have to get ourselves there.

We're close," he added. "We're right on the cusp of it, I believe."

Thornton also scored 32 in a loss at Brooklyn on Tuesday.

Harden, who's scored 30 or more in three of his past four games, has averaged 33.8 points in his last five against Denver.

Houston hasn't been above the break-even mark since a four-game winning streak Nov. 2-7 left it at 4-3.

The Rockets have dropped two in a row against the Nuggets (9-14), falling 107-98 on the road in the most recent matchup Nov. 13. Danilo Gallinari scored 27 points and Will Barton 26 for Denver, which limited Houston to 9 for 29 from 3-point range.

Gallinari hit a 3-pointer to put Denver ahead late in overtime and the Nuggets overcame an 18-point deficit in the second half to beat Minnesota 111-108 on Friday. The forward scored a game-high 23, including nine in OT, as Denver ended a five-game home losing streak and won for the third time in four contests.

The Nuggets have reached the 100-point mark three times in that stretch after doing so twice during an eight-game skid that preceded it.

'I thought we needed a game like that to be able to win in clutch time like this,' said Gallinari, who's scored 21 or more in three of the past four and has his average at a career-best 17.7. 'We didn't play very good in the first half and we were able to be much better in the second half. That was great for everybody.'

Gallinari has totaled 50 points in his last two games against Houston.

'Gallinari, who was struggling in the second half, made some real big plays down the stretch, which we needed,' coach Michael Malone said. 'It was a great way to end that five-game losing streak at home.'

The Rockets are opening a three-game trip that completes a stretch of eight of 11 on the road. They face Sacramento on Tuesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pelicans (6-17) at Trail Blazers (10-15)

Date: December 14, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard came into the league together after being drafted three years ago, and Lillard's Portland Trail Blazers have usually gotten the better of Davis' New Orleans Pelicans.

The Trail Blazers have taken six straight in this series and will try to drop the Pelicans to 1-12 on the road Monday night.

The best players from the 2012 draft appear to be Davis, taken first overall by New Orleans, and Lillard, selected sixth by Portland. The Trail Blazers (10-15) have won eight of 11 meetings since those players joined the NBA, with Lillard averaging 21.3 points and Davis 21.4.

New Orleans (6-17) has lost in its last nine visits to Portland, where Davis is 0-6. The Pelicans have dropped four straight on the road.

Davis shot 8 of 24 and scored 22 points with 13 boards in Saturday's 98-94 loss at Chicago, which dared him to shoot from mid-range on occasion.

The big man is at 25 percent on shots from between 10-15 feet compared to 48.8 between 15-20.

"He's capable of making those shots," coach Alvin Gentry said. "They're good shots for him. They didn't go in tonight. If they go in, everyone's talking about what a great shooter he is. You live and die sometimes what guys are good at. He's good at that. Those are the shots we want him taking."

Davis could get untracked Monday if Portland continues to play shaky defense. The Blazers allowed New York to shoot 52.0 percent in Saturday's 112-110 home defeat, their second opponent in three games to make at least 50.0 percent after two opponents had done so all season.

"We didn't get a lot of stops," guard C.J. McCollum said. "I think our lack of offense led to some easy baskets in transition."

Lillard scored 29 points and McCollum added 22 for Portland, which led by 10 entering the fourth quarter. The Blazers have lost three of four, with the defeats coming by a total of nine points.

"We're losing games, close games," McCollum said. "A lot of times we're either leading or we're down and then we come back and then we lose so I think it's just defensively we can control that."

The Pelicans were lamenting blowing a 14-point lead Saturday and a six-point edge entering the fourth.

A defensive effort in which they limited the Bulls to 42.3 percent shooting was a positive sign. New Orleans is allowing an NBA-worst average of 108.4 points along with 46.3 percent shooting.

'My overall take on it is that if we compete at that level, we'll be fine if we shore up the breakdowns that we had,' Gentry said.

Tyreke Evans scored 22 points and had 49 in two games over the weekend. He has played in six games since missing the start of the season due to arthroscopic knee surgery.

Portland took advantage of his absence in a 112-94 rout Oct. 28 in which McCollum scored a season-high 37 points and Lillard added 21 and 11 assists. Davis had 25 points and 10 boards.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Hot teams
-- Toronto won its last four games (6-1AU).
-- Clippers won four of last five games (3-3-1AF). Pistons won six of their last eight games (2-0HU).
-- Bulls won last two games by total of seven points (2-10HF).
-- Suns won three of their last four games (5-4AU).
-- Spurs won six of their last seven games (8-4HF).
-- Rockets won seven of their last nine games (2-2AF). Nuggets won three of last four games (3-6HU).

Cold teams
-- Pacers lost four of their last five games (4-2HF).
-- Orlando lost three of its last four games (7-3AU). Nets lost three of last five games (1-2HF).
-- 76ers lost their last six games (0-5-1 vs spread).
-- Hawks lost three of their last five games (5-5HF). Miami is 1-3 in its last four games (0-3AU).
-- Memphis lost four of last six home games (3-7HF). Wizards lost three of their last five games (4-0 last four AU).
-- Mavericks lost their last three home games (4-3HF).
-- Jazz lost five of their last seven games (6-2AU).
-- Pelicans lost six of their last eight games (4-8AU). Portland lost three of last four games (2-4HF).

Series records
-- Raptors won their last five games with Indiana.
-- Clippers won last nine games with Detroit (6-3 vs spread).
-- Nets won their last four games with Orlando.
-- 1-24 Sixers are 7-7 vs spread as road underdogs.
-- Hawks won their last seven games with Miami.
-- Wizards won last two games with Memphis by 20-9 points.
-- Mavericks won last two games with Phoenix by 16-3 points.
-- Spurs won six of last eight games with Utah.
-- Rockets are 6-3 in last nine games vs Denver, but lost last two.
-- Pelicans lost their last six games with Portland.

Totals
-- Four of last five Indiana games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Detroit games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-3-1 in last ten Brooklyn-Orlando games.
-- Six of last eight Philly games stayed under the total.
-- Last six Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Washington games went over.
-- Six of last eight Dallas-Phoenix games went over.
-- Four of last six San Antonio games went over.
-- Over is 3-1 in last four games for both Houston/Denver.
-- Last five Portland-New Orleans games stayed under total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

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

Southern Mississippi beat South Alabama last two years by 7-9 points; Golden Eagles are 1-5 vs D-I teams this year, turning ball over 24.2% of time, shooting 37.7% inside arc- they're 0-3 on road, losing by 18-15-10. USM's bench is playing 7th-most minutes in country. USA is also 1-5 vs D-I teams, with two other wins; they're shooting 28% from the arc, and teams shooting 56.4% inside arc against them.

St Mary's lost its first game Saturday; they're 5-0 at home vs D-I teams, but #95 Cal Poly is best team they've hosted this year. Gaels are making 47.6% (#3) on arc, have #2 eFG%- they made 15-29 from arc in an 82-56 win over Cal Poly LY. Mustangs haven't played in nine days; they're 0-2 in true road games, losing at UNLV/UCLA by combined seven points.

Eastern Washington allowed 90 ppg in losing first two legs of trip east by 10-33 points at Davidson/Pitt; Eagles are already playing fourth game east of Mississippi River this year- their eFG% defense is #339. Western Carolina is 1-6 vs D-I teams after losing by 33 to Davidson Saturday- they turn ball over 21% of time (#296), are shooting 41.7% inside the arc (#296). Big Sky road underdogs are 14-18 vs spread.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday Night Football Predictions: New York Giants at Miami Dolphins NFL Odds
by Alan Matthews

Has this been the best year of "Monday Night Football" or what!? Oh, some of the matchups have been lousy on the surface. But the endings have been sensational. For example, I had little interest other than from a betting/fantasy/Survivor perspective for last Monday's game between Dallas and Washington, both with losing records. But it was another wild last-second ending thanks to the stupidity of Redskins punt returner/knucklehead DeSean Jackson. It was the seventh straight MNF game to go down to a final possession. So this week's game between the Giants and Dolphins has plenty to live up to.

Miami (5-7) really has little to play for other than improving its draft status, although the Dolphins aren't eliminated from playoff contention yet. The Fins are also 11th in the AFC, so even winning out probably isn't enough to get a wild-card spot. Better to finish last in the AFC East and get that last-place schedule in 2016 with the better draft pick. Might be slightly more enticing to whichever new head coach the team hires this offseason; current interim coach Dan Campbell is a former Giants tight end. The Fins can certainly help shape the playoff races, however, in this game as well as Week 16 vs. the Colts and Week 17 vs. the Patriots.

New York (5-7) is currently 10th in the NFC but also tied for the East Division lead with Philadelphia and Washington -- the Eagles could lose Sunday at home to Buffalo in the LeSean McCoy Bowl and the Redskins probably will lose on a short week in Chicago. The Giants finish up after this home to Carolina, at Minnesota and home to Philadelphia. I think anything short of a division title costs Coach Tom Coughlin his job -- and I'm not sure a division title with a losing record saves it barring a couple of playoff wins. The Giants are +210 to win the division.

Giants at Dolphins Betting Story Lines

Miami ended a two-game losing streak with a 15-13 home win over injury-decimated Baltimore last week. That game was pretty unwatchable. Miami's two scores were just 20 seconds apart as DeVante Parker caught a 38-yard TD pass from Ryan Tannehill late in the second quarter and then Derrick Shelby returned a Matt Schaub pass 22 yards for a score. Tannehill had a terrible game otherwise, completing only 9-for-19 for 86 yards. Miami had 219 total yards and eight first downs. I don't think there's a question that the Fins hire an offensive-minded head coach even though that didn't work with Joe Philbin. The team just recently fired offensive coordinator Bill Lazor because he generally gave up on the running game. But interim coordinator Zac Taylor gave 20 carries to Lamar Miller, and he finished with 113 yards. Miller had just 12 combined carries the previous two games and hadn't had more than 44 yards rushing since a season-high 175 against Houston on Oct. 25.

Coughlin has made some curious fourth-quarter calls this season that have cost the Giants games -- although QB Eli Manning has to be held accountable as well -- and that was the case last week in a 23-20 overtime loss to the Jets. New York gambled by going for it on fourth-and-2 at the Jets' 4 with a 20-10 lead with about nine minutes left, but Manning was picked off. That was the turning point for the Jets to tie the game late and win it in overtime after Giants kicker Josh Brown missed a 48-yard field goal, his first miss of the year. New York is so close to being a very good team. Six of the Giants' seven losses have been by six points or fewer. Manning has had good yardage totals during the three-game losing streak but is completing barely more than half his passes in that stretch with four picks.

These teams last met in New Jersey in 2011, a 20-17 Giants win in their Super Bowl season. That Miami team was terrible. Manning threw a 25-yard TD pass to Victor Cruz with 5:58 left for the win. Manning threw for 345 yards overall with two scores and no picks. Matt Moore was Miami's QB that day and he threw for only 138 yards. The Giants have won two straight in the series overall.

Giants at Dolphins Odds and Trends

This game is a pick'em (Giants -125) so no moneyline. The total is 47. On the alternate lines, New York is -1 (-118) and -1.5 (-110). New York is 6-5-1 against the spread (3-2-1 on road) and 7-5 "over/under" (3-3 on road). Miami is 4-8 ATS (1-4 at home) and 6-6 O/U (2-3 at home).

New York is 5-2 ATS in its past seven road games vs. teams with a losing road record. The Giants are 1-5 ATS in their past six on Monday. Miami has failed to cover six straight on Monday and eight straight in December. The over is 5-2 in the Giants' past seven against teams with a losing record. The over is 6-2 in the Dolphins' past eight on Monday. The underdog has covered four straight in the series.

Monday Night Football Predictions: Giants at Dolphins Betting Picks

This might be almost a home game for the Giants. There will be plenty of New Yorkers in South Florida this time of year (or any time of year, really) and it's not like Miami fans are in a rush to see the disappointing Dolphins. Look for receivers Jarvis Landry (Dolphins) and Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants) to try and one-up each other in this game as they are pals from their LSU days (actually met before that). In fact, they have talked about putting on some kind of one-handed catching exhibition before the game. Beckham is working on a string of five straight games with at least 100 yards and has six TDs in that stretch. Guy is crazy good. Landry is underrated and probably puts up much bigger numbers if he's on a team with a QB like Manning. The Giants rank last in passing defense and Miami 22rd.

I'll take the team with more motivation, and that's New York. Go over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pompano Park

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


Race 9 - Post: 9:54 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$8000 - NON-WINNERS $4,501 LAST 5 STARTS OR $925 PER START IN 2015. ALSO ELIGIBLE: OPTIONAL CLAIMING $15,000 OR NW 6 EXT. PM RACES LIFETIME. KRAMER PICKED 3 OVER 7


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 9 HALL PASS HELEN 8/1


# 6 ADENIUM 7/2


# 5 YANKEE MANNY 10/1


Hey, listen up! HALL PASS HELEN is the wise wager if you like to win and could score at a price in here. Has good TrackMaster Speed Ratings and quite possibly has to be considered for a bet here. Some trainers just fit better with certain solid standardbreds. That seems to be the case right here with Harmon. A good bet. ADENIUM - Earned a 79 speed fig last out. A duplicate contest here should get the win today. Hensley will be looking to win in here, has been on fire most recently. Win percentage over the last 30 days is a sparkling 23. YANKEE MANNY - Analyzers at Pompano Park will notice this nice horse's pace figures are among the strongest in the pack. Looks like a strong pick in this group and his above average winning percentage says he has the ability to score in this contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodbine

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


Race 4 - Post: 8:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 79 - Purse:$17000 - 4 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 2 RACES OR $20,000 LIFETIME.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 TYLERS BEACH BOY 4/1


# 7 GIOVANNI 5/1


# 3 PRINCESSS DIAMOND 3/1


Hard not to strongly consider TYLERS BEACH BOY as the top selection here. The handicapping team knows that speed is King in harness racing. This entrant will unlock our way to a nice win. This solid standardbred looks strong considering the high class figures. We wouldn't recommend tossing out of any exotics. Worth considering for this one if only for the formidable TrackMaster SR earned in the last outing. GIOVANNI - This race horse looks very good considering the high class numbers. Not a good idea to throw out of any exotics. Has to be given a look based on the very good speed fig recorded in the last race. PRINCESSS DIAMOND - Could be considered in here if only for the very good speed rating achieved in the last race. Henry has been tough as nails the last 30 days, winning at a competitive 19 percent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Portland Meadows

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


Race 8 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $5600 Class Rating: 75

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,200, IF FOR $2,500, ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 NIFTYS TEE TIME 8/5


# 8 PARTY COVE 12/1


# 6 PARKERS GIBSONGIRL 4/1


I've got to go with NIFTYS TEE TIME. Has been running strongly lately and should be on the lead early on. Her 68 average has this mare with among the most favorable speed figures in here. Has been racing in the most competitive company of the group recently. PARTY COVE - Looks formidable to be up near the lead at the first call. This equine is at the top in this group of animals in earnings per start at the distance/surface. PARKERS GIBSONGIRL - Ran a sharp last race. Has posted formidable Equibase Speed Figures in dirt sprint races in the past.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Zia Park

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


Race 1 - SA - 220y on the Dirt. Purse: $25000 Class Rating: 91

QUARTER HORSE 220Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE IN 2014 - 2015. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 MAKING FIRE 15/1


# 3 ENGRAVER 5/1


# 12 MR JESS RUNNER 10/1


I like MAKING FIRE in here especially at such a decent 15/1. ENGRAVER - I like the jockey on this gelding - decent chance to win the contest. MR JESS RUNNER - Shows solid speed figures on average overall when compared with the rest of this group. Must be carefully examined given the class of races run lately.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #7 - Post: 3:07pm - Starter Allowance - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $30,000 Class Rating: 103

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 SIETE DE OROS (ML=12/1)
#1 THE MORNING GUYS (ML=15/1)
#12 PROPER FREUD (ML=6/1)


SIETE DE OROS - All systems look good for this gelding. Last workout, 2nd fastest of the day, shows he's fit and ready. I think Parx Racing players know a good thing when they see the rider/trainer duo of Remedio and Potts. Their win pct together has been great. Last ran at Laurel and finished fifth. Reviewing his PP lines, I see he was close at the wire, within 5 of the winner. Another way to evaluate class is (EPS) earnings per start. This racer has the uppermost in the field. I think he'll be close at the end. THE MORNING GUYS - Caballero and Serey perform well when they join forces. It's hard to beat a +41 ROI for a jockey and trainer. Personally, I wouldn't worry about where he finished in his last race (fifth). Should rebound in this event, with some pretty decent odds. PROPER FREUD - Have to give this colt a good shot. Ran a sharp race last out within the last month.

Vulnerable Contenders: #11 DREAMING OF JOEY (ML=5/2), #8 BLUEGRASS CHAT (ML=7/2), #7 TWENTY PERCENT (ML=8/1),

DREAMING OF JOEY - The morning-line favorite is suspect here with the lack of drills. BLUEGRASS CHAT - Unlikely for this participant to make an impact with no success lately in a sprint race. Don't think this mount will make a winning move in today's event. That last speed rating was mediocre when compared with today's class rating. TWENTY PERCENT - Will be tough for this horse to beat this field off of that last speed fig. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's class figure, so put him on the likely underlays list.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #6 SIETE DE OROS to win if you can get at least 4/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6,12]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6,12] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,6,12] with [1,6,12] with [1,3,6,7,12] with [1,3,6,7,12] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #6 - Post: 3:06pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 89

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 MAKINGFUNINTHESUN (ML=12/1)
#6 TIZ WORTH BELIEVIN (ML=9/2)


MAKINGFUNINTHESUN - His win on August 1st in a $5,000 Claiming race, at 1 mile, is a big plus for this gelding. 46-62-71 are last three Equibase speed figs. Improving each time out is something he should do again today. TIZ WORTH BELIEVIN - My experience tells me to watch out for this thoroughbred in this event

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 MYSTORYNMSTIKNTOIT (ML=5/2), #4 BEAR FAMOUS TRIP (ML=3/1), #1 NORTHERN CHOICE (ML=6/1),

MYSTORYNMSTIKNTOIT - This entrant just hasn't looked sharp lately. I don't normally play a morning-line favorite that hasn't been to the track in the last three weeks. BEAR FAMOUS TRIP - Should be difficult for this entrant to beat this group off of that last fig. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the vulnerable contenders list. NORTHERN CHOICE - Recorded a common speed figure last race out in a $3,000 Claiming race on Nov 27th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that figure.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#5 MAKINGFUNINTHESUN to win at post-time odds of 8/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 12/14 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 7,8,10/3,8,9/3,5/3,6/2,5,9 = $21.60

EARLY PICK 4: 3,6/2,5,9/5,10/5,7,9 = $36

LATE PICK 4: 5,7,9/7,9/4,7,10/6,9

MEET STATS: 138 - 430 / $723.20 BEST BETS: 21 - 39 / $73.20

SPOT PLAYS: 10 - 39 / 110.00

Best Bet: BIG RICH (8th)

Spot Play: FEARLESS MAN (3rd)


Race 1

(8) COUNTRY PROPHET raced much better last time which could mean a winning effort is coming tonight; top call in the opener. (7) P L INDYANACA picked up checks in every leg of the Autumn series now switches to Menary's barn; using. (10) ASPEN CALIFORNIA is in top form but will need to work out a trip from out there.

Race 2

(3) SHOOTIN TO KILL moves into Nixon's barn, picks up Lasix and finished well in his qualifier. There are plenty of angles to like here. (8) HES GONE BAD looks like a top contender here, but doesn't he always? It seems like a slice is always more likely for him. (6) SILVERADO drops back to face maidens and should be much closer against this group.

Race 3

(5) FEARLESS MAN was motoring late last week. He should be fit enough now to try to wire these and he could be third choice here; Spot Play. (3) IL SOGNO DREAM has owned this class recently and is obviously the one to beat. (2) BURNIN MONEY has never been better and should get a good trip close to the front here.

Race 4

(6) TYLERS BEACH BOY was on bad cover last week yet still finished quickly without threatening. That tightener should have him ready for a top try. (3) PRINCESS DIAMOND took a ton of action last week and raced tough on the front end. He's the one to beat. (2) MACHERATI steps up off a perfect-trip win but can share here.

Race 5

(2) IDEAL JET made a big move last week to grab the lead turning home then tired late. A better-timed drive gets it done here. (9) WINDSONG LIGHTNING drops out of the Autumn series to face weaker and should wake up here. (5) HAIL THE TAXI was driven hard and set some big fractions then tired last time. Jamieson will likely look to trip him out here.

Race 6

(5) EXCUSE ME PLEASE gets a big driver change here which should lead to a strong showing. (10) R CHOOCHOO CHARLIE takes a class plunge here and is very dangerous despite the post. (4) GIRL DRAMA reached up for the win very late last time but looks more in line for a smaller share here.

Race 7

(7) DIGGIN IN was a sharp winner last week and his excellent late speed makes him a big threat to repeat. (9) DOJEA SOLO raced decently vs. better in his first start over this track now returns quicker; using. (5) SANTANNA STAR blasted early, gave up the lead then re-emerged late only to be overtaken by the choice. He should get a good piece of this.

Race 8

(9) BIG RICH is too sharp to go against, even from out there. (7) COVERT OPERATIVE trotted a 27 3/5 third 1/4 last week and still continued to close ground late. He is coming up to a top effort. (4) STORMONT KATE continues to grind out earnings for her owner/trainer/driver and should make the ticket here.

Race 9

(7) J CS JAKE got started up too late last week and couldn't reach a strong winner. He looks best here. (4) KINETIC KING gets off the rail which should mean better positioning early and a better result. (10) BROADWAY PRINCE has produced an impressive late kick in his past two and merits inclusion on late Pick 4 tickets.

Race 10

(9) FIRST IMPRESSION has been racing well for weeks at Pocono and should get sent hard here early; top billing in the finale. (6) ALWAYS THERE was out the route last time and kept coming. He's the one to knock off. (10) SPARTACUS JIM can produce high speed early and may stick around for a piece here. (7) BUCKSHOT AUSTIN comes in from Flamboro with a sharp conditioned win in tow. He should share. (1) PASSIONATE PETE can follow along and grab a smaller share leaving from the inside.

 

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SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Mahoning Valley (6th) Gdansk, 7-2
(8th) Sneak a Smile, 8-1


Parx Racing (3rd) Fooled by Magic, 6-1
(9th) Scattered Dreams, 8-1


Turf Paradise (2nd) Masterful Stride, 4-1
(4th) Floating Feather, 6-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's six-pack

Westgate Super Contest (1,727 entrants-- prize pool is $2.5M)
six most popular picks in Week 14 season record: 42-40-2

6) Steelers +2.5 (377)-- Bengals clinch division with a win here- W. .

5) Bills -1 (386)-- LeSean McCoy returns to Philly; interesting game- L.

4) Giants -1 (447)-- Big Blue has lost four games in last minute when they led.

3) Lions even (517)-- Detroit had extra prep time after LW's Thursday game- L.

2) Patriots -3 (532)-- People don't think NE will lose three in a row- W.

1) Seahawks -6.5 (962)-- Spread doubled after Clausen named starter- W.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Monday

CAPITALS at PENGUINS 7:05 PM

Take: PENGUINS +100

It’s not as though the Pittsburgh Penguins had suddenly morphed into a bunch of stiffs. But sitting just outside the top eight in the conference playoff race nearing Christmas was clearly not acceptable by Penguins standards and action was taken over the weekend. Pittsburgh will have new man in charge behind the bench tonight and I suspect we’re going to see a not so subtle change in approach with the coaching change.

The Penguins need to speed things up, plain and simple. This is not a grind it out roster and they need to be pushing the pace and trying to open things up, at least in my opinion. Whether or not that works remains to be seen, but I believe you’re going to see an attempt to notch up the excitement some with the switch from Mike Johnston to Mike Sullivan.

The Penguins are 27th in goals per game. Sidney Crosby has only 19 points thus far and sniper Phil Kessel has not lived up to billing. Johnston was getting openly questioned on some personnel decisions and I have to agree with those who were highly critical of the defense-first approach that wasn’t working, and to be honest, was pretty boring.

Teams changing coaches frequently get a spike out of the gate, only to regress to their previous norm after a short period. Of course, that’s mostly because we’re dealing with bad teams that are unable to maintain positive momentum for a lengthy period. The Penguins might be a different story, however. I don’t know that this team is at the elite level anymore, but they’re absolutely underachieving so far this year and the shakeup appeared necessary.

Sullivan’s debut as coach is no cinch. The Capitals are in town and they’re really good. Washington might also have a little revenge on its mind for an earlier home loss to the Penguins. But I do think we might see an energy boost from the home team tonight. Hopefully, that’s good enough to help the Penguins get to the winner’s circle. It’s certainly not easy pulling the trigger against the dangerous Caps, but I can see the Penguins playing a strong game tonight and think they’re worth the risk in even money neighborhood this evening.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 8:35 PM ET

(515) UTAH JAZZ VS (516) SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Take: (516) SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Monday, December 14, 2015 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Utah Jazz and the San Antonio Spurs. Utah in a tough spot here tonight. Not only do they play one of the best teams in the west conference, but this is the second of a back-to-back spot. Add to that yesterday's game at Oklahoma City went to overtime, and this Jazz club could be on very tired legs. The jazz lost their back-to-back series to the Thunder, losing at home on Thursday, 94-90, and then losing again on Sunday 104-98 in OT. The Spurs 20-5 record might be headline making, if not for being in the shadow of the Warriors 24-0 start. Still, the Spurs just keep on being great year after year. The team also has done well for bettors, covering 16 of 25 games this season and eight of 12 at home. The Spurs have also goin 16-5-1 in their last 22 meetings with the Jazz at home. Too many factors against the Jazz here tonight. Play San Antonio.