Monday 3/9/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

College Basketball: Streaks, Tips, Notes -

'WCC Tourney - Semi-Final'

Gonzaga Bulldogs upended 73-70 by BYU in it's regular season finale had the longest home-court winning streak in the country snapped, which had reached 41 games at the raucous McCarthey Athletic Center. Zags also saw it's longest streak in school history snapped, a mark that had hit 22 games prior to the defeat.

After that brutal loss and perhaps costing Zags a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament the Bulldogs took care of business defeating San Francisco Dons 81-72 in the quarterfinals of the WCC Tourney but dropped the cash as 16.5 point favorites.

Zags set their sight's on Pepperdine in Monday's semifinals. Bulldogs should get past Pepperdine in this matchup. Bulldogs have won twenty-six straight in this series with a profitable 17-8-1 mark at the betting window. However, you bet Gonzaga at some risk. Wave not only defeated and covered both matchups vs BYU this season they gave Bulldogs all they could handle in two meetings cashing tickets in both games.

When handicapping this contest a few betting nuggets you should be aware of. Bulldogs have struggle against the betting line of late (6-10 ATS), Wave a thrived last thirteen in an underdog roll (10-3 ATS) and are 10-5 ATS off a win the previous effort.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

MAC tournament, campus sites
Bowling Green is much-improved this season under first-year coach Jans; Falcons beat Ball State twice this year, 58-46 (-9) at home Jan 17, then 79-65 (-6) in Muncie Feb 14. Cardinals won first two MAC games but haven't won since, losing 16 games in row, going 4-5 as road underdogs in MAC play. Falcons lost four of last six games after starting season 17-6; they lost last two games by total of three points. Ball is 2-8 in its last ten tourney openers; Bowling Green is 2-7 in last nine.

Over last six years, Akron is 17-6 in this event, winning it twice in last four years; Zips won their first tourney game last nine years, but Akron lost 64-61 (-3.5) at Northern Illinois this year in its only meeting with the Huskies Jan 21- Zips were 9-28 from arc. Akron is banged-up, lost six of last seven games, all by 7 or less points. NIU is 2-11 in MAC tourney last 11 years, with only two wins by three points each; four of their last six losses in this event were by six or less points.

Eastern Michigan started MAC play 11-2, but lost five of first six games in league and stumbled to 8-10 mark, winning last two; home teams won both EMU-Miami games this year. Redhawks won 82-81 (+4.5) in OT Jan 10, after being down 25 in first half. Eastern (-9) won rematch 83-69 at home Feb 10, making 10-19 from arc. Eagles are 4-4-1 as a home fave. Miami won five of last seven games after starting MAC play 3-8, but in last game, they lost by 30 at Ohio U.

Western Michigan won five of last seven games, one of which was 80-69 (-8) home win over Bobcats Feb 18, when WMU outscored Ohio 15-2 in last 6:01. Broncos outscored Bobcats 15-5 on foul line. Broncos won first tourney game 10 of last 11 years; Ohio eight of last ten. Western is 3-4 as home favorite this year, winning five of last six at home. Ohio snapped a 7-game skid with 30-point win in season finale; Bobcats are 2-7 as a road underdog, failing to cover last four games on foreign soil.

CAA tournament, Baltimore
Wm&Mary is one of five original NCAA teams that has never been in NCAA tourney; they lost this game by point to Delaware LY. Tribe is here after winning in double OT Sunday after being down 5 with 0:50 to play- they made 12-28 from arc. Northeastern hasn't been in NCAAs in last 24 years; Huskies won five of last six games, winning couple close games last two days, by 3-7 points. Home side won both series games this year by double digits.

WCC tournament, Las Vegas-- These teams all had Sunday off..........

Gonzaga is playing for NCAA seed, thought they seemed locked in to a 2-seed; Bulldogs beat Pepperdine twice this season, 78-76 (-19) Jan 15 in Malibu, then 56-48 (-18) at home Feb 19. Zags are 20-3 in WCC tourney last 11 years, winning it eight times- they won last 12 semifinal games. Pepperdine is 6-12 in WCC tourney since 2003; the five years they won a game, they lost next game every time, last three by 18-24-17. Waves are 3-1 in last four games- they were down 8 in 2nd half vs USD Saturday.

Southern Conference, Asheville, NC
Wofford won seven games in row, 14 of last 15 games; they won SoCon tourney three of last five years. Still, Terriers need win here or they'll be like Murray State, on outside looking in on Selection Sunday. Furman has beaten Chattanooga/Mercer last two days, both huge upsets; this is 4th day in row they're playing- they were 1-8 in last nine games before this tourney. Wofford beat Furman by 25 at home Jan 22, but only by hoop in Greenville nine days ago, hanging on after being up 13 with 11:30 left.

MAAC tournament, Albany
Iona-Manhattan meet in MAAC final for third year in row- they've split last two, both by 3 points. Top-seed Iona beat Jaspers twice this season by total of 7 points, with games in February two weeks apart- thin Iona bench has played total of 56:00 in two games of this tourney, but game yesterday wasn't stressful. Gaels made 19-35 from arc yesterday- they were up 57-45 at half. Manhattan won six of last seven games, with 79-75 loss to Iona only setback. Iona shot 32% or less on arc in its MAAC losses. Jaspers are in middle of MAAC pack defending the arc.

Summit League, Sioux Falls, SD
South Dakota State/North Dakota State had yesterday off........

South Dakota is #21 in experience in country; they won six of last seven games, were up 22 at half over favored Fort Wayne yesterday, held off Mastodon charge in second half. South Dakota State won 11 of its last 13 game after starting 0-2 in Summit. Jackrabbits won this tournament two of last three years; they beat South Dakota 71-57 at home Jan 17, then lost 80-64 to Coyotes in regular season finale 9 days ago. South Dakota played seven guys Sunday, three for 32+ minutes.

Oral Roberts won eight of last eleven games, four of last six on road- they lost 72-66 at North Dakota State in Summit opener Jan 2, then whacked Bison 74-58 in Tulsa eleven nights ago. Eagles played two guys for 39-40 minutes in tense 58-56 win over IUPUI last nght- they allowed Jaguars 16 offensive boards, were -7 (14-7) in turnovers. North Dakota State won seven of its last nine games; three of its last eight wins came in overtime. Bison has rookie head coach, only one senior in rotation.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Freehold Raceway

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


Race 5 - Post: 1:50 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 77 - Purse:$4125 - NON-WINNERS $1,500 IN LAST 5 STARTS NON WINNERS LAST 3 ALLOWED $500 HORSES THAT RACED FOR PURSE OF $6,500 OR HIGHER LAST 2 STS INEL AE:NON-WINNERS 3 EXTENDED PARI-MUTUEL RACES LIFE.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 BRYAN'S ANGEL 2/1


# 1 MOVE IT MOVE IT 5/2


# 7 FAT BOY 9/5


All signs point to BRYAN'S ANGEL for the pick. Many analyzers know speed is of the utmost importance. This race horse has credentials with a 78 avg number. Certainly did like this mare's last race. Ran a big 76 speed rating. Major contender. This solid standardbred could get the trip to the winner's circle here beginning from the Freehold Raceway 2 hole. MOVE IT MOVE IT - The 1 post is on fire here at Freehold Raceway. More wins than the expected average. This fine animal has shown us some prior ability, just look at the 77 average class number. Should play well for this one. FAT BOY - Been running with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class advantage. (Average Rating 78). When the trainer Urbanski puts Marshall up for the drive respectable things happen. All you need to do is look at the 23 win percent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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


Race 7 - Post: 9:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 88 - Purse:$11000 - NON-WINNERS OF $6,000 IN LAST 6 STARTS WINNERS OVER $60,000 IN 2014/15 NOT ELIGIBLE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $15,000 #1 MR BIG LOAD IS SCRATCHED JUDGES; THE AE SCOTTY MACH N MOVES IN.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 SCOTTY MACH N 7/2


# 6 WAYWARD SON 3/1


# 4 DOMITIAN HANOVER 20/1


SCOTTY MACH N has a really good shot to take this race. His 88 avg has this gelding among the most solid speed ratings today. It's dangerous to consider on class alone, but this gelding has among the finest class statistics of the bunch. A very good play in here as he has one of the highest winning rates in the field as well as tremendous credentials all around. WAYWARD SON - Worth looking at here looking at the stats in the TrackMaster Speed Rating department alone. The consortium noted a strong race out of this race horse last time. Hoping for a duplicate of that to score. DOMITIAN HANOVER - Expert selectors at Yonkers Raceway will notice this race horse's pace ratings are among the most favorable in the field of starters.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

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


Race 5 - Optional Claiming - 400y on the Dirt. Purse: $15100 Class Rating: 84

QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $15,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 SMART COMMENT 4/1


# 5 HEZAFASTGAME 6/1


# 2 SMOKIN BUDDY 5/2


I've got to go with SMART COMMENT. He has been running strongly and the speed figs are among the best in this group. Will likely be one of the early speedsters of the pack going into the midpoint of the competition. Put up a formidable Equibase Speed Figure in the last race. Can run another good one in this contest. HEZAFASTGAME - Demonstrates the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 74 speed figure which is one of the best in this field. Reason to like this gelding as he has in the saddle one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last month. SMOKIN BUDDY - When Trejo uses Alvarez there's a good chance for winnings. Is a solid contender - given the 82 speed figure from his most recent race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing

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


Race 9 - Maiden Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $13000 Class Rating: 70

FOR MAIDENS, FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 PADDINGTON EXPRESS 2/1


# 11 A BLACK TIE CRYPTO 9/2


# 4 STORM SUMMATION 8/1


I think PADDINGTON EXPRESS is a quite good choice. May best this field here, showing competitive figures of late. With a strong 76 speed figure last time out, will clearly be a factor in this contest. With a nice class fig average of 83, has one of the top class advantages in this group of animals. A BLACK TIE CRYPTO - He has recorded very strong figures under today's conditions and will most likely fare well against this group of horses. Could best this group here, showing respectable figures of late. STORM SUMMATION - McBride has a sound 15 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Sam Houston - Race #8 - Post: 4:08pm - Maiden Special - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $20,000 Class Rating: 80

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 COOL HAND BUTTE (ML=6/1)
#2 GOM JABBAR (ML=9/2)


COOL HAND BUTTE - Diego and Caldwell perform well when they team up. It's hard to beat a +22 return on investment for a jock and handler. Finished fourth at Remington Park last out. Was close at the end and at odds of 6/1 right here, he looks like a possible contender. This animal has increased his speed ratings from a fig of 59 to 67 to 69 in a row. GOM JABBAR - This colt is in first-rate physical condition right now. Ran third in the last race and comes back promptly. The addition of blinks should keep his mind on business today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 NYM (MEX) (ML=3/1), #3 GREY BOY (ML=6/1), #8 CABALLO CORREDOR (ML=8/1),

NYM (MEX) - Based on the pace scenario in this race, this animal doesn't fit in here. With a single front-runner and this horse having to race from behind, he sure has a tough assignment. Unlikely that the speed figure he earned on Feb 16th will be enough in this affair. GREY BOY - This rallier should have a rough go of it to get there in time with the scarcity of speed in this race. Don't feel this steed will do much running in today's event. That last speed figure was substandard when compared with today's class figure. CABALLO CORREDOR - 8/1 is just too low of a reward to take on most any mount that has run poorly in back to back races.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - COOL HAND BUTTE - This colt is moving from the grass to the dirt. Looking for his first win, this is a positive move.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #7 COOL HAND BUTTE to win if you can get at least 3/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer - Race #5 - Post: 8:28pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,400 Class Rating: 83

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 HILL'S OF GOLD (ML=5/1)
#6 AMAZING LIGHT (ML=4/1)


HILL'S OF GOLD - The ROI when Ramgeet and Langley team up is fantastic. This thoroughbred absolutely loves this oval. All her wins have been here at Mountaineer. Look at this pattern of improvement. 65/71/87 are the last three Equibase speed figures. AMAZING LIGHT - Wright has this mare signed up for the right race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 POMMETTE (ML=6/5), #1 UPTOWN BABE (ML=9/2), #2 CALCUTTA CAT (ML=6/1),

POMMETTE - The ninth place result in the last event was not the best. UPTOWN BABE - Didn't do much last time. Probably won't make an impact in today's race. CALCUTTA CAT - The Brain tells me to keep away from thoroughbreds in sprint events that haven't finished in the money in sprint contests of late.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - HILL'S OF GOLD - Comparing last speed ratings in this field, nobody beats this filly. Tops in the field with a last speed rating of 87 on Nov 25th.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #4 HILL'S OF GOLD on top if we're getting at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 3/9 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4:

1,3,8/5,7/7/2,5,8 = $18

MEET STATS: 89 - 270 / $488.70 BEST BETS: 12 - 26 / $64.30

SPOT PLAYS: 5 - 25 / $54.10

Best Bet: D GS JUSTLIKETHAT (6th)

Spot Play: ROLL ON (7th)


Race 1

(1) SAMIRA HANOVER has reached her best form and has faced better than these most of the winter; top call at a likely short price. (8) SEAWIND PASCALE has been freshened for this stakes series and has several miles in his charts that make him competitive with these. (7) STANDING MY GROUND raced well vs. the streaking Power Move last week and should get a decent share here.

Race 2

The regally-bred (2) SHOULDHAVEBETMORE was expected to do better in her debut last week but raced greenly in the last 1/4 despite pacing home in 28 1/5. She can improve on that outing and score here. (1) TEA WITH MS MCGILL paced home in :57 in her qualifier which was faster than most of these paced in their races that same night. She is an instant contender vs. this weak group. (8) THE ROCK drops out of the Count B series and faces much easier and should get a share here.

Race 3

(1) IN SECRET trotted a faster mile and final 1/4 in his qualifier than these opponents have been going in pari-mutuel races; automatic play on top. (6) MURS SON finished a decent 2nd to an impressive debut winner and is the main danger. (7) LADY PING displayed some decent trot at huge odds and may finally break through with her first on-the-board finish tonight.

Race 4

(8) ROCKNROLL BAND made several moves, still held 2nd and was claimed. He has really improved the past month and could be a square price here from the 8-hole; top call. (1) SMOKEYS LUCK had been showing signs of improvement then was claimed and converted with a nice win right away. He could repeat after a long winless drought in his current form. (3) MISTER ICON held the choice at bay then was claimed by a low % outfit. Know him early; late is questionable.

Race 5

(7) ACCENTURE HANOVER was a very impressive debut winner and looks like one that could win a few in a row to start his career; top billing. (5) DOMEDOMEDOME reached up late to run her win streak to three and is the main danger. (2) ELIZA DREAM continues to pick up minor shares by closing belatedly.

Race 6

(7) D GS JUSTLIKETHAT was launched early by Filion and produced a lifetime best rout. This one will be very tough again off that mile. (5) BAD AS CREEK kicked home in a snappy 27 2/5 and could get no closer than 5 lengths back of the choice. A repeat exacta is likely here. (2) ARTIES MAGIC was a star on the Maritimes last season and showed some signs in his seasonal debut. He can get a good share here.

Race 7

(5) ROLL ON has shown some life and signs of improving fitness in his two most recent miles. This looks like an easier class than the $25K claimers he has been facing. Call to upset. (8) LOVES A CHALLENGE also steps out of claimers off a good return effort and can get a slice at a price in here. (2) DARTH BADER has been competing well at higher classes at Flamboro for a cagey trainer. He can better this placing.

Race 8

(5) BROADIES SONG reverted to a closing style last week which has always been the more effective style for him. Now he changes barns and drivers which may put him over the top vs. these. (1) CHEYENNE RAIDER takes a big class plunge and also changes barns but is likely to get over bet here. (6) ASTUTE has raced very well the past two starts at Flamboro but has now missed a month; mixed signals.

Race 9

(7) MACH TWO POINT SIX has shown improvement off the Waxman claim three back and is likely sent hard from the outset here. He looks tough vs. these. (2) LIS DEO produced a big winning effort from the 7-hole at Flamboro last Sunday eating up a big deficit quickly down the lane. He now moves to the big track and picks up Jamieson which is a positive. Keep this one on your late pick 4 tickets. (1) LITTLE QUICK exits a quick dash and moves inside. He should be able to beat a couple off the gate here which makes his trip a lot easier.

Race 10

(2) PANTHEON HANOVER looks like a different animal for trainer Wallace this season. He looks good to take his 3rd straight here to start the year. (3) HARBOR PLACE was hung along way vs. a winner that was taking a new life's mark and still finished a good 3rd. He projects to get a better trip up near the pace tonight. (9) WELL WRITTEN slowed the pace too much and once overtaken couldn't re-rally soon enough while racing greenly through the stretch. This one has obvious talent and is a threat to upset. (6) PIER HO TEMPTATION made his move at exactly the right time and turned on the jets and left most of the field gasping. He is a rapidly-improving sort that can better this placing. (8) HOUSE OF TERROR brings excellent form with him from Ottawa and should get a piece of this at a good price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 3/9 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 27 - 180 / $270.50 BEST BETS: 2 - 15 / $10.00

Best Bet: SGT MOLLY PITCHER (11th)

Spot Play: PEACHYS PISTOL (9th)


Race 1

(1) SEMALU EXPRESS gets the best of the draw so this pacer has the ability to bring home all the bacon with Brennan at the helm. (6) LUCKY LUCKY LEO maybe the drop in class could help his cause. (4) MORTAL COMBAT should be right in the mix with these.

Race 2

(4) LUCKY MAN Quite sharp in his last three starts and this guy seems ready to get back into the winner's circle. (7) TALKTOMECOURAGE N has fine speed and appears to be the main danger in here. (5) HAWKER was a very game second last time out; beware.

Race 3

(2) UNCLE GOODFELLOW is seeking his first score of the year. At his best this gelding can take this with a perfect trip. (7) R GAUWITZ HANOVER flashed good speed in his recent trip. (3) THISDEUCEISWILD could be right in the swing of things.

Race 4

(3) SPEEDACIOUS rallied strongly for show honors last out. Pacing gelding is very capable of mowing these down for all the glory. (2) GIACOMETTI should fare better from the 2-hole. (8) MCCEDES has the outside slot but based on his last two, he is not out of this.

Race 5

(7) WITCH DALI charged late on the scene to nail down the place spot last time out at the Big M. Pacing mare has the right stuff to move forward. (1) ALWAYS SUNDAY Florida invader has tactical speed and should be a big factor from the fence. (5) CRUISINWITHMYBABY fits well with this group; watch out.

Race 6

(7) CHEYENNE ROBIN Sophomore miss rallied and just got up for the score in her most recent trip. Solid filly can make it two straight against this select group. (6) ROYAL MAMA has good speed and will be a serious threat. (2) INSIDE THE GLASS Monti shipper could have a say in the outcome.

Race 7

(5) FOX VALLEY LEO Strong for the victory last time around. So now this gelding moves up the scale and most likely will be on the engine once again; gets the call. (2) MACHTOTHEMOON will need a better trip than in his last start; maybe. (1) SCOTTY MACH N moves back to the fence; don't overlook.

Race 8

(2) REGIL MEG Based on her last five trips to the post, this gal is ready for a breakout performance at her best. (1) IMPATIENCE retains the rail and will take them as far as she goes. (7) ROCKNROLL OLIVIA has tactical speed and could make some noise with these.

Race 9

(2) PEACHYS PISTOL Gelding got his feet on the surface and did quite well to grab the place spot last week; all systems go for all the glory. (7) SANDESTIN HANOVER got the job done last out for red-hot trainer Sabot; threat again. (4) PERRITO CALIENTE gets class relief and Brennan stays on board.

Race 10

(7) MOLIERE HANOVER put in a mild bid in his last try. With a golden trip, this gelding can mow them down at his best. (6) FOUR STARZ TRACE has hit the board in his last four starts; main danger. (5) PAPPYS PAL showed good speed in his last two trips; not out of this.

Race 11

(2) SGT MOLLY PITCHER Her last start might be an indication she's ready to move forward and Sears is keeping the faith with this gal; big threat. (4) SAFE FROM TERROR is on a roll scoring her third straight victory. (7) FRAME WORTHY was second best in her latest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Mahoning Valley (6th) Sneak a Smile, 3-1
(8th) Valid Distinction, 4-1


Mountaineer (2nd) Fab Autumn Girl, 5-1
(3rd) Tour for Love, 5-1


Parx Racing (4th) Night Prowl, 7-2
(8th) Behr in the Woods, 5-1


Sam Houston (4th) Chief's Revenge, 6-1
(7th) Aire of Victory, 7-2


Sunland Park (6th) Curvy Kitten, 3-1
(10th) Proud Spanky, 3-1


Turf Paradise (1st) Farmers Wife, 3-1
(6th) Native Empress, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's six-pack

-- Ndamukong Suh gets $114M ($60M guaranteed) from the Dolphins. Wow.

-- JB Holmes shot a -10 62 Thursday, all he needed to do to win at Doral was shoot even par the last three days. he shot +2 and lost by a stroke to Dustin Johnson.

-- Corey Harrison of Pawn Stars recently lost 192 pounds; good for him.

-- Tim Duncan has played in 1,311 NBA games; Sunday was first time he didn't score a basket in one of them. Spurs won by 11 anyway.

-- Current iron man in NHL? Anaheim's Andrew Cogliano played 602 games in a row

-- BYU.tv televised the WCC's first round; they had commercials on there for some company that sells emergency rations in case the world ends or some other disaster.

 

[rvtanker]

tgunn11...... Thank You so much for posting Crusher Plays... rvtanker

 

[14arizona]

Totals 4 u is worthless handicapper terrible stats and ever nite a g o y all B S.

 

[14arizona]

Has some b s total of year month CBS total loser.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Monday’s NBA Tip Sheet
By Tony Mejia

Wizards at Hornets – 7:10 PM EST
It’s disconcerting that the Wizards haven’t beaten a team with a winning record since Jan. 14 or picked up a road win since Jan. 27. A lot of those issues were tied to missing Bradley Beal, who is back from a tibia injury but wisely sat on the second night of a back-to-back in Saturday night’s loss in Milwaukee. He’s going to be in the mix tonight, averaging 13 pts and four rebounds in helping Washington to a 2-1 mark since his return. The Wizards have won twice in the last 10 games he’s been out of the lineup. John Wall shot 3-for-14 against the Bucks and has now shot under 50 percent from the field in seven of his last eight. He’s 43-for-125 (34 percent) in that stretch. Milwaukee pulled to within 1.5 games of Washington for the Eastern Conference’s No. 5 seed. The Wizards have lost eight of nine against the number, with the lone exception coming in as a push. They haven’t covered since before the All-Star break.

Charlotte has tied its longest winning streak of the season after winning its fifth straight against Detroit on Sunday night, coming back from an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit. Al Jefferson finished with 24 points and eight rebounds and has been ridiculous in March, averaging 20.6 points and 10.6 rebounds over the first five games. Mo Williams has been exactly what the Hornets hoped for when they traded for him to come in and help replace Kemba Walker, averaging 21.7 points and 8.7 assists in his nine game since arriving from Minnesota. Walker practiced over the weekend for the first time and is scheduled to return this week, though the expectation is he’ll miss perhaps his last game tonight. Charlotte’s last four games have all gone over the posted total, which has been set in the mid-to-low 190s. The Hornets have won and covered both meetings against Washington this season.

Kings at Hawks – 7:40 PM EST

Sacramento is playing the fifth of its eight-game East coast swing and seemingly keeps inventing ways to lose. After a 119-114 loss in Orlando where it allowed the Magic to shoot 56.5 percent and 13 3-pointers, the Kings traveled down to Miami and blew a 14-point halftime lead in a 114-109 OT loss to the Heat. They let a third consecutive opponent shoot above 50 percent and it should be noted that Miami was missing starters Luol Deng, Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside. DeMarcus Cousins averaged 28 points and 14.5 rebounds in the Sunshine state and looks like his normal self after dealing with a nasty ankle sprain. Rudy Gay averaged 33 points in the two losses, shooting 28-for-50 (56 percent). Eight of the Kings last 10 games have gone over the posted total.

Paul Millsap, Kyle Korver and DeMarre Carroll rested in Atlanta’s improbable 92-84 in Philadelphia on Satruday night. All-Stars Al Horford and Jeff Teague should’ve been enough to beat the hapless 76ers, who shot 36.8 percent from the field, but the Hawks shot 39 percent themselves and committed 18 turnovers. The Hawks have failed to cover in four of five. Eight of Atlanta’s last nine games have gone under the posted total. This is its first meeting of the season against Sacramento.

Grizzlies at Bulls – 8:10 PM EST

The Grizzlies have had a few uncharacteristic performances of late, arriving in Chicago losers of four of the last seven. The Clippers and Jazz handcuffed their offense at home, while this current four-game road trip got off to an awful start when they blew a 12-point halftime lead by getting outscored 33-17 out of halftime in New Orleans Saturday night. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph combined for 5-for-17 shooting and just 15 points and nine rebounds against the Pelicans. Jeff Green scored 20 points, his second-highest scoring output with Memphis. The Grizzlies have been involved in games that have gone under in 12 of their last 14. They lost to the Bulls 103-97 at home on Dec. 19.

The Bulls may have been better off letting yesterday’s result go early after going into the halftime break down 18 in San Antonio, but came up with a 38-point quarter and had no choice but to chase the result. Head coach Tom Thibodeau did substitute liberally enough that no one other than Pau Gasol played over 28 minutes. This will be Chicago’s fourth game in five nights, which is why maintenance takes on added importance. Taj Gibson may be close to returning from an ankle injury, but rookie Nikola Mirotic is likely to continue playing a larger role, averaging 20.8 points and 9.4 rebounds since the All-Star break in games where he plays at least 30 minutes. Aaron Brooks and Tony Snell remain the backcourt starters, a far cry from Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler. The under has come in on 11 of Chicago’s last 13 games.

Warriors at Suns – 10:10 PM EST

Outside of that highlight-reel special where he dribbled through traffic and buried that step-back 3-pointer, Stephen Curry didn’t do much in yesterday’s 106-98 win over the Clippers. His nine shot attempts were the fewest he’s had in a game since Dec. 30, while his four assists was the lowest output since the All-Star break. Much to the frustration of Warriors-backers, head coach Steve Kerr emptied his bench a little early and a lead that was 19 with less than 4:00 left wound up being cut to eight by game’s end, failing to cover the number. This is GSW’s third back-to-back since the All-Star break, sporting a 1-1 record. Golden State will be looking to become the first NBA team to reach the 50-win mark. The Warriors have played games that have gone under the posted total in 11 of their last 13. The Warriors have split the first two meetings with their Pacific Division neighbor and see them a final time at home on April 2.

The Suns had their two-game winning streak snapped in Cleveland on Saturday, shooting 35.7 percent in an 89-79 loss that was nowhere near that close. Riding a 27-9 edge in the fourth quarter, Phoenix managed to cover as an 11.5-point favorite despite trailing 80-52 through three quarters. Only rookie T.J. Warren shot better than 50 percent against the Cavs in a flat, brutal effort. This is the first game of a 10-game stretch where the Suns are home nine times. Considering PHX is 2.5 games behind OKC, it’s time to move. Center Alex Len is questionable with a sprained ankle that forced him to sit against the Cavs. Earl Barron, who wasn’t on the roster until after trade deadline passed, got the start. Since Jan. 31, Phoenix is on a 1-7 run against teams with winning records.