Saturday 1/16/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Trail Blazers (17-24) at 76ers (4-37)

Date: January 16, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

Although one of their top scorers hasn't been at his best, the Portland Trail Blazers have produced one of their longest win streaks in 2015-16.

The Blazers will try to extend that run to a season-high four games in Saturday night's visit to the lowly Philadelphia 76ers.

C.J. McCollum has connected at just 33.3 percent from the floor in his last five games while averaging 16.6 points, a significant drop from his 21.1 in his first 35 contests. He had 13 points on 6-of-15 shooting Friday against Brooklyn, and Damian Lillard scored 33 in a 116-104 victory.

Portland's bench provided 47 points with Allen Crabbe scoring 19 and Ed Davis chipping in 14 on 6-of-6 shooting. The Blazers' reserves are averaging 41.7 points in the three-game win streak, a bump from their 32.5 per contest in the first 39 games.

"Our team is playing as well as we've played all year right now," Lillard said. "It feels good."

Portland (18-24) will seek its four-game win streak since March 25-30 when it faces the NBA's worst team. The Blazers will also try for their first three-game road win streak in 2015-16 in the continuation of a three-game trip.

Philadelphia (4-37) has dropped four in a row since winning the opener of a season-high six-game homestand but nearly topped Chicago on Thursday. The 76ers rallied to force overtime after blowing their 24-point lead from the first half but fell 115-111.

"I was pleased with them the whole game. Really, really pleased," coach Brett Brown said. "How can we not leave that game feeling like the team is heading in the right direction?"

Robert Covington had 25 points while Ish Smith added 24, including the tying 3-pointer in the final minute of regulation. Smith is averaging 20.6 points in his last five games and 17.0 in his 10 since being traded to Philadelphia by New Orleans on Dec. 24.

Smith totaled seven points on 3-of-15 shooting in his three games against the Blazers this season while with the Pelicans.

The Blazers won both meetings against the 76ers last season by an average of 15.5 points and notched a 114-104 victory at the Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 24, 2014, their second straight win in that building.

"We've got to make sure we bring our A game, come out from the start with aggression and try to jump on them," McCollum said.

Lillard had 28 points in Portland's most recent matchup with the 76ers, a 114-93 win Dec. 26, 2014. He had 10 assists and no turnovers in Friday's victory after averaging 4.8 giveaways in his first five games back from a sore left foot.

"I've been turning the ball over a lot more than I would like to," Lillard said. "It doesn't help our team, and I'm glad that I was finally able to get a game with zero."

Lillard has averaged 31.3 points while making 23 of 46 from 3-point range in the last four contests. He is shooting 53.6 percent overall in the three-game win streak.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Warriors (37-3) at Pistons (21-18)

Date: January 16, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

Although the marquee matchups during their three-game trip are on the second and third stops, the Golden State Warriors shouldn't treat the opener like a tuneup.

The Detroit Pistons have been winning on their home floor with strong play on both ends of the court, and considering the Warriors' only stumbles have come on the road, they'll likely have their work cut out for them Saturday night at The Palace.

Golden State (37-3) follows this game with Monday's visit to Cleveland for the second rematch of last year's NBA Finals before closing the swing against Chicago on Wednesday. The Cavaliers and Bulls were a combined 31-7 at home entering Friday.

The Pistons (21-18) are no slouches in their own building, either, with a 13-6 mark that is among the better home records in the Eastern Conference. They had won four straight there prior to Tuesday's 109-99 loss to San Antonio.

They rank in the NBA's top 10 with 97.4 points allowed per home game, and with their 104.6 scoring average at The Palace, they have the league's fifth-highest home scoring differential at plus-7.2 points per game. Out on the road, it drops to minus-3.3.

Containing a team averaging a league-best 114.4 points is a significant challenge, and the Warriors are actually scoring more on the road (115.9) than at home (112.7).

Detroit has the benefit of a frontcourt that poses a matchup headache for Golden State, which is 28th in the league with an average of 46.1 points allowed in the paint. The Pistons are sixth with 44.9 inside points per game, and it bears mentioning that they scored 58 against an NBA-best Spurs defense allowing an average of 39.8.

That inside point total becomes more eye-opening when you factor in that starting forwards Marcus Morris and Ersan Ilyasova were held to 10 total points, which is nearly 15 below their combined season average.

The pair bounced back by teaming for 29 points in Thursday's 103-101 road loss to Memphis to help offset a quiet night for Andre Drummond, who had 11 with 11 rebounds.

The Pistons shot 51.4 percent and hit 15 3-pointers, but Mario Chalmers nailed an off-balance 19-footer with 0.8 seconds left after Detroit's 23-2 run in the fourth.

"That's very tough," coach Stan Van Gundy said of Chalmers' winning shot. "We just couldn't finish. Couldn't get stops."

Morris scored 15 and Drummond had 14 with 15 rebounds in a 109-95 loss at Golden State on Nov. 9 in which Detroit's perimeter play was a nice complement to its 52 points in the paint. Reggie Jackson and Stanley Johnson each scored 20 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 15 while helping limit Stephen Curry to 22.

Curry was unstoppable Wednesday with 20 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter at Denver, but he lost the ball in the closing moments of a 112-110 loss. Golden State quickly bounced back Thursday with a 116-98 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Curry scored 26 with his first eight baskets coming from long range. His only other bucket came on a breakaway dunk that left him wobbly - and may have put a scare into interim coach Luke Walton after the guard recently missed time with a leg injury.

"I still wish he would lay all those up," Walton said.

After beating Kobe Bryant in his final visit to Oracle Arena, Curry quickly spoke to the retiring Lakers star.

"He told us to chase history, keep doing what we're doing," said Curry, whose team moved past the halfway point of catching the 72-win Bulls in 1995-96.

Golden State is looking to tie a franchise record with its 10th straight win in this series. The Warriors set that mark from 1970-72.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Knicks (20-21) at Grizzlies (22-19)

Date: January 16, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

It'd be easy to look at the uncertain statuses of Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis and Mike Conley to find some intrigue in a matchup between the New York Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Amazingly, the real drama lies between the Grizzlies' seventh-leading scorer and the Knicks' head coach.

Matt Barnes and Derek Fisher will be on the same floor for the first time since their bizarre offseason altercation as Memphis continues a six-game homestand Saturday night against New York.

Barnes has already served a two-game suspension for his role in an October brawl at the Los Angeles home of Barnes' estranged wife. Barnes told reporters that he drove 95 miles to the home after receiving text messages from his son, who was concerned that Fisher was visiting - and apparently dating - his mother.

Fisher has mostly avoided talking about the incident, but Barnes hasn't let it go. In November, he said Fisher should not have told police about what happened and that the former Lakers teammates should have handled it like "grown men." Barnes served his suspension in the Grizzlies' last game in December and first in January, and he wasn't ready to move on when asked about it Thursday.

'I know I've got to keep my mouth shut because (Fisher) will run and tell," Barnes said. "So we're focused on playing that team (the Knicks). And when I'm retired, him and I will cross paths again."

Barnes said he plans to avoid Fisher on Saturday, but the Knicks' coach will want to make sure his defenders aren't leaving Barnes alone. The 13-year veteran returned Thursday after missing a game with a thumb contusion and dropped 18 points off the bench - hitting all six of his 3-point attempts - in a 103-101 win over Detroit.

He's shooting 47.4 percent overall and 40.3 percent from 3 in his last 14 games after posting 37.4 and 29.9 percentages in his first 24 games with Memphis (22-19).

"It just took a little bit of time," Barnes said. "I'm 35, so it took a little time for me to get my legs underneath me, to get acquainted with this system, and now my teammates know where to find me."

The Grizzlies would have been headed to overtime if not for a jumper with 0.8 seconds left from Mario Chalmers, who had 25 points while starting a fourth straight game for Conley. It's unclear if Conley will be able to return Saturday with his sore left Achilles bothering him.

Porzingis hasn't missed a game all season but has been added to the injury report with a sore right shoulder. He's listed as questionable along with Anthony, who missed Wednesday's game against Brooklyn with a sprained right ankle. The Knicks (20-21) certainly missed him, as fill-in Lance Thomas shot 2 for 10 and was a minus-18 in a 110-104 loss.

Derrick Williams picked up some slack off the bench by matching a career high with 31 points, but it was Porzingis who perhaps took the loss the hardest and was looking forward after going 5 for 17 from the field.

'On nights like this when we don't have (Anthony), I can't have a shooting night like this,' Porzingis said. 'I've got to step up. I've got to score the ball more.'

That came on the second night of a back-to-back, but for Porzingis, less rest hasn't been a bad thing. He's averaging 14.3 points and shooting 43.6 percent with no days or one day of down time, compared to 11.5 points and 34.4 percent with at least two days between games.

The Knicks have lost four straight in the series as the Grizzlies have had a 216-118 edge in paint points. Anthony missed both of last season's meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Lakers (9-32) at Jazz (17-22)

Date: January 16, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Already struggling to control the glass, the Utah Jazz suffered another significant hit to their frontcourt when Trevor Booker took a blow to the head.

Now two of their top three rebounders could be sidelined against the woeful Los Angeles Lakers in Salt Lake City on Saturday night.

The Jazz (17-22) own a plus-1.3 rebounding margin on the season, but have posted a minus-6.7 mark in the last six games of a 2-5 stretch. They've been dominated on the boards by a 54-38 margin each time in dropping their last two.

Derrick Favors, second on the club with 8.6 rebounds per game, could miss a 13th straight due to back spasms. Booker is expected to also be out Saturday after being diagnosed with a concussion following an elbow from DeMarcus Cousins in Thursday's 103-101 home loss to Sacramento.

Booker is averaging 6.6 boards on the season.

That should leave more minutes for Trey Lyles, who's totaled 35 points but just five rebounds in his last two games. The rookie scored a season-high 19 to help Utah rally from an 18-point deficit against the Kings before Rudy Gay hit the winning jumper with 0.6 seconds left.

Gordon Hayward missed all nine of his shots in the first half before going 4 for 8 in the final two quarters. He was 13 for 16 from the free-throw line overall.

"I think it takes a lot of resolve and a lot of grit (to come back) with Book out, basically every player on our roster in foul trouble except Gordon, and Gordon having a very difficult night from the field," coach Quin Snyder said.

Hayward appears to be facing a prime opportunity to get back on track. He's averaged 24.5 points and 50.7 percent shooting in his last four against the Lakers (9-32).

The forward led the way with 25 points and Utah held Los Angeles to 32.6 percent from the field - 3 for 21 from 3-point range - in Sunday's 86-74 win at Staples Center.

Kobe Bryant did not play due to a strained right Achilles. He's since totaled 15 points on 7-of-26 shooting in two games.

The retiring Bryant made his final appearance at Oracle Arena in Thursday's 116-98 loss at Golden State. He's yet to miss a game when it has been his last time playing in that city, though that won't be the case Saturday with the Lakers returning to Salt Lake on March 28.

"I was really stiff (Thursday) but I felt like it was the right thing to do to go back out and try to enjoy it one more time," Bryant said. "It was sore but it didn't lock up on me."

Los Angeles, loser of four of five, seems unlikely to provide Utah with much of a challenge on the boards as it ranks near the bottom of the league with a minus-4.2 rebounding margin.

Jordan Clarkson scored a team-high 22 points and Lou Williams added 21 against the Warriors. Clarkson has averaging 18.2 in his last six games while Williams has scored 23.3 in his past eight.

The Lakers have won in two of their past three visits to Utah.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Kings (16-23) at Clippers (26-13)

Date: January 16, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Blake Griffin was supposed to miss two weeks with a partially torn tendon in his left quadriceps.

Three have passed, and there's still no timetable for his return to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Their next-best big man just sat out his first game in nearly five years, but the Clippers look to keep on rolling anyway and match their longest winning streak of the last three seasons Saturday night against the visiting Sacramento Kings.

Griffin, who leads Los Angeles with 23.2 points per game, has missed the last nine and coach Doc Rivers said prior to Wednesday's 104-90 win over Miami that he might not return soon. The victory also came without DeAndre Jordan, who was sidelined due to pneumonia to end the NBA's longest active games played streak at 360. It's uncertain if Jordan will be available Saturday.

Prior to the victory over the Heat, the last time Los Angeles played without Griffin and Jordan was Feb. 9, 2010.

'It's easy to start feeling sorry for yourselves when you don't have Blake and D.J.,' Rivers said. 'But nobody mentioned it. They just kept playing. Paul (Pierce) was great at halftime. He kept saying: `We're going to win this game, guys. I'm telling you, we're going to win this game.''

They did it with 19 points from Cole Aldrich in his first start in a Clippers uniform, while Chris Paul had 15 points and 12 assists and Pablo Prigioni recorded eight steals in 15 minutes.

Los Angeles (26-13) won its 10th straight to tie San Antonio for the longest active streak in the league. The Clippers are on their third double-digit run in four seasons and can equal their latest 11-game streak, achieved Feb. 23-March 16, 2014.

Miami is the only team with a winning record that Los Angeles has faced during the unbeaten stretch, and the Clippers follow Sacramento (16-23) by playing five of six against teams currently above .500 - the final five on the road.

The Clippers - winners of nine of 11 at home - have gone 18-3 in their last 21 against the Kings and 9-1 at Staples Center.

Their fourth and fifth straight victories in the series came Oct. 28 and 31, but they did it behind Griffin, who totaled 70 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists, and Jordan with 23 points, 30 boards and 11 blocks.

Those losses were part of a 1-7 start for Sacramento, which has played much better since. The Kings snapped a two-game skid with Thursday's 103-101 win at Utah.

Rudy Gay scored 24 points and hit the winning shot with less than a second left, and DeMarcus Cousins remained hot with 36 points and 17 rebounds. The center has averaged 33.0 points and 14.2 boards in the last six games.

Coach George Karl inserted Willie Cauley-Stein back into the starting lineup against the Jazz, hoping to shore up the defense after Sacramento had allowed an average of 115.5 points over the previous eight games.

"We have weaknesses and his skills are at the defensive end of the court where probably more of our priorities are right now," Karl said.

Cousins scored 32 points in the 111-104 home loss Oct. 28 but just 13 in a 114-109 defeat at Los Angeles three days later.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Saturday's hot teams
-- Washington won its last four games (2-7 last nine HF).
-- Hawks won four of last five at home (7-3 last ten HF).
-- Portland won its last three games (3-2AF).
-- Warriors won eight of last nine games (13-7-1AF).
-- Memphis won three of last four games (5-1 last six HF). Knicks won five of last seven games (6-3 last nine AU).
-- Clippers won their last ten games (4-1 last five HF). Sacramento is 4-3 in its last seven games (6-2 last eight AU).

Cold teams
-- Celtics lost four of last five games (1-4 last five AU).
-- Hornets lost eight of last nine games (2-4 last six HF). Bucks lost last three road games (6-4 last 10 AU).
-- Nets lost six of their last seven games (7-2 last nine AU).
-- 76ers lost six of their last seven games (3-8 last 11HU).
-- Detroit is 4-6 in its last ten games (2-3HU).
-- Lakers lost five of their last six games (5-11 last 16AU). Jazz lost five of last seven games (6-7HF).

Series records
-- Home side won last five Boston-Washington games.
-- Hornets won eight of last nine games with Milwaukee.
-- Hawks won three of last four games with Brooklyn.
-- Trailblazers won six of last eight games with Philly.
-- Warriors won last nine games (6-3 vs spread) with Detroit.
-- Knicks lost six of last seven games with Memphis.
-- Lakers lost three of last four games with Utah.
-- Clippers won last five games with Sacramento.

Totals
-- Seven of last ten Boston games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven Charlotte games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Brooklyn-Atlanta games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Portland games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Golden State games went over.
-- Four of last five Memphis games went over.
-- Six of last eight Laker games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven Sacramento-Clipper games went over.

Back/backs
-- Boston is 5-4 vs spread if it played night before; Washington is 4-4.
-- Milwaukee is 8-2 vs spread if it played night before; Charlotte is 1-5.
-- Brooklyn 5-2 vs spread if it played night before; Atlanta is 4-5.
-- Portland 3-7 vs spread if it played the night before.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hot & Not Report
By Joe Williams

Who's Not

Now that we're into mid-January, bettors definitely have their favorites, and teams they like to avoid. There are a handful of teams with records agaisnt the spread (ATS) that are so good, and others are mired in a swoon that will not seem to end. We'll touch on a few of those teams to help you prepare and cash more winners.

Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-8 ATS L/9) – The Gophers have been awful against the number lately, going 1-9 SU/1-8 ATS since their surprise win over Clemson in the Big-10/ACC Challenge back on Nov. 30. In the first few games of the Big 10 season are any indication, the season is about to get much, much longer, especially on the road. Minnesota is 0-3 ATS in three conference road games, losing by an average of 16.3 points. Overall they're 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS in the Big Ten. The Gophers face an Indiana Hoosiers (14-3 SU, 9-8 ATS) which has won nine in a row, while covering six of their past nine. Indiana routed Minnesota 90-71 in Bloomington last season, and you can probably expect similar results this time around.

Saint Louis Billikens (1-10 ATS L/11) – The Billikens have been terrible against the spread dating back to last season, and things haven't improved at all this season. Outside of a stunning straight-up win Jan. 6 against George Washington as a 9 1/2-point underdog (ML +425), the Bills have stunk against the number. In fact, going back to last season they are 2-15 ATS over their past 17. This Sunday they face a George Mason team which is in the basement of the Atlantic 10, but which has proven to be a challenge for St. Louis since the Patriots joined the A-10. SLU is 2-2 SU (with the two wins both in overtime during the 2013-14 season) while going 0-4 ATS in the past two seasons. After that, Davidson (10-5 SU, 4-10 ATS) pays a visit Wednesday.


Who's Hot

Indiana State Sycamores (7-0 ATS L/7) – Larry Bird is somewhere smiling, as his alma mater is not only covering spreads, but they're playing good overall basketball, too. The Sycamores are on a four-game win streak, and they have covered seven in a row, as they hurtle towards a date with Missouri Valley Conference champ Wichita State (11-5 SU, 7-7 ATS) Sunday. The good news is that I-State is on a seven-game cover run, but the bad news is that they are 0-5 SU and 0-4-1 ATS in their past five meetings with the Shockers sicne a 68-55 upset win in Wichita back on Jan. 29, 2013 as a 12-point 'dog. On Wednesday, they will meet a Southern Illinois team which was humbled by 25 againt the Shockers and is currently on a two-game non-cover skid. The Sycamores are very attractive in that one.

Kansas State Wildcats (5-0 ATS L/5) – K-State has been on fire, at least against the number, covering each of their past five contests. They have been a tough out, playing Texas tough before losing 60-57 back on Jan. 5, and they took West Virginia to overtime Jan. 2 before losing a heartbreaker in Manhattan. In fact, they're just 1-3 SU in conference play, but an impressive 4-0 ATS. That unblemished ATS conference mark will be put to the test when Iowa State (12-4 SU, 6-6-1 ATS) comes calling. The Cyclones enter 0-3 ATS in their past three, and they lost straight-up 70-69 in Manhattan last season despite entering as a 3 1/2-point favorite. In fact, the Cyclones are 0-4 ATS in their past four regular season meetings with the Wildcats dating back to Jan. 26, 2013.

Total Notes

-- North Carolina has watched the 'over' cash in nine straight games. The Tar Heels play North Carolina State this Saturday.

-- Marquette is on a 6-1 run to the 'over' and hosts Xavier on Saturday.

-- Bradley has seen the 'under' cash in five of its last six and it's been held to 50 or less points in five of those games. The Braves meet Missouri State on Saturday at home.

-- Boston College visits Pittsburgh on Saturday and brings a 7-1 'under' run into this game. The Eagles have scored 54, 54 and 40 points in their first three conference games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday's Top Action

NOTRE DAME (11-5, 2-2 ACC) at DUKE (14-3, 3-1 ACC)

Cameron Indoor Stadium - Durham, NC
Tip-off: Saturday, 2:00 p.m. ET
Line: Duke -8.5, 154.5

No. 9 Duke looks to bounce back from Wednesday's loss when it hosts an up-and-down Notre Dame team on Saturday afternoon in Durham.

The Fighting Irish (11-5 SU, 5-8-1 ATS) have alternated wins and losses in the past five games, and secured a 72-64 home victory versus 8-point underdog Georgia Tech on Wednesday, resulting in an ATS push.

The Blue Devils (14-3 SU, 8-7-1 ATS) are coming off a 68-63 loss at 7.5-point underdog Clemson on Wednesday, which ended their five-game win streak. Notre Dame is playing only its second game as an underdog all season, with the first such contest being a 77-66 defeat at 9-point favorite Virginia on Jan. 2.

That was the only true road loss this season for the Irish, who are 2-1 (SU and ATS) on the road with wins at Illinois on Dec. 2 and at Boston College on Jan. 7, when they shot a blistering 62% FG and 65% threes.

Duke is a perfect 10-0 SU at home this season, going 6-2-1 ATS in Durham with a +27.0 PPG margin. These teams have met just four times as ACC combatants, with the Irish winning three of those matchups (SU and ATS) including the last one on March 13, 2015 when Notre Dame rolled to a 74-64 win in the ACC Tournament semifinals.

But in the lone meeting at Cameron Indoor Stadium one month earlier (Feb. 7, 2015), the Blue Devils won a 90-60 blowout. The key injury in this game is Duke F Amile Jefferson, who remains out indefinitely with an injured foot.

Notre Dame's offense has been strong this season with 78.2 PPG (80th in D-I) on a blistering 49.9% FG (8th in nation) and 39.1% threes (26th in D-I). Ball protection has been key, as the Irish are committing only 9.5 turnovers per game (4th in nation), and they are also a solid rebounding team with a +4.6 RPG margin this season (69th in D-I).

Five Notre Dame players average double-figure points, led by G Demetrius Jackson (17.1 PPG, 5.4 APG, 3.7 RPG, 1.3 SPG), who makes shots on impressive clips of 49% FG, 40% threes and 75% FT. Jackson has pumped in 17+ points and 6+ assists in four straight games (19.8 PPG, 7.3 APG), and was a big reason his team beat Duke last March with 15 points (6-of-11 FG), five assists and three steals.

F Zach Auguste (13.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.0 BPG) rarely takes a bad shot, as evidenced by his 56% FG rate this season. Auguste is coming off a season-high 24 points (10-of-13 FG) with nine boards in Wednesday's win over Georgia Tech, which was one rebound shy of his 10th double-double this season. Auguste got himself in foul trouble in the last meeting with Duke, but still managed to tally eight points, six rebounds and two blocks in 25 minutes before fouling out.

The other three big scorers for this school are G Steve Vasturia (11.9 PPG, 3.1 APG, 3.0 RPG), F V.J. Beachem (11.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG) and F Bonzie Colson (11.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.3 BPG). The junior Vasturia did not shoot well on Wednesday (6 points on 3-of-9 FG), but that followed a four-game stretch of 13+ points for each contest on an impressive 64% FG (23-of-36).

The sharp-shooting junior Beachem knocks down 45% threes this season, while the 6-foot-5 Colson shoots 57% from the floor.

Colson had a monster game in last year's ACC Semifinals, when he came off the bench to score 17 points (5-of-9 FG, 7-of-8 FT) with five rebounds. Defensively, this team has a tough assignment with the Blue Devils, but this is a disciplined bunch that commits only 15.0 fouls per game (4th-fewest in nation) and still blocks 4.3 shots per game (94th in D-I).

But due largely to the lack of forced turnovers (9.8 TOPG, 340th in nation), the team is allowing a pedestrian 68.3 PPG (114th in D-I) on 42.3% FG (146th in nation) and a brutal 38.0% threes (313th in D-I). That doesn't bode well against a Saturday opponent that can light teams up from long distance.

Duke is always known for its high-octane offense, and this season is no exception as the group is averaging a collective 86.6 PPG (5th in nation) on 48.1% FG (33rd in D-I) and 38.7% threes (30th in nation). The team is a decent foul-shooting squad at 72% FT (71st in D-I), and really helps itself out by ranking eighth in the nation in made free throws (329) and 13th in free-throw attempts (455).

The Blue Devils are a quality rebounding team with a +4.5 RPG margin (75th in D-I), and they don't hurt themselves with turnovers either (10.2 TOPG, 13th in nation). This offense needs to be super efficient, because defense is not a strong suit with 69.3 PPG allowed (139th in D-I) on 42.9% FG (167th in nation) and 34.5% threes (205th in D-I).

Five different players average at least 10 points per game for Duke, led by G Grayson Allen (20.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.1 SPG) and F Brandon Ingram (16.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.6 BPG). The sophomore Allen has scored at least 16 points in six straight games (20.7 PPG) and made 7-of-9 shots at Clemson on Wednesday. The 6-foot-9 Ingram has not yet hit that freshman wall with 10 straight games of 14+ points, where he's averaged a whopping 20.2 PPG.

The other two healthy double-digit scorers on this team are G Matt Jones (13.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.2 SPG) and freshman F/G Luke Kennard (11.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG). While Jones prefers to stroke from long range (42% threes), Kennard loves driving to the hole and getting to the foul line, where he is almost automatic at 93% FT (55-of-59).

Jones was a non-factor in the loss to Notre Dame last season, when he scored only four points on 1-of-4 FG with one rebound, one steal and zero assists in 28 minutes.


WEST VIRGINIA (15-1, 4-0 Big 12) at OKLAHOMA (14-1, 3-1 Big 12)

Lloyd Noble Center - Norman, OK
Tip-off: Saturday, 4:00 p.m. ET
Line: Oklahoma -6.5, 157.5

No. 11 West Virginia tries to knock off the country's top-two teams in the same week when it visits No. 2 Oklahoma on Saturday.

The Mountaineers (8-5 ATS) are still riding high after Tuesday's 74-63 win over No. 1 Kansas, which gave them eight straight wins, but are facing a Sooners team (7-6 ATS) whose only SU loss all season came in triple overtime at Kansas on Jan. 4.

Since that cruel defeat, they have won two straight games over Kansas State and Oklahoma State, but failed to cover the spread for either contest.

These teams have split the past four meetings with the home team winning and covering each time. After West Virginia coasted to an 86-65 win last Jan. 13, Oklahoma returned the favor three weeks later with a 71-52 trouncing in Norman.

The Mountaineers have scored 90.0 PPG in their three true road games this season, all SU wins, but are just 1-2 ATS in these contests. They are also destroying teams when playing on at least three days' rest at 8-0 SU (4-2 ATS) with a beefy +30.9 PPG margin.

However, the Sooners are crushing teams by 21.5 PPG at home, where they are 8-0 SU, but are only 3-3 ATS at Lloyd Noble Center. While they haven't lost yet as a favorite this season (11-0 SU), they are just 5-6 ATS when giving points.

West Virginia has excelled in many facets this season with 85.3 PPG (10th in D-I) on 47.0% FG (54th in nation), but this is not a good outside shooting team (31.3% threes, 295th in D-I) and it doesn't cash in from the foul line either (66.3% FT, 264th in nation).

However, the Mountaineers are always attacking the glass with a +11.2 RPG margin (7th in nation) and 17.2 offensive RPG (2nd in D-I), and generate a big chunk of their offense from a heavy pressing defense nicknamed "Press Virginia.” It leads the nation in both steals (11.4 SPG) and forced turnovers (20.9 TOPG).

The team allows only 63.4 PPG (22nd in D-I) on 41.7% FG (118th in nation), and limits opponents to a mere 27.3% threes (6th in D-I). The offense is very balanced with five players averaging at least nine points per game, but nobody is scoring more than 15 per contest.

F Devin Williams (14.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG) is the go-to scorer with 53% FG and 74% FT, and has tallied at least 12 points and six boards in each of his past three games (14.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG). Williams didn't play in Norman last season, but he controlled the paint in the home win over the Sooners with a double-double (14 points and 11 rebounds).

Senior G Jaysean Paige (13.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.4 SPG) is shooting 51% FG and 39% threes this season, and was the hero on Tuesday with 26 points (6-of-13 FG, 14-of-17 FT), five steals and four rebounds in the win over No. 1 Kansas. Lightning-quick guards Jevon Carter (12.6 PPG, 3.1 APG, 1.9 SPG) and Daxter Miles Jr. (11.5 PPG, 2.1 SPG) are both outstanding at taking the ball away, but Carter is a much better shooter (39% threes) from long range than Miles (28% threes).

Carter dropped 18 points (4-of-6 threes) off the bench in the home win versus Oklahoma last season, but was held to five points in the loss in Norman. F Jonathan Holton (9.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.0 SPG) provides more muscle down low, with at least eight boards on nine separate occasions this year. Holton also pulled down 14 rebounds (5 offensive) in only 38 minutes in the series with the Sooners last season.

Oklahoma has some similarities to its Saturday opponent, as the team averages a hefty 87.3 PPG (3rd in D-I) on 47.9% FG (37th in nation), but unlike the Mountaineers, the Sooners drain an impressive 46.1% threes (2nd in D-I).

They also crash the boards with ferocity, as they lead the nation in defensive rebounds (32.4 per game) and hold a +7.0 RPG margin (30th in D-I). Although the defense allows a pedestrian 71.1 PPG (175th in nation), it does so on low shooting rates of 38.3% FG (19th in D-I) and 30.6% threes (31st in nation). Oklahoma is tough in the paint with 5.9 blocks per game (10th in D-I), but the school forces only 11.4 turnovers per game (305th in nation).

The Sooners’ offense revolves around superstar G Buddy Hield, who is averaging 26.6 PPG (2nd in nation) with 5.7 RPG, 2.5 APG and 1.3 SPG. He shoots an eye-popping 52% threes (4th in D-I) and 90% FT (13th in nation), and netted 21 points in both meetings with West Virginia last season on 14-of-26 FG (54%) and 8-of-14 threes, while also adding 13 rebounds.

Amazingly, Hield is not even the best long-range shooter on his team, as G Jordan Woodard (15.3 PPG, 3.7 APG, 3.7 RPG) is making 55% threes (3rd in D-I) and 85% FT, which ranks third-best in the Big 12 Conference. Woodard was a non-factor in the loss at Morgantown last season (6 points, 3 assists in 28 minutes), but against WVU in Norman, he tallied 12 points (3-of-5 FG, 6-of-7 FT), five rebounds and three assists. He did commit six turnovers, however.

The other two main scorers for the Sooners are G Isaiah Cousins (12.1 PPG, 4.7 APG, 4.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG) and F Ryan Spangler (11.2 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.3 APG). Cousins has 11 games of 10+ points this season, but has been in a major shooting funk since Christmas, where he has made only 26% FG (15-of-58) and 5-of-21 threes (24%) in the past five games.

Cousins had 14 points, but also five turnovers, in the loss at West Virginia last season. He finished with 10 points and zero turnovers in the home win.

Spangler has racked up six double-doubles in his senior season and has been unselfish with four assists in each of his past two contests. Although Spangler is making a career-best 43% threes, he is also shooting a career-low 59% from the foul line. In last season's series with West Virginia, Spangler averaged a solid 10.0 PPG and 6.5 RPG.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Saturday's games..........

Home side won five of last six Villanova-Georgetown tilts; Wildcats lost four of last five visits here, with only win by five in '14. Villanova is 5-0 in Big East, winning road games by 14-5 points- their only two losses are to top 10 teams. Georgetown won five of last six games, winning its Big East home games over Marquette/DePaul. Hoyas are 0-4 vs teams in top 50, losing by 7-2-15-13. Big East home underdogs are 2-4 vs spread.

Notre Dame won three of last four games with Duke, but lost by 30 here LY in series where home side won last three games. Irish split first four ACC games; they're 2-1 in true road games, losing by 11 at Virginia, with wins at Illinois/BC. Duke got upset at Clemson last game; they're 3-1 in ACC, winning by 17-16-24 points, with two of three wins on the road. ACC single digit home favorites are 7-4 vs spread.

Home side won four of last five Miami-Clemson games; Hurricanes lost five of last six visits to Palmetto State. Clemson beat Louisville/Duke in last two games, getting to foul line 56 times; they've won four games in a row after a 7-6 start. ACC home underdogs of 7 or less points are 6-2 vs spread. Miami had 8-game win streak snapped at Virginia in last game; 'canes have true road wins at Nebraska/LaSalle.

Home side won seven of last nine VCU-Richmond games, a crosstown rivalry; Spiders were 2-1 vs VCU LY, but are 4-12 in last 16 series tilts overall. Rams won last seven games after 5-5 start, winning first four in A-14, with road wins by 3-16 points. Richmond is 2-6 vs top 100 clubs; they're #42 at protecting ball, important vs VCU's press. A-14 road teams are 9-4 vs spread in games where spread was 6 or less points.

Wm & Mary won last six games with NC-Wilmington, winning three in row here by 6-23-4 points. Tribe won its last four games, with wins at Drexel by 9, Charleston by 2. UNCW plays like Louisville, forcing TOs 21.9% of time; they scored 88 ppg in winning last two games, were held to 63-60 in two CAA losses, to Northeastern, Towson. Seahawks lost by 5 to Georgetown in only top 100 game. CAA home favorites are 5-9.

Home side won last five West Virginia-Oklahoma games; Mountaineers lost last three visits here by 13-10-19 points. WV has true road wins at K-State/TCU; they force turnovers 28.3% of time (#1), 23.1% in league games. Sooner star Hield had 10 TOs himself in last game. Oklahoma is turning ball over 19.2% of time in league (#9 of 10); they're 2-0 at home in Big 12, winning by 4-10. Big X home favorites are 7-6 vs spread.

Providence won six of last seven games with Seton Hall, winning four in row, three by 7 or less points. Friars' last two games were decided by a total of 3 points; they've won nine of 10 games overall. Pirates lost last two games by 9-15 points; they're 2-3 vs top 70 teams, its best win over #22 Wichita State. Big East home favorites are 8-8 vs spread. Seton Hall is turning ball over 20.1% of time in conference play (#7 of 10).

Washington won eight of last nine games with Arizona State, winning its last four visits here; Huskies had won three nail-biters in row to start its Pac-12 sked, then got hammered in second half at Arizonaon Thursday. ASU has worst eFG% defense in league play, beating Wazzu by 11 for first win last game. Pac-12 home favorites of 4+ points are 7-2. against spread. Huskies are playing fastest pace in league in conference play.

Home side won seven of last eight Green Bay-Valparaiso games; Green Bay lost last four visits here, by 3-12-15-4 points. Crusaders are off to 4-0 Horizon start, with 12 points closest game; Valpo has #14 eFG% defense in country. Green Bay is 4-1 in Horizon, losing at Youngstown when Penguins made 11-20 on arc; Phoenix is 1-3 vs top 100 teams, its only win over Akron. Horizon home favorites are 9-4 vs spread.

Florida coach White played PG at Ole Miss, returns home with Florida squad that lost last four games to Rebels, losing by 4-1 in last two visits to Ole Miss' old gym- they opened the new one two weeks ago. Rebels won first two games in new gym by 1-8 points; they're 7-0 at home, 4-3 vs top 100 teams. Ole Miss shoots just 31% on arc. SEC home teams are 6-3 vs spread in games where spread was 5 or less points. .

LSU won five of last six games with Arkansas; Hogs lost last six visits to Baton Rouge, Tigers won first two SEC home games by 18-9 points; they scored 78+ points in last six wins, were held to 71-62 in last two losses. Arkansas has blocked 12% of shots in SEC play; they scored 88.7 ppg in winning last three games after 6-7 start- they're 2-5 against top 100 teams, SEC home favorites are 12-4 against the spread.

Boise State won last nine games with win over Oregon; Broncos swept San Diego State by 15-10 points LY- they're 3-3 in last six games with Aztecs, who split four visits here. Boise won first two MW home tilts by 4-11 points; they're #9 defensive rebounding team in league, could be problem vs athletic Aztecs. San Diego State won by 3-7 points in first two conference road games. MW home favorites are 7-7 vs spread.

Chattanooga beat East Tennessee State by 3-8 points in Bucs' first year in SoCon; Moccasins won first two SoCon home games by 19-12 points but ETSU is 4-0 in league, with wins at Samford, WCU. Bucs are 1-3 in top 100 games with win at Ga Tech; they've made half their 3's in first four SoCon games. Chattanooga is getting to foul line more than anyone in league. SoCon home favorites are 10-4 vs spread.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

West Virginia Mountaineers at Oklahoma Sooners January 16, 4:00 EST

Oklahoma (14-1, 7-6 ATS) will host West Virginia (15-1, 8-5 ATS) in Norman Saturday afternoon. Sooners, behind leading contender for player of the year Buddy Hield (26.6 PPG, 5.7 RBG) are one of the best teams in the country on offense (87.3) dropping 47.9% from the filed, 46.1% from outside. Flawless on home court (8-0, 3-3 ATS) this season, Sooners have now won 25 of 26 in front of its frenzied home crowd going 14-8 in line games. Sooners dominating this series have won/cashed 5-of-7 meetings since West Virginia joined the Big-12 including a perfect 4-0 SU/ATS in Norman.

Sooners face a stiff test, Mountaineers are no slouches when it comes to scoring (85.2) and are one of the best at keeping the ball out of their own basket giving up just 63.4 points/game on 41.7% from the field, 27.3% from long range. Consider West Virginia, the Mountaineers are 13-2 ATS in lined games allowing opponents 75.0 or less, the Sooners are 2-9 ATS held at =< 75.0 points/game and a money-burning 2-10 ATS vs the conference.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Soccer: EPL Best Bets - Week 22
By Chris David

Week 20 & 21 Recap

The first week of action in 2016 watched favorites go 6-2 and the most impressive win came from Chelsea, who blanked Crystal Palace 3-0 on the road. The Blues certainly looked like their old form and will likely be watched in the second-half. The underdogs that cashed were West Ham United (+275) and Norwich City (+250) as they posted home victories against Liverpool and Southampton respectively. Total bettors watched the second-half start off with a 5-5 mark.

This past Tuesday, underdogs kicked off Matchday 21 with a pair of wins as West Ham (+245) ran past Bournemouth 3-1 on the road and Aston Villa (+240) blanked Crystal Palace 1-0 at home, which was its first win since the opening week of the season. While it wasn’t upset, New Castle United did open up some eyes with a 3-3 draw (+265) against Manchester United at home.

Wednesday’s mid-week action watched the favorites and underdogs go 2-2 and the biggest surprise took place at Liberty Stadium as Sunderland (+375) upset Swansea City 4-2 after trailing 2-1 at the half. There were three draws posted as well, which included the great back-and-forth result (3-3) between Arsenal and Liverpool. That game went ‘over’ early in the first-half and helped the ‘over’ go 6-4 in the last 10 EPL games.

Including those 20 results, favorites have gone 90-60 with 60 draws this season. The ‘over’ has gone 11-9 in the first two weeks of 2016 but the ‘under’ still owns a slight edge (106-99-5) this season.

Top 4

Chelsea vs. Everton (Saturday, USA, 10:00 a.m. ET)

Chelsea (-130) remains unbeaten since dismissing manager Jose Mourinho in December but they’ve only managed to win two games and draw three. Everton (+350) enters this team with a pair of respectable draws against Tottenham and Manchester City.

Coincidentally, the Toffees lead the league with six road draws (3-6-1) this season and they’ve only lost one game away from home. Defensively, Tim Howard and company have surrendered only nine goals on the road, which is tied for the second best mark in the EPL. Chelsea is 4-3-4 at home and that includes a 2-2-1 mark in its last five. The Blues have scored 7 goals in their last three at home.

Everton blasted Chelsea 3-1 on Sept. 12 from Goodison Park, which snapped a three-game losing streak to the Blues. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is unbeaten in its last 20 matches (11-9-0) against Everton and they’ve won six straight against manager Roberto Martinez at this venue.

Both Chelsea (14-7) and Everton (11-10) have leaned ‘over’ this season but the last two games played at Stamford Bridge resulted in 1-0 outcomes.

The Blues won’t have Eden Hazard or Radmael Falcao available for this week due to groin injuries.

Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday, NBCSN, 10:00 a.m. ET)

City (-275) has been installed as a heavy favorite over Crystal Palace (+700) this weekend and that line seems a tad inflated considering they barely escaped with a 1-0 win at Selhurst Park in mid-September. The pair did meet in a League Cup game in October and Manchester ripped them 5-1 at Etihad Stadium.

The form for City hasn’t been exactly super recently with the team going 2-2-0 since Boxing Day and the two draws were scoreless efforts. Palace hasn’t been better, going 0-2-2 in its last four and the offense hasn’t scored a goal during the same span.

Despite being held scoreless on Wednesday to Everton, the Citizens still lead the league with 29 goals at home and 39 overall. The ‘over’ has gone 13-8 for City this season and this week’s total is listed 3, shaded to the ‘under’ (-120). Something might have to give in this game with Palace only allowing a league-best eight goals in 10 games, which has helped the ‘under’ go 7-4.

Manchester has won four straight at home against the Eagles while outscoring them 8-1 over this stretch.

Manchester United at Liverpool (Sunday, NBCSN, 9:00 a.m. ET)

The EPL Game of the Week takes place from Anfield this weekend as Liverpool (+125) will look to knock off Manchester United (+220) at home. The last eight meetings have watched somebody come away with three points and more of those victories have gone to United, six of them in total.

In early September, Manchester surged past Liverpool 3-1 at Old Trafford with all four goals coming in the second-half.

A lot of has changed since that game, in particular Liverpool’s manager. The club hired Jurgen Klopp in October and the team has gone 5-3-4 as manager and that includes a 3-2-1 mark at home. The Reds enter this game unbeaten in their last four (2-2-0) but they’ve surrendered five goals in the pair of draws.

Liverpool is banged up in all areas and five key players (Daniel Sturridge, Dejan Lovren, Martin Skrtel, Philippe Coutinho, Divock Origi) will miss Sunday due to hamstring injuries.

Louis van Gaal’s “seat” is still considered hot at United but a win would certainly lower the temperature. The Red Devils have gone 1-2-0 in their last three league games but only earning one point (3-3) at New Castle United this past Tuesday wasn’t a good result.

United has gone 4-3-4 on the road this season while getting outscored 16-15, which has helped the ‘over’ go 7-4 in away games.

Arsenal at Stoke City (Sunday, NBCSN, 11:00 a.m. ET)

Arsene Wenger and Arsenal (-110) stay on the road this Sunday as they visit Britannia Stadium, and they’ve had trouble at this venue. The Gunners are 0-2-3 in their last five visits and Stoke City (+320) has won four of its last five at home this season and that includes three shutouts against the likes of Chelsea, Man City and Man United.

The Gunners have been very sound on the road (6-2-3) and have netted 21 goals but have surrendered 15, which is the second highest amongst teams sitting in the top half of the table. Plus, seven of those away goals have come in the last two games.

Stoke City netted a 3-1 win over Norwich this past Wednesday at home and that was most goals scored by them at Britannia. Prior to this effort, they only managed 10 goals in the first nine games at home.

Arsenal has seen the ‘over’ go 7-4 in its road games but Stoked has watched the low side cash in six of 10 games at home.

Fearless Predictions

One lousy goal cost us and that result turned into a negative weekend (-250) and kept the bankroll in the danger zone ($2,720). This week’s predictions is spread out over the three days.

Straight – Over 2 ½ (-115) Everton-Chelsea – 3 Units

Straight – Over 2 ½ (+100) West Ham United-New Castle United – 1 Unit

Straight – Under 2 ½ (-130) Manchester United-Liverpool – 2 Units

Straight – Manchester United (+220) over Liverpool – 2 Units

Straight – Swansea City (+145) over Watford – 2 Units

Parlay – Over 2 ½ Chelsea-Everton, Manchester United (+220), Arsenal (-110) – 1 Unit

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL injury report
By The Sports Xchange

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
--Out: G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (concussion), C Mitch Morse (concussion)
--Questionable: LB Tamba Hali (knee, thumb), LB Justin Houston (knee), WR Jeremy Maclin (ankle), RB Spencer Ware (ankle), WR Albert Wilson (hamstring)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
--Out: G Tre' Jackson (knee)
--Questionable: WR Danny Amendola (knee), TE Scott Chandler (knee), CB Justin Coleman (concussion), S Nate Ebner (hand), WR Julian Edelman (foot), LB Jonathan Freeny (hand, not injury related), TE Rob Gronkowski (knee, back), LB Dont'a Hightower (knee), DE Chandler Jones (abdomen, toe), DE Rob Ninkovich (shin), T Sebastian Vollmer (ankle), T LaAdrian Waddle (shoulder)
--Probable: QB Tom Brady (ankle), G Josh Kline (shoulder), WR Brandon LaFell (foot), S Devin McCourty (ankle)


GREEN BAY PACKERS at ARIZONA CARDINALS

GREEN BAY PACKERS
--Out: WR Davante Adams (knee), TE Andrew Quarless (knee)
--Questionable: CB Quinten Rollins (quadricep), CB Sam Shields (concussion)
--Probable: T David Bakhtiari (ankle), DT Mike Daniels (hamstring), LB Jay Elliott (quadricep), DE Datone Jones (neck), RB Eddie Lacy (rib), G T.J. Lang (calf), LB Mike Neal (hip), TE Justin Perillo (hamstring), TE Richard Rodgers (hip), G Josh Sitton (back)

ARIZONA CARDINALS
--Questionable: DT Josh Mauro (calf), DT Frostee Rucker (ankle)
Probable: LB Markus Golden (knee), G Mike Iupati (shoulder), QB Carson Palmer (right finger)


SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at CAROLINA PANTHERS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
--Doubtful: RB Will Tukuafu (hamstring)
--Probable: DE Michael Bennett (toe), RB Marshawn Lynch (abdomen), TE Luke Willson (concussion)
CAROLINA PANTHERS
--Out: RB Fozzy Whittaker (ankle)
--Questionable: WR Ted Ginn (knee)
--Probable: DE Kony Ealy (illness)


PITTSBURGH STEELERS at DENVER BRONCOS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
--Out: WR Antonio Brown (concussion), RB DeAngelo Williams (foot)
Questionable: RB Will Johnson (hamstring), QB Ben Roethlisberger (right shoulder)
--Probable: S Will Allen (not injury related), S Robert Golden (shoulder), LB James Harrison (not injury related), DE Cameron Heyward (back), LB Ryan Shazier (knee), TE Matt Spaeth (not injury related), LB Vince Williams (hamstring)
DENVER BRONCOS
--Questionable: QB Brock Osweiler (knee)
--Probable: TE Owen Daniels (knee, knee), LB Todd Davis (shoulder), G Max Garcia (groin), CB Chris Harris (shoulder), DE Malik Jackson (illness), QB Peyton Manning (foot), LB Brandon Marshall (ankle), LB Von Miller (illness), G Robert Myers (illness), S Darian Stewart (hamstring), RB Juwan Thompson (illness), S T.J. Ward (ankle), LB DeMarcus Ware (knee).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hawthorne Harness: Saturday 1/16 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Best Bet: ONE TO DRAW TO (4th)

Spot Play: BOOGIE NIGHTS (2nd)


Race 1

(8) HRUBYS N LUCK was bearing out in the stretch late but was still too much for this bunch drawing off by open lengths last week. The pacer probably needed the start as well; short price. (2) DAKOTA ROADSTER will offer a big price and can hit the ticket with a good setup. (7) DONTGETBYME owns a lot of back class and might have an excuse with the sloppy track last race.

Race 2

(3) BOOGIE NIGHTS raced big last out even with dull cover; threat. (7) SIR MAMMO don't sleep on the four-year-old gelding getting sent out second start off a layoff for capable connections. (2) JOHN JAY has really stepped his game up at every level, however the lightly raced pacer is facing older more seasoned opponents; use caution.

Race 3

In a wide open and evenly matched race, (1) HTH LYNN ROY gets sent out for a low percentage pilot but had flashed some ability a few starts ago. (8) JETHRO gelding picks up a big driver change and should improve in his second lifetime start. (9) DAKOTA ROAD raced gamely last out just missing; threat.

Race 4

(10) ONE TO DRAW TO just missed blowing up the tote board to open level pacers last start. The 4-year-old now drops down quite a bit and will win with a similar effort. (1) LYONS JIMMYDEAN is really starting to blossom for the current connections getting a nice win last out. (2) OCAPTAIN MYCAPTAIN well bred pacer was an easy winner last week down in class but is best used underneath.

Race 5

(10) SPORTY GYPSY owns some back class and just needs to find a way into the race for a chance at a piece. (7) LIFE IS GOOD TODAY rarely wins but is facing much weaker this week. (5) PARKLANE INDY has some upside but would need more to hit the top spot; command a price.

Race 6

(3) WINDOW WIPER was shuffled back to last before unleashing a nice late rally last week. The pacing mare needed the start off a three month layoff and should have more to offer. (8) PEMBROKE BOOGIE gets sent out for capable connections and looks to offer value. (6) HOOSIERS FANTASY doesn't look the best on paper but does have room to improve second start out for a new barn.

Race 7

(5) JONES BEACH raced big last week off a month layoff. The driver opted elsewhere but that could boost the price. (7) LONEWOLF CURRIER was the driver's choice and will be much closer turning for home this week after showing a big late kick last start. (8) ONTARIO SUCCESS was loaded with pace last week never challenged but could have a much tougher go of it this week with the outside post.

Race 8

(1) VANCE BAYAMA takes a significant drop in class with the best post. (3) GD AIRLINER had to need his last start and should be much improved this week also dropping down. (9) FEELNLIKEAROCKSTAR had no excuse last start being outkicked late; command a price.

Race 9

(7) CAM B ZIPPER does his best work on the lead and is likely headed that way early. (3) SEEYOUATTHEFINISH mare will offer a big price facing the boys. She has had a history of success in similar spots. (5) CRIME OF PASSION is the sleeper in the race getting sent out first start for one of the top barns in the country.

Race 10

(9) PREEMPTIVE BID would have been a winner last week had the pacer had anywhere to go. The seven-year-old gets a big morning line and can beat this bunch with a decent setup. (7) COMPANY MAN was the driver's choice and is facing much weaker; threat. (4) ROCKIN THE HOUSE should be sharper down in class for capable connections.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Saturday 1/16 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 2,8/1/1.6/6,8/ALL = $16

EARLY PICK 4: 6,8/1,5,7,8,9/2,5/1,5,7 = $60

LATE PICK 4: 2,5,6/2,5,6,7/1,3/2,4,6 = $72

MEET STATS: 192 - 584 / $1035.80 BEST BETS: 30 - 53 / $102.60

SPOT PLAYS: 16 - 53 / $183.80

Best Bet: BETIT TO GETIT (2nd)

Spot Play: TENDTOWIN (9th)


Race 1

(2) WARAWEE PROTON lost all chance at the start last time but won 3 of 5 previous to that break in stride. He looks as good as any in as weak a $12K claimer as you'll see here. (8) KREMLIN closed well into a slowing pace on a night where the track was killing speed but he should contend here. (10) BLUSH AND CRUSH looks like a contender by default, even from out there.

Race 2

(1) BETIT TO GETIT showed considerable grit last week re-rallying very late in the stretch to win. She'll be tough to beat here starting from the inside. (2) GREYSTONE LADYLIKE never entered contention last week after starting from the outside. The shorter field helps her considerably and she is a big threat here. (4) MS MAC N CHEESE projects to get a good trip near the front and should share.

Race 3

(6) J CS JAKE stayed flat and raced much better last week. Maybe Moreau has his issues fixed; top call. (1) WINE PHOTO stopped in the lane last week but the track was playing against his style that night. He should rebound with a better effort here. (5) PETTY HANOVER has won off two sweet trips in a row. He may not be as lucky here.

Race 4

(6) COOL ROCK was an impressive winner last week and should offer a good price here on the class rise. Slight nod over (8) CAMAES FELLOW blasted last week but took a major shuffle as there were several lead changes. He could take this lesser group all the way. (3) HES A SENSATION also drops and should close late for a share.

Race 5

(9) EVERY INTENTION went a huge trip on the lead to fall just short in the Snowshoe series last week. He is one of several in with a shot here. Best to go deep in multi-race wagers. (8) KING OF DELIGHT ships in and drops from non-winners of three company; another contender. (1) TEAM CAPTAIN gets post relief here and could get a better trip on cover leaving from the inside.

Race 6

(2) BRINGHOME THEBLUE was one of only three winners from 11 races that turned for home with a lead and held it last Saturday. He is in tremendous form and should bring another good price here. (5) MOHAWK WARRIOR will take all the money in the win pool and is the obvious one to beat. (6) JULERICA has an erratic stride at times but always closes well down the lane. He's a good one for triactor tickets.

Race 7

(7) TOTAL LEE was totally blocked until very late last week but was flying once free. These are tougher but the price will be better, too. (5) OUR HOT MAJORETTE recovered nicely from an uncharacteristic miscue and will be tough vs. these if she behaves. (1) HOPE FOR PADDY plunges in class and won last time she was in a similar class. She's an obvious threat.

Race 8

(5) MCKINNEY got fried early last week and should have less competition for the front here in this easier class; top call. (6) STAR COVER was bottled up late last week on an off track. He can improve sharply here with a better trip. (2) MACH PRIDE won impressively Monday night and isn't out of this despite the rise in class.

Race 9

(5) TENDTOWIN went a big first over trip off the claim last week now jumps in class which will only inflate his price; call to upset. (7) VELOCITY DRIVEN is in tremendous form and is a must-use in the late Pick 4. (2) SOMEWHERE FANCY beat better two back and is another that has to be considered.

Race 10

(1) VITAL SIGN closed powerfully off excess cover last week and moving inside here should only help. (3) IDOLE DUHARAS left hard and finished fast to win off the claim and should get another good trip here. (8) CHEYENNE REIDER continues to race well despite starting from the outside every week; consider.

Race 11

(6) MACH A WISH raced well when last at this level and should be able to work out a decent trip here; slight nod in the finale. (4) MURRAYFIELD flew home to win off a layoff and can contend here, too. (2) ST LADS PENNY LANE closed belatedly last week but missed a check. The inside post should help here. (7) AINSLEYNOELLE chased a very tough winner home last week in a decent effort and should get a piece of this. (5) YOUR MY SECRET faces tougher off a sharp win but can grab a check here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Saturday 1/16 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 3 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 5 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 9 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 64 - 215 / $340.10 BEST BETS: 8 - 16 / $28.30

Best Bet: MOONLIGHT RANSOM (5th)

Spot Play: ETHAN HANOVER (12th)


Race 1

Two-thirds of the field is slated to sell on Monday, so I wouldn’t be shocked if one of those six jumped up with a big mile. Of the group, I think (5) JK ONAROLL probably needs a big effort more than the rest to sell for a good number. I’ve seen hints of some talent from this 3-year-old and he should be tighter in his second start since June. (8) CONNECTING FLIGHT avoided any breaking issues by rolling along at his own pace on the engine. This guy has the speed to go a long way. (3) BRED TO RACE showed improvement in his first start for Burke and can build on that effort. Along with the top two choices, the other sale horses are: (9) GRAND THEFT, (1) MAJOR IN LIFE, (7) MISSILE J & (2) BETTOR MEMORIES.

Race 2

(5) DOCTOR BUTCH was in the midst of rating the third quarter when Bushwacker came to call at full speed and blew him away last Saturday. My feeling is that if Campbell had ‘Butch’ rolling with a big third quarter the outcome may have been different, but hindsight is 20/20. I’ll give him another shot. (4) ATTA BOY DAN ships in sharp from Dover where he defeated likely favorite (6) BUSHWACKER in their last meeting on December 28. The latter has done everything right in his two Meadowlands starts this year.

Race 3

It is hard to get excited about any of these horses, which is obvious by my selection of (7) SOME MAJOR BEACH, who hasn’t won since 2014. While his form hasn’t been great, he does get a new driver this week and sometimes a different set of hands at the controls makes all the difference. (6) PIECE OF THE ROCK actually comes off a win, which registers as red-hot in this field. (8) VISA VIPER makes his second start off the bench and could show more. He is just 4 for 65 lifetime, though.

Race 4

(5) TRUE BLUE HALL hasn’t been able to get over the top lately but seems to be in a good spot this week where he can control the action or at worse sit the pocket. (4) MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING had too much ground to make up last time. Perhaps Campbell in the bike will get him back in the winner’s circle. (3) MR CENSI brushed and just lasted a week ago; big shot again. (7) J T would be no surprise; shows speed this week?

Race 5

(1) MOONLIGHT RANSOM took some action at the windows despite starting from post 10 last Saturday and failed to live up to the hype on a night where you needed to be close to the pace to win. He lands in the perfect spot this week and should bring a top effort. (7) ADDWATER will need a bit of pace help on the engine, but he could menace at least in the exotics if the trip works in his favor. (5) DREAMZZZZ R FOR U raced okay last time and adds Gingras now.

Race 6

(4) SO TAKE THAT has seemed like a horse that is ready to win but needed a ‘kick in the ass’ to get over the top (to be clear, I’m not saying drivers should be allowed to kick horses . . . it’s just a saying). I’m willing to take a shot at what should be a decent price that Gingras can prove to be the wake-up call this gelding needs. (9) DINNER AT THE MET wired the field impressively last time and rolls right back at the same level. (5) ALL WEEK couldn’t be any sharper; hard to toss.

Race 7

(3) POINTSMAN was my pick last week before Campbell opted off. Now we finally get a catch-driver in the bike and hopefully we’ll see the top effort I’m expecting. (4) NOBETTORPLACETOBE likely makes his final start for Burke as he is in the sale Monday. Something tells me we will see a more aggressive effort this week; dangerous. (9) CAN HE GO didn’t have the best opportunity to show his best in a bulky 14-horse field last time; maybe. (5) VICTORY AHEAD looked super two starts back but remains in against slightly tougher now.

Race 8

(4) ULTIMATE BEACHBOY drops again this week as he continues to work his way back into top shape. Burke trainee should have an easy path to the front this week and have a big shot at the win prior to Monday’s sale. (5) JET AIRWAY has a win and a second in his last two starts in this condition. If he catches live cover, watch out! (6) STARSKY’S DREAM N was Tetrick’s choice over three other viable horses, which is very interesting. This guy finished with good energy in his qualifier and caught my eye. (7) COBALT MAN has back class and seems ready to fire in his third start back.

Race 9

(3) OUR DRAGON KING drops back down to the NW $7,500 level where he won by four back in November. He didn’t exactly have a great trip last time and you have to think this high percentage barn will have him ready since he is another horse in the sale Monday. (1) CASTLE FLIGHT & (2) MUDSLIDE are also moving down the class ladder and figure prominently. (4) EASTEND EDDIE is an honest horse that should be involved at some point.

Race 10

(9) MAJOR WAR was used to a fast half and held reasonably well in his first start in more than four weeks. I’m going to stick with him and hope Tetrick can work some magic from the outside post. (2) MEL MARA hasn’t been seen in a pari-mutuel race since September 2014 but qualified back in good order while under a drive late. Lightly raced 7-year-old has ability and is slated to be sold Monday. (5) AIMO HANOVER wheels right back in the same class despite winning last time. (7) SOMETIMES SAID is another horse with class making his first start since 2014.

Race 11

(10) HERE COMES SWIFTY has some excuses for his lack of recent success. He steps down a notch on the class ladder and adds Tetrick tonight. (3) FRATERNITY was a determined winner last time, his third victory in his previous four starts. He may just be able to handle the tougher competition. (1) JUNGLE OF TERROR flashed speed last time and took the field a long way despite facing pressure in the mile.

Race 12

(3) ETHAN HANOVER double-drops tonight and has no excuses. (5) UF FAST FEELIN blew away the field at this level a week ago; sharp. (2) ESCAPE THE NEWS has improved since moving to the Meadowlands.

Race 13

(4) MAH SISH N finished fast from post nine last time and seems to be in a spot where a switch in tactics to early speed might produce great results; we’ll see. (7) BETTOR THAN YOU is another Burke horse slated to sell in the Mixed Sale on Monday. Like (5) ASHLEY’S HUSBAND, they both drop out of the Open Handicap and merit some attention.

Race 14

(4) AROCKIN HANOVER took care of business in this class last week and gets another free ride. (1) AVENUE HANOVER showed some signs of life chasing the top choice last Saturday. He is capable of waking up with one big mile. (5) PENN TURBO TED won a race in 1:53 here last year, so don’t ignore him completely in a field full of mostly dull horses. (8) EIGHT TEN EOM can leave well off the gate and might last for a good piece.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Saturday 1/16 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 9 - 22 / $71.20 BEST BETS: 1 - 2 / $4.10

Best Bet: VALIDUS DEO (9th)

Spot Play: ELRAMA N (1st)


Race 1

(6) ELRAMA N was aggressively handled off the holiday layoff and flattened from the pocket late; Bamond trainee should be tighter in his second start of the year. (1) UPFRONT COUNTRYBOY gave way badly after also being aggressively handled and I expect the Godinez horses to all be better this week. (4) JUSTIFIED was better than his line looks last out, where the leader stopped in his face.

Race 2

(3) ROCK TO GLORY gets some needed class relief tonight and should be a player versus these. (4) AMERICAN RAGE raced well last week to be second best and he's been knocking on the door for a while now. (1) DULL ROAR offered nothing last out, but he lands the rail tonight and the Ford trainee should be considered for a share.

Race 3

(2) ARI ALLSTAR essentially toured the track last week while having no chance from the outside post; he loses Bartlett tonight but that can only help the price. (3) FAT MANS ALLEY took money last out but never had a prayer of reaching; he drops, moves inside, keeps the leading driver and obviously has a big chance. (6) URBANA BAYAMA has closed nicely in his last two; he should be coming late again.

Race 4

(1) WINDS OF CHANGE returns for his 2016 campaign for Jimmy Takter and he should be able to take these the distance from this spot. (3) KIPPENBERGER N is another Bamond trainee who should be tighter tonight and offer more. (2) THORN IN YOUR SIDE returns locally from Canada for Auciello and he should be close up throughout.

Race 5

(4) CYCLONE KIWI N gets class relief off last week's needed race and from this spot I expect Bartlett to be heading to the front. (5) SUNFIRE BLUE CHIP has been lightly raced over the last couple of seasons but obviously he has loads of talent; he'll certainly attract attention tonight. (1) CAUTION SIGNS gets serious post relief and should be in line for a live stalking trip.

Race 6

(8) PHIL YOUR BOOTS was in for an $8K claiming tag just a few months ago and now he's assigned post eight in the Open and deservedly so; Andrew Harris trainee will be firing hard. (2) MELMERBY BEACH has been a nice purchase so far for Annunziata but he has missed a month and may need a start before we see his best. (4) ASLAN was a steady second to the top choice last week.

Race 7

(2) TEXAS TERROR N took money, sat in, had pace but it was too late in his U.S. debut; he should be more aggressively handled tonight. (1) STATESMAN N can't seem to get over the hump at this level but the Burke trainee has been racing very well and is tough to ignore from this spot. (4) BULLET BOB is another veteran who has been live recently.

Race 8

(7) RONNY BUGATTI raced very well to be second best to a sharp winner last week, his first start in over three weeks; gelding drops in class and should be aggressively handled from this outside post. (2) STOLEN CAR remains at the same level as his win last week when he sat a perfect trip; he's capable of repeating but needs another live journey. (3) BIG JER was uninvolved in his 2016 debut; he's been competitive at this level in the past.

Race 9

(2) VALIDUS DEO toured the track last week in a needed start; he's a different horse when drawn inside and Bartlett will take command from this spot. (5) RURAL ART returns to Sears, drops in class and looks like a player. (1) CHEYENNE SEEBER draws best and will be saving ground from this spot.

Race 10

(3) DONAU closed nicely off live cover last week to be third best; gelding had a solid 2015 season where he banked almost 150K and he looks like a perfect fit here at this level and from this post. (1) IN COMMANDO was a winner four back from the rail the last time he was in with NW18000 types. (6) ONE THROUGH TEN does have good early speed at his disposal if Dube chooses to use it.

Race 11

(3) POLAK A has never been one of my favorites but he did race decently last week versus better in a needed start and he should be firing early. (1) MCARDLE ROYALE N looked good going coast to coast in his U.S. debut for DiDomenico. (5) HIGHVIEW CONALL N was very good last week just getting outbattled by the favorite but he's outside what he has to beat tonight and may be at a tactical disadvantage.

Race 12

(1) CASIMIR JITTERBUG almost comically gets to drop in class off a win last week as the favorite and he draws best to boot; he's default selecting from this spot. (2) ROLAND N ROCK successfully transitioned to the aged ranks with a nice win last week and he stays at this level with another good draw; good matchup here. (7) DUEL IN THE SUN fired hard last week and pulled off the big upset; he will be a good price again and is worth considering.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (2nd) Real Estate Rich, 9-2
(7th) Box Office, 6-1


Charles Town (4th) Mighty Bop, 4-1
(7th) Bazinga B, 5-1


Delta Downs (3rd) Skee Ball, 3-1
(9th) Sinister Spinner, 4-1


Fair Grounds (4th) Tizahandful, 6-1
(12th) Gustav Bay, 6-1


Golden Gate Fields (2nd) Swiss Skimmer, 7-2
(5th) Sea of Magic, 8-1


Gulfstream Park (2nd) Western Reserve, 10-1
(9th) You Bought Her, 10-1


Laurel (2nd) Prospector's Heart, 9-2
(8th) Majestic Hussar, 6-1


Mahoning Valley (5th) Citizen John, 3-1
(8th) Petunia Be Careful, 6-1


Oaklawn Park (2nd) Kinetic, 6-1
(7th) Adore, 9-2


Penn National (1st) Durendal, 4-1
(8th) Dan and Sheila, 4-1


Sam Houston (5th) David R., 8-1
(10th) Berry Loud, 6-1


Santa Anita (5th) Adios Princess, 6-1
(6th) Doodetta, 6-1


Sunland Park (5th) I Got It, 7-2
(8th) Taylor Rhythm, 5-1


Tampa Bay Downs (6th) Holiday Boy, 7-2
(9th) Tutti Sanno, 7-2


Turf Paradise (5th) With a Twist, 3-1
(7th) Perfectly Majestic, 4-1


Turfway Park (2nd) Aaron Again, 5-1
(5th) Ghostly Wonder, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

College basketball betting TV guide: Must-watch, must-wager games
By STEVE MERRIL

College basketball is in full swing with conference play shaping the field for the NCAA tournament. Steve Merril has scoured the schedule for the must-watch, must-wager games for each day on the college hoops calendar so that you don’t miss any of the action.

Saturday - West Virginia Mountaineers at Oklahoma Sooners (espn2)

West Virginia and Oklahoma are two of the best teams in the Big 12, so this should be a highly competitive game Saturday afternoon. The Mountaineers rank No. 1 in the country in turnover percentage, No. 1 in offensive rebounding percentage, and No. 2 in 3-point defense. The Sooners lone loss came in three overtimes at Kansas, and their offensive and defensive numbers at home have been off the charts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday's six-pack

Six teams that force the highest percentage of turnovers........

6) Texas State-- Despite that, still have #322 eFG% rate on offense.

5) Wichita State-- Shockers getting on a roll in Missouri Valley play.

4) Stephen F Austin-- Won first three Southland games by 20+ points.

3) VCU-- Not shooting 3's as well as they have in recent years.

2) Mount St Mary's-- 4-1 in NEC with only loss in double OT.

1) West Virginia-- Just beat Kansas; visit Oklahoma this afternoon.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Saturday

603 EAST CAROLINA @ 604 CENTRAL FLORIDA 4:30 PM

Take: CENTRAL FLORIDA -4.5

There are a few same season revenge games on tap today, which is an aspect of college hoop analysis that I enjoy breaking down, and usually with decent results. The rematch between East Carolina and Central Florida is one of those matchups.

UCF was a narrow winner the first time around, as they went on the road and got away with a 71- 68 win at East Carolina. I think the Knights have a great chance to sweep the series with what might be an easier win today.

First off, there’s the Jeff Lebo factor. Let’s just say Lebo has not exactly been scintillating when looking to avenge a conference home loss. I have access to records going back to 2002, so while that’s not the entire Lebo ledger as a head coach, it’s pretty close. Since that time, Lebo is only 1-15 trying to get even on the road for a home defeat in regular season play. Since arriving at East Carolina, the record is a depressing 0-7. Note that’s straight up rather than against the spread, but with this game priced as it is, I’m basically looking to grab the outright winner, and Lebo’s history suggests his Pirates aren’t really likely to do well here.

ECU is not playing well right now regardless. The loss to UCF got the current 0-4 run started, and the Pirates are still winless for the season in road games.

In the first meeting, Tennessee transfer AJ Davis had a huge game for UCF, and the 6’9? sophomore is putting together a nice season for the Knights. Davis has been doing an exceptional job of getting to the foul line, and when he gets to the stripe, he’s cashing in on roughly 80% of his tosses. East Carolina is vulnerable in the paint, and with all the size UCF can put on the floor, this figures to be an issue for the Pirates again today.

Neither of these teams figures to be playing past the AAC tournament in early March, and in terms of overall skill, there’s not a great deal of difference. But the matchup appears favorable to UCF, I would give them a bit of an edge in the current form category, and there’s that ugly Lebo road revenge stat to boot. I might have to sweat the points here, but it’s reasonable enough for me to take the stance on Central Florida to get this one in the win column.