Sunday 11/1/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockets (0-2) at Heat (1-1)

Date: November 01, 2015 6:00 PM EDT

It's been an inauspicious start to a season of high expectations for the Houston Rockets, who lost an opener they should have won before being reminded who the cream of the crop is in the Western Conference two days later.

Looking to avoid their first 0-3 opening since 2010, the Rockets make a quick trip to Miami looking to continue their recent strong play against the Heat on Sunday night.

Houston, which advanced to the conference finals last season, had the luxury of beginning 2015-16 with four of five at home, but it's stumbled out of the gate with losses to Denver and defending champion Golden State.

A 105-85 defeat to the Nuggets on Wednesday had plenty to do with the absence of center Dwight Howard, who served a one-game suspension for elbowing Golden State's Andre Iguodala in Game 5 of the conference final when the Rockets were eliminated.

The Warriors then came to town Friday and showed Houston it has a ways to go in the West, handing it a 112-92 loss that was its 10th in 11 meetings, including playoffs. The Rockets won nine of their first 10 last season, with the defeat coming against Golden State.

Houston has been shaky offensively, shooting 35.5 percent a season after averaging 103.2 points - sixth in the NBA - and 44.4 percent shooting. The Rockets also have 34 turnovers and have allowed the opposition to shoot 48.3 percent.

No one player has been struggling more than James Harden, who has gone 10 of 39 from the field, including 3 of 22 from 3-point range. Harden, the runner-up to Stephen Curry in last season's MVP voting, has scored 15 of his 38 points from the free-throw line.

"He's not comfortable, but then, who is?" coach Kevin McHale said. "I mean, I don't see anybody who looks comfortable out there. We're funky."

A game against the Heat (1-1) might be just what Harden and the Rockets need to snap out of that funk. Houston has won three of four meetings, including a two-game sweep last season, behind an average of 108.3 points and 50.3 percent shooting. Houston hit 17 3-pointers - three shy of a season best - in a 108-91 win in its last trip to Miami on Nov. 4.

Harden's numbers against the Heat in those previous four meetings have been strong with an average of 26.0 points and 50.8 percent from the floor. He had 25 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds Nov. 4.

Howard has also been solid against Miami over the last two seasons, shooting 66.7 percent with averages of 23.0 points and 13.3 rebounds.

The Heat opened with a win over Charlotte before visiting LeBron James and Cleveland on Friday. Miami played well with five players scoring in double figures, but didn't have much of an answer for James and Kevin Love and lost 102-92.

"This was a great environment," said Dwyane Wade, who scored 25. "I'm glad our team got the chance to play in an environment like this early in the season. Give them credit."

Chris Bosh had 16 points after scoring 21 in the opener, which was his first regular-season game since being sidelined in February because of a blood clot.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Magic (0-2) at Bulls (2-1)

Date: November 01, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

While growing pains crept up on the Chicago Bulls in their first loss, the Orlando Magic would like to move past the hurt of their first two.

Each will try to push through their stunted growth with a Sunday night matchup in Chicago, where the Bulls have won 17 of the last 18 meetings.

A fast start made a coaching switch from Tom Thibodeau to Fred Hoiberg look seamless for Chicago, but a few stitches split open during Friday's 98-94 overtime loss to Detroit.

The Bulls (2-1) were denied their first 3-0 start since 1996-97 and sputtered in Hoiberg's new-look offense.

Derrick Rose's last-second shot at the end of regulation missed everything but the backboard, and after a dismal overtime, the Bulls were left with a ugly stat sheet.

Chicago started slow and finished at 40.5 percent shooting, committed 20 turnovers for the second consecutive game and was outrebounded on the offensive boards 20-8. It was a clear regression after opening the season with a 97-95 win over Cleveland on Tuesday before a 115-100 victory against Brooklyn on Wednesday.

"We came out lackadaisical," Jimmy Butler told the team's official website. "Can't happen. Not in this league... We were careless with the ball, making lazy passes, trying to catch the ball with one hand, trying to thread the needle."

Hoiberg was especially irked by his team's second straight 20-turnover game, a first for the Bulls since December 2010.

"It is going to be tough to win when that happens," said Hoiberg. "... We have to get that cleaned up."

Rose had five turnovers while playing with a mask and still some double vision due to an orbital fracture under his left eye. He started 0 for 6 while going scoreless through the first three quarters and milked 20 seconds off the clock before taking an errant fadeway to close regulation. His eight points all came in the last 6:28 of the fourth.

The Bulls will go for their ninth straight win at United Center before heading to Charlotte on Tuesday.

Orlando (0-2) will test its luck on the road after suffering two gut-wrenching losses at home. The Magic coughed up a five-point lead late in the fourth quarter of an 88-87 loss to Washington in Wednesday's opener, but that came nowhere close to the pain of Friday's 139-136 double-overtime loss to Oklahoma City.

Orlando blew an 18-point lead in the fourth before Russell Westbrook forced OT with a 38-foot heave at the buzzer, overshadowing Victor Oladipo's go-ahead 3 moments before. Oladipo forced a second OT with a last-second 3-pointer, but Orlando never led from there.

The young Magic posted two quality performances against elite competition and walked away with nothing to show for it.

"We have to put the pressure on ourselves to get better, sleep on this, be really (upset) about it and come back and play better," coach Scott Skiles told the team's official website.

Oladipo logged his second career triple-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists against the Thunder. Tobias Harris had 30 points and nine rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic added 26 points, seven rebounds and five blocked shots.

The Magic lost 14 of their final 16 road games last season to finish 12-29 away from home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nuggets (1-1) at Thunder (2-0)

Date: November 01, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Though superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are enjoying their time back on the floor together, the Oklahoma City Thunder are far from a polished product.

The Thunder can iron out more early wrinkles while trying to remain undefeated Sunday night against the visiting Denver Nuggets.

Westbrook and Durant have combined for 146 points and 31 rebounds, but Oklahoma City hasn't had an easy time starting 2-0. The Thunder needed a 33-point fourth quarter to rally for a 112-106 win over San Antonio on Wednesday, and Westbrook's 3-pointer from just inside midcourt at the end of regulation Friday lifted them to a 139-136 double-overtime victory at Orlando.

"We're still a work in progress," first-year coach Billy Donovan told the Thunder's official website. "We need to keep getting better and improving. The biggest thing I'm looking for is if how we're playing is sustainable."

After missing the playoffs while Durant was limited to 27 games by an ailing right foot last season, the Thunder are certainly confident with their two stars side by side again. Westbrook had 48 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists while Durant added 43 points and 12 boards Friday as Oklahoma City rallied from 18 down, displaying the grit it will need to be a serious contender in the Western Conference.

It was the third time Durant and Westbrook scored at least 40 in the same game.

"That shows a lot of guts on our end," Durant said. "(Westbrook and I) tried to come through for the group and make huge plays. They needed us (Friday) and we were able to come through."

But the pair can likely use some help.

D.J. Augustin, Enes Kanter and Serge Ibaka are the only other Thunder players to score in double figures, and the team has committed 40 turnovers. Oklahoma City allowed 67 first-half points Friday and went 8 of 27 from 3-point range for the game.

Durant, however, was pleased to sustain himself physically through Friday's marathon.

"This game helped me a lot. Just being able to play a double-overtime game, and just getting used to that again," he said.

Durant scored 40 in his only contest against Denver last season, a 124-114 road win Feb. 9.

Oklahoma City, which last opened with three straight victories in 2011-12, has won four in a row at home against the Nuggets (1-1).

After shooting 50.6 percent in a 105-85 win at Houston on Wednesday, Denver took a big step back in making 30.5 percent of its shots during Friday's 95-78 home loss to Minnesota.

"I think it was us coming out with no sense of urgency," said coach Michael Malone, whose team scored 16 points in the first quarter and 15 in the fourth while going 5 of 25 from 3-point range overall. "No pace to our game, no purpose to our game. The team we saw Wednesday night in Houston was not the team we saw (Friday).

"There was no energy. When you have to coach effort you're in trouble."

Denver rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay has 32 points and has shot 5 of 10 from beyond the arc in two games. He had four turnovers Friday after committing 11 at Houston.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mavericks (1-1) at Lakers (0-2)

Date: November 01, 2015 9:30 PM EDT

Byron Scott is at a loss for words over the Los Angeles Lakers' dismal start. Rick Carlisle's Dallas Mavericks lineup could be bolstered by the return of several key players.

The Lakers will keep searching for a solution as they host the Mavericks on Sunday night.

Scott was lost following Los Angeles' 132-114 defeat at Sacramento on Friday. The Lakers trailed 74-50 at halftime and 31 in the third quarter en route to their second loss to open the season.

The Kings' point total was the highest Los Angeles has surrendered since a 140-106 loss at Dallas on Nov. 21.

'I wish I did have an answer for what happened," Scott said. "If I did I would solve it.'

Los Angeles also struggled badly at the defensive end in a 112-111 home defeat to Minnesota on Wednesday. The Lakers have given up their most points in the first two games since allowing a franchise-record 266 to start 1982-83.

The last NBA team to allow 244 points through the first two games was Houston, when it matched that total in 2010-11.

"It (stunk)," Scott said of the defensive effort Friday. "Simple as that. Transition defense was terrible. Guys didn't get back; lack of communication ... It was a lack of effort, also."

The Lakers have allowed 122 points in the paint after an astounding 80-38 disadvantage against the Kings.

Some of Los Angeles' problems offensively have come from beyond the arc, as it's 20 of 69 on 3-pointers. Kobe Bryant is 4 of 21 while Lou Williams (2 for 10), D'Angelo Russell (2 for 8) and Ryan Kelly (1 for 5) have also struggled. Nick Young has made half of his 14.

Problems for Dallas (1-1) aren't as pressing on the court as they are on the injury report. The Mavericks won 111-95 at Phoenix on Wednesday and fell 104-88 on the road to the Clippers on Thursday.

Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews played in the opener but joined Chandler Parsons and JaVale McGee on the sideline Friday.

Matthews was rested for the second of back-to-back games as Dallas eases him back following offseason surgery to repair a torn Achilles. Williams sprained his left knee against the Suns but could play Sunday, while Parsons hopes to make his season debut after offseason knee surgery.

A left tibia fracture has limited McGee to 28 games the last two seasons, and his status is uncertain.

After eight Mavericks scored in double figures against the Suns, John Jenkins led the team with 17 points and Dirk Nowitzki had 16 while shooting 6 of 15. Dallas made 36.1 percent from the field.

'The (lack of) manpower made it tougher,' Carlisle said. 'We really would have had to play a perfect game. I thought we did a lot of things well, but in the end, from a shooting standpoint, we couldn't hit a bull in the (rear) with a bass fiddle.'

The Mavericks have won seven in a row against the Lakers, three of which were at Staples Center.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Auto Racing Glance
By Jerry Bonkowski, The Sports Xchange

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES: GOODY'S HEADACHE RELIEF SHOT 500 (500 laps, 263 miles), Martinsville Speedway; Martinsville, Va.
TV: Sunday, Nov. 1, 1:15 pm ET � NBCSN (Radio: Motor Racing Network/SiriusXM Channel 90).
THEN AND NOW: The 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup moves into Round 3 with just eight drivers remaining in contention for the championship: Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick. All eight drivers come into Sunday's race at Martinsville tied for first place, as the points were reset to 4,000 points for each driver after this past Sunday's final race of Round 2 at Talladega. � Joey Logano swept all three races in Round 2 (Charlotte, Kansas and Talladega). � The four drivers eliminated after Talladega were Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth and Ryan Newman. � Earnhardt won this race last fall, his first career Sprint Cup triumph at Martinsville. Denny Hamlin won there earlier this year in the spring race at the paperclip-sized racetrack.

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES: The Xfinity Series is off for the second straight weekend. It resumes racing at Texas next week.
THEN AND NOW: There are three races left on the Xfinity schedule: Texas, Phoenix and the season-ending finale at Homestead, part of Ford Championship Weekend when champions in Sprint Cup, Xfinity and the Camping World Truck Series will all be anointed. � Kyle Busch claimed his 75th career Xfinity Series in the last race, nearly two weeks ago at Kansas. � Chris Buescher remains the Xfinity Series points leader, holding a 27-point edge over Chase Elliott. Regan Smith is third (-33), while Ty Dillon is fourth (-36).

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES: KROGER 200 (200 laps, 105.2 miles), Martinsville Speedway; Martinsville, Va.
TV: Saturday, Oct. 31, 1:30 pm ET � Fox Sports 1 (Radio: Motor Racing Network/SiriusXM Channel 90).
THEN AND NOW: After a two-week hiatus, the Truck series returned to action last weekend at Talladega. Timothy Peters earned his first win of the 2015 season there. � Austin Cindric will make his NCWTS debut at Martinsville, driving for Brad Keselowski Racing. � Erik Jones remains atop the Truck Series points standings. Tyler Reddick moved back into second place in the standings, 18 points behind Jones. Meanwhile, defending and two-time Truck champ Matt Crafton had a rough race at �Dega. Not only did Crafton fall to third in the standings, he also dropped from four points behind Jones to 23 points back. Johnny Sauter is fourth, 55 points back.

VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES: Although the season is over, significant news was made Tuesday when officials announced the schedule for 2016. The number of races (16) will remain the same from 2015. Three tracks will not return for 2016: Fontana, Milwaukee and New Orleans. Replacing those tracks will be long-awaited returns to Road America and Phoenix, as well as a brand new venue: downtown Boston. In addition, the series said it is exploring the possibility of adding one or two warm-weather international venues, particularly in February, for 2017 and beyond. Officials are also considering future races in Mexico City and St. Louis.

NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES: TOYOTA NATIONALS, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; Las Vegas, Nevada.
TV: Sunday, Nov. 1, Qualifying highlights Day 1, 3 to 4:30 am ET, ESPN 2. Sunday, Nov. 1, Qualifying highlights Day 2, 3 to 4:30 pm ET, ESPN 2. Eliminations, 8 to 11 pm ET, ESPN 2.
THEN AND NOW: The six-race Countdown to the Championship moves into race No. 5 this weekend in Las Vegas. Antron Brown (Top Fuel) and Erica Enders (Pro Stock) can clinch their respective championships with strong runs in Sunday's eliminations. Meanwhile, the championship battles in both Funny Car and Pro Stock Motorcycle look like they will go all the way to the season-ending race at Pomona, Calif., two weeks from now. Here's how the standings look heading into this weekend: Top Fuel � Brown, who has a career-high seven wins this season, including wins in three of the first four Countdown races, leads teammate Tony Schumacher by 132 points, followed by Richie Crampton (-203), Brittany Force (-207) and Larry Dixon (-237). � Funny Car: Even with Worsham's three wins, Jack Beckman is making a battle of it, sitting just 38 points back. Tommy Johnson Jr. is third (-147), followed by Ron Capps (-158), Matt Hagan (-159) and 16-time champ John Force (-224). � Pro Stock: Enders has more than a one-race lead points-wise over No. 2 ranked Greg Anderson (-154), followed by Chris McGaha (-166), Allen Johnson (-202), Drew Skillman (-203) and Larry Morgan (-209). � Pro Stock Motorcycle: Four-time and defending champ Andrew Hines saw his 89-point lead over teammate Eddie Krawiec drop to just 21 points. Jerry Savoie is ranked third (-31), followed by Hector Arana Jr. (-81) and Chip Ellis (-107).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Goody's 500 Preview
By Micah Roberts

Holy smokes, it's been a long time since we've seen a driver win four straight NASCAR Sprint Cup races and Joey Logano has a chance to do it Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. So much for the target on his back at Talladega after wrecking Matt Kenseth at Kansas two weeks ago. He not only fended off any veteran wrath, he ends up winning the race. Crazy!

But is he out of the clear yet? Could it be that justice will be served when it counts most, during the Eliminator Round? If one of the veteran drivers were going to attempt to teach Logano a lesson, wouldn't it matter more if they did it on a track where he was most likely to win?

This week's race at Martinsville could see the No. 22 Pennzoil Ford punted easily, but why mess with him here? At Texas, that's a place he can win at. So if the veterans wanting to really teach Logano a lesson want to really make an impact, why not make him pay at a track he can win at?

In the next Chase round -- Elimination Round -- there's Martinsville this week, then Texas and then Phoenix.

Logano most likely won't win this week -- even though he's had a top-five finish in his past three starts there, and Harvick's got Phoenix wrapped up liked he's done the past four races there, so that leaves Texas as the big day of justice to teach Logano a lesson. If you really want to make Logano feel some wrath, Matt Kenseth, or several other veterans like Denny Hamlin or Kevin Harvick, then Texas is the place.

As it sits now, Logano advances with seven other drivers as possible candidates to win the 2015 Sprint Cup. Hamlin, Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Ryan Newman are out.

While we can most likely cross out Logano as a candidate to win this week at Martinsville -- maybe not, he did lead 108 laps in March 29 race, we have to look at three drivers that we have been looking at on the the flat half-mile Virginia layout for the past decade in every race.

Jeff Gordon will be making his 46th and final Martinsville start -- maybe -- on Sunday and has compiled eight wins with a track best 6.8 average finish. His last win came in the fall of 2013 and he was runner-up to Dale Earnhardt Jr. in this race last season. No one is better than Gordon here, but Jimmie Johnson may disagree.

Johnson has eight wins in 27 starts with a 7.3 average. The two Hendrick Motorsports teammates are tied as the active leaders in Martinsville wins. Johnson was also the last driver to win four straight races. He did in in the 2007 Chase using Martinsville as one of the races en route to the second of his six Sprint Cup titles. His last win on the flat half-mile layout was in 2013.

Hamlin, the native Virginian, only has five wins on the track including the race there earlier this season. Short flat tracks is what Hamlin is all about and he's probably kind of pissed about getting involved in the last wreck at Talladega -- thanks Harvick -- and being eliminated from the Chase.

Let's roll with Hamlin this week to sweep the season. No title, but he can keep his Martinsville crown and that's very important to him. Martinsville is about as consistent as it gets in NASCAR and the big-3 can be counted on.

Top Five Finish Prediction:

1) #11 Denny Hamlin (7/1)
2) #24 Jeff Gordon (6/1)
3) #48 Jimmie Johnson (6/1)
4) #4 Kevin Harvick (8/1)
5) #2 Brad Keselowski (12/1)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Martinsville's short track fits Gordon's Chase hopes
NASCAR Wire Service
Distributed by The Sports Xchange

Jeff Gordon has the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field exactly where he wants it.

Gritting his way into NASCAR's playoffs without a win, Gordon has picked up momentum by notching three consecutive top 10 finishes in the Contender Round to advance to the eight-driver Eliminator Round of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Now, Gordon gets to carry that momentum to the place where his eight wins are tied for the track record among active drivers - Martinsville Speedway. If he visits Victory Lane in Sunday's Goody's Headache Relief 500 (1:15 p.m. ET on NBCSN) at the oval affectionately referred to as "The Paperclip," Gordon will automatically advance to the four-driver Championship Round race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"We're carrying a lot of confidence and momentum and pride right now knowing that we've had to grind it out just to get ourselves in the Chase," Gordon said. "That grind and that fight that we have in us is what we've been putting out there these last six weeks that has gotten us to this round and now we get to continue that fight and grind, but we get to do it at some tracks we have a legitimate shot at competing for wins."

Martinsville has been Gordon's playground over his 23 full-time seasons in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. In 45 starts at the .526-mile track, he boasts 28 top fives and 36 top 10s in addition to his eight wins. His 6.7 average finish and 6.681 average running position are both series bests at Martinsville.

"I also know that it is the one track if I could put any track on the schedule to give ourselves the opportunity to win at right now, I would pick Martinsville," Gordon said.

The four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion sounds confident about entering the Eliminator Round with little fanfare.

"I think the way we're performing right now, and I look at the tracks we have coming up, yeah, I feel good about (our chances to win a championship)," Gordon said. "We're still under the radar, and still, I don't think anyone expects that to happen.

"And we like it that way."

Suarez eyes first career win at Martinsville

Daniel Suarez is getting quite the education in stock car racing this year.

And he's passing with high marks.

With only three NASCAR national series starts to his credit entering this season, Suarez has competed in 39 races in 2015 across the NASCAR XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series, claiming 13 top-five and 23 top-10 finishes. He ranks seventh in the XFINITY series standings and has failed to post a top-10 showing just once in his nine NCWTS starts.

Still, he is searching for his first NASCAR national series win. Suarez gets his next chance to capture that elusive first victory in Saturday's Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway (1:30 p.m. ET on FS1) - a track where he started 11th and finished sixth in March.

"We had a good run (at Martinsville) earlier in the season and I think I'm a much different driver and we're a better team than we were back then," Suarez said. "We've been through a lot together as a team since then and I think that will help us going back to a track we've already run before."

Also, working in Suarez's favor is that his Kyle Busch Motorsports team has won the last four fall races at Martinsville. Bubba Wallace took the checkered flag at the .526-mile track the last two seasons, while Denny Hamlin visited Victory Lane there in 2011 and 2012.

"Our trucks have come a long ways since the spring race, as has Daniel (Suarez)," said Jerry Baxter, crew chief of the No. 51 truck Suarez will wheel. "He is a completely different driver at this point than he was several months ago. The biggest difference is the experience that he has gained in that time, which I think will be the biggest help on Saturday. Our team has won there twice in the last two years so I am confident in the weekend being successful."

Race Weekend Guide

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Race: Goody's Headache Relief 500

Place: Martinsville Speedway

Date and Time: Sunday at 1:15 p.m. ET

Tune-in: NBCSN, MRN, SiriusXM Ch. 90

Distance: 263 miles (500 laps)

What to Watch for: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series kicks off its eight-driver Eliminator Round of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. ... Joey Logano attempts to become the first driver since Jimmie Johnson in 2007 to win four consecutive races. ... Joe Gibbs Racing hopes to continue Martinsville success after placing three drivers in the top five at the .526-mile track in March. ... Kevin Harvick heads to Martinsville as he continues his 2014 title defense. ... Denny Hamlin tries to sweep Martinsville after winning there in the spring. ... Dale Earnhardt Jr. goes for his second straight fall win at "The Paperclip."

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

Race: Kroger 200

Place: Martinsville Speedway

Date and Time: Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET

Tune-in: FS1, MRN, SiriusXM Ch. 90

Distance: 105.2 miles (200 laps)

What to Watch for: Erik Jones attempts to extend his 18-point lead in the championship standings with four races remaining. ... Ross Kenseth, son of 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth, and Austin Cindric, son of Team Penske President Tim Cindric, will make their NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debuts at Martinsville. ... Three current members of the NASCAR Next initiative showcasing the sport's up-and-coming drivers are on Saturday's entry list: Austin Hill, Cole Custer, Dalton Sargeant and John Hunter Nemechek.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 19
By David Schwab

Betting Recap - Week 18

There is just one more postseason spot up for grabs in the CFL, but the final picture for this season’s Grey Cup Playoffs is far from being clear.

Last week’s action started off with two huge upsets on Friday that shook-up the East Division title race. First, Montreal ran all over Toronto 34-2 as an eight-point road underdog and then British Columbia stunned Hamilton 40-13 as a 2 ½-point underdog at home.

Sunday, Nov. 1

Ottawa RedBlacks (10-6 SU, 10-6 ATS) vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (10-6 SU, 11-5 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -4
Total: 54

Game Overview

Ottawa’s recent home-and-home sweep of Winnipeg has it tied with the Tiger-Cats for first place in the East, so this new home-and-home series to close-out the regular season will likely decide the division crown. The RedBlacks have yet to face Hamilton this season and they come into this game with a SU even 3-3 record in division play. They have gone 5-3 ATS in eight previous road games this year.

The Tiger-Cats blew a golden opportunity to carve-out a one-game edge in the East with last week’s stunning loss and the issues could run deeper with this team heading into the postseason without quarterback Zach Collaros in the lineup. In his place, Jeff Mathews has completed 69 percent of his 142 passing attempts for 1,298 yards, but he has as many interceptions (6) as touchdown throws.

Betting Trends

Looking back at last year’s series, Hamilton won all three games SU, but Ottawa had the 2-1 edge ATS. The total went OVER in two of the three games.

Montreal Alouettes (6-10 SU, 7-8-1 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (13-4 SU, 10-7 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -8
Total: 44 ½

Game Overview

Montreal is still in the running for a playoff spot as a possible crossover team in the West, but last week was its first win either SU or ATS in its last five games. During the recent four-game losing streak, the Alouettes averaged just 16.5 points a game, so they have to be thrilled with the 34 points they put up on the road against Toronto.

The Eskimos remain in the driver seat in the West with a 2-1 series edge against Calgary, but they cannot afford to look past this game in what will be their regular season finale. Looking to go out with a bang, look for another big day from quarterback Mike Reilly. He threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s win against Saskatchewan.

Betting Trends

Montreal actually has a 4-1 edge both SU and ATS in its last five road games against Edmonton with the total going OVER in all five meetings. The Eskimos won the first meeting this season 15-12 as two-point road underdogs on Aug. 13.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 19 games

Ottawa (9-7) @ Hamilton (10-6)-- Weird schedule; these teams haven't met yet this year. TiCats were 3-0 vs Ottawa LY, winning by 10-10-9 points, but the RedBlacks are way better this year- both teams are headed for playoffs but play each other again next week. Ottawa is 3-4 SU on road, covering three of last four; they're 4-2 as road dogs. Hamilton is 5-2 as home favorite, but lost three of last five here SU. Both teams lost three of last five games overall. Five of last six Ottawa games went over the total; four of last five Hamilton games stayed under.

Montreal (6-10) @ Edmonton (13-4)-- Red-hot Eskimos won last seven games (5-2 vs spread); they won 15-12 (+1) at Montreal back in Week 8, their third straight series win (by 10-17-3). Alouettes are 4-1 in last five visits here. Als lost four of last five games overall; they're 4-1 as road underdog, losing true road games by 2-3-3-12-22 points. Edmonton is 3-3 as home favorite this year; its only home loss was 49-20 to Hamilton back in Week 9. Last three Montreal games stayed under total; four of last five Edmonton games went over.


Ottawa RedBlacks
Hamilton TigerCats NL

Montreal Alouettes
Edmonton Eskimos 9.5, 44

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Harrah's Philadelphia

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


Race 8 - Post: 3:00 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 93 - Purse:$11000 - NW $7,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS 4 YR. OLDS & OLDER LAST START FOR A PURSE OF GREATER THAN 16,000 INELIGIBLE PA PREFERENCE NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 9 FRAMED ART 10/1


# 4 ALLSTAR LEGEND 3/1


# 6 CARTOON DADDY 7/2


FRAMED ART is the most solid bet in this affair and the big morning line could mean a big score. Earned a 93 speed rating last out. A duplicate effort here should get the triumph for this one. ALLSTAR LEGEND - He's running in fine form, recording substantial TrackMaster Speed Ratings. An excellent play. Unquestionably the class of the group of animals with an average rating of 94. A nice contender. CARTOON DADDY - The consortium happens to know that when you put Gingras and Burke together formidable results are not far behind. With one of the top drivers in terms of crossing the wire first, don't count this colt out of the contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Rideau Carleton

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


Race 5 - Post: 7:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 73 - Purse:$4850 - FILLIES & MARES, CLAIMING $10,000 NW 3 RACES OR $50,000 LIFETIME. ALLOWANCES FOR AGE.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 9 DOSTAL ALLEY 9/1


# 1 WINDSONG LISA 2/1


# 6 HAWAIIAN DRUMMOND 4/1


Look no further than DOSTAL ALLEY as the wager today especially at such a decent 9/1. Pace makes the race is a favorite saying of this consortium. Pace ratings here point to a clear-cut play. Could quite possibly defeat this field of starters given the 72 TrackMaster Speed Rating achieved in her last race. Lining up in the 9 post at Rideau Carleton adds some hidden advantage as this hole has a better than expected ROI. WINDSONG LISA - Been battling with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class edge. (Average Rating 73). The number crunching team noted a formidable affair out of this harness racer last time. Hoping for a repeat effort of that to take the whole enchilada. HAWAIIAN DRUMMOND - Don't let a entrant with such a substantial winning figure like this be glossed over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Belmont Park

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


Race 4 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Turf. Purse: $75000 Class Rating: 87

INNER TURF FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 119 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 11 OSCAR MIKE 5/1


# 5 COURT SAVVY 6/1


# 8 ZOOT SUIT 20/1


OSCAR MIKE has a very good shot to take this race. Since this racer changes blinkers - off - there is a decent chance for a speed improvement in today's contest. Shows signs of the look of a lucrative play, averaging a solid 74 speed rating which is one of the strongest in this group. Should go to the lead and should never look back. COURT SAVVY - Strong gains have been scored by investors following this sire's offspring in their first tries. Players should feel comfortable with this selection given Carmouche's recent profits at the window.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Zia Park

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


Race 12 - Stakes - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $140000 Class Rating: 81

NEW MEXICO CLASSIC CUP JUVENILE CHAMPIONSHIP S. - FOR TWO YEAR OLD COLTS AND GELDINGS REGISTERED NEW MEXICO BRED. NO NOMINATION FEE. ENTRY FEE 0F $500. STARTERS TO PAY $500 ADDITIONAL WITH $140,000 ADDED TO BE DIVIDED 60% TO THE WINNING OWNER, 22% TO SECOND, 10% TO THIRD, 4%TO FOURTH AND 2% TO FIFTH AND SIXTH.WEIGHTS: 120 LBS. STARTERS TO BE


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 CASEY JONES WHO 4/1


# 3 MR MOO 30/1


# 11 STORMIN THE JEWELS 3/1


CASEY JONES WHO looks very strong to best this field. Has been running very well lately and will almost certainly be on the front end early on. Always seems to be close at the finish. Lately Fincher has provided bettors with a respectable winning percentage with horses racing in dirt sprint races. MR MOO - Danley has him trained solidly to break promptly out of the gate. This gelding looks like a longshot play. STORMIN THE JEWELS - Is difficult not to look at based on speed figures which have been decent - 78 avg - of late. Earnings per start in dirt sprint races is sound for this pony.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel - Race #5 - Post: 2:39pm - Starter Allowance - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $40,000 Class Rating: 100

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 DODDSPRIVATELABEL (ML=5/1)
#10 CHO TIME (ML=8/1)
#13 CUSABO (ML=15/1)
#1 BLINGS EXPRESS (ML=15/1)


DODDSPRIVATELABEL - I like this gelding a lot here. He shows a lot of consistency, finishing in the money frequently. This gelding is in nice condition, having run a nice race on October 11th, finishing fourth. CHO TIME - I just may give this one a good chance. Should rebound off last race where he did run off the board, but was within five lengths at the end. This thoroughbred ran off the board at Laurel last out on the mud. He should improve in today's race on a fast track. CUSABO - Russell and Brooks perform well when they join forces. It's hard to beat a +37 return on investment for a rider and conditioner. I took a look at this gelding's finishes. He's almost always in the money. This horse has shown the ability to win on different racing tracks. Making the move from Keeneland for today's event, I have to believe he's ready to run. BLINGS EXPRESS - McCarthy and Belsoeur perform well when they unite. It's hard to beat a +160 ROI for a rider and conditioner. May have to invest in this beautiful animal in this race. He has been claimed in each of his last two starts.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 GALIANA (ML=5/2), #11 DISARM (ML=4/1), #12 PROPER FREUD (ML=5/1),

GALIANA - I don't normally play a chalk horse that hasn't been to the track in the last few weeks. DISARM - Not likely that the fig he notched on October 11th will hold up in this affair. PROPER FREUD - The lack of morning drills has to make one concerned despite the nice effort in the last contest. Notched a quite unimpressive rating last time around the track in a Starter Allowance race on Oct 11th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that fig.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #4 DODDSPRIVATELABEL on the nose if you can get odds of 9/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,10,13]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
[4,10] with [1,4,10,13] with [1,4,10,13] with [1,3,4,10,12,13] with [1,3,4,10,12,13] Total Cost: $72

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Woodbine - Race #8 - Post: 4:26pm - Stakes - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $250,000 Class Rating: 91 Princess Elizabeth S.

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 CAREN (ML=8/1)
#4 GAMBLE'S GHOST (ML=4/5)
#5 SWOOP AND STRIKE (ML=5/2)


CAREN - Racing over a familiar track, where she has won multiple times before, I have to put this horse at the top of my list of top contenders. I like to bet on this handicapping angle, a thoroughbred coming back off a sharp effort within the last month or so. This entrant loves the track here at Woodbine. At a 40 pct win rate for 2-year-olds, this one's sire is one of the best in the field. The 87 most recent race speed fig looks sound in black and white. GAMBLE'S GHOST - Contreras and Carroll perform well when they team up. Not easy to best a win percentage of 31. This pony coming off a solid race in the last 30 days is a serious competitor in my humble opinion. Ranked at the very top in (EPS) earnings per start. Another indicator that this horse has class. SWOOP AND STRIKE - The rider and handler combination here have a high win percent when they join forces. I like to play this handicapping theory, a thoroughbred coming back off a solid contest within the last month.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 GARAVOGUE COLLEEN (ML=5/1),

GARAVOGUE COLLEEN - This come from behinder looks to have little chance without a speed battle up front. Finished third in her most recent effort with a mediocre speed rating. When I look at today's Equibase class figure, it would take an improved performance to triumph after that in this field.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #3 CAREN on the win end if we get at least 3/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,5] Total Cost: $6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #7 - 3:35 PM


The Pumpkin Pie Stakes

6.0 FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#1 CLASSIC POINT
#2 HEY KIDDO
#5 LADY SABELIA
#3 SHOGUN SAMURAI

Well folks ... I'm not certain yet about the "naming" of this stakes race for fillies and mares ... the obvious possibility is that it is named for the dessert that we consume in the fall ... especially at Thanksgiving ... or perhaps is is named after the mare, Pumpkin Pie ... however ... she is a Californian bred Thoroughbred, who as far as I know ... has never raced in New York ... so at least, this year ... I'll choose possibility #1! Here in just the 3rd running of this stakes test, #1 CLASSIC POINT has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in four straight, including back-to-back-to-back, "POWER RUN WINS" in her 2nd through her 4th races back. Jockey Angel Arroyo has been in her irons on one previous occasion, posting a win, en route to a +820% return on investment, and is back this afternoon here in Elmont for his 2nd ride, gunning for back-to-back "Circle Trips." #2 HEY KIDDO, a 10-1 BOMB, has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in three straight, including back-to-back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her last three starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Belmont Park (1st) Arabian Queen, 4-1
(2nd) Borseggiatore, 8-1


Churchill Downs (3rd) Twizzler, 4-1
(8th) Discreetness, 4-1

Del Mar (3rd) Chanito, 8-1
(5th) Second Proposal, 6-1


Golden Gate Fields (3rd) Bellanza, 3-1
(9th) Apollo's Legacy, 6-1


Gulfstream Park West (1st) Symphony Forty One, 3-1
(7th) Fulfilled Fantasy, 3-1


Laurel Park (4th) Forest Funds, 3-1
(7th) Snowday, 3-1


Parx Racing (1st) Wildcat Runner, 3-1
(2nd) Star Academy, 7-2


Turf Paradise (5th) Jill's Joy, 4-1
(8th) Mak'n a Kowboy, 4-1

Woodbine (1st) Roman's Script, 3-1
(9th) Best Bard, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

5 things we know entering World Series Game 5
By Larry Fleisher, The Sports Xchange

NEW YORK -- The Kansas City Royals are one win from their second World Series title and first in 30 years after scoring three times in the eighth inning of a 5-3 win in Game 4 of the World Series on Saturday night at Citi Field.
Third baseman Mike Moustakas and catcher Salvador Perez had one-out RBI singles off Mets closer Jeruys Familia. Those hits came after New York second baseman Daniel Murphy booted a ground ball by first baseman Eric Hosmer that allowed the tying run to score.
Here are five things we know about the World Series heading into Game 5 on Sunday in New York:
-- The Royals capitalize when opponents make a mistake: It showed up early in the series when shortstop Alcides Escobar hit an inside-the-park home run on a ball that center fielder Yoenis Cespedes could not catch a fly ball. Kansas City also capitalized on miscues to score a few early runs in Game 3, but it did not lead them to victory. On Saturday, it showed up in a big way when first baseman Eric Hosmer hit a slow grounder and the ball got by Murphy at second. The error allowed the tying run to score and the Royals added two more runs. Appropriately enough, the game ended with Kansas City taking advantage of another miscue when Cespedes was doubled off first base for the final out.
-- Tyler Clippard is not the same pitcher: The Mets had problems earlier this season with the eighth-inning role, but then they acquired Clippard from the Oakland Athletics before the non-waiver trade deadline. Clippard allowed one run in his first 17 2/3 innings with the Mets but has struggled since Sept. 1. He allowed 10 earned runs in the final month, missed a few days with a back injury and has a 6.75 ERA in the postseason. On Saturday, he was a strike from getting center fielder Lorenzo Cain and didn't get the out, throwing three straight pitches out of the strike zone. Clippard's inability to find the strike zone forced manager Terry Collins to bring in Familia in an attempt to get a five-out save, a night after he pitched the ninth in a 9-3 win.
-- A championship is likely at 3-1: When Wade Davis secured the final six outs Saturday, the Royals became the 46th team to take a 3-1 lead. The team with such a lead has won the series 39 times, with 25 of those teams winning the series in five. The most recent instances of teams winning in five after going up three games to one: The 2010 San Francisco Giants, the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies, the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals, the 2000 New York Yankees. The last team to blow a 3-1 lead: The 1985 St. Louis Cardinals against Kansas City.
-- This will be Matt Harvey's biggest moment as a Met to date: In his brief career, Harvey has had numerous big moments -- Game 1 of the NLCS against the Chicago Cubs, his starts against the Yankees, his start in the 2013 All-Star game. None of those have come with the season on the line until Sunday. Harvey labored without his best stuff in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitched 7 2/3 innings against the Cubs and blew a 3-1 lead in Game 1. Harvey's fastball lacked control at times and movement Tuesday and will need to better to complement his secondary pitches if the Mets have a chance of returning to Kansas City.
-- Murph-tober might be over: Through the first two rounds of the postseason, Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy was the star, hitting .421 (16-for-38) with seven home runs and 11 RBIs. He received MVP honors in the NLCS, a cover on Sports Illustrated and had Mets fans using the hashtag #murphtober on social media. So far, he is 3-for-17 in the series and his error opened the floodgates for the Royals. New York captain David Wright said it's unrealistic to expect Murphy's torrid run to continue, which is true, but Murphy has to be better than 3-for-17 and others have to step up, such as Yoenis Cespedes, who also has three hits in 17 at-bats.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Volquez prepares to pitch Game 5 after father's death
By Jerry Beach, The Sports Xchange

NEW YORK -- Right-hander Edinson Volquez has a chance to end the most difficult week of his life by pitching the Kansas City Royals to a World Series championship.
Volquez will start Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday night for the Royals, who have a 3-1 lead over the host New York Mets and will be looking to close out the franchise's first championship since 1985.
The 31-year-old will be pitching just days after attending the funeral of his father, Daniel, who died of heart failure Tuesday just hours before his son started Game 1 of the Series.
"He was everything for me," Volquez said at a press conference Saturday night after the Royals' 5-3 win in Game 4. "He was one of the greatest men. I remember be bought me my first glove and my first spikes, brought me to the field. He knew that's what I want to be -- I want to be a baseball player."
For better or worse, a nation of baseball fans knew about the death of Daniel Volquez before his son found out. While multiple news outlets reported the story before and during Game 1, Volquez's wife, Roandry, decided not to inform her husband of the terrible news until after he pitched -- a decision Volquez was glad she made.
"I think that was the best way," said Volquez, who allowed three runs, six hits and one walk while striking out three in six innings in the Royals' 5-4, 14-inning win. "If they had told me before the game starts, if my wife told me before that, I don't even know if I'm going to be able to pitch. She decided to tell me later. And I think that was the right choice."
Volquez left the Royals immediately upon learning of his father's passing. He returned just before the start of Game 4 on Saturday and said he was touched by the outpouring of sympathy he has received from teammates, opponents and fans.
Before Saturday's game, Mets manager Terry Collins -- whose father, Bud, died in February -- lauded Volquez for returning to the Royals.
"I just want to thank everybody here for their support and worrying about me," Volquez said as he arrived at the press conference. "And thank you for your support. I really appreciate it."
The Royals, unfortunately, have experience with players performing after the death of a parent. The mother of third baseman Mike Moustakas died Aug. 9 and the father of right-handed pitcher Chris Young died Sept. 26, a day before Young threw five no-hit innings against the Cleveland Indians.
"It's tough, but Chris had that mindset that his Dad would want him on that mound and he was going to go out and honor that," Royals manager Ned Yost said Saturday afternoon. "'Moose's' Mom passed away, and he stayed. He knew that his Mom wanted him to stay and play baseball."
And Volquez, who said he will write his father's name in his hat or glove, realizes he wants to pitch in Daniel's memory on Sunday
"I wish he could be here right now and enjoying every game that I pitch," Volquez said. "My Mom told me before I got here: 'Go over there and enjoy the game like you always do and be proud. We are proud of you. Be proud and make people proud, more proud than they are.
"She told me 'He passed away, but he was really happy to see you pitch in the big leagues -- your dream. He was real proud.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (95-67) at Mets (90-72)

Game: 5
Venue: Citi Field
Date: November 01, 2015 8:15 PM EDT

While carrying a heavy heart to the mound, Edinson Volquez will try to fulfill his dream of ending the Kansas City Royals' 30-year championship drought.

Volquez will pitch for the first time since his father's funeral in the Dominican Republic in Game 5 of the World Series against the New York Mets on Sunday night.

Volquez wasn't told until after Game 1 on Tuesday that his 63-year-old father, Daniel, had passed away earlier in the day because of heart failure. The 32-year-old right-hander gave up three runs in six innings then left for his native country after the Royals' 5-4 win in 14 innings in Kansas City.

"If my wife told me before (Game 1), I don't even know if I'm going to be able to pitch. She decided to tell me later, and I think that was the right choice," he said.

Volquez was back with the team Saturday, just before the start of Game 4, and watched Kansas City move to the brink of the franchise's second World Series title with a 5-3 victory.

An eighth-inning error by NL Championship Series MVP Daniel Murphy opened the door for another Royals comeback. Mike Moustakas followed with a go-ahead single, and Salvador Perez provided some insurance with another RBI base hit.

That seventh comeback victory in this postseason has Volquez in position to craft a storybook ending while honoring his late father.

"I just want to thank God for my opportunity ... to be on the mound and show the world what I have to compete with other team and give our team a chance to win," he said. "I'm pretty sure my dad is going to be proud of me when I pitch (Sunday)."

Kansas City's Game 4 starter Chris Young faced a similar situation Sept. 27, one day after the death of his father, and didn't allow a hit in five innings in a 3-0 win over Cleveland.

"These are huge games. Edi's been with this team all year long. He's worked so hard to get to this point," manager Ned Yost said. "And it was like Chris Young when his dad passed away. Chris just knew how proud his dad was of him and that his dad would want him to carry on.

"His dad would want him to be on that mound and helping his team win. And I imagine that Edi's dad would want the same thing."

Matt Harvey will once again oppose Volquez and attempt to send the World Series back to Kansas City for a Game 6 on Tuesday. The right-hander also allowed three runs in six innings in Game 1, giving up two in the sixth.

Harvey will try to write a different story while improving on his 7-1 record and 1.49 ERA in 13 home starts dating back to June 16. He's earned wins in each of his two games at Citi Field this postseason and gave up two runs in 7 2-3 innings in a 4-2 victory over Chicago in Game 1 of the NLCS.

"Obviously, I love pitching here at Citi Field. They give me great energy," Harvey said. "For me, I think it's a lot of excitement, but yet it's still a baseball game, and I still have to go out and do my job."

Volquez, meanwhile, is 0-3 with an 8.76 ERA in three career road playoff starts and 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in his two this year. He gave up five runs in five-plus innings in a 7-1 loss to Toronto in Game 5 of the ALCS.

Volquez is also 0-3 with a 5.66 ERA in four career starts at Citi Field, last pitching there in May 2014, while with Pittsburgh.

He'll try to keep the Mets from jumping out to another early lead. Michael Conforto's second solo homer Saturday had New York up 3-1 in the fifth inning.

Conforto was the first rookie to hit a pair of homers in a World Series game since Atlanta's Andruw Jones in 1996 at Yankee Stadium.

Kansas City's Alcides Escobar seeks to establish an MLB record with a 15-game hit streak in a single postseason. Escobar, batting .367 with a .951 OPS during his run, set the Royals' longest playoff hit streak with a leadoff single Saturday and got an inside-the-park home run on Harvey's first pitch Tuesday.

Ben Zobrist has a record-tying eight doubles in the postseason and hit his fourth in this series in Game 4. He doubled in one of his three at-bats against Harvey.