Thursday 11/12/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oilers (6-10) at Coyotes (8-6)

Date: November 12, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

The previous few seasons have been marked mostly with disappointment for the Arizona Coyotes following the best run of success the franchise has had since moving to the desert.

Veterans Mike Smith and Martin Hanzal appear especially determined to help them become a contender in the Pacific Division.

Arizona looks to win a sixth straight meeting with Edmonton as the Oilers continue their road trip Thursday night.

The Coyotes (8-6-1) made the club's first-ever appearance in the conference finals in 2012, but have missed the playoffs in each of the last three years after finishing last in the Pacific in 2014-15.

They're being outscored 43-42 to start this season, but they've found ways to win lately and have earned victories in three of their last four. Arizona rallied to beat Anaheim 4-3 in overtime on Monday before Hanzal scored his first two goals of the season in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over Los Angeles.

The nine-year veteran's 13 assists are tied for third in the league.

'Every win is going to help our confidence,' Hanzal said. 'We have a young group in here, and winning builds confidence.'

Smith was happy to see Hanzal finally hit the back of the net, but he was also pleased with a 33-save effort that he hopes will get him back on track. He has a 3.11 goals-against average in 13 starts, but he has a .913 save percentage over his last three since allowing two goals on three shots in a loss to Vancouver on Oct. 30.

'I think we believe in here that we can compete with good teams in this league, and we've proven that,' Smith said. 'They're a good hockey team. You just get up to play high-caliber teams.'

Edmonton (6-10-0) isn't in that category just yet, and Arizona has had plenty of success in recent meetings. Hanzal had three assists in a 5-1 victory in the last matchup Dec. 23 as the Coyotes swept the five-game season series.

They're 15-0-3 against the Oilers since Edmonton's last regulation victory in the series Jan. 25, 2011. Smith is 10-0-1 with a 2.42 GAA in his last 12 starts against the Oilers, who snapped a two-game skid with Wednesday's 4-3 overtime victory over Anaheim in the second of a four-game trip.

It marked their first victory without prized rookie Connor McDavid, who is expected to miss at least a couple months with a broken clavicle suffered in a win over Philadelphia on Nov. 3.

Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added a goal and an assist, helping Edmonton overcome three one-goal deficits. Teddy Purcell scored the winner on a breakaway in overtime.

"I liked our resiliency. Every time they got ahead we responded right away," coach Todd McLellan said. "That's a classic Oiler game right now. Unfortunately for us, that type of game hasn't gone our way. I'm really happy for the guys. We'll remember what it feels like, get on the plane and try to do it again tomorrow."

The Oilers dropped five of their first seven road games and now head into Arizona, where the Coyotes are just 2-4-0. Anders Nilsson made 34 saves against the Ducks, but Cam Talbot should be back in net for this meeting.

Talbot stopped 71 of 75 shots while winning both of his starts against Arizona last season while with the New York Rangers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Islanders (8-5) at Kings (9-6)

Date: November 12, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

The first stop of a California trip helped the New York Islanders find some much-needed scoring and a timely win. The next location hasn't produced much of either for them in the last decade.

The Islanders hope their newfound offense will help silence their demons against the Los Angeles Kings when they visit Staples Center on Thursday night.

New York (8-5-3) picked up just its second win in seven games Tuesday when it opened a three-game trip with a 4-2 victory at San Jose. The Islanders scored one fewer goal than their previous four games combined and tallied more than two for the first time since Oct. 26.

Some offense might help New York figure out Los Angeles, which is the second stop of a trip that ends in Anaheim on Friday.

The Kings own a 9-1-2 record in this series since the start of the 2006-07 season, including a 4-0-1 mark at home. The Islanders' lone win at Staples Center in the last 10 years was a 2-1 shootout victory on Nov. 6, 2014, but they still own a 14-4 disadvantage in goals there during that time.

New York's struggling offense came alive against the Sharks, scoring twice in the opening 3 minutes, 30 seconds. John Tavares started the scoring 36 seconds in and sealed it on a late empty-netter.

Tavares, who had been held without a point in his four prior games, has no goals and four assists in nine career games against Los Angeles.

"We obviously haven't had as many wins lately and haven't been scoring as many goals as we'd like, so it's a big start, a big win," Tavares told the team's official website. "It's only going to get tougher, but it was a good way to start it off."

Backup Thomas Greiss made 34 saves to improve to 4-1-2, and he might draw a second straight start given starter Jaroslav Halak's struggles against the Kings.

Halak is 1-7-2 with a 3.05 goals-against average in his last 10 starts against Los Angeles, including 0-3-1 with a 3.71 GAA on the road. Greiss is 0-3-0 with a 3.32 mark at Los Angeles.

While the Islanders will try to win two straight for the first time in more than two weeks, the Kings (9-6-0) look to avoid their first losing streak since dropping their first three games of the season.

Los Angeles followed its rough start with seven consecutive wins, but has scuffled again with three losses in five games. The latest was a 3-2 defeat against Arizona on Tuesday that dropped the Kings to 1-2-0 on their five-game homestand.

A positive was Dustin Brown finally ending a 14-game goal drought to start the season, but the Kings weren't happy with their defense. Los Angeles has surrendered 10 goals in its last three losses compared to just one in two wins.

'It goes a long way for our offensive game when we play less time in the D-zone," Brown said. "When we are playing our game, we are moving the puck quickly, coming out of our zone clean and stopping plays before they begin.'

Jonathan Quick is 5-1-2 with a 1.59 GAA lifetime against the Islanders, going 2-0-1 with a 0.65 mark at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Washington is 10-4 in its first 14 games.
-- Rangers won last six games, outscoring foes 21-6. St Louis on six of last seven games, shutting out last two opponents.
-- Minnesota won six of its last nine games.
-- Sabres won four of their last five games.
-- Nashville won five of its seven home games.
-- New Jersey won eight of its last eleven games.
-- Dallas Stars won 11 of their last 14 games.
-- Coyotes won three of their last four games.

Cold teams
-- Flyers lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Colorado lost eight of its last eleven games. Bruins lost three of their last four.
-- Hurricanes lost four of their last five games.
-- Flames lost six of their last nine games. Tampa Bay lost seven of last nine.
-- Vancouver lost three of its last four games. Ottawa lost five of seven home games.
-- Florida lost five of its last six games.
-- Maple Leafs lost nine of their last eleven games.
-- Blackhawks lost four of their last six games.
-- Winnipeg lost last three games, scoring five goals.
-- Edmonton lost six of its last nine games.
-- Islanders lost five of their last seven games. Kings are 2-3 in last five games, after winning seven in a row before that.

Series records
-- Flyers won six of last seven games with Washington.
-- Rangers lost eight of last ten games with St Louis.
-- Bruins lost four of last six games with Colorado.
-- Minnesota won last four games with Carolina.
-- Lightning won six of last eight games with Calgary.
-- Canucks won seven of last nine games with Ottawa.
-- Sabres lost eight of last nine games with Florida.
-- Predators won four of last five games with Toronto.
-- Devils lost four of last five games with Chicago.
-- Dallas Stars lost three of last four games with Winnipeg.
-- Oilers lost nine of last ten games with Arizona.
-- Islanders lost three of last four games with Los Angeles.

Totals
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Washington games.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Ranger home games.
-- Over is 10-3-1 in Boston games this season.
-- Eight of last nine Carolina games stayed under.
-- Last four Calgary road games went over total.
-- Over is 4-0-1 in last five Vancouver road games.
-- Under is 6-3-1 in last ten Buffalo-Florida games.
-- Six of last seven Toronto games stayed under.
-- Last five Chicago games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Dallas games stayed under.
-- Over is 5-0-2 in last seven Arizona games.
-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Islander games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Jazz (4-3) at Heat (5-3)

Date: November 12, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

The Miami Heat have excelled defensively behind their impressive rookie and shot-erasing center, while the Utah Jazz have carried over their defensive improvement from last season.

Utah, though, could be without its anchor for Thursday night's matchup between the league's top two scoring defenses at Miami.

The Heat (5-3) ranked 19th in 2014-15 in defensive efficiency with 103.8 points allowed per 100 possessions but have reduced that number to 93.7 this season, and their 90.1 points per game allowed are the second-fewest in the NBA.

That drops further to 86.3 points per 100 possessions when rookie forward Justise Winslow is on the floor, the fewest for any player in the league averaging at least 28.5 minutes. Winslow has immediately assumed large defensive responsibilities, taking on the likes of LeBron James, Paul George, James Harden and DeMar DeRozan.

Though the 10th overall pick is averaging a modest 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds, the Heat are plus-71 with Winslow on the floor - a margin that ranks among the league leaders.

"He competes, he studies, he applies, he learns," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "And that's all that you can ask for from a young kid."

Hassan Whiteside has also been a major factor, contributing 3.9 of Miami's 6.9 blocks per game. Also averaging 15.3 points and 11.4 rebounds, Whiteside accounted for three of the Heat's seven blocks in Tuesday's 101-88 home win against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Miami forced 18 turnovers and limited the Lakers to 39 second-half points while Chris Bosh scored a season-high 30.

"The identity of this basketball team that we're starting to embrace is a physical, gritty, tough defensive-minded team," Spoelstra said.

Utah (4-3) is allowing a league-low 89.7 points per game and also leads the NBA in that category going back to Feb. 20, when Rudy Gobert joined the starting lineup permanently. But Gobert, who is averaging 3.4 blocks, is questionable for Thursday's contest after leaving in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's 118-114 loss at Cleveland with a twisted left ankle. X-rays were negative.

Though Utah surrendered a season-high point total and let the Cavaliers shoot 50.0 percent after limiting its previous opponents to 39.4, playing the reigning Eastern Conference champions to the wire could be a confidence booster for the young Jazz, who finished 11th in the West last season.

"This showed us we could play with anybody," said Gordon Hayward, who scored 17 and leads the club with 15.7 points per game. "We were right there. It was a great experience for us as a team."

Utah is shooting well from 3-point range, going 33 for 73 (45.2 percent) over the last three games, while the Heat have limited their last five opponents to 27.5 percent shooting from deep.

Miami sent Mario Chalmers and James Ennis to Memphis on Tuesday in exchange for Beno Udrih and Jarnell Stokes, a measure to help avoid paying the repeater tax and improve cap flexibility for free agency next summer. Chalmers was averaging just 5.5 points on 31.3 percent shooting, though he started at point guard for the 2012 and 2013 NBA championship teams.

Dwyane Wade's 28.0 career scoring average against Utah is his highest against one team. he scored 42 in the last meeting Dec. 17.

These teams have alternated wins and losses for the last nine meetings, with Utah holding a 5-4 edge.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Warriors (9-0) at Timberwolves (4-3)

Date: November 12, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

Adding to the record books became commonplace during Golden State's 2014-15 title run. Now the Warriors are on the verge of setting their first mark this season.

The visiting Warriors can get off to the franchise's best start Thursday night when the otherwise surprising Minnesota Timberwolves hope to end their worst home start in 21 years.

Golden State set franchise records with a 16-game winning streak overall, a 19-game home winning streak and 67 victories en route to its first NBA championship in 40 years.

The Warriors (9-0) are at it again, tying a team record for consecutive wins to start a season with a 100-84 victory at Memphis on Wednesday. They can break that mark set by the 1960-61 Philadelphia Warriors in Minneapolis.

'It's great, because it means you're winning, which is the most important thing,' forward Draymond Green said.

Stephen Curry filled the stat sheet with 28 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals against the Grizzlies, while Andre Iguodala scored 20 and Harrison Barnes added 19.

Curry has been held under 30 in three straight games while going 8 for 27 (29.6 percent) from 3-point range after averaging 35.5 and hitting 36 of 70 from 3 in his first six.

Klay Thompson looks to bounce back after scoring a season-low eight on 3-of-9 shooting.

'We've got different guys every night to step up,' Thompson said. 'It's not only Steph. But tonight it was Andre and Harrison. (Thursday) night, it could be someone else.'

The Warriors have won eight straight in Minneapolis and 12 of the past 13 meetings overall.

Following an NBA-worst 16-66 finish last season, Minnesota has won at Denver, Chicago and Atlanta as part of a 4-0 road start that's the franchise's best since the 2001-02 season.

However, things haven't gone as well at home. The Timberwolves (4-3) have dropped their first three contests there for the first time since an 0-10 start in 1994-95.

They played without Andrew Wiggins (sore right knee), Ricky Rubio (strained hamstring), Kevin Garnett (rest) and Nikola Pekovic (Achilles) in Tuesday's 104-95 home loss to Charlotte. Wiggins, Rubio and Garnett are expected to play against the Warriors.

Wiggins, the 2014-15 Rookie of the Year, has totaled 64 points in his last two games. Top overall draft pick Karl-Anthony Towns is making an immediate impact, averaging 17.7 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.3 blocks over three consecutive double-doubles.

Zach LaVine had 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists but also turned the ball over eight times against the Hornets. He had a career-high 37 points and hit 6 for 10 from 3-point range in a 110-101 road loss April 11 in the most recent meeting with Golden State.

"I'm pleased with all our young guys because this is a hard business to be in when you're so young," coach Sam Mitchell said. "But to their credit, they're growing up fast."

After allowing a league-worst 106.5 points per game last season, the Timberwolves rank in the top 10 in defensive scoring at 99.3. They'll have a tough time containing the Warriors, who are among the league's highest scoring teams at 113.2 points per game.

Curry has averaged 28.3 points and 9.7 assists over his past six versus Minnesota. Thompson has scored 22.1 while shooting 43.9 percent from 3-point range in his last eight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Clippers (5-3) at Suns (3-4)

Date: November 12, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers' 4-0 start culminated with a home win over the Phoenix Suns, but what's followed has been a little dicier.

The DeAndre Jordan-to-Dallas saga is behind them, but it didn't end well and the Clippers are sitting on three losses in four games heading into Thursday night's visit to Phoenix. The Suns haven't put up much of a fight in the series lately, but the Clippers could be without a starting guard.

Los Angeles' two-night trip to the Southwest began with Wednesday's 118-108 loss to the Mavericks - their first stop in Dallas since Jordan backed out of an agreement to sign with the Mavericks in free agency.

Blake Griffin had 21 points and nine rebounds, missing out on a fifth straight double-double.

The Clippers (5-3) had their best 3-point shooting game of the season, going 12 for 27 after entering with an alarming 27.4 percent mark, but Dallas canceled that out by going 11 for 24 and shooting 55.3 percent from the field.

"They never were below 50 percent offensively the whole night, and we never were above 45 percent, so the fact that we were still in the game was great," coach Doc Rivers said. "That just shows how mentally tough we are."

J.J. Redick, one of the team's top outside shooters and No. 3 scorer, left the game with back spasms in the first half and didn't return. Austin Rivers filled in with 16 points in 27 minutes.

Despite ultimately retaining Jordan, the NBA's leading rebounder last season at 15.0 per game, the Clippers have yet to outrebound a team this season. Jordan is a minus-35 over the last two games despite Los Angeles beating Memphis on Monday.

The 102-96 home win over Phoenix on Nov. 2 was Los Angeles' eighth straight in the series, with Griffin scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He's averaged 26.4 points on the winning streak while shooting 58.6 percent.

The Suns (3-4) are trying to avoid dropping three straight. They've been off since Sunday's 124-103 loss in Oklahoma City, giving them three days to evaluate their most lopsided loss of the season. Turnovers were part of the focus after Phoenix committed a season-high 23 - its second time at 20 or more in three games.

"Just correcting a few little things we've got to clean up. Obviously some of the turnovers," Jon Leuer said. "Against some of these good teams that work in transition - like the Clippers that we're facing next or the Thunder - you've got to be really sound fundamentally."

It followed a 100-92 home loss to Detroit on Friday, and the Suns allowed the Pistons and Thunder to shoot 51.2 percent with the Thunder outscoring Phoenix 64-40 in the paint.

"It's hard to come back from a team that shoots the ball so well when there is no pressure on them with the lead, when it seemed like they made every shot," said coach Jeff Hornacek, whose team was also outrebounded 52-33. "They outplayed us."

Phoenix also struggled with its outside shot early on, hitting 28.8 percent through four games, but that's improved to 44.9 in the last three.

Eric Bledsoe had an impressive night against the Thunder, putting up 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting with 11 assists for his first double-double this season. The former Clippers guard hasn't been at that level against his old team, averaging 13.1 points and shooting 38.8 percent in seven games since switching sides is 2013-14.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Hot teams
-- Jazz won four of last six games (5-1 vs spread). Miami won three of last four (4-1 HF).
-- Golden State won its first nine games (3-1 AF).

Cold teams
-- Minnesota is 0-3 at home, losing by 5-12-9; road team covered all seven of their games so far.
-- Clippers, Suns both lost three of their last four games.

Series records
-- Jazz is 6-4 in their last ten games against Miami.
-- Warriors won nine of last ten games with Minnesota; Wolves covered last three.
-- Clippers won their last eight games with Phoenix.

Totals
-- Last seven Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Warriors' last three games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last six Phoenix games stayed under total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'What-2-Watch-4'

NBA handicapping being very situational it's always prudent to have in your handicapping tool box a list of 'WHAT-2-WATCH-4. One situation that has proven profitable is to 'Play-On' a regular season favorite after a blowout loss (15 or more points). The logic is pretty simple. We have a team who just got taken behind the woodshed and is still considered good enough to be favored. Not only are these teams typically going to be good, they're also going to be motivated following the beat-down.

Since 2012, favorites in this situation have cashed at a 53.8% clip (193-156-10 ATS). Not exactly the Midas Touch of NBA betting but a winner none the less. However, we can improve the hit rate to 59.8% (64-40-3 ATS) if we focus solely on a road favorite off a blowout loss.

Perhaps the best situation to keep an eye out for is to 'Play-On' a regular season road favorite off a 15 or more point loss playing a conference opponent off a win. It won't pop up often but given the hit rate paying attention can pay off handsomely. The situation has certainly passed the test of time, since 2010 these motivated road favorites have been consistent winners cashing 68.6% of tickets (24-11 ATS) including a sparkling 15-5 (75.0%) streak against the betting line since 2012.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Thursday, November 12 2015 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

I love the NBA, but sometimes I hate the NBA, especially when I get bets down early in hopes of finding value. It's why I write these stories, to give you a head start. But then there are nights like Tuesday. Kobe Bryant was supposed to play in Miami but was a late scratch with a back injury -- if you live in an NBA city other than L.A. and are planning to buy a ticket to see Kobe when the Lakers come to town, I wouldn't bother because he's going to be questionable for about every away game going forward. Andrew Wiggins, Ricky Rubio and Bradley Beal also were late scratches. Top MVP candidates Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis both left with injuries. Remember the days when guys like Michael Jordan or Charles Barkley played all 82 games and 40 minutes a night? Long gone.


Jazz at Heat (-4.5, 184)

This is the one game not shown on TNT. Utah showed it's for real in a 118-114 loss in Cleveland on Tuesday, giving the Cavs all they could handle; the Jazz led by nine midway through the fourth quarter. You are going to have to monitor Jazz star center Rudy Gobert for this game as he left Tuesday in the fourth after twisting his ankle. X-rays were negative, and he's officially questionable. Miami beat the Kobe-less Lakers 101-88 on Tuesday -- so now all five Heat wins have been by double digits. Chris Bosh had a season-high 30 points to go with 11 rebounds, and Hassan Whiteside added 19 points and 15 boards. Utah and Miami played twice less than a week apart last season in December -- before Utah got better -- and each won on the road. In Salt Lake City, Dwayne Wade had 29 points in a 100-95 victory. Bosh had 22 points. Former Jazz player Enes Kanter led his team with 25 points. Five days later in south Florida, the Jazz won 105-87 despite 42 points from Wade. It was Wade's biggest-scoring game since he scored 45 on Dec. 29, 2010. Gordon Heyward led Utah with 29 points. The Heat trailed by 17 in the first quarter and never recovered. Gobert, the biggest reason the Jazz are much better now, averaged 7.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks against off the bench in both contests.

Key trends: The Jazz are 5-0 against the spread in their past five after a loss. Miami is 2-9 ATS in its past 11 following a double-digit win. The "over/under" has gone under in seven straight Miami games.

Early lean: Bit surprised there's an early line here with Gobert's status. Like Miami regardless, but I'd go over if no Gobert. Under if not.

Warriors at Timberwolves (TBA)

Golden State has looked so good thus far that I'm not sure if the Warriors even qualify for a potential trap game. But if so, this might be one off what should be a physical, intense matchup in Memphis on Wednesday night for the Warriors. Andrew Wiggins guarding Steph Curry in this one at times? Sweet. Because it's the second of a back-to-back for the Warriors, I wonder if we see Andrew Bogut in this one. Minnesota lost 104-95 at home to Charlotte on Tuesday while playing without Wiggins (sore right knee), Rubio (sore left knee) and Kevin Garnett (rest). Neither Wiggins' nor Rubio's injury is serious, so they should play here; it already has been released that Wiggins is expected to. The Warriors swept the Wolves 4-0 last year. They have won seven straight games at Target Center, the team's longest road winning streak against the Timberwolves in franchise history. Golden State is 12-1 in the past 13 overall in the series.

Key trends: The Warriors are 9-3 ATS in their past 12 in Minnesota. The under is 4-0 in the past four there.

Early lean: Wait and see on what Golden State does Wednesday and on Wiggins and Rubio. If this spread is double digits, though, I'd take the points.

Clippers at Suns (+5, 208.5)

Los Angeles is off what should be an emotional game in Dallas on Wednesday with the whole DeAndre Jordan circus. Phoenix will be well-rested as it hasn't played since a 124-103 loss in Oklahoma City on Sunday. The smallish Suns were pounded on the boards 52-33. Eric Bledsoe had 28 points and 11 assists for Phoenix but fellow starting guard Brandon Knight had eight turnovers to tie a career high. The Suns committed 23 turnovers that led to 30 Thunder points. Coach Jeff Hornacek is still clearly looking for something as the Suns have used 84 lineup combinations during a 3-4 start to the season. Phoenix is shooting 42.8 percent from the field. If that percentage were to hold up for the season, it would be a franchise worst. But the starting five of Bledsoe, Knight, Markieff Morris, P.J. Tucker and Tyson Chandler is among the best in the NBA with a plus/minus rating of plus-4.9. The Suns lost at the Clippers 102-96 on Nov. 2. Blake Griffin had 22 points and 10 rebounds. Morris led the Suns with 19 points. The Clippers have won eight straight in the series, their longest streak ever against Phoenix.

Key trends: The Clippers are 6-2 ATS in their past eight Thursday games. Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its past six on Thursday. The under is 7-2 in the past nine in Phoenix.

Early lean: Take the points -- Suns may well end the skid. Go over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

ACC Report - Week 11
By Joe Williams

2015 ACC STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Boston College 3-7 0-7 4-5-1 2-8
Clemson 9-0 6-0 5-4 5-4
Duke 6-3 3-2 5-4 3-6
Florida State 7-2 5-2 5-4 3-6
Georgia Tech 3-6 1-5 3-6 5-4
Louisville 5-4 4-2 5-4 3-5-1
Miami (Fla.) 6-3 3-2 5-4 4-5
North Carolina 8-1 5-0 6-3 4-5
North Carolina State 6-3 2-3 6-3 4-5
Pittsburgh 6-3 4-1 4-5 4-4-1
Syracuse 3-6 1-4 5-4 8-1
Virginia 3-6 2-3 5-3-1 4-4-1
Virginia Tech 4-5 2-3 4-5 5-4
Wake Forest 3-6 1-5 4-5 4-4-1


Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech (Thurs. - ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Virginia Tech is on a roll thanks to the return of Michael Brewer, who has five touchdown passes in two games since returning from a collarbone injury suffered in the opener. If the Hokies win two of their next three games they will be able to keep their bowl streak alive at 23 years. The Yellow Jackets are looking to top the Hokies again afer snapping a four-game skid against the Hokies last season. However, Virginia Tech has won all five of the previous meetings on a Thursday. The Hokies are 0-6 ATS in their past six road games against a team with a losing home record, and they're 5-12-1 ATS in their past 18 againts a team with a losing overall mark. The Yellow Jackets are just 1-6 ATS in their past seven overall, and 1-5 ATS in their past six ACC games. However, they have cashed seven of their past nine at home. In this series the underdog has cashed in eight of the past nine, and the road team is 5-0 ATS in the past five.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech
By Joe Nelson

College football returns Thursday night with an ACC Coastal Clash between Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. While the stakes are not as high as expected this is still a key game for both teams and veteran coaches. Here is a look at this week’s Thursday night matchup in the ACC.

Match-up: Virginia Tech Hokies at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Venue: Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
Time/TV: Thursday, November 12, 7:30 PM ET – ESPN
Line: Georgia Tech -3½, Over/Under 53½
Last Meeting: 2014, Georgia Tech (+7) 27-24 at Virginia Tech

When the schedules were laid out this Thursday night matchup figured to be one of the biggest games of the season in the ACC as Georgia Tech was the Coastal champion last season, nearly winning the ACC overall with a two-point loss to undefeated Florida State in the title game and coming off a dominant Orange Bowl victory over Mississippi State. Virginia Tech meanwhile was a popular choice to take the Coastal division this season with a lot of returning experience even though the Hokies last won the division in 2011.

Following last season’s brilliant 11-3 campaign Georgia Tech is just 3-6 on the season, already 1-5 in ACC play although it is worth noting that the lone win came against then undefeated Florida State. To make a bowl game the Yellow Jackets will need to win out with this home date, a trip to Miami, and hosting rival Georgia in the final three weeks for a difficult closing schedule.

With North Carolina 5-0 in ACC play the hopes for the Hokies to climb back into the division race are slim at just 2-3 in league play. With a 4-5 record overall making the postseason is far from a given for Virginia Tech at this point. After this game the Hokies will host the Tar Heels in a big final home game on head coach Frank Beamer’s farewell season before playing at Virginia to close out the regular season.

Beamer has announced he will retire after this season, his 29th in Blacksburg and with 235 wins to his credit. This year’s team had high expectations and a big marquee opening game with Ohio State with the Hokies the only team to beat the eventual national champions last season. While that was a competitive game the Hokies wound up losing by 18 and starting quarterback Michael Brewer was injured. The senior missed the next five games and has only started the past two games since, a four-overtime defeat against Duke and a win over Boston College on the road on Halloween. Brewer has been far less turnover and sack prone than junior Brenden Motley and the Hokies have been a better team behind him even if Motley is a superior runner with his size.

Running the ball has not been easy for the Hokies, averaging just 3.8 yards per carry on the season with freshman Travon McMillian leading the way of late with back-to-back 100-yard games as the full-time back the past two games after two other starting running backs were injured. Sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Ford is on pace to surpass his numbers from last season as the team’s leading receiver. Virginia Tech has averaged 30 points per game and while the team has had good offensive balance the Hokies haven’t excelled in any area.

Virginia Tech is known for defense and this year’s team is on pace to have allowed the most points in several years in Beamer’s tenure, averaging over 24 points per game allowed. Allowing 21 overtime points in the multi-overtime game with Duke does shape the numbers to an extent but five different times this season the Hokies have allowed at least 24 points. Highly regarded junior cornerback Kendall Fuller was lost to injury in September and senior defensive lineman Corey Marshall has also missed the last five games as the defense has had personnel issues.

Georgia Tech has played a difficult schedule drawing both Clemson and Florida State from the Atlantic division while also facing Notre Dame in non-conference action. Four of the six defeats have come by eight or fewer points but ultimately the offense has not been able to match last season’s success, gaining about 80 fewer yards per game on the ground this season. The scoring is on pace to be the worst average for Georgia Tech since 2010 and the defense has not shown any improvement either with a long list of injuries crippling the team.

Justin Thomas is not a typical quarterback but he has completed only 43 percent of his passes this season while gaining over two full yards per rush fewer than last season when he averaged 5.7 yards per carry and cracked 1,000 rushing yards on the season. This was supposed to be an experienced offensive line but injuries have changed that equation and the running backs have not been as dynamic as last season outside of freshman Marcus Marshall who leads the team in rushing despite only 65 carries.

Given the great fall from last season it is not surprising that Georgia Tech is just 3-6 ATS on the season including 1-6 ATS in the last seven games after opening the season with a 69-6 and 65-10 wins. The Yellow Jackets have scored just 34 more points in the past seven games then they did in the first two games of the season. The big win over Florida State came at home and while Georgia Tech lost at home to both North Carolina and Pittsburgh they have out-gained all five visitors to Atlanta this season.

Virginia Tech is 4-5 ATS on the season with the past four losses coming by a combined total of 23 points. The Hokies are 2-2 S/U and ATS on the road this season with losses at East Carolina and at Miami. Last season’s victory for Georgia Tech was the first in the series since 2009 with Virginia Tech going 8-4 S/U in this matchup since 1990 but the Yellow Jackets have covered in five of the last seven meetings. Since Beamer took over in 1987 the Hokies are on a 33-23-1 ATS run as a road underdog including winning outright in four of the five instances since 2013. Under Paul Johnson Georgia Tech is 37-14 S/U at home with a 25-21-2 ATS mark.

Last season Virginia Tech hosted this game following its first loss of the season while Georgia Tech was quietly 3-0 after sneaking by Georgia Southern the previous game. Virginia Tech had a 424-375 edge in yards in the game but wound up with a narrow defeat. Virginia Tech settled for three field goals in the first half and led 16-10 at the break before a scoreless third quarter. A Brewer interception was returned 41 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter but a long Brewer run and a successful two-point conversion put the Hokies in front by seven. Georgia Tech tied the game with about two minutes to go and then after another interception the Yellow Jackets got the game winning field goal as time expired.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Virgina Tech at Georgia Tech

Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech (-3, 53.5)

Virginia Tech looks to improve the chances of extending its bowl streak to 23 years in coach Frank Beamer’s last season when the Hokies visit Georgia Tech on Thursday night in an ACC matchup. Virginia Tech must win two of its final three to become bowl eligible after beating Boston College 26-10 on Oct. 31 – one day before Beamer announced his retirement.

Quarterback Michael Brewer has thrown five touchdown passes and two interceptions in three games since returning from a broken collarbone for Virginia Tech. The Yellow Jackets knocked off previously-unbeaten Florida State on Oct. 24, but followed that up with a frustrating 27-21 loss at Virginia one week later to damage their bowl chances. Georgia Tech is eighth in the nation in rushing offense (267.2 yards) but will need better from quarterback Justin Thomas, who has completed 43.6 percent of his passes. However, the Yellow Jackets have scored at least 20 points in 19 consecutive ACC contests and are the second-least penalized team in the nation.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Georgia Tech opened at -3.5 and have been bet down to -3. The total has been bet up from 52.5 up to 53.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Virginia Tech - DT C. Marshall (questionable Thursday, hamstring).

Georgia Tech - DB C. Milton (probable Thursday, undisclosed), LB D. Noble (probable Thursday, undisclosed), LB P. Davis (probable Thursday, ankle), FB B. Snoddy (probable Thursday, hand), DB A. Gray (questionable Thursday, undisclosed), DB S. Durham (questionable Thursday, undisclosed), DB D. Smith (questionable Thursday, undisclosed), OL S. Devine (questionable Thursday, undisclosed), DL J. Hunt-Days (out Thursday, suspension).

WEATHER REPORT: It should be a great night for football in Atlanta. It will be clear with temperatures in the mid 50's. There will be a six mile per hour wind blowing across the field from west to east.

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We have remained on the Yellow Jackets -3.5 all week, and we like to try and get decisions on games as much as possible. We dont consider the number 3 as important in college as it is in the NFL. Based on that I see us shading the juice towards the Hokies a bit, and could close the game G-Tech -3.5 (even money). Sixty-five percent of bets and 68 percent of cash backing Virginia Tech." Jerome Perry.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (4-5, 4-5 ATS, 5-4 O/U): The Hokies’ defense gained a little confidence while allowing only 218 yards of offense and forcing four turnovers against Boston College. Isaiah Ford has caught at least two passes in all 22 of his career games, leading the Hokies with 44 receptions for 615 yards and seven scores this year, while Cam Phillips had a season-high six catches versus BC. Freshman running back Travon McMillian has also been a factor with at least 96 yards rushing in four consecutive games.

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (3-6, 3-6 ATS, 5-4 O/U): Freshman Clinton Lynch made his biggest impact yet against Virginia while gaining 132 all-purpose yards and scoring three touchdowns. Lynch adds to a young offense that includes fellow freshman and leading rusher Marcus Marshall (531 yards) and sophomore receiver Ricky Jeune (20 receptions, 422 yards), who had a career day at Virginia (five receptions, 103 yards). However, the Yellow Jackets – 17th in the preseason USA Today Coaches’ Poll – are 11th in the ACC in total defense.

TRENDS:

* Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.
* Hokies are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings at Georgia Tech.
* Underdog is 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.
* Road team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-eight percent of wagers are backing the Yellow Jackets in this ACC matchup, with 53 percent of wagers on the over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF

Thursday's games

Underdogs covered eight of last nine Va Tech-Ga Tech games; Hokies are 4-1 in last five visits here, winning 37-26/17-10 in last two. This is first game for Virginia Tech since coach Beamer said he was retiring at end of season-- he's been there 29 years, is a coaching icon. Hokies lost four of last six games; favorites covered three of their four road tilts. Ga Tech is 1-6 in its last seven games; the win was over Florida State. Four of last five Virginia Tech games stayed under the total.

Home side won all three South Alabama-ULLafayette games; Cajuns lost 30-8 in their only visit here in 2013. Jaguars lost three of last five games, allowing 49-36-45 points in last three; they've run ball for 558 yards in last two games. ULL is 1-3 on road, winning 23-21 at Georgia State five days ago; they won last two games, but were outgained by 80-83 yards. Sun Belt home favorites are 6-9 against the spread. Five of seven USA games, three of last four ULL went over total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 11
By Bruce Marshall

Thursday, Nov. 12

Matchup Skinny Edge

VIRGINIA TECH at GEORGIA TECH
Road team has covered last five in series. Paul Johnson 1-6 SU and vs. line last seven TY. Beamer 6-4 last seven vs. spread away from home.

VT, based on team and series trends.


UL-LAFAYETTE at SOUTH ALABAMA
Jags 0-4 vs. line in mobile TY, 1-8-1 vs. spread last ten at Ladd-Peebles. Though home team has covered last three years in series.

Slight to ULL, based on USA home woes.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Betting Essentials - Week 10
By Tony Mejia

Since the Broncos failed to get out of Indianapolis with a win, only three unbeaten teams remain. See how they may fare in this early breakdown of Week 10’s NFL matchups:

Thursday, Nov. 12

Buffalo at N.Y. Jets: Rex Ryan faces his team for the first time in what looks to be the week’s most interesting contest. It helps that both AFC East rivals are squarely in the playoff hunt, but this would’ve been delicious even if both were under .500 since the polarizing Ryan’s return to Met Life Stadium was always going to be a highlight in 2015. His Bills impressively wrapped up a season sweep of Miami on Sunday and will test New York’s defense with QB Tyrod Taylor and WR Sammy Watkins finally healthy. RB LeSean McCoy left last week’s game with an injured right shoulder but expects to play here. Rookie Karlos Williams would play a greater role in McCoy is limited. The Jets have failed to win or cover in the last three meetings with Buffalo and have a quad issue with kicker Nick Folk to be concerned with. Former Buffalo starter Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing with a torn ligament in his left non-throwing thumb and may have surgery on Friday after gutting it out through this one. He was effective in spite of the injury against Jacksonville, throwing for 272 yards and two touchdowns while working mainly out of shotgun.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday Night Football betting preview: Bills at Jets

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets (-2.5, 42)

Rex Ryan makes his much-anticipated return to MetLife Stadium on Thursday night when he guides the Buffalo Bills into a matchup with the host New York Jets in a key AFC East tilt. The bombastic Ryan was fired by the Jets in December following a 4-12 campaign - his sixth season with the club - and was scooped up by the Bills two weeks later.

Ryan told the media on Tuesday that he's attaching no special significance to facing his former team. "What I'm telling you is the truth," Ryan said. "But at no point was I like, 'Oh, I have this one circled.' Everybody knows me, I circle the Patriots. That's what I do." Ryan did managed to tweak the Jets by naming linebacker IK Enemkpali a team captain for Thursday's matchup - a move that New York safety Calvin Pryor termed "kind of disrespectful." Enemkpali was released by the Jets after breaking quarterback Geno Smith's jaw during a locker-room skirmish in August.

TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, NFL Network.

LINE HISTORY: The Jets opened as 3-point home favorites and have been bet down slightly to the current number of Jets -2.5. The total has also been bet down, going from its opening number of 43 to its current 42.

INJURY REPORT:

Bills - DE M. Williams (probable Thursday, calf), WR S. Watkins (probable Thursday, ankle), RB L. McCoy (probable Thursday, shoulder), T S. Henderson (questionable Thursday, illness), T C. Kouandjio (questionable Thursday, knee), DT K. Williams (Late November, leg).

Jets - WR B. Marshall (probable Thursday, toe), WR E. Decker (probable Thursday, knee), DB B. Skrine (probable Thursday, shoulder), C N. Mangold (probable Thursday, neck), CB D. Milliner (questionable Thursday, wrist), RB B. Powell (doubtful Thursday, ankle), CB A. Cromartie (doubtful Thursday, thigh), S C. Pryor (out Thursday, ankle), G W. Colon (I-R, knee), K N. Folk (I-R, quadricep).

WEATHER REPORT: It could be a wet football game Thursday night in the Meadowlands. There is a 75 percent chance of rain at kickoff, but it should clear up as the night moves on. Temperatures will be in the low 50's with a 10 mile per hour wind gusting across the field.

POWER RANKINGS: Bills (-2) - Jets (-2) + home field (-3) = Jets -3

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "On Tuesday morning, we got a sharp bet on Buffalo +3, so moved Bills to current number of +2.5; This bet happened to made about 30 minutes before the news that LeSean McCoy, who is nursing a shoulder injury would be upgraded to probable. Sixty-two percent of bets and 65 percent of cash backing the Bills on the spread." - Jerome Perry.

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Aside from the Rex Ryan meeting his former team storyline, this contest will go a long way toward playoff possibilities for both squads. Bills are getting back to healthy while the Jets are a wobbly 1-2 after its surprising 4-1 start. The bottom line is the Jets have improved 3-net games this season as compared to the first eight games last season while the Bills have regressed 1-net game over the same span. Look for a triple revenge motive to come into play for New York tonight." - Marc Lawrence.

ABOUT THE BILLS (4-4, 4-4 ATS, 5-3 O/U): Buffalo got some of its top players back coming of its bye week and ended a two-game skid with a 33-17 romp over Miami as quarterback Tyrod Taylor returned from a two-game absence and continually hooked up with wideout Sammy Watkins, who had eight catches for 168 yards and a score. LeSean McCoy rumbled for 112 yards and a touchdown - his first 100-yard game with the Bills - before hurting his shoulder in the fourth quarter, but Karlos Williams picked up the slack with 110 yards and a pair of scores on only nine carries. Buffalo had the league's fourth-ranked defense last season but is lagging behind the Jets in all major categories.

ABOUT THE JETS (5-3, 4-3-1 ATS, 5-3 O/U): New York was near the top of the league in a number of defensive categories before surrendering 87 points in its last three games and barely avoided a third straight defeat by holding off Jacksonville 28-23 last week. Ryan Fitzpatrick, who played four seasons with Buffalo, is playing with a torn ligament in his left thumb but still threw for 272 yards and a pair of touchdowns last week despite the fact that leading wide receiver Brandon Marshall was slowed by an ankle injury. The Jets need to find a way to get running back Chris Ivory untracked - he has been limited to 43 yards on 38 carries the past two games - an average of 1.1 yards per carry.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings in New York.
* Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Bills are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is giving the edge to the New York in this AFC East matchup, with 56 percent of wagers on the Jets. Fifty-six percent of wagers are also on the over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bills (4-4) at Jets (5-3)

Date: November 12, 2015 8:25 PM EDT

Though Rex Ryan says he wants to downplay facing the New York Jets for the first time since they fired him after last season, he couldn't help but draw at least some attention his way.

All that ultimately matters to Ryan's Buffalo Bills and the Jets, however, is trying to build on their respective much-needed victories in Thursday night's matchup at the Meadowlands.

After Buffalo (4-4) avoided a third straight defeat with Sunday's 33-17 win over Miami, Ryan offered the token "It's just another game" line in regard to this contest. Then Monday, he said linebacker IK Enemkpali will be one of the Bills captains for this matchup.

Buffalo signed Enemkpali shortly after the Jets released him for breaking quarterback Geno Smith's jaw with a punch during a locker room confrontation in August.

'Yeah, I'll get ripped,' said Ryan of a move defended by noting that he selects captains based on their ties to that week's opponent. "You know, if IK went out there by himself, maybe that would be a different statement. But that's not what we do.'

At least one Jet didn't mind the decision.

'Love it,' receiver Brandon Marshall said. 'That's a Rex Ryan move. I mean, are you guys surprised?'

Nothing should surprise either side about Ryan, who took the Jets to the playoffs in his first two seasons then failed to record a winning record in the last four to go 46-50 in an always-colorful and eventful tenure.

Ryan was dismissed after going 4-12 last season - a move not necessarily popular with the players.

"Coaches and players change teams all the time," New York coach Todd Bowles said. "The ones that are close to him, I'm sure they'll give him a hug before the game, shoot the bull a little bit. When the game starts, it'll be us against them."

However, Jets fans might have a different reaction.

'There's going to be a lot of waving out there,' he said. "One fingered and all that stuff. That much is a given.'

New York (5-3) lost its last three to the Bills under Ryan, but should have even more incentive while owning its best record at the halfway mark since being 5-3 in 2011. Buffalo, meanwhile, is trying to win two straight for the first time this season.

'It's going to be a passionate game. It's going to be an exciting game, a whatever-type game, but not for the reasons that you may be thinking,' Ryan said. 'It has nothing to do with me or anybody else. That's the reality of it.'

Ryan's club will try to contain Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is considering surgery on his injured thumb as early as Friday but will be under center for this contest. Sporting a molded brace with a covered glove Sunday, the ex-Bill threw for 272 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the 28-23 win over Jacksonville.

'I'm kind of weighing different options right now,' Fitzpatrick said regarding surgery. 'I don't want to miss any time or any games, so the decision is really going to be based off that."

The Jets were held to a season-low 290 yards Sunday but forced four turnovers and recorded a season-high six sacks to avoid a third consecutive defeat.

"Obviously, there were some sloppy things that we've got to clean up," Bowles said. "We've got to move on."

Bowles needs to get more out of Chris Ivory, who rushed for two 1-yard TDs on Sunday but has averaged 1.5 yards per carry while totaling 84 in the past three games. Ivory managed 74 yards on 20 carries in two matchups but did have a two-TD game last season against Buffalo, which has allowed an average of 112.7 rushing yards in the past three games.

It's uncertain if New York center Nick Mangold will play after he left Sunday's contest with a lingering neck injury. The offensive line took another hit Wednesday when the Jets placed guard Willie Colon on season-ending injured reserve with chronic knee problems, leaving Brian Winters as the starter.

Jets kicker Nick Folk will miss at least four weeks and perhaps the rest of the season with a quad injury, while the statuses of defensive backs Antonio Cromartie (quad), Dion Bailey (ankle) and Calvin Pryor (ankle) are uncertain. Cornerback Dee Milliner was activated from the short-term injured reserve Wednesday after being sidelined since training camp with a wrist injury.

Buffalo's LeSean McCoy ran for a season-high 112 yards and a TD on 16 attempts against Miami, but is dealing with an injured right shoulder he suffered in the fourth quarter. However, he was listed as probable on Wednesday's injury report despite being limited in practice.

Backup Karlos Williams gained 110 yards and scored twice on nine rushes last week, and Tyrod Taylor was 11 of 12 for 181 yards and a TD in his return after missing two games with a knee injury. Also back from injury, Sammy Watkins caught eight passes for 168 yards and a TD against the Dolphins.

'We have a lot of talent, and unfortunately, we had so many injuries that we haven't necessarily seen them,' Ryan said. 'So let us be healthy and then judge us for who we are.'

Watkins had three receptions for 157 yards, including a 61-yard TD, in last season's 43-23 road win over the Jets. However, he could be in for a tougher day if Darrelle Revis is lined up across from him.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL

Week 10

Bills (4-4) @ Jets (5-3)-- Rex Ryan returns to Swamp to face his old team; Buffalo won last three series games, all by 20+ points- six of last seven series totals were 41+. Buffalo's win here LY was its first in last five visits here. Bills won only two true road games, at Miami, Tennessee; they're 4-2 with Taylor starting at QB. Buffalo allowed 17 or less points in its wins, 24+ in losses. Jets are 3-1 at home; they're +12 in turnovers in five wins, -5 in losses. Jets had total of only 192 RY in last three games; Fitzpatrick is playing with bad ligaments in left (non-throwing) thumb. Buffalo is 6-2 in last eight games as a road dog; Jets are 2-5 in last seven games as home favorite. NFL-wide, divisional home favorites are 10-17-1 against the spread this season. Last three Buffalo games, last three Jet games all went over total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets November 12, 8:25 EST

Week 10 of the NFL season gets underway Thursday with Buffalo Bills (4-4 SU/ATS) and New York Jets (5-3, 4-3-1 ATS) squaring off in an AFC East tilt at MetLife Stadium. Bills head into this matchup off a 33-17 home win against Dolphins which raises a red flag for Buffalo backers. Coaches change, players change but Buffalo keeps coming up empty after beating Dolphins. Bills are 0-5 ATS last five and 2-13-1 ATS L16 after beating Fish. A few other betting nuggets to keep in mind. Bills are 4-11 ATS after beating the spread by 12 or more points, 5-10 ATS off a win facing a division opponent off a win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 10
By Bruce Marshall

Thursday, Nov. 12

BUFFALO at N.Y. JETS (NFL Network, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Bills destroyed Jets both times LY when Rexy was still in NY, in fact three Bills romps in a row in series. But Buff 1-3 vs. line last four TY with Rexy and Jets 8-4 last 12 on board since late 2014. "Overs" 7-3 last ten meetings and Jets "over" last four this season.
Tech Edge: "Over" and slight to Jets, based on "totals" and recent trends.