Thursday 12/15/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Spurs (20-5) at Suns (8-17)

Date: December 15, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

The New York Knicks angered the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

Imagine how the Suns will feel when they see the San Antonio Spurs, who have thumped them seven consecutive times, on Thursday night.

The Suns scuffled with the visiting Knicks before edging them 113-111 in overtime.

The narrow win was Phoenix's third in five overtime games this season. No team in Suns history previously played as many as five extra-time contests among its first 25 games.

The matchup featured more than just 53 minutes of action. It also included a fracas between Suns rookie Marquese Chriss and Knicks second-year forward Kristaps Porzingis. Phoenix guard Eric Bledsoe and the Knicks guard Brandon Jennings also drew technical fouls in the altercation.

"Marquese Chriss has become our Draymond Green," Suns coach Earl Watson said after seeing the rookie slam Porzingis to the ground after the New York big man ran over Bledsoe. "I think he gave you an example or a flash of what that can be, as far as getting a flagrant (foul), protecting his teammate. I have no problems with that. We need a presence on the court that brings fight to our team that is kind of contagious."

There is no backing down when it is comes to the Spurs on the road this season. They are 13-1 away from home despite often resting veteran players.

They gave LaMarcus Aldridge the night off Wednesday in a 108-101 home win over the Boston Celtics. Pau Gasol (35 minutes), Tony Parker (26) and Manu Ginobili (22) are all candidates to sit out the second half of the back-to-back in Phoenix.

Regardless of who played, the Spurs dominated the Suns in the past seven matchups. San Antonio ran up a 19-point average margin of victory in those games, which included a season-series sweep last year.

David Lee started in place of Aldridge and contributed eight points and 10 rebounds to the win over the Celtics. He might find himself starting Thursday night in place of Gasol, who was inactive for the second night of a back-to-back two weeks ago in Dallas.

The Spurs won that game 94-87, which began a run of four straight road contests in which they held the opposition to 96 points or fewer. For the season, San Antonio has allowed the third-fewest points per game in road games, 97.8.

The Spurs gave up 101 in their home victory Wednesday, but coach Gregg Popovich was impressed nonetheless.

"This was a really good win for us," he said. "We communicated well defensively. This was one of our better games on the defensive end of the court."

The Suns know that defense all too well. They were held to 84, 79 and 89 points the first three times they saw the Spurs last season.

If Phoenix is to turn that around, it probably will need more of what it got from Chriss when he wasn't throwing opponents around Tuesday night.

The rookie pulled down a season-best 12 rebounds to go with 14 points, giving him his first professional double-double.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Trail Blazers (13-14) at Nuggets (9-16)

Date: December 15, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Everything was set up for a great start to the home schedule. The Denver Nuggets led Portland by two points in the final seconds Oct. 29, and one more stop would give them a 2-0 record and a win in their home opener.

A defensive breakdown led to Damian Lillard's wide-open layup to send it into overtime and the Trail Blazers went on to win and spoil the night for Denver fans.

Nearly eight weeks later, the Nuggets have a chance to exact revenge when the teams meet Thursday night at Pepsi Center.

Both teams are trying to reverse a downturn to their seasons. The Blazers (13-14) got a big win against Oklahoma City on Tuesday to end a four-game losing streak while Denver (9-16) had one of its worst outings in a blowout loss in Dallas on Monday.

Portland held Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook in check in the 114-95 victory Tuesday, building some important momentum before heading to Denver.

"I think our minds was right," Damian Lillard told The Oregonian. "We knew we needed to come in and get a win (before) going back on the road again."

The Trail Blazers face a team struggling to save its season just a quarter of the way through the schedule. The Nuggets lost eight of their last 11, none more disappointing than the 112-92 loss in Dallas to wrap up a six-game road trip. The Mavericks, despite having the fewest wins in the NBA, dominated the game. They scored 65 in the first half against a seemingly non-existent Denver defense.

"Our one-on-one defense is pathetic right now," Nuggets coach Michael Malone told The Denver Post. "We don't take pride in it. We allow guys just to back us down and score way too easy."

The defense might get a boost against Portland. Guard Gary Harris may return after missing the last 16 games with a foot injury. He missed 20 games overall with the foot and groin injuries and said Wednesday he has a "pretty good" chance of playing against the Trail Blazers.

His return bolsters the perimeter defense, but how much he plays is a question. He has been out since Nov. 12 and conditioning is an issue. However, having to go against the backcourt of Lillard and C.J. McCollum, the Nuggets can use all available bodies against the Trail Blazers.

For Portland, a sixth straight win against Denver will help it get pointed in the right direction. The win over the first-place Thunder was nice, but the Trail Blazers want to get some momentum going before heading to Golden State on Saturday night.

Portland should know by Thursday if it will have forward Al-Farouq Aminu back. He was a late scratch against Oklahoma City with a sore back initially hurt against Memphis last week, and with the Trail Blazers having played Monday the quick turnaround prompted him to be in street clothes.

The Trail Blazers may not need him against the Nuggets, who are struggling with ball security and consistency. If Denver wants to make a serious run at its first playoff berth in four years, it has to start at home Thursday.

"You just throw this one out the window," Emmanuel Mudiay told The Denver Post after Monday's loss. "We played horrible. ... But we got to let this one go and try to move forward in a positive way."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Knicks (14-11) at Warriors (22-4)

Date: December 15, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

OAKLAND, Calif. -- It'll be Olympic reunion night at Oracle Arena on Thursday when the New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony and three of his teammates from the 2016 gold-medal winner, all members of the Golden State Warriors, get together for the first time since Rio.

The evening will tip off before the tip-off with Warriors stars Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson getting Olympic championship rings in a ceremony featuring Warriors executive board member Jerry West, a former gold medalist himself, and USA Basketball Men's National Team Director Sean Ford.

Durant, who signed with the Warriors only about a month before leaving for Rio, led the Americans with a 19.4 scoring average in their eight straight wins.

Durant totaled 155 points in Rio, the second-most ever for an American behind his own 156 in the 2012 London Games, bringing his Olympic career total to 311.

Only one American has a higher career total, and, fittingly, he will be on hand to witness the ceremony Thursday. Anthony is the all-time Olympic scoring leader among Americans with 336.

Anthony has been anything but Olympic-caliber in the first three games of the Knicks' five-stop trip. He's shot just 16-for-53 from the field and 3-for-16 on 3s, although 24 free throws has helped him compile a respectable 19.7 scoring average.

The Knicks won two of the three games -- at Sacramento and Los Angeles (Lakers) -- before suffering a 113-111 overtime loss at Phoenix on Tuesday.

New York had won four straight on the road and six of seven overall before the loss to the Suns. They didn't have point guard Derrick Rose for the second half at Phoenix after his ailing back, which forced him to sit out two games last week, flared up on him again.

Rose is questionable for Thursday's game.

Leading the way of late for the Knicks has been Kristaps Porzingis, who recorded double-doubles in the two trip-opening wins, equaled his career high with seven blocks against the Lakers, and was one off his career best in scoring with 34 points against the Suns.

The second-year pro came on strong late in the Phoenix game after having gotten thrown to the floor by Suns rookie Marquese Chriss in a third-quarter altercation.

"He needed it," Anthony told reporters after the game of Porzingis' wake-up call. "Sometimes people try to take advantage of his kindness, and I thought it was getting a little bit too much out there for him, and he reacted. We had his back."

Porzingis might expect more of the same Thursday night from the Warriors' enforcer, Green. He is coming off a dramatic confrontation with New Orleans star Anthony Davis in the final seconds of Tuesday's 113-109 road win.

With the Warriors clinging to a two-point lead, Green stripped the ball from Davis as he attempted what could have been a game-tying shot.

"He's one-on-one against anybody, I'll take Draymond any day," Warriors coach Steve Kerr gushed to reporters after the win. "He's a nasty defender."

A bit too nasty, the NBA observed Wednesday. The league admitted Green should have been called for a foul on the game-saving play, claiming he illegally had two hands on Davis' back before making his clean swipe.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NBA Picks: Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

So Thursday is an important day for the future of the NBA as the owners and NBA Players' Association both have until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement. The current deal, borne from the 2011 lockout, was a 10-year agreement with the opt-out window after five years. That's going to happen, but it won't affect this season as the sides would have until the end of June to negotiate a new contract. Although some transactions (i.e. trades) could be on hold as teams wait for word on any new contract rules. Many of the major parts of the deal have been addressed, but there have been a few stumbling blocks as we reach the deadline even though both sides really want to announce a done deal before Thursday night. In addition, they can agree to an extension to the deadline. It would be mindboggling for the owners to lock out the players again next summer with the NBA swimming in new TV money. This is all just a bit of last-minute posturing. I do know that owners want to make it almost impossible for "super teams" to form like the Warriors. Then again, the last CBA was supposed to fix that post-LeBron's Miami Heat clubs.

Bulls at Bucks (-1, 209.5)

First of the TNT doubleheader. Chicago continued its baffling trend of playing to its opponent level, both good and bad, by blowing a 21-point lead and losing at home to Minnesota 99-94 in Tom Thibodeau's return to the Windy City on Tuesday. Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 27. They were without Rajon Rondo, a late scratch with a sprained ankle. Consider him questionable here. Milwaukee lost a third straight Monday, 122-100 in Toronto. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists, but the Bucks shot just 16.7 percent from long range. Chicago is 10-4 in its last 14 contests at the Bradley Center.

Key trends: The Bulls are 4-1 against the spread in the past five meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in 10 of the past 14.

Early lean: Bucks and under.

Pacers at Pelicans (-2.5, 213)

Indiana was in Miami on Wednesday with Monta Ellis out due to a groin injury and sixth man Rodney Stuckey questionable with a bruised left knee. New Orleans played great on Tuesday at home vs. Golden State but lost 113-109 in a back-and-forth affair. Anthony Davis had the ball with a chance to tie, but had it stolen by Draymond Green and then drew a technical yelling at the officials for no foul call. I actually thought Davis was fouled. He had 28 points. The Pacers have won 10 consecutive matchups over New Orleans after sweeping the regular-season series in each of the past five seasons. Both last year were very low scoring.

Key trends: The Pacers are 8-1 ATS in the past nine meetings. The under is 15-3-1 in the Pelican's past 19 vs. teams with a winning record.

Early lean: Pelicans and under.

Trail Blazers at Nuggets (-1, 222.5)

Portland ended a four-game losing streak with a 114-95 home win over Oklahoma City in the Blazers' first game off a five-game trip Tuesday. Damian Lillard had 17 points and nine assists and got the fourth quarter off as the Blazers were up by as many as 26. Denver has been off since a 112-92 loss in Dallas on Monday. The Nuggets were ending a six-game road trip and clearly had nothing in the tank. Nikola Jokic led Denver with a season-high 27 points and 11 rebounds. Portland has won 13 of the past 14 vs. Denver and is 2-0 this year with Lillard averaging 34.5 points.

Key trends: The road team is 4-0 ATS in the past four. The over is 6-1 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Blazers and over.

Spurs at Suns (+8, 209)

San Antonio hosted Boston on Wednesday night, so you probably see a couple of key Spurs get this game off because we all know that's what Gregg Popovich does, especially if the second of the back-to-back is on the road. The Suns' past two have gone to overtime, and they beat the visiting Knicks 113-111 on Tuesday. Eric Bledsoe had eight straight points in the OT, including the go-ahead layup. He finished with 31 points, while former Knick Tyson Chandler had 23 rebounds. The Spurs swept all four meetings last season and currently are on a seven-game winning streak in the series.

Key trends: The Spurs are 3-14-1 ATS in their past 18 on Thursday. The under is 6-2 in the past eight meetings.

Early lean: Suns and under.

Knicks at Warriors (-14.5, 227)

Second TNT game. New York lost in overtime in Phoenix on Tuesday in the third game of a five-game Western trip. Kristaps Porzingis scored 34 points for New York, one shy of his career high, before fouling out with 1:34 left in OT. Carmelo Anthony was just 3-for-15 from the field and Derrick Rose didn't play in the second half due to back spasms -- here we go with Rose again. Consider him questionable. Golden State concluded a five-game trip with a 113-109 win in New Orleans on Tuesday. Steph Curry had 30 points and Draymond Green his first triple-double of the year with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Green also had the key late steal on Anthony Davis. Golden State has swept New York in the season series the last two years. Neither was close last year. Of course, Knicks team president Phil Jackson coached Warriors head coach Steve Kerr for five seasons with the Chicago Bulls (1993-97) and Jackson originally wanted Kerr as his first Knicks coach.

Key trends: The favorite is 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 7-2 in the Warriors' previous nine at home.

Early lean: Knicks and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Thursday’s games

Bulls won four of last five games with Milwaukee; under is 5-2 in last seven series games. Chicago won three of last five games in this building. Bulls lost four of last six games; they’re 5-1 in last six games as a road underdog. Three of Bulls’ last four games stayed under. Bucks lost last three games by 4-5-22 points; they’re 3-5 as home favorites. Last four Milwaukee games went over the total.

Pacers won their last ten games with New Orleans (8-1 vs spread in last nine); Indiana won last five visits to Bourbon Street (5-0 vs spread). Under is 6-1 in last seven series games. Pacers are 3-9 on road, 2-4 as road underdog; over is 9-3 in their road games. Pelicans lost six of their last seven games; they’re 5-9 at home, losing last four. Over is 9-4-1 in New Orleans home games.

Portland won nine of last ten games with Denver; Trailblazers won four of last five visits here. Over is 8-2 in last ten series games. Portland lost four of last five games; they’re 2-9 in last 11 road tilts. Over is 8-3 in Trailblazers’ last 11 games. Nuggets lost three of last four games, are 3-7 at home, losing last three at home. Over is 8-1-1 in Denver’s last ten games overall.

Spurs won last seven games with Phoenix (4-2-1 vs spread); San Antonio won last three games in desert, by 27-28-7 points. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Spurs beat Boston last night; they’re 9-4 as road favorites, 4-1 vs spread on road if they played night before. Over is 7-1 in their last eight games. Suns are 4-7 at home, 5-3 as a road underdog. Seven of last eight Phoenix games went over total.

Knicks lost six of last seven games with Golden State, losing four of last five visits to Oakland (1-4 vs spread). Four of last five series games stayed under. New York won four of last five road games, covered five of last six; they covered last four tries as a road underdog. Over is 4-1 in Knicks’ last five games. Golden State won six of last seven games; they’re 5-6 as home favorites. Four of Warriors’ last five games stayed under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

In the Paint - Week 6
By Joe Williams

You See No Ls, Eh?
OK, that headline was a bit of a stretch...but you see no losses for UCLA so far, and you won't see any this week, either. They are going to murder UCSB Wednesday night. The Gauchos have dropped six of their seven games overall, and they're 0-5 ATS so far this season. That includes a 96-72 beating from UCLA's crosstown rival USC back on Nov. 27. Imagine what super freshman Lonzo Ball and company can do. After that, UCLA will host Ohio State, a team fresh off an overtime loss to Florida Atlantic of Conference USA. UCLA has covered seven in a row, including wins at Kentucky Dec. 3, and at home against Michigan Dec. 10. The Bruins not only appear poised for an unbeaten week, but perhaps an unbeaten regular season.

Blue Jays Flying High
Creighton flew into the Top 10 with another strong week. They covered at rival Nebraska Dec. 7, something they have been routinely doing over the years, and then they hammered visiting Longwood College of the Big South. The tests are about to get much tougher for Creighton when they get into Big East play. For this week, they have only Oral Roberts on tap for next Saturday, as the holiday schedule lessens for most teams. ORU has been tough in the past, but they're just 2-8 SU/3-5 ATS, so you can expect another blood bath in Omaha this weekend. Creighton has covered four of their past five, and seven of nine, winning five straight by double digits. In fact, their average margin of victory over the past nine outings is 21.78 points.

Wild and Wonderful West Virginia
That's what the license plates in West Virginia read, and the Mountaineers have been wild and wonderful, too. They're out to a 8-1 SU start with their only setback an 81-77 decision against Temple on a neutral-site court back on Nov. 25. West Virginia's defense has been the story, and if you like totals you'll want to pay attention. The Mountaineers have allowed 57 or fewer points in three straight, all 'under' results, and that includes a 66-57 win at Virginia Dec. 3. West Virginia has covered three of their past four, too. This weekend they host Missouri-Kansas City, which is actually the only team to come within single digits of Creighton (see above).

Wisky and Boilermakers
From the Big Ten, Wisconsin and Purdue each find themselves in the Top 15, and right next to each other, too. Each team has already absorbed two losses, but the Badgers fell to North Carolina on a neutral-site court and at Creighton Nov. 15, nothing to be ashamed about. The Boilers slipped up at Louisville Nov. 30 and against defending national champ Villanova Nov. 14 in an early-season test, so don't just look at the record and assume the worst. These two teams are very, very good. Purdue has covered three in a row, and five of their past six, while Wisconsin has covered four in a row since that UNC loss. These two sides will meet in the second game of conference play Jan. 9 in West Lafayette.

Three (Non-Covers) Musketeers
Xavier has been in a bit of a tailspin by their standards, falling at Baylor Dec. 3 and at Colorado Dec. 7, while edging out Utah at home by eight points. They have failed to cover in three in a row heading into a dangerous game against Wake Forest Saturday, Dec. 17. The Demon Deacons are 8-2 SU, and their only losses are to defending champ Villanova and on the road at a good Northwestern team. If Xavier ends up being favored in this game by double digits, and they probably will be, it's hard to trust them right now the way they've been playing. After Wake the Musketeers have one tune-up game against a good Eastern Washington side before getting into conference play. Xavier better 'wake' up in a hurry.

Other Teams to Watch
CS Northridge of the Big West Conference might give UCSB a run for the basement in that respective league. The Matadors have dropped five of their past six outings, and they are a dismal 1-7 ATS over their past eight games. Their won't be a line on their next game against Bethesda University, but remember the Mats when they travel to Boise State Wed. Dec. 21.

George Mason might not be 'Final Four' good this season, but the Patriots are playing pretty well lately. They just ran through Penn State and Pennsylvania in the past week, winning each game by 19 points, and the Pats have covered four in a row, and six of the past seven.

Georgetown slapped the brakes on a four-game non-cover slide with a 15-point win and cover against La Salle on a neutral court this past weekend. Next up is a trip to face old friend Syracuse under the dome, as former Big East rivals collide. 'Cuse enters Saturday's meeting 0-3 ATS in their past three outings.
You want points? Hofstra's got your points right here! The Pride has hit the 'over' in four in a row, and six of the past seven, thanks mostly to the fact they have scored 73 or more points in seven of the past eight while allowing 80 or more points in eight of the past 10.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Top 25 roundup: No. 4 Baylor slams Southern
By The Sports Xchange

WACO, Texas -- Fourth-ranked Baylor returned from an 11-day break for final exams and picked up its rhythm, racing past Southern 89-59 Wednesday night at the Ferrell Center.
Forward Johnathan Motley scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Baylor (9-0). Bears forward Ishmail Wainright and guard Al Freeman each scored 14.
Southern forward Jared Sam and guard Shawn Prudhomme scored 24 points apiece to top the Jaguars (4-6).
Baylor built a 26-point lead midway through the first half and never let Southern back within 18.

No. 2 UCLA 102, UC Santa Barbara 62
LOS ANGELES -- The fabulous freshman duo of T.J. Leaf and Lonzo Ball helped UCLA remain unbeaten. Leaf had 25 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high eight assists and Ball added 13 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
The Bruins (11-0) are off to its best start since beginning the 2006-07 season with 14 consecutive wins. Aaron Holiday had 20 points and six assists for the Bruins, Bryce Alford scored 15 points and Isaac Hamilton had 13.
Ami Lakoju collected 11 points and 12 rebounds for UC Santa Barbara (1-7).

No. 14 Wisconsin 73, Green Bay 59
MADISON, Wis. -- Senior forward Nigel Hayes scored a game-high 24 points to pace the Badgers to a victory against the Phoenix.
Wisconsin (10-2) earned its sixth consecutive victory by shooting 46.6 percent from the field. Green Bay (4-6) made 40.4 percent of its field-goal attempts.
Wisconsin senior guard Zak Showalter registered 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Badgers sophomore forward Ethan Happ turned in a solid all-around performance, delivering 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Junior forward Kerem Kanter scored a team-high 18 points for Green Bay, which never got closer than seven points in the closing 20 minutes.

No. 19 Arizona 64, Grand Canyon 54
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Freshman Kobi Simmons scored 13 points as the Wildcats overcame a season-high 19 turnovers and the feisty Antelopes.
Arizona (9-2) won its 39th consecutive non-conference home game.
Three Wildcats scored 11 points -- Rawle Alkins, Lauri Markkanen and Dusan Ristic. Alkins and Markkanen each had eight rebounds.
Grand Canyon's DeWayne Russell, who entered averaging 25.4 points per game, scored 19 on 8 of 21 shooting. He was only 1 of 7 from 3-point range. Oscar Frayer added 16 points for the Antelopes (5-5).

No. 20 Saint Mary's 73, Western Kentucky 51
MORAGA, Calif. -- Jock Landale scored 15 points and collected 13 rebounds in only 22 minutes to lead Saint Mary'over Western Kentucky.
Evan Fitzner, who was averaging 4.4 points per game, scored 11 points for Saint Mary's (8-1), with all 11 coming in the first nine minutes. Emmett Naar had 14 points and six assists for the Gaels and Dane Pineau added 10 points off the bench.
Saint Mary's Joe Rahon, who left the game in the first half after twisting an ankle but later returned, finished with no points and 10 assists. Saint's Mary's starting backcourt of Rahon and Naar combined for 16 assists and one turnover.
Que Johnson and Justin Johnson led Western Kentucky (4-6) with 11 points apiece.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Thursday’s games

Central Florida PG Taylor (thumb) is out; UCF lost last game 58-49 at home to Penn- they played only seven guys more than 8:00. Knights are turning ball over 22.6% of time (#324), but have #1 eFG% defense in country, thanks to 7-6 center Fall— opponents shoot 34.4% inside arc against UCF. George Washington won four of last five games, with three wins by 3 or less points; they’re turning ball over 22.3% of time, have #278 eFG% offense. A-14 home favorites are 14-25 vs spread; AAC road underdogs are 7-11. GW won 67-50 at UCF last season.

East Carolina is 7-3 vs schedule #349; they’re 2-3 vs top 200 teams, with best wins by 7 over #186 Air Force, 13 over #181 NC Central. Pirates were 10-22 on foul line in 77-73 loss LY at Charleston. ECU is turning ball over 23.3% of time (#338). Charleston is 7-3 vs schedule #206; Cougars won last four games, including 76-61 win over Davidson- they shoot only 28.7% on arc, but force turnovers 21.8% of time- they play pace #345. AAC home favorites are 11-8 vs spread; CAA road underdogs are 12-8.

Georgia Southern is 5-5 vs schedule #103; Eagles are 3-0 vs teams outside top 200, winning by 11-1-19 points. GSU won 72-59 at #86 Fla Gulf Coast Tuesday nite, playing only two guys more than 29:00- eight guys played 13:00+. Florida International is 1-7 vs D-I teams, with three OT losses; Panthers are shooting just 28.4% on arc (#336). FIU starts four seniors, is #17 experience team in country, but they’re not playing like it. Sun Belt road favorites are 3-3 vs spread; C-USA home underdogs are 3-6.

NC State gets highly touted big man Yurtseven eligible tonight; Wolfpack is 7-2 with its bench playing 5th-fewest minutes in country- they’re deeper team as of tonight. State’s last four wins were by 4 or less points or in OT. Appalachian State is 1-5 vs D-I teams but Duke is only team to beat them by more than 12 points. ASU turns ball over 21.6% of time, they’re 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 12-9-35 points. ACC home favorites are 28-19 vs spread; Sun Belt road underdogs are 15-18.

Auburn suspended two starters after they were busted with weed; those guys played 28-24 minutes in 72-71 loss to BC in Big Apple Monday. Tigers beat Coastal Carolina by 3 LY, lost to them by 4 the year before. Auburn had been forcing turnovers 24.5% of time, but they’re much thinner now, figure to dial their pressure back some. Chanticleers are 0-3 in true road games, losing by 17-16-12 points; they’re 1-6 vs top 200 teams. SEC home favorites are 22-22 vs spread; Sun Belt road underdogs are 15-18.

Wofford is 0-7 vs D-I teams; they’ve got three non-D-I wins; Terriers are #249 experience team that is shooting 42.7% inside arc while turning ball over 20.4% of time. Wofford was outscored 28-11 on foul line in 84-77 loss at Austin Peay LY. Governors allowed 100 pts/game in losing their last three games, losses by 4-37-40 points. Austin Peay has #301 eFG% defense, is shooting just 29.9% on arc, but they are 2-1 vs teams ranked outside top 200. SoCon home favorites are 6-1 vs spread; OVC road underdogs are 24-27.

Ole Miss is #69 experience team playing tempo #64; Rebels are 6-3, allowing 77+ points in eight of nine games. Ole Miss is shooting 38% on arc (#67) but has #247 eFG% defense. Murray State is 2-3 vs top 200 teams, losing by 32 at Evansville Saturday; Racers are 0-4 on road, with other road losses all by 6 or less points. Ole Miss is 2-3 in last five games; they start only one senior and he’s not a guard, so holes are showing. SEC home favorites are 22-22 vs spread; OVC road underdogs are 24-27.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

CBB*|*UCF*at*GEORGE WASHINGTON
Play Over - Home teams against the total poor shooting team - shooting <=42% on the season against opponent after 2 straight games - allowing a shooting pct. of 37% or less
54-23*over the last 5 seasons.**(*70.1%*|*28.7 units*)
0-1*this year.**(*0.0%*|*-1.1 units*)

CBB*|*MURRAY ST*at*OLE MISS
Play Against - Any team (OLE MISS) excellent free throw shooting team (>=73%) against a good free throw shooting team (69-73%), good rebounding team (+3 to +6 reb/game) against an average rebounding team (+/-3 reb/game)
104-97*over the last 5 seasons.**(*51.7%*|*38.5 units*)

CBB*|*UCF*at*GEORGE WASHINGTON
Play Under - All teams where the first half total is 60.5 or less poor shooting team - shooting <=42% on the season, after a game where a team made 50% of their 3 point shots or better
277-174*since 1997.**(*61.4%*|*85.6 units*)
0-1*this year.**(*0.0%*|*-1.1 units*)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Opening Line Report - Week 15
By Marcus DiNitto

Here are the opening point spreads for Week 15 of the 2016 NFL season, with insight from two Las Vegas oddsmakers – the South Point’s Chris Andrews and the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook’s Ed Salmons.

Numbers listed are the Vegas consensus as of about 11:30 p.m. ET on Sunday night. Early line moves and differences among sports books are also noted.

Thursday, Dec. 15

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (-13.5)

Seattle -12.5, the first number posted in Las Vegas (Westgate), wasn’t big enough for bettors’ tastes, as it was pushed to -13.5 within the first hour of wagering. The betting market apparently is fading the Rams’ embarrassing showing Sunday, a 42-14 home loss to the Falcons, more than the Seahawks’ forgettable performance, a 38-10 loss at Green Bay.

Sunday was the first time since 2011, the year before Russell Wilson came into the league, that the Seahawks lost by more than 10 points. But they also lost at Tampa Bay two weeks ago by nine, 14-5.

“I don’t want to jump conclusions because they are really good, but they have had holes in their game all year,” Andrews said of Seattle. “Their offensive line is not that good, they haven’t run the ball consistently in a lot of games...At some point, you’ve got to quit ignoring those danger signs, because we’ve been looking for them all year, but they haven’t really come to fruition until these last couple of weeks.”

Salmons added, “Usually Pete Carroll’s team play great in December, so it’s really hard to justify (Sunday’s) performance. It was just awful, especially defensively. Earl Thomas (safety, out for the season) is probably their best defensive player, but Green Bay has been so bad all year, and they looked good today, and it was more Seattle than them.”

All that said, Seattle is 6-0 at home and lays the biggest number on the Week 15 card.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rams (4-8) at Seahawks (8-3)

Date: December 15, 2016 8:25 PM EDT

The Week 15 NFL schedule kicks off Thursday in Seattle where the 8-4-1 Seahawks host the NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams. Both teams are coming off devastating Week 14 losses. The Seahawks lost to a hot Green Bay Packers squad 38-10, while the Rams got booed out of the Los Angeles Coliseum in their 42-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

That loss was the final straw for Rams head coach Jeff Fisher. He was fired on Monday.

"This is the right time to make a change as our performance has not lived up to my or our fans' expectations," Rams owner Stan Kroenke said in a team issued statement about Fisher's removal as head coach. "We all are focused on improving as an organization and building a team that makes Los Angeles proud. Our mission is to celebrate a Super Bowl title with our fans in Los Angeles. Today is the first step to bringing us closer to that goal."

The Rams (4-9) have lost four straight games and the offense has looked like "a middle-school offense" in the words of Rams running back Todd Gurley. The second-year runner out of Georgia has regressed this season. Gurley, who had five 100-yard rushing games in 2015, has yet to break that threshold in 2016. Gurley is averaging only 3.3 yards a rush and has scored five rushing touchdowns.

John Fassel, the Rams special teams coordinator, has been tabbed to close out the last three games as head coach. His first game at the helm comes on a short week and on the road. Fassel will be tasked with trying to keep a team together that seems to not be playing with any passion or fire.

When asked if he thinks everyone was showing up to play, Gurley answered, "I don't. I really don't. We're just going through the motions. It looks like everybody's just playing to get through. Man, we gotta play. I don't care if we're out of the playoffs or not. I don't care. Just come up, show up, play. That's why we play this game. Show up, play?"

Seattle head coach Pete Carroll needs his quarterback, Russell Wilson, to show up and play better than he did against the Packers. Wilson was intercepted five times and had numerous other poor throws that contributed to the blowout loss. The Seahawks are the only team in the NFC West with a winning record and should win the division with ease. But Wilson needs to play better down the stretch if Seattle wants to make a deep run in the playoffs.

"When we turn the ball over like that, nothing feels right and you don't have a chance to get anything accomplished," Carroll said. "I know you want to know reasons. I don't know. We've been together for five years now and we haven't seen anything like that so it's a pretty unusual occurrence."

As the running game of the Rams continues to struggle, the ground attack for the Seahawks is picking up steam at just the right time. Running back Thomas Rawls, who is finally healthy, helped carry the rushing attack the past two games. Seattle had 136 yards rushing against the Packers. The Seahawks have rushed for over 120 yards and averaged over five yards a carry in the past four games.

Rawls has 173 yards rushing the last two weeks. He will be looking to add to that total Thursday against the Rams. Los Angeles gives up 110.3 yards per game and 4.2 yards per rush. The Rams also have given up big runs, allowing 11 over 20-plus yards this season. Only San Francisco and Miami have allowed more.

"It's been a month of a big turn from what it was. Thomas really ran hard again the other night. We feel like we can really find the balance that we like," said Carroll of his running back's return.

The improvement on the ground goes hand in hand with Rawls' return to the lineup after missing seven games with a hairline fracture on his fibula. Seattle had gone six straight games without gaining 100 rushing yards before Rawls returned to the lineup.

Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner leads the NFL in tackles with 139 and Seattle's defense is third in the NFL in points allowed with 17.8 per contest. Seattle will be facing a Rams' offense that is the worst in the NFL and only averages 14.9 points a game. The Rams have only scored 194 points the entire season.

Seattle has produced 16 turnovers on defense in 2016 while the Rams' offense has giving the football up 24 times. The Rams will need to cut down on turnovers for a chance to beat the Seahawks on a short week and on the road.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Thursday Night Football betting preview: Rams at Seahawks

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (-16, 38.5)

The Seattle Seahawks are trying to put the pieces together after a lopsided loss while the Los Angeles Rams are attempting to tackle a much bigger puzzle with an interim head coach at the helm during a short week. The first-place Seahawks look to capture the NFC West title for the third time in four years and remain perfect in the Pacific Northwest on Thursday night when they host John Fassel and the reeling Rams.

Seattle, which needs just a win or an Arizona loss to clinch the division crown, hardly looked like a playoff contender on Sunday as Russell Wilson threw a career-high five interceptions in a 38-10 setback in Green Bay. "I put that on me. That game was on me," said the 28-year-old Wilson, who was hampered by an ailing ankle on Sept. 18 and threw for just 254 yards as the Seahawks suffered their third straight loss to the Rams with a 9-3 decision in Los Angeles. That was a happier time for the Rams, who parted ways with Jeff Fisher on Monday and temporarily handed the keys to special teams coach Fassel just hours after the club sustained its eighth loss in nine games with a 42-14 shellacking by Atlanta. Fassel's task is a formidable one as Los Angeles ranks last in the NFL in points (14.9 per game) and total yards (286.2), and 30th overall in both rushing yards (81.1) and turnover differential (minus-11).

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

POWER RANKINGS: Rams (+5.5) - Seahawks (-4.5) + home field (-3) = Seahawks -13

LINE HISTORY: The Seahawks opened as 13-point home favorites over the Rams. That -13 clearly wasn't big enough for the betting public and was steadily bet up all week until it finally settled in at -16 on Wednesday evening. The total hit the board at 39.5 and came down a full point to 38.5.

WEATHER REPORT: The forecast in Seattle for Thursday night is calling for clear skies, temperatures right around the freezing mark and no wind issues at all (2-3 mph).

INJURIES:

Rams - WR B. Quick (Probable, shoulder), DE M. Longacre (Probable, heel), DE R. Quinn (Doubtful, concussion), CB E. Gaines (Doubtful, quadricep), RB B. Cunningham (Out, neck), S M. Alexander (Out, concussion), TE C. Harkey (I-R, tricep), LB J. Forrest (I-R, knee), WR N. Spruce (I-R, knee), DT L. Trinca-Pasat (I-R, knee), FB Z. Laskey (I-R, undisclosed), WR M. North (I-R, undisclosed), DB B. Randolph (I-R, knee), T D. Williams (I-R, undisclosed).

Seahawks - LB B. Coyle (Probable, foot), LB D. McDonald (Questionable, illness), DE D. Moore (Out, foot), RB C. Prosise (Out For Season, shoulder), FB W. Tukuafu (I-R, concussion), RB T. Pope (I-R, ankle), S E. Thomas (I-R, leg), DT Q. Jefferson (I-R, knee), DT G. Smith (I-R, undisclosed), TE J. Sommers (I-R, ankle), WR T. Slavin (I-R, undisclosed), DE T. Barnes (I-R, arm), CB S. Jean-Baptiste (I-R, shoulder).

ABOUT THE RAMS (4-9 SU, 4-8-1 ATS, 5-8 O/U): Todd Gurley didn't help Fisher's cause after blurting out that Los Angeles "looked like a middle-school offense out there," with the running back being limited to 3.3 yards per carry and five touchdowns in 13 games this season after an impressive 4.8 average and 10 scores in his rookie campaign. Top overall pick Jared Goff is still getting his feet wet after sitting in favor of Case Keenum, throwing two interceptions on Sunday before finishing with respectable numbers (24-of-41 for 235 yards) due in part to the game being out of hand in a hurry. Both Goff and Gurley scored a rushing touchdown last week, with the former's serving as his first of his career.

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (8-4-1 SU, 7-6 ATS, 7-6 O/U): Seattle entered Sunday's game versus Green Bay as the league's top defense but saw that designation shredded after surrendering a season high in points in the first contest without former All-Pro safety Earl Thomas (broken leg). Seattle limited Gurley to just 51 yards on 19 carries with linebacker K.J. Wright collecting a team-high nine tackles in Week 2 and 49 with two sacks and a forced fumble over his last six games at home. Wideout Doug Baldwin has 20 receptions in his last three contests, but was limited to season lows in catches (three) and yards (20) in the first meeting with the Rams.

TRENDS:

* Rams are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
* Seahawks are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Thursday games.
* Under is 9-0 in Rams' last 9 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.
* Over is 4-1 in Seahawks' last 5 home games.
* Home team is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.

CONSENSUS: 57 percent of the picking public is grabbing the home favorite Seahawks and 56 percent are taking the Over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NFL Picks: Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks Odds & Predictions
by Alan Matthews

Thank you Rams owner Stan Kroenke! I was struggling to think of a creative story angle for what looks like a pretty lame Thursday night matchup this week between NFC West rivals Los Angeles and Seattle. I doubt this one is very stylistically pretty and the Seahawks are massive favorites.

But Kroenke made the big NFL news of Monday by firing Coach Jeff Fisher, something that was at least a season too late. Here I thought we were actually going to make it through a rare season where no coach was fired. Look, I don't wish anyone to lose their job, but Fisher was basically stealing his owner's money. And, frankly, it's like he was asking for this. Fisher has been feuding publicly with Rams legend Eric Dickerson, who said he would never again go to a Rams game in person while Fisher was the coach. A couple of games ago, Fisher couldn't even find the challenge flag in his big puffy winter coat.

Kroenke is one of the richest men in the United States, so he can do what he wants. But why on earth did he give multi-million dollar extensions through 2018 to Fisher and GM Les Snead? That happened before the season started but didn't leak out until earlier this month. I'm not sure if Snead keeps his job after the season, either, although I don't see why he would.

I'm guessing some of the sportsbooks will offer a prop on the next Rams coach and I'll probably touch on that on my Friday NFL news update story. I've already heard Jim Harbaugh's name mentioned. That would be just the sort of buzz and credibility this franchise needs in Hollywood, and Harbaugh would immediately become the biggest sports personality in that town now that Kobe Bryant is retired. But I see no way he leaves his alma mater Michigan after just two years and on the verge of creating a superpower. I suppose if Kroenke throws $15 million a year at Harbaugh maybe he takes the call. Frankly, his brother John is more likely. He can opt out of his contract with the Ravens and it might be time for him to leave if Baltimore misses the playoffs again. You will surely head Jon Gruden's name too.

The Rams did Fisher a huge favor in a way as he has lost 165 games, tying Dan Reeves for the most by a coach in NFL history. Unless Fisher buys his own team somehow, he's not going to be an NFL head coach again so at least he's not the sole record-holder. Fisher had 45 losses since joining the Rams in 2012; only Jacksonville's Gus Bradley with 47 had more, and Bradley will be joining Fisher in looking for work after the regular season. The interim Rams coach is special teams coordinator John Fassel.

Rams at Seahawks Betting Story Lines

Los Angeles (4-9) dropped its fourth straight game Sunday, and it sure looks like the players quit in a 42-14 home defeat to Atlanta. The Falcons didn't have an injured Julio Jones yet still jumped out to a 42-0 lead after three quarters. They could have won 60-0 if they wanted. Jared Goff simply doesn't look like an NFL quarterback yet as he threw two more picks and the Rams turned it over five times. The Rams have to hire an offensive head coach to work with Goff.

Todd Gurley, held under 100 yards for the 20th time in the past 21 games (hope he wasn't your fantasy football first-round pick), said the Rams "looked like a middle school offense." Indeed, I'd take offense to that if I was a middle school as the Rams have five TDs at home this year. Atlanta had six on Sunday. Los Angeles is last in the NFL in first downs, yards and points per game. It's a shame because the defense has some major talent, but that side has totally mailed it in by allowing 116 points in the past three games. Did I mention the Rams owe their 2017 first-round pick to Tennessee? And third-rounder?

I actually expected Green Bay to beat visiting Seattle (8-4-1) on Sunday, but certainly not a 38-10 smackdown. It was easily the Seahawks' worst all-around game under Pete Carroll. In fact, they hadn't lost any game, regular season or playoffs, by more than 10 points since Russell Wilson entered the NFL. That's pretty amazing. It was Seattle's biggest margin of defeat since losing to the Giants 41-7 on Nov. 7, 2010. Wilson had his worst game, too, throwing a career-high five interceptions. I think the offense will be just fine, but that defense doesn't look the same without Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas, who broke his leg in Week 13. Aaron Rodgers had a passer rating of 150.3, the highest mark of any quarterback against Seattle since Carroll became the coach in 2010.

The Seahawks dropped down to the NFC's No. 3 seed with that loss. They aren't catching No. 1 Dallas (11-2), but I think Detroit (9-4) will lose at least once more with Matthew Stafford suffering a finger injury on Sunday. Seattle should win out as it also hosts Arizona on Christmas Eve and closes at San Francisco. The Lions might lose out as they visit the Giants this Sunday, go to Dallas and close at home vs. Green Bay.

Rams at Seahawks Betting Odds and Trends

Seattle is a 16.5-point favorite (+105) with a total of 38. I believe that's the highest opening spread and lowest total of the season at the site. On the moneyline, the Seahawks are -1000 and Rams +650. On the alternate lines, Seattle is -16 (+100), -15.5 (-105) and -15 (-110).

Los Angeles is 4-8-1 against the spread (3-4 on road) and 5-8 "over/under" (3-4 on road). Seattle is 7-6 ATS (4-2 at home) and 7-6 O/U (4-2 at home). The Rams are 2-7 ATS in their past nine vs. teams with a winning record. They are 1-5-1 ATS in their past seven after a loss. The Seahawks have covered six in a row on Thursday. They are 19-7 ATS in their past 26 following a loss. The under is 7-0 in L.A.'s past seven vs. the NFC West. It's 9-3 in Seattle's past 12 against teams with a losing record. The home team is 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The under is 4-0 in the past four in Seattle.

Rams at Seahawks Betting Prediction

For reasons I can't really explain, the Rams have often given the Seahawks fits the past few years and in fact have won the past three meetings. In Week 2 in the NFL's first regular-season game back in L.A., the Rams won 9-3 -- one of two victories for them this year without a touchdown. Wilson was still pretty banged up back then and didn't do much. Case Keenum was L.A.'s quarterback. I see no shot for the Rams to win this game, but I'll take 16.5 points whenever offered in an NFL game. Go under that small total as I see something like 24-10.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Seahawks bounce back'

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks December 15, 8:25 EST

Seattle in one ugly mood after a 28 point thrashing at the hands of Green Bay take out their frustration on lowly Rams. Spotting two touchdowns in a division game is cause to ratchet up the tension for a sports handicapper. However, in this case the numbers add up well enough to conclude Seattle is the best choice. Seattle has been money-in-the-bank following a loss. In the last eight the result has been seven cashed tickets, 1 tossed in the waste basket. Have the squad off a 20 or more point spanking they're 4-0 against the betting line. Additionally, Seahawks are a sparkling 5-0 ATS after a loss the previous effort then facing a division opponent. Another positive for Seahawk supporter's, the squad* has enjoyed success in Thursday football cashing six straight tickets.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL

Week 15

Thursday Night

Rams (4-9) @ Seahawks (8-4-1)— Seattle slipped out of #2 seed in NFC with loss to Packers; Seahawks are 6-0 at home, 3-3 as home favorites, with three wins by 11+ points. LA is in turmoil, traveling on short work week with John Fassel their interim coach; Rams lost eight of last nine games overall, but they have beaten Seattle three times in row, including a 6-3 slugfest in Coliseum in Week 2, when Wilson was gimpy with bad ankle. Rams’ 23-17 win here LY was their first win in last 11 visits to Seattle.* Rams were outscored 117-45 in last three games; they’re 4-2 as road underdogs, but were outscored 38-0 in first half of last two games. NFC divisional home favorites are 6-12-1 vs spread. Over is 4-2 in last six Seattle games, 3-5 in Rams’ eight games away from home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey

There is only one horse that beat Triple Crown winner American Pharoah during his historic campaign last year and he will be in action at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.

In case you forgot, Keen Ice pulled off the upset in last summer’s Travers Stakes (G1), upsetting American Pharoah by ¾ of a length at 16-1.

However, since that win the colt has run seven times without finding the winner’s circle. He was trained by Dale Romans last year but was moved to the Todd Pletcher barn after returning from Dubai where he was eighth in the Dubai World Cup (G1).

Off a six-month layoff, he ran third against second level optional claimers, but that did not deter his connections from running in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) where he was third but no match for Arrogate and California Chrome.

On Saturday, he goes in the $100,000 Harlan’s Holiday (G3), a 1 1/16 mile test on the main track. If all goes well, Keen Ice will be pointed toward the first running $12 million Pegasus Cup Invitational (G1) on Jan. 28.

“He seems to be in sharp form. The mile and a sixteenth doesn’t seem like his ideal distance, but we want to get him something between now and the Pegasus,” Pletcher said. “We feel sharpening him up is better than waiting to run him on January 28.”

The race is one five stakes on Saturday’s card, three graded. The co-features are the $100,000 Rampart (G3) and $100,000 Sugar Swirl (G3), both for fillies and mares.

I will have my full card report for both Gulfstream Park and Aqueduct available for Saturday.


Here is the opening race from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:

GP Race 1 Clm $30,000B (12:35 ET)
#4 Ascot Girl 9-2
#5 Forever for Always 7-2
#7 Danish Princess 3-1
#3 Murray's Girl 6-1

Analysis: Ascot Girl tracked the early pace while saving ground and did not have enough punch left late in a fifth-place finish last out against $25,000 starter allowance foes at Laurel Park. The winner Marabea came back to win the Claiming Crown Tiara in her next outing on Dec. 3. She is back in for a tag here in a good spot facing non-winners of three or a race in five months.

Forever for Always stalked the early pace and came with a good late rally to finish in the runner up spot last out at this level. The winner Marmalade came back to beat Alw-1 company in her next start on Nov. 19. The mare comes in here in sharp form but does not win very often, just 2 for 30 in her career on turf.

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 4,5 / 3,4,5,7
TRI: 4,5 / 3,4,5,7 / 2,3,4,5,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:

GP Race 7 Alw $50,000s (3:32 ET)
#3 Insum Money 7-2
#9 Gone Jak 6-1
#7 Barry Karafin Bets 3-1
#2 Promete 5-1

Analysis: Insum Money dueled for the early lead and drew off to break his maiden last out in his second career outing, catching slop in a race taken off the turf. The third-place finisher Epic Drama came out of that race to graduate next out for a $50,000 tag thanks to a DQ. Our top pick ran second in his debut at 9-2 behind repeat winner My Friend, who came back to beat $35,000 starter optional claimers in his next outing on Sept. 30. Nicks has picked up three wins at the meeting and is 16% winners with runners coming back off a 61-180 day layoff.

Gone Jak was a much the best maiden winner in his debut, drawing away late to win by six lengths at 10-1 for a $25,000 tag. The Castillo barn started off this meeting 0 for but won with 6 of his previous 15 starters this year. The colt has seven sibs that re winners including a stakes winner, top earner My Tee Time ($153,415).

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 3,9 / 2,3,7,9
TRI: 3,9 / 2,3,7,9 / 2,3,6,7,9

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Gulfstream Park
R5: #9 War Bond 10-1
R6: #10 E Z’s Mistress 12-1
R8: #12 Colormeapegasus 15-1
R9: #10 Street Cash 12-1
R10: #11 Blame Mike 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Flamboro Downs

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

Race 10 - Post: 9:00 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 72 - Purse:$4400 - ALLIANCE SERIES - HORSES & GELDINGS - CLAIMING $6500.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 PANTHEON SEELSTER 5/2
# 4 TWICE AS BRIGHT 2/1
# 3 MICRO FORCE 6/1

We've got a vibe PANTHEON SEELSTER is going to get the victory. This fine animal looks very good considering the high class ratings. We wouldn't recommend tossing out of any exotics. The knowledge group noted a very compelling outing out of this contender last time. Hoping for a repeat effort of that to end up in the winner's circle. The 5 position sports an above average win percentage at Flamboro Downs. TWICE AS BRIGHT - This competition could be controlled by this gelding. One look at the avgerage speed rating will verify that. Could most likely defeat this pack given the 70 TrackMaster SR earned in his last race. MICRO FORCE - Could provide us a victory based on good recent speed figs - earning an average of 73. Good for a win bet just off the terrific prior class numbers. Have to like this entrant.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Saratoga Harness

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

Race 8 - Post: 6:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 70 - Purse:$6400 - COLTS & GELDINGS - 5-YEAR-OLDS & UNDER - NON-WINNERS 2 EXT PARI-MUTUEL RACE OR $20,000 LIFE SARATOGA
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 6 CINDY'S PARTY BOY 8/5
# 1 WELL LETS SEE 7/5
# 3 SPY IN THE CAMP 10/1

CINDY'S PARTY BOY has a really good shot to take this contest. Have a gut feel this one might steal in here. If performance in the last race is any indication, this harness racer will have a very very nice shot for this one. High last race speed figure. The consortium has Devaux on its list of drivers who are tough as nails recently. Last 30 days win percent is exemplary. WELL LETS SEE - Top notch win rate combined with recent formidable performances. We think he can handle this group. Recent stats for the driver - 21 percent win - make this gelding a clear choice in the group. SPY IN THE CAMP - With a good 66 TrackMaster Speed Rating last time out, will clearly be a factor in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track

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


Race 5 - Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $5750 Class Rating: 76

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 117 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,500.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 4 JAMAICA BAY 9/2

# 2 PRIVATE SUNSHINE 2/1

# 5 AMOR INCONDICIONAL 3/1

I have to consider JAMAICA BAY here. The handler wheels this one back soon to race again. Her 71 average has this mare with among the most competitive speed figures for this race. Ran a sharp last race. PRIVATE SUNSHINE - Is a solid contender based on numbers recorded recently under today's conditions. Looks very good to be on the front end at the first call. AMOR INCONDICIONAL - Ought to come out sharp - I have liked the way this mare has moved swiftly to the front end recently. With a solid 65 average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delta Downs

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


Race 8 - Allowance - 7.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $30000 Class Rating: 89

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR TRIAL OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 15 ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 7 LUVINMEISEASY 9/2

# 1 CAP TRICK 3/1

# 6 MOON GATE WARRIOR 5/2

LUVINMEISEASY has a very strong shot to take this race. Always good to invest in a handler with this kind of decent win percentage - 22 percent - at this distance & surface. With a strong 89 Equibase speed fig last time out, will clearly be a factor in this contest. CAP TRICK - Has been running solidly and has among the top speed in the race for today's distance. He has very good class ratings, averaging 95, and has to be considered in this contest. MOON GATE WARRIOR - Shows sound speed figures on average overall when measured up against the rest of this group. This jockey and handler team has produced some solid ROI numbers at this track.