Thursday 2/25/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oilers (22-33) at Kings (35-20)

Date: February 25, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

The last time Edmonton won in Los Angeles, the Kings were seven months away from winning their first Stanley Cup and Connor McDavid was 14.

There's nothing hinting at that changing Thursday night with the last-place Oilers beginning a back-to-back set in Southern California against the first-place Kings.

That last Oilers' win at the Staple Center was on Nov. 3, 2011, and the Kings have since gone 14-1-3 in the series with seven straight home victories by a 28-8 total. They've won all three meetings this season and seem to be entering this contest well equipped to continue limiting Edmonton's scoring.

After Tuesday's 2-1 home win over Calgary, the Kings (35-20-4) are playing the second of nine straight in the Los Angeles area with eight home contests only disrupted by a Feb. 28 drive to Anaheim. It was their second straight win by that final, and Anze Kopitar scored the winner late in the second period to give the forward five goals in his last five games after sitting out Saturday's overtime win at Nashville because of a lower-body injury.

"We did grind it out," said Kopitar, who has 13 points in his last 10 games against the Oilers. "Maybe we didn't play our best game, but it's that time of year where it doesn't really matter, as long as you get the two points. We certainly realize there's some room for improvement, but we have a pretty nice homestand now. We just need to keep building momentum at home and taking care of business."

At the other end, Jonathan Quick continued to impress and has a 1.59 goals-against average in five straight games of giving up at most two goals. Quick's been about as stingy against Edmonton, posting a 1.57 mark over a 12-0-3 span since that 2011 loss.

Even if he does slip up, there's a decent chance Los Angeles will be able to make up for it. Edmonton (22-33-6) has lost a season-worst five in a row, including four straight in regulation. After Tuesday's 4-1 home loss to Ottawa, the Oilers have given up an average of 3.64 goals per game over a 3-10-1 span.

Edmonton coach Todd McLellan was left questioning his team's character and whether many of his players should be with the team past Monday's trade deadline.

"I have a huge concern because the spirit of the team isn't where it needs to be," McLellan said. "There has to be 10 guys in there that have so much pride that they pull the rest of the guys along. We'll see what happens over the next six or seven days. Maybe there are some guys waiting for that. It's got to get better or we need to make huge, huge changes."

McDavid is one player who's clearly going nowhere, and though he's only played in one of the games against the Kings, they've taken notice. He assisted on Jordan Eberle's goal against the Senators, giving him 16 points in his last 11 games.

"We've only played him once. He's a high-end player," Los Angeles coach Darryl Sutter told the Kings' official website. "He's 18 years old playing in a men's league, and his production, if he'd played every game, his production is with the top handful of guys in the league."

Cam Talbot has been in goal for the four straight regulation losses and has gone 1-6-0 with a 3.56 GAA in his last eight games. He's 1-4-0 with a 3.91 mark against the Kings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Grand Salami - February

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI
Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
2/1 No games scheduled - - -
2/2 12 64.5 75 OVER
2/3 3 16 15 UNDER
2/4 12 64.5 77 OVER
2/5 4 21 27 OVER
2/6 12 62 67 OVER
2/7 3 16.5 17 OVER
2/8 4 20 20 PUSH
2/9 12 64.5 72 OVER
2/10 3 16.5 10 UNDER
2/11 9 49.5 66 OVER
2/12 7 35.5 47 OVER
2/13 10 52 56 OVER
2/14 5 25 24 UNDER
2/15 7 38.5 47 OVER
2/16 8 43.5 39 UNDER
2/17 3 16.5 21 OVER
2/18 11 60.5 68 OVER
2/19 5 26.5 24 UNDER
2/20 9 47 59 OVER
2/21 6 30.5 34 OVER
2/22 4 21 27 OVER
2/23 9 49.5 43 UNDER
2/24 4 - - -
2/25 10 - - -
2/26 5 - - -
2/27 9 - - -
2/28 7 - - -
2/29 6 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Minnesota won four of its last five games.
-- Carolina won four of its last six games.
-- St Louis won five of last six games. Rangers won seven of their last ten games.
-- Predators won three of their last four games.
-- Islanders won six of their last eight games.
-- Senators won their last four games.

Cold teams
-- New Jersey, Columbus both lost three of their last four games.
-- Flyers lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Maple Leafs lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Arizona lost last three games, scoring seven goals. Florida lost four of last six at home.
-- Chicago lost three of its last four home games.
-- Winnipeg lost its last four games, three by one goal. Dallas lost three of last four games.
-- Calgary lost their of its last six games.
-- Vancouver lost four of its last five games.
-- Edmonton lost eight of its last nine games. Kings are 4-5 in their last nine.

Series records
-- Devils lost their last four games with Columbus.
-- Flyers won three of last four games with Minnesota.
-- Carolina won five of last six games with Toronto.
-- Arizona won six of its last eight games with Florida.
-- Rangers lost seven of last ten games with St Louis.
-- Chicago won six of last eight games with Nashville.
-- Dallas Stars won five of last six games with Winnipeg.
-- Islanders won six of last eight games with Calgary.
-- Ottawa won three of last four games with Vancouver.
-- Kings won five of last six games with Edmonton.

Totals
-- Under is 4-0-2 in last six New Jersey-Columbus games.
-- Over is 8-1-1 in last ten Minnesota games.
-- Last five Carolina-Toronto games stayed under.
-- Last six Arizona-Florida games stayed under total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Ranger-St Louis games.
-- Last five Nashville games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Winnipeg-Dallas games went over total.
-- Last four Islander games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Vancouver games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-0-2 in last eight Edmonton-Los Angeles games.

Back-to-backs
-- None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA notebook: Sprained shoulder sidelines Pistons' Johnson
By The Sports Xchange

Detroit Pistons rookie forward Stanley Johnson has a right shoulder sprain and will miss at least a week, the team announced Wednesday.
An MRI performed Tuesday confirmed the shoulder sprain. Johnson will begin rehabilitation immediately and will be re-evaluated in a week, the team said.
Johnson, 19, suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of Detroit's 96-88 win at Cleveland on Monday night. Johnson, Detroit's first-round draft pick in 2015 out of Arizona, is averaging 9.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 57 games this season. The Pistons signed forward Justin Harper to a 10-day contract.

---Miami Heat backup point guard Beno Udrih will undergo surgery for a torn plantar plate in his right foot and is expected to miss three months, the team announced.
Udrih suffered the likely season-ending injury after playing six minutes in the first half of Miami's 101-93 overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. A follow-up MRI exam on Tuesday revealed Udrih needed surgery.
Udrih has appeared in 36 games (five starts) with the Heat this season, averaging 4.4 points, 2.5 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 16.3 minutes while shooting 43.4 percent from the field as the backup to Goran Dragic.

---The Sacramento Kings recalled rookie forward Duje Dukan from Reno of the NBA Developmental League affiliate.
Dukan has started 16 games for Reno this season, averaging 13.9 points and 4.2 rebounds. The 24-year-old undrafted rookie has yet to play in an NBA game for the Kings this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Warriors (51-5) at Magic (25-30)

Date: February 25, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Orlando Magic's best stretch in two months comes with the caveat that their opponents are hitting 3-pointers at an alarming rate.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson certainly seem prepared to exploit that problem when the Golden State Warriors visit Thursday night.

The Warriors (51-5) are averaging a league-high 115.1 points per game and reached the 100-point mark for the 15th straight time in Wednesday's 118-112 win at Miami. They've won 14 in that span and improved to 4-1 on a seven-game road trip that ends Saturday against Oklahoma City.

Curry finished with 42 points after his go-ahead 3-pointer with 38 seconds left and clinching free throws with 18.5 seconds remaining. Thompson scored 33 for the defending NBA champions, who are one game ahead of the pace of the record 72-win Chicago Bulls of 1995-96.

Curry leads the NBA in scoring and is averaging 33.8 points in eight games this month. He reached 40 for the ninth time this season Wednesday, and he'll be looking to break Kyle Korver's record of 127 straight games with at least one 3-pointer after draining six against the Heat.

Thompson is averaging 27.8 points during the trip and has hit at least four from deep in each of the last three.

"Steph and Klay can be such equalizers," coach Steve Kerr said. "Steph has license to shoot any time he wants. I'd be an idiot if I didn't let him shoot any time he wants. I tell him all the time to shoot as much as he wants, but let's get the ball moving and force the other team to defend. He got Klay going (in the fourth quarter Wednesday)."

The Magic (25-30) have won four of six and sit in 11th in the Eastern Conference, 3 1/2 games back of Charlotte for the final playoff spot. Their only defeats in that stretch are by a combined five points to San Antonio and Indiana.

But despite their success lately, they're having trouble defending the 3. Orlando is allowing opponents to shoot 43.6 percent from long range during that stretch after Philadelphia went 10 of 21 in Tuesday's 124-115 victory.

Curry (45.5 percent) and Thompson (42.0) both rank among the league's best 3-point shooters and have combined for more 3s (442) than nine teams - including Orlando.

"Every time I watch them I feel like I'm watching the best team I've ever seen play. If they're not (the best ever), they're right there," Magic coach Scott Skiles told the team's official website. "They're the best passing team in the league, hence them shooting the ball so well. Everything is sharp with them.'

Nikola Vucevic provided the offense necessary Tuesday, scoring a season-high 35 points. Victor Oladipo finished with 22 and Evan Fournier added 21 for Orlando, which gave up 31 points apiece in the first three quarters.

The Magic likely won't want to get into a shootout in this matchup, although the Warriors are allowing an average of 107.3 points on the road compared to 98.9 at home.

"We've got to do a better job of keeping our man in front of us and do a better job collectively, and we're capable of doing that,' Oladipo said. "(Golden State) is in a place right now where they are all playing free and playing at a high level because it's fun. They just love playing with each other and I think that's why they play so well. It's going to be a great competition and I'm looking forward to it.'

The Magic have dropped the last four meetings, but they nearly won at Golden State in the last meeting Dec. 2, 2014. Oladipo scored 27 points before Curry's 3-pointer with 2.2 seconds left gave the Warriors a 98-97 victory.

Golden State 13-1 in the second game of a back-to-back set.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bucks (24-33) at Celtics (33-25)

Date: February 25, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Boston Celtics are enjoying their longest home win streak in three seasons.

The Milwaukee Bucks' Michael Carter-Williams has yet to lose in his home state.

One of those facts will change when the Celtics start a five-game homestand Thursday night against Carter-Williams and the surging Bucks.

Boston (33-25) has won eight straight at home for its longest streak there since an 11-game run in 2012-13. The Celtics now get to enjoy their longest stretch of 2015-16 on their own court.

"I'm looking forward to it, we always want to take care of home and it's going to be good being home," guard Avery Bradley said. "We just need to get wins and I'm confident that we can do that."

Carter-Williams may be confident too since his teams are 3-0 in Boston when he plays, with the Massachusetts native averaging 14.0 points and 6.7 assists.

Milwaukee (24-33) has won four of five since O.J. Mayo and Miles Plumlee moved into the starting lineup for Carter-Williams and Greg Monroe.

"Since we made the change in the lineup, it just makes our bench that much stronger," coach Jason Kidd said. "And for them to sacrifice, everybody wants to start and those two have the right to say they should be starting but we have no bench right now."

That change started with a 112-111 home win over Boston on Feb. 9, in which Monroe had 29 points and 12 rebounds. Carter-Williams got the majority of the minutes over Mayo at point guard and had 16 points, six boards and five assists as the Bucks prevailed despite blowing a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter.

Neither Carter-Williams nor Mayo may handle the bulk of the ballhandling duties Thursday since Kidd said after Monday's 108-101 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers that Giannis Antetokounmpo will shoulder a good part of that load after he recorded his first career triple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

"We're letting him start the offense," Kidd said. 'We're trying to get the ball to him as quick as possible and having everybody else run."

Antetokounmpo is averaging 20.3 points while posting four straight double-doubles, and Jabari Parker is averaging 22.0 in the last three.

"The way we're starting with O.J. and Khris (Middleton), we wanna get our shooters out and let Jabari and Giannis make plays in the open court, that's what their strengths are right now, we want to take advantage of that," Kidd said.

These teams have split two meetings this season, and the Bucks have done a good job of limiting Celtics leading scorer Isaiah Thomas to an average of 17.5 points on 34.5 percent shooting. Thomas averages 21.6 points and shoots 42.2 percent.

With Thomas pushing the pace, Boston averages 101.4 possessions per 48 minutes to lead the Eastern Conference. The Celtics' defense was deficient in a 1-2 trip after the All-Star break, allowing opponents to shoot 50.9 percent.

Bradley and Thomas combined for 40 points in Monday's 124-122 loss to Minnesota that has them looking forward to turning things around at home.

"Take it one game at a time but definitely we need to take advantage of this stretch," Thomas said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Thunder (41-16) at Pelicans (22-34)

Date: February 25, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

The Oklahoma City Thunder rely heavily on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The same can be said of Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans.

Durant and Westbrook look to continue spurring the Thunder's success on the road Thursday night when they face Davis and the Pelicans.

Oklahoma City (41-16) has an 11-game lead in the Northwest Division, and the bulk of that credit goes to Durant and Westbrook.

Durant is third in the league with 27.7 points per game, while Westbrook is tied with Davis for seventh at 24.0 and also second in assists with a career-high 10.2.

Durant and Westbrook made an impact again Wednesday, scoring 24 points apiece as Oklahoma City avoided a third straight loss with a 116-103 victory at Dallas.

It was the Thunder's 13th win in the past 17 road game since Dec. 8, tying Cleveland for the best away winning percentage in that span.

Westbrook handed out 13 assists for his 10th double-double in 11 games, while Serge Ibaka and Steven Adams combined for 28 points on 13-for-21 shooting.

"My job is to be able to find those guys when they're making shots, when they're contributing to our team," Westbrook said.

Westbrook, however, has done much of the damage himself in helping Oklahoma City take three of the last four with the Pelicans (22-34). He's averaging 39.8 points and 8.8 assists while sinking 56.1 percent of his shots in those games.

He poured in 45 points in a 102-91 win in the most recent visit to New Orleans while Durant was out with a toe injury Feb. 4, 2015.

The Thunder coasted to a 121-95 win over the Pelicans on Feb. 11, getting 23 points each from Durant and Westbrook while Ibaka added 18.

They'll face a formidable home team in the Pelicans, winners of eight of 11 in New Orleans while averaging 108.7 points on 47.2 percent shooting, including 41.6 from beyond the arc.

They were nowhere near that productive Tuesday, making 34.9 percent from the field and 6 of 23 from 3-point range in a 109-89 loss at Washington.

Davis' performance was indicative to those struggles as he only managed nine points on 3-for-9 shooting while adding 20 rebounds. That came two days after the star forward had a career-high 59 points with 20 boards in a 111-106 win at Detroit.

"He's not going to force shots up there so he can have 20 shots," coach Alvin Gentry said. "If they're doing a good job, he's still going to play in the flow of the game. As coaches, what we've got to try to do is that we've got to try to figure out - even with two guys on him - how we can get more shots for him.

"The thing about this league is that everybody does a great job scouting."

Davis is averaging 31.3 points on 60 percent shooting in his last four meetings against the Thunder.

Jrue Holiday scored a team-high 20 Tuesday, part of his 22.5 average over the last six games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nets (15-42) at Suns (14-43)

Date: February 25, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

If draft positioning is the present goal, the Phoenix Suns are playing the game well.

Losers of 12 straight, the NBA's worst team over the past two months hosts the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night in a game that could impact their chances in this year's lottery.

Injuries and personnel changes have led to Phoenix (14-43) losing 27 of 29 to record the league's third-lowest win total, one less than Brooklyn (15-42) and just three ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers, whom the Suns will face twice in March. The Suns are on pace for their worst finish since going 16-66 in their 1968-69 NBA debut.

Phoenix also stands one loss away from its longest skid since an 0-13 start in 1996-97 after trailing throughout Monday's 124-84 drubbing by the Los Angeles Clippers.

"The process we are going through right now is we are finding out the mental toughness of our team," interim coach Earl Watson said Tuesday on his weekly radio show. "More than anything, we do not make excuses. We come out and we compete and whatever the result is we are accountable for that result."

Watson, 0-8 since replacing Jeff Hornacek on Feb. 1, may have his best opportunity yet for a breakthrough. The Nets are 4-20 on the road and have lost seven straight as the visitors after opening a season-high nine-game trek with Tuesday's 112-104 defeat at Portland.

Brooklyn has no incentive to tank, however, as its 2016 first-rounder is owned by Boston as part of the ill-fated 2013 trade which brought in Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. And the Nets have been competitive of late, going 3-4 after losing 15 of 17.

They did give the red-hot Trail Blazers a challenge, battling back from a 14-point first-quarter deficit and a 19-point margin in the third to briefly move ahead in the fourth. The game was tied at 101 with two minutes left before Portland closed on an 11-3 run for its sixth straight win.

'We had a lot more energy (in the second half) and we knuckled down on defense and got some stops,' center Brook Lopez said. 'We came out a bit relaxed. I don't know what it was. There really is no excuse to start that way.'

Lopez led the near-comeback with a season-high 36 points and is averaging 24.8 over the last 11 games. He had 23 in a 94-91 home victory over Phoenix on Dec. 1, helping the Nets amass a 50-34 advantage in the paint.

Brooklyn hasn't won when scoring under 100 since that result, having dropped 21 straight when failing to reach that mark.

Getting there may not be too difficult against Phoenix, which has yielded 101 or more in 24 of 29. The Suns have been particularly dreadful defensively in three games since the All-Star break, allowing opponents to average 119.3 points and make 46.9 percent of their 3-point attempts.

The Nets, though, are 8 of 34 from beyond the arc over their past two games.

Phoenix is expected to have center Tyson Chandler back from a two-game absence caused by a bruised shoulder. Alex Len totaled 37 points and 21 rebounds starting in his place but is questionable after spraining an ankle in Wednesday's practice.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockets (28-29) at Trail Blazers (30-27)

Date: February 25, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Despite big efforts from James Harden and Dwight Howard, the Houston Rockets have already tried - and failed - twice to halt the Portland Trail Blazers' hot streak.

The second double-digit loss to the Blazers this month caused interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff to refer to his team as "broken," and the Rockets are still seeking a fix in the final meeting.

Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum will try to accomplish something no teammates have in the past six years Thursday night when Portland looks to extend its longest winning streak in 15 months to seven.

After McCollum had 31 points and Lillard added 30 in Sunday's 115-111 home win over Utah, the dynamic duo scored 34 apiece in Tuesday's 112-104 victory over visiting Brooklyn.

Now the guards have a chance to achieve a feat not even Golden State's Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson nor Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant has done in recent years. They can become the first teammates with at least 30 points in three straight games since Golden State's Corey Maggette and Monta Ellis in January 2010.

"It's comforting for me to know that I can pitch ahead to CJ and be on the weak side and if he gets trapped, they can swing it to me, but I've got a lot of confidence in him having the ball," Lillard told the team's official website Tuesday following the team's 15th win in 18 games.

Perhaps motivated by his exclusion from the All-Star Game, Lillard has become the first Blazer to score at least 30 points in five straight since Geoff Petrie in the franchise's inaugural 1970-71 season. Lillard's tear has included a career-best 51-point effort last Friday in which he made 9 of 12 from 3-point range in a stunning 137-105 home win over league-best Golden State.

Portland (30-27), which has averaged 118.4 points on 48.5 percent shooting in its last five games, hopes to keep climbing after moving up to sixth place in the Western Conference. It's also going after its longest winning streak since a nine-game march in November 2014.

'We can't let our guard down,' coach Terry Stotts said. 'I'm glad we're making a move.'

The Rockets have had a couple of shots to end the run, but Lillard and McCollum totaled 37 points in Portland's 96-79 road win Feb. 6 and Lillard led the way with 31 in a 116-103 home victory Feb. 10. Harden and Howard have done all they can, teaming for 50 points and 22 rebounds in the home loss before finishing with 62 and 22 in the most recent meeting.

The rest of the Rockets (28-29) totaled 70 points on 29.2 percent shooting in those games. Bickerstaff had enough after the last one, calling it a "broken team" and "fragmented."

Houston responded with a 116-100 win at lowly Phoenix last Friday, but Harden's 42 points weren't enough in Tuesday's 117-114 overtime loss at Utah that dropped the club out of a playoff spot. Harden also scored 45 in a 108-103 overtime home win over Portland on Nov. 18.

The Rockets could have a difficult time slowing the red-hot Blazers this time after allowing 112.8 points per game and a 46 field-goal percentage during a 3-7 stretch.

"Our focus is on us right now," Bickerstaff said. "We are not worried about the other teams."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Rockets at Trail Blazers

Houston Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers (-4.5, 222)

The Portland Trail Blazers are no longer thinking about just making the playoffs, but about earning a higher seed. The Trail Blazers are winners of six straight and 15 of their last 18 and will try to disappoint another team chasing them in the standings when they host the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

Portland came out of the All-Star break in a three-team race for the last two spots in the Western Conference with Houston and Utah but has continued its surge to put those team in the rear-view mirror. The dynamic backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum have each gone over 30 points in the last two games after Lillard responded to his All-Star snub by dropping 51 points on the Golden State Warriors on Friday. The Rockets had a chance to claim eighth place in the West on Tuesday but could not find a way around Utah in a 117-114 overtime loss. Houston has dropped seven of its last 10 games, including a pair of losses to the Trail Blazers by an average of 15 points.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT, ROOT (Houston), CSN Northwest (Portland)

LINE HISTORY: The Blazers opened as 4.5-point home favorites against the visiting Rockets. The total opened at a high 222.

INJURY REPORT:

Rockets - SF M. Thornton (questionable Thursday, acquisition), PF D. Motiejunas (out indefinitely, back).

Trail Blazers - No injuries to report.

POWER RANKINGS: Rockets (-0.9) - Trail Blazers (-3.9) + home court (-3) = Trail Blazers (-6)

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "It's not often we get the same matchup thrice in a three-week stretch, so this somewhat turns into a handicapper's conundrum. I can say one thing, the sharp NBA players have been riding high on the Blazers since before the break. Currently, we have around 70 percent of the action on the home squad, and it looks like the spread will climb to -5 at some point soon. Portland overs have been a hot bet of late but we've seen more money on the under in this one thus far." - Scott Cooley.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "The hottest team in the league right now, the Blazers have won six straight. But a long road trip looms and they are just 11-16 away from home. Meanwhile, what a disaster its been in Houston. Phoenix accounts for two of the Rockets three wins since January 25th." - Power Sports."

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (28-29, 25-32 ATS, 34-23 O/U): James Harden is doing his part with an average of 34.6 points in the last five games and went for 42 at Utah on Tuesday. Jason Terry buried a 3-pointer to force overtime but could not get another to fall as the extra period came to a close. “This might have been the toughest loss of the season,” Terry told ESPN. “We fought back. Give credit to Utah, they were very resilient, hit big shots. But this one is going to sit with us. We're going to be (an angry) team when we go into Portland on Wednesday.”

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (30-27, 32-25 ATS, 31-26 O/U): Lillard joined Geoff Petrie (1970) as the only players in franchise history to score 30 or more points in five straight games with 34 on Tuesday in a 112-104 over the Brooklyn Nets. Lillard downplayed the big scoring numbers and insisted the small things are the reason for the win streak. “I say it all the time - we don’t have the luxury of coming in and expecting somebody to lay down to us or expecting to win games, period,” Lillard told reporters. “We’ve got to come out, we’ve got to play four quarters, we’ve got to do those small things that make us the team that we’ve become.”

TRENDS:

* Trail Blazers are 5-0 ATS in their last five versus Western Conference opponents.
* Rockets are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
* Over is 5-0 in Trail Blazers last five games overall.
* Over is 10-1 in Rockets last 11 road games.

CONSENSUS: Bettors are backing the Trail Blazers in this Western Conference matchup with 61 percent of wagers on Portland. As for the total, 58 percent of wagers are on the over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Thursday's hot teams
-- Orlando won four of last six games (9-4HU). Warriors are 10-1 in last 11 games, but covered only one of last six.
-- Bucks won four of their last five games (2-5 last 7AU). Celtics won six of their last nine games (6-1 last 7HF).
-- Oklahoma City won eight of last 11 games (2-8 last 10AF). New Orleans won four of last six games (3-4HU).
-- Portland won its last six games (9-3 last 12HF).
-- Spurs won nine of last ten games, covered one of last five. Jazz won its last five home games (5-2HU).

Cold teams
-- Nets lost three of their last four games (0-0AF). Phoenix lost its last 12 games (4-3HU with Watson as coach).
-- Rockets lost four of their last five games (6-10AU).

Series records
-- Warriors won last four games with Orlando.
-- Celtics lost seven of last ten games with MIlwaukee.
-- Thunder won three of last four games with New Orleans.
-- Nets won six of last eight games with Phoenix.
-- Trailblazers won four of last five games with Houston.
-- Spurs won eight of last ten games with Utah.

Totals
-- Four of last five Orlando games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Milwaukee games stayed under. Last six Boston games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Thunder games stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten Brooklyn games went over total.
-- Six of last seven Portland games went over total.
-- Five of last seven San Antonio-Utah games went over.

Back/backs
-- Golden State is 10-4 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Oklahoma City is 2-5 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- San Antonio is 11-0 SU if it played night before, 7-4 vs spread; 0-4 in last four, after 7-0 in first seven.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Seminoles (16-11) at Blue Devils (20-7)

Date: February 25, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

A short-handed roster finally took its toll on Duke at the end of a taxing four-game stretch.

With two key players having a chance to heal up, the 15th-ranked Blue Devils should be in better shape for Thursday night's home game against fading Florida State.

Down to six healthy scholarship players, Duke (20-7, 9-5 ACC) couldn't hold on to a 12-point lead during what coach Mike Krzyzewski called the most physical second half of the season in Saturday's 71-64 loss at then-No. 18 Louisville. Already minus Matt Jones due to a sprained ankle, the Blue Devils lost another starter when freshman guard Derryck Thornton hurt his shoulder with around nine minutes remaining.

Thornton did return to the game with 3:55 left, likely due to leading scorer Grayson Allen fouling out. Allen was the only Duke player to score in double figures with 29 points.

Krzyzewski said Monday that he expects both Jones and Thornton to play in Thursday's bounce-back opportunity. The Blue Devils entered Saturday having won five straight overall and three in a row over ranked ACC foes, a streak capped by last Wednesday's 74-73 come-from-behind win at then-No. 5 North Carolina.

Jones, Duke's best ball-handler, was especially missed during a game in which the Blue Devils committed a season-high 18 turnovers that led to 19 Louisville points. Eight came during the final 10 minutes as the Cardinals rallied from a 50-38 deficit with 12:26 left.

'They were unbelievable in how they were warriors, but the limits were stretched (Saturday),' Krzyzewski said.

Brandon Ingram had 10 of those turnovers while being held to eight points, his lowest output since Nov. 29. The star freshman had combined for 45 points in back-to-back wins over the Tar Heels and current No. 3 Virginia.

Florida State (16-11, 6-9) also had one get away Saturday, blowing a 10-point second-half lead in an 83-73 loss at Virginia Tech. The Hokies shot 60.9 percent in amassing 46 points after intermission to deal the Seminoles a fourth straight defeat, marking their longest losing streak since a five-game skid in February 2007.

"I thought we played some pretty good basketball for about 34 minutes, but unfortunately the game is 40 minutes," coach Leonard Hamilton said. "I thought we lost our composure when they started mounting a charge."

Ineffective defense has been a troubling constant during the Seminoles' skid, letting opponents average 80.3 points and shoot 51.4 percent with a 45.7 percent mark from 3-point range. Virginia Tech finished 11 of 19 from beyond the arc.

A quick improvement will be needed to avoid a fourth straight loss in this series. Duke leads the ACC with 9.3 made 3s per game in conference play and has hit 43.6 percent over its last six. Allen is 21 of 40 while averaging 23.3 points over that span.

Florida State has lost eight straight to Top 25 teams on the road since winning at No. 24 Virginia on March 1, 2012, less than two months after upsetting fourth-ranked Duke 76-73 in Durham.

The recent struggles haven't affected Hamilton's job security, as he received a two-year extension through 2018-19 on Wednesday.

"This extension represents our belief that he will put a first class team on the court, and our continuing commitment to that belief," Florida State president John Thrasher said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mustangs (22-4) at Tigers (15-12)

Date: February 25, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

SMU won't be appearing in the postseason, but that doesn't mean it has nothing to play for in its final four games.

The 24th-ranked Mustangs are still in the hunt for their first back-to-back regular-season conference championships in nearly 50 years heading into Thursday night's visit to Memphis.

SMU (22-4, 10-4 American Athletic Conference) is one-half game behind first-place Temple, but the Owls won the only meeting 89-80 on Jan. 24 to end the Mustangs' program-record 18-0 start. SMU has alternated wins and losses in seven games since that defeat, though it inched closer to Temple after it beat East Carolina 74-63 on Sunday and the Owls lost 74-55 at Tulsa on Tuesday.

The Mustangs haven't repeated as regular-season league champs since taking three straight from 1964-65 to 1966-67 while playing in the Southwest Conference. SMU, however, won't play in the NCAA and conference tournaments because of sanctions.

"I can't believe we're going to be done in two weeks to be honest with you," coach Larry Brown said. "I don't know if I want to see it end for the seniors, so I'm just sitting here hopeful that the next four games are really ones that they will all remember and appreciate."

Seniors Nic Moore and Markus Kennedy led the way Sunday, as Moore had 22 points and seven assists and Kennedy scored a season-high 19 with nine rebounds. Moore is averaging 22.0 points and shooting 51.9 percent (14 of 27) from 3-point range over the last four games.

"I don't understand how (Moore's) not the top candidate for player of the year," Kennedy said. "(Oklahoma guard) Buddy Hield's playing good, but come on, man."

Moore had 22 points as SMU beat Memphis 80-68 on Jan. 30 for its third straight win in the series. That began a stretch of five losses in seven games for the Tigers (15-12, 6-8), which has put pressure on coach Josh Pastner as he faces a second straight season of missing the NCAA Tournament.

Memphis beat UCF 73-56 on Feb. 17 to improve to 13-5 at home before falling 80-71 on Saturday at South Florida, which entered 0-6 on its own court in AAC play.

Dedric Lawson and Avery Woodson each scored 17 for the Tigers, who shot 36.5 percent and rank second-to-last with a 40.3 field-goal percentage in conference action. SMU, meanwhile, is shooting 48.2 percent in the AAC to lead the league.

These teams rank 1-2 in scoring in conference play, with Memphis at 75.3 points per game and SMU averaging 74.9. The Tigers, though, allow AAC opponents to average 75.5 points while the Mustangs hold them to 66.4.

Lawson has averaged 19.0 points and 11.6 rebounds in recording five straight double-doubles, tied for the 14th-longest streak in program history. He's fourth in the nation among true freshman and first overall in the league with 13 double-doubles.

Lawson had 13 boards last month at SMU but shot 1 for 9 as Memphis lost its ninth straight against a ranked opponent since beating the No. 18 Mustangs 67-58 at home in March 2014.

Kennedy says he doesn't see that happening again.

"We're in the position we want to be in, it's all on us," he said. "I feel like the pressure is on every other team in our conference to not lose because we're not losing no more."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hoosiers (22-6) at Fighting Illini (12-15)

Date: February 25, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Indiana will open March with what amounts to a mini-tournament that could decide the Big Ten regular-season title. First, the Hoosiers will be careful not to overlook Illinois.

Although they've struggled offensively during consecutive road losses, that certainly wasn't the case during a historic shooting performance last month against the rival Illini.

With Troy Williams and Yogi Ferrell on track, No. 18 Indiana will try to remain on target in its bid for a second league crown in four years by winning its third straight in this series Thursday night.

The Hoosiers (22-6, 12-3), who won their only regular-season Big Ten title under Tom Crean in 2012-13, will visit No. 8 Iowa on Tuesday before returning home to face No. 10 Maryland on Sunday. One game separates the three teams with three remaining.

Indiana should have a major advantage if it can take care of business against Illinois. The Hoosiers lead the conference with 83.2 points per game and a 50.2 field-goal percentage, but they've scored only 66 on 37.1 percent in losing their last two on the road.

Ferrell, who averages a team-high 16.6 points, had scored 11.8 on 23.8 from the field over a four-game stretch before finishing with 18 on 7-of-13 shooting in Saturday's 77-73 home win over then-No. 17 Purdue. Since averaging 7.8 points over his previous four, Williams has totaled 37 while hitting 15 of 20 shots in the team's back-to-back victories.

"The worst thing that could happen when somebody is struggling is you keep reminding them of it," coach Tom Crean told the school's official website. "The last thing we want to do is dwell on what's not working. We want to make sure we're spending enough time on what is."

The Hoosiers should be able to get some open looks as they try to avoid their fourth loss in five road games. The Illini allow a league-high 45.9 field-goal percentage, the second-most points (74.9 per game) and the second-highest 3-point percentage (37.1).

Williams led the way with 21 points, while Ferrell and Max Bielfeldt had 16 apiece in a 103-69 home win over Illinois on Jan. 19. Ferrell added nine assists to set the school's career record and sank five of the team's conference-record 19 3-pointers in 36 attempts.

The Illini fell to 4-10 in league play following Sunday's 69-60 loss at Wisconsin. Malcolm Hill had 20 points and seven rebounds, while Kendrick Nunn scored 15 off the bench.

Hill, averaging team highs of 18.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists, has totaled 42 points in his last two games since scoring a season-low seven on Feb. 13.

Illinois (12-15) will try to take better care of the ball after committing 12 turnovers against the Badgers. Indiana ranks among the league leaders, forcing 13.3 per game, and owned a 20-3 advantage in points off turnovers against the Boilermakers.

'When you have 12 turnovers in a low-possession game, that's not good enough,' Illini coach John Groce said.

The Hoosiers had dropped 11 of 12 trips to Champaign before a 80-74 win Jan. 18, 2015. Williams has scored 21 points in each of the past two meetings, shooting a combined 16 for 21.

The Illini have split their two home games versus ranked opponents, topping then-No. 20 Purdue 84-70 on Jan. 10 before falling to then-No. 5 Iowa 77-65 on Feb. 7.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sun Devils (14-13) at Utes (21-7)

Date: February 25, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Utah will be seeking to avoid a letdown Thursday night against a lowly opponent with a showdown looming over the weekend.

The No. 22 Utes will be heavily favored to post a fifth consecutive victory as they look to defeat Arizona State for the 10th straight time at home.

Utah (21-7, 10-5 Pac-12) won twice on the road last week, 75-73 against UCLA on Thursday and 80-69 over Southern California on Sunday to move back into the Top 25 after dropping out in early January.

A sold-out crowd is expected for Saturday's showdown against No. 9 Arizona, although the Utes must focus on a Sun Devils team that hasn't won in Salt Lake City since 1975 and received more bad news this week.

Arizona State (14-13, 4-10) announced Tuesday that junior guard Andre Spight has left the program and plans to transfer, leaving it with eight scholarship players.

Utah won twice over Arizona State last season by a total of 59 points. An 83-41 home rout with a halftime score of 41-9 was the Sun Devils' worst loss since a 117-71 defeat to USC in March 1998.

Utes 7-footer Jakob Poeltl did not see much action against the Sun Devils last season, making 7 of 8 shots and adding 13 rebounds and seven blocks in 48 minutes.

Poeltl has posted three straight double-doubles and has 12 on the season after he had 29 points and 13 boards against the Trojans. He made his first four shots from the floor.

'It's easy to play when you get rolling, when you see the ball go in at the start,' Poeltl said. 'You just have that energy and you can go all day long.'

Poeltl is shooting 74.6 percent in his last five games and leads all major college players in field-goal percentage at 66.8.

'Our guys are doing a nice job delivering it to him and he's not forcing the issue," coach Larry Krystkowiak said. "He's shooting the high-percentage shot. He'll find the open guy if the double-team does come. It's been a nice combination.'

Jordan Loveridge scored 13 on Sunday and senior guard Brandon Taylor reached double digits in assists for the first time in his career with 10 after having seven against the Bruins.

'Brandon has been a little stubborn, and he'd probably be the first to admit it," Krystkowiak said. "It took him a while to figure it out, but better late than never."

Arizona State has not played since last Wednesday's 99-61 road loss to the Wildcats. Spight and Obinna Oleka each scored 15 points.

The Sun Devils have an average of nearly five shots per game blocked for the conference's worst mark. Poeltl had six blocks in the 42-point rout.

Arizona State top scorer Tra Holder averages 15.1 points, but he's totaled 15 on 5-of-23 shooting in his last two games and failed to score while going 0 for 8 with six turnovers in 51 minutes against Utah last season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Thursday's games..........

NC-Wilmington won 70-67 at Hofstra Feb 4th, after trailing 38-18 with 2:24 left in first half; Seahawks lead Hofstra by game atop CAA. Pride won last three visits here, in series where visitor won five of last six tilts. UNCW is 12-1 in last 13 games, winning last five at home; they're 2-5 as home favorites. Hofstra won its last four games, is 4-0 as road underdog this year. CAA home favorites of 5 or less points are 9-12 vs spread.

Duke won last three games with Florida State by 19-22-3 points, after Seminoles had won four of five in series; FSU is 2-3 in its last five visits here, losing by 3-14-22 points. Seminoles lost four games in row overall, giving up 80.3 ppg- coach Hamilton got his contract extended yesterday. Duke won five of its last six games, winning last three at home by 8-1-7 points. ACC double digit home favorites are 13-11 vs spread.

Seton Hall won 81-72 at Providence Jan 16, surviving -10 turnover rate (19-9) in beating Friars for just second time in last eight meetings. PC won last three visits here, by 12-5-13 points. Friars are 2-5 in last seven games, losing last three on road by 7-5-11 points. Seton Hall won six of last seven games, losing last home games to Butler. Big East home faves of 6 or less points are 9-11 against the spread.

Memphis lost seven of last 10 games, are having their worst season in a long time; Tigers lost 80-68 at SMU Jan 30, shooting 32.7% from floor in losing for only second time in last seven series games. SMU split its last eight games, losing three of last four on road, winning at USF by 34. Memphis won its last two home games, is 1-1 as home underdog. AAC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 7-6 vs spread.

UAB won 81-78 at Marshall Jan 30; Herd is 0-3 vs UAB in conference play, losing by 6-18-3 points. Blazers are 19-2 in last 21 games, 5-2 as home favorites. Marshall scored 93.5 ppg in winning its last four games; they're 5-2 SU on road, 1-1 as road dog- their two road losses are by 8-4 points, at Charlotte/UTEP- they allowed 108 ppg in those two games. C-USA home favorites of 7 or less points are 17-11 vs spread.

Ark-Little Rock led 42-14 at half, held on for 68-62 win Jan 23 at Tex-Arlington; road team won four of five series games- Mavericks won by 4,7 in last two visits here. Trojans are 14-2 in last 16 games. 5-2 against spread as home favorites. UTA won four of last five games, is 4-4 SU on road, 1-1 as road underdogs- they won four of last five games, losing last game at home to ULM. Sun Belt home favorites of 7+ points are 17-12.

Cal won its last five games, four by 12+ points; they're 5-2 as favorites at home, winning all seven games. Home side won eight of last ten Cal-UCLA games; Bruins lost four of last five visits here, losing by 4-16-2-13 points. UCLA is 2-5 on Pac-12 road, with three losses by 7 points or less- they're 3-5 in last eight games overall. Pac-12 home favorites of 6+ points are 20-7 vs spread. Cal is stronger since PG Wallace returned.

Home side won seven of last eight Arizona State-Utah games; ASU lost last four visits here, by 21-5-23-42 points (83-41 LY). Utes are 3-2-1 as home favorites, winning last four overall- they're 7-2-1 vs spread in last 10 games. Sun Devils are 1-4-1 as road underdogs, losing four of last six games overall- their only win in seven road games was at Wazzu by 12. Pac-12 home favorites of 9+ points are 10-4 against the spread.

Stanford won its last four games with USC, winning by 21-8 in last two played here; Cardinal lost five of last seven games, is 3-1 as home dogs, 4-3 SU at home in Pac-12. USC lost five of last six road games, three of last four overall; they're 1-3 as road favorites- their last win outside of LA was New Year's Day in Pullman, where all the visitors win. Pac-12 home underdogs of 3 or less points are 11-3 vs spread.

Tennessee Tech lost 81-74 at Morehead State Jan 21 in a foulfest where 76 foul shots were taken. Eagles won five of last six series games, with wins by 26-4 in last two visits here. Morehead won five of its last seven games but is just 2-4 on OVC road. Tech is 6-0 at home in OVC, 3-2 vs spread as a home favorite. Tech shoots 39.6% on arc, best in OVC. OVC home favorites of 3 or less points are 5-8 against the spread.

UT-Martin beat Tennessee State by 18-17 last two years; Skyhawks are 4-1 as home favorites- they won last seven games overall, covering six of them- they're 6-1 at home, losing only to Belmont. State won four of its last five games; they're 4-3 on OVC road. OVC home teams are 10-17 vs spread in games where spread was 3 or less points. TSU won three of last four visits here, losing 100-81 in last visit here two years ago.

East Tennessee State is 8-1 in SoCon games decided by 6 or less points or in OT; Furman is 1-5 on SoCon road, with four losses by 4 or less points. Home side won all three Furman-ETSU games; Paladins won the first meeting 74-70 Jan 30, shooting 67% inside arc in game they led 39-27 at half. Furman lost 66-59 here LY. SoCon home favorites of 5 or less points are 11-8 vs spread. Buccaneers are just 1-5 as home favorites.

Idaho State won eight of last ten games, splitting last four on road; they lost 11 games in row vs Montana, which won last five visits here, by 5- 10-24-7-26 points. Bengals won their last five home games, with three by 17+. Montana is tied with Weber State atop Big Sky; they're 12-2 in last 14 games, 6-1 at home in Big Sky, with only loss to Idaho. Big Sky home underdogs of less than 5 points are 8-9 vs spread.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

PGA Tour Picks: Honda Classic Odds and Expert Betting Predictions
by Alan Matthews

Quite a week that Bubba Watson had last week. He passed a kidney stone on Monday (you don't know pain until you do that). Watson made an appearance on the TV show "Girl Meets World." Never heard of it, but cool. He also got to see his 3-year-old son play drums with Justin Bieber as well as take in an excellent Warriors-Clippers game in Los Angeles.

But the capper was on Sunday when Watson won the Northern Trust Open, the final tournament on the early-season West Coast Swing. Watson was down two shots with four holes to go Sunday but had two birdies over the final three holes to overtake Jason Kokrak and Adam Scott to win at Riviera for the second time in three years. Watson's 15-under 269 total matched his winning mark from 2014. It was Watson's ninth career win on Tour in his 237th career event and first of the season in his fifth start. It jumped Bubba from No. 6 to No. 4 in the world.

Kokrak, trying for his first Tour win, had a two-shot lead going into 15, but bogeyed and then watched Watson pass him with two short birdie putts at 16 and 17. Scott birdied his final two holes to get into the clubhouse at 14 under and hope Watson tripped up on No. 18. But Watson's approach landed just 13 feet from the cup and he had an easy two-putt par.

I didn't back Watson on any props last week. My guy to win was Dustin Johnson at +1400. He finished four, two shots back. So I hit on him for a Top 10 at +135. I also had Rory McIlroy doing good things last week and he found himself in the lead after an eagle on his first hole Sunday. But the rest of the round was a disaster as he shot a 75. It was McIlroy's worst final round as a professional in a non-major. I also had Hideki Matsuyama for a Top 10 and he missed that by a shot after a final-round 72. I didn't see good things for Jordan Spieth and was right on that as he missed the cut thanks to an opening 79. It was Spieth's 13th missed cut as a pro.

So now the Florida Swing begins this week with the Honda Classic at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens. Tiger Woods lives not far from the course, but he remains out amid one report this week that his back problems are getting worse and not better. Tiger's agent completely disputed that. It still doesn't appear Woods is anywhere close to playing, however.

PGA National is a tough Jack Nicklaus-designed track. It was the toughest par 70 in a non-major last season, with the field averaging 71.832 strokes. The 7,140-yard Champion Course is best known for holes 15, 16 and 17, known as "The Bear Trap." It has been the fifth-toughest three-hole stretch on Tour since 2007.

The defending champion is Padraig Harrington. He beat Daniel Berger in a Monday playoff, with Paddy rallying from four shots down with nine to play in regulation. It was his first PGA Tour victory since he won the 2008 PGA Championship at Oakland Hills for back-to-back major titles. Harrington had fallen to No. 297 in the world and lost his Tour card; he played the Honda on a sponsor's exemption. The Irishman also won the Honda Classic in 2005. He is a +9000 long shot to repeat. Only one man has: Nicklaus in 1977-78 at a different course.

It's a pretty strong field this week, but Watson and Spieth aren't playing. Anyone who hasn't yet qualified for next week's WGC-Cadillac Championship will get in if in the Top 50 of the rankings or Top 10 in the FedEx Cup points after this tournament.

Golf Odds: Honda Classic Favorites

McIlroy is the +550 Bovada favorite. He's very hit or miss here. McIlroy won in 2012, withdrew in 2013, lost in a playoff in 2014 and missed the cut last year. Last week's 20th was his worst worldwide finish in a while.

Rickie Fowler is +1200 . He hasn't played since blowing a near sure-win at the Waste Management Open on Super Bowl weekend and finishing second. He won his start before that in Abu Dhabi. Fowler has just one Top 10 here in the past four years, a seventh in 2012.

The favorites are rounded out by Scott, Matsuyama and Patrick Reed (all +1800). Scott seems to be breaking out of a bit of a slump with last week's strong result. He hasn't played here much, with a best of 12th two years ago. Matsuyama won in Phoenix on Super Bowl weekend. This is his debut here; he withdrew in 2014. Reed was seventh here last year and has progressively finished better at PGA National. He didn't play last week.

PGA Tour Picks: Honda Classic Expert Betting Predictions

For a Top 10, I like McIlroy (-165), Reed (+175), Branden Grace (+250) and Brooks Koepka (+275). Head-to-head, go McIlroy (-155) over Fowler (+120), Sergio Garcia (-115) over Paul Casey (-115), Koepka (-115) over Grace (-115), Russell Knox (-115) over Kevin Kisner, Reed (-115) over Phil Mickelson (-115), and Matsuyama (-115) over Scott (-115).

I'm probably going to put some longer-shot money down on Knox at +3300 to win. He was T3 here last year and lost in a playoff in 2014. But McIlroy seems to thrive at this course in even-numbered years, so he's my guy. He'll be plenty motivated off Sunday's disappointment.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey

Entries were drawn for Saturday’s $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park, and while the field lacks quantity, it sure does not lack in quality.

Six will head to the gate including the undefeated Mohaymen, who is the current 3-1 betting favorite for the Kentucky Derby.

The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee was perfect in three starts as a juvenile and made his three-year-old debut a winning one taking the Holy Bull (G2) over the Gulfstream park main track on Jan. 30. Junior Alvarado has the return call and the colt is going to be a puny price.

He does face some promising runners hoping to stamp a ticket to the Kentucky Derby. There are 50-20-10-5 points up for grabs toward entry into the Run for the Roses.

Trainer Todd Pletcher will be looking to saddle his fourth Fountain of Youth winner sending out the talented Zulu, who was an impressive 7 ¼ length winner against first level optional claimers in his first start against winners.

Pletcher won last year thanks to the stewards, Itsaknockout elevated to the top spot with the disqualification of Upstart.

Awesome Banner is coming off a win in the Swale (G2) and Awesome Speed won his third race in a row taking the Mucho Macho Man Stakes in his last outing.


Here is today’s opener from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:

GP Race 1 Clm $10,000 (12:35 ET)
#2 Right On Ready 6-1
#3 Bold Summit 2-1
#4 Scam 5-2
#8 Goodboycharlie 5-1

Analysis: Right On Ready tracked the early pace, had to steady nearing the quarterpole and finished up well when clear for third against $6,250. The gelding was claimed for the fourth time in his last five starts, today going for the Sancal barn that is showing a 0 for 5 mark first off the claim. This guy has done his best work over the main track here, winning 5 of 10 trips. He can handle the step up to $10,000.

Bold Summit set the early fractions, opened up a clear lead and got run down, settling for the runner up spot as the beaten favorite against state bred Alw-1 optional claimers. He was a game second for this tag two back in his first go off the claim by the Navarro barn. He makes his third start off the claim by a sharp outfit and looks well spotted dropping in for a tag here.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 2,3 / 2,3,4,8
TRI: 2,3 / 2,3,4,8 / 2,3,4,5,8

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

GP Race 8 Md Sp Wt (4:05 ET)
#10 Party Barn 8-1
#5 Fastnet Latina 8-1
#8 Cloontia 3-1
#9 Caribbean 4-1

Analysis: Party Barn set the early fractions and faded to finish seventh last out going a mile on the main track at the Big A. He ran into a tough group including the winner Shagaf, who came back to beat Alw-1 optional claimers in his next start and is headed to a stake in his next start. Our top pick is well bred, by Bernardini out of the stakes winner Hystericalady ($2.39 million) who has dropped one turf winner. The colt put in a good work on grass at Palm Meadows on Feb. 20.

Fastnet Latina debuts for the Clement barn that is 12% winners with first time starters. This colt is out of the stakes winner La Chunga ($156,340) who has dropped three winners and they have all won on turf, top earner Roheryn ($118,958). Rosario is out and will need to be replaced, the colt debuts with lasix and decent looking works.

Wagering
WIN: #10 to win at 9-2 or better.
EX: 5,10 / 5,8,9,10
TRI: 5,10 / 5,8,9,10 / 1,5,8,9,10

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
R3: #4 Pure Bliss 10-1
R5: #6 Hopefaithjoy 8-1
R6: #5 Mongolian Chrome 8-1
R8: #10 Party Barn 8-1
R8: #5 Fastnet Latina 8-1
R9: #5 Arch Leader 8-1
R10: #9 Forest Funds 8-1
R10: #2 Smoke Signals 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Thursday 2/25 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 6/1,2,4,7/1,2,6/1,3,5,6/2,3 = $19.20

EARLY PICK 4: 1,3,5,6/2,3/1,2,4,6,7/1,8 = $80

LATE PICK 4: 1,8/1,2,5,10/3,6/1,7,9,10 = $64

MEET STATS: 261 - 818 / $1374.60 BEST BETS: 42 - 76 / $149.90

SPOT PLAYS: 18 - 76 / $196.90

Best Bet: DONICUS (1st)

Spot Play: BETTYS BAY (7th)


Race 1

(6) DONICUS used a powerful third quarter move to dominate similar last week and keep his seasonal record perfect. This field is no tougher; call to repeat. (8) SOUTHWIND GIZZEL displayed high late speed when qualifying for this seasonal debut. She can threaten if she doesn’t get too far back early. (7) A ROD HALL broke early last time but recovered to finish third. He should hit the ticket here.

Race 2

(1) STONEHOUSE PETEY raced decently off the claim, chasing a dominant winner. There is no reason he can’t contend in this weak field. (7) LMC NUKULAR STRYKE faces much easier and will likely go off favored here. He should be gunning for the top early. (4) SKY GUY finished right together with the choice after following throughout but has a better chance here vs. a suspect field.

Race 3

(1) WINDSONG MAGIC slowed it down too much to the half last time and was ambushed by the rival that won. She was coming back on again at the end of the mile. A more aggressive steer gets it done here. (6) JAYPORT ON THE EDGE may take big action tonight because of the way he closed last week after getting held up. I’m not sold he is better than the choice at this point. (2) FASHION STAR makes his seasonal debut and it’s encouraging that he got a clean qualifying line in his first try considering the gait issues he had last year. He can share here.

Race 4

(1) CROWN ISLE raced okay trying to advance first up last time, but the winner slipped out of the pocket in front of him. He could carve out a winning trip here at a price. (3) FUTURE MILLION just missed holding on and is the one to chase down again. (5) KABLOOIE makes his second start off the claim and the improved post is a big plus here; using.

Race 5

(2) DREAMFAIR MESA was bet like he couldn’t lose in his debut last week and looked good winning. He faces tougher here but may be up to it. (3) THREE TRUTHS exits the Count B series and faces easier. He will be in the hunt here and is the one to beat. (10) WICHITA LINEMAN was first up against a very impressive undefeated colt and was repelled last week. He is in with a puncher’s chance here but will need to work out a trip.

Race 6

(4) CROWNINGCREST raced well first time in a claimer last week and perhaps he has found his proper class level now. (6) MAGICAL PUMPKIN set reasonable fractions then tired late. He may carry his speed farther here. (7) TOWNLINE MOMMA was hung the mile vs. non-winners of two last time. If she can clear early vs. these, she has a shot.

Race 7

(8) BETTYS BAY showed some late speed in her season’s debut, which was only her third lifetime start. She could get a more aggressive steer here; call to upset. (1) DOCS DIVA is the one to beat on paper but is already turning into a bit of a money burner. (7) JENS CREDIT looks best of the rest and she should at least be near the front early.

Race 8

(10) FLAHERTY went a good trip vs. an impressive and heavily-bet debut winner last time. He can take these if the intent is there from the 10-hole. (5) FANCOURT is related to a few decent winners and might be ready to fire a big one in this debut mile. (1) MOHEGAN BLUE CHIP has disappointed but may be ready to fire his best shot now that the rust is gone.

Race 9

(6) REGALLY MAGNIFIED drops back into claimers where he was winning at Flamboro and will likely offer a square price here. He gets the slight nod over (3) REGAL FAME, who looks tons the best on paper but has missed three weeks, which is a bit of a head scratcher. (2) OK GLADIATOR moves into Auciello’s barn off the claim and should show more here.

Race 10

(10) LADY SANTANNA had a brutal trip last week and failed as the choice. She should be able to find a helmet to follow here and could click at a much better price. (1) MIDNIGHT MAYHEM drops into claimers and gets a better post. She has a good chance vs. these. (7) HOLIDAY ROMANCE also drops into claimers and should be able to carry her good early speed further here. (9) JINGLEWRITER can share at a big price if she starts her move earlier this time. (2) BLUSHING PROMISE improved for McNair as many do and she could better that placing too.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (6th) Night Madam, 6-1
(7th) Narvaez, 7-2


Charles Town (3rd) Don't Be Coy, 7-2
(5th) Ischia, 4-1


Delta Downs (7th) Dig This One, 7-2
(9th) Texas Fire, 10-1


Fair Grounds (2nd) Declan's Gold, 4-1
(6th) Full Heart, 4-1


Golden Gate Fields (1st) Bound for Heaven, 10-1
(5th) Hello Irving, 9-2


Gulfstream Park (1st) Dunkin Bend, 8-1
(2nd) Storm Coming, 5-1


Oaklawn Park (4th) Vogner, 4-1
(7th) Internet Success, 9-2


Penn National (2nd) Delayed Engagement, 8-1
(4th) Splitter, 6-1


Santa Anita (3rd) Speed Check, 7-2
(8th) Reliable Source, 6-1


Tampa Bay Downs (1st) Maddymax, 7-2
(9th) Arch Pearl, 6-1


Turfway Park (2nd) Boomer Six, 10-1
(3rd) Silver Coin Lady, 3-1