Thursday 2/4/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockets (26-25) at Suns (14-36)

Date: February 04, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

The only two Western Conference teams to make coaching changes during the season meet Thursday night when the Houston Rockets visit the Phoenix Suns. While that designation signifies both have been disappointments - and potential sellers at the trade deadline - each enters with some positive vibes.

James Harden will surely feel some back in the area where he starred collegiately. He'll try to prevent fellow former Pac-12 standout Earl Watson from feeling even better than he did following a losing debut as Suns coach.

A day after being promoted to replace the fired Jeff Hornacek, Watson was pleased with his team's effort in Tuesday's 104-97 home loss to Atlantic Division leader Toronto. Phoenix (14-36) got 30 points and 13 rebounds from former malcontent Markieff Morris, promising rookie Devin Booker scored 27 and Archie Goodwin had a career-high 12 assists.

'The energy was positive. I think we have another step to go,' said Watson, a former UCLA star whose NBA playing career ended in 2014. His team has lost five straight and 20 of 22.

'It's not really physical with our team, it's more mental."

The other West coach to be let go this season was Houston's Kevin McHale. J.B. Bickerstaff has gone 22-18 since taking over the Rockets (26-25), who reached last year's conference finals but are currently seventh in the West.

It's hard to blame Harden. He's second in the league with 27.9 points per game and up to eighth with 7.1 assists after totaling at least 10 in half of the last eight games.

'It means the defense has pressure on them,' Harden said of getting others involved offensively. 'Guys are making shots, guys are getting into a rhythm, getting comfortable and it's easier for me.'

Harden tied a career high with 14 assists in Tuesday's 115-102 win over Miami.

"People see the scoring, scoring, scoring, but they don't see that he makes plays for his teammates," Bickerstaff said. "They don't see the passes he makes time and time again.'

The former All-American at Arizona State has flourished when returning to the desert. His 26.6 career scoring average in Phoenix is his highest in any city, including 73 points along with 19 assists and 18 rebounds in the last two visits.

Houston has won three straight in Phoenix but had a five-game series winning streak snapped in the last meeting, a 117-102 defeat March 21.

Dwight Howard didn't play that game and might not have many left in a Rockets uniform. The 30-year-old can become a free agent after the season, and a report surfaced Wednesday that Boston is interested in acquiring him before the Feb. 18 trade deadline.

Howard's 14.4 scoring average is his lowest since his 2004-05 rookie season, and his 12 technical fouls lead the NBA. He had two ejections over the weekend, and the last one got him a one-game suspension for contact with an official.

As he served that ban Tuesday, the Rockets improved to 4-0 this month when he sits out. They've lost the last five games the three-time Defensive Player of the Year has played as opponents averaged 126.4 points.

Morris is among the most-mentioned names involving the deadline after previously saying he wanted to be traded. His best game of the season came Tuesday as he returned to the starting lineup after often seeing limited minutes or none at all under Hornacek.

'I had a feeling if I gave him positive encouragement and let him know that no matter what, we love him no matter what happened beyond basketball,' Watson said, 'and give him an opportunity to play and let him know he is going to play, he is going to get big minutes.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Lakers (10-41) at Pelicans (18-30)

Date: February 04, 2016 9:30 PM EDT

For more than half of the season, it was looking like there would be very few bad days for opponents to have the Kobe Bryant farewell tour come to town.

The 37-year-old might be finally throwing that into question with the Los Angeles Lakers embarking on a four-game road trip beginning Thursday night in New Orleans.

With the Lakers (10-41) facing the longest losing streak in a storied franchise history, Bryant scored a season-high 38 points, including 14 of the team's final 18 to help Los Angeles hold on for Tuesday's 119-115 home win over Minnesota. Bryant was 10 of 21 from the floor and hit 7 of 11 from 3-point range and is averaging 30.5 points while hitting 11 of 19 from beyond the arc in two games back after missing two of three with shoulder soreness.

"I appreciate the fact that he's out there competing like he has for 20 years," said coach Byron Scott, whose team had lost 10 straight. "His body can't do it like he used to, but his mind is still as sharp as a tack. He still has that will, and I marvel at that."

The Lakers have dropped five straight on the road, though they ended a five-game skid versus the Pelicans with a 95-91 home win on Jan. 12. That was their last victory before Tuesday, and while the offensive performances leading up to the win over Minnesota weren't inspiring, difficulties at the other end might be more to blame.

Dating to the 116-98 loss in Golden State that started the losing streak, the Lakers have allowed opponents an average of 109.5 points on 48.5 percent shooting while their offensive numbers haven't been much of a departure from their season.

Bryant's even had some efficient support from parts of the backcourt lately. Jordan Clarkson scored 16 against the Timberwolves and has shot 56.5 percent in the last two games, while D'Angelo Russell had 18 and is at 52.9 percent in his past two.

The defensive issues could be problematic against a New Orleans team that had been clicking offensively prior to consecutive losses. Over the preceding 7-2 span, the Pelicans (18-30) had averaged 110.2 points while shooting 47.1 percent and 44.1 from long range with an average of 11.1 makes per game.

After Wednesday's 110-97 loss in San Antonio, they've dipped to 96.0 and 43.3 percent while hitting 28.9 from outside in the two defeats. Their 19 turnovers were quite a departure from the 10.9 they'd averaged over the previous 10 games.

"I thought we did a lot of things right, but there were some things we needed to cut back on. One of them was turnovers," Jrue Holiday said. "We had 19, which you can't have. That's not really us - for the last month or so, we've cut that down to seven or eight (in many games)."

The Lakers' win in last month's meeting came with three-time All-Star Anthony Davis sidelined, and the power forward averaged 25.0 points on 66.3 percent with 9.6 rebounds on New Orleans' preceding five-game winning streak over Los Angeles.

This time around, the Pelicans could be without Tyreke Evans, who has missed the past four games with a knee injury in addition to the absence of Eric Gordon (broken finger). Bryce Dejean-Jones has started the last four along with Norris Cole, but much of Evans' offense has been deferred to Holiday. The guard has averaged 21.4 points in the last five games despite a 1-for-14 effort in Monday's loss to Memphis.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Raptors (33-16) at Trail Blazers (24-26)

Date: February 04, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

The Toronto Raptors made some history over the weekend, completing the franchise's first perfect seven-game homestand.

The Portland Trail Blazers have a chance to finish their seven-game homestand with six wins when they face the Raptors on Thursday night in a matchup between two of the league's hottest teams.

A victory over Detroit on Saturday capped the homestand for the Toronto (33-16), extending its franchise-best winning streak to 11 games. A subsequent six-game trip began with Monday's 112-93 loss to Denver, but the Raptors bounced back the next night with a 104-97 victory over Phoenix.

"It's good to get back to winning," said Kyle Lowry, who had 26 points and hit five 3-pointers. "It feels good to win."

The good vibes are also blossoming for the Blazers (24-26), who have won nine of 11.

In what was generally considered a rebuilding season after needing to replace four-fifths of its starters at the season's onset, Portland has nearly clawed back to .500 and is in the mix for one of the Western Conference's final playoff spots.

'It was just a matter of time before we started to click,' CJ McCollum said after Tuesday's 107-95 victory over Milwaukee. 'Forty games, 50 games in, that's when you start to see a better brand of basketball all around.'

McCollum had 30 points and Damian Lillard had 12 assists as the Blazers won their season-high fifth straight since losing to Atlanta in the opener to their homestand Jan. 20. They haven't won six in a row since a nine-game run in November 2014 and are trying to win six times on a homestand of at least seven games for only the third time.

History is on their side against the Raptors, as the Blazers have won the last seven matchups in Portland and 12 of 13 meetings overall.

'Guys are settling into roles. That helps,' McCollum said. 'We're starting to see that better product. There's still sloppy moments - that happens in basketball - but overall we're doing a better job of taking care of the ball and finishing games down the stretch.'

A commitment to defense has also keyed the turnaround.

In the last four games, the Blazers are limiting opponents to an average 94.0 points - 8.1 below their season mark. Their 47.5 opponent effective field-goal percentage during their win streak is one of the best marks in the league.

'We've been playing solid defense," coach Terry Stotts said.

Portland's defense will be tested by a Toronto team that has been on a tear besides the loss to the Nuggets, averaging 107.8 points in its last 10 wins.

While All-Stars DeMar DeRozan and Lowry have been producing slightly above their normal clip, Terrence Ross (8.8 points per game) has scored at least 15 in half of the last six games. The reserve guard is shooting 46.7 percent from beyond the arc in the last nine games and the Raptors are 16-3 when he makes at least two 3-pointers.

"We're just trying to find ways to win games," Lowry said. "Whether it's offense, defense, we're just trying to find ways to win games and close them out."

Portland may be without forward Noah Vonleh after he sprained his left ankle Tuesday. Despite starting, Vonleh only averages 3.6 points and 4.1 rebounds whereas Meyers Leonard averages 9.0 points and 5.0 rebounds while fellow backup Ed Davis is at 6.8 and 7.1.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Thursday, February 4 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

Can you even imagine Kevin Durant on the Warriors with Golden State still able to keep Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green? Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski, who is about as plugged in as any NBA reporter, reported on Tuesday that the Warriors would be the front-runners to sign Durant as a free agent this summer if he decides to leave Oklahoma City. Just think about that. These Warriors might break the NBA single-season record for wins and then add perhaps the league's second-best player? True, it would likely cost the Warriors Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut, but it's still a no-brainer move. Remember, the salary cap is going to skyrocket this summer. I still say Durant stays in OKC at least on a one-year deal (to link his free agency with Russell Westbrook's) and then could leave, but it's a tantalizing prospect to have him lined up next to Curry. The rest of the NBA might as well surrender if that happens.


Knicks at Pistons (-6, 204)

This is the first game of the TNT doubleheader and will have live betting at sportsbooks. Detroit was in Boston on Wednesday. New York lost a second in a row Tuesday, 97-89 at home to those Celtics. Carmelo Anthony had 16 points and 14 rebounds but shot just 4-for-16. Starting Knicks point guard Jose Calderon missed a fourth straight game but is very close to returning. New York won the first meeting 108-96 at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 29. Anthony led the Knicks with 24 points. They shot 54.4 percent from the field. Andre Drummond was largely held in check for Detroit with 13 points and nine rebounds. It was the season debut of Pistons guard Brandon Jennings off his Achilles' injury that cut short last season. Detroit has won three of its past four at home in the series.

Key trends: The Knicks are 5-2 against the spread in their past seven in Detroit. The "over/under" is 4-1 in the past five meetings overall.

Early lean: Pistons and under.

Rockets at Suns (+8, 213.5)

Houston ended a three-game losing streak with a 115-102 win over the visiting Heat on Tuesday. The Rockets were without Dwight Howard, who was surprisingly suspended because he brushed the arm of a ref in the previous game. Howard will be back here. James Harden had 26 points and a career-high 14 assists vs. the Heat. Phoenix lost a fifth in a row Tuesday, 104-97 at home to Toronto. That was the Suns head coaching debut of Earl Watson, who is the interim guy replacing Jeff Hornacek. The terrible Suns got more bad news when it was learned that young forward T.J. Morris was done for the season with a broken foot. He was averaging 11.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. It's the first meeting of the season between these teams. Houston had won five straight in the series before the Suns won the last in 2014-15, 117-102 in Houston. Eric Bledsoe, now out for the season, had a career-high 34 points. Phoenix has won 11 of the last 17 home meetings against the Rockets.

Key trends: The Rockets are 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The over is 5-0 in the past five in Phoenix.

Early lean: Rockets and over.

Lakers at Pelicans (-10.5, 209)

The second game on TNT. New Orleans was in San Antonio on Wednesday. Los Angeles avoided a franchise-record 11th straight loss on Tuesday with a 119-115 win over visiting Minnesota. Kobe Bryant had a season-high 38 points, and I have trouble seeing him score more than that in his final year. Kobe scored 14 of L.A's final 18 points. The team has shut down rookie forward Larry Nance Jr. until after the All-Star break due to a sore right knee. New Orleans swept the Lakers last year for the first time in franchise history but lost the first meeting this year, 95-91 in L.A. in Jan. 12. Anthony Davis missed that one and Kobe played just under 16 minutes. The starting Lakers backcourt of Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson combined for 37 points.

Key trends: The Lakers are 3-10 ATS in their past 13 road games vs. teams with a winning home record. The over is 9-0 in the Pelicans' past nine entering Wednesday.

Early lean: Lakers cover and over.

Raptors at Trail Blazers (+1.5, 203)

Toronto's 11-game winning streak ended Monday in Denver, but the Raptors rebounded on Tuesday with a seven-point win in Phoenix. Kyle Lowry had 26 points and DeMar DeRozan 22. Those two were named Eastern Conference Co-Players of the Month for January. Portland won a fifth in a row on Tuesday, 107-95 over Milwaukee. CJ McCollum had 30 points and Damian Lillard 14 points and 12 assists. The Blazers actually hold down the final playoff spot in the West. I don't see them there at the end of the season. The Blazers' Noah Vonleh injured his ankle in the game, but X-rays were negative. Portland has won 12 of the past 13 meetings in this series. Lillard averaged a team-high 24.5 points in the two wins last year. Portland has won seven straight at home vs. the Raptors.

Key trends: The favorite is 7-3 ATS in the past 10 meetings. The over is 10-1 in Portland's past 11 at home vs. teams with a winning road record.

Early lean: Raptors and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Thursday's hot teams
-- Portland won its last five games (7-1 last 8HF). Toronto won 12 of its last 13 games (1-3 last 4AU).

Cold teams
-- Detroit lost three of last four games (11-2 last 13HF). Knicks lost six of their last seven games (4-1 last 5AU).
-- Lakers lost 11 of last 12 games (7-14 last 21AU). Pelicans lost last two games, by 13-15 points (3-6 last 9HF).
-- Suns lost 20 of last 22 games (6-3HU). Houston lost three of its last four games (4-5AF).

Series records
-- Pistons won four of last six games with New York.
-- Lakers lost five of last six games with New Orleans.
-- Raptors lost their last four games with Portland.
-- Rockets won five of last six games with Phoenix.

Totals
-- Five of last six Detroit games went over, if they played nite before.
-- Under is 7-2 in Pelican games if they played night before.
-- Seven of last eight Portland games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Houston-Phoenix games went over total.

Back/backs
-- Detroit lost seven of last nine if it played night before.
-- New Orleans covered four in row if it played night before.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Raptors have rough road ahead'

Every team has that one team where it's always a struggle. That's the case for the Toronto Raptors when it comes to the Portland Trail Blazers. In thirteen meetings the result has been one win vs twelve losses for the Toronto Raptors with a money-burning 3-10 record against the betting line. Here in Portland, the Raptors are a lowly 1-11 straight-up the past twelve visits with a 5-7 record at the betting window.

The Raptors have certainly been dominant recently winning twelve of thirteen on the hardwood (8-5 ATS) with a 9.0 points/game winning margin. However, the jinks, hex, curse or whatever you want to call it, won't be easy to overcome. The Blazers have been on a solid run themselves the past three weeks reeling off a 9-2 SU, 8-3 ATS record including a sparkling 7-1 (6-2 ATS) on home court behind 107.1 points/game while allowing visitors 97.3 per/contest. Additionally, Raptors have had problems cashing tickets during the month of February. They're already 0-2 ATS this season which drops the mark to 3-10 ATS including 1-6 ATS in enemy territory.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Aggies (18-3) at Commodores (12-9)

Date: February 04, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

As Vanderbilt goes through a season of unmet expectations, Texas A&M continues to exceed its own.

The No. 8 Aggies look to hold on to sole possession of first place in the SEC while the host Commodores try to boost their fading NCAA Tournament hopes Thursday night.

Offensive inconsistency and a challenging schedule have combined to render Vanderbilt (12-9, 4-4), ranked 18th in the preseason Top 25, among the season's biggest disappointments. The Commodores have been especially hurt by an inability to win big games, going 0-5 against ranked teams to continue a trend.

Vanderbilt, 0-13 against Top 25 opponents since upsetting then-No. 1 Kentucky in the 2012 SEC Tournament title game, came up short in another high-profile matchup with Saturday's 72-58 loss at Texas in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. The Commodores trailed by 17 during a 16-point first half and struggled to defend the smaller and quicker Longhorns, who owned a 40-18 advantage in the paint and shot 26 free throws to Vanderbilt's 10.

"I think that was the difference in the game, their ability to draw fouls and capitalize and our inability to draw fouls and not capitalize," Commodores coach Kevin Stallings said.

A leg injury to leading scorer Wade Baldwin IV midway through the first half further damaged Vanderbilt's chances to come back, though the NBA prospect is expected to play Thursday.

The Commodores have lost two of three since winning three straight league games Jan. 12-20 and have shot 39.5 percent over the last five. That doesn't bode well heading into a critical contest with Texas A&M (18-3, 7-1), the conference leader in scoring defense at 64.1 points per game and turnovers forced at 15.9.

The Aggies scored 21 points off 16 Iowa State turnovers and shut down the then-No. 14 Cyclones down the stretch Saturday, going on a 16-4 run over the final 4:04 to earn a 72-62 win for coach Billy Kennedy's 300th victory.

Texas A&M also received a big lift from Danuel House in crunch time, with the senior scoring 12 of his 20 points during the pivotal run.

"He took over, and what was really good with him is he was patient," Kennedy said. "He didn't force anything, he made a big shot and he let us run stuff and get him the ball in the right places. He did a heck of a job being disciplined and being patient and making the right plays."

House has averaged 20.3 points over a three-game stretch in which the Aggies have shot 39.2 percent overall and 27.4 on 3-pointers. They're hitting 40.6 percent on the road compared to 47.5 in other games.

Those struggles could continue as Vanderbilt leads Division I in 3-point percentage defense at 27.5 and has held opponents to 38.1 percent on field goals, tops in the SEC.

The Commodores are 9-2 at Memorial Gym, where the Aggies haven't won in two previous visits as an SEC member.

Texas A&M posted a 69-58 home victory over Vanderbilt on Jan. 31, 2015, shooting 53.2 percent and limiting Damian Jones to seven points and 2 of 11 from the floor.

Jones scored a season-high 26 with nine rebounds against Texas after a 20-point, 12-board effort in a 60-59 win over Florida on Jan. 26.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Buffaloes (17-5) at Ducks (18-4)

Date: February 04, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Halfway to its first regular-season conference championship in 14 years, Oregon realizes it needs to maintain its focus to win the formidable Pac-12.

The thought of payback could still creep into the 16th-ranked Ducks' minds, however, when they host surging Colorado on Thursday night with an opportunity to avenge their last loss.

By winning seven of eight and ending defending league champion Arizona's 49-game home winning streak last week, Oregon (18-4, 7-2) is poised to capture its first conference season title since claiming the Pac-10 in 2001-02. Five of the Ducks' remaining nine games reside at Matthew Knight Arena, where they've won 20 straight to take over the Pac-12's longest active run.

'We put ourselves in a good position winning these two games,' forward Elgin Cook said after Sunday's 91-74 victory at Arizona State. 'But it's a real deep league. We just don't want any slip-ups.'

Oregon did have a stumble in its Jan. 17 visit to Boulder, where the Buffaloes had five players score in double figures to earn a 91-87 win. Colorado (17-5, 6-3) followed with a loss at Washington but has bounced back with three consecutive wins to remain on the Ducks' heels in the conference race.

The Buffaloes' 6-3 start matches their best since joining the Pac-12 for the 2011-12 season.

Colorado leads the conference in 3-point percentage (41.2) and free-throw percentage (73.9) while ranking second with a plus-9.4 rebounding margin. All were factors in last month's meeting with Oregon, as the Buffaloes finished 8 of 14 from beyond the arc and 25 of 32 from the foul line while outrebounding the Ducks 39-25.

The Buffaloes shot 37.9 percent and missed 18 of their first 19 attempts Sunday against California, but went on an 18-3 run later in the first half en route to a 70-62 win.

"Besides me, everybody else knew (we) were going to make some shots," said center John Scott, who totaled 17 points and 11 rebounds in the Jan. 17 victory. "We knew we weren't going to shoot the ball that way for the entire game. We came out and hit two 3s that put us back in attack range. From there on out, we kept getting stops and scoring."

A similar cold stretch may be harder to overcome against Oregon, which last lost in Eugene on Jan. 8, 2015 to then-No. 7 Arizona. The Ducks are averaging 87.3 points over a four-game winning streak and are shooting 41.3 percent from 3 and 50.8 overall over their last six.

Dillon Brooks is averaging 20.5 points during that six-game stretch and had 11 of his 18 in the second half against Arizona State, helping Oregon outscore the Sun Devils 54-38 after the break. Chris Boucher, the Division I co-leader with 3.27 blocks per game, added a career-high 26 points along with 10 rebounds and seven blocks.

'The way that they really separated themselves was with their athletic ability, their length and their ability to create turnovers with that,' Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley said, 'and also they were able to block shots.'

Oregon has allowed its last three opponents to make 43.9 percent of their 3-point attempts, a potential issue against Colorado's perimeter trio of George King, Dominique Collier and Josh Fortune. Collier leads the Pac-12 in 3-point percentage (49.2), King is 10 of 14 over his last three games and Fortune went 5 of 7 during a season-best 21-point effort in a 91-75 win over Stanford on Jan. 27.

Colorado has won five of seven in the series but has lost in three of its past four visits to Oregon.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's Pac-12 Tips
By Brian Edwards


**Colorado at Oregon**

-- Since losing in Boulder on Jan. 17, Oregon (18-4 straight up, 12-7 against the spread) has won four in a row both SU and ATS, including Sunday’s 91-74 win at Arizona State as a 2.5-point road ‘chalk.’ Chris Boucher led the way with 26 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocked shots. Dillon Brooks added 18 points, while Tyler Dorsey produced 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.

-- Oregon is unbeaten in 13 home games with a 7-3 spread record. Going back further, the Ducks have cashed tickets at a 13-3 clip in their last 16 games.

-- Dana Altman’s team has won seven of its last eight games while posting a 6-2 spread record. Oregon is No. 2 in the RPI Rankings thanks to seven Top-50 wins and 12 Top-100 victories. The Ducks are 7-2 against the Top 50 and 12-3 versus the Top 100. They have road wins at Utah, at Arizona and at Arizona State, in addition to home triumphs over Baylor, Valpo, California, Southern Cal, Long Beach State, UCLA and UC Irvine.

-- Brooks is scoring at a 16.6 points-per-game clip and is making 47.8 percent of his shots from the field. Brooks also averages 6.2 rebounds per game and is dishing out 2.9 APG. Elgin Cook (13.5 PPG) leads the Ducks in steals with 32, while Dorsey is averaging 13.4 PPG and burying 43.5 percent of his launces from long distance. Boucher (12.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG) leads the nation in blocked shots with 3.3 rejections per contest.

-- Colorado (17-5 SU, 13-6 ATS) is in a four-way tie for second place in the Pac-12. The Buffaloes share 6-3 league records with USC, Utah and Washington, and they are all one game back of loop-leading Oregon and its 7-2 Pac-12 ledger.

-- Colorado has won three in a row and five of its last six both SU and ATS, including Sunday’s 70-62 win over California as a 4.5-point home favorite. Josh Scott led the way with 18 points, while Dominique Collier tallied 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

-- Colorado owns a 4-2 record both SU and ATS in six road games. The Buffs are 2-2 both SU and ATS as road underdogs. They are 4-2 ATS with three outright victories in six total ‘dog spots, including a neutral-court win over Iowa St. as 10.5-point puppies.

-- CU is led by Scott, who averages team-highs in scoring (17.4 PPG), rebounding (9.5 RPG) and field-goal percentage (56.2%). King (14.7 PPG) is knocking down 48.0 percent of his shots from downtown, while Josh Fortune is scoring at a 10.6 PPG clip. Collier (8.6 PPG) is hitting 49.2 percent of his 3-pointers and is averaging team-bests in assists (3.3) and steals (1.0 SPG). Wesley Gordon (6.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG) is a key presence in the paint with his work on the glass and protecting the rim. Gordon has a team-high 47 blocked shots.

-- CU has won five of the last seven head-to-head meetings between these schools both SU and ATS. When these Pac-12 adversaries collided in Boulder on Jan. 17, the Buffs captured a 91-87 win as one-point home favorites. The 178 combined points soared ‘over’ the 143-point total. CU destroyed the Ducks on the boards by a 35-19 rebounding margin. Josh Scott was the catalyst for the winners, scoring 17 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and blocking two shots. Tory Miller added 12 points and seven boards, while Xavier Talton and George King contributed 13 points apiece. In the losing effort, Brooks had a game-high 21 points before fouling out, while Dorsey had 19 points on 4-of-8 shooting from 3-point range.

-- The ‘over’ has hit in three of the last four head-to-head encounters between these schools.

-- The ‘over’ is 10-9 overall for CU, 4-2 in its six road assignments.

-- The ‘under’ is 10-9 overall for the Ducks, going 5-5 in their home outings. However, they have seen the ‘over’ hit in back-to-back contests and four of their last five.

-- Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern on Fox Sports 1.

**UCLA at USC**

-- This is a huge revenge game for UCLA after it took woodshed treatment from arch-rival USC at home last month. The Trojans went into Pauley Pavilion and captured an 89-75 win as 2.5-point road underdogs. The Bruins had won six in a row over USC both SU and ATS, including five beatdowns by double-digit margins since Andy Enfield took the USC job.

-- In the lopsided victory on Jan. 13, Jordan McLaughlin scored 23 points on 5-of-8 shooting from 3-point range. The sophomore guard also handed out four assists without committing a turnover. Chimezie Metu added 21 points and eight rebounds.

-- After losing back-to-back games in its swing through the state of Oregon two weeks ago, USC responded by winning consecutive games by double-digit margins over Washington St. and Washington last week. The Trojans beat the Huskies 98-88 as 8.5-point home favorites. Nikola Jovanovic was the catalyst against UW with 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting from the field. McLaughlin added 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals. Bennie Boatwright chipped in 15 points and eight boards.

-- USC has been dynamite at home, going undefeated in 13 games with a stellar 10-2 spread record.

-- USC is No. 19 in the RPI, compiling a 4-5 record against the Top 50 and a 7-5 ledger versus the Top 100. Enfield’s team has quality scalps over Wichita State, Arizona, Washington, Monmouth and Arizona State. The Trojans don’t have any bad setbacks against foes outside of the Top 50.

-- Six USC players are scoring in double figures led by McLaughlin, who averages 12.8 PPG and knocks down 41.9 percent of his 3-balls. McLaughlin has a 108/52 assists-to-turnovers ratio and a team-best 32 steals. Jovanovic (12.4 PPG) leads the team in rebounding by pulling down 7.3 boards per outing.

-- UCLA (13-9 SU, 8-14 ATS) has lost three of its five road games both SU and ATS.

-- UCLA is No. 68 in the RPI, losing seven of 10 games to Top-50 opponents. The Bruins are 7-8 against the Top 100. They owns quality victories over the likes of Kentucky, Arizona and Arizona St. They have a pair of quality road scalps at Oregon St. and at Gonzaga. Nevertheless, UCLA’s resume needs work in order to get back to the NCAA Tournament.

-- Steve Alford’s squad avoided a three-game losing streak by knocking off Washington St. by an 83-50 count as a 10-point home favorite. Isaac Hamilton, who dropped 36 points on the Trojans at the Pac-12 Tournament last season, paced the Bruins with a game-high 22 points against the Cougars. The sophomore guard also had six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Bryce Alford added 12 points, four boards and four assists.

-- Alford, the coach’s son who is a junior combo guard, is averaging team-bests in scoring (17.0 PPG) and assists (5.2 APG). Alford is making 37.2 percent of his attempts from 3-point range and 86.3 percent of his free throws. Hamilton is scoring at a 16.6 PPG clip, while Tony Parker is averaging 13.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Parker shares team-high honors in blocked shots (22 apiece) with Thomas Welsh, who averages 12.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per contest.

-- The ‘over’ is 14-8 overall for the Bruins, 3-2 in their road contests. UCLA saw the ‘over’ hit in six straight games until the ‘under’ appeared in two its last three outings.

-- The ‘over’ is 12-10 overall for USC after cashing in eight of its last 10 games. However, the ‘under’ is 7-6 for the Trojans in their home games.

-- The ‘over’ has hit in six consecutive head-to-head meetings between these bitter rivals.

-- The Pac-12 Network will have the telecast at 10:30 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

-- Oregon State will take on Utah in Corvallis at 11:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2. The Beavers are 8-3 SU and 5-5 ATS at home this year. Meanwhile, the Utes are 3-3 both SU and ATS in their six road assignments.

-- Nobody in the nation needs a win more on Thursday night than Vanderbilt. In fact, the Commodores to reel off a slew of victories starting with Texas A&M at Memorial Gymnasium in Music City at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Kevin Stallings’ team has been one of the nation’s biggest disappointments.

-- Devin Williams scored 17 points and pulled down 18 rebounds to propel West Virginia to an 81-76 win over Iowa State on Tuesday night at Hilton Coliseum. The Mountaineers bounced back from a blowout loss at Florida this past Saturday by beating the Cyclones outright as 5.5-point underdogs.

-- Georgia is quickly becoming my Washington St. of the 2015 college football season. This team just cashes a lot of winners – plain and simple. On Tuesday night at Stegeman Coliseum, UGA captured a 69-56 win over South Carolina as a 1.5-point home underdog. Yante Maten, a 6’8” sophomore power forward who has developed a nice offensive game, led the way with 18 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots. Kenny Gaines chipped in 17 points, seven boards, three assists, two steals and one rejection, while J.J. Frazier contributed 13 points, six boards, five assists and four steals. The Bulldogs have covered the spread in five consecutive games and eight of their last nine. They return to the court Saturday to host Auburn in Athens.

-- Alabama’s Retin Obasohan is playing like an All-SEC player over the last four weeks. Obasohan had 25 points, eight assists, five rebounds, three steals and one blocked shots to carry the Crimson Tide to an 82-80 overtime win Tuesday night at Mississippi St. Avery Johnson’s team was playing without starting power forward Shannon Hale, yet won outright as a 5.5-point underdog. Obasohan has scored at least 21 points in eight of Alabama’s last 10 games. His key jumper late in regulation forced the extra session at The Hump in Starkville.

-- Boise State avoided what would’ve been an at-large-bid crushing defeat Tuesday night at Taco Bell Arena. The Broncos trailed Utah State by 10 at intermission, but they rallied to win a 70-67 decision. The Aggies easily covered the number as 11-point road underdogs. James Webb III sparked the comeback win with 19 points, nine rebounds and three steals for BSU.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAA Basketball Betting 3-Point Play: Three Interesting Feb. 4 Opening Lines
by Alan Matthews

The basketball rivalry in Los Angeles hasn't been much of one over the years considering UCLA's storied history against the not-so-storied of Southern Cal's. The Trojans haven't even made the NCAA Tournament since 2011 or won a game in the Big Dance since 2009. But they will come a step closer to locking down at least an at-large berth with a win over UCLA on Thursday night. The Bruins are very much on the NCAA Tournament bubble. They haven't missed it since 2012.

No. 8 Texas A&M at Vanderbilt (TBA)

This SEC game tips off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Bit of a weak schedule on Thursday with only two ranked teams in action, and the Aggies are the highest-ranked. They look to keep sole possession of first place in the SEC. I keep thinking A&M is overrated, but it got an impressive 72-62 home win over No. 14 Iowa State on Saturday in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. ISU led by two with four minutes left. There were 15 lead changes in the game. The Aggies have now beaten three ranked teams this season. Senior Danuel House led A&M with 20 points, while Jalen Jones had his third double-double of the season with 13 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. He's the team's best player.

Vanderbilt (12-9, 4-4) appears ticketed for the NIT at best. The Commodores lost 72-58 at Texas on Saturday in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. Damian Jones led the Commodores with a career-high 26 points on a career-best 12 field goals made (most for a Vandy player since December 2011). But then playing on the road has been a problem all year. Vandy has just one true road win. This is Vanderbilt's sixth game vs. a ranked team this season but first at home. The Commodores lead the SEC in field-goal defense as foes shoot just .381 against them. They are 3-0 all-time at home vs. Texas A&M.

Key trends: Texas A&M is 3-8 against the spread in its past 11 Thursday games. Vandy is 1-8 ATS in its past nine vs. teams with a winning record.

I'm leaning: This is TBA because of Vandy sophomore Wade Baldwin IV, who is questionable with a knee injury suffered Saturday. He averages 14.3 points and 4.2 assists. Vanderbilt's last win over a ranked opponent came on March 11, 2012, against top-ranked Kentucky in the SEC Tournament. I say the Commodores win this one and that Baldwin plays.

Minnesota at Northwestern (-12)

This Big Ten game is at 9 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network. I'm not sure that Minnesota coach Richard Pitino survives this season despite his last name with the Gophers at 6-16 overall and 0-10 in the Big Ten. I'm not saying an NCAA Tournament was expected this year, but Minnesota is battling horrible Rutgers for the Big Ten cellar. Minnesota has been losing close of late, and that was the case on Saturday, a 74-68 loss at No. 19 Indiana. The Hoosiers didn't take the lead for good until just under two minutes left. The Gophers would take a late lead despite trailing by 16 with 16:33 left. Kevin Dorsey had a career-high 21 to lead Minnesota. It was the Gophers' fourth single-digit loss to a ranked Big Ten foe this year. The Gophers played Indiana without Carlos Morris, who was attending a funeral. He'll be back here. The senior guard averages 10.4 points and 4.0 rebounds.

Northwestern (15-8, 3-7) will remain the only Power 5 Conference team to never reach the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats lost a fifth straight on Sunday, the fourth in a row to a ranked team, 85-71 at No. 3 Iowa. Senior Tre Demps scored a career-high 30 points in the loss. NU's Bryant McIntosh is now two assists from setting the school's single-season record held by Tim Doyle (157). The Iowa game marked the first time since the 1989-90 season that Northwestern played four straight Top 25 teams. The Wildcats won in Minnesota 77-52 on Jan. 9. It was NU's biggest victory ever at Minnesota's Williams Arena.

Key trends: Minnesota is 3-11 ATS in its past 14 following an ATS win. Northwestern is 4-1 ATS in its past five vs. teams with a losing record. The Cats are 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings.

I'm leaning: Minnesota won't win but should stay within 10.

UCLA at USC (-6.5)

It's a 10:30 pm. ET tipoff on the Pac-12 Network. UCLA (13-9, 4-5) ended a two-game losing streak with an 83-50 win over Washington State last time out. It was UCLA's largest Pac-12 win in seven years. Coach Steve Alford made a lineup change to shake things up, moving sophomore Jonah Bolden into a starting forward role for Tony Parker, even though Parker is one of UCLA's best players. Bolden had seven rebounds and three points in 26 minutes. Parker had 11 points and three boards (he's third in the Pac-12 in rebounding). Isaac Hamilton had 22 points to lead all players, his 18th straight in double figures. What will help UCLA's at-large resume are wins over then-No. 1 Kentucky, Gonzaga and Arizona.

USC (17-5, 6-3) is still very much in the running for the Pac-12 regular season title. The Trojans won a second in a row Saturday, 98-88 over visiting Washington. Nikola Jovanovic led USC with a season-best 28 points and Jordan McLaughlin added 21 with seven rebounds and five assists. USC's 10-game improvement from last season to this is the best among teams in the Power 5 conferences. The Trojans are off to their best start since 1991-92. The school will retire the No. 10 jersey of school legend Gus Williams during a halftime ceremony. The Trojans are looking for the first series sweep of UCLA since 2010 as USC beat the Bruins 89-75 at Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 13. The Trojans led by 18 at halftime. McLaughlin scored 23 points. Parker had 27 points and 12 rebounds for UCLA, which had won six straight in the series.

Key trends: UCLA is 1-5 ATS in its past six after a win. USC has covered 13 of its past 17 at home.

I'm leaning: USC ends a four-game home skid vs. its rival.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

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

Tulsa swept Temple LY 63-56/55-39 in first year as conference rivals; Hurricane won by 7 here. Tulsa is 2-2 on AAC road, losing by 19-15 at Cincy/Houston- they won at Tulane/ECU. Temple won four of its last five games, winning last three at home by 18-2-9 points. Owls turn ball over 2nd-least of any team in country. AAC home favorites of 4 or less points are 2-1 vs spread. Tulsa forces turnovers 22.5% of time in AAC.

Texas A&M won 11 of last 12 games, losing last road game by three at Arkansas; Aggies are 1-3 vs Vanderbilt in SEC play, with home side 3-0 in regular season meetings. A&M are 3-1 on SEC road, winning by 1-4-34 points. SEC home favorites of less than 5 points are 5-3 vs spread. Vandy won its last three home games by 18-1-8 points; after losing its home opener to LSU. Vandy is on bubble; this would be huge for them.

Ohio State-Wisconsin split their last 14 meetings; Buckeyes won twice in last three visits here. OSU is 3-4 in last seven games, losing three of last four on road, with only win in OT at Illinois. Big 14 home favorites of 6+ points are 20-12 vs spread. Badgers won its last four games after starting season 9-9; they beat Michigan State/Indiana in last two home games by total of 4 points- their last seven games were decided by 8 or less points. .

Hofstra won its last four games, three by 6 or less points; Pride won five of last six games with NC-Wilmington, but Seahawks won 79-74 here LY. Hofstra is 3-1 at home in CAA, winning by 10-8-28-2 points, with only loss in OT to James Madison. UNCW won its last seven games, with four of seven on road; Seahawks' only road loss was at Towson by 16 points. CAA home favorites of 5 or less points are 4-7 vs spread.

Wright State is 5-0 at home in Horizon, with four wins by 11+; Raiders won 84-82 in OT at Milwaukee Jan 2, after blowing 17-point lead in last 9:46, its five win over Milwaukee in last five meetings. Milwaukee won six of last eight games; they're 3-1 on Horizon road, wth only loss by 12 at Valparaiso. Panthers are shooting 55.7% inside arc in Horizon games. Horizon home teams are 2-7 in games where spread was 5 or less points.

St Mary's shot 64% inside arc in 85-74 home win over BYU Dec 31; its sixth win in nine WCC meetings with Cougars- they lost last two visits to Provo, by 13-22 points. Gaels won 12 of last 13 games, with loss by 3 at Pepperdine; they're 3-1 at home in WCC, beating three stiffs. WCC nnderdogs are 8-3 vs spread in games where spread was 3 or less points. BYU won its last four WCC home games, scoring 95.3 ppg.

Oregon won seven of last eight games; only loss was 91-87 at Colorado Jan 17; Buffs were 25-32 on foul line, Ducks 11-17. Colorado is 5-2 in last seven series games- they lost two of last three visits here, with one win 48-47 in '13. Pac-12 home favorites of 9+ points are 6-0 vs spread Buffs are 2-2 on Pac-12 road, losing by 14 at Cal, 12 at Washington; its wins are at Wazzu/Stanford. Oregon is 3-1 as a Pac-12 home favorite.

UConn beat Memphis 81-78 at home Jan 9, both teams took 30+ FTs in game. Teams split six AAC meetings; with two games here decided by total of six points. Huskies won four of last five games; they're 3-1 on AAC road, with only loss by 9 at Tulsa. Memphis lost three of last four games; they're 3-1 at home in AAC, but loss was as 16-point favorite vs ECU. AAC home underdogs of 4 or less points are 4-4 vs spread.

UCSB lost 65-57 at Hawai'i Jan 9, turning ball over 19 times, shooting 38% from floor, in first loss in last five games with Hawai'i, which lost last two visits to Thunderdome by 1-9 points. Gauchos are 2-3 in last five games, losing home games to Long Beach/Irvine. Hawai'i won eight of last nine games, winning at Riverside/Fullerton. Big West home teams are 5-10 vs spread in games with spread of less than 5 points.

USC is 4-0 at home in Pac-12, with three wins by exactly ten and one in four OTs; Trojans won 89-75 at UCLA Jan 13, holding Alford to nine points, Bruins to 4-19 on arc. USC lost 10 of last 12 games vs UCLA, losing by 10-17 in last two played here. UCLA are 1-3 on Pac-12 road, winning by 9 at Oregon State; this is a 14-mile "road trip". Pac-12 home favorites of 7 or less points are 12-9 against the spread.

Utah beat Oregon State 59-53 at home Jan 17, outscoring Beavers 21-5 in last 10;00 of dreadfully slow 58-possession game. Utes won three of last four series games- they lost two of three visits to Corvallis. Pac-12 home underdogs of 3 or less points are 8-2 vs spread. Utah won its last five games, sweeping Washington trip- they're 3-2 on Pac-12 road. OSU lost five of last six games; they're 2-2 at home in conference.

Chattanooga won 77-68 at Wofford Jan 11 after trailing by 6 in second half; Terriers made 13-29 on arc in losing cause. Mocs won four of last five games with Wofford, but lost three of last five played here. SoCon home favorites of 8+ points are 6-2 vs spread. Wofford lost last two on road by one point each; they're 6-3 in SoCon after going losing nine of 11 non-league D-I tilts. Chattanooga won five in row, 11 of last 12 games.

Belmont won nine of last ten games, losing last game at Tennessee Tech; they're 6-1 vs Morehead State, winning all three here by 19-1-14 points. Bruins are 4-0 at home in OVC, 2-2 as home faves, winning by 8-18-26-8 points. Morehead is 6-3 in OVC, with all three losses by 5 points or loess; all four of their OVC road games were decided by 5 or less points. OVC single digit home favorites are 11-14 against the spread.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Flamboro Downs

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


Race 2 - Post: 6:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 66 - Purse:$4500 - HORSES & GELDINGS - CLAIMING $10000. - FOR N/W $11500. LIFETIME


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 FORCE SEELSTER 8/5


# 1 BETTOR BET ON ME 7/2


# 3 SON OF A EAGLE 12/1


If you want a formidable play this time, feast your eyes on FORCE SEELSTER. Not many knocks against this horse, let's give him a shot. Many top players will recognize the amazing TrackMaster speed fig in the last contest. Stacks up against any horse in this field. The driver/horse combination percentages point out that this combination are solid in the money finishers when working their magic together. BETTOR BET ON ME - Could very well be the strongest in the grouping here, showing competitive numbers of late. Avg speed is a solid 71. Comes into this affair with competitive TrackMaster class statistics as compared to the group of animals - take a good look. SON OF A EAGLE - Have a vibe this one might sneak by here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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


Race 9 - Post: 3:21 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 79 - Purse:$2500 - NW $250


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 IDEAL ROMANCE 7/2


# 1 MEDWAY TOWER 5/2


# 7 LAST CHANCE T 4/1


If you want a very good play for this race, feast your eyes on IDEAL ROMANCE. May be the most solid in the field here, showing respectable markings of late. Average speed is a solid 78. If effort in the last outing is representative, this contender will have a very great shot in this contest. High last race speed rating. MEDWAY TOWER - Chances are greatly increased for solid standardbreds starting from the 1 post at Monticello Raceway. Pace ratings show this harness racer has what it takes to end up in the winner's circle for this one. LAST CHANCE T - Always terrific driver/handler combination. 31 percent winners when they work together.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 8.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $6020 Class Rating: 63

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 20 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE JANUARY 4 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 4, 2015 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 MYFAVORITEPRINCESS 3/1


# 3 COWGIRL HONOUR 7/2


# 5 BARQUERO 2/1


I like MYFAVORITEPRINCESS here. Has to be used in the exotic offerings. Had one of the top speed figs of this group in her last contest. Osorio has this filly racing well and is a solid choice based on the very strong Equibase Speed Figs posted in route races recently. COWGIRL HONOUR - Has to be used in the exotic offerings. This filly looks very good for this event since Jimenez has a strong win percentage with horses going this distance. BARQUERO - Santiago has one of the top jockey ROI's on the grounds, returning to investors +4 percent. Win percentage one of the strongest in this group.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Turfway Park

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


Race 8 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $7100 Class Rating: 72

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON THREE RACES SINCE FEBRUARY 4, 2014 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JANUARY 4 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 AKASHA 7/2


# 8 PUPPY ON A STRING 4/1


# 3 WILD ABOUT JACK 5/2


My pick in this race is AKASHA. Displays the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 65 Equibase Speed Figure which is one of the most favorable in this group of horses in this race. Must be given a chance based on the competitive Equibase Speed Figure garnered in the last competition. The average Equibase class rating of 65 makes this horse difficult to beat. PUPPY ON A STRING - Has been consistently running well recently. Had one of the most competitive Equibase Speed Figs of this group in her last race. WILD ABOUT JACK - Has been racing in the most competitive company of the group lately. Rivera will probably be able to get this filly to break out early in here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Santa Anita - Race #3 - Post: 2:01pm - Starter Allowance - 9.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $30,000 Class Rating: 100

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 APOSTLE PAUL (ML=20/1)
#6 MISTER BLUE (ML=8/1)
#7 JOHN'S SUCCESS (ML=8/5)


APOSTLE PAUL - Entered a $40,000 Optional Claiming race at Santa Anita last out and raced on the soft turf finishing fifth. Will most certainly do better right here. MISTER BLUE - Really figure this thoroughbred is going to be very close at the wire. JOHN'S SUCCESS - The jock and handler combination here have a high winning percent when they team up. Rider jumped on this horse's back for the first ride on January 9th. Should 'know' the equine even better this time around. D'Amato brings him right back. I advocate you stick with this live horse. I like horses that return to a similar class level after dropping at least five class rating points like this one did last out. I believe he'll be competitive at this class level.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 FISHEL (ML=5/2), #1 BROKEN UP (ML=4/1), #2 VILLAGE KITTEN (ML=6/1),

FISHEL - Didn't make up ground at any point on Jan 9th. Hard to bet on today at the expected odds. BROKEN UP - Couldn't close whatsoever on Jan 9th. Hard to wager on this time around at the expected odds. VILLAGE KITTEN - 6/1 is just not enough of a price to take on this horse.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#9 APOSTLE PAUL to win at post-time odds of 4/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [6,7,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [6,7,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[6,7,9] with [6,7,9] with [2,4,6,7,9] with [2,4,6,7,9] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #1 - Post: 12:35pm - Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,000 Class Rating: 88

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 ARELLA PRINCESS (ML=4/1)
#2 SOLFATARA (ML=10/1)


ARELLA PRINCESS - A horse coming back this promptly after a solid effort is a good sign. Filly took a little vacation, but has been racing into shape. SOLFATARA - Jock hops up aloft after getting to know the horse by riding last race out. That's always a big time angle. I think Bates is making a good move here. This filly can only benefit from the shorter distance.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 BEARS REFLECTION (ML=2/1), #6 STARSHIP LISA (ML=3/1), #5 MOCHIMA (ML=6/1),

BEARS REFLECTION - 2/1 is not pegged at the proper price for any horse in a sprint of 7 furlongs that hasn't hit the board in a short distance race lately. All types of crazy early speed entered for this event. Little chance for this speedy one. STARSHIP LISA - This filly hasn't had any recent accomplishments in sprint races. No picnic to bet on her in this race. Don't feel this entrant will make an impact in today's event. That last speed rating was disappointing when compared with today's Equibase class figure. MOCHIMA - This filly finished out of the money on October 7th and wasn't even close last race out either. Tough to like the downward spiraling flow (87/81/46) of speed ratings.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #1 ARELLA PRINCESS to win if you can get odds of 7/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #1 - AQUEDUCT RACE TRACK - 12:50 PM EASTERN POST

6.0 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK THREE YEAR OLDS $25,000.00 CLAIMING $47,000.00 PURSE

#5 NO ENTIENDO
#1 THE GREAT WHITEWAY
#3 BOILERMAKER
#2 BENNY AND ALEX

#5 NO ENTIENDO is the overall speed leader in this claiming field sprinting at 6.0 furlongs on the dirt, drops in class (-12) and has produced a quartet of "POWER RUNS," facing better company in his last five outings, hitting the board in a pair, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 4th race back. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. and Trainer Rudy Rodriguez send him to the post for the "Thursday Opener" ... they've "whacked the tote board" with an impressive 65% of more than 175 entries saddled as a team to date. #1 THE GREAT WHITEWAY is the pace profile leader, and has also produced four "POWER RUNS" in his respective last five outings, hitting the board in three of those "adventures," including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 2nd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Thursday 2/4 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 6,7,8/3,6/4,5,6/7,8/2,4,5,6,8,10 = $43.20

EARLY PICK 4: 7,8/2,4,5,6,8,10/7,8/4,7 = $48

LATE PICK 4: 3,5,9/4,7/4,7/5,7 = $24

MEET STATS: 226 - 706 / $1211.70 BEST BETS: 37 - 65 / $128.80

SPOT PLAYS: 17 - 65 / $191.30

Best Bet: REGAL FAME (11th)

Spot Play: MOHEGAN BLUE CHIP (7th)


Race 1

(6) MADDYS CREDIT was unhurried in her debut but closed well belatedly. A more aggressive steer could put her in the winner's circle here. (8) SODWANA BAY had her best result ever last time and may be coming around now. (7) SPORTS ANCHOR is related to several solid racehorses such as $600K winner Mach A Wish. She could be right there vs. these if ready.

Race 2

(6) FREDDIE produced an impressive late rush to win last week and looks best here if he stays flat. (3) SPEED DIAL was 4th behind the choice after winning three straight out of town. A better start would give him a chance to turn the tables here. (8) DOMITIAN HALL was a close second at long odds in the same dash which was his best race since returning from a break. All three of these horses closed late last time so tactics will be interesting here.

Race 3

(6) ER QUINN made a sharp move to the front on the backside last week but couldn't hold a well-meant pocket-sitter at bay late. He should be prominent throughout here. (4) MR DESTRUCTION is in great form and closes quickly every week. This race could easily set up for him. (5) EASY LOVER HANOVER is one of several that owner Grant bought for trainer Wallace who lost all of his stock in a fire. The first couple that have raced have bombed out at low odds and this one has missed some time. These types may all need a race here.

Race 4

(8) LUCKY COCKTAIL rolled up late at huge odds last week. She needs to be positioned near the front and it looks like there shouldn't be that many wanting to leave here; top call. (7) IN THE SHADOWS was only two lengths behind the choice and showed improving form before that start; using. (3) TOPVILLE CHEETAH roared to an easy win in a lower class at Flamboro last time. She could make the ticket off a following trip here.

Race 5

(5) WINDSUN GLORY tried to close unsuccessfully into an accelerating pace last time. This race should have more action early and could set up for her late-closing style. (8) BAD AS LEADER drops out of the Blizzard Series where she raced well and she rates highly here. (6) MATTJESTIC TEMPO is showing improvement each week and will break through soon.

Race 6

(7) ERJA changes hands here and has a similar profile as trotter Tarot, who win four straight last year after the same trainer switch; top call. (8) PISCEAN raced okay on the Lifetime Dream series and is likely blasting looking for a spot near the front here. (2) ROSE RUN REANNA showed a bit of improvement last week and can be closer here in her third start back from a break.

Race 7

(4) MOHEGAN BLUE CHIP makes his first start for owner/trainer Tackoor after a November purchase and looks ready based on his Jan. 28 qualifier. (7) WINDSONG LEOPOLD continues to close well and will capitalize soon for his maiden win. (6) GANACUS SEELSTER took a ton of action in his debut but faded badly. He will likely be driven less aggressively here which could lead to a better result.

Race 8

(5) BALLYKEEL NOMBER qualified decently with trotting hopples on Jan. 28 and debuts for Moreau here which is as good a reason as any to try him in this weak field. (9) STRIKINGLYIMPRESIVE can use his good early speed to advantage here if he can stay trotting. He is erratic but fast when he behaves. (3) WHAT A PEACH will likely get sent for good early position here which would give him a shot to share.

Race 9

(4) AMBROSIA SEELSTER has shown potential to be a very good filly so far bUt now enters this start off a 4-week break which is a bit puzzling; slight nod only considering the break. (7) DONTBRUISECARRIE was a sharp maiden winner when dropping from the Blizzard Series last week. She's in with a good shot here. (9) SOPHIES SHADOW drops from the Blizzard series and is one to consider at a big price here.

Race 10

(4) P H KENNY was sent ready by trainer Brealey last week and his stock quite often wins several in a row once they get good; call to repeat. (7) SMALLTOWN TERROR was an impressive winner last week and looks like the main threat to the choice here. (1) GOODMORNINGMISTER ships in and debuts for Larocque who has done well with these types in the past. Toss in late Pick 4 tickets.

Race 11

(7) REGAL FAME drops back into a conditioned claimer where he has excelled. He should be very tough here. (5) VEGILANTE HANOVER was claimed off another narrow loss and is a contender but his low win percentage is a concern. (6) MAJOR DAN raced better in a conditioned claimer and can get a big piece of this. (2) JENKINS CREEK can stay glued to the pylons and take a share here. (1) LMC NUKULAR STRYKE has been racing well in a similar class at Flamboro and should grab a check here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (5th) Howl, 10-1
(8th) Crazy Love, 8-1

Charles Town (2nd) Clara Victoria, 4-1
(3rd) Prized Opal, 4-1


Delta Downs (4th) Traveling Stone, 6-1
(7th) Coteau Causeway, 7-2


Golden Gate Fields (2nd) Sammi B, 9-2
(4th) Brenda's Bar, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (6th) Star Contender, 7-2
(10th), April Gaze, 7-2

Oaklawn Park (7th) Ski Tune, 4-1
(8th) For Greater Glory, 4-1

Penn National (1st) Kool Kat Strut, 7-2
(8th) Teddy P., 5-1

Santa Anita (5th) Lucky Shoes to Win, 9-2
(6th) Hunt, 4-1


Turfway Park (5th) Sahara Sunrise, 5-1
(8th) Akasha, 7-2