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Preview: Senators (34-33) at Jets (31-38)

Date: March 30, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

When the Winnipeg Jets visited the Ottawa Senators less than a month into the season, both teams were off to respectable starts and hoping for their second straight trips to the postseason.

Neither will make good on that, and nearly five months later Wednesday night's meeting in Winnipeg is little more than a chance for the Senators to continue their recent success against the Jets.

Ottawa (34-33-9) was 6-4-2 and Winnipeg (31-38-7) was 8-4-1 prior to that 3-2 shootout win for the Senators on Nov. 5. That gave Ottawa a 5-0-1 mark in its last six against the Jets, and it's averaged 3.17 goals in that span.

Extending that streak will require a decent start to a three-game stretch on the road, which is the environment that's been a key undoing of the Senators' season. After starting 5-1-0 away, they've gone 9-19-3 with 3.77 goals allowed per game and are in danger of their fifth straight road loss.

Things haven't come any easier at home lately, with Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to Anaheim marking their third straight defeat overall. There might not be any shame in losing to a team that's been the best in hockey since Christmas, but there certainly is in blowing a three-goal lead entering the third period.

"I think we wanted it more than they did for the first two periods," said defenseman Erik Karlsson, who scored and is two points shy of his career-high 78 from 2011-12. "Even in the beginning of the third, but once they get the first goal it feels like we don't really want it that much anymore and we don't want to play the same way as we did earlier in the game to keep it going. Good teams are going to make you pay."

The Jets don't fit that description and are beginning a three-game homestand before concluding the season with three on the road, hoping to salvage a few points on the home ice that for the bulk of the season has failed them. They've won their last two at the MTS Centre but are 6-13-2 there since the calendar flipped to 2016.

Monday's 3-2 overtime loss in Philadelphia has Winnipeg in danger of its fifth losing streak of at least three games dating to Feb. 16. But conversely to Ottawa, it was the Jets coming back from a multigoal deficit.

They trailed 2-0 early in the second before goals by Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler got it to OT.

"It's nice to see the resiliency in this room," center Adam Lowry told the team's official website. "Down 2-0 on the road, we found a way."

Scheifele has two goals and three assists in a four-game point streak, while Wheeler has a five-game streak and got to 20 goals for a third straight season. He's a point away from matching his 2013-14 career-high of 69, and the duo has teamed with Nikolaj Ehlers to form a line that's got coach Paul Maurice's attention.

"These guys are just starting to find out what they can do," said Maurice, whose banged-up team was without seven regulars. "They enjoy playing with each other. It's the old Steve Jobs line: 'A' players like playing with 'A' players."

They'll be up against Andrew Hammond, who was in goal for the last meeting in Winnipeg on March 4, 2015, making 35 saves in a 3-1 win.

Ondrej Pavelec subbed in in that game and has gone 1-6-0 with a 3.90 goals-against average in his last eight in the series. Overall, he's posted a 1.30 GAA over a 2-0-1 span.
 
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Preview: Capitals (54-16) at Flyers (37-25)

Date: March 30, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Washington celebrated no more than it did in its previous 53 victories after clinching the second Presidents' Trophy in franchise history - and for good reason. The first time it happened six years ago, the Capitals were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round.

The subdued reaction made clear they don't want to be defined by regular-season accomplishments.

The Philadelphia Flyers hope to be Washington's first postseason obstacle, and they can take a step in that direction with a home victory Wednesday night.

The Capitals (54-16-5) secured home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs with Monday's 4-1 victory over Columbus. They tied a pair of single-season franchise records, equaling the 2009-10 team for overall victories and the 1985-86 club with 50 wins in regulation or overtime.

Their 92 third-period goals rank among the NHL leaders after Tom Wilson, T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom scored in the final 20 minutes.

Washington took the victory in stride, though, considering its recent playoff failures. It hasn't advanced to the Eastern Conference finals since losing to Detroit in the 1998 Stanley Cup Final and blew a 3-1 series lead against the New York Rangers in the second round last year.

'It doesn't mean anything, to be honest with you,' Backstrom said. 'It's good to have home-ice advantage through the playoffs, but at the same time it doesn't matter. It doesn't even mean anything because we lost the last time in the first round when we won the Presidents' Trophy.'

The Capitals remained the league's only team without back-to-back regulation defeats after bouncing back from Saturday's loss to St. Louis. They're beginning a three-game road trip and will play six of their final seven against teams either in the playoffs or fighting to get in.

'We've known for a while that we were going to get (the Presidents' Trophy), so it's not a surprise," said goaltender Braden Holtby, whose 46 wins are two shy of tying Martin Brodeur's NHL record set in 2006-07. "It's just one of those things that it shows we've been doing good things all year and working hard.'

The Flyers are one of only five visiting teams to win in Washington over the past four months - 4-3 in overtime on Jan. 27 - and wouldn't mind being there to open the first round of the playoffs.

Philadelphia (37-25-13) is in a tight battle with Detroit for the East's final playoff spot and earned a crucial two points when Claude Giroux scored with 13.6 seconds left in overtime of Monday's 3-2 win over Winnipeg. The Flyers have seven games remaining, including a showdown at Detroit on April 6.

"We've got to be ready for (Washington) first," forward Wayne Simmonds said after scoring his team-leading 26th goal. "We've just got to worry about ourselves. As long as we play our game, we should be good here."

Giroux also assisted on Simmonds' goal after sitting out the morning skate. His teammates were worried something was wrong, but he ended up playing more than 19 minutes and scored for the fourth time in five games.

"He's an extremely competitive guy," said Steve Mason, who made 26 saves. "He's someone everybody in this room looks to in big moments."

Mason has a 1.76 goals-against average over his last five and should get the majority of work the rest of the way with Michal Neuvirth out for the regular season with a lower-body injury. He's lost both of his starts against Washington this season, allowing eight goals.

Holtby has a 3.30 GAA in nine career starts in Philadelphia, but he helped the Capitals end a four-game losing streak there in a 5-2 win Nov. 12. His 33 saves keyed a 3-2 home victory Feb. 7 in the teams' last meeting.
 
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Preview: Flames (32-38) at Ducks (42-23)

Date: March 30, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

The NHL community was beginning to hear rumblings of a potential work stoppage the last time Calgary won a regular-season game in Anaheim, and it wasn't the 2012-13 lockout.

The Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry were more than a year and a half away from their joint NHL debut, the Flames' Sam Bennett was seven years old, and the league was months away from a 2004-05 season that never started.

More than 13,000 NHL games later, when even every Eastern Conference team has won at least once in every Western Conference city and vice versa, the Ducks will try to match a league record Wednesday night with a 23rd straight regular-season home win over one opponent. And it couldn't come at a better time with the Pacific Division lead back within reach.

Philadelphia beat Pittsburgh in 23 straight home games from 1980-87, and matching that would push Anaheim (42-23-10) one point past Los Angeles and into first place for the second time this month in the opener of a four-game homestand.

The Ducks won 2-1 over Edmonton on Monday to conclude a 3-1-1 road trip against very beatable opposition. That continues at home against the Flames (32-38-6), Vancouver, Dallas and Winnipeg, so Anaheim plays the bottom four teams in the West in a five-game span.

"We want to play the right way and build momentum so we're ready for the playoffs," goaltender John Gibson told the team's official website. "This road trip was a good stepping stone. Hopefully, we can keep it going."

They've done that since Christmas with a league-best 64 points after starting 12-15-6, though they've beaten the Flames regardless of the state of their season.

The home streak over the Flames is 24 including postseason, but the 22 straight regular-season wins mean Getzlaf and Perry, who made their NHL debuts Oct. 5, 2005, have never lost a regular-season home game to one of their division rivals.

Calgary's last win in Anaheim was 5-1 on Jan. 19, 2004 - more than 10 years before the now-19-year-old Bennett was drafted - and the Ducks have averaged 3.73 goals in the victories since. Getzlaf has played in 20 and has 32 points, including six in two matchups this season.

The Ducks have also won the two meetings in Calgary this season and are seeking their first sweep in the series since going 4-0-0 in 2010-11.

The Flames started a four-game trip within the division with Monday's 5-2 win over Arizona. Bennett scored twice to end an 18-game goal drought, giving him 17 goals and 18 assists in 71 games.

"When you finally do get a bounce, it's a great feeling and I think it just builds my confidence even more," Bennett said. "No one likes going through funks like that. I don't think I changed anything myself. I think it's just the way it goes sometimes."

Calgary hasn't won a game in which it's scored fewer than three goals since Dec. 15, and Anaheim hasn't given up more than two at home in a 10-1-1 span while allowing 1.33 goals per game.

Gibson faced the Oilers and is 3-0-0 with a 1.06 goals-against average in three games against Calgary this season, though the Ducks have also been happy with Frederik Andersen lately. Andersen has posted a 1.99 GAA in a 7-1-1 span and has won his last eight home starts with a 1.12 mark.

"Either one that's in has won us games," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "With (Saturday's 4-3 overtime win) in Ottawa, Freddie stopped a penalty shot, and then a breakaway in overtime. (Gibson has) made some 10-bell saves, especially when we needed them to be made."

Joni Ortio is 1-2-0 with a 3.92 GAA against the Ducks. He, Kari Ramo and former Duck Jonas Hiller are the latest of 12 Calgary goalies to lose in Anaheim since Roman Turek won 12 years ago.
 
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Grand Salami - March

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
3/1 8 48.5 49 OVER
3/2 3 16.5 17 OVER
3/3 12 65.5 69 OVER
3/4 3 15.5 20 OVER
3/5 11 58 62 OVER
3/6 6 30.5 34 OVER
3/7 7 36 38 OVER
3/8 8 44.5 41 UNDER
3/9 6 32.5 32 UNDER
3/10 6 32.5 29 UNDER
3/11 5 26.5 28 OVER
3/12 12 63.5 66 OVER
3/13 3 16 13 UNDER
3/14 6 30 41 OVER
3/15 8 43.5 40 UNDER
3/16 6 32.5 32 UNDER
3/17 8 43.5 51 OVER
3/18 6 32 26 UNDER
3/19 11 56.5 53 UNDER
3/20 7 37 34 UNDER
3/21 4 20.5 25 OVER
3/22 10 54.5 51 UNDER
3/23 2 10.5 11 OVER
3/24 11 59.5 68 OVER
3/25 3 15 16 OVER
3/26 14 72.5 84 OVER
3/27 3 15 15 PUSH
3/28 8 40.5 42 OVER
3/29 9 48.5 50 OVER
3/30 3 16.5 17 OVER
3/31 10 - - -
 
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NHL Hockey Odds and Picks: Scouting the Week Ahead
by Alan Matthews

For the most part, we know which teams are in the Stanley Cup playoffs. In the West, it will be Dallas, St. Louis and Chicago from the Central Division. Los Angeles, Anaheim and San Jose will make it from the Pacific Division. And Nashville and Minnesota from the Central should claim the final two wild-card spots. The Wild got a huge win in that regard on Saturday against Colorado; the Avs are now five points behind the Wild for that final wild-card spot and Minnesota holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.

In the East, Washington (will clinch the Presidents' Trophy this week and remains +400 Cup favorite), the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh are locks from the Metropolitan Division, as are Florida, Tampa Bay and Boston from the Atlantic. The NY Islanders, Philly and Detroit are battling for the two wild-card spots. I expect the Flyers to be the odd team out.

But perhaps the most interesting race to monitor the rest of the way is at the bottom of the standings and the best chance to win the NHL Draft lottery and select touted prospect Auston Matthews with the No. 1 overall pick this June. Matthews was the first player to be named by USA Hockey to the U.S. roster for the upcoming world hockey championship in Russia (starts May 6). Matthews finished second in the top Swiss league this season in voting for league MVP after scoring 24 goals and 46 points in 36 games. He's just 18.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have the fewest points entering the week with 65, and they badly need a franchise-changing talent like Mathews could be. Some other teams are making a late push to try and "catch" Toronto or at least get as low as possible. Vancouver appears to be in full tank mode, having lost eight straight games and scoring a total of seven goals in them. The Canucks have 67 points. So does Edmonton, which could be frightening if it lands Matthews to pair with Connor McDavid.

Ottawa is fading and has decided to shut down defenseman Dion Phaneuf and forward Clarke MacArthur the rest of the way. Phaneuf was acquired at the trade deadline from the Maple Leafs, but the Sens are playing only about .500 hockey since and they aren't making the playoffs. MacArthur played four games this season because of a concussion.

My point being: bet big against those teams near the bottom with nothing to play for. Might not be a bad idea to also wager against the Caps for a bit as they might start resting guys with nothing left to prove in the regular season.

This Week's Games To Watch

Nashville at Pittsburgh, Thursday: Nashville has been playing as well as anyone for several weeks. The Predators are 19-5-5 since Jan. 21 and 12-2-2 since Feb. 22. Pekka Rinne is 12-1-2 with a 1.85 goals-against average and .936 save percentage since Feb. 18. Only Tampa's Ben Bishop has had a better GAA and save percentage during that span. The Preds are right on the heels of Chicago for third in the Central. Pittsburgh is third in the Metropolitan and could be looking at a great first-round matchup against the second-place Rangers. Phil Kessel is starting to get hot for the Pens. He was the league's No. 3 star for last week when he led the NHL in assists (five) and points (seven). He has 54 points, his eighth straight season with at least 50. Sidney Crosby has at least one point in 14 of his past 15 games. Pittsburgh won in Nashville 2-1 in overtime on Oct. 24. Kessel scored the winner.

Dallas at Los Angeles, Saturday: Matchup of division leaders, although it may not be by Saturday. The Stars remain No. 1 in the NHL in scoring and haven't missed the injured Tyler Seguin too badly yet. Dallas got back center Mattias Janmark from a six-game injury absence on Saturday and he had two goals in a 4-2 win over San Jose. Coach Lindy Ruff still hasn't said whether Kari Lehtonen or Antti Niemi will be his playoff goalie. Lehtonen had taken over as the primary guy but Niemi was in there against the Sharks. Led by Jonathan Quick, the Kings are No. 1 in the NHL in goals against. The Kings are 2-0 vs. the Stars this season, winning 3-2 at home and 5-2 on the road. These teams won't play again unless it's the Western Conference Finals. The Kings are +350 to win the West and Stars +550.
 
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NBA notebook: Lakers' Russell apologizes for recording teammate
By The Sports Xchange

Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard D'Angelo Russell apologized Wednesday for secretly recording teammate Nick Young talking about women other than fiancee Iggy Azalea.
After the recording became public, it reportedly caused a rift between Russell and other players on the team.
Russell told Yahoo Sports, "I am sick. I am sorry about recording the video. I can't repeat myself enough on that: I am sorry I recorded that video. I feel horrible. I wish this never happened."
He added that he did not know how the video became public.

---Former Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will be joining the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, multiple media outlets reported.
The announcement will come this weekend in Houston during the Final Four when the 2016 class is unveiled.
The 7-foot-6 Yao played nine seasons in the NBA with the Houston Rockets after starting his career in Shanghai in the Chinese Basketball Association. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft.
Foot and ankle injuries forced Yao to cut short his career in 2011, but he averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots per game and was named to the NBA All-Star team eight times

---The Sacramento Kings signed vice president of basketball operations and general manager Vlade Divac to a multiyear contract.
Divac moved into his current role last August after serving as vice president of basketball and franchise operations since March 2015. His NBA playing career included six seasons with the Kings.
Reports indicate that the Kings plan to hire David Morway, a former assistant general manager with the Milwaukee Bucks, to help Divac with his GM duties. Morway also worked in the front office with the Indiana Pacers for 13 seasons.
 
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Preview: Bulls (37-37) at Rockets (37-38)

Date: March 31, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

As desperate as the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls are, any and all wins are welcome no matter how they're earned.

With two weeks left in the regular season and limited opportunities remaining, the Bulls visit the Rockets on Thursday night for a matchup of two teams clawing to remain in the postseason hunt.

Each slowed subpar stretches with tight victories Tuesday night. Houston (37-38) rallied from a 20-point deficit for a 106-100 win at Cleveland, and Chicago (37-37) earned a 98-96 victory at Indiana on Jimmy Butler's winner in the final seconds.

The Rockets won for the second time in three games as they battle Utah and Dallas in a packed race for the Western Conference's final two playoff spots. Houston trailed the LeBron James-less Cavaliers by 13 points entering the fourth quarter, but James Harden poured in 18 of his 27 during a 35-16 advantage in the final 12 minutes.

The Rockets followed a 14-point second quarter by shooting 57.1 percent for 66 points in the second half.

Maybe more impressive was a defensive effort that kept them in the game. Cleveland shot 32.5 percent after halftime and 36.0 for the game, the third lowest all season for a Houston opponent.

'The thing about us is to not get in our own way,' Patrick Beverley said. 'When we do that, we're fine.'

The Rockets open a tough seven-day stretch that continues with Sunday's home game versus Oklahoma City and closes Wednesday at Dallas. However, they finish the season against four of the West's bottom five teams and play five of the last seven at home.

Meanwhile, the Bulls continued a road-heavy stretch by surviving Tuesday's game against the Pacers. They avoided their fifth straight loss and pulled within two games of Indiana for the East's eighth playoff spot while claiming the tiebreaker.

Five of the Bulls' final eight games are on the road, where they are 13-23 and have lost 11 of 13.

Nikola Mirotic made seven 3-pointers for 28 points in the latest. He scored 11 more than his previous three games combined and grabbed 10 rebounds for his first double-double since Jan. 9.

Butler, Pau Gasol and Derrick Rose - Chicago's top three scorers - combined to shoot 36.8 percent for 32 points, but Butler dribbled down the clock and sank a 10-foot jumper with 3.7 seconds left.

'We needed this win,' Butler said. 'It was big for us to get a win here on the road against a playoff team. Hopefully this starts a trend for these last eight or nine games.'

It still wasn't pretty. The Pacers outscored the Bulls 52-36 in the paint and 15-5 in fast-break points. Chicago committed 17 turnovers and shot 26.1 percent in the fourth quarter, finishing at 42.5 overall - its fourth straight game below 43.0.

A drought without a 50-percent effort has reached a dozen games. One before that, the Bulls snapped a four-game skid with a 108-100 home win over the Rockets on March 5.

Gasol, Butler and Rose combined to shoot 51.2 percent for 69 points, 31 rebounds and 21 assists to help Chicago to its third win in the last four games of this series. The Rockets, who have won the last three in Houston, were led by Harden's 36 points and eight assists.
 
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Preview: Magic (31-43) at Pacers (39-35)

Date: March 31, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Though they hoped a home-heavy stretch would provide a springboard for a playoff push, the Indiana Pacers are instead trying to avoid finishing it with a losing record.

After guard George Hill declared the rest of their games must-win, the Pacers look to get on track by extending their dominance over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.

Indiana had a hold on seventh place in the Eastern Conference on March 13 before heading into a span with eight of nine at home. The club, however, lost to lowly Brooklyn in its lone road game Saturday and fell to 4-4 during the stretch with Tuesday's 98-96 loss to reeling Chicago.

The Pacers continued to scuffle in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points on 5-of-22 shooting. They've shot just 28.8 percent in the final 12 minutes over their past three.

"It's real frustrating," All-Star forward Paul George told the team's official website.

George and Ian Mahinmi totaled 38 points on 16-of-28 shooting against the Bulls, but the rest of the Pacers shot just 37 percent. Mahinmi has been a surprising bright spot, averaging 18.3 points while shooting 74.2 percent over the previous three games.

Indiana, which fell into eighth place, needs to take advantage of matchups with Orlando, Philadelphia and New York. The Pacers are a half-game behind Detroit and two ahead of the Bulls as they try to nail down a fifth straight playoff berth.

Finishing higher than eighth could be huge since they've dropped all three meetings with East-best Cleveland and have been ousted by LeBron James-led teams the past three postseasons.

"It's a must-win," Hill said of Thursday's contest. "Any game right now is a must-win."

The Pacers (39-35) haven't had much trouble doing that against the Magic (31-43), winning 15 of the past 17 matchups and eight in a row at home by an average of 18 points, including a 2012 first-round playoff series Indiana won in five games.

They've limited Orlando to 86.7 points per game over the past 18 meetings, though the Magic are feeling good offensively as they continue to get healthier.

Orlando has averaged 125 points while shooting 57.8 percent, including 21 of 46 from 3-point range, in winning back-to-back games for only the second time since Dec. 28-30.

Andrew Nicholson led eight players in double figures with a career-high 24 points on 9-of-9 shooting as the Magic put up their best field-goal percentage (61.5) in eight years and their most points since 2009 in Tuesday's 139-105 home win over Brooklyn.

"It definitely would have meant more if we were chasing a playoff spot but we are still improving and still learning and becoming more familiar with each other," Aaron Gordon said.

After second-leading scorer Victor Oladipo returned from a wrist injury, top scorer and rebounder Nikola Vucevic hopes to play after missing 13 games with a groin injury.

Even without him, the Magic have held a 114-94 scoring advantage in the paint over their last two games. They would appear to have an edge in that area as they go up against an Indiana team that has been outscored 210-156 inside over its last four.

Dewayne Dedmon has stepped up the past two games, totaling 33 points and 17 boards.
 
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Preview: Nets (21-53) at Cavaliers (52-22)

Date: March 31, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The best example of the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent issues surrounding LeBron James might have been last week's loss in Brooklyn.

That is until Tuesday night's miserable fourth quarter without him.

With James returning from a night off, the Cavaliers hope to rebound from yet another disappointing loss when the lowly Nets visit on Thursday night.

With what he's done off the court aside, James remains dominant on it. He averaged 29.0 points, 8.8 assists and 8.5 rebounds with two triple-doubles in four games last week, earning his record 52nd Eastern Conference player of the week honor.

James has 26,665 career points and needs only four more to pass Dominique Wilkins for 12th place on the NBA's all-time list.

Though questionable posts on social media and untimely trips to Miami have some doubting his decision making, what James brings to the Cavaliers (52-22) in basketball terms is undisputed.

That was clear when what seemed like a blowout win Tuesday turned into a 106-100 home loss to Houston, blowing a 20-point lead en route to their third defeat in six games. Coach Tyronn Lue rested James against the desperate Rockets, even with the miserable Nets next on the schedule and his team trying to hold off Toronto for the East lead.

The Cavs wasted a 13-point advantage in the final 12 minutes and shot 36 percent overall, their worst mark since Christmas. They surrendered 66 points in the second half, matching their second worst defensive half of the season, and were outrebounded 55-38 to fall to 5-15 when losing on the boards.

"We've just got to play better," said Tristan Thompson, who had 16 points and 10 rebounds in his franchise-record 362nd straight game. "We've got to take more responsibility."

The Cavaliers, who are 30-7 at Quicken Loans Arena, fell to 1-3 without James this season and 4-13 over the last two.

Kyrie Irving scored 31 points but it took him 23 field-goal attempts, and Kevin Love posted his fourth straight double-double but shot 5 of 14 for 13 points. J.R. Smith made only 1 of 6 shots for four points.

Those are Cleveland's top three scorers after James, and they struggled mightily in a 104-95 loss at Brooklyn (21-53) last Thursday. While James made 13 of 16 shots for 30 points, Irving, Love and Smith combined for 32 and shot 30.4 percent in the Nets' second win in the last eight games of this series.

The Nets, though, have lost five straight in Cleveland and seven in a row on the road.

Brook Lopez led Brooklyn with 22 points in the surprise win over the Cavs and should be rested for the rematch after being benched for the second half of Tuesday's embarrassing 139-105 loss at Orlando. It was the second-most points allowed in a non-overtime game this season by the Nets, who let the Magic shoot 61.5 percent one night after allowing Miami to hit 57.1 percent.

'I think guys are worried that there's not much time left, we're not fighting for anything,' forward Thomas Robinson said after Brooklyn's ninth loss in 12 games. 'No knock on our team, but mentally it's tough to keep fighting in games and showing up every night the way things are going for us, and the end of the season being so close.'
 
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Preview: Clippers (46-27) at Thunder (52-23)

Date: March 31, 2016 9:30 PM EDT

On their best run since the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Clippers can afford to take some well-deserved time off.

And that's precisely what Doc Rivers plans to do with several starters in Thursday night's matchup with an Oklahoma City Thunder team expected to be back at full strength.

Rivers said following Wednesday's 99-79 rout at Minnesota - the Clippers' fourth straight win - that Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan and J.J. Redick will be rested when the team plays its fourth game in five days on Thursday. The trio received some additional down time by each sitting out the fourth quarter against the Timberwolves with Los Angeles up 79-53 after three.

'It's been a tough season for all of us not knowing who is going to play on a nightly basis,' said Paul, who nearly notched a triple-double with 20 points, 16 assists and eight rebounds in 31 minutes. 'Finding our rhythm now and sitting these fourth quarters has been great.'

Trailing the Thunder by 4 1-2 games for third in the West with eight remaining and comfortably ahead of fifth-place Memphis, Los Angeles (47-27) is turning its attention to the playoffs and Blake Griffin's impending return. The star forward, sidelined since Christmas, will be eligible for Sunday's game against Washington after completing a four-game suspension for punching the team's assistant equipment manager in January.

Oklahoma City (52-33) took a similar approach in its last outing, sitting Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka Tuesday in Detroit. Their absences were felt as the Thunder recorded their lowest point total of the season in an 88-82 loss that halted a season-high eight-game winning streak.

The short-handed Thunder shot 37.8 percent and committed 19 turnovers in a sharp dropoff from their recent offensive displays. Oklahoma City shot 51.1 percent and averaged 117.3 points during the streak.

"We had terrible shot selection, and we kept turning over the ball," guard Randy Foye said. "You can't shoot yourself in the foot all night and expect to beat an NBA team.'

The Clippers figure to face a decline on defense without Paul and Jordan. They've been sensational on that end during their unbeaten run, limiting opponents to 88.3 points per game and 37.1 percent shooting. They held Minnesota to a season-low 34.5 percent.

"We're hitting our stride at the right time," guard Jamal Crawford said. "We hit a bump in the road a week and a half or so ago, it was an adjustment period, and now we're figuring things out again."

The Clippers couldn't slow down the high-powered Thunder in their last visit to Chesapeake Energy Arena, with Oklahoma City shooting 52.7 percent in a 120-108 win on March 9. Durant had 30 points and 12 rebounds and Russell Westbrook registered one of his league-high 16 triple-doubles with 25 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 19 assists.

Oklahoma City also owned a 52-29 rebounding advantage and will likely have a decided edge again. The Thunder's plus-11.3 rebounding margin since March 2 is the NBA's best, while Los Angeles ranks 29th over that span at minus-9.5.

Durant, averaging 31.4 points over his last 11 matchups with the Clippers, also scored 30 points in a 103-98 win in Los Angeles on March 2. Paul had 32 in a 100-99 home victory in the teams' first meeting this season on Dec. 21.
 
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Preview: Celtics (43-31) at Trail Blazers (39-36)

Date: March 31, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

In the midst of a difficult road swing, Brad Stevens insists he isn't thinking about the playoff race even though his Boston Celtics are fighting for home-court advantage.

The third-year coach certainly doesn't want his club thinking ahead to the intriguing final two games of this trip before visiting what has been one of the NBA's toughest venues recently.

The Celtics could get a boost from the return of starting forward Jae Crowder on Thursday night when they try to deal the Portland Trail Blazers their fourth loss in 20 home games.

Crowder became a key piece to Boston's playoff push before injuring his ankle early in the third quarter against Houston on March 11. Including that game and the eight he's missed, the Celtics have gone 4-5 while averaging 100.7 points. They had scored 111.5 per game in the previous 28, with Crowder averaging 17.4 points in his last 12 full games.

Crowder also leads the team with 1.8 steals per game and is hopeful of returning for this one.

One of four teams in a tight fight between third and sixth in the Eastern Conference, Boston (43-31) should be motivated to finish in the top four after winning 16 of its last 18 at home.

Stevens believes his club will get there if it can remain focused on the present. It has split the first two on this five-game trip following Monday's 114-90 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

"I don't even pay attention to (the standings). We've got so many games left. It's not like we're down to one or two," Stevens told the team's official website. "We'll end up where we end up. That's the way I've always looked at it. Results take care of themselves."

Stevens hopes that's the approach prior to Friday's date with a Golden State team that's riding the NBA's longest home winning streak and Sunday's final showdown with the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers. The Celtics took the Warriors to double overtime in December before falling 124-119.

Portland's 16-3 home record since Jan. 10 is third-best in the West behind Golden State and San Antonio, which both remain unbeaten at home. The Blazers extended their current home winning streak to five after leading by as many as 28 points in Monday's 105-93 win over Sacramento.

Now they're hoping to keep closing the gap on struggling fifth-place Memphis while inching closer to clinching a postseason berth.

"We haven't really talked as a team about where we want to finish, but I feel like our main thing is making the playoffs," said Allen Crabbe, who led the way Monday with 21 points.

The Blazers have been particularly strong offensively at home, averaging 114.4 points in its last 10 games. Leading scorers Damian Lillard (25.4 points per game) and C.J. McCollum (20.7) should be well rested after two days off and sitting out the fourth quarter Monday.

Portland's prolific backcourt, however, was outplayed by Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley in a 116-93 loss at Boston on March 2. Thomas and Bradley teamed for 47 points, while Lillard and McCollum had a combined 37 and shot 13 for 30.

Thomas has averaged an East-leading 26.2 points in 13 games this month, but he's scored just 8.8 per game on 29.3 percent shooting in six career visits to Portland (39-36).

Boston has won two the last two meetings in this series after losing the prior four.

Lillard has shot 35.2 percent in seven career matchups with the Celtics and enters this one looking to avoid being held under 20 points in a season-high fourth consecutive game.
 
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NBA Odds: Thursday, March 31 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

Somewhere, Tom Thibodeau must secretly be enjoying the struggles of his Chicago Bulls. That team never had a winning percentage blow .549 under Thibodeau in his five seasons -- despite rarely having Derrick Rose -- but Thibs was fired this past offseason in part because he rode his players too hard during the season and they were worn down by the playoffs. So the Bulls hired the polar opposite type of guy in Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg, but this season has been a disaster under the laid-back Hoiberg. Chicago will need a minor miracle to even reach the playoffs despite having All-Star players in Rose (who actually is playing pretty well these days), Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol. The Bulls' front office isn't going to fire Hoiberg after just one season because that would really make them look bad. But clearly something has to be done with this roster in the offseason, including potentially trading Butler. And Thibs is a lock to get a job this summer as his stock has only gone up. He could be hired in Houston, where the Bulls visit Thursday.

Nets at Cavaliers (-13.5, 210.5)

Brooklyn lost 139-105 in Orlando on Tuesday for its second straight defeat. It was the second of a back-to-back for the Nets, and they clearly didn't care. They also rested Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Thaddeus Young. Both should be back here. LeBron James got Tuesday's home game vs. Houston off and the Cavs blew a 20-point third-quarter lead in losing 106-100 to the Rockets. Kyrie Irving had 31 points to lead the Cavs, who are now 1-3 this season when James doesn't play. He'll surely be back here. James is four points away from passing Dominique Wilkins for 12th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Final meeting of season with Cleveland leading 2-1. The teams played last Thursday in Brooklyn and the Nets pulled a 104-95 surprise even though the Cavs weren't resting any of their stars.

Key trends: The Nets are 3-0-1 against the spread in the past four meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in those previous four.

Early lean: If LeBron and all the Cavs play, give the points. Go under.

Magic at Pacers (TBA)

Orlando destroyed visiting Brooklyn 139-105 on Tuesday for its second straight win. Reserve Andrew Nicholson had 24 points to lead eight Magic players in double figures. It was Orlando's highest point total in seven years. The Magic shot 61.5 percent from the field, their best in eight seasons. Victor Oladipo returned from injury and played 26 minutes. Nik Vucevic remained out, but he has been practicing and could play here. Ersan Ilyasova is day-to-day with a shoulder sprain that kept him out Tuesday. Indiana lost 98-96 at home to Chicago on Monday. CJ Miles missed a 3-pointer that would have won it as time expired. Orlando is 0-3 vs. Indiana this season and has dropped seven straight and 11 of the past 12 in the series.

Key trends: The Magic are 0-7 ATS in the past seven meetings. The under is 7-3-1 in the previous 11.

Early lean: Pacers won't blow another home game.

Bulls at Rockets (TBA)

First of a TNT doubleheader and will have live betting at sportsbooks. Chicago ended a four-game losing streak with a 98-96 win in Indiana on Tuesday but is still two games outside of the playoff field. Butler made a tiebreaking jumper with 3.7 seconds left. Nikola Mirotic had 28 points, but Rose of course got hurt again, this time an elbow. X-rays were negative, but knowing Rose he won't play here. Bulls power forward Taj Gibson also is iffy as he missed the second half of Tuesday's game because of a rib contusion..Chicago beat Houston 108-100 on March 5. Pau Gasol had 28 points and 17 rebounds. The Rockets have won three straight at home vs. the Bulls, however.

Key trends: The home team is 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 4-1 in Houston's past five at home.

Early lean: Rockets in a big way, Rose or not.

Nuggets at Pelicans (+7, 207)

Denver was in Memphis on Wednesday. New Orleans was in San Antonio. The Pelicans on Tuesday added two more players to the season-ending injury list: Jrue Holiday and Alonzo Gee. These teams have split two early-season meetings, each winning on the road back in 2015. The Nuggets' Danilo Gallinari averaged 25.0 points in the two, but he's now out for the season. Ryan Anderson averaged 20.0 points for New Orleans but also probably is done due to a sports hernia.

Key trends: The road team is 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 6-2 in the previous eight.

Early lean: Pelicans, even with their D-League roster, and under.

Clippers at Thunder (-8.5, 216)

Second TNT game with live betting. Los Angeles was in Minnesota on Wednesday looking for a fourth straight win. Oklahoma City saw its eight-game winning streak end Tuesday in Detroit, 88-82. After a big win Monday in Toronto that didn't surprise me -- it helped that Billy Donovan gave Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka the night off. It was OKC's lowest-scoring game of the season. Russell Westbrook looked tired himself, shooting 8-for-28. These teams won't meet again this season unless each pulls a playoff upset and they square off in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder lead 2-1 and won the most recent matchup 120-108 at home on March 9.

Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 9-3 in the past 12 in OKC.

Early lean: This really seems like a game that Westbrook and/or the Clippers' Chris Paul could get off. But, without knowing that I like OKC at home and over.

Celtics at Trail Blazers (-2, 217)

Boston had a four-game winning streak snapped in a 114-90 loss at the Clippers on Monday. Isaiah Thomas scored 24 points for Boston, which is now 21-22 this season against teams with a .500 record or better. Portland won a second straight Monday, 105-93 over short-handed Sacramento. Reserve Allen Crabbe led the way with 21 points. The Blazers have won 14 of their last 16 games at home, including five straight. Boston beat Portland 116-93 on March 2 behind 30 points from Thomas. The Blazers are also 4-6 in their past 10 at home in the series.

Key trends: The Celtics are 1-6 ATS in their past seven road games. The favorite is 7-2 ATS in the past nine meetings. The under is 4-0 in Portland's past four at home.

Early lean: Blazers and over.
 
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'Clippers Hope to Contain Red-Hot Thunder'

In just a few days, the Los Angeles Clippers (46-27 SU, 34-36-3 ATS) will have Blake Griffin back in the lineup. But they'll be without him this Thursday when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder (52-23 SU, 33-41-1 ATS), winners of eight of their last nine games at 6-3 ATS. Tip-off is at 9:30 PM ET on TNT.

This will be the fourth and final meeting of the regular season between these two Western foes. Oklahoma City has the 2-1 advantage straight up, although Los Angeles is 2-1 ATS in this series. They split a pair of games home and away earlier this month with Griffin (23.2 PER) on the sidelines. He'll be joined Thursday by Paul Pierce (8.0 PER), who's out for an undetermined length of time with a right knee contusion.

The Thunder have one of the weaker benches among the NBA's second-tier title contenders, but they also have two of the league's best players in Russell Westbrook (27.8 PER) and Kevin Durant (28.2 PER). Westbrook has seven triple-doubles in March alone, and he hasn't had to jack up as many questionable shots this year to get the job done, now that Durant is healthy and by his side.
 
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NBA

Thursday's hot teams
-- Cavaliers won three of last four home games (1-4 last 5HF).
-- Clippers won their last four games (7-7AU). Oklahoma City won eight of its last nine games (5-3 last 8HF).
-- Celtics won four of their last five games (2-9 last 11AU). Portland is 3-1 in its last four games (0-3 last 3HF).

Cold teams
-- Magic lost their last six road games (2-5 last 7AU). Indiana is 3-4 in its last seven games (3-5 last 8HF).
-- Nets lost five of their last seven games (2-6 last 8AU).
-- Chicago lost four of its last five games (2-4 last 6AU). Houston lost four of its last six games (1-7 last 8HF).
-- Nuggets lost six of their last nine games (4-1AF). Pelicans lost seven of last ten games (2-3 last 5HU).

Series records
-- Pacers won/covered last seven games with Orlando.
-- Nets lost six of their last eight games with Cleveland.
-- Bulls won three of last four games with Houston.
-- Nuggets won five of last seven games with New Orleans.
-- Clippers lost three of last four visits to Oklahoma.
-- Celtics won last two games with Portland, after losing previous four.

Totals
-- Seven of last nine Indiana games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Brooklyn-Cleveland games stayed under.
-- Six of last seven Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Denver-New Orleans games went over.
-- Six of last nine Clipper-Thunder games stayed under.
-- Last four Portland games stayed under the total.

Back/backs
-- Denver is 6-3 vs spread last nine times they played night before.
-- Clippers are 7-9 vs spread if they played the night before.
 
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At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey

Mohaymen was installed as the even money favorite and drew the nine post for Saturday’s race, the last of 14 races on an outstanding betting card that features eight graded stakes.

The colt is proven over the racing surface at Gulfstream Park, winning the Holy Bull (G2) and Fountain of Youth (G1). He is currently at odds of 7-2, up slightly from 3-1 earlier in the week, in future odds for the Run for the Roses.

Nyquist is the second choice in the Florida Derby at 6-5 and in early wagering for the Kentucky Derby at 8-1. He drew the four post for Saturday’s race.

Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) champ has made just one start this year, winning the seven-furlong San Vicente (G2) at Santa Anita.

I think Mohaymen having two starts over the track and Nyquist having just a sprint under his belt, the betting between the two may not be as close as the morning line suggests.

The third choice on the morning line is Fellowship at 15-1, showing just how dominant the top two are. Fellowship was no match for Mohaymen in a third place finish, beaten six lengths in the Holy Bull and then he was third in the Fountain of Youth, beaten 6 ¼ lengths.

It is really tough to make a case for any of the longshots in the race, but I have a couple of more days to figure that out. I will have my selections and analysis for the race in Saturday’s column.

The lineup for the $1 million Florida Derby:
Post Horse jockey/trainer odds
1. Sawyers Mickey Spieth/Walder 30-1
2. Fellowship Lezcano/Gold 15-1
3. Majesto Castellano/Delgado 20-1
4. Nyquist Gutierrez/O'Neill 6-5
5. Copingaway Vasquez/Mejia 50-1
6. Chovanes Zayas/Navarro 30-1
7. Takeittotheedge Gaffalione/Romans 20-1
8. Fashionable Freddy Juarez/Zito 30-1
9. Mohaymen Alvarado/McLaughlin 1-1
10. Isofass Leparoux/Abbott 30-1


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

GP Race 1 Clm $12,500N3L (12:35 ET)
#5 Black Jet 7-5
#3 Luv Dakota Skye 6-1
#1 Supersecret 6-1
#2 Learaig 9-2

Analysis: Black Jet was a game winner last out against $15,000 non-winners of two and was claimed out of the race by the Breen barn that has not claimed much recently and dating back five years has hit at a 14% clip first off the claim. He steps up a notch here to the non-winners of three level but it is not a very tough spot. If her runs back to his last effort, he will be tough here.

Luv Dakota Skye was off a beat slow and not a threat last out in his first start at this level checking in eighth. He regressed off a neck win two back against $16,000 non-winners of two. The gelding is not very consistent but he fits if he runs back to his win two back and the 6-1 morning line looks fair enough against this group.

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 7-5 or better.
EX: 3,5 / 1,3,5
TRI: no play

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

GP Race 9 Alw $44,000N1X (4:35 ET)
#5 Hows My Gold 3-1
#3 Diamond Earring 7-2
#1 Novique 4-1
#6 Ring Knocker 5-1

Analysis: Hows My Gold made a good late rally to beat state bred Alw-1 optional claimers last out at seven furlongs and she has now landed in the exacta in 7 of her 9 starts over the main track here. She is capable of being closer than she was last out and likely will here, her other two wins coming in gate to wire fashion. She should get a good trip and can handle the step up to open company here.

Diamond Earring was bumped coming out of the gate, dueled for the early lead from off the rail (the best part of the surface that day) and weakened to finish sixth as the beaten favorite. She earned a solid number two back in a close up third at this level going six furlongs. She has solid early and mid pace numbers in a race that does not have much early zip signed up.

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 3,5 / 1,3,5,6
TRI: 3,5 / 1,3,5,6 / 1,3,4,5,6

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: #2 Roraima 10-1
R4: #1 Forever Admiral 8-1
R6: Corinthian Summer 8-1

Good luck today!
 
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Woodbine Harness: Thursday 3/31 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 1,3,8,9/5,6/1,2,4/3/1,3,4 = $14.40

EARLY PICK 4: 3/1,3,4/2,3,5/1,2 = $18

LATE PICK 4: 1,2/4,7/1,2/3,4,5,7 = $32

MEET STATS: 318 - 1018 / $1669.70 BEST BETS: 52 - 95 / $186.40

SPOT PLAYS: 21 - 95 / $218.00

Best Bet: KOULTONS ROCKET (4th)

Spot Play: GOODMORNINGMISTER (10th)


Race 1

(3) NO TROUBLE DECHAFRA was a decent 2nd in this class three back, which is one of the better races on the page in this weak group; slight nod. (1) GO GET BRUCE comes off a decent try vs. similar and has maintained his good form since shipping in; using. (9) TOWNLINE MOMMA went too fast early last time in her first start for Moreau then stopped to a walk late. I would expect better here, but how much better is hard to guess at.

Race 2

(5) CLASSIC COMEDY was sent right down the road last week and set solid splits while holding her challengers at bay. These are no tougher; call to repeat. (6) LUCKY COCKTAIL returns to the claimed level and should be much tougher here. (2) HEAR ME ROAR was a following 2nd to the choice and figures to get a good trip again.

Race 3

(4) ASTERIX was a distant 2nd to a promising colt that was out a long way then just blew the field away late. He looks like one of the better ones in here. (2) GENTLEMAN JIM will likely be a big player if he decides to trot, but that part is anyone's guess. (1) RUSTY HEFNER produced his best race so far last week and isn't out of this.

Race 4

(3) KOULTONS ROCKET was a strong second to a sharp winner here on Monday and he will be very tough if he goes here. (5) LITTLE TURK had no shot last time when he was on bad cover on a speed-biased track. Expect a better showing here. (7) SPEED RACER almost lasted on a speed-favoring track and he will likely take lots of action here. I'll try to beat him with one of the top two choices.

Race 5

(3) BRING ME DIAMONDS was a solid 2nd to a promising debutante last week and she should go forward off that sophomore debut; top call. (1) WHISPER WELL closed quickly in that same dash and should be passing most of these late. (4) BEACH SCENE made two early moves last time which cost her late. She can rebound with a better placing here.

Race 6

(5) WANAKA was out-tripped last time when the winner moved first out of the pocket and kept her at bay. She should be tough in here. (3) BALLYKEEL BOMBER was a solid first up winner vs. similar and seems to have things figured out now. A repeat is quite possible. (2) A ROD HALL should be a lot better returning to a 7-day rotation.

Race 7

(2) BIG PETES STYLE overcame some solid fractions last time to win and has improved greatly with McNair at the controls; call to repeat. (1) TEA WITH MS MCGILL was too far back on a speed-favoring surface in his seasonal debut. He should be much closer here. (8) THREE TRUTHS set strong splits but was overtaken by the choice late. He should threaten again but needs to find more late speed.

Race 8

(4) MERCHANDISER uncorked a very impressive mile last time and will be tough to beat here if he stays flat. (7) ON THE RIDGE should go better here in his 2nd start over the track; using. (3) ZAGSTER looks best of the rest and can close late for a piece.

Race 9

(2) DOCS DIVA moves inside and returns to a 7-day rotation. A much more aggressive try is expected here. (1) CHOOSE MY JET was shuffled out of contention last time and could get a much better following trip here. (7) UNO CINCUENTA usually leaves hard and sticks around for a share. Expect the same here.

Race 10

(7) GOODMORNINGMISTER has closed okay in his past two and should get a beneficial pace setup here. Top call in the finale. (5) REGAL FAME changed hands after his last race and debuts for a trainer/driver combo that have had success together in the past. Expect him to be blasting early. (3) BIG HAROLD tried to chase a runaway leader by going first up last time and paid the price. He can rebound here. (4) HIGH RESOLUTION and (6) HP BLACK SHADOW look best of the rest to grab minor shares.
 
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Yonkers: Thursday 3/31 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 85 - 285 / $474.20

BEST BETS: 12 - 24 / $45.50


Best Bet: SHARK FANTASY (8th)

Spot Play: GOLD ROCKS (10th)


Race 1

(1) HUSTLEONHOME gets needed post relief for a driver/trainer tandem that's been live; mare may look to go down the road. (4) SUMMER SNOW stays at the basement level after being reclaimed at a discount by Kokinos. (3) NIPPY W HANOVER beat 30K claimers not too long ago but she's fallen on hard times.

Race 2

(3) ST LADS MORGAN finished with very good pace at a huge price last week and she's playable here with the post relief. (1) I DO IT MYSELF drops off a good showing and is clearly the one to beat. (5) KAMWOOD LAUGHTER N can usually be counted on for a share.

Race 3

(3) SPORTING THE LOOK has been a big speed player for Milici and is back at the right level after being overmatched last out. (1) GIOCAMETTI draws best and Zeron should do all he can to protect early position. (4) BIG BAMBU returns locally with a better draw, picks up the leading driver and should threaten.

Race 4

(1) FOOL TO CRY jogged in his debut for Banca and now draws best; slight edge. (3) GRANDPA DON put in a solid effort in defeat after chasing a wicked pace; he debuts for Renaud tonight with the very live Anthony Napolitano driving. (5) AMASA AL is much, much improved in his last two but I can't see him reaching the top two from this spot.

Race 5

(3) MOJARRA HANOVER has a decent history here and she's not facing any standouts. (4) IMAGE OF FELICIA drops, gets much-needed post relief and returns to Bartlett; overbet? (6) THE RIGHT MOVE raced decently off a good trip last week; factor underneath.

Race 6

(1) ROCKSTAR STRIDE is clearly a live player at this level and lands in a controlling position in this competitive field; one to beat. (3) MAGIC MANNY gets post relief and should be forwardly placed, perhaps sitting the trip to the top choice. (2) COACH CAL will never be too far back from this spot.

Race 7

(1) ANALYZE finally draws a good post and I doubt Buter will let the opportunity pass. (4) UPFRONTWHOSURLADY will be firing hard from the gate looking to go the distance. (2) LITTLE MISS HENRY is a proven winner and note she's back in the Banca barn; can Bartlett step over the rail horse early? We'll see.

Race 8

(1) SHARK FANTASY raced decently with much better in his two off the claim; he's back in for the $20K tag tonight and looks perfectly spotted here. (6) WINTER BLUES returns locally off a nice effort at Pocono but he may need some help from this spot. (2) COLONIAL ROAD has been going evenly of late but a good effort from this good post lands him on the ticket.

Race 9

(5) SUMMER CAMP has tons of back class but hasn't been firing his best recently at Dover; perhaps the change of scenery and the switch to Banca will help his cause. (3) KID PK was a good pocket-pulling winner in his debut for Milici. (2) MC SYNAMITE hasn't won in like forever but he did have finishing pace last week and can land a share underneath at a price.

Race 10

(7) GOLD ROCKS was caught up in some tough spots since shipping in and joining the Milici barn; he picks up Bartlett tonight and I think he's ready for a big effort. (1) HANDS OFF FRANK didn't fire from off the pace in his Allard debut; he's a big threat from this spot down a notch in class. (2) SEA STAR is back at the level of his claim and he gets needed post relief.

Race 11

(2) ZORGWIJK NOVA was overmatched in last week's Open; mare is back at the winning level in her second start for Banca. (1) NO RECESS got lost in that added-distance event; Spagnola trainee seems capable of better. (3) THERAPUTIC has lacked finishing kick of late and is tough to endorse on top.

Race 12

(2) ROCKAROUND SUE has knocked heads with better than these and the veteran mare hails from solid connections; take the short price in the finale. (3) CHERRY BLISS raced well in her last two at The Meadowlands and she picks up Napalitano for her local return. (6) RD IOU is a proven commodity with these and she'll be a big price; consider for a share.
 
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Thursday's six-pack

-- Billy Joel has played 73 concerts at Madison Square Garden, most by anyone

-- One of every seven students at George Washington U is a foreign student.

-- Valparaiso center Vashil Fernandez has 16 brothers and sisters. Sixteen.

-- In his college days, WWE wrestler Titus O'Neill played defensive end for Steve Spurrier's Florida Gators.

-- Eldrick Woods is now the 472nd-ranked golfer in the world.

-- Looks like none of the NHL's seven Canadian team will make the playoffs.
 
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Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Thursday, March 31, 2016, CBB.

A low total between a pair of high powered offenses. Valparaiso has scored 72 or more points in 8 of the last 10 games, on a 6-3 run over the total. George Washington can scored, too, on a 6-1 run over the total. QW has scored 80+ points in 5 of the last 7 contests.

Play George Washington/Valparaiso Over the total.
 
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Roz Wins

Roz's Thursday, March 31, 2016, Free NHL Pick: 7:05 PM EST

(5) TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS VS (6) BUFFALO SABRES

Take: (5) 10-Star Ice Dog: Play Toronto

Toronto is a dog again but playing well, winning 6 of 9. They cashed as a dog four times, including the last game as a +220 dog winning at Florida, 5-2. Toronto scored a short-handed goal to open the game and added three power-play goals. They head to a Buffalo team that is No. 27 in goals scored, No. 16 in goals allowed. The Sabres are 19-41 in their last 60 home games. Play Toronto.
 

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