Tuesday 12/13/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (16-8) at Cavaliers (16-5)

Date: December 13, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- The Cavaliers' newest rotation member might be a little awe-struck this week when Cleveland faces the Memphis Grizzlies twice on consecutive days.

DeAndre Liggins modeled his game after Memphis swingman Tony Allen, who is playing some of the best basketball of his career.

Liggins entered the Cavs' rotation when J.R. Smith missed two games with a hyperextended knee. Smith is healthy now, but Liggins' defensive grit kept him part of Tyronn Lue's plans. It is similar to how Allen built his career with defensive tenacity. Coincidentally, both are Chicago natives who keep in touch.

"Obviously, I can make an open shot," Liggins said. "My thing is to stay ready, and my opportunity has presented itself. Just come in and bring that tenacity on the defensive end, take open shots and make them."

The Grizzlies (17-8) carry a six-game winning streak into the Tuesday game at Quicken Loans Arena, a stretch that includes an impressive 110-89 dismantling of the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.

Allen has played a big role in the hot streak at both ends and will have to again since the Grizzlies will be without center Marc Gasol. The reigning Western Conference player of the week is out simply to rest in what is a brutal stretch.

Memphis plays three consecutive games against the two teams that played for the championship last season. As a result, the Grizzlies will rely heavily on Allen, who has managed knee pain from earlier this season with constant treatment.

"He was really banged up. That knee wasn't firing right," Grizzlies coach David Fizdale told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "It's still at a point where I don't get to play him as much as I'd really want to play him. But he's definitely healthier and feeling better about his game and his rhythm."

The Grizzlies are missing Mike Conley (back), James Ennis (calf), Chandler Parsons (knee), Vince Carter (hip) and Brandan Wright (ankle). And yet they keep winning.

"Nobody's come to me and said, 'T.A. do this or do that,'" Allen told the Commercial Appeal. "They want me to just play within the system and play good basketball. I've been fortunate to do that and be there for my team."

The Cavs (17-5) will be back at full strength Tuesday after Channing Frye rejoined the team following his father's funeral. LeBron James had a late night Monday, however, as he flew to New York following practice to receive Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of the Year in Brooklyn. He is the Eastern Conference's reigning Player of the Week.

As for the Liggins-Allen comparison, Lue believes itis warranted. Lue was an assistant with the Boston Celtics when Allen was starting his career there.

"T.A. is smaller, but I think he might be stronger -- T.A. is a strong guy," Lue said. "Liggs can shoot it better. T.A. actually played point guard for us for 10 games I think and did a great job. He's a very smart player. It's crazy to see that you play the 2 or 3 and then move him to the point guard and he knew all the plays, all the positions.

"They have similarities for sure. If (Liggins) can keep playing like that then I mean, T.A. won a championship. Tough, gritty player that everybody would love to have on their team."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Magic (10-14) at Hawks (12-12)

Date: December 13, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks have had a split personality this season, going from terrific during a 9-2 start that featured a six-game winning streak to horrific during a 1-10 swoon that included seven losses in a row.

Now are the Hawks ready to return to their good selves?

It is a very small sample size, but Atlanta is showing positive signs in winning its past two games and will try to build momentum when it hosts the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.

If the Hawks (12-12) do end up having the season they hoped, coming back from a 20-point halftime deficit to win at Milwaukee on Friday may be looked on as the turning point.

Atlanta had shown little resiliency during its slump, losing back-to-back games by 36 and 44 points. That wasn't the case against the Bucks, though.

"The message was, don't lose by 20," forward Paul Millsap said after the win in Milwaukee. "Don't do it again. It was just about having some pride, going out there and trying to get it done."

Millsap, who missed three games during the losing streak with a bad hip, had 23 points and 14 rebounds during the comeback victory, and point guard Dennis Schroder scored a career-high 33 points.

The Hawks have had three days off since the victory and they need to pick right back up from where they left off in Milwaukee.

"We have to take care of business Tuesday," Millsap said. "Get another win and keep building off the last game we've had. Hopefully, we'll continue to get better like we did (Friday)."

"We have to have the right mindset from the jump ball on Tuesday," coach Mike Budenholzer said.

The Magic (10-15) lost 17 of their past 22 games against the Hawks and come to Atlanta on a three-game losing streak.

Orlando was stingy defensively early this season. That hasn't been the case lately.

"It's just frustrating," Magic coach Frank Vogel said after Saturday's 121-113 home loss to Denver. "When you're trying to build something, it takes daily work, daily habits. We certainly have slipped on the defensive end."

Power forward Nikola Vucevic took a hard fall during the loss at Charlotte on Friday and sat out the Nuggets game because of a lower back contusion. He is questionable against the Hawks, as is center Bismack Biyombo with a sore left shoulder.

The Magic salvaged a split of the four-game season series against the Hawks a year ago, winning the final two games. Vucevic was a big part of that, scoring 22 and 28 points.

Hawks guard Kent Bazemore missed the last three games because of a sore knee, with Tim Hardaway Jr. taking his place in the starting lineup.

Atlanta's other recent lineup change is defensive-minded Thabo Sefolosha starting a small forward and Kyle Korver coming in to add offense when needed.

"I think Kyle can be really effective off the bench," Budenholzer said when making the move four games ago. "I think it will be beneficial for both of them and us."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Timberwolves (6-17) at Bulls (12-10)

Date: December 13, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- There will be a familiar voice heard loud and clear Tuesday night at the United Center, booming out instructions and bellowing about calls.

It belongs to Tom Thibodeau, the intensely driven coach who used to coach the Chicago Bulls (13-10) and now calls the shots for the Minnesota Timberwolves (6-18).

Thibodeau, who went 255-139 in five seasons with Chicago, will face his former team for the first time as an NBA coach since the Bulls fired him in May 2015. There are only four Bulls players left who played for Thibodeau in Chicago, but they know exactly what to expect.

Playing against Thibodeau's teams usually means physical play and intense defense, despite the Timberwolves looking to end a four-game losing streak.

"He used to tell us in the locker room, 'You got to hate those guys, you got to stick it to them,'" Bulls forward Taj Gibson told the Chicago Tribune. "So, I know he's going to come in here and have those young guys ready and waiting. It's kind of a nerve-wracking feeling because you know that guy knows everything about you. He knows all your moves. It's going to be a good prep."

Thibodeau's bark, however, is worse than the Timberwolves' bite thus far. They're 12 games below the .500 mark, are 2-8 in their past 10 games and have struggled converting fourth-quarter leads into wins.

Such was the case Sunday in a 116-108 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Target Center. The Warriors trailed by 10 points heading into the fourth, but outscored Minnesota 38-20 in the quarter for the win.

It can't be good for Thibodeau's blood pressure, but he claims that's not the case. He was asked recently how he is handling all the losses, and he didn't hesitate to answer.

"Great," Thibodeau told the Minneapolis Star-Triibune. "You have to be consistent. Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don't. But every day, put everything you have into it and that's all you can do. I'm good. I've got a great group of guys. As long as they're working hard, playing for each other, putting everything they have into each and every day, I'm fine."

He preached those same lessons to the Bulls for five seasons. Many of them stuck and remain with his former players. Jimmy Butler, Chicago's leading scorer, is one of them.

Butler said Thibodeau's insistence on working hard at both ends of the floor was vital to his rise from being a late first-round pick to one of the NBA's best all-around players. Thibodeau was hard on guys like Gibson and Butler, but they're both now major components in Chicago's lineup.

"I got better from it," Butler told CSN Chicago. "The numbers speak for themselves. I'm very grateful he coached me for my first four years and the relationship we still have that we built upon over the (past) summer (with USA Basketball), that will forever be my guy. We went through the trenches together, along with my former teammates. I got love and respect for everybody."

The Bulls recalled guard R.J. Hunter from the Windy City Bulls of the D-League on Monday. Minnesota reserve forward Nemanja Bjelica has missed the past two games with a sore ankle.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Warriors (20-3) at Pelicans (7-16)

Date: December 13, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

NEW ORLEANS --The Golden State Warriors have been deadly efficient during the last three seasons, and the odds are they will prove it again Tuesday night as they close out a five-game road trip over seven nights against the feisty but undermanned New Orleans Pelicans.

The 21-4 Warriors extended an incredible streak on Sunday night, coming back from 10 points down in the final quarter to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-108. The Warriors have gone 111 games without losing consecutive regular-season contests.

The Warriors' all-time NBA record is 16 games better than the next-longest streak set by Utah in 1997-98 during the glory days of Karl Malone and John Stockton.

"It's really one of the most impressive streaks that I've ever seen, to have gone that long," Golden State coach Steve Kerr said after the comeback win over Minnesota. "That's a lot of games. The schedule catches up to you often in this league, and it's kind of catching up to us right now. (This) was four (games) in five nights, and it will be five in seven after New Orleans."

Kerr didn't have much to fret about in the fourth quarter against Minnesota. The Warriors somehow summoned the energy to outscore the Wolves 38-20, with Klay Thompson scoring 14 of his game-high 30 points in the final 12 minutes.

"(It's been) a lot of travel," Kerr said. "We didn't have great energy, but you can see the resilience in the fourth quarter and the way our guys came up with five or six straight stops to start the quarter, which was huge in changing the momentum."

Added Thompson: "Twelve minutes is a long time for this team."

The Warriors already have beaten the Pelicans twice this season, but the games have been surprisingly close. They defeated New Orleans 122-114 on the road Oct. 28, despite 45 points by Pelicans forward Anthony Davis.

Ten days later in Oakland, Golden State won 116-106 in one of the greatest stage performances of Stephen Curry's young career. Curry poured in 46 points, setting the NBA record for most made 3-pointers (13) in a single game. His record flurry came one game after he had gone 0 of 10 from behind the arc.

The 8-17 Pelicans had lost five straight and had been 1-3 in overtime games before outlasting the Phoenix Suns 120-119 on the road Sunday night. It was the first game back for Davis, averaging a league-high 38 minutes a game, after being rested on Saturday night in a loss to the LA Clippers.

But Davis was far from the story. Point guard Tim Frazier recorded the first triple double of his career (14 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists) to snap the Pelicans' ugly losing streak, which included a double-overtime home loss to Philadelphia, which had lost 23 consecutive road games.

"It feels good," Frazier said of his triple double. "I had a couple of them in the D-League, but it feels good to get one in the NBA, just to say I did it."

Frazier also recorded five steals against the Suns.

"You've got to understand -- he's just a tough kid," New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry said. "We ask him to do a lot of things. We ask him to do things that All-Star guards do, and he never says anything. He just goes out and gives us the effort."

The victory also marked the return of point guard Jrue Holiday from a three-game absence due to a turf toe. Holiday, who scored a game-high 23 points, is expected to play Tuesday night against the Warriors. Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (knee, calf) is getting closer to returning but has not played this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Knicks (13-10) at Suns (7-16)

Date: December 13, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

The New York Knicks seek a third consecutive win on their five-game Western Conference swing when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

The Knicks are coming off wins Friday against the Sacramento Kings and Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers, giving them four straight wins on the road.

New York (14-10) has gone 11-4 after a 3-6 start, and is now four games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 2012-13 season, which is the last time the Knicks made the playoffs.

Derrick Rose returned from a back injury to hit 12 of his 16 shots on a 25-point night as the Knicks held on to beat the Lakers 118-112 on Sunday. Kristaps Porzingis helped the New York cause with a career-best-tying seven blocks.

The Knicks were able to win on a night when Carmelo Anthony was held to 13 points. Getting a season-best 19 from Brandon Jennings helped.

"We're just trusting one another and believing in what we're doing, in our schemes, defensively and offensively," Anthony explained. "Guys are feeling confident when they get the ball to make plays for themselves and others. We need that as a team. We need that confidence."

As hot as the Knicks have been on the road, the Suns have been equally cold at home. They have only one home win in more than a month, that being a victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 30.

Phoenix came close to getting another Sunday night, but came up a point short in a 120-119 overtime loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Former Knicks center Tyson Chandler had season-highs in points (14) and rebounds (21) in the loss.

Tuesday's game matches two teams that have been nearly dead-even in their all-time head-to-heads. The series had been tied 60-60 until New York swept last year's two-game series.

Several things about the Knicks, including the acquisition of Rose, have changed since they were last seen in Phoenix. No doubt, Suns fans will applaud one of the moves when they get a chance.

The Knicks have responded well to the coaching of Paul Westphal, who was fired as Suns head coach in February after going 101-112 in two-plus seasons.

Westphal remains best remembered in Phoenix for his playing days after he was a second-round pick in 1986. Maybe his biggest claim to fame was being used as trade bait that allowed the Suns to acquire Charles Barkley in 1992.

Westphal has been replaced in Phoenix by Earl Watson, who is off to a rough start (7-17) in his first season as the fulltime coach after having been promoted on an interim basis for the final two months last season.

Coming close, like they did Sunday night in the overtime loss to New Orleans, isn't good enough for some Suns players.

"I'm a competitor. I want to win," assured Chandler, who averaged a double-double (10.2 points, 10.1 rebounds) over three seasons with the Knicks. "These losses aren't easy on me."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Thunder (14-9) at Trail Blazers (12-12)

Date: December 13, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Russell Westbrook's seven-game streak of triple-doubles ended Sunday night in a 99-96 victory over the Boston Celtics.

It's not as if a 37-point, 12-rebound, six-assist game is a disappointment. But Oklahoma City's All-Star guard was closer to mortal against the Celtics.

"I know everybody likes to talk about the triple-doubles," OKC coach Billy Donovan told the media afterward. "What he's done has been remarkable, but what he did (Sunday) wasn't any less remarkable, just because he didn't have a few more assists."

Westbrook can try to start a new streak Tuesday night when the Thunder (15-9) visit the Portland Trail Blazers (12-14) at Moda Center. He may be without his backcourt mate, however.

Victor Oladipo missed Monday's practice with a wrist sprained in a hard fall during the first quarter against Boston. Donovan said Oladipo, who is averaging 16.1 points and shooting 38.1 percent from 3-point range, is questionable for the matchup with the Blazers.

Westbrook says he's not concerned about his triple-double streak ending.

"A winning streak is more important to me," he said. "I don't care about the (triple-double) streak. That's a small part of my game. What's important is trying to get a win."

Oklahoma City's winning streak is at just one game, but the Thunder have won seven of the last 10, thanks in no small part to center Steven Adams' recent upsurge in offensive firepower. Adams scored 16 points on 7-for-8 shooting against the Celtics, two days after tallying 24 points while hitting 8 of 9 shots against Houston.

Portland (12-14) comes into Tuesday's game on a four-game losing streak after falling 121-120 to the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on Monday night. The Blazers opened a five-game trip with a 112-110 win at Chicago, then dropped four in a row.

The Blazers have played plenty of good offense, and they did again against the Clippers, who have now beaten them three straight times this season. Damian Lillard had 24 points, eight assists and five rebounds; CJ McCollum contributed 25 points, five rebounds and three assists; and center Mason Plumlee collected 18 points, seven rebounds, six assists and five blocked shots.

Portland shot 50.8 percent, including 47.6 (10 for 21) from 3-point range, and fired at an 88 percent clip from the foul line. But defense, a problem all season long, was again an issue. The Clippers shot 47.2 percent from the field, .478 from the 3-point line and .929 from the foul line while committing only 11 turnovers.

After the OKC game, it doesn't get easier for the Blazers, who head back onto the road for stops at Denver, Golden State and Sacramento.

A 12-14 record "isn't what we want, but it's not the worst thing in the world," Lillard told reporters. "There are teams below us. Things could be worse. But we also know we've got to be better. We came into this season expecting much more of ourselves. So that's disappointing."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NBA Picks: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

I thought that the Minnesota Timberwolves would be one of the most improved teams in the NBA this season and perhaps could sniff the final playoff spot in the Western Conference after hiring Tom Thibodeau as the team's new head coach (and personnel boss) this offseason. So far, it hasn't gone well for Thibs and the Wolves, but they'll be really good within a couple of years. And I think it's fair to say if there's one victory this season that Thibodeau wants for his team and perhaps more for himself is Tuesday when Minnesota visits Chicago. He was fired by the Bulls in late May 2015 despite winning a Coach of the Year Award there and going 255-139 in the regular season. The Bulls made the playoffs in each of his five years, but he and the front office just weren't on the same page at the end, especially Thibodeau's style of riding his key players incredibly hard in the regular season, only to have them gassed/hurt by the time the playoffs came around. The Bulls were 23-28 under him in the postseason and went to the East Finals just once despite having a really talented team when healthy.

Grizzlies at Cavaliers (-13, 207)

I'm stunned how well Memphis is playing with so many guys injured, mainly Mike Conley. The Grizzlies won a sixth straight game Saturday in upsetting the visiting Warriors 110-89. If that's not the most surprising score of the season, I don't know what is. The Grizzlies led by as many as 30 points in the second half -- the biggest advantage by any Warriors opponent this season. Cleveland won a fourth in a row Saturday, 116-105 at home against Charlotte. LeBron James scored 17 of his season-high 44 points in the fourth quarter. He added 10 assists and reached 7,000 career assists, the only forward or center to ever hit that mark. The Cavs shot a season-best 58 percent. J.R. Smith was back after a two-game injury absence but Channing Frye missed his second in a row after his father's death. These teams split last year, each winning at home.

Key trends: The Grizzlies are 6-2 against the spread in their past eight road games. The "over/under" is 8-2 in Cleveland's past 10.

Early lean: Grizzlies and over.

Magic at Hawks (TBA)

Orlando dropped a third in a row Saturday, 121-113 at home vs. Denver. The Magic were dominated in the paint without center Nikola Vucevic, who hurt his back Friday. He's questionable for this one as his fellow big man Bismack Biyombo, who played through a shoulder injury vs. the Nuggets. Atlanta has been off since a 114-110 win in Milwaukee on Friday. Dennis Schroder had a career-high 33 points. Paul Millsap had 23 points and 14 rebounds. Guard Kent Bazemore sat a second straight game with a sore knee. Orlando has lost 10 of its past 12 in Atlanta.

Key trends: The Magic are 4-1 ATS in their past five in Atlanta. The under is 4-1 in the Hawks' past five at home.

Early lean: Wait on Vucevic.

Timberwolves at Bulls (-7.5, 210)

First of an ESPN doubleheader, and I'm sure that Thibs gets a warm welcome from the Chicago faithful as many didn't want him fired. Minnesota dropped a fourth straight Sunday, 116-108 at home to Golden State. The Wolves led by 10 in the fourth. Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and 18 rebounds in the loss. Forward Nemanja Bjelica missed his second straight game with a sore right ankle. Chicago beat visiting Miami 105-100 on Saturday. Jimmy Butler had 31 points and Dwyane Wade 28. Minnesota had lost 10 of its past 11 in this series before sweeping last season.

Key trends: The Bulls are 0-4 ATS in their past four after a win. The over is 4-0 in Minnesota's past four vs. the East.

Early lean: Wolves and over.

Warriors at Pelicans (+11, 223)

Golden State played its fourth game in five nights Sunday and looked flat for three quarters before rallying for a 116-108 win in Minnesota to yet again avoid consecutive losses. That's now 111 regular-season games without one, a league record. Klay Thompson had 30 points and Steph Curry 22 points and nine assists. Center Zaza Pachulia sat again with a sprained right wrist and is doubtful here. New Orleans snapped a five-game losing streak with a 120-119 OT win in Phoenix on Sunday. Tim Frazier had his first NBA triple-double with 14 points, 11 assists and a career-high 11 rebounds. Guards Jrue Holiday and E'Twaun Moore were back after missing three games each with toe injuries. Golden State has won five in a row in this series, including two-high scoring matchups this season.

Key trends: The Warriors are 9-4-1 ATS in their past 13 in New Orleans. The over is 4-0 in the past four overall.

Early lean: Pelicans and over.

Knicks at Suns (+3.5, 219.5)

New York won for the sixth time in seven games Sunday, 118-112 at the Lakers. Kristaps Porzingis had 26 points and 12 rebounds and Derrick Rose 25 points on 12-for-16 shooting after missing two games with a back injury. Phoenix lost 120-119 in OT at home to New Orleans on Sunday. Eric Bledsoe scored 32 for the Suns. Tyson Chandler added 14 points and 21 rebounds, both season highs. Phoenix led by as many as 15 in the third quarter. The Knicks won both meetings last season, including a 31-point win in Phoenix on March 9. Of course first-year Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek was a former Suns coach.

Key trends: The Knicks are 2-7-1 ATS in the past 10 meetings. The over is 6-2 in the Suns' past eight at home.

Early lean: Suns and over.

Thunder at Trail Blazers (TBA)

Second ESPN game. Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook is slacking as his seven-game streak of triple-doubles ended Sunday in a 99-96 home win over Boston. He "only" had 37 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Seven in a row had been the NBA's longest triple-double run since Michael Jordan had seven straight in 1989. Thunder guard Victor Oladipo left the game for good after spraining his right wrist on a hard fall with 5.2 seconds left in the first quarter. I'd be moderately surprised if he plays here. Portland was at the Clippers on Monday on a three-game losing streak and with forward Al-Farouq Aminu (back contusion) doubtful. Portland and Oklahoma City split the season series 2-2 last year, with both teams winning their home games. The Trail Blazers have won their past four against the Thunder at the Moda Center.

Key trends: The Thunder are 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The over is 5-2 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Assuming the TBA for Oladipo. Wait on him.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Tuesday’s games

Memphis won its last six games, even without injured PG Conley; Grizzlies covered four of last five games as a road underdog. Last three Memphis games stayed under. Cleveland won/covered its last four games; they covered five of last six games as a home favorite. Over is 8-2 in their last ten games. Cavaliers won three of last four games with Memphis; they covered seven of last ten series games. Teams split last four games played here. Over is 6-4 in last ten series games.

Magic lost their last three games, but covered six of last seven games as a road underdog. Three of last four Orlando games went over. Hawks won last two games but lost three of last four at home; they’re 0-3-1 vs spread in last four home games. Under is 12-3 in their last 15 games. Orlando won its last two games with Atlanta after losing six of previous seven series games; Magic lost three of last four visits here (3-1 vs spread). Four of last six series games stayed under the total.

Minnesota lost four in row, seven of last eight games; they’re 3-5 as road underdogs. Over is 7-2 in last nine Timberwolves games. Chicago won last two games by 4-5 points; they’re 3-4 as home favorites. Over is 3-1 in their last four home games. Minnesota won last two games with Chicago by 7-9 points; teams split last four games played here (Minnesota 3-1 vs spread). Under is 4-2 in last six series games.

Warriors won five of last six games but are 0-3 vs spread in last three; they’re 7-7 as road favorites (0-3 in last three). Under is 3-1 in last four Golden State games. Pelicans lost five of last six games; they’re 3-1 as home underdogs. Three of last four New Orleans games went over. Golden State won its last nine games with New Orleans (4-2 vs spread in last six); Warriors won last four visits to Bourbon Street (2-2 vs spread) winning by 8-14-11-4 points. Last four series games went over total.

New York won six of its last seven games; they’re 5-6 SU on road, 1-0 vs spread as road favorites. Three of last four Knick games went over. Phoenix lost six of last eight games; they’re 4-3 as home underdogs. Six of last seven Suns games went over total. Knicks won last two games with Phoenix by 18-31 points; teams split last four games played here (Suns 2-1-1 vs spread). Six of last seven series games stayed under.

Portland lost tough game in Staples Center last night, Trailblazers’ 4ht straight loss; Blazers won/covered five of last seven home games. Over is 8-2 in Portland’s last ten games. Oklahoma City won seven of last eight games, winning last three road tilts. Last four Thunder games stayed under the total. Home side won last six Oklahoma City-Portland games; Thunder lost last four visits here, by 5-5-3-17 points. Over is 5-2 in last seven series games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

NBA*|*NEW YORK*at*PHOENIX
Play Against - Home underdogs (PHOENIX) poor defensive team - shooting pct defense of >=46% on the season, averaging 53 or more rebounds/game on the season
50-21*over the last 5 seasons.**(*70.4%*|*26.9 units*)
4-4*this year.**(*50.0%*|*-0.4 units*)

NBA*|*NEW YORK*at*PHOENIX
Play Against - Road teams vs. the money line (NEW YORK) after allowing 110 points or more against opponent after a combined score of 215 points or more 2 straight games
62-27*over the last 5 seasons.**(*69.7%*|*31.5 units*)
15-8*this year.**(*65.2%*|*6.1 units*)

NBA*|*MEMPHIS*at*CLEVELAND
Play Under - All teams where the first half total is 100.5 to 105 good 3PT shooting team (>=36.5%) against an average 3PT defense (33-36.5%), after a game where a team made 55% of their shots or better
92-47*since 1997.**(*66.2%*|*40.3 units*)
0-1*this year.**(*0.0%*|*-1.1 units*)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

In the Paint - Week 6
By Joe Williams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Temple Owls (6-3) at Villanova Wildcats (9-0)

Date: December 13, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA -- Villanova's senior class is on the verge of an incredible record.

Josh Hart, Darryl Reynolds and Kris Jenkins have never dropped a Big 5 game since joining the Wildcats and they'll have a chance to go undefeated when they host Temple Tuesday night at 7 p.m. EST at The Pavilion.

No. 1-ranked Villanova improved to 3-0 in the Big 5 this season with a hard-fought 89-79 win over La Salle last Tuesday at the Palestra. Then the Wildcats stayed perfect on the season overall (10-0) with a 74-66 victory over No. 23 Notre Dame on Saturday in Newark, N.J.

Villanova is also going for its 18th straight Big 5 victory.

"It's unbelievable to think about," Villanova head coach Jay Wright told the Philadelphia Daily News. "I don't want to think about it because it's monumental. It really is."

Hart is coming off a memorable game with a career-best 37 points to go along with 11 rebounds and four assists in the eight-point win over the Fighting Irish.

"I was just out there playing," Hart told reporters. "In a game like that we were battling, battling, battling, to the end. Fatigue wasn't a factor."

The Wildcats came back from an 11-point deficit in the inaugural Never Forget Tribute Classic honoring the families of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

"That was just a great college basketball game," Wright told reporters. "We're really proud to be a part of the cause. It was a great atmosphere with what felt like a Villanova crowd. Notre Dame is so tough to play against. I think Mike (Brey) is one of the best coaches in the country. They're an underrated defensive team."

Temple elevated its record to 7-3 with a 74-65 victory over DePaul Saturday at the Hoophall Miami Invitational.

The Owls will enter Tuesday's game on the Main Line also at 3-0 in the Big 5, adding to the intrigue.

Temple led DePaul by as many as 25 points in the second half before holding on for the victory.

"I thought we made a couple of foolish mistakes on both ends, and a team is going to take advantage of that," Temple head coach Fran Dunphy told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We got tight, they were playing loose, and as a result the lead got cut."

Obi Enechionyia and Shizz Alston Jr. scored 15 points each while Quinton Rose added 12 points. Enechionyia and Alston also had seven rebounds apiece.

Temple received a lift from Josh Brown as he had 11 points and five assists in his first start of the year. Brown was named Hoophall Miami Invitational Most Valuable Player.

And he also contributed a career-high seven steals, the most for a Temple player since Will Cummings at SMU on Feb. 19, 2015.

It was just the fourth game for Brown in his return from an Achilles tendon injury in the offseason.

"We'll see how he feels like tomorrow (Sunday), let's see how he feels in one day, and obviously Tuesday for the Villanova game," Dunphy told the Inquirer about Brown's status. "He deserves that opportunity to be in the lineup. Now I just have got to manage his minutes as best as possible."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Montana Grizzlies (3-6) at Oregon Ducks (7-2)

Date: December 13, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

EUGENE, Ore. -- After rallying late to beat two unranked teams at home, Oregon coach Dana Altman isn't taking any game for granted.

The No. 24 Ducks (8-2) put a six-game winning streak on the line when they host Montana (3-7) on Tuesday night at Matthew Knight Arena.

"We will have our hands full with anybody right now," Altman said. "We have to worry about ourselves and worry about playing better."

After moving up to No. 4 in the rankings in November, the Ducks fell following losses to Baylor and Georgetown. Oregon's current winning streak includes a 68-63 win over Boise State when the Ducks rallied from a 14-point deficit and the Oregon needed to come from behind in the final four minutes during Sunday's 65-56 win over Alabama.

"We're just stuck in the mud a bit," Altman said.

Oregon has three nonconference games left before opening Pac-12 play against No. 2 UCLA on Dec. 28.

"There has got to be more of a sense of urgency than we have got," Altman said. "We have to get a lot of things straightened out in the next two and a half weeks. I don't sense that urgency that the coaching staff has among the team so we have to do a better job."

Montana had a two-game winning streak snapped with an 85-83 loss at Wyoming on Saturday. The leading scorer for the Grizzlies with 13.7 points per game is sophomore guard Ahmaad Rorie, who transferred from Oregon after his first year.

"Ahmaad is a great kid," said Oregon point guard Casey Benson, who split starting duties with Rorie two years ago. "I look forward to getting out and playing. We have got to get better as a team. Montana is coming in and we know they are talented. We have to be ready to go and come out and play well. That is the focus for us. We want to win, but we want to play well and make improvements."

Oregon sophomore guard Tyler Dorsey is averaging 19.2 points per game in his last five outings while shooting at least 50 percent from the field in each game. He tops the Ducks with 14.3 points per game.

"That's what I do, I practice shooting every day," Dorsey said. "My teammates find me in good spots and all I do is catch and shoot."

Oregon continues to bring all-conference junior forward Dillon Brooks off the bench as he returns from offseason foot surgery. Brooks missed the first three games of the season and ranks third on the team with 13.1 points per game since his return.

The Ducks have had to adjust their offense since Brooks returned and he will likely go back into the starting line-up soon.

"A lot of it is not having a rhythm and not having a feel for each other," Altman said. "Offensively and defensively, I don't like the flow to our game right now. It can be corrected, guys just have to get a better feel for it, but we have to do it quickly."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Tuesday’s games

Villanova beat Temple last three years by 16-23-16 points; Wildcats are 10-0 this season, with four top 100 wins- they trailed Notre Dame for first 31:00 Saturday, won/covered 74-66. Villanova has #7 eFG% in country, shooting 39.6% on arc. Temple won six of last seven games with win over West Virginia; Owls are 7-3 with losses by 5-3-3 points, despite injury concerns. Temple lost at UMass, won at St Joe’s in their two true road games. Big East home favorites are 16-11 vs spread; AAC road underdogs are 7-10.

Cal-Riverside was 13-29 on arc in 77-63 home win over Santa Clara LY; Highlanders are 0-4 vs D-I teams this year (two non-D-I wins); this is their first game in two weeks. Riverside is 0-4 on road with 74-62 loss at UNLV closest D-I game they’ve played. UCR is shooting 35.2% inside arc; their eFG% is #349 in country. Santa Clara is 0-2 vs Big West teams this year, losing to Davis by 5, Irvine by 3; Broncos lost their last four D-I games. WCC home favorites are 20-13 vs spread; Big West road underdogs are 8-21.

Tennessee lost by hoop at North Carolina Sunday after leading by 15 in first half, by 5 with 4:32 left; Vols are 4-4, but with three top 25 losses- they’re 2-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, winning by 9-40 points. Tennessee is forcing turnovers on 23.8% of possessions (#16). Tennessee Tech is 2-7 vs D-I teams after losing by 8 at Michigan St Saturday; Golden Eagles have only one loss by more than 15 points (by 19 to Lipscomb). SEC home favorites are 21-20 vs spread; OVC road underdogs are 22-27.

Denver shot 71.4% inside arc LY in 69-56 home win over South Alabama, but Pioneers ran Princeton offense LY- they play faster now. Pioneers are #296 experience team playing pace #220 (played pace #350 LY); they’ve split six true road games, winning last game at Air Force. South Alabama lost three of last four games after a 5-0 start, losing last home game to Middle Tennessee; Jaguars are forcing turnovers 23.5% of the time. Sun Belt home favorites are 7-5 vs spread; Summit League road underdogs are 15-16.

Memphis is 7-2 vs schedule #338; they’re #253 experience team that is 2-2 vs top 100 teams, with wins by 8-7 points. Tigers start three sophs and a junior; four starters played 37:00+ in last game. Memphis bench is playing #319 minutes. Monmouth is #39 experience team playing #49 pace, #227 schedule. Hawks won their last seven games (over teams ranked #194 or lower) but are 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 1 to South Carolina, 21 at Syracuse. AAC home favorites are 11-7 vs spread; MAAC road underdogs are 10-13.

Eastern Washington won its last six games with three OT wins; Eagles are 3-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, winning by 4-5-5 points. EWU scored 80+ points in its last six games, but they’re in bottom 5 in country at forcing turnovers. Morehead State lost its last six games, giving up 90.7 pts/game in its last three games; teams are shooting 47.9% on arc vs Eagles, best % in country vs one team. Morehead has worst foul differential in country. Big Sky home favorites are 3-7 vs spread; OVC road underdogs are 22-27.

Oregon won tough game by 9 over Alabama Sunday (trailed by point with 4:12 left); Ducks forced 18 turnovers, held Bama to 2-19 on arc. Oregon won last six games with other wins vs Tennessee/UConn; they’re turning ball over 21.1% of time, making just 32% on arc. Montana is 3-6 with losses by 14-24 points to USC/Washington State of Pac-12; Griz lost last game by hoop at Wyoming, after they led by 5 with 5:37 left. Pac-12 home favorites are 23-21 vs spread; Big Sky road underdogs are 24-26.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

CBB*|*C ARKANSAS*at*MICHIGAN
Play Under - Home teams where the total is between 130 and 139.5 points after allowing 45 points or more in the first half last game against opponent after 3 straight losses by 10 points or more
29-8*since 1997.**(*78.4%*|*20.2 units*)
0-1*this year.**(*0.0%*|*-1.1 units*)

CBB*|*MOREHEAD ST*at*E WASHINGTON
Play On - All teams with a money line of +135 to -155 (MOREHEAD ST) team from a mid-major division 1-A conference against a team from a weak conference, off a road loss by 10 points or more
39-14*since 1997.**(*73.6%*|*24.0 units*)

CBB*|*C ARKANSAS*at*MICHIGAN
Play On - A favorite vs. the 1rst half line (MICHIGAN) after failing to cover the spread in 4 or more consecutive games, a good team (60% to 80%) playing a terrible team (<=20%)
29-8*since 1997.**(*78.4%*|*20.2 units*)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 12/13 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF

MEET STATS: 442 - 1266 / $2,441.00

BEST BETS: 57 - 104 / $193.70

Best Bet: TACO TUESDAY (7th)

Spot Play: DON LINDY (10th)


Race 1

(4) SOUTHWIND TERROR has been very good in his last few and I don't think he loses anything on the barn change here; top billing. (1) MAGIC MANNY plunges in class, draws best and it's not like he's been racing horribly; big threat. (3) AUCKLAND FLYER makes his third start at this reduced level and he could save ground to land a share.

Race 2

(2) NORTHERN DALI has been sharp in all her recent efforts and the post relief obviously helps. (1) ARABELLA J draws best and is in line for a winning trip. (5) COOL DESIRE was an easy winner in his second start for Clegg.

Race 3

(6) BETTERLATETHNNEVER was third best last week to two tough rivals and the Allard trainee appears ready to score. (2) TRIPLE SEELSTER just missed at this level two back and the Banca trainee picks up Bartlett today. (3) MARTY MONKHOUSER A was an upset winner when in with this type but he loses Zeron today; use caution.

Race 4

(4) BACKUP A hasn't done much in recent starts but he faces his softest field in some time and appears capable of awakening. (2) TWIN B FAMOUS has forgotten how to win but the veteran does fit with these. (5) LIFE UP FRONT is a shell of his former self but his best effort can get it done.

Race 5

(1) MARTIAL BLISS was narrowly defeated by rival (6) WHAT I BELIEVE last week; sharp sort can turn that tables with the post advantage. The latter is arguably in career form and certainly would be no surprise if he took another. (3) HANDS OFF FRANK can save ground and land a minor share.

Race 6

(4) BEE IN CHARGE was a big earner this season up in Canada and he was held together nicely in that qualifier last week; 3-year-old could be ready for action. (5) MADMAN HALL has been second best 12 times this season; why not again? (9) SOUTHERN CROSS has been razor-sharp for Svanstedt but needs to navigate the second tier.

Race 7

(9) TACO TUESDAY brushed and absolutely crushed in his second start for Milici; as long as he minds his manners he can easily repeat. (5) IRON ships from Plainridge and debuts for Team Miller; consider. (3) DUPREE faces a bit tougher here for Marcus Melander, who has had a very nice season locally with his trotters.

Race 8

(4) SHADY MCCOY qualified willingly for his debut for the McDermott barn and this trotter likes to win with 11 tallies on the season. (5) BLOWNOUTOFTHEWATER raced well for a share upon arrival and the added distance may help his cause. (3) WHATA PEACH is a clear speed threat but needs to show more late.

Race 9

(9) MASS BALANCE kicked home very nicely last out but was too far back to threaten; with a smooth closer-up trip he can get there in time. (8) SCREAMING CONWAY keeps Zeron and seems to have the early speed to get good position; consider at a price. (4) ROCK THE BONES has been racing well at Philly and could do well here at this added-distance.

Race 10

(2) DON LINDY is another new addition to the Julie Miller barn and the lightly-raced 3-year-old could be ready to roll in his local debut. (8) OOH RAH has looked good in just two lifetime starts but he needs to find a way to get involved early from this spot. (10) BEST TURBO has made a very nice living at this level; for a share.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Spot Plays

For Tuesday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Mahoning Valley (1st) Sunshine Valentino, 3-1
(6th) Destiny’s Song, 9-2


Parx Racing (7th) Poppy’s Shadow, 7-2
(9th) Royal Stage, 5-1


Turf Paradise (2nd) Bourbon Time, 7-2
(4th) Leavinglosangeles, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday’s six-pack

— Dodgers signed 3B Justin Turner, closer Kenley Jansen to big contracts.

— College football coaching changes: Charlie Strong to USF, Luke Fickell to Cincinnati, Lane Kiffin to Florida Atlantic.

— Kiffin takes close to a 50% pay cut to become a head coach again.

— QB Jarrett Stidham transfers from Baylor to Auburn, a good get for Gus Malzahn.

— Dexter Fowler will be the first St Louis Cardinal to wear #25 since Mark McGwire.

— LIU 74, St John’s 73— Really bad loss for Chris Mullin; they also lost to Delaware State.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Wynn

Bonus Play: Michigan -25 Over Central Arkansas

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Razor Sharp

YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR TUESDAY: Take MEMPHIS/CLEVELAND OVER the total of 202½

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Totals4U

Tuesday's Free Selection: Montana Grizzlies/Oregon Ducks over 137 1/2