Wednesday 11/2/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0) at Los Angeles Clippers (3-0)
By Randy Chambers

Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 10:30 pm (STAPLES Center)
The Line: Los Angeles Clippers -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPN/PT/FSOK

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers clash Wednesday night in NBA play at the Staples Center on ESPN.

The Oklahoma City Thunder look to keep rolling when they take the road for the second time and hope to build on their 3-0 start. The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 109.7 points on 43.5 percent shooting and allowing 101 points on 42.6 percent shooting. Russell Westbrook is averaging 38.7 points and 11.7 assists while Victor Oladipo is averaging 17 points and 3.7 rebounds. Steven Adams is the third double-digit scorer and Enes Kanter is grabbing 6.7 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 29 percent from beyond the arc and 75.3 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 22.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 52 rebounds per game. The Oklahoma City Thunder look for their first 4-0 start since the 2011-12 season.

The Los Angeles Clippers play their third straight home game and also look to build on their 3-0 start. The Los Angeles Clippers are averaging 106 points on 43.7 percent shooting and allowing 93 points on 42.6 percent shooting. Blake Griffin is averaging 22 points and 11.3 rebounds while Chris Paul is averaging 20 points and 7.3 assists. Jamal Crawford is the third double-digit scorer and Austin Rivers is grabbing two rebounds. The Los Angeles Clippers are shooting 27.8 percent from beyond the arc and 73.1 percent from the free throw line. The Los Angeles Clippers are allowing 30.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 47 rebounds per game. The Los Angeles Clippers have a chance at back-to-back 4-0 starts to the season.

The Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The Clippers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest and 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. The Thunder are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Los Angeles and 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings overall.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Wednesday’s games

Raptors won their last four games with Washington (under 4-0); Toronto is 3-2 in its last five visits here (under 3-2). Wizards covered seven of last nine series games, four of last five here. Raptors won two of first three games (over 2-1); this is their road opener. Washington lost its first two (road) games by 15-9ot points; this is their home opener.

76ers lost eight of last nine games with Charlotte; Hornets covered three of last four. Four of last six series games stayed under. 76ers lost first three games by 6-32-2 points; they lost tough game to Magic last nite. This is Philly’s road opener. Charlotte won two of first three games (over 2-1); road team won all three games. No Embiid for 76ers (rest) but Okafor will play after sitting Tuesday.

Pistons won four of last five games with Brooklyn, but Nets are 6-2 vs spread in last eight series games. Detroit lost three of last four (0-4 vs spread) visits here. Pistons won last three games but lost only road game by 18 in Toronto. Brooklyn is off to a 1-3 start, with losses by 5-2-30 points (over 2-2)- they split two home games.

Rockets won nine of last ten games with New York (7-3 vs spread); Houston won/covered last four visits here, with last three of those going over total. Houston split first four games (over 2-2) after losing in Cleveland last night; they’re 1-2 on road. Knicks are 1-2 after losing in Detroit last night; they won only home game by 7 over Memphis.

Lakers lost four of last five games with Atlanta; six of last eight series games stayed under total. LA lost three of last four visits here, losing by 14-4-13 points (over 3-2 in last five here). Hawks won first three games by 15-32-11 points (3-0 vs spread, under 2-1). Lakers lost last three games, by 7-17-7 points (over 2-2)- they’re 2-1 vs spread as a road underdog.

Pelicans lost their last five games (1-4 vs spread) vs Memphis, with last four going over total. New Orleans lost last four visits here (1-3 vs spread). Grizzlies are 2-2 after getting crushed in Minnesota last nite; they won their two home games, by 4-9ot points. Pelicans lost at home to the Bucks last nite, are 0-4 wth three losses by 8 or less points (over 3-1).

Bulls won by 6 over Boston Thursday, their 5th win in last seven games with Celtics (over 6-2 in last eight). Chicago lost last two visits to Beantown by 5-9 points. Boston is off to 2-1 start (over 2-1), winning only home game by 5 over Brooklyn. Bulls are 3-0 for first time in 20 years (3-0 vs spread, under 2-1).

Mavericks won eight of last ten games with Utah (7-2-1 vs spread); Dallas won four of last five visits here (over 3-2). Macs are 0-3 (under 2-1), but Nowitzki (stomach flu) didn’t play in last two games, with losses by 9ot-1-8 points. Utah is off to a 2-2 start (over 2-2); they won only home game by 7 over the Lakers. Jazz won a tough game in San Antonio last night.

Trailblazers won four of last six games with Phoenix (5-2 vs spread in last seven); last six in series stayed under total. Portland is 2-3 in last five visits here, covering three of last four. Suns are off to an 0-4 start (2-2 vs spread), losing home games by 19-6 points. Portland got whacked at home by Golden State at home last night; they’re 2-2, winning only road game by a hoop at Denver.

Thunder won six of last nine games with the Clippers, splitting last four visits here; over is 4-2 in last six series games. Oklahoma City opened season by beating three stiffs (under 2-1) by 6-3ot-17 points; they won first road game by 6 in Philly. Clippers are off to a 3-0 start (over 2-1) with home wins by 13-18 points over Utah/Phoenix.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Wednesday’s games

Raptors won their last four games with Washington (under 4-0); Toronto is 3-2 in its last five visits here (under 3-2). Wizards covered seven of last nine series games, four of last five here. Raptors won two of first three games (over 2-1); this is their road opener. Washington lost its first two (road) games by 15-9ot points; this is their home opener.

76ers lost eight of last nine games with Charlotte; Hornets covered three of last four. Four of last six series games stayed under. 76ers lost first three games by 6-32-2 points; they lost tough game to Magic last nite. This is Philly’s road opener. Charlotte won two of first three games (over 2-1); road team won all three games. No Embiid for 76ers (rest) but Okafor will play after sitting Tuesday.

Pistons won four of last five games with Brooklyn, but Nets are 6-2 vs spread in last eight series games. Detroit lost three of last four (0-4 vs spread) visits here. Pistons won last three games but lost only road game by 18 in Toronto. Brooklyn is off to a 1-3 start, with losses by 5-2-30 points (over 2-2)- they split two home games.

Rockets won nine of last ten games with New York (7-3 vs spread); Houston won/covered last four visits here, with last three of those going over total. Houston split first four games (over 2-2) after losing in Cleveland last night; they’re 1-2 on road. Knicks are 1-2 after losing in Detroit last night; they won only home game by 7 over Memphis.

Lakers lost four of last five games with Atlanta; six of last eight series games stayed under total. LA lost three of last four visits here, losing by 14-4-13 points (over 3-2 in last five here). Hawks won first three games by 15-32-11 points (3-0 vs spread, under 2-1). Lakers lost last three games, by 7-17-7 points (over 2-2)- they’re 2-1 vs spread as a road underdog.

Pelicans lost their last five games (1-4 vs spread) vs Memphis, with last four going over total. New Orleans lost last four visits here (1-3 vs spread). Grizzlies are 2-2 after getting crushed in Minnesota last nite; they won their two home games, by 4-9ot points. Pelicans lost at home to the Bucks last nite, are 0-4 wth three losses by 8 or less points (over 3-1).

Bulls won by 6 over Boston Thursday, their 5th win in last seven games with Celtics (over 6-2 in last eight). Chicago lost last two visits to Beantown by 5-9 points. Boston is off to 2-1 start (over 2-1), winning only home game by 5 over Brooklyn. Bulls are 3-0 for first time in 20 years (3-0 vs spread, under 2-1).

Mavericks won eight of last ten games with Utah (7-2-1 vs spread); Dallas won four of last five visits here (over 3-2). Macs are 0-3 (under 2-1), but Nowitzki (stomach flu) didn’t play in last two games, with losses by 9ot-1-8 points. Utah is off to a 2-2 start (over 2-2); they won only home game by 7 over the Lakers. Jazz won a tough game in San Antonio last night.

Trailblazers won four of last six games with Phoenix (5-2 vs spread in last seven); last six in series stayed under total. Portland is 2-3 in last five visits here, covering three of last four. Suns are off to an 0-4 start (2-2 vs spread), losing home games by 19-6 points. Portland got whacked at home by Golden State at home last night; they’re 2-2, winning only road game by a hoop at Denver.

Thunder won six of last nine games with the Clippers, splitting last four visits here; over is 4-2 in last six series games. Oklahoma City opened season by beating three stiffs (under 2-1) by 6-3ot-17 points; they won first road game by 6 in Philly. Clippers are off to a 3-0 start (over 2-1) with home wins by 13-18 points over Utah/Phoenix.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pelicans (0-4) at Grizzlies (2-2)

Date: November 02, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Because they were facing the prospect of playing four games in five nights, the Memphis Grizzlies took one for the team Tuesday night, resting veterans Mike Conley and Marc Gasol in a 36-point road loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The winless New Orleans Pelicans would love to experience anything close to that luxury as they dropped to 0-4 with an ugly 117-113 home loss Tuesday to the Milwaukee Bucks.

So when the Pelicans face the 2-2 Grizzlies on Wednesday night in Memphis, they will be a facing a relatively rested Memphis team on the second night of a back-to-back.

The only thing Pelicans forward Anthony Davis knows is that as the losses mount, his team is in danger of falling out of playoff contention less than two weeks into the season.

Davis is averaging 37 points and 13 rebounds a game, and yet the Pelicans have lost four straight because they have allowed 111 points a game.

"It's defense where we've got to become better, and that starts with communication," Davis said.

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry, who never seems to get flustered, saw his temperature rise in the wake of his team's poor defensive outing against the Bucks. He called his players' lack of communication "the perfect storm."

"We've got a lot of work that we need to do," Gentry said. "We've got to get better defensively. We have to (get a win). It's on us. It's not on anybody but us. We've got to do the job. We've got enough guys to line up and play; then you got to win some games."

The Grizzlies have won the last five against the Pelicans, including four consecutive home games. In the most recent meeting, guard Lance Stephenson, who appeared in 26 games for Memphis last season, scored a career-high 33 points in a 121-114 overtime victory over New Orleans. Stephenson is now a member of the Pelicans.

First-year Memphis coach David Fizdale said he decided to rest Conley, his veteran point guard, and Gasol because of the heavy stretch of games -- the Grizzlies' only such stretch of the season.

Conley and Gasol both dressed but did not play. They watched as Memphis fell behind by 40 points at one point to the Timberwolves. The Grizzlies had entered the game making 43.7 percent of their 3-point attempts but managed just 4 of 24 against Minnesota.

Memphis shot just 36.5 percent overall and committed 22 turnovers. Wade Baldwin, a combo guard, started and committed five turnovers against just one assist. He missed all four of his 3-point shots. The Grizzlies came in Tuesday's game averaging only 13 turnovers.

"That killed us," Fizdale said of the turnovers. "The bottom line is you're on another team's court and you have to take care of the ball to have any chances of winning. Everything that could go wrong went wrong offensively for us. And then it carried over to our defense. They just ran us out of the gym."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NBA Picks: Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

Monday was the deadline for teams to extend players chosen in the first round of the 2013 draft on rookie-scale extension deals. Any players not extended would hit restricted free agency next offseason. I don't think there were any huge surprises ahead of the deadline. The Jazz smartly locked up center Rudy Gobert on a four-year, $102 million extension. He was perhaps the biggest steal of that draft at No. 27 overall, originally chosen by Denver. The Thunder locked up guard Victor Oladipo, acquired this offseason from Orlando, and center Steven Adams. So right now, when also including Russell Westbrook's extension, the team would be over the salary cap next summer. But you can go over to re-sign your own guys. Minnesota's Gorgui Dieng and Charlotte's Cody Zeller also got new deals. Guys like Portland's C.J. McCollum, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo and Atlanta's Dennis Schroder got their extensions before deadline day. Some guys who didn't get deals were Washington's Otto Porter, Phoenix's Alex Len, Sacramento's Ben McLemore and Philadelphia's Nerlens Noel. They were all Top-10 picks.


Raptors at Wizards (pick'em, 208.5)

Toronto plays its first road game of the season and is off a 105-102 win over Denver on Monday. DeMar DeRozan had 33 points to become the first Raptor ever with three straight 30-point games to open a season. It's the home opener for winless Washington, which lost 112-103 in OT at Memphis on Sunday. John Wall missed from close in to win at the end of regulation. He had 22 points and 13 assists. The Raptors have won seven straight against the Wizards.

Key trends: The Raptors are 2-7 against the spread in the past nine meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in the past four.

Early lean: Raptors and under.

76ers at Hornets (-11.5, 197.5)

It's the second of a back-to-back for Philadelphia, which was winless entering the finale of a three-game opening homestand against Orlando on Tuesday. Charlotte is off a 104-98 loss in Boston on Saturday as it made just 9-for-32 from long range. Kemba Walker had 29 points and Frank Kaminsky returned after missing the first two games with 11 points. Center Roy Hibbert was out with knee soreness and reserve guard Jeremy Lamb will miss at least a week with a strained hamstring.

Key trends: The Sixers are 5-11 ATS in their past 16 in the second of a back-to-back. The under is 8-3 in Charlotte's past 11 at home.

Early lean: Hornets and under.

Pistons at Nets (+4, 204.5)

Detroit is in the second of a back-to-back as it closed out a three-game homestand against the Knicks on Tuesday night. Andre Drummond entered that one with back-to-back 20-rebound games. Brooklyn lost 118-88 at home to Chicago on Monday. It was pretty much over after the first quarter. The Nets had been very competitive in their first three games. The Nets were 1-3 vs. the Pistons last year.

Key trends: The home team is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The over is 14-3 in the past 17 in Brooklyn.

Early lean: Nets and over.

Rockets at Knicks (-1, 215)

Houston was in Cleveland on Tuesday -- that game was moved up an hour per Houston's request to not conflict with the start of Game 6 of the World Series; obviously it could be tough for the Rockets to get to the airport if downtown Cleveland is a mob scene if the Indians win -- and New York was in Detroit. These teams split last year, but Houston has won 20 of the past 22 vs. the Knicks overall.

Key trends: Houston has covered six straight in New York. The over is 10-2 in the Rockets' past 12 in the second of a back-to-back.

Early lean: Knicks and over.

Lakers at Hawks (-11.5, 207.5)

Los Angeles was in Indiana on Tuesday on a two-game losing streak. Atlanta is 3-0 following a 106-95 home win over Sacramento on Monday. Dwight Howard led all five Hawks starters in double figures with 18 points while also chipping in with 11 rebounds and outplaying DeMarcus Cousins. Atlanta attempted 47 free throws but made only 29 of them. The Hawks easily beat the Lakers twice last year, with L.A. not topping 87 points in either game.

Key trends: The home team is 5-2 ATS in the past seven. The under is 5-1 in Atlanta's previous six vs. the West.

Early lean: Hawks and under.

Pelicans at Grizzlies (-5.5, 204)

New Orleans hosted Milwaukee on Tuesday looking for its first win of the season. Memphis was in Minnesota on Tuesday. The Grizzlies have won five straight meetings against the Pelicans -- last year's sweep was the first-ever in the series by either side -- and four in a row at home. New Orleans is 9-0 all-time against Memphis when scoring at least 100 points. In three games against Memphis last season, Anthony Davis averaged a team-best 21.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 2.7 blocks.

Key trends: The Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in the past five meetings. The over has hit in the previous four.

Early lean: Grizzlies and over.

Bulls at Celtics (-4, 209)

First of an ESPN doubleheader. The Bulls have been one of the NBA's early-season surprises at 3-0. They were supposed to be one of the league's worst 3-point shooting teams, but both Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade are hitting better than 50 percent from out there. Obviously that won't continue. Chicago won by 30 in Brooklyn on Monday with the starters getting the fourth quarter off. Reserve point guard Michael Carter-Williams hurt his ankle and is going to miss some time. Boston won in Charlotte 104-98 on Saturday behind a career-high 31 from Avery Bradley. The Celtics' lone loss was 105-99 in Chicago last Thursday. Boston will see guard Marcus Smart make his season debut off injury in this one.

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

Early lean: Celtics and over.

Mavericks at Jazz (TBA)

Dallas is winless after a 93-92 loss in Houston on Sunday. Wesley Matthews fouled James Harden with 0.1 seconds left and Harden hit the winning free throw. Matthews had just tied the game on a 3-pointer a few seconds earlier. The Mavs were without Dirk Nowitzki a second straight game, but he almost played so you should see him here. Dallas is 0-3 for the first time since 2011-12. Utah was in San Antonio on Tuesday night. The Mavericks have won 10 of the last 12 regular-season meetings with the Jazz.

Key trends: The Mavs are 4-1 ATS in the past five at Utah. The under is 9-4 in Utah's past 13 at home.

Early lean: Wait on Dirk but I'd go under regardless of total.

Trail Blazers at Suns (TBA)

Potential letdown game for Portland as it hosted Golden State in a playoff rematch on Tuesday. Phoenix dropped to 0-4 with a 116-98 loss at the Clippers on Monday. Guard Devin Booker, third on the team in scoring, was a game-time decision and sat out with a sprained toe. Brandon Knight started in his place and had 18 points. The Suns have won seven of the past nine at home vs. the Trail Blazers.

Key trends: The Blazers are 3-7 ATS in their past 10 in Phoenix. The under is 6-1 in Phoenix's past seven at home.

Early lean: TBA for Booker.

Thunder at Clippers (-5.5, 207.5)

Second ESPN game. I don't see how Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook isn't looking past this game and toward Thursday's showdown with the Warriors and former teammate Kevin Durant (more on that in Thursday's Opening Line Report). Westbrook has been absurd in OKC's 3-0 start in averaging a triple-double. Keep in mind that Oklahoma City has played three of the NBA's worst teams. Los Angeles improved to 3-0 with a 116-98 home win over Phoenix on Monday. DeAndre Jordan was in question with a sprained thumb but had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Blake Griffin had 21 and 11.

Key trends: The Thunder are 1-4 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 5-0 in the previous five in L.A.

Early lean: Clippers and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview and Prediction: Toledo Rockets (6-2) at Akron Zips (5-4)
By Randy Chambers
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 7:30 pm (InfoCision Stadium)
The Line: Akron Zips +8 -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPN2

The Toledo Rockets and Akron Zips square off Wednesday night in MAC college football action at InfoCision Stadium on ESPN2.

The Toledo Rockets look for their third road victory to remain in the MAC West division race. The Toledo Rockets have lost back-to-back games just once since the 2014 season. Logan Woodside is completing 71 percent of his passes for 2,715 yards, 31 touchdowns and five interceptions. Woodside has three or more touchdown passes in nine of his last 10 games. Cody Thompson and Corey Jones have combined for 1,408 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns while Jon'Vea Johnson has 24 receptions. The Toledo Rockets ground game is averaging 197.2 yards per contest, and Kareem Hunt leads the way with 790 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, Toledo is allowing 23.5 points and 377 yards per game. DeJuan Rogers leads the Toledo Rockets with 49 tackles, Treyvon Hester has five sacks and Trevon Mathis has one interception.

The Akron Zips look for their third home victory and to become bowl eligible for the second straight season. The Akron Zips have lost back-to-back games twice since last season. Thomas Woodson is completing 62 percent of his passes for 1,763 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. Woodson and Tra'Von Chapman have combined for 21 touchdown passes this season. JoJo Natson, Jr. and Jerome Lane have combined for 1,381 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns while Austin Wolf has 30 receptions. The Akron Zips ground game is averaging 135.3 yards per contest, and Van Edwards, Jr. leads the way with 378 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Akron is allowing 34.2 points and 483.1 yards per game. Ulysees Gilbert III leads the Akron Zips with 100 tackles, Jamal Marcus has 2.5 sacks and Kyron Brown has three interceptions.

The Rockets are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 road games and 17-5-2 ATS in their last 24 games overall. The Zips are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in November. The under is 10-4 in Zips last 14 home games and the under is 5-1 in Rockets last 6 road games.

Akron is a very good home team to be laying this type of number in a game in which a victory would make the Zips bowl eligible. Toledo doesn't lose back-to-back games often and has one of the more under the radar offenses that can put points up quckly. However, the Zips can hang in this game and give themselves a chance to win late. I'll side with Akron and the points here.

RANDY'S PICK
Akron Zips +8

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF

Wednesday’s game

Toledo lost as a 16.5-point favorite LW, at same time Akron was losing as an 18-point favorite, so both sides looking to bounce back here. Toledo is 4-2 in last six series games; they lost last two visits here, 47-30/31-29. Home side won five of last six meetings in series where last meeting was in 2013. Rockets are 5-6 in last 11 games as a road favorite. Akron is 3-11 as a home underdog under Bowden. Zips allowed 334 rushing yards/game in last three games- they are 0-3 this year when scoring less than 31 points. Toledo has road wins by 21-15 points; they lost 55-53 at BYU.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 11/2 Analysis + Pick Four Ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Play:

4 / 1,2 / 1,2,4,6,9 / 5,6,9 = $30

Best Bet: TYMAL BLING (12th)

Spot Play: BLUE VALLEY (3rd)


Race 1

(4) AIR TURBULANCE faces older but has flashed ability; driver’s choice. (6) ROCK H DASHING O has some room to improve after trotting a personal best last week. (5) BETTER THAN NEW has yet to win in his career and has lacked stamina late; use underneath.

Race 2

(2) KINGOFTHEREIGNS makes his third career start and has room to move forward against a suspect bunch. (1) SHINEONSPIRIT should be closer turning for home with the best post. (5) YONDERCOMESAPONDER makes his debut off an average qualifier.

Race 3

(4) BLUE VALLEY needed her last start and has been competitive against better on the year. (9) NINO MARINO is very inconsistent from week to week, however a good effort puts him in the mix. (2) BOSCO’S ANGEL is 0-for the year; use underneath.

Race 4

(1) CHICAGOSONAROLL –let’s hope so on Wednesday night! Best post and solid driver make him tough. (2) OVERDRIVE gets driven by a low percentage pilot but has been pacing faster than most of the field. (3) KIRKTONS CREDIT might have the most ability but is hampered by a provisional driver.

Race 5

(1) ACTION-EAR-TO-EAR takes a huge drop in class with the best post. (2) FRIDAYSCOMIN has been unable to seal the deal in similar spots; command a price. (9) MYSTERY RINGER picks up the top driver against a weak bunch.

Race 6

(5) PROMISED THE MOON picks up a huge driver change while moving down in class. (9) HYD-DAT SHOOTER makes his second start for a new barn. (2) DANNYS MAN could be in line for a nice trip up close. The pacer is two for his last 64; use underneath.

Race 7

(2) ROMPAWAY ELVIS will offer the better price of the contenders and picks up a significant driver change. (1) MIKES MAJESTIC takes a huge drop in class with the best post. (3) MISS LULU BELLE has just been racing evenly but can hit the ticket with a good setup.

Race 8

(4) BOLD DECISION was sharp last week when just missing from the far outside. (3) KWIK MAC finally gets post relief against softer. (2) IMA FULL TIME JOB has room to improve second start for a new trainer.

Race 9

(2) SIMMY just needs to be closer turning for home; big chance. (1) SELENA picks up the top driver with the best post. (3) CRAZOLO has lots of room to improve second start back off a long layoff.

Race 10

In a wide open race, (1) SOUTHWIND JOKER always offers value and has been knocking on the door. (6) BOUND TO SCORE has been competitive at this level and will also offer a nice price. (9) ACTION METRO MAX gets sent out for a top barn but is known to be camera shy at this track.

Race 11

(6) JUMPIN JACK J doesn't look the best in his last few but is capable with his top effort. (5) JUST HENRY had some sneaky late pace at this level last week. (9) MODEL NINETYFOUR looks like the horse to beat on paper but the driver rarely wins at this track; use caution.

Race 12

(7) TYMAL BLING just missed last week against tougher; big chance. (1) FORT COMMANDER is very inconsistent from week to week but can hit the ticket, especially starting from the rail. (9) SS AURORA’S DREAM might be a sleeper for your trifecta tickets.

Race 13

(6) LADY EDITH looks to make it four in a row against the same competition. (3) EVANORA gets sent out for one of the top trainers in the country and has beaten the top choice this year. (1) SOFT POWER adds second time Lasix with the best post.

Race 14

(2) RIVER CITY shows some good efforts against much tougher. (3) TERROR OF THETRACK looks terrible on paper but does own multiple wins at this level on the year. (1) WAITINGFORTHISONE gets the best post against a really weak field.

Race 15

(2) BETTOR’S DESTINY can score a victory with a good setup. (8) CLASSIC DRAGON would have been the horse to beat with a better post; threat. (6) JIMMY RIP has tailed off in recent weeks; command a price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Charles Town (3rd) Bright Bullet, 8-1
(5th) Freedom Alley, 6-1


Churchill Downs (2nd) Foul Play, 7-2
(8th) My Name Is Hebe, 6-1


Delta Downs (5th) Coteau Kid, 6-1
(11th) Moira Ice, 9-2


Finger Lakes (2nd) Fashion Sider, 6-1
(5th) Don't Blame Her, 6-1


Gulfstream Park West (4th) Tell Me A Joke, 6-1
(6th) All Hands Up, 3-1


Hawthorne (3rd) Jete Ete, 3-1
(6th) Posh Ruler, 9-2


Mahoning Valley (2nd) Truly Val, 8-1
(6th) Ridge Defense, 4-1


Mountaineer (5th) P Town Boo, 4-1
(6th) Salsamon, 7-2


Penn National (2nd) Con Gee, 5-1
(5th) Super Bird, 6-1


Remington Park (5th) Passing Breeze, 4-1
(8th) Turn Up the Lights, 9-2


Woodbine (4th) Dixie Storm, 3-1
(7th) Miss Anteas, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (103-58) at Indians (94-67)

Game: 7
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: November 02, 2016 8:08 PM EDT

No sweat: Calm starting pitchers face off in Game 7

If baseball momentum is the next day's starting pitcher, the Cleveland Indians still very much like their chances of sending the Chicago Cubs home for the winter without a World Series trophy for the 109th consecutive season.

Corey Kluber, who is 2-0 in the World Series against the Cubs and won Games 1 and 4, takes the mound for the Indians on Wednesday night in a Fall Classic finale long on historic heft.

Kluber pitched six innings in both starts and allowed zero runs, but a second consecutive outing on short rest -- three days instead of the customary four -- adds a physical and mental variable to the pressure-packed spotlight moment.

"It's been a blast," said Kluber, the low-key ace of the Indians. "I think that we've all really enjoyed ourselves. I think we can take a lot from the way we approached it and not treating it more than just each game is another game and trying to go out and win that day. Not trying to look too far ahead or things like that. I think there's value to taking that approach throughout the course of a season, too."

Manager Terry Francona might gladly shred his Game 6 scorecard, with two home runs propelling the Cubs to a 7-0 lead in the fourth inning en route to a 9-3 win. The Indians are chasing their own ghosts after squandering a 3-1 series lead. Cleveland last won the World Series in 1948.

Kluber is looking to match the feat of Mickey Lolich, who won Game 7 after starting the first and fourth games for the Detroit Tigers in 1968. Kluber is 4-1 with a 1.89 ERA this postseason, and he gave the Indians -- and American League -- home-field advantage by winning the All-Star Game in San Diego.

"Good players, good pitchers, can do special things, and he's in that category," Francona said.

Awakened from a 22-inning slumber, the Cubs are racking up runs much the way they did as the National League's best offense in the regular season, when manager Joe Maddon led the team to the Central Division title by 19 games.

With designated hitter Kyle Schwarber back in a shuffled lineup, the Cubs are expected to field a similar lineup to the one that Kluber dominated at Progressive Field in Game 1. Kluber and the Indians' lights-out bullpen teamed to strike out 15 in the World Series opener.

Ten consecutive World Series that began 3-1 were lost by the team facing that deficit.

For the Cubs to be the first team since the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates to escape such a hole, Maddon cited early offense and the bullpen as the best way to make history.

Another flat-line righty, Kyle Hendricks, starts for the Cubs in Game 7. At windy Wrigley Field on Saturday, he lacked command of his high-movement arsenal but kept Chicago in the game. Hendricks led the NL in ERA (2.05) and keeps the ball down to prevent big rallies.

"This is the ultimate dream," Hendricks said. "You dream of getting to the World Series, winning the World Series. When you're out in your backyard as a kid, playing Little League at the field with your friends, this is the moment you dream about, Game 7, 3-2, two outs, something like that, bottom of the ninth. But it's always Game 7 of the World Series."

Maddon wants to ride his starter in the deciding game but explained to his entire pitching staff that all hands will be on deck. Jon Lester and John Lackey are definitely available in relief, Maddon said, if Hendricks finds trouble. After using closer Aroldis Chapman for eight outs in Game 5, and going to him in the seventh inning again in Game 6, Maddon might need to be creative to finish the seventh game.

However, with Hendricks on the hill, the Cubs will be fairly certain early in the game whether their starter has his A-game.

"If you see the hitter blink or take a pitch that is obviously a strike, and he does not mention anything to the umpire and he knows it's a strike, that tells you how much his ball is moving and how fine it is," Maddon said. "When I'm watching from the side and I see that, I know he's going to have a good night."

The middle of the Cubs' batting order was reconfigured in Game 6 with Schwarber, who tagged Kluber for a double in Game 1, batting ahead of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist. Bryant homered Tuesday for the second game in a row but is hitless in eight at-bats with three strikeouts against Kluber.

Cleveland's offense gets a second look at Hendricks on Wednesday, and two players -- third baseman Jose Ramirez and shortstop Francisco Lindor -- have two hits in two at-bats against him. The Indians had six hits, two walks and one batter hit by a pitch facing Hendricks last week.

"I'm just going to embrace the opportunity like I have the rest of this postseason, honestly," Hendricks said. "Approach it like any other game, simple thoughts, the same old thing."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

World Series

Game 7

Cubs @ Indians

Hendricks is 4-2, 1.92 in his last nine starts, 1-1, 2.45 in six postseason starts. Cubs won his last five road starts; this is his first road start this postseason.

Kluber is 7-1, 1.98 in his last nine starts, 4-1, 0.89 in five postseason starts; he has allowed one run in 12 IP in two starts in this series. Indians are 13-1 in his last 14 home starts.

Cubs are 10-6 in playoffs this year, 5-3 on road; Chicago is 10-2 in playoffs if they score a run. Obviously Chicago hasn’t been in World Series since 1945, Indians since 1997. Cleveland is 10-4 in playoffs, 5-2 at home- they’ve tossed five shutouts in postseason.

Maddon is 27-28 as a playoff manager, 14-11 with Cubs. he lost 2008 World Series with Rays. Francona won World Series with Boston in 2004, 2007; he is 38-22 as a postseason manager, 11-2 in World Series games.
Maddon-Francona faced each other as managers in Game 7 of ’08 ALCS; Rays won, with Jon Lester starting on the mound for the Red Sox.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

World Series

Game 7

Cubs @ Indians

Hendricks is 4-2, 1.92 in his last nine starts, 1-1, 2.45 in six postseason starts. Cubs won his last five road starts; this is his first road start this postseason.

Kluber is 7-1, 1.98 in his last nine starts, 4-1, 0.89 in five postseason starts; he has allowed one run in 12 IP in two starts in this series. Indians are 13-1 in his last 14 home starts.

Cubs are 10-6 in playoffs this year, 5-3 on road; Chicago is 10-2 in playoffs if they score a run. Obviously Chicago hasn’t been in World Series since 1945, Indians since 1997. Cleveland is 10-4 in playoffs, 5-2 at home- they’ve tossed five shutouts in postseason.

Maddon is 27-28 as a playoff manager, 14-11 with Cubs. he lost 2008 World Series with Rays. Francona won World Series with Boston in 2004, 2007; he is 38-22 as a postseason manager, 11-2 in World Series games.
Maddon-Francona faced each other as managers in Game 7 of ’08 ALCS; Rays won, with Jon Lester starting on the mound for the Red Sox.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play: Dallas Mav's + 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game 7 sets up heartbreaker, drought-breaker
By Jack Magruder, The Sports Xchange

CLEVELAND -- A day after dressing as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle for Halloween, Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell laid some super hero on the Cleveland Indians in Game 6 of the World Series.
Russell tied a World Series record with six RBIs in the 9-3 victory Tuesday, and in so doing he guaranteed a broken heart for one of these teams -- the Cubs or Indians -- when the World Series concludes Wednesday night.
Cleveland has not won a World Series since 1948, a drought that would be considered lengthy if the Cubs were not factored in. Chicago is playing in its first World Series since 1945 and has not won it since 1908.
For one team, to make it all the way to seven games this year and not close it out will be agonizing.
Russell, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo homered and Jake Arrieta went 5 2-3 innings to beat Cleveland for the second time as the Cubs forced a deciding game.
"Anybody who plays this game grows up dreaming of winning a World Series," Bryant said. "We get to play Game 7 tomorrow. That's pretty special."
Cleveland will start right-hander Corey Kluber, the second time in this series he will start on three days' rest. Kluber became the first pitcher since Cincinnati's Jose Rijo in 1990 to win Games 1 and 4 of the World Series, and he could become the 11th pitcher to win three games in the same Series.
Arizona's Randy Johnson was the last to do it in 2001, with two victories as a starter and one in relief. Mickey Lolich won three games as a starter in 1968, when the Tigers erased a 3-1 deficit to beat St. Louis.
The Cubs will counter with right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who is 1-1 with a 1.31 ERA in four playoff starts. Hendricks did not have his best stuff in a Game 3 start, giving up six hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings, but he did not give up a run in a 1-0 loss. He was 7-6 with a 2.95 ERA in 16 road starts during the regular season.
Managers Terry Francona and Joe Maddon have made creative use of their bullpens in the World Series, and Game 7 could provide another opportunity.
Because Game 6 was settled early, Cleveland could give its strong back end -- Andrew Miller, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen -- another day of rest. Miller, 2-0 with an 0.53 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 17 innings in the postseason, has not pitched in three days. Dexter Folwer's homer in Game 4 is the only run he has allowed.
Taking no chances, Maddon brought closer Aroldis Chapman into Game 6 with two outs and two on in the seventh inning. Chapman got four outs before leaving after walking a batter to open the ninth. His availability might be in question after recording an eight-out save in his longest career outing in Game 5, and Maddon said starters Jon Lester and John Lackey will be available out of the bullpen Wednesday.
"We came out hitting the baseball," Maddon said after Game 6. "We looked more normal. We hit our home runs. Jake was really good."
Russell hit the first grand slam in a World Series since South Sider Paul Konerko hit one for the White Sox against Houston in 2005, and the Cubs had seven earned runs (some more so than others) by the third inning.
Russell's two-run double came on a ball that fell because of a miscommunication between Lonnie Chisenhall and Tyler Paquin in a three-run first inning. He hit a grand slam on the third pitch he saw from Cleveland reliever Dan Otero in the third.
After that, the only suspense was how long Arrieta's no-hit bid would last. Arrieta did not allow a hit until one out in the sixth inning of a 5-1 victory in Game 2. Jason Kipnis doubled to open the fourth and scored, and his homer in the fifth made it 7-2.
"Tonight was a tough night," Francona said. "It will be exciting to come to the ballpark tomorrow. Shoot, I might just wear my uniform home. I might get ice cream on it, though, so I better not."
One team will more than happy when the champagne is spilled Wednesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wednesday’s six-pack

— Cubs 9, Indians 3– Game 7 is tonight in Cleveland.

— November 21 Texans-Raiders Monday night game is being played in Mexico City.

— Raiders don’t play another true road game until December 8 in KC; they finish with three road games in last four weeks, all division games.

— Patriots got a 3rd-round draft pick from Cleveland for LB Jaime Collins.

— Chicago Bulls are 3-0 for the first time in 20 years.

— Oklahoma City Thunder gave Victor Oladipo $84M for four years.

 

[STP]

[h=2]Ben Burns[/h]

NBA
hornets
nets
hawks

NHL
Vancouver +1.5

MLB
Indians +1.5​

 

[STP]

[h=2]Kelso[/h]

MLB - CUBS ML
Toledo -9.5​

 

[STP]

northcoast
Toledo Over 72