Monday 12/22/14 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
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[superbeets]

Italian Super Cup TODAY 17:00

Juventus

v

Napoli

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		10/11	12/5	16/5	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES	RECENT FORM
AWHWADHDHDAW​ Most recent​	0 - 2 3 - 0 1 - 1 2 - 0	ADADHDHWALHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: The Italian Super Cup has averaged four goals per game since 2006

EXPERT VERDICT: Juventus and Napoli fly to Doha to contest the Italian Super Cup and it could pay to anticipate an open encounter at the end of a tough run of winter fixtures. Juve won 4-2 after extra-time when the teams collided in this fixture two years ago and the attacking firepower both possess could see goals rain down again.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
1

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 20:00

Stoke

v

Chelsea

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		11/2	3	8/13	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT STOKE	RECENT FORM
AWHLALALHWAD​ Most recent​	3 - 2 0 - 4 0 - 0 1 - 1	ADHWALHWHWAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Stoke have let in ten goals in their last five at home

EXPERT VERDICT: Stoke were flattered in their 3-2 victory over Arsenal (their only win in five) and Chelsea look an outstanding bet to come away from the Britannia with three points. It is not the fortress it once was due to a leaking defence and Jose Mourinho’s men can be counted on to prevail.

RECOMMENDATION: Chelsea
4


REFEREE: Neil Swarbrick STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Scottish Championship Tu 23Dec 00:00

Cowdenbeath

v

Hearts

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		15/2	15/4	4/11	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT COWDENBEATH	RECENT FORM
HLALHWALALAW​ Most recent​	0 - 2 1 - 0 0 - 4 1 - 5	HWAWHWHLHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Hearts have won 14 of their 16 league matches this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Championship leaders Hearts can maintain their unbeaten league status with a comprehensive victory at Cowdenbeath. The title favourites usually start quickly - Hearts have been leading at the break in four of their last five league games - with Rangers the only team to hold on until the half-time interval.

RECOMMENDATION: Hearts-Hearts double result
2


REFEREE: STADIUM: Central Park

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Meadows

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


Race 12 - Post: 4:35 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$6200 - CLAIM $8000 W/A


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 DARK LIGHTNING 5/2


# 7 JO PA'S ARTIST 5/1


# 6 WHOYOUCALLINGAFOOL 3/1


DARK LIGHTNING has a good shot to take this gathering. The handicapping team saw this horse's name on a billboard. Call it our coffee house play, worth a small bet. Hard to put finger on it, but strongly consider him for this one. The knowledge group noted a sharp contest out of this contender last time. Hoping for a repeat effort of that to dominate. JO PA'S ARTIST - He's doing work in good form, recording very promising speed ratings. An excellent selection. We can't pass on this gelding given one of the top driver/trainer statistics around. WHOYOUCALLINGAFOOL - The group has Merriman on its list of drivers who are real tough within the recent past. Last 30 days win percent is terrific. Could beat this grouping, just look at the TrackMaster Speed Rating - 84 - from his most recent effort.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodbine

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


Race 2 - Post: 7:45 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 68 - Purse:$14000 - 2 & 3 YEAR OLDS, NW 1 RACE OR $13,000 LIFETIME. AE: 2 YEAR OLDS, NW 2 RACES LIFETIME.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 VELOCITY HEADLIGHT 2/1


# 6 HERLIN 8/1


# 3 VAGUE TRACES 7/2

The consensus in this one is that VELOCITY HEADLIGHT is the one to beat. Could surprise us at a fairly reasonable price. Don't leave out. This contender looks dangerous. Look at the 75 avg speed rating. Seems to have a good class advantage based on the competitors he has faced. HERLIN - Rekila fits this harness racer's style perfectly. They've enjoyed some excellent results when teaming up. Loved this gelding's last race. Ran a solid 61 speed rating. Major contender. VAGUE TRACES - Seems to have a very good class advantage based on the competitors he has faced. Charges off time off can be an X factor, but not when Menary starts one, as he has an ROI of 33percent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course

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


Race 6 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $7500 Class Rating: 78

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 123 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 21 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 CANDID RESPONSE 3/1


# 5 SILENT HERO 7/2


# 1 PRIVACY INVASION 9/5

I've got to go with CANDID RESPONSE. Has very good early pace and will most likely fare quite well versus this group. Had one of the most favorable Equibase Speed Figures of this group in his last race. SILENT HERO - In fine fettle, and coming back almost immediately again this time around. One of the best win percentages between this jock and trainer make this gelding dangerous. PRIVACY INVASION - Has performed solidly as of late in sprint races, posting a nifty 72 avg speed fig. He has been running strongly recently while recording strong speed figs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Sunland Park

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


Race 4 - Maiden Special Weight - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $20500 Class Rating: 89

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 HE'S A BLING 2/1


# 2 ROCKABYE BARRY 5/2


# 4 AWESOME TIME 7/2

I think HE'S A BLING is a quite good choice. Overall the speed figures of this horse look competitive in this contest. Has been running quite well lately and will probably be up near the front end early on. Should definitely be given a shot in this race if only for the very good speed fig recorded in the last contest. ROCKABYE BARRY - Eikleberry has been scorching the last month, winning at a nifty 21 percent clip. With a competitive 69 Equibase Speed Fig last time out, will definitely be a factor in this race. AWESOME TIME - Looks respectable for the conditions of this contest today, showing solid figs in dirt route races recently. Looks respectable to be on the front end at the first call.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #7 - Post: 3:32pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,500 Class Rating: 86

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 THISAIN'TMYDAY (ML=8/1)
#10 LOCALLY MADE (ML=9/2)
#2 SPIKEY ITALIANO (ML=6/1)


THISAIN'TMYDAY - Racing at a similar level as last race on Oct 17th at Belterra Park. I think Rone has found a good spot for him, and I like his chances in this field. Rone moves this one here to Mahoning Valley Race Course from Belterra Park. Looking at the horse's recent past performance lines, he has shown the ability to win at multiple tracks. Finished sixth at Belterra Park last out. Was close at the end and at odds of 8/1 in this event, he looks like a possible contender. This horse didn't run well on a track listed as good in his last start at Belterra Park. You probably should ignore that showing. LOCALLY MADE - Stanley and Faulkner getting together are a handicapper's friend. Have to make this gelding a strong challenger; he comes off a good contest on Dec 10th. SPIKEY ITALIANO - This gelding should give a good account of himself in today's race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 UNLIMITED SPIRIT (ML=2/1), #3 SWEET TOP CAT (ML=5/1),

UNLIMITED SPIRIT - Hasn't raced or had any morning drills since November 25th. Not much value on this probable favorite. SWEET TOP CAT - This gelding hasn't had any recent favorable outcomes in sprint races. Difficult to play him in this race. Don't feel this runner will make a winning move in today's race. That last speed rating was mediocre when compared with today's Equibase class figure.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #9 THISAIN'TMYDAY on top if we're getting at least 7/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,9,10]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,9,10] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #4 - Post: 1:46pm - Starter Allowance - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $29,000 Class Rating: 98

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 RED HOT RANDY (ML=8/1)
#9 CINCO Y CINCO (ML=8/1)
#5 SYNCHRONOUS (ML=4/1)
#4 IT'S CHARLIE AGAIN (ML=15/1)


RED HOT RANDY - This gelding's last speed rating recorded on Oct 18th is tops in last race speed ratings. PP data show this racer with three improving speed figures. Whitney should be on a live horse in this field. CINCO Y CINCO - Sprinters that come back to the races quickly are generally good plays. SYNCHRONOUS - Ritvo rode this horse for the initial time last race out and comes right back today. This jock/trainer duo has been producing a very favorable ROI, right at +98. I like that last effort on November 23rd at Parx Racing where he ran first. IT'S CHARLIE AGAIN - Have to give this gelding a good chance. Ran a solid outing last time around the track within the last thirty days. I usually like playing sprint horses who are 3-4 races into a comeback.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 SIETE DE OROS (ML=5/2), #7 BY A HUNDREDTH (ML=7/2), #6 HOOKED FOREVER (ML=5/1),

SIETE DE OROS - This racer didn't do much for me last time out finishing fifth. Don't see any chance of improvement in today's race. I normally try to beat this kind of chalk. Extended layoff and no drop in level of competition. BY A HUNDREDTH - 7/2 is not pegged at the proper price for any horse in a sprint of 7 furlongs that hasn't finished in the money in a short distance event recently. HOOKED FOREVER - Ran well to finish first on Nov 22nd, but hasn't had even one work since then. Garnered a common speed figure last time out in a $16,000 Claiming race on Nov 22nd. Not probable to see an improved performance off of that figure.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #2 RED HOT RANDY to win. Have to have odds of at least 4/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,5,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 12/22 Analysis
By Greg Gangle

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet: SIX BAX (3rd)

Spot Play: JD’S CALEB MAN (4th)


Race 1

(9) MYSTERY BET crushed his rivals last week and is a perfect one-for-one to begin his career. He moves up in class, but will get the bulk of support. (5) HIE BENNY shows back-to-back miles at Flamboro, draws well and is a good option for the exactor. (8) MANIMAL has excellent gate-speed and continues to be a threat at this class.

Race 2

(4) SURF REPORT should offer a fair price in this wide-open field and has been a threat at this level in recent weeks. (5) DESERONTO draws better in here and should be more effective. He went to the back last week and kicked home in :27 3/5. (8) CLASSIC BOLT raced well in his career debut last week for Hudon. He should improve off that and shows the speed.

Race 3

(9) SIX BAX has been a main threat while racing at this level, shows gate-speed and will debut for trainer Fine. (10) NORTHERN BULLET finished second, by a nose, at a higher level last week and is capable of overcoming post 10. (8) ESCUELA has hit the board in each of her last two and three of her last four.

Race 4

(6) JDS CALEB MAN has hit the board in three of his last four while racing at this level, draws well and should offer a fair price. (3) SKY DESPERADO has back-to-back wins to his credit, including last week at this level. (5) BLUE CHIP SUNSHINE has excellent gate-speed, comes from the Moreau barn and gets Henry in the bike.

Race 5

(3) ROYAL DAZZLER comes from the Henriksen barn and was a winner most recently in this class. He has the speed, top breeding and will offer a short price. (4) LOVE DETECTIVE has been knocking on the door in recent weeks and is a good option once again this week. (2) FASHION GODDESS has hit the board in each of her last three starts, draws inside and comes from the Baillargeon barn.

Race 6

(3) SHOW TOPPER draws inside, has won two of his last three and will debut for trainer Maxwell. (8) VAL AMERICA has all kinds of back class to offer and has been a major threat while racing in this class with his recent on-the-board performances. (5) THINKBEFOREUSPEAK has a good overall record this season and is a good price play.

Race 7

(6) LIFEIMITTATESART drops into the bottom level and makes his third start off the shelf. (7) WHIPPET GOOD has hit the board in two of his last three and has earnings approaching $1 million. (1) REAL ROCKER draws the rail, drops into the bottom level and has a good overall record this season.

Race 8

(8) HIS BOY ELROY kicked home in :26 3/5 in his latest, gets Christoforou in the bike and is due for another win. (9) WHISTLE JIMMY K has back-to-back wins, comes from the Wallace barn and gets Jamieson in the bike. (2) NINETYMILE HANOVER has been a consistent threat in this class, draws inside and usually offers his gate-speed.

Race 9

(2) HESGOTLEGS moves back onto this circuit for Auciello and has all kinds of back class for this bottom level. (1) VALORSCROSS draws the rail, draws better this week and comes out of the Autumn Series. (4) CHEVOUS COLE has been a fringe player at this level for many weeks and is a good triactor option.

Race 10

(9) A REAL COMMITMENT remains a perfect two-for-two at this level for new trainer Moreau. (1) ROLLTIDEROLL kicked home well last week for trainer Fine and draws the rail. (7) SHANGHAI MIMI comes from the Puddy barn and is a good price play.

Race 11

(6) VELOCITY DRIVEN raced very well last week for trainer Tackoor with a solid final frame. He's due for a win and a short price will be offered. (2) DRAGON WAVE draws inside and finished second last week in this class from an outside post. (5) CHATTANOOGA JIM draws better this week and generally offers a fair price. He's a good option for the triactor.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Delta Downs (6th) Pontchartrain, 8-1
(7th) Hi Charlie, 5-1


Mahoning Valley (2nd) Susan Elaine, 7-2
(4th) Fan Demon, 6-1


Parx Racing (3rd) Solari Island, 6-1
(9th) Like a Diva, 6-1


Sunland Park (6th) Seanic Halo, 4-1
(9th) Truth in Science, 4-1


Turf Paradise (1st) A Red Hot Patriot, 4-1
(4th) Square Dancer, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - December

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
12/1 5 26.5 31 OVER
12/2 10 55.5 45 UNDER
12/3 4 21 22 OVER
12/4 11 60.5 65 OVER
12/5 3 15.5 24 OVER
12/6 12 64 65 OVER
12/7 4 21.5 21 UNDER
12/8 3 15.5 16 OVER
12/9 10 55.5 54 UNDER
12/10 2 11.5 6 UNDER
12/11 10 54.5 58 OVER
12/12 4 21 23 OVER
12/13 13 69 73 OVER
12/14 3 16.5 12 UNDER
12/15 3 16 20 OVER
12/16 11 58 57 UNDER
12/17 3 16.5 9 UNDER
12/18 7 38.5 38 UNDER
12/19 5 27 22 UNDER
12/20 12 63.5 71 OVER
12/21 6 31.5 32 OVER
12/22 6 - - -
12/23 11 - - -
12/24 No games scheduled
12/25 No games scheduled
12/26 No games scheduled

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Flames (17-15) at Kings (17-11)

Date: December 22, 2014 10:30 PM EDT

For the Calgary Flames, this season started in exciting fashion that was beginning to put distance between the struggles of five straight seasons without playoff hockey.

They're now in danger of being thrust right back into that bleak conversation by matching their worst losing streak during that time.

A loss Monday night in Los Angeles would equal the Flames' nine-game skid from Jan. 11-28, 2010, and they might be catching the Kings just as the Stanley Cup champions begin to re-establish their elite form.

The Flames (17-15-3) at least earned a point in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss in Vancouver, which is more than they can say about the first seven losses on the streak.

"We talked about our character since the start of the year," coach Bob Hartley told the team's official website. "I felt it would have been easy to fold the tent tonight, second game in two nights, but credit to our guys, they battled back."

The loss followed Friday's 2-1 home defeat against Dallas, and Calgary has been limited to 13 goals during the skid. That comes after averaging 3.11 goals through 25 contests.

The Kings (17-11-6) have had no such offensive issues in their last two games, scoring 10 goals in consecutive wins after beating Arizona 4-2 on Saturday. It comes as a relief after Los Angeles was outscored 20-13 during a 1-4-1 slump.

The power play has been a big part of the turnaround, as the Kings have gone 5 for 11 in these wins after converting at a rate of 10.5 percent over their previous 11 games.

"I can't tell you (what's changed)," Anze Kopitar told the team's official website. "We're moving the puck good and we're getting some good looks. A couple of bounces here and there is nice to get."

Kopitar has certainly been a big part of it while playing with Marian Gaborik and Jeff Carter. He has a goal and seven assists in the last two games and nine points in his last three contests after managing three in his previous 12. He also has nine points in his past nine games against the Flames.

Gaborik has broken out with six goals and two assists on a four-game point streak after going four games without one. He has 24 points in his last 19 games versus Calgary.

Carter has scored in consecutive games and has six points in his last three, but he's been limited to six points in 17 games against the Flames.

"It's nice," Kopitar said. "Every guy will tell you that it's nice when you build a little bit of chemistry and you somewhat know where the guys are going to be on the ice. It makes it easier. But I think the big thing too is coming out of our zone and really make sure we support each other pretty good. That's why we can get some open looks in the O-zone."

Jonathan Quick has won consecutive starts, but he has a 3.16 goals-against average over a 3-1-1 stretch. He's typically fared well against Calgary, posting a 1.40 GAA over a 9-3-2 span.

For the Flames, Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo are both in need of a win. Hiller has yet to face Los Angeles with Calgary, but he's got a 2.12 GAA against the Kings over a 5-3-3 run.

Ramo has lost his last three games with a 4.48 GAA, but he's 3-0-0 with a 1.95 GAA against Los Angeles.

All of those starts came last season as the Flames won three of five in the series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL roundup: Red Wings' Howard misses game with injury
The Sports Xchange

Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard did not play Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche because of a lower-body injury sustained in Friday night's 2- 1 loss to the New York Islanders.

He is listed as day-to-day.

Goalie Tom McCollum was called up from Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League to back up Petr Mrazek.

--The Edmonton Oilers made first-round draft pick center Leon Draisaitl a healthy scratch for the first time this season. He's been struggling, and they wanted to make room for AHL call-up center Anton Lander, who was tied for the scoring lead on Edmonton's minor league team.

--Dallas Stars left wing Ryan Garbutt returned to the lineup after finishing his three-game suspension for slew-footing Winnipeg left wing Dustin Byfuglien.

--The Buffalo Sabres recalled forward Tim Schaller and defenseman Mark Pysyk from the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ducks' RW Corey Perry, doubtful Monday

Perry is on injured reserve with a knee injury. He is nearing a return but is not expected to play Monday against the Sharks.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Clippers (19-8) at Spurs (17-11)

Date: December 22, 2014 8:30 PM EDT

The San Antonio Spurs are caught in their longest losing streak in more than three years as they continue to navigate a particularly difficult portion of their schedule.

The Los Angeles Clippers will try to take advantage of the Spurs' depleted roster for a fourth win in five games Monday night in San Antonio.

San Antonio has dropped seven of 11 since its 13-4 start and its four-game losing streak is the team's longest since a six-game skid from March 23-April 1, 2011.

Tony Parker (sore hamstring) and Kawhi Leonard (torn hand ligament) remain sidelined. Parker, who leads the team with 16.0 points and 5.3 assists per game, has missed five straight games and eight of the last nine. Leonard, averaging a career-high 15.2 points, has missed the previous three and five of the last seven.

The Spurs (17-11) also rested Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili in Saturday's 99-93 loss at Dallas after they played heavy minutes in the team's back-to-back triple-overtime losses to Memphis and Portland on Wednesday and Friday.

Coach Gregg Popovich continues to monitor his veterans' minutes, though he said he doesn't have a particular plan.

"It doesn't happen in one game or two games or six games," he said. "It happens over a season. You have to think in the long term."

Regardless of who plays, the Spurs need to take better care of the basketball. They've averaged 17.5 turnovers during the four-game slide, well above their 14.8 mark this season. Opponents continue to capitalize with Dallas scoring 25 points, the third straight game San Antonio had given up at least 20 points off turnovers.

San Antonio committed eight turnovers and Leonard scored a season-high 26 in an 89-85 win at Los Angeles on Nov. 10, the Spurs' fifth win in six meetings. Los Angeles has forced an average of 17.2 turnovers over its last six games.

The Spurs, who are in danger of losing a fourth consecutive home game for the first time since Jan. 19-31, 2002, are playing their fifth straight game against a top-six team in the West. They play a surging Oklahoma City team Thursday and also have meetings with division-leading Memphis and Houston (19-7) on the horizon.

The Clippers (19-8) let Milwaukee shoot 53.1 percent, the third-highest percentage they've allowed this season, but held the Bucks to 19 fourth-quarter points in Saturday's 106-102 home win.

Los Angeles, which ranks fourth in the league with 106.4 points per game, improved to 16-2 when giving up 102 or fewer, including 13 straight victories.

"I think because we score so much, I think a lot of times we come into games and feel like, 'Let's go blow them out with our offense,'" coach Doc Rivers told the team's official website. "I'm trying to convince them that the way you get the ball is with your defense. When we get multiple stops, we score a lot of points. When we don't, we have to deal with that."

Blake Griffin, who is averaging 29.0 points and 11.3 rebounds over his last three games, averaged 27.0 points in last season's series with San Antonio.

Spencer Hawes is expected to miss a sixth straight game with a bruised left knee.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA game roundup: Raptors extend winning streak
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

TORONTO -- Guards Lou Williams and Kyle Lowry each scored 22 points as Toronto defeated New York Knicks.

Lowry added nine assists as the Raptors extended their winning streak to six games to equal a season high and gave the Knicks their fifth loss in a row.

Reserve guard Greivis Vasquez added 21 points for the Raptors who also got 18 points from guard Terrence Ross and 10 each from forward James Johnson and center Jonas Valanciunas. Forward Amir Johnson had nine points and nine rebounds.

Forward Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 28 points with reserve center Jason Smith scoring 16 points and guard Jose Calderon adding 15 points and 10 assists. Center Cole Aldrich had 11 points for New York and guard Tim Hardaway, Jr., contributed 10.


Cavaliers 105, Grizzlies 91

CLEVELAND -- In what has been a turbulent season for Cleveland reserve guard, Dion Waiters finally had the chance to show his strength in a win over short-handed Memphis.

Waiters scored 21 points off the bench, guard Kyrie Irving had 17 points while tying his career high with 12 assists and the Cavaliers handed the Grizzlies their worst loss of the season on a day they were playing without two starters in forward Zach Randolph and swingman Tony Allen.

Forward LeBron James scored 25 points and handed out 11 assists, guiding the Cavaliers to an early 14-point lead while center Marc Gasol compounded the Grizzlies' problems by sitting much of the first quarter with foul trouble. The Grizzlies never recovered and trailed the rest of the way, dropping consecutive games for just the second time this season.


Heat 100, Celtics 84

MIAMI -- Forward Luol Deng had 23 points as Miami snapped its five-game home losing streak, defeating Boston at AmericanAirlines Arena.

The skid at home was the Heat's longest since March of 2008. Even with the win, the Heat are just 5-9 at home this season. That's in contrast to last season, when the Heat went 32-9 at home.

Boston (10-15), despite center Tyler Zeller's 22 points, had its three-game win streak snapped.

Miami (13-15) prevailed on Sunday despite injuries to three of its starters: forwards Chris Bosh and Josh McRoberts and guard Dwyane Wade. McRoberts is the only one of the three who is not expected back this season.


Nets 110, Pistons 105

NEW YORK -- Center Mason Plumlee collected 21 points and 12 rebounds and Brooklyn held on for a victory over Detroit at Barclays Center.

Making his seventh straight start in place of Brook Lopez (back), Plumlee shot 9-of-10, had four dunks and posted his fourth double-double, equaling his total in 70 games from his rookie season.

Guard Jarrett Jack also filled in competently for point guard Deron Williams (calf) with 15 points and 10 assists. It marked the sixth different team that Jack recorded a double-double for and was his first since March 23 against the New York Knicks for the Cleveland Cavaliers.



Suns 104, Wizards 92

WASHINGTON -- Forward Markieff Morris and guard Eric Bledsoe each scored 17 points, guard Goran Dragic tallied 12 of his 16 points in the decisive third quarter as Phoenix beat Washington.

After the game was tied 50-50 at halftime, the Suns heated up quickly in the third quarter, exploding for a 77-64 lead following back-to-back 3-pointers by Dragic. Suns forward Gerald Green scored 13 points. Forward Marcus Morris added 11, and guard Isaiah Thomas had 10. Phoenix (15-14) finished its road trip 3-0 after losing six straight overall.

Reserve swingman Rasual Butler led the Wizards with 17 points. Center Kevin Seraphin scored 16, and guards John Wall and Bradley Beal had 14 points apiece for the Wizards, who had won six consecutive games and eight in a row at home.

Washington (19-7) missed out on a chance to record the best start in franchise history. With a win over the Heat in Miami on Friday, the Wizards matched the 1974-75 Washington Bullets' 19-6 record for the best opening to a season.


76ers 96, Magic 88

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Guard Michael Carter Williams scored 21 points and Philadelphia won just its third game of the season by pounding hapless Orlando at the Amway Center.

Center Nerlens Noel had 13 points and 12 rebounds for Philadelphia. Reserve center Henry Sims had 12 points and 12 rebounds, and forward Robert Covington had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The Sixers (3-23) trailed by as many as 11 points early in the second half, but roared to a 14-point lead midway in the fourth and withstood a late Magic (10-20) rally. The Sixers snapped a five-game losing streak as they outrebounded the Magic 52-42 and overcame their 19 turnovers.



Kings 108, Lakers 101

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- With all the turmoil surrounding Sacramento since it fired head coach Mike Malone last week, a win against Los Angeles came at the perfect time. The Kings used hot shooting, including 29 points from DeMarcus Cousins and 23 points from Ben McLemore to beat the Lakers at Sleep Train Arena.

The game featured a tug of war, as both teams seized momentum several times throughout the contest. The Kings, losers of a season-high five consecutive games before Sunday, jumped out to a 22-12 lead in the opening minutes, shooting 55 percent from the field. The Lakers, on the other hand, struggled to find a rhythm on offense, making only 39 percent of their shots.

Led by Nick Young, the Los Angeles reserves got the Lakers back into the game. Young paced the bench with 26 points, including four 3-pointers, and helped spearhead a 37-point second quarter.


Pelicans 101, Thunder 99

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Anthony Davis posted 38 points and 12 rebounds to lead New Orleans to a win over Oklahoma City at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The win pushed the Pelicans to 14-13 on the season as they held on to eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

With 4:53 left in the fourth quarter, the Pelicans' Tyreke Evans cut the Thunder's lead to 97-96. New Orleans came up with a defensive stop and Davis scored on the other end to put the Pelicans back in front 99-97.


Pacers 100, Timberwolves 96

MINNEAPOLIS -- Forward David West hit a jumper with 34.3 seconds left, snapping a 94-94 tie and helping Indiana win for just the second time in its past 12 games, as it beat Minnesota.

C.J. Miles came off the bench to lead all scorers with 28 for Indiana (9-19), which was playing the second of back-to-back road games, after a loss in Denver on Saturday night. The Pacers forward hit four free throws in the final 11.7 seconds to seal the win.

Minnesota got 24 points from guard Mo Williams, and another 21 from guard Shabazz Muhammad, but could not overcome a cold start. The Wolves (5-21) trailed by 14 at halftime and by as many as 19 in the third before mounting a furious comeback, but still and lost their fifth consecutive game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tony Parker, San Antonio - Out Mon

Parker has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and will not return Monday against the Clippers.


Hornets G Lance Stephenson 'clashed with teammates'
Andrew Avery

According to reports, Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson has 'clashed' with teammates since joining the team.

Furthermore, head coach Steven Clifford has attempted to get some of his veteran players to convince the mercurial guard to buy into the system and become more of "a team player".

The Hornets had reportedly been shopping the former Pacers guard after a disappointing start to the season. Stephenson is averaging 10.2 points, 4.8 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game. Charlotte is just 8-19 straight up and 11-14-2 against the spread this season.



Zach Randolph, Memphis - Ques Mon

Randolph is dealing with swelling in his right knee and missed Sunday's game. He is questionable Monday against the Jazz.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Charlotte opens as 2-point home favorites
Andrew Avery

Oddsmakers have opeend the Charlotte Hornets as 2-point home fave for Monday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets.

The Hornets have covered in baci-to-back games heading into Monday, covering as 4.5-point faves at the Philadelphia 76ers and 3.5-point faves versus the Utah Jazz.