Saturday 2/4/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 12:30

Chelsea

v

Arsenal

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		19/20	13/5	16/5	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CHELSEA	RECENT FORM
ALHWAWHWHWAD​ Most recent​	2 - 0 2 - 0 6 - 0 2 - 1	ADAWAWHWAWHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Chelsea have won their last ten home games, scoring 32 goals and conceding four

EXPERT VERDICT: Chelsea can gain revenge for their 3-0 defeat at Arsenal by landing a comfortable victory over the Gunners at Stamford Bridge. That defeat saw Antonio Conte switch to a 3-4-3 and since then the Blues have won 15 of their 17 league games, while Arsenal travel across London on the back of a damaging 2-1 home loss to Watford.

RECOMMENDATION: Chelsea
3


REFEREE: Martin Atkinson STADIUM:

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Hull

v

Liverpool

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		6	15/4	1/2	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT HULL	RECENT FORM
ALHWALHWALAD​ Most recent​	1 - 0 3 - 1 0 - 0 1 - 3	ADAWHLHLHLHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Liverpool have led at half-time in just two of their last nine games

EXPERT VERDICT: Results may still be hard to come by, but Hull have looked far more resilient since Marco Silva took over and they could frustrate an out-of-form Liverpool, who have looked leggy in January, winning once in their last nine games. Tuesday’s draw with Chelsea will further drain them and the Merseysiders look too short.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1


REFEREE: Lee Mason STADIUM:

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Watford

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Burnley

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		11/10	23/10	3	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT WATFORD	RECENT FORM
ALHWHDADALAW​ Most recent​	1 - 1 3 - 3 3 - 2 1 - 3	ADHWHWALHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Burnley have scored in each of their last seven matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Watford were in poor form before their stunning success at Arsenal and they may struggle to repeat those heroics against a dogged visiting side. Burnley are capable enough on home soil and their shocking run on the road could be about to change in what should be a low-scoring encounter.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1


REFEREE: Michael Oliver STADIUM:

Premier League TODAY 15:00

C Palace

v

Sunderland

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		7/10	29/10	9/2	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT C PALACE	RECENT FORM
ADALHWHLHLAW​ Most recent​	0 - 1 1 - 3 3 - 1 1 - 0	HDHDHLALALHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Sunderland have scored only six goals in 11 away games

EXPERT VERDICT: Sunderland are winless in six league matches and have kept only one clean sheet in ten outings so they will arrive at Selhurst Park wary of another loss despite drawing with Tottenham last time out. Crystal Palace picked up a huge win at Bournemouth and Sam Allardyce's side are fancied to beat his former club.

RECOMMENDATION: Crystal Palace
3


REFEREE: Andre Marriner STADIUM:

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Southampton

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West Ham

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		4/5	14/5	15/4	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SOUTHAMPTON	RECENT FORM
ALHWHWAWHLAL​ Most recent​	1 - 0 0 - 0 0 - 0 1 - 1	ALHLHLHWAWHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: West Ham have netted 17 goals on their travels

EXPERT VERDICT: Southampton are blowing hot and cold but despite making the League Cup Final the Saints were smashed by Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend and have won just one of their last six in the Premier League. West Ham have won five of their last eight league games and can bounce back from a thrashing against a quality Manchester City side.

RECOMMENDATION: West Ham
2


REFEREE: Graham Scott STADIUM:

Premier League TODAY 15:00

Everton

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Bournemouth

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		7/10	29/10	9/2	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT EVERTON	RECENT FORM
ADHWHLHWAWAD​ Most recent​	2 - 1 3 - 2 5 - 0	AWHDALALHDHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Bournemouth have lost seven of their 11 league away games

EXPERT VERDICT: Everton have picked up some notable scalps at Goodison this season and they look good business to add Bournemouth to that list. While the Cherries are strong at home, they have yet to replicate the effectiveness of their prosaic style on the road and could slump to another away defeat.

RECOMMENDATION: Everton
2


REFEREE: Mike Jones STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL roundup: Kessel powers Penguins to OT win
By The Sports Xchange

PITTSBURGH -- A goal at 3:15 of overtime by Phil Kessel gave the Pittsburgh Penguins a 4-3 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets at PPG Paints Arena on Friday.
Working on the lone power play of the contest, Kessel dealt a pass from the high slot to defenseman Kris Letang in the right circle. Letang swatted a one-timer, which was blocked by Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner. The puck deflected to Kessel low in the right circle. He was able to chip a wrister past the glove hand of Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
The goal was Kessel's second of the game. Nick Bonino and Patric Hornqvist also scored for the Penguins (32-13-5) while Matt Murray made 28 saves.

Flames 4, Devils 3 (OT)
NEWARK, N.J. -- Mikael Backlund's goal 1:13 into overtime lifted Calgary to a victory over New Jersey at the Prudential Center.
The Devils carried a 3-2 lead into the third period, but Calgary forged a tie on Matt Stajan's goal at 7:22.
T.J. Brodie assisted on all four goals and Brian Elliott finished with 26 saves for the Flames (27-24-3), who have won three in a row.

Hurricanes 2, Oilers 1
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Sebastian Aho scored 1:48 into the third period on a power play as Carolina defeated Edmonton at PNC Arena.
Aho took defenseman Justin Faulk's pass and converted on a one-timer from the right side.
Aho has four goals in a two-game stretch, coming off a hat trick Tuesday night against Philadelphia. He has 16 goals this season, just two behind Jeff Skinner for the team lead.

Panthers 2, Ducks 1
SUNRISE, Fla. -- Jonathan Huberdeau scored the winning goal off an assist from Aleksander Barkov -- both players fresh off the injured list -- to lead Florida past Anaheim at the BB&T Center.
Skating four-on-four, Barkov got control of the puck on the left wing after a Keith Yandle stretch pass. Barkov centered the puck to Huberdeau, who didn't look rusty at all, elevating the puck and getting it past Anaheim goalie John Gibson's glove with 4:58 left in the second period.
This was the season debut for Huberdeau, who severed an Achilles tendon in Florida's final exhibition game. Barkov hadn't played since suffering a back injury on Dec. 28. Last season, Barkov had career highs in goals (28) and assists (31). Huberdeau had career highs in goals (20) and points (59).

Red Wings 5, Islanders 4
DETROIT -- The Red Wings started slowly but they finished with a bang.
A point shot by Detroit defenseman Danny DeKeyser pinballed off the legs of New York Islanders defensemen Nick Leddy and Thomas Hickey and into the net with 27.9 seconds left in regulation time, giving the Red Wings a victory.
It was DeKeyser's first goal in 21 games, since he scored the overtime winner at New York against the Islanders in a 4-3 win on Dec 4.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Saturday’s games

Road team won 7 of last 9 MWashington-Montreal games; Capitals won last three visits here. Under is 6-2-2 in last ten series games. Washington won five of last seven games but split last six on the road. Over is 7-2-1 in their last ten games. Montreal is 4-1 in game following its last five losses; they won 5-2/5-1 in last two home games. Over is 2-0-1 in their last three home games.

Road team won 8 of last 10 LA-Philly games; Kings won four of last five visits here. Under is 5-1-3 in their last nine games. Los Angeles won its last four games by combined score of 14-3; they won last three road games. Under is 3-0-2 in their last five games. Flyers won four of last five games, three of last four at home; four of their last five games stayed under the total.

Winnipeg won four of its last five games with Colorado; they lost three of last five visits here. Under is 7-2 in last nine series games. Jets won five of last seven games, winning last three on road. Over is 8-1-1 in their last ten games. Avalanche lost their last nine games, losing last four by combined score of 18-5; over is 2-0-1 in their last three home games.

Islanders lost four of last six games with Carolina; teams split last four series games played in Brooklyn. Over is 7-3 in last ten series games. Hurricanes lost last three road games, outscored 13-4, but they won two two games overall, 2-1/5-1. Over is 6-4 in their last ten games. New York won six of last eight games, winning five of last six at home. Four of their last six home games stayed under the total.

Sabres won three of last four games with Ottawa, but lost three of last four series games played here. Under is 7-1-1 in last nine series games. Senators won four of last five road games, are 2-3 in last five games overall. Over is 3-2 in their last five road games. Buffalo was outscored 11-6 in losing its last three games, but they won 4 of last 5 at home; three of their last four games went over.

Blue Jackets won six of last seven games with New Jersey; under is 5-2-2 in last nine series games. Devils lost last three visits here by combined score of 15-6. New Jersey won its last five road games but lost four of last six games overall- their last three games went over. Columbus lost three of last four games; they won three of last four home games. Last five Columbus games went over the total.

Maple Leafs won three of last four games with Boston; they won 4-1/4-3 in last two visits to Beantown. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Toronto lost five of last seven games; they lost last three road games by combined score of 13-5. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Bruins won three of last four games; they’re 3-2 in last five home games. Boston’s last five games went over the total.

Lightning won six of last eight games with Anaheim; Ducks were outscored 18-6 in losing last four games in this building. Under is 7-2-1 in last ten series games. Anaheim lost three of last five games; they’re 3-2 in last diva road games. Under is 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Tampa Bay lost three in row, six of last seven games; they lost last three home games. Four of their last five games went over.

Blues won five of last seven games with Pittsburgh; teams split last four meetings in this building. Over is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Penguins won six of last eight games but are 2-3 in last five road games. Over is 7-2 in their last nine games. St Louis lost five of last seven games, losing three of last four home games. Over is 5-1-1 in their last seven games.

Detroit won its last five games with Nashville; they won three of last four visits to Music City. Over is 5-0-1 in last six series games. Red Wings lost five of last six games, losing three in row on road. Three of their last four games went over total. Predators won five of their last seven games, three of last four at home. Four of their last five games went over the total.

Blackhawks won their last three games with Dallas, holding the Stars to six goals. Chicago lost three of last five visits to Texas. Five of last seven series games went over total. Blackhawks lost three of last four games but won three of last four on road; over is 7-2-1 in their last ten games. Dallas Stars lost six of last nine games, dropping four of last six at home. Four of their last five games went over total.

Minnesota is 6-4 in its last ten games with Vancouver, going 3-2 in each building. Over is 6-0-2 in last eight series games. Wild won seven of their last ten games, winning four of last five on the road. Over is 8-1-1 in their last ten games. Canucks lost seven of their last ten games, splitting their last four home tilts. Under is 4-1-2 in their last seven games.

Home side won last seven Arizona-San Jose games; Coyotes lost last five games in the Shark Tank. Under is 7-0-1 in last eight series games. Arizona lost six of last nine games, losing last three road games- this is their first road game in 16 days. Over is 4-1-2 in their last seven games. San Jose won eight of last nine games, four of last five home games. Under is 2-0-1 in their last three games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA roundup: Westbrook's 25 triple-double leads OKC to win
By The Sports Xchange

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Russell Westbrook tallied his 25th triple-double of the season to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to 114-102 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night.
Westbrook racked up 38 points, 12 assists and 13 rebounds. That included scoring the final 15 points of the game for the Thunder as Oklahoma City ended a three game losing streak.
Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 31 points and eight assists. Mike Conley added 18 points.

Celtics 113, Lakers 107
BOSTON -- Isaiah Thomas just missed becoming the first Celtic ever to score 40 points in three straight games, firing home 21 of his 38 in the fourth quarter as Boston won its sixth game in a row.
Jae Crowder added 18 points and six rebounds and rookie Jaylen Brown had 12 points and seven boards.
Lou Williams led the Lakers, who lost their 11th straight road game, with 21 points, 13 in the fourth quarter. D'Angelo Russell had 20 points, six rebounds and six assists for Los Angeles.

Pacers 106, Nets 97
NEW YORK -- Paul George and Jeff Teague scored 24 points apiece as Indiana squandered a 19-point lead but made enough plays down the stretch to record a win.
George shot 9 of 22 from the floor and grabbed 11 rebounds. He hit two step-back jumpers down the stretch after Indiana briefly trailed midway through the fourth quarter.
Teague handed out at least seven assists for the 17th straight game and consistently got to the foul line. He shot 6 of 10 from the floor and made 10 of 13 free throws.

Pistons 116, Timberwolves 108
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Marcus Morris scored a career-high 36 points to lead Detroit over Minnesota.
Jon Leuer supplied 24 points for the Pistons, who have won two straight following a three-game slide. Andre Drummond contributed 12 points and 18 rebounds and Tobias Harris chipped in 14 points for Detroit.
Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Magic 102, Raptors 94
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Serge Ibaka and Evan Fournier each scored 20 points and Orlando defeated Toronto.
Orlando opened the third quarter with a 10-1 run. Nikola Vucevic scored 14 of his 18 points in the quarter.
He alone outscored the Raptors 14-12 as Toronto made just 4 of 21 shots from the field in the quarter.

Nuggets 121, Bucks 117
DENVER -- Nikola Jokic returned to the lineup with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for his first career triple-double, and Denver held off Milwaukee.
Wilson Chandler had 21 points and eight rebounds and Kenneth Faried had 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets.
Jabari Parker had 27 points and 11 rebounds and Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 23 for the Bucks, who have lost 10 of 11.

Rockets 121, Bulls 117, OT
HOUSTON -- James Harden scored 42 points, including the deciding free throws in the final 36 seconds of overtime, as the Houston outlasted Chicago.
Harden also pulled down 12 rebounds and had nine assists for the Rockets. Houston also got 21 points off the bench from Eric Gordon, 14 from Clint Capela and 10 from Trevor Ariza.
The Bulls (25-26) were led by Michael Carter-Williams' 23 points, while Taj Gibson added 20, Wade hit for 19, Doug McDermott scored 12 and Paul Zipser and Nikola Mirotic scored 11 points apiece.

Suns 105, Kings 103
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Devin Booker scored 33 points and canned a fading bank shot from the left wing at the buzzer to lift Phoenix over Sacramento.
Booker topped 30 points for the eighth time this season and ran his string of consecutive games with at least 20 to 15 straight, and the Suns snapped a five-game losing streak.
DeMarcus Cousins recorded his second triple-double of the season with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists for the Kings.

Mavericks 108, Trail Blazers 104
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Rookie Yogi Ferrell scored 32 points, including nine 3-point shots, to lift the Dallas past Portland.
Wesley Matthews added a season-high 27 points for the Mavericks, who won their fourth game and ninth in the last 12.
CJ McCollum collected 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists and Evan Turner scored a season-high 24 points for the Trail Blazers, who lost for the second time in seven games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Magic (20-32) at Hawks (29-21)

Date: February 04, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks will try to build off their big comeback victory at Houston as they host the Orlando Magic on Saturday night to start a three-game homestand.

The Hawks haven't had an advantage at home so far this season, though.

Atlanta, which trails first-place Washington by a half game in the Southeast Division, is 15-11 on the road after overcoming a 20-point deficit with less than nine minutes remaining at Houston on Thursday.

The Hawks, however, are just 14-10 at Philips Arena.

In contrast, the Wizards are 21-6 at home thanks to their 16-game winning streak in Washington compared to 8-14 on the road.

The Hawks (29-21) and Magic (20-32) have split their first two meetings this season, with Orlando winning 131-120 in Atlanta on Dec. 13. The Hawks evened the series with a 111-92 victory in Orlando on Jan. 4.

Atlanta's 113-108 victory at Houston was the second time the Hawks had come from 20 points down in the fourth quarter to win. The other was also on the road, at Milwaukee on Dec. 9.

The Hawks, though, do have an impressive home win in overtime against San Antonio. Also, in their most recent game in Atlanta, they defeated the New York Knicks in four overtimes last Sunday.

Maybe the Hawks can build off that victory as well as the one in Houston in which Tim Hardaway Jr., starting in place of Thabo Sefolosha, scored 23 of his career-best 33 points in the final quarter.

Hardaway has started the past three games with Sefolosha out with a left groin strain. He is averaging 17.1 points in nine starts this season, compared to 11.3 points in 39 games off the bench.

Sefolosa is questionable to return against the Magic and that likely means more minutes again for Hardaway.

"He just kind of had everything going," coach Mike Budenholzer said of Hardaway's explosion against the Rockets. "It was one of those special quarters for a young player who is really emerging and arising."

The Hawks also got a big contribution at Houston defensively from rookie guard DeAndre Bembry on James Harden in the fourth quarter as Paul Millsap and Dennis Schroder both sat during the closing 36-11 run.

"It was the first time I've gotten to play in a game like that," Bembry said. "It was a lot of fun."

Despite their 102-94 home victory over Toronto on Friday, the Magic haven't been having much fun at all for more than a month now.

The win over the Raptors was just Orlando's fifth in the past 19 games.

"I anticipated being as far over .500 as we are under .500," Magic coach Frank Vogel said in answering a question on Wednesday, when Orlando lost 108-98 at home to Indiana.

With the struggles have come plenty of trade rumors, with many centered on Serge Ibaka.

Ibaka, acquired from Oklahoma City in the offseason for Victor Oladipo, could bring back a good return. The veteran had 29 points against the Hawks in Orlando's victory at Atlanta seven weeks ago.

Evan Fournier and Ibaka each scored 20 points in the victory over Toronto on Friday and combined for 22 rebounds.

Elfrid Payton joined Ibaka with a big game at Atlanta in December, scoring 26 points and handing out 14 assists off the bench before regaining his starting spot at point guard over D.J. Augustin.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pistons (23-27) at Pacers (27-22)

Date: February 04, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

Marcus Morris is well aware how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA's Eastern Conference.

The Detroit Pistons have won their last two games, moving them into a tie for the conference's eighth spot in the standings despite being four games below .500. They are among several teams in close proximity for the seventh and eighth spots, the last two playoff berths.

"It changes every other day," said Morris, the Pistons' starting small forward. "Right now, it's so tight, you win two games, you're in seventh. You win three games, you're in sixth. Lose one, you're in ninth. It's tight right now, so we've just got to keep stringing good games together."

Morris had more than just a good game on Friday night, pouring in a career-high 36 points in a 116-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He'll try to keep that hot hand going on the second end of a back-to-back, as the Pistons play against streaking Indiana on Saturday night.

Morris' frontcourt partner, Jon Leuer, is also feeling better about himself after notching a career-best 24 points against the Timberwolves.

"Basketball is all about rhythm offensively," he said. "When you can get your first couple to go down, sometimes the basket just gets bigger."

Detroit (23-27) will try to match its season high of three consecutive victories. Its inability to go on a big winning streak has been maddening for head coach Stan Van Gundy after the club won 44 games and reached the playoffs last season.

"We've got a game (Saturday) night. If we don't win, we'll be right back out of the playoff spot," he said. "We just need to play well. We need to develop some consistency in our game and hopefully we'll be able to do that."

The Pacers (27-22) have reached that level of consistency in recent weeks, winning 12 of their last 16 games. They'll carry a five-game winning streak into the matchup against their Central Division rival after disposing of Brooklyn 106-97 on Friday night.

Pacers forward Paul George and point guard Jeff Teague each scored 24 points.

"I think it's just a sense of urgency in this group right now," Teague said. "We know going into the All-Star break, we wanted to be playing well."

Indiana was up by just three in the late going before Teague made a layup, a steal and two free throws to clinch the win.

"It's on us, it's on me for sure," George said. "Jeff is just as scrappy, just as good defensively at sniffing plays out and getting his hands on the ball, making good plays defensively. It's winning time as we like to call it, it's what Indiana's used to."

The Pacers won the first two games of the four-game season series, with both played at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Indiana pulled away to a 105-90 win in the first matchup on Dec. 17 and edged away for a 121-116 victory on Jan. 3. George averaged 29 points in those games.

Indiana shot 58.1 percent from the field and 56.3 percent on 3-point attempts in that early January meeting.

Detroit has lost five of its last six road games, giving up an average of 113.2 points in those defeats.

The Pacers have several injury concerns. Starting forward Thaddeus Young suffered a left wrist injury on Friday. X-rays were negative, but he will have an MRI on Saturday. Reserve guard Rodney Stuckey, who has missed 16 of the last 17 games with an ankle injury, is questionable.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pelicans (19-31) at Wizards (29-20)

Date: February 04, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

WASHINGTON - To get their 17th straight home victory, John Wall and the Washington Wizards need to defeat the Anthony Davis-led New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night.

Because the Wizards beat the Pelicans less than a week ago on unfriendly turf, the hottest team in the Eastern Conference should feel good about its chances.

Since Dec. 1, Washington (29-20) is 23-9 with 13 wins in its last 15 games and six straight. The current overall streak includes Thursday's 116-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and a 107-94 win at New Orleans Sunday.

Wall had 33 points and 11 assists against the Lakers. Recently selected for his fourth All-Star game, the point guard is averaging a career-best 23.0 points. He leads all guards in the East with 10.3 assists and 2.2 steals.

"I don't know if he's ever had an All-NBA (selection), but he's an All-NBA player and that is elite of all of the All-Stars," Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. "He's that type of player. He leads us -- not only his points, his rebounds, his assists, his steals, but his leadership."

Stats are one thing. Timing is another. After Los Angeles tied the score 91-91 with a 12-1 run opening the fourth quarter, Wall scored Washington's next eight points and finished with 16 in the final period.

"I was just trying to take it upon myself, but also play the right way," Wall said of playing the role of closer.

Just like the last two month, Wall had plenty of help.

Bradley Beal had 23 points and five 3-pointers for the Wizards, whose last home loss was Dec. 6 to Orlando. Marcin Gortat matched his season high with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Markieff Morris also had a double-double and Otto Porter, the NBA's leading 3-point shooter, sank three from beyond the arc.

"He's a hell of a player," Morris said of Wall. "Something that we're used to, makes those plays all the time and we expect it. If it wasn't him, somebody else has got to step up and make those plays. I think that's the type of team we have, we have multiple guys that make plays late."

Wall had a season-high 19 assists in the previous meeting with the Pelicans (19-31), helping to offset 36 points and 17 rebounds from fellow All-Star Anthony Davis.

That setback started a three-game losing skid for the Pelicans. Following an overtime loss at Toronto, New Orleans was pounded in Detroit on Wednesday. Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 38 points and made eight 3-ponters. The Pelicans committed 15 turnovers.

"This is not a fast-break team but we turn the ball over and they get 22 fast-break points because most of them come off our turnovers," New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry said. "Until we take care of that problem right there, we're going to continue to be standing there and doing this (talking about a loss) on a lot of nights."

New Orleans commits only 12 turnovers per game, sixth in the league, but also went above its season average against Washington. Davis, who will join Wall during All-Star Weekend in the Skills Challenge, has committed at least five in three of his last four games.

"We have to stop punishing ourselves," Gentry said. "When we don't make those mistakes, we're a very good basketball team."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: 76ers (18-31) at Heat (20-30)

Date: February 04, 2017 7:30 PM EDT

MIAMI -- There's dysfunction with the New York Knicks, bickering between the Chicago Bulls and controversy with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

But it's all love right now with the Miami Heat (20-30), who have won nine straight games -- the longest active streak in the NBA -- and are set to play host to the Philadelphia 76ers (18-30) on Saturday night at AmericanAirlines Arena.

There's so much love in Miami that help was quickly on the way Tuesday night after Heat center Hassan Whiteside was violently thrown done by Atlanta Hawks forward Taurean Prince after the two wrestled for a rebound.

Two of Whiteside's teammates -- James Johnson and Dion Waiters -- rushed over to shove Prince. Johnson and Prince were ejected, and Waiters was issued a technical foul.

Johnson, who was the first to arrive on the scene, is a former mixed-martial arts fighter who holds a second-degree black belt and carries a massive frame of 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds.

"Honestly, I don't think I can beat everybody up," Johnson told reporters after Tuesday's win over the Hawks. "But I'll take my chances in that situation.

"We're building something here. (Prince) was being aggressive and physical. Whiteside went down, and that's all I remember after that."

Johnson doesn't need to remember the rest. The NBA world saw what happened -- Johnson, Waiters and the rest of the Miami players issued a nonverbal warning:

"Don't mess with the Heat."

The league seems to be getting the message. With a victory over the Sixers on Saturday, the Heat would tie the Houston Rockets for the second-longest win streak in the NBA this season. The Golden State Warriors, with 12, have the longest run of the season.

Ironically, the Heat have beaten both the Rockets and the Warriors during this win streak that started with Miami drowning at 19 games under .500.

The life raft came mainly from Miami's starting backcourt: Goran Dragic at the point and Waiters on the wing.

Dragic, who is averaging 19.9 points this season, is scoring 23.3 per game during the streak. Waiters, who is averaging 15.4 this season, is scoring 21.6 per game during the streak. Waiters is threatening to blow past his career-high scoring average of 15.9 set in 2013-2014 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The scoring of Dragic and Waiters has helped Miami put together its best streak in nearly four years. The Heat won 10 straight from November to December of 2013.

With a win over the Sixers, the Heat would also have the second-longest win streak in NBA history by a team that is still under .500. The 1996-97 Phoenix Suns set the mark with 11 straight below-.500 victories.

The chances for a win over the Sixers appear to be good given the fact that Philly will likely be without star rookie center Joel Embiid, who has a bruised left knee.

"I think it's going to be a challenge," 76ers coach Brett Brown told the media in response to a question about Embiid being healthy enough to face Miami. "We will know more in the next few days."

It's likely Embiid, who bruised his knee on Jan. 20 against the Portland Trail Blazers, will also miss Monday's game at the Detroit Pistons.

"I'm just trying to take the team that is in our locker-room and move them along," Brown said. "Joel would be a great addition if we do see him in Miami, but I'm not planning on that at all."

In other Heat-Sixers story lines:

* Point guard Briante Weber, who was the last player cut by Miami in training camp, has signed a 10-day contract with the Golden State Warriors.

Weber, who has been playing for the Heat's Development League team in Sioux Falls, leads that circuit with 3.2 steals per game. He's also averaging 16.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists.

He was named the league's Player of the Month on Tuesday, one day after he finished one steal short of what would have been the league's first-ever quadruple-double.

* The Chicago Bulls are reportedly interested in trading for Sixers PF Jahlil Okafor, who is not a perfect fit in Philadelphia system built on athletic defenders who can also quickly transition on fast breaks.

Okafor, who is from Chicago, is averaging 11.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 34 games.

* Sixers PF Dario Saric has 25 double-figure scoring games, which is third in the NBA among rookies. Embiid leads the category with 30 double-figure scoring games.

* Whiteside, who said on Tuesday he would pay Johnson's fine when the belief was that he would be on the hook for $7,000, is keeping his word.

On Friday, the NBA fined Johnson and Prince an additional $25,000 each.

Whiteside said he would still pay the fine, and he can certainly afford it as he's in the first of a four-year, $98 million contract. Johnson is playing on a one-year, $4 million contract.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (33-15) at Knicks (22-29)

Date: February 04, 2017 8:30 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- LeBron James is on the verge of becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 28,000 points. The 32-year-old James needs just 12 points to hit that plateau.

He will get his first opportunity on Saturday, when the Cleveland Cavaliers (33-15) begin a four-game road trip at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks (22-29).

James has accumulated 27,988 points, good enough for eighth place on the all-time list, behind Shaquille O'Neal (28,956), who is in seventh. James is also 12 assists from passing Lenny Wilkens (7,211) for 13th place on the NBA's all-time list.

The matchup falls on the eight-year anniversary of James' 52-point performance at New York, the second of his two career 50-point games at the Garden.

After the Cavaliers finished 7-8 in January, marking the first month since James' third season in the NBA that his team was under .500 in at least 10 games, the four-time MVP was vocal about bringing in an additional playmaker to take the pressure off Kyrie Irving. On Wednesday, Irving distributed a career-high 14 assists in Cleveland's 125-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Cavaliers auditioned Mario Chalmers, Kirk Hinrich, Jordan Farmar, and Lance Stephenson on Feb 1, but have not made a move. The player among the group that is most familiar with James is his former Miami Heat teammate Chalmers.

New York and Cleveland got attention off the court in recent weeks as talks speculated about a Carmelo Anthony for Kevin Love trade. According to published reports, Cleveland was unwilling to deal Love, while Anthony would have to waive his no-trade clause.

Love missed Cleveland's previous two games due to lower back spasms, but after Friday's workout he's hopeful to return to the court for Saturday's nationally televised game.

"I feel like we do have it under control," Love told Cleveland.com. "We know exactly what's doing it now while we might not have in the past. I think it happened one or two times a couple years back, and then maybe December when I missed a game in Memphis, so I feel good."

The Knicks started February on a positive note, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 95-90 on Wednesday after going 5-12 in January. They allowed at least 100 points in 15 of those 17 games and lost four of them inside a minute to play.

Point guard Derrick Rose missed the win over the Nets -- his third straight game in street clothes with a left ankle sprain -- and it's unlikely he will be available against Cleveland. Brandon Jennings is doing a nice job starting in Rose's place at point guard, averaging 15 points and 7.6 assists in those three outings.

Willy Hernangomez is emerging as an important piece in the Knicks rotation. The 6-11 rookie center from Spain recorded two straight doubles and his defense is improving, according to Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek.

"Coaches always say, 'Make the coaches not want to pull you off the court,'?" Hornacek said. "That's how you get minutes. Willy's done a great job. Not just on the boards. His defense is picking up. Most young guys, guys coming from Europe, they don't know these players that well."

This is the third of four meetings between Cleveland and New York. The Cavaliers won the first two, 117-88 on opening night and 126-94 on Dec. 7, dealing the Knicks their two largest margin losses of the season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (30-22) at Timberwolves (19-31)

Date: February 04, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

MINNEAPOLIS -- Rest will be in short supply between two familiar opponents in Minnesota on Saturday.

Already meeting for the fourth time this season, the Timberwolves will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. Both teams will head to Minnesota, traveling for the second game of a back-to-back and down after each suffered losses on Friday.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves in a 116-108 loss at Detroit. Andrew Wiggins scored 21 points and Zach LaVine added 20 points for Minnesota (19-31).

"The turnovers weren't high, but those to me were very costly," Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau said of the team's 13 turnovers, including two during a Pistons' pivotal 10-0 run in the fourth quarter. "That's what we're talking about, understanding the intensity and the decision-making that's necessary to not turn it over."

Memphis (31-22) had a three-game winning streak snapped after a late lead was squandered as Russell Westbrook had his 25th triple-double of the season for Oklahoma City. Westbrook had 38 points, 12 assists and 13 rebounds for the Thunder in the win, while scoring the final 15 points of the game to pull Oklahoma City ahead for the win.

Marc Gasol had his sixth 30-point game of the season for the Grizzlies with 31 points and eight assists. Mike Conley had 18 points and Chandler Parsons chipped in with 12 points in 25 minutes. The points were two off the season-high for the oft-injured forward and the 25 minutes were a season-best.

"It's disappointing," Conley told the Memphis Commercial Appeal after the game. "This was a big game for us, not just because it was OKC but the schedule, the standings, stuff like that. These games matter because at the end of the year, you never know where you're going to be. We know OKC is going to be right there with us. These games definitely matter and this was a big one for us.

"But, let it go. It's been a long road trip. We've improved each night, even tonight. We showed some signs of great things. So, tomorrow, we have to hopefully learn from tonight and come back ready."

Minnesota has struggled against Memphis this season. The two teams met twice in the first four games of the year and three times overall in November but haven't met since.

The Grizzlies won two of the games, including the last one, 93-71 at home. The Timberwolves lone win came when Gasol, Conley and Parsons were held out of the lineup. Gasol and Conley have averaged 31 points per game combined in the other two meetings.

Parsons status for the back-to-back hasn't been announced, but the Grizzlies are otherwise healthy. Memphis' defense has again been strong under first-year coach David Fizdale. The Grizzlies also have a strong starting unit with Conley and Gasol. The bench is strong with Zach Randolph and Vince Carter able to provide plenty of pop.

Randolph is averaging more than 16 points, 10 rebounds and 28 minutes per game over the last 14 games as a reserve.

"We had a real need in that second unit," Fizdale said. "We wanted Mike Conley to be more aggressive scoring in that first unit; decond unit really need some punch. He has really embraced it and truly re-invented himself."

Minnesota's is getting boost off the bench from Shabazz Muhammad, who's scored in double figures seven times in his last nine games. He had 15 points on Friday, including going 3 of 4 from 3-point distance.

Thibodeau has stressed his team to improve defensively. After a strong start to the calendar year, Minnesota allowed 125 points and 116 points in two road losses this week. Individually, Thibodeau wants Towns, Wiggins and LaVine to emerge as better defenders.

"When you look at the teams that win in this league, they're strong on both sides of the ball," Thibodeau said. "That's what we're striving toward. We know we have a lot of work to do and the tone has to be set by those three guys."

Thibodeau told reporters after the game that LaVine has a bruised knee and will be re-evaluated on Saturday. The Timberwolves were without rookie point guard Kris Dunn (late scratch with hand injury) and forward Adreian Payne (illness) on Friday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nuggets (22-27) at Spurs (38-11)

Date: February 04, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is on the cusp of an NBA coaching milestone, but he would rather focus on his team's need to play 48 minutes of defense and work to be at its best once the postseason rolls around.

Popovich, in his 21st season at the Spurs' helm, can move to the top of the standings for most coaching wins with one franchise in league history when San Antonio battles the Denver Nuggets on Saturday at the AT&T Center in the Alamo City.

Popovich, who turned 68 on Jan. 28 and gives no indication of slowing down, has gone 1,127-496 since replacing Bob Hill as the Silver and Black's coach on Dec. 10, 1996 (after the 18th game of the 1996-97 season) and tied former Utah coach Jerry Sloan when the Spurs beat Philadelphia 102-86 on Thursday.

"He's in a different league than me," Popovich said about Sloan. "When you get all those wins it's just a longevity thing more than anything. So I'm thankful for having a job for a while."

Sloan went 1,127-682 in 23 seasons with the Jazz. Popovich and Sloan have 332 more victories than legendary Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach, who is third on the list with 795 wins. Popovich also has the most wins of any active coach in the league.

San Antonio has won all five of its championships with Popovich as coach, who took over the team after the 18th game of the 1996-97 season.

"Growing up, Jerry Sloan was one of the big names -- watching the NBA Finals against (Michael) Jordan and stuff like that," said Spurs point guard Tony Parker, who is in his 16th season with San Antonio.

"It's amazing -- and Pop's going to keep going," Parker added. "It looks like he's not getting tired and he's going to stop anytime soon. It's very impressive to be a coach that long and keeping your team motivated and with the same message - it's not easy."

The Spurs (38-11) will face off with while on a two-game win streak, with Saturday's outing the final contest of a four-game homestand. San Antonio will be away from home for the next eight games (and nine of its next 10) for their annual Rodeo Road Trip, facilitated by the takeover of the AT&T Center by the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

The Nuggets arrived in San Antonio in the wee hours of Saturday morning after beating Milwaukee 121-117 on Friday night in Denver. Nikola Jokic had 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for his first career triple-double and Wilson Chandler had 21 points and eight rebounds and Kenneth Faried had 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets (22-27).

Denver played without forward and leading scorer Danilo Gallinari, who suffered a left groin injury in the Nuggets' 119-99 loss to Memphis on Wednesday. He had an MRI done Thursday and announced on his Facebook page that results showed a first-degree pulled groin muscle. The post states that there is no firm date of his return "but we are very optimistic."

"We're not going to rush him back," Denver coach Mike Malone said. "That's an injury that can keep coming back if you don't treat it the right way."

The Nuggets welcomed the return of point guard Emmanuel Mudiay on Wednesday after he missed five games due to lower back soreness and he had 14 points, seven assists and six rebounds against the Grizzlies.

Denver's plan was to play Mudiay just 20 minutes against Memphis, but Jameer Nelson's ejection 4:07 into the game forced him into racking up 26 minutes of court time.

"I'm fine," Mudiay said after the loss on Wednesday. "I was out there moving, so I needed to find out where I was."

The Spurs are 2-0 against Denver this season, winning 127-99 on Jan. 5 in the Mile High City and 118-104 on Jan. 19 in San Antonio.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bucks (21-28) at Suns (16-34)

Date: February 04, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

Two teams coming off nail-biting thrillers have to endure the second game of a back-to-back on Saturday night when the Milwaukee Bucks visit the Phoenix Suns.

Devin Booker banked in a 20-footer at the buzzer Friday night, allowing the Suns to escape Sacramento with a 105-103 victory.

As a reward, the Suns will get slightly the worst of the travel requirement, having flown 647 miles from Sacramento after the West Coast-based game. The Bucks, meanwhile, whose game ended an hour earlier, only had to fly 586 miles from Denver.

The Suns have outperformed the Bucks on the second night of back-to-backs this season, going 4-4. Milwaukee has lost eight of 10.

The Bucks had to work every bit as hard as Phoenix in their game Friday and came away with nothing to show for it. Milwaukee trailed by one late in the game before coming up short 121-117 against the Denver Nuggets.

The loss was the Bucks' 10th in their last 11 games, but help could be on the way.

Veteran big men Spencer Hawes and Roy Hibbert, acquired in a trade from Charlotte on Thursday, were hoping to have passed physicals in time to join the Bucks in Phoenix.

The Bucks gave up Miles Plumlee in the deal.

Playing a bit short-handed up front in Denver, the Bucks offered little resistance as impressive Nuggets center Nikola Jokic returned from an injury to produce a 20-point, 13-rebound, 11-assist triple-double.

Bucks coach Jason Kidd was proud of the effort.

"Guys came back in the second half and played the way we should have started the game," he told reporters. "When you dig a hole that big, you have to be perfect."

The loss dropped the Bucks to 21-28 as they attempt to tread water while they await the return of high-scoring Khris Middleton from a torn hamstring.

The club's leading scorer last season at 18.2 points per game said Friday that he has circled Wednesday on the calendar for his season debut.

Saturday night's game features three of the top teenagers in the NBA.

Bucks big man Thon Maker hit two 3-pointers off the bench in Milwaukee's comeback effort at Denver.

The 19-year-old is a native of South Sudan, one of President Donald Trump's restricted-travel countries, and faces an uncertain immediate future, although he is currently allowed to fly with the team.

The Suns counter with two 19-year-olds -- starting small forward Marquese Chriss and backup big man Dragan Bender. Chriss contributed two points, two rebounds and a block to Friday's win at Sacramento. Bender sat out.

Booker, the game's hero and leading scorer with 33 points, began the season as a third teenager for the Suns. He turned 20 two days after the Kings opened the schedule with a 113-94 win at Phoenix.

Booker has scored 20 or more points in 15 straight games.

While the Kings stood in dazed disbelief after the final shot, Booker insisted he was right on target.

"I was aiming for glass," he told reporters a few minutes later. "It was no fluke."

Booker and backcourt mate Eric Bledsoe have each hit a buzzer-beater this season.

Coincidentally, only one other team has more than one this season -- and that happens to be Saturday's opponent, Milwaukee.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hornets (23-27) at Jazz (31-19)

Date: February 04, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

SALT LAKE CITY -- Getting a little rest did some wonders in helping Utah get back on track.

The Jazz picked apart Milwaukee in a 104-88 victory on Wednesday. Utah (31-19) broke open a close game during the second quarter behind a dominant performance from center Rudy Gobert. He scored 15 points in the quarter as part of a 26-point 15-rebound effort. It marked Gobert's 33rd double-double of the season.

One factor influencing Gobert and his teammates flourishing over the final three quarters was having three days' worth of rest after a grueling run of six games in nine days prior to that point.

"It was good being able to work and practice," Gobert said following the win over the Bucks. "Get our defensive habits back. Tonight, maybe we started slow, but once we got going, you could see that we were back the way we were before."

Utah's defense was in peak form. The Jazz held Milwaukee to 34 combined points on 41 percent shooting over the second and third quarters. The Bucks struggled to get to the line and get rebounds and Utah took full advantage.

With two days of rest heading into Saturday's game against Charlotte, the Jazz should be energized once again facing a struggling Eastern Conference squad. The Hornets (23-27) lost to Golden State 126-111 on Wednesday after surrendering 21 3-pointers. It marked a season-high for Golden State, which led by as many as 32 points.

Kemba Walker finished with a season-low seven points, the first time he has failed to score in double figures. Charlotte was also hurt by the absence of Cody Zeller, who missed the game with a quadriceps bruise. The Hornets are 1-11 this season without Zeller in the lineup.

Zeller will also be unavailable against the Jazz, which means Charlotte needs to find some answers to snap a six-game losing skid.

"We just need to figure some things out, man to man," Walker said following the loss to Golden State. "We just kind of need to look at ourselves in the mirror and understand what we're not doing as individuals. It's been pretty rough for us the last couple of weeks."

Utah will be missing a key player as well. Rodney Hood hyperextended his right knee again in the second quarter against the Bucks on Wednesday and also suffered a grade 1 LCL sprain. He will not play Saturday and his knee will be re-evaluated.

Hood previously missed five games after hyperextending his knee in January. He has missed a total of 10 games because of injury or illness.

Derrick Favors is expected to play for the Jazz on Saturday. Favors sat out the last two games while he continues to try to get back to 100 percent after missing significant time earlier in the season.

Newly acquired center Miles Plumlee could make his debut for Charlotte on Saturday. Plumlee came to the Hornets from Milwaukee in exchange for Spencer Hawes and Roy Hibbert. He is averaging 2.6 points and 1.7 rebounds in 32 games this season. Plumlee did not play against the Jazz on Wednesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Warriors (43-7) at Kings (19-31)

Date: February 04, 2017 10:30 PM EDT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Splash Brothers have been on the mark in recent games, allowing the Golden State Warriors not to skip a beat recently despite more bumps and bruises to their big men than they'd prefer.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson will need to be on target again Saturday, because arguably the NBA's best big man will be standing in the Warriors' way Saturday.

Golden State will try to extend its latest winning streak to six games and beat the Sacramento Kings for the 14th straight time over four seasons when they visit the Golden 1 Center. Sacramento, which lost 105-103 to the Phoenix Suns on a buzzer-beater by Devin Booker on Friday will play the Warriors at home for the second time in less than four weeks.

Curry scored 30 and Thompson added 18 in a 117-106 win in Sacramento on Jan. 8, and they've been razor sharp over Golden State's past five games. Curry has averaged 34.8 points and , canned 29 of 52 3-point attempts while playing in four of them. Thompson has averaged 22.4 points, and shot 15-for-33 (45 percent) from 3-point range.

Golden State has won all five, the latest a 133-120 rout of the Los Angeles Clippers during which Curry made his 200th 3-pointer. The Warriors have won at least five straight 16 times over the past three seasons, and Curry became the first NBA player ever with 200 3's in five consecutive seasons.

"He has 200 already?" forward Kevin Durant said to reporters after the win. "That's crazy."

Durant has been his usual dominant self, too -- 26.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists in the winning streak -- but it's been better-than-solid efforts by reserves JaVale McGee (11 points, eight rebounds vs. the Clippers and James Michael McAdoo (career-high nine rebounds) that have allowed the Warriors to survive minor injuries to Draymond Green (shoulder) and Zaza Pachulia (strained rotator cuff) and a major one to David West (broken left thumb).

That group could have its hands full against Sacramento forward DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings' All-Star is averaging 28.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game and posted his second triple double (22 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists) in Sacramento's loss to the Suns.

He also was wearing ice on both shoulders after the game, nursing soreness he said has been there for a while and continuing to insist that the Kings are improving despite another slow start against Phoenix -- Sacramento missed 12 of its first 15 shots -- and losses in 12 of their past 16 contests, including four in a row and eight of their past nine at home.

"I don't really understand the slow start," he said. "We've been aware of that throughout the season, we know it's one of our main issues," he said. "Slow starts and not being aggressive."

The Kings hope to have forward Arron Afflalo back after he missed Friday's contest with a stomach illness. Sacramento already is without guard Garrett Temple (partially torn hamstring) until after the All-Star break and forward Rudy Gay (torn Achilles' tendon) for the season. Reserve forward Omri Casspi (leg tendon strain) hasn't played since Jan. 13.

The Warriors could see the debut of Briante Weber, whom they signed on Friday. They waived forward Anderson Varajeo to make room on the roster for him.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NBA Picks: Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

While I'm usually tired of all the Super Bowl talk and betting analysis by the time the game actually kicks off, I do love all the cross-sport props that the various sportsbooks put out. Sportsbooks have a few regarding the NBA and Patriots-Falcons in Super Bowl LI. There's the number LeBron James points on Saturday night at the Knicks (+100) vs. number of Matt Ryan completions (-130) against New England's No. 1 defense. Ryan averaged 23 completions during the regular season and is up to 26.5 in two playoff games. James is averaging 25.7 points this year and 22.0 in two games vs. the Knicks. I'd probably lean James there. You can get Kevin Durant rebounds plus assists (-130) on Saturday at Sacramento against the total third-down conversions (+100) by the two Super Bowl teams. I'd lean Durant there. How about DeMarcus Cousins points against the Warriors (-115) vs. the total first-half points (-115) in the Super Bowl? Boogie is probably good for at least 25, but I'll go with Pats-Falcons. Happy betting!

Pelicans at Wizards (-7.5, 217)

New Orleans lost a third straight Wednesday, 118-98 in Detroit. Anthony Davishad 31 points and 12 rebounds, while Jrue Holliday added 22 points and 11 assists. The Pelicans shot 50 percent from the floor but obviously played terrible defense. Washington won its sixth in a row Thursday, 116-108 over the Lakers. John Wall had 16 of his game-high 33 points in the final nine minutes after it was tied at that point. The Wizards are on a 16-game home winning streak, No. 2 in franchise history. The Pelicans' losing streak began with a 107-94 loss to the Wizards last Sunday. Wall had 18 points and 19 assists, and Bradley Beal scored 27 points. Davis had 36 points and 17 rebounds and the Pels rallied from a 17-point halftime deficit to lead very briefly.

Key trends: The Pelicans are 0-4 against the spread in the past four meetings. The "over/under" is 4-1 in Washington's past five at home.

Early lean: Wizards and over.

Magic at Hawks (-7.5, 208)

Orlando hosted Toronto on Friday. Atlanta pulled a bit of an upset Thursday in Dwight Howard's return to Houston, 113-108. The Hawks were down by as many as 20 and 13 in the fourth. Howard had his best game of the season with 24 points and 23 rebounds and so did Tim Hardaway Jr. with a career-high 33 points. Mike Dunleavy left the game early in the fourth quarter with an apparent ankle injury and did not return.Orlando and Atlanta have split two meetings this season, each winning by double digits on the road.

Key trends: The Magic are 5-1 ATS in their past six in Atlanta. The over is 8-3 in the Hawks' past 11.

Early lean: Hawks and over.

Pistons at Pacers (-4.5, 211)

Both will have heavy legs as Detroit hosted Minnesota on Friday and Indiana was in Brooklyn. These teams have split two meetings this season. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is averaging 18.0 points against Indiana and Paul George is averaging 29.0 points vs. the Pistons, who have lost their past three in Indianapolis.

Key trends: The Pistons are 0-4 ATS in the past four meetings. The over is 10-4 in the previous 14 meetings.

Early lean: Just about always take the home team when both playing the second of a back-to-back if the teams are evenly matched overall.

76ers at Heat (-8, 207.5)

Philadelphia dropped a second in a row Thursday, 102-86 in San Antonio. Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel and Robert Covington were all out for Philly. Embiid was expected and is in doubt here. The others were late scratches and could play. I would have given you at least 30/1 odds that the Heat wouldn't win nine straight games this season, but they have following a 116-93 home rout of Atlanta on Wednesday. It matched the largest margin of victory this season for the Heat, who are looking for 10 straight for the first time since early in the 2013-14 season. Miami has won five of the past six vs. Philly but lost the first meeting this season 101-94 on Nov. 21.

Key trends: The 76ers are 4-0-1 ATS in their past five in Miami. The under is 4-1 in those five.

Early lean: Heat and under.

Cavaliers at Knicks (TBA)

The ABC Saturday night game. Cleveland crushed Minnesota 125-97 on Wednesday behind 27 points from LeBron and 14 points and a career-high 14 assists from Kyrie Irving. Kevin Love sat again with his back problem, but there's a reasonable chance he will play here. The Knicks want him in any trade for Carmelo Anthony. New York ended a two-game losing streak with a 95-90 win at awful Brooklyn on Wednesday. I almost wish the Knicks had lost that game, and they trailed for a long while, just to see the tabloid headlines. Kristaps Porzingis had 19 points and 12 rebounds after missing a game due to an illness. Derrick Rose was out again and not likely here. The Cavs have blown out the Knicks twice this season.

Key trends: The road team is 8-3 ATS in the past 11 meetings. The under is 4-1 in the previous five in New York.

Early lean: Wait on Love & Rose (is that a song?).

Hornets at Jazz ( -7.5, 197.5)

Charlotte lost a sixth in a row Wednesday, 126-11 at Golden State. No Hornets starter had more than 14 points. This could be the Charlotte debut of Miles Plumlee, who was acquired Thursday from Milwaukee for Spencer Hawes and Roy Hibbert. Utah beat Milwaukee on Wednesday, 104-88. Rudy Gobert had 26 points and 15 rebounds. Derrick Favors got another game off to rest, so something might be amiss there. He missed a bunch of games earlier in the season with knee problems. Rodney Hood, who has been in and out of the lineup himself this season due to injury, left with a right knee hyperextension in the first half and did not return so he's surely out a while. Utah is looking to extend its home winning streak against Charlotte to 10 games, which would be a franchise record.

Key trends: The Hornets are 0-6-1 ATS in their past seven overall. The under is 6-2 in the past eight meetings.

Early lean: Jazz and under.

Bucks at Suns (-1, 217.5)

Both clubs were on the road Friday, with Milwaukee in Denver and Phoenix in Sacramento. I'd say huge edge Suns because they didn't have to play at altitude and obviously then are home here. This is the first meeting of the season between the Bucks and Suns. Milwaukee won both last year. As noted above, the Bucks sent Plumlee to Charlotte for Hawes and Hibbert. Plumlee wasn't playing much for Milwaukee and the Bucks got to dump his big salary. I wouldn't expect much from Hawes or Hibbert, though.

Key trends: The Bucks are 2-10 ATS in their past 12 in the second of a back-to-back. The over is 17-2 in the Suns' past 22 at home.

Early lean: Suns and over.

Nuggets at Spurs (TBA)

Denver hosted Milwaukee on Friday with Nikola Jokic likely to return from injury, Emmanuel Mudiay and Will Barton questionable and Danilo Gallinari out. At least the MRI on Gallinari's groin came back negative. San Antonio won its second in a row Thursday, 102-86 over the short-handed 76ers. Gregg Popovich tied the NBA record for the most career wins with a single franchise (Jerry Sloan), earning his 1,127th. LaMarcus Aldridge was ruled out with a minor knee issue, but that was likely just rest. San Antonio is 2-0 vs. Denver this season, winning each by at least 14. The Spurs have won eight straight at home in the series.

Key trends: The Nuggets are 1-4 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 7-2 in the previousnine.

Early lean: Wait on all those Nuggets.

Grizzlies at Timberwolves (+1, 203)

Another double back-to-back here as Memphis was in Oklahoma City on Friday and Minnesota in Detroit. The Wolves don't rest guys - that's not Tom Thibodeau's way - but the Grizz could here. Memphis leads the season series 2-1 but lost by a whopping 36 in Minneapolis on Nov. 1. That's misleading as both Marc Gasol and Mike Conley got the night off.

Key trends: The home team is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The over is 6-2 in the previous eight.

Early lean: Wolves and over.

Warriors at Kings (+12, 227)

Sacramento hosted Phoenix on Friday. Golden State won its fifth consecutive Thursday, 133-120 at the Clippers. Stephen Curry scored 29 points and Kevin Durant added 26 points and 10 assists. Draymond Green sat out with a left shoulder bruise. Curry became the first player in league history with at least 200 3-pointers in five straight seasons. Golden State has won 13 in a row vs. Sacramento, including 117-106 in the first meeting Jan. 8. The Warriors have taken the past seven in California's capital city.

Key trends: The Warriors are 9-2 ATS in the past 11 meetings. The under is 5-1 in the previous six in Sacramento.

Early lean: Warriors and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Saturday’s games

Orlando lost five of its last seven games; they’re 4-3 vs spread in last seven road games, all of which went over the total. Hawks won 7 of last 10 home games but are 0-3 vs spread in last three; over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Magic won three of last four games with Atlanta; road team won five of last seven series games. Orlando won by 7-11 points in last two visits here. Under is 5-3 in last eight series games.

Detroit lost five of its last six road games; they’re 4-3 in last seven games overall, 2-6 if they played night before. Last seven Piston games went over total. Pacers won their last five games, are 5-2-1 vs spread in last eight home tilts. Last three Indiana games stayed under. Indiana won four in row, 7 of last 8 games with Detroit; over is 5-3 in last eight series games. Pistons lost last three visits to Indiana by 5-12-12 points.

New Orleans lost its last four road games, four of last five overall; they’re 6-3 vs spread in last nine road games. Over is 6-2 in their last eight games. Wizards won last six games (5-1 vs spread); they’ve won 16 in a row at home (13-2-1 vs spread). Over is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Washington won nine of last ten games with New Orleans (8-2 vs spread); Pelicans lost last four visits here (2-2 vs spread). Under is 8-2 in last ten series games.

Philly lost its last three road games, is 2-5 vs spread in its last seven; they lost four of last five games overall. 7 of their last 8 games went over total. Miami won won its last nine games; they ar e6-1 vs spread in last seven home tilts. Under is 6-3 in their last nine games. 76ers lost five of last six games with Miami but covered three of last four; they lost last three visits to South Beach by 5-5-11 points. Three of last four series games stayed under.

Cleveland won three of last four games but lost five of last six on road; they’re 6-12 vs spread in last 18 road games. Over is 6-2 in their last eight games. New York is 4-7 in its last 11 games, 2-7 in last nine at home. Three of their last four games went over. Knicks lost their last eight games with Cleveland (0-3 vs spread in last three); Cavaliers won won last six visits to Manhattan, covering three of last four. 8 of last 9 series games stayed under total.

Grizzlies won three of last four games, all on road; they’re 5-3 in last eight games overall. Last five Memphis games went over total. Minnesota won six of its last seven home games; they’re 2-5 vs spread in last seven games overall. Last six Wolves games went over. Memphis is 5-3 in its last eight games with Minnesota; home side won five of last six series games. Grizzlies lost by 5-36 points in last two visits here. Over is 6-2 in last eight series games.

Denver won four of last six games, covered 9 of last 12; they lost three of last four road games. Last five Nugget games went over total. San Antonio won 7 of last 9 games, is 12-3 vs spread in last 15 home games. Over is 9-3 in their last 12 games (0-2 in last two). Spurs won nine of last ten games with Denver, covering four of last five; Nuggets lost last five visits to the Alamo (2-3 vs spread). Over is 7-2 in last nine series games.

Milwaukee lost five in row, 10 of last 11 games; they’re 0-7 vs spread in last seven road games. Four of their last six games went over total. Suns snapped 5-game skid last night; they’re 5-2 vs spread if they played night before. Over is 5-1 in their last six games. Bucks won three of last four games with Phoenix; road team won four of last five series games. Milwaukee won last two visits here, by 2-6 points. Last four series games stayed under the total.

Charlotte lost its last six games, is 0-7 vs spread in last seven; they’ve lost nine road games in a row (2-7 vs spread). Three of their last four games went over. Utah won 8 of last 11 games, 8 of last 10 at home. Four of last five Jazz games stayed under the total. Home side won last six Hornet-Jazz games; Charlotte lost last four visits to Utah (0-3-1 vs spread). Six of last eight series games stayed under the total.

Warriors won their last five games (4-1 vs spread); they’re 5-2 vs spread in last seven road games. Three of their last four games went over. Sacramento lost 8 of last 9 home games, is 1-10 vs spread in last 11 at home. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Golden State won its last ten games with he Kings (8-2 vs spread); Warriors won last five trips to Sacramento (3-2 vs spread). Three of last four series games went over total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAA Basketball Expert Predictions: Three Interesting Feb. 4 Opening Lines
by Alan Matthews

As with some of this weekend's NBA games, Sportsbooks are offering cross-sport props on a few top college basketball players against Super Bowl LI between the Patriots and Falcons . I won't go through them all, and I recommend you go check them out. Here are a couple of examples: The total number of points, rebounds and assists by North Carolina star Justin Jackson (-115) vs. Notre Dame against the longest reception by Patriots receiver Chris Hogan (-115); or the number of points by Kentucky star freshman Malik Monk (-115) at Florida vs. the number of receiving yards for Patriots running back Dion Lewis (-115).

Wagner at Fairleigh Dickinson ( -3 )

I feel obligated to look at this game from the Northeast Conference because it's your first betting choice of the day with an unusual 11 a.m. ET start time - presumably so it could be shown on ESPNU. Schools this small would play in Iran if it got them a few TV bucks and exposure. Go look at the NEC standings. There's only one school in the entire conference that has a winning overall record: LIU-Brooklyn. Last season, Farleigh Dickinson beat Wagner 87-79 in the NEC Tournament Championship Game for the school's fifth-ever NCAA Tournament bid and first since 2005. The Knights were a No. 16 seed in the Big Dance and pounded by Florida Gulf Coast 96-65 in the First Four.

Wagner, which was the NEC regular-season champion last year, is middle of the pack this season, so it will have to win the conference tournament to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2003. FDU is two games behind Mount St. Mary's for the conference lead. Fairleigh Dickinson already has more home conference wins (five) than it did last season (four). The Knights go for the season sweep of Wagner after a 70-69 win on Jan. 5 in New York. Stephan Jiggetts had 17 points and dished out seven assists. Wagner's Blake Francis missed a jumper with one second remaining. Both schools are on quick turnarounds here after playing Thursday night. Wagner won 70-60 at Central Connecticut, while FDU was upset at home 74-70 by Sacred Heart for its second straight loss.

Key trends: The Seahawks are 2-8 against the spread in their past 10 games overall. The Knights are 4-1 ATS in their past five vs. the NEC.

I'm leaning: Fairleigh Dickinson.

Illinois State at Wichita State (-10)

Big one from the Missouri Valley Conference at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The Redbirds, who haven't won the Valley title in 19 years, are 11-0 in the MVC and Wichita State is 10-1. No other school is better than 6-5. So the winner of this game would seemingly be in the driver's seat for the top seed in the conference tournament. Especially if it's Illinois State, as on Jan. 14 the Redbirds beat Wichita State 76-62 in Normal. A late first-half run of 12-3 gave ISU a 36-27 lead at the break that it would never relinquish. MiKyle McIntosh scored 20 points to lead Illinois State. Landry Shamet and Darral Willis Jr. led Wichita State with 14 points each.

ISU is on a 12-game winning streak but has lost McIntosh due a torn meniscus that's expected to cost him around three weeks - potentially putting him on track to return the week before the MVC Tournament starts March 2 in St. Louis. McIntosh was hurt Jan. 21 against Drake, and played part of the following game Jan. 25 against Indiana State, but the preseason all-conference pick hasn't played since. He finally had surgery Monday when an MRI revealed the tear (what took so long?). McIntosh is second on the team in scoring (13.5 ppg), rebounding (6.4 rpg) and assists (2.0 apg). Wichita has won five in a row largely in blowout fashion since that ISU defeat. The Shockers have won 20 games for an eighth straight year.

Key trends: The Redbirds are 7-0 ATS in their past seven on the road. The Shockers are 2-8 ATS in their past 10 on Saturday. ISU is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings.

I'm leaning: Wichita State (so much for trends; injuries overrule trends).

No. 11 UCLA at Washington (+11)

A 10:30 p.m. ET start on the Pac-12 Network. I don't see UCLA winning the Pac-12 regular-season title considering it already has losses to Arizona and Oregon, the top two teams in the conference, but that's not to say the Bruins can't get a No. 1 seed in the Big Dance if they get hot now and win the Pac-12 Tournament. They ended a two-game losing streak Wednesday with a 95-79 blowout of Washington State. Freshman TJ Leaf scored a season-high 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. UCLA was 3-for-16 from long range but 38-for-50 inside the arc.

What this game is really all about is the matchup of freshman superstar point guards Markelle Fultz of Washington and Lonzo Ball of UCLA - potentially the top two picks in the 2017 NBA draft. Washington is shockingly terrible at 9-13 overall and 2-8 in the Pac-12 and the only thing from keeping Coach Lorenzo Romar in his job is another good recruiting class coming next season. You can bet a Super Bowl cross-sport prop on Fultz's total points, rebounds and assists at -115 against the distance of the longest field goal made (-115) in Sunday's game. Fultz, who has been compared to Russell Westbrook and James Harden, is averaging 23.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists. He's going No. 1. Fultz is from Maryland and Ball from the L.A. area, but I'm assuming they have faced off on the AAC circuit or something. This could be the start of a great rivalry.

Key trends: The Bruins are 2-9 ATS in their past 11. The Huskies are 2-9-1 ATS in their past 12 vs. teams with a winning record. UCLA is 4-1 ATS in the past five in Seattle.

Early lean: UCLA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Saturday’s games

Syracuse is 5-0 at home in ACC games, with four wins by 10+ points; home team is 9-1 vs spread in their ACC tilts- they’re 2-0 as a home underdog. Virginia won six of its last seven games; they’re 4-1 on ACC road, with only loss in OT at Pitt. Cavaliers are 2-1 as road favorites. Virginia is 3-0 vs Syracuse in ACC play, winning by 19-12-8 points; Cavaliers won 59-47 in last visit here, in 2015. Virginia shoots 41.9% on arc in ACC play; will shooting in the dome foul them up? ACC road favorites of 5+ points are 3-11 vs spread.

Maryland won/covered its last six games, they’re 12-1 this season in games decided by 8 or less points. Terps are 3-1 at home in Big 14 with only loss by hoop to Nebraska- they’re 6-0 vs spread as a Big 14 dog. Purdue won four of last five games, is 2-2 on Big 14 road, losing at Iowa/Nebraska- they were favored in all four road games (1-3 vs spread). Boilers are shooting 43.8% on arc in Big 14 games. Maryland is 2-1 vs Purdue in Big 14 games, winning by 11 LY in only series meeting here. Big 14 road favorites of 3 or less points are 4-6 vs spread.

TCU lost three of last four games, winning last game in OT at K-State; Frogs are 3-1 at home in Big X, with only loss by 9 to Baylor. Texas is 8-2 vs spread in its last ten games; their last three games were decided by total of seven points. Texas is 8-2 vs TCU in Big X play, but lost 64-61 at home to the Horned Frogs in first meeting Jan 11, in a brickfest where teams shot combined 10-38 on arc- Texas led by 7 with 9:45 left. Longhorns won three of last four visits to TCU. Big X home favorites of 6+ points are 2-14-1 vs spread this season.

Valparaiso won its last eight games, covered six of its last seven; they’re 4-0 as road favorites in Horizon games, winning by 11-16-11-18 points. Green Bay won three of last four games, are 5-1 at home in Horizon, losing to Youngstown by 3. Phoenix is 2-1 as an underdog in conference games. Valparaiso won five of last six games with Green Bay, beating Phoenix 80-56 in first meeting Jan 16, holding GB to 31% from floor. Crusaders lost four of last six visits to Green Bay. Horizon road favorites of 6 or less points are 5-3 vs spread.

South Carolina beat Georgia 67-61 in Athens January 4, despite being outscored 23-10 on foul line; it was Gamecocks’ first win in last five series games. Dawgs won three of last four visits to Columbia. Carolina is 3-1 as an SEC home favorite, winning home tilts by 11-11-4-29 points- their only SEC loss was by 16 at Kentucky. Georgia is 5-0 as a road underdog; they lost last game in OT at Kentucky. Dawgs lost last three games; four of their five SEC losses are by 6 or less points, or in overtime. SEC home favorites of 8+ points are 9-10-1 vs spread.

Both teams’ star PG’s are out for season. Creighton is 5-3 vs Xavier in Big East play, winning two of three here. Bluejays won first meeting 72-67 at Xavier Jan 16, the day they lost Watson for year- Xavier was 16-29 on foul line that day. Teams split season series the last three years. Creighton won last two games by 17-9 points, with win at Butler; Bluejays are 3-1 as home favorites, with home wins by 14-11-17. Xavier won its two games without Somner by 2-5 points; they’re 0-2 as road underdogs. Big East home favorites of 5+ points are 14-10-1 vs spread.

Baylor is 0-4 vs spread as a home favorite, with wins by 2-4-10-4 points; they had 4-game win streak snapped at Kansas last game. Road team covered 8 of their 9 Big X games. Kansas State is 2-2 as a road underdog, with losses by 2-1-5 points and win at Okla State. Baylor won its last four games with K-State, beating Wildcats 77-68 in first meeting this season on Jan 14. K-State lost its last three visits to Waco by 14-27-7 points. Big X home favorites of 8+ points are 1-12–1 against the spread this season.

VCU won its last three games, beating rival Richmond last game; Rams lost last two road tilts, are 2-2 as road favorites, losing at Davidson/Fordham, winning by 9 at George Mason, 7 at Duquesne. St Bonaventure won four of last five games, are 3-1 at home in A-14, with only loss by 16 to Dayton. VCU won three of last four games with the Bonnies, losing 7-71 in last visit here two years ago; home side won three of four series games. Rams force turnovers 21.6% of time in conference games. A-14 road favorites of 3 or less points are 1-4 vs spread.

Kentucky is 1-3 as SEC road favorites, with road wins by 23-6-7 points and loss at Tennessee by a hoop. Wildcats covered only one of last seven games. Florida is 4-1 at home in SEC with loss to Vanderbilt; Gators won last three games by 35-32-39 points since the Vandy loss- they force turnovers 22.1% of time in conference games. Gators play much slower tempo than Kentucky. Wildcats won their last five games with Florida, winning by 7-9 points in last two visits here. SEC home teams are 5-13 vs number in games with spread of 2 or less points.

Illinois State won three of last four games with Wichita State, beating Shockers 76-62 at home three weeks ago; Redbirds made 10-22 on arc- they’ve lost last eight visits to Wichita, with three of last four losses here by 12+ points. ISU is without injured F McIntosh (knee) for three weeks; he had 20 in the Wichita win. Shockers won its last five games, is 3-2 as a home favorite in Valley games, winning by 34-25-8-26-42 points. MVC home favorites of 9+ points are 6-7 vs spread. Illinois State won its last 12 games; their last loss was Dec 23 to USF in Hawaii.

Arizona won its last 15 games; their last loss was to Gonzaga in LA Dec 3. Wildcats are 100% now with Trier back eligible; they’re 5-0 on Pac-12, winning as underdogs at Cal, UCLA. Oregon swept Arizona by 8-6 points LY, beating Wildcats in OT in Pac-12 tourney; Arizona lost two of last three visits here, but won 90-56 in last visit here in 2015. Ducks are 6-0 at home in Pac-12 but escaped ASU game with 71-70 win (-17). Arizona held last three foes to 13-48 on arc. Pac-12 home favorites of 3 or less points are 1-5 vs spread this season.

Cal-Irvine was 0-2 last weekend after starting 6-0 in Big West play; they missed injured guard Nelson. Anteaters are 3-1 on Big West road; they’re 5-0 in league if they score 70+ points. Long Beach State played zero defense in a 108-98 loss at CSUN Wednesday; 49ers are 3-1 at home in Big West, with only loss also to Northridge- they’re 0-3 as a Big West underdog this season. Irvine won four of last five games with Long Beach, beating 49ers 82-67 in first meeting Jan 4- Long Beach was 1-14 on arc that night. Big West road favorites are 3-5 vs spread.

Denver won three of last four games, is 4-1 at home in Summit play, with only loss by 6 to South Dakota. Fort Wayne scored 95 pts/game in winning last two games but they’re 1-3 on road, 0-4 vs spread, with only win by hoop at Omaha- their road losses are by 4-6-10 points. Fort Wayne won its last five games with Denver, winning by 1-16 points in last two visits here. Mastodons won first meeting 87-83 at home Jan 7, after falling behind 12-2. Summit League home teams are 9-4 vs number in games where spread was 2 or less points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Saturday
By Mike Dempsey

We have three Road to the Kentucky Derby points races on tap this afternoon and the $350,000 Holy Bull (G2) at Gulfstream Park will get top billing with the return of Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Classic Empire.

The colt won four of his five starts last year, the lone loss coming when he dumped the jockey in the Hopeful (G1) at Saratoga.

He has been the early favorite for the 2017 Kentucky Derby ever since his victory in the Juvenile and is currently listed at betting odds of 5-2.

That price is just too short three months out from the Run for the Roses, and he will be a short price today as he takes on eight foes in the Holy Bull as the 3-5 morning line favorite.

Normally a runner coming back off the layoff and being this hyped would be a play against for me at such a short price. However, after surveying the rest of the field, I could not come up with a logical upsetter.

The $250,000 Withers (G3) will also have a short priced favorite, as Jerome (G3) winner El Areeb is the 6-5 mooring line favorite and he may dip below even money by post time.

The Cathal Lynch trainee won the Jerome by 11 ¼ lengths in the mud in his first trip around two turns. It was an impressive victory, but with a fast track today he may be worth taking a stand against for the top spot. His odds in early Kentucky Derby betting is 10-1.

I gave the nod to Apartfromthecrowd, who was a good looking maiden winner in his third career start for trainer Chad Brown. He is 5-1 on the morning line and I am hoping we catch most of that price.

My Best Plays Report for Saturday includes my strongest plays from Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita including all the stakes action.


Here is the opening race from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:

GP Race 1 Clm $16,000N2L (12:00 ET)
#5 Global Entry 7-2
#3 America's Kitten 4-1
#2 Contradict 5-2
#2 Cavity 3-1

Analysis: Global Entry made a good late rally to finish in the runner up spot last out when dropping in for this tag. The colt was claimed out of the race by the Joseph barn that is 25% winners first off the claim. The blinkers come off as he wheels back pretty quick here. Castellano sticks which is encouraging. He should get some pace to run at.

America's Kitten checked in sixth last out against $25,000 non-winners of two here last out and drops back in for $16,000. At this level two back the gelding rallied for the runner up spot. He broke his maiden here versus maiden special weight company last January. He does not need to move forward all that much off his last couple of starts to be in the mix here for Maker.

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 3,5 / 1,2,3,5
TRI: 3,5 / 1,2,3,5 / 1,2,3,5,11

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:

AQU Race 8 The Withers G3 (4:20 ET)
#2 Apartfromthecrowd 5-1
#4 El Areeb 6-5
#10 J Boys Echo 4-1
#5 Bonus Points 12-1

Analysis: Apartfromthecrowd faces winners for the first time here for the Chad Brown barn after breaking his maiden in a sharp effort in his third career start. Only the chalk in here earned a higher last out speed fig and this colt has showed improvement with each outing. Here was fourth on turf at the Spa last September and then third here on the main track going a mile. He took to the inner and two turns last out. He is out of a Capote mare that has dropped five other winners. Another move forward could put him in the mix here and he could have more upside than the favorite.

El Areeb has not been tested in his last three starts, last out drawing away in the mud to win the Jerome (G3) by 11 ¼ lengths in his first trip on the inner track. It was his first go around two turns after sprinting in his first four starts including winning the JF Lewis at Laurel Park two back in his first go against winners. The $340,000 Ocala purchase looks tough but is going to be a short price and he now is going to have to replicate his two-turn effort over a fast surface.

J Boys Echo ran in spots in a fourth-place finish in the Delta Jackpot (G3) last out. He pressed the early pace, dropped back to seventh and then was picking it up late when rallying for fourth, beaten 10 ¼ lengths. He broke his maiden two back at Keeneland over what was not one of the stronger maiden races at the fall meeting. The colt was a $485,000 Keeneland purchase out of the stakes winner Letgomyecho ($136,200).

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 2,4 / 2,4,5,10
TRI: 2,4 / 2,4,5,10 / 1,2,4,5,10

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

GP Race 12 The Holy Bull G2 (5:35 ET)
#3 Classic Empire 3-5
#1 Gunnevera 9-2
#6 Fact Finding 6-1
#5 Irish War Cry 15-1

Analysis: Classic Empire makes his first start since capping off his 2016 campaign by winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), his fourth win in five career starts. His lone loss came in the Hopeful (G1) where he wheeled and jumped the jockey. Last out he prompted the early pace and finished gamely to win by a hard fought neck over the now retired Not This Time. The Casse barn is 17% winners with runners coming back off a 61-180 day layoff. He has just four published drills at Palm Meadows for his return but that should have him fit enough on his return off a three-month break. The price will be short but could not find a viable option to beat him here.

Gunnevera was a smart looking winner of the Delta Downs Jackpot (G3) last out. He was 6 3/4 lengths behind our top pick two back in the Breeders' Futurity (G1). There looks as if there is enough early pace signed up here he should be coming late.

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 1-1 or better.
EX: 1,3 / 1,3,5,6
TRI: 3 / 1,5,6 / 1,5,6,8

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Aqueduct
R3: #7 Ouro Verde 8-1
R4: #1 testosterone 8-1
R6: #4 On Tap 8-1
R7: #2 Jet Black 10-1
R8: #5 Bonus Points 12-1

Good luck today!