Sunday 11/15/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[MANBEARPIG]

Lee Sterling NFL GOY? Thanks for all that you guys do here, it is a great forum! Best of luck this weekend!!

 

[superbeets]

League Two TODAY 12:15

Hartlepool

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Leyton Orient

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		7/2	14/5	17/20	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT HARTLEPOOL	RECENT FORM
ALAWHDHLALHW​ Most recent​	2 - 1 2 - 1 0 - 1 1 - 0	ALHDADAWHLHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Orient’s 16 league games have produced 46 goals

EXPERT VERDICT: Leyton Orient are well placed in League Two but two wins from their last 11 league games will make uncomfortable reading for manager Ian Hendon. The O’s have kept just a single clean sheet in that sequence and going over on goals against struggling Pool looks a wise play.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
3

 

[superbeets]

League Two TODAY 14:30

Portsmouth

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AFC W'bledon

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

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT PORTSMOUTH	RECENT FORM
AWAWHDHDALHW​ Most recent​	0 - 2 1 - 0	ALHLAWAWHWHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Pompey have won two of their eight home league games

EXPERT VERDICT: Wimbledon won three on the spin before being dumped out of the FA Cup by Forest Green and they might be able to trouble Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Pompey have been solid at home but have struggled to win on several occasions, so they may be worth opposing with the dangerous Wombles.

RECOMMENDATION: AFC Wimbledon
1

 

[superbeets]

Euro Championships TODAY 19:45

Hungary

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Norway

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		9/5	11/5	9/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSIN HUNGARY	RECENT FORM
AWHDADHWALAW​ Most recent​	0 - 2 1 - 4	HDAWHWHWALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Norway won three of their five away qualifiers

EXPERT VERDICT: This has become a must-win fixture for Norway after a 1-0 first-leg defeat on Thursday in their Euro 2016 playoff but they battered Hungary from pillar to post in Oslo, only to fail to make their dominance count on the scoreboard. At the prices it may pay to back Norway to hit the target this time around.

RECOMMENDATION: Norway
1

 

[TribeTime]

Good pick. Night time 3 pt fav
12-18 L30
3-7 L10 NFL
2-9 L11 NCAAF

I appreciate when people include the cappers history with the play. Thanks!

 

[safecracker]

Good pick. Night time 3 pt fav
12-18 L30
3-7 L10 NFL
2-9 L11 NCAAF

Record not good though. And Cards are dead solid.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Maple Leafs (4-8) at Rangers (12-2)

Date: November 15, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

The previous meeting between the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs marked the beginning of the former's rise and the middle of the latter's plummet.

While the Rangers continue to surge, the Maple Leafs have posted a small turnaround.

With red-hot New York trying to extend its longest point streak in eight years, the suddenly streaking Maple Leafs will try to match their best over the last three seasons Sunday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers (13-2-2) have won eight straight and are 10-0-2 in their last 12, marking the ninth-longest point streak in franchise history and longest since a 13-game run in 2007-08. The 1939-40 team's 19-game run stands as the club's best.

They have set a team record with 13 wins in the first 17 games, and their win streak is tied for their third longest behind a pair of 10-game surges in 1939-40 and 1972-73.

The second win of New York's current spurt was a 3-1 victory over Toronto on Oct. 30 that was the fourth on the team's seven-game home streak. Mats Zuccarello logged his first career hat trick to double his goal total over his last three against the Maple Leafs.

Zuccarello has four goals and five assists in his last seven overall, but he and the Rangers' offense were quieted Saturday at Ottawa. New York, however, still found its way to a 2-1 shootout win thanks to Chris Kreider's first-period goal and shootout tallies from Zuccarello and Dan Boyle. Henrik Lundqvist made 21 saves to pick up his 10th win.

"That's what matters, the W, at the end of the day," Boyle told the team's official website. "You never know if that extra point down the road is going to be a factor or not, so you don't want to leave points out there.

"Both teams played hard, but I'm glad we got the extra (point)."

The most impressive aspect of the winning streak might be the balance on each end of the ice. The Rangers' offense has averaged 3.5 goals in the eight games, while the defense has surrendered 1.25 per game.

Lundqvist's last six wins have come during the streak, but his 3.22 goals-against average in his last nine starts versus Toronto is likely what led to coach Alain Vigneault's decision to start Antti Raanta.

Raanta is 3-0 on the season with a 0.67 GAA and .976 save percentage and has seen varying results in two career outings against the Maple Leafs, allowing five goals on 25 shots in 2013 before shutting them out on 31 shots last season.

Toronto (5-8-4), though, may offer the Rangers a different look than it did two weeks ago after stringing together three wins following a 2-8-4 start.

"I think if I'm not mistaken we've got points in six of seven," coach Mike Babcock said after the Leafs beat Vancouver 4-2 on Saturday.

Specifically, Toronto has earned 10 points over those seven games after earning just four in its first 10. The Maple Leafs were streaking in the other direction when they visited MSG late last month riding a four-game losing streak.

James Reimer matched a season high with 43 saves against the Canucks in his seventh straight start, though he was aided by two disallowed goals.

Reimer and backup goaltender Jonathan Bernier have each struggled in their careers against the Rangers, with Reimer posting a 3.46 GAA in six starts and Bernier a 3.00 in seven. It's unclear who will get the nod in this contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Flames (6-11) at Blackhawks (9-7)

Date: November 15, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

With Patrick Kane riding the NHL's longest point streak and two key defensemen back, the Chicago Blackhawks head home feeling a bit better about themselves.

Now there's little reason to believe Kane won't be able to stay hot against the defensively challenged Calgary Flames, whom he's tormented throughout his career.

Kane looks to become the first Blackhawk to score in seven straight games in 20 years Sunday night when Chicago tries to extend its longest home point streak against any opponent.

The defending champions allowed 25 goals during a 2-4-1 stretch before welcoming back Duncan Keith and Michal Rozsival from injuries in Saturday's 4-2 win at St. Louis.

Keith had an assist after missing 10 games with a torn meniscus in his knee, while Rozsival played 13 minutes in his season debut after fracturing his left ankle last postseason.

"I felt good. It was nice to get back in the swing of things," Keith told the team's official website. "I thought that we did a lot of good things and battled through some things. We can build off this game."

Kane scored the go-ahead goal in the second period to extend his point streak to 12 games. The star winger has had nine goals and 11 assists during the league's longest such streak this season.

Kane has found the back of the net in the past six games, leaving him on the verge of becoming the first Blackhawk to score in seven straight since Joe Murphy did it in nine from March 3-April 2, 1995.

"We're pretty used to (Kane) doing that," goalie Corey Crawford said. "That's nothing new from him. He always finds a way to score big goals and he just doesn't stop."

Kane has 16 goals and 16 assists in 28 meetings with the Flames, who have given up a league-high 3.72 goals per game. He's only scored more against Dallas and Nashville (both 17).

Chicago, 7-2-1 at home, hopes to take advantage of a stop back at the United Center before embarking on a season-high six-game road swing.

The Blackhawks (8-7-1) have outscored Calgary 49-25 while going 11-0-2 during their longest current home point streak against any opponent. They're 18-4-3 over the past 25 in the series overall.

Chicago will have to keep a close watch on Flames leading scorer Sean Monahan. The 21-year-old center scored his second goal of the game in overtime Friday for a 3-2 win at Washington. He has four goals in his last four games but only two in his six against the Blackhawks.

Calgary (6-11-1), which has the second-fewest points in the Western Conference, snapped a two-game losing streak and had been 1-6-1 while getting outscored 32-18 in its previous eight on the road.

"We'll have to build off that now and keep that with us going into Chicago," Monahan said.

Karri Ramo is expected to get the nod after he stopped 34 shots against the Capitals. Ramo had been 1-4-0 with a 3.64 goals-against average over his previous five road starts.

Scott Darling will likely be between the pipes for Chicago after Crawford finished with 29 saves against the Blues. Darling has gone 1-2-0 with a 3.36 GAA as a starter this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Rangers won their last eight games, allowing ten goals. Toronto won its last three games, giving up a total of five goals.

Cold teams
-- Chicago lost five of its last eight games. Calgary lost five of its last seven road games.

Series records
-- Rangers won six of last eight games with Toronto.
-- Chicago is 6-3 in last nine games with Calgary; all three losses came in OT.

Totals
-- Four of last five Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten Calgary-Chicago games stayed under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pelicans (1-8) at Knicks (4-6)

Date: November 15, 2015 12:00 PM EDT

Although he's found a bit of rhythm for the New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony would prefer some help in crunch time when opponents focus on slowing him down.

The All-Star forward might not need it at home Sunday against a banged-up New Orleans Pelicans team which is struggling on defense and could be missing star Anthony Davis.

Since averaging 21.0 points on 36.6 percent shooting - including 9 of 28 from 3-point range - in his first six games, Anthony has scored 26.0 and shot 44.3 percent over his last four. He's also hit 11 of 26 attempts from beyond the arc over that span.

He had 26 points and hit a season high-tying four 3s Friday versus Cleveland, but was just 1 for 6 over the final 12 minutes with LeBron James his primary defender in a 90-84 home defeat. Anthony is shooting 43.1 percent in the first three quarters but just 29.8 in the fourth.

"Guys are maybe trying to look at me a little too much, instead of trying to make the right play," Anthony said. "I think once we get past that, we'll be OK."

That could change as the Knicks (4-6) try to avoid their third straight loss. New Orleans ranks last in points allowed per game (111.0) and is tied for last in defensive field-goal percentage (47.9). The Pelicans have also allowed an average of 30.8 points on 60.3 percent shooting in the fourth quarter over their past four games.

After reaching the playoffs last season for the first time since 2010-11, the Pelicans haven't been able to take a step forward under first-year coach Alvin Gentry.

They played their second straight without Davis and lost for the eighth time in nine games with Friday's 100-81 defeat at Toronto. Gentry said the club will err on the side of caution with the All-Star forward, who is questionable with a hip contusion. New Orleans has dropped 10 of 14 without him over the past two seasons.

"We have to play with the same intensity, doing the same thing as far as moving the basketball offensively and things like that," Gentry added. "We don't know when (Davis) is going to play again so we can't use that as an excuse. We don't have any excuses."

The Pelicans, trying to end their worst start since opening 1-18 in 2004-05, are also missing Norris Cole (ankle), Tyreke Evans (knee), Kendrick Perkins (pectoral) and Quincy Pondexter (knee).

Eric Gordon had 30 points and Jrue Holiday added 19 against the Raptors. Gordon has been a bright spot, averaging 22.8 points and hitting 24 of 59 (40.7 percent) in his last six. His 20.6 scoring average in nine career meetings with New York is his second highest versus any opponent.

Omer Asik proved to be a difficult matchup for the Knicks last season, totaling 27 points and 31 rebounds as both teams won at home. New Orleans held a 93-64 rebounding edge in the series despite not having Davis in its January loss at Madison Square Garden.

The Pelicans, however, rank near the bottom of the NBA with a minus-5.9 margin on the glass this season. New York is in the top 10 (plus-2.3) behind Kristaps Porzingis' 8.8 boards per game.

The Knicks have won five of the past seven meetings at the Garden.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (4-6) at Timberwolves (4-5)

Date: November 15, 2015 3:30 PM EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies managed to halt their recent slide in dramatic fashion. The Minnesota Timberwolves are still trying to end theirs.

Following a last-second victory, the visiting Grizzlies look to hand the Timberwolves a fourth consecutive defeat Sunday.

With Memphis (4-6) in danger of dropping five in a row for the first time in two seasons, Zach Randolph rescued his team on a put-back with less than one second remaining for a 101-100 win over Portland on Friday.

"We grit and grind," Randolph said. "We work, we work, we work. That's how we play. When you're losing it's hard to get over that hump and get a win, but it's still early. We've got to keep playing our game and get it back."

The victory provided at least a momentary respite for a Grizzlies team that still has issues.

Memphis is last in the NBA with 91.3 points per game, a 40.1 field-goal percentage and a 3-point mark of 26.8. The Grizzlies shot 41.9 percent while reaching 100 points for the first time in five games Friday, winning despite blowing an 11-point fourth-quarter lead.

"We (are not) where we want to be yet, but we'll keep working hard and we'll get there," Randolph said.

Marc Gasol had 31 points after scoring 26 in Wednesday's 100-84 home loss to Golden State. Point guard Mike Conley, however, needs to regroup after scoring 15 points and going 5 of 25 from the field in the last two games.

Perhaps the addition of veteran guard Mario Chalmers can take some pressure off Conley. Acquired from Miami in a four-player deal this week, Chalmers had 11 points and four steals in 19 minutes off the bench in his Memphis debut Friday.

"My teammates made me feel comfortable and the coaching staff made me feel comfortable," he said. "It can only go up from here."

Though the Grizzlies have dropped three straight on the road, they've won seven of nine at the Target Center.

"You go out to Minnesota and you do it again," said Gasol, who has averaged 23.0 points and shot 65.5 percent in the last four games against the Timberwolves.

Minnesota (4-5) has struggled after opening with two straight wins, and despite averaging 107.8 points and 50.6 percent shooting in the last four games has allowed 111.8 and 50.4 over the same stretch. Opponents averaged 96.8 points and 39.2 percent while the Timberwolves won three of the first five.

They made a valiant effort to come back from 27 down Friday but fell 107-103 at Indiana.

'The problem is when you get down like that, you have to play perfect,' coach Sam Mitchell said. 'We're learning how to play, we're learning how to fight through pain.'

Physical pain continues to bother oft-injured Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio, who could miss a fourth consecutive contest with a hamstring strain. In the six games Rubio has played, he's averaged 13.0 points and 9.0 assists.

Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine each scored 26 while rookie Karl-Anthony Towns' streak of four double-doubles ended with 12 points and nine boards against the Pacers.

Wiggins totaled 43 points while the Timberwolves split their two home games with Memphis last season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Trail Blazers (4-6) at Hornets (4-5)

Date: November 15, 2015 5:00 PM EDT

In the span of one week, the Portland Trail Blazers have seen elation turn into frustration.

They'll look to avoid a fifth consecutive loss Sunday when they visit ex-Blazer Nicolas Batum and the Charlotte Hornets.

Portland (4-6) entered last Sunday's matchup with Detroit riding a three-game winning streak and feeling confident for a club that's in the rebuilding process. However, a 17-point loss that night began the Trail Blazers' current slide and Friday's 101-100 defeat at Memphis on Zach Randolph's put-back basket with less than a second left only added to the misery.

'It's tough, man,' said All-Star guard Damian Lillard, the only starter remaining from Portland's teams that reached the playoffs the last two seasons.

"It's probably getting old already, but we talk about growing with our team. Whatever we get done is going to take everybody."

Coach Terry Stotts remains pleased with his team's effort, especially after overcoming a 14-point deficit and shooting 47.8 percent Friday. Lillard (25.3 points per game) scored 11 after recording at least 20 in every game prior, but C.J. McCollum (21.4 ppg) had 26 and Al-Farouq Aminu added 16, eight boards and three blocks.

However, McCollum committed eight of Portland's 22 turnovers that the Grizzlies' turned into 15 points. It's the second time in four games the Trail Blazers turned the ball over at least 20 times.

"It's going to hurt us every time," said Lillard, who wouldn't blame a sore thumb for his 5-of-15 shooting or missing all five 3-point attempts.

"That's something that we've got to work on and get better at. Time and time again the more we turn the ball over the less chance we have to win games."

The Blazers have also allowed an average of 110.5 points and 49.6 percent shooting in the last four games after yielding 96.3 and 42.6 percent from the floor in the previous three.

Charlotte has averaged 91.9 points while losing 10 of the last 12 to the Blazers, but it faced the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge and Batum most of the time.

Batum now takes on the team he spent his first seven seasons as a key role player with before being traded to Charlotte (4-5) in June for Gerald Henderson and Noah Vonleh. Averaging a team-leading and career-high 16.0 points, Batum scored 28 and had eight rebounds in Friday's 102-97 loss at Chicago.

'He can pass. He can shoot. He can rebound. A competitor, and he has a really high IQ,' Hornets coach Steve Clifford said of Batum, who has totaled 52 points in the last two games and went 5 of 6 from beyond the arc Friday.

Batum fared well despite playing with concern following the terrorist attacks in his native France.

"I wanted to show (France) in my way that we're strong," Batum said. "It was a sad day for us, but we're going to stay strong ... We'll be alright."

Charlotte shot 37.9 percent from the field but remained competitive by matching a franchise record with 15 3-pointers on 33 attempts. The Hornets rank among the NBA leaders shooting 36.8 percent from distance.

Lillard has averaged 23.2 points, shot 49.5 percent from the field and gone 22 of 44 from 3-point range in six games against the Hornets.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Jazz (4-5) at Hawks (8-3)

Date: November 15, 2015 6:00 PM EDT

The Atlanta Hawks didn't look very good without their coach in their latest game, and now they'll have to play without him at least once more.

With Mike Budenholzer still away from the team, two former Utah standouts will try to help Atlanta bounce back Sunday night and help it continue its domination of a Jazz club looking to avoid a winless road trip.

Budenholzer missed the Hawks' game in Boston on Friday night after returning to Atlanta in the morning to attend to his wife's undisclosed medical emergency. He said in a team-released statement that he is 'cautiously optimistic' about his wife's progress, and he plans to return to the team 'as soon as possible.'

Top assistant Kenny Atkinson took the reins from Budenholzer in Boston, where the Hawks were outrebounded 50-35 in a 106-93 loss. Atlanta (8-3) trailed by as much as 15, fought to within three late in the fourth quarter and then fizzled.

After holding opponents to 95.3 points per game and 40.8 percent shooting through their first six contests, the Hawks have surrendered an average of 107.0 points on 47.9 percent shooting in their last five.

'We just didn't play very good. Sometimes that happens," said Kyle Korver, who reached double figures (11) for just the second time in seven games. "I thought we made some mistakes that really hurt. I think that was the part that was most frustrating.'

The Hawks have won eight games in a row and 11 of 12 against the Jazz, and they've taken four straight and seven of eight in Atlanta. In recent years, a pair of former Jazz players have fueled the Hawks' success.

Paul Millsap started his career in Utah and Korver spent the better part of three seasons there, but each has found key roles with the Hawks.

Millsap has averaged 16.9 points and 9.2 rebounds this season, and he has gone for 20.5 points and 11.5 boards per game in four against his former team. Korver has averaged 17.3 points while sinking 9 of 14 3-pointers against the Jazz in the last three meetings.

While the Hawks will be short-handed on the sidelines, Utah (4-5) may take the court without a pair of regular starters. Center Rudy Gobert (8.7 points, 11.9 rebounds) and guard Rodney Hood (12.1 points) are each questionable. Gobert has sat out two straight games with a sprained left ankle while Hood missed the last one with right foot soreness.

After falling 118-114 at Cleveland to open a four-game trip on Tuesday, the Jazz have struggled to score in consecutive losses. Utah combined to make 38.6 percent of its shots and 28.6 percent of its 3-pointers during losses of 92-91 at Miami on Thursday and 102-93 at Orlando on Friday.

The Jazz trailed 33-15 after the opening quarter in Orlando and Gordon Hayward was Utah's only starter to make a field goal in the first half.

'We had some good looks. We just missed shots,' said coach Quin Snyder, who was an assistant with Atlanta in 2013-14. 'We were on fumes.'

Derrick Favors scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds against the Heat, but he had five points and seven boards against the Magic while battling foul trouble.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Celtics (4-4) at Thunder (6-3)

Date: November 15, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

As the Oklahoma City Thunder keep their fingers crossed over another Kevin Durant injury, Russell Westbrook is taking matters into his own hands.

Having recorded triple-doubles in back-to-back games, Westbrook aims to lead the Thunder to a fourth straight win Sunday night against the visiting Boston Celtics.

Durant's strained left hamstring could prove to be a momentum-killer for an Oklahoma City team that appeared back on track after losing three straight Nov. 2-5, though the four-time NBA scoring champion's absence mattered little against lowly Philadelphia on Friday. Behind Westbrook's 21 points, career-high 17 rebounds and 11 assists and their best defensive effort of the season, the Thunder won 102-85.

Westbrook totaled 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists as Durant sat out the second half of Tuesday's 125-101 rout at Washington. He's expected to miss at least two more games before being re-evaluated.

Durant was limited to 27 games last season due to a foot injury that required three surgeries, causing Oklahoma City (6-3) to narrowly miss the playoffs despite Westbrook compiling a league-high 11 triple-doubles.

While the Thunder will continue to lean on their star point guard, who's had at least 20 points and 10 assists in six straight, they're counting on Dion Waiters continuing his strong recent play and more defensive performances like Friday's. Oklahoma City held rookie sensation Jahlil Okafor to six points on 3-of-18 from the field and the 76ers shot 34.9 percent.

"I think we did a good job, and we were able to focus on just get him out of the block,' center Enes Kanter said of Okafor. 'We fought him really well, and he just got frustrated.'

Waiters is averaging 19.3 points, highlighted by a season-high 25 against Washington, and has gone 7 of 11 from 3-point range during the winning streak.

Anthony Morrow had a season-high 12 points starting in place of Durant on Friday and excelled in both 2014-15 meetings with Boston, totaling 48 points and shooting 67 percent in the Thunder's season sweep.

Oklahoma City has won five straight and eight of nine in the series, while the Celtics have dropped four straight at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Boston (4-4) has dealt with a short-handed backcourt of late, having played five straight without either Avery Bradley or Marcus Smart and with super-sub Isaiah Thomas in the starting lineup. Thomas shot 31.3 percent over a three-game stretch before recording 23 points and 10 assists in Friday's 106-93 home win over Atlanta, the Celtics' third victory in four games.

Thomas had 17 second-half points and Boston scored 61 over the final two quarters after being tied at 45 at intermission.

'We stayed composed,' Thomas said. 'They made their run but we didn't panic. Young teams usually panic.'

Jared Sullinger notched his third consecutive double-double and reserve Kelly Olynyk contributed 15 points in 17 minutes. Olynyk is averaging 12.3 points and has gone 6 of 14 on 3s during the 3-1 stretch after averaging 3.7 points and making 1 of 10 from beyond the arc over his first three outings.

Bradley has missed two straight with a strained left calf but could return Sunday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Raptors (7-3) at Kings (3-7)

Date: November 15, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

It's been another rough start for the Sacramento Kings, but they're finally beginning to see the benefits that a healthy DeMarcus Cousins and a comfortable Rajon Rondo can bring.

Riding their first winning streak of the season due to huge performances by the two stars, the Kings aim to end their homestand on another high note Sunday night against the Toronto Raptors.

Sacramento (3-7) lost seven of its first eight games as Cousins sat out four with a strained Achilles and Rondo delivered inconsistent results while acclimating to a new team and system. The Kings have since won two straight with Cousins back and Rondo having noticeably stepped up his play when pressed into increased minutes.

Both were near their best on Friday, as Cousins scored 30 of his 40 points in the second half and Rondo had 23 along with 14 assists and 10 rebounds in a 111-109 victory over Brooklyn.

Rondo recorded his third triple-double in four games and has averaged over 46 minutes with fellow point guard Darren Collison sidelined by a hamstring injury during that stretch. Collison is considered closer to returning, but it's unclear if he'll go Sunday.

'I kind of get caught up watching him play," Cousins said of Rondo. "It's just amazing being able to watch his effort on a nightly basis."

Cousins was just 5 of 20 from the floor in his return Monday against San Antonio but has amassed 73 points in the wins over Detroit and Brooklyn. The Kings have averaged 107.5 points when he's played and 97.5 in the game's he missed.

Toronto (7-3), conversely, has been among the league's top defensive teams early on - particularly so when DeMarre Carroll's been on the court. With the offseason addition returning from a three-game absence Friday, the Raptors yielded their lowest point total and field-goal percentage this season in a 100-81 win over injury-plagued New Orleans.

Toronto held the Anthony Davis-less Pelicans to 35.0 percent shooting in the second half and 36.6 percent overall.

"The start of the third quarter, that first unit did a great job setting the pace and setting the tone for the entire second half," forward Patrick Patterson said.

The Raptors are limiting opponents to 93.0 points per game and 40.2 percent shooting with Carroll in the lineup. They allowed 103.3 points and a 44.2 field-goal rate while losing two of the three games he missed with plantar fasciitis.

Toronto also was able to keep Cousins in check when these teams last met, holding him to 13 points in a 119-102 win at Air Canada Centre on Jan. 28. Former Raptor Rudy Gay averaged 21.0 points in the Kings' two losses to his former team last season, and is slated to play after missing Friday's game with an illness.

Kyle Lowry had 40 points and 20 assists in Toronto's two 2014-15 wins and is averaging 22.0 points and 7.3 assists over his last three games. Jonas Valanciunas has posted double-doubles in three straight after a 20-point, 10-rebound effort against New Orleans.

The Raptors, who begin a five-game western trip, earned only their third win in 18 visits to Sacramento with a 117-109 victory on Dec. 2.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pistons (5-4) at Lakers (1-8)

Date: November 15, 2015 9:30 PM EDT

Despite the efforts of rising star Andre Drummond, the Detroit Pistons have fallen on difficult times since getting off to one of the NBA's more surprising starts.

They would seem to have an opportune matchup to close out a challenging trip on a positive note, though nothing has come easy against the Los Angeles Lakers.

In the second of a Staples Center back-to-back, Drummond seeks a 10th straight double-double Sunday night when the Pistons try to beat the reeling Lakers for the first time in seven meetings.

Detroit looked like one of the league's up-and-coming teams after wins at Phoenix and Portland to open a six-game road swing gave it a 5-1 record. However, things haven't gone as smoothly in losses to Golden State, Sacramento and the Los Angeles Clippers.

"We've dropped three in a row, man," guard Reggie Jackson told the team's official website. "Starting to get normal. We've got to just find a way to get a win."

Since allowing 92.2 points per game in their first five, the Pistons (5-4) have surrendered an average of 103.5 on 49.4 percent shooting in their previous four. They couldn't hold on to a 17-point lead Saturday in a 101-96 loss to the Clippers at Staples.

"I felt like we had control and just didn't finish it," added Jackson, who is averaging a team-high 21.9 points. "We've got to find a way as a team to get stops."

Drummond continued his historic start with 18 points and 19 rebounds. The fourth-year center is scoring 18.7 per game to go along with a league-best 19.2 boards. His nine straight double-doubles mark the Pistons' longest season-opening streak dating to 1985-86 and the league's longest point-rebound opening run since Zach Randolph (11) in 2012-13.

Behind its double-double machine, Detroit ranks in the NBA's top five with a plus-6.1 rebounding margin. That stat doesn't bode well for the Lakers, who sit near the bottom at minus-5.2, nor does Drummond's previous game against them at Staples. He had 14 points and 21 boards March 10, tough the Pistons lost 93-85.

Detroit appears poised to get back on track against a Lakers (1-8) team trying to avoid matching its worst start set last season. The Pistons, though, have lost 11 of the past 12 meetings after dropping both matchups in 2014-15 when Los Angeles finished 21-61.

The Lakers had a season-low point total, shot a season-worst 33.0 percent and committed a season-high 22 turnovers in Friday's 90-82 loss at Dallas. Since averaging 106.2 points in their first five games, they've scored just 91.0 while dropping the last four of a five-game trip.

"We felt we should have won three of the five," coach Byron Scott said.

Jordan Clarkson had a team-high 21 points and Kobe Bryant added 19 on 7-of-15 shooting after missing the previous two games because of a back injury. The 17-time All-Star broke out of his horrendous slump after shooting 18 for 61 (29.5 percent) over his prior four.

"He's Kobe Bryant," Scott said. "The first five or six minutes, I was sitting there thinking I can't believe this guy was sick the other day, back was hurting a couple days ago."

Bryant had 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting in a 106-96 win at Detroit on Dec. 2 which marked the only time he's been able to play over the last four meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Hot teams
-- Charlotte won four of its last six games (0-1HF).
-- Hawks won eight of their last ten games (2-4HF).
-- Oklahoma City won its last three games, all by 17+ points (4-1HF). Celtics won three of last four games (1-1U, both H).
-- Toronto won seven of its last ten games (2-1AF). Kings won last two games after losing previous six (2-4HU).

Cold teams
-- New York lost five of its last seven games (0-2F). Pelicans lost eight of their nine games (1-4AU).
-- Grizzlies lost four of their last five games (2-1AF). Minnesota lost its last three games (0-3HU).
-- Portland lost last four games, by 1-12-4-17 points (3-1AU).
-- Utah lost last three games, but covered six of its last eight.
-- Detroit lost its last three games (0-1AF). Lakers lost eight of their first nine games (0-1HU).

Series records
-- Knicks won six of last nine games with New Orleans.
-- Grizzlies won seven of last ten games with Minnesota.
-- Trailblazers won eight of last ten games with Charlotte.
-- Jazz lost nine of last ten games with Atlanta.
-- Thunder won eight of last nine games with Boston.
-- Raptors won last three with Sacramento by 12-8-17 points.
-- Lakers won six in row, nine of last ten with Detroit.

Totals
-- Six of last seven New York games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Memphis games stayed under.
-- Last six Portland-Charlotte games went over.
-- Six of last nine Utah games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Boston games stayed under total.
-- Six of last eight Toronto games stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten Piston-Laker games stayed under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Auto Racing Future Odds

Odds to Win 2015 Sprint Cup Championship (11/15/15)

Driver Odds

Jeff Gordon 5/2
Kevin Harvick 3/1
Kyle Busch 9/2
Martin Truex Jr. 6/1
Joey Logano 7/1
Carl Edwards 10/1
Brad Keselowski 15/1
Kurt Busch 25/1

How To Bet Auto Racing Futures

The “Odds to Win” wager in auto racing is very simple to understand. Put simply, you just need to select the driver that will capture the checkered flag of the race You select any of the drivers in the race and your payout for the bet will depend on the odds given at the time of the wager. This wager can be placed until the race begins.

To figure out your Win Amount, take the odds and multiply by the amount wagered. Ex. Jimmie Johnson (5/2) - Jimmie Johnson is listed as a 5/2 betting choice. If you wager $100 on Johnson to win the event and he comes in first, then you would win $250 (5 ÷ 2 x 100). You would collect $350, which includes your win and stake ($100).

What does the FIELD mean? Many races will include a betting selection called the Field. This bet consists of all drivers not listed in the “Odds to Win.” Most races have a set number of drivers but it’s rare to see oddsmakers put a price on every driver that will race. Drivers that are given the least opportunity to win the race will be grouped into the “Field” odds and paid out accordingly if they win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Quicken Loans 500
By Micah Roberts

It’s do or die time for seven drivers at Phoenix trying to make the final three Chase positions and go for the Sprint Cup next week at Homestead. Will Joey Logano rebound and advance by winning? Can Brad Keselowski bounce back after a disappointing finish at Texas? And can Kevin Harvick keep his momentum going and hopes alive to win a second straight title?

Sunday’s race is like the NFL Conference Championship weekend where half the teams are done and the other half advance to the Super Bowl. The stakes are high and the drama will be amazing to watch unfold, which should keep you gripped for all 312 laps.

Jeff Gordon is the only driver to have already advanced by virtue of his Martinsville win two weeks ago. Jimmie Johnson, who isn’t one of the eight eligible drivers, played the spoiler by winning at Texas and keeping one of those automatic bids from going to a Chase driver. Brad Keselowski led 312 laps at Texas, but not the last one as Johnson’s car flew by him with six laps to go.

Before handicapping this week's race at Phoenix, you need to kind of change your thought process from the past few weeks on 1.5-mile tracks and get back to thinking about what happened on the smaller flat tracks at Richmond, New Hampshire, and of course Phoenix back in March. The trends between those three tracks hold true year after -- if a driver does well on one, they do well on all three. The three tracks aren’t configured the same and are all from ¾-mile to a mile in distance, but the set-up requirements are similar for each.

Or you could just say, ’forget all the notes and results sheets, I’m going with Kevin Harvick’ and that’s not a bad strategy either, considering he’s won the past four races at Phoenix.

Yes, he’s won the past four races at Phoenix.

It’s an amazing run we don’t see in today’s NASCAR with the ever-changing cars and for Harvick, he hasn’t just had mandated NASCAR car changes over the past couple years, he’s actually switched teams as well. He’s won at Phoenix four times with Richard Childress Racing and three times with Stewart Haas Racing -- the last three. Will he do it again? It’s hard to bet against him, but it’s also hard to take only 5/2 odds to win a NASCAR race, even as great as Harvick has been.

Last season Harvick had the pressure of having to win to advance to Homestead, and he’d go on to win at Homestead for the championship the following week as well. He’s not in quite as rough a situation as he was then, but he can clinch by finishing second or better no matter what anyone else does or lead the most laps and finish fourth.

In fact, Gordon is the only driver really safe this week. Kyle Busch has almost the same situation as Harvick to advance and everyone else is kind of in that boat where they only control their own destiny by winning.

The good news for the rest of the Chase field is that Matt Kenseth will be serving the last of his two-race suspension for his role in ending Joey Logano’s day at Martinsville. Kenseth has only one win at Phoenix, but his team was dialed in with Richmond and New Hampshire wins in September -- the last two races on these type of tracks. With Kenseth out of the mix, it gives several other drivers a better chance to beat Harvick. But watch out for Kenseth’s replacement Erik Jones at 30/1 odds who might take the sweet set-up to a strong finish.

Kyle Busch has a 2005 Phoenix win to his credit, but missed the spring race with a leg injury. He was strong at New Hampshire in July with a win. That‘s three straight wins on these type of tracks by Joe Gibbs Racing.

Carl Edwards is a two-time Phoenix winner and finished fifth in the last New Hampshire race. He’s also won four times in the Xfinity series. He’s only 7 points behind Martin Truex Jr. for the fourth and final Championship 4 position.

Johnson could play spoiler again and make things real interesting for the Chase. Johnson has four Phoenix wins and also has a track best 7.8 average finish in 24 starts.

And wouldn’t it be something to see Gordon win at Phoenix again and hog up two of the Eliminator Round wins. He’s won at Phoenix twice and has a 10.9 average finish in 33 starts.

Realistically, Harvick is still the man. He’s got the pressure on him to win, he’s the defending champion, and oh yeah, he’s won at Phoenix four straight races.

Last week I was really impressed by what he did at Texas when his gear shifter broke and he drove with one hand while holding the shifter with his other hand so it didn’t jump out of gear. And he did it so effortlessly like he was just on a Sunday drive down the parkway. It was a championship-type moment that showed why he really is the best in the series.

He brings his lunch pail to work, wears a hard hat, knows his job, works his tail off and don’t take no guff from anyone. What’s not to like about Harvick, other than his low odds this week?

Top-5 Finish Prediction:

1) #4 Kevin Harvick (5/2)
2) #41 Kurt Busch (12/1)
3) #18 Kyle Busch (8/1)
4) #2 Brad Keselowski (7/1)
5) #19 Carl Edwards (12/1)