Sunday 3/8/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

English FA Cup TODAY 16:00

Liverpool

v

Blackburn

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		2/7	9/2	17/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LIVERPOOL	RECENT FORM
AWHWAWAL*HWHW​ Most recent​	1 - 1 2 - 1 2 - 1 4 - 0	HWADHDHLADAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Liverpool have won their last five home matches

EXPERT VERDICT: FA Cup favourites Liverpool are playing their best football of the season and should have no trouble progressing through to the semi-finals against Championship outfit Blackburn at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers’ side are defending well and have so much quality in the attacking third that Rovers are likely to be well beat.

RECOMMENDATION: Liverpool to win 3-0
1

 

[superbeets]

Spanish Primera Liga TODAY 11:00

Barcelona

v

R. Vallecano

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		1/20	14	33	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT BARCELONA	RECENT FORM
HWHWHLAWAWAW​ Most recent​	6 - 0 3 - 1 4 - 0 3 - 0	ALHLALHWALHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Barcelona have kept only one clean sheet in their last nine games in all competitions

EXPERT VERDICT: Barcelona cruised into the final of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday and bookmakers can’t see Rayo Vallecano causing them problems at Camp Nou. Rayo have conceded 19 goals in five away games against the top seven this season and Luis Suarez, with six goals in seven appearances, could be too sharp for their defence.

RECOMMENDATION: L Suarez first goalscorer
1

 

[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 11:30

Cesena

v

Palermo

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
ESPN		12/5	9/4	5/4	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CESENA	RECENT FORM
AWHWALHDALHW​ Most recent​	2 - 2 1 - 2	ADHWALHWALHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Palermo have won just one away match this season

EXPERT VERDICT: In Cesena’s last three home games they have beaten Lazio and Udinese and drawn with Juventus. That upturn is slightly freakish but they will have high hopes of taking something off shaky travellers Palermo. The Sicilian outfit are playing fairly well but look too short to take three points.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[superbeets]

Scottish FA Cup TODAY 12:45

Hibernian

v

Berwick

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		2/11	6	12	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT HIBERNIAN	RECENT FORM
AWHDHWAWHWAW​ Most recent​	5 - 0 3 - 0 1 - 0 1 - 0	ADHWHWALALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Hibs have lost one of their last 17 matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Hibs are in a rich vein of form and should be able to book their place in the next round of the Scottish Cup at Berwick's expense. The Wee Rangers, who have won two of their last nine matches, needed a replay to get past Lowland League Spartans and are likely to find the step up in class too difficult against their Championship hosts.

RECOMMENDATION: Hibs to win 2-0
1


REFEREE: Bobby Madden STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Football Conference TODAY 13:00

Welling

v

Altrincham

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		13/8	13/5	6/4	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT WELLING	RECENT FORM
ALHLHLALALAL​ Most recent​	2 - 2	ALHWALHDALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Welling have kept one clean sheet in their last 11 matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Altrincham have taken one point from the last four games – all against opponents who started the weekend in the top five – but can get back to winning ways at Welling. Alty played with ten men for almost all of last week's 3-1 loss at home to Barnet and should have an easier task against the Wings, who have lost seven in succession.

RECOMMENDATION: Altrincham
3

 

[superbeets]

English FA Cup Mo 9Mar 19:45

Man Utd

v

Arsenal

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BBC1		6/4	12/5	2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MAN UTD	RECENT FORM
ADHWAWALHWAW​ Most recent​	1 - 0 2 - 1 8 - 2 2 - 0	HWHWAWHLHWAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Arsenal have won one of their last 15 matches against United

EXPERT VERDICT: This heavyweight clash could go to a replay with Manchester United and Arsenal both on decent runs. Arsenal have a poor record against United but have won ten of their last 12 matches in all competitions, while the Red Devils have suffered two defeats in 22 despite not playing free-flowing football.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAA Basketball Betting 3-Point Play: Three Interesting Opening Lines Sunday
by Alan Matthews

It’s the final day of college basketball’s regular season on Sunday. I hope you enjoyed these daily previews and gleaned some valuable betting information from them. I do plan to keep going for a few more weeks into the NCAA Tournament (perhaps some NIT games as well), which will get us nearly to the start of baseball season. Not really any huge matchups this Sunday with only four ranked teams in action. Here’s a look at three games that caught my eye, including for sure the first New Hampshire-Albany preview in my lifetime.

New Hampshire at Albany (-8)

It’s a semifinal game of the America East Tournament at 2 p.m. on ESPN 3. ESPN Bracketology projects Albany to win the tournament and be a No. 15 seed in the Big Dance. Obviously the America East isn’t going to get an at-large team, so it would be a shame for Albany to lose to a good New Hampshire team here after the Great Danes (22-8) finished 15-1 in conference play in the regular season to win the title by three games.

Albany is the two-time defending champion of the America East Tournament, beating Vermont in the final in 2013 and Stony Brook last year. The Great Danes have never won an NCAA Tournament game in four tries, losing as a No. 16 seed to No. 1 overall Florida 67-55 last year in Orlando. Albany enters on a four-game winning streak and beat a terrible Maine team 83-66 to open the conference tournament. Albany jumped out to a 26-9 lead and that was that. In addition to scoring a season-high 83 points, the Danes also made a season-best 11 3-point field goals. They outrebounded Maine 40-19. Evan Singletary led Albany with 19 points. The team’s star, leading scorer and rebounder Sam Rowley, recorded his ninth double-double of the year with 10 points and 11 rebounds. New Hampshire (19-11, 11-5) is the fourth seed. The Wildcats advanced with a 67-63 OT win over No. 5 seed Hartford. Jaleen Smith led the way with 16 points and nine rebounds. He had given UNH a 54-52 lead by hitting the first of two free throws with one second left in regulation, but Hartford’s Mark Nwakamma rebounded Smith’s miss and was fouled while attempting a Hail Mary pass, sinking both free throws and forcing overtime.

Albany was 2-0 vs. New Hampshire this season but both were very close. On Jan. 6 in Durham, the Danes won 64-62 as Rowley made a layup with one second left. He also made two free throws with 49 seconds remaining to tie the game. On Feb. 4 in Albany, the Danes won 63-62. Singletary hit a tie-breaking 3-pointer with 1:04 to play. Frank Okeke missed a potential winning 3 for UNH.

Key trends: UNH is 3-7 ATS in its past 10 on the road. Albany is 6-0 ATS in its past six on Sunday. It is 8-1 ATS in its past nine against teams with a winning record.

Why take the underdog: Won’t pretend I’m an Albany or New Hampshire expert but going by the first two meetings how can’t you take UNH?

Tulsa at No. 22 SMU (-8)

It’s a 3 p.m. ET tip on ESPNU for the American Athletic Conference regular-season championship. How much does one game matter? Tulsa was in the field of 68 when I previewed the Golden Hurricane’s home game against Cincinnati on Wednesday. Now they are among the “First Four Out” after a 56-47 home loss that probably clinched a tournament at-large berth for Cincinnati. SMU will be in no matter what happens and is projected as a No. 6 seed in the Midwest.

As noted above, the Golden Hurricane (21-8, 14-3) were upset by UC on Wednesday. Cincinnati led for all but 2:03 of the game as the Bearcats never relinquished the lead after going ahead 5-4 at the 16:22 mark. The Hurricane could get only as close as three points once in the final 20 minutes as their four-game winning streak ended. Tulsa had been 17-0 when holding its opponent to fewer than 65 points. SMU (23-6, 14-3) saw its five-game winning streak end with an 81-73 loss at Connecticut one week ago. The Mustangs led only once at 53-51 on a jumper by Markus Kennedy with 8:10 left. It snapped a seven-game road winning streak as well for the Mustangs. SMU looks for its first conference title since 1993. It has never played a winner-take-all conference title game at home. The AAC Tournament is in Hartford next week and obviously the winner here will be the top seed.

SMU won at Tulsa 68-57 on Feb. 7, handing the Golden Hurricane their first conference loss. Nic Moore had 23 points, reserve Cannen Cunningham a career-high 16 and Yanick Moreira 31 points and 13 rebounds for the Mustangs. After Rashad Smith tied the game at 43 with 11:57 remaining, Tulsa didn’t score again until two free throws by Brandon Swannegan with 4:36 left. Tulsa shot just 28.3 percent (17-for-60) and 9-for-28 from 3-point range.

Key trends: Tulsa has covered nine of its past 12 after an ATS loss. It is 5-2 ATS in the past seven on the road. SMU is 5-0 ATS in its past five after an ATS loss. The Mustangs have covered nine of their past 11 at home. Tulsa is 5-0 ATS in its past five at SMU.

Why take the underdog: Tulsa has to have a good showing.

No. 6 Wisconsin at No. 23 Ohio State (pick’em)

This Big Ten matchup is at 4:30 p.m. on CBS. I wonder how motivated Wisconsin will be as it already has wrapped up the Big Ten regular-season title and I think will be a No. 2 seed in the Big Dance regardless of what happens here or in the Big Ten Tournament. Ohio State is currently listed as a No. 7 in the East and with a matchup against Cincinnati, which would be great for the state of Ohio.

Wisconsin (27-3, 15-2) won at Minnesota 76-63 on Thursday behind 25 points, seven assists and six rebounds from lock Big Ten Player of the Year Frank Kaminsky. It was the first 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists performance of his career. It’s the ninth outright Big Ten regular season title for Wisconsin but only the third since 1950. The two previous times the Badgers accomplished the feat, they would eventually lose in the Sweet 16. It’s Senior Day at Ohio State but almost surely the final home game for star freshman guard D’Angelo Russell, who will be a Top-5 pick in this summer’s draft. The Buckeyes (22-8, 11-6) won their third straight on Wednesday, 77-67. The fabulous Russell had 28 points, and Thad Matta tied the school record with win No. 297 at OSU. Matta’s next win also will be No. 400 in his career (also coached at Butler and Xavier). Russell has had more than 20 points in 14 games this season. How did OSU get him out of Kentucky? It was only Ohio State’s third win in 11 games this year when trailing at halftime. The Buckeyes enter the weekend in a four-way tie for third in the Big Ten with Michigan State, Iowa and Purdue. If all four remain tied after this weekend, the Buckeyes would be the No. 6 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. Purdue and Iowa are home and should win, while MSU is at Indiana.

This is the only scheduled meeting between OSU and UW. In the only matchup last year, Ohio State pulled off a 59-58 upset in Madison. Kaminsky had just eight points on 1-for-6 from the field.

Key trends: Wisconsin is 1-4 ATS in its past five games. OSU is 6-1 ATS in its past seven at home. UW is 2-5 ATS in the past seven meetings.

Why take the Buckeyes: I sense a UW letdown.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Clippers at Warriors

Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors (OFF, OFF)

The Golden State Warriors are back home and have resumed their quest to finish with the top spot in the Western Conference. The Warriors will try to finish off a perfect three-game homestand when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. The Clippers have been off since a crushing loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday and are unlikely to have All-Star Blake Griffin (elbow) back for the battle with Golden State.

The Warriors struggled through a 3-3 road trip against Eastern Conference teams but got back to being the strong defensive team that pushed them up the standings when they returned home Wednesday. They have held their last two opponents to an average of 91 points. “We’ve been committed effort-wise and energy-wise (on defense),” Golden State coach Steve Kerr told reporters. “When you play hard and have the versatility that we do, then good things should happen. We’ve definitely gotten our edge back at that end.” Los Angeles is second in the NBA – behind the Warriors – in scoring average but is missing some firepower with Griffin sidelined.

INJURY REPORT: Clippers – F Matt Barnes (Doub-Hamstring), G Jamal Crawford (Doub-Calf), F Blake Griffin (Out-Elbow) Warriors – N/A

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (40-22): Los Angeles got 36 points and 12 assists from Chris Paul on Wednesday but squandered a 15-point lead late in the fourth quarter before dropping a 98-93 overtime decision to the Trail Blazers. “No such thing as moral victories,” Paul told reporters. “Show me somebody who’s all right with losing, and I’ll show you a loser. We needed to win. It’ll hurt tonight, and tomorrow we’ve got to get ready for Golden State.” Paul has stepped up his production with Griffin out and is averaging 26.8 points and 12.5 assists in the last six games.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (48-12): Golden State’s balance on both ends of the floor and ability to switch effectively on defense are big reasons for its success, with Stephen Curry leading the charge. The MVP candidate is making up for a shooting slump from fellow “splash brother” Klay Thompson by knocking down at least five 3-pointers in each of the last four games. Curry went 5-of-8 from beyond the arc en route to 22 points in a 104-89 win over Dallas on Friday but was limited to 1-of-5 from 3-point range in a 100-86 loss at Los Angeles on Christmas night.

TRENDS:

*Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.
*Under is 10-2 in Warriors last 12 overall.
*Home team is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
*Under is 5-1 in Clippers last 6 overall.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - March

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
3/1 6 32 41 OVER
3/2 3 15.5 16 OVER
3/3 10 54.5 55 OVER
3/4 4 21.5 16 UNDER
3/5 8 44 46 OVER
3/6 6 31 31 PUSH
3/7 10 53 51 UNDER
3/8 6 - - -
3/9 5 - - -
3/10 8 - - -
3/11 3 - - -
3/12 11 - - -
3/13 5 - - -
3/14 12 - - -
3/15 7 - - -
3/16 4 - - -
3/17 9 - - -
3/18 3 - - -
3/19 10 - - -
3/20 3 - - -
3/21 13 - - -
3/22 4 - - -
3/23 7 - - -
3/24 18 - - -
3/25 3 - - -
3/26 11 - - -
3/27 3 - - -
3/28 13 - - -
3/29 8 - - -
3/30 6 - - -
3/31 7 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Preview: Rangers (39-17) at Blackhawks (39-21)

Date: March 08, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

Thanks to one of their newest additions, the Chicago Blackhawks continue to fare well without injured star Patrick Kane.

Though Henrik Lundqvist is nearing a return for the New York Rangers, Antoine Vermette and the Blackhawks likely won't face him at home Sunday night while trying to win three straight for first time in almost three months.

Vermette doesn't have a point in eight straight contests, but he scored the lone goal in the shootout of Friday's 2-1 victory over Edmonton. In his second game since being acquired by Chicago (39-21-5) from Arizona, Vermette helped the Blackhawks to a fourth win in five games and improve to 3-1-0 minus Kane.

They last won three straight as part of an eight-game run Nov. 26-Dec. 11.

'I haven't been here for a long time, but I know what this team is capable of,' the 32-year-old Vermette said. "It's definitely a position you want to be (in) as a player and I'm very happy to be here right now."

The Blackhawks are glad to have him, particularly in crunch-time situations.

Though Kane's 60.0 percent conversion rate in shootouts ranks among the best in the NHL, Vermette isn't far behind at 55.6 percent (5 of 9). Of his nine shootout goals on 18 attempts since the start of last season, six have decided games.

'That was very timely," coach Joel Quenneville said of Vermette's winner. "I think that will be good for him as well. He can get excited going forward.'

Five of Chicago's last 12 games have gone to a shootout, and it could be in for another tight contest Sunday.

Though the Blackhawks dropped a pair of one-goal games to New York (39-17-7) last season and are amid a 4-5-1 series stretch, eight of those contests have been decided by one goal but none in a shootout.

Chicago managed three goals against Lundqvist and Cam Talbot last season, but Talbot is likely to start though Lundqvist appears close to returning from a vascular injury in his neck suffered after being hit by a puck.

Out since Feb. 2, Lundqvist continues to work on the ice and face shots.

'I feel physically in good shape. I am waiting for the doctors,' said Lundqvist, who turned 33 on Monday. 'We have a constant contact, and we talk about it and look at different things to make sure when they give me the go-ahead I am ready to go.

'I know we're moving in the right direction, but we haven't set any date."

In the mix for the Metropolitan Division lead, New York is 10-2-3 since losing Lundqvist. Talbot's gone 9-2-3 with a 2.61 goals-against average during that stretch. He made 31 saves during a 2-1 home win over Chicago on Feb. 27 of last year.

The Rangers have dropped two of three since an 8-0-1 stretch but fought hard during a 2-1 overtime loss at Detroit on Wednesday.

"We found a way to get a point," forward Derek Stepan said.

Two days after earning a four-year, $18 million extension, Mats Zuccarello recorded his fourth assist in four games. He had a goal in last season's 3-2 win at Chicago.

After averaging 50.3 points the past three seasons with the Rangers, Brad Richards faces them for the first time since signing with Chicago in July. He has nine goals and 23 assists but none in the last four contests.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Auto Kobalt 400 Preview
By Micah Roberts

It's NASCAR week in Las Vegas where over 100,000 visitors to our fair city will come loaded with cash and ready to party in a way that only Las Vegas can provide. Last year those visitors had a $144 million impact in non-gaming revenue during NASCAR weekend.

It's not only a favorite for fans looking to kill two birds with one stone -- catch a race and take the family on vacation, but also for the drivers and crew members who can blend in with the thousands in town that aren't here for the race. Try that in Bristol or Martinsville. That's how well prepped Las Vegas is -- the city doesn't even blink with a such a big event.

The speedway isn't alone in making this such a great occasion. Every casino in town does their share to make it the best experience possible, as does the Metro Police Department and Highway Patrol to get all those visitors to and from the races in the quickest manner possible so they can get back to the casino and spend some more cash. It's a total team effort and Las Vegas is the shining star among all NASCAR cities.

Las Vegas always has beautiful spring weather this time of year and this weekend will be no different as all three days are expected to perfect. You kind of had to feel sorry for all those freezing fans at Atlanta last week, but as a Las Vegan, I felt like waving my 'Las Vegas is No. 1' big foamy finger.

Yes, I'm definitely biased, but I've been to several races across the country and nothing matches what Las Vegas and the speedway provide. The racing itself on the high-banked 1.5-mile oval is ordinary, but where we stand out more than any other is the amenities across the board. No other track in the country has anything like the Neon Garage where fans can stand above the garages and watch the crews go to work prepping their cars over the weekend.

It's amazing that Las Vegas hasn't been awarded a second race date because of all its strengths that other tracks lack, but having it only once a year adds to the appeal.

Another amenity Las Vegas provides for its race weekend is betting where visitors can wager on almost anything that shows up in the box score. Every sports book in town will increase their betting options Super Bowl-style and because of a captive audience, the Las Vegas race generates more volume than any other on the season -- in some cases four times more action than the second most bet race, the Daytona 500, and that February race has odds posted on it for up to three months before it goes off. The large action for the Las Vegas race is generated in just one week with odds posted on Monday.

This seasons race is a little different from years past because of the data we have before us where we can use what we saw at Atlanta's 1.5-mile high-banked track on Sunday. Las Vegas used to be the first 1.5-mile race of the season and there was a lot of uncertainty with only pre-season testing to go off to handicap who might be the best driver to wager on. This year there was no pre-season testing, but Atlanta gave us more than enough data from the new rules package between a test session last Thursday, practices on Friday and Saturday and then the race on Sunday.

Last week we suggested that whenever NASCAR makes changes to the set-up requirements that it's a good bet Hendrick Motorsports will find the edge quickest and that turned out to be the case as Jimmie Johnson grabbed his fourth career Atlanta win and Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished third. Kevin Harvick was strong (led the most laps), as was the Joe Gibbs Racing stable and Penske's Joey Logano.

The Atlanta disappointments last week include 2012 Las Vegas winner Tony Stewart and Roush Fenway Racing who won eight of the 17 Las Vegas Cup races. There is no reason to believe they'll have things figured out in one week and could be profitable drivers to bet against in driver match-ups this week.

While Logano, Johnson, Harvick and Earnhardt Jr. have finished in the top-5 of both races so far this season, Jeff Gordon currently sits No. 36 in the standings with two straight poor performances. However, it wasn't to his doing as he was involved in wrecks in both which isn't exactly the farewell tour he had imagined to begin the year.

On Sunday, Gordon will be the only driver to start all 18 Las Vegas races. He visited victory lane in 2001 in an emotional race two weeks after his friend and rival Dale Earnhardt has passed away at Daytona.

Momentum counts for a lot in NASCAR, but so does good equipment and Gordon's got it, and maybe even more so than his Hendrick teammates who are all excelling. Last week during an Atlanta test session Gordon not only posted the fastest single lap, but he also showed the fastest speed on long runs by having the quickest 10-consecutive lap average.

Gordon's team is too good to continue this run of bad luck and with good weather, great notes from Atlanta testing, and simply being Jeff Gordon -- arguably the greatest driver in NASCAR history, he's got a lot going for him. And because of his poor performances to start 2015, there are likely to be several sports books thinking his chances of winning are slimmer than they really are and offer some juicy prices on him.

If you've been reading this column over the years, you know I'm a sucker for the fairly tale ending of a NASCAR story. I'm wrong more than I'm right when I make a reach, but when adding in the odds, I'm actually ahead in the pocket with wishful thinking, and in Gordon's case, he's not really a reach.

Kevin Harvick has never at Las Vegas, but the city is special for him because he married his wife Delana at one of the chapels on the strip. To be fair, Harvick never had a car in Vegas that was considered the best until last year in his first season with Stewart-Haas Racing. He finished 41st in that race, but he'll come in as the favorite this week just because of dominating 1.5-mile races last season. The new rules package didn't slow him down as he was the driver to beat at Atlanta last week as well.

Matt Kenseth is a three-time winner at Las Vegas and Joe Gibbs Racing, and actually all the Toyota's, look vastly improved under the new rules package. This means that Denny Hamlin and two-time Vegas winner Carl Edwards are also a player this week, and to a lesser degree in match-ups, so is Michael Waltrip Racing's Clint Bowyer and Brian Vickers who will make his 2015 debut Sunday.

Jimmie Johnson came up huge last week in the late stages of the race to win at Atlanta despite not looking so great in testing and practices. His four Las Vegas wins and a 9.2 average finish are the best in track history.

Two other Hendrick Motorsports drivers should also be considered live on Sunday. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has the most starts (15)at Vegas without a win, but he also has the most second-place finishes (3), including last season when he ran out of a fuel a few yards short of the finish line. Kasey Kahne has always practiced well in Vegas, but it has only translated to two runner-ups.

I'm going to stick with a Hendrick car, and the good story of Las Vegas sending Gordon off into the sunset of his career here as a winner.

For all those in town visiting this weekend, everyone who lives here thanks you for coming and spending your hard earned cash. Have the time of your life, get a few cocktails and most of all -- win some money.

Top-5 Finish Prediction:

1) #24 Jeff Gordon (8/1)
2) #4 Kevin Harvick (5/1)
3) #11 Denny Hamlin (15/1)
4) #20 Matt Kenseth (9/1)
5) #48 Jimmie Johnson (6/1)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Harvick favored to win Kobalt 400 pole
Andrew Avery

Kevin Harvick (7/1) is the favorite to win the pole in Las Vegas at the Kobalt 400, according to the Westgate LV Superbook.

The Kobalt 400 is the third race in the Sprint Cup Series and heading into the race, Harvick sits third in the standings with 86 points. Joey Logano leads the way with 88 points and is 8/1 to take the pole, while last week's winner Jimmie Johnson, second in the standings with 87 points, is 10/1.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Drivers to Watch - Las Vegas

Race: Kobalt 400
Date-Time: Sunday, March 8 - 3:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

The 1.5-mile, tri-oval superspeedway at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be the host of this week’s NASCAR event as the drivers hit the 20-degree banks in an early season race. Last year it was Brad Keselowski that took home the belt at this race with a time of just over two hours and 35 minutes; the best mark in the history of the race.

In the 17 years that this annual event has taken place in Vegas, four drivers, Jimmie Johnson (4), Matt Kenseth (3), Jeff Burton (2) and Carl Edwards (2), have combined to win 11 times. With the season now in full swing, let’s take a look at a few drivers who could take the checkered flag after the 400-mile drive.

Drivers to Watch

Jimmie Johnson (6/1) - Johnson has had more success on this track than anyone else; winning for times in the past, but has not done so since 2010. He is one of the best racers of all-time and should be able to take the momentum from his win last week at the Folds of Honor 500 to put him right in position to take his 72nd career victory. His driver rating of 113.6 is by far and away the best on this track and it would be a surprise if he didn’t do better than his average finish of 9.2; a number that ties him with Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth for the best since the race began in 1998.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8/1) - Dale Jr. has failed to get a win here in the past, but has eight top-10s in his 15 races and had the victory in his grasp last year before running out of gas on the final lap. He has an average green flag speed of 170.610 MPH at this track, which ranks him as the sixth fastest and he has spent 69% of his time within the top-15 (6th most). His two third-place finishes already this year suggest that he is ready to have another big season and he could keep it going with a trip to victory lane this weekend.

Carl Edwards (10/1) - As mentioned earlier, Edwards has equaled Johnson with an average finish of 9.2 at this track and has a solid driving rating of 97.8. He hasn’t had the greatest start to the 2015 season, starting in the top-six in each of the first two races and eventually ending in 23rd at the Daytona 500 and 12th last week in Atlanta. It was 2011 when he last won at this track and in the three years since he has placed fifth each time, so there is a little more work he needs to do to improve and become the third racer to win at least three times here on Sunday.

Ryan Newman (30/1) - Newman has 17 career wins under his belt, but he has never been able to conquer the Las Vegas Speedway despite having seven career top-10s and three top-5s. Last year he managed to finish a solid seventh when he traveled here and should have some confidence after a top-10 placing in Atlanta last week. The odds have him as the 12th-best racer in the field, but his past performances here suggest otherwise and he could surprise a few with a big performance.

Casey Mears (500/1) - Mears is last in the field with these huge odds, but it seems a little out of place since he has managed to improve on his pole in each of the past two races and really performed well at the Daytona 500 after starting at 41st and ending in sixth. He has three top-10s at this track in his 11 starts and seems to be much better than his odds would suggest.

Odds to win Kobalt 400

Kevin Harvick 9/2
Jimmie Johnson 6/1
Jeff Gordon 7/1
Brad Keselowski 8/1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 8/1
Joey Logano 8/1
Matt Kenseth 8/1
Carl Edwards 10/1
Kasey Kahne 12/1
Denny Hamlin 15/1
Kyle Larson 25/1
Ryan Newman 30/1
Clint Bowyer 40/1
David Ragan 40/1
Jamie McMurray 40/1
Martin Truex Jr. 40/1
Tony Stewart 40/1
Brian Vickers 60/1
Paul Menard 60/1
Austin Dillon 100/1
Greg Biffle 100/1
Regan Smith 100/1
AJ Allmendinger 200/1
Aric Almirola 200/1
Danica Patrick 300/1
Ricky Stenhouse 300/1
Sam Hornish Jr. 300/1
Trevor Bayne 300/1
Field (Any Other Driver) 300/1
Casey Mears 500/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Win Total Update - March

We’ve reached the second half of the 2014-15 NBA regular season and every team has played over 70% of its schedule.

Before the marathon of the 82-game regular season began, the LVH SuperBook at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort released NBA Win Totals for all 30 teams.

We checked in on teams after the 1st quarter (20 games) and took notice that the Western Conference was dominating with nine teams on pace to go 'over' their win total expectations set by the oddsmakers. Since then, a lot has changed in the West and the East.

Last season, Phoenix was the first team to earn a result on its win total. This year's version of the Suns is Milwaukee, who posted a 30-23 record in the first-half of the season.

Along with the Bucks, the Atlanta Hawks have eclipsed their season win total. The Cavaliers cashed 'under' tickets of 58.5 with an overtime loss at Houston, as the team compiled a 1-7 record without LeBron James in the lineup in late December and early January before going on a remarkable run.

The Knicks became the first team to cash for ‘under’ bettors. New York had a win total of 40.5 and it sits with a league-worst 12-48 record.

The Wizards were in good shape to finish 'over' their win total of 49.5 on January 27 with a 31-15 record (on pace to win 55 games). However, Washington has stumbled to a 3-12 record in the past 15 contests to slip to 34-27, as the team is on pace to capture just 45 victories.

The second-half is underway and there a few teams on the cusp for both ‘over’ and ‘under’ outcomes.

‘Over’

Utah – needs 2 wins
Boston – needs 3 wins
Philadelphia – needs 3 wins
Golden State – needs 4 wins

‘Under’

San Antonio – needs 3 losses
Chicago – needs 4 losses
L.A. Clippers – needs 5 losses



2014-15 NBA Win Totals (**Records as of 3/4/15**)

Team Win Total Current Record Record on 2/19/15 Projection
Atlanta Hawks 40.5 48-12 43-11
Boston Celtics 26.5 24-35 20-31
Brooklyn Nets 41.5 25-34 21-31
Charlotte Hornets 45.5 26-33 22-30
Chicago Bulls 55.5 38-23 33-20
Cleveland Cavaliers 58.5 39-24 33-21
Dallas Mavericks 49.5 40-22 36-19
Denver Nuggets 40.5 22-39 20-33
Detroit Pistons 36.5 23-37 21-33
Golden State Warriors 50.5 47-12 42-9
Houston Rockets 49.5 41-20 36-17
Indiana Pacers 32.5 26-34 21-33
Los Angeles Clippers 55.5 40-22 35-19
Los Angeles Lakers 31.5 16-44 13-40
Memphis Grizzlies 48.5 43-17 39-14
Miami Heat 43.5 27-33 22-30
Milwaukee Bucks 24.5 32-29 30-23
Minnesota Timberwolves 25.5 13-47 11-42
New Orleans Pelicans 41.5 33-28 27-26
New York Knicks 40.5 12-48 10-43
Oklahoma City Thunder 57.5 34-27 28-25
Orlando Magic 28.5 19-43 17-39
Philadelphia 76ers 15.5 13-48 12-41
Phoenix Suns 42.5 32-30 29-25
Portland Trail Blazers 48.5 40-19 36-17
Sacramento Kings 30.5 21-38 18-34
San Antonio Spurs 56.5 37-23 34-19
Toronto Raptors 49.5 38-23 36-17
Utah Jazz 25.5 24-36 19-34
Washington Wizards 49.5 34-27 33-21

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

March will be mad for bettors of these six NBA teams
By JASON LOGAN

March is known best for the “Madness” in the college basketball ranks. But in the pros, March is often the month that makes or breaks an NBA team’s season. With the playoffs starting in mid-April, some clubs use March as a spring board to a deep postseason run while others have their playoff hopes snuffed out before the month even ends.

We look at three of the toughest March schedules in the Eastern and Western Conference, and how bettors can cash in on these teams this month:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

New York Knicks (12-48 SU, 23-35-2 ATS)

Nothing like the NBA schedule makers kicking a team when they’re down. And you don’t get any lower than the Knicks at this point in the year. New York can’t be blamed for tanking in March with eight road games on the docket (just 4-26 SU/13-15-2 ATS away from home) as well as nine of its 14 remaining games coming against Western Conference opponents (4-17 SU vs. non-conference) this month. Bettors will undoubtedly see some big spreads being handed to the Knicks but this team hasn’t shown that they can cover even the biggest piles of points.

Atlanta Hawks (48-12 SU, 39-20-1 ATS)

Those who still doubt whether Atlanta is for real or not will likely get their answer in March. The Hawks started the month off right, taking down Houston to extend a five-game winning streak and continues a nasty stretch of contests hosting Cleveland Friday. The Hawks have some challenging home stands in March, featuring Houston, Cleveland, San Antonio, Miami, and Milwaukee, then hit the road for 10 of their remaining 15 contests. Atlanta faces a slew of three-in-four night matchups that will either enforce their championship pedigree or pull the curtain back on a pretender.

Detroit Pistons (23-37 SU, 29-31 ATS)

The Pistons have become so bad, they’re good – a good bet at least. Detroit has covered in six of its last 10 games, including an 88-85 loss at New Orleans as a 5-point underdog Wednesday. That was one of 10 road games the Pistons have on the March calendar, taking them to Houston, Los Angeles, Golden State, Portland and Utah before the middle of the month. At home (just 12-20 SU), things aren’t much easier. Detroit welcomes teams like Charlotte, Memphis, Chicago, Toronto, and Atlanta – all of which currently hold a postseason spot.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Dallas Mavericks (40-23 SU, 30-31-2 ATS)

The Mavericks split their first two games of the month, beating New Orleans and falling at Portland. Dallas has a litmus test of its place in the Western Conference with a road trip to the Bay Area to play the Warriors Friday – one of five road games remaining in March. Dallas, which has been a poor bet at home (13-16-2 ATS), has a slew of tough opponents coming to American Airlines Center. Cleveland, L.A. Clippers, Oklahoma City, Memphis, and San Antonio find their names on the marquee in Big D this March.

Sacramento Kings (21-38 SU, 24-33-2 ATS)

Things haven’t exactly turned around for the Kings since bringing in George Karl. The offense hasn’t gotten that injection of scoring many projected and Sacramento isn’t getting any help adjusting in the midst of an eight-game road trip. The Kings opened with a victory at New York, then fell at San Antonio. They have winnable games against weaker Eastern foes like Orlando and Philadelphia but also take on playoff-bound non-conference foes Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte and Washington. Once back home, Sacramento takes its turn hosting those many of those East teams then closes the month with three more road games, at Phoenix, New Orleans, and Memphis. Altogether, that’s 11 road games in March for Sacto.

Memphis Grizzlies (43-17 SU, 29-29-2 ATS)

Are the Grizzlies just setting themselves up for another playoff letdown? Memphis tops the ultra-competitive Southwest Division and will get a true test of its mettle in March, with nine road games to spots such as New Orleans, Chicago, Washington, Dallas and San Antonio. At home, the Grizzlies don’t get much time to relax with Milwaukee, Portland, Cleveland and Golden State coming to town. March is packed with three-in-four situations and Memphis’ recent 1-4 ATS slide could be an indication that the wheels are wobbling once again for the Grizz.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Sunday's Early Tips
By Kevin Rogers

Bulls at Spurs – 1:00 PM EST

Chicago and Cleveland keep fighting it out for the top spot in the Central Division with less than 20 games remaining in the regular season. The Bulls finish off a two-game road trip in San Antonio, looking to bounce back from a 98-84 setback at Indiana on Friday night as six-point underdogs. Chicago sat in the letdown role following a dramatic home ‘dog victory over Oklahoma City the previous night, as the Bulls continue to play without their two top scorers, Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler.

The Spurs continue a six-game homestand, as San Antonio is turning it on at the right time by winning its past four contests. Gregg Popovich’s club started the second half with four consecutive losses on its extended Rodeo Trip, but the Spurs have found their groove on offense by scoring at least 100 points in their last four victories. San Antonio failed to cover as 11-point favorites in Friday’s 120-109 win over a resurgent Denver club, the most points the Spurs have scored in a game since late December against the Clippers (125).

The last time these teams met up at the United Center on January 22, the Bulls dominated the Spurs, 104-81 to cash as 5 ½-point underdogs. Chicago shot 47% from the floor, while all five starters scored in double-figures. However, Rose and Butler combined for 39 points, while San Antonio’s veteran trio of Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili put up a total of 17 points. The Bulls have won two of the last three visits to the AT&T Center, including a 96-86 triumph last January as 7 ½-point ‘dogs.

Chicago has turned into a solid ‘under’ play away from the Windy City recently, cashing the ‘under’ in six straight road contests. In five of those games, the Bulls scored 98 points or fewer, including 93 or less in four losses in this stretch. The Spurs are 6-3 to the ‘under’ in the past nine home contests, while cashing in just two of its previous eight games at the AT&T Center.

Clippers at Warriors – 3:30 PM EST

The two teams in the Pacific Division meet for the third time this season, as the home squad has won each of the first two matchups. After the Clippers knocked out the Warriors in seven games of the first round of last season’s playoffs, Golden State picked up some revenge in a 121-104 blowout of Los Angeles at Oracle Arena in November. The Clippers evened the score in the next meeting on Christmas night at Staples Center, beating the Warriors, 100-86 as two-point favorites. The home team has captured the last six matchups, while the Warriors have won three straight over the Clippers at Oracle Arena.

The Warriors put their 26-2 home record on the line as Steve Kerr’s club looks to finish off their homestand at 3-0 after knocking off the Bucks and Mavericks. Golden State expectedly struggled in Wednesday’s nine-point win over Milwaukee after returning from a six-game road trip, but the Warriors took advantage of an unrested Dallas squad in Friday’s 104-89 blowout of the Mavs to cover as 11 ½-point favorites. In Golden State’s last 24 home contests, the Warriors own a remarkable 18-5-1 ATS record, as all five ATS losses (and one push) came as double-digit favorites.

The Clippers had their three-game winning streak snapped in Wednesday’s 98-93 home overtime setback to the Blazers. Both teams shot below 39% from the floor, as Chris Paul (36) and J.J. Redick (26) were the only two Clippers to score in double-figures. Los Angeles has played well on the road of late, winning four of its past five games away from Staples Center, including impressive victories at Chicago, Memphis, and Houston.

Doc Rivers’ squad has cashed the ‘under’ in five of the last six games, as the Clippers have been held to 97 points or less four times in this span. Blake Griffin remains out for Los Angeles, while Jamal Crawford is doubtful with a calf injury that has kept the sharpshooter sidelined for Wednesday’s loss to Portland. Golden State is also riding a nice ‘under’ stretch, hitting the ‘under’ eight times in the previous 10 contests, while holding three straight opponents at home to less than 99 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Miami Valley

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


Race 10 - Post: 6:00 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$8000 - HORSES & GELDINGS CONDITION/CLAIMER N/W 6 PM RACES CLAIMING PRICE $20,000 W/ALLOWANCES SUTTON PICKS 4 OVER 5 & 8 THARPS PICKS 6 OVER 7


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 MIDNIGHT DUDE 5/2


# 3 POSITIVELY PERFECT 5/1


# 1 OK FERRARI 9/2


The contender in this one is MIDNIGHT DUDE. Horoscope said take a chance today, this fine animal is as good as any to take a shot with. Good driver/trainer, winning 32 percent of the time. Gets the edge as a magnificent bet. With this driver/trainer hooking up, bettors often make mucho dinero. Return on investment is exemplary with this combination. POSITIVELY PERFECT - The group always likes a proven performer. This horse's high winning statistic is evidence of that. Excellent in the money percent for Dailey and this horse. A competitive chance to get the victory. OK FERRARI - The 1 post sports a much higher than average win percent at Miami Valley. This race horse has shown us some prior ability, just look at the 82 avg class rating. Should play well for this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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


Race 8 - Post: 3:20 - 1 1/4 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$13000 - NON-WINNERS OF $5,000 IN LAST 6 STARTS WINNERS OVER $50,000 IN 2014/15 NOT ELIGIBLE. HORSES WITH LESS THAN $3,000 IN LAST 6 STARTS NE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $12,500. NOS. 9,10 START FROM 2ND TIER #9 FREE ROLLIN & #10 CASH VALUE WILL START FROM THE 2ND TIER.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 9 FREE ROLLIN 10/1


# 7 SUN OF A VICTORY 7/2


# 2 COLUMBIA LION 4/1


FREE ROLLIN is the best bet in this contest so don't let the high morning line scare you off. The return on investment for race horses coming out of the 9 hole enhances this one's appeal as a magnificent wager. SUN OF A VICTORY - Could very well be the most compelling in the field of horses here, showing respectable ratings of late. Avg speed is a solid 88. A competitive class horse shouldn't be be overlooked. With an average class rating of 87 all signs say this is the one to beat. COLUMBIA LION - Driver-trainer are no strangers to the winners circle and should have this gelding breaking away from the grouping. This entrant may have some hidden form, a win would be a pleasant surprise.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fonner Park

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


Race 8 - Allowance - 4.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $12610 Class Rating: 70

FOR NEBRASKA BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON THREE RACES.THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS., OLDER, 123 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 IMASPRITZEN 3/1


# 1A REVELATION SONG 2/1


# 1 FIT TO STRIKE 2/1


IMASPRITZEN looks to be a formidable contender. Is a very strong contender based on figures garnered as of late under today's conditions. With better than average trips to the winner's circle, Ziegler ought to have this gelding in excellent position to win the contest. This gelding gets a boost with Ziegler in the irons. REVELATION SONG - The average Equibase class rating alone makes this one a solid contender. He must be given consideration given the strong speed figures. FIT TO STRIKE - Has performed quite well lately in sprint races, posting a nifty 66 avg Equibase Speed Fig. With Olesiak aboard him, this gelding ought to be able to break out sharply in this race.