Thursday 12/1/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bucks (8-8) at Nets (5-12)

Date: December 01, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets capitalized on opponents not giving proper effort and emerged with wins over elite competition.

Both teams will attempt to follow up those impressive victories when the Bucks visit the Nets on Thursday.

Milwaukee has won three of four games since a three-point home loss to the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 19. The third victory in that stretch was Tuesday's 118-101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Against the Cavaliers, Milwaukee rallied from a 14-point deficit in the first quarter and dominated the second half. The Bucks took a four-point halftime lead and stretched the advantage to 18 after the third quarter before leading by as many as 22 in the fourth when Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue removed his starters because he didn't feel like they were playing.

"We didn't let them off the hook," Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo said. "We were attacking. They are the champs, but this is a great win."

Antetokounmpo highlighted the win over the defending champions by tying a career high with 34 points to go along with 12 rebounds, five steals and two blocks on 13 of 19 shooting. Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis are the only players to record 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals in a game this season.

During Milwaukee's last five games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 26.4 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting 57.8 percent (48 of 83).

"He's been here four years now; he's arrived," Bucks coach Jason Kidd said.

Milwaukee is around the middle of the pack in pace at 96.3 possessions per game and offensive rating at 105.9. The Bucks are in the bottom third in scoring at 102.7 points per game but their numbers are somewhat improved recently.

During the last five games, the Bucks have averaged 107 points and shot 48.8 percent (208 of 426).

"It's not that it's a breakout; it was a matter of us trusting each other and being on the same page and playing as a team," Kidd said. "For a young team ... sometimes it takes time. You want to put it in the microwave and instantly get it right away but if you're patient enough for the process and the journey, it will come.

"This was a good night for us to learn. Now, the next step is for us to get better tomorrow and try again to find a way to win on the road."

Brooklyn is 5-12 after stopping an ugly seven-game losing streak with a 127-122 double overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers Tuesday night.

The Nets picked up their first win since Nov. 12 by rallying from an 18-point deficit in a game that coach Doc Rivers accused the Clippers of taking the contest for granted.

Sean Kilpatrick scored 31 of his career-high 38 points after the third quarter. He was 3 of 14 from the field through 36 minutes but made 11 of 20 attempts the rest of the way.

"I ended up getting into a zone," Kilpatrick said. "I think at the end of the day when you have that attack mentality, it really actually pays off because most of the time a natural reaction is to sit there and take a play off and when you have somebody that's just constantly sitting there attacking you every play, I think that's something that keeps the defense off guard. At that point there was no turning back for me."

Kilpatrick also grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds. He was on such a roll that coach Kenny Atkinson abandoned his motion offense in favor of isolation plays for Kilpatrick.

"At one point in the game, I think he was 2 of 10," Atkinson said. "I was sitting over there saying, 'Wow he is really struggling. Do we get him out or what?' Sean kept at it and kept competing, got a few shots to fall and started rolling. I thought he did a great job."

Defensively, the Nets took care of things in the final 22 minutes. After allowing the Clippers to get 86 points on 45 percent shooting through the first 36 minutes, the Nets held Los Angeles to 36 points on 34.2 percent shooting the rest of the game, including 2 of 11 in the second overtime.

"Our guys didn't give up," Nets center Brook Lopez said. "We got down in the third again, got down at halftime. We just kept competing. Our guys didn't up. We played together, trusting and we got stops when we needed to."

Since Jan. 9, 2009, the Bucks have won 12 of the last 16 meetings. Since Kidd left the Nets following 44 wins in 2013-14, Milwaukee has won seven of eight meetings, including the last five and a 122-118 triple overtime victory Nov. 19, 2014 in Brooklyn.

In the first meeting of the season, Milwaukee recorded a 110-108 home victory on Oct. 26 as Rashad Vaughn scored 22 points while Antetokounmpo collected 21 and 10 rebounds.

In the last meeting in Brooklyn on March 13, Antetokounmpo had a triple-double of 28 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a 109-100 win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Clippers (14-5) at Cavaliers (13-3)

Date: December 01, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- J.R. Smith and Doc Rivers both had some explaining to do.

In a sense, both player and coach lost their minds Tuesday night. Now both are hoping for better Thursday when the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Los Angeles Clippers.

Both the Cavs and Clippers are coming off tough road losses. The Cavs were embarrassed at the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Clippers lost in double overtime at the Brooklyn Nets during a strange night in the NBA.

The Clippers are staggering through this six-game trip, having lost three straight after winning 14 of their first 16 games.

"I think we are smelling ourselves a little bit. We haven't done (a thing). Nothing," Clippers center DeAndre Jordan said. "We were No. 1 in the West for a couple of weeks? That don't mean nothing. At all.

"I feel like we took that for granted. We thought we were a lot better than we really are. We got to continue to get better and have respect for the game."

Rivers was irate with referee Ken Mauer near the end of the first overtime Tuesday and was ejected after Mauer hit him with a pair of technicals.

Rivers became enraged with Mauer because he wasn't involved in the play and Rivers was talking to referee Lauren Holtkamp, but Mauer told a pool reporter he assessed Rivers with his first technical for crossing midcourt. Rivers earned his second technical for his reaction to the first one.

Smith, meanwhile, wandered off the court for the Cavs on Tuesday night to hug Jason Terry on the Bucks' bench. The man he was guarding, Tony Snell, was rewarded with an easy dunk while Cavs players looked on bewildered. Smith compounded his problems by wearing a ski mask after the game while addressing reporters and claimed he didn't know he was in the game when the gaffe occurred.

The mental lapse -- and his handling of the situation after the game -- did not sit well with Cavs coach Tyronn Lue, who addressed the issue with Smith on Wednesday.

"It was (an) embarrassing moment," Lue said. "We had a discussion about it, he felt embarrassed about it, it was an embarrassing play. We talked about it. We're moving on."

Lue said he would not discipline Smith for the play or his reaction because it wasn't malicious. But he made clear he didn't appreciate the ski mask stunt.

"There's no need for that," Lue said. "Just address the media in the right way, move on."

Smith said he tried to have fun with the mistake because he didn't want to be boring.

"I said it more in a joking manner because you can see what happened," Smith said Wednesday, sans ski mask. "Obviously I wasn't paying attention. For me to just sit there and tell you I wasn't paying attention makes it plain and boring somewhat, especially when you're asking a question you already know the answer to. But at the same time, I still have to give that boring answer, for whatever reason."

Both teams are expected to be back at full strength Thursday. Clippers forward Blake Griffin was out of the lineup Tuesday to rest, while Cavaliers forward Channing Frye missed the past week following the death of his father. Frye rejoined the Cavs in time for practice Wednesday and returns Thursday as the league leader in 3-point shooting (.485).

The bigger problem Lue is battling right now is complacency, illustrated by Smith's gaffe.

"When you have a team that's a championship team and you went to two straight Finals, you've been doing the same thing for three years, it gets redundant," Lue said. "But you still have to do the drills, continue to get better, you still have to go through offensive sets you've been working on, continuing to work on execution, and the guys know it, so they get bored with it sometimes. Rightfully so.

"We've got to continue to work on those things, you've got to continue to get good at those things, and it's going to help us down the road."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Heat (6-12) at Jazz (11-8)

Date: December 01, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

SALT LAKE CITY -- Making the impossible seem ordinary on defense is becoming a habit for Rudy Gobert. It's no secret that his defensive domination has played a big role for the Utah Jazz in building a four-game winning streak.

Gobert has finished with double-doubles in three of his last four games, culminating in a 16-point, 14-rebound effort in Utah's 120-101 victory over Houston on Tuesday night. The 7-foot-1 center has averaged 15.3 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocked shots during the Jazz winning streak.

He is living up to his moniker "The Stifle Tower" by finding ways to block shots, alter others and force opponents out of their usual rhythm on offense. The scary thing for future Jazz opponents is that Gobert doesn't feel like he's even scratched the surface yet.

"I'm just 24," Gobert said. "I can get a lot better, but I'm feeling good for sure."

With Gobert at the top of his game defensively, Utah has turned the basket into a fortress where offenses can't even cross the moat to get inside. The Jazz have allowed 88.6 points per game through eight home games so far. In their last three home contests, they've won by an average margin of 23.7 points.

Utah coach Quin Snyder credits Gobert with an improved focus for allowing his game to open up on both ends of the court.

"Some of the things he is doing is he is just getting from play-to-play," Snyder said. "You don't have those moments where he is distracted about something else that's happened on the court. As a result, his focus is so consistent when that happens."

Miami has already seen firsthand what Gobert can do this season. He had 12 points and 12 rebounds to help lead Utah to a 102-91 victory over the Heat on Nov. 12. The Heat will likely need to counter him with a big game from their own big man, Hassan Whiteside.

Whiteside stepped up to the plate big time in a 106-98 victory over Denver on Wednesday night. He finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds. It marked his third straight game that Whiteside finished with a double-double.

Whiteside credited his teammates with making his job easier against the Nuggets through their own elevated defensive efforts.

"That was the best communication we had all season, especially on defense," Whiteside said. "We had guys in the right spot, communicating with each other."

The most remarkable part of these performances is Whiteside is getting this kind of production even while dealing with a sore left knee. An MRI on Monday came back negative. He isn't the only key player on either team that's been ailing.

Both the Heat and the Jazz will be missing starters on Thursday night after injuries earlier this week.

Rodney Hood suffered a right hamstring strain in the third quarter against Houston and did not return. He is listed as questionable. Derrick Favors has already been sidelined six games with a left knee bone contusion.

Dion Waiters suffered a groin injury against Boston on Monday and will be out for at least two weeks. He joins Justise Winslow on the sideline. Winslow has only appeared in nine games because of a wrist injury.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockets (11-7) at Warriors (16-2)

Date: December 01, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Get out your erasers, NBA historians. The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors could be shooting for a record when they meet for the first time this season Thursday night.

The Rockets will put their streak of having made at least 10 3-pointers in 17 straight games on the line against a team that owned the NBA perimeter last year.

Houston's James Harden (55), Eric Gordon (55) and Trevor Ariza (52) all rank among the Top 10 this season in 3-pointers made, and Ryan Anderson (45) isn't far outside the group, lifting the Rockets (13.8 per game) into a tie with Cleveland for the team lead.

Both are attempting to unseat the Warriors as the reigning 3-point kings. Golden State (13.1) easily outdistanced the field in 3-point success last year.

Along the way, the Warriors (21) combined with the Dallas Mavericks (18) to set an NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a game (39) on March 25, 2016.

The Warriors and Rockets get their first crack at bettering that mark this season on Thursday night.

Houston has moved ahead of Golden State in the category this season by shooting more often from 3-point distance and doing it with greater accuracy.

In their first season under coach Mike D'Antoni, the Rockets have increased their 3-point attempts from 30.9 per game to 36.6, and their percentage of success from 34.7 to 37.8.

Other than embracing the up-tempo style of D'Antoni, three big reasons for the Rockets' uptick in 3's are Gordon, who is shooting more often from downtown (7.9 attempts per game, up from 6.5), Ariza, who has connected on a career-best 39.7 percent so far this season, and Anderson, a 42.2 percent career 3-point shooter who was signed to a four-year, $80 million deal in July.

"Obviously, we built this team to put shooters around James," Anderson said recently of Harden, who leads the NBA with 11.9 assists per game. "They're all good shots."

Alas, while the Rockets have scored big from beyond the arc this season, they've also given up 3's in bundles. Opponents are averaging 9.9 made 3's on 38.2-percent accuracy, figures that are seventh- and second-highest in the league.

The Warriors, by their own high standards, have opened the season a bit cold from beyond the arc. They have attempted the same number as last season (31.6 per game), but their percentage of success has fallen from a league-best 41.6 to 38.4.

Guard Klay Thompson is the biggest reason for the decline, and at same time, a big reason to believe Golden State can once again overtake the Rockets (and Cavaliers) in the category.

A career 41.7-percent shooter on 3's, Thompson has made only 36.5 percent this season.

That number is a bit misleading, however. He began the season 11-for-53 (20.8 percent) through seven games, but has since made 39 of 84 (46.4 percent) in his last 11 outings.

The Warriors (16-2) have won each of those last 11 games, and will take a 12-game winning streak, third longest in franchise history, into Thursday's game.

One key for the Warriors: They lead the league in overall shooting percentage (50.2) while keeping up the third-fastest pace of play (100.5 possessions per 48 minutes).

"We want to play fast. We want as many possessions as possible," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters earlier this week. "If we can play a high-possession game, play with pace and be at 2/1 (assists/turnovers ratio), I'm really comfortable with that."

The Rockets (11-7) are coming off a 120-101 loss at Utah on Tuesday night, their third stop on a five-game trip.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NBA Picks: Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

I don't want to make a blanket statement in saying that you should totally bet against the Memphis Grizzlies and go under their totals for the next six weeks or so because it obviously depends on the opponent. But I'm certainly going to be leaning that way most nights with the news that Grizzles point guard Mike Conley is likely going to miss that much time with a transverse process fracture in his vertebrae suffered Monday against Charlotte. A lot of people snickered when Conley got a five-year, $153 million extension in the offseason, the richest deal in NBA history in total dollars. But he's having a career year, averaging 19.2 points. 5.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds. The Grizz were slaughtered in their one game earlier this season at Minnesota without him and were way below .500 last year when he was hurt. Memphis has no one remotely capable of replacing him.

Mavericks at Hornets (-11, 193)

Dallas hosted San Antonio on Wednesday without Dirk Nowitzki again. Charlotte lost 112-89 at home to Detroit on Tuesday. The Hornets had nothing left in the tank in playing their fourth game in five nights -- teams only do that a couple of times per year. Kemba Walker led Charlotte with 23 points. Jeremy Lamb left on the first possession of the fourth quarter after banging knees with another player. He had just returned from a long injury absence. These two teams split last year. Charlotte has lost the past two meetings at home.

Key trends: The underdog is 5-2 against the spread in the past seven meetings. The "over/under" is 5-2 in those.

Early lean: Hornets and under.

Bucks at Nets (+4.5, 217)

Milwaukee upset visiting Cleveland 118-101 on Tuesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the best player on the floor with a career-high-tying 34 points to go with 12 boards and five assists. Brooklyn upset the visiting Clippers 127-122 in double overtime on Tuesday to end a seven-game skid. Sean Kilpatrick scored 31 of his career-high 38 points after the third quarter. Brook Lopez added 27 points for the Nets, who trailed 86-68 with two minutes left in the third. Milwaukee has won 12 of the past 16 meetings vs. Brooklyn. That includes 110-108 at home on Oct. 29. John Henson had a buzzer-beating tip-in of a missed Jabari Parker layup to win it. The Nets' best player, Lopez, was out for the game to rest.

Key trends: The Bucks have covered 11 of their past 13 at the Nets. The over is 8-2 in the previous 10 meetings.

Early lean: Bucks and over.

Magic at Grizzlies (-1, 185.5)

Memphis began life without Conley on Wednesday in Toronto. Orlando got an unlikely 95-83 win in San Antonio on Tuesday to end a four-game losing streak. Serge Ibaka had 18 points and seven rebounds as the Magic ended a 10-game skid in the series. Orlando held San Antonio to 36.8 percent shooting and forced 19 turnovers. These two teams split last year, with Orlando's win on April 3 at home snapping a nine-game losing streak in the series.

Key trends: The favorite is 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The under is 11-5 in the past 16.

Early lean: Magic and under that really low total.

Clippers at Cavaliers (-5, 213)

First of the TNT doubleheader and certainly one of the best matchups of the season thus far. L.A. clearly was looking ahead to this one Tuesday night in Brooklyn as Coach Doc Rivers decided to rest Blake Griffin, assuming a win over the Nets. But the Clippers blew a 16-point third-quarter lead and were upset 127-122 in double OT, the team's third straight loss to start a six-game road trip. Chris Paul had 26 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds for the Clippers, while DeAndre Jordan had 21 points and 23 boards. I'm sure you've seen the video by now of Rivers going nuclear at a referee in the game. He'll be looking at a nice fine. Cleveland also got caught looking ahead Tuesday in losing 118-101 in Milwaukee to end a four-game winning streak. The Bucks outscored Cleveland by 14 points in the third quarter and led by 22 in the fourth. The Cavs' hearts just weren't in it. Channing Frye missed his second straight game following the death of his father but is expected to play Thursday. Los Angeles lost both games last year by double digits and has dropped its past three in Cleveland.

Key trends: The Clippers are 0-4 ATS in the past four meetings. The under is 5-2 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Cavs and over.

Heat at Jazz (TBA)

Miami was in Denver on Wednesday without guys like Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow. Utah won a fourth consecutive Tuesday, 120-101 over visiting Houston. Gordon Hayward scored a season-high 31 points. Derrick Favors missed his seventh consecutive game with a left knee bone contusion, and Rodney Hood left in the third with a right hamstring strain, so monitor those guys. Doesn't seem likely Favors will go. Utah won in Miami 102-91 on Nov. 12. Hayward had 25 points and Rudy Gobert 12 points and 12 boards. Hassan Whiteside scored 15 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for Miami.

Key trends: The Heat are 0-4 ATS in the past four meetings. The over is 8-0 in Utah's past eight vs. teams with a losing record.

Early lean: Jazz and under regardless.

Rockets at Warriors (-10.5, 230.5)

Second TNT game. It would not surprise me to see both these teams reach 130 points with how good they are offensively (and Rockets bad on defense). Houston lost 120-101 in Utah on Tuesday. James Harden scored 26 points to go with seven assists and five rebounds. The Rockets made 11 3s and have hit at least 10 3-pointers in their last 17 games, an NBA record. Golden State won its 12th in a row Monday in a rare close game, 105-100 over Atlanta. Kevin Durant had 25 points and 14 rebounds, his sixth 20/10 game this year. Draymond Green was back after missing Saturday's game with a minor ankle injury. Houston has lost eight straight in the series, its longest-ever skid to Golden State.

Key trends: The Rockets are 1-4 ATS in the past five in Oakland. The under is 4-1 in the past five meetings.

Early lean: Warriors and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Thursday’s games

Mavericks lost tough home game to Spurs last night; Dallas lost nine of last 10 games, is 1-9 on road, 3-7 as a road underdog. Under is 11-5 in their last 16 games. Jazz won/covered its last four games; they’re 3-3 as a home favorite. Three of last four Utah games went over. Dallas won three of last four games with Charlotte, winning by 27-11 points in last two visits here. Under is 5-2 in last seven series games.

Milwaukee won three of last four games, is 2-4 on road, 1-0 as a road favorite; under is 4-2 in their road games. Brooklyn lost seven of last eight games, is 4-5 at home, 5-4 as a home dog. Over is 8-1 in Nets’ last nine games. Bucks won seven of last eight games with Brooklyn, beating Nets 110-108 at home Oct 29; Milwaukee won by 7-9 points in last two visits here. Over is 8-2 in last ten series games.

Clippers lost in double OT to Nets Monday; they’re 5-3 in last eight games after a 10-1 start, losing two of last three on road. LA is 4-5 as a road favorite. Cavaliers won four of last five games; they’re 5-4-1 as a home favorite, covering last three at home. Last four Cleveland games went over. Clippers lost last four games with Cleveland (0-4 vs spread); they lost by 13-11-6 points in last three visits here. Under is 7-3 in last ten series games.

Memphis got whacked in Toronto last night, lost three of last four games; they lost last two home games, are 1-3 as home favorites. Under is 6-1 in their last seven home tilts. Orlando lost four of last five games, is 5-3 as a road underdog. Under is 7-1 in their last eight games. Memphis PG Conley (back) is out 4-6 weeks. Grizzlies won nine of last ten games with Orlando (5-2 vs spread in last seven); Magic lost last six visits here, but are 3-3 vs spread in those games. Three of last four series games went over.

Miami won in Denver last nite, its second win in last six games; Heat covered three of last four as a road underdog. Over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Jazz won/covered last four games; they’re 3-3 as a home favorite. Three of last four Jazz games went over. Utah won three of last four games with Miami, covered six of last eight; over is 5-3 in last eight series games. Heat lost four of last five visits to Utah (1-4 vs spread).

Rockets won five of last seven games, are 7-5 on road, 4-2 as a road underdog. Over is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Golden State won its last 12 games, is 3-5 as a home favorite. Over is 4-1 in Warriors’ last five home games. Warriors won eight of last nine games with Houston (7-2 vs spread); four of last five series games stayed under. Rockets lost last five visits to Oakland (1-4 vs spread)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cincinnati Bearcats (5-1) at Iowa State Cyclones (5-1)

Date: December 01, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

When Cincinnati visits No. 19 Iowa State on Thursday night, it will be Round 2 in the matchup of former Murray State coaches who used the perennial Ohio Valley Conference power as a stepping stone to bigger things.

The Bearcats' Mick Cronin, who was 69-24 from 2003-06 with the Racers, matches wits with the Cyclones' Steve Prohm, who parlayed a 104-29 mark from 2011-15 at the small western Kentucky university into a Big 12 gig.

Both teams bring 5-1 records into the game with losses to Top 25 teams. Cincinnati's occurred at Rhode Island's hands, while Iowa State's happened Sunday against No. 8 Gonzaga 73-71 in the AdvoCare Invitational championship game in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Trailing 49-34 at the half, the Cyclones stormed back behind an outstanding defensive effort that limited the Bulldogs to 29 percent shooting in the second half.

"The biggest thing we did in the second half was we competed at a whole different level," Prohm said. "I'm sure that Gonzaga missed some open shots, but we contested and competed. We have to do that every possession and every game."

Iowa State also got a monster game from 6-5 senior guard Deonte Burton, whose 29 points and 12 rebounds against the huge Bulldogs might have been the best game of his career. Burton also tossed in 21 points during a 73-56 semifinal win over Miami, marking the first time in his career he'd scored 20 points in consecutive games.

But the Cyclones' main man remains senior point guard Monte Morris, a preseason All-America pick who is leading the team in scoring at 16 points per game and is connecting on 52.6 percent of his shots. Morris is also averaging 5.6 assists for every turnover.

Iowa State, which averages 88.8 points, should have to work for its points against the Bearcats, who appear to be a typical Cronin team that defends fiercely. Cincinnati is yielding only 59.2 points per game and limiting opponents to 38.1 percent field goal shooting, putting it on track to rank in the top 20 nationally in both categories for a fourth straight season.

Cronin was pleased with his team's offense Saturday in a 91-68 thumping of Lipscomb. Four players reached double figures for the Bearcats, which canned 52.5 percent of their field goal attempts and drew 20 assists on 31 field goals.

Five players registered multiple assists, with point guard Troy Caupain and reserve Tre Scott notching five apiece.

"In the second half, our motion offense was the best it's been all year," Cronin said. "I think a lot of that has to do with Tre Scott's willingness to be a soldier for our team and get other people open. The more it worked, the more it became contagious with guys trying to move the ball and get each other open."

Sophomore swingman Jacob Evans leads Cincinnati's offense at 17.8 points, while 6-9 junior forward Kyle Washington is averaging 16.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. The 6-4 Caupain needs three points to become the school's 50th 1,000-point scorer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Thursday’s games

Light card tonight but couple of MAAC games, the first conference games of the season:
Monmouth swept Quinnipiac LY by 14-15 points, after losing 10 of previous 11 games with Bobcats. Hawks lost five of last six visits here, with 66-51 (-12) win here LY ending their skid at Quinnipiac. Monmouth is 4-2 with losses at South Carolina/Syracuse; no one they’ve beaten is in top 200. Hawks are #36 experience team- they start four seniors. Quinnipiac is 1-4 against #71 schedule; they lost two of three in Orlando LW, beating Indiana State by 3 in last game- winning side scored 80+ points in all their games.

Seton Hall lost two of three games in Florida LW; they’re 2-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, winning by 21-11 points. Pirates are off to Hawai’i this weekend, could be looking past this game. Columbia is 3-3; their last three games were all decided by 5 or less points. Lions’ best opponent so far is #114 St Joe’s; they beat Columbia by 20. Big East home favorites are 10-6 vs spread this season; Ivy League road underdogs are 8-7. Big East teams won/covered their last five games against Ivy League squads.

South Florida is 3-2 but lost its only road game by 16 at Florida Atlantic; Bulls are 1-2 vs top 200 teams, with only win by 5 over #190 Rider. USF is turning ball over 22.3% of time. Troy was just on 8-day road trip that included San Fran/Hawai’i; they lost three of last four games, are AAC road underdogs are 3-5 vs spread this season; Sun Belt favorites are 4-3. making 25.2% on arc- they did win at Hawai’i by a hoop last game. Sun Belt teams won four of last five games against the AAC; they were underdog in all five games.

Oregon State/Mississippi State both have key player out hurt; Beavers’ shooter Tinkle (wrist), Bulldogs #2 scorer Weatherspoon (leg) are out here. Beavers lost last four D-I games; they’re turning ball over 25.3% of time, 5th-worst in country- they lost only two road games by 25-11. Bulldogs are least experienced team in country; they’re 4-2 vs schedule #286- their best win is over #100 Boise State. SEC home favorites are 13-15 vs spread; Pac-12 underdogs are 3-12 vs spread. Pac-12 teams are 9-2 (8-3 vs spread) in their last 11 games with SEC opponents.

Iowa State outscored Cincinnati 8-1 over last 2:09 of game to beat Bearcats 81-79 in Queen City LY; Cyclones start five seniors- they lost finals of Advocate tourney in Florida by a hoop to Gonzaga LW- they had beaten Miami by 17 the day before. Cincinnati is 5-1 with 76-71 loss to URI on neutral floor in its only top 100 game- this is first true road game for team that starts two juniors, two seniors. Big X home favorites are 12-6 vs spread; AAC underdogs are 12-12, 3-5 on road. Big X teams are 5-4 SU/ATS in last nine games vs AAC foes.

Big West teams are getting pummeled this month: 23-41 SU, 15-34 vs spread. Cal Poly is 1-4 vs D-I teams, losing by 13-9 in its only two games vs teams ranked outside top 200- this is their first D-I home game. Tex-San Antonio is 2-4, 2-2 vs teams ranked outside top 200; Roadrunners have #340 eFG%, are turning ball over 21.1% of time, making just 25.5% on arc- they’ve been lousy on offense. Big West home favorites are 3-9 vs spread; C-USA road underdogs are 13-10. Big West/C-USA teams split their last four meetings.

Oakland is 4-1 vs D-I teams with only loss by 4 to Nevada in Alaska; Grizzlies are 4-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, winning by 8-17-28-13 points- they’re playing pace #25. Oral Roberts is 0-5 vs D-I teams (schedule #77) with four losses by 14+ points; they have #321 eFG%. Teams have made 43.9% on arc vs ORU. Horizon home favorites are 3-9 vs spread; Summit road underdogs are 8-16. Summit teams won their last six games with Horizon squads; they’re 3-0 vs spread as an underdog vs Horizon teams.

Fairfield swept Rider LY by 4-5 points; they’re 8-6 in last 14 games with the Broncs, splitting last four series games here (underdogs covered last three here). Stags are 4-1 vs schedule #333, with only loss at Loyola MD by 15- they’ve got wins at Dartmouth/Wagner (Wagner beat UConn). Fairfield is turning ball over 22.8% of time. Rider is 3-2 (all road games), losing to Fordham by 11 in their only top 200 game; Broncs are turning ball over 22.6% of time, making just 20.8% on the arc. Rider is starting four seniors and a freshman.

Utah lost at home to Butler Monday, their first top 200 game; they won by 43-18 points in two games vs teams ranked outside top 200. Utes start two freshmen and a sophomore- they’re turning ball over 21.1% of time, making just 30.9% of time. Montana State is 3-2 vs D-I teams, with road losses by 4-5 points at Washington State/Rice. Pac-12 home favorites are 16-18 vs spread; Big Sky road underdogs are 13-19. Pac-12 teams are 17-2 in last 19 games with Big Sky foes, 11-7–1 vs spread (all as a favorite).

Pacific turned ball over 21 times (-9) in 79-71 loss at Sacramento State LY; Tigers are 2-3 this year vs schedule #53- they’re 2-0 at home, beating Green Bay by 18, Wyoming by 8. Pacific has a new coach but starts four seniors and a junior. Sacramento is 0-5 vs D-I teams, going 0-3 in neutral court tourney LW. Hornets are shooting only 24.2% on arc. WCC home favorites are 13-9 vs spread; Big Sky road underdogs are 13-19. WCC teams are 12-9 vs spread in last 21 games vs Big Sky teams, 6-5 vs spread when favored.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Opening Line Report - Week 13
By Marcus DiNitto

In addition to the Cowboys, the Giants (six in a row), Dolphins (six in a row) and Raiders (five in a row) have put together nice winning streaks of their own. None of these three teams, however, is commanding an abundance of respect in Las Vegas, evidenced by the early lines for next week’s slate of games.

Here are all the opening Week 13 point spreads, along with insight from Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook oddsmaker Ed Salmons. Numbers listed are the Las Vegas consensus as of about 11 p.m. ET on Sunday night, with early moves and differences among books also noted.

Thursday, Dec. 1

Dallas Cowboys (-3, -120) at Minnesota Vikings

A respected bettor at the Westgate laid Dallas -3, prompting a move to -3.5, before buy-back on the dog resulted in an adjustment to Dallas -3.5 (even). William Hill and the Wynn were both dealing Dallas -3 (-120) on Sunday night, but -3 flat was available at CG Technology.

While this feels like a spot for the Cowboys’ 10-game win streak to end, the question is whether the Vikings have what it takes to make that happen.

“It’s a big game for Minnesota and Dallas is kind of due for a loss, but I don’t know if Minnesota is able to (play well enough),” Salmons said. “Their offense is so bad.”

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Week 13 opening line report: Early Cowboys action moving line
By PATRICK EVERSON

The NFL rolls into Week 13, and the league’s best team is rolling along, as well. We check in with Peter Childs, risk management supervisor, on a few of this week’s opening lines.

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings (+3.5)

For the second straight week, these teams will play on Thursday, this time against each other after both played on Thanksgiving.

Dallas, behind rookies Dak Prescott at quarterback and Ezekiel Elliott at running back, has been nothing short of completely impressive during a 10-game winning streak. On Thursday, the Cowboys (10-1 SU, 9-2 ATS) held off Washington 31-26 as a 5.5-point home favorite, the first time since Week 1 that they haven’t cashed.

Minnesota (6-5 SU and ATS) has pretty much squandered all of its 5-0 SU and ATS start. For the second time this month, the Vikings fell to Detroit, this time 16-13 as a 1.5-point road underdog on Thursday.

“The Cowboys finally didn’t cover, showing that the spread and the betting markets finally caught up with them,” Childs said. “That said, they closed a 6-point favorite last Thursday and won by 5, so they were pretty damn close to cashing tickets for their backers. No question, bettors are going to back them again, especially considering how poorly the Vikings played on Thanksgiving.

“The Vikings’ offense is virtually nonexistent. They’re ranked dead last rushing the ball in the NFL, and it’s not just bad, but historically bad. They face the best rushing team and one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL.

We had to keep all that and more in mind when setting the opening number.

“We had the Cowboys power-rated as a 3 point favorite, but knowing what the bettors are going to do here, we added the hook and opened Cowboys -3.5. So far, all the early action is on them, and we’ve already gone to -4.”

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wiseguys are advising that these Week 13 NFL lines are going to move
By AAA SPORTS

Each week during the pro football season, Art Aronson of AAA Sports looks at the NFL odds and tells you which spread to bet now, which one to bet later, and which total to watch as the week plays out.

Game to bet now

New York Giants at Pittsburgh (-5.5)

Here come the Giants. The New Yorkers have won six straight (5-1 ATS in that stretch) and now stand at 8-3. The Giants have a puncher’s chance at catching the Cowboys in the NFC East (they have Dallas at home on Dec. 11), and even if they fall short, they are in prime position for a wild-card spot. They aren’t overpowering anyone on either side of the ball, but they are just good enough on both offense and defense to get the job done. Whether the Giants can stay hot as the competition gets tougher is anyone’s guess, though. None of their final five opponents have a losing record, and the next three games (Steelers, Cowboys, Lions) are division leaders who will have lots on the line. Early money is spread equally on this game, suggesting no line movement.

Game to wait on

Dallas at Minnesota (+3.5) (Thursday)

Heavy money on the Cowboys forced books to move this one from Vikings +2.5 to +3.5, unusual in that it could enable early bettors to middle it and win on both ends if the Cowboys win by a field goal. What is clear is that the Vikings’ loss – their 5th in the last 6 games – last Thursday at Detroit exposed some serious offensive problems. With Adrian Peterson out, Minnesota doesn’t have much of a run game (RBs had only 58 yards vs. the Lions). Dallas has scored at least 24 points in every game since the opener (a 20-19 loss to the Giants; the Cowboys are only two points away from a perfect season). Minnesota is banged up quite a bit, so it might be worthwhile to wait until the injury report to see who will be a go in this one.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Week 13 lines that make you go hmmm...
By PETER KORNER

Longtime Las Vegas oddsmaker Peter Korner sizes up this week’s NFL schedule and picks out some of the lines making him go “hmmmm…” in Week 13:

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5, 44)

The Thursday night game is a clash in styles. Dallas has been playing at an unbelievable level on offense but their defense has been the difference when talking bottom line in respect to their Over/Under results.

The Cowboys have now gone Under in five of their past eight games despite their offensive prowess and now they’re battling the Vikings, who have gone Under in seven of their last 10 games. Minnesota’s strength has been its defense as the offense has sputtered throughout the season.

This was a tough total to make but the signs for this one point to a slower paced game (set by Minnesota). The strategy here may be to hold off until game day to pounce on this one. As a standalone, marquee matchup, the masses always like to bet these favorite and Over. The current total of 44 represents the highest total set to a Viking game to date.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cowboys (10-1) at Vikings (6-5)

Date: December 01, 2016 8:25 PM EDT

MINNEAPOLIS -- Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is being hailed by many as the best running back to enter the league since Adrian Peterson.

In a league where running backs have been devalued, Elliott has made Dallas' decision to draft the Ohio State back fourth overall this year a wise move. Elliott leads the NFL with 1,199 yards and is second in rushing touchdowns with 11.

Peterson debuted with 1,341 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2007 after being the seventh pick in the draft out of Oklahoma.

Peterson is on the sideline with a knee injury, but his Minnesota Vikings will be the next to try and slow Elliott. Minnesota knows what it's up against at home on Thursday when the Vikings (6-5) host Dallas (10-1).

"Well, he's one of the better backs I've seen in quite a while," Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer said. "He's really an all-purpose guy that catches the ball very well out of the backfield. He's quick into the hole; looks like he's got great vision ... He's special."

Zimmer, the former Cowboys defensive coordinator, had plenty of accolades to shower on Dallas' offense this week. He was complementary of rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, who is fourth in the league with a 108.6 quarterback rating.

One reason the Cowboys have had success with two rookies playing vital roles is the offensive line.

"They're really, really good," Zimmer said. "They're the best line I've seen in a long time in the NFL, physical, athletic, big."

Many of those same descriptions have been offered about the Vikings' defense this season. Thursday's meeting is a matchup of strengths.

Dallas is third in the league in scoring, averaging 28.7 points per game, and is fifth in total offense with 407.6 yards per game. Minnesota's defense has allowed the second-fewest points per game at 17.5 and is third in total defense, giving up 307 yards per game.

"They have great players on defense," Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, a former Vikings' offensive coordinator, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "They get a lot of people around the football. Teams that play hard and hustle and get lots of guys around the ball, good things happen for them. We've got to be as good about our ability to get people around the football, protect the ball carriers and ultimately play aggressive football without getting loose with it."

Only two teams have created more takeaways than Minnesota's 20 this season. The Vikings have 12 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries and are second in the league with a plus-12 turnover-differential.

Prescott and Dallas have protected the ball, turning the ball over just seven times this season, the second-fewest in the league.

"That has given us a great opportunity to stay on the plus side of the ledger in turnover ratio," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett told the Star-Telegram. "Typically that gives you a good chance to win. We need to take the ball away more. We haven't done a good job. We haven't done a good job of that the last three or four ball games."

Only four teams have fewer takeaways than Dallas' 10.

Blessed with a keep-away offense, though, the Cowboys have won 10 games in a row and are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot. Dallas could become the first team in the NFL to clinch this weekend. The Cowboys need a win and either a Tampa Bay loss or tie, or a Washington loss.

"It would be great, but I think the goals for this team are bigger than that," guard Zack Martin told the team's website. "We've got five weeks left, and we know that this season really starts after Thanksgiving here, so we're ready to make a push here and finish strong."

Both teams play Thursday with a full week's worth of rest after they played on Thanksgiving. Dallas held on at home for a 31-26 win against the Redskins. Minnesota lost for the fifth time in six games at Detroit in a 16-13 finale.

"Obviously, I think everyone's a little bit frustrated right now," Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford said. "For whatever reason, we just weren't able to come back off the bye and play the way we have those first five games, and I think anytime you go through a stretch like we've had, people do get frustrated and it's tough."

Bradford showed up on Minnesota's injury report this week with an ankle injury. He was limited in practice on Monday and Tuesday but is expected to play. The line protecting Bradford is another story.

Center Joe Berger missed two days of practice after leaving last week's game with a concussion. Berger is likely out Thursday and Nick Easton could start at center. Right tackle Jeremiah Sirles (hip) also left last week's game. He was limited in Monday's practice and a full participant on Friday. Zimmer said he expects Sirles to be "all right."

The Vikings can't afford any more blows to the offensive line. Minnesota has already lost starting tackles Matt Kalil and Andre Smith, along with Jake Long, who was signed to replace Kalil. Versatile backup Mike Harris has spent the season on injured reserve with an unspecified illness.

Willie Beavers, who replaced Sirles in last week's game at right tackle, became the sixth player to take snaps at tackle for the Vikings this season.

Minnesota did get leading receiver Stefon Diggs back at practice this week on a limited basis after he missed last week's game with a knee injury. Cornerback Terence Newman (neck) and punt returner Marcus Sherels (ribs) missed last week. Newman returned to full practice, but Sherels had not practiced by Tuesday.

Dallas will likely be without cornerback Morris Claiborne (groin), linebacker Justin Durant (hamstring) and safety J.J. Wilcox (thigh). Safety Barry Church (forearm) has practiced on a limited basis and could return Thursday after missing four games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's Top Action

NFL Week 13 Thursday Football Betting Preview
Dallas Cowboys (10-1 SU; 10-1 ATS) vs. Minnesota Vikings (6-5 SU; 6-5 ATS)

Odds: Dallas (-4); Total set at 44

The Dallas Cowboys are the train that keeps on rolling this season as they've now won 10 straight games. There was a minor slip up for that train's path though as last week's five-point home win over Washington wasn't enough for the Cowboys to cover the spread yet again. That ATS loss halted a nine-game ATS run that Dallas had produced during this incredible winning streak.

Oddsmakers were glad to see that Dallas backers weren't able to make their weekly trip to the cashier's window after that game, and will no doubt be hoping for a similar result this week as the Cowboys are in Minnesota to take on the crumbling Vikings.

Minnesota's season has been a roller coaster from the start and they are back on the down side of things right now. The year began by Minnesota losing starting QB Teddy Bridgewater for the year, watching RB Adrian Peterson go down with a significant injury, and then trying to prove everyone wrong with the 5-0 SU start they had. Since then though the Vikings are 1-5 SU (1-5 ATS) and look like a team in a complete downward spiral. Given the roll the Cowboys have been on for months now, you won't find too many Vikings supporters this week and it's tough to argue a position against that.

However, if Minnesota is going to get back in the thick of the NFC North and NFC playoff race in general, they are going to need their defense and special teams to carry them for a few more weeks. It was a Pick-6 and a kickoff return TD that enabled Minnesota to get their lone win during this downward stretch two weeks ago and this unit has proved all year long that they are much better at home.

There hasn't really been anyone out there that has been able to contain the Cowboys offense of late with 24 or more points in every game during this 10-game winning streak, but Minnesota's definitely got the tools to do so if they play their top level game. It still might not be enough for the win SU or even ATS, because Minnesota's offense is still abysmal, but expect the Vikings defense to be extremely physical, throw some exotic looks at QB Dak Prescott and muck this game up into a slugfest.

That's why the better betting option here is on the total, as points should be hard to come by in this contest. Vikings QB Sam Bradford is banged up and even if he does go, he's been the definition of a dink-and-dunk passer all season long. His backup Shaun Hill has been a “game-manager” QB his entire career and the last thing Minnesota wants to do here is get into a back-and-forth shootout with the high-powered Dallas offense.

The Cowboys defense has been stout away from home in their own right as three of their last four contests as visitors have not had an opponent score more than 17 points against them. With Minnesota's offense ranking last in the league in yards per game (294.9), chances are Dallas will do their part in making things difficult to score points as well.

Dallas comes into this game on a 2-8 O/U run in their last 12 games as visitors and while this next situation has only applied once this year, the fact that the Cowboys are 3-10 O/U after failing to cover a spread can't be ignored either. Meanwhile, Minnesota's defense has no problem stepping up their play against quality foes as they are 2-14 O/U in their last 16 against a winning team, and they've got a 2-9 O/U run going after failing to cover a spread as well.

Best Bet: Dallas/Minnesota Under 44 points

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday Night Football betting preview: Cowboys at Vikings

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings (+3, 44)

The Dallas Cowboys have not lost since the season opener but cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal as they prepare to visit the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. Riding a 10-game winning streak and leading the New York Giants by two games in the NFC East, Dallas has a chance to clinch a playoff spot with a win over Minnesota and some help.

The Cowboys are trying to navigate through their most rugged stretch of the season, with Thursday's matchup marking their third game in 12 days. “They throw these schedules at you and it’s part of the game,” Dallas cornerback Brandon Carr told reporters. "You get through this one, get through the storm ... you can look back and tell stories about it. It’s something that makes us bond and become closer.” Minnesota, which also will be playing for the third time in 12 days, has been in a spiral since sprinting out to a 5-0 start. The Vikings have dropped five of their last six, including a 16-13 loss at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day to fall one game behind the Lions in the NFC Central.

TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, NBC, NFL Network.

LINE HISTORY: The Dallas Cowboys opened as 2.5-point road favorites and by Monday morning the point spread was all of the way up to the current number of 3.5. The total has wobbled between 43.5 and, the current number, 44 all week.

WEATHER REPORT: Dome.

INJURY REPORT:

Cowboys - DE D. Lawrence (Probable, back), T T. Smith (Probable, back), LB S. Lee (Probable, illness), S B. Church (probable, forearm), DL D. Irving (Probable, illness), DE J. Crawford (Questionable, foot), DT T. McClain (Questionable, thigh), LB J. Durant (Out, hamstring), S J. Wilcox (Out, leg), OL C. Green (Out Indefinitely, foot), CB M. Claiborne (Out Indefinitely, hernia), DE R. Gregory (Elig Week 15, suspension), LB R. McClain (I-R, suspension), RB D. McFadden (Questionable, elbow), OL L. Collins (Questionable, toe), TE J. Hanna (I-R, knee), TE G. Swaim (I-R, pectoral), DE C. Tapper (I-R, back), LB J. Smith (I-R, knee), QB K. Moore (I-R, ankle).

Vikings - WR S. Diggs (Probable, knee), TE K. Rudolph (Probable, shoulder), S H. Smith (Probable, ankle), LB E. Kendricks (Probable, hip), CB T. Newman (Probable, neck), G J. Sirles (Probable, hip), QB S. Bradford (Probable, ankle), WR A. Thielen (Probable, shoulder), QB T. Heinicke (Questionable, foot), CB C. Munnerlyn (Questionable, ankle), DE E. Griffen (Questionable, shoulder), CB M. Alexander (Doubtful, groin), DT S. Floyd (Out, knee), CB M. Sherels (Out, ribs), G J. Berger (Out Indefinitely, concussion), G M. Harris (Questionable, illness), RB A. Peterson (Mid Dec, knee), T J. Long (I-R, achilles), T A. Smith (I-R, tricep), T M. Kalil (I-R, hip), QB T. Bridgewater (I-R, knee), DT S. Crichton (I-R, undisclosed), CB J. Price (I-R, knee), S A. Exum Jr. (I-R, leg).

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (10-1 SU, 9-2 ATS, 5-6 O/U): Dallas owner Jerry Jones is adopting the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy and sees no reason to deviate from the formula of riding the legs of rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott, the league's leading rusher with 1,199 yards. "The more we give Ezekiel the ball, then I think the better," Jones said of Elliott, who also has rushed for 11 touchdowns. "We're winning with that. We're wearing them down on defense." Elliott has thrust himself into the MVP conversation, and one of his competitors may be fellow rookie Dak Prescott, who has 18 TD passes against only two interceptions and has posted a passer rating of at least 100 in nine of the last 10 games. Dallas ranks 31st in pass defense (280.4 yards) and has made only four interceptions.

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (6-5 SU, 6-5 ATS, 4-7 O/U): Minnesota cornerback Xavier Rhodes has as many interceptions as the Cowboys and is part of a defense that ranks second in the league with 17.5 points allowed and paces the NFC with a plus-12 turnover differential. With a stagnant running game and an offense that has been limited to 16 points of fewer four times in the last six games, quarterback Sam Bradford is pushing for the coaches to open the playbook and take shots downfield. Bradford (ankle) has been limited in practice this week but hopes to have the services of leading wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who had 40 receptions over a four-game stretch prior to sitting out last week's loss against the Lions with a knee injury. "I think we've got to find a way to create more explosive plays," Bradford acknowledged.

TRENDS:

* Cowboys are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Vikings are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Under is 8-2 in Cowboys last 10 road games.
* Under is 14-2 in Vikings last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Cowboys are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The road favorite Dallas Cowboys are picking up 70 percent of the point spread action and the Over is getting 59 percent of the Over/Under wagers

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NFL Picks: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings Odds & Predictions
by Alan Matthews

We finally have an interesting Thursday night matchup this week between good teams on full rest, and now come reports that the NFL is thinking about dumping or altering the Thursday night package?

Have most of the TNF games this season, and really all seasons, been lousy football? I think that's fair to say. The league ensures every team plays on Thursday once a season (Thanksgiving also counts). So that means we are forced to see some bad clubs in a prime-time national TV game. There just aren't enough great matchups each week to go around to make every TV partner happy. Plus the players aren't 100 percent physically playing in these quick turnaround games.

So Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk and NBC this week reported that the NFL is considering either eliminating the Thursday games (not Thanksgiving) or perhaps just staging them only in the final six weeks or so. I tend to believe what Florio is reporting, although the NFL has denied all of it. Nothing would likely happen until 2018 because the current contracts with CBS and NBC run through 2017. I find it hard to fathom the NFL walks away from that money -- plus it would hurt the value of the NFL Network, which shows every Thursday night game. The best idea I've heard is extending the season to 18 weeks and giving each team two byes. All Thursday games, except maybe Thanksgiving, would feature teams off the bye.

But as I said in my lead paragraph, this Thursday's game between the Cowboys and Vikings in Minneapolis should be a great matchup. And there are no concerns about the players being in less than tip-top shape as both clubs played on Thanksgiving and thus will be on normal rest.

Cowboys at Vikings Betting Story Lines

We should know by a week from Sunday night if the NFC playoffs will run through Dallas. Right now that would be the case with the Cowboys at 10-1 and two losses clear of every other team in the conference. Seattle being upset in Tampa Bay this past Sunday was a very good thing for the Cowboys. Whether they get home-field advantage throughout likely will be decided here and then next week at the Giants, whom the Cowboys lead by two in the NFC East (but New York would own the tiebreaker with a Week 14 victory to complete the season sweep). Then again, the G-Men are likely to lose this Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Dallas is the +193 favorite to win the NFC title and is on a franchise-best 10-game winning streak following a Thanksgiving 31-26 victory over the visiting Redskins to all but eliminate Washington from the NFC East race. Rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott continued their stellar seasons, as Prescott was 17-for-24 for 195 yards with a TD and no picks again while rushing for a score. Elliott found the end zone twice and had 97 yards on 20 carries.

If I might nitpick, I still don't trust that Dallas defense, and Kirk Cousins torched it for 449 yards and three scores. A few weeks ago, Ben Roethlisberger also had a huge game vs. Dallas. I'd be a little worried about that side of the ball if I have a Cowboys futures ticket. You can give up plenty of yards and win a Super Bowl -- if you get big stops and turnovers. But Dallas has only 10 takeaways, tied for 27th. And it doesn't get to the QB much.

Minnesota (6-5) is currently sitting eighth in the NFC and probably isn't going to win the NFC North after losing in Detroit on Thanksgiving, 16-13, as the first-place Lions (7-4) completed the season sweep to take what is basically a two-game lead over the Vikes. Their defense certainly played well enough to win that game, but Sam Bradford threw a horrific interception in the final minute, and Matt Prater won it on a 40-yard field goal as time expired. Vikings fans probably have voodoo dolls of Prater as he also hit a 58-yarder at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 9 as time expired to send that game into overtime, which the Lions won.

There's no sugarcoating that the Minnesota offense isn't very good. The team does think leading receiver Stefon Diggs will be back after missing the Turkey Day game due to an injury, but with Adrian Peterson still out there are very few play-makers on that side of the ball. Bradford has reminded us why he has perplexed a handful of head coaches over his career. If the Vikings are going to win this game and make the postseason, it will be on the back of the league's No. 2 defense (17.5 ppg). The good news is that if the Vikings win this one, they could easily finish 10-6 and that should be enough. They close out at Jacksonville, vs. Indianapolis, at Green Bay and vs. Chicago. The Vikings should be favored against all but the Pack.

Vikings at Cowboys Betting Odds and Trends

Dallas is a 3-point favorite (-130) with a total of 44. On the moneyline, the Cowboys are -190 and the Vikings +165. On the alternate lines, Dallas is -3.5 (-105) and -2.5 (-155). The Cowboys are 9-2 against the spread (5-0 on road) and 5-6 "over/under" (2-3 on road). The Vikings are 6-5 ATS (4-1 at home) and 4-7 O/U (2-3 at home).

Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its past five road games vs. teams with a winning home record. It is 1-6 ATS in its past seven on Thursday. The Vikings are 8-0 ATS in their past eight at home vs. teams with a winning road record. They are 1-5 ATS in their past six vs. the NFC. The under is 10-3 in the Cowboys' past 13 after an ATS loss. The under is 14-2 in Minnesota's past 16 vs. teams with a winning record. It is 9-2 in the team's past 11 following an ATS loss. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The Cowboys haven't covered their past six at Minnesota.

Cowboys at Vikings Betting Prediction

First meeting between the teams in three years, so no relevance there. For the Week 12 Monday game between the Packers and Eagles in Philly, I used the logic of taking the team with the better quarterback (Green Bay) even though the home team (Philly) had dominated there defensively this season. And that worked out well.

I'd obviously much rather have Prescott and the Cowboys offense, but that Vikings defense is really good and has been great at home. Bradford also has been much better there. Finally, I think this is desperation time for Minnesota and nearly a throwaway game for Dallas. So I'll take the 3.5 points. Go under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 13
By Bruce Marshall

Thursday, Dec. 1

DALLAS at MINNESOTA (NBC/NFL Network, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Cowboys finally have a spread L after Redskins game but still 9-1-1 vs. line this season Dallas also 5-0 SU and vs. line on road in 2016. Vikes now 1-5 SU and vs. line last six this season, Zimmer also “under” 7-4 in 2016, “under” 27-17 since taking over Vikes in 2014.
Tech Edge: Cowboys and “under,” based on recent and “totals” trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL

Week 13

Thursday Night

Cowboys (5-6) @ Vikings (6-5)— Dallas won its last 10 games (9-1 vs spread); they’re 5-0 on road, 2-0 as road favorites- they scored 27+ points in last seven games, averaged 7.9+ yds/pass attempt in last four. Dallas has zero takeaways (-1) in last four games. Minnesota lost five of last six games after a 5-0 start; they’re 4-1 at home, with only loss inn OT to Detroit. Vikings are 2-2 as an underdog this year. Home side won last five Cowboy-Viking games; teams last met in 2013. Dallas lost last five visits here, with four of five losses by 10+ points- their last win here was 21 years ago. NFC East non-divisional favorites are 10-3 vs spread, 3-1 on road. NFC North underdogs are 6-7 vs spread, 1-1 at home. Under is 8-3 in Minnesota games, 3-1 in last four Cowboy road games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey

We will be shifting out tack from the Big A to Gulfstream Park starting with opening day of the championship meeting, which runs until April 1.

I will be doing Gulfstream Park daily and Aqueduct just on Saturday during the winter.

The Gulfstream Park meeting will feature 93 stakes races along with the first running of the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational, which is now the world’s richest race.

A dozen stakeholders put up $1 million each, with the winning horse earning a paycheck of $7 million for winning the race, which will be contested on Jan. 28.

There is a good chance we could see a renewal of the rivalry between Arrogate and California Chrome, the one-two finishers of the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

Also possible for the race is the Aiden O’Brien trained Highland Reel, the winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1).

Others that could compete include Connect, Hoppertunity, Keen Ice and Gun Runner.

Opening day on Saturday features the 18th edition of the Claiming Crown, with nine stakes races with $1.1 million in purses up for grabs.

The Claiming Crown is always one of my favorite cards to play all year. We are going to see full fields of competitive races with horses coming in from all parts of the U.S.

I will have my full card report available by Friday afternoon.

The weather is on the improve at Aqueduct after we were off the turf and catching a sloppy track on Wednesday to start the week.


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

AQU Race 1 Md $20,000 (12:20 ET)
#3 Blameiton Brooklyn 2-1
#1 Play Big 3-1
#7 Whitegate 5-1
#5 Chomsky 7-2

Analysis: Blameiton Brooklyn prompted the early pace while down along a deep rail and a racing strip that was kind to outside stalkers and closers, weakening to finish fourth in his first start off a 15 month layoff. He was sent off as the chalk after showing promise in his debut last March in a game runner up finish at the Spa against maiden special weight foes. He should move forward second off the bench for the Gullo barn that is off to a chilly start at the meeting (0 for 16). The mare has dropped one other foal to race, 1 for 4 Indian Wildcat ($16,010).

Play Big chased the early pace and tired to finish sixth last out for this tag in his first start off the claim by the Toscano barn that does good work with recent claims. His best effort was three back in a game runner up finish at this level at Belmont Park. A repeat of that effort here is good enough to win in this spot.

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 8-5 or better.
EX: 1,3 / 1,3,5,7
TRI: 1,3 / 1,3,5,7 / 1,2,3,5,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:

AQU Race 9 Clm $16,000N2L (4:12 ET)
#2 Kid Friendly 7-2
#4 Mid Ocean 2-1
#8 Lotta Gold 8-1
#7 Feets of Strength 6-1

Analysis: Kid Friendly pressed the early pace and weakened in the stretch to finish fourth last out going long on turf versus $25,000 non-winners of two. The gelding was claimed out of the race by the Falcone barn that is 18% winners (with a +ROI) first off the claim. The gelding broke his maiden in the slop in his debut three back at the Spa going nine furlongs while in the Nicks barn. He looks well spotted dropping in for $16,000 and switching back to the main track.

Mid Ocean was outrun early and not a threat in a fifth place finish, eased up late with the jock standing up before the wire as the beaten favorite against Alw-1 foes at Penn. The gelding was a good second in the slop at the Spa four back against $40,000 non-winners of two. The surface switch suits as does the jock switch back to Carmouche.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 2,4 / 2,4,7,8
TRI: 2,4 / 2,4,7,8 / 2,4,5,7,8

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
R4: #6 Single Heist 12-1
R5: #5 Just Got Out 8-1
R9: #8 Lotta Gold 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Saratoga Harness

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

Race 10 - Post: 7:00 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 79 - Purse:$5030 - COLTS & GELDINGS - N/W $2,000 LAST 5 STARTS NON-WINNERS LAST 3 ALLOWED $300
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 9 ILIKETHEMTRASHY 5/2
# 5 SOMELUCKSOMEROCK 6/1
# 3 MAYFLOWERMOONSHINE 9/2

The consensus here is that ILIKETHEMTRASHY is the one to beat. Getting a good thought about this gelding. Could surprise today. This fine animal looks very good. Look at the 84 avg TrackMaster SR. Been competing with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class advantage. (Average Rating 87). SOMELUCKSOMEROCK - Could more than likely best this field of starters given the 76 TrackMaster Speed Rating achieved in his last race. This entrant has been making trips to the winner's circle on a routine basis, look for him to make another appearance soon. MAYFLOWERMOONSHINE - Tough to pass on this gelding with masterful Aldrich in the sulky. Major player for the win