Tuesday 1/20/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

Capital One Cup TODAY 19:45

Liverpool

v

Chelsea

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		5/2	12/5	6/5	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LIVERPOOL	RECENT FORM
AWHWHDAWAWAW​ Most recent​	1 - 2 0 - 2 2 - 2 4 - 1	HWADALHWHWAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Chelsea have scored two goals or more in nine of their last ten matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Jose Mourinho has deployed strong sides throughout Chelsea's Capital One Cup campaign and can lead his side to victory at Anfield. Liverpool have had a bright start to 2015 but there are still questions over their defence and the free-scoring Blues are likely to take full advantage.

RECOMMENDATION: Chelsea
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Meadows

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


Race 2 - Post: 1:15 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$11800 - CD 3-6YO F& M NW 5 EXT PM RACES OR $25,000 LIFE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 LA FIESTA 20/1


# 3 LIFE IS A BEACH 8/5


# 4 MCNICE 9/2


LA FIESTA is the clear stand out bet in the eyes of the group and is a really strong value wager given the line. This contender has been making trips to the winner's circle on a regular basis, look for her to make another showing soon. The 5 position is on fire here at The Meadows. More wins than you would expect. LIFE IS A BEACH - Burke fits this harness racer's style perfectly. They've enjoyed some super results when teaming up. Has the perfect running style to defeat this group of animals, according to the pace stats. MCNICE - The 4 slot sports a much better than average win clip at The Meadows. A great class horse can't be forgotten. With an average class figure of 79 all signs point to this one being the winner.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Northfield Park

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


Race 14 - Post: 10:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$4500 - NON WINNERS $300 PER START IN 2014-15. AE: N/W $2250 IN LAST 5 STARTS THAT ARE N/W $40,000 IN 2014-15. NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER NORTHFIELD TRAINER CHANGES HN 3 J.WYATT TO K.EHRHARDT HN 5 A.DILLI,JR TO M.MULLET HN 9 N.BAVA TO D.RIDEOUT


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 CONKERS CONQUEST 9/5


# 6 HERSMAN 8/1


# 9 TIMEWELL 10/1


CONKERS CONQUEST will have you running to the cashier's window in here. This fine animal looks tough. Check out the 90 average TrackMaster Speed Rating. Good for a win bet just off the amazing prior class stats. Have to like this race horse. Could unquestionably better this bunch given the 76 TrackMaster SR achieved in his most recent contest. HERSMAN - The handicapping group happens to know that when you put Merriman and Kina together formidable results happen frequently. The knowledge group always likes a proven performer. This horse's high winning pct is evidence of that. TIMEWELL - This race horse has shown us ability in its prior races, just look at the 84 avg class ranking. Should play well here. Could definitely defeat this field of starters given the 74 TrackMaster Speed Rating recorded in his most recent race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

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


Race 5 - Allowance - 330y on the Dirt. Purse: $6500 Class Rating: 79

QUARTER HORSE 330Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 10 MIND BENDING 15/1


# 4 LEADIN LADY 5/1


# 9 BELLAS BULLET 9/2


I lean toward MIND BENDING for this event and is a respectable value wager given the line. Will probably come out strong - I have liked the way this gelding has moved sharply to the lead recently. Has to be carefully examined based on the respectable speed figure recorded in the last contest. Has to be carefully examined against this group of horses displaying very good numbers recently and an average speed figure of 70 under similar conditions. LEADIN LADY - Keep this filly in your exotics as Kelsey has given backers some double digit gains. Expect a much better outing with the drop. BELLAS BULLET - He has been running soundly and the Speed Figures are among the best in this group of horses in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Turf Paradise

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


Race 1 - Claiming - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $3800 Class Rating: 84

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 HALEYS DASHING HOPE 5/2


# 7 JM THE DANCE 5/1


# 8 PANCHO PANTERA 6/1


HALEYS DASHING HOPE looks to be the wager in here. Has performed admirably recently in short races, posting a nifty 79 avg speed figure. Is tough not to examine based on Speed Figures which have been very strong - 76 avg - of late. With a quite good 84 speed rating last time out, will clearly be a factor in this contest. JM THE DANCE - Always good to invest in a handler with this kind of very strong win percentage - 15 percent - at this distance & surface. Have to love when any pony makes a quick major improvement. PANCHO PANTERA - Earned a decent speed rating last time out. No strangers to the winner's circle, Fales and Bourdieu will probably have this horse breaking away from the field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Sam Houston - Race #4 - Post: 2:24pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,500 Class Rating: 63

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 MARGARITA ON ROCKS (ML=3/1)
#2 THEY CALL ME PAT (ML=9/2)
#7 MOONLIGHT MYSTERY (ML=6/1)


MARGARITA ON ROCKS - Was in an Allowance race at Retama Park last out. That event had an Equibase class figure of 71 and she is moving down in this event. A certain contender. Another way to judge class is earnings per race. This horse has the highest in the field. I think she'll be close at the finish line. THEY CALL ME PAT - Filly was in versus 'open company' on Dec 3rd and should find this group easier to deal with. Trainer Bravo moves this horse to a lower class rank to face a less competitive field. Look for a strong effort racing against these lower level horses. This one has increased her speed ratings in each of the last two races. That kind of progress is worth considering when its time to bet. That 65 fig this filly registered in her last race tells me she's a key player today. MOONLIGHT MYSTERY - Was in an Allowance race at Retama Park in the last race. That race had an Equibase class figure of 71 and she is moving down in today's race. A certain solid contender.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 SHEZA PRIZE (ML=2/1), #6 MINNEY JEWELL (ML=8/1), #5 Z LIL'S AUTUMN (ML=8/1),

SHEZA PRIZE - This runner hasn't been close to the winner at the finish line recently. MINNEY JEWELL - This horse hasn't shown much life in the last pair of affairs. Z LIL'S AUTUMN - The speed ratings continue to fall, 43/38/26. Not a healthy signal. In this circumstance, this mount's inability to close any ground in the last race is a troubling signal. Finished eighth in her most recent performance with a most unsatisfactory speed figure. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this field.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #3 MARGARITA ON ROCKS to win. Have to have odds of at least 7/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,3,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #8 - Post: 4:00pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,500 Class Rating: 49

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 SOPHIE SUE (ML=6/1)
#6 SUNLITE POOL (ML=4/1)


SOPHIE SUE - Entered a Maiden Special race at Mountaineer last time out and raced on a track listed as good finishing eighth. Has to do better right here in this race. Ran last out against a better field at Mountaineer. The move down in the class scale should suit her well. This mount earns a lot of money per race around the track. I believe she can augment that bankroll right here in this race. SUNLITE POOL - This mare is in good form. Finished second on December 26th. I like the fact that this mare's last fig, 49, is tops in this bunch.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 MIA'S GLOW (ML=3/1), #11 SKIPAPALOOZA (ML=9/2), #2 LITTLE RED CAP (ML=8/1),

MIA'S GLOW - Tough to wager on at 3/1 odds after the most recent efforts. SKIPAPALOOZA - Hard to take this pony at these odds after the finish position (eighth) in the last event. LITTLE RED CAP - Don't believe this entrant is worth 8/1 in this event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #8 SOPHIE SUE to win if you can get odds of 5/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [6,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 1/20 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 8 - 36 / $38.20 BEST BETS: 0 - 3 / $0.00

Best Bet: WELLWESAID (3rd)

Spot Play: LUCKY LUCKY LEO (7th)


Race 1

(4) FOX VALLEY LEO put in a sharp effort recently and should be ready to get the job done. (2) TRIPLE MAJOR gets some post relief. (7) WATERSIDE CHAMP put in a mild rally in his last try.

Race 2

(1) IBANEZ rallied strongly for win honors last time around and a repeat effort is clearly not out of the question. (2) WELL CONNECTED KID Qualifier at Freehold was good enough for this guy to contend with these. (3) BRENWAY DIXIE She could be right in the mix.

Race 3

(6) WELLWESAID was nailed for the score last time out. Pacer fits well in here and can make amends. (4) MOVE BLUE CHIP raced evenly in his latest. (1) THE AMAZING ART retains the fence and is not out of this.

Race 4

(4) NICE DREAM Trotter moves to the four slot and that might help his cause to get back to the winner's circle. (5) SUN OF A VICTORY was sent down the road last out for all the glory. (7) DREAM DEFENCE N Sharp victory at Freehold recently.

Race 5

(2) OR his last two might be an indication this pacer is ready to fire his best. (5) BAKERSFIELD Meadowlands invader returns to Yonkers and when we last saw him on 11/17 he went wire to wire; threat. (8) SCARLET CHASER could grab a share of the purse.

Race 6

Will try (5) MR BIG LOAD to put it all together and get the job done against these. (1) DIAMONDKEEPER gets post relief and Sears signs on to drive. (3) BET THE TRUTH Tough break last time out but is better than his recent trip.

Race 7

(4) LUCKY LUCKY LEO Good to see Brennan keeps the faith on this pacer, closed well for the fourth spot last time around and this guy is very capable of making today a winning one. (7) LAST DRAGON was caught at the wire for the victory last out. (1) ONE MORE LAUGH moves to the fence where he could be a factor in here.

Race 8

(6) NEVERDIE Sharp in victory at the Big M last time out and this trotting gelding seems good enough to top these for his second straight score. (1) YAGOT CLASS moves to the rail slot and flashed some speed last time around. (3) SCOTTISH CROSS moves down in class and Sears has the call; watch out.

Race 9

(7) HOT SHOT LAWYER showed signs of life last time out so at his best, this guy could put his best foot forward. (5) DINNER GUEST's latest had some trouble early on in the race, but poured it on for a easy score. (2) TAILLIGHT HANOVER was nailed for the victory in his last try.

Race 10

(1) GLORY BEACH Gelding showed good speed at The Meadowlands in his most recent trip and with the move to the half-mile oval and the fence, he could be ready to boss these at his best. (4) OK GALAHAD should fare well from the 4-hole. (6) THEREISAPACEFORUS might be right in the mix.

Race 11

(3) LUCKY COLBY Trotting gelding put in a good effort in his Philly finale and has the right stuff to move forward against this group. (1) SUGAR QUEEN GABBY retains the rail slot where she was third best last time out. (8) TACS DELIGHT put in two sharp performances so the 8-hole should be no problem.

Race 12

(2) LATE NITE FLIGHT flashed good early zip last time around and this pacing gelding is very capable of getting the job done in the finale. (3) A J CORBELLI was second best in his most recent trip to the post. (5) LETTUCEROCKU A leaves the eight slot for a better post to work with; not out of this.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Mahoning Valley (1st) He's Etain, 7-2
(6th) Tall Hammer, 3-1


Parx Racing (2nd) The Iron Furnace, 4-1
(6th) Anybodyreallyknow, 3-1


Sam Houston (5th) Only Liquor, 6-1
(6th) Performance Writer, 6-1


Turf Paradise (4th) My Max Regal, 9-2
(7th) A Day Away, 9-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - January

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
1/1 2 10.5 10 UNDER
1/2 8 43 37 UNDER
1/3 10 52.5 74 OVER
1/4 7 37 46 OVER
1/5 1 5 5 PUSH
1/6 10 55.5 51 UNDER
1/7 4 22 23 OVER
1/8 10 55.5 58 OVER
1/9 5 26.5 33 OVER
1/10 11 58 58 PUSH
1/11 3 16 20 OVER
1/12 3 17.5 15 UNDER
1/13 10 54.5 64 OVER
1/14 4 21.5 18 UNDER
1/15 10 55.5 47 UNDER
1/16 6 32 34 OVER
1/17 12 64.5 69 OVER
1/18 4 21.5 33 OVER
1/19 7 37.5 37 UNDER
1/20 8 - - -
1/21 6 - - -
1/22 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/23 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/24 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/25 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/26 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/27 11 - - -
1/28 3 - - -
1/29 11 - - -
1/30 5 - - -
1/31 11 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Preview: Blackhawks (28-15) at Coyotes (16-24)

Date: January 20, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

The Chicago Blackhawks may have one of the finest collections of offensive talent in the NHL, but that group has been feeling more pressure due to the club's defensive struggles this month.

Chicago looks to avoid a third consecutive defeat by dealing the visiting Arizona Coyotes a sixth straight loss Tuesday night.

The Blackhawks (28-15-2) outscored opponents 41-29 in non-shootout goals while going 10-2-1 in December, as Patrick Kane recorded eight of his 21 goals during the month. They've allowed 27 non-shootout goals in going 3-5-0 in 2015, giving up the final three in the third period of a 6-3 home loss to Dallas on Sunday.

Brandon Saad scored twice to give him five goals and an assist during a four-game point streak, but Corey Crawford stopped just 23 of 28 shots as Chicago had numerous defensive breakdowns.

"I think it's already a concern," Saad said. "With the skill in here, we're going to score goals, but the main objective here (is) we've got to keep them out of our net."

The Blackhawks have yet to drop three in a row this season and are experiencing their first two-game skid since losing to Toronto and Winnipeg on Nov. 1 and 2. Jonathan Toews has seven assists in a five-game point streak, but his 11-game goal drought is his longest since going a career-worst 12 to begin the 2008-09 season.

'You're going to have your moments across the season,' Toews said. 'We're not going to overreact and make a huge deal or panic about anything - the same way we don't get overconfident when things are going our way.'

Antti Raanta will make his first start since a 5-2 loss at Edmonton on Jan. 9 for the Blackhawks, who fell 2-0 on the road in the most recent meeting with Arizona on Feb. 7.

Chicago beat the Coyotes 5-4 in a shootout in the last matchup at the United Center on Nov. 14, 2013, ending a six-game home losing streak in the series that included the postseason.

Arizona (16-24-5) has dropped three straight and six of seven on the road after falling 4-3 in a shootout to Winnipeg on Sunday. This will be its third of eight straight road games, five of those coming after the All-Star break starting Jan. 27 against Philadelphia.

Coach Dave Tippett was pleased with his club's effort against the Jets despite the loss, as Lauri Korpikoski and Tobias Rieder scored in the final seven minutes of the third to force overtime.

Mike Smith, who has struggled to a 3.43 goals-against average and .887 save percentage, made 27 saves in an overall solid effort.

"We hung around all game," Tippett said. "(Smith) gave us a good game, and we found a way to keep chugging in the third. Give our guys a ton of credit. I like the way we hung around the game."

Keith Yandle, who had a goal and an assist in the most recent meeting with Chicago, recorded an assist for the third straight game. Shane Doan returned after missing the previous two with a lower-body injury and had two assists.

'To tie it up in the third and to get points shows a lot of will and fight in our team,' Yandle said.

Smith will look to end a four-start skid. He made 30 saves for his fourth shutout in 17 career starts, including playoffs, against Chicago in the last meeting.

The Blackhawks will be without forward Daniel Carcillo, who was suspended for six games for cross checking Jets forward Mathieu Perreault.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Central Division Analysis
By Joe Nelson

Take a look as the five teams in the Eastern Conference Central Division as we approach the halfway point in the season. Here is a breakdown of the results and spread results for each team in the Central division and a look at what situations may be favorable moving forward for each squad.

The Central has featured some surprising results to this point in the season and while first place and last place are 12 games apart, the point differentials for these five teams are all within five points. Cleveland and Chicago were the heavy favorites in a division Indiana has won the past two seasons, while few expected Detroit or Milwaukee to be playoff contenders. While none of the teams in this division has one of the best three records in the Eastern Conference, the division should produce three playoff teams and Cleveland and Chicago are still priced as two of the favorites to win the NBA championship.

Chicago Bulls: The Bulls lead the Central by a wide margin at 27-15, but this has not been an overly impressive squad, going just 18-24 ATS on the season and sitting just +2.8 in average point differential for the season. Chicago has played the 26th-rated schedule in the league and the Bulls have been a surprisingly poor performer at home going just 12-10 S/U and 7-15 ATS. Chicago has been known for defense in recent seasons under Tom Thibodeau, but the Bulls have leaned ‘over’ on the season 23-17-2 including a 16-5-1 mark for the ‘over’ at the United Center. As the point differential suggests, Chicago has been tough to trust as a heavy favorite going 3-9 ATS when favored by 10 or more points and 5-12 ATS when favored by six or more points.

If the Bulls win convincingly, they have been a team to fade the next time out, going 2-6 ATS in games following up a double-digit win this season. Chicago is an 11-9 ATS performer on the road this season including a 7-4 mark as a road favorite. The Bulls have been on a recent ATS slide going just 3-10 ATS since beating the Lakers convincingly on Christmas day, but they have covered in seven of the last 10 road games.

Milwaukee Bucks: Many laughed at Jason Kidd’s efforts to force a better deal with the Nets after last season backfiring, leading to Kidd ultimately landing in a seemingly much less favorable position in Milwaukee. Kidd has quickly proven his head coaching meddle with the Bucks at 21-19 this season after the team went 15-67 last season for the worst record in the NBA. Milwaukee has been one of the great surprises in the league and a team that continues to turn in profits with a 27-12-1 ATS record on the season. Milwaukee is +1.2 in point differential on the season through the league’s 22nd-ranked schedule. While staying above .500 might be a challenge down the stretch, making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference certainly looks like a strong possibility.

Milwaukee has been a great underdog this season at 17-9-1 ATS, but they have been even better as a favorite at 10-3 ATS on the season. The Bucks have been excellent in road games with a 17-6 ATS mark that includes covers in nine of the last 10 road games and Milwaukee has been outstanding coming off a loss with a 16-3 ATS record, including a 6-0 ATS mark coming off back-to-back S/U defeats. The Bucks have been one of the great ‘under’ teams in the league with the ‘under’ at 25-15 with the team heading back from London including the ‘under’ hitting in each of the last seven road games for Milwaukee and the ‘under’ hitting in 11 straight games overall for the Bucks since Christmas.

Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers are still one of the favorites to win the NBA Finals despite a lackluster 21-20 campaign at this point in the season. Despite the struggles, Cleveland is still comfortably in the Eastern Conference playoff field and this would be a team no one would want to face in the postseason. That said the David Blatt, LeBron James, and Kevin Love partnership has not had a great start and Cleveland has been one of the best teams to play against this season at 15-26 ATS for the year. The Cavaliers have also been a disappointing scoring team and the ‘under’ has gone 25-14-2. While Cleveland has struggled as a favorite at 12-17 ATS on the season, they have been worse when dogged and facing top competition, going 3-9 ATS as an underdog this season. A recent sweep in two games at the Staples Center may provide a spark for the Cavaliers in the second half, but those back-to-back wins and covers ended a brutal 4-16 ATS run that featured Cleveland losing nine of 10 games S/U until last week’s wins.

Cleveland has gone 2-9 ATS in the last 11 road games going back to the start of December, actually losing four home games in a road S/U though they were an underdog in three of those games. The win over the Clippers last week snapped a six-game losing streak for Cleveland as an underdog of four or more points. In fairness, Cleveland has played the toughest schedule in the division to this point, a slate that ranks 11th in the league and the Cavaliers are 3-2 S/U vs. division foes and 15-9 S/U vs. the Eastern Conference this season, proving they could still be a threat in the postseason. Cleveland is just 6-11 S/U and ATS vs. the Western Conference this season even after sweeping two games in Los Angeles last week.

Detroit Pistons: The Pistons started the season 5-23 S/U and 8-20 ATS before dumping Josh Smith right before Christmas. Since Christmas, Detroit is 11-2 S/U and 10-3 ATS for an incredible turnaround that has the Pistons just a game out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The value on Detroit may be shifting back against the Pistons at some point as this is still a team that is just 6-15 ATS at home and 4-10 ATS as a favorite this season as the recent run of success came mainly on the road and often as an underdog. The Pistons have played an average schedule that ranks 17th in the league and they generally have not fared well against the best competition even with a few recent wins of note, beating San Antonio, Dallas, and Toronto so far in January.

Detroit has been a streaky team going 10-5 ATS off a win this season, but just 8-17 ATS off a loss. The ‘under’ has had a slight edge in Detroit games at 22-18-1 including 13-8 in road games while the ‘over’ is 11-9-1 Detroit home games. Time will tell if the Pistons can continue the strong recent results but the ATS numbers are likely to turn with the recent shift in valuation for Detroit, now frequently playing as a favorite.

Indiana Pacers: As expected, the Indiana Pacers have fallen off the map after being the top seed in the Eastern Conference last season, going 56-26. Injuries have played a major role, but it is a bit surprising that the Pacers are sitting at the bottom of the division at this point at just 15-27. Indiana has been more successful against the spread with a 21-18-3 ATS mark though they have dropped six in a row heading into this week. The Pacers have been a profitable road team despite a 7-16 S/U mark going 14-7-2 ATS away from home including 13-4-2 ATS as a road underdog. Indiana is also 10-3-1 ATS on the road coming off a loss. The Pacers are 15-9-2 ATS overall as an underdog but just 6-9-1 ATS as a favorite. After being one of the best home teams in the NBA last season with a 35-6 S/U record in Indianapolis, the Pacers are just 8-11 S/U and 7-11-1 ATS at home this season.

Despite the struggles, the Pacers are less than three games out of the playoff picture and with a -1.7 average point differential Indiana has likely deserved a better record with many close defeats through a schedule that has ranked 16th in the league so far this season. Indiana has leaned slightly to the ‘over’ this season with the ‘over’ going 24-18 at this point in the season, including 16-7 on the road, though after the ‘over’ started the season 14-3 in road games for the Pacers and it is just 2-4 since. The Pacers are the only team in the Central with a losing division record going 2-5 S/U in division games and no team has done worse against the Western Conference with a 6-14 S/U mark, though they have played more games out of the conference than any other team in the division at this point.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Spurs (26-16) at Nuggets (18-23)

Date: January 20, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

After getting blown out by the NBA's best team, the Denver Nuggets have no time to recover as they face the defending champions next.

Not only will the San Antonio Spurs be better rested, they don't sound like they will take anything for granted because of their current place in the standings.

The visiting Spurs seek a fourth straight victory Tuesday night when they try to hand the reeling Nuggets a fourth straight defeat.

San Antonio (26-16) did not play Monday, and Denver (18-23) probably wishes it didn't. The Nuggets trailed by 27 points at halftime as they were crushed in their worst loss of the season, 122-79 at Golden State.

'We didn't compete. We looked like we were scared,' coach Brian Shaw said. 'I'm trying to be guarded in what I'm saying because I don't want to throw anybody under the bus, but I just don't understand how as a team we can't come out and compete when you're playing the best team in the league.'

The Spurs start a two-game trip before returning home for their next six games. They are in seventh place in the Western Conference as they seek to make up ground.

"We have a great opportunity," guard Tony Parker said. "We have two big games on the road and then we have a lot of games at home. It would be nice to take all those games because we have some catching up to do."

San Antonio's last two games have been marked by the return of Kawhi Leonard after last season's Finals MVP missed the previous 15 due to a torn ligament in his right hand. Leonard scored 20 points in Friday's 110-96 win over Portland before contributing 12 and nine rebounds in Sunday's 89-69 rout of Utah.

'He always impacts a game,' coach Gregg Popovich said. 'Whether it's the person he's guarding or giving help and making a steal, rebounding the basketball, scoring; he always has an impact on the game."

Evidence of this came when Leonard was the Spurs' top scorer with 18 points in a 99-91 win at Denver on Dec. 14. He also had eight rebounds, a career-high six blocks, five steals and four assists as he returned from a two-game absence due to the aforementioned hand injury.

Parker sat out that contest with a mild left hamstring strain. He will match up with Ty Lawson, who is averaging 9.6 points on 29.6 percent shooting in his last five games - all losses - versus the Spurs.

Lawson's backcourt mate, Arron Afflalo, scored 31 in the first meeting. Afflalo is averaging 10.3 points on 11-of-39 shooting in this losing streak.

Shaw said the Nuggets' first half of the season was "terrible and going in the wrong direction," also pointing to Saturday's 113-105 home defeat to lowly Minnesota.

"I guess it started with our loss the other night in Minnesota and carried over to tonight," he said. "Our schedule is only going to get tougher. And now is the time where we really need to hunker down and really go after it and it doesn't seem like we're doing it."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Game of the Day: Thunder at Heat

Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat (OFF, OFF)

The Oklahoma City Thunder can move above .500 for the first time all season when they travel to Miami to face the Heat on Tuesday. The Thunder started 3-12 while stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were battling injuries, but they've won two straight and seven of 11 to complete their climb out of the early hole. The Heat haven't seen .500 since the first week of December, but they've won three of four to maintain the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Thunder still have work to do to get back in the playoff picture — they're three games behind eighth-place Phoenix — but started a tough five-game road trip with an impressive 127-99 win at Orlando on Sunday. "We were clicking on all cylinders this time," Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "We haven't played well in our last three road games, but we came out with a road-trip mentality." Miami has won seven of the past eight meetings, including the 2012 NBA Finals, and the teams split two contests last season.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV, FSN Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Sun Sports (Miami)

ABOUT THE THUNDER (19-20): Oklahoma City has hit its stride offensively, scoring 127 points in each of the past two games and averaging 106.6 while winning 17 of its last 25. Durant (25.4 points, 6.9 rebounds) has scored 21 or more points in seven of eight games since returning from his most recent injury, averaging 28.6 points and nine rebounds over that stretch. Newcomer Dion Waiters has provided a spark off the bench since coming over from Cleveland, scoring 15 or more points in his last four games.

ABOUT THE HEAT (18-22): Miami wrapped up a five-game West Coast road trip with a 95-83 win at Sacramento on Friday, finishing 3-2 on the trek despite playing the last two games without leading scorer Dwyane Wade (22.1 points, 5.6 assists). Chris Bosh (21.6 points, 7.7 rebounds) and Luol Deng (14.2 points, 4.9 rebounds) put up big numbers against the Kings, but while Wade (hamstring) could return Tuesday, Deng (illness) is questionable. The Heat clamped down on defense on the trip, allowing 90 points or fewer in all three of their wins.

TRENDS:

* The Under is 7-0 in the Heat's last seven games
* The Thunder are 1-7 ATS in their last eight meetings
* The Thunder are 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine outings
* The Heat are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Michigan lost best player LeVert (foot) for season; they lost two of three Big 14 road games, losing by 13 at Purdue, 19 at Ohio State. Wolverines are shooting just 41.1% inside arc- three of their four Big 24 wins are by 5 or less points or in OT. Rutgers are 2-4 in league but won last two at home by total of nine points, rallying back from down 12 at half to upset Wisconsin. Big 14 home favorites of 4 or less points are 9-7.

Last four Ole Miss-Georgia games were decided by 3 or less points or in OT, with Rebels winning both meetings LY by total of 3 points. Rebels won three of last four visits here; they split last six games overall, with all three losses by 4 or less points. Georgia won eight of last 10 games, is off huge home win over Florida Saturday; Dawgs are making 45.3% of its 3's in SEC games. SEC home favorites of 6 or less points are 3-8-2.

Florida won its last seven games with LSU, winning last three played in Swamp by 14-12-13 points, but Gators are struggling at 10-7- they won first two SEC home games by 25-20 points. LSU split first four games in SEC with all four decided by 4 or less points or in OT. Tigers are 3-1 vs top 50 teams, with only loss to Old Dominion, but they lost at home to Texas A&M Saturday. SEC home favorites of 9+ points are 4-2.

Road team won both Boston College-Syracuse games LY, in first year in ACC for Orange; Eagles gave 25-0 Orange its first loss of year in 62-59 OT decision, making 11-22 from arc in game they trailed by 13 in second half. BC lost four of last five games, with three of last four decided by 4 or less points or in OT. Orange are 4-1 in ACC with three wins by 3 or less points. ACC home favorites of 8+ points are 5-8 vs spread.

Iowa State won five of last seven games with Kansas State, winning last three in Ames by 2-6-6 points. Cyclones are off rare win over Kansas in last game; they are 3-1 in Big X, with all three wins by 5 or less points. Wildcats are suprising Big X leader at 4-1, winning last four games, all by 7 or less points. K-State lost by 14 at Oklahoma State, beat Oklahoma in OT in its two road games. Big X home favorites of 8+ points are 2-3-1.

Dayton is surprisjng 5-0 in A-14 despite throwing its center off team last month; Flyers are shooting 61.6% inside arc, 41% on arc in league games, winning all five league games by 11+ points, albeit all vs teams in lower level of league. Davidson won its first two A-14 home games by 14 over Richmond, 35 over Saint Louis, but Spiders crushed them in rematch by 26 Saturday. Atlantic 14 home favorites of 5 or less points are 7-3.

Illinois State won last three games with Drake, winning last two here by 8-14 points; Redbirds won three of last four games but got swept by a mediocre Indiana State team. State is 3-3 in MVC despite making 43.1% of its 3's. Bulldogs lost five of their last six games; they're 1-2 at home in Valley, losing by 8-24 to Wichita/No Iowa, the two best teams in league. MVC home underdogs of 5+ points are 1-4 vs spread.

Home side won 17 of last 18 Wright State-Milwaukee games; Raiders lost 11 of last 12 visits here, winning 64-49 two years ago. Wright State lost five of last seven games, scoring 53 ppg in losing last two. Milwaukee is 1-5 in last six games, losing three of four in league despite shooting 58.4% inside arc and getting to foul line more than anyone in league. Horizon League home underdogs are 5-3 against spread.

Home side won last four Minnesota-Nebraska games; Gophers lost last two visits here by 2-4 points. Minnesota is 1-5 in Big 14, 0-3 away from home, losing by 4-12-5 points- their last three losses were by 5 or less points, their only win was at home vs Rutgers. Cornhuskers are 2-3 in league but won last two home games, by 10 over Illinois, over Rutgers by 16. Big 14 home favorites of 4 or less points are 9-7.

Tennessee won its last 14 games with South Carolina, winning last six in Columbia; Volunteers won seven of last eight games, winning first two on SEC road at Miss State/Mizzou- they're forcing turnovers 23.1% of time in league play. Gamecocks lost three of first four SEC games, with only win by hoop over Alabama; three of four games were decided by 4 points or less. SEC home favorites of 6 or less points are 3-8-2.

Last five Iowa-Wisconsin games were decided by 5 or less points, with Badgers winning last three by 4-4-5. Hawkeyes lost eight of last nine in Madison, but Badgers' PG Jackson is out. Wisconsin is 3-0 in conference home games, winning by 17-7-15 points; three of its four league wins are by 15+ points. Iowa won five of last six games; they were up 11 at half in only loss. Big 14 home favorites of 6+ points are 3-10.

San Diego State won last three games with Air Force by 7-7-8 points, but lost two of last three visits here, in series where home side won five of last six meetings. Aztecs are 4-1 in conference but didn't score more than 57 points in any of the five games. Falcons lost last three games by 12-5-5 points; they're 1-1 at home, losing to Colorado State by 5, with win vs San Jose State. Mountain West home underdogs are 4-3-1.

Nevada won three of last four games with Utah State, with wins by 7-1-8 points; home side won five of last six series games. Wolf Pack lost last game by 56; they were down 55-12 at half in game that Colorado State's best player didn't play. Utah State is 3-2 in league, 1-1 on road, losing at Fresno by 9; they're 3-4 overall on road, with wins at Illinois State and Boise State. Mountain West home underdogs are 4-3-1.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Nuggets in tough spot'

Denver Nuggets taken behind the woodshed spanked 122-79 at Warriors last night look to halt a three-game slide when they host San Antonio Spurs Tuesday night. Shaking off the beat-down against these Spurs is a tall order. Nuggets are not only caught playing the second of a back-to-back they're up against a San Antonio team that has clamped down on defense of late allowing opponents 93.9 points per 100 possessions in winning five of the last six on the hardwood (4-1-1 ATS). Nuggets unable to respond as underdogs of 7 or less (2-8 ATS), on a 2-4-1 ATS slide in back-2-backs, 1-8-2 ATS skid this season netting 95 or less points, 3-14 ATS the past 17 after netting =< 90 the previous effort, 2-6 ATS following a 25 or more point beat-down the numbers clearly point towards a 'Play-On' San Antonio.

 

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#1 Sports

Tuesday's free selection: Wis-Green Bay Phoenix - 17

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Wynn

Bonus Play: Tennessee +6 Over South Carolina

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Razor Sharp

FREE PICK FOR TUESDAY: Take DRAKE +8½ over Illinois St