Wednesday 1/14/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
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[superbeets]

English FA Cup TODAY 19:55

Ipswich

v

Southampton

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BBC1		15/4	13/5	5/6	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT IPSWICH	RECENT FORM
ADHWAWHWADHL​ Most recent​	2 - 5 0 - 3 2 - 0 2 - 1	HWAWHDHWHDAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Ipswich have lost just two home games since March

EXPERT VERDICT: The surprise package of the Championship host the surprise package of the Premier League in this FA Cup third-round replay, and it’s tempting to back a surprise stalemate. Southampton dominated the first meeting but Ronald Koeman’s side were at full strength and they were frustrated rather than unlucky.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[superbeets]

French League Cup TODAY 16:00

Monaco

v

Guingamp

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		4/6	9/4	5	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MONACO	RECENT FORM
HWHWAD*AWAWHD​ Most recent​	1 - 0 1 - 1 3 - 1 4 - 0	AWHWAWADAWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Monaco have kept clean sheets in seven of their last eight matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Monaco are unbeaten in eight games since the start of December and can maintain their excellent form with a narrow League Cup victory at home to Guingamp. Guingamp have also been on an amazing run – winning seven of their last eight – but have lost on five of their last six trips to Monaco.

RECOMMENDATION: Monaco to win 1-0
1

 

[superbeets]

Copa del Rey TODAY 19:00

Sociedad

v

Villarreal

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		2	9/4	29/20	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SOCIEDAD	RECENT FORM
HDHWADHWALAD​ Most recent​	1 - 2 0 - 0 1 - 1 1 - 0	AWHWHWADHWAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Villarreal are unbeaten in their last seven away fixtures

EXPERT VERDICT: Sociedad have been making reasonable progress under David Moyes but may struggle to bounce back from the 1-0 loss inflicted on them by Villarreal at El Madrigal last week. A closely-contested match is on the cards and a draw would suit the visitors, who are unbeaten in their last 13 matches.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[superbeets]

French League Cup TODAY 20:00

Lille

v

Nantes

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		Evs	21/10	3	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LILLE	RECENT FORM
HWHD*ALALHWHW​ Most recent​	2 - 0 0 - 0 1 - 1 2 - 0	ALHWHD*AWHWHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Lille have scored no more than one goal in 22 of their last 23 fixtures

EXPERT VERDICT: Successive 1-0 wins over Evian and Caen have lifted Lille into mid-table but their mini-revival could be halted by a home defeat to in-form Nantes in the League Cup. Lille have lost just domestic home game this season but face a confident Nantes looking to build on four wins from their last five matches.

RECOMMENDATION: Nantes
1

 

[superbeets]

Copa del Rey TODAY 21:00

Seville

v

Granada

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		1/3	17/4	8	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SEVILLE	RECENT FORM
AWHWHDHWAWAW​ Most recent​	5 - 1 4 - 0 3 - 0 1 - 2	ALADHDALHLHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Seville are unbeaten in 13 home matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Seville’s outstanding home form makes an upset unlikely and the hosts should build on their 2-1 first-leg lead without too much difficulty, although they have kept just three clean sheets in their last nine home games. La Liga strugglers Granada have trouble finding the net from open play but Seville make more fouls than any La Liga side so could give away loads of set-piece chances.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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


Race 1 - Post: 12:25 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 61 - Purse:$3100 - FIVE YEAR OLDS AND UNDER N/W 1 PM LIFE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 CAPTAIN AMERICAN 4/1


# 3 TURN EM ON 3/1


# 5 BULLVILLE DOTTSI 9/2


After thorough analysis by the handicapping team, CAPTAIN AMERICAN comes out as the top play. Hard to put finger on it, but back him for this race. Had one of the most solid speed figures of the group of animals in his last competition. I'd recommend using in your wagers. TURN EM ON - Feel the need for speed, this horse has been turning in some fantastic speed ratings averaging around 65. Seems to have a very nice class advantage based on the starters she has faced. BULLVILLE DOTTSI - Worth considering in this contest if only for the nice speed figure earned in the most recent race. 50 percent of the time this trainer and horse combo end up in the money. Big players in this contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Miami Valley

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


Race 8 - Post: 8:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$5000 - HORSES & GELDINGS N/W $1750 IN LAST 4 STARTS


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 LADY'S MAN 2/1


# 7 ONEMORELASTCHANCE 7/2


# 2 DOC'S ZIPPY 6/1


After thorough analysis by the panel of smart guys, LADY'S MAN comes out as the top selection. May be the most solid in the group of horses here, showing very good ratings of late. Avg speed is a solid 87. This fine animal has shown us some ability in the past, just look at the 86 average class ranking. Should play well today. Could surely beat this group given the 83 TrackMaster Speed Rating earned in his last race. ONEMORELASTCHANCE - Has one of the most competitive win pcts in the grouping and may be able to add to those figures today. The wagering panel knows that speed is very important in harness racing. This fine animal will unlock our way to a nice trip to the winner's circle. DOC'S ZIPPY - It's chancy to consider on class alone, but this horse has among the top class markings of the bunch. Looks like a strong selection in this group and his better than average winning percentage says he has the desire to score for this one.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Charles Town

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


Race 5 - Claiming - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $13000 Class Rating: 77

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JULY 14 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 14 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250, IF FOR $6,000, ALLOWED 1 LB. W V A RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1A EMOTIONAL LADY 6/1


# 8 LET'S PLAY TWO 5/1


# 2 I'M SMOKIN HOT 10/1


EMOTIONAL LADY seems to be the bet in here. She has been running strongly and the speed figures are among the most competitive in this group of animals. Jockey's recent return on investment figures make this mare a strong bet. Is a key contender - given the 69 Equibase Speed Fig from her most recent race. LET'S PLAY TWO - Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this horse look decent in this race. Trainer has sharp win rate (25 percent) at this distance and surface. I'M SMOKIN HOT - Has been racing very well in races of this distance, going 3 out of 12 under similar conditions.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Turf Paradise

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


Race 1 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $6500 Class Rating: 85

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. FOUR YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,000



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 RUSSIAN DANCER 4/5


# 3 GRANT 6/1


# 2 ORANGE THUNDER 5/1


RUSSIAN DANCER looks very good to best this field. Must be carefully examined here on the basis of the numbers in the speed department alone. Bettors should take a good look at this one as this gelding has one of the best win percentages at this distance in this field. Has to be considered for this event if only for the very good Equibase speed fig garnered in the last contest. GRANT - Has solid early lick and ought to fare solidly versus this group. Must be considered in here if only for the formidable speed figure put up in the last race. ORANGE THUNDER - He looks solid in this slot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the halfway point. Ran a solid last race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream - Race #7 - Post: 3:34pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $21,000 Class Rating: 84

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#12 CANDY MAN CAN (ML=8/1)
#1 COLLINITO (ML=9/2)
#5 COLONEL JORDAN (ML=5/1)


CANDY MAN CAN - This horse has recorded the best recent turf speed figure at the distance and surface. Last race was at Gulfstream in a race with a class number of 90. Dropping drastically in class rating this time puts him in a solid position right here. COLLINITO - Coming off a sixth place finish at Gulfstream, some may pass this horse. I'm not. He just missed hitting the show spot, and has decent odds today. COLONEL JORDAN - A racer coming back this soon after a sharp outing is a good sign. Strong return on investment for this rider and trainer tandem.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 WALL STREET KITTEN (ML=4/1), #4 ACTIUM (ML=6/1), #3 SUN STORY (ML=8/1),

WALL STREET KITTEN - Has lost as the favorite twice in a row. A repeat is probably in store. ACTIUM - Finished second in his most recent effort with a run-of-the-mill fig. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to prove victorious after that in this group. Have to be concerned about the recent trend and awesome speed figure in the Dec 23rd race. It was this gelding's best at that distance and this one should bounce today. SUN STORY - Looked good on December 23rd, finishing fifth, but no works since is a bit troublesome. Tough to bet on any mount to turn things around if there is no value to taking the chance.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #12 CANDY MAN CAN to win. Have to have odds of at least 4/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5,12]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5,12] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,5,12] with [1,5,12] with [1,3,5,7,12] with [1,3,5,7,12] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #2 - Post: 1:12pm - Maiden Special - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,500 Class Rating: 54

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 PRIZE PATROL (ML=8/1)
#6 GIANT EMPIRE (ML=8/1)
#8 COSIDESERVEDIT (ML=15/1)


PRIZE PATROL - Quite frequently, I play a maiden that finished runner-up easily ahead of the third-place horse in her last effort. This thoroughbred coming off a solid race in the last 30 days is a serious competitor in my humble opinion. Three consecutive improved speed ratings (13-38-56) make this horse a solid contender. GIANT EMPIRE - Trainer Hubley moves this horse down the class ladder to face weaker company. Look for a good performance given the class advantage. I look for a marked improvement in this event with the addition of Lasix for the 2nd time. COSIDESERVEDIT - Was in a Maiden Special race at Turfway Park last out. That affair had an Equibase class figure of 85 and she is moving down in this race. A certain strong challenger.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 LASTOFTHE MONIQNS (ML=5/2), #3 SPECIAL RESCUE (ML=7/2), #9 KEENWAH (ML=9/2),

LASTOFTHE MONIQNS - When examining today's class figure, she will have to earn a better speed rating than in the last race to compete in this dirt route. SPECIAL RESCUE - Tough to keep stabbing at this sort of 'bridesmaid' horse. 7/2 odds isn't enough for this entrant when looking at the most recent outings. KEENWAH - I predict a setback for this animal in this event.




STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #2 PRIZE PATROL to win if we can get at least 7/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,6,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,6,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 1/14 Analysis + Pick Four ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Play:

4 / 2,3 / 1,2,6 / 1,4 = $12


Best Bet: GET PACKIN (8th)

Spot Play: DANNYS ATTHEDANCE (13th)


Race 1

(5) FIFTY JOULES just needs to stay trotting for a big chance in a weak field. (7) HMM IS THAT RIGHT is one of few with a victory but will need to find a way into the race. (1) GUTH lightly raced trotter has room to improve against a suspect bunch.

Race 2

(9) PRETTY BOY CASH four-year-old should be in line for a ground saving trip and will offer a big price. (5) MI SIX lightly raced pacer put in a big effort last out from a tough post; threat. (1) LIL MISS DYNAMITE mare gets the best driver with the best post but is 0 for her career; command a price.

Race 3

(7) SAY IT'S TRUE has some positives despite coming off the miscue. The gelding makes his first start in a new barn and picks up a huge driver change. (1) LARRY P should have had more last out but will benefit from the rail. (3) THIRTYTOFINALSCORE just missed from the eight hole last start and will be in the mix with a similar effort.

Race 4

(1) STAR MASTER FOX has been knocking on the door and finds a suspect bunch. (2) UF DRAGONS HANOVER well bred filly gets sent out for proven connections and looks to be capable of better. (5) DRIVIN ON BY looks to have some ability and will offer a monster price.

Race 5

(3) UNLIMITED WINNER five-year-old trotter could have a chance for a low percentage pilot with an easy early lead. (1) BOOYAH TJ lightly raced 7-year-old crushed a similar group last out but will offer low value. (8) AL-MAR SNEAKY PETE makes his third start back off a layoff and looks to be improving.

Race 6

In a very weak and inconsistent field (3) ROCKIN H CHEERY gelding makes his third start back off a layoff and has shown a decent burst of speed. (2) MISS RILEY mare should probably be considered the horse to beat but gets sent out for a very inconsistent trainer. (6) COLBY D heavy morning line favorite could have road traffic to deal with if he doesn't leave the gate; use caution.

Race 7

(9) KEYSTONE RIDEAU veteran pacer faces much weaker and just needs a trouble-free trip to score. (7) COACH KEN could be one of few threats in the race to the top choice also taking a significant drop in class. (4) ARTISTIC DREAMER is capable of pacing a good mile and usually does his best racing upfront.

Race 8

(4) GET PACKIN picks up the top driver down in class. (1) CINCINNATI MYSTRES looks to be in line for a great trip but needs much more to get past the top choice. (9) WEST RIVER VICTORY could be the sleeper in the race getting sent out for new connections.

Race 9

(2) BUSTA MOVE faces easier and should be in line for a nice trip up close. (3) HALLIN just missed at this level last out and has been competitive against better on the year. (4) CRAIG MICHAEL gelding is an enigma but is capable of pacing a big mile out of the blue.

Race 10

(6) IDBEGOODATTHAT paced a huge mile last out and will be tough to beat with a similar effort. (2) U BETTER WATCH OUT gets a huge driver change and should be much closer turning for home. (1) MISTER RUSS has been racing gamely at this level and gets the best post.

Race 11

(4) NIRVANA GEAR could get an easy early lead giving him a shot at a price late. (1) MELVIN'S DREAM gets a big driver change for a red hot trainer; short price. (2) LIGHTNING LUCK pacer is better than his record indicates but is driven by a suspect pilot; use underneath.

Race 12

In a tough race to gauge (8) MJS VICTORY JODY is just now back in racing shape and should offer a big price in a suspect field. (2) SAMS YANKEE looks the best on paper picking up a significant driver change. (9) HARD ROCK TRIXIE comes off a blowout victory and could have more to offer; threat.

Race 13

(2) DANNYS ATTHEDANCE gets a big morning line down in class; threat. (3) SHAM'S BIG GUY has been competitive at this level but needs more; command a price. (5) ALLAMERICAN ZORRO gets a huge driver change for a new barn.

Race 14

(8) LEE A BRYANT will need a lot of racing luck but does have the ability with a good setup. (7) DANCE WITH DAN will offer a big price and just needs to find a way into the race like the top choice. (1) CYCLONE ASHORE gets the best post with a top driver but could be vulnerable if pressed early.

Race 15

(4) TERROR OF THETRACK picks up a much better pilot down in class. (1) BRYNDAN'S TOY gelding also drops in class but has been dreadful in his last two; command a price. (3) I RECKON SO rarely wins and is probably best used underneath.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (3rd) Mr. Lit, 3-1
(6th) Non Finisce Mai, 3-1

Charles Town (4th) Bourbon Man, 3-1
(8th) C C's Hotrod, 5-1

Delta Downs (1st) Royal Biscuit, 7-2
(6th) No More Mystery, 5-1

Gulfstream Park (1st) Jazz Player, 4-1
(5th) Adaptor, 7-2


Mahoning Valley (1st) Secret Invasion, 9-2
(7th) Sons of Missouri, 5-1


Penn National (5th) Tazewell County, 7-2
(6th) Streak of Hope, 3-1


Tampa Bay Downs (2nd) Cowboy Luke, 4-1
(4th) Vincent Chase, 4-1

 

[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 - - -
1/15 10 - - -
1/16 6 - - -
1/17 12 - - -
1/18 4 - - -
1/19 7 - - -
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: Devils (15-21) at Kings (20-13)

Date: January 14, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Kings regained their characteristic defensive dominance in avoiding a fourth straight loss in their last game. A matchup with the offensively challenged New Jersey Devils - who will be missing their leading scorer - should give them a good chance to shut down a second straight opponent.

The Kings continue a seven-game homestand when they look to avoid a third straight home loss to the short-handed Devils on Wednesday night.

Los Angeles (20-13-10) came into Monday's game against Toronto with a 1-2-3 mark in its previous six and having allowed 16 goals during a three-game skid, but got 19 saves from Martin Jones and grabbed a rare early lead to avoid tying its longest slide of the season.

'We wanted to make sure we had a better start and carried it through the game,' Jones said. 'We haven't been playing our best hockey lately.'

Anze Kopitar scored 37 seconds into the game and the Kings held a 7-3 shot advantage in the first period. Los Angeles had posted a minus-6 goal differential in the opening 20 minutes in its previous six contests.

Kopitar also assisted on Marian Gaborik's empty netter with one minute remaining in the third and has two goals and six assists in his last four games, giving him the team lead with 24 assists and 34 points.

Los Angeles got back to doing what it does best Monday, blocking 13 shots and recording 41 hits. It also snapped four-game streak of giving up at least one power-play goal, killing off three opportunities.

"We did a great job of checking all night," Jones told the team's official website. "The penalty kill was really good for us when we needed it, and the guys did a really good job around the net. You put those things together, and we are a tough team to beat."

It could be very tough for New Jersey (15-21-8) if the Kings have a similar performance Wednesday. Since an uncharacteristic nine-goal outburst in back-to-back wins, the Devils have returned to their low-scoring ways in the last two games, getting shut out by Boston on Thursday before falling 3-2 in overtime to the New York Islanders the next night.

Off four days before beginning a three-game California road trip, the Devils' average of 2.14 non-shootout goals is among the worst marks in the NHL. New Jersey blew a pair of one-goal leads Friday and lost on John Taveras' second goal of the game in the extra period.

"Right now there (are) a lot of teams ahead of us. We have to get our identity right now and play the way we'd like to see and let the end result take care of itself," general manager Lou Lamoriello said.

Top scorer Jaromir Jagr is a big part of that identity, but he and fellow forward Tuomo Ruutu will not travel to Los Angeles due to illness. Jagr has nine goals and 16 assists.

The Devils and Kings last met Nov. 21, 2013 at Staples Center in a 2-1 New Jersey overtime win, with Jagr scoring in the extra period. It was their first meeting in Los Angeles since the Kings won the 2012 Stanley Cup with a Game 6 win over New Jersey.

Cory Schneider made 34 saves in the last meeting and will start Wednesday. Schneider, 2-1-0 with a 1.68 goals-against average in his last three starts, has a 3-1-0 mark and 1.00 GAA in four career regular-season starts against Los Angeles.

Jonathan Quick, expected to return to the Kings' net, is 3-0-1 with a 1.23 GAA in his last four regular-season games versus New Jersey, though he's given up four goals in each of his last two outings overall.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Clippers (25-13) at Trail Blazers (30-8)

Date: January 14, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

The Portland Trail Blazers may be at their best when producing on the defensive end.

That doesn't mean their offensive explosiveness has slowed any.

The Trail Blazers will look to continue one of their best defensive stretches of the season and grab a fifth consecutive win Wednesday night when they face the Los Angeles Clippers, losers of five straight road games.

Portland (30-8) has held each of its last four opponents under 100 points, winning all four by an average margin of 10.7 points. The Trail Blazers beat the Los Angeles Lakers 106-94 on Sunday to move a season-best 22 games over .500.

The 100-point mark has been an important checkpoint for Portland's defensive efforts this season regardless of offensive production, as the Trail Blazers are 25-2 when holding the opposition to 100 or fewer points.

"Last year we were a young team and we were new to winning. I think now we are one of those teams," said Damian Lillard. "We win without depending on offense. We play together, we get along, we are confident in ourselves.

"We've won 30 games. I just think we have to keep the same mentality that we've had."

Even with the main focus on defense, their offense remains as dynamic as ever thanks to Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge. Portland ranks near the top of the NBA with 103.8 points per game, 45.1 of which is provided by the combined efforts of Lillard and Aldridge - the highest combined scoring average among teammates in the Western Conference.

Lillard scored 34 in Portland's win over the Lakers on Sunday for his second 30-plus-point effort in his last four games.

"I wanted to get some popcorn and just have a seat," Aldridge said of his teammate. "He got to the rim, finished strong, and made his shots. I don't mind it at all."

Lillard had 25 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in Portland's previous meeting with the Clippers (25-13) this season, but the Trail Blazers executed one of their worst defensive efforts of the season in a 106-102 road loss on Nov. 8.

Strong shooting, which has become extremely important for the Clippers this season, played a significant role in that victory as well. J.J. Redick scored 30 points on 11-of-13 shooting and Los Angeles posted a 49.4 field goal percentage.

The Clippers are 18-1 when they shoot 46.5 percent or better from the field - a trend that continued Sunday when they shot just over 45 percent in a 104-90 loss to Miami.

Coach Doc Rivers knows that rediscovering their offensive touch on Wednesday will be no easy task.

"I think where they've had the biggest jump is in their defense," Rivers said of Portland. "They're so much better. Last year they were a great offensive team and they struggled defensively. This year they're a great offensive team and they're very, very good defensively."

Sunday's loss closed a 6-3 homestand for the Clippers, who play 11 of their next 15 on the road. They have lost five straight away from Los Angeles for their longest skid since dropping seven in a row from Jan. 14-Feb. 8, 2011.

Chris Paul scored 22 in the Nov. 8 win and has tallied 11 or more assists in each of his past four matchups with Portland. Blake Griffin has also played well against the Trail Blazers lately, averaging 31.3 points and 9.0 rebounds in the past three meetings.

The Blazers have won three straight at home against the Clippers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pelicans losing after wins and winning after losses
Stephen Campbell

One of the most confusing storylines of the NBA season revolves around the inconsistent play of the New Orleans Pelicans.

After falling to the Boston Celtics 108-100 Monday in Beantown, the Pels are now 4-14 straight-up in contests coming off of a win. Anthony Davis' squad have fared much better in games coming off of a loss, however, owning a 13-5 SU record in that regard.

That's a trend New Orleans backers need to be aware of as the campaign is reaching the midway point. The Pelicans will be in action once again Wednesday against the up-and-coming Detroit Pistons in the Motor City.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Warriors Crush'

Stephen Curry and company off a win in Utah cashing as 8 point road chalk return to Oracle Arena in Oakland where they'll host Miami Heat. Warriors have enjoyed home cookin' this season posting a near perfect 16-1 (13-4 ATS) record behind 113.7 points/game outscoring visitors by 15.9 points/contest. Over the past six in front of the friendly crowd the Warriors have clearly shown dominance dropping 118.0 through the iron winning by a whopping 22.2 points/game. Oddsmakers have noted the possibility of a blow-out and have Warriors 12.5 point favorite. A pricey home favorite is almost always a reason to step back. However, in this case the amount of supporting data in favor of Golden State makes it much less risky. The Warriors have cashed 7-of-10 tickets this season as double digit home chalk. Combine that with the fact Warriors have dominated Eastern Conference foes winning all twelve encounters by 15.5 points/game (9-3 ATS) including 4-2 ATS on home court when laying double digits the numbers point towards a 'Play-On' Golden State.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

2015 Australian Open Odds

The 2015 Australian Open begins on January 19 from Melbourne as the top players in the world will look to capture the first gramd slam event of the year.

Oddsmakers at the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas have updated their future odds for the tournament.

Last year's winner, Stanislas Wawrinka, is listed as a 10/1 betting choice to repeat. The runner-up to Wawrinka last year, Rafael Nadal, is a 15/2 choice.

The favorite is Novak Djokovic (10/11). The Serbian was upset in last year's event in the quarterfinals but won the three previous years in Melbourne.

Despite not winning the women's title at this event since 2010, Serena Williams has been installed as the 9/4 favorite. Right behind her is Maria Sharapova (5/1) and Simona Halep (6/1).

Listed below are all of the odds per the SuperBook.

Odds to win 2015 Australian Open Men's Singles Championship

NOVAK DJOKOVIC 10/11
RAFAEL NADAL 15/2
ANDY MURRAY 13/2
ROGER FEDERER 11/2
STAN WAWRINKA 10/1
GRIGOR DIMITROV 20/1
KEI NISHIKORI 12/1
JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO 50/1
TOMAS BERDYCH 40/1
MILOS RAONIC 30/1
NICK KYRGIOS 60/1
DAVID FERRER 60/1
BERNARD TOMIC 100/1
ERNESTS GULBIS 125/1
GAEL MONFILS 80/1
JERZY JANOWICZ 150/1
JOHN ISNER 200/1
RICHARD GASQUET 200/1
FERNANDO VERDASCO 250/1
FELICIANO LOPEZ 250/1
DOMINIC THIEM 250/1
LLEYTON HEWITT 300/1
NICOLAS ALMAGRO 500/1
PHILIPP KOHLSCHREIBER 400/1
FABIO FOGNINI 400/1
KEVIN ANDERSON 500/1
ROBERTO BAUTISTA AGUT 250/1
ALEXANDER ZVEREV 500/1
DAVID GOFFIN 125/1

Odds to win 2015 Australian Open Women's Singles Championship

SERENA WILLIAMS 9/4
VICTORIA AZARENKA 10/1
MARIA SHARAPOVA 5/1
SIMONA HALEP 6/1
EUGENIE BOUCHARD 10/1
PETRA KVITOVA 10/1
CAROLINE WOZNIACKI 10/1
AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA 20/1
ANGELIQUE KERBER 40/1
GARBINE MUGURUZA 40/1
SLOANE STEPHENS 50/1
ANA IVANOVIC 20/1
SABINE LISICKI 80/1
DOMINIKA CIBULKOVA 60/1
EKATERINA MAKAROVA 50/1
SAMANTHA STOSUR 60/1
MADISON KEYS 60/1
JELENA JANKOVIC 60/1
FLAVIA PENNETTA 100/1
SARA ERRANI 150/1
LUCIE SAFAROVA 50/1
VENUS WILLIAMS 30/1
SHUAI PENG 200/1
CAMILA GIORGI 200/1
ALIZE CORNET 200/1
CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO 200/1
KIRSTEN FLIPKENS 250/1
MARIA KIRILENKO 200/1