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Thread: Thursday 11-16-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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    Thursday 11-16-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc


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    Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

    RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT - 1:18 PM EASTERN POST
    6½ FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $14,000.00 CLAIMING $27,000.00 PURSE

    #2 ANOTHER GENIUS
    #3 MADAME BARBARIAN
    #6 ONE MORE SONG
    #1 SPLASH OF SASS

    #2 ANOTHER GENIUS has nice early speed abilities to compliment for this sprint, is the pace profile leader, takes a BIG class drop (-16), and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her last five outings, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" facing better company in her 4th and 5th races back. #3 MADAME BARBARIAN also drops in class (-17), is the overall speed leader, and has hit the board in two of her last three start, winning in her 3rd race back.

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    F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Aqueduct

    Aqueduct - Race 2

    Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (2-4) Pick 4 (.50) Races (2-5), Double Wagers


    Maiden Claiming $40,000 • 1 1/16 Miles • Outer Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 84 • Purse: $41,000 • Post: 12:49
    (RAIL AT 24 FEET). OUTER TURF FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD FOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $40,000.
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    Morn
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    Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * COREY Q: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three i n average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. ELEGANT JEM: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. GRAND BANKS: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. GRANDPA'S ARIANNA: Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Jockey/Trainer combination win percentage is at least 30.
    7
    COREY Q
    5/2

    9/2
    10
    ELEGANT JEM
    4/1

    5/1
    3
    GRAND BANKS
    5/1

    6/1
    6
    GRANDPA'S ARIANNA
    7/2

    6/1




    P#

    Horse (In Running Style Order)

    Post

    Morn
    Line

    Running Style

    Good
    Class

    Good
    Speed

    Early Figure

    Finish Figure

    Platinum
    Figure
    8
    JACQUELINE D
    8

    8/1
    Front-runner
    63

    64

    85.5

    69.2

    56.2
    11
    LADY ALLYN
    11

    30/1
    Front-runner
    67

    58

    63.0

    59.1

    40.1
    2
    CRATER RIM
    2

    20/1
    Front-runner
    0

    0

    55.0

    55.0

    40.5
    5
    JUSTENUFF HOPE
    5

    20/1
    Front-runner
    0

    0

    45.2

    45.2

    26.7
    6
    GRANDPA'S ARIANNA
    6

    7/2
    Stalker
    85

    60

    97.6

    79.6

    70.6
    3
    GRAND BANKS
    3

    5/1
    Alternator/Stalker
    85

    78

    65.4

    80.0

    75.5
    10
    ELEGANT JEM
    10

    4/1
    Alternator/Stalker
    85

    81

    55.0

    76.8

    73.8
    1
    COURAGEOUS CHANGE
    1

    20/1
    Trailer
    0

    0

    60.7

    60.7

    47.2
    7
    COREY Q
    7

    5/2
    Alternator/Trailer
    84

    84

    86.7

    77.2

    70.7
    4
    TULIPS GALORE
    4

    20/1
    Alternator/Non-contender
    0

    0

    65.6

    42.9

    27.4
    9
    LADY LOVE
    9

    30/1
    Alternator/Non-contender
    0

    0

    54.8

    66.2

    53.7

  4. #4
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    Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

    Bar

    Churchill Downs - Race #4 - Post: 2:30pm - Optional Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $68,000 Class Rating: 103

    Rating: 4

    #4 READY TO CONFESS (ML=8/1)
    #5 JULERETTE (ML=5/2)
    #3 POLAR RIVER (ML=5/2)


    READY TO CONFESS - Rocco should have her moving solid on the turn. A little change in scenery has got to do this horse well. Reading the recent past performance lines, it seems like she likes to visit the winner's circle at multiple tracks. JULERETTE - When this jock and conditioner join forces you have to take a look. Santana and Colebrook have been great together. This horse likes to win on different racing tracks. The switch in venue today may be a wake up call. POLAR RIVER - The jock and trainer combination have a profitable return on investment when they work together. This filly ran versus the males last time. In with her own gender today. The addition of Lasix might make this animal run well in this race.

    Vulnerable Contenders: #1 MINES AND MAGIC (ML=8/5), #2 MINER'S CAT (ML=8/1),

    MINES AND MAGIC - I think this probable favorite needs this race under her belt to start getting back into shape. MINER'S CAT - This filly recorded a speed figure in her last event which probably isn't good enough today.

    Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - POLAR RIVER - I like to check out the TrackMaster Platinum PPs to look for the top entrant in earnings per start. This fine animal looks good to me so I'm making a prime wager on her.





    STRAIGHT WAGERS:
    Have to go with #4 READY TO CONFESS on the win end if we get at least 3/1 odds

    EXACTA WAGERS:
    Box [4,5]

    TRIFECTA WAGERS:
    Box [3,4,5] Total Cost: $6

    SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
    None

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    F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Evangeline Downs

    Evangeline Downs - Race 8

    Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta


    Optional Claiming $15,000 • 220 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 80 • Purse: $16,000 • Post: 8:32P
    QUARTER HORSE 220Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $15,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.
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    Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * HEZ FOR REAL: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. MPS S HAKE EM N STYLE: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. SYKOTIC: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks i n the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. CHOCOLATEBYELAJOLLA: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
    4
    HEZ FOR REAL
    2/1

    5/1
    7
    MPS SHAKE EM N STYLE
    4/1

    7/1
    1
    SYKOTIC
    6/1

    7/1
    3
    CHOCOLATEBYELAJOLLA
    9/2

    7/1




    P#

    Horse (In Running Style Order)

    Post

    Morn
    Line

    Running Style

    Good
    Class

    Good
    Speed

    Early Figure

    Finish Figure

    Platinum
    Figure
    1
    SYKOTIC
    1

    6/1
    Average
    82

    80

    5.6

    0.0

    0.0
    2
    IM LA LEAVING
    2

    8/1
    Average
    72

    70

    5.1

    0.0

    0.0
    3
    CHOCOLATEBYELAJOLLA
    3

    9/2
    Average
    82

    78

    4.9

    0.0

    0.0
    4
    HEZ FOR REAL
    4

    2/1
    Fast
    81

    79

    2.0

    0.0

    0.0
    5
    TTT KAS BABY SAID SO
    5

    10/1
    Average
    76

    68

    4.6

    0.0

    0.0
    6
    MIRACULOUS MIRANDA
    6

    15/1
    Average
    71

    65

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0
    7
    MPS SHAKE EM N STYLE
    7

    4/1
    Slow
    86

    72

    8.5

    0.0

    0.0
    8
    GAMELEE
    8

    5/1
    Average
    73

    72

    4.2

    0.0

    0.0

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    Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

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

    Race 1 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $14100 Class Rating: 71

    FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 16 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 16 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500.


    RECOMMENDED CHOICES
    The Walker Group Picks

    # 6 ARLENE'S BUCK 3/1

    # 4 MORE STONES 8/5

    # 1 GROTON ST SCOUT 5/1

    My selection in this race is ARLENE'S BUCK. She has been racing well recently while recording very solid speed figures. Appears to be the type to be helped with second time Lasix here. Horses who have been prepared to race at this distance and surface by Barrow have shown sharp results lately. MORE STONES - The quick return to the races points to a reliable effort this time around. Posted a strong Equibase Speed Figure in the last race. Can run another good one in this race.

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    Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

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    Golden Gate Fields - Race #6 - Post: 3:15pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 71

    Rating: 3

    #5 FIRST AMENDMENT (ML=8/5)
    #4 ALDABRA (ML=2/1)


    FIRST AMENDMENT - No needing to look any further. This pony has my money. Way too much speed. Horse's last race was at Golden Gate Fields in a race with a class figure of 76. Dropping considerably in class rating today puts her in a solid position right here in this race. This animal picks up a lot of money per start. Tops in this race. ALDABRA - Have to like the way Mathis has raced this filly back into shape off the layoff. Equine is well spotted in this sprint and I think she'll run well today. A thoroughbred coming back this promptly after a nice outing is a good signal. I like the case that this filly's last speed rating, 62, is tops in this bunch.

    Vulnerable Contenders: #3 SURREALEAN (ML=6/1),

    SURREALEAN - Improbable that the speed rating she earned on Oct 26th will be enough in this event.



    STRAIGHT WAGERS:
    Go with #5 FIRST AMENDMENT on top if we're getting at least 8/5 odds

    EXACTA WAGERS:
    Box [4,5]

    TRIFECTA WAGERS:
    None

    SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
    Pass

  8. #8
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    Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

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

    Race 5 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $43350 Class Rating: 79

    FOR ACCREDITED OKLAHOMA-BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN OR CLAIMING OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS.


    RECOMMENDED CHOICES
    The Walker Group Picks

    # 5 JACKSON HILL 7/5

    # 8 TIC TOO 12/1

    # 1 IMA DANGER 12/1

    I've got to go with JACKSON HILL. Smith has her trained admirably to break quickly out of the gate. Overall the speed figures of this pony look strong in this contest. Like the finishes in the last couple of races. TIC TOO - She looks formidable in this slot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the halfway point. Look for this equine to be close at the finishing post versus these mounts. IMA DANGER - Appears to have a very good class edge based on the recent company kept. This filly obviously likes the distance, going 4 for 20 in her races lately.

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    Jim Feist

    Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Thursday, November 16, 2017

    NFL (311) TENNESSEE TITANS VS (312) PITTSBURGH STEELERS

    Take: UNDER

    Reason: Your free play for Thursday, November 16, 2017 is in the NFL contest between the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers. We fully expected a flat Steelers team last week laying double digits at the Colts and played on the Colts as our hi-roller Platinum Play. Now both clubs have just the four days off between games to prepare for this contest. The Titans have covered the last three in this series, winning two straight up. In addition, the Titans are on a four game win streak and have held all four opponents to 22 or less points. The Steelers are also on a four game win streak and have held their four opponents to 17 points or less. I expect a lower scoring contest here and with the Steelers lay at or on 7 points or more. The Titans are 3-8 O/U their last 11 games when playing a team with a winning record. Meanwhile, the Steelers are 1-7 O/U in their last eight game on grass and 15-35-1 O/U/P their last 51 overall. Play the UNDER here on Thursday.

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    Arthur Ralph Sports

    THURS: CBB LSU -8

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    JOEY JUICE

    Its the Puerto Rico Tip-off Tournament, but its being played in South Carolina thanks to the hurricane devastation. This is a huge advantage for the Gamecocks who will now become the home team favorites. They are last year’s Final Four team, and they have picked up right where they left off winning their first two games of the season.

    A look inside the numbers reveals that South Carolina is most certainly the play. South Carolina is scorching hot vs the Las Vegas spread, they are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Illinois St on the other hand does not look so good on paper, they are a mere 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games against teams with a winning record, and 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog of 7 - 12.5 points

    South Carolina continues to roll in the surprise home game and easily covers this double-digit spread.

    4* SOUTH CAROLINA

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    JEFF BENTON

    Your Thursday freebie is the Celtics plus the points at home against the Warriors.

    How can I not take the points?

    I mean, all Boston has done is win 13 straight games entering play tonight, and now you want to give me a full 3 baskets with the hottest team in the Association!?!?!?

    OK, I'll bite!

    Not only has Boston won 13 in a row on the year, but they have definitely held their own against the defending NBA Champs, as the C's have won outright in 2 of the last 3 series meetings, and bring a 4-1-1 spread mark the last 6 series meetings into this one, and a 6-2-1 against the spread overall mark the last 9 times these teams have faced one another.

    Golden State will look to make a "statement" here, and they may very well hand the Celtics the straight up loss, but against the spread I will take my chances with the home underdog.

    Boston the play plus the points.

    3* BOSTON

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    RAY MONOHAN

    Golden State vs. Boston Over 215

    These two offenses should provide an entertaining one on Thursday, making this worthy of a free play here.
    You know exactly what you're going to get out of the Warriors. This team pushes the ball up and down the floor as quick as possible and has so many different weapons that can burn you. The Warriors are putting up 123.7 points per road game, just a ridiculous number.
    Boston meanwhile has made the case for being the best in the East. They are putting up 103.3 points per home game this year and continue to push the issue offensively and really attack. They'll have their chances against this Warriors defense, that really doesn't do a good job closing out on shooters.
    Some trends to note. Over is 12-5-1 in Celtics last 18 home games. Over is 17-7 in Warriors last 24 overall.
    This one is worth a flyer on.
    Back the Over.
    Good Luck, Razor Ray.

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    CHASE DIAMOND
    NCAA-F | Nov 16, 2017
    Tulsa vs. South Florida
    South Florida-22

    This game has the 2-8 Tulsa at the 8-1 South Florida. South Florida is the best AAC team IMO and will get a chance to prove that versus UCF next week so possible letdown this week but I think this team is focused to blowout this Tulsa team as big as possible as they try to get into the top 25 and a biggest bowl game for the school. Tulsa has lost 3 straight games and although this is a super square play I think USF wins big Thursday as we take them for a nice 15* winner minus the points.

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    DUSTIN HAWKINS

    Free Play on Xavier +1 -110

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    BEN BURNS
    NBA | Nov 16, 2017
    Warriors vs. Celtics
    Celtics+7

    More than 3,000 miles east of Oakland, the Celtics are reaping the rewards of a lightning-fast rebuild, and they take the ultimate test tonight when the defending champs come to Boston. Each is streaking – 13 wins in a row for the Celtics and seven straight for the Warriors. The Celtics have been doing it behind the offensive play of Kyrie Irving and a team defense that ranks No. 1 in the NBA. The raucous crowd will test the foundation at the TD Garden, and the Celtics will cover if not win outright in a game that has the potential to make the NBA a three-team playoff league instead of just a private party involving the Cavs and Warriors.

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    BIG AL

    Our complimentary selection for Thursday, Nov 16 is:

    Evansville -11 over SE Missouri St.

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    The Pittsburgh Steelers have not looked the part of a dominant team but they keep finding ways to win and are tied with the New England Patriots for the best record in the AFC. The Steelers will go for their fifth consecutive victory when they host the visiting Tennessee Titans on Thursday night in a matchup of division leaders.

    Pittsburgh extended its winning streak in dramatic fashion, rallying from a 14-point deficit in the second half to beat Indianapolis 20-17 on a last-second field goal by Chris Boswell. "There was a lot of negativity that we will talk about," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said after his team improved to 5-1 on the road. "But we'll talk about negativity with a win. That's my preference." The Titans also have won four in a row to join Jacksonville atop the AFC South, rallying for a last-minute 24-20 win over Cincinnati -- its third straight victory over an AFC North rival of Pittsburgh. "I use the word resilient a lot, but I think that's the makeup of this team," Tennessee coach Mike Mularkey said. "It's amazing that they believe in themselves, they just know we always have a chance to win."

    TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, NBC, NFL Network. LINE: Steelers -7. O/U: 44

    ABOUT THE TITANS (6-3): Tennessee must find a way to get its offense on track on the road after scoring a combined 36 points in its last three away from home, especially with four of the next five games away from Nashville. Quarterback Marcus Mariota has thrown seven touchdown passes against six interceptions, but he has led three-game winning drives during the winning streak and is coming off a 51-yard rushing day versus Cincinnati. Running back DeMarco Murray scored three TDs in last week's win while backup Derrick Henry added 52 yards on 11 carries. Tennessee has tightened up its rushing defense over the past four games, allowing a combined 277 yards in that span.

    ABOUT THE STEELERS (7-2): Ben Roethlisberger owns a completion percentage of 61.1 and passer rating of 83.8 -- his lowest marks since the 2008 season -- but he rallied Pittsburgh with a pair of scoring passes in the second half last week. Le'Veon Bell, who is averaging 29.5 carries the past four games, leads the league with 840 rushing yards while wideout Antonio Brown has an NFL-best 882 yards, although he has only 12 receptions over the past four games. Rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster continues to thrive with a touchdown catch in each of the past three games. Pittsburgh is second in the league, allowing an average of 16.4, and has held its last four opponents to 17 or fewer.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Roethlisberger has an NFL-high 121.7 QB rating in prime-time games since 2015 while Mariota is fifth at 105.4 (minimum three games).

    2. Since Week 5, Tennessee's defense has allowed only 17 of 63 conversions on third down.

    3. Bell rushed for 204 yards and a TD in the last meeting, a 27-24 victory on Nov. 17, 2014.

    PREDICTION: Steelers 24, Titans 16

  19. #19
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    The Boston Celtics are the "team of the future in the East," according to Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, but the present looks pretty spectacular as well. The Celtics will test themselves against the defending NBA champions and try to run their winning streak to 14 straight when they host the Warriors on Thursday.

    "It sure looks like Boston is the team of the future in the East, with the assets that they still have and their young talent and their coaching, and (Kyrie) Irving is amazing," Kerr told reporters. "That looks like a team that is going to be at the top of the East for a long time to come. Whether their time is now or the future, that's to be determined, but they sure look like they want it to be right now." The Celtics own the best defense in the NBA, limiting opponents to an average of 94.5 points, and will be going up against the NBA's best offense in Golden State, which is putting up an average of 119.6 points. The Warriors own the second-longest winning streak in the NBA at seven games, and they are crushing opponents by an average of 19.9 points in that span. "There's a reason why they haven't played a lot of close games, and it's because they're awfully freakin' good," Boston coach Brad Stevens told reporters of Golden State. "And so, we just have to, again, possession to possession, stay poised, stay in the moment. If one thing doesn't go our way, move on to the next."

    TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

    ABOUT THE WARRIORS (11-3): Golden State star point guard Stephen Curry sat out Monday's 110-100 win over the Orlando Magic with a thigh contusion but is probable to return when the Warriors kick off a four-game road trip on Thursday. "When Steph is out there, everything is just more free-flowing," All-Star forward Draymond Green told reporters. "It's just reads, more so than play calling. (Monday), we called a lot of plays. That's kind of the chaos he causes when he's on the floor." Golden State, which leads the NBA in assists (31.3) and field-goal percentage (51.9), still managed to hand out 35 assists and shoot 50 percent from the floor with Curry out of the lineup.

    ABOUT THE CELTICS (13-2): Boston has its own point guard fighting through an injury in Irving, who sat out a 95-94 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday with a facial fracture suffered in the previous game but returned on Tuesday and played with a mask in a 109-102 victory at Brooklyn. "It's almost like having somewhat foggy blinders on," Irving told reporters. "When I take off the mask, I can see everything. And when I have the mask on, I'm really dialed into what's in front of me. My peripherals are a little cut off, up and down. It's something to get used to." Irving, who is expected to wear the mask again on Thursday, managed 25 points on 8-of-20 shooting at Brooklyn.

    BUZZER BEATERS

    1. Warriors SG Klay Thompson is 13-of-23 from 3-point range over the last three games.

    2. Celtics C Al Horford is 16-of-19 from the floor in two games since returning from a concussion.

    3. The visiting team took the last five in the series, and Golden State won in its last four trips to Boston.

    PREDICTION: Warriors 108, Celtics 100

  20. #20
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    The Houston Rockets recently ripped off a six-game winning streak and own the second-best record in the Western Conference, and they are about to get better. The Rockets are expected to welcome point guard Chris Paul back to the lineup when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.

    Paul started the season opener but left in the second half and missed the next 13 games while recovering from a bone bruise in his knee originally suffered during the preseason. "He's ready to go," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters of Paul before practice on Wednesday. "I think he's playing tomorrow, so we'll see." While Houston has two solid options at point guard with Paul returning, the Suns are having trouble finding one. Phoenix traded away disgruntled former starter Eric Bledsoe and watched Tyler Ulis total four points on 2-of-12 shooting in two games as a starter after taking over for Mike James, who averaged 13 points on 38.9 percent shooting and 4.2 assists in 10 games as the starter.

    TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

    ABOUT THE ROCKETS (11-4): Houston is adding a future Hall of Fame point guard to a lineup that already includes the NBA's leader in assists in James Harden, who is averaging 10.3 assists and got used to playing point guard in D'Antoni's offense while thriving in the role last season. "What we've done up to now doesn't count," D'Antoni told reporters. "We've got a new team (Thursday). When you put that big of a rock into a pond, there's big waves. ... We have to endure the next two or three games and smooth it out as we go along." Harden is also second in the NBA in scoring (30.7 points) and is coming off a 38-point effort in a loss to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday in which he went 19-of-19 from the free-throw line.

    ABOUT THE SUNS (5-10): Phoenix shooting guard Devin Booker leads the team in assists (3.9) and is getting more responsibility within the offense. Booker, 21, is averaging 23.2 points and combined for 71 points on 27-of-49 shooting in the last two games - a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers that dropped the Suns to 1-4 on a six-game homestand that ends Thursday. "He's shown the ability to make plays for others when two guys guard him, and when he's got it going offensively he's not afraid to be generous with who he gives it up to," Phoenix interim head coach Jay Triano told the Arizona Republic of Booker. "He's done a good job that way."

    BUZZER BEATERS

    1. Suns C Greg Monroe (calf) is coming close to making his team debut after arriving in a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this month.

    2. Rockets SG Eric Gordon is 3-of-18 from 3-point range in the last two games.

    3. Houston swept the four-game series last season, winning by an average of 17 points.

    PREDICTION: Rockets 120, Suns 111

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