-
Monday 12-11-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc
-
F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Laurel Park
Laurel Park - Race 2
EXACTA &TRIFECTA / DAILY DOUBLE (RACES 2-3) / 10 cent SUPERFECTA 50 cent PICK 3 (RACES 2-3-4) / 50 cent PICK 4 (RACES 2-3-4-5)
Claiming $11,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 93 • Purse: $22,000 • Post: 1:00P
(PLUS UP TO 30% MBF) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 123 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES SINCE OCTOBER 11, 2017 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $11,000, FOR EACH $1,250 TO $8,500 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $8,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders
Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line
Accept
Odds
Race Type: Lone Stalker. MEDIA TIME is the Lone Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SKY CHAPARRAL: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. MEDIA TIME: Horse ra nks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. THE GREAT PROVIDER: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highes t TrackMaster Power Rating. CLASSIC WILDCAT: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
5
SKY CHAPARRAL
2/1
4/1
3
MEDIA TIME
5/2
5/1
2
THE GREAT PROVIDER
7/2
5/1
4
CLASSIC WILDCAT
4/1
9/1
P#
Horse (In Running Style Order)
Post
Morn
Line
Running Style
Good
Class
Good
Speed
Early Figure
Finish Figure
Platinum
Figure
2
THE GREAT PROVIDER
2
7/2
Front-runner
94
92
100.0
88.2
85.2
1
ATTEMPT TO DREAM
1
15/1
Alternator/Front-runner
98
88
0.0
0.0
0.0
3
MEDIA TIME
3
5/2
Stalker
95
93
68.4
85.6
80.6
4
CLASSIC WILDCAT
4
4/1
Trailer
92
83
46.2
85.0
78.5
5
SKY CHAPARRAL
5
2/1
Trailer
97
101
42.6
91.8
86.8
6
SIXBITS
6
6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
85
81
41.6
69.6
59.6
-
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Bar
Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #2 - Post: 1:12pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 95
Rating: 3
#5 HANDSUP MONEYDOWN (ML=9/2)
#8 SKY PILOT (ML=12/1)
#2 GRIN N' BEAR (ML=4/1)
#4 ROMEO ROYALE (ML=10/1)
HANDSUP MONEYDOWN - Is ranked number one in the field in (EPS) earnings per start. A dominant try right here in this race can augment the lifetime earnings. SKY PILOT - All systems look good for this gelding. Last morning work, 2nd fastest of the day, shows he's fit and ready. GRIN N' BEAR - Have to like the way Ceccato has raced this gelding back into shape off the layoff. Equine is well spotted in this sprint and I think he'll run well today. This horse's record for this distance is strong. ROMEO ROYALE - This gelding should give a good account of himself in today's race.
Vulnerable Contenders: #1 PUT IT BACK JACK (ML=2/1), #3 ASTRO JAK (ML=5/1),
PUT IT BACK JACK - You should normally bet against chalks that haven't raced or show no activity in the morning over the last three weeks. ASTRO JAK - Doesn't appear to be in a convenient spot this time around.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #5 HANDSUP MONEYDOWN on top if we're getting at least 5/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,5,8]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip
-
F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Portland Meadows
Portland Meadows - Race 5
Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / $0.20 15% Pick 5 (Races 5-9)
Claiming $2,000 • 1 Mile 70 yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 83 • Purse: $5,700 • Post: 1:52P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT ONE MILE OR OVER SINCE OCTOBER 11 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $2,000.
Contenders
Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line
Accept
Odds
Race Type: Lone Front-runner. SHARP FOCUS is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SHARP FOCUS: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Cl ass Rating at the distance/surface. COACH ROYAL: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. DOUBLEDEESONTHETEE: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. MURMANSK: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
6
SHARP FOCUS
2/1
9/2
1
COACH ROYAL
5/2
5/1
5
DOUBLEDEESONTHETEE
4/1
7/1
2
MURMANSK
3/1
10/1
P#
Horse (In Running Style Order)
Post
Morn
Line
Running Style
Good
Class
Good
Speed
Early Figure
Finish Figure
Platinum
Figure
6
SHARP FOCUS
6
2/1
Front-runner
85
74
92.8
73.0
67.5
2
MURMANSK
2
3/1
Stalker
82
74
80.3
72.2
66.7
1
COACH ROYAL
1
5/2
Stalker
88
87
78.6
77.6
74.6
5
DOUBLEDEESONTHETEE
5
4/1
Alternator/Stalker
90
82
64.3
74.6
66.1
3
OUTOFTHECLOUDS
3
10/1
Trailer
74
82
52.8
63.8
51.8
4
FIN DU MONDE
4
8/1
Alternator/Trailer
80
79
53.6
76.0
69.0
-
Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 6 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $22000 Class Rating: 84
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 123 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT ONE MILE OR OVER SINCE NOVEMBER 11 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500.
RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks
# 3 BEN OF THE BRIDGE 5/2
# 2 FEVERED AFFAIR 9/2
# 5 TAKE THE STROMBOLI 3/1
BEN OF THE BRIDGE looks quite good to best this field. Has formidable Equibase Class Figures relative to this group - worth a look. He has posted very good figs under today's conditions and will probably fare well versus this field. This gelding with Lopez in the irons makes him a solid contender. FEVERED AFFAIR - With Vargas on top him, this gelding will probably be able to break out early for this race. Ran a sharp last race. TAKE THE STROMBOLI - Has put up reliable Equibase Speed Figs in dirt route races in the past. Should best this group of horses here, showing respectable numbers of late.
-
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: 84
FOR ACCREDITED OKLAHOMA-BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR TRIAL OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS.
RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks
# 2 SOONER HEAT 12/1
# 3 VISUAL PUNCH 7/2
# 5 QUALITY ROCKET 20/1
SOONER HEAT is the strongest bet in this contest and is a strong value bet given the line at 12/1. Is a solid contender based on figures earned recently under today's conditions. This gelding obviously likes the distance, going 1 / 5 in his races lately. I would give my vote to this gelding on the jockey and handler numbers alone. VISUAL PUNCH - Must be given a shot here on the basis of the numbers in the speed realm alone. Could best this field based on the speed figure - 83 - of his last affair. QUALITY ROCKET - He has posted formidable figures under today's conditions and should fare well versus this group of animals. He has a respectable distance/surface win record - 1 for 3.
-
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Bar
Turf Paradise - Race #4 - Post: 2:10pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,000 Class Rating: 99
Rating: 4
#2 KAFISTER (ML=8/1)
#6 SUCCESS RATE (ML=2/1)
#3 BOTCH (ML=4/1)
KAFISTER - If this gelding gets out of the gate cleanly, he'll be tough to catch. He has the top earnings per start. Take a good look at this horse. SUCCESS RATE - After the race aboard this horse on November 25th, the jock is going to be in tune with the gelding much better. BOTCH - Vergara and Ortiz perform well when they combine forces. It's hard to beat a +210 return on investment for a jock and conditioner. Racing at a similar level as last race on November 7th at Turf Paradise. I think Ortiz has found a good spot for him, and I like his chances in this event. This gelding's last rating is lofty enough to score here, I'll play him back again this time.
Vulnerable Contenders: #8 MIGHTY FRASER (ML=5/2), #5 WANNABLIKEGRANDPA (ML=9/2),
MIGHTY FRASER - This rallier will probably be closing much too late to make an impact in this race. Notched a mediocre speed figure last time around the track in a $16,000 Claiming race on November 19th. Improbable to see an improved performance off of that figure. WANNABLIKEGRANDPA - The lack of morning activity has to make one concerned despite the good performance in the last event.
Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - SUCCESS RATE - Racing pattern would suggest this thoroughbred is fit and in good condition for today's race. Should do well today.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#2 KAFISTER is going to be the play if we are getting 3/1 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:
2 with [3,6]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,3,6] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[2,3,6] with [2,3,6] with [2,3,5,6,8] with [2,3,5,6,8] Total Cost: $36
-
Handicapped by Valuline at Zia Park
Today's Most Likely Winner Is at:
Zia Park, Race 8 (Monday December 11, 2017)
DESERT MYSTERY
(For ten of today's most likely winners, see Exotic Key Plays.)
ZIA-8 1mile DIRT Eight Horses
"A" OCL 12,500 3YUP $18,000
P# dd ex p3 p4 t s ML WP TVL
3 DESERT MYSTERY 8/5 36% 9/5 Strong Favorite icon
2 DESERT BOOT 7/2 22% 7/2
1 SHOTGUN WEDDING 9/2 18% 9/2
-
ROB VINCILETTI
NHL | Dec 11, 2017
Canucks vs. Jets
Jets-175
The NHL Comp play is on Winnipeg at 8:05 eastern. The Jets cone home off a 3 game road losing stream and they have been hot here winning 19 of 26 and 7 of 8 if the total is 5.5 The Jets have won 5 of 6 Pacific Division games and 7 of 8 over Vancouver. The Canucks have lost both games since losing top forward Horvat for 6 weeks and they have lost 4 of the last 5 on the road and are 1-4 on Mondays. Play on Winnipeg. On Monday the NFL Total of the Month is up and backed with 3 different totals systems and one is perfect. In The NBA We have a big 5* Side backed with an undefeated league wide system. NFL has cashed 7 of the last 8. For the NHL Comp play. Take Winnipeg. RV
-
TJ PEMBERTON
NHL Free Play: Washington Capitals
The Islanders have lost three of their last four games which were all on the road. New York is a very good team on their home ice but will welcome in the Capitals who are playing lights out right now. Grab the Capitals and cash with them as a small road underdog. The Washington Capitals have won four straight games heading into Monday. The Capitals are 18-11-1 on the season and 2nd in the Metro. Washington is 8-2 over their last ten games and beat the Rangers 4-2 at home on Friday. Braden Holtby will make his 23rd start of the season for the Capitals. Holtby is 16-6 on the season with 55 goals allowed. Holtby carries a 2.57 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. The Capitals beat the Islanders 4-3 back in early November. The Islanders are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference while the Capitals are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Metropolitan.
-
RED DOG SPORTS
Soccer | Dec 11, 2017
Clermont Foot vs. Nimes
Nimes-135
The free soccer play for Monday takes place in France's League Two. Take Nimes who are -126 to -135 at different books.
Clermont 1
Nimes 2
-
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Monday, December 11, 2017
NBA (711) TORONTO RAPTORS VS (712) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: UNDER
Reason: Your free play for Monday, December 11, 2017 is in the NBA contest between the Toronto Raptors and the LA Clippers. The Raptors (17-7 S/U, 14-10 ATS) take on the Clippers (9-15 S/U, 10-14 ATS) tonight in LA. The Raptors played yesterday at Sacramento and had an easy win, 102-87. That will keep the team a bit more fresh tonight in this second of a back-to-back spot. This spot hasn't been bad for Toronto, as they are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games with no days rest. In addition, the Raptors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs the West. The Clippers have struggled all season long, though they did snap a four game losing streak with a 113-112 win over the Wizards on Saturday night. In this spot, the Raptors are 3-9 O/U their last 12 with no rest. Moreover, the Raptors are 12-27 O/U their last 39 road games. The Clippers are 8-17-1 their last 26 home games vs a winning team. This series has gone UNDER in 11 of the last 14 meetings in LA. Take the UNDER here tonight.
-
CAPPERS ACCESS
(NFL) Patriots
(NBA) Raptors
-
Arthur Ralph Sports
MON Oregon -18
-
BIG AL
Our complimentary selection for Monday, Dec 11 is:
Alabama A/M Bulldogs +24.5 over DePaul Blue Demons.
-
Patriots vs. Dolphins Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/08/2017
The New England Patriots have been among the league's best teams at keeping focused on the task at hand, but they must avoid looking ahead when they visit the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. Red-hot New England is tied with Pittsburgh for the best overall record (and No. 1 seed) in the AFC and has a showdown looming in the Steel City on Dec. 17.
The Patriots have ripped off eight consecutive victories, including a 35-17 win over the Dolphins three weeks ago, but they have lost three of their past four visits to Miami. "They always play well down there against us, so I think we know it's going to be a lot different game, and environment, and everything else Monday night from what it was (on Nov. 26)," New England coach Bill Belichick said. While the Patriots can clinch a record nine AFC East title in a row, the Dolphins need a victory to keep their flickering postseason hopes alive. Miami, which entered the weekend trailing Baltimore by two games for the final playoff slot in the AFC, halted a five-game skid with a 35-9 drubbing of the reeling Denver Broncos last weekend.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Patriots -11. O/U: 47.5
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (5-7): Miami was gouged for a staggering 177 points during its five-game slide before sending Denver to its eighth straight defeat, getting a pair of safeties and a touchdown from its defense and special teams. Quarterback Jay Cutler missed last month's matchup versus the Patriots due to injury, but returned last week with a rather pedestrian performance, throwing for 235 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry has at least five catches in every game this season, including eight for 70 yards in the first matchup, and has at least six receptions in his last six games versus New England. An injury to Damien Williams opened the door for Kenyan Drake to rush for 120 yards and a TD on 23 carries last week.
ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (10-2): Quarterback Tom Brady failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time since the season opener in last week's 23-3 win at Buffalo, but the NFL's leading passer burned Miami for four scoring passers three weeks ago. Brady insists he will play despite not practicing due to an Achilles injury and he will be without star tight end Rob Gronkowski, who had two TD passes versus Miami but was suspended one game for delivering a forearm to the back of the head of a prone Buffalo defensive back last week. Dion Lewis ran for 115 yards against the Dolphins last month and leads a ground game that has amassed over 190 yards in each of New England's last two wins. A defense that was ravaged early in the season has not allowed more than 17 points during the winning streak.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Miami has struggled under the bright lights this season, losing all three prime-time matchups and getting outscored 112-45.
2. Brady has 11 touchdown passes and one interception in his last four games versus Miami.
3. Dolphins WR Kenny Stills has 278 yards and two TDs in his last two home games.
PREDICTION: Patriots 23, Dolphins 19
-
Celtics vs. Bulls Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/10/2017
The Boston Celtics will try to complete a winning road trip when they visit the Chicago Bulls on Monday. After dropping the opener of the three-game trip at San Antonio, the Celtics clamped down defensively in a 91-81 victory at Detroit on Sunday to improve to 9-2 on the road against the Eastern Conference.
"We were locked in," center Aron Baynes told reporters after his team got revenge for a recent 118-108 home loss to the Pistons."Our offense wasn't as crisp as we wanted it to be, but defensively we had a game plan and we stuck with it. We were trying to pack the paint and make them make plays from the outside. Last time, they really had whatever they wanted inside the paint." The Bulls have won two in a row following a 10-game losing streak as they've made the most of Nikola Mirotic's return to the lineup. "I said to (assistant coach) Randy Brown at the Charlotte game that we're going to win that game, and he said, 'Why?'" Mirotic told reporters after a 104-102 victory over New York on Saturday. "And I said 'Because I'm back.' And we won that game, and today I told him too - 'We're going to win two in a row.' And he said, 'Niko, I trust you.' We are 2-0, so there is no coincidence." Mirotic, who missed the first 23 games due to facial fractures and a concussion resulting from a preseason fight with teammate Bobby Portis, scored 19 points in 20 minutes versus the Knicks.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCSN Boston, WGN (Chicago)
ABOUT THE CELTICS (23-5): Forward Al Horford rebounded from a season-worst two-point performance against the Spurs to lead his team with 18 points at Detroit while chipping in nine rebounds, six assists, two blocks and zero turnovers. Point guard Kyrie Irving added 16 points and Baynes recorded a season-high 13 rebounds as Boston prevented itself from losing consecutive games for the first time since starting 0-2. "We responded not only to that loss at home (to Detroit), but also to the tough Spurs loss," Irving told the media. "We want to continue to build character and identity for our team and be responsive with a quick turnaround."
ABOUT THE BULLS (5-20): Mirotic's big effort Saturday night was part of a solid showing for Chicago's five reserves, who combined for 54 points on 21-of-37 shooting with 14 assists and two turnovers. Point guard Kris Dunn led the starters with 17 points and nine assists and he is averaging 17.5 points, eight assists and 6.3 rebounds during a four-game stretch. "I want to be a leader for my team and I want to make the big plays," Dunn told reporters. "I know we have multiple guys who can make plays, but I definitely want to be one of them."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Boston rookie F Jayson Tatum was 3-for-5 from 3-point range Sunday to improve his NBA-leading percentage from long distance to 52.3.
2. Celtics F Marcus Morris (knee) is expected to miss his second straight game.
3. Chicago has won four straight regular-season meetings with Boston at home.
PREDICTION: Celtics 108, Bulls 104
-
Heat vs. Grizzlies Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/10/2017
The Miami Heat gave themselves a chance at a winning three-game road trip and a .500 record when they went into Mexico City and locked down on the defensive end in a 101-89 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The Heat will try to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this month when they visit the struggling Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
Miami allowed 240 points in losses to Western Conference powers Golden State and San Antonio before holding the Nets to 36 points in the second half on Saturday. "A great game for us, especially defensively," Heat point guard Goran Dragic told the Miami Herald. "We know that they were going to try to play fast. They scored 89 points and shooting 40 percent from the field. That's in our wheelhouse. We want to play like that every night on defense." The Grizzlies are losers of three straight and 14 of their last 15 but are seeing some improvement under interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff and took the Oklahoma City Thunder to overtime on Saturday before dropping a 102-101 decision. "We had our chances," Bickerstaff told reporters after the loss. "Over and over again, we had our chances. We can't afford to let these types of games slip. ... Small things, simple execution things, understanding our player tendencies, those types of things. We had our opportunities. We let it slip away from us."
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Miami), FS Southeast (Memphis)
ABOUT THE HEAT (12-13): Miami small forward Justise Winslow is beginning to embrace his role off the bench and scored a season-high 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting on Saturday, including 4-of-4 from 3-point range. "I think I was just in a rhythm, defensively and offensively," Winslow told reporters. "I think I got to the point now where I'm really just trusting my skills and all the work I put in, not thinking and just flowing really." Winslow is not the only reserve playing at a high level of late, and shooting guard Tyler Johnson totaled 45 points on 17-of-23 shooting over the first two games of the road trip.
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (8-18): Memphis held a 20-point lead in the first half on Saturday but came out of the locker room cold with a nine-point third quarter. "Basketball happened," center Marc Gasol explained to reporters. "They made runs. They're a good team. You were up 20 obviously for a reason. You were doing things correctly. We were able to slow them down in transition. They changed a little bit, the pace of the game. They slowed us down offensively, and they were able to speed up the game on their end because they were getting stops. That's what happened." Gasol is averaging 21.4 points over the last five games and logged 42 minutes on Saturday -- the second time in the last five contests that he eclipsed 40.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Heat SG Dion Waiters went 1-of-10 from the field in two of the last three games, with an 8-of-12 effort sandwiched in between.
2. Grizzlies SG Tyreke Evans is averaging 28 points on 23-of-43 shooting over the last two games.
3. The road team took each of the two meetings last season, with Miami earning a 90-81 victory in Memphis on Nov. 25, 2016.
PREDICTION: Heat 105, Grizzlies 103
-
Hornets vs. Thunder Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats08:00 PM
by Gracenote on 12/10/2017
The Oklahoma City Thunder made a great effort over the summer to bring in a pair of All-Stars and improve the roster but when it comes to crunch time, it's still Russell Westbrook's team. Westbrook will try to guide the Thunder to their fifth win in six games when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday.
Westbrook finished off his triple-double on Saturday at Memphis by sinking the tying and go-ahead free throws in the final seconds of overtime after guiding the team back from a 20-point deficit. "(Westbrook) was really good," guard Alex Abrines told the team's website. "He is the leader of this team. We need him to score. We need him to pass the ball and create for his teammates. He's been doing it all year. He's one of the best in the world." The Hornets are losers of three straight and seven of their last eight and are beginning a two-game trip at Oklahoma City before heading to Western Conference-leading Houston on Wednesday. Charlotte finished off a four-game homestand by falling in overtime to the NBA-worst Chicago Bulls on Friday and dropping a 110-99 decision to the Los Angeles Lakers the next night.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), FS Oklahoma
ABOUT THE HORNETS (9-16): Charlotte allowed 56 points in the paint in each of its last two losses and is dealing with an injury situation that had four of the team's top eight players out by the end of the game on Saturday. Shooting guard Nicolas Batum has been dealing with an elbow injury all season and had it flare up on him again Saturday, when he was limited to two points in 19 minutes. Point guard Kemba Walker is trying to pick up the slack and is averaging 24 points in four games since returning from his own injury -- a shoulder issue that robbed him of two games.
ABOUT THE THUNDER (12-13): Westbrook was one of four Oklahoma City players to reach 20 points on Saturday along with Abrines, Carmelo Anthony and Steven Adams. Abrines, who averages 4.7 points, got the start in place of Paul George (calf) and went off for 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting in 43 minutes. "I'm more happy about the comeback and the effort that my teammates put out," Abrines told the team's website. "We just took our time to find the open man and I just had to be ready. Russ and Melo were able to find me when I was wide open."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. George sat out the last two games with a calf bruise and remains day-to-day.
2. Hornets coach Steve Clifford (undisclosed health issue) missed the last three games and his return is uncertain.
3. Charlotte took both meetings last season, including a 113-101 triumph at Oklahoma City on April 2.
PREDICTION: Thunder 107, Hornets 99
-
Pelicans vs. Rockets Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/11/2017
The Houston Rockets have appeared unbeatable of late and now begin their longest homestand of the season when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. A 124-117 victory at Portland on Saturday ran Houston's winning streak to nine games, a stretch during which it has averaged 119.8 points and won all but the most recent contest by double digits.
"We're really good," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters on Saturday. "When you have great players, our defense keeps holding up. To win on the road, you have to play good defense. It gives us a chance that sometime in the 48 minutes, we're going hit a variety of shots. We impose our will at that point. Either the bench does it, the starters do it, or a combination. We're 48 minutes of pretty good basketball." James Harden and Chris Paul seem to be the perfect pairing in Houston's backcourt as they combined for 74 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and five steals in the win at Portland. Harden averaged 30.3 points, 13.8 assists and nine boards in four meetings last season with the Pelicans, who capped a 2-2 homestand with a 131-124 comeback victory over Philadelphia on Sunday. Jrue Holiday scored 34 points - 19 in the fourth quarter - in New Orleans' best offensive showing of the season.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN New Orleans, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)
ABOUT THE PELICANS (14-13): Anthony Davis scored 29 points and DeMarcus Cousins added 23, but the big men had little help on the glass as New Orleans was outrebounded 47-33 by Philadelphia and gave up 22 offensive boards. "I thought the big thing for us, we just did a real, real poor job on the boards," coach Alvin Gentry told reporters after the win. "Offensive rebounding really hurt us. Even when we were playing good defense, we just gave them those extra possessions." There were plenty of assists to go around, but point guard Rajon Rondo claimed most of them with a season-high 18 to go along with 13 points and five steals.
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (20-4): Paul's 26 points on Saturday represents a season high as he made at least 50 percent of his shots for the third time in the last four games. Center Clint Capela recorded his 14th double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes and he was 4-for-5 from the field to push his shooting percentage to 66 percent - second in the NBA entering Sunday. Houston won't play on the road again until Christmas Day at Oklahoma City.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Harden has made exactly four 3-pointers in four straight games and is shooting a career-high 40.6 from beyond the arc.
2. Pelicans SG E'Twaun Moore hit 2-of-4 3-pointers on Sunday and is 19-for-29 this month.
3. Houston averaged 120 points while taking three of the four meetings last season.
PREDICTION: Rockets 124, Pelicans 111
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
Reply With Quote