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Thread: Tuesday 1-2-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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    Tuesday 1-2-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc


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    F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Mahoning Valley Race Course

    Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race 8

    Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta / 50 cent Pick 3 (Races 8-9-10)


    Claiming $5,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 63 • Purse: $11,000 • Post: 3:30P
    FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 2 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000 (OHIO REGISTERED FOALS PREFERRED).
    Contenders

    Race Analysis
    P#
    Horse
    Morn
    Line

    Accept
    Odds


    Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * GRAND EDGE: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. H orse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. HEAVENS JEWEL: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. DATZ A VIOLATION: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. SECRET EDEN: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at th e distance/surface.
    2
    GRAND EDGE
    3/1

    9/2
    7
    HEAVENS JEWEL
    5/1

    5/1
    9
    DATZ A VIOLATION
    12/1

    8/1
    11
    SECRET EDEN
    15/1

    9/1




    P#

    Horse (In Running Style Order)

    Post

    Morn
    Line

    Running Style

    Good
    Class

    Good
    Speed

    Early Figure

    Finish Figure

    Platinum
    Figure
    7
    HEAVENS JEWEL
    7

    5/1
    Front-runner
    59

    55

    94.7

    40.8

    36.8
    10
    FLYING TO STAR
    10

    6/1
    Front-runner
    53

    48

    64.4

    37.4

    23.4
    2
    GRAND EDGE
    2

    3/1
    Stalker
    73

    52

    55.0

    48.8

    40.3
    9
    DATZ A VIOLATION
    9

    12/1
    Alternator/Stalker
    64

    48

    56.8

    48.8

    37.8
    4
    MINECRAFTBULLY
    4

    8/1
    Trailer
    61

    55

    42.8

    51.0

    41.0
    12
    BOSSY ALEXANDRA
    12

    20/1
    Alternator/Trailer
    58

    55

    59.2

    40.4

    26.4
    11
    SECRET EDEN
    11

    15/1
    Alternator/Trailer
    58

    46

    50.2

    53.2

    44.7
    3
    PAULSEZWHATSUPAL
    3

    20/1
    Alternator/Non-contender
    65

    55

    59.8

    25.6

    7.1
    1
    MY DEAR NOBLE
    1

    10/1
    Alternator/Non-contender
    69

    64

    57.0

    38.0

    22.5
    6
    GLOBAL ATTENTION
    6

    4/1
    Alternator/Non-contender
    53

    43

    49.6

    40.0

    24.5
    8
    SHES PACKING
    8

    20/1
    Alternator/Non-contender
    38

    42

    35.0

    31.0

    12.5
    5
    SHEZAFLASHYLASSIE
    5

    20/1
    Alternator/Non-contender
    49

    54

    33.6

    23.8

    6.8

  3. #3
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    Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

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    Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #10 - Post: 4:26pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,500 Class Rating: 65

    Rating: 3

    #11 NORTHERN TRACK (ML=2/1)
    #3 BARNESLAND (ML=3/1)


    NORTHERN TRACK - Have to give this gelding a chance. Ran a good outing in the last race within the last 30 days. Chatterton drops him down to this class. You don't need too much more knowledge to figure that this horse should have a chance to win at this level. That 66 fig this gelding earned in his last event tells me he's a big time player this time. BARNESLAND - This front-runner is shortening up today. Should promote his chances. Ceccato brings him right back. I advocate you stay with this hot gelding.

    Vulnerable Contenders: #12 LOUIE'S HIGHWAY (ML=6/1), #6 AL PONY CHINO (ML=8/1),

    LOUIE'S HIGHWAY - Hard to put your cash on the win end of any mount that finishes second and third as frequently as this entrant does. Common speed figure last race out at Mahoning Valley Race Cour at 1 mile 70 yards. Don't believe this steed will improve too much in today's race. AL PONY CHINO - This racer just hasn't looked sharp recently. Hasn't hit the board in any short distance affairs lately. Unlikely to see him doing it this time either.

    Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - NORTHERN TRACK - Posting three superb speed ratings in the last three races. This mount is primed to beat these thoroughbreds today.





    STRAIGHT WAGERS:
    Go with #11 NORTHERN TRACK on top if we're getting at least 7/5 odds

    EXACTA WAGERS:
    Box [3,11]

    TRIFECTA WAGERS:
    11 with 3 with [5,9,12] Total Cost: $3

    SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
    Skip

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    Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

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    Parx Racing - Race #3 - Post: 1:19pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,000 Class Rating: 72

    Rating: 4

    #7 GIANT ROCKS (ML=2/1)


    GIANT ROCKS - This gelding likes to sit just off the pace and the way things shape up here, he should get a 'dream' trip. Caballero and Caraballo perform well when they team up. It's hard to beat a +56 return on investment for a jockey and conditioner. Caraballo brings him back again. I advocate you stick with this hot gelding.

    Vulnerable Contenders: #1 CATAPULT JACK (ML=9/5), #4 ALJAMRY (ML=6/1), #3 NILE GOLD (ML=8/1),

    CATAPULT JACK - Last ran on Dec 8th at Aqueduct, finishing fourth. Not likely to get better off of that performance in today's event. This probable favorite ran on December 8th and hasn't had a morning drill since. This mount will probably bounce off of the last strong outing. ALJAMRY - Don't believe this horse has what it takes to cross the finish line in first in today's event. NILE GOLD - 8/1 is too short of a price to take on most any animal that has run poorly in back to back races around the track. Not likely for this thoroughbred to make a winning move with no recent success in a sprint contest. Improbable that the speed rating he garnered on November 27th will be enough in this clash.



    STRAIGHT WAGERS:
    #7 GIANT ROCKS to win at post-time odds of 1/1 or better

    EXACTA WAGERS:
    7 with [2,4]

    TRIFECTA WAGERS:
    Skip

    SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
    None

  5. #5
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    Handicapped by The Walker Group at Sunland Park

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

    Race 4 - Claiming - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $12500 Class Rating: 79

    FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. FOUR YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 2, 2017 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 2, 2017 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $6,250, ALLOWED 2 LBS. NEW MEXICO BRED CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.


    RECOMMENDED CHOICES
    The Walker Group Picks

    # 2 VOCALLY 7/5

    # 1 KATHY'S DAY RATE 6/1

    # 4 RED SPRING 5/1

    VOCALLY is my choice. Posted a formidable speed figure last time out. Is a solid contender based on figures garnered recently under today's conditions. This filly obviously likes the distance, going 5 out of 11 in her races lately. KATHY'S DAY RATE - Howard has this filly travelling well and is a competitive pick based on the very good speed figures put up in sprint races recently. Put up a sound speed fig in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this race. RED SPRING - Has longshot potential and could win at a big price. The drastic drop in company can only help this one this time out.

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    F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Turf Paradise

    Turf Paradise - Race 5

    $1 Exacta / $1 Quinella / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta $1 Double (Races 5-6) / $.50 Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7) / $.50 Pick 4 (Races 5-6-7-8)


    Claiming $8,000 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 95 • Purse: $9,500 • Post: 2:42P
    (PLUS UP TO 10% PLUS 10%) FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE NOVEMBER 2, 2017 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $7,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. (CLAIMING RACES FOR $6,250 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). ARIZONA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
    Contenders

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    P#
    Horse
    Morn
    Line

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    Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. THE SPINMEISTER is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * THE SPINMEISTER: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the dista nce/surface.
    2
    THE SPINMEISTER
    9/2

    5/2




    P#

    Horse (In Running Style Order)

    Post

    Morn
    Line

    Running Style

    Good
    Class

    Good
    Speed

    Early Figure

    Finish Figure

    Platinum
    Figure
    2
    THE SPINMEISTER
    2

    9/2
    Front-runner
    95

    96

    102.6

    90.8

    85.8
    5
    GENTLE AS A BREEZE
    5

    10/1
    Front-runner
    92

    78

    74.2

    80.2

    66.2
    8
    HE'S NO SAINT
    8

    8/1
    Stalker
    86

    75

    43.0

    71.6

    61.6
    1
    BROADWAY NIKA
    1

    7/5
    Alternator/Stalker
    95

    85

    80.8

    78.6

    72.1
    4
    BLACKFORD
    4

    4/1
    Alternator/Stalker
    95

    89

    75.4

    87.6

    80.6
    3
    PURPLE SKY
    3

    20/1
    Trailer
    100

    99

    59.1

    77.8

    68.8
    9
    CALL IT LUKE
    9

    15/1
    Trailer
    87

    91

    53.8

    70.8

    55.8
    7
    GOLD TREASURE
    7

    6/1
    Alternator/Trailer
    93

    89

    63.8

    84.2

    77.2
    6
    ELECTION VOW
    6

    20/1
    Alternator/Non-contender
    83

    84

    84.4

    76.0

    61.0

  7. #7
    Service Play Moderator Can'tPickAWinner's Avatar
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    Handicapped by The Walker Group at Turf Paradise

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

    Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $7000 Class Rating: 65

    FOR MAIDENS, FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $7,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. ARIZONA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


    RECOMMENDED CHOICES
    The Walker Group Picks

    # 7 OSTINI 8/1

    # 5 Y O L O CAT 6/5

    # 4 NO SUPAH FOR YOU 4/1

    OSTINI looks strong to best this group particularly if the morning line of 8/1 holds. He has recorded solid figs under today's conditions and will most likely fare well against this field. This gelding could improve with second time Lasix. Could best this field based on the speed rating - 65 - of his last effort. Y O L O CAT - This gelding should be given a chance just off the earnings per start in dirt sprint events alone. Is tough not to consider based on Equibase Speed Figures which have been quite good - 65 avg - of late. NO SUPAH FOR YOU - Ought to compete soundly in the pace battle which bodes well with this field. With a solid 63 speed rating last time out, will surely be a factor in this contest.

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    Jim Feist

    Jim Feist's Comp Pick

    NBA (509) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS (510) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

    Take: over

    Reason: Your free play for Tuesday, January 2, 2018 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Memphis Grizzlies and the LA Clippers. The Clippers have really improved of late, winning three straight games and five of their last six games. They have also covered three straight and are 8-1-1 ATS their last 10. While the Clippers average 105.5 ppg this season, they are averaging 117.8 ppg their last five and allowing just 106.4 ppg. The Clippers have gone OVER in six of their last eight games with one day rest and 4-1 O/U their last five overall. The Grizzlies are just 5-13 on the road this season adn 12-25 overall. Memphis is 4-1 O/U their last five and 4-1 O/U their last five vs the West conference. In addition, the last five meetings in this series have gone OVER. I like how the Clippers are scoring of late and therefore I'm taking the OVER.

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    Arthur Ralph Sports

    TUES Drexel +2 CBB

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    BIG AL

    Our complimentary selection for Tuesday, Jan. 2 is:

    Towson -2 over Elon.

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    BRAD DIAMOND
    NCAA-B | Jan 02, 2018
    TCU vs. Baylor
    TCU+1½ -105

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    ROB VINCILETTI

    Suns-1

    The NBA Comp play is on Phoenix at 9:05 eastern. The Suns have won 16 of 20 here over Atlanta at home and have covered 4 of 5 on Tuesdays. The Hawks are 0-4 off a win of 10 or more and 3-10 vs teams who allow 105 or more points per game. Rested home teams off a spread loss of 7 or more as a home dog like the Suns are 13-2 vs a team like the Hawks that come in of a home dog win. Look for Phoenix to take this one. On Tuesday we have powerful 4 game pack up with 2 NCAAB Court crusher plays, the NBA Total of the week and a 5* NHL Power system play. Jump on as we start 2018 off fast. For the NBA Free pick. Play On the Phoenix Suns. RV-GC Sports

  13. #13
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    RED DOG SPORTS
    Soccer | Jan 02, 2018
    Birmingham City vs. Reading
    Reading-105

    Reading has struggled lately but get to play Birmingham City at home. The visitors are off a home win but are last of the 24 teams in England's League One.

    Birmingham City 1

    Reading 2

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    SCOTT SPREITZER

    Clippers-5

    I'm recommending a play on the Clippers minus the points. Memphis beat LAC 115-112 at home 10 days ago. Blake Griffin hadn't returned to the floor for the Clippers at that point, but he is now and the Clips are finding success. LAC enters on a 3-game winning streak. They've won five of their last six overall, and the Clippers have been padding bankrolls, currently on a 10-1-1 ATS run. Griffin has scored 25 and 24 points in his first two games since returning to the lineup, while grabbing a total of 13 rebounds and dishing out one dozen assists. And while this is a play for us without Austin Rivers, there is a chance he could return tonight. Memphis has covered just 5 of their last 21 games with one day off between games, while the Clippers have covered five in a row at home. We'll lay the points with the Clippers on Tuesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

  15. #15
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    LARRY NESS

    My 1* Free Play is on the LA Clippers (10:30 EST).

    Memphis comes in having traded wins and losses over its last four, most recently crushing Sacramento 114-96 on Sunday. LA comes in having won three straight, most recently taking care of Charlotte with a 106-98 victory at home on Sunday.

    Note that this is a big time revenge game for LA, as Memphis has taken the first two of the season series between the clubs already.

    Memphis averages just 98.7 PPG, while conceding 102.1. Big man Marc Gasol averages 18.5 points, 8.5 boards and 3.9 assists per game.

    LA averages 105.5 PPG and concedes 105.7. Blake Griffin is back from a MCL injury and he averages 23.7 points, plus 5.7 boards per game.

    I’ll point out that the Grizzlies though are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven following a straight up victory, while LA is 5-0 ATS in its last five at home and 6-0-1 ATS in its last seven following a SU victory.

    This is the final game of a road trip for Memphis and I think it gets caught looking ahead. With Griffin back in the mix, all cylinders are firing in LA right now. Consider laying the points in this particular matchup.

    Good luck…Larry

  16. #16
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    Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach

    CBB Game #558 Tuesday Free Pick DePaul Blue Demons (-) vs Georgetown Hoyas @ 9 ET

    The Hoyas are already paying for that ultra-weak non-conference schedule they faced. Georgetown is coming off of back to back losses in Big East action and they were fortunate to even be "in it" in the home loss to Butler as the Bulldogs shot an uncharacteristic 14% from beyond the arc in that one. The Hoyas now visit DePaul and, even though the Blue Demons got the upset win the most recent match-up, Georgetown has had the upper hand in most of the recent meetings including knocking DePaul out of the Big East tourney two years ago. In other words, there is no shortage of motivation here for the Blue Demons. DePaul has played the tougher schedule so far this so don't be fooled when looking at the overall records of these two teams. Also, the Blue Demons are 7-0 SU (and 5-2 ATS) as a favorite this season. Georgetown is 6-12 SU and ATS in road games with a posted total between 145 and 149.5 points. Free Pick DEPAUL

  17. #17
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    JOEY JUICE

    Let's back the Boston Bruins as they face off against a New York Islanders team that has been all over the place lately. The Islanders are coming off a horrible road loss to Colorado 6-1, while the Bruins have been red hot lately thanks to Goalie Tuukka Rask going 10-1 last 11 and allowing only 13 goals in those 11 games.

    On the other hand the Islanders are headed in a different direction as they are just 3-6 in their last nine games. Huge edge to Boston as they are 13-3 last 16 games that they played in New York.

    Boston plays extremely well when they are rested, they are 5-0 when playing on two days rest. They also play well vs the East, they are 5-1 last six vs. the Eastern Conference. New York, on the other hand, does not fare well against good teams, they are 3-7 last 10 vs teams with winning records.

    This one is all Boston.

    3* BOSTON

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    Trail Blazers vs. Cavaliers Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 01/02/2018

    Isaiah Thomas is slated to make his long-awaited Cleveland debut Tuesday when the Cavaliers host the Portland Trail Blazers. Thomas has been recovering from a hip injury suffered in the 2017 playoffs, and his first Cleveland appearance comes four months after he was acquired in the deal that sent Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics.

    Thomas averaged a career-best 28.9 points for the Celtics last season and he is ecstatic to return to the court. "It's been a long process for me," Thomas told reporters after Monday's practice. "It's been a frustrating and tough process but at the same time you got to trust it. Each and every day, I just attacked it every day to try to get better and now that day is here." Thomas also will look to help the Cavaliers halt a three-game losing streak - all on the road - and help the squad stretch its home floor winning streak to 13. Portland has won three of its last four games after producing a 124-120 overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday and is expected to get star guard Damian Lillard (hamstring) back after a five-game absence.

    TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS Ohio (Cleveland)

    ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (19-17): Shooting guard CJ McCollum has topped 30 points in two of the past three contests and his 32 points against the Bulls came on substandard 11-of-30 shooting. McCollum drained five 3-pointers and registered a season-best eight assists and he wasn't too thrilled about his team being scheduled on a road back-to-back while an angry Cleveland squad last played Saturday. "We know they're going to come out with lot of energy, having two days rest," McCollum told reporters. "The NBA didn't do us any favors."

    ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (24-12): Coach Tyronn Lue said Thomas will come off the bench Tuesday and his minutes will be watched closely as he gets himself into game shape. "Now it's finally here and just seeing how he can play with pace and getting into the paint, the speed and quickness and ability to shoot the basketball, it really changes our team," Lue told reporters. "Really excited (in Thomas' progress) from Day One to now. It's a good moment for us." Thomas also is aware it will take time - "my hip is better but I have no rhythm. I have no feel for the game right now," he said - and the expectation is that he will eventually take pressure off star forward LeBron James.

    BUZZER BEATERS

    1. The Cavaliers have won their past three home encounters with the Trail Blazers, including the memorable 137-125 victory last season when C Kevin Love scored 34 first-quarter points and finished with 40.

    2. Portland swingman Evan Turner scored a season-best 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting against Chicago after averaging only 7.8 points over the previous four games.

    3. Cleveland swingman Kyle Korver is nine 3-pointers away from passing Paul Pierce (2,143) for fourth place on the all-time list.

    PREDICTION: Cavaliers 121, Trail Blazers 108

  19. #19
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    Spurs vs. Knicks Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 01/01/2018

    The New York Knicks snapped a four-game slide with a win at the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday and return home for their first game of 2018 on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs, who knocked off the Knicks at home last week, kicked off a stretch with nine of 11 on the road in tough fashion with their lowest-scoring performance of the season at Detroit on Saturday.

    New York's losing streak hit four in a row with a 119-107 setback at San Antonio on Thursday, but Kristaps Porzingis scored seven of his 30 points in the final 90 seconds on Saturday to lift the Knicks to a 105-103 win at New Orleans. "We lost four in a row and all of them were really tough losses. They were last-second, last-minute, last quarter, something close," Porzingis told reporters. "So a lot of times it brings the energy down and the good vibes. To get a win like this in the last minute to come back and do all that, that brings it back up. So we want to keep that positive atmosphere going forward and keep that going." The Spurs averaged 112 points during a three-game winning streak but shot 36.9 percent from the floor, including 5-of-26 from 3-point range, in Saturday's 93-79 loss at Detroit. San Antonio shot 51.3 percent from the field in the win over the Knicks, led by 25 points from LaMarcus Aldridge.

    TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (San Antonio), MSG (New York)

    ABOUT THE SPURS (25-12): Pau Gasol scored 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds to compliment Aldridge in Thursday's win over the Knicks, his fourth consecutive double-double, but slumped to eight points on 4-of-9 shooting at Detroit. Aldridge managed 15 points in the loss -- seven fewer than his season average -- but there was one bright spot in the form of Kawhi Leonard's playing time. The star forward logged a season-high 28 minutes and scored a team-high 18 points in the loss after sitting out Thursday's game against New York.

    ABOUT THE KNICKS (18-18): Jarrett Jack scored 15 points on Saturday, including the two clinching free throws in the final seconds, and was just happy to get the win. "We need all of them," Jack said, according to the New York Daily News. "I always say all of them look the same in April. At the end of the season when you tally them up, no matter if they're home or away, no matter if they were won by 20, triple overtime. They all look the same in April. We're trying to get as many marks in that W column as we can." The Knicks are 15-6 at home but are making only a one-game stop at Madison Square Garden before playing 13 of the next 16 on the road.

    BUZZER BEATERS

    1. Spurs F Rudy Gay (right heel) sat out Saturday and is expected to miss two weeks.

    2. Knicks rookie PG Frank Ntilikina is 1-of-10 from 3-point range over the last four games.

    3. San Antonio lost 94-90 in its trip to New York last season despite getting 36 points from Leonard.

    PREDICTION: Spurs 103, Knicks 97

  20. #20
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    Hawks vs. Suns Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 01/01/2018

    The Atlanta Hawks are beginning to play better and are trying to crawl out of the basement in the Eastern Conference, but winning on the road still eludes them. The Hawks will try to win on the road for the first time in a month when they open a five-game trip by visiting the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.

    Atlanta last won on the road Dec. 2 at Brooklyn but won three of its last four games overall -- with the lone loss coming at Toronto on Friday -- to finally reach double figures in victories. The recent surge is being sparked by point guard Dennis Schroder, who averaged 25.3 points on 53.7 percent shooting in the three wins but slumped to 14 on 6-of-20 shooting in the loss at the Raptors. The return of Devin Booker helped elevate the Suns to back-to-back wins, but the defense remains a work in progress. Booker scored 32 points on Sunday, but Phoenix allowed the Philadelphia 76ers to shoot 55.8 percent from the field in a 123-110 home loss, just the team's third setback in its last eight games.

    TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), FS Arizona (Phoenix)

    ABOUT THE HAWKS (10-26): Second-year small forward Taurean Prince kept Atlanta in the game on Friday with a career-high 30 points on 12-of-16 shooting against Toronto and continued his high level of play the next night. Prince did not light up the scoreboard in quite the same fashion in a 104-89 win over the Portland Trail Blazers but buried four 3-pointers and grabbed 10 rebounds to go with five assists. Prince scored in double figures in 11 of the 15 games in December and is one of seven players on the roster averaging double figures, led by Schroder's 19.8 points.

    ABOUT THE SUNS (14-24): Sunday's loss did little to diminish the team's high regard for itself internally, and the players believe a young roster led by Booker and TJ Warren is starting to turn the corner toward contender status. "I don't think people realize how close we are," veteran forward Jared Dudley told the Arizona Republic. "We are knocking on the front door." Warren finished up December with 28 points against the 76ers -- his highest total of the month -- and is averaging 24.4 points on 55.4 percent shooting over the last five games.

    BUZZER BEATERS

    1. Suns C Tyson Chandler recorded his third double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds on Sunday.

    2. Hawks PF Mike Muscala (ankle) has been out since Nov. 3 but could make his return on Tuesday.

    3. The home team took each of the last five in the series, with Atlanta last winning in Phoenix on March 13, 2015.

    PREDICTION: Suns 120, Hawks 103

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