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Wednesday 1-3-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc
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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Delta Downs
Delta Downs - Race 2
Daily Double (Races 2-3) / Exacta / Trifecta (.50 min.) / Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4) Superfecta (.10 min.)
Claiming $10,000 • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 70 • Purse: $17,000 • Post: 6:07P
FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders
Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line
Accept
Odds
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 * TOGA'S MARGROCK: Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner with an inside post position. Horse h as run a Good Race within the last 30 days. WATCH MY STEAM: Horse ranks 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. RWANDA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. SHEZJUSLIKEANNIE: Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. Jockey win percentage over the last 30 da ys is at least 18.
4
TOGA'S MARGROCK
5/2
3/1
3
WATCH MY STEAM
12/1
5/1
7
RWANDA
3/1
10/1
5
SHEZJUSLIKEANNIE
7/2
10/1
P#
Horse (In Running Style Order)
Post
Morn
Line
Running Style
Good
Class
Good
Speed
Early Figure
Finish Figure
Platinum
Figure
5
SHEZJUSLIKEANNIE
5
7/2
Front-runner
73
57
75.6
53.0
42.5
7
RWANDA
7
3/1
Front-runner
65
60
72.4
44.2
36.2
8
CALL THE GHOST
8
8/1
Front-runner
57
51
69.7
42.8
31.3
4
TOGA'S MARGROCK
4
5/2
Alternator/Front-runner
69
66
65.6
62.6
58.6
3
WATCH MY STEAM
3
12/1
Alternator/Stalker
68
71
71.0
55.6
48.6
6
SHAKEITIFULUVME
6
10/1
Alternator/Trailer
57
56
49.0
50.2
39.2
1
MT. RAIN
1
4/1
Alternator/Non-contender
74
71
41.8
47.0
42.0
2
FATHER OF STORMS
2
15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
58
60
36.4
41.8
27.8
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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park - Race 3
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 $.50 Bet 3 (Races 3-4-5)
Allowance • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 98 • Purse: $51,000 • Post: 1:35P
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR RESTRICTED ALLOWANCE OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 3 ALLOWED 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $50,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders
Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line
Accept
Odds
Race Type: Lone Trailer. STORM RULER is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * STORM RULER: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. BAR DOWN: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. ROCK AND FELLERS (ARG): Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. BARRY KARAFIN BETS: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. COWBOY'S HERO: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the past in its fi rst and/or second starts after a long layoff.
6
STORM RULER
5/1
4/1
1
BAR DOWN
6/1
8/1
2
ROCK AND FELLERS (ARG)
3/1
8/1
3
BARRY KARAFIN BETS
4/1
8/1
5
COWBOY'S HERO
2/1
9/1
P#
Horse (In Running Style Order)
Post
Morn
Line
Running Style
Good
Class
Good
Speed
Early Figure
Finish Figure
Platinum
Figure
2
ROCK AND FELLERS (ARG)
2
3/1
Front-runner
97
86
78.3
82.6
71.6
4
MALIBU ACTION
4
10/1
Front-runner
87
86
76.2
82.0
72.0
3
BARRY KARAFIN BETS
3
4/1
Front-runner
99
91
61.0
87.2
82.2
1
BAR DOWN
1
6/1
Stalker
98
98
82.6
94.0
86.5
5
COWBOY'S HERO
5
2/1
Alternator/Stalker
92
91
79.9
92.3
89.3
6
STORM RULER
6
5/1
Trailer
97
99
81.7
95.5
91.0
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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 5 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10400 Class Rating: 73
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 3 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks
# 1 WILLY SMILE 7/2
# 5 QUALITY SPIRITS 10/1
# 6 CHIEF JOSEPH 3/1
I've got to go with WILLY SMILE. Seems to have a decent class edge based on the recent company kept. Has to be given a chance against this group of animals displaying formidable figures lately and an average speed rating of 66 under similar conditions. His 67 average has this gelding with among the most competitive Equibase Speed Figures here. CHIEF JOSEPH - With a +46 return on investment, this rider and trainer combo has produced very good returns lately for risk takers. Marshall has this gelding racing well and is a solid pick based on the quite good Equibase Speed Figures posted in route races recently.
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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Bar
Penn National - Race #8 - Post: 9:10pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,800 Class Rating: 64
Rating: 4
#3 KILRUSH (ML=5/2)
KILRUSH - Don't often see a beneficial ROI like +29. This jock/handler tandem has done well together over the last 12 months. Last raced at Charles Town carrying 6 lbs more. The lower weight assigned in this event should serve her well. Earnings per start is something that I believe can be a key factor. This horse is ranked number 1 in this field.
Vulnerable Contenders: #2 DANCEFORTHEDEVIL (ML=2/1), #5 HYPNOTICA (ML=3/1),
DANCEFORTHEDEVIL - If you keep playing these kind of 'bridesmaid' types, you're going to be disillusioned regularly. Earned a disappointing speed figure last race out in a $7,500 Claiming race on Dec 11th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that figure. HYPNOTICA - Should have at least finished in the money in the last sixty days in a sprint event to be worth a shot at modest odds in a sprint.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#3 KILRUSH is the play if we get odds of 1/1 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None
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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Tampa Bay Downs
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 10 - Maiden Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $16200 Class Rating: 78
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $32,000, IF FOR $30,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY
RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks
# 3 WROTE TO A DIVA 10/1
# 1 WOMAN FLYER 6/1
# 9 PHENOMENAL GEM 7/2
My choice for this race is WROTE TO A DIVA especially at such a decent 10/1. Her 68 average has this filly with among the most competitive Equibase Speed Figs in this contest. The speed fig of 68 from her most recent race looks very strong in here. Has to be considered against this group of horses displaying respectable numbers recently and an average speed rating of 68 under similar conditions. WOMAN FLYER - Should definitely be given a chance in this competition if only for the very good speed figure recorded in the last contest. Has a sharp shot for this race if you like back class. PHENOMENAL GEM - Very strong chance today with second time Lasix. Always good to invest in a handler with this kind of quite good win percentage - 16 percent - at this distance & surface.
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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Bar
Turf Paradise - Race #2 - Post: 1:08pm - Allowance - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,500 Class Rating: 91
Rating: 3
#6 FIRE THE TRAINER (ML=3/1)
#3 BOO BOO BEAR (ML=2/1)
#5 SURE SWEET (ML=15/1)
#4 FLOWER BEACH (ML=9/5)
FIRE THE TRAINER - The April 3rd affair at Turf Paradise was at a class level of (99). Dropping to a lower level considerably, so he should be in a good spot. When the real racing starts, this horse should be finishing best of all. Here is a true horse for the course. Loves the track here at Turf Paradise. I like this horse. Has the highest earnings per start in here today. BOO BOO BEAR - I think this colt is ready to run a good one. He's had enough efforts since the vacation and should be fit. Barrett brings him back again. I suggest you stick with this hot colt. Look at this pattern of improvement. 78/80/84 are the last three speed figs. SURE SWEET - Colt has shown some pace. This shorter distance should be better for him. This rider/trainer duo has been producing a very profitable ROI, right at +99. Last ran at Turf Paradise and finished fourth. Reviewing his PP lines, I see he was close at the finish, within five of the winner. FLOWER BEACH - Although I sometimes have doubts about a thoroughbred who flopped as the favorite in his last race, this gelding got a solid speed figure and fits well here. This gelding is in fine physical condition, having run a good race on December 13th, finishing second.
Vulnerable Contenders: #2 EXECUTIVE DECREE (ML=6/1), #7 ESTIQAA (ML=8/1),
EXECUTIVE DECREE - This entrant ran a mediocre speed rating in the last race. He shouldn't improve and will likely get beat in today's event running that fig. ESTIQAA - Pedestrian speed rating last out at Turf Paradise at 6 1/2 furlongs. Don't feel this mount will improve too much in today's race. Looked like he was in good form on Dec 12th. Hasn't been near the track since then though. Not a positive sign. Ran a great speed figure last time around the track, but the attempt will probably take too much out of him.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 FIRE THE TRAINER is going to be the play if we are getting 7/2 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:
6 with [3,4,5]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
6 with [3,4,5] with [3,4,5] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
6 with [3,4,5] with [3,4,5] with [3,4,5] Total Cost: $6
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Senators vs. Red Wings Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018
After stumbling through a 5 1/2-week stretch of listless, inconsistent play, the Detroit Red Wings had to go to the final two games of the calendar year to feel good about their play. The same cannot be said of the staggering Ottawa Senators, who are hoping 2018 brings a fresh start when they visit Detroit on Wednesday night.
Both the Senators and Red Wings saw their season take a downward turn with a seven-game losing streak beginning in mid-November. Detroit's skid ignited a tailspin in which the team lost 13 of 16 games (3-8-5) before posting impressive victories over the New York Rangers (3-2 in a shootout) and Pittsburgh Penguins (4-1) to open the current five-game homestand. "I think we're playing better, I think we're playing smarter," forward Justin Abdelkader told reporters following Tuesday's practice. "We've learned from some of our past losses and we know the time is here now at home to make a stand and win some games." Ottawa has shown no sign of halting its spiral, suffering its 17th loss in 21 games (4-14-3) in a 5-0 thrashing by visiting Boston on Saturday night.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TVA, Sportsnet (Ottawa), FS Detroit Plus
ABOUT THE SENATORS (12-17-8): Ottawa held its annual team skills competition one day after the drubbing by Boston. Yet the most glaring issue facing the team is scoring as the Senators were shut out in five of the last 13 games. "We've put ourselves in a hole where we are going to need a fantastic run and we're going to need help," said forward Mark Stone, who leads the team with 15 goals and 34 points. "We've put ourselves in a deep, deep hole."
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (15-16-7): After amassing 72 goals over a three-season span, Gustav Nyquist dipped to 12 last season - a total he matched by scoring twice in Sunday's win over the Penguins. "Obviously last year I didn't score as much as I would have liked to," Nyquist told reporters. "It's hard to put a finger on it but it's nice to see them go in right now." Captain Henrik Zetterberg assisted on both of Nyquist's tallies, giving him 11 points in nine games.
OVERTIME
1. Red Wings G Jimmy Howard has yielded seven goals in his last four starts, and three in two meetings with Ottawa this season.
2. Ottawa had only five power-play chances in the past four games, failing on each of them.
3. Detroit F Anthony Mantha, who leads the team with 13 goals, practiced fully Tuesday and pronounced himself ready to return to the lineup.
PREDICTION: Red Wings 3, Senators 2
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Blackhawks vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018
Don't be surprised if the New York Rangers, and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist in particular, are tempted to ask the Chicago Blackhawks to step outside on Wednesday night. New York heads back indoors following Monday's 3-2 overtime win at the Winter Classic to face Chicago, which is wrapping up a six-game road trip.
Calling the Winter Classic "a fun experience that you don't take for granted," Lundqvist improved to 4-0-0 lifetime in outdoor games after making 31 saves in the win over Buffalo on New Year's Day. However, Lundqvist's last outing against the Blackhawks rated as anything but fun when he was yanked in the third period of a 6-3 loss at Chicago on Nov. 15. The Blackhawks had won five in a row before hitting the road, but they managed only one victory over the last five games (1-3-1) and have dropped seven of their last nine away from home (2-5-2). Ex-Ranger Artem Anisimov notched a third-period hat trick against New York in mid-November, but he will miss the game due to an upper-body injury suffered in Edmonton on Dec. 29.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (18-14-6): With Corey Crawford back on injured reserve for the second time this season, Jeff Glass made his NHL debut at age 32 and earned the victory with a 42-save effort at Edmonton. Glass, who turned aside 35 shots in Sunday's 4-3 overtime loss at Calgary, will make his third consecutive start. Captain Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad each snapped six-game point droughts with a goal and an assist versus the Flames.
ABOUT THE RANGERS (21-13-5): After netting only one goal during a 17-game stretch, J.T. Miller has scored four times in the past eight games - including the overtime winner to beat the Sabres on Monday. At Tuesday's practice, coach Alain Vigneault moved Miller on a line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Mats Zuccarello with the hope that it "can get Mika going." Zibanejad scored in the loss at Chicago but he is mired in an eight-game point drought.
OVERTIME
1. Lundqvist is tied with Tony Esposito for No. 8 on the NHL's career wins list with 423.
2. Toews has five goals and 10 points in 13 games versus New York.
3. The Rangers were 1-for-3 on the power play Monday after failing in their previous 15 chances.
PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Blackhawks 2
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Spurs vs. 76ers Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats07:00 PM
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018
The Philadelphia 76ers will likely be without star center Joel Embiid when they attempt to end a stretch of 12 straight setbacks against the visiting San Antonio Spurs. Embiid is doubtful for the contest with a sprained right hand as Philadelphia attempts to defeat the Spurs for the first time in nearly seven years.
Embiid injured the hand in a fall late in Sunday's 123-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns but concern lingers despite X-rays coming back negative. "It was a legitimate scare, a legitimate fall," 76ers coach Brett Brown told reporters after Tuesday's practice. "If you saw the palm of his hand, you'd see the bruising and the swelling and the discoloring. And if it was his non-shooting hand, you might feel more confident." San Antonio's star is rounding into shape quite nicely as Tuesday saw small forward Kawhi Leonard tally a season-best 25 points in his seventh game of the season during a 100-91 road victory over the New York Knicks. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich moved into sole possession of fifth place on the all-time victories list with 1,176, breaking a tie with George Karl.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (San Antonio), NBCS Philadelphia
ABOUT THE SPURS (26-12): Leonard played a season-high 31 minutes against the Knicks as he continues to find his stride after being sidelined with a quadriceps injury but he has no problem admitting he still has plenty of work to do. "I still got a little bit of a ways to go as far as my conditioning, legs and the whole rhythm of the game," Leonard said after Tuesday's victory. "It is a slow process." Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge also stood out with 29 points and he will likely play a big role Wednesday if Leonard is held out or on a minutes' restriction on the second part of the back-to-back.
ABOUT THE 76ERS (17-19): Forward Dario Saric matched his season high with 27 points against the Suns and has produced three straight 20-point outings for the first time in his career. Saric is 25-of-40 from the field during the stretch - including 12-of-18 from 3-point range - and Brown is happy to have the 23-year-old Croatian making an impact. "Whatever it is, let's bottle it up, market it, and we'll all be rich," Brown said. "He's a team favorite, you hear me say that often. With his broken English, and his big heart, there's a fondness we all have for Dario, and a respect that we all have."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The 76ers have lost six straight home meetings against the Spurs with their last victory occurring on Feb. 11, 2011.
2. San Antonio C Pau Gasol is 6-of-18 shooting over the past two games.
3. Philadelphia stated that G Markelle Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in June's draft, is making progress from the shoulder injury that has sidelined him two-plus months.
PREDICTION: Spurs 111, 76ers 101
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Knicks vs. Wizards Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/03/2018
The Washington Wizards have enjoyed a strong run of success against New York and aim to defeat the visiting Knicks for the seventh straight time on Wednesday. Washington won all four of last season's meetings with New York and has emerged victorious in 13 of the past 14 matchups.
The Wizards won four of five games to close out 2017 and open January with a stretch in which six of seven games are at home. Star point guard John Wall had 21 points, nine assists and a season-best four blocked shots in Sunday's 114-110 victory over the Chicago Bulls, matching his top scoring output in 10 games since returning from a knee injury. New York has dropped five of its last six games after falling 100-91 to the visiting San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis was a porous 5-of-19 shooting while scoring 13 points in the latest setback.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), NBCS Washington
ABOUT THE KNICKS (18-19): Porzingis struggled while primarily being guarded by San Antonio power forward LaMarcus Aldridge in a poor outing following a stretch in which he topped 20 points in four of the previous five games. "They just for 48 minutes played consistently," Porzingis said afterward of the Spurs. "They talk on defense. And they also know when they need to push the pace and when they need to slow it down." Forward Michael Beasley scored 18 points off the bench and is averaging 18.7 points and 8.7 rebounds over the past three games.
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (21-16): Shooting guard Bradley Beal is the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week and the 24-year-old is making a strong bid to make the All-Star team for the first time. "Brad's an All-Star. I thought he was an All-Star last year," Washington coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "If you win games and you play for each other, the individual awards come. If you focus on that, you focus on the wrong things. I've talked to Brad many times, and he's not one time mentioned All-Star to me." Beal, who is averaging 23.4 points, recorded 39 points, nine rebounds and matched his career best of nine assists in Sunday's win.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Wall averaged 22.8 points and 11.3 assists against the Knicks last season.
2. Beal matched his career best with seven 3-pointers against Chicago.
3. New York G Ron Baker (broken left orbital bone) could miss his second straight contest.
PREDICTION: Wizards 112, Knicks 105
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Rockets vs. Magic Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018
The Houston Rockets will be without the NBA's leading scorer James Harden when they go for a second straight victory Wednesday night against the struggling Orlando Magic. Harden, who is averaging 32.3 points and a team-high 9.1 assists, suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in Sunday's double-overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
"We will adjust," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni told the Houston Chronicle. "It's an opportunity for other people to play. (Chris Paul) will still lead the charge. We have to just make the best of a bad situation, but everyone deals with it. There's no reason we can't deal with it." Harden had 40 points before the injury while Paul scored 28 and dished out 10 assists as the Rockets rallied from 11 down in the fourth quarter to end a five-game losing streak with a 148-142 triumph Sunday. Orlando might be a good team for the Rockets to play at this point as the Magic, who started the season 8-4, have lost 11 of their last 12 and are without center Nikola Vucevic (17.4 points, 9.3 rebounds) due to a broken hand. "We keep talking about how it's still a long season," center Bismack Biyombo told the Orlando Sentinel. "But at some point, we've got to come out and figure this out."
TV: 7 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Florida (Orlando)
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (26-9): Houston will depend a lot on Paul and backcourt mate Eric Gordon, who was 2-for-11 from 3-point range Sunday but is scoring 19.4 per game overall - second on the team behind Harden. Guard Gerald Green, who was released by Milwaukee after training camp, could help on the offensive end as he posted 28 points combined in his last two contests after getting signed as a free agent three games ago. Trevor Ariza poured in a season-high 26 points against the Lakers on Sunday, draining 6-of-10 from 3-point range.
ABOUT THE MAGIC (12-26): Forward Aaron Gordon has been quite productive since returning from a calf injury while averaging 24.3 points - more than five above his season average - and 8.7 rebounds over the last three contests. Shooting guard Evan Fournier is second on the team in scoring (18.1), but was 4-for-15 from the field and 0-for-4 behind the arc in the 98-95 loss at Brooklyn on Monday. Biyombo has registered three consecutive double-doubles and is averaging 9.5 points and 13.0 rebounds since Vucevic was lost for 6-to-8 weeks.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Orlando PG Elfrid Payton is averaging 18.5 points - almost six above his season mark - and 8.3 assists in his last six contests.
2. Houston C Clint Capela had seven points and seven rebounds Sunday after missing two games with an eye injury.
3. The Rockets have won four of the last five meetings, including a 100-93 triumph at Orlando last season.
PREDICTION: Rockets 112, Magic 104
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Pistons vs. Heat Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018
The Detroit Pistons have stepped up their game on the defensive end and will try to stifle another opponent when they visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Despite playing once again without injured starting guards Reggie Jackson (ankle) and Avery Bradley (groin), the Pistons picked up a 93-79 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
They held the Spurs to 36.9 percent shooting while limiting an opponent to under 80 points for the first time since April 12, 2015. "It was really a team effort tonight," coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters after his team improved to 6-2 since a seven-game slide. "Everybody we put in made a contribution." The Heat have won eight of 12 after a 117-111 win at Orlando on Saturday, which came one night after a 24-point home loss to Brooklyn and a lackluster first half that saw the Magic build a 16-point lead. "Basically halftime was about them. I stepped back and let them talk and figure it out," coach Eric Spoelstra told reporters after the comeback. "It was a much different disposition in the second half. I was speechless after that game last night. I feel like that a little bit right now."
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS Sun (Miami)
ABOUT THE PISTONS (20-15): Reggie Bullock set a career high in scoring twice this month - establishing a new personal standard with 22 against the Spurs - as he helps atone for some of the scoring lost by Jackson and Bradley's injuries. "No matter who goes down, we've got other players that's able to step up," Bullock told reporters Saturday. "We're just doing it together as a team." The 26-year-old, who averaged 1.7 points in October and 2.5 in November, is at 13.6 over his last eight games.
ABOUT THE HEAT (19-17): The backcourt of Tyler Johnson and Goran Dragic combined for 56 points on 23-of-40 shooting to go along with 11 assists and eight rebounds in the win over Orlando. Johnson, who had 22 of his season-high 31 in a phenomenal third quarter, is averaging 17.6 points since entering the starting lineup seven games ago. Center Hassan Whiteside had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss at Detroit earlier this season and is averaging 11 points and 9.7 boards in 22.3 minutes over three games since returning from a knee injury.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Pistons rookie SG Luke Kennard scored a season-high 20 points against San Antonio and is 8-for-11 from 3-point range over a three-game stretch.
2. Miami is 6-9 in its last 15 home games.
3. Pistons F Stanley Johnson (hip) missed Saturday's game and is day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Heat 107, Pistons 105
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Timberwolves vs. Nets Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018
It took some time for Jimmy Butler to get comfortable with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded to the team during the offseason, but the veteran swingman is proving to be the catalyst for the franchise's turnaround. Butler will try to stay hot as the Timberwolves seek their eighth win in nine games with a visit to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
After averaging 16.2 points in October and 17.9 in November, Butler put up 26.5 on 50.6 percent shooting last month and opened 2018 with another outstanding performance, posting 28 points, nine rebounds and three steals in a 114-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. "Our execution recently has been great," Butler told reporters. "We're scoring baskets, but also executing on defense. We're in the right place, in the right coverages." The Marquette product averaged 30 points and 7.3 boards in four games last season against the Nets, who opened a five-game homestand on Monday with a 98-95 win over Orlando. Rookie Jarrett Allen led a balanced attack with a season-high 16 points for Brooklyn.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), YES (Brooklyn)
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (24-14): Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his NBA-leading 30th double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds against the Lakers while Andrew Wiggins collected 21 points as the two young stars continue to develop alongside Butler. "Guys are cutting a lot better now. They know if they're open Jimmy will find them," coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. "I think (Towns) is starting to see things. He's making a lot of great plays. Wigs is starting to see things and that's great for our team." Point guard Jeff Teague remains sidelined with a knee injury and fill-in Tyus Jones is averaging 5.3 assists and 3.3 steals in three straight starts.
ABOUT THE NETS (14-23): Center Jahlil Okafor could return to action Wednesday after sitting out the previous nine games to get adjusted to Brooklyn's system following a trade from Philadelphia last month. "He's been doing a phenomenal job getting ready physically with our assistant coaches, learning what we're doing," coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters Monday. "So collectively we feel that he's ready to get some minutes." The former No. 3 pick by the 76ers has seen action in just three games this season, scoring 10 points in 23 minutes in his lone appearance with the Nets.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Timberwolves F Taj Gibson is averaging 17.2 points - more than five over his average for the season - on 74.5 percent shooting over the last five contests.
2. Nets G Caris LeVert averages 4.2 assists for the season but recorded at least seven in each of his last four outings.
3. Towns averaged 29 points and 10 boards as the teams split two meetings last season.
PREDICTION: Timberwolves 114, Nets 108
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Cavaliers vs. Celtics Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats08:00 PM
by Gracenote on 01/03/2018
Storylines abound Wednesday in Boston as the Celtics welcome back Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup of Eastern Conference heavyweights. Thomas, who was a two-time All-Star with the Celtics before being traded with Crowder for star guard Kyrie Irving this offseason, made his debut for the Cavaliers in Tuesday's 127-110 win over Portland after missing the first 36 games of the season due to a hip injury.
The 28-year-old will not play against his former team as he sits out the second half of a back-to-back and the Celtics will not play a video tribute, per his request, but Thomas knows there will be plenty of emotion. "I know it will be all love," Thomas told reporters Tuesday. "I keep saying that I gave that city everything I had and they showed me genuine love back and I think that love is going to last forever. So, there's no hard feelings. This ain't no revenge game. They know what they gave up. They knew what they got. It's all good. I'm focused on the Cleveland Cavaliers and trying to win a championship." Despite knocking off Boston in the season opener, Cleveland has been looking up at the Celtics in the East for most of the season, but the hosts feel they still have work to do to dethrone the Cavaliers. "They've got a guy that's probably leading the charge for MVP in the league in LeBron (James), who's been doing it now for 15 years," Boston coach Brad Stevens told the media Tuesday. "They're the team to beat. Everybody knows that."
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Ohio (Cleveland), NBCS Boston
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (25-12): James had 24 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals as Cleveland snapped a three-game slide Tuesday, but the superstar knew that the night belonged to Thomas. "The only thing I knew was what was going to happen when he came in, that these fans would give him the ovation he had been waiting on and that he deserved," James said of Thomas, who had 17 points in 19 minutes. Coach Tyronn Lue told reporters that Thomas would likely enter the starting five Saturday against Orlando.
ABOUT THE CELTICS (30-10): Irving, who was a four-time All-Star with Cleveland, scored 28 points in a 108-105 win over Brooklyn on New Year's Eve, Boston's third consecutive victory following a 5-6 swoon. "Except missing another franchise cornerstone [Gordon Hayward] that's still cheering us on," Irving told reporters when asked about the team's relative health. "But in terms of the guys that are available, just I feel like we're rounding out at the right time in terms of getting healthy and getting back into the swing of things." Hayward was lost to a broken ankle minutes into the opener against the Cavaliers, when Irving had 22 points and 10 assists in his return to Cleveland.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Crowder averaged 13.9 points and 5.8 rebounds last season with Boston.
2. Celtics F Marcus Morris is 6-for-9 from 3-point range over his last two games.
3. James had 29 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists in the 102-99 win over the Celtics earlier this season and went for 35, eight and eight in the decisive Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Boston in the spring.
PREDICTION: Celtics 107, Cavaliers 105
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Pacers vs. Bucks Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018
The Milwaukee Bucks came so close to a statement road win before falling short at Toronto on New Year's Day. They will try to rebound at home against an Indiana Pacers team that might once again be playing without leading scorer Victor Oladipo.
After a comeback home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and a two-point triumph at Oklahoma City, the Bucks were on the verge of ending the Raptors' 11-game home winning streak but dropped a 131-127 overtime decision. "This is definitely a missed opportunity," Milwaukee's Khris Middleton told reporters. "It's definitely one we thought we were capable of winning." The Bucks should be capable of getting past a Pacers squad that has lost four straight - the last three without Oladipo, who is bothered by a knee issue. Indiana is averaging just 93.5 points during its four-game slide.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Indiana, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
ABOUT THE PACERS (19-18): Indiana's starting five combined for 32 points on 12-of-37 shooting in an ugly 107-90 loss to Minnesota at home on New Year's Eve, digging a 17-0 hole out of the gate and getting all 13 of its points in the first quarter from the reserves. Guard Joe Young was among those off the bench that took advantage of an opportunity and he finished with a career-high 20 points in 24 minutes. "It's about being ready, and when your time comes, you have to be ready," Young told reporters. "Like (teammate) Al Jefferson told me, you just have to be ready at all times. Your name could be called any second. I took that motivation and just stayed ready and my time has come."
ABOUT THE BUCKS (19-16): Milwaukee also got a boost from its usually low-scoring bench in the overtime loss to Toronto, as Thon Maker contributed a season high-tying 16 points, Malcolm Brogdon had 15 and Matthew Dellavedova handed out a season-high 10 assists. Eric Bledsoe led the way for the starters with 29 points while Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and zero turnovers in 42 minutes. Antetokounmpo averaged 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists as Milwaukee took three of four meetings with the Pacers last season.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Middleton missed all four of his long-range tries in the loss to Toronto to finish without a 3-pointer for the first time in 19 games.
2. Pacers C Myles Turner averages 14.1 points but has gone without a basket in two of his last seven games.
3. Bledsoe scored at least 22 points in five of his last seven contests.
PREDICTION: Bucks 113, Pacers 102
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Raptors vs. Bulls Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018
The Chicago Bulls are dealing with expectations for the first time this season and are starting to have some trouble closing out tight games. The Bulls will try to avoid a three-game losing streak for the first time since Nikola Mirotic returned when they host DeMar DeRozan and the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
Chicago won 10 of 12 games following Mirotic's return from facial fractures but dropped the next two at Washington and home against Portland by a total of eight points after squandering leads late in each of the setbacks. "It's tough, it hurts," Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters. "When you do have some success closing out close games, the last two nights we haven't done it. We have not gotten the job done. It hurts, it stings. Especially after having seven in a row where we did close out a lot of those close games. We've got to learn throughout the season, throughout these close games." Chicago will have to find a way on Wednesday to close out against DeRozan, who set a Toronto franchise record with 52 points in an overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. "He was playing with a lot of juice, oomph," Raptors coach Dwane Casey told reporters of DeRozan. "You could see the bounce in his step in the first quarter, the force he was playing with coming off pick-and-rolls, bouncing up, and he maintained that throughout the whole game, which was huge for him."
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), NBCS Chicago
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (25-10): DeRozan broke the previous team record of 51 points shared by Vince Carter and Terrence Ross while going 17-of-29 from the floor and 13-of-13 from the line, and he also handed out a team-high eight assists in the 131-127 win over the Bucks. "You really can't tell because you don't pay attention to it," DeRozan told reporters. "You look up, going to halftime, you may glance at it and say 'Damn, I got X amount of points.' You just feed off of that and understand it's nothing but aggressiveness and going out there and wanting to win." DeRozan is 27-of-47 from the floor in back-to-back wins after going 7-of-32, including 0-of-5 from beyond the arc, in road losses at Dallas and Oklahoma City last week.
ABOUT THE BULLS (13-24): Mirotic's return was the spark that led to Chicago's recent run of strong play, but it wasn't the only factor. Second-year point guard Kris Dunn is averaging 15.8 points and 8.1 assists over his last 13 games and scored 22 points in Monday's 124-120 overtime loss to the Trail Blazers. "We're clicking right now," Dunn told reporters. "We're playing good basketball. These two losses, they definitely hurt. When they're down the stretch, and you feel like you can win the games, it's hard to swallow. But we're playing good basketball, and I like what we're doing so far."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Raptors PF Serge Ibaka is 2-of-16 from 3-point range over his last five games.
2. Bulls PG Zach LaVine (knee) is practicing with the team and could make his season debut sometime next week.
3. Toronto took each of the first two meetings this season -- both at home -- but lost in each of its two trips to Chicago last season.
PREDICTION: Bulls 115, Raptors 112
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Warriors vs. Mavericks Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats08:30 PM
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018
The Golden State Warriors made sure to wait until Stephen Curry was 100 percent before bringing him back from an ankle injury, and he certainly appeared healthy in his first game back. Curry will try to follow up a 38-point outburst when the Warriors open a three-game road trip by visiting the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.
Curry sat out 11 straight games recovering from an ankle injury and wowed the home crowd in his return by going 12-of-17 from the floor in 26 minutes, including 10-of-13 from 3-point range, in Saturday's 141-128 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. "I was just happy to be back out there with my guys," Curry told reporters. "You sit and watch for 11 games, you just wonder what it's going to be like to get back out there, and I finally got that opportunity. I really didn't know what to expect. I just wanted to get some good reps, get up and down, see how my wind was and, surprisingly, I think my body felt way better than I expected." The Mavericks are winners of four in a row and are coming home after an impressive three-game trip in which they topped the Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder. "We're playing better, and we're doing better in these situations," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle told reporters after his team held off the Thunder 116-113. "Guys just hung together and found a way to close it out, and it's not easy with those three superstars that they've got. But we did it as a team with stops, made some big plays, and it will be a happy new year."
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State), FS Southwest (Dallas)
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (29-8): Curry was on a minutes restriction Saturday but will be eased back into a heavier load and is expected to play both ends of a back-to-back on Wednesday and Thursday, when Golden State heads to Houston. His presence seemed to have a positive impact on the rest of the lineup as well, with the Warriors shooting 58.8 percent from the floor and handing out 37 assists on 50 field goals against Memphis. The one negative was All-Star power forward Draymond Green, who picked up two quick technical fouls in the second quarter and was ejected, bringing his total number of technical fouls to an NBA-high 10 on the season.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (13-25): Dallas' last four wins have come by an average of five points, and the continued maturation of rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is one reason the team is beginning to pull out close games. Smith recorded his first career triple-double in Friday's win at New Orleans and followed that up with 19 points and six assists in the victory over the Thunder. "(Smith) was great tonight," Carlisle told reporters after beating Oklahoma City. "He finished the game with a couple of big baskets and some big free throws. ... He went through some situations, but he kept his energy up, he kept his head up and he kept attacking. He kept encouraging everybody in the huddles during timeouts, too, so it was just so much growth. I'm really happy for him."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Curry's younger brother, Mavericks SG Seth Curry, has yet to play this season due to a stress reaction in his left tibia and is not close to a return.
2. Warriors C Zaza Pachulia was perfect on Saturday, going 6-of-6 from the floor, 5-of-5 from the line and handing out six assists without a turnover.
3. Golden State took the last eight in the series, including a 112-97 home win on Dec. 14.
PREDICTION: Warriors 123, Mavericks 110
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Suns vs. Nuggets Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/03/2018
The Denver Nuggets look to break out of a mini-funk when they attempt to defeat the visiting Phoenix Suns on Wednesday for the seventh straight time. Denver allowed an average of 117.5 points while losing its last two games and aims to figure out a way to slow down Suns star guard Devin Booker.
Booker scored 34 points as Phoenix finished strong to post a 104-103 home win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. The Suns trailed by 10 points with less than 2 1/2 minutes to play before using a resounding 15-4 run to claim their sixth victory in the past nine games. Denver's recent defensive breakdowns were surprising as it followed a stretch in which the club gave up an average of 83 points during a three-game winning streak that included holding the Golden State Warriors to 81 points. "I'm sure fatigue has played a factor and we'll be smart as to how we prepare for our next game against Phoenix," Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), Altitude (Denver)
ABOUT THE SUNS (15-24): Booker and small forward TJ Warren (31 points on 15-of-21 shooting) combined for 65 points against the Hawks and both player are riding hot streaks. Booker is averaging 31 points in four games since returning from a groin injury while Warren is averaging 28.3 points on 38-of-59 shooting over the past three contests. "We played bad (Tuesday), but that (comeback) says a lot about a young team," Booker said after the win over Atlanta. "To be able to play bad like that, come back and get a win down late, that's big."
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (19-17): Malone detected that too many of his players were tired during Saturday's 107-102 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in a contest in which his team blew a 13-point lead. So Malone believes the ensuing rest was good for his team and he also said he will extend the rotation to get more minutes for the bench players. "I have to find ways to trust our bench, play more guys, so I don't run our players into the ground," Malone told reporters. "It's a long year, there's a lot of basketball left. And I don't want seven or eight guys in that locker room saying, 'Man, those guys are so tired but he doesn't trust any of us.' That's bad for morale."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Nuggets were 4-0 against the Suns last season, including victories by 16 and 11 points.
2. Phoenix PF Marquese Chriss recorded 17 points and 11 rebounds against Atlanta for his first double-double of the season.
3. Denver SG Jamal Murray scored 31 points against Philadelphia and is averaging 24.7 points over the past three games.
PREDICTION: Nuggets 118, Suns 111
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Pelicans vs. Jazz Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018
The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the more inconsistent teams in the NBA and just followed up a three-game winning streak with back-to-back home losses to teams without winning records. The Pelicans will try to turn their streaky nature positive when they begin a stretch with six of eight on the road by visiting the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
New Orleans had a chance to move four games above .500 with a back-to-back at home against the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks but instead dropped the two by an average of five points while failing to execute down the stretch. "We play 82 of these things," Pelicans point guard Rajon Rondo told reporters after practice on Monday. "They're not going to all be perfect. We're going to win some we're not supposed to win, we're going to lose some we're not supposed to lose. It's part of the game, it's part of the process in the NBA and we've got to move forward and try to get better next game." The Jazz dropped 10 of their last 13 games but are coming off the most impressive win in that span -- a 104-101 home triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. "Hopefully, you know, we can build on this win and hopefully go on another winning streak after this," Utah forward Derrick Favors told the Salt Lake Tribune. "We went through a lot in December. We played a lot of tough teams, and it tested us mentally and physically. So hopefully, we have learned a lot from what we've been through. The goal is for us to improve in January and get back on a winning streak."
TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS New Orleans, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)
ABOUT THE PELICANS (18-18): New Orleans star Anthony Davis averaged 32 points in the last two losses and shared the same sentiments as Rondo. "I'm not frustrated. We're fine," Davis told reporters. "We're fine. We've just got to go take care of business on the road. We've got to get back to playing how we were playing before, coming out with a lot of energy, but I'm not frustrated, disappointed that we dropped these two, but I'm not frustrated." Davis isn't the only one in the frontcourt playing well of late, and center DeMarcus Cousins totaled 61 points and 39 rebounds in the last two contests.
ABOUT THE JAZZ (16-21): If Utah is going to make a run back up the standings and challenge for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, rookie Donovan Mitchell could be the one to lead the way. The Louisville product averaged 23.1 points on 50.7 percent shooting in December and finished off the month by scoring 29 points in the win over the Cavaliers, earning the respect of Cleveland superstar LeBron James in the process. "He's a player," James told reporters of Mitchell. "Kid's got a lot of game. They've been riding that wave all season. He's not afraid of the moment, he just goes out there and plays ball. They put him in situations where he can succeed, and he's taking advantage of that."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Jazz C Rudy Gobert (left knee) is expected to miss at least another two weeks.
2. Pelicans SG E'Twaun Moore is 26-of-40 from the floor over the last four games.
3. Mitchell scored 41 points in a 114-108 home win over New Orleans on Dec. 1.
PREDICTION: Pelicans 111, Jazz 107
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