Wednesday 12-13-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc [Archive] - Investwithsports.com Sportstalk and Gambling forum

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:58 AM

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 3 and up • CR: 66 • Purse: $17,000 • Post: 6:07P
FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. HONEST TINA is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * HONEST TINA: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surf ace. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
6
HONEST TINA
5/2

5/2

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
6
HONEST TINA
6

5/2
Front-runner
69

72

70.1

61.7

57.7
7
RWANDA
7

3/1
Front-runner
64

54

64.0

39.5

32.0
1
LINE RUNNING LASS
1

15/1
Front-runner
49

45

50.0

28.4

14.9
5
WATCH MY STEAM
5

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
68

71

68.1

57.2

50.2
4
SHAKEITIFULUVME
4

12/1
Alternator/Stalker
57

56

50.4

47.2

35.7
9
TOGA'S MARGROCK
9

9/2
Alternator/Trailer
69

68

57.2

61.0

56.5
8
TAMY'S SHOT
8

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
50

46

53.2

31.0

16.5
2
SWEET SILVER
2

4/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

42.4

43.2

31.2
3
FATHER OF STORMS
3

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
58

60

28.4

42.2

28.2

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:58 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Evangeline Downs

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

Race 8 - Maiden Claiming - 400y on the Dirt. Purse: $4200 Class Rating: 59

QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 FAST PRIZE ELLA 3/1

# 4 YAWLS DANNY 5/1

# 9 SAINTLY PRIZE 6/1

FAST PRIZE ELLA is my choice. Has been running solidly and has among the best speed in the race for today's distance. With Ortiz getting the mount, watch out for this horse. YAWLS DANNY - He has been racing soundly recently while recording solid speed figures. Trainer has sharp win rate (26 percent) at this distance and surface. SAINTLY PRIZE - Can't overlook the connections here, a 23 winning percentage, one of the most respectable at getting into the winner's circle.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:59 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #4 - Post: 2:05pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $22,000 Class Rating: 80

Rating: 4

#4 OSCURA (ML=7/2)
#9 BABY ISABELLA (ML=10/1)

OSCURA - This mare should give a strong account of herself in today's race. BABY ISABELLA - I seem to always make money betting Breen horses on the grass. That barn has a powerful win pct for this distance/surface.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 BARBADOS KITTEN (ML=8/5), #10 STARSHIP ROCKETTE (ML=4/1), #5 REINA LA KELSY (ML=6/1),

BARBADOS KITTEN - Today's event is 7 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't finished in the money in a short distance contest in the last couple months. Not the greatest of signs. This chalk horse may be out of shape without any recent drills. STARSHIP ROCKETTE - Should have at least hit the board in the last couple months in a sprint race to be worth the risk at small odds in a sprint. This filly showed very liitle last time out. Quite unimpressive speed figure last time around the track at Belmont Park at 6 furlongs. Don't feel this vulnerable equine will improve too much in today's event. REINA LA KELSY - No accomplishments for this entrant in a sprint race over the last two months tells me that this filly is in a thorny situation Hasn't been coming close at all recently.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - BABY ISABELLA - Finished a disappointing fourth at Gulfstream Park West on Nov 24th. But that was on the soft turf. Expect much better in today's event.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#4 OSCURA is the play if we get odds of 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Pass

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 07:00 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #6 - Post: 8:16pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 71

Rating: 3

#7 CHEROKEE SKY (ML=7/2)
#3 CHRISTMAS EVE (ML=10/1)
#9 EXCHANGING EMBER (ML=15/1)

CHEROKEE SKY - Not much pace in this race other than this pony. This horse is not the morning line choice, yet she finished ahead of today's chalk in their last race together. CHRISTMAS EVE - Jockey jumped on this filly's back for the first try on November 8th. Should be in touch with the horse even better in today's contest. Looking at today's class rating, this thoroughbred is encountering an easier field than in the last race at Penn National. When this jock and conditioner work together you have to take a look. Hernandez and Houghton have been terrific together. EXCHANGING EMBER - This rider and handler have a favorable ROI when they are put together. Filly is a first timer whose last three morning drills were on this track. The addition of Lasix might make this equine wake up and run well in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #12 NOISY RIPPLES (ML=3/1), #5 DEPUTIZED (ML=8/1),

NOISY RIPPLES - This filly finished out of the top three on October 19th and wasn't close to victory last race out either. No picnic to play this entrant in today's event. Make her show you something in a sprint event before you invest in her in a race of 5 1/2 furlongs. DEPUTIZED - Should have at least finished in the money in the last 60 days in a sprint affair to be any kind of value at short odds in a sprint. 8/1 is too short of a value to take on most any horse that has run poorly in back to back efforts. Improbable that the speed fig she earned on November 8th will hold up in this event.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 CHEROKEE SKY is the play if we get odds of 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
7 with [3,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,7,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[3,7,9] with [3,7,9] with [3,6,7,8,9] with [3,6,7,8,9] Total Cost: $36

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 07:00 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Turfway Park

Turfway Park - Race 7

Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta / Daily Double

Maiden Special • 6 Furlongs • All-Weather • Ages 3 and up • CR: 81 • Purse: $18,500 • Post: 9:15P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 123 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. (PREFERENCE TO HORSES THAT HAVE NOT STARTED FOR LESS THAN $30,000).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Dominant Class. RIVER'S EDGE is the Dominant Class of the race. * KEY ANGLES * RIVER'S EDGE: Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distan ce/surface. Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. INSURGENT: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. Today is a sprint and t he horse is carrying at least 120 lbs.
3
RIVER'S EDGE
2/1

5/2
4
INSURGENT
10/1

4/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
INSURGENT
4

10/1
Front-runner
81

83

99.0

68.4

65.4
7
J DUB
7

6/1
Front-runner
80

78

78.0

54.2

45.7
2
BUNZLAUER
2

8/1
Alternator/Front-runner
75

74

62.2

60.0

48.0
6
LAST SPRING
6

9/2
Alternator/Front-runner
81

75

38.9

48.3

40.3
9
STEFAN O'EISHEN
9

12/1
Stalker
73

74

77.4

71.1

63.6
5
WITNESSADREAM
5

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

83.1

63.9

53.9
3
RIVER'S EDGE
3

2/1
Trailer
96

94

45.6

90.3

84.3

Unknown Running Style: STEVE AND AARON (20/1) [Jockey: Figueroa Sergio - Trainer: Baca Roberto A], CHIFFRE (20/1) [Jockey: Sullivan Carson - Trainer: Cross Jr Kenny R].

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 07:01 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Turf Paradise

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

Race 5 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $12500 Class Rating: 99

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE OCTOBER 13, 2017 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500, IF FOR $11,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS. ARIZONA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $16,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 PARCHED 8/5

# 1 PERCY FAWCETT 9/2

# 6 JAM N ADDY 9/5

My selection in this race is PARCHED. Has run soundly when running a turf route race. With a strong rider who has won at a respectable 22 percent clip over the last 30 days. This has to be one of the top picks. He looks solid in this spot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the midpoint. PERCY FAWCETT - Overall the Speed Figures of this horse look strong in this contest. Will most likely compete soundly in the early pace contest which bodes well with this field. JAM N ADDY - Has garnered strong speed figures in turf route races in the past. This racer has a terrific win percent in turf routes.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:10 PM

Arthur Ralph Sports

WED: Under the total 152 Illinois/Longwoord

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:11 PM

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Wednesday, December 13, 2017

NBA (705) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (706) INDIANA PACERS

Take: over

Reason: Your free play for Wednesday, December 13, 2017 is in the NBA contest between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. The Thunder (12-14 S/U, 8-18 ATS) take on the Pacers (16-11 S/U, 17-10 ATS) tonight. The Thunder have struggled on the road, going 0-9 ATS in their last nine road games. The Pacers average 109 points on the season while allowing 106.4 ppg. OKC averages 101.8 ppg and just 99.3 ppg on the road. The Pacers have been a very good OVER club, going 21-8 O/U in their last 29 vs the NBA Northwest. Most important, these teams have gone over in 12 of their last 14 meetings in Indiana and 21 of the last 28 overall. Pacers should get their average or above here tonight. Play the OVER here tonight.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:11 PM

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Wednesday, Dec 13 is:

Western Kentucky +7.5 over Wisconsin.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:11 PM

RED DOG SPORTS
Soccer | Dec 13, 2017
Leicester vs. Southampton
Leicester +280

This match takes place Wednesday in the Engalnd Premier League. Nice value on Leicester at +280 on the road at Southampton. Leicester has won 3 in a row and sit at 6-5-5 while Southampton is 4-6-6 (-3 goal difference) and only scored 16 goals in 16 matches.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:11 PM

SCOTT SPREITZER
NCAA-B | Dec 13, 2017
Portland State vs. Oregon
Oregon-13

I'm laying the points with the Oregon Ducks on Wednesday night. Portland State may be hot, covering spreads night in, night out, but they're making the leap to another level tonight without the element of surprise and the line tells us how much it really means. PSU faced Duke this season and played extremely well for a while before the Blue Devils won 99-81 as a 24.5 point favorite. The Vikings caught Duke by surprise...but there will be no surprise here. In fact, Dana Altman can use that game as an example not to take PSU lightly. Also, to go along with line value thanks to Portland State's current run, we have an underdog that will be willing to play at the better program's pace. PSU averages 91 ppg. Oregon averages 88 ppg at home and will push the tempo. And while PSU allows teams to make 48% of their FGA overall, Oregon holds their visitors to 36% shooting and should also dominate a weak rebounding opponent. Pointspread value, along with desired tempo, and better talent should add up to a win and cover by the Pac-12 entry. I'm laying the points with Oregon on Wednesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:12 PM

Clippers vs. Magic Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats07:00 PM
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

The Los Angeles Clippers are beginning to figure out how to play without star power forward Blake Griffin, just in time for a four-game road trip. The Clippers will begin their trek on the east coast by visiting the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.

Los Angeles dropped four straight after losing Griffin to a knee injury that is expected to keep him out for two months, but recovered to win the final two of a three-game homestand and hit the road with some momentum. "(Coach) Doc (Rivers) said before the game, 'We've been dealt a (crummy) hand with injuries,'" small forward Sam Dekker told the Los Angeles Times after a 96-91 win over the Toronto Raptors on Monday. "Every night, we feel like we have a new starting lineup, a new injury, a new this or that. But he said to stay resilient and keep working hard good things will happen." The Magic are missing their own power forward with Aaron Gordon (concussion) day-to-day and are losers of 13 of their last 16 games following a promising start. Orlando dropped a 117-110 decision at Atlanta on Saturday despite a combined 60 points from Nikola Vucevic and Jonathan Simmons.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (10-15): Los Angeles, which is also without starting point guard Patrick Beverley (knee) for the rest of the season, got a boost recently from the return of small forward Danilo Gallinari (glute) and another on Sunday when guard Milos Teodosic (plantar fasciitis) played for the first time since Oct. 21. Teodosic was limited to 21 minutes in the win but scored 12 points and buried a key 3-pointer in the closing minute. Gallinari scored 25 points in a 113-112 win over Washington on Saturday but reaggravated the injury in that game and is day-to-day after sitting out Monday.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (11-17): Vucevic recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists while going 13-of-18 from the floor on Saturday. "We had some guys down and I wanted to try to carry this team any way I can," Vucevic told reporters. "For me personally, if I try to force things, if I try to take a lot of shots and (freeze) other guys out, it will go the other way for me. I like to play within the flow of the offense. I feel like the way we play, I will get a lot of looks as the game goes on. Just trying to make the right play." Vucevic is averaging 23.6 points and 13.2 rebounds over the last five games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Clippers C DeAndre Jordan grabbed at least 17 rebounds in four of the last five games.

2. Magic SG Evan Fournier (ankle) sat out Saturday and is day-to-day.

3. Los Angeles took the last seven in the series, including three in a row at Orlando.

PREDICTION: Magic 110, Clippers 107

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:12 PM

Thunder vs. Pacers Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

Paul George is set to make his return when the Indiana Pacers host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. George orchestrated a trade away from Indiana in the summer to join what he thought would be a winning situation, but it's the Pacers who enter Wednesday's clash with a better record.

George and the Thunder fell for the second time in three games to drop two games below .500 with a 116-103 loss at home to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, and the team is still struggling to jell consistently. "For all the talent we have, obviously this is not where we want to be," George told reporters. "But we're going to remain optimistic about the future and what we can do. Once we find a way to really do it night in and night out, it's no panic mode, but we have to start playing better." George is averaging 20.6 points on 41.8 percent shooting for Oklahoma City while the main piece coming back to the Pacers in the trade that sent him away, shooting guard Victor Oladipo, is enjoying a breakout campaign and averaging 24.5 points on 48.5 percent shooting. Oladipo put up a career-high 47 points in a 126-116 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday that gave Indiana its fourth straight win.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Oklahoma, FS Indiana

ABOUT THE THUNDER (12-14): Russell Westbrook is trying to will Oklahoma City to victories and put up 30 points and seven assists on Monday, but the team could not overcome a terrible third quarter. The Thunder were outscored 40-22 in the period after holding the Hornets to 18 points in the second, and the inconsistency is becoming commonplace. "Twenty-six games. It's an 82-game season," Westbrook told reporters. "It's up to us, honestly. We just have to figure it out and play the same way every night."

ABOUT THE PACERS (16-11): Oladipo was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the second time this season on Monday and is averaging 31.8 points on 53.8 percent shooting in five games this month. "Y'all might be surprised, but I put in the work," Oladipo told reporters. "I work every day. I have no limit to how hard I work. I'm trying to be great. There's no in between and I can't settle for anything less." That desire for greatness led Indiana to wins in 10 of its last 13 games and a spot among the top five in the East.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Another player that came over in the George trade, C Domantas Sabonis, is leading the Pacers in rebounding (8.5).

2. Thunder SG Andre Roberson (ankle) sat out Monday and is day-to-day.

3. Oladipo scored 35 points while George was held to 10 but Indiana fell 114-96 at Oklahoma City on Oct. 25.

PREDICTION: Pacers 116, Thunder 112

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:12 PM

Grizzlies vs. Wizards Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats07:00 PM
by Gracenote on 12/13/2017

The Washington Wizards expect to have John Wall back in the lineup on Wednesday, when they host the lowly Memphis Grizzlies. Wall has missed the last nine games with a knee injury, and it will be decided after the mid-day shootaround whether or not he is healthy enough to play in the opener of Washington's four-game homestand.

The Wizards have gone 4-5 during Wall's absence after Tuesday's 103-98 setback against Brooklyn. The four-time All-Star point guard last played on Nov. 22, and that has meant shooting guard Bradley Beal has had to carry the team - and he has put up an astounding 113 shots over his last four games. Memphis is experiencing deep issues as Monday's 107-82 loss to Miami was the squad's fourth straight defeat and 15th in 16 contests. "There are going to be times like this, and again, it's the decisions that we make as individuals in moments like this that define who we are," Grizzlies interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters after the loss. "I have no doubt in the character in that group in the locker room. None whatsoever. So we will bounce back, we will figure it out and we will be the team that we set out to be."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Memphis), NBCSN Washington

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (8-19): Center Marc Gasol has been part of seven consecutive playoff teams with the franchise and is highly frustrated with the losing. But Gasol, who scored 19 points in the loss to the Heat, said he isn't sure that all of his teammates are as disgusted about the porous record as he is. "I couldn't tell you that," he told reporters. "Everybody has to look in the mirror, and as a man, you have to take it personally because wearing this jersey means a lot."

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (14-13): Beal is averaging 34.5 points over his last four games - he scored a career-high 51 against Portland on Dec. 5 - but his 28-point effort against the Nets came with lackluster 11-of-33 shooting, including misses on all seven 3-point attempts. The loss to Brooklyn was highly disappointing and left the squad with a 2-3 record on a road trip that included a horrific 47-point setback against Utah. "We got to figure it out as a team," forward Markieff Morris told reporters. "Obviously, we don't have our best player, but we just got to figure it out. We can't tip off like this as we did (Tuesday) and the last couple of games, because we're better than that."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Grizzlies have dropped each of their last three visits to Washington.

2. Memphis is 0-9 against Eastern Conference foes, its worst start versus the East since losing its first 11 such games in 1996-97.

3. Washington backup SG Jodie Meeks is just 6-for-25 from the field over his last five contests.

PREDICTION: Wizards 110, Grizzlies 102

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:12 PM

Nuggets vs. Celtics Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats07:30 PM
by Gracenote on 12/13/2017

Kyrie Irving is expected to return to the lineup, but Al Horford will be sitting out when the Boston Celtics host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. Boston suffered its worst loss of the season when Irving was sidelined with a quadriceps injury on Monday, while Horford is being rested against the Nuggets.

Horford's knee has been ailing since he banged it during Sunday's victory over Detroit, but the Celtics' real pain occurred the next night as they were routed 108-85 by lowly Chicago without the services of Irving. "Sometimes you get your butts kicked. It's as simple as that," Boston coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "Chicago dictated the whole game. They played harder than we did, they played with more presence than we did, they played more competitive than we did, they played with more authority than we did. We're not going to win many games if we play like that." Denver is looking for a split of its six-game road trip after posting an impressive 103-84 win over Detroit on Tuesday. The Nuggets also expect center Nikola Jokic (ankle) to return after a six-game absence.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), NBCSN Boston

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (15-12): Denver has been surprisingly good over the first third of the season, particularly with the expected three-month loss of four-time All-Star power forward Paul Millsap (wrist). Getting Jokic back is key for a team that doesn't have a go-to scorer but has evolved into a well-balanced squad as any of six or seven different players might emerge on a given night. In fact, backup forward Trey Lyles is averaging 22.5 points on 16-of-22 shooting over his last two games, tallying 20 on 7-of-7 shooting against the Pistons after scoring a career-high 25 versus Indiana on Sunday.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (23-6): Boston has lost two of three games following a 22-4 start, and the beating suffered at the hands of the Bulls was baffling - even with Irving sidelined. "We usually find the time to find some energy, but (on Monday), we didn't," second-year forward Jaylen Brown told reporters. "It didn't feel any different. We're not making any excuses. We've just got to come out and play better, and play harder, regardless of the circumstance. And, I think we will." Rookie small forward Jayson Tatum recorded just four points against Chicago on 1-of-7 shooting after scoring in double digits in each of his previous 16 games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Nuggets are just 8-33 all-time in Boston but did post a 123-107 victory in last season's visit.

2. Denver SG Jamal Murray scored 28 points against Detroit for his eighth 20-point performance of the campaign.

3. Boston F Marcus Morris (knee) will miss his third straight game.

PREDICTION: Celtics 117, Nuggets 102

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:12 PM

Jazz vs. Bulls Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

The Chicago Bulls lost by 30 points at Utah less than a month ago as part of a dismal 10-game losing streak. The Bulls enter the rematch at home Wednesday night under very different circumstances as they aim for a fourth consecutive victory while trying to send the Jazz to a fourth straight loss.

Wins over Charlotte in overtime and by two points at home over the New York Knicks got Chicago going, but a 23-point rout of the NBA-best Boston Celtics on Monday turned some heads, even though the Celtics were shorthanded. "I don't know what tanking is," forward Bobby Portis told reporters when pressed on whether the team's sudden success will hinder its efforts to rebuild. "We want to win. We don't want to be looked at as if, 'Aw, they're just going out there, tanking,' whatever. We want to be guys who go out there and compete and earn our keep too." Utah's win over the Bulls last month began a six-game winning streak, but the Jazz have dipped back below .500 with their three consecutive losses. All five starters scored in double figures and reserve Alec Burks had 20 points but Utah was unable to slow down Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in a 117-100 loss on Saturday.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah), WGN (Chicago)

ABOUT THE JAZZ (13-14): Rudy Gobert also had 20 points and a team-leading nine rebounds in Saturday's loss, which dropped Utah to 6-10 with its star center in the lineup. "It's little details that I have to work out," Gobert told reporters while referencing a leg injury that caused him to miss 11 games. "It's moving quicker, it's boxing out. Physically, I'm feeling better and better. It's definitely more mental. I have to get better at my usual habits. But it's coming back." The Jazz hope guard Rodney Hood comes back soon as the team's leading scorer has missed seven straight with an ankle injury.

ABOUT THE BULLS (6-20): Monday's victory was notable in that it saw Portis and Nikola Mirotic - a pair that fought in the preseason, forcing Mirotic to miss 23 games with facial fractures and Portis to earn an eight-game suspension - team up to vanquish the Celtics. "Those guys were playing off each other," coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters. "When we got switches, they were hitting each other in the high-low, finding each other. I just love the chemistry that those two are playing with right now." Mirotic had 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting in his third game since returning while Portis added 23 on 10-of-15 while making all three of his 3-pointers.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Derrick Favors scored 23 points and Utah made 14 3-pointers in the first meeting.

2. Bulls PG Jerian Grant has 18 assists and one turnover in 41 minutes over the last two games.

3. Jazz SG Donovan Mitchell was held to 12 points on 4-of-17 at Milwaukee after averaging 28.6 points over the previous five games.

PREDICTION: Jazz 106, Bulls 104

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:13 PM

Bucks vs. Pelicans Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats08:00 PM
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

The Milwaukee Bucks are streaking in the right direction again with wins in each of their last three games and six of the last seven as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Eric Bledsoe get more comfortable playing together. The Bucks will try to improve to 12-4 since Bledsoe joined the lineup when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.

Milwaukee's only loss in the last seven games came at Eastern Conference-best Boston on Dec. 4, and coach Jason Kidd is excited about his team's improvement. "Us, as a team, (we're) growing up and understanding what it takes to win in this league," Kidd told reporters after a 117-100 win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday. "It's not easy. The week didn't start off well for us, but we ended it on a positive note. Now we turn the page to another week with three (games) in four (nights)." That stretch begins with the Pelicans, who are lighting up the scoreboard of late but only hit the win column in three of their last nine games. New Orleans averaged 120.7 points in the last six games but won only three of those contests, including a 130-123 setback at Western Conference-best Houston on Monday.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS New Orleans

ABOUT THE BUCKS (15-10): Antetokounmpo recorded a double-double in each of Milwaukee's last three games and punctuated a 37-point, 13-rebound, seven-assist performance against Utah on Saturday by dunking over center Rudy Gobert in the final minute. The "Greek Freak" just turned 23 on Dec. 6 and is averaging 29.8 points on 54.6 percent shooting and 10.4 rebounds. Bledsoe reached the 20-point plateau in each of the Bucks' last three games and is averaging 18 points and 4.2 assists in 15 games with the team since coming over in a trade from the Phoenix Suns.

ABOUT THE PELICANS (14-14): New Orleans draws a lot of attention for its frontcourt tandem of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, but it's been the improved play of the backcourt that really has the offense operating in high gear. Rajon Rondo recorded a triple-double on Monday while Jrue Holiday (37) and E'Twaun Moore combined for 73 points, but they understand where the team needs to improve. "We've got a lot of guys who can do a lot of things, a lot of talent," Moore told reporters. "Once we get it together a little bit on the defensive end, we'll be hard to beat."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Davis (left adductor) missed four of the last six games and is day-to-day.

2. Bucks SG Tony Snell (knee) sat out the last two games and is questionable.

3. The teams split the two-game series last season, with Milwaukee earning a 117-113 win at New Orleans.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 120, Bucks 113

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:13 PM

Raptors vs. Suns Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/13/2017

The Toronto Raptors were thriving offensively until one subpar performance sidetracked their season-best, six-game winning streak. The Raptors look to start a new stretch of victories when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday in the finale of a four-game road trip.

Toronto averaged 117 points during its winning streak before establishing a season low for points in Monday's 96-91 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. "It happens," standout shooting guard DeMar DeRozan told reporters. "We're going to have nights like that where we miss shots. We made a lot of mistakes in the last couple of minutes of the game." The Raptors recorded a 126-113 home victory over the Suns on Dec. 5, and that contest was doubly painful for Phoenix as it lost shooting guard Devin Booker to a groin injury. That setback was the beginning of a four-game skid for Phoenix, which suffered a 99-92 road loss to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, TSN (Toronto), FSN Arizona (Phoenix)

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (17-8): DeRozan was limited to 17 points on 5-of-13 shooting against the Clippers after averaging 25.4 points over the previous five games, a stretch that included Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors. DeRozan and point guard Kyle Lowry each scored 20 points in last week's win over the Suns but Lowry has struggled with his shooting since that game, hitting 13-of-44 overall shots and missing all eight 3-point attempts against the Clippers. Center Jonas Valanciunas registered his first double-double since Nov. 7 when he matched season highs of 23 points and 15 rebounds versus Los Angeles.

ABOUT THE SUNS (9-20): Phoenix badly missed Booker in Tuesday's loss as teams are crowding the other shooters since they don't have to focus on traps or double teams of the 21-year-old star. Small forward TJ Warren has been trying to pick up the slack but was 9-of-24 shooting while scoring 18 points against the Kings during a contest in which the Suns were 7-of-32 from 3-point range, including 15 misses (of 17) in the second half. "We've just got to get better at shooting the 3-ball," Phoenix coach Jay Triano said afterward. "The game is trending that way and we got to be able to make more than 2-of-17 in a half."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Suns have won 10 of their past 13 home games versus the Raptors.

2. Rookie Josh Jackson, who is starting in place of Booker, was only 3-of-14 shooting for seven points against the Kings.

3. Toronto SF Norman Powell scored only two points in each of the past two games and has been in single digits in four straight contests after a run of five consecutive double-digit outings.

PREDICTION: Raptors 116, Suns 111

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:13 PM

Hornets vs. Rockets Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

The Houston Rockets have not lost with Chris Paul in the lineup and don't appear to be ready to fall anytime soon. The NBA-best Rockets will try to push their winning streak to 11 in a row when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

Houston is averaging 120.8 points during its 10-game winning streak and shot 54.5 percent from the floor in a 130-123 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. All but the last two of those 10 wins came by double figures, and Monday's win marked the start of a seven-game homestand. The Hornets didn't seem capable of mounting much of a challenge to Houston while dropping three in a row at home, but they began their two-game trip by knocking off the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-103 and are determined to pull out of the rut completely. "We've been struggling on the road," Charlotte forward Marvin Williams told the team's website. "We've been struggling overall, but we got a lot of fighters in that locker room. Things haven't been going the way we've wanted them to be going, but we're sticking together, we're continuing to fight and we really got a big-time win against a great OKC team."

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

ABOUT THE HORNETS (10-16): Charlotte added some much-needed balance to its offense after leaning heavily on point guard Kemba Walker and placed all five starters in double figures while shooting 53.1 percent as a team on Monday. The biggest contributions came from the frontcourt, where Williams, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Dwight Howard combined to go 22-of-30 from the floor, led by Howard's team-high 23 points. Howard, who spent three seasons in Houston from 2013-2016, is averaging 23 points and 13 rebounds over the last three games while totaling 10 blocked shots.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (21-4): Houston is led by James Harden and Paul, but the team is also getting solid work from its role players. Center Clint Capela scored a career-high 28 points on 13-of-14 shooting in Monday's win while Eric Gordon broke out of a slump with 27 points on 9-of-12 off the bench. Gordon was 13-of-67 from 3-point range over his previous nine games before finally catching a spark from beyond the arc and knocking down 5-of-6 against the Pelicans to mark his best scoring effort since a 29-point outing at Philadelphia on Oct. 25.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Hornets SG Nicolas Batum (elbow) sat out Monday and is day-to-day.

2. Rockets PF Ryan Anderson averages 12 points but was held to five or fewer in three of the last four games.

3. Houston took the last three in the series, including a 109-93 win at Charlotte on Oct. 27 that featured a triple-double from Harden.

PREDICTION: Rockets 128, Hornets 113

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:13 PM

Stars vs. Islanders Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

All the New York Islanders needed to snap a season-high three-game skid was a return to the Barclays Center, where they have lost a league-low one game in regulation. Battling for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division despite playing only 12 of its first 30 games at home, New York will take on the visiting Dallas Stars on Wednesday night.

The Islanders lost the final three on their four-game road trip but regained their mojo with a 3-1 win over the surging Washington Capitals on Monday night. That victory kicked off a stretch in which New York plays seven of eight games at Barclays Center, providing the team with a great opportunity to build on its 9-1-2 record at home. The Stars had also dropped three in a row before opening their four-game road trip through the Metropolitan Division with a 2-1 shootout win at the New York Rangers. Dallas hammered the visiting Islanders 5-0 on Nov. 10, but it has been outscored 23-13 in dropping its last four trips to New York.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Dallas), MSG-Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE STARS (17-13-1): Captain Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov form a potent top line to open the season, but coach Ken Hitchcock decided to put his top three scorers on separate lines against the Rangers. Dallas responded by pouring 45 shots on goal to end the three-game slide, with Benn, Seguin and Radulov combining for 17 of those shots. "We are starting to really play strong 5-on-5 hockey right now," Hitchcock said. "We are getting a lot of scoring chances and we're not giving up a lot, which is a really good sign."

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (17-10-3): New York allowed the opening goal in five straight games -- losing four -- before scoring first against Washington to improve to 11-0-0 when netting the initial goal. "The great thing is we always have the belief, whether it's 2-0, 3-1, 3-2, we can come back with any amount of time left," coach Doug Weight said. "But the last three weeks it's a little disheartening, it's 1-0 more than not against us. For a team like ours, it's big to get the lead." The Islanders have won 16 in a row dating to last season when scoring first.

OVERTIME

1. Islanders captain John Tavares needs two goals to reach 20 for the ninth time in as many seasons.

2. The Stars are 0-for-14 on the power play over the past five games.

3. New York blanked Dallas 3-0 on Jan. 19 in Weight's first game as the team's head coach.

PREDICTION: Islanders 4, Stars 3

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:13 PM

Rangers vs. Senators Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

The Ottawa Senators will be relieved to be in familiar surroundings on Wednesday as they return home from a disastrous road trip to face the New York Rangers. Ottawa completed its seven-game trek with a 1-5-1 record after dropping a 3-2 decision in Buffalo on Tuesday.

Defenseman Cody Ceci and Derick Brassard scored third-period goals, but the Senators' rally fell short as they lost for the ninth time in 10 road contests (1-8-1). The stretch of futility for Ottawa, which also has lost three straight at home, began on Nov. 19 with a 3-0 setback at the Rangers. New York is coming off its second defeat in three contests, a 2-1 shootout loss to Dallas at home on Monday. Former Maurice Richard Trophy winner Rick Nash scored the lone goal for the Rangers, ending his 10-game drought and giving him three points in his last two contests.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), Sportsnet, TVA (Ottawa)

ABOUT THE RANGERS (16-11-3): Top-line center Mika Zibanejad, who hasn't played since Nov. 26 due to a concussion, continued his recovery Tuesday by participating in practice as a defenseman and on the power play. "He's coming along real well," coach Alain Vigneault told the team's website. "I thought he looked real sharp, so I'm looking forward to trying him in the middle. ... He might get a couple laps in the middle there (during Thursday's practice)." Chris Kreider has gone three games without a point, leaving him one goal shy of 100 for his career and one point away from 200.

ABOUT THE SENATORS (9-13-7): Alex Burrows' nightmare offensive season continued Tuesday as he was kept off the scoresheet for the ninth consecutive game, keeping him one assist shy of 200 for his career. The 36-year-old former 35-goal scorer has recorded six points in 29 contests this campaign and notched just one assist over his last 15 games. The goal on Tuesday by Brassard, a former Ranger, ended his seven-game point drought and gave him 400 in the NHL.

OVERTIME

1. Rangers D Marc Staal will pass Andy Bathgate (719) for 11th place on the franchise list for games played with his next appearance.

2. Ottawa has been shut out three times and scored a total of five goals during its five-game slide (0-4-1).

3. New York D Nick Holden's next point will be his 100th in the NHL.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Senators 2

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:14 PM

Bruins vs. Red Wings Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

The Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings are like crossing ships in the night, with the former sailing in the right direction in the Atlantic Division while the latter rapidly is taking on water. Winners of two in a row and eight of 10 overall, the Bruins look to add to the woes of the reeling Red Wings on Wednesday when the Original Six rivals meet at Little Caesars Arena.

Tuukka Rask carries a 4-0-0 mark with a 1.09 goals-against average and .955 save percentage in his last five games into Wednesday's tilt. The 2014 Vezina Trophy winner turned aside 93 of 102 shots in four encounters with Detroit last season, sporting a 3-0-1 mark with one shutout to improve to 9-5-2 in his career against the Red Wings. Detroit hasn't been helping itself in many facets of its game, as it has scored just one goal in four of its last six games and dropped nine of 10 overall (1-5-4). "It's frustrating, but we have to be professionals and continue to grind away, stick with the process and, hopefully, things will start turning our way," veteran goaltender Jimmy Howard said.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCSN

ABOUT THE BRUINS (14-9-4): Ryan Spooner practiced in full for the second straight day on Tuesday as he recovers from a lower-body injury that has seen him return to the lineup and exit in short order on multiple occasions. "I guess the long and short of that (is) he's still day-to-day," coach Bruce Cassidy said after Tuesday's practice. "We'll decide Wednesday. We don't want to go backwards again. We've had a couple of starts and stops with that one." Kevan Miller's status is questionable, albeit for a different reason, as the defenseman and wife Haley welcomed the birth of the couple's first child on Tuesday.

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (11-13-6): Captain Henrik Zetterberg ended a 22-game goal drought by netting his team's lone tally in a 2-1 overtime loss to Florida on Monday. The veteran Swede isn't the only one having his difficulties, as defenseman Danny DeKeyser has been held without a point and is a minus-11 in 10 contests following a return from a 17-game absence with a broken bone in his ankle. "It's been taking me a little bit to get going to where I want to be. (Against Florida) I felt good, I thought my legs were better, I was moving a bit better on the ice, just felt stronger," DeKeyser said.

OVERTIME

1. Boston D Torey Krug, who is a former Michigan State standout, has three goals and six assists in 17 career encounters with Detroit.

2. Detroit D Mike Green has been held off the scoresheet in five straight contests and remains one point shy of 450 for his career.

3. The Bruins have scored a power-play goal in each of their last three games after going 3-for-34 in the previous 12, while the Red Wings are 0-for-13 with the man advantage in December.

PREDICTION: Bruins 3, Red Wings 2

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:14 PM

Predators vs. Canucks Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

The Nashville Predators have gone nearly six weeks without suffering back-to-back losses and will try to keep that streak intact when they visit the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night. It's the opener of a three-game road trip through Western Canada for the surging Predators, who have earned points in 15 of their last 17 games (13-2-2).

Nashville had its three-game winning streak halted with a 4-3 shootout loss to expansion Vegas on Friday night, dropping the team to 11-2-2 at Bridgestone Arena. One of those home losses was the Predators' only regulation defeat in the last 11 games -- a 5-3 setback to Vancouver on Nov. 30. The Canucks scored three unanswered goals in the third period in the last meeting, including a pair by rookie Brock Boeser, who has scored in each of the past three games. Vancouver needs to find offense from someone other than Boeser, however, notching only four goals during its current three-game losing streak.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FSN Tennessee (Nashville), Sportsnet (Vancouver)

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (18-7-4): Top-line center Ryan Johansen, sidelined the past three games due to an upper-body injury, practiced fully Monday and Tuesday and appears poised to return to the lineup on the Canadian trek. "I hope so," Johansen said Monday. "If the next couple days go well, then it should be good to go." Nashville did receive a scare at Monday's practice when center Kyle Turris, who has collected 13 points in 14 games since he was acquired from Ottawa, took a puck to the face but he was back on the ice Tuesday.

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (14-13-4): Vancouver's offense took another major hit when third-leading scorer Sven Baertschi suffered a fractured jaw after he was hit in the face by a puck Saturday night. Baertschi's injury came days after Bo Horvat, who is second on the team to Boeser with 10 goals and 20 points, fractured his ankle and also is looking at a lengthy absence. "Every team has injuries," forward Thomas Vanek said after Monday's 5-1 loss at Winnipeg. "When I have the scoring chances that I had tonight, I've got to put them away."

OVERTIME

1. Predators leading scorer Filip Forsberg has five goals in 11 games versus Vancouver.

2. Boeser has scored 11 of his 16 goals in the past 13 games.

3. Predators F Viktor Arvidsson needs two points to reach 100 for his NHL career.

PREDICTION: Predators 3, Canucks 2

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:14 PM

Villanova vs. Temple Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

Villanova became the No. 1 team in the nation earlier this week, but coach Jay Wright hopes his team can somehow rise to an even higher level. The Wildcats continue to roll over their opponents, both within the Philadelphia area and across the country, and those runs will be on the line Wednesday against host Temple.

The Wildcats moved up in the rankings after Duke and Kansas lost last week, but Wright knows that his team can improve, particularly after a subpar performance its last time out. "It's always an honor to be ranked No.1," Wright said. "It's great for the 'Nova Nation and we appreciate the respect of the writers and coaches. We know it's early, though, and we need to get a lot better." Villanova trailed at halftime against La Salle on Sunday before rallying for a 77-68 victory behind Phil Booth and Donte DiVincenzo (18 points apiece). That was the 21st straight Big 5 win for the Wildcats, who wrap up their Philadelphia series round-robin against an Owls team that has won three of its last four.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2

ABOUT VILLANOVA (10-0): The Wildcats rank around 30th in the nation in both scoring and scoring defense, and they do not have a natural low-post scorer, but the team just continues to win. Mikal Bridges (18.2 points) and Jalen Brunson (17.2) are the leading scorers - and both have terrific shooting percentages across the board - plus Brunson has 48 assists and only 13 turnovers as he takes aim at the Big East Player of the Year award. Booth (12.7 points) is averaging 18.3 points over the last three games and is 9-of-18 from 3-point range over that stretch.

ABOUT TEMPLE (6-2): The Owls have two primary scorers in Shizz Alston Jr. and Quinton Rose, both of whom are averaging 17.3 points, although Alston is an elite 3-point shooter (53.5 percent), while Rose is merely a competent shooter from the arc (37.5 percent). Obi Enechionyia chips in 12.6 points and is 19-of-20 from the foul line this season, while Alston is also terrific from the stripe (25-of-26). Temple's last game was a Big 5 affair against Saint Joseph's in which the Owls led by 11 at halftime before holding on to win 81-78.

TIP-INS

1. The Wildcats lead the all-time series 48-43.

2. Villanova F Eric Paschall is 0-for-10 from the field over the last two games and is 1-of-19 from 3-point range this season.

3. Alston had made a school-record 52 straight foul shots before missing one against Saint Joseph's.

PREDICTION: Villanova 88, Temple 73

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:14 PM

Sam Houston State vs. Ole Miss Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats08:00 PM
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

Andy Kennedy is in his 13th season as coach of Ole Miss, but he is in the midst of unfamiliar territory as the struggling Rebels prepare to host Sam Houston State on Wednesday. Ole Miss lost at Middle Tennessee State on Saturday, marking the first time in Kennedy's tenure the Rebels have dropped three non-conference games in a row, and while the competition has been a challenge that does not mean Kennedy or his players are satisfied with falling short.

"It's a combination of a number of different things," Kennedy told reporters Monday in addressing the status of his team, which now is at .500 through eight games. "When you play against quality competition, those things bite you." The Rebels led in the final two minutes of regulation in an overtime defeat to South Dakota State, led for 37 minutes in an overtime loss to Virginia Tech, and were ahead by one at halftime before losing to the Blue Raiders by 19 points. One area of concern is defense, where the Rebels are 290th in the nation in allowing 78.4 points per contest. The Bearkats have defeated just one Division I team this season, a victory over Santa Clara in the Great Alaska Shootout, and lost their last game to No. 21 Baylor by 28 points.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, SEC Network Plus

ABOUT SAM HOUSTON STATE (5-4): Senior forward Chris Galbreath Jr. is the only Bearkats player averaging in double figures at 14.8 points per game. He recorded his third consecutive double-double in the loss at Baylor, finishing with 24 points on 10-of-21 shooting from the field to go with 10 rebounds. Sam Houston State is averaging just 58.4 points in five games against Division I competition.

ABOUT OLE MISS (4-4): Several Rebels spent Monday telling reporters there is no panic in their locker room, with a four-game homestand opening Wednesday before the SEC opener against South Carolina on New Year's Eve. Junior guard Terence Davis leads Ole Miss in scoring at 16.9 points per game but scored just 10 against Middle Tennessee State. Senior forward Marcanvis Hymon matched a season high with 12 points Saturday, finishing a perfect 6-of-6 from the field.

TIP-INS

1. The Rebels shot a season-worst 5-of-18 from 3-point range Saturday, and are shooting just 27.6 percent from beyond the arc during their losing streak.

2. Ole Miss has committed 96 turnovers in eight games, the 19th lowest number of miscues in the country.

3. Ole Miss senior G Deandre Burnett is 21st in the country in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.5).

PREDICTION: Ole Miss 77, Sam Houston State 59

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:14 PM

Longwood vs. Illinois Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

Illinois looks to bounce back from a disappointing two-week stretch when it hosts Longwood on Wednesday. The Fighting Illini have dropped three of their first four games in the month of December, including an 89-82 loss to UNLV on Saturday when they matched a school record with 36 fouls, and hope to turn their fortunes around in their first-ever meeting with the Lancers.

"I'm thoroughly frustrated with the fouls," Illinois coach Brad Underwood told reporters. "I'll take the fight that our guys had but we have to play a little smarter." Illinois has surrendered an average of more than 90 points in its last two losses and hopes to put the defensive clamps on Longwood, which has been held to 60 or fewer points in three games this season. The Fighting Illini have won 10 consecutive non-conference home games with their lone loss coming to Big South Conference foe Winthrop (84-80) last season. Longwood, which was picked to finish ninth in the Big South preseason poll, saw its three-game winning streak come to an end with an 81-70 loss to Virginia Military Institute and aim to get back into the win column by notching a non-conference road victory for the first time since Nov. 28, 2015.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

ABOUT LONGWOOD (3-6): B.K. Ashe led the Lancers with 21 points and Isaiah Walton added 19 before fouling out in the loss to VMI. Charles Glover, who leads the team in 3-point shooting (50 percent), went down with a lower-body injury in the second half and is questionable for Wednesday. "We really lost some momentum when Chuck went out and Isaiah got into foul trouble," Longwood coach Jayson Gee told reporters. "We're not good enough at the guard position to lose players of their caliber down the stretch and still come out on top."

ABOUT ILLINOIS (7-4): Mark Smith went 4-of-5 from 3-point range en route to a team-high 17 points before fouling out and Trent Frazier scored 12 of his career-best 16 points in the first half against UNLV. Leron Black, who leads Illinois in scoring with 13.6 points per game, played 12 minutes before suffering an elbow injury and his status for Wednesday's clash is unknown. "We're at the mercy of our doctors in terms of going through the x-rays and MRIs," Underwood told reporters. "He's having both of those procedures done and we'll wait to see what comes of them."

TIP-INS

1. The Fighting Illini are ranked 349th nationally in fouls per game (24).

2. Illinois G Aaron Jordan has made 20 of his last 28 attempts from 3-point range.

3. Longwood has dropped 12 straight non-conference road games.

PREDICTION: Illinois 88, Longwood 65

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:15 PM

New Orleans vs. SMU Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats08:00 PM
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

SMU looks to bounce back from a tough road loss to nationally ranked TCU when it hosts New Orleans on Wednesday in a non-conference matchup. The Mustangs fell by 11 to the then-20th-ranked Horned Frogs while the Privateers are coming off a blowout win over NAIA foe Williams Baptist and are looking for their first victory over a Division I opponent.

Coach Mark Slessinger's squad, which had 11 days off for finals prior to this contest, is led by senior forward Travin Thibodeaux's 14.1 points per game, as he is the team's lone double-figure scorer. By contrast, SMU boasts four double-figure scorers -- led by junior guard Shake Milton's 18.6 points per game -- with a fifth starter, sophomore guard Jimmy Whitt, coming up just short at 9.9 points per contest. Whitt and Milton are 1-2 on the team -- and in the American Athletic Conference -- in assists, with Whitt dishing out 4.6 per game compared to Milton's 4.5. Defensively, coach Tim Jankovich has a tenacious group that holds opponents to 41.1 percent shooting from the floor and just 60.1 points per contest.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT NEW ORLEANS (2-5): The Privateers have shown a lot of depth this year, with 12 different players averaging in double figures in minutes, but the team's bench is about to get longer -- and taller -- with the debut of 7-3 freshman Bol Riek. The center from the South Sudan by way of Moosheart (Ill.) High School will bring some obvious height to the New Orleans front line, which doesn't have another player taller than 6-9. While it's easy to get excited about the possible impact of Riek, the Privateers are certainly cognizant that it will be his first-ever college basketball game and want to temper expectations for him from teammates and fans.

ABOUT SMU (7-3): The best thing about the Mustangs this season could be the team's willingness to share the basketball, with SMU averaging 17.6 assists with a 1.5 assist-to-turnover ratio, which ranks 19th in the nation. Besides Milton, Jarrey Foster (15.1 points), Ethan Chargois (12.7) and Ben Emelogu (10.5) are averaging in double figures in scoring, and the Mustangs have recorded assists on 176 of their 263 field goals this season (67 percent). Jankovich tries to preach to move the ball, and it was shown against TCU that the team doesn't rely just on point guard Whitt to get the offense rolling, as he had to sit because of foul trouble and Milton stepped in and led the Mustangs with nine assists.

TIP-INS

1. Emelogu's current shooting percentage from 3-point range of 54.5 would be the best in school history since the stat was first kept in 1986-87.

2. The Mustangs have won 28 consecutive home games, the second longest active streak in the country.

3. SMU has been outscored in the paint in just one of its first 10 contests.

PREDICTION: SMU 78, New Orleans 62

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:15 PM

Savannah State vs. Texas A&M Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats08:00 PM
by Gracenote on 12/13/2017

No. 10 Texas A&M takes on a second straight overmatched opponent when it hosts Savannah State on Wednesday. It's the second of four straight home games for the Aggies leading into SEC play.

Texas A&M has faced four Power Five foes already, beating West Virginia, Oklahoma State, and USC while losing to Arizona (67-64). The Aggies bounced back from their lone defeat to rout Prairie View A&M 75-53 on Saturday, and they should have an easy time again on Wednesday. The Tigers have recorded only one win against an NCAA Division I opponent thus far - a 101-97 triumph over winless Alabama State. The Aggies won the only previous meeting 67-34 in 2005.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, SEC Network Plus

ABOUT SAVANNAH STATE (3-8): The Tigers aren't afraid to push the pace, as evidenced by the fact they score 83.2 points per game but give up 95.1. Lanky guards Dexter McClanahan (13.6 points) and Alante Fenner (12.2) are the team's only double-digit scorers, but six players average at least 7.8 points. Javaris Jenkins (7.8 points) had the hot hand with 31 points in Saturday's 102-91 loss at Georgia Southern.

ABOUT TEXAS A&M (8-1): The Aggies are one of the toughest defensive teams in the nation, holding opponents to 36.2 percent shooting, but they also have plenty of offensive prowess. Four starters average double digits in points, and the fifth is power forward Robert Williams, who averages eight while leading the team in rebounds (10.4) and blocks (2.4). Center Tyler Davis (13.8 points, seven rebounds) and swingman D.J. Hogg (15.4, 7.1) combine with Williams to give the Aggies one of the country's best frontcourts.

TIP-INS

1. Texas A&M has won 109 of its last 129 home games against unranked opponents.

2. The Aggies hold opponents to 23.3 percent from 3-point range - the second-best mark in the nation - while the Tigers average 39.5 attempts from beyond the arc.

3. Savannah State is playing its fourth road game against a team either currently ranked in the top 25 or receiving votes.

PREDICTION: Texas A&M 103, Savannah State 77

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:15 PM

Western Kentucky vs. Wisconsin Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/13/2017

Wisconsin has had to deal with a very difficult schedule to open the season, and now it faces injury problems as dangerous Western Kentucky pays a visit on Wednesday night. The Badgers have managed just two victories in their last nine games after winning a pair to start the season and will be without two key players in the rotation for the near future.

Freshman guard Kobe King (knee) is lost for the season and third-leading scorer D'Mitrik Trice (foot) will be out at least a month after surgery as the bench gets thinner for Wisconsin, which is allowing 45.5 percent shooting from the field. "We're not going to lose faith," Badgers freshman guard Brad Davison told reporters after scoring a season-high 20 in the 82-63 loss to Marquette on Saturday. "We're going to stick together. It's a long season. We have had bumps, but we're just going to think, 'Next game, next practice,' and our goal is just to keep improving and getting better every day." Junior forward Ethan Happ leads Wisconsin in scoring (16.3), rebounds (8.6) and assists (3.1), while Davison (10.9) is the only other double-figure scorer and coach Greg Gard said everyone will just have "to row a little harder." Western Kentucky saw its four-game winning streak come to an end with an 89-84 loss at Ohio on Sunday, but owns a big win over Purdue.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

ABOUT WESTERN KENTUCKY (6-3): Coach Rick Stansbury told reporters the Hilltoppers did not have the edge they needed and were not mentally sharp in the loss to Ohio, which held on after leading by 12 at halftime. Freshman guard Taveion Hollingsworth led five players in double figures with 19 points on Sunday and averages 12.6 - second only to senior backcourt mate Darius Thompson (13.8, team-high 4.3 assists). Junior guard Lamonte Bearden (11.9 points) scored just seven on 2-of-7 shooting in 12 minutes as he fouled out against Ohio.

ABOUT WISCONSIN (4-7): Happ is averaging 20 points over the last two games on 19-of-34 shooting and Davison has drained 21-of-48 from 3-point range in his first collegiate season. The loss of Trice and King takes 14.6 points per game out of the lineup while the next highest scorers include junior guard Khalil Iverson (7.4, 53.2 percent from the field) and sophomore guard Brevin Pritzl (6.7), who had 10 points against Marquette. Freshman forward Nate Reuvers, who did not play the first five games, is averaging seven points over the past four.

TIP-INS

1. Happ boasts 23 career double-doubles and needs one to tie Rashard Griffith for sixth in school history.

2. Western Kentucky senior F Justin Johnson leads the team in rebounding (9.6) and notched his 28th career double-double Sunday.

3. The Badgers won the only meeting with Western Kentucky, earning a 73-62 victory at the 1989 San Juan Shootout in Puerto Rico.

PREDICTION: Wisconsin 74, Western Kentucky 70

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:15 PM

Kennesaw State vs. Texas Tech Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats09:00 PM
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

Keenan Evans' recent individual honor is reflective of the overall play of Texas Tech. The Red Raiders look to continue building momentum after an eight-day break for finals when struggling Kennesaw State visits on Wednesday.

Evans on Monday became the first Red Raider to garner Big 12 Player of the Week honors since Jaye Crockett on Dec. 31, 2012. The 6-3 junior amassed 23 of his 32 points during the closing 11 minutes of the second half and overtime as Texas Tech erased a 10-point deficit to hand then-No. 24 Nevada its first loss of the season on Dec. 5. "I was proud of Keenan for a lot of different reasons, but one of them was the mental toughness," Texas Tech second-year coach Chris Beard said. "I thought early in the second half, he looked kind of tired to me. He was standing around on offense. I told him how I felt about that, and he took the coaching. Then, late in the game, we just put the ball in his hands." Combined with an earlier win over then-No. 20 Northwestern, Texas Tech has tucked away a Big 12-leading two non-conference top-25 victories this season - a first for the program since 1996-97 - and its lone loss was to a ranked Seton Hall team.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest Plus

ABOUT KENNESAW STATE (1-7): Kennesaw State has lost five straight games, including Thursday's 66-54 loss at Seattle despite 16 points from sophomore James Scott. The 6-5 Scott, who has scored in double figures in seven of eight games, leads the team in scoring at 16.1 points per game but is shooting just 38 percent from the field and 31 from the arc. Nick Masterson, who led the Atlantic Sun Conference last season in 3-point shooting percentage (54 percent), chips in 11.6 points on 53.6 percent (15-of-28) shooting from the arc and leads the team in assists (3.3 per game) and minutes (35.0) while 6-foot guard Tyler Hooker contributes 10.3 points and tough on-ball defense.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (7-1): Senior guard Niem Stevenson chipped in 11 points on 5-of-8 from the floor while freshman Davide Moretti registered all nine of his points during the second half in the win over the Wolfpack. Evans leads the team in scoring (17.9 points per game), assists (3.8) and steals (2.0) and is shooting 51.6 percent from the floor despite connecting on only 29 percent of his 3-pointers (9-of-31). The Red Raiders are holding opponents to 62.1 points, 37.1 percent shooting from the floor and 29.4 percent from the arc while forcing 18.6 turnovers per contest.

TIP-INS

1. The win over previously unbeaten Nevada pushed Texas Tech's non-conference home winning streak to 34 games, which was tied for fourth-longest in the nation at the time.
2. For Evans, the 32 points against Nevada was a career high and the second-most scored by a Texas Tech player under Beard. Anthony Livingston pumped in 33 points versus Rice last season.

3. Texas Tech freshmen wings Jarrett Culver and Zhaire Smith have combined to tally 20.3 points per game on 56.2 percent shooting and 7.6 rebounds in support of Evans.

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 85, Kennesaw State 59

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:15 PM

Houston vs. LSU Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/13/2017

Houston aims for its eighth straight victory - and second over an SEC opponent this month - when it visits LSU on Wednesday. Houston is off to its best start since beginning the 2007-08 season with an 11-1 record.

The Cougars have won four games by double digits during their winning streak, including a 91-65 home rout of Arkansas on Dec. 2. They would love to keep the streak going by avenging last season's 84-65 loss at LSU. The Tigers have won two straight following a pair of losses and are coming off a 97-84 victory over UNC Wilmington on Sunday. Freshman Tremont Waters just missed a triple-double with 20 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds while Duop Reath scored 30 off the bench against the Seahawks.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, SEC Network

ABOUT HOUSTON (8-1): After leading the American Athletic Conference in scoring last season, guard Rob Gray (21.6 points) sits atop that list again this campaign. Gray and Devin Davis (13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds) both shoot better than 50 percent, and the former is 17-for-35 from 3-point range. Reserve guard Wes VanBeck gives the Cougars a spark off the bench, averaging 11 points.

ABOUT LSU (5-2): The Tigers are playing without one of their top scorers in Brandon Sampson (ankle), but Waters (18.3 points, 6.6 assists) and Reath (14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds) have picked up the slack. Skylar Mays (12.1 points) also averages double digits in points, and he and Waters both get to the foul line often - and take advantage. LSU's weakness has been at the defensive end, where opponents shoot a robust 46.8 percent and average 78.6 points.

TIP-INS

1. The Tigers have shot at least 50 percent from the floor in all five of their wins.

2. LSU leads the nation in 2-point field-goal percentage (63.1 percent) and is 45-for-74 inside the arc over its last two games.

3. The Cougars, who have outrebounded their first nine opponents, haven't beat 10 straight foes on the boards since doing it in 19 consecutive contests to close the 1976-77 season.

PREDICTION: Houston 79, LSU 76

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:16 PM

Portland State vs. Oregon Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/12/2017

The early-season schedule has mainly been manageable for 2017 national semifinalist Oregon, but things are ramping up the rest of the week. Up next for the Ducks are a pair of 8-2 teams ranked in the top 66 of the NCAA RPI, beginning with Wednesday night's home game against in-state rival Portland State.

Wednesday's game is the third of four contests in a nine-day span for Oregon, which is coming off a tougher-than-expected 74-68 home victory Monday over winless Texas Southern. The Tigers trailed only 32-31 at the half, and then after the Ducks extended their lead to 48-33, the visitors again closed to within a point (65-64) with 3 ½ minutes left before Oregon finally managed to pull away. The Ducks made only eight of 25 from 3-point range and had 12 turnovers with just 15 assists. "We (almost lost) a 15-point lead, so we have to be better than that - we can't give that up," sophomore point guard Payton Pritchard, Oregon's lone returning starter from last season, said in the post-game news conference. "We just have to move on to our next game now. It's a quick turnaround. ... and we have to focus on Portland State."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network

ABOUT PORTLAND STATE (8-2): Unlike their major-conference opponent, the Big Sky Conference Vikings have spent most of the last five weeks on the road, and Wednesday's game will mark the end of a stretch of six in a row away from home against Division I opponents. Buoyed by its frenetic style and pressure defense, Portland State is riding a four-game win streak - which began with an 87-78 victory over the Pac-12's Stanford on Nov. 26 - and ranks seventh nationally with an average of 91.1 points per outing and second with 22.8 turnovers forced. Guards Deontae North (19.2 points) and Bryce Canda (16.4) are the leading scorers while the 6-4 Canda is the top rebounder (6.9) and freshman guard Holland Woods is averaging a team-best 5.1 assists.

ABOUT OREGON (7-3): Pritchard finished with a team-high 16 points while dishing out four assists against Texas Southern and is averaging a team-best 15.8 points and 4.4 assists on the season. Freshman forward Troy Brown missed the Ducks' Dec. 1 loss to Boise State, which snapped the Ducks' national-leading 46-game home win streak, but has posted double-doubles in the two contests he's played since and is averaging 11.6 points and a team-best 8.0 rebounds. Guard Elijah Brown (12.3 points) and forward Paul White (11.7) also have double-digit averages for Oregon, which is shooting 47.3 percent from the field as a team while scoring 85.0 points.

TIP-INS

1. Oregon leads the series 11-2 and has won five straight with the most recent victory an 81-59 decision on Nov. 30, 2014.

2. Ducks F Kenny Wooten, a 6-9 freshman, is tied for 23rd nationally with 2.6 blocked shots per game and has scored 13 points in each of the last two contests.

3. Still expected to be without injured big men C Traylin Farris and F Brendan Rumel, Portland State owns a minus-1.8 average rebound margin which compares less than favorably to Oregon's plus-7.7 average advantage on the glass.

PREDICTION: Oregon 91, Portland State 81

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:17 PM

NBA

Wednesday, December 13

Clippers won their last seven games with Orlando (4-2-1 vs spread); seven of last nine series games stayed under. LA is 3-2 vs spread in their last five visits to Orlando. Clippers are 5-4 in last nine games; they’re 3-6 vs spread as road underdogs. Five of last seven Clipper games went over total. Orlando lost three of its last four games; they’re 1-6 as home favorites. Over is 8-3 in their last 11 games.

Wizards won four of last six games with Memphis; over is 5-5 in last ten series games. Grizzlies are 1-4 vs spread in last five games intros building. Memphis lost 15 of its last 16 games; they’re 5-4 vs spread as road underdogs. Under is 9-4 in their last 13 games. Washington is 5-7 in its last 12 games; they’re 4-6 vs spread as home favorites- four of their last five games stayed under the total.

Paul George returns to Indiana with the Thunder, who are 4-2 in last six games. OKC 2-10 vs spread on the road. Four of their last six road games went over. Pacers won their last four games, are 5-2 vs spread as home favorites. Under is 6-2-1 in their last nine home games. Pacers won four of last six games with Oklahoma City; over is 3-1 in last four series games played here. Thunder is 3-2 vs spread in last five visits here.

Celtics are 5-3 in last eight games with Denver, but Nuggets covered three of last four; Over is 5-3 in last eight series games. Denver is 2-3 vs spread in last five visits here. Nuggets are 5-3 in their last eight games, are 4-5 as road underdogs; three of their last four road games stayed under. Boston won five of its last seven games; they’re 7-4-1 as home favorites. Three of last four series games stayed under total.

Portland won its last three games with Miami; home side won six of last seven series games. Over is 4-1 in last five series games played here. Blazers are 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to Miami. Portland lost its last five games; they’re 2-2-1 as road underdogs. Four of their last six games stayed under total. Miami is 6-4 in its last ten games; they’re 1-4-1 as home favorites. Under is 7-1-1 in their last nine games.

Bulls won three of last four games with Utah; nine of last ten series games stayed under total. Jazz is 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to the Windy City. Utah lost its last three games, by 6-11-17 points; they’re 1-2 as road favorites. Four of their last six games went over total. Chicago won its last three games; they’re 6-5 vs spread as home underdogs. Under is 9-3 in their home games this season.

Pelicans won seven of last nine games with Milwaukee; six of last eight series games went over total. Bucks are 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to Bourbon Street. Milwaukee won six of its last seven games; they’re 6-6 vs spread on road, 3-1 as a favorite. Seven of their last nine games went over total. New Orleans lost six of last nine games; they’re 7-7 vs spread at home, 3-1 as an underdog. Pelicans’ last eight games went over the total.

Suns won six of last nine games with Toronto; six of last nine series games went over the total. Raptors are 1-4 vs spread in their last five visits to the desert. Toronto won six of its last seven games; they’re 3-4 as road favorites. Four of their last six games went over total. Phoenix lost eight of last ten games; they’re 4-7 as home underdogs. Three of their last four games stayed under total.

Rockets won nine of last ten games with Charlotte (under 8-2); Hornets are 1-3-1 vs spread in their last five games in this building. Charlotte lost seven of its last nine games; they’re 3-6-1 vs spread as road underdogs. Over is 3-1-1 in their last five road games. Houston won its last ten games; they’re 6-6 vs spread as home favorites. Last three Rocket games went over the total.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:18 PM

NBA

Wednesday, December 13

Trend Report

OKLAHOMA CITY @ INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Oklahoma City's last 14 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Oklahoma City's last 25 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Indiana's last 14 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

LA CLIPPERS @ ORLANDO
LA Clippers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
LA Clippers is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Orlando's last 11 games
Orlando is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games when playing LA Clippers

MEMPHIS @ WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Memphis's last 13 games
Memphis is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Washington
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis

This source is showing "no trends to report" for all today's remaining NBA matchups

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:18 PM

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, December 13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA CLIPPERS (10 - 15) at ORLANDO (11 - 17) - 12/13/2017, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 2-1 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 4-0 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEMPHIS (8 - 19) at WASHINGTON (14 - 13) - 12/13/2017, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 2-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OKLAHOMA CITY (12 - 14) at INDIANA (16 - 11) - 12/13/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games after scoring 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 3-2 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 3-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DENVER (15 - 12) at BOSTON (23 - 6) - 12/13/2017, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 3-1 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 2-2 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORTLAND (13 - 13) at MIAMI (13 - 13) - 12/13/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 128-175 ATS (-64.5 Units) in home games in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 3-1 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 3-1 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UTAH (13 - 14) at CHICAGO (6 - 20) - 12/13/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 269-324 ATS (-87.4 Units) in the first half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CHICAGO is 62-97 ATS (-44.7 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
CHICAGO is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) in home games after allowing 90 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 3-2 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-2 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MILWAUKEE (15 - 10) at NEW ORLEANS (14 - 14) - 12/13/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 2-2 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 2-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (17 - 8) at PHOENIX (9 - 20) - 12/13/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-0 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 3-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHARLOTTE (10 - 16) at HOUSTON (21 - 4) - 12/13/2017, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 48-78 ATS (-37.8 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 17-33 ATS (-19.3 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 to 18 points since 1996.
HOUSTON is 18-34 ATS (-19.4 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points since 1996.
HOUSTON is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-2 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 4-1 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:19 PM

NBA

Wednesday, December 13

NBA's Top ATS Teams:

1. Celtics 20-8-1
2. Nets 17-9
3. Pacers 17-10
4. Pistons 16-9-2
5. Sixers 16-10-1

NBA's Worst ATS Teams:

30. Thunder 8-18
29. Grizzlies 9-17-1
28. Cavs 10-17-1
27. Magic 11-16-1
26. Nuggets 11-16

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:19 PM

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, December 13

Charlotte @ Houston

Game 717-718
December 13, 2017 @ 9:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
114.521
Houston
128.552
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 14
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 12 1/2
220
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-12 1/2); Over

Toronto @ Phoenix

Game 715-716
December 13, 2017 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
121.988
Phoenix
114.791
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 7
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 11 1/2
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(+11 1/2); Over

Milwaukee @ New Orleans

Game 713-714
December 13, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
122.406
New Orleans
120.319
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 2
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 2
218 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+2); Under

Utah @ Chicago

Game 711-712
December 13, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
122.751
Chicago
115.099
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 7 1/2
192
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 4 1/2
197
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(-4 1/2); Under

Portland @ Miami

Game 709-710
December 13, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
116.339
Miami
122.421
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 6
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 2 1/2
201
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-2 1/2); Over

Denver @ Boston

Game 707-708
December 13, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
120.909
Boston
125.811
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 5
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 8
209
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(+8); Under

Oklahoma City @ Indiana

Game 705-706
December 13, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
121.509
Indiana
120.099
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 1 1/2
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 1 1/2
211
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(+1 1/2); Over

Memphis @ Washington

Game 703-704
December 13, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
112.677
Washington
122.505
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 10
195
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 6 1/2
199 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-6 1/2); Under

LA Clippers @ Orlando

Game 701-702
December 13, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
115.414
Orlando
118.766
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 3 1/2
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Orlando
by 1
213 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(-1); Over

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:20 PM

NBA

Wednesday, December 13

NBA Game of the Day: Thunder at Pacers

Oklahoma City Thunder at Indiana Pacers (-1, 212.5)

Paul George is set to make his return when the Indiana Pacers host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. George orchestrated a trade away from Indiana in the summer to join what he thought would be a winning situation, but it's the Pacers who enter Wednesday's clash with a better record.

George and the Thunder fell for the second time in three games to drop two games below .500 with a 116-103 loss at home to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, and the team is still struggling to jell consistently. "For all the talent we have, obviously this is not where we want to be," George told reporters. "But we're going to remain optimistic about the future and what we can do. Once we find a way to really do it night in and night out, it's no panic mode, but we have to start playing better." George is averaging 20.6 points on 41.8 percent shooting for Oklahoma City while the main piece coming back to the Pacers in the trade that sent him away, shooting guard Victor Oladipo, is enjoying a breakout campaign and averaging 24.5 points on 48.5 percent shooting. Oladipo put up a career-high 47 points in a 126-116 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday that gave Indiana its fourth straight win.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Oklahoma, FS Indiana

LINE HISTORY: The Thunder opened as 1-point road favorites but this line jumped the fence to Pacers -2 early Wednesday before dropping slightly to -1 on Wednesday afternoon. The total hit betting boards at 213 and has dropped slightly to 212.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Thunder - SG A. Robinson (Questionable, Ankle).

Pacers - PG C. Joseph (Questionable, Shoulder), PG D. Collison (Questionable, Knee), PG E. Sumner (Out Indefinitely, Knee), SG G. Robinson III (Mid Feb, Ankle).

POWER RANKINGS: Thunder (-5.5) - Pacers (-4.8) + home court (-3) = Pacers -2.3

CHAMPIONSHIP FUTURES:

Thunder +2,000
Pacers +15,000

ABOUT THE THUNDER (12-14 SU, 8-18 ATS, 10-16 O/U): Russell Westbrook is trying to will Oklahoma City to victories and put up 30 points and seven assists on Monday, but the team could not overcome a terrible third quarter. The Thunder were outscored 40-22 in the period after holding the Hornets to 18 points in the second, and the inconsistency is becoming commonplace. "Twenty-six games. It's an 82-game season," Westbrook told reporters. "It's up to us, honestly. We just have to figure it out and play the same way every night."

ABOUT THE PACERS (16-11 SU, 17-10 ATS, 14-13 O/U): Oladipo was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the second time this season on Monday and is averaging 31.8 points on 53.8 percent shooting in five games this month. "Y'all might be surprised, but I put in the work," Oladipo told reporters. "I work every day. I have no limit to how hard I work. I'm trying to be great. There's no in between and I can't settle for anything less." That desire for greatness led Indiana to wins in 10 of its last 13 games and a spot among the top five in the East.

TRENDS:

* Thunder are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
* Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
* Under is 9-2 in Thunder's last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.
* Over is 7-1 in Pacers' last 8 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
* Over is 12-2 in the last 14 meetings in Indiana.

CONSENSUS: 60 percent of the spread wagers are on the home favorite Pacers while 59 percent of the totals selections are on the Over.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:20 PM

NBA

Wednesday, December 13

Nuggets are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points & 4-11 ATS in their last 15 road games. Celtics are 20-8-1 ATS on the season & 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a teams above .500.
Line: Celtics -6.5

Thunder are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games overall & 0-9 ATS in their last 9 on the road. Pacers have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 at home.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:21 PM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Wednesday, December 13

Villanova @ Temple

Game 719-720
December 13, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Villanova
71.819
Temple
67.398
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Villanova
by 4 1/2
159
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Villanova
by 8 1/2
145
Dunkel Pick:
Temple
(+8 1/2); Over

AR-Little Rock @ Bradley

Game 721-722
December 13, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
AR-Little Rock
45.662
Bradley
53.209
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Bradley
by 7 1/2
122
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Bradley
by 13
130 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
AR-Little Rock
(+13); Under

Western Kentucky @ Wisconsin

Game 723-724
December 13, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Western Kentucky
52.332
Wisconsin
62.907
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wisconsin
by 10 1/2
132
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wisconsin
by 7 1/2
138 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Wisconsin
(-7 1/2); Under

Houston @ LSU

Game 725-726
December 13, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
66.404
LSU
60.233
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 6
162
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
154
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-1 1/2); Over

NC-Wilmington @ NC-Greensboro

Game 727-728
December 13, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NC-Wilmington
54.662
NC-Greensboro
58.409
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NC-Greensboro
by 4
166
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NC-Greensboro
by 10
157
Dunkel Pick:
NC-Wilmington
(+10); Over

WI-Milwaukee @ Belmont

Game 729-730
December 13, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
WI-Milwaukee
49.554
Belmont
55.602
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Belmont
by 6
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Belmont
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Belmont
N/A

Arkansas St @ NE-Omaha

Game 731-732
December 13, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arkansas St
46.553
NE-Omaha
51.988
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NE-Omaha
by 5 1/2
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NE-Omaha
by 1 1/2
155
Dunkel Pick:
NE-Omaha
(-1 1/2); Under

Denver @ Northern Colorado

Game 733-734
December 13, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
48.764
Northern Colorado
55.668
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Northern Colorado
by 7
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Northern Colorado
by 4
140
Dunkel Pick:
Northern Colorado
(-4); Over

Portland St @ Oregon

Game 735-736
December 13, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland St
52.335
Oregon
68.983
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oregon
by 16 1/2
162
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oregon
by 13
168
Dunkel Pick:
Oregon
(-13); Under

Longwood @ Illinois

Game 737-738
December 13, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Longwood
37.841
Illinois
66.774
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Illinois
by 29
159
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Illinois
by 25 1/2
149
Dunkel Pick:
Illinois
(-25 1/2); Over

Grand Canyon @ Boise State

Game 739-740
December 13, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Grand Canyon
55.609
Boise State
62.946
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boise State
by 7 1/2
139
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boise State
by 12
134
Dunkel Pick:
Grand Canyon
(+12); Over

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:21 PM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, December 13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VILLANOVA (10 - 0) at TEMPLE (6 - 2) - 12/13/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 257-209 ATS (+27.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
VILLANOVA is 2-0 against the spread versus TEMPLE over the last 3 seasons
VILLANOVA is 2-0 straight up against TEMPLE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARK-LITTLE ROCK (2 - 7) at BRADLEY (7 - 2) - 12/13/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
BRADLEY is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
BRADLEY is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
BRADLEY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

W KENTUCKY (6 - 3) at WISCONSIN (4 - 7) - 12/13/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W KENTUCKY is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in a road game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
WISCONSIN is 150-115 ATS (+23.5 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSTON (8 - 1) at LSU (5 - 2) - 12/13/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.
LSU is 25-41 ATS (-20.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
LSU is 25-41 ATS (-20.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
LSU is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LSU is 1-1 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
LSU is 1-1 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UNC-WILMINGTON (2 - 5) at UNC-GREENSBORO (6 - 3) - 12/13/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points since 1997.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) in road games on Wednesday games since 1997.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games since 1997.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 164-129 ATS (+22.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 59-89 ATS (-38.9 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 52-83 ATS (-39.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WI-MILWAUKEE (6 - 4) at BELMONT (5 - 5) - 12/13/2017, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WI-MILWAUKEE is 1-0 against the spread versus BELMONT over the last 3 seasons
BELMONT is 1-0 straight up against WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARKANSAS ST (3 - 6) at NEBRASKA-OMAHA (1 - 10) - 12/13/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in all games this season.
ARKANSAS ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
ARKANSAS ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in non-conference games this season.
ARKANSAS ST is 19-37 ATS (-21.7 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DENVER (5 - 5) at N COLORADO (7 - 3) - 12/13/2017, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
N COLORADO is 2-0 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 2-0 straight up against N COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORTLAND ST (8 - 2) at OREGON (7 - 3) - 12/13/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON is 47-32 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 47-32 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) when the total is 160 to 169.5 since 1997.
OREGON is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 15-2 ATS (+12.8 Units) in a home game where the total is 160 to 169.5 since 1997.
OREGON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND ST is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND ST is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
PORTLAND ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when the total is 160 to 169.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND ST is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
PORTLAND ST is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
PORTLAND ST is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
PORTLAND ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
PORTLAND ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LONGWOOD (3 - 6) at ILLINOIS (7 - 4) - 12/13/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GRAND CANYON (7 - 2) at BOISE ST (9 - 1) - 12/13/2017, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:22 PM

NCAAB

Wednesday, December 13

Villanova won its last four games with crosstown rival Temple, all by 16+ points; they won last two visits here, by 16 points each. Villanova is 9-0 this season vs schedule #126; they won only true road game by 41 at St Joe’s, but like this game, that was also in Philly. Temple is 6-2 vs schedule #14; they’re 5-0 vs top 100 teams, 1-2 vs teams ranked outside top 100, with losses by 4 to LaSalle, 4 to George Washington. Big East favorites are 13-8 vs spread away from home; AAC underdogs are 9-18.

Ark-Little Rock is 2-7 vs schedule #293; they’re shooting 24.4% on arc, 5th-worst in country. Trojans are 0-4 on road, with losses by 8-25-14-15 points; they’re 0-3 on road, with losses at Memphis, Grand Canton, San Diego. Little Rock is #286 experience team that is playing tempo #241. Bradley is 6-2 vs schedule #238; they’re turning ball over 24.1% of time, 11th-worst in country. Braves are experience team #242- their defensive eFG% is #6 in country, holding teams to 25.1% on arc. Bradley is 5-0 vs teams outside top 100, winning by 15-8-2-6-11 points.

Wisconsin lost seven of last nine games, has couple of starters out hurt right now; Badgers are 4-7 vs schedule #5- they’re experience team #336 that is playing tempo #345. Wisconsin in 3-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100, winning by 35-28-22 points. Western Kentucky is 6-3 against schedule #78; Hilltoppers are #168 experience team that is playing tempo #101. WKU split its four top 100 games, beating both Purdue/SMU, losing by 5 to Missouri State, 8 to Villanova. Big 14 home favorites are 26-19 vs spread; C-USA road underdogs are 14-9.

Home side won Houston-LSU games last couple years; Cougars lost 84-65 in Baton Rouge LY. Houston won its last seven games overall with road wins at Liberty/Saint Louis; Cougars are the #26 experience team that is forcing turnovers 21.7% of time. LSU is 5-2 vs schedule #204; they’re 1-2 vs top 100 teams, beating Michigan by hoop, losing to Notre Dame by 39, Marquette by 10. AAC favorites are 9-9 vs spread away from home; SEC underdogs are 9-14. LSU is making 63.7% of time inside arc, best in country.

NC-Wilmington is 1-5 vs schedule #65; their defensive eFG% is #339 in country. Seahawks are experience team #179 that is playing pace #10. Four of UNCW’s five losses are to top 100 teams; they split two games with teams outside the top 100, the two games were decided by total of 9 points. UNCG is 4-3 vs schedule #229; they’re 1-3 vs top 200 teams, with only win in triple OT over Liberty. Spartans are forcing turnovers 23.9% of time. SoCon home favorites are 7-3 vs spread this season; CAA road underdogs are 8-12.

Belmont won 62-56 at Milwaukee LY despite going 7-34 on arc; they shot 68% inside arc. Bruins lost four of last five games overall; they’re 5-5 vs schedule #90. Belmont is #41 experience team that is playing pace #221- they’re 2-5 vs top 200 teams, with best wins over Vandy/Middle Tennessee. Milwaukee is 5-3 vs schedule #247; they also lost to a D-II team. Panthers are on third coach in three years; they’re 3-2 on the road, including a win at Iowa State. OVC home favorites are 3-3 vs spread; Horizon road underdogs are 10-18.

Neb-Omaha is 1-10 vs schedule #48; they lost last three games by 13-7-19 points. Omaha is experience team #150 that is turning ball over 20.9% of time- their defensive eFG% is #301. Only team they’ve beaten is #181 Drake (75-73). Arkansas State is 2-6 vs schedule #290; they lost last four D-I games, but did beat a D-II team in last game. Red Wolves are #48 experience tam that is playing pace #57- they’re turning ball over 23.1% of time. Summit League home favorites are 5-9 vs spread; Sun Belt road underdogs are 15-12.

Denver beat Northern Colorado last two years, by total of seven points. Pioneers won three of last four games overall, are turning ball over 23.1% of time while playing pace #218. Denver is experience team #318 that has played schedule #318. Northern Colorado is 4-3 vs schedule #236; they also have three non-D-I wins. Bears are 3-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, with wins by 2-13-14 points. Sun Belt home favorites are 3-8 vs spread; Summit League road underdogs are 14-18. Northern Colorado is shooting 26% on the arc (#344).

Portland State is 6-2 vs D-I teams, with losses by 18 to Duke, 2 to Butler; Vikings are #28 experience team in country that is forcing turnovers 25.5% (#9) of time. State is 4-0 in true road games, with three wins at WCC schools. Oregon is 7-3 vs schedule #306; they’re 0-3 vs top 100 teams, 7-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100, with five wins by 16+ points. Ducks’ defensive eFG% is #14 in country; they’re #295 experience team that plays pace #89. Pac-12 home favorites are 22-20 vs spread; Big Sky road underdogs are 20-16.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:22 PM

NCAAB

Wednesday, December 13

Trend Report

This source is showing "no trends to report" for all 11 matchups

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:24 PM

John Martin Dec 13 '17, 8:05 PM in 1h
NBA | Bucks vs Pelicans
Play on: Bucks +2½ -105 at 5Dimes

1 Unit FREE PLAY on Milwaukee Bucks +2.5
The Milwaukee Bucks have gone 6-1 in their last seven games overall with their only loss coming on the road at Boston. Now they’ve had three days off to get ready for the New Orleans Pelicans after last playing on Saturday. They’ll be ready to go tonight. The Pelicans have a bunch of injury issues right now with Anthony Davis, Jameer Nelson and Dante Cunningham all questionable, while Tony Allen, Alexis Ajinca and Solomon Hill are all out. I think the wrong team is favored in this game. And the Pelicans certainly haven’t had much rest of late as they will be playing their 8th game in 13 days here. Milwaukee is 42-24 ATS in its last 66 road games after scoring 115 points or more. Give me the Bucks.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:25 PM

Brandon Lee Dec 13 '17, 10:00 PM in 3h
NCAA-B | Portland State vs Oregon
Play on: Portland State +15 -110 at GTBets

10* FREE NCAAB PICK (Portland State +15)
I played against Oregon on Monday as a 20-point home favorite against Texas Southern, who hadn't won a game all season and we cashed in an easy winner with the Ducks only winning by 6. I see similar value here with Portland State catching 15 against Oregon tonight. The Vikings are 8-2 on the season with their only two losses coming on a neutral court to both Duke and Butler. They actually had a lead on the Blue Devils at the half and only lost to the Bulldogs by 2-points.
Portland State has two big time scores in seniors Deontae North and Bryce Canda. North leads the way at 19.2 ppg and Canda is putting in 16.4 ppg. That kind of fire-power will give the Vikings a chance to give the Ducks all they can handle. The big key here with Oregon is this team is simply overvalued from last year's run to the Final 4. The Ducks lost a lot from that team and simply aren't as good as people think. Give me the Vikings +15!

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:25 PM

Totals Guru Dec 13 '17, 8:00 PM in 1h
NCAA-B | Arkansas-Little Rock vs Bradley
Play on: UNDER 125 -105

Free Total Annihilator On Arkansas-Little Rock vs Bradley under 125 -105

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:25 PM

Doug Upstone Dec 13 '17, 7:35 PM in 1h
NBA | Blazers vs Heat
Play on: UNDER 204 -110

The total in this NBA clash is up three points to 204. Portland's shooting has been like a yo-yo going up and down, however, their defense has been laughable in permitting over 50 percent shooting by opponents in last five starts on average. Miami's offense has been a little better of late, scoring a couple more points a contest in past five outings, but here is what sends me thinking the other way. The Blazers covered two nights ago against Golden State and is 10-1 UNDER after an ATS winner and the Heat just mauled Memphis and is 17-7 UNDER after a win by 10 points or more.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:26 PM

Jack Jones Dec 13 '17, 9:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | Grand Canyon vs Boise State
Play on: Boise State -9½ -115 at BMaker

Jack’s Free Pick Wednesday: Boise State -9.5
The Boise State Broncos returned three starters from a team that won 20 games last year. They are clearly a Mountain West contender this season, and they have shown that by going 9-1 with their only loss coming to Iowa State on a neutral.
This team is absolutely rolling right now, going 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS since that loss to the Cyclones. Four of those five wins have come by 20 points or more. The exception was a 73-70 upset road win as 7-point road underdogs over the Oregon Ducks.
Dan Majerle’s Grand Canyon Antelopes took college basketball by storm last season with a 22-9 record. But they lost their leading scorer in Dewayne Russell (21.2 ppg, 5.4 apg) and key big man Darion Clark (7.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg). They did bring back three starters and will be good again, but only one double-digit scorer returns.
Grand Canyon is off to a 7-2 start this season against an extremely soft schedule. They only real opponent was St. John’s, and they lost by 8 as 6-point dogs on a neutral court. They have played eight of their first nine games at home. Now they will be playing their first true road game of the season here at Boise State, and I don’t expect it to go well for them.
Boise State is 13-2 ATS off three consecutive non-conference games over the past two seasons. The Broncos are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games. Boise State is 22-10 ATS in its last 32 vs. good teams who outscore their opponents by 4-plus points per game. Bet Boise State Wednesday.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:26 PM

Bobby Conn Dec 13 '17, 8:05 PM in 1h
NBA | Jazz vs Bulls
Play on: Jazz -5 -110 at BMaker

1* Free Play on Jazz -5 -110

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:26 PM

Info Plays Dec 13 '17, 8:05 PM in 1h
NBA | Jazz vs Bulls
Play on: Bulls +5 -105 at BMaker

1* Free Play on Bulls +5 -105

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:26 PM

Hunter Price Dec 13 '17, 7:05 PM in 46m
NBA | Clippers vs Magic
Play on: Clippers +1½ -102 at 5Dimes

1* Free Pick on Clippers +1½ -102

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:27 PM

Dave Price Dec 13 '17, 7:05 PM in 46m
NBA | Clippers vs Magic
Play on: Magic -1½ -103 at 5Dimes

Dave’s Wednesday Free Play:
1* on Orlando Magic -1.5
The Key: There’s really not a lot to like about the Los Angeles Clippers right now. They are missing 3 starters in Blake Griffin, Patrick Beverly and Danilo Gallinari. It explains why they are just 5-13 in their last 18 games overall. The Magic come in fresh and rested having not played since Saturday, getting 3 days to prepare for the Clippers. The favorite is 20-5-3 ATS in the last 28 meetings in this series. The Clippers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS win. Take Orlando.

Can'tPickAWinner

12-13-2017, 06:27 PM

Teddy Covers Dec 13 '17, 8:00 PM in 1h
NCAA-B | Western Kentucky vs Wisconsin
Play on: Western Kentucky +6 -108 at 5Dimes

Take Western Kentucky (#723)
Teddy's on a major college hoops heater, 16-3 (84%) dating back to November! Plus, he's hit 67% in bowl season over the last two years! Win tonight with Teddy's 10* CBB Big Ticket Game of the Week and his Pacers – Thunder ESPN cash!
Make no mistake about it – Wisconsin is a train wreck right now, and the Hilltoppers are talented enough to go into Madison and give the Badgers all kinds of problems. Wisconsin has two wins in their last nine games, one of which came by a single point; not an easy team to lay points with right now. And let’s not forget that the Badgers have lost at home three times already, all by double digit margins.
Greg Gard’s team isn’t playing traditional Wisconsin defense, allowing 46% shooting for the season. They are extraordinarily young; in complete rebuild mode. Four of Gard’s eight regular rotation players are true freshmen, two more are sophomores. And to make matters even worse for a young team lacking confidence, the injury bug has started to hit.
Emerging wing Kobe King had knee surgery on Monday while point guard D’Mitrik Trice is out as well. That means playing time for the like of TJ Schlundt, a former walk-on. Schlundt’s quote: “Defensive technique is the biggest thing. I think I have the ability to do it, it’s just a mind-set and that’s something that I’ve got to get better at for sure.”
Badgers assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft knows what his team is up against tonight. “Really good (Hilltoppers) team. Ask Purdue. And I have all the respect in the world for Purdue, we all do. (Western Kentucky) took it to them.”
Western Kentucky has a trio of senior starters, including transfers from Virginia, Kansas and Ole Miss. They hung tough with Villanova (+22, lost by 8), beat Purdue outright as a 19 point dog and followed that up with a win over SMU as +10 underdogs. Expect a battle to the wire tonight! Take Western Kentucky.