Monday 12-25-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

NFL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?53-NFL-Football)

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College Basketball
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NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?56-NBA-Basketball)

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?58-NHL-Hockey)

[sportscrazy]

Norm Hitzges

Philadelphia -9 Oakland (MONDAY)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Camarero - Race 4

Pick 4 (4-7) / Pick 3 (4-6) / Exacta / Trifecta / Daily Double 4-5


Claiming $8,000 • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 66 • Purse: $6,500 • Post: 4:00P
FOR NATIVE FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. CLASIFICADOS EN $4,000 Y DEBUTANTES ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * LADY VEIGA: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks i n the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. COMPOSITORA: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and trainer's win percentage with horses coming off a layoff is at least 25. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. GAITANA: Horse h as the highest TrackMaster Power Rating.
2
LADY VEIGA
9/2

3/1
4
COMPOSITORA
10/1

4/1
8
GAITANA
5/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
LADY VEIGA
2

9/2
Front-runner
74

69

78.8

62.4

57.9
4
COMPOSITORA
4

10/1
Front-runner
67

69

77.0

62.8

56.8
9
SILVER MINT
9

10/1
Front-runner
55

54

75.5

35.8

19.8
7
CORONADA
7

7/2
Stalker
60

51

40.0

47.4

36.4
8
GAITANA
8

5/1
Alternator/Stalker
70

68

60.2

63.4

55.4
1
PERFORMING LADY
1

2/1
Trailer
63

60

34.8

43.2

35.7
6
ALIADA
6

10/1
Trailer
50

55

22.0

43.0

30.5
5
FARANDULERA
5

4/1
Alternator/Trailer
62

62

57.0

49.6

39.6
3
LA MONTANERA
3

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
60

52

35.0

44.2

29.7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track

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

Race 4 - Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $6500 Class Rating: 66

FOR NATIVE FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. CLASIFICADOS EN $4,000 Y DEBUTANTES ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 GAITANA 5/1

# 2 LADY VEIGA 9/2

# 4 COMPOSITORA 10/1

GAITANA has a very good shot to take this race. A solid 69 avg Equibase class rating may give this filly a distinct class edge against this group of animals. LADY VEIGA - Has very strong speed figures and has to be considered for a wager in this race. Is a key contender - given the 62 speed figure from her most recent race. COMPOSITORA - Looks very good versus this group and will probably be one of the front-runners. Must be given consideration based on the respectable speed figure garnered in the last affair.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Steelers vs. Texans Preview and Predictions

Inches away from applying a vice-grip hold on the top seed and home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers must regroup from their first loss in two months when they visit the Houston Texans on Christmas. Pittsburgh still has the inside track for a first-round bye and an outside at the No. 1 seed but cannot afford a slip-up.

The Steelers had an apparent go-ahead touchdown overturned in the final minute of last week's 27-24 loss to New England that dropped them behind New England in the chase for AFC supremacy. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, it has a soft closing schedule featuring the punchless Texans and winless Cleveland, even though superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown is sidelined with a calf injury. "He's such a great player, and to me, they have other great players," Houston coach Bill O'Brien said of Brown, who leads the league in catches and receiving yards. "So, do they have guys that can make up for the loss of Antonio Brown? Yes. They're a very explosive team, but he's a great player. There's no doubt about it." Explosive is hardly the word to describe the skidding Texans, who have dropped six of their last seven games and are averaging 13 points during their four-game losing streak.

TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Steelers -9. O/U: 45

ABOUT THE STEELERS (11-3): Despite last week's injury to Brown, one of the team's league-high eight Pro Bowl selections, Pittsburgh appeared on its way to its ninth straight win before an overturned touchdown and Ben Roethlisberger's last-second interception in the end zone. Roethlisberger, who has thrown multiple touchdown passes in six straight games, still has plenty of options with talented rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster and Martavis Bryant, who combined for 10 catches last week. He also has the NFL's leading rusher in Le'Veon Bell, a dual threat who has rumbled for 1,222 yards and eight scores while hauling in 80 passes for two more TDs. The defense is not scaring anyone, but cornerback Joe Haden is poised to return after missing five games due to a fractured fibula.

ABOUT THE TEXANS (4-10): Houston's season unraveled following an injury to rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson, who had injected life into the offense after replacing Tom Savage, who opened the season as a starter. Savage suffered a concussion in a loss at San Francisco in Week 14, leaving the Texans to go with third-stringer T.J. Yates, who was a woeful 12 of 31 for 128 yards in last week's mauling in Jacksonville and showed he wasn't the answer when pressed into service down the stretch in the 2015 season. The one bright spot on offense is wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has 92 receptions and leads the NFL with 12 touchdown catches. Former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney joined Hopkins on the Pro Bowl squad after posting a career-high nine sacks.

OVERTIME

1. The Steelers will clinch a first-round bye with a win and a loss or tie by Jacksonville at San Francisco.

2. Hopkins needs eight receptions to join Andre Johnson as the only wideouts in franchise history with multiple 100-catch seasons.

3. Bell, who also leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage, is one of four running backs to have 80 catches in multiple season.

PREDICTION: Steelers 27, Texans 13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Raiders vs. Eagles Preview and Predictions

Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson essentially admitted that his brain had a mind of its own, so much so that he couldn't help but entertain various options with his team on the cusp of capturing the top seed in the NFC. Pederson's Eagles could receive that tag should Minnesota fall to Green Bay on Sunday, or the club might have to earn it on Monday when it hosts the Oakland Raiders.

"I've begun thinking, but my focus is winning the game on Monday night, because that to me is the most important thing," Pederson said. Nick Foles stepped up in place of the injured Carson Wentz and threw for four touchdowns in Philadelphia's 34-29 win over the New York Giants, a total that is three fewer than when he tied an NFL record in Oakland on Nov. 3, 2013. The Raiders' slim postseason plans were dashed following back-to-back losses to Kansas City and Dallas, with the latter setback featuring an index card and a touchback as Derek Carr vied for the go-ahead score in the waning moments of the contest. "We're just going to play to win," coach Jack Del Rio said of his team's mindset. "We're going to do everything we can to get over this 'close but no cigar' finish we had."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Eagles -9. O/U: 47.5

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (6-8): Marshawn Lynch has scored five touchdowns in the past six games, but the rugged star will be tested by the league's top-ranked rush defense that is permitting just 71.5 yards per game. Carr tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Michael Crabtree versus the Cowboys, with the wideout reeling in seven receptions in back-to-back contests since serving a one-game suspension for his actions in the early going against Denver on Nov. 26. Amari Cooper was limited in Friday's practice with an ankle injury, leaving questions as to whether he'd take the field against the Eagles.

ABOUT THE EAGLES (12-2): Alshon Jeffery has collected seven of his NFC second-best nine touchdown receptions in the past seven games while Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz has scored a touchdown in six straight home contests. Nelson Agholor has gotten his piece of the pie with three touchdowns in his last four games, with 22 receptions for 264 yards in his last three. Jay Ajayi continues to churn out big chunks of yardage since being acquired in an in-season trade with Miami, averaging a robust 6.4 per carry in six games with his new team.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Philadelphia DE Brandon Graham has recorded 4.5 of his career-high 9.5 sacks in the past five games.

2. Raiders DE Khalil Mack has collected at least one sack in five straight games, but will be tested by Pro Bowl RT Lane Johnson.

3. DE/LB Trent Cole announced his retirement on Friday, but will make it official on Christmas night as a member of the Eagles, with whom he played 10 seasons and ranks second in franchise history with 85.5 sacks.

PREDICTION: Eagles 30, Raiders 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

76ers vs. Knicks Preview and Predictions

The New York Knicks hope for another boost from the crowd at Madison Square Garden before beginning a stretch loaded with road games. The Knicks, who are 15-5 at home and 2-10 on the road, host the reeling Philadelphia 76ers in a Christmas Day matchup on Monday.

Following its 52nd game on Christmas (22-29), New York plays 16 of its next 20 on the road, where its woes continued with a 104-101 setback at Detroit on Friday. "We just have to play our game," center Enes Kanter told reporters. "Look at their roster, if they stay healthy, they're going to do really good things. I think they've been way better than what they've been." Kanter was likely referencing the Sixers' issues without star center Joel Embiid, who returned from a three-game layoff but was limited to 14 points in 23 minutes in Saturday's 102-86 loss to Toronto. Philadelphia, which hopes to have Embiid ready for a complete effort on Christmas, has dropped five in a row overall and is 1-7 when its big man sits.

TV: Noon ET, ESPN, NBCSN Philadelphia, MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE 76ERS (14-18): Embiid was still bothered by a sore lower back in Saturday's loss and he picked up a technical foul as frustrations began to bubble up."He wants to do so much more and he can't," coach Brett Brown told reporters of Embiid. "He just hasn't practiced or, recently, played. There was a rhythm and a fluid side of his game that he was searching for." Fellow youngster Ben Simmons was held to 10 points on 5-of-13 shooting in the loss, his first outing during the losing streak in which he shot below 50 percent.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (17-15): Although he needed 28 shots to get there, Kristaps Porzingis' 29-point effort in Friday's loss was a positive step for the 7-3 star, who missed two games due to a groin injury before going 0-for-11 from the floor in a win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday. The Knicks were 16-13 before last season's Christmas Day game but a loss on the holiday to the Celtics kicked off a 1-10 swoon, and Porzingis is hoping for a better experience. "Of course, it's always fun to play on Christmas Day," Porzingis told the media. "It's always a big game. I remember last year we were playing against Boston, it was really fun. We lost the game. But it was a good experience. My whole family is here again. They're a young team that's fun to watch and I think we're the same way so it's going to be entertaining."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Sixers PF Dario Saric scored in double figures in 12 straight games after finishing in single digits in 10 of his first 19 contests.

2. Kanter is averaging 18 points and 13 rebounds while recording two straight double-doubles.

3. The teams split four meetings last season with the home team winning each time.

PREDICTION: Knicks 108, 76ers 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cavaliers vs. Warriors Preview and Predictions

The Golden State Warriors will host the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA Finals rematch on Christmas Day, but the meeting will be missing some star power. Warriors point guard Stephen Curry is expected to remain out while recovering from an ankle injury and Cavaliers point guard Isaiah Thomas is not quite ready to make his season debut.

Curry missed the last eight games and the team has no plans to rush him back for the marquee matchup. "If we weren't playing Cleveland on Christmas and I told you Steph hasn't even played in a 3-on-3 game, he hasn't had any contact at all and the game is 48 hours from now, you'd say, 'Steph's not going to play,'" Golden State coach Steve Kerr told reporters on Saturday. "But because it's the magnitude of the game, everybody wants to know, but we can't let that affect our judgement. He can't play. It would be completely irresponsible if he did." Thomas was brought in from the Boston Celtics in the trade that sent away Kyrie Irving over the summer but has been battling a hip injury and will not make a targeted Christmas return. "That was a target for my kids," Thomas told reporters. "So they mad, but I'm fine with it. I have no rhythm, so there is no way I can play in an actual game right now and be very effective like I'm used to being. Slowly that will come back and I'll get a feel for it. I also got to get in some shape."

TV: 3 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (24-9): Cleveland, which fell 4-1 in the NBA Finals to the Warriors last spring in the third straight Finals meeting between the teams, comes in hot with wins in 19 of its last 21 games. The Cavaliers bounced back from a rare loss by edging the Chicago Bulls 115-112 on Thursday behind 34 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals from LeBron James. The superstar forward, who averaged 33.6 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the Finals last spring, is carrying Cleveland once again by putting up 28.4 points on 57 percent shooting, 9.2 assists and 8.2 rebounds.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (26-7): Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson have been carrying the load while Golden State battles through a series of injuries but finally hit a cold spell as the team's 11-game winning streak came to a halt with a 96-81 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. Thompson and Durant combined to go 1-of-15 from 3-point range, and the team shot 3-of-27 from 3-point range. "Sometimes the ball doesn't go in the hole," Kerr told reporters. "Sometimes when the ball doesn't go in the hole, it affects the body language and energy of the guys. We had some good shots early that didn't go in. It just didn't happen for us. But I'm really proud of our guys. Eleven in a row, given all the injuries. It's hell of a streak. We'll flush this one down the toilet and move on."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Warriors F Draymond Green had x-rays on his elbow come back negative after Saturday's game and is expected to play Monday.

2. Cleveland C Tristan Thompson is 9-of-12 from the floor in five games since returning from a calf injury.

3. Golden State PG Shaun Livingston (knee) sat out the last four games but could play Monday while C Zaza Pachulia (shoulder) missed the last six and remains day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Cavaliers 110, Warriors 107

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wizards vs. Celtics Preview and Predictions

The Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics moved beyond bad losses with blowout wins and both seek to win a second straight contest when they renew a heated rivalry in a Christmas Day affair in Boston. The Celtics followed up a one-point home loss to a depleted Miami Heat squad with a nine-point setback at Madison Square Garden before righting the ship with a 117-92 rout of Chicago on Saturday.

"I thought obviously we looked fresher; we looked like we had our legs under us," Boston coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "We were excited to play coming off those two tough losses. And that's a good basketball team. I mean, and they were really playing at a high level. You could see that in the first half." The Wizards suffered their second-highest margin of defeat at Brooklyn - a 119-84 loss - on Friday before bouncing back at home against the injury-ravaged Orlando Magic. Mike Scott led a balanced attack with 18 points and Washington shot 54.7 en route to the 130-103 triumph. The teams split four heated meetings last season, including one that saw tensions spill into a shouting match in the back hall of TD Garden, and then squared off in a back-and-forth Eastern Conference Semifinals won by the Celtics in seven games.

TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (18-15): Scott's recent accuracy has been among the most notable aspects of Washington's season, and he rebounded from a rare off night to make 7-of-8 shots - including his one 3-point try - against the Magic. "Healthy, confidence, work on my game a lot," he told reporters when discussing the hottest stretch of his six-year career. "With a lot of repetition comes confidence." Excluding a 3-for-8 effort in the loss to the Nets, Scott is 60-for-80 in a nine-game span while making more than half of his 27 3-point attempts.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (27-9): Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Brown scored a combined 45 points and made 9-of-13 3-pointers in Saturday's win. Irving has made 23-of-48 triples over a five-game span and is averaging 28.5 points over his past 11 outings. "I think that's the one thing that gets lost in all the handles and all the different moves and the plays that end up on YouTube, is how - how skilled he is shooting the ball," Stevens said. "He's just a tremendous shooter. He's got beautiful touch. He doesn't miss when you're just doing shooting without defense. He's an elite shooter. So it doesn't surprise me when he goes on runs. Almost like you take for granted how good he is."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Washington SF Kelly Oubre Jr. scored in double figures in a season-high four straight games.

2. Celtics F Al Horford is shooting 58.6 percent at home and 46.5 percent on the road.

3. Wizards PG John Wall is shooting 35.3 percent in six games since returning from a knee injury, but 39.3 percent from beyond the arc.

PREDICTION: Celtics 111, Wizards 107

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rockets vs. Thunder Preview and Predictions

The Houston Rockets finally hit a rough patch despite James Harden's historic performances and dropped the last two after winning 14 in a row. Harden will try to post his third straight 50-plus outing and lead the Rockets to a win when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Christmas Day.

Harden became the first player since Kobe Bryant in 2007 to reach 50 in back-to-back games when he went for 51 against the Lakers on Wednesday and hit that number again against the Clippers on Friday, but he also joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to reach 50 points in consecutive losses. "We lost," Harden told reporters when asked about his historic scoring binge. "It doesn't matter." The Thunder are finally beginning to surge with wins in four straight games as the roles become more clearly defined for their three star players. "We're playing well," forward Paul George told reporters after a 103-89 win at the Utah Jazz on Saturday. "We're playing for one another. Our defense is holding up and offensively we're starting to get a little flow."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (25-6): The last two games were finished without point guard Chris Paul, who left in the fourth quarter on Wednesday with a left adductor strain and sat out Friday. The All-Star is day-to-day and remains questionable for Monday's marquee matchup. "Our aura is not right," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters after Friday's setback. "These guys are a little tired. We've got to get guys back. This is an episode, a couple of episodes. The last two games, we just didn't play well enough and without the spirit and all that. Guys are kind of a little dead. Whether it's tiredness or whether they're into themselves a little too much, I don't know. We'll work on it, but obviously it's not good enough."

ABOUT THE THUNDER (18-15): Carmelo Anthony is adjusting to his role playing off the ball and Paul George is turning into a defensive stopper for Oklahoma City, but Russell Westbrook is still running the show. Westbrook is averaging 29.8 points on 59.8 percent shooting with 9.5 assists and nine rebounds during the four-game winning streak, and collected his fifth triple-double of the month in Saturday's win. George showed off his defensive prowess with six steals against the Jazz and has multiple thefts in each of the last seven contests.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Rockets C Clint Capela (heel), who leads the NBA with a field-goal percentage of .694, sat out the last two games and remains day-to-day.

2. Oklahoma City C Steven Adams is averaging 16.1 points this month after putting up 10.3 in November.

3. Houston took three of the four meetings last season despite Westbrook averaging 36.3 points in the four games.

PREDICTION: Rockets 116, Thunder 109

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Timberwolves vs. Lakers Preview and Predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers dropped five of their last six games, with the losses coming by an average of five points. The Lakers will try to end the mounting frustration over close losses with a win on Christmas Day when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Los Angeles was playing the second night of a back-to-back on Saturday after a 113-106 loss at defending champion Golden State on Friday and missed a pair of 3-point attempts in the final seconds while falling at home 95-92 to Portland on Saturday. "Going in I told the guys we've gotta be ready, we've gotta be professionals," Lakers coach Luke Walton told reporters. "We're gonna be tired. It's our job to be ready. I didn't think we did a good job of that. I thought guys on our bench were pouting. I thought there was too much feeling sorry for ourselves as opposed to being professionals." The Timberwolves are trying to sweep a three-game road trip and earn their fourth consecutive win after knocking off Denver and Phoenix in the first two stops. "Just find ways to win," Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. "This is a tough league. I know everyone says, 'Well, you should win this game, you should win that game.' It doesn't work like that. That's not how the league is."

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

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (20-13): Minnesota's recent winning streak is being sparked by an uptick in production from veteran swingman Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 31.3 points on 54.5 percent shooting over the last three games. "Jimmy Butler," Thibodeau told reporters when asked how his team was able to pull out a 115-106 win at Phoenix on Saturday. "Jimmy Butler was not going to let us lose the game and you can't say enough about what he does for this team. He has changed everything for us." Butler is averaging 26.3 points this month - up from 16.2 in October and 17.9 in November - and the Timberwolves are 7-4 in 11 December games.

ABOUT THE LAKERS (11-20): Los Angeles shot 42.4 percent from the floor in Saturday's loss while ending a seven-game streak of scoring at least 106 points, and rookie Kyle Kuzma finally began to cool off. Kuzma matched Jordan Clarkson with a team-high 18 points but was just 6-of-19 from the floor after averaging 27.5 points on 60.9 percent shooting in the previous four contests. Fellow rookie Lonzo Ball came up two rebounds shy of a triple-double on Saturday but went 4-of-13 from the floor after appearing to break through with a 9-of-16 effort in Friday's setback.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Lakers SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is 4-of-23 from 3-point range in his last three games.

2. Timberwolves SG Jamal Crawford is averaging 18 points over the last three games, up from a season mark of 9.7.

3. The home team took the last six in the series, with Minnesota's last win in Los Angeles coming on Oct. 28, 2015.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 121, Lakers 119

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL

Week 16

Christmas Day NFL Betting Preview and Odds: Steelers at Texans

Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans (+9, 45)

Inches away from applying a vice-grip hold on the top seed and home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers must regroup from their first loss in two months when they visit the Houston Texans on Christmas. Pittsburgh still has the inside track for a first-round bye and an outside at the No. 1 seed but cannot afford a slip-up.

The Steelers had an apparent go-ahead touchdown overturned in the final minute of last week's 27-24 loss to New England that dropped them behind New England in the chase for AFC supremacy. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, it has a soft closing schedule featuring the punchless Texans and winless Cleveland, even though superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown is sidelined with a calf injury. "He's such a great player, and to me, they have other great players," Houston coach Bill O'Brien said of Brown, who leads the league in catches and receiving yards. "So, do they have guys that can make up for the loss of Antonio Brown? Yes. They're a very explosive team, but he's a great player. There's no doubt about it." Explosive is hardly the word to describe the skidding Texans, who have dropped six of their last seven games and are averaging 13 points during their four-game losing streak.

TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC.

POWER RANKINGS: Steelers (-3.5) - Texans (+5.5) + home field (-3) = Steelers -6.

LINE HISTORY: The Steelers opened as high as 10-point road chalk and money coming in on the road team has brought that number down to +9. The total hit the betting board at 44 and has been bet up to 45.

WEATHER REPORT: Dome

INJURY REPORT:

Steelers - CB Joe Harden (Probable, Leg), CB Coty Sensabaugh (Questionable, Shoulder), LB Tyler Matakevich (Questionable, Shoulder), TE Vance McDonald (Questionable, Shoulder), G Ramon Foster (Questionable, Concussion), WR Antonio Brown (Out Indefinitely, Calf), RB James Conner (I-R, Knee), LB Ryan Shazier (I-R, Spine).

Texans - WR Braxton Miller (Probable, Concussion), G Jeff Allen (Questionable, Concussion), LB LaTroy Lewis (Questionable, Shoulder), LB Brian Peters (Questionable, Illness), DE Jadeveon Clowney (Questionable, Knee), S Kurtis Drummond (Questionable, Ankle), DE Joel Heath (Questionable, Knee), G Xavier Su'a-Filo (Questionable, Groin), LB Jelani Jenkins (Questionable, Concussion), OT Kendall Lamm (Questionable, Concussion), RB Andre Ellington (Questionable, Knee), NT D.J. Reader (I-R, Knee), QB Tom Savage (I-R, Concussion), TE MyCole Pruitt (I-R, Calf), C Nick Martin (I-R, Ankle).

ABOUT THE STEELERS (11-3 SU, 6-8 ATS, 5-9 O/U): Despite last week's injury to Brown, one of the team's league-high eight Pro Bowl selections, Pittsburgh appeared on its way to its ninth straight win before an overturned touchdown and Ben Roethlisberger's last-second interception in the end zone. Roethlisberger, who has thrown multiple touchdown passes in six straight games, still has plenty of options with talented rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster and Martavis Bryant, who combined for 10 catches last week. He also has the NFL's leading rusher in Le'Veon Bell, a dual threat who has rumbled for 1,222 yards and eight scores while hauling in 80 passes for two more TDs. The defense is not scaring anyone, but cornerback Joe Haden is poised to return after missing five games due to a fractured fibula.

ABOUT THE TEXANS (4-10 SU, 7-7 ATS, 7-7 O/U): Houston's season unraveled following an injury to rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson, who had injected life into the offense after replacing Tom Savage, who opened the season as a starter. Savage suffered a concussion in a loss at San Francisco in Week 14, leaving the Texans to go with third-stringer T.J. Yates, who was a woeful 12 of 31 for 128 yards in last week's mauling in Jacksonville and showed he wasn't the answer when pressed into service down the stretch in the 2015 season. The one bright spot on offense is wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has 92 receptions and leads the NFL with 12 touchdown catches. Former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney joined Hopkins on the Pro Bowl squad after posting a career-high nine sacks.

TRENDS:

* Texans are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 Monday games.

* Under is 10-1 in Steelers last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

* Favorite is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the road favorite Steelers at a rate of 66 percent and the Over is getting 56 percent of the totals action.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL

Week 16

Christmas Night NFL Betting Preview and Odds: Raiders at Eagles

Oakland Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles (-10, 46.5)

Eagles coach Doug Pederson essentially admitted that his brain had a mind of its own, so much so that he couldn't help but entertain various options with his team on the cusp of capturing the top seed in the NFC. Well, the club will have to earn it on Monday when it hosts the Raiders after the Vikings defeated the Packers on Sunday.

"I've begun thinking, but my focus is winning the game on Monday night, because that to me is the most important thing," Pederson said. Nick Foles stepped up in place of the injured Carson Wentz and threw for four touchdowns in Philadelphia's 34-29 win over the New York Giants, a total that is three fewer than when he tied an NFL record in Oakland on Nov. 3, 2013. The Raiders' slim postseason plans were dashed following back-to-back losses to Kansas City and Dallas, with the latter setback featuring an index card and a touchback as Derek Carr vied for the go-ahead score in the waning moments of the contest. "We're just going to play to win," coach Jack Del Rio said of his team's mindset. "We're going to do everything we can to get over this 'close but no cigar' finish we had."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

POWER RANKINGS: Raiders (2) - Eagles (-3.5) + home field (-3) = Eagles -4.5.

LINE HISTORY: The Eagles opened as 9-point home favorites and that number has been bet up as high as -10 at some books. The total hit the betting board at 48.5 and money coming in on the under has driven that number down to 46.5.

WEATHER REPORT: 33 degrees and clear to partly cloudy during the game - winds at 14 to 15mph with 0% chance of precipitation

INJURY REPORT:

Raiders - WR Amari Coopers (Probable, Ankle), DL Denico Autry (Questionable, Hand), TE Jared Cook (Questionable, Wrist), C Rodney Hudson (Questionable, Ankle), LB Bruce Irvin (Questionable, Concussion), DB Keith McGill II (Questionable, Knee), Wr Cordarrelle Patterson (Questionable, Hip), DE Mario Edwards Jr. (Questionable, Ankle), DT Treyvon Hester (Questionable, Ankle), Wr Michael Crabtree (Questionable, Concussion), TE Clive Walford (I-R, Concussion), OT Donald Penn (I-R, Foot).

Eagles - CB Patrick Robinson (Probable, Concussion), DE Derek Barnett (Questionable, Groin), CB Jalen Mills (Questionable, Ankle), LB Mychal Kendricks (Questionable, Foot), G Stefen Wisniewski (Questionable, Ankle), CB Sidney Jones (Questionable, Achilles), S Chris Maragos (Questionable, Knee), QB Carson Wentz (I-R, Knee)

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (6-8 SU, 4-8-2 ATS, 5-9 O/U): Marshawn Lynch has scored five touchdowns in the past six games, but the rugged star will be tested by the league's top-ranked rush defense that is permitting just 71.5 yards per game. Carr tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Michael Crabtree versus the Cowboys, with the wideout reeling in seven receptions in back-to-back contests since serving a one-game suspension for his actions in the early going against Denver on Nov. 26. Amari Cooper was limited in Friday's practice with an ankle injury, leaving questions as to whether he'd take the field against the Eagles.

ABOUT THE EAGLES (12-2 SU, 10-4 ATS, 8-6 O/U): Alshon Jeffery has collected seven of his NFC second-best nine touchdown receptions in the past seven games while Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz has scored a touchdown in six straight home contests. Nelson Agholor has gotten his piece of the pie with three touchdowns in his last four games, with 22 receptions for 264 yards in his last three. Jay Ajayi continues to churn out big chunks of yardage since being acquired in an in-season trade with Miami, averaging a robust 6.4 per carry in six games with his new team.

TRENDS:

* Raiders are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.

* Eagles are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.

* Over is 5-1 in Raiders last 6 Monday games.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the home chalk Eagles at a rate of 52 percent and the Over is getting 68 percent of the totals action.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL
Dunkel

Week 16

Monday, December 25

Pittsburgh @ Houston

Game 129-130
December 25, 2017 @ 4:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
137.017
Houston
125.122
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 12
39
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
by 8 1/2
44 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-8 1/2); Under

Oakland @ Philadelphia

Game 131-132
December 25, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
124.338
Philadelphia
138.521
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 14
53
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 9
47
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-9); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL
Long Sheet

Week 16

Monday, December 25

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PITTSBURGH (11 - 3) at HOUSTON (4 - 10) - 12/25/2017, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 104-75 ATS (+21.5 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.

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

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

OAKLAND (6 - 8) at PHILADELPHIA (12 - 2) - 12/25/2017, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 33-60 ATS (-33.0 Units) in December games since 1992.
OAKLAND is 32-57 ATS (-30.7 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after 2 or more consecutive wins this season.

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL

Week 16

Monday's games
Steelers (11-3) @ Texans (4-10)— Pittsburgh is without Shazier/Brown now, key playmaker on both sides of ball. Steelers need to keep winning to get #2 seed and first-round bye- they’re 9-1 in last ten games, 2-4 vs spread as road favorites. Houston lost four in row, 7 of last 8 games; they’re 3-4 at home, 1-1 as home underdogs. Texans lost 45-7 in Jacksonville LW and looked disinterested; in their last five games, they’ve lost field position by 13-13-14-4-13 points, and are down to #2 QB Yates. Steelers are 3-2 vs Texans, splitting pair of games played here, last of which was in 2011. AFC North non-divisional road favorites are 2-3 vs spread; AFC South home underdogs are 3-2. Over is 8-4 in last 12 Houston games, 3-1-1 in Steelers’ last five games.

Raiders (6-8) @ Eagles (12-2)— Eagles clinched a first round bye, need win for #1 seed in NFC. Philly is 11-1 in its last 12 games; they’re 5-1 as home favorites this year, with five wins by 10+ points. Eagles scored 31+ points in seven of last eight games. Oakland lost last two games, needs couple wins and lot of help to make playoffs- they were outscored 26-0 in first half the last two weeks. Raiders are 2-4 in true road games, 1-3 as road underdogs, with losses by 17-6-20-11 points. Teams split 12 meetings; Raiders are 2-4 in six visits here- they beat Philly in SB XV. NFC East non-divisional home favorites are 6-5 vs spread; AFC West road underdogs are 4-4. Last five Oakland games stayed under the total; over is 7-5 in last dozen Eagle games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL

Week 16

Trend Report

Monday, December 25

PITTSBURGH @ HOUSTON
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Houston is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games at home

OAKLAND @ PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games
Oakland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Dunkel

Monday, December 25

Philadelphia @ New York

Game 701-702
December 25, 2017 @ 12:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
119.847
New York
118.312
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York
by 3
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+3); Under

Cleveland @ Golden State

Game 703-704
December 25, 2017 @ 3:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
122.204
Golden State
124.133
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 2
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 5
216
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+5); Over

Washington @ Boston

Game 705-706
December 25, 2017 @ 5:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
117.522
Boston
125.919
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 8 1/2
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 4 1/2
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-4 1/2); Under

Houston @ Oklahoma City

Game 707-708
December 25, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
127.505
Oklahoma City
120.412
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 7
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 2
216 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-2); Over

Minnesota @ LA Lakers

Game 709-710
December 25, 2017 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
119.706
LA Lakers
118.822
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
205
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 5
216
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+5); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, December 25

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PHILADELPHIA (14 - 18) at NEW YORK (17 - 15) - 12/25/2017, 12:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games this season.
NEW YORK is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games in the first half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 65-48 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 57-37 ATS (+16.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-3 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 6-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CLEVELAND (24 - 9) at GOLDEN STATE (26 - 7) - 12/25/2017, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 94-66 ATS (+21.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 8-8 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 10-6 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

WASHINGTON (18 - 15) at BOSTON (27 - 9) - 12/25/2017, 5:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 11-4 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 10-5 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

HOUSTON (25 - 6) at OKLAHOMA CITY (18 - 15) - 12/25/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 100-62 ATS (+31.8 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
HOUSTON is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 86-60 ATS (+20.0 Units) in road games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) after allowing 90 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-38 ATS (-18.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 10-3 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 9-4 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MINNESOTA (20 - 13) at LA LAKERS (11 - 20) - 12/25/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 22-37 ATS (-18.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 48-77 ATS (-36.7 Units) after scoring 115 points or more since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 20-32 ATS (-15.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 4-3 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 4-3 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Monday, December 25

Knicks won seven of last nine games with Philly; under is 3-1 in last four series games. Sixers are covered five of last six series games. 76ers lost five in row, nine of last ten games; they’re 2-5 in last seven games as road underdogs. Five of Sixers’ last seven games went over total. Knicks won five of their last seven games; they are 7-1 as home favorites. Six of last eight New York games went over the total.

Warriors won five of their last six games with Cleveland; last four series games went over total. Cavaliers are 1-3 vs spread in their last four visits here. Cleveland won 19 of its last 21 games; they’re 4-0 as road underdogs. Four of their last six games went over the total. Golden State won 11 of its last 12 games; they’re 7-9 vs spread as favorites at home. Six of their last eight games stayed under total.

Home side won last ten Wizard-Celtic games; Washington is 0-6 vs spread in last six visits to Beantown. Seven of last ten series games went over total. Washington won four of its last six games; they’re 8-3 as road underdogs. Five of their last seven games stayed under total. Celtics are 5-5 in their last ten games, 2-4-1 vs spread in last seven games as home favorites. Over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games.

Thunder lost seven of last eight games with Houston, which covered its last four games in this arena (under 3-1). Rockets lost their last two games after a 14-game win streak; Houston is 8-3 as road favorites. Eight of their last nine games went over total. Oklahoma City won its last four games; they’re 6-9-1 vs spread at home, 1-0 as underdogs. Three of their last four games stayed under total.

Home side won last six Minnesota-Laker games; Wolves are 1-4 vs spread in last five series games played here. Seven of last eight series games went over total. Minnesota won four of its last five games; they’re 4-2-1 vs spread as road favorites. Five of their last six games went over total. Lakers lost five of their last six games; they’re 6-6 as home underdogs. Five of their last six games went over total.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Monday, December 25

Trend Report

PHILADELPHIA @ NEW YORK
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New York
Philadelphia is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against New York
New York is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
New York is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

CLEVELAND @ GOLDEN STATE
Cleveland is 19-2 SU in its last 21 games
Cleveland is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Golden State is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games
Golden State is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home

WASHINGTON @ BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington

HOUSTON @ OKLAHOMA CITY
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Oklahoma City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

MINNESOTA @ LA LAKERS
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Lakers's last 8 games when playing Minnesota
LA Lakers is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Minnesota

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA Christmas Day quintuple-header betting preview and odds

Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (-2.5, 210)

The New York Knicks hope for another boost from the crowd at Madison Square Garden before beginning a stretch loaded with road games. The Knicks, who are 15-5 at home and 2-10 on the road, host the reeling Philadelphia 76ers in a Christmas Day matchup on Monday.

Following its 52nd game on Christmas (22-29), New York plays 16 of its next 20 on the road, where its woes continued with a 104-101 setback at Detroit on Friday. "We just have to play our game," center Enes Kanter told reporters. "Look at their roster, if they stay healthy, they're going to do really good things. I think they've been way better than what they've been." Kanter was likely referencing the Sixers' issues without star center Joel Embiid, who returned from a three-game layoff but was limited to 14 points in 23 minutes in Saturday's 102-86 loss to Toronto. Philadelphia, which hopes to have Embiid ready for a complete effort on Christmas, has dropped five in a row overall and is 1-7 when its big man sits.

TV: Noon ET, ESPN, NBCSN Philadelphia, MSG (New York)

LINE HISTORY: The Knicks opened as 1.5-point home favoites and that line was bumped up to -2.5. The total hit betting boards at 214 and was dropped all of the way down to 210.

INJURY REPORT:

76ers - SF J. Redick (Questionable, Hamstring), SG F. Korkmaz (Questionable, Foot), SG J. Anderson (Early Jan, Shin), PG M. Fultz (Early Jan, Shoulder).

Knicks - C E. Kanter (Probable, Face), SF T. Hardaway Jr. (Early Jan, Leg).

ABOUT THE 76ERS (14-18 SU, 16-15-1 ATS, 17-15 O/U): Embiid was still bothered by a sore lower back in Saturday's loss and he picked up a technical foul as frustrations began to bubble up."He wants to do so much more and he can't," coach Brett Brown told reporters of Embiid. "He just hasn't practiced or, recently, played. There was a rhythm and a fluid side of his game that he was searching for." Fellow youngster Ben Simmons was held to 10 points on 5-of-13 shooting in the loss, his first outing during the losing streak in which he shot below 50 percent.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (17-15 SU, 19-13 ATS, 16-16 O/U): Although he needed 28 shots to get there, Kristaps Porzingis' 29-point effort in Friday's loss was a positive step for the 7-3 star, who missed two games due to a groin injury before going 0-for-11 from the floor in a win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday. The Knicks were 16-13 before last season's Christmas Day game but a loss on the holiday to the Celtics kicked off a 1-10 swoon, and Porzingis is hoping for a better experience. "Of course, it's always fun to play on Christmas Day," Porzingis told the media. "It's always a big game. I remember last year we were playing against Boston, it was really fun. We lost the game. But it was a good experience. My whole family is here again. They're a young team that's fun to watch and I think we're the same way so it's going to be entertaining."

TRENDS:

* 76ers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
* Knicks are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 home games.
* Under is 6-1 in 76ers' last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
* Under is 5-1 in Knicks' last 6 vs. NBA Atlantic.
* 76ers are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.




Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors (-5, 219)

The Golden State Warriors will host the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA Finals rematch on Christmas Day, but the meeting will be missing some star power. Warriors point guard Stephen Curry is expected to remain out while recovering from an ankle injury and Cavaliers point guard Isaiah Thomas is not quite ready to make his season debut.

Curry missed the last eight games and the team has no plans to rush him back for the marquee matchup. "If we weren't playing Cleveland on Christmas and I told you Steph hasn't even played in a 3-on-3 game, he hasn't had any contact at all and the game is 48 hours from now, you'd say, 'Steph's not going to play," Golden State coach Steve Kerr told reporters on Saturday. "But because it's the magnitude of the game, everybody wants to know, but we can't let that affect our judgement. He can't play. It would be completely irresponsible if he did." Thomas was brought in from the Boston Celtics in the trade that sent away Kyrie Irving over the summer but has been battling a hip injury and will not make a targeted Christmas return. "That was a target for my kids," Thomas told reporters. "So they mad, but I'm fine with it. I have no rhythm, so there is no way I can play in an actual game right now and be very effective like I'm used to being. Slowly that will come back and I'll get a feel for it. I also got to get in some shape."

TV: 3 p.m. ET, ABC

LINE HISTORY: The Warriors opened as 7.5-point home favorites and that number has tilted towards the Cavs, down to -5. The total hit betting boards at 221 and has been reduced to 219.

INJURY REPORT:

Cavaliers - SG J. Smith (Questionable, Knee), PG I. Thomas (Early Jan, Hip), PG D. Rose (Out Indefinitely, Ankle), SG I. Shumpert (Late Jan, Knee).

Warriors - C Z. Pachulia (Questionable, Shoulder), PG S. Livingston (Questionable, Knee), PG S. Curry (Early Jan, Ankle).

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (24-9 SU, 11-21-1 ATS, 16-16-1 O/U): Cleveland, which fell 4-1 in the NBA Finals to the Warriors last spring in the third straight Finals meeting between the teams, comes in hot with wins in 19 of its last 21 games. The Cavaliers bounced back from a rare loss by edging the Chicago Bulls 115-112 on Thursday behind 34 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals from LeBron James. The superstar forward, who averaged 33.6 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the Finals last spring, is carrying Cleveland once again by putting up 28.4 points on 57 percent shooting, 9.2 assists and 8.2 rebounds.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (26-7 SU, 15-18 ATS, 16-17 O/U): Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson have been carrying the load while Golden State battles through a series of injuries but finally hit a cold spell as the team's 11-game winning streak came to a halt with a 96-81 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. Thompson and Durant combined to go 1-of-15 from 3-point range, and the team shot 3-of-27 from 3-point range. "Sometimes the ball doesn't go in the hole," Kerr told reporters. "Sometimes when the ball doesn't go in the hole, it affects the body language and energy of the guys. We had some good shots early that didn't go in. It just didn't happen for us. But I'm really proud of our guys. Eleven in a row, given all the injuries. It's hell of a streak. We'll flush this one down the toilet and move on."

TRENDS:

* Cavaliers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.
* Warriors are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Over is 6-1 in Cavaliers last 7 vs. NBA Pacific.
* Over is 7-0 in Warriors last 7 games following a straight up loss.
* Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.




Washington Wizards at Boston Celtics (-4.5, 206)

The Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics moved beyond bad losses with blowout wins and both seek to win a second straight contest when they renew a heated rivalry in a Christmas Day affair in Boston. The Celtics followed up a one-point home loss to a depleted Miami Heat squad with a nine-point setback at Madison Square Garden before righting the ship with a 117-92 rout of Chicago on Saturday.

"I thought obviously we looked fresher; we looked like we had our legs under us," Boston coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "We were excited to play coming off those two tough losses. And that's a good basketball team. I mean, and they were really playing at a high level. You could see that in the first half." The Wizards suffered their second-highest margin of defeat at Brooklyn - a 119-84 loss - on Friday before bouncing back at home against the injury-ravaged Orlando Magic. Mike Scott led a balanced attack with 18 points and Washington shot 54.7 en route to the 130-103 triumph. The teams split four heated meetings last season, including one that saw tensions spill into a shouting match in the back hall of TD Garden, and then squared off in a back-and-forth Eastern Conference Semifinals won by the Celtics in seven games.

TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, ABC

LINE HISTORY: The Celtics opened as 4.5-point home favorite and the spread has yet to move off the opening number. The total hit betting boards at 204.5 and has been bumped up slightly to 206.

INJURY REPORT:

Wizards - SG S. Mac (Out For Season, Achilles).

Celtics - PF M. Morris (Probable, Knee), PG S. Larkin (Questionable, Knee), SF G. Hayward (Out Indefinitley, Ankle).

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (18-15 SU, 16-17 ATS, 11-22 O/U): Scott's recent accuracy has been among the most notable aspects of Washington's season, and he rebounded from a rare off night to make 7-of-8 shots - including his one 3-point try - against the Magic. "Healthy, confidence, work on my game a lot," he told reporters when discussing the hottest stretch of his six-year career. "With a lot of repetition comes confidence." Excluding a 3-for-8 effort in the loss to the Nets, Scott is 60-for-80 in a nine-game span while making more than half of his 27 3-point attempts.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (27-9 SU, 22-12-2 ATS, 19-17 O/U): Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Brown scored a combined 45 points and made 9-of-13 3-pointers in Saturday's win. Irving has made 23-of-48 triples over a five-game span and is averaging 28.5 points over his past 11 outings. "I think that's the one thing that gets lost in all the handles and all the different moves and the plays that end up on YouTube, is how – how skilled he is shooting the ball," Stevens said. "He's just a tremendous shooter. He's got beautiful touch. He doesn't miss when you're just doing shooting without defense. He's an elite shooter. So it doesn't surprise me when he goes on runs. You almost like you take for granted how good he is."

TRENDS:

* Wizards are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
* Celtics are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 6-1 in Wizards last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
* Over is 12-3 in Celtics last 15 games playing on 1 days rest.
* Wizards are 0-9 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Boston.




Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder (+3, 216.5)

The Houston Rockets finally hit a rough patch despite James Harden's historic performances and dropped the last two after winning 14 in a row. Harden will try to post his third straight 50-plus outing and lead the Rockets to a win when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Christmas Day.

Harden became the first player since Kobe Bryant in 207 to reach 50 in back-to-back games when he went for 51 against the Lakers on Wednesday and hit that number again against the Clippers on Friday, but he also joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to reach 50 points in consecutive losses. "We lost," Harden told reporters when asked about his historic scoring binge. "It doesn't matter." The Thunder are finally beginning to surge with wins in four straight games as the roles become more clearly defined for their three star players. "We're playing well," forward Paul George told reporters after a 103-89 win at the Utah Jazz on Saturday. "We're playing for one another. Our defense is holding up and offensively we're starting to get a little flow."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC

LINE HISTORY: The Rockets opened as 4-point road favorites and that number has been bet down slightly to 3. The total hit betting boards at 215 and has been bet up to 216.5 as of Christmas Eve.

INJURY REPORT:

Rockets - C C. Capela (Questionable, Heel), PG C. Paul (Doubtful, Hip), SF T. Williams (Out Indefinitely, Knee), PF L. Mbah a Moute (Early Jan, Shoulder).

Thunder - No injuries to report.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (25-6 SU, 16-14-1 ATS, 17-14 O/U): The last two games were finished without point guard Chris Paul, who left in the fourth quarter on Wednesday with a left adductor strain and sat out Friday. The All-Star is day-to-day and remains questionable for Monday's marquee matchup. "Our aura is not right," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters after Friday's setback. "These guys are a little tired. We've got to get guys back. This is an episode, a couple of episodes. The last two games, we just didn't play well enough and without the spirit and all that. Guys are kind of a little dead. Whether it's tiredness or whether they're into themselves a little too much, I don't know. We'll work on it, but obviously it's not good enough."

ABOUT THE THUNDER (18-15 SU, 12-21 ATS, 13-20 O/U): Carmelo Anthony is adjusting to his role playing off the ball and Paul George is turning into a defensive stopper for Oklahoma City, but Russell Westbrook is still running the show. Westbrook is averaging 29.8 points on 59.8 percent shooting with 9.5 assists and nine rebounds during the four-game winning streak, and collected his fifth triple-double of the month in Saturday's win. George showed off his defensive prowess with six steals against the Jazz and has multiple thefts in each of the last seven contests.

TRENDS:

* Rockets are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
* Thunder are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games.
* Over is 7-0 in Rockets last 7 vs. Western Conference.
* Under is 7-0 in Thunder last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Rockets are 12-3 ATS in the last 15 meetings.




Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers (+5, 216)

The Los Angeles Lakers dropped five of their last six games, with the losses coming by an average of five points. The Lakers will try to end the mounting frustration over close losses with a win on Christmas Day when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Los Angeles was playing the second night of a back-to-back on Saturday after a 113-106 loss at defending champion Golden State on Friday and missed a pair of 3-point attempts in the final seconds while falling at home 95-92 to Portland on Saturday. "Going in I told the guys we've gotta be ready, we've gotta be professionals," Lakers coach Luke Walton told reporters. "We're gonna be tired. It's our job to be ready. I didn't think we did a good job of that. I thought guys on our bench were pouting. I thought there was too much feeling sorry for ourselves as opposed to being professionals." The Timberwolves are trying to sweep a three-game road trip and earn their fourth consecutive win after knocking off Denver and Phoenix in the first two stops. "Just find ways to win," Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. "This is a tough league. I know everyone says, 'Well, you should win this game, you should win that game.' It doesn't work like that. That's not how the league is."

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

LINE HISTORY: The T-Wolves opened as 4-point road faves and when it was announced that Lonzo Ball would miss the game the line jumped slightly to 5. The total hit betting boards at 213.5 and has been bumped up significantly to 216.

INJURY REPORT:

Timberwolves - PF N. Bjelica (Questionable, Foot), C J. Patton (Out Indefinitely, Toe).

Lakers - G L. Ball (Out, Shoulder), C B. Lopez (Mid Jan, Ankle).

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (20-13 SU, 14-17-2 ATS, 18-14-1 O/U): Minnesota's recent winning streak is being sparked by an uptick in production from veteran swingman Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 31.3 points on 54.5 percent shooting over the last three games. "Jimmy Butler," Thibodeau told reporters when asked how his team was able to pull out a 115-106 win at Phoenix on Saturday. "Jimmy Butler was not going to let us lose the game and you can't say enough about what he does for this team. He has changed everything for us." Butler is averaging 26.3 points this month - up from 16.2 in October and 17.9 in November - and the Timberwolves are 7-4 in 11 December games.

ABOUT THE LAKERS (11-20 SU, 16-15 ATS, 16-15 O/U): Los Angeles shot 42.4 percent from the floor in Saturday's loss while ending a seven-game streak of scoring at least 106 points, and rookie Kyle Kuzma finally began to cool off. Kuzma matched Jordan Clarkson with a team-high 18 points but was just 6-of-19 from the floor after averaging 27.5 points on 60.9 percent shooting in the previous four contests. Fellow rookie Lonzo Ball came up two rebounds shy of a triple-double on Saturday but went 4-of-13 from the floor after appearing to break through with a 9-of-16 effort in Friday's setback.

TRENDS:

* Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
* Lakers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
* Over is 7-1 in Timberwolves last 8 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
* Over is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 overall.
* Over is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.