Wednesday 1-3-18 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)

College Football
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?54-NCAA-Football)

Baseball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...57-ML-Baseball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?57-ML-Baseball)

College Basketball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...CAA-Basketball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?55-NCAA-Basketball)

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)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Delta Downs

Delta Downs - Race 2

Daily Double (Races 2-3) / Exacta / Trifecta (.50 min.) / Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4) Superfecta (.10 min.)


Claiming $10,000 • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 70 • Purse: $17,000 • Post: 6:07P
FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * TOGA'S MARGROCK: Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner with an inside post position. Horse h as run a Good Race within the last 30 days. WATCH MY STEAM: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. RWANDA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. SHEZJUSLIKEANNIE: Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. Jockey win percentage over the last 30 da ys is at least 18.
4
TOGA'S MARGROCK
5/2

3/1
3
WATCH MY STEAM
12/1

5/1
7
RWANDA
3/1

10/1
5
SHEZJUSLIKEANNIE
7/2

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
5
SHEZJUSLIKEANNIE
5

7/2
Front-runner
73

57

75.6

53.0

42.5
7
RWANDA
7

3/1
Front-runner
65

60

72.4

44.2

36.2
8
CALL THE GHOST
8

8/1
Front-runner
57

51

69.7

42.8

31.3
4
TOGA'S MARGROCK
4

5/2
Alternator/Front-runner
69

66

65.6

62.6

58.6
3
WATCH MY STEAM
3

12/1
Alternator/Stalker
68

71

71.0

55.6

48.6
6
SHAKEITIFULUVME
6

10/1
Alternator/Trailer
57

56

49.0

50.2

39.2
1
MT. RAIN
1

4/1
Alternator/Non-contender
74

71

41.8

47.0

42.0
2
FATHER OF STORMS
2

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
58

60

36.4

41.8

27.8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Gulfstream Park - Race 3

$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 $.50 Bet 3 (Races 3-4-5)


Allowance • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 98 • Purse: $51,000 • Post: 1:35P
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR RESTRICTED ALLOWANCE OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 3 ALLOWED 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $50,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Trailer. STORM RULER is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * STORM RULER: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. BAR DOWN: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. ROCK AND FELLERS (ARG): Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. BARRY KARAFIN BETS: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. COWBOY'S HERO: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the past in its fi rst and/or second starts after a long layoff.
6
STORM RULER
5/1

4/1
1
BAR DOWN
6/1

8/1
2
ROCK AND FELLERS (ARG)
3/1

8/1
3
BARRY KARAFIN BETS
4/1

8/1
5
COWBOY'S HERO
2/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
ROCK AND FELLERS (ARG)
2

3/1
Front-runner
97

86

78.3

82.6

71.6
4
MALIBU ACTION
4

10/1
Front-runner
87

86

76.2

82.0

72.0
3
BARRY KARAFIN BETS
3

4/1
Front-runner
99

91

61.0

87.2

82.2
1
BAR DOWN
1

6/1
Stalker
98

98

82.6

94.0

86.5
5
COWBOY'S HERO
5

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
92

91

79.9

92.3

89.3
6
STORM RULER
6

5/1
Trailer
97

99

81.7

95.5

91.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course

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

Race 5 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10400 Class Rating: 73

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 3 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 WILLY SMILE 7/2

# 5 QUALITY SPIRITS 10/1

# 6 CHIEF JOSEPH 3/1

I've got to go with WILLY SMILE. Seems to have a decent class edge based on the recent company kept. Has to be given a chance against this group of animals displaying formidable figures lately and an average speed rating of 66 under similar conditions. His 67 average has this gelding with among the most competitive Equibase Speed Figures here. CHIEF JOSEPH - With a +46 return on investment, this rider and trainer combo has produced very good returns lately for risk takers. Marshall has this gelding racing well and is a solid pick based on the quite good Equibase Speed Figures posted in route races recently.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #8 - Post: 9:10pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,800 Class Rating: 64

Rating: 4

#3 KILRUSH (ML=5/2)


KILRUSH - Don't often see a beneficial ROI like +29. This jock/handler tandem has done well together over the last 12 months. Last raced at Charles Town carrying 6 lbs more. The lower weight assigned in this event should serve her well. Earnings per start is something that I believe can be a key factor. This horse is ranked number 1 in this field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 DANCEFORTHEDEVIL (ML=2/1), #5 HYPNOTICA (ML=3/1),

DANCEFORTHEDEVIL - If you keep playing these kind of 'bridesmaid' types, you're going to be disillusioned regularly. Earned a disappointing speed figure last race out in a $7,500 Claiming race on Dec 11th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that figure. HYPNOTICA - Should have at least finished in the money in the last sixty days in a sprint event to be worth a shot at modest odds in a sprint.



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

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Tampa Bay Downs

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

Race 10 - Maiden Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $16200 Class Rating: 78

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $32,000, IF FOR $30,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 WROTE TO A DIVA 10/1

# 1 WOMAN FLYER 6/1

# 9 PHENOMENAL GEM 7/2

My choice for this race is WROTE TO A DIVA especially at such a decent 10/1. Her 68 average has this filly with among the most competitive Equibase Speed Figs in this contest. The speed fig of 68 from her most recent race looks very strong in here. Has to be considered against this group of horses displaying respectable numbers recently and an average speed rating of 68 under similar conditions. WOMAN FLYER - Should definitely be given a chance in this competition if only for the very good speed figure recorded in the last contest. Has a sharp shot for this race if you like back class. PHENOMENAL GEM - Very strong chance today with second time Lasix. Always good to invest in a handler with this kind of quite good win percentage - 16 percent - at this distance & surface.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #2 - Post: 1:08pm - Allowance - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,500 Class Rating: 91

Rating: 3

#6 FIRE THE TRAINER (ML=3/1)
#3 BOO BOO BEAR (ML=2/1)
#5 SURE SWEET (ML=15/1)
#4 FLOWER BEACH (ML=9/5)


FIRE THE TRAINER - The April 3rd affair at Turf Paradise was at a class level of (99). Dropping to a lower level considerably, so he should be in a good spot. When the real racing starts, this horse should be finishing best of all. Here is a true horse for the course. Loves the track here at Turf Paradise. I like this horse. Has the highest earnings per start in here today. BOO BOO BEAR - I think this colt is ready to run a good one. He's had enough efforts since the vacation and should be fit. Barrett brings him back again. I suggest you stick with this hot colt. Look at this pattern of improvement. 78/80/84 are the last three speed figs. SURE SWEET - Colt has shown some pace. This shorter distance should be better for him. This rider/trainer duo has been producing a very profitable ROI, right at +99. Last ran at Turf Paradise and finished fourth. Reviewing his PP lines, I see he was close at the finish, within five of the winner. FLOWER BEACH - Although I sometimes have doubts about a thoroughbred who flopped as the favorite in his last race, this gelding got a solid speed figure and fits well here. This gelding is in fine physical condition, having run a good race on December 13th, finishing second.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 EXECUTIVE DECREE (ML=6/1), #7 ESTIQAA (ML=8/1),

EXECUTIVE DECREE - This entrant ran a mediocre speed rating in the last race. He shouldn't improve and will likely get beat in today's event running that fig. ESTIQAA - Pedestrian speed rating last out at Turf Paradise at 6 1/2 furlongs. Don't feel this mount will improve too much in today's race. Looked like he was in good form on Dec 12th. Hasn't been near the track since then though. Not a positive sign. Ran a great speed figure last time around the track, but the attempt will probably take too much out of him.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 FIRE THE TRAINER is going to be the play if we are getting 7/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
6 with [3,4,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
6 with [3,4,5] with [3,4,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
6 with [3,4,5] with [3,4,5] with [3,4,5] Total Cost: $6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Senators vs. Red Wings Preview and Predictions

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

After stumbling through a 5 1/2-week stretch of listless, inconsistent play, the Detroit Red Wings had to go to the final two games of the calendar year to feel good about their play. The same cannot be said of the staggering Ottawa Senators, who are hoping 2018 brings a fresh start when they visit Detroit on Wednesday night.

Both the Senators and Red Wings saw their season take a downward turn with a seven-game losing streak beginning in mid-November. Detroit's skid ignited a tailspin in which the team lost 13 of 16 games (3-8-5) before posting impressive victories over the New York Rangers (3-2 in a shootout) and Pittsburgh Penguins (4-1) to open the current five-game homestand. "I think we're playing better, I think we're playing smarter," forward Justin Abdelkader told reporters following Tuesday's practice. "We've learned from some of our past losses and we know the time is here now at home to make a stand and win some games." Ottawa has shown no sign of halting its spiral, suffering its 17th loss in 21 games (4-14-3) in a 5-0 thrashing by visiting Boston on Saturday night.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TVA, Sportsnet (Ottawa), FS Detroit Plus

ABOUT THE SENATORS (12-17-8): Ottawa held its annual team skills competition one day after the drubbing by Boston. Yet the most glaring issue facing the team is scoring as the Senators were shut out in five of the last 13 games. "We've put ourselves in a hole where we are going to need a fantastic run and we're going to need help," said forward Mark Stone, who leads the team with 15 goals and 34 points. "We've put ourselves in a deep, deep hole."

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (15-16-7): After amassing 72 goals over a three-season span, Gustav Nyquist dipped to 12 last season - a total he matched by scoring twice in Sunday's win over the Penguins. "Obviously last year I didn't score as much as I would have liked to," Nyquist told reporters. "It's hard to put a finger on it but it's nice to see them go in right now." Captain Henrik Zetterberg assisted on both of Nyquist's tallies, giving him 11 points in nine games.

OVERTIME

1. Red Wings G Jimmy Howard has yielded seven goals in his last four starts, and three in two meetings with Ottawa this season.

2. Ottawa had only five power-play chances in the past four games, failing on each of them.

3. Detroit F Anthony Mantha, who leads the team with 13 goals, practiced fully Tuesday and pronounced himself ready to return to the lineup.

PREDICTION: Red Wings 3, Senators 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Blackhawks vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

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

Don't be surprised if the New York Rangers, and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist in particular, are tempted to ask the Chicago Blackhawks to step outside on Wednesday night. New York heads back indoors following Monday's 3-2 overtime win at the Winter Classic to face Chicago, which is wrapping up a six-game road trip.

Calling the Winter Classic "a fun experience that you don't take for granted," Lundqvist improved to 4-0-0 lifetime in outdoor games after making 31 saves in the win over Buffalo on New Year's Day. However, Lundqvist's last outing against the Blackhawks rated as anything but fun when he was yanked in the third period of a 6-3 loss at Chicago on Nov. 15. The Blackhawks had won five in a row before hitting the road, but they managed only one victory over the last five games (1-3-1) and have dropped seven of their last nine away from home (2-5-2). Ex-Ranger Artem Anisimov notched a third-period hat trick against New York in mid-November, but he will miss the game due to an upper-body injury suffered in Edmonton on Dec. 29.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (18-14-6): With Corey Crawford back on injured reserve for the second time this season, Jeff Glass made his NHL debut at age 32 and earned the victory with a 42-save effort at Edmonton. Glass, who turned aside 35 shots in Sunday's 4-3 overtime loss at Calgary, will make his third consecutive start. Captain Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad each snapped six-game point droughts with a goal and an assist versus the Flames.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (21-13-5): After netting only one goal during a 17-game stretch, J.T. Miller has scored four times in the past eight games - including the overtime winner to beat the Sabres on Monday. At Tuesday's practice, coach Alain Vigneault moved Miller on a line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Mats Zuccarello with the hope that it "can get Mika going." Zibanejad scored in the loss at Chicago but he is mired in an eight-game point drought.

OVERTIME

1. Lundqvist is tied with Tony Esposito for No. 8 on the NHL's career wins list with 423.

2. Toews has five goals and 10 points in 13 games versus New York.

3. The Rangers were 1-for-3 on the power play Monday after failing in their previous 15 chances.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Blackhawks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Spurs vs. 76ers Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats07:00 PM
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018

The Philadelphia 76ers will likely be without star center Joel Embiid when they attempt to end a stretch of 12 straight setbacks against the visiting San Antonio Spurs. Embiid is doubtful for the contest with a sprained right hand as Philadelphia attempts to defeat the Spurs for the first time in nearly seven years.

Embiid injured the hand in a fall late in Sunday's 123-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns but concern lingers despite X-rays coming back negative. "It was a legitimate scare, a legitimate fall," 76ers coach Brett Brown told reporters after Tuesday's practice. "If you saw the palm of his hand, you'd see the bruising and the swelling and the discoloring. And if it was his non-shooting hand, you might feel more confident." San Antonio's star is rounding into shape quite nicely as Tuesday saw small forward Kawhi Leonard tally a season-best 25 points in his seventh game of the season during a 100-91 road victory over the New York Knicks. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich moved into sole possession of fifth place on the all-time victories list with 1,176, breaking a tie with George Karl.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (San Antonio), NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE SPURS (26-12): Leonard played a season-high 31 minutes against the Knicks as he continues to find his stride after being sidelined with a quadriceps injury but he has no problem admitting he still has plenty of work to do. "I still got a little bit of a ways to go as far as my conditioning, legs and the whole rhythm of the game," Leonard said after Tuesday's victory. "It is a slow process." Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge also stood out with 29 points and he will likely play a big role Wednesday if Leonard is held out or on a minutes' restriction on the second part of the back-to-back.

ABOUT THE 76ERS (17-19): Forward Dario Saric matched his season high with 27 points against the Suns and has produced three straight 20-point outings for the first time in his career. Saric is 25-of-40 from the field during the stretch - including 12-of-18 from 3-point range - and Brown is happy to have the 23-year-old Croatian making an impact. "Whatever it is, let's bottle it up, market it, and we'll all be rich," Brown said. "He's a team favorite, you hear me say that often. With his broken English, and his big heart, there's a fondness we all have for Dario, and a respect that we all have."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The 76ers have lost six straight home meetings against the Spurs with their last victory occurring on Feb. 11, 2011.

2. San Antonio C Pau Gasol is 6-of-18 shooting over the past two games.

3. Philadelphia stated that G Markelle Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in June's draft, is making progress from the shoulder injury that has sidelined him two-plus months.

PREDICTION: Spurs 111, 76ers 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Knicks vs. Wizards Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/03/2018

The Washington Wizards have enjoyed a strong run of success against New York and aim to defeat the visiting Knicks for the seventh straight time on Wednesday. Washington won all four of last season's meetings with New York and has emerged victorious in 13 of the past 14 matchups.

The Wizards won four of five games to close out 2017 and open January with a stretch in which six of seven games are at home. Star point guard John Wall had 21 points, nine assists and a season-best four blocked shots in Sunday's 114-110 victory over the Chicago Bulls, matching his top scoring output in 10 games since returning from a knee injury. New York has dropped five of its last six games after falling 100-91 to the visiting San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis was a porous 5-of-19 shooting while scoring 13 points in the latest setback.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), NBCS Washington

ABOUT THE KNICKS (18-19): Porzingis struggled while primarily being guarded by San Antonio power forward LaMarcus Aldridge in a poor outing following a stretch in which he topped 20 points in four of the previous five games. "They just for 48 minutes played consistently," Porzingis said afterward of the Spurs. "They talk on defense. And they also know when they need to push the pace and when they need to slow it down." Forward Michael Beasley scored 18 points off the bench and is averaging 18.7 points and 8.7 rebounds over the past three games.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (21-16): Shooting guard Bradley Beal is the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week and the 24-year-old is making a strong bid to make the All-Star team for the first time. "Brad's an All-Star. I thought he was an All-Star last year," Washington coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "If you win games and you play for each other, the individual awards come. If you focus on that, you focus on the wrong things. I've talked to Brad many times, and he's not one time mentioned All-Star to me." Beal, who is averaging 23.4 points, recorded 39 points, nine rebounds and matched his career best of nine assists in Sunday's win.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Wall averaged 22.8 points and 11.3 assists against the Knicks last season.

2. Beal matched his career best with seven 3-pointers against Chicago.

3. New York G Ron Baker (broken left orbital bone) could miss his second straight contest.

PREDICTION: Wizards 112, Knicks 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rockets vs. Magic Preview and Predictions

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

The Houston Rockets will be without the NBA's leading scorer James Harden when they go for a second straight victory Wednesday night against the struggling Orlando Magic. Harden, who is averaging 32.3 points and a team-high 9.1 assists, suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in Sunday's double-overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

"We will adjust," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni told the Houston Chronicle. "It's an opportunity for other people to play. (Chris Paul) will still lead the charge. We have to just make the best of a bad situation, but everyone deals with it. There's no reason we can't deal with it." Harden had 40 points before the injury while Paul scored 28 and dished out 10 assists as the Rockets rallied from 11 down in the fourth quarter to end a five-game losing streak with a 148-142 triumph Sunday. Orlando might be a good team for the Rockets to play at this point as the Magic, who started the season 8-4, have lost 11 of their last 12 and are without center Nikola Vucevic (17.4 points, 9.3 rebounds) due to a broken hand. "We keep talking about how it's still a long season," center Bismack Biyombo told the Orlando Sentinel. "But at some point, we've got to come out and figure this out."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (26-9): Houston will depend a lot on Paul and backcourt mate Eric Gordon, who was 2-for-11 from 3-point range Sunday but is scoring 19.4 per game overall - second on the team behind Harden. Guard Gerald Green, who was released by Milwaukee after training camp, could help on the offensive end as he posted 28 points combined in his last two contests after getting signed as a free agent three games ago. Trevor Ariza poured in a season-high 26 points against the Lakers on Sunday, draining 6-of-10 from 3-point range.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (12-26): Forward Aaron Gordon has been quite productive since returning from a calf injury while averaging 24.3 points - more than five above his season average - and 8.7 rebounds over the last three contests. Shooting guard Evan Fournier is second on the team in scoring (18.1), but was 4-for-15 from the field and 0-for-4 behind the arc in the 98-95 loss at Brooklyn on Monday. Biyombo has registered three consecutive double-doubles and is averaging 9.5 points and 13.0 rebounds since Vucevic was lost for 6-to-8 weeks.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Orlando PG Elfrid Payton is averaging 18.5 points - almost six above his season mark - and 8.3 assists in his last six contests.

2. Houston C Clint Capela had seven points and seven rebounds Sunday after missing two games with an eye injury.

3. The Rockets have won four of the last five meetings, including a 100-93 triumph at Orlando last season.

PREDICTION: Rockets 112, Magic 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pistons vs. Heat Preview and Predictions

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

The Detroit Pistons have stepped up their game on the defensive end and will try to stifle another opponent when they visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Despite playing once again without injured starting guards Reggie Jackson (ankle) and Avery Bradley (groin), the Pistons picked up a 93-79 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.

They held the Spurs to 36.9 percent shooting while limiting an opponent to under 80 points for the first time since April 12, 2015. "It was really a team effort tonight," coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters after his team improved to 6-2 since a seven-game slide. "Everybody we put in made a contribution." The Heat have won eight of 12 after a 117-111 win at Orlando on Saturday, which came one night after a 24-point home loss to Brooklyn and a lackluster first half that saw the Magic build a 16-point lead. "Basically halftime was about them. I stepped back and let them talk and figure it out," coach Eric Spoelstra told reporters after the comeback. "It was a much different disposition in the second half. I was speechless after that game last night. I feel like that a little bit right now."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS Sun (Miami)

ABOUT THE PISTONS (20-15): Reggie Bullock set a career high in scoring twice this month - establishing a new personal standard with 22 against the Spurs - as he helps atone for some of the scoring lost by Jackson and Bradley's injuries. "No matter who goes down, we've got other players that's able to step up," Bullock told reporters Saturday. "We're just doing it together as a team." The 26-year-old, who averaged 1.7 points in October and 2.5 in November, is at 13.6 over his last eight games.

ABOUT THE HEAT (19-17): The backcourt of Tyler Johnson and Goran Dragic combined for 56 points on 23-of-40 shooting to go along with 11 assists and eight rebounds in the win over Orlando. Johnson, who had 22 of his season-high 31 in a phenomenal third quarter, is averaging 17.6 points since entering the starting lineup seven games ago. Center Hassan Whiteside had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss at Detroit earlier this season and is averaging 11 points and 9.7 boards in 22.3 minutes over three games since returning from a knee injury.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pistons rookie SG Luke Kennard scored a season-high 20 points against San Antonio and is 8-for-11 from 3-point range over a three-game stretch.

2. Miami is 6-9 in its last 15 home games.

3. Pistons F Stanley Johnson (hip) missed Saturday's game and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Heat 107, Pistons 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Timberwolves vs. Nets Preview and Predictions

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

It took some time for Jimmy Butler to get comfortable with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded to the team during the offseason, but the veteran swingman is proving to be the catalyst for the franchise's turnaround. Butler will try to stay hot as the Timberwolves seek their eighth win in nine games with a visit to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.

After averaging 16.2 points in October and 17.9 in November, Butler put up 26.5 on 50.6 percent shooting last month and opened 2018 with another outstanding performance, posting 28 points, nine rebounds and three steals in a 114-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. "Our execution recently has been great," Butler told reporters. "We're scoring baskets, but also executing on defense. We're in the right place, in the right coverages." The Marquette product averaged 30 points and 7.3 boards in four games last season against the Nets, who opened a five-game homestand on Monday with a 98-95 win over Orlando. Rookie Jarrett Allen led a balanced attack with a season-high 16 points for Brooklyn.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), YES (Brooklyn)

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (24-14): Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his NBA-leading 30th double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds against the Lakers while Andrew Wiggins collected 21 points as the two young stars continue to develop alongside Butler. "Guys are cutting a lot better now. They know if they're open Jimmy will find them," coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. "I think (Towns) is starting to see things. He's making a lot of great plays. Wigs is starting to see things and that's great for our team." Point guard Jeff Teague remains sidelined with a knee injury and fill-in Tyus Jones is averaging 5.3 assists and 3.3 steals in three straight starts.

ABOUT THE NETS (14-23): Center Jahlil Okafor could return to action Wednesday after sitting out the previous nine games to get adjusted to Brooklyn's system following a trade from Philadelphia last month. "He's been doing a phenomenal job getting ready physically with our assistant coaches, learning what we're doing," coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters Monday. "So collectively we feel that he's ready to get some minutes." The former No. 3 pick by the 76ers has seen action in just three games this season, scoring 10 points in 23 minutes in his lone appearance with the Nets.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Timberwolves F Taj Gibson is averaging 17.2 points - more than five over his average for the season - on 74.5 percent shooting over the last five contests.

2. Nets G Caris LeVert averages 4.2 assists for the season but recorded at least seven in each of his last four outings.

3. Towns averaged 29 points and 10 boards as the teams split two meetings last season.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 114, Nets 108

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cavaliers vs. Celtics Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats08:00 PM
by Gracenote on 01/03/2018

Storylines abound Wednesday in Boston as the Celtics welcome back Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup of Eastern Conference heavyweights. Thomas, who was a two-time All-Star with the Celtics before being traded with Crowder for star guard Kyrie Irving this offseason, made his debut for the Cavaliers in Tuesday's 127-110 win over Portland after missing the first 36 games of the season due to a hip injury.

The 28-year-old will not play against his former team as he sits out the second half of a back-to-back and the Celtics will not play a video tribute, per his request, but Thomas knows there will be plenty of emotion. "I know it will be all love," Thomas told reporters Tuesday. "I keep saying that I gave that city everything I had and they showed me genuine love back and I think that love is going to last forever. So, there's no hard feelings. This ain't no revenge game. They know what they gave up. They knew what they got. It's all good. I'm focused on the Cleveland Cavaliers and trying to win a championship." Despite knocking off Boston in the season opener, Cleveland has been looking up at the Celtics in the East for most of the season, but the hosts feel they still have work to do to dethrone the Cavaliers. "They've got a guy that's probably leading the charge for MVP in the league in LeBron (James), who's been doing it now for 15 years," Boston coach Brad Stevens told the media Tuesday. "They're the team to beat. Everybody knows that."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Ohio (Cleveland), NBCS Boston

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (25-12): James had 24 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals as Cleveland snapped a three-game slide Tuesday, but the superstar knew that the night belonged to Thomas. "The only thing I knew was what was going to happen when he came in, that these fans would give him the ovation he had been waiting on and that he deserved," James said of Thomas, who had 17 points in 19 minutes. Coach Tyronn Lue told reporters that Thomas would likely enter the starting five Saturday against Orlando.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (30-10): Irving, who was a four-time All-Star with Cleveland, scored 28 points in a 108-105 win over Brooklyn on New Year's Eve, Boston's third consecutive victory following a 5-6 swoon. "Except missing another franchise cornerstone [Gordon Hayward] that's still cheering us on," Irving told reporters when asked about the team's relative health. "But in terms of the guys that are available, just I feel like we're rounding out at the right time in terms of getting healthy and getting back into the swing of things." Hayward was lost to a broken ankle minutes into the opener against the Cavaliers, when Irving had 22 points and 10 assists in his return to Cleveland.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Crowder averaged 13.9 points and 5.8 rebounds last season with Boston.

2. Celtics F Marcus Morris is 6-for-9 from 3-point range over his last two games.

3. James had 29 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists in the 102-99 win over the Celtics earlier this season and went for 35, eight and eight in the decisive Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Boston in the spring.

PREDICTION: Celtics 107, Cavaliers 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pacers vs. Bucks Preview and Predictions

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

The Milwaukee Bucks came so close to a statement road win before falling short at Toronto on New Year's Day. They will try to rebound at home against an Indiana Pacers team that might once again be playing without leading scorer Victor Oladipo.

After a comeback home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and a two-point triumph at Oklahoma City, the Bucks were on the verge of ending the Raptors' 11-game home winning streak but dropped a 131-127 overtime decision. "This is definitely a missed opportunity," Milwaukee's Khris Middleton told reporters. "It's definitely one we thought we were capable of winning." The Bucks should be capable of getting past a Pacers squad that has lost four straight - the last three without Oladipo, who is bothered by a knee issue. Indiana is averaging just 93.5 points during its four-game slide.

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

ABOUT THE PACERS (19-18): Indiana's starting five combined for 32 points on 12-of-37 shooting in an ugly 107-90 loss to Minnesota at home on New Year's Eve, digging a 17-0 hole out of the gate and getting all 13 of its points in the first quarter from the reserves. Guard Joe Young was among those off the bench that took advantage of an opportunity and he finished with a career-high 20 points in 24 minutes. "It's about being ready, and when your time comes, you have to be ready," Young told reporters. "Like (teammate) Al Jefferson told me, you just have to be ready at all times. Your name could be called any second. I took that motivation and just stayed ready and my time has come."

ABOUT THE BUCKS (19-16): Milwaukee also got a boost from its usually low-scoring bench in the overtime loss to Toronto, as Thon Maker contributed a season high-tying 16 points, Malcolm Brogdon had 15 and Matthew Dellavedova handed out a season-high 10 assists. Eric Bledsoe led the way for the starters with 29 points while Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and zero turnovers in 42 minutes. Antetokounmpo averaged 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists as Milwaukee took three of four meetings with the Pacers last season.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Middleton missed all four of his long-range tries in the loss to Toronto to finish without a 3-pointer for the first time in 19 games.

2. Pacers C Myles Turner averages 14.1 points but has gone without a basket in two of his last seven games.

3. Bledsoe scored at least 22 points in five of his last seven contests.

PREDICTION: Bucks 113, Pacers 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Raptors vs. Bulls Preview and Predictions

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

The Chicago Bulls are dealing with expectations for the first time this season and are starting to have some trouble closing out tight games. The Bulls will try to avoid a three-game losing streak for the first time since Nikola Mirotic returned when they host DeMar DeRozan and the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.

Chicago won 10 of 12 games following Mirotic's return from facial fractures but dropped the next two at Washington and home against Portland by a total of eight points after squandering leads late in each of the setbacks. "It's tough, it hurts," Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters. "When you do have some success closing out close games, the last two nights we haven't done it. We have not gotten the job done. It hurts, it stings. Especially after having seven in a row where we did close out a lot of those close games. We've got to learn throughout the season, throughout these close games." Chicago will have to find a way on Wednesday to close out against DeRozan, who set a Toronto franchise record with 52 points in an overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. "He was playing with a lot of juice, oomph," Raptors coach Dwane Casey told reporters of DeRozan. "You could see the bounce in his step in the first quarter, the force he was playing with coming off pick-and-rolls, bouncing up, and he maintained that throughout the whole game, which was huge for him."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (25-10): DeRozan broke the previous team record of 51 points shared by Vince Carter and Terrence Ross while going 17-of-29 from the floor and 13-of-13 from the line, and he also handed out a team-high eight assists in the 131-127 win over the Bucks. "You really can't tell because you don't pay attention to it," DeRozan told reporters. "You look up, going to halftime, you may glance at it and say 'Damn, I got X amount of points.' You just feed off of that and understand it's nothing but aggressiveness and going out there and wanting to win." DeRozan is 27-of-47 from the floor in back-to-back wins after going 7-of-32, including 0-of-5 from beyond the arc, in road losses at Dallas and Oklahoma City last week.

ABOUT THE BULLS (13-24): Mirotic's return was the spark that led to Chicago's recent run of strong play, but it wasn't the only factor. Second-year point guard Kris Dunn is averaging 15.8 points and 8.1 assists over his last 13 games and scored 22 points in Monday's 124-120 overtime loss to the Trail Blazers. "We're clicking right now," Dunn told reporters. "We're playing good basketball. These two losses, they definitely hurt. When they're down the stretch, and you feel like you can win the games, it's hard to swallow. But we're playing good basketball, and I like what we're doing so far."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Raptors PF Serge Ibaka is 2-of-16 from 3-point range over his last five games.

2. Bulls PG Zach LaVine (knee) is practicing with the team and could make his season debut sometime next week.

3. Toronto took each of the first two meetings this season -- both at home -- but lost in each of its two trips to Chicago last season.

PREDICTION: Bulls 115, Raptors 112

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Warriors vs. Mavericks Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats08:30 PM
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018

The Golden State Warriors made sure to wait until Stephen Curry was 100 percent before bringing him back from an ankle injury, and he certainly appeared healthy in his first game back. Curry will try to follow up a 38-point outburst when the Warriors open a three-game road trip by visiting the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.

Curry sat out 11 straight games recovering from an ankle injury and wowed the home crowd in his return by going 12-of-17 from the floor in 26 minutes, including 10-of-13 from 3-point range, in Saturday's 141-128 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. "I was just happy to be back out there with my guys," Curry told reporters. "You sit and watch for 11 games, you just wonder what it's going to be like to get back out there, and I finally got that opportunity. I really didn't know what to expect. I just wanted to get some good reps, get up and down, see how my wind was and, surprisingly, I think my body felt way better than I expected." The Mavericks are winners of four in a row and are coming home after an impressive three-game trip in which they topped the Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder. "We're playing better, and we're doing better in these situations," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle told reporters after his team held off the Thunder 116-113. "Guys just hung together and found a way to close it out, and it's not easy with those three superstars that they've got. But we did it as a team with stops, made some big plays, and it will be a happy new year."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (29-8): Curry was on a minutes restriction Saturday but will be eased back into a heavier load and is expected to play both ends of a back-to-back on Wednesday and Thursday, when Golden State heads to Houston. His presence seemed to have a positive impact on the rest of the lineup as well, with the Warriors shooting 58.8 percent from the floor and handing out 37 assists on 50 field goals against Memphis. The one negative was All-Star power forward Draymond Green, who picked up two quick technical fouls in the second quarter and was ejected, bringing his total number of technical fouls to an NBA-high 10 on the season.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (13-25): Dallas' last four wins have come by an average of five points, and the continued maturation of rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is one reason the team is beginning to pull out close games. Smith recorded his first career triple-double in Friday's win at New Orleans and followed that up with 19 points and six assists in the victory over the Thunder. "(Smith) was great tonight," Carlisle told reporters after beating Oklahoma City. "He finished the game with a couple of big baskets and some big free throws. ... He went through some situations, but he kept his energy up, he kept his head up and he kept attacking. He kept encouraging everybody in the huddles during timeouts, too, so it was just so much growth. I'm really happy for him."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Curry's younger brother, Mavericks SG Seth Curry, has yet to play this season due to a stress reaction in his left tibia and is not close to a return.

2. Warriors C Zaza Pachulia was perfect on Saturday, going 6-of-6 from the floor, 5-of-5 from the line and handing out six assists without a turnover.

3. Golden State took the last eight in the series, including a 112-97 home win on Dec. 14.

PREDICTION: Warriors 123, Mavericks 110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Suns vs. Nuggets Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/03/2018

The Denver Nuggets look to break out of a mini-funk when they attempt to defeat the visiting Phoenix Suns on Wednesday for the seventh straight time. Denver allowed an average of 117.5 points while losing its last two games and aims to figure out a way to slow down Suns star guard Devin Booker.

Booker scored 34 points as Phoenix finished strong to post a 104-103 home win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. The Suns trailed by 10 points with less than 2 1/2 minutes to play before using a resounding 15-4 run to claim their sixth victory in the past nine games. Denver's recent defensive breakdowns were surprising as it followed a stretch in which the club gave up an average of 83 points during a three-game winning streak that included holding the Golden State Warriors to 81 points. "I'm sure fatigue has played a factor and we'll be smart as to how we prepare for our next game against Phoenix," Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), Altitude (Denver)

ABOUT THE SUNS (15-24): Booker and small forward TJ Warren (31 points on 15-of-21 shooting) combined for 65 points against the Hawks and both player are riding hot streaks. Booker is averaging 31 points in four games since returning from a groin injury while Warren is averaging 28.3 points on 38-of-59 shooting over the past three contests. "We played bad (Tuesday), but that (comeback) says a lot about a young team," Booker said after the win over Atlanta. "To be able to play bad like that, come back and get a win down late, that's big."

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (19-17): Malone detected that too many of his players were tired during Saturday's 107-102 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in a contest in which his team blew a 13-point lead. So Malone believes the ensuing rest was good for his team and he also said he will extend the rotation to get more minutes for the bench players. "I have to find ways to trust our bench, play more guys, so I don't run our players into the ground," Malone told reporters. "It's a long year, there's a lot of basketball left. And I don't want seven or eight guys in that locker room saying, 'Man, those guys are so tired but he doesn't trust any of us.' That's bad for morale."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Nuggets were 4-0 against the Suns last season, including victories by 16 and 11 points.

2. Phoenix PF Marquese Chriss recorded 17 points and 11 rebounds against Atlanta for his first double-double of the season.

3. Denver SG Jamal Murray scored 31 points against Philadelphia and is averaging 24.7 points over the past three games.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 118, Suns 111

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pelicans vs. Jazz Preview and Predictions

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

The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the more inconsistent teams in the NBA and just followed up a three-game winning streak with back-to-back home losses to teams without winning records. The Pelicans will try to turn their streaky nature positive when they begin a stretch with six of eight on the road by visiting the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.

New Orleans had a chance to move four games above .500 with a back-to-back at home against the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks but instead dropped the two by an average of five points while failing to execute down the stretch. "We play 82 of these things," Pelicans point guard Rajon Rondo told reporters after practice on Monday. "They're not going to all be perfect. We're going to win some we're not supposed to win, we're going to lose some we're not supposed to lose. It's part of the game, it's part of the process in the NBA and we've got to move forward and try to get better next game." The Jazz dropped 10 of their last 13 games but are coming off the most impressive win in that span -- a 104-101 home triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. "Hopefully, you know, we can build on this win and hopefully go on another winning streak after this," Utah forward Derrick Favors told the Salt Lake Tribune. "We went through a lot in December. We played a lot of tough teams, and it tested us mentally and physically. So hopefully, we have learned a lot from what we've been through. The goal is for us to improve in January and get back on a winning streak."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS New Orleans, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE PELICANS (18-18): New Orleans star Anthony Davis averaged 32 points in the last two losses and shared the same sentiments as Rondo. "I'm not frustrated. We're fine," Davis told reporters. "We're fine. We've just got to go take care of business on the road. We've got to get back to playing how we were playing before, coming out with a lot of energy, but I'm not frustrated, disappointed that we dropped these two, but I'm not frustrated." Davis isn't the only one in the frontcourt playing well of late, and center DeMarcus Cousins totaled 61 points and 39 rebounds in the last two contests.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (16-21): If Utah is going to make a run back up the standings and challenge for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, rookie Donovan Mitchell could be the one to lead the way. The Louisville product averaged 23.1 points on 50.7 percent shooting in December and finished off the month by scoring 29 points in the win over the Cavaliers, earning the respect of Cleveland superstar LeBron James in the process. "He's a player," James told reporters of Mitchell. "Kid's got a lot of game. They've been riding that wave all season. He's not afraid of the moment, he just goes out there and plays ball. They put him in situations where he can succeed, and he's taking advantage of that."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Jazz C Rudy Gobert (left knee) is expected to miss at least another two weeks.

2. Pelicans SG E'Twaun Moore is 26-of-40 from the floor over the last four games.

3. Mitchell scored 41 points in a 114-108 home win over New Orleans on Dec. 1.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 111, Jazz 107

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Thunder vs. Lakers Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats10:30 PM
by Gracenote on 01/02/2018

The Oklahoma City Thunder ended 2017 in a bit of a funk on the defensive end and dropped their last two contests after a six-game winning streak. The Los Angeles Lakers, who host the Thunder on Wednesday, know all about struggles on the defensive end and are allowing an average of 117.3 points during a seven-game slide.

Oklahoma City allowed the Dallas Mavericks to shoot 51.7 percent from the floor on Sunday and surrendered 32 fourth-quarter points in a 116-113 loss. "(The Mavericks) ran the same thing, made us make adjustments," forward Carmelo Anthony told reporters. "(They) challenged our communication level tonight and they won the game." The Lakers allowed the Minnesota Timberwolves to shoot 49.4 percent from the field in a 114-96 road loss on Monday, but it was some sloppy play at the offensive end that often put the defense in a bind. "We turned the ball over 24 times," Los Angeles coach Luke Walton told reporters. "When you try to win on the road, if you're going to turn the ball over and foul the home team, you're going to make it pretty impossible for yourself."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Oklahoma

ABOUT THE THUNDER (20-17): While Oklahoma City waits for its defense to catch up to its offense, reigning MVP Russell Westbrook continues to put up outstanding numbers. Westbrook collected 38 points on 17-of-28 shooting, 15 rebounds and 11 assists in the loss to the Mavericks and averaged a triple-double in December at 27.8 points, 10.6 assists and 10.2 rebounds. "Just read and react. See how teams are guarding," Westbrook told reporters. "Sometimes it's different every night, you just have to read it."

ABOUT THE LAKERS (11-25): Los Angeles sits in last place in the Western Conference and is 29th in the NBA in scoring defense while allowing opponents an average of 111.3 points. Rookie Kyle Kuzma leads the team in scoring (17.5 points) but is fighting through a quad bruise and was limited to six points on 2-of-7 shooting in the loss at Minnesota. Kuzma, who is day-to-day, logged at least 40 minutes in five of the Lakers' previous eight games, including 43 minutes in a double-overtime loss at Houston on Sunday that left the whole team fatigued at Minnesota.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Lakers PG Lonzo Ball (shoulder) sat out the last five games and remains day-to-day.

2. Thunder SF Paul George (knee) returned from a one-game absence and scored 25 points in 35 minutes on Sunday.

3. Westbrook averaged 28 points, 15.3 assists and 12.3 rebounds as the Oklahoma City took two of three from Los Angeles last season.

PREDICTION: Thunder 119, Lakers 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Marquette vs. Providence Preview and Predictions

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

Winning ugly at times is a necessity in the rough and rugged Big East. Marquette, riding the hot hand of Andrew Rowsey, did just that against Georgetown on Saturday and will try for a second straight conference win when it visits Providence on Wednesday.


The Golden Eagles were outrebounded by nine and overcame a poor shooting performance - going the entire second half without a two-point field goal - but Rowsey scored 26 of his 35 points after the break to pull out a 74-65 victory over the Hoyas. "One thing I was proud of is that we were able to win a game where we shot 38 percent. That obviously was a step forward," Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I thought we were physical on defense; forcing 25 turnovers was a positive development. I thought our guys were connected defensively." The Friars, who opened league play with a 94-72 triumph at St. John's on Thursday, couldn't overcome a subpar performance of their own in an 83-64 loss at then-No. 23 Creighton on Sunday. Providence shot 3-of-23 from beyond the arc and lost steady point guard Kyron Cartwright after he re-aggravated an ankle injury that forced him to miss the Dec. 22 game against Sacred Heart.

TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network


ABOUT MARQUETTE (10-4, 1-1 Big East): The Golden Eagles were saved Saturday by connecting on half of their 26 3-point attempts with Rowsey leading the way with six 3-pointers and finishing 11-of-11 from the line. Rowsey (22.4 points, first in Big East), Markus Howard (20.5 points, second) and Sam Hauser (14.4 points) account for 69.4 percent of the team's offense with Rowsey totaling 66 points and 12 3-pointers in the first two Big East games. After a five-game stretch in which he averaged 29 points on 28-of-59 shooting beyond the arc, Howard has scored only 36 points on 6-of-22 shooting from 3-point range in his last three games.

ABOUT PROVIDENCE (10-5, 1-1): Prior to the Creighton loss, the Friars were ranked 18th in the nation in 3-point shooting at 41.1 percent. "I want us to shoot 3s. I think we're a decent shooting team and the guys that shoot it normally shoot it at a decent percentage," Providence coach Ed Cooley told the Providence Journal. "We just missed some open shots. I thought there were like six or seven that were wide open that we just missed. If you just make half your open ones, maybe the game plays out differently." Cartwright (9.0 points, 6.3 assists), who had 21 points, 15 assists and four steals in the Friars' win at St. John's, is questionable Wednesday after playing only seven minutes in the second half and 22 for the game Sunday.


TIP-INS

1. Marquette leads the series 16-8, but Providence swept last season's two meetings by a total of five points. Cartwright averaged 17 points and seven assists.

2. Rowsey's 35 points versus the Hoyas was the most for a Marquette player since Matt Carlino scored 38 against Georgia Tech on Nov. 27, 2014.

3. Howard, who is 38-of-38 from the free-throw line in 2017-18, has made 47 straight charity tosses dating to last season's home finale against Creighton on March 4.


PREDICTION: Marquette 75, Providence 71

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ole Miss vs. Georgia Preview and Predictions

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

Ole Miss found a way to win its SEC opener against South Carolina, and next head to Georgia for Wednesday's matchup with evidence that effort and execution can pay off - even if it does not look pretty. The Rebels grinded out a 74-69 victory over the Gamecocks at home in their SEC opener, shooting 87 percent from the free-throw line in the second half and closing the contest with eight consecutive makes in the final 90 seconds.

"We're a blue collar team and I think our players are figuring that out," Mississippi coach Andy Kennedy told reporters after the Rebels won for the fourth time in five games after a three-game losing streak. "Our effort has been tremendous and (Saturday), we made SEC plays." The Bulldogs played well most of the way Sunday in their conference opener at No. 14 Kentucky, but the inability to get key stops down the stretch spoiled Georgia's upset chances in a 66-61 defeat. "We just made a few mistakes defensively in the last few minutes," Georgia coach Mark Fox told the media afterward. "It was costly and it cost us the win."

TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network

ABOUT OLE MISS (8-5, 1-0 SEC): Senior Deandre Burnett scored 18 points in the victory over South Carolina and ranks second in the SEC and 25th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.0). Junior Terence Davis leads the Rebels in scoring at 15.2 points per game, reaching double figures scoring in 25 of his 28 games dating to last season. Ole Miss is third in the SEC in turnovers per game (12), ranking 60th in the nation.

ABOUT GEORGIA (9-3, 0-1): Senior Yante Maten led the Bulldogs with 19 points and 12 rebounds against Kentucky, and is first in the SEC in rebounding (9.5 per game) and second in scoring (19.9 points per contest). The Bulldogs held Kentucky to 31.5 percent shooting from the field and have limited opponents to 39.1 percent on the season (third in the SEC; 39th nationally). Junior Derek Ogbeide scored 13 points against Kentucky and is 14-of-21 from the field in his past three games.

TIP-INS

1. Ten Georgia players are averaging double-digit minutes per game, while nine Rebels are averaging 10-plus minutes per contest.

2. Burnett ranks fourth in the SEC in assists per game (4.9) and is shooting 82.5 percent from the free-throw line.

3. Georgia has won six of the past seven meetings with Ole Miss since February 2014, including a 69-47 victory last January in Oxford.

PREDICTION: Georgia 74, Ole Miss 70

[Can'tPickAWinner]

East Carolina vs. South Florida Preview and Predictions

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

A pair of struggling offenses look to get back on track Wednesday when East Carolina travels to South Florida for an American Athletic Conference contest. Both teams were held to 39 points in their previous game.

East Carolina has opened up conference play with many issues on offense, averaging just 46 points in the first two games. The Pirates have converted 36-of-113 shot attempts from the floor (31.9 percent) and just 8-of-42 from 3-point range (19 percent) in losses to Central Florida and Tulsa. USF has shot equally as poor to start conference play while hitting on just 32-of-107 field goal attempts (29.9 percent) and 10-of-35 from behind the 3-point line (28.6 percent) in consecutive conference losses to Houston and SMU. The respective teams might not find the going much easier, as the Bulls enter the game fifth in scoring defense (68.2 percent) in the conference overall and East Carolina is sixth at 69.6.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3

ABOUT EAST CAROLINA (6-7, 0-2 AAC): The Pirates come into the game leading the AAC in defending the 3-point line, holding opponents to 30.1 percent. East Carolina has held eight of 13 opponents this season to 32.0 percent or lower from behind the arc while four of the six victories for the Pirates this season have come when holding their opponent to under 30 percent from the 3-point line. Senior guard B.J. Tyson leads the team in scoring (15.5) and junior backcourt mate Isaac Fleming contributes 13.3 per contest.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (7-8, 0-2): As the season has progressed for the Bulls, coach Brian Gregory has tried to rely less on the team's three graduate transfers and give more minutes to the underclassmen. Freshman guards Justin Brown and David Collins are at the forefront of that after both reached the 15-point mark on Dec. 28 to become the first pair of true freshman to accomplish the feat in the same game for USF since at least 2002-03. Brown has hit on 20-of-54 shots from 3-point range and needs just four more made 3-pointers to break into the top 10 for most by a freshman in a single season for the Bulls.

TIP-INS

1. East Carolina looks to avoid a third 0-3 start to conference play in the four years since joining the AAC.

2. USF F Isaiah Manderson is averaging 12 points and 5.5 rebounds off the bench through the first two games of conference play.

3. Bulls leading scorer F Payton Banks (13.7) missed the past two games due to illness.

PREDICTION: South Florida 62, East Carolina 60

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Memphis vs. Central Florida Preview and Predictions

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

Central Florida looks to build on a dominating defensive performance when it plays its American Athletic Conference home opener against Memphis on Wednesday. The Knights held East Carolina to 39 points in a 20-point victory Sunday, while the Tigers are coming off an embarrassing 34-point setback to Cincinnati in their league opener.

Junior guard Jeremiah Martin leads the way offensively for coach Tubby Smith, averaging 17.4 points, while junior forward Kyvon Davenport added 12.8 points and a team-high 6.3 rebounds. Martin, Davenport and guard Jamal Johnson have taken a combined 181 3-pointers this season even though they combine to shoot just 32.6 percent from beyond the arc, but they'll need to look for the perimeter shot against a tall UCF front line. The Knights are led on both ends of the floor by 7-6 junior center Tacko Fall, who paces the team with 12.2 points along with 7.5 rebounds and an AAC-leading 2.1 blocks. He's joined up front by 6-9 senior forward A.J. Davis, who leads the AAC in rebounding at 9.1 per game to go with his 11.2 points.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3

ABOUT MEMPHIS (9-5, 0-1 AAC): The loss to Cincinnati could take the Tigers one of two ways: Either they'll start to listen to Smith and play the way he wants, or Smith could lose the team and it could be a long season for Memphis fans. Players admitted after the 82-48 loss that they weren't running the plays Smith was calling, and it certainly showed, as the team managed just 16 points in the first half and shot a season-worst 32.1 percent from the field for the game. Granted, the Bearcats are one of the top defensive teams in the country again this season, but the Tigers weren't working together at all offensively, and Smith is hoping that the embarrassment of the loss will start the team's turnaround into a more cohesive unit.

ABOUT UCF (10-4, 1-1): A player that could have a huge impact on UCF's chances the rest of the season is Dayon Griffin, a junior guard that has been the Knights' most prolific 3-point shooter. With junior guard B.J. Taylor -- last season's leading scorer -- out since the season opener with a foot injury, Griffin has become the main perimeter threat, attempting 72 of the team's 218 3-pointers. With teams packing it in to combat Fall and Davis on the interior, Griffin will have many more opportunities to shoot from the 3-point line, but he needs to get better on his percentages, as he's connected on just 20-of-72 from beyond the arc (27.8 percent).

TIP-INS

1. Memphis ranks last in the AAC in 3-point defense, allowing opponents to shoot 37.5 percent from beyond the arc.

2. UCF ranks seventh in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 60.5 points per game.

3. Fall leads the nation in field-goal percentage, hitting 77.8 percent of his shots from the field.

PREDICTION: UCF 70, Memphis 56

[Can'tPickAWinner]

North Carolina vs. Florida State Preview and Predictions

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

No. 11 North Carolina needed a late rally to avoid a loss in the ACC opener and looks to raise its level of play during a tough two-game road swing that begins with a matchup against Florida State on Wednesday night. The Tar Heels shot 39.7 percent from the field and had to score the final eight points of the game to turn back Wake Forest 73-69 at home Saturday.

"Happy to win. Not pleased at all. Not satisfied at all," North Carolina coach Roy Williams told reporters Saturday. "Wake Forest, I thought, was much more aggressive than we were. ... It was not a great positive message to them in the locker room because we've got to play smarter and we've got to play harder." The Tar Heels, who play at No. 8 Virginia on Saturday, have still won seven of their last eight and go for an eighth consecutive win over the Seminoles after averaging 101 points in the last two. Florida State gave second-ranked Duke all it could handle Saturday before giving way in a 100-93 loss as senior guard Braian Angola poured in a career-high 23 points. "They felt they could have very easily won the game and rightfully so," Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton told reporters. ". ... We can take the fact that we just competed with one of the best teams in the country."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (12-2, 1-0 ACC): Junior forward Luke Maye notched his eighth double-double of the season against Wake Forest and is averaging team highs of 18.4 points on 51.5 percent shooting and 10.9 rebounds. Senior guard Joel Berry II is shooting just 38.6 percent from the field, but contributes 17.2 points per contest, while backcourt partner Kenny Williams (12.4) has drained 27 of his 56 attempts from 3-point range. Senior guard Cameron Johnson, a transfer from Pittsburgh, has added offensive punch since returning from an injury with 35 points in three games.

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (11-2, 0-1): Senior forward Phil Cofer also had a big night against Duke with 28 points to raise his season average 14.5 - second behind junior guard Terance Mann (14.6) - and he is shooting 57 percent from the field. Angola (12.5 points) recorded five of his team-high 30 makes from 3-point range in the loss at Duke. "I have been working a lot over the summer, getting shots up every day," Angola, who averaged 4.6 points last season, told reporters. "My teammates trust me, the coaches trust me. I had to step up, bring the team together, and take the open shot."

TIP-INS

1. Mann managed just 13 total points in the last two games, but stands eighth overall in the ACC in field goal percentage (62.3).

2. Berry has connected on 205 shots from 3-point range in his caree rand is six behind Jeff Lebo for sixth all-time at North Carolina.

3. Florida State sophomore G CJ Walker is averaging 9.5 points overall, but just 5.0 in the last five contests.

PREDICTION: North Carolina 80, Florida State 70

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Connecticut vs. Tulsa Preview and Predictions

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

Connecticut is far from the national power that won an NCAA title as recently as 2014, but coach Kevin Ollie's young squad still played a rough non-conference slate and it didn't get any easier in the American Athletic Conference opener against No. 9 Wichita State. The Huskies will look to elevate a strong performance against the Shockers to a road win when they play Tulsa on Wednesday.


Connecticut went 1-5 against teams from major conferences during non-conference play before giving the Wichita State all it could handle before dropping a 72-62 decision Saturday. "They won by 10, but it didn't feel like a 10-point loss to be honest with you," UConn sophomore guard Christian Vital said. "It was just, you know, another tough game, that we came up short on, but I think we are finding ways to stay in games a little longer than we were in the beginning of the season." The Golden Hurricane are coming off a 65-56 victory at Tulane on Sunday that snapped a 10-game conference road losing streak. Martins Igbanu led the way with 15 points and nine rebounds while Sterling Taplin scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half to help close out the victory.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN News


ABOUT CONNECTICUT (7-6, 0-1 AAC): Junior guard Jalen Adams had 18 points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals against the Shockers, junior wing Terry Larrier added 18 points and Vital 17. The Huskies hung in despite shooting 3-of-16 from the arc, converting 38.7 percent overall from the field and corralling only eight offensive rebounds. Adams ranks second in the league in scoring at 18.2 points per game while leading in minutes at 37.6, Larrier averages 15.7 points and a team-high 5.1 rebounds, and Vital averages 12.8 points.

ABOUT TULSA (9-5, 2-0): Junior Etou was named AAC Player of the Week after averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 assists to lead the Hurricane to wins over East Carolina and Tulane. Etou leads the team at 17.9 points per game (third in AAC) and 6.9 rebounds (seventh) and his 53.7 percent shooting ranks seventh. Taplin chips in 11.9 points and 3.9 assists, and Corey Henderson Jr. is averaging 7.4 points overall but 10.0 in his last five contests.


TIP-INS

1. UConn leads the series 4-3, but Tulsa won 61-59 in overtime last season and has won all three played at home.

2. Etou has attempted at least 10 free throws four times this season, ranks 15th in the nation with 109 free-throw attempts and 14th in fouls drawn per 40 minutes (7.8) via kenpom.com.

3. The Huskies shoot 75.4-percent at the free-throw line, which leads the AAC.


PREDICTION: Tulsa 76, Connecticut 74

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Syracuse vs. Wake Forest Preview and Predictions

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

Wake Forest suffered a brutal defeat its last time out and enters Wednesday's home date with Syracuse eager to notch its first ACC win. The Demon Deacons fell to defending national champion North Carolina in the final seconds on Saturday but must regroup in time to defeat the Orange, who suffocated Virginia Tech in their league opener.

Wake Forest was tied with North Carolina with under 10 seconds left before a floater and two free throws allowed the Tar Heels to escape with a four-point win. "We've just got to continue to make shots," Demon Deacons coach Danny Manning told reporters after his team failed to reach 40 percent shooting and missed half of its 16 foul shots. "We're not making shots. We're executing, we're getting some good looks. We just have to knock them down." The Orange held Virginia Tech to 34.6 percent shooting (10-of-30 from 3-point range) on Sunday and rank 18th in the nation in points allowed (62.2). "Sometimes our zone is better against shooting teams than a man-to-man is and tonight was a good example of that," veteran Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim told reporters. "Why? We don't want to tell everybody that. It just is."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT SYRACUSE (12-2, 1-0 ACC): The Orange had four players account for 64 of their 68 points against Virginia Tech, led by freshman Oshae Brissett (19). Fellow first-year forward Matthew Moyer registered 11 points and 13 rebounds, while Tyus Battle and Frank Howard each contributed 17 points in the team's sixth win in seven games. Battle (19.9 points) is the team's top scorer on the season and has recorded double-figure points in 13 of 14 games while playing every minute in eight straight games, including a pair of overtime contests.

ABOUT WAKE FOREST (7-6, 0-1): The Demon Deacons are a 75.8 percent free-throw shooting team, as five of their top six scorers shoot at least 79.3 percent from the foul line with Bryant Crawford (15.4) draining 91.3 percent. They are a solid 3-point shooting team, as well, as Mitchell Wilbekin has 25 3-pointers and the team's top two scorers - Keyshawn Woods (15.7) and Crawford - have knocked down 19 apiece. Since missing seven of his first eight 3s this season, Wilbekin is 24-of-48 from beyond the arc.

TIP-INS

1. Moyer's 13 rebounds marked a personal best and also contributed to his first career double-double.

2. Orange C Paschal Chukwu has registered at least three blocks in six consecutive games.

3. Wake Forest C Doral Moore has recorded five blocks in two of the last three games.

PREDICTION: Syracuse 62, Wake Forest 60

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Clemson vs. Boston College Preview and Predictions

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

No. 25 Clemson aims for its ninth straight victory Wednesday when Boston College hosts the Tigers in ACC action. The Tigers have posted six of the eight wins during their current run by double figures and opened league play with a 16-point triumph over North Carolina State on Saturday.

With an early 12-1 record, Clemson is off to its best start since opening 16-0 in 2008-09. The Tigers topped the Wolfpack behind double-figure scoring from all five starters on Saturday with Marcquise Reed leading the way with 18 points and Elijah Thomas contributing 10 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks. Boston College had a five-game winning streak (that included a win over then-No. 1 Duke) snapped in its last contest, a one-point road loss at No. 8 Virginia. Jerome Robinson had 29 points - a season high from the junior guard - for the Eagles, who were unable to overcome their lowest point total of the season.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, RSN

ABOUT CLEMSON (12-1, 1-0 ACC): The Tigers' other bright spots from their ACC opener included 13-of-15 foul shooting, 10 blocks and only nine turnovers against a Wolfpack team that upset Arizona earlier this season. Reed (15.2 points) leads five double-figure scorers and has nice all-around statistics of 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals. Donte Grantham (14.6 points) and Thomas combine for 15 rebounds per game, while Gabe DeVoe (11.6 points) made three 3-pointers against N.C. State in registering double-figure points for the fourth time in five outings.

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (10-4, 1-1): The Eagles' top scorer is Robinson, who averages 17.4 points and has made 28 3-pointers, while second-leading scorer Ky Bowman (15.8 points) has drained 25 and third-leading scorer Jordan Chatman (14.6) has knocked down a team-high 35 shots from behind the arc. Robinson and Chatman, in particular, shoot a high percentage and also are terrific free-throw shooters for a team that scored at least 73 points in each game during its recent five-game winning streak. Bowman has 10 turnovers over the last two games and must take better care of the ball against a Clemson team that is giving up just 61.5 points during its eight-game winning streak.

TIP-INS

1. Clemson won last season's meeting 82-68.

2. In his last five games, Chatman is 23-of-38 (60.5 percent) from outside the arc.

3. After recording a season-high five turnovers two games ago, Grantham did not register one against N.C. State.

PREDICTION: Clemson 73, Boston College 67

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rutgers vs. Purdue Preview and Predictions

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

Purdue will put its nine-game win streak and share of the early Big Ten lead on the line Wednesday night when it resumes conference play with a home game against Rutgers. The Boilermakers have climbed to 12th in the national rankings and join Michigan State and Ohio State atop the Big Ten at 2-0.


Aside from back-to-back Battle 4 Atlantis losses to Tennessee (78-75 in overtime) and Western Kentucky (77-73) on Thanksgiving weekend in the Bahamas, Purdue has been perfect. That includes victories over nationally-ranked Arizona (89-64) and Louisville (66-57) and wins over formidable Butler (82-67), Maryland (80-75) and Northwestern (74-69) squads. Including the romp against the Bulldogs, the Boilermakers' last five wins have all come by at least 15 points. Rutgers, meanwhile, is one of three teams off to 0-2 Big Ten starts and is resuming conference play coming off back-to-back disappointing home losses to Stony Brook (75-73 in OT) and Hartford (60-58).

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network


ABOUT RUTGERS (10-5, 0-2 Big Ten): The Scarlet Knights haven't had the easiest conference itinerary, losing to nationally-ranked Minnesota (86-67) and Michigan State (62-52) in early December and are now resuming Big Ten play with games against Purdue, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State. Guards Corey Sanders (13.5 points per game) and Geo Baker (11.9) and forward Deshawn Freeman (11.8) are the team's leading scorers, while the 6-foot-7 Freeman leads Rutgers and ranks fourth in the Big Ten in rebounding with 8.6 per outing. The Scarlet Knights rank second nationally in offensive rebounding (15.9), fourth in scoring defense (59.5) and seventh in field-goal percentage defense (36.9) but stand 11th in the conference in scoring (71.8) and last in field-goal (41.7) and 3-point percentage (29.2).

ABOUT PURDUE (13-2, 2-0): After the five-point wins over Maryland and Northwestern in early December, the Boilermakers are looking for their first 3-0 Big Ten start since 2010-11. Purdue has featured the same starting five in each game and is one of three teams nationally with four players averaging at least 13.5 points in guard Carsen Edwards (17.7 points), center Isaac Haas (14.8), forward Vincent Edwards (13.9) and guard Dakota Mathias (13.5). The 6-foot-8 Vincent Edwards ranks second in the Big Ten in rebounding (8.9) and has notched six double-doubles this season, including 23 points and a career-high 15 boards in Purdue's last game - a 98-66 rout of visiting Lipscomb last Saturday.


TIP-INS

1. Purdue is 8-1 vs. Rutgers and has won the last six, including 107-57 and 74-55 wins a season ago.

2. The Boilermakers rank second in Big Ten scoring offense (87.2 points) and fourth in scoring defense (64.2) and join Michigan State as the only teams currently in the top 12 of both offensive and defensive efficiency in analyst Ken Pomeroy's Division I rankings.

3. Purdue owns the nation's fifth-longest current home win streak at 16 straight, including a 9-0 mark this year, while Rutgers will be playing in only its second road/neutral-site game of the season.


PREDICTION: Purdue 84, Rutgers 63

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. John's vs. Creighton Preview and Predictions

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

No. 24 Creighton made a strong response to a loss in the Big East opener and looks to match that level of performance when it hosts injury-ravaged St. John's on Wednesday night in another league battle. The Bluejays were beaten at Seton Hall last Thursday after coughing up a 13-point lead in the second half and showed their disdain for that performance with an 83-64 rout of Providence on Sunday.

"You have to be ready every day," Creighton coach Greg McDermott told reporters after the win. "Obviously you could see the disappointment in their eyes and in their body language that first practice (after the Seton Hall loss). But they turned the page pretty quick." The Bluejays could be playing St. John's at the right time as the Red Storm's top two scorers Shamorie Ponds (20.1) and Marcus LoVett (14.9) are day-to-day with to injuries. St. John's, which was hammered 94-72 in its Big East opener by Providence, was without the two standouts Sunday and gave No. 21 Seton Hall all it could handle in a 75-70 loss with four players totaling 68 points. "They obviously made some big plays, made some free throws when they had to, so congratulations to them," Red Storm coach Chris Mullin told reporters after Sunday's setback. "I was proud of my guys' effort. A game like this will help win games for us down the road."

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

ABOUT ST. JOHN'S (10-4, 0-2 Big East): Ponds, who also averages 4.8 assists, suffered a knee injury against Providence and fellow sophomore guard LoVett has missed the last seven contests with a sprained knee as the Red Storm went 4-3 in that stretch. Junior forward Marvin Clark II has averaged 19 points in two Big East games and senior guard Bashir Ahmed has contributed 14.7 per contest in the last three. Sophomore guard Justin Simon boasts double-doubles in two of the last three games and junior forward Tariq Owens recorded season highs of 19 points and 14 boards versus Seton Hall.

ABOUT CREIGHTON (11-3, 1-1): The Bluejays have been one of the nation's most productive offensive teams, sitting fourth in the country in scoring (91.1) while draining 51.4 percent from the field (10th nationally). Senior guard Marcus Foster has connected on 20-of-36 from the floor the past three games, leading the team at 19 points per contest overall, and junior guard Khyri Thomas (14.8) is next despite missing 10 of 11 from 3-point range his last two outings. Senior forward Toby Hegner had 15 points against Providence, matching his season high.

TIP-INS

1. Creighton F Martin Krampelj from Slovenia has averaged 18 points and nine rebounds in the first two Big East games.

2. Owens came into the week fifth in the nation and first in the Big East with 3.64 blocks per contest.

3. The Bluejays have won the last four meetings, scoring at least 80 in all four contests.

PREDICTION: Creighton 82, St. John's 68

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kentucky vs. LSU Preview and Predictions

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

Kentucky freshman Kevin Knox is mired in the first slump of his brief career and he'll try to snap out of his funk when the No. 14 Wildcats visit LSU on Wednesday in the Tigers' SEC opener. Knox (14.5 points per game) scored a total of 15 points and was 4-for-18 from the field over his last two games, including seven points and 2-for-10 shooting in Sunday's hard-fought 66-61 victory over Georgia.

"This kid is a hard worker, he's a great kid,'' Kentucky coach John Calipari told reporters. "This is all new to him, the game got physical, it's all new to him. ... I'm calling his number a lot, still calling his number, even if he is not playing great, because I know he has to play for us to win." Knox has been picked up by freshman guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has scored 45 points over the last two games. The Tigers concluded the non-conference portion of their schedule with a 71-61 victory at Memphis on Thursday and have won three straight and six of their last seven since losing their final two games in the Maui Invitational. First-year LSU coach Will Wade didn't enjoy the win long, telling reporters after the game that the focus now is on "the juggernaut that is Kentucky. It's what we signed up for. If you don't like this, go play intramurals. We play in the SEC, and it's time to rock and roll."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network

ABOUT KENTUCKY (11-2, 1-0 SEC): Freshman guard Hamidou Diallo (team-high 14.9 points) has reached double figures in seven straight games and is averaging 17.9 points during that span, and recorded his first double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds versus Memphis. Freshman guard Quade Green has also picked up his game of late with 28 points over the last two games while shooting 8-for-16 from the field and 4-for-8 from 3-point range. Freshman forward PJ Washington (10.0 points, 5.2 rebounds) has struggled with consistency, fouling out with seven points and two rebounds versus Georgia after recording 16 points and seven boards in a 90-61 victory over Louisville on Friday.

ABOUT LSU (9-3, 0-0): Freshman guard Tremont Waters averages a team-best 17.1 points and SEC highs of 6.4 assists and 2.6 steals after recording 18, eight and four versus Memphis. Junior guard Brandon Sampson (9.8 points) scored 12 points in 25 minutes Thursday in his second game since missing six with an ankle injury and is 22-for-36 from the floor in six contests this season. Senior forward Aaron Epps (9.9 points, team-high 6.3 rebounds) fouled out after recording eight points, six rebounds and a career high-tying three blocks in 20 minutes against Memphis.

TIP-INS

1. Gilgeous-Alexander, who averages 11.6 points, 4.2 assists and 3.6 rebounds, is second in the SEC in steals at 2.3 per game.

2. LSU is shooting 51.5 percent from the field and was one of 23 teams nationally at 50 percent or better through Monday's games.

3. Kentucky has won five of the last six meetings, but lost 85-67 in its last trip to Baton Rouge on Jan. 5, 2016.

PREDICTION: Kentucky 68, LSU 67

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/03/2018

No. 7 Oklahoma has already matched its 11-win total for the entire 2016-17 season after opening Big 12 play with a 90-89 road win at then-No. 8 TCU. And a big reason for the big turnaround for Lon Kruger's squad, which hosts in-state rival Oklahoma State on Wednesday night, is the outstanding play of true freshman guard Trae Young.

The 6-2 Young, a five-star recruit from Norman High School just a five-minute drive from the OU campus, will enter his first Bedlam rivalry game leading the nation in both scoring (29.6 points per game) and assists (10.7) while shooting 41.3 percent from 3-point range, and is battling Arizona's Kevin Garnett clone, 7-foot forward Deandre Ayton, for national freshman of the year honors. Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton, who coached against Steph Curry three times when he was an associate head coach at Wofford in 2007-08, compares Young favorably to two-time NBA Most Valuable Player. "I think he may be the best college basketball player since Steph Curry," Boynton told the Tulsa World. "Those guys, at 35 feet, you're not safe. So that changes the entire way you think about defensive schemes because you're not used to having to guard somebody at the 35-foot mark."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (10-3, 0-1 Big 12): All three of the Cowboys' losses have come at the hands of teams currently ranked No. 11 or better including No. 5 West Virginia, which defeated them 85-79 in their Big 12 opener on Friday. Oklahoma State, which entered that contest ranked No. 2 in the nation in free throw shooting (80.5 percent), made just 11-of-19 at the line in the second half hampering its chance at pulling off an upset. Senior guard Jeffrey Carroll (15.2 points) leads the team in scoring while junior swingman Tavarius Shine (11.2) and senior guard Kendall Smith (10.8), a graduate transfer from Cal State Northridge who began his career at UNLV, also are averaging in double digits.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA (11-1, 1-0): Young had 39 points, including a pair of free throws with 7.9 seconds left that proved to be the game-winners, at TCU where the Sooners rallied from a 13-point second half deficit for their ninth straight win. Sophomore guard Kameron McGusty, who is averaging 9.5 points, scored 22 points against the Horned Frogs, including a 3-pointer with 26 seconds left that gave the Sooners their first lead (88-87) in the second half. Junior guard Christian James (13.1) and 6-9 freshman forward Brady Manek (10.5) also are averaging in double figures for OU, which has scored at least 90 points in nine of its 12 games and has hit triple digits four times.

TIP-INS

1. Oklahoma State has forced at least 18 turnovers in six of their last seven games and rank 18th nationally forcing 17.1 turnovers per contest.

2. Oklahoma leads the nation in scoring (94.7) and also ranks ninth in assists (19.1) and 12th in 3-pointers (11.2).

3. The Cowboys swept the Bedlam series last season but Oklahoma has won 17 of the last 26 meetings and 15 of the last 17 games played in Norman.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma 92, Oklahoma State 84

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Wednesday, January 3

Wizards won their last six games with New York; Knicks are 0-3 vs spread in their last three visits here. Five of last seven series games went over total. Knicks lost five of their last six games; they’re 4-9 vs spread as road underdogs. Six of their last eight games stayed under total. Washington won four of its last five games; they’re 6-4 in last 10 games as home favorites. Over is 3-1-1 in their last five games.

Spurs won their last ten games with Philly but 76ers covered four of last five. San Antonio is 2-3 vs spread in last five visits here. Under is 8-2 in last ten series games. San Antonio won seven of its last nine games; they’re 8-11 vs spread on road. Five of their last seven games stayed under total. 76ers won three of last four games; they’re 8-7 vs spread at home. Over is 7-4 in their last eleven games.

Rockets won eight of last ten games with Orlando; Houston is 2-3 vs spread in last five visits here. Under is 5-3 in last eight series games. Rockets lost five of their last six games; they’re 0-4 vs spread in last four games as road favorites. Over is 9-3-1 in their last thirteen games. Orlando lost 11 of its last 12 games; they’re 4-6 as home underdogs. Seven of their last ten games stayed under total.

Minnesota won three of last four games with Brooklyn; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to Barclays Center. Four of last five series games went over the total. Minnesota won seven of its last eight games; they’re 6-2-1 as road favorites. Wolves’ last three games stayed under the total. Brooklyn lost eight of its last 11 games; they’re 7-4 vs spread as home underdogs. Under is 14-5 in their last 19 games.

Detroit is 6-4 in its last ten games with Miami; they’re 2-2 vs spread in their last four visits here. Four of last five series games went over the total. Detroit won six of its last eight games; they’re 9-5 vs spread as road underdogs. Pistons’ last three games stayed under the total. Miami is 8-4 in its last 12 games; they’re 2-7-1 vs spread as home favorites. Nine of last 12 games stayed under the total.

Bucks won three of their last four games with Indiana; four of last six series games stayed under total. Milwaukee is 3-2 vs spread in its last five visits to Indiana. Indiana lost its last four games; they’re 7-6 vs spread as road underdogs. Under is 9-4 in their last 13 games. Milwaukee is 4-6 in its last ten games; they’re 7-7-2 vs spread as home favorites. 15 of their last 19 games went over the total.

Toronto won its last three games with Chicago; home side won last five series games. Raptors are 0-4 vs spread in last four visits here. Nine of last ten series games went over. Toronto won 14 of its last 17 games; they’re 6-5 vs spread as road favorites. Four of their last five road games went over total. Chicago is 3-4 in its last seven games; they’re 8-5 as home dogs. Six of their last seven games went over the total.

Cavaliers won eight of last ten games with Boston; they covered their last four games in Boston. Under is 5-3 in last eight series games. Cleveland lost four of its last six games; they’re 9-9 vs spread on road. Thomas won’t play tonite because he played last nite. Cavaliers are 3-3 vs spread if they played night before. Boston won four of its last five games; they’re 11-8-2 vs spread at home. Over is 7-2 in their last nine home games.

Golden State won its last eight games with Dallas (6-2 vs spread); they’re 4-1 vs spread in last five visits here. Three of last four series games stayed under the total. Golden State won 14 of its last 16 games; they’re 8-9 as road favorites. Under is 8-4 in their last 12 games. Dallas won its last four games; they’re 5-6 as home underdogs. Five of their last seven games went over the total.

Denver won its last six games with the Suns; last four series games went over. Phoenix is 2-4 vs spread in its last six visits to Denver. Phoenix won six of its last nine games; they’re 10-6 vs spread as road underdogs. Under is 9-4 in their last 13 games. Denver is 3-4 in its last seven games overall; they’re 8-6 vs spread as home favorites. Four of their last five games stayed under the total.

Pelicans lost their last five games with Utah; they’re 1-3-1 vs spread in last five visits here. Five of their last six games went over the total. New Orleans is 3-4 in its last seven games; they’re 5-6 as road underdogs. 13 of their last 16 games went over the total. Utah lost 10 of its last 13 games; they’re 3-6 in last nine games as home favorites. five of their last six games stayed under the total.

Thunder won nine of last 10 games with the Lakers (7-3 vs spread); they’re 2-3 vs spread in last five series games played here. Under is 5-2 in last seven series games. Oklahoma City lost its last two games after a 6-game win streak; they’re 0-9 vs spread in last nine games as road favorites. Under is 5-3 in their last eight games. Lakers lost 15 of their last 18 games; they’re 6-8 as home underdogs. Over is 9-2 in their last eleven games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Wednesday, January 3

Trend Report

HOUSTON @ ORLANDO
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
Houston is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games at home
Orlando is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Houston

NEW YORK @ WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing Washington
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

SAN ANTONIO @ PHILADELPHIA
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 11 games when playing San Antonio
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio

MINNESOTA @ BROOKLYN
Minnesota is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Brooklyn's last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games when playing Minnesota

DETROIT @ MIAMI
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Detroit

CLEVELAND @ BOSTON
Cleveland is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games at home

TORONTO @ CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

INDIANA @ MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games on the road
Indiana is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Milwaukee's last 15 games

GOLDEN STATE @ DALLAS
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

NEW ORLEANS @ UTAH
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 13 of New Orleans's last 16 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games when playing New Orleans

PHOENIX @ DENVER
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games on the road
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Denver is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix

OKLAHOMA CITY @ LA LAKERS
Oklahoma City is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing LA Lakers
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 9 of LA Lakers's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games at home

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, January 3

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

NEW YORK (18 - 19) at WASHINGTON (21 - 16) - 1/3/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
WASHINGTON is 398-463 ATS (-111.3 Units) in home games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-1 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

SAN ANTONIO (26 - 12) at PHILADELPHIA (17 - 19) - 1/3/2018, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

HOUSTON (26 - 9) at ORLANDO (12 - 26) - 1/3/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 29-45 ATS (-20.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 37-24 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 35-54 ATS (-24.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 19-38 ATS (-22.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 127-167 ATS (-56.7 Units) in January games since 1996.
ORLANDO is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 2-2 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 3-1 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

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

MINNESOTA (24 - 14) at BROOKLYN (14 - 23) - 1/3/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 25-38 ATS (-16.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 35-57 ATS (-27.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 9-24 ATS (-17.4 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

DETROIT (20 - 15) at MIAMI (19 - 17) - 1/3/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-3 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-4 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

INDIANA (19 - 18) at MILWAUKEE (19 - 16) - 1/3/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 58-41 ATS (+12.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 395-459 ATS (-109.9 Units) in home games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-4 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 4-4 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

TORONTO (25 - 10) at CHICAGO (13 - 24) - 1/3/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 45-32 ATS (+9.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-3 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CLEVELAND (25 - 12) at BOSTON (30 - 10) - 1/3/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-6 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 10-3 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GOLDEN STATE (29 - 8) at DALLAS (13 - 25) - 1/3/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 395-323 ATS (+39.7 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 44-31 ATS (+9.9 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 6-3 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 8-1 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHOENIX (15 - 24) at DENVER (19 - 17) - 1/3/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS (18 - 18) at UTAH (16 - 21) - 1/3/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 68-40 ATS (+24.0 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.

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

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (20 - 17) at LA LAKERS (11 - 25) - 1/3/2018, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, January 3

New York @ Washington

Game 701-702
January 3, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
116.775
Washington
123.812
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 7
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 9
210 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New York
(+9); Over

San Antonio @ Philadelphia

Game 703-704
January 3, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
121.985
Philadelphia
119.522
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 2 1/2
199
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
206
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(+1); Under

Houston @ Orlando

Game 705-706
January 3, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
124.313
Orlando
113.289
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 11
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 8
220
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-8); Under

Minnesota @ Brooklyn

Game 707-708
January 3, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
122.786
Brooklyn
113.398
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 9 1/2
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 6 1/2
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-6 1/2); Over

Detroit @ Miami

Game 709-710
January 3, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
118.718
Miami
117.775
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 3
196 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+3); Under

Indiana @ Milwaukee

Game 711-712
January 3, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
118.103
Milwaukee
122.563
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 4 1/2
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 8
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+8); Over

Toronto @ Chicago

Game 713-714
January 3, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
124.617
Chicago
114.209
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 10 1/2
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 5
216
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-5); Under

Cleveland @ Boston

Game 715-716
January 3, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
120.512
Boston
125.944
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 5 1/2
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 2 1/2
213
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-2 1/2); Over

Golden State @ Dallas

Game 717-718
January 3, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
123.013
Dallas
117.212
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 6
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 7 1/2
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+7 1/2); Under

Phoenix @ Denver

Game 719-720
January 3, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
114.301
Denver
121.908
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 7 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 11 1/2
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(+11 1/2); Over

New Orleans @ Utah

Game 721-722
January 3, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
118.723
Utah
121.618
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 3
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 1 1/2
211
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(-1 1/2); Under

Oklahoma City @ LA Lakers

Game 723-724
January 3, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
123.606
LA Lakers
114.523
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 9
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 6
213
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-6); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Wednesday, January 3

NBA Game of the Day: Cavaliers at Celtics betting preview and odds

Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics (-3.5, 212.5)

Storylines abound Wednesday in Boston as the Celtics welcome back Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup of Eastern Conference heavyweights. Thomas, who was a two-time All-Star with the Celtics before being traded with Crowder for star guard Kyrie Irving this offseason, made his debut for the Cavaliers in Tuesday's 127-110 win over Portland after missing the first 36 games of the season due to a hip injury.

The 28-year-old will not play against his former team as he sits out the second half of a back-to-back and the Celtics will not play a video tribute, per his request, but Thomas knows there will be plenty of emotion. "I know it will be all love," Thomas told reporters Tuesday. "I keep saying that I gave that city everything I had and they showed me genuine love back and I think that love is going to last forever. So, there's no hard feelings. This ain't no revenge game. They know what they gave up. They knew what they got. It's all good. I'm focused on the Cleveland Cavaliers and trying to win a championship." Despite knocking off Boston in the season opener, Cleveland has been looking up at the Celtics in the East for most of the season, but the hosts feel they still have work to do to dethrone the Cavaliers. "They've got a guy that's probably leading the charge for MVP in the league in LeBron (James), who's been doing it now for 15 years," Boston coach Brad Stevens told the media Tuesday. "They're the team to beat. Everybody knows that."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Ohio (Cleveland), NBCS Boston

LINE HISTORY: After a long wait the line finally hit the board with the Celtics giving 3.5 points and the total at 212.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Cavaliers - PG I. Thomas (Out, Rest), PG D. Rose (Out Indefinitely, Ankle), SG I. Shumpert (Late Jan, Knee).

Celtics - PF S. Ojeleye (Questionable, Back), SF G. Hayward (Out Indefinitely, Ankle).

POWER RANKINGS: Cavaliers (-6.1) - Celtics (-7.6) + home court (-3) = Celtics -4.5

MATCHUP CHART:

http://i63.tinypic.com/13yldvk.jpg

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (25-12 SU, 12-24-1 ATS, 17-19-1 O/U): James had 24 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals as Cleveland snapped a three-game slide Tuesday, but the superstar knew that the night belonged to Thomas. "The only thing I knew was what was going to happen when he came in, that these fans would give him the ovation he had been waiting on and that he deserved," James said of Thomas, who had 17 points in 19 minutes. Coach Tyronn Lue told reporters that Thomas would likely enter the starting five Saturday against Orlando.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (30-10 SU, 24-14-2 ATS, 21-19 O/U): Irving, who was a four-time All-Star with Cleveland, scored 28 points in a 108-105 win over Brooklyn on New Year's Eve, Boston's third consecutive victory following a 5-6 swoon. "Except missing another franchise cornerstone [Gordon Hayward] that's still cheering us on," Irving told reporters when asked about the team's relative health. "But in terms of the guys that are available, just I feel like we're rounding out at the right time in terms of getting healthy and getting back into the swing of things." Hayward was lost to a broken ankle minutes into the opener against the Cavaliers, when Irving had 22 points and 10 assists in his return to Cleveland.

TRENDS:

* Cavaliers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win.
* Celtics are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 6-0 in Cavaliers' last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
* Over is 12-4 in Celtics' last 16 games following a straight up win.
* Road team is 13-2-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings.

CONSENSUS: Early consensus returns are showing 60 percent of the pointspread picks on the Celtics with 72 percent of the totals wagers coming in on the Under.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA's Top ATS Teams:

1. Celtics 24-14-2
2. Bulls 22-14-1
3. Pistons 20-13-2
4. Nets 22-15


NBA's Worst ATS Teams:

30. Cavs 12-24-1
29. Magic 13-24-1
28. Grizzlies 13-23-2
27. Thunder 14-23


NBA's Top OVER Teams:

1. Bucks 22-12-1
2. Pelicans 22-14
3. Lakers 20-16
t4. Bulls 20-17
t4. Kings 20-17

NBA's Top UNDER Teams:

1. Blazers 25-12
2. Heat 24-12
3. Wizards 23-13-1
4. Spurs 23-15

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Wynn

Free Play: Tulsa -4 Over Connecticut

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Selection from Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Wednesay, January 3, 2017



1/03 04:05 PM PT / 7:05 PM ET

NBA (703) SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS (704) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Take : SPURS

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jeff Allen Sports

Wednesday's Free Selection is on the Wolves/Nets Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Razor Sharp

YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR WEDNESDAY: Take LOYOLA-CHICAGO -8 over over Indiana St

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals4U

Wednesday's Free Selection: New Orleans/Utah over 209 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

John Anthony Sports

Wednesday's Free Selection: Fresno State Bulldogs - 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlantic Sports

Wednesday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Central Florida - 7 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

#1 Sports

Wednesday's Free Selection: Nevada Wolfpack - 11 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Easy Money Sports

Lee's Free Wednesday Selection Is

South Florida -6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Nevada Sharpshooter

Your free winner for Wednesday: Take NEVADA -12 over Wyoming

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Huddle Up Sports

Free Play: Syracuse +2 College BB

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hawkeye Sports

Wednesday's Free Pick: Boise State Broncos - 11

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden Dragon Sports

Free Pick New York Knicks +8'

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arthur Ralph Sports

FREE play: WED Fla St -1 CBB

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Teyas Sports

FREE PICK 1/3 CBB MARQUETTE (PK)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Platinum Plays

Free Pick: Free Pick Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets +6 over Miami-Fla

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Vegas Steam Line

Your free winner for Wednesday: Take BRADLEY -6½ over Valparaiso

[Can'tPickAWinner]

High Stakes Syndicate

Free Selection for Wednesday: Illinois State Redbirds + 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Selection from Kenny Towers

GS - 7.5 - NBA -

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor FREE Play for Wednesday, January 3, 2017

01/03 05:00 PM CB (757) ST. JOHNS VS (758) CREIGHTON

Take : Creighton

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Roz Wins

Roz's Wednesday, January 3, 2018, Free Pick

1/03 06:00 PM CB (783) NEW MEXICO VS (784) BOISE STATE

Take : Boise State

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Last Call

Wednesday's Free Play: Tulsa - 2 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brandon Lee Jan 03 '18, 8:05 PM in 1h
NBA | Pacers vs Bucks
Play on: Bucks -7½ -108 at 5Dimes

10* FREE NBA PICK (Bucks -7.5)
I got no problem laying this big number on Milwaukee at home against the Pacers on Wednesday. While the Bucks come in off a loss, they continued to play well, losing by just 4-points as a 6-point dog at the Raptors. Milwaukee has now covered 3 straight and should be locked in here coming off a loss. As for the Pacers, they have lost 4 straight and have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 5 games. The poor stretch has come with Victor Oladipo sidelined and he's not expected to be back for tonight's game. Indiana simply doesn't have enough offensive fire-power to keep up with a team like the Bucks on the road without Oladipo. They are averaging just 99.4 ppg over their last 5, which is well below their season mark of 107 ppg. They are also give up 110 ppg and allowing opponents to shoot 48.3% from the field over their last 5. Give me the Bucks -7.5!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

John Martin Jan 03 '18, 8:05 PM in 1h
NBA | Pacers vs Bucks
Play on: Bucks -7½ -108 at 5Dimes

1 Unit FREE PLAY on Milwaukee Bucks -7.5
The Indiana Pacers are 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS without Victor Oladipo this season. Oladipo has missed the past three games since injuring his right now and the Pacers have lost four straight coming in with three of those losses by double-digits. Oladipo averages 24.9 points per game and shoots 48.5% from the field, so his loss is absolutely massive for them. The Bucks are playing well in going 3-0 ATS in their last three games with wins over Minnesota and Oklahoma City along with an overtime loss at Toronto. They should be able to handle the Pacers at home tonight with no issues. The Bucks are 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning record. Give me the Bucks Wednesday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals Guru Jan 03 '18, 7:00 PM in 22m
NCAA-B | George Washington vs Duquesne
Play on: UNDER 131 -110

Free Total Annihilator On George Washington vs Duquesne under 131 -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jack Jones Jan 03 '18, 9:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | Miami-FL vs Georgia Tech
Play on: Miami-FL -5½ -104 at 5Dimes

Jack’s Free Pick Wednesday: Miami -5.5
The No. 15 Miami Hurricanes are legitimately one of the best teams in the country this season. They have opened 12-1 while going 7-1 in all road games, including a perfect 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in true road games with an upset win over Minnesota along the way.
Josh Pastner is struggling to keep this Georgia Tech team afloat. The Yellow Jackets are just 6-7 on the season and clearly no match for Miami. They have losses to the likes of Grambling, Wofford and Wright State this season to show just how down they really are.
Miami has had no problem going on the road and winning at Georgia Tech in recent meetings. The Hurricanes are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four trips to Georgia Tech, winning by 7, 14, 13 and 15 points. A fifth straight road win over the Yellow Jackets by 7-plus points can be expected here tonight.
Plays against home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Georgia Tech) after two straight games where they committed 8 or fewer turnovers are 57-23 (71.2%) ATS since 1997. The Yellow Jackets’ six wins this season have come against Bethune-Cookman, UTRGV, North Texas, Florida A&M, Coppin State and Northwestern. Bet Miami Wednesday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Doug Upstone Jan 03 '18, 9:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | Oklahoma State vs Oklahoma
Play on: Oklahoma -9½ -105 at 5Dimes

Oklahoma has been one the biggest surprises of the season thus far and faces rival Oklahoma State in Norman tonight. Here we are looking to Play On favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points like the Sooners in a game involving two teams outscoring opponents by 8+ PPG, after allowing 45 points or more in the first half last game. In the last five years, there kind of favorites are 29-7 ATS, 80.6 percent.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bobby Conn Jan 03 '18, 8:05 PM in 1h
NBA | Raptors vs Bulls
Play on: Raptors -5½ -105 at 5Dimes

1* Free Play on Raptors -5½ -105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Info Plays Jan 03 '18, 7:05 PM in 27m
NBA | Rockets vs Magic
Play on: Magic +8 -115 at BMaker

1* Free Play on Magic +8 -115

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Teddy Davis Jan 03 '18, 8:00 PM in 1h
NCAA-B | St. John's vs Creighton
Play on: St. John's +12½ -105 at 5Dimes

I think there is real value on St John's here tonight. Pondee and Lovett are both questionable right now and if either one of them play especially Lovett this line will drop in a hurry.
Creighton is a solid team and very good at home I just don't see them blowing out this tough nosed St John's team.
St John's just went on the road to Seton Hall and gave them all they could ask for losing by 5.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hunter Price Jan 03 '18, 8:05 PM in 1h
NBA | Cavs vs Celtics
Play on: Celtics -3 -110 at betonline

1* Free Pick on Celtics -3 -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sal Michaels Jan 03 '18, 7:35 PM in 57m
NBA | Pistons vs Heat
Play on: Heat -2½ -110 at GTBets

Free Play on Heat -2½ -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dave Price Jan 03 '18, 7:00 PM in 22m
NCAA-B | La Salle vs Rhode Island
Play on: La Salle +11 -105 at 5Dimes

Dave’s Wednesday Free Play:
1* on La Salle +11
The Key: La Salle has been very good here of late in going 2-2 SU & 3-0 ATS in its last 4 games overall. It only lost by 9 at Villanova as 19.5-point underdogs. The Explorers beat Mercer 95-85 as 3.5-point favorites and crushed Saint Louis 83-60 as 5-point favorites. They can hang with Rhode Island on the road tonight as home-court hasn’t been an advantage in this series. The road team is 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings. La Salle won 87-75 at Rhode Island as similar 12.5-point underdogs last season and brought back nearly their entire team this season. Dating back further, the road team is 13-2-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings. Take La Salle.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Scott Rickenbach Jan 03 '18, 11:00 PM in 4h
NCAA-B | UNLV vs San Jose State
Play on: UNLV -11½ -102 at 5Dimes

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Game #789 LATE Free Pick UNLV Rebels (+) @ San Jose State Spartans @ 11 PM ET - The Rebels are not only off of a home loss to Boise State, they will also be in a foul mood here because they lost BOTH match-ups with the Spartans last season. Not only did UNLV lose to them at San Jose State in January, they also lost by a bucket at home in February. Payback is in order here so don't let the big number on the road scare you. The Rebels are absolutely justified here in terms of being a double digit favorite on the road. The Spartans have struggled to a 3-10 start this season and don't shoot the ball nearly as well as the Rebels. Also, in terms of defense, UNLV is the much better team in terms of defending the 3-ball. The Rebels long-term are a perfect 7-0 SU as a road favorite of 9.5 to 12 points. Will they cover though? Here are some keys on that: UNLV has 11 wins this season and 8 have come by 15 points or more. The Spartans most recent loss came by just 7 points but 6 of their first 9 losses were by a dozen points or more. As you can see, the odds certainly favor a blowout win for the Rebels in this one! LATE Free Pick UNLV

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Williams Jan 03 '18, 9:05 PM in 2h
NBA | Pelicans vs Jazz
Play on: Pelicans +1½ -110 at GTBets

1* on Pelicans +1½ -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pro Computer Gambler Jan 03 '18, 8:05 PM in 1h
NHL | Blackhawks vs Rangers
Play on: Blackhawks +130 at 5Dimes

FREE NHL SYSTEM: In database history, road dogs are 684-758 SU +192.08 units +13.3% roi when the total is 5.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jimmy Boyd Jan 03 '18, 7:00 PM in 22m
NCAA-B | North Carolina vs Florida State
Play on: Florida State +1 +101 at 5Dimes

Free Pick on Florida State +
I like the value here with the Seminoles as a home dog against the Tar Heels on Wednesday. Florida State started out 11-1 in non-conference play with their only loss coming by a mere 1-point in a neutral court game against Oklahoma State. Last time out they showed their hot start was no fluke, as they gave Duke all they could handle on the road, losing 93-100 as a 12-point road dog.
Simply put, this team should not be an underdog on their home floor, especially given they have the nation's third longest home winning streak at 27 straight wins. UNC hasn't exactly been playing great. They were fortunate to escape with a 73-69 win at home over Wake Forest as a 14-point favorite in their ACC opener. They also had that shocking loss at home to Wofford as a 25-point favorite just a few games back.
Seminoles are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 home games with a line posted and are a perfect 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games after scoring 85 or more points in their last game and 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games after covering the spread in 2 or more consecutive games. Take Florida State!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dustin Hawkins Jan 03 '18, 7:05 PM in 27m
NBA | Rockets vs Magic
Play on: Magic +8 -103 at 5Dimes

Free Play on Magic +8 -103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bobby Wing Jan 03 '18, 7:00 PM in 22m
NCAA-B | Connecticut vs Tulsa
Play on: Tulsa -2½ -108 at betonline

1 Unit Free Pick: Tulsa -2½ -108