Friday 1-5-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #7 - AQUEDUCT - 3:34 PM EASTERN POST
8.0 FURLONGS DIRT FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD ALLOWANCE $67,000.00 PURSE

#7 BACKYARD HEAVEN
#8 MR. BUFF
#1A DONJU
#2 HAMMERIN AAMER

#7 BACKYARD HEAVEN qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has hit the board in both of his two career starts to date, including a 5-length, "POWER RUN WIN" to break his maiden in his last start. #8 MR. BUFF an 8-1 shot, is the only entry in this allowance field this afternoon not taking a step-up in class, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four of his last five starts, including a trio of "POWER RUN WINS" embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turfway Park - Race #4 - Post: 7:45pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,100 Class Rating: 70

Rating: 4

#2 RUNAWAY ROSIE (ML=4/1)


RUNAWAY ROSIE - Deleon is right back for another event today after racing atop this horse for the initial time on Dec 8th and ought to know the ropes to this one a little better.

Vulnerable Contenders: #11 SISTER JIB (ML=8/5), #2B ELMA (ML=4/1), #4 DREAM PARK (ML=5/1),

SISTER JIB - This entrant hasn't been on the track since December 8th. Not even any workouts. ELMA - This filly hasn't been showing me anything in the last two races. DREAM PARK - Tough to wager on any horse to turn things around if there is no value to taking the risk.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #2 Entry to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Friday, January 5, 2017

CB (851) NIAGARA VS (852) SIENA

Take: (851) NIAGARA

Reason: Your Free play for Friday, January 5, 2017 is in the College basketball game between Niagara and Siena. Metro Atlantic Conference play here has Niagara and Siena matching up. Siena has lost both it's conference games thus far with a road loss to Marist and home loss to Quinnipiac - both as favorites. They return home tonight to face 7-8 Niagara. Niagra also lost both its conference games, both home setbacks to Iona and Rider. This Niagara team gives up lots of points, 99 to Rider at home, 86 to Cornetll, 93 to St Francis PA and on and on. In fact, three teams have scored over 100 points against them this year. One of these teams gets its first conference win tonight and that's Siena. Play the home team.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Fri Wisconsin -1½ CBB

[Can'tPickAWinner]

PURE LOCK

Pure Lock's FREE CBB play Friday 1-5-18

Penn State -6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JESSE SCHULE
NCAA-B | Jan 05, 2018
Elon vs. Northeastern
Elon+6

This is what I had to say about Elon prior to the 2017 season: "If you are thinking that Elon is just some minnow from a weaker conference, think again! They finished fourth in the CAA last year, and they faced the conference champs twice, going 1-1 in those games. UNC Wilmington is a team that people are a little more familiar with, as they qualified for the NCAA Tournament, and were eliminated by Virginia in a game decided by four points. The Blue Devils have played Elon every year since 2012, and they have only covered the spread twice in their last six versus the Phoenix. Last year Elon covered in a 72-61 loss, and in 2014 they covered in a 75-62 loss. They are bringing back all five starters from last season, including leading scorer Brian Dawkins (one of two seniors in the starting lineup)." They come into today's road game against Northeastern as winners of two of their last three road games. They have won their last two at Northeastern outright, and these two teams have played close games decided by six points or less in three straight meetings. The Huskies have failed to cover in six straight against teams with a winning record, and the road team has covered in four straight meetings in this series. I'll take the points. Take ELON. GL,

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SCOTT SPREITZER
NBA | Jan 05, 2018
Knicks vs. Heat
Heat-5

I'm recommending a play on the Miami Heat minus the points on Friday night. The Knicks are in a rough patch right now, dropping six of seven and their leader, Kristaps Porzingis might not be up to carrying the load, at least not right now. The Latvian star went public talking about how tired he is at this point of the season following the Knicks' loss on Wednesday. The fact is, virtually the entire team looks gassed. New York must figure out a way to regain their energy against Miami who will look to exact revenge for a 115-86 loss earlier this season. The Heat were anything but hot, making 38 percent of their FGA, including a horrible, 10 of 38 night from behind the arc. Miami was the tired team that night, playing their fourth road game in six nights and facing New York the night after a game in Cleveland. The Heat enter on a 9-4 SU run, and have covered five of their last seven games. They're 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings with the Knicks and we'll back them here. We're recommending a play on the Miami Heat minus the points. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JOEY JUICE

Let's back the Miami Heat who are coming off their 2nd straight win after disposing of the very tough Detroit Pistons 111-104 in Miami Wednesday night.

The Knicks, on the other hand, lost their second straight 121-103 to the Wizards in Washington Wednesday night.

We already know that the Knicks are horrible road team, but they haven't been playing well anywhere lately, they are a disgusting 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The Heat have been playing pretty good ball especially against the East, they are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the Eastern Conference.

Bottom Line, New York will be playing their third game in four nights, they lost to San Antonio Tuesday at the Garden, and Washington Wednesday on the road. They must be tired. Besides, New York is 3-13 on the road thus far this season. Miami has picked up seven wins in their last 10 games and playing with enough momentum to roll right over these NY stiffs.

Miami is the play.

3* MIAMI

[Can'tPickAWinner]

TOMMY BRUNSON

They have been a bit of a "pebble in their sneakers" these days. I am speaking of the Raptors to the Bucks.

Toronto comes into this Friday affair against Milwaukee having eliminated the Bucks from last season's playoffs in 5 quick games, and then in this year's first series meeting on New Year's Day, the Raptors did it again to the Bucks, beating them in overtime by 4 as the -6 point home choice.

Tonight is where the Bucks put a stop to this Raptors recent upper-hand.

Milwaukee followed that OT loss in Canada with a ringing 122-101 home win over Indiana on Wednesday night. The Bucks have now won 8 of their last 10 games on home hardwood - the only 2 losses coming to the Bulls of all teams!?!? - and they have been able to go 4-1-3 against the spread in those 8 victories.

Toronto has been on a little bit of a bender, winning 3 straight (Bucks game included), and 9 of their last 11 straight up. The only 2 losses in that stretch did come on the road at Dallas and OKC, as they failed both against the spread as well.

With this meeting possibly foreshadowing another postseason clash, it is very important for Milwaukee to "hold their serve" on their home court, so in this near pick spot, going to side with the home team to do just that.

Bucks for the bucks!

3* MILWAUKEE

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CAPPERS ACCESS
(NBA)Bulls
(CBB) Penn St
(CBB) Oregon St

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Knicks vs. Heat Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

The Miami Heat are getting healthier while piling up victories and hope to continue that trend Friday night when they host the struggling New York Knicks, who won the first meeting this season by 29 points. The Heat have won five of seven and nine of their last 13 after outlasting Detroit 111-104 on Wednesday as guards Goran Dragic and Josh Richardson led the way again.

"We're grinding. We see progress," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after his team moved three games over .500 for the first time (20-17) since the end of the 2015-16 season. "Guys played with confidence in the second half (Wednesday). You always like to see that." The Knicks will have to control the backcourt duo of Richardson and Dragic, who combined for 46 points against Detroit, if they are to snap out of a tailspin that has seen them lose six of the past seven contests. New York was outscored by 17 points in the second half during a 121-103 loss at Washington on Wednesday night, dropping to 3-13 on the road in its fifth game in an eight-day span. "It was tough mentally for us," Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis told reporters after the loss. "Our energy wasn't there. Coach said they had three days of rest. They came out fresh. We didn't have it for the second half."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), FS Sun (Miami)

ABOUT THE KNICKS (18-20): Porzingis had 16 points Wednesday, but is just 10-of-32 from the field the last two games and admitted he is tired, while center Enes Kanter has drained 11 of his 15 attempts from the floor in the same span. Forward Michael Beasley came off the bench to lead the way with 20 points against Washington and has connected on 30 of his 54 shots from the field while scoring 19 per game in his last four outings. Backup center Kyle O'Quinn notched his third double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds in Wednesday's setback.

ABOUT THE HEAT (20-17): Dragic is averaging 24.5 points and 10.5 assists in the last two games after a poor outing against Brooklyn (3-for-12 from the floor) in a loss and Richardson is scoring 20.1 per contest over his past nine appearances. Forward James Johnson returned to the lineup Wednesday after missing the previous three games with an ankle injury and contributed 16 points in 24 minutes. "He put in a lot of time," Spoelstra said of Johnson. "You could tell he's not 100 percent with his timing and fluidity. We're a totally different team when he's out there."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. New York SF Doug McDermott is shooting 39.4 percent from 3-point range overall, but is 3-for-16 from behind the arc the last five games.

2. Miami C Kelly Olynyk had 25 points and 13 rebounds Wednesday for his second double-double in four games and third of the season.

3. Kanter had 22 points and 14 rebounds and the Knicks shot 60.3 percent from the field in the 115-86 win over the Heat on Nov. 29.

PREDICTION: Heat 104, Knicks 94

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pistons vs. 76ers Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats07:00 PM
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

The Detroit Pistons dropped their last three on the road, including a 111-104 setback at Miami on Wednesday that marked the start of a stretch with five of six away from home. The Pistons will try to rebound and snap the road slide when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.

Detroit played one of its best games of the season in a 93-79 home win over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday but followed that up by allowing the Heat to knock down 17 3-pointers in Wednesday's setback. "They were in the paint all night," Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters of the Heat. "The ball was coming inside out. They just broke you down on the dribble, on pick and rolls and on drives. We could not keep the ball out of the paint and that was the story of the game." The 76ers enjoyed their own win over the Spurs with a 112-106 triumph on Wednesday that marked their third straight win and fourth in the last five games. Philadelphia, which dropped nine of 10 before turning things around recently, can get back to .500 with a win on Friday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Detroit-plus, NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE PISTONS (20-16): One big difference between the win over the Spurs on Saturday and the loss on Wednesday was the absence of center Andre Drummond, who sat out in Miami after taking a shot to the ribs in practice on Tuesday and is day-to-day. "What Andre's able to bring for us on the defensive end, I think he is the best big man in pick-and-roll defense in the NBA," Detroit shooting guard Avery Bradley told the team's website. "It was tough. We still had a chance to help each other and talk on the defensive end because that's what it's all about. But we did miss him on both ends of the floor tonight." Bradley (groin) is battling through his own injury and returned from a seven-game absence on Wednesday, contributing 15 points on 6-of-19 shooting in 38 minutes.

ABOUT THE 76ERS (18-19): Philadelphia rookie point guard Ben Simmons scored 11 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter on Wednesday and went 10-of-15 from the free-throw line in the contest, marking the second straight game in which he attempted double-digit free throws. "That in itself is a huge win for me when he gets back to the line," 76ers coach Brett Brown told reporters of Simmons. "It's a mentality more than it is a skill, and that mentality of him attacking the basket, and going to the free throw line, then growing the confidence. ... That's a hell of a package." Simmons averaged 23.5 points and went a combined 17-of-26 from the line in the last two games after slumping to six points without attempting a free throw in a win over Denver on Dec. 30.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pistons SF Reggie Bullock is 12-of-20 from 3-point range over the last three games.

2. 76ers SG JJ Redick is averaging 20.6 points over the last games and buried multiple 3-pointers in each of those contests.

3. Philadelphia took each of the first two meetings this season, including a 108-103 home victory on Dec. 2.

PREDICTION: 76ers 106, Pistons 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Timberwolves vs. Celtics Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

The Boston Celtics seek their longest winning streak since their memorable 16-game run earlier this season when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. The Celtics rebounded from a 5-6 stretch with four straight wins, including a decisive 102-88 triumph over Eastern Conference rival Cleveland on Wednesday at home.

Reserve guard Terry Rozier led a balanced attack with 20 points in 20 minutes for Boston, which downplayed the big win and immediately moved on. "I mean, they were playing on the second night of a back-to-back, we had a couple of days off, we looked fresh, I thought, which is a welcome sign," coach Brad Stevens told the media. "And then, and then we've got a tough one Friday, that we've got to turn our attention to." The Timberwolves won seven of eight before they were done in by a late jumper in a 98-97 loss at Brooklyn on Wednesday. Jimmy Butler stayed hot with 30 points but missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Boston

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (24-15): Butler made 16-of-18 free throws in Wednesday's loss but contributed to a dismal perimeter game for Minnesota, which made a season-low one 3-pointer in 11 attempts. "The thing is, I told them this: 'It may not be going our way early but then we've got to make it go our way,'" coach Tom Thibodeau said after his team rallied from an eight-point deficit in the third quarter. "I thought we showed some resiliency in the second half but we talked about how important it is to play for 48 minutes and sometimes you miss some shots." Karl-Anthony Towns missed all four of his 3-point tries but finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds for his league-leading 31st double-double.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (31-10): Rozier and three other reserves - Marcus Smart, Aron Baynes and Daniel Theis - combined to shoot 19-for-31 from the floor and make 9-of-14 3-pointers in the win over the Cavaliers. "Just playing ball," Rozier told the media when asked of his aggressive approach. "Same thing applies. Not thinking. Just having a lot of fun. Competing. It opened it up for me." Kyrie Irving was held to 11 points - more than 13 below his average - but set a season high for rebounds for the second straight game with nine.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Celtics have won 11 straight meetings at home.

2. Rozier is 15-for-27 from 3-point range over a five-game stretch after going 0-for-6 in his previous three contests.

3. Butler scored at least 20 points in nine straight outings.

PREDICTION: Celtics 108, Timberwolves 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Raptors vs. Bucks Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

The Milwaukee Bucks are creeping up the standings in the Eastern Conference with wins in three of their last four games, but the lone loss in that span was an overtime setback at the Toronto Raptors. The Bucks will try to return the favor when the Raptors visit Milwaukee on Friday.

The Bucks could not figure out how to contain Toronto star DeMar DeRozan in Monday's loss as the shooting guard scored a Raptors franchise-record 52 points. Milwaukee bounced back by breezing by the Indiana Pacers 122-101 on Wednesday in a win so convincing that star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was able to sit out the entire fourth quarter. "We would all like to have a game like this where you can keep them under 30 minutes, but unfortunately that hasn't happened a lot this year," Bucks coach Jason Kidd told reporters. "So, this is a good win, especially having that game in Toronto (on Monday)." The Raptors followed up that win over Milwaukee by pulling away in the fourth quarter and downing the Chicago Bulls 124-115 behind 35 points from DeRozan on Wednesday.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TSN 2 (Toronto), FS Milwaukee

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (26-10): DeRozan attempted 124 3-pointers all last season but is already up to 114 attempts in 2017-18 and is becoming more confident from beyond the arc. The All-Star knocked down five 3-pointers in each of the last two games and is 12-of-21 in the last three games to bring his season mark to 36.8 percent. "We've never told DeMar DeRozan not to shoot the three," Casey said. "Never, ever, ever. If you want to join the party, go ahead and shoot the three. He's worked on it, it's paying off for him right now. He's shooting it with a lot of confidence. It's a balance. Don't forget where you came from, keep attacking the paint, and that's going to set up your 3-point shot."

ABOUT THE BUCKS (20-16): Milwaukee shot 58.7 percent from the floor and handed out 33 assists on Wednesday, with Matthew Dellavedova (nine), Malcolm Brogdon (five) and Eric Bledsoe (five) joining Antetokounmpo (five) in getting the whole team involved. "It's great having other playmakers out there," Antetokounmpo told reporters. "For me, personally, it's good for me because I'm always alert because I know at any point I can get the ball. So, it's fun to play with Delly, Malcolm and Bledsoe out there." Antetokounmpo recorded seven of the Bucks' 27 assists at Toronto on Monday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Raptors backup PG Delon Wright recorded career highs with 25 points and 13 rebounds on Wednesday.

2. Brogdon is shooting 56.3 percent from the floor over the last five games.

3. Monday's win was the fourth straight in the series for Toronto, which took the final three games of a first-round playoff series from Milwaukee last spring.

PREDICTION: Bucks 120, Raptors 117

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bulls vs. Mavericks Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

Both the Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks have climbed out of last place in their respective conferences, but both enter their meeting Friday in Dallas on a sour note. The Bulls dropped three in a row following a 10-2 surge and they are giving up an average of 120.7 points during the slide.

"Guys in the locker room were talking about we have to be better," Chicago guard Justin Holiday told reporters after Wednesday's 124-115 loss to the Toronto Raptors. "We don't have to be perfect, but defensively we have to make sure we are doing everything right; can't just go out and think we are just going to outscore people." The Mavericks won a pair of defensive battles and then a pair of shootouts in an impressive four-game winning streak that included a victory over the Raptors. That run came to an end when Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry got free for a 3-pointer in the closing seconds in a 125-122 win over the Mavericks on Wednesday. Wesley Matthews made seven 3-pointers en route to a team-high 22 points for Dallas, which has won four straight over Chicago.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE BULLS (13-25): Holiday was outstanding against Toronto with 26 points while fellow starting guard Kris Dunn had a game to forget on the offensive end by shooting 1-for-6 in 29 minutes. Dunn did hand out eight assists and may soon have another target to pass to as guard Zach LaVine is nearing a return from ACL surgery. Coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters that LaVine - who averaged 18.9 points with Minnesota last season - is expected to travel with the team to Dallas and Indiana and then reassess his situation once the team returns to Chicago.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (13-26): The Dallas players were taking no solace in pushing the defending champs to the wire, another indication that they have turned a corner following a difficult start to the season. "This is who we were supposed to be all along," Matthews told reporters. "We don't have a moral victory that we took the champs to a one-possession game. We really felt in our hearts we were supposed to win that one." The game against Golden State kicked off a stretch in which the Mavericks play eight of 11 at home, where they had won six of eight prior to the loss to the Warriors.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Bulls PF Lauri Markkanen is averaging 21 points on 53.4 percent shooting over his last four games.

2. Mavericks PF Dwight Powell tied a career high with 21 points against Golden State and he is 18-for-24 from the field over a four-game stretch.

3. Dallas entered Thursday ranked 24th in the league in scoring (101.6) and Chicago was 25th (101.4).

PREDICTION: Mavericks 110, Bulls 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Suns vs. Spurs Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

The San Antonio Spurs suffered through a disappointing three-game road trip, but the bigger picture is always what is in the team's view. The Spurs will try to pick things up during a brief stop at home when they host the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

San Antonio sat five players on the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday at Philadelphia, including Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, and ended up suffering a 112-106 loss to complete a 1-2 trip. That road trip marked the start of a stretch with nine of 11 on the road for the Spurs, who take off for the west coast after Friday's contest and will try to balance injury maintenance and winning again with a back-to-back at Portland and Sacramento on Sunday and Monday. The Suns are in the midst of their own rough stretch after dropping the opener of the two-game road trip 134-111 at Denver on Wednesday that marked a second loss in three games. "The whole night defensively we weren't very good," Phoenix interim coach Jay Triano told reporters. "That's two games in a row where we've kind of relied on scoring to try to beat teams. We're not good enough. We don't have enough depth to do that. We have to be better at the defensive end. We're not executing the way we need to."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), FS Southwest (San Antonio)

ABOUT THE SUNS (15-25): Phoenix allows an NBA-high 112.7 points per game and let the Nuggets shoot 62.2 percent from the floor in Wednesday's setback. On the other side of the ball, star shooting guard Devin Booker slumped to 17 points on 4-of-13 in the setback, snapping a string of four straight games in which he scored at least 26 points. Booker managed to stay on the attack at Denver and went 7-of-8 from the line, making him 48-of-54 from the stripe in five games since returning from a groin injury that cost him nine games.

ABOUT THE SPURS (26-13): San Antonio never hesitates to rest its players but still managed to stay in Wednesday's game despite the depleted roster due to the efforts of power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. The 32-year-old played in 38 of the team's 39 games this season and collected 24 points and 14 rebounds at Philadelphia while logging 36 minutes in the second night of the back-to-back. Aldridge got some help on Wednesday from point guard Patty Mills, who made the most of some extra playing time with Parker out and scored a season-high 26 points after totaling four points in the previous two contests.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Phoenix SF Jared Dudley (illness) sat out the last two games and is questionable for Friday.

2. Spurs SG Danny Green (groin) could miss his second straight game.

3. San Antonio took 11 of the last 12 in the series, including the first two meetings this season.

PREDICTION: Spurs 123, Suns 108

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jazz vs. Nuggets Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

The Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets have played some extremely one-sided contests this season and both will try to be on the right side of things when they finish their four-game season series in the Mile High City on Friday. After a 10-point Utah win in the season opener for both teams on Oct. 18, the next two meetings were decided by an average of 26.5 points, with the Nuggets picking up their first victory in the series with a 107-83 triumph at home the day after Christmas.

Denver followed that up with back-to-back losses before riding Gary Harris to a 134-111 rout of the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. "Gary had it going tonight. He was aggressive from the jump," teammate Will Barton told reporters of Harris, who scored 36 points for the second time in less than a month. "Once a guy gets going, you look for him." Utah has gone a month without a winning streak and fell for the 11th time in 14 games with Wednesday's 108-98 home loss to New Orleans. The Jazz now begin a stretch in which they play 12 of 16 on the road, where they are a Western Conference-worst 3-15.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah), Altitude (Denver)

ABOUT THE JAZZ (16-22): With center Rudy Gobert injured and rookie Donovan Mitchell carrying the bulk of the scoring load, Utah often finds itself with little margin for error against teams like the Pelicans, who are loaded with star power. "Other teams, they have two superstars they can rely on. Not saying our guys aren't talented, but other teams can get away with certain things," Mitchell told the Salt Lake Tribune on Wednesday. "We have to play with extra energy and we have to play with an assertiveness that we didn't play with tonight. We did at points, but not the whole game." Mitchell scored 24 points in the loss after averaging 23.1 in December, although he was held to 13 in the recent matchup with Denver.

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (20-17): Harris was 14-of-17 from the field against Phoenix and 20 of his points came in the first quarter alone. "The start he got off on was incredible," coach Michael Malone told the media of Harris, who also had two steals and entered Thursday ranked fifth in the NBA in that category (1.91). Trey Lyles added 16 points, and he scored in double figures in nine straight games to raise his season average to 9.7.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Denver outrebounded each of its last 13 opponents.

2. Nuggets C Mason Plumlee tied season highs with six assists and five blocked shots against the Suns.

3. Gobert (knee) has missed 10 games in a row and will be reevaluated in another week or so.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 108, Jazz 98

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wizards vs. Grizzlies Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

The Memphis Grizzlies are starting to pick up the pace offensively, but hanging with the Washington Wizards may be a tough task. The Grizzlies will try to slow a Wizards offense averaging 118.7 points during a three-game winning streak when they host Washington on Friday.

Memphis is 29th in the NBA in scoring at an average of 98.9 points but put up at least 105 points in each of the last four games, winning two of those contests. "Our success offensively comes down to shot selection and taking care of the basketball, along with our body movement and ball movement, so when we struggle in those areas, we end up doing things that we're uncomfortable doing," Grizzlies interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters after finishing off a five-game road trip with a 113-105 loss at the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. The Wizards seem plenty comfortable on the offensive end of late and are putting up an average of 116 points while winning five of their last six games. "I think just everybody is getting healthy," Washington point guard John Wall told the Washington Post. "Me, (Markieff Morris) getting healthy. Otto (Porter Jr.) getting back healthy. Brad (Beal) has been playing great for us. He's been MVP so far this season. ... Just look at the scoreboard any day, and if we have many more assists than turnovers, we end up winning the game."

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Washington, FS Southeast (Memphis)

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (22-16): Wall and Beal combined for 52 points in Wednesday's 121-103 win over the New York Knicks, but the most surprising contribution came from center Marcin Gortat, who scored a season-high 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting. "I'm happy we won the game. That's the most important thing," Gortat told reporters. "It's just one game in the season, I guess, when I score like that. Let's talk after 10, 20 more games, and we'll see what's going to happen." Gortat scored in double figures just four times in 16 games in December, topping out at 12 points.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (12-26): Gortat will be matched up defensively on Friday against Memphis center Marc Gasol, who is struggling to carry the load for his team and totaled 18 points on 6-of-19 shooting in the last two games. Picking up the slack is guard Tyreke Evans, who averaged 24.6 points on 50 percent shooting on the five-game road trip and leads the team in scoring at 19.6 points. Gasol and Evans are two of the few players to remain healthy most of the season for the Grizzlies, with Evans' only missed game coming in a 93-87 setback at Washington on Dec. 13.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Beal is averaging 29 points on 60 percent shooting over the last three contests.

2. Grizzlies SF Chandler Parsons (knee) is expected to miss his third straight game.

3. Washington is aiming for its first win in Memphis since April 4, 2015.

PREDICTION: Wizards 113, Grizzlies 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hawks vs. Trail Blazers Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

The Portland Trail Blazers did not have Damian Lillard last weekend when they suffered a surprising loss at Atlanta, but get a chance at revenge Friday when the struggling Hawks come to town with the All-Star guard back in the lineup. Lillard, who missed five games with a hamstring injury, returned Tuesday and scored 25 points - including six 3-pointers - in 33 minutes in a 127-110 loss at Cleveland.

"My conditioning was pretty good," Lillard told the media after Tuesday's game, citing he was not happy with committing seven turnovers. "My timing was a little bit off with some of my passes but everything else, I felt pretty good." The Trail Blazers face an Atlanta team that not only has the NBA's worst record, but owns one of the worst losses of the season in Tuesday's 104-103 meltdown at Phoenix. The Hawks led by 10 points with 2 ½ minutes to go, only to trail by three with six seconds left before Dennis Schroder inexplicably drove for a layup with less than one second remaining. "I think we'll learn from it," Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters afterward. "There are lots of mental mistakes from all of us. We can get better."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), NBCS Northwest (Portland)

ABOUT THE HAWKS (10-27): Atlanta came into Phoenix riding its hottest streak of the season, having won three of its previous four games. Ersan Ilyasova led the Hawks with 21 points against the Suns, his third 20 point-plus outing in his past five games to raise his scoring average to 11.4 points per game. The Hawks have averaged 58.3 points in the second half in their past six games, scoring 30 points or more in the fourth quarter four times in that stretch.

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (19-18): Despite losing five of its past eight games, Portland is tied with New Orleans for seventh place in the Western Conference. Lillard, who is tied for seventh in the NBA in scoring at 25.2 points per game entering Thursday, averaged 24 in two matchups against the Hawks last season. Jusuf Nurkic scored 23 points against Cleveland and is 15-for-25 from the field in his past two games after going 10-for-35 in the previous three contests.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Hawks rallied from 11 points down in the third quarter to beat the Blazers 104-89 in Atlanta last Saturday, as Schroder scored 18 of his 22 points after halftime.

2. The Trail Blazers are the only team in the NBA with a .500 or better overall record but a losing record at home (8-10).

3. Atlanta has forced 21 turnovers in each of its past two games and rank sixth in the NBA in steals per game (8.6).

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 112, Hawks 96

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hornets vs. Lakers Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

The Charlotte Hornets are beginning to pile up some impressive victories and will try to cap a winning four-game road trip when they visit the slumping Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. The Hornets won three of five since a 3-10 slump, including victories at the defending champion Golden State Warriors to begin the trip and a 131-111 runaway win at Sacramento on Tuesday.

"To score the way we did, really just did a lot of good things offensively," interim coach Stephen Silas told reporters after his team set a season high for scoring. "We need to carry that over because our offense has not been very good up until this point, up until this trip. But things are starting to click a little bit and it's good." Facing a hot offensive team is about the worst thing for the Lakers right now, as they've allowed 119.3 points per game during an eight-game slide. Perhaps the worst of those eight consecutive losses was the 133-96 setback against Oklahoma City at home on Wednesday. "I felt like we came out the way we have been playing all year, which is competitive, in the fight and taking it to them," coach Luke Walton told the media. "Then it felt like we gave in."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE HORNETS (14-23): Charlotte has been enjoying success with its pick-and-roll attack, which has been the catalyst for better ball distribution and open shots; the Hornets are 27th in the league in assists (20.7) but recorded at least 21 in seven of their last eight games. "It was more of our ball movement," Silas told reporters after his team hit 15-of-32 3-pointers against the Kings. "We stayed in the pick-and-roll basically the whole game, as much as we could. And we were making the extra pass and getting those open 3s." Dwight Howard led eight players in double figures with 20 points and both Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lamb finished 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.

ABOUT THE LAKERS (11-26): Rookie point guard Lonzo Ball (shoulder) missed six straight games but returned to practice and is questionable for this one. He was limited to five points but handed out nine assists and six of his teammates scored at least 12 points in a 110-99 win at Charlotte less than a month ago. One bright spot in the latest lopsided loss was a solid shooting night for fellow rookie Kyle Kuzma, who was 7-for-14 against the Thunder after going 33-for-102 over his previous six games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Howard needs seven rebounds to move past Hall of Famer Charles Barkley (12,546) and into 18th place on the NBA's all-time list.

2. Lakers C Brook Lopez (ankle) returned from an eight-game absence to score 10 points in 16 minutes against the Thunder.

3. Hornets F Johnny O'Bryant scored a career-high 16 points against the Kings and finished in double figures in consecutive games for the first time in his four-year career.

PREDICTION: Hornets 113, Lakers 111

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Penguins vs. Islanders Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/05/2018

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins look to recover from another staggering performance when they visit the struggling New York Islanders on Friday. Pittsburgh could not build on Tuesday's impressive win at Philadelphia as it managed just 21 shots in Thursday's 4-0 loss to Carolina - its eighth setback in 12 games.

"We know what the situation is," Penguins captain Sidney Crosby told the Pittsburgh Gazette after Thursday's defeat. "It's a team we're fighting against in the standings, so these points are important. It's a divisional game. It's not good enough." The Penguins will have to be better offensively against the Islanders, who are among the league leaders in scoring and were productive Thursday despite suffering a 6-4 setback at Philadelphia that extended their losing streak to a season-high four games. New York has surrendered 50 tallies over its last 11 contests (3-7-1) and is last in the league in goals allowed thanks in part to its struggles in net and having two of its top six defensemen out of the lineup. Captain John Tavares recorded his 22nd goal of the season Thursday and is tied for the team lead in points with Josh Bailey (50), who has been kept off the scoresheet in each of his last two contests after an 11-game point streak.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, MSG Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (20-19-3): Crosby was held without a shot Thursday and has gone eight games without a goal while adding just three assists in that span to remain third on the team with 36 points. Phil Kessel registered five of his team-leading 44 points in the previous four games while Evgeni Malkin notched six of his 38 in the previous four contests. Defenseman Brian Dumoulin is day-to-day after suffering a concussion in Tuesday's contest while Carter Rowney (upper body) also missed Thursday's game.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (20-17-4): Cal Clutterbuck snapped his 18-game drought with a pair of goals in Thursday's loss and defenseman Ryan Pulock also tallied for New York, which scored twice in the third period to pull within 5-4. Anders Lee, who leads the team with 24 goals, has been held without a point in three consecutive contests and has posted a minus-5 rating in that span. Rookie center Mathew Barzal snapped his three-game point drought and defenseman Nick Leddy ended his string of four games without hitting the scoresheet with assists at Philadelphia.

OVERTIME

1. The Penguins defeated the Islanders 4-3 in overtime on Dec. 7 and are 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings.

2. New York D Johnny Boychuk (lower body), who owns a plus-2 rating in 34 games, is close to returning after missing four straight contests.

3. Pittsburgh D Kris Letang did not register a shot on Thursday and has recorded just one of his 25 points in the last eight games.

PREDICTION: Penguins 5, Islanders 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Panthers vs. Red Wings Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

The Florida Panthers return from an unexpected break on their month-opening road trip when they visit the Detroit Red Wings on Friday. Florida had its five-game trek reduced to four when Thursday's contest in Boston was postponed due to the severe winter storm that impacted the area.

The Panthers entered their trip with a season-high five-game winning streak but had it snapped as they suffered a 5-1 loss at Minnesota on Tuesday. Jonathan Huberdeau scored the lone goal in the setback, giving him five in as many games and drawing him within one of team leader Vincent Trocheck (15). Detroit is 3-0-0 on its five-game homestand and carries a six-game point streak at Little Caesars Arena (4-0-2) into Friday's contest. Andreas Athanasiou hopes to remain hot as he scored both goals in Wednesday's 2-1 triumph over Ottawa, including the winner six seconds into overtime to tie the NHL record for the fastest tally to be recorded in an extra session.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Florida, FS Detroit

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (17-17-5): Thursday's postponement likely benefited James Reimer, who left Tuesday's game with a neck injury but figures to make his 13th consecutive start against the Red Wings. Harri Sateri made his NHL debut versus the Wild in relief of Reimer and stopped 13 of the 14 shots he faced. Trocheck is tied with Huberdeau for the team lead at 37 points and needs one assist to reach the century mark for his career.

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (16-16-7): Dylan Larkin looks to extend his point streak to five games as he prepares to skate in his 200th NHL contest Friday. The 21-year-old center, who leads the team with 33 points, has registered a goal and three assists during his run. Captain Henrik Zetterberg ranks second on the club with 21 assists and is one shy of 600 for his career.

OVERTIME

1. Red Wings RW Anthony Mantha returned to the lineup Wednesday after missing two games with a groin injury and notched an assist.

2. Florida RW Evgenii Dadonov has gone five games without a point and 16 without a goal.

3. Athanasiou's goal gave Detroit its first overtime win this season (1-6), but he is tied for the team-worst plus/minus rating at minus-10.

PREDICTION: Red Wings 4, Panthers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sharks vs. Senators Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/05/2018

The San Jose Sharks attempt to make a quick recovery from a shootout loss when they continue their five-game road trip Friday against the Ottawa Senators. San Jose split the first two contests on its trek before dropping a 3-2 decision at Toronto on Thursday.

The Sharks have been struggling to pick up victories on the road of late, going 1-2-2 in their last five away from home. Ottawa is kicking off a three-game homestand that takes place over the course of five days. The Senators have dropped two of their last three at home and six of their last seven overall (1-4-2) after Wednesday's 2-1 overtime setback at Detroit. Ryan Dzingel scored the lone goal in the defeat to join new linemates Mark Stone (15) and Derick Brassard (10) as the only members of the team in double digits.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS California (San Jose), TSN5, RDS2 (Ottawa)

ABOUT THE SHARKS (21-12-5): Brenden Dillon scored in Thursday's setback, putting an end to his lengthy drought. The 27-year-old defenseman had not tallied since Feb. 28 - a span of 56 games - also against the Maple Leafs. Joe Thornton is tied with defenseman Brent Burns for the team lead with 27 points and is two away from tying Adam Oates (1,420) for 17th place on the all-time list. The 38-year-old Thornton needs seven points to pull even with Bryan Trottier for 16th and trails Mario Lemieux by seven for 11th place on the assists list.

ABOUT THE SENATORS (12-17-9): Dzingel's tally was his first point in six games and put an end to his 10-game goal-scoring drought. Seven of the 25-year-old left wing's 10 goals this season have come on the road. Mike Hoffman, who has gone 14 contests without a tally, also is mired in a six-game point drought and remains two away from 200 for his career.

OVERTIME

1. Burns has recorded a point in seven of his last eight contests and 10 of his last 12.

2. Ottawa RW Alex Burrows has not landed on the scoresheet since Nov. 22, a span of 17 games, and his next assist will be his 200th in the NHL.

3. San Jose LW Mikkel Boedker has scored only three goals in 31 contests this season and needs to double his total to reach 100 for his career.

PREDICTION: Sharks 3, Senators 0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sabres vs. Jets Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/05/2018

The Winnipeg Jets attempt to continue their home dominance when they host the road-challenged Buffalo Sabres on Friday. Winnipeg is beginning a brief two-game stretch at Bell MTS Place, where it has won three in a row and lost in regulation just once in its last 15 (13-1-1).

The Jets are riding a four-game point streak (3-0-1) after dropping a 3-2 overtime decision at Colorado on Tuesday. Blake Wheeler earned Winnipeg the point by scoring twice in the third period, including the tying goal with 33 seconds remaining in the third period. Buffalo kicked off its three-game road trip Thursday with a 6-2 loss at Minnesota in which it surrendered three goals in each of the first two periods before scoring two in the third. The Sabres have won only one of their last seven road contests (1-3-3) and are 5-11-6 away from the KeyBank Center this season.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, MSG Buffalo, TSN3 (Winnipeg)

ABOUT THE SABRES (10-21-9): Marco Scandella notched an assist on Thursday, giving 100 career points. The 27-year-old defenseman, who is in his first season with Buffalo after spending his first seven in the NHL with Minnesota, has recorded 11 assists in 40 games this campaign. Evander Kane scored his team-leading 16th goal on Thursday to pull even with Jack Eichel for first on the club with 35 points.

ABOUT THE JETS (23-11-7): Tobias Enstrom was a full participant in Thursday's practice for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury on Nov. 18. "He had some contact today, a little heavier contract (on Friday) and the next day," coach Paul Maurice told the team's website about the 33-year-old defenseman. "Then we'll have to see what the doctors say." Wheeler, who leads Winnipeg with 47 points, has scored four goals during a three-game streak while adding two assists on his four-game point run.

OVERTIME

1. Jets RW Patrik Laine has notched five assists during his three-game streak and is two points shy of 100 for his career.

2. Eichel has been kept off the scoresheet in two straight games after recording 11 points in his previous six contests.

3. Winnipeg D Dustin Byfuglien (lower body), whose next assist will be his 300th in the NHL, returned to the lineup Thursday after a 10-game absence.

PREDICTION: Jets 5, Sabres 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden Knights vs. Blackhawks Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/05/2018

The Chicago Blackhawks hope to build on one of their best performances in almost three weeks when they host the Western Conference-leading Vegas Golden Knights on Friday. Chicago extended its point streak to three games (2-0-1) with a 5-2 road victory against the New York Rangers on Wednesday in which it allowed just 25 shots and scored three unanswered goals in the third period.

"When it's the way it is now, definitely it adds some urgency," Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews told the Chicago Tribune before Wednesday's win. "You have to think about that and let that sink in. Whether we're at the bottom or the top of our division, we have to focus on winning every game. We're not going to skip 10 points ahead (in one night)." The Blackhawks hope to capitalize on a Vegas team - playing for the sixth time in 10 days - that saw its eight-game winning streak come to an end with a 2-1 setback at St. Louis on Thursday. Erik Haula scored the lone goal for the expansion Golden Knights, who allowed 39 shots as their point streak ended at 13 games. Vegas has allowed 14 goals in its last nine contests and may start backup Malcolm Subban (10-2-0) in net after Marc-Andre Fleury faced St. Louis.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Vegas), NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (27-10-2): Jonathan Marchessault, who signed a six-year, $30 million contract extension on Wednesday, leads the team with 37 points but saw his seven-game streak come to an end against the Blues. David Perron extended his point streak to five games with an assist to move into third place on the team with 32 points - one behind William Karlsson. William Carrier returned to the lineup Thursday for the first time since Nov. 25 after sitting out with an upper-body injury.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (19-14-6): Patrick Kane continues to put up points with six in his last five games and leads the team with 40 while linemate Nick Schmaltz is tied for second with 26 after posting six in his last four contests. Jeff Glass, a 32-year-old rookie who is filling in for the injured Corey Crawford, is 2-0-1 in his last three games, stopping 100-of-109 shots in the process, and coach Joel Quenneville told reporters he is giving the team a boost. "This is my chance right now," Glass told reporters after Wednesday's win. "We played a strong game as a unit, I just did my part. It was a lot of fun out there."

OVERTIME

1. Vegas LW Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (four goals in 38 games) missed Thursday's contest to be with his wife for the birth of their child.

2. Four different players scored a goal for the Golden Knights in the 4-2 home victory over the Blackhawks on Oct. 24.

3. Chicago RW Richard Panik, who has gone 11 games without a point, was a healthy scratch on Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 4, Golden Knights 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wisconsin vs. Rutgers Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

After surprising starts for both schools during non-conference action, it is back to business as usual for Wisconsin and Rutgers - a good development for the former and a bad one for the latter. The Badgers eye a sixth straight victory Friday when they visit the Scarlet Knights, who hope to avoid their longest losing streak of the season.

Wisconsin fell three games below .500 for the first time since the start of the 2001-02 campaign following a 19-point setback to Marquette on Dec. 9, but the Badgers have rallied from their 4-7 start with five straight wins - the last of which came in a 71-61 decision over Indiana at home Tuesday. After struggling at times during his team's uncharacteristic open to the season, junior forward Ethan Happ is averaging 19 points per game on 66 percent shooting during Wisconsin's winning streak. Rutgers raced out to a 6-0 start and handed No. 21 Seton Hall one of its two losses to improve to 10-3 on Dec. 16, but second-year coach Steve Pikiell's squad followed that signature win by getting beat at home against Stony Brook and Hartford. The Scarlet Knights took their third double-digit defeat in as many conference games Wednesday, suffering their largest margin of defeat this season while getting blown out 82-51 at No. 12 Purdue.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2

ABOUT WISCONSIN (9-7, 2-1 Big Ten): Happ erupted for a season-high 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting Wednesday for the shorthanded Badgers, who learned about 90 minutes before tipoff they would be without starting guard Brevin Pritzl due to a head injury. The sophomore is just the latest injury casualty to a Wisconsin backcourt missing D'Mitrik Trice (foot), Kobe King (knee; out for the season) and asking freshman Brad Davison (11.9 points), who has scored at least 14 points in five of his last six outings, to play through a shoulder injury. Freshman forward Aleem Ford (6.6) has seen his playing time spike with all of the attrition in the backcourt, averaging 11 points per game while shooting 14-for-21 beyond the arc over the last five contests.

ABOUT RUTGERS (10-6, 0-3): The Scarlet Knights registered a minus-16 in rebounding margin in their two losses following the upset of Seton Hall before getting pounded 45-27 on the glass during Wednesday's rout. A pair of freshmen managed to show well offensively against the Boilermakers, however, as guard Geo Baker had 11 points and was one of two Scarlet Knights to reach double figures, while Mamadou Doucoure chipped in eight points in nine minutes before fouling out. Deshawn Freeman (11.6 points, 8.2 rebounds) managed only nine points and two boards versus Purdue, but the 6-7 senior forward collected a season-high four steals for the second straight game and ranks fifth in the Big Ten with 1.6.

TIP-INS

1. Wisconsin is averaging 79.4 points on 53 percent shooting - including 44 percent beyond the arc - during its winning streak (66.1, 44 and 33 over its first 11 games, respectively).

2. The Scarlet Knights are 29-for-57 from the foul line during their losing streak.

3. Happ is the only major-conference player averaging at least 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists. He is also the only player in the conference leading his team in all three categories.

PREDICTION: Wisconsin 68, Rutgers 59

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Northwestern vs. Penn State Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

Northwestern hoped to get back in the NCAA Tournament picture with a strong performance when they re-entered Big Ten play after the New Year but failed to provide much offense against Nebraska with its best player, point guard Bryant McIntosh, on the sidelines due to a knee injury. With their floor leader hopefully available Friday, the Wildcats visit Happy Valley looking to regain momentum and make some history against the Nittany Lions.


Northwestern will be attempting a fifth consecutive road victory when playing against Penn State, which would be a school first against any member of the Big Ten. However, the Wildcats will have to play better than Tuesday when they trailed by a point with eight minutes left but fell 70-55 at home against Nebraska after shooting 29 percent from the floor. "It was like a slugfest grinder game. We knew we were going to have to play a game like that when you don't have McIntosh (13.3 points, 5.5 assists)," Northwestern coach Chris Collins said. "It was just one of those nights when we didn't shoot the ball very well." With a trio of talented sophomores, Penn State was hoping to make a deep run in March, but the Nittany Lions split two winnable games to start conference play in early December and dropped a 75-69 decision at undermanned Maryland on Tuesday.

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


ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (10-6, 1-2 Big Ten): Dererk Pardon (12.4 points, 6.9 rebounds) had 17 points and a season-high 15 rebounds - 11 on the offensive glass - for the Wildcats against Nebraska, but the junior center was 6-of-18 from the floor. Still, Pardon, who is Northwestern's all-time leader with a 61.4 percent career field-goal percentage, has really picked up his play over the last three games, averaging 17.3 points and 10.7 rebounds. Leading scorer Scottie Lindsey (14.6 points) tallied 12 points but shot just 4-of-14 from the floor against the Huskers.

ABOUT PENN STATE (11-5, 1-2): Mike Watkins had 17 points and a career-high 17 rebounds, while fellow sophomore Tony Carr added 16 points and eight assists, but the Nittany Lions couldn't hold a five-point lead with 6:22 left and were outscored 23-2 at the free-throw line. "You've got a home-court advantage here," Penn State coach Patrick Chambers told the media in College Park. "I don't know if that influenced (them) at all, but 34 free throws versus four is tough to swallow because we played some really good basketball." Carr is second in the conference in scoring (18.7 points) and is shooting 50.8 percent from the 3-point line, while Watkins (12.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.4 blocks) has been playing great of late, averaging 15 points and 10.3 rebounds over his last eight games.


TIP-INS

1. Lindsey scored a career-high 31 points and dropped five 3-pointers last season when the Wildcats topped the Lions 87-77 in their only meeting last season.

2. Pardon's 11 offensive rebounds are the second most by a Division I player this season, trailing only the 12 posted by Rokas Gustys of Hofstra against Siena on Nov. 25.

3. Watkins is second in the league in rebounds, blocks and field-goal percentage (67.5).


PREDICTION: Penn State 75, Northwestern 72

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oregon vs. Oregon State Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 01/04/2018

Oregon coach Dana Altman isn't quite sure what his young team will look like in March, but freshman forward Kenny Wooten figures to have a major role. Wooten looks to continue his development Friday as the Ducks visit Oregon State, which opened Pac-12 play with a 19-point win over Colorado before falling 66-64 to Utah.

The 6-9, 220-pound Wooten is sixth on the team in scoring at 8.5 points but leads the Pac-12 with 49 blocks while his 76.5-percent conversion rate from the field would lead the conference if he had enough attempts to qualify. "Kenny's been solid," Altman told reporters. "We haven't been getting him the ball enough and he never calls for it. He's got to start calling for the ball and making those guys throw it to him. He's giving us so many things, we've got to give him the ball every now and then." Wooten scored 13 points and played a season-high 31 minutes last Sunday as the Ducks bounced back from a 10-point loss to Utah by leading wire-to-wire in a 77-62 win over Colorado. Oregon has won three straight against the rival Beavers, who hope to have 6-11 center Gligorije Rakocevic and guard Kendal Manuel available after both missed the start of Pac-12 play due to injuries.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

ABOUT OREGON (11-4, 1-1 Pac-12): Freshman forward Troy Brown continued to impress with 21 points, seven rebounds and four steals in the win over Colorado, while junior forward Paul White had five rebounds in 21 minutes after missing two games due to a concussion. Brown averages 12.7 points and a team-high 7.6 rebounds for the Ducks, who are playing just their second true road game this season. Guard Elijah Brown, a graduate transfer from New Mexico, ranks second on the team in scoring at 13.5 points while shooting 94.3 percent from the foul line.

ABOUT OREGON STATE (9-5, 1-1): Forward Drew Eubanks averages 13.7 points and 6.6 rebounds but fouled out in 20 minutes in last Sunday's narrow loss to Utah, forcing coach Wayne Tinkle to go with a smaller lineup that included Alfred Hollins or Tres Tinkle at power forward. Tinkle, the coach's son, averages team highs in scoring (18.2 points) and rebounding (6.8), while junior guard Stephen Thompson Jr. (16.6 points) is shooting 48.8 percent beyond the arc over the past seven games. His brother, freshman guard Ethan Thompson, has started all 14 games and averages 10 points per game to go along with 3.6 assists.

TIP-INS

1. Oregon State holds a 186-162 lead in the all-time series, including 101-64 in Corvallis.

2. The Ducks are 133-15 under Altman when holding opponents under 70 points.

3. Stephen Thompson Jr. needs four points to become the 40th Oregon State player to join the 1,000-point club.

PREDICTION: Oregon 77, Oregon State 68

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Friday, January 5

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


AKRON (7 - 6) at TOLEDO (8 - 6) - 1/5/2018, 6:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

ELON (10 - 5) at NORTHEASTERN (8 - 6) - 1/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ELON is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHEASTERN is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

WRIGHT ST (10 - 5) at DETROIT (4 - 11) - 1/5/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 23-43 ATS (-24.3 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.
DETROIT is 39-61 ATS (-28.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

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

WISCONSIN (9 - 7) at RUTGERS (10 - 6) - 1/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RUTGERS is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

JAMES MADISON (4 - 11) at HOFSTRA (8 - 6) - 1/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOFSTRA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
HOFSTRA is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
HOFSTRA is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
HOFSTRA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOFSTRA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

PRINCETON (7 - 7) at PENNSYLVANIA (9 - 5) - 1/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PRINCETON is 79-51 ATS (+22.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 93-131 ATS (-51.1 Units) in all home games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 93-131 ATS (-51.1 Units) in home lined games since 1997.

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

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

N KENTUCKY (9 - 5) at OAKLAND (9 - 6) - 1/5/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 43-27 ATS (+13.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 43-27 ATS (+13.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
N KENTUCKY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
N KENTUCKY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
N KENTUCKY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) as a favorite this season.

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

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

UNC-WILMINGTON (4 - 10) at TOWSON ST (10 - 5) - 1/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in all games this season.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 this season.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) after allowing 80 points or more this season.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 74-51 ATS (+17.9 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TOWSON ST is 3-1 against the spread versus UNC-WILMINGTON over the last 3 seasons
UNC-WILMINGTON is 3-1 straight up against TOWSON ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

COLL OF CHARLESTON (11 - 3) at DREXEL (6 - 9) - 1/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 78-105 ATS (-37.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 117-85 ATS (+23.5 Units) in road games since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 117-85 ATS (+23.5 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
DREXEL is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

WM & MARY (9 - 4) at DELAWARE (8 - 7) - 1/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DELAWARE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
WM & MARY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all games this season.
WM & MARY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all lined games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WM & MARY is 4-0 against the spread versus DELAWARE over the last 3 seasons
WM & MARY is 4-0 straight up against DELAWARE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NORTHWESTERN (10 - 6) at PENN ST (11 - 5) - 1/5/2018, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

OREGON (11 - 4) at OREGON ST (9 - 5) - 1/5/2018, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MANHATTAN (7 - 7) at MONMOUTH (4 - 10) - 1/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MANHATTAN is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

FAIRFIELD (6 - 7) at RIDER (8 - 6) - 1/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FAIRFIELD is 26-43 ATS (-21.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 105-76 ATS (+21.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
RIDER is 79-108 ATS (-39.8 Units) in all home games since 1997.
RIDER is 79-108 ATS (-39.8 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
RIDER is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) in home games on Friday nights since 1997.
RIDER is 37-57 ATS (-25.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

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

ST PETERS (7 - 6) at IONA (7 - 7) - 1/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST PETERS is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
IONA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in a home game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
IONA is 61-90 ATS (-38.0 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
IONA is 54-80 ATS (-34.0 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.

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

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

NIAGARA (7 - 8) at SIENA (4 - 11) - 1/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SIENA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

CANISIUS (8 - 7) at QUINNIPIAC (5 - 9) - 1/5/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CANISIUS is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Friday, January 5

Toledo won four of its last five games with Akron; Zips lost by 17-14 points in last two visits here. Akron lost its last four D-I games; they’re #323 experience team that is 0-3 in true road games, losing by 13-22-12 points. Zips are turning ball over 21% of time. Toledo won three of last four games, but lost MAC opener 104-94 at Buffalo; Rockets are thin team (#346 in bench minutes) that is shooting 40.8% on arc (#21). Last 4+ years, Akron is 8-8 vs spread as MAC road underdogs; Toledo was 6-3 as a home favorite LY, after being 12-21-1 the previous four years.

Elon/Northeastern split their six CAA meetings, last three of which were all decided by 4 or less points. Elon won two of three visits here. Elon won its last three games, scoring 79.3 ppg; they won first two CAA games by 15-3 points. Huskies lost two of last three games; they’re 3-6 vs teams in top 200, turning ball over 20.9% for season. Northeastern is #257 experience team. Elon is 2-5 in true road games, winning at Boston U, Indiana State. Last two years, Elon is 8-6 as CAA road underdogs; last 5+ years, Northeastern is 15-21-1 as home favorites.

Wright State won five of last six games, winning first two Horizon games by 4-8 points. Raiders are 2-4 in true road games, but are 5-1 vs teams ranked outside top 200- they’re turning ball over 20.6% of time. Detroit lost its last nine games, dropping first two Horizon games by 12-8 points. Titans are 2-11 vs D-I teams; their defensive eFG% is #323 in country. Wright State won seven of last eight games with Detroit; they’re 3-2 in last five visits to Motor City. Last four years, Wright St is 4-6 as road favorites; Detroit is 5-9 as home underdogs.

Wisconsin won its last three games with Rutgers by 22-20-12ot points; they lost 67-62 in last visit here, three years ago. Badgers won their last five games after a 4-7 start; they’re 1-2 in true road games, with only win by a point at Penn State. Wisconsin is playing 6th-slowest pace in country. Rutgers lost its last three games after a 10-3 start; Knights are 1-4 vs top 100 teams- they upset Seton Hall on this floor. Last four years, Badgers are 13-14 as Big 14 road favorites; Rutgers is 10-13 vs spread under Pikiell as home underdogs.

Oakland won three of last four games; they’re #38 experience team that is playing pace #15. Grizzlies are 6-0 at home, but are 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 24-43-13 points. Northern Kentucky won its first two Horizon games by 18-35 points; Norse is 0-4 in true road games, 0-3 vs teams in top 125- their best win is over #128 Iona. Oakland won three of four games with Northern Kentucky in Horizon play; teams split two games played here. NKU is 2-5 as a Horizon League road favorite; last four years, Oakland is 3-3 as home underdogs.

Charleston won four of last five games with Drexel; Cougars lost three of last four visits here. Charleston won its last four games, winning first two CAA games by 11-15 points; they’re 3-2 in true road games, 7-1 vs teams ranked outside top 200. Drexel lost five of its last four games; they gave up 98.5 ppg in losing first two CAA games, by 15-20 points. Dragons are 4-1 at home, but loss was to #242 Bowling Green. Charleston was 4-1 as CAA road favorites LY, after being 1-11 previous four years. last three years, Drexel is 9-11 as home favorites.

Wm & Mary won its last four games with Delaware, winning by 15-21 points in last two visits here. Tribe is 9-4 vs schedule #111; they won first two CAA games by 3-8 points- they’re 3-4 in true road games. W&M is shooting 43.5% on arc, #2 in country. Delaware won four of last five games, with two OT wins in there; Blue Hens are 1-5 vs top 200 teams- their best win was over #199 Cal-Bakersfield. Rebuilding Delaware is #318 in experience. Last 4+ years, Wm & Mary is 22-14 vs spread on CAA road; last three years, Delaware is 9-11 as home underdogs.

Northwestern is 1-5 vs top 100 teams, with lone win in OT over #88 Illinois. Wildcats lost by 15 at home to Nebraska in last game- they gave up 68 points in a half to Oklahoma. Penn State is 1-4 vs top 100 teams, with only win by 4 at #84 Iowa; Lions are #249 experience team that forces turnovers 22.3% of the time. Northwestern won three of last four games with Penn State; they won last four visits here. Last three years, Northwestern is 12-9 as Big 14 road underdogs; Penn State is 7-10 in its last 17 games as home favorites.

Oregon won five of its last six games; they won by 7 at Fresno State in only true road game this season. Ducks are 10-1 vs teams ranked outside top 100, with lone loss to UConn in PK80 event. Oregon State won seven of last nine games; four of its last five games were decided by 3 or less points. OSU is 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 5-2 points. Oregon won seven of last eight games with the Beavers; Ducks won five of last seven visits to Corvallis, splitting last four. Last three years, Oregon is 10-6-1 as Pac-12 road favorites; under Tinkle, Beavers are 11-5-1 as home dogs.

This is Monmouth’s first home game since Dec 6; Hawks lost six of last seven games with only win over banged-up Yale; Hawks lost first two MAAC games by 2-13 points. Manhattan won its first two league games by total of 8 points; they’re 1-3 in true road games, with OT win at Marist. Monmouth won its last three games with Manhattan, winning last two meetings here by 9-11 points. Underdogs covered last five series games. Last three years, Manhattan is 10-12 as MAAC road dogs; last four years, Monmouth is 13-19-1 as home faves.

Fairfield is 0-5 in true road games, losing by 3 at Manhattan in its MAAC road opener; Stags are 2-5 vs top 200 teams- they’re #250 experience team that is shooting only 30.9% on arc. Rider won three of last four games; they’re 7-3 vs teams ranked outside top 150, but Broncs shoot only 64% on foul line (#328). Rider plays pace #34, very fast. Fairfield won its last four games with Rider, winning last two visits here, by 5-9 points. Last 4+ years, Fairfield is 20-13-1 as MAAC road underdogs; last three years, Rider is 12-9 as home favorites.

This is Iona’s first home game since Dec 12. Gaels are 7-7 this year; they won 20+ games the last eight years. Iona won nine of last ten games with St Peter’s; Peacocks lost their last seven games at Iona- they lost two of last three visits here in OT. Iona is 7-3 vs teams ranked outside top 100. Peacocks won three of last four games; they’re 1-5 in true road games, with only win at Lafayette by 4. Last 2+ years, St Peter’s is 11-3 as MAAC road underdogs; last three years, Iona is 8-16-2 as home favorites. St Peter’s plays 6th-slowest pace in country, force turnovers 22.1% of time.

Canisius is 5-3 vs Quinnipiac in MAAC play; they’re 3-1 in four visits here, winning by 12-2-10 points. Griffins won last four games after a 4-7 start; they’re 1-6 in true road games, with win at Robert Morris. Canisius is #277 experience team that turns ball over 22.4% of time. Quinnipiac won its last two games by total of three points after a 3-9 start; all Bobcat wins are by 1 or 2 points. Five of their last six games were decided by either 1 or 2 points. Last four years, Canisius is 14-5 as MAAC road favorites; Quinnipiac is 5-10 in last 15 games as home underdogs.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Friday, January 5

Trend Report

CENTRAL PENN COLLEGE @ CORNELL
Cornell is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games at home
Cornell is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games

AKRON @ TOLEDO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Akron's last 6 games when playing Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Akron's last 7 games when playing on the road against Toledo
Toledo is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Akron
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toledo's last 6 games when playing Akron

WISCONSIN @ RUTGERS
Wisconsin is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Wisconsin is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Rutgers
Rutgers is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games at home
Rutgers is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Wisconsin

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON @ DREXEL
College of Charleston is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of College of Charleston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Drexel
Drexel is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Drexel's last 5 games when playing at home against College of Charleston

WILLIAM & MARY @ DELAWARE
William & Mary is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
William & Mary is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Delaware
Delaware is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Delaware is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against William & Mary

ELON @ NORTHEASTERN
Elon is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Elon's last 6 games when playing Northeastern
Northeastern is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Northeastern is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

JAMES MADISON @ HOFSTRA
James Madison is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Hofstra
James Madison is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Hofstra
Hofstra is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games when playing James Madison
Hofstra is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing James Madison

UNC WILMINGTON @ TOWSON
UNC Wilmington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Towson
The total has gone OVER in 7 of UNC Wilmington's last 10 games when playing on the road against Towson
Towson is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Towson is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games

PRINCETON @ PENNSYLVANIA
Princeton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pennsylvania
Princeton is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Pennsylvania is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Pennsylvania is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

FAIRFIELD @ RIDER
Fairfield is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Rider
Fairfield is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Rider
Rider is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Rider's last 6 games when playing Fairfield

SAINT PETER'S @ IONA
Saint Peter's is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Iona
Saint Peter's is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Iona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Saint Peter's
Iona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Saint Peter's

MANHATTAN @ MONMOUTH
Manhattan is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Monmouth
Manhattan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Monmouth's last 5 games when playing Manhattan
Monmouth is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games at home

NIAGARA @ SIENA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Niagara's last 6 games when playing Siena
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Niagara's last 11 games when playing on the road against Siena
Siena is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Niagara
Siena is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Niagara

NORTHWESTERN @ PENN STATE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Northwestern's last 6 games when playing on the road against Penn State
Northwestern is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Penn State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Penn State's last 6 games when playing at home against Northwestern
Penn State is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home

CANISIUS @ QUINNIPIAC
Canisius is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Canisius is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Quinnipiac
Quinnipiac is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Canisius
Quinnipiac is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home

WRIGHT STATE @ DETROIT
Wright State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Wright State's last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing at home against Wright State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Wright State

NORTHERN KENTUCKY @ OAKLAND
Oakland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Oakland is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games

OREGON @ OREGON STATE
Oregon is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Oregon is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Oregon State
Oregon State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oregon State's last 9 games when playing at home against Oregon

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Friday, January 5


Akron @ Toledo

Game 821-822
January 5, 2018 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Akron
52.201
Toledo
57.313
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toledo
by 5
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toledo
by 9 1/2
155
Dunkel Pick:
Akron
(+9 1/2); Under

Elon @ Northeastern

Game 823-824
January 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Elon
51.832
Northeastern
55.717
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Northeastern
by 4
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Northeastern
by 6
138
Dunkel Pick:
Elon
(+6); Over

Wright State @ Detroit

Game 825-826
January 5, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Wright State
51.673
Detroit
46.213
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wright State
by 5 1/2
162
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wright State
by 3 1/2
155
Dunkel Pick:
Wright State
(-3 1/2); Over

Wisconsin @ Rutgers

Game 827-828
January 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Wisconsin
64.522
Rutgers
59.013
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wisconsin
by 5 1/2
119
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wisconsin
by 1 1/2
125
Dunkel Pick:
Wisconsin
(-1 1/2); Under

James Madison @ Hofstra

Game 829-830
January 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
James Madison
49.872
Hofstra
53.497
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hofstra
by 3 1/2
143
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hofstra
by 8
152 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
James Madison
(+8); Under

Princeton @ Pennsylvania

Game 831-832
January 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Princeton
52.331
Pennsylvania
53.409
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pennsylvania
by 1
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pennsylvania
by 2 1/2
138 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Princeton
(+2 1/2); Over

Northern Kentucky @ Oakland

Game 833-834
January 5, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Northern Kentucky
58.221
Oakland
62.856
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 4 1/2
153
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
by 1
161
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-1); Under

NC-Wilmington @ Towson

Game 835-836
January 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NC-Wilmington
42.707
Towson
55.812
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Towson
by 13
157
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Towson
by 11
152 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Towson
(-11); Over

Coll of Charleston @ Drexel

Game 837-838
January 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Coll of Charlesto
53.712
Drexel
51.303
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Coll of Charlesto
by 2 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Coll of Charlesto
by 7 1/2
135 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Drexel
(+7 1/2); Over

William & Mary @ Delaware

Game 839-840
January 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
William & Mary
51.202
Delaware
50.311
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
William & Mary
by 1
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Delaware
by 1 1/2
155
Dunkel Pick:
William & Mary
(+1 1/2); Under

Northwestern @ Penn State

Game 841-842
January 5, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Northwestern
59.419
Penn State
69.877
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Penn State
by 10 1/2
133
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Penn State
by 5 1/2
141
Dunkel Pick:
Penn State
(-5 1/2); Under

Oregon @ Oregon State

Game 843-844
January 5, 2018 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oregon
66.824
Oregon State
61.409
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oregon
by 5 1/2
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oregon
by 2
142
Dunkel Pick:
Oregon
(-2); Over

Manhattan @ Monmouth

Game 845-846
January 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Manhattan
51.447
Monmouth
55.512
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Monmouth
by 4
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Monmouth
by 6
139
Dunkel Pick:
Manhattan
(+6); Over

Fairfield @ Rider

Game 847-848
January 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Fairfield
51.229
Rider
53.785
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Rider
by 2 1/2
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Rider
by 7 1/2
156 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Fairfield
(+7 1/2); Under

St Peter's @ Iona

Game 849-850
January 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St Peter's
47.319
Iona
56.907
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Iona
by 9 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Iona
by 7
138 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Iona
(-7); Over

Niagara @ Siena

Game 851-852
January 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Niagara
49.505
Siena
52.980
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Siena
by 3 1/2
152
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Siena
by 1
159 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Siena
(-1); Under

Canisius @ Quinnipiac

Game 853-854
January 5, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Canisius
47.212
Quinnipiac
48.339
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Quinnipiac
by 1
141
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Canisius
by 3 1/2
145 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Quinnipiac
(+3 1/2); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, January 5

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

NEW YORK (18 - 20) at MIAMI (20 - 17) - 1/5/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 36-22 ATS (+11.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-4 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 4-4 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DETROIT (20 - 16) at PHILADELPHIA (18 - 19) - 1/5/2018, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

MINNESOTA (24 - 15) at BOSTON (31 - 10) - 1/5/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
BOSTON is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
BOSTON is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
MINNESOTA is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

TORONTO (26 - 10) at MILWAUKEE (20 - 16) - 1/5/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 63-41 ATS (+17.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 129-165 ATS (-52.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 9-6 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 12-3 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CHICAGO (13 - 25) at DALLAS (13 - 26) - 1/5/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 85-51 ATS (+28.9 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 158-121 ATS (+24.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.

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

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

PHOENIX (15 - 25) at SAN ANTONIO (26 - 13) - 1/5/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 1024-896 ATS (+38.4 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 820-697 ATS (+53.3 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in home games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 416-334 ATS (+48.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
PHOENIX is 162-117 ATS (+33.3 Units) after allowing 115 points or more since 1996.
PHOENIX is 26-9 ATS (+16.1 Units) after allowing 130 points or more since 1996.
PHOENIX is 46-28 ATS (+15.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 6-3 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

UTAH (16 - 22) at DENVER (20 - 17) - 1/5/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 49-74 ATS (-32.4 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 6-4 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 8-3 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
10 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

WASHINGTON (22 - 16) at MEMPHIS (12 - 26) - 1/5/2018, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 150-195 ATS (-64.5 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in home games this season.
MEMPHIS is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.

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

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

ATLANTA (10 - 27) at PORTLAND (19 - 18) - 1/5/2018, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

CHARLOTTE (14 - 23) at LA LAKERS (11 - 26) - 1/5/2018, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 49-63 ATS (-20.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 157-203 ATS (-66.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Friday, January 5

New York won three of last four games with Miami; road team won six of last seven series games. Knicks covered their last three visits here. Under is 7-1 in last eight series games. Knicks lost six of their last seven games; they’re 4-10 as road underdogs. Six of their last nine games stayed under total. Miami won seven of its last ten games; Heat is 3-7-1 vs spread as home favorites. Under is 9-4 in their last 13 games.

Pistons won six of their last nine games with Philly; Detroit covered three of its last four visits here. Four of last five series games stayed under the total. Pistons won six of their last nine games; they’re 11-8 vs spread on road. Three of their last four games went under total. 76ers won four of their last five games, are 9-7 vs spread at home. Three of their last four games went over total.

Celtics won five of last seven games with Minnesota; home side won nine of last ten series tilts. Wolves are 0-5 vs spread in last five visits here. Minnesota won seven of its last nine games; they’re 5-5 as road underdogs. Wolves’ last four games stayed under the total. Celtics won five of their last six games, are 2-5-1 in last eight tries as home favorites. Three of their last four games stayed under total.

Raptors won their last four games with Milwaukee; they’re 2-2 vs spread in their last four visits to Wisconsin. Six of last nine series games stayed under the total. Toronto won nine of its last 11 games; they’re 6-5 as road favorites. Three of their last four games went over total. Milwaukee won three of its last four games; they’re 9-8-2 vs spread at home. Over is 11-2 in Bucks’ last 13 games.

Mavericks won their last four games with Chicago; Bulls are 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to Dallas. Under is 5-2-1 in last eight series games. Chicago lost its last three games; they’re 13-3 vs spread in their last 16 games, 10-7-1 as road underdogs. Over is 10-2 in their last dozen games. Dallas won four of its last five games; they’re 4-4 as home favorites. Six of their last eight games went over total.

Spurs won nine of last ten games with Phoenix (6-4 vs spread); Suns are 1-4 vs spread in last five visits to the Alamo, four of which stayed under the total. Phoenix is 6-4 in its last ten games, 10-7 vs spread as road underdogs. Three of their last four games went over total. San Antonio won seven of its last ten games; they’re 5-1 in last six tries as home favorites. Under is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Jazz won seven of last ten games with Denver; home side won nine of last ten series games. Utah is 1-3 vs spread in last four visits to Denver. Under is 9-1 in last ten series games. Utah lost seven of last nine games; they’re 4-10 as road underdogs. Six of their last seven games stayed under total. Denver won four of last six games; they’re 9-6 as home favorites. four of their last six games stayed under total.

Home side won eight of last ten Washington-Memphis games; Wizards are 2-2 vs spread in last four visits here. Three of last four series games stayed under the total. Washington won five of its last six games; they’re 2-4 as road favorites. Over is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Memphis split its last six games after a 2-19 skid; they’re 3-5 as home underdogs. Five of their last six games went over total.

Hawks won six of last seven games with Portland; they covered last three games in Oregon. Last four series games stayed under total. Atlanta lost 8 of last 12 games; they’re 7-1 vs spread in last eight games as road underdogs. Last four Atlanta games stayed under the total. Portland lost by 15 in Atlanta Saturday; they’re 3-2 in last five games overall, 3-10-1 vs spread as home favorites. Three of their last four games went over total.

Lakers lost five of last six games with Charlotte; three of last four series games stayed under the total. Hornets are 2-1-1 vs spread in last four series games played here. Charlotte split its last eight games; they’re 6-8-3 vs spread on road. Three of their last four games stayed under total. Lakers lost their last eight games; they’re 6-9 as home underdogs. 10 of their last 12 games went over total.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Friday, January 5

Trend Report

DETROIT @ PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Detroit's last 15 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

MINNESOTA @ BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

NEW YORK @ MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 8 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 9 games at home

TORONTO @ MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 10 games at home

CHICAGO @ DALLAS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chicago's last 8 games
Dallas is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Dallas is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home

PHOENIX @ SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 13 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix

UTAH @ DENVER
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Utah's last 12 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Denver's last 12 games when playing Utah

WASHINGTON @ MEMPHIS
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games on the road
Memphis is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games

ATLANTA @ PORTLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing on the road against Portland
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Portland's last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Atlanta

CHARLOTTE @ LA LAKERS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Lakers's last 7 games when playing at home against Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 6 games at home

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, January 5


New York @ Miami

Game 801-802
January 5, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
116.505
Miami
118.199
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1 1/2
199
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 5
203
Dunkel Pick:
New York
(+5); Under

Detroit @ Philadelphia

Game 803-804
January 5, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
119.223
Philadelphia
118.334
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
N/A

Minnesota @ Boston

Game 805-806
January 5, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
117.231
Boston
123.409
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 6
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 4
206
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-4); Under

Toronto @ Milwaukee

Game 807-808
January 5, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
123.442
Milwaukee
120.319
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 3
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
Pick
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
Over

Chicago @ Dallas

Game 809-810
January 5, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
113.221
Dallas
121.727
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 8 1/2
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 4
214
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(-4); Under

Phoenix @ San Antonio

Game 811-812
January 5, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
108.712
San Antonio
122.663
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 14
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 12
210
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-12); Over

Utah @ Denver

Game 813-814
January 5, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
117.989
Denver
120.422
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 2 1/2
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 6 1/2
205
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(+6 1/2); Over

Washington @ Memphis

Game 815-816
January 5, 2018 @ 9:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
118.616
Memphis
117.522
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 5
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(+5); Under

Atlanta @ Portland

Game 817-818
January 5, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
110.223
Portland
119.812
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 9 1/2
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 7
208
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-7); Under

Charlotte @ LA Lakers

Game 819-820
January 5, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
119.624
LA Lakers
114.209
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 5 1/2
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 2
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
(-2); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, January 5

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

PITTSBURGH (20-18-0-3, 43 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (20-16-0-4, 44 pts.) - 1/5/2018, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 6-3 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 6-3-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)

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

FLORIDA (17-17-0-5, 39 pts.) at DETROIT (16-16-0-7, 39 pts.) - 1/5/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 13-32 ATS (-23.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 12-18 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 12-21 ATS (-18.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 6-4 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 6-4-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

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

SAN JOSE (21-12-0-4, 46 pts.) at OTTAWA (12-17-0-9, 33 pts.) - 1/5/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 410-325 ATS (-115.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
OTTAWA is 27-20 ATS (+48.5 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 40-35 ATS (+76.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 123-94 ATS (+21.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
OTTAWA is 12-26 ATS (-23.1 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 4-10 ATS (+14.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
OTTAWA is 0-5 ATS (-6.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 3-2 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 3-2-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.2 Units)

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

BUFFALO (10-20-0-9, 29 pts.) at WINNIPEG (23-11-0-7, 53 pts.) - 1/5/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 4-0 (+5.0 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 4-0-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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

VEGAS (27-9-0-2, 56 pts.) at CHICAGO (19-14-0-6, 44 pts.) - 1/5/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 55-26 ATS (+21.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
VEGAS is 27-11 ATS (+39.9 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 63-70 ATS (-39.0 Units) in home games on Friday nights since 1996.
CHICAGO is 5-12 ATS (+17.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO is 5-12 ATS (-8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
VEGAS is 1-0 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
VEGAS is 1-0-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Friday, January 5

Islanders lost five of last seven games with Pittsburgh; four of last five series games went over total. Penguins split their last four visits to Brooklyn. Pittsburgh is 4-7 in its last 11 games, losing three of last four road games. Under is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games. Islanders were outscored 20-5 in losing last four games; they’re 2-3 in last five home games. Over is 26-6-3 in their last 35 games.

Road team won last five Florida-Detroit games; last four went OT/SO. Panthers won four of last five visits here. Three of last four series games stayed under. Panthers won five of last six games; they were snowed out in Boston last nite. Florida lost four of its last five road games. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games. Detroit won its last three games, allowing four goals; Red Wings won their last four home games. Under is 8-2 in Detroit’s last ten games.

Senators won five of last seven games with San Jose, but lost last two; Sharks split their last four visits here. Seven of last eight series games went over total. Sharks won four of their last six games overall; they lost four of last five road games. Four of their last five games stayed under total. Ottawa lost six of its last seven games overall; they’re they’re 3-2 in last five home games. Under is 7-4 in their last 11 games.

Sabres won their last four games with Winnipeg, winning 3-1/4-2 in their last two visits here. Over is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Sabres lost seven of their last nine games; they’re 1-7 in their last eight road games. Four of their last six games went over total. Winnipeg won 10 of its last 11 home games; they’re 5-3 in last eight games overall. Under is 5-3-1 in their last nine games.

Blackhawks lost 4-2 in Las Vegas in teams’ first-ever meeting Oct 24. Las Vegas won eight of its last nine games overall, four of last five on road. Knights are 4-3 if they played night before. Five of Knights’ last six road games stayed under total. Chicago lost four of last six games overall, they won their last four home games. Blackhawks’ last four games went over total.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Friday, January 5

Trend Report

PITTSBURGH @ NY ISLANDERS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
Pittsburgh is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
NY Islanders is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Islanders's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

FLORIDA @ DETROIT
Florida is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games

SAN JOSE @ OTTAWA
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Jose's last 8 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Ottawa's last 8 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing at home against San Jose

BUFFALO @ WINNIPEG
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Winnipeg
Buffalo is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Winnipeg is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
Winnipeg is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home

LAS VEGAS @ CHICAGO
Las Vegas is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Las Vegas is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brandon Lee Jan 05 '18, 9:35 PM in 4h
NBA | Wizards vs Grizzlies
Play on: Grizzlies +5 -107 at 5Dimes

10* FREE NBA PICK (Grizzlies +5)
I think it's worth a shot here to back Memphis as a short home dog against the Wizards in Friday's ESPN matchup. There's not denying that Washington is the better team, but this is not a great spot for the Wizards. Washington just swept a 3-game home stand and are being asked to fly out to Memphis for one game on the road before returning right back home for 5 more at Capital One Arena, including a much bigger game tomorrow night against the Bucks. Keep in mind the Wizards are a team that has had a hard time getting up for bad teams, especially on the road. Washington is a mere 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 road games vs a team with a losing home record and are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 overall vs a team with a losing record. Memphis has also been playing better here of late and are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games after a road trip of 7 or more days. Give me the Grizzlies +5!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

John Martin Jan 05 '18, 9:05 PM in 4h
NBA | Jazz vs Nuggets
Play on: Nuggets -6½ -103 at 5Dimes

1 Unit FREE PLAY on Denver Nuggets -6.5
It’s about as simple as it gets when the Denver Nuggets play the Utah Jazz. Bet the home team when they face each other. The home team is 7-0 SU & 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings. The home team has won all seven meetings by 7 points or more, and six by double-digits. The Nuggets have won their last three home meetings with the Jazz by 24, 10 and 14 points. The Jazz are 3-15 SU & 6-12 ATS in all road games this year. The Nuggets are 13-4 SU & 10-7 ATS in all home games this season. Give me the Nuggets.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals Guru Jan 05 '18, 7:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | NC-Wilmington vs Towson
Play on: OVER 153½ -120

Free Total Annihilator On NC-Wilmington vs Towson over 153½ -120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jack Jones Jan 05 '18, 7:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | Wisconsin vs Rutgers
Play on: Wisconsin -2½ -104 at 5Dimes

Jack’s Free Pick Friday: Wisconsin -2.5
The Wisconsin Badgers have turned it around after a slow start to the season. They have gone 5-0 SU & 3-2 ATS in their last five games overall. They won their first Big Ten game on Tuesday with a 71-61 home victory over the Indiana Hoosiers.
Rutgers has really struggled of late as it enters conference play. The Scarlet Knights are 0-3 in their last three games overall, getting upset by both Stony Book and Hartford at home, while also getting pounded by 31 by Purdue on the road. Rutgers is now 0-3 in Big Ten play while losing by an average of 21.0 points per game.
Wisconsin has owned Rutgers in Big Ten play recently, going 3-0 in the last three meetings while winning by 22, 20 and 7 points. They should be able to get a win and cover here as only 2.5-point road favorites against the Scarlet Knights in their first meeting of 2018.
Wisconsin is 6-0 ATS off two consecutive home wins by 10 points or more over the last two seasons. The Scarlet Knights are 1-8 ATS after scoring 25 points or less in the first half of last game over the past three years. Rutgers is 17-38 ATS in its last 55 Big Ten games. The Scarlet Knights are 16-37 ATS in their last 53 games following a loss. Bet Wisconsin Friday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bobby Conn Jan 05 '18, 10:05 PM in 5h
NBA | Hawks vs Blazers
Play on: Blazers -6½ -107 at 5Dimes

1* Free Play on Blazers -6½ -107

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Teddy Davis Jan 05 '18, 8:35 PM in 3h
NBA | Bulls vs Mavs
Play on: Mavs -4½ -108 at 5Dimes

I think it's worth laying the points here with the Mavs. They are all the sudden playing their best basketball of the season. They have covered 5 straight games and have won 4 of their last 5. Their only loss came last time out as Curry hit a deep dagger 3 for the Warriors to win by 3.
The Bulls had their nice run as well which lasted nearly 3 weeks actually if you backed them during that stretch. They have now lost 3 straight games.
I just like the confidence the Mavs are playing with now. When these bottom teams in the NBA get hot covering they seem to go on for a while, just like the Bulls did. Mavs win this fairly easy

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Doug Upstone Jan 05 '18, 8:35 PM in 3h
NBA | Bulls vs Mavs
Play on: OVER 212½ -107

A friend of mine who also likes to create and follow systems, sent me this one a few years ago. I have no idea why this works on Friday's but it does. And if it cashes, who cares what day of the week it is right? Play OVER on Friday teams like Chicago after going over the total by more than six points in four consecutive games. In the past five years this systems is 27-5, 84.4%,, which includes 4-0 this year.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sal Michaels Jan 05 '18, 8:05 PM in 3h
NBA | Raptors vs Bucks
Play on: Bucks +1 +102 at 5Dimes

Free Play on Bucks +1 +102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dave Price Jan 05 '18, 8:05 PM in 3h
NBA | Raptors vs Bucks
Play on: UNDER 219 -115

Dave’s Friday Free Play:
1* on Raptors/Bucks UNDER 219
The Key: The Raptors and Bucks played an overtime thriller earlier this week on Monday. The Raptors won that game 131-127. I think that inflated final score has this total in the rematch set too high tonight. Points won’t be nearly as easy to come by in Milwaukee this time around. Bets on the UNDER when the total is 200 or more in a game involving a team that wins 60% to 75% of their games against a team with a winning record on Friday nights are 206-126 since 1996. The UNDER is 8-2 in Bucks last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. The UNDER is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Milwaukee. Take the UNDER.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pro Computer Gambler Jan 05 '18, 9:35 PM in 4h
NBA | Wizards vs Grizzlies
Play on: Wizards -5 -103 at 5Dimes

Since 2006, home dogs of greater than 4 points are just 230-320-17 41.8% ATS after games where 200+ pts were scored. Fade the Grizzlies!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jimmy Boyd Jan 05 '18, 7:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | Elon vs Northeastern
Play on: Elon +5½ -105 at 5Dimes

Free Pick on Elon +
I like the value here with the Fighting Phoenix in Friday's matchup at Northeastern. Elon comes in having won 3 straight with two of those being outright wins as an underdog, including a 73-68 win at Indiana State as a 6-point dog in their last road game.
While the Phoenix are playing some of their best basketball, the Huskies come in having lost 2 of their last 3, including an outright loss at home to Hofstra in their last game as a 5.5-point favorite. Northeastern hasn't exactly performed well in this spot, as they are just 7-16 ATS in their last 23 off a SU loss. On top of that the Huskies are 0-9 ATS in their last 9 as a home favorite of .5 to 6 points.
When Elon gets rolling they have been a great team to back. The Phoenix are 35-19 ATS in their last 54 road games after covering the spread in 2 or more consecutive games. They have also won outright each of the last two years as a road dog of 5.5 points at Northeastern. Take Elon!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

TJ Pemberton Jan 05 '18, 8:05 PM in 3h
NHL | Sabres vs Jets
Play on: Jets -1½ +104 at 5Dimes

Free NHL Play: Winnipeg Jets -1.5 goals
The Winnipeg Jets return home to host the Buffalo Sabres on Friday. The Jets are 23-11-7 on the season and lost in Colorado in overtime on Tuesday. Winnipeg is 5-3-2 over their last ten games and are 1st in the Central. The Jets are 14-3-1 on their home ice. Connor Hellebuyck will take his spot in the goal for the Jets. Hellebuyck is 21-4-6 on the season with three shutouts. Hellebuyck has allowed 76 goals and carries a 2.38 goals against average and a .922 save percentage. The Sabres are 4-12 in the last 16 meetings in Winnipeg. The Sabres are 14-42 in their last 56 road games. Back the Jets and lay the -1.5 goals in this one.