Friday 10-20-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #5 - BELMONT PARK - 3:07 PM EASTERN POST
6.0 FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $40,000.00 OPTIONAL CLAIMING $65,000.00 PURSE

#3 COURT DANCER
#1 SPECIAL DIVIDEND
#4 BLUEGRASS JAMBOREE
#2 SHIMMERING MOON

#3 COURT DANCER qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," takes a class drop (-6) and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" facing better company in three of her last four outings. Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Jason Servis send her to the post ... they've hit the board with an impressive 72% of their last 90 entries saddled as a team to date, winning at an equally impressive 30% clip. #1 SPECIAL DIVIDEND, a 10-1 BOMB, has hit the board in four of her last five outings, winning three times in this recent streak of racing consistency, with two those "Circle Trips" also qualifying as "POWER RUN WINS."

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Golden Gate Fields

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

Race 4 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $20000 Class Rating: 97

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 1 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000, IF FOR $18,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 ELLE WOODS TOO 6/1

# 4 WHYUGOTTABESOMEAN 7/2

# 6 SLEW'S CHARM 12/1

ELLE WOODS TOO has a formidable shot to take this race. Should be carefully examined - I like the numbers from the last race. Has a solid shot in this competition if you like back class. WHYUGOTTABESOMEAN - Will more than likely be one of the leaders of the pack going into the halfway point of the contest. Strong jockey with trainer numbers make this horse a solid selection. SLEW'S CHARM - Should definitely be considered for this event if only for the quite good speed rating earned in the last race. Earning some good dough in dirt sprint contests.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park West - Race #4 - Post: 2:54pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $17,000 Class Rating: 84

Rating: 4

#4 ANOTHER SOFTBALL (ML=5/2)
#7 SUPER JAK (ML=3/1)


ANOTHER SOFTBALL - Have to give this gelding a chance. Ran a strong contest last time around the track within the last 30 days. Always be wary of the longer priced horse when a trainer has an 'uncoupled' entry in a race. The 88 latest race speed fig looks mighty good in the TrackMaster PPs. SUPER JAK - The return on investment when Olivero and D'Angelo team up is terrific. The 'x-factor' at work here is that this gelding has been working over this track getting ready for his first start. Gets help from D'Angelo with the addition of Lasix. The trainer here (D'Angelo) has a fantastic ROI with 1st time starters.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 DI MAESTRO (ML=2/1), #5 ROWDY DOWDY (ML=9/2),

DI MAESTRO - Hard to bet on at 2/1 odds after the last two showings. Garnered a pedestrian speed rating last race out in a $20,000 Maiden Claiming race on September 1st. Improbable to see an improved performance off of that number. ROWDY DOWDY - Awfully tough to bet on this mount when he hasn't been showing any indications of eagerness of late. When checking today's class rating, he will have to record a better speed figure than in the last race to be competitive in this turf route.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - ANOTHER SOFTBALL - This racer is a nice turf runner and he has the best last race TrackMaster turf rating.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#4 ANOTHER SOFTBALL is going to be the play if we are getting 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Hawthorne - Race 5

$1 Exacta / 20 Cent Trifecta / 20 Cent Superfecta 50 Cent Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7) / $1 Daily Double


SO $20,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 103 • Purse: $13,000 • Post: 5:02P
(RAIL AT 10 FEET). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $10,000 OR LESS IN 2017 OR CLAIMING PRICE $20,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 20 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $15,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ESTIMATING ALLOWANCES). IN THE EVENT THAT THIS RACE IS TAKEN OFF THE TURF IT WILL BE CONTESTED AT FIVE AND ONE HALF FURLONGS ON THE MAIN TRACK.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * BOOM BOX: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. GORGEOUS GEORGE: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. BROKEN KEY: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. BUSHROD: Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yar ds if a Quarter Horse race). HEY PRETTY BOY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
5
BOOM BOX
5/1

5/1
7
GORGEOUS GEORGE
9/2

5/1
1
BROKEN KEY
6/1

8/1
2
BUSHROD
5/1

9/1
8
HEY PRETTY BOY
4/1

9/1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Penn National

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

Race 7 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $16300 Class Rating: 66

FOR REGISTERED PA-BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 20 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $7,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 SO MANY NATIVES 4/1

# 1 VENOMOUS STATE 3/1

# 5 SOMETHING QUINTO 10/1

I lean toward SO MANY NATIVES here. In this field, this horse is highly ranked earnings per start in dirt sprint contests. With a strong 60 average speed figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's contest. Hard to pass on this gelding with Burg in the saddle. VENOMOUS STATE - He looks decent in this spot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the midpoint. Has a strong shot for this event if you like back class. SOMETHING QUINTO - Gamblers get an edge when playing this conditioner in a dirt sprint race. The almost immediate return to the track points to a reliable effort this time around.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Woodbine - Race #2 - Post: 1:37pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,600 Class Rating: 66

Rating: 4

#8 RHOSGOBEL (ML=9/2)
#2 BLUE PEARLS (ML=12/1)


RHOSGOBEL - Moves back to a trip at which she ran a rating good enough to make her a contender today. BLUE PEARLS - Wilson and Buttigieg perform well when they team up. It's hard to beat a +189 ROI for a jockey and trainer. This filly should be in fine form, this far into her form cycle.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 ZLATICA (ML=5/2), #4 OUR MISS MAGGIE (ML=3/1), #1 FLEEK (ML=7/2),

ZLATICA - This morning-line choice hasn't been to the track in awhile. No works since last race. This equine doesn't have a champion's disposition. Always finishes near the winner. OUR MISS MAGGIE - Tough to take this pony at the odds after the finish (sixth) in the last event. FLEEK - Speed ratings of 69/54/33 are pointed the wrong way. The speed fig last time around the track doesn't fit very well in this race when I look at the class rating of today's affair. Mark this horse as a possibly overvalued equine.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #8 RHOSGOBEL to win if you can get at least 9/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Will Rogers Downs

Will Rogers Downs - Race 4

Exacta / Quinella / Trifecta (.50 min.) / Superfecta (.10 min.) Pick 4 (Races 4-5-6-7) (.50 min.)


Claiming $10,000 • 300 Yards • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 75 • Purse: $8,000 • Post: 1:15P
QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR TWO YEAR OLDS WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * STRUTTIN TOMCAT: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. STOLI WINZET: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. POSHIE TOP: Horse ranks in th e top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. NOTA LOTA EAR: Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. A WHOLE LOTA RHYTHM: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation.
2
STRUTTIN TOMCAT
5/1

6/1
3
STOLI WINZET
5/1

6/1
5
POSHIE TOP
8/1

7/1
1
NOTA LOTA EAR
6/1

8/1
6
A WHOLE LOTA RHYTHM
7/2

9/1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Friday, October 20, 2017
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, District of Columbia

Matchup Edge

DET	Edge in:	WAS
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Pistons at WIzards

Gracenote
Oct 19, 2017

The Washington Wizards plan to do big things this season, and getting off to a hot start will certainly help. The Wizards outlasted the upstart Philadelphia 76ers in their opener on Wednesday and will try to make it two wins in a row to begin the campaign when they host the Detroit Pistons on Friday.

Washington's only major move over the summer was locking up small forward Otto Porter Jr. with a contract extension, and the team is counting on growth from around its roster to help challenge for an Eastern Conference title. Kelly Oubre Jr. began to emerge last season and earned a larger role in 2017-18, which he cemented with 14 points and eight rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 120-115 triumph. The Pistons' biggest move in the offseason was bringing in shooting guard Avery Bradley, and he made himself at home in a 102-90 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday by bringing some intensity to the defensive end. "We had a defensive mentality," Bradley told reporters. "I felt like the ball was moving well, it was spread out around the court. We played well as a team (Wednesday). This is the way we need to play every single game."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Detroit-plus, NBSC Washington

ABOUT THE PISTONS (1-0): Detroit had the added hype of playing its first game in the new downtown arena on Wednesday and will have to find a way to keep that intensity going on the road after posting a 13-28 record away from home while missing the playoffs last season. Small forward Tobias Harris led the way with 27 points in Wednesday's win and sees a big improvement in the team's attitude. "A big emphasis for us and our coaching staff is to get guys to (play to) their greatness, to their spots where they're capable of making plays and being effective," Harris told reporters. "Especially (Wednesday) we were able to do that and really exploit that."

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (1-0): Oubre averaged 20.3 minutes and 6.3 points off the bench last season but became a favorite of his teammates for a willingness to do the little things. "Last year, we said that he was the 'X' factor to our team and that he was a big key," All-Star point guard John Wall told reporters of Oubre after Wednesday's win. "He used that as motivation through the summer. I can be honest with you and tell the truth that ever since training camp and practice, he's been doing great. He's been coming in challenging, making plays and just being smart at it." Wall got his season off to a decent start with 28 points and eight assists but was just 10-of-28 from the field.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pistons SF Stanley Johnson played a team-high 40 minutes on Wednesday but managed only two points and went 0-of-13 from the floor.

2. Washington PF Jason Smith (shoulder sprain) left Wednesday's game and is questionable for Friday.

3. The Wizards took two of the three matchups last season, including a 122-108 triumph in the lone meeting in Washington.

PREDICTION: Wizards 109, Pistons 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Detroit at Washington

ATS TRENDS

Detroit

Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Pistons are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games. Pistons are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Pistons are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Pistons are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 vs. Eastern Conference. Pistons are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

Washington

Wizards are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 vs. NBA Central. Wizards are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Wizards are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games following a ATS loss. Wizards are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Wizards are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 Friday games. Wizards are 7-21-1 ATS in their last 29 games playing on 1 days rest. Wizards are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win. Wizards are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Wizards are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Wizards are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall. Wizards are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.

OU TRENDS

Detroit

Under is 3-0-1 in Pistons last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 7-1-1 in Pistons last 9 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 5-1 in Pistons last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 4-1-1 in Pistons last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 4-1 in Pistons last 5 Friday games. Under is 4-1 in Pistons last 5 vs. NBA Southeast. Under is 4-1-1 in Pistons last 6 games following a ATS win. Under is 3-1-1 in Pistons last 5 overall. Under is 3-1-1 in Pistons last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 3-1-1 in Pistons last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 10-4 in Pistons last 14 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Washington

Over is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 overall. Over is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 7-2 in Wizards last 9 Friday games. Over is 6-2 in Wizards last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 6-2 in Wizards last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 39-14 in Wizards last 53 games following a straight up win. Over is 5-2 in Wizards last 7 vs. NBA Central. Over is 22-10-1 in Wizards last 33 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 6-2-2 in the last 10 meetings in Washington. Underdog is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings. Pistons are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Friday, October 20, 2017
Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Matchup Edge

CLE	Edge in:	MIL
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Cavaliers at Bucks

Gracenote
Oct 19, 2017

The heir to LeBron James' throne as the best all-around player in the NBA could be Giannis Antetokounmpo, though James doesn't appear ready to give up his spot. The two will square off when Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks host James' Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.

Antetokounmpo, 22, was strong in his 2017-18 debut on Wednesday, collecting 37 points on 13-of-22 shooting, 13 rebounds, three assists and three steals in a 108-100 win at the Boston Celtics. "We always hold the bar high for Giannis," Bucks coach Jason Kidd told reporters. "For his opening day performance, he set the bar high now and we're going to hold him to that." James, 32, came up one assist shy of a triple-double in his 2017-18 debut with 29 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists in a win over that same Boston team. "For a guy who has been out for most of training camp and to come back and play those minutes that he played, hit the shots he did -- we lean on him," Cleveland guard Dwyane Wade told ESPN.com of James, who sat out most of the preseason with an ankle injury. "We're going to depend on him, and this is why he's one of the greatest to do it. Not many people can do what he's done."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Ohio (Cleveland), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (1-0): Cleveland has eight new players on a team that went to the NBA Finals in each of the last three years, and point guard Derrick Rose was the best of the bunch with 14 points and four rebounds in 31 minutes in Tuesday's opener. Wade, who signed to play with James after being bought out of his contract with the Chicago Bulls, managed eight points in 29 minutes in his Cavaliers debut. The arrivals of Rose and Wade pushed former starter J.R. Smith to the bench, but he responded with a solid game and paced the reserves with 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting in 22 minutes.

ABOUT THE BUCKS (1-0): Milwaukee bowed out in the first round of the playoffs last spring and has not advanced past the first round since the 2000-01 campaign, and Antetokounmpo is focused on the larger team goals already in 2017-18. "I think we're capable of doing big things this year," Antetokounmpo told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel after Wednesday's win. "We've just got to stay focused, stay grounded ... and try to have the same mentality. We're the underdogs. We're not a big market team, we're not a big team, we're young, so we've just to play with a chip on our shoulder and hopefully this season we can be one of the best teams in the East." Antetokounmpo has some help from reigning Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon, who scored 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting on Wednesday while holding Boston star Kyrie Irving to 7-of-25 from the floor.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Bucks SF Khris Middleton led the team with six assists on Wednesday.

2. Kevin Love made his debut as a starting C for the Cavaliers on Tuesday and responded with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

3. Cleveland took three of four in the series last season and six of the last seven meetings overall.

PREDICTION: Cavaliers 106, Bucks 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Cleveland at Milwaukee

ATS TRENDS

Cleveland

Cavaliers are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 road games. Cavaliers are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win. Cavaliers are 23-8 ATS in their last 31 Friday games. Cavaliers are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 vs. Eastern Conference. Cavaliers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Central. Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

Milwaukee

Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Bucks are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games playing on 1 days rest. Bucks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Bucks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games. Bucks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 Friday games.

OU TRENDS

Cleveland

Over is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 overall. Over is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 8-2 in Cavaliers last 10 Friday games. Over is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 vs. NBA Central. Over is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 20-7 in Cavaliers last 27 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Cavaliers last 7 road games. Over is 14-6 in Cavaliers last 20 games following a straight up win. Over is 29-13-1 in Cavaliers last 43 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 37-17-1 in Cavaliers last 55 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 35-17-1 in Cavaliers last 53 games following a ATS loss.

Milwaukee

Under is 4-0 in Bucks last 4 home games. Under is 6-1-1 in Bucks last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 6-1 in Bucks last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 7-2 in Bucks last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 19-6-1 in Bucks last 26 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 12-4-1 in Bucks last 17 games following a ATS win. Under is 8-3-1 in Bucks last 12 overall. Under is 7-3-1 in Bucks last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 14-6-1 in Bucks last 21 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 11-5 in Bucks last 16 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 12-2 in the last 14 meetings in Milwaukee. Over is 20-7 in the last 27 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Friday, October 20, 2017
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

Matchup Edge

POR	Edge in:	IND
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Trail Blazers at Pacers

Gracenote
Oct 19, 2017

The Portland Trail Blazers just secured the largest margin of victory in an opener in NBA history, and they didn't even have their second-best scorer available. The Trail Blazers will try to follow up a stunning performance and welcome CJ McCollum back from suspension when they visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday.

Portland cruised to a 124-76 win at the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday -- the second-largest margin of victory in franchise history -- while dominating the glass (57-33) and knocking down 14-of-24 from 3-point range but was already looking ahead after the game. "Probably don't read too much into (the win) because it's a long season," Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts told reporters. "Obviously we're pleased with it, but Indiana is a new day. You can't rest on it. It's a great way to start the season, particularly the manner in which we did it, but the next game is the next game." The Pacers were impressive in their opener as well -- at least on the offensive end -- while putting eight scorers in double figures in a 140-131 triumph over the Brooklyn Nets. "It was a great first night and hopefully Pacers fans get a chance to see what we're capable of and what type of basketball team we are," Indiana guard Victor Oladipo told reporters. "Obviously, it wasn't perfect and there are some things we want to get better and improve at; but it's always great to get a win in the NBA."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS Indiana

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (1-0): With McCollum serving a one-game suspension for coming off the bench during an altercation in a preseason game, reserve guard Pat Connaughton stepped up with a career-high 24 points. "For me, it was just about making sure I got into the flow of the game with a few easy baskets," Connaughton told reporters. "It's not something where I ever expected to be 'feeling it.' My teammates found me when I had open shots and I was trying to make sure I made plays for them to get them some easy baskets." Connaughton hit 4-of-7 3-point attempts while star point guard Damian Lillard knocked down 4-of-6 from beyond the arc en route to a team-high 27 points.

ABOUT THE PACERS (1-0): Indiana made an effort in training camp to install a faster-paced offense that moved the ball more after trading away ball-stopping star Paul George, and the results were positive on opening night as three players scored 20 or more points and the team totaled 29 assists while shooting 52 percent from the floor. Point guard Darren Collison -- one of three new starters -- handed out 11 of those assists and scored 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting. "It was a good showing for us offensively," Collison told reporters. "I think guys did a good job of doing exactly what Coach has been training us all summer to do, getting out on the break and being one of the best conditioned teams in the NBA. This early in the season you don't usually see teams pushing the ball the way we did and we got out on the break and got some easy opportunities."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pacers C Al Jefferson (personal) missed the opener and is questionable for Friday.

2. Portland SG Evan Turner started in McCollum's spot on Wednesday and scored 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting.

3. Indiana snapped a five-game losing streak in the series with a 118-111 home win in the last meeting on Dec. 16.

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 125, Pacers 120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Portland at Indiana

ATS TRENDS

Portland

Trail Blazers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Trail Blazers are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win. Trail Blazers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 1 days rest. Trail Blazers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games. Trail Blazers are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS win. Trail Blazers are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Trail Blazers are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Trail Blazers are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games overall. Trail Blazers are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Trail Blazers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Trail Blazers are 17-37-1 ATS in their last 55 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Trail Blazers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Friday games. Trail Blazers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Central.

Indiana

Pacers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win. Pacers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Pacers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Pacers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win. Pacers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Pacers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall. Pacers are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Pacers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Pacers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Pacers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Pacers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Pacers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Pacers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Northwest.

OU TRENDS

Portland

Over is 4-0 in Trail Blazers last 4 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 5-1-1 in Trail Blazers last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 Friday games. Under is 4-1-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 games following a ATS win. Over is 7-2 in Trail Blazers last 9 vs. NBA Central. Over is 19-7 in Trail Blazers last 26 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

Indiana

Over is 4-0 in Pacers last 4 vs. Western Conference. Over is 5-1 in Pacers last 6 games following a ATS win. Over is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 overall. Under is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Under is 14-4 in Pacers last 18 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in Pacers last 8 games following a straight up win. Over is 11-4 in Pacers last 15 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 19-7 in Pacers last 26 vs. NBA Northwest. Under is 10-4 in Pacers last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 5-2 in Pacers last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 7-3 in Pacers last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Indiana. Underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Friday, October 20, 2017
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Matchup Edge

BOS	Edge in:	PHI
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Celtics at 76ers

Gracenote
Oct 19, 2017

It's hard to imagine a worse start to the season for the revamped Boston Celtics, who aim for their first win when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. After losing free-agent signee Gordon Hayward to a gruesome leg injury minutes into their season-opening loss at Cleveland, the Celtics returned to TD Garden and dropped their home opener Wednesday night against Milwaukee.

Kyrie Irving was just 7-for-25 from the floor in his debut in Boston and was part of a crew that was dominated down the stretch in the 108-100 loss. "The reliance comes on the vets on this team and it trickles all the way down to the 15th guy," Irving told reporters. "We gotta ... remain confident, unwavering in our approach, and we'll be fine." While the Celtics very well could tumble from the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference they earned last season, the 76ers are hoping to climb the ladder and showed some promise in a 120-115 loss at Washington on Wednesday. Ben Simmons finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for Philadelphia in his first career game after missing last season due to foot surgery.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN Boston, NBCSN Philadelphia

ABOUT THE CELTICS (0-2): Marcus Smart replaced Hayward in the starting lineup and finished with 12 points and three of Boston's 12 steals against Milwaukee. Backup Terry Rozier added a pair of thefts to go along with 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a quality 27-minute showing, although he was quite aware of the potential growing pains for a roster that has undergone such a complete makeover. "We messed up on a lot of plays," Rozier told the media. "That can't happen. Like (coach Brad Stevens) said after the game: We're professionals, so we better learn the plays or we won't play."

ABOUT THE 76ERS (0-1): Center Joel Embiid said he was going to get around 16 minutes in the opener as he returns from a knee ailment, but the big man saw 27 minutes of action and delivered with 18 points and 13 boards. "I think the plan is just get out there, play, and see how I feel," he told reporters. "There's gonna be some games I'm going to be sore, and I'm going to be tired. That's where they're going to have to take me out. But we've gotta stop calling it a minutes restriction." All five starters scored in double figures for Philadelphia in the opener and rookie Markelle Fultz was the lone reserve to do so with 10 points in 18 minutes.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. SF Robert Covington led the Sixers in their opener with 29 points while making 7-of-11 3-pointers.

2. Philadelphia made 16 fewer free throws than Washington and Boston has hit 16 fewer than its opponents on the season.

3. Celtics rookie SF Jayson Tatum is averaging 11 points and 9.5 rebounds through the first two games.

PREDICTION: 76ers 114, Celtics 109

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Boston at Philadelphia

ATS TRENDS

Boston

Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games. Celtics are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Celtics are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Celtics are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Atlantic.

Philadelphia

76ers are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 vs. NBA Atlantic. 76ers are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 Friday games. 76ers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. 76ers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. 76ers are 23-9 ATS in their last 32 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. 76ers are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. 76ers are 27-13 ATS in their last 40 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. 76ers are 35-17 ATS in their last 52 games overall. 76ers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. 76ers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. 76ers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. 76ers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. 76ers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games. 76ers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

OU TRENDS

Boston

Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 Friday games. Over is 6-1 in Celtics last 7 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic. Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 16-5-2 in Celtics last 23 road games. Over is 6-2-1 in Celtics last 9 games following a ATS loss.

Philadelphia

Over is 6-1 in 76ers last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 4-1 in 76ers last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic. Over is 4-1 in 76ers last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in 76ers last 8 overall. Over is 6-2 in 76ers last 8 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 5-2 in 76ers last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 5-2 in 76ers last 7 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Under is 10-4-1 in 76ers last 15 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 5-2 in 76ers last 7 games following a straight up loss. Over is 5-2 in 76ers last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 14-6-1 in 76ers last 21 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. Over is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in Philadelphia. Road team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Celtics are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings. Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.