Sunday 1-7-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 07:20 AM

Bills vs. Jaguars Preview and Predictions

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

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills have one thing in common entering Sunday's AFC wild-card matchup - they hardly were trendy choices to make it to the postseason. The Jaguars will make their first playoff appearance since 2007 when they host the Bills, who staged a late run to reach the postseason for the first time since 1999.

Jacksonville was no fluke in going from worst to first, not only winning the AFC South title but also contending for the top overall seed until a surprising loss at San Francisco in Week 16. "They're a challenge across the board - offense, defense, special teams," Bills coach Sean McDermott told reporters. "You look at where they're ranked and where we are, and ask, 'What favors us?' Not a whole lot." Buffalo's one-dimensional offense could be without star running back LeSean McCoy as it prepares to face a Jaguars defense that ranks among the league leaders in yards and points allowed, sacks and interceptions. "This is the start of a different type of season," Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone, who guided the Bills in 2013-14, told reporters. "This is 12 teams. ... Every one of those teams is dangerous, and it comes down to how you perform on that Sunday."

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Jaguars -9. O/U: 39.5

ABOUT THE BILLS (9-7): McCoy, fourth in the NFL with 1,138 yards rushing, sprained an ankle in last Sunday's regular-season finale and was limited to stretching during Thursday's practice. McCoy also had a team-best 59 receptions and his absence would place a huge burden on quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who is second on the team in rushing and presides over the NFL's 31st-ranked passing attack at 176.6 yards per game. If McCoy can't go, the other options are veteran Mike Tolbert or Marcus Murphy, who had one career rushing attempt prior to gaining 41 yards on seven carries last week. Linebacker Preston Brown made 144 tackles for a defense that ranked 29th against the run (124.6 yards).

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (10-6): Jacksonville's success is built on two familiar pillars - a running game led by rookie Leonard Fournette that paced the league at 141.6 yards per game and a ferocious defense that piled up 55 sacks and 21 interceptions while scoring an NFL-leading seven touchdowns. Blake Bortles completed a career-high 60.2 percent of his passes and had a career-low 13 interceptions - five in his last two games - but could get back leading receiver Marqise Lee (ankle). Fournette rushed for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns despite missing three games. Pro Bowler Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue lead the pass rush with 14.5 and 12 sacks, respectively.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Buffalo beat visiting Jacksonville 28-21 last season and lost to the Jaguars 34-31 in London in 2015.

2. The Jaguars are one of two teams (Pittsburgh) to feature at least four players with at least six sacks.

3. Bortles had at least two TD passes in two meetings with Buffalo, while Taylor had only four interceptions in 420 passing attempts.

PREDICTION: Jaguars 23, Bills 16

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 07:20 AM

Panthers vs. Saints Preview and Predictions

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

The New Orleans Saints hope to disprove the notion that it's tough to beat a team three times in the same season when they host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in an NFC wild-card matchup. The rivals finished tied atop the NFC South standings, but the Saints earned their first division title since 2011 - and home-field advantage for the third meeting - by virtue of sweeping the regular-season series.

Both teams enter the postseason looking to bounce back from disappointing showings in Week 17. The Saints started 0-2 before a 34-13 victory at Carolina in Week 3 kicked off an eight-game winning streak, but they went 3-3 over their final six contests and their defense was gashed in a 31-24 loss at Tampa Bay last Sunday. Carolina could have captured the division with a win at Atlanta last week, but the offense sputtered in a 22-10 loss. It was only the Panthers' second defeat in their last nine games, but the other was a 31-21 setback at New Orleans in Week 13.

TV: 4:40 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Saints -7. O/U: 48

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (11-5): Carolina's offense has been fairly one-dimensional all season, but it has been a dynamic dimension with Cam Newton (754 yards, six touchdowns), Jonathan Stewart (680, six) and rookie Christian McCaffrey (435, two) leading the league's fourth-best ground attack. Newton hasn't thrown for 300 yards since Week 5 at Detroit and has done so only twice all season, but he tossed three interceptions last week. The defense ranks third in the league in sacks, with Mario Addison and Julius Peppers leading the way with 11 apiece, and will need to shut down the run and pressure Drew Brees in order to have success.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (11-5): New Orleans owns the league's No. 2 offense, and it's more balanced than in years past thanks to the rushing duo of Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara. The Saints even had success running the ball against Carolina's third-ranked run defense, gaining 148 and 149 yards in the two meetings. New Orleans' defense turned in two of its best performances of the season against the Panthers, holding them under 300 total yards in both games, but the Saints also have given up big yardage totals on a few occasions - including 455 total yards last week.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Since 1970, teams that swept the regular-season series also won the playoff rematch 13 out of 20 times.

2. The Panthers have forced 19 turnovers in their 11 wins but only two in their five losses.

3. Saints WR Michael Thomas ranked third in the league with 104 receptions this season and has caught three touchdown passes in four career games against the Panthers.

PREDICTION: Saints 23, Panthers 20

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 07:22 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Fair Grounds

Fair Grounds - Race 3

Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) / Daily Double

Maiden Claiming $12,500 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 78 • Purse: $14,000 • Post: 2:03P
FOR MAIDENS, FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500, IF FOR $10,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Paceless Race. There is no true early speed in this race. * KEY ANGLES * NO RICHIE: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. OATER: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. ARMY GREY: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equib ase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
7
NO RICHIE
2/1

3/1
4
OATER
5/1

9/2
5
ARMY GREY
6/1

10/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
8
BUTTA GOT UNCS BAC
8

4/1
Stalker
62

55

39.0

45.4

36.4
4
OATER
4

5/1
Alternator/Stalker
75

78

66.8

64.2

58.7
7
NO RICHIE
7

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
87

79

61.5

70.6

68.1
5
ARMY GREY
5

6/1
Alternator/Trailer
72

66

54.4

57.6

51.1
2
AGGRAVATOR
2

9/2
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

54.3

32.2

22.7
1
SPELLETTO
1

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

50.2

4.7

0.0
3
JACKPOT JOHNNY
3

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

49.7

36.0

24.5
6
CRISTALS CANDY
6

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

38.0

32.0

19.0

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 07:22 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #5 - Post: 2:05pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 89

Rating: 4

#1 STARSHIP HOSTILITY (ML=8/1)
#7 RORAIMA (ML=7/2)

STARSHIP HOSTILITY - When Donis and Iwinski team up on horses the return on investment has been great at +129. Last raced at Gulfstream Park with a poor post. I swiped some data from The Brain, and his computer says the inside should be a big help to this one today. RORAIMA - Walder brings her back again. I propose you stay with this strong mare.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 VENTINA (ML=2/1), #2 ROLL IT GAL (ML=9/2), #6 SILVER SASHAY (ML=6/1),

VENTINA - Hasn't been coming close at all lately. This questionable contender ran a most unsatisfactory speed rating in the last race. She shouldn't improve and will probably suffer defeat in today's event running that figure. ROLL IT GAL - This equine doesn't have a champion's character. Quite often finishes in the place or show spot. SILVER SASHAY - Just cannot play this entrant. Didn't show me anything positive in the last race or on December 15th. Hard to recommend any horse with dropping speed figures of 89/76/62.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - STARSHIP HOSTILITY - Despite finishing fourth last time around the track, wasn't too far from the winner. Fits with this bunch.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #1 STARSHIP HOSTILITY on top if we're getting at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Pass

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 07:23 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 330y on the Dirt. Purse: $9780 Class Rating: 80

QUARTER HORSE 330Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 ONE HOT PARTY 3/1

# 2 FAVOR IT 4/1

# 1 LAND OF AHHS 9/2

I've got to go with ONE HOT PARTY. Shows formidable speed figures on average overall when matched with the rest of this group. Had one of the best Equibase Speed Figures of this group in her last race. Has been racing admirably and has among the top speed in the race for today's distance. FAVOR IT - Recorded a very good Equibase Speed Figure last time out. Bettors ought to take a good look at this one as this filly has one of the best win percentages at this distance in this group. LAND OF AHHS - She has quite good class ratings, averaging 90, and has to be given a shot in here. Could provide positive profits based on very good recent Equibase speed figs with an average of 64.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 07:24 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Santa Anita - Race #7 - Post: 3:38pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $43,000 Class Rating: 102

Rating: 3

#2 MONGOLIAN SHOPPER (ML=6/1)
#11 DEL MAR ANN (ML=5/1)
#9 AN UNUSUAL GROUP (ML=6/1)
#7 PEACH COVE (NZ) (ML=9/2)

MONGOLIAN SHOPPER - In this race here, this campaigner has clearly shown signs that she likes the turf. Her Equibase speed figures are the highest in the field for this distance-surface. DEL MAR ANN - This mare has been training well, and the recent bullet work says she's primed for a top effort today. Had a solid closing move in the last race, running the last quarter in less than 25 seconds. A similar race today, and it's straight to the winner's circle. AN UNUSUAL GROUP - This one likes to win at different racing venues. The switch in venue today may be a wake up call. Based on her last TrackMaster turf number alone, I'm going to play this horse. A repeat of that most recent performance on Dec 1st where she recorded a speed figure of 102 looks strong enough to triumph in this event. PEACH COVE (NZ) - In the last race, ran the last quarter in less than 25 ticks. A pretty good sign she can close well, and should be right there at the end in today's contest. Personally, I wouldn't worry about where she finished in her last race (fourth). Should improve in this event, with some pretty good odds.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 SNOW CLOUD (IRE) (ML=4/1), #1 GIRL DOWNSTAIRS (ML=5/1), #8 SCATTAGIRL (ML=8/1),

SNOW CLOUD (IRE) - This mare hasn't had any recent favorable outcomes in short distance affairs. I find it hard to play her in this race. GIRL DOWNSTAIRS - Generally I need a sprinter to have some recent success in sprint races in order to bet on her. SCATTAGIRL - This horse just hasn't looked fit of late. This mare hasn't had any positive efforts in sprint contests in the last 60 days.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - PEACH COVE (NZ) - I have to bet on this mount. The addition of Lasix should get her on the right track.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #2 MONGOLIAN SHOPPER on the nose if you can get odds of 6/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,9,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
[2,11] with [2,7,9,11] with [2,7,9,11] with [1,2,6,7,9,11] with [1,2,6,7,9,11] Total Cost: $72

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 07:24 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Sunland Park

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

Race 1 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $9600 Class Rating: 84

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JULY 7, 2017. FOUR YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 ALTAIRA 3/5

# 1 ALMOSTEVENWITHEVAN 10/1

# 2 DEVIL'S WILDCAT 5/1

My choice in this contest is ALTAIRA. Has to be given a shot against this field displaying competitive numbers lately and an average Equibase speed fig of 75 under similar conditions. Recent figs for the jock - 24 win percent - make this mare stand out in this group. Will almost certainly come out strong - I have liked the way this mare has moved sharply to the lead recently. ALMOSTEVENWITHEVAN - Her earnings per start in dirt sprint events alone makes you take a look at her. Must be in good condition if the trainer is bringing her back so soon. DEVIL'S WILDCAT - Always good to invest in a handler with this kind of solid win percentage - 18 percent - at this distance & surface. Looks quite good to be up near the front end at the first call.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 07:25 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Turf Paradise

Turf Paradise - Race 3

$1 Exacta / $1 Quinella / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta $1 Double (Races 3-4) / $.50 Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) $1 Pick 6 (Races 3-4-5-6-7-8)

Claiming $6,250 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 91 • Purse: $9,000 • Post: 1:41P
(PLUS UP TO 10% PLUS 10%) FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $5,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). ARIZONA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $8,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * ROYAL PRIVACY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. GOTTA GET PAID: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. OKAAD: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse ha s run a Good Race within the last 30 days. NEVADAN: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
1
ROYAL PRIVACY
7/5

5/1
6
GOTTA GET PAID
4/1

6/1
2
OKAAD
3/1

7/1
4
NEVADAN
6/1

7/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
NEVADAN
4

6/1
Front-runner
96

86

86.4

80.8

73.8
1
ROYAL PRIVACY
1

7/5
Front-runner
89

90

85.0

84.6

80.6
6
GOTTA GET PAID
6

4/1
Stalker
93

88

78.8

86.0

78.0
5
RACING RAY
5

20/1
Stalker
94

84

54.0

70.4

57.4
7
SOLEMNLY SWEAR
7

5/1
Trailer
90

81

67.2

83.0

75.0
2
OKAAD
2

3/1
Trailer
90

83

56.8

81.8

78.3
3
PACIORETTY
3

15/1
Alternator/Trailer
79

66

72.0

69.6

58.6

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 10:34 AM

When: 3:30 PM ET, Sunday, January 7, 2018
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Matchup Edge
UTA Edge in: MIA
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Jazz at Heat
Gracenote
Jan 6, 2018

The Miami Heat matched their longest winning streak of the season by beating the New York Knicks in overtime for their third consecutive triumph on Friday. The Heat will try to keep rolling on Sunday, when they host the slumping Utah Jazz.

Miami hoisted a franchise-record 42 3-point attempts in Friday's win -- making 12 -- and are opening up the offense while averaging 111.7 points over the last three contests. "What has this organization come to? I'm sure I'm going to have to go upstairs and meet with (team president) Pat (Riley) and talk about getting the ball in the post or something," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra joked with reporters. "No, look, we're not going to be a team that averages 40, but those shots presented themselves tonight. And I thought they were good looks." The Jazz are allowing a lot of teams open looks of late and are losers of 12 of their last 15 games. "There's stretches ... where we're not as connected, not as determined as we need to be," Utah coach Quin Snyder told reporters. "There's a level of mental toughness that you need when a team's on a run to stop the run."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah), FS Sun (Miami)

ABOUT THE JAZZ (16-23): Utah opened a four-game road trip with a 99-91 loss at Denver on Friday and let the defense fall apart during a third quarter in which it was outscored 38-16. The Jazz, who dropped to 3-16 on the road with the loss, are still missing defensive anchor Rudy Gobert (knee) but also struggled to defend the perimeter while allowing the Nuggets to knock down 14 3-pointers in the setback. The bright spot continues to be rookie guard Donovan Mitchell, who matched a team high with 15 points on Friday and is averaging 22.6 points since the beginning of December.

ABOUT THE HEAT (21-17): Shooting guard Wayne Ellington hoisted up a franchise-record 16 3-point attempts - making six - on Friday and finished with a team-high 24 points. "It was a crazy game, but it was a game for competitors only," Ellington told reporters. "When I looked at the sheet after the game and saw 16 attempts from out there I was like 'Wow!' I mean I didn't realize it. I was just in the flow of the game." Ellington is shooting 41.5 percent from beyond the arc on the season and knocked down at least three from beyond the arc in six of the last seven games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Jazz PF Derrick Favors is 26-of-42 from the floor over the last four contests.

2. Heat SG Dion Waiters (ankle) sat out the last six games and is not expected to return this weekend.

3. Miami earned an 84-74 win at Utah on Nov. 10 behind 21 points from Waiters.

PREDICTION: Heat 106, Jazz 98

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 10:35 AM

Trends - Utah at Miami

ATS Trends
Utah

Jazz are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Southeast.
Jazz are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
Jazz are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss.
Jazz are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Jazz are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Jazz are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games playing on 1 days rest.
Jazz are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Jazz are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Jazz are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Jazz are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Miami

Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Heat are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Northwest.
Heat are 4-9-2 ATS in their last 15 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Heat are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Heat are 6-16-1 ATS in their last 23 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 6-18-2 ATS in their last 26 home games.
Heat are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up win.
Heat are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Sunday games.

OU Trends
Utah

Over is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 Sunday games.
Under is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-1 in Jazz last 8 overall.
Under is 5-1 in Jazz last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 5-1 in Jazz last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 vs. NBA Southeast.

Miami

Under is 4-0 in Heat last 4 vs. NBA Northwest.
Under is 4-1 in Heat last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 9-3 in Heat last 12 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 15-5 in Heat last 20 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 15-6 in Heat last 21 overall.
Under is 5-2 in Heat last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 7-3 in Heat last 10 home games.
Under is 7-3 in Heat last 10 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 9-4 in Heat last 13 games following a straight up win.
Under is 38-17 in Heat last 55 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Head to Head

Over is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Miami.
Underdog is 17-5 ATS in the last 22 meetings.
Road team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 10:35 AM

When: 7:00 PM ET, Sunday, January 7, 2018
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Matchup Edge
NY Edge in: DAL
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Knicks at Mavericks
Gracenote
Jan 6, 2018

The road remains difficult for the New York Knicks, who will try to secure a rare win away from home when they cap a three-game trip at Dallas on Sunday. The Knicks are 0-2 to begin the excursion following a 107-103 overtime loss in Miami on Friday, and their 3-14 road mark is worse than all but two teams in the NBA.

Kristaps Porzingis, who earlier in the trip said he was "so tired," was 5-of-14 from the floor in the loss and is 15-for-46 during New York's three-game losing streak. The Mavericks have been on a very different path of late, first going 3-0 on a road trip but returning home to drop two in a row at American Airlines Center while giving up an average of 124.5 points. "We are falling into some bad habits playing these windshield-wiper games," coach Rick Carlisle told reporters after Friday's 127-124 loss to Chicago. "We just need to take a hard look at it." Wesley Matthews scored 24 points against the Bulls and is 12-for-19 from 3-point range through the first two games on the homestand.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE KNICKS (18-21): New York is 7-11 since losing Tim Hardaway Jr. (leg) last month and while the team's second-leading scorer is increasing his activity, his absence continues to be an issue for Porzingis, who bears the burden of being the team's only true go-to guy. "It's physically harder," Porzingis told reporters of playing without Hardaway's support. "That's something I was preparing myself for. It's not that all of a sudden it hit me and I have to be ready. I prepared myself for it and I have to be ready for it if I want to be the guy. There can't be any excuses made now that there's so many minutes I'm playing or whatever it is." Michael Beasley continues to do his part to help out and he scored 20 points in each of the last two games.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (13-27): Future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki is enjoying his most consistent stretch of the season as he scored in double figures in nine straight games after going 8-for-11 from the floor Friday - including 3-for-3 from 3-point range. Matthews has been just about as hot and his accuracy on the homestand has pushed his 3-point percentage at American Airlines Center to 41.1 percent, but he knows the team needs to hunker down defensively to end the two-game slide. "We let them start 8 for 8 to start the game, and at the start of the fourth quarter they went on a 10-0 run in two minutes," Matthews told the media Friday. "That's unacceptable, and going forward we've got to get back to that brand of basketball that we've been playing."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Knicks C Enes Kanter is 17-for-22 from the floor in three games this month.

2. Nowitzki needs 10 made free throws to tie Hall of Famer Jerry West (7,160) for sixth on the NBA's all-time list.

3. Dallas won three straight meetings with New York at home and 25 of the last 31 overall.

PREDICTION: Mavericks 113, Knicks 109

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 10:35 AM

Trends - New York at Dallas

ATS Trends
New York

Knicks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.
Knicks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 vs. Western Conference.
Knicks are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS win.
Knicks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Sunday games.
Knicks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Knicks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Knicks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Dallas

Mavericks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
Mavericks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Mavericks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Mavericks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games.
Mavericks are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Mavericks are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Mavericks are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Mavericks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Mavericks are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 Sunday games.
Mavericks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Mavericks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Mavericks are 5-17 ATS in their last 22 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

OU Trends
New York

Over is 9-2 in Knicks last 11 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Over is 9-3 in Knicks last 12 road games.
Under is 13-5-1 in Knicks last 19 vs. NBA Southwest.
Under is 5-2 in Knicks last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Knicks last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 17-7 in Knicks last 24 Sunday games.
Over is 7-3 in Knicks last 10 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Dallas

Over is 5-0 in Mavericks last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 4-0 in Mavericks last 4 overall.
Under is 4-0 in Mavericks last 4 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Over is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 Sunday games.
Over is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 3-1-1 in Mavericks last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Under is 9-3 in Mavericks last 12 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 13-5 in Mavericks last 18 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 5-2 in Mavericks last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 13-6 in Mavericks last 19 games following a straight up loss.

Head to Head

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 10:36 AM

When: 8:00 PM ET, Sunday, January 7, 2018
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Matchup Edge
OKC Edge in: PHO
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Thunder at Suns
Gracenote
Jan 6, 2018

Fresh off an L.A. sweep, the Oklahoma City Thunder are thriving once again as Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony all seem to be on the same page offensively. The Thunder will try to make it three wins in a row when they continue the road trip by visiting the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

Oklahoma City totaled 260 points in beating the Lakers and Clippers and watched George (12-of-16) and Anthony (9-of-12) enjoy strong shooting nights in the 127-117 win over the Clippers on Thursday. "We're finding our groove, we're figuring it out," George told reporters. "We're learning how to play with one another. The best thing is we're doing that on the road. I almost think that's bringing us closer. We're trusting one another. The chemistry is getting even better, and it just comes down to having fun out there." A hot offense is not a welcome sight for the Suns, who are last in the NBA in scoring defense at an average of 112.4 points and are losers of three of their last four games. Phoenix didn't have enough offense to make up for its defense on Friday, when TJ Warren (19.6 points) sat out a 103-89 loss to the San Antonio Spurs due to an illness that has him day-to-day.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Oklahoma, FS Arizona (Phoenix)

ABOUT THE THUNDER (22-17): Westbrook recorded his second triple-double in the last three games on Thursday with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, and drew some praise from George. "I was just playing within the offense, making myself available," George told reporters. "Russ is as good as anybody in the league at finding people. I just had to get open." Oklahoma City's three stars have been working all season to find consistency together and appear to have turned a corner with wins in eight of the last 10 games after struggling through much of the first two months.

ABOUT THE SUNS (15-26): Phoenix is still trying to get things more settled at the offensive end and is asking shooting guard Devin Booker to absorb some point guard duties. The 21-year-old leads the team with an average of 4.3 assists but is also averaging 3.5 turnovers and gave the ball away a total of 22 times over the last four games. "I think I'm going to figure it out really quick," Booker told the Arizona Republic. "I'm sure we'll go over it in practice and make sure everyone is in the right spots at the right time and we should be getting open shots."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Anthony scored at least 21 points in each of the last three contests and is 10-of-18 from 3-point range in that span.

2. Phoenix PG Isaiah Canaan (hamstring) sat out Friday and is day-to-day.

3. The teams split four meetings last season, with both protecting home court.

PREDICTION: Thunder 123, Suns 106

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-07-2018, 10:36 AM

Trends - Oklahoma City at Phoenix

ATS Trends
Oklahoma City

Thunder are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Pacific.
Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Thunder are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 2 days rest.
Thunder are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Thunder are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Thunder are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Thunder are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Thunder are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Sunday games.
Thunder are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Phoenix

Suns are 5-1-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
Suns are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Suns are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Suns are 5-2-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Suns are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Suns are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Suns are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Suns are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Suns are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.

OU Trends
Oklahoma City

Over is 5-0 in Thunder last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Over is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 road games.
Over is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 8-3-1 in Thunder last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Over is 10-4 in Thunder last 14 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Over is 5-2 in Thunder last 7 games following a ATS win.
Under is 43-20-1 in Thunder last 64 games playing on 2 days rest.

Phoenix

Under is 5-0 in Suns last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 4-0 in Suns last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 4-0 in Suns last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Over is 6-1 in Suns last 7 Sunday games.
Under is 9-2 in Suns last 11 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 8-2 in Suns last 10 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Suns last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 8-3 in Suns last 11 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 16-6 in Suns last 22 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Head to Head

Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Phoenix.
Over is 20-8 in the last 28 meetings.
Thunder are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Phoenix.
Underdog is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.

Sunday 1-7-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Sunday 1-7-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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