Monday 10-29-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 05:32 AM

New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills Preview and Predictions 10-29-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 26th October 2018 by Gracenote
Patriots vs. Bills Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/26/2018

Letdown, anyone? That could be the biggest obstacle for the resurgent New England Patriots as they head to western New York on Monday night to play the reeling Buffalo Bills. The Patriots have dominated the rivalry against the Bills, who have scored the fewest points in football, are down to their third quarterback and could be without their best offensive player.

The Patriots have rebounded from a slow start to rip off four consecutive victories, moving to their accustomed spot at the top of the AFC East after winning slugfests over Kansas City and Chicago the past two weeks. "It's always tough with them up there," New England coach Bill Belichick said of playing in Buffalo. "We know that. I mean, we know it's going to be tough. We talked about it but talking about it is the easy part. It'll be dealing with it Monday night that will be the hard part." The Bills must find a way to solve future Hall of Famer Tom Brady, who owns a staggering 28-3 mark against the Bills -- the most by any quarterback against another opponent. Buffalo has been limited to 13 points or fewer in five of its seven games and could be without starting running back LeSean McCoy, who remained in the league's concussion protocol on Friday.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Patriots -14. O/U: 44

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (5-2): Brady rebounded from a 133-yard effort in a loss at Detroit in Week 3 to guide New England to four wins in a row, posting a passer rating of 102-plus in each of the past three victories. Brady likely will be without rookie running back Sony Michel, who rushed for 316 yards and four touchdowns in a three-game span before suffering a knee injury in last week's 38-31 victory at Chicago (as a -1.5 point favorite at intertops). The return of Julian Edelman from suspension and addition of Josh Gordon has bolstered a passing game that hopes to have tight end Rob Gronkowski back after he sat out a week ago. New England ranks 25th overall in total defense (389.9 yards) and against the pass (275.9).

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ABOUT THE BILLS (2-5): Rookie quarterback Josh Allen is injured and Nathan Peterman has been benched, so Derek Anderson will hope for improvement against New England after a shaky season debut in which he threw for 175 yards and was intercepted three times. "They've got a good defense," said Anderson. "They've got a good scheme to try and take away guys and who they think are going to be our biggest threats and take away the things that we do well." Not only is McCoy's status up in the air, but backup running back Chris Ivory was limited in practice Thursday and Friday after hurting his hamstring on Wednesday. Buffalo's defense has exelled against the pass, allowing 210.1 yards per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Brady has 16 touchdowns and two interceptions in his last six games at Buffalo.

2. McCoy has at least 100 yards from scrimmage in five straight games against New England.

3. Gronkowski has 12 touchdowns in 13 games versus the Bills.

PREDICTION: Patriots 27, Bills 13

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 07:38 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Mountaineer Park
Mountaineer Park - Race 8

First Half $2 Late Daily Double (Races 8-9) $.50 Trifecta $1 Exacta Box ($.20) Superfecta

Allowance • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 82 • Purse: $18,400 • Post: 9:34P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 29 ALLOWED 3 LBS. (MAIDEN OR CLAIMING RACES FOR $15,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ESTIMATING ALLOWANCES)(W V A BRED RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).
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 * LIES AND SCANDALS: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Today is a spri nt and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. ETERNAL VOW: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. SP ANISH MOSS: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
4
LIES AND SCANDALS
8/1

4/1
3
ETERNAL VOW
7/2

9/2
8
SPANISH MOSS
5/2

6/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
SHEHASIT TOO
2

8/1
Front-runner
83

69

85.2

63.2

55.7
5
FLOWERS VALE
5

10/1
Front-runner
58

61

80.0

58.0

42.0
1
DANG IT DOROTHY
1

8/1
Front-runner
80

72

60.2

65.4

52.9
10
TIZ ALL BIZ
10

15/1
Front-runner
73

67

31.6

29.9

11.9
8
SPANISH MOSS
8

5/2
Stalker
80

78

56.0

76.0

70.0
4
LIES AND SCANDALS
4

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
87

83

82.8

76.8

72.3
3
ETERNAL VOW
3

7/2
Alternator/Stalker
80

84

59.0

74.4

69.4
9
CHOPPYCHOPPYCHOPPY
9

4/1
Trailer
76

79

0.0

0.0

0.0
6
MIDNIGHT LEAP
6

30/1
Alternator/Trailer
81

78

19.7

28.4

14.4
7
GRADY'S LADY
7

12/1
Alternator/Trailer
84

74

17.8

40.4

25.9

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 07:38 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #7 - Post: 3:33pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,000 Class Rating: 71

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 CLASSIC DANIEL (ML=6/1)
#8 KING STORMY (ML=7/2)
#10 TIZWAYORTHEHIGHWAY (ML=8/1)

CLASSIC DANIEL - Gelding failed to win as the public choice in a $3,000 Claiming race last time out. Was a good performance even though he finished second. Have to make this gelding a strong challenger; he comes off a strong effort on October 9th. That 79 fig this gelding notched in his last event tells me he's a chief player this time around. KING STORMY - This campaigner coming off a nice contest in the last 30 days is a contender in my opinion. The return on investment when Clemente and Rivera team up is terrific. TIZWAYORTHEHIGHWAY - This front running sort is running a shorter distance today. Should increase his chances to win. Was in a $5,000 Claiming race at Belterra Park last time out. That race had a class rating of 78 and he is moving down today. A certain solid contender.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 CAPTIVATED (ML=3/1), #7 CANTANKEROUS BOBBY (ML=4/1),

CAPTIVATED - In the last event this less than sharp equine finished eighth. Doesn't bode well for his chances this time. In any race of 5 1/2 furlongs, I like to bet on a contender that has been sharp in short distance events lately. CANTANKEROUS BOBBY - This steed ran a somewhat easily forgotten speed figure last time around the track. He shouldn't improve and will probably lose in today's race running that number.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #1 CLASSIC DANIEL on the win end if we get at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
1 with [8,10]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,8,10] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 07:40 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Portland Meadows
Portland Meadows - Race 5

$1 Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7)

Maiden Claiming $4,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 68 • Purse: $5,300 • Post: 1:52P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Dominant Stalker. SHOTGUN BANDIT is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SHOTGUN BANDIT: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equi base Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
6
SHOTGUN BANDIT
2/1

2/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
6
SHOTGUN BANDIT
6

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
75

68

59.4

61.1

58.6
7
ROMEOINBLUEJEANS
7

9/2
Alternator/Stalker
65

62

51.6

46.1

38.1
10
KINETIC ENERGY
10

3/1
Alternator/Stalker
64

57

50.4

48.4

41.9
9
BRITE SIERRA
9

10/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

38.0

46.4

37.4
8
ROMEO SUNRISE
8

8/1
Alternator/Trailer
64

63

35.0

37.2

27.2
2
ROYAL PATRIOT
2

15/1
Alternator/Trailer
69

61

20.7

45.5

33.5
3
KALAMAITY GEM
3

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
61

41

55.5

35.8

22.8
5
CRUISIN ON
5

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
44

34

43.3

32.8

15.8
4
REAL CHANGES
4

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
63

32

23.5

27.8

13.3
1
E Z COMPANY E
1

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

21.4

28.5

14.5

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 07:41 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 2 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $18000 Class Rating: 52

FOR REGISTERED PA-BRED MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 HABIBI 8/1

# 5 SONG OF JOY 8/5

# 9 GRAND BLUE HARBOR 4/1

HABIBI is tough to overlook as the wager in here particularly if the morning line of 8/1 holds. Has a strong shot in this race if you like back class. SONG OF JOY - She looks formidable in this spot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the halfway point. With better than average trips to the winner's circle, Salgado will most likely have this filly in excellent position to win the outing. GRAND BLUE HARBOR - She looks very strong in this spot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the halfway point. Formidable rider and conditioner combo winning 16 percent of their races working together.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 07:41 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #1 - Post: 12:55pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 81

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 A P PHANTOM (ML=4/1)

A P PHANTOM - Looking at today's Equibase class figure, this horse is up against an easier group than last time around the track at Ferndale. This one could be a potential overlay today at morning odds of 4/1. Finished fifth in last race at Ferndale but was close at the wire. This gelding's last rating is high enough to win here, I'll play him back again today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 SOLAR FLAIR (ML=2/1), #5 INTERMIX (IRE) (ML=5/2), #2 THREE PADRES (ML=3/1),

SOLAR FLAIR - Not probable that this animal will finish better than he did last time out when placing sixth. INTERMIX (IRE) - Should be difficult for this thoroughbred to beat this field off of that last speed rating. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's class figure, so put him on the questionable contenders list. THREE PADRES - This horse doesn't have a winning mental state. Habitually finishes in the place or show hole. Showed very little in the last event. Really don't see any hint of improvement today. Garnered a run-of-the-mill speed fig last time out in a $5,000 Claiming race on September 8th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that figure.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 A P PHANTOM is the play if we get odds of 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 07:42 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Zia Park
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 6 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $11500 Class Rating: 62

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000. NEW MEXICO BRED CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 KATHY'S DAY RATE 5/2

# 9 CONGORED B R 15/1

# 7 PASZ THE PEPPER 3/1

I think KATHY'S DAY RATE is a strong choice. Had one of the best speed figures of this group of animals in her last race. Has to be considered versus this group displaying solid figures recently and an average speed rating of 54 under similar conditions. CONGORED B R - Could beat this group given the 56 Equibase Speed Figure posted in her last outing. Win percentage under similar conditions may be the key for this filly. PASZ THE PEPPER - Has been racing solidly and has among the top speed in the race for today's distance. Win percentage one of the best in this field.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 11:07 AM

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Indiana Pacers Preview and Predictions 10-29-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 28th October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/28/2018

The Indiana Pacers found a higher gear on the last two legs of their road trip and head home with some momentum. The Pacers will try to keep the offense flowing and post a third straight win when they make a one-game stop at home to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday.

Indiana, which heads back out for visits to New York and Chicago this week, fell at Minnesota last Monday but shot 52.9 percent from the floor in a 116-96 triumph at San Antonio on Wednesday and exploded at Cleveland on Saturday, shooting 64.9 percent from the floor in a 119-107 win. "We definitely moved the ball at a high level," Pacers star guard Victor Oladipo told reporters. "A lot of guys touched it, a lot of guys (scored) in double figures (Saturday), so that's huge." The Trail Blazers split the first two stops on their four-game trip and are coming off a 120-111 loss at Miami. "I thought (Miami) made some timely shots," Portland coach Terry Stotts told reporters. "We gave up a key rebound on a free throw, that hurt us. But they made some big plays in the last three minutes. The timely shooting made the difference."

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

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (3-2): Portland star Damian Lillard totaled 83 points in the first two games of the road trip and is averaging 33.8 in the early going. The Trail Blazers trailed by 19 in the third quarter at Miami but came all the way back to take the lead before running out of gas in the setback, and Lillard's 42 points on 15-of-28 shooting sparked the comeback. "Sometimes when the team is struggling -- we weren't making shots, we weren't getting a ton of stops -- sometimes you've got to take it upon yourself to light a fire, be a spark that the team needs. I tried to do that," Lillard told reporters.

ABOUT THE PACERS (4-2): Indiana's starting five combined to shoot 67.2 percent from the floor on Saturday and point guard Darren Collison enjoyed his best game with a season-high 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Collison was held to a total of 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting in the previous two contests. "I was able to get a rhythm," Collison told reporters. "You look at some of our games, either we blew them out or we got blown out in the first five games. I wasn't able to find a rhythm. I felt like this game, I knew it was going to be a little bit close because we're missing (guard) Tyreke (Evans) a little bit and I was going to find my rhythm."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Evans (personal) sat out Saturday but is expected to return on Monday.

2. Trail Blazers C Jusuf Nurkic scored a season-low five points on 2-of-7 shooting Saturday - the first time he failed to reach double figures in 2018-19.

3. Portland took both meetings last season, including a 114-96 win at Indiana.

PREDICTION: Pacers 125, Trail Blazers 122

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 11:08 AM

Atlanta Hawks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 10-29-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 28th October 2018 by Gracenote
Hawks vs. 76ers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/28/2018

Joel Embiid has been outstanding so far for the Philadelphia 76ers, who enter Monday's home contest against the Atlanta Hawks looking for back-to-back victories after ending a two-game losing skid with Saturday's victory over Charlotte. Embiid's streak of 30-point, 10-rebound efforts ended at four games following the 105-103 victory over the Hornets, but the center pulled down 14 rebounds to go with 27 points despite a left-ankle injury suffered in practice Friday.

Embiid received plenty of help as the Sixers displayed the depth that makes Philadelphia an Eastern Conference contender, getting double-doubles from Ben Simmons and Robert Covington to improve to 3-0 at home. "Covington's best game of the year," Philadelphia coach Brett Brown told reporters after the forward scored 18 points with 10 rebounds, hit a late 3-pointer and hounded Charlotte's Kemba Walker all night. The Hawks, projected by many to be one of the worst teams in the NBA, saw their two-game winning streak end with Saturday's 97-85 defeat to Chicago, a game in which the trio of Trae Young, Taurean Prince and Kent Bazemore combined to shoot 11-of-35 from the field and commit 15 turnovers. "It was a lesson in how you handle success," Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce told the media afterward.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE HAWKS (2-3): Young, the fifth overall pick in this summer's draft, is averaging 19.8 points and 6.8 assists through five games, but recorded season lows in both categories (13 points, four assists) Saturday. Backup center Dewayne Dedmon shined in his second game of the season, scoring 13 points with 13 rebounds and five blocked shots off the bench. Atlanta ranks 25th in the league in free-throw percentage (72.4 percent).

ABOUT THE 76ERS (3-3): Embiid opened the season with six consecutive double-doubles, averaging 29.2 points and 12.7 rebounds on 48 percent shooting from the field. Philadelphia played much better defense after giving up 123.7 points per game in its previous three contests, holding Charlotte to 38.9 percent shooting from the field overall and just 18 fourth-quarter points. Guard J.J. Reddick is shooting 45.4 percent from 3-point range in his past four games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Atlanta F DeAndre Bembry is 7-of-13 from 3-point range through five games, finishing 2-of-5 Saturday.

2. The 76ers entered Sunday eighth in the NBA in turnovers per game (12.8), while the Hawks rank last out of 30 teams (18.4).

3. The Hawks play seven of their next 11 on the road starting Monday.

PREDICTION: 76ers 121, Hawks 106

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 11:08 AM

Sacramento Kings vs. Miami Heat Preview and Predictions 10-29-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 28th October 2018 by Gracenote
Kings vs. Heat Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/28/2018

The Sacramento Kings are surprisingly scrappy in the early going and might be coming together quicker than anticipated. The young, rebuilding club will try to make it three consecutive wins when the Kings open a four-game road trip by visiting the Miami Heat on Monday.

The Kings own one of the youngest rosters in the NBA and are trying to turn all of that talent into a team that can compete for a playoff spot in the near future, and second-year guard De'Aaron Fox is stepping up into a leadership role. "I think right now, everybody kind of looks at me," Fox, who is averaging a team-high 17.7 points, told the Sacramento Bee. "(In crunch time), coach wants the ball in my hands, even if I'm not shooting the ball, just create for somebody else. I've embraced it and guys have embraced it for me to be a playmaker. They trust me, so I've got to go out there and trust myself." The Heat will try to stop Fox and company with a defense that held the Portland Trail Blazers to 42 percent shooting in a 120-111 victory on Saturday. "Guys really stepped up tonight," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after the win. "Even giving up 111 points, it sounds funny, but our defensive efforts and commitment on that side of the floor against two really dynamic playmakers, I thought was very good."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), FS Sun (Miami)

ABOUT THE KINGS (3-3): The average age of Sacramento's roster is just over 25, making 30-year-old forward Nemanja Bjelica one of the team's elder statesmen. Bjelica, who never averaged more than 6.8 points in three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves and was set to return to Europe over the summer before signing a three-year deal with Sacramento, started each of the first six games and turned in his best effort on Friday with 26 points and 12 rebounds in a 116-112 win over the Washington Wizards. "All my life, all my career I was underrated," Bjelica told reporters. "But I don't have a problem with that. I just love the game of basketball and I worked really hard to be here today."

ABOUT THE HEAT (3-2): Miami center Hassan Whiteside is averaging 11.8 points and 14.6 rebounds and is finding ways to impact games when he struggles on the offensive end. Whiteside was held to five points on 2-of-8 shooting on Saturday but blocked six shots and grabbed 16 rebounds. "He even mentioned it to me right before I walked in here (for the postgame interview)," Spoelstra told reporters of Whiteside. "He mentioned that he was just trying to do whatever he could to put his fingerprints on this win. And down the stretch, that was a couple big contests to force some misses and a couple big rebounds. And even the offensive rebound. That's winning basketball."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Miami PF Kelly Olynyk is shooting 54.5 percent from the floor and scored a season-high 19 points on Saturday.

2. Kings C Willie Cauley-Stein recorded a double-double in each of the last two games.

3. Sacramento took both meetings last season by a total of five points - one in overtime.

PREDICTION: Heat 109, Kings 107

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 11:08 AM

Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks Preview and Predictions 10-29-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 28th October 2018 by Gracenote
Nets vs. Knicks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/28/2018

The New York Knicks' five-game losing streak began with a loss to crosstown rival Brooklyn earlier this month. They will try to snap that string in a rematch when the Nets visit Madison Square Garden for the first time this season Monday night.

Both teams suffered losses to the Golden State Warriors over the weekend, with the Knicks stepping up first with a 128-100 loss to the defending champion Warriors on Friday to open a three-game homestand. "I saw our young guys. I just saw that look of, alright, we've done enough tonight. We played hard enough," New York coach David Fizdale told reporters after his team was outscored 47-16 in the fourth quarter. "I just got to get these guys to understand how to play 48 minutes. Right now we're playing college ball." The Nets had a much better fourth quarter against Golden State but they were outplayed in the first three en route to a 120-114 loss Sunday. D'Angelo Russell had 25 points, six rebounds and six assists in the defeat.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, YES (Brooklyn), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE NETS (2-4): Russell was 5-for-8 from 3-point range and Caris LeVert finished 4-for-7 as Brooklyn buried 20 3-pointers Sunday, seven in the fourth quarter. "The way the first half went we easily could have kind of folded and that's not what kind of guys we have in that locker room," coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters. "They're a resilient bunch and I thought they competed their tails off and it was good for the fans to see that we didn't just succumb to their talent or their aura so to speak." Russell is averaging 24.5 points while making 11-of-17 from 3-point range in the last two games.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (1-5): Friday's loss came after Fizdale shuffled the starting lineup, moving veteran big man Enes Kanter to the bench. "He wants me to lead the second unit," Kanter, who started all of his 71 games last season and the first five in 2018-19, told the media. "That's what I'm going to do, go out there and lead the second unit. Just keep leading them." Kanter had 13 rebounds in 20 minutes against Golden State and is averaging 11.2 on the season.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Knicks SG Tim Hardaway Jr. has scored at least 24 points in five of the first six games.

2. LeVert is averaging 21.3 points while shooting 51.6 percent from the floor.

3. New York swept four meetings last season.

PREDICTION: Knicks 105, Nets 101

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 11:08 AM

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Preview and Predictions 10-29-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 28th October 2018 by Gracenote
Lakers vs. Timberwolves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/28/2018

The Minnesota Timberwolves are trying to downplay the distraction caused by Jimmy Butler's trade demand but are having a hard time coming together on the court. The Timberwolves will try to bounce back from a terrible effort and avoid a third straight setback when they host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

Minnesota was crushed 125-95 by the Milwaukee Bucks at home on Friday as Butler struggled to four points on 2-of-11 shooting in 24 minutes. "You know, distractions happen all the time in every industry," Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters after the loss. "So, when you lose focus you're not going to perform up to your potential. ... We have to guard against that. I think human nature says you have to guard against it if you study how this league works." James is trying to teach his new teammates how to play like champions and was encouraged despite another tight loss after a 110-106 setback in San Antonio on Saturday. "You use these experiences for the better," James told reporters. "I think we played very, very well tonight, besides that four-, five-minute point in the third quarter. We just offensively stalled and defensively weren't in tune. Other than that, we played some really good basketball all the way down to the last possession."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBATV, Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles), FS North (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE LAKERS (2-4): James is making some personal history with his new team and passed Shaquille O'Neal for the sixth-most made field goals (11,339) while passing Dirk Nowitzki and moving into sixth place (31,202) on the NBA career scoring list on Saturday. "Dirk has always been one of my favorite players, and I think Shaq is the most dominant player to ever play this game," James told reporters. "For me to be in the same conversation with those guys, in anything we're talking about as far as basketball, it's a tribute as far as just being humble and knowing where I come from." James is averaging 27.3 points, nine rebounds and 8.3 assists early in his first season with Los Angeles.

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (2-4): Butler is trying to be a solid teammate on the court for as long as he remains in Minnesota and was not happy with his performance at either end of the floor on Friday. "We let our offense dictate what our defense was going to do," Butler told reporters. "Speaking for myself, I can never let that happen. My entire career has always been my defense dictates my offense. So, bad one." Butler is averaging 20.6 points on 47.9 percent shooting despite the poor effort against the Bucks and leads the NBA at an average of 3.4 steals.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Timberwolves SF Andrew Wiggins (quad) missed the last two games and is questionable for Monday.

2. Los Angeles SF Brandon Ingram is eligible to return on Monday after serving a four-game suspension for fighting.

3. Minnesota took all four meetings last season.

PREDICTION: Lakers 122, Timberwolves 115

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 11:08 AM

Golden State Warriors vs. Chicago Bulls Preview and Predictions 10-29-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 28th October 2018 by Gracenote
Warriors vs. Bulls Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/28/2018

The Chicago Bulls rebounded from an embarrassing effort with their best defensive performance of the season last time out and will need more of the same when the two-time defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors visit Monday night. The Bulls surrendered 135 points in a loss at Charlotte Friday, but forced 22 turnovers and registered a season-best 14 steals in the 97-85 win at Atlanta one day later.

"We clamped down," Chicago forward Jabari Parker told the Chicago Tribune. "We had a really good scout (report). We were prepared. We asked a lot of questions, especially from my end. So we were ready going in." The Bulls have lost five of the last six against Golden State, including a 119-112 decision last season, and the Warriors come in after averaging 128.8 points during a four-game winning streak that included a 120-114 triumph at Brooklyn on Sunday. Stephen Curry continued his scorching start to the season with 35 points in Golden State's latest victory and has scored at least 29 in all seven contests. Curry made seven 3-pointers Sunday - pushing his total to 46 on the season - and has at least five in seven consecutive games, breaking the NBA record of six straight with five that was set by George McCloud during the 1995-96 season.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State), WGN (Chicago)

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (6-1): Kevin Durant has also gotten off to a strong start alongside Curry and has been especially hot the last three games while averaging 35 points and shooting 66.1 percent from the field. Golden State has won six of seven despite Klay Thompson's shooting slump as the normally lethal guard is just 5-for-36 from 3-point range and shooting 39.7 percent from the field overall after scoring 18 on Sunday. Versatile forward Draymond Green was held to eight points in the triumph at Brooklyn, but finished with season highs in assists (13) and steals (five).

ABOUT THE BULLS (2-4): Guard Zach LaVine is averaging a team-high 29.3 points and has led Chicago in scoring each game, including 27 to go along with 11 rebounds in Saturday's victory. Rookie forward Wendell Carter Jr. posted his first career double-double Saturday with 10 points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes of work while guard Ryan Arcidiacono scored a career-high 13 points, dished out seven assists and had two steals in the win. "I know I'm not a proven player in this league," Arcidiacono told reporters. "But I know I can shoot it. So I'm going to shoot it with confidence."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Golden State G Shaun Livingston (foot) missed Sunday's contest and is questionable for the matchup with the Bulls.

2. Chicago F Chandler Hutchison got his first two NBA starts over the weekend with F Bobby Portis (knee) out, grabbing 11 rebounds in 46 minutes.

3. Warriors F Alfonzo McKinnie, a Chicago native, is 11-for-16 from the field during the four-game winning streak.

PREDICTION: Warriors 118, Bulls 104

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 10-29-2018, 11:08 AM

Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview and Predictions 10-29-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 28th October 2018 by Gracenote
Raptors vs. Bucks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/28/2018

The Toronto Raptors and the Milwaukee Bucks are the last two remaining unbeaten teams in the NBA, but only one will stay that way after Monday. The Bucks host the Raptors on Monday in a showdown of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.

Toronto was expected to be near the top of the East, but Milwaukee is more of a surprise, and the Bucks are trying to downplay the significance of the matchup. "You can fall into that trap (of putting too much importance on one game)," Milwaukee swingman Khris Middleton told reporters. "It's a big game, definitely. ... It could be a statement win, but at the same time, it's still one game early in the season. Teams are still trying to find themselves. We're still trying to learn ourselves too. But it's been a great start to the season - 6-0 so far, 7-0 would be great." Toronto's 6-0 start marks a franchise best, and the team is having a lot of fun. "Well, winning's fun, right?" first-year coach Nick Nurse told reporters. "That helps. But I also think that this is basketball and we don't have to be miserable every day going to work. We all understand we've got unbelievable owners, organization, fans, players. We've got a little history of winning right now going. You better enjoy that. You better make that some fun."

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

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (6-0): Toronto is building solid chemistry between the long-tenured players like Kyle Lowry and Jonas Valanciunas and newcomers Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, who came over from the San Antonio Spurs in the trade that sent All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan away. Leonard is averaging a team-high 26.6 points and eight rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the floor and Green is firing away at 45 percent from 3-point range. Lowry is averaging 10.3 assists and shooting 57.5 percent from the floor, including 52.8 percent from 3-point range, for a Raptors offense that ranks second in the East in team field-goal percentage (49.5).

ABOUT THE BUCKS (6-0): Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 25 points, 14.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists but was limited to 19 minutes in a 113-91 win over the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Antetokounmpo took an elbow to the head in the first quarter and cleared concussion tests but sat out the entire third quarter while being checked out by team trainers. "I think we just wanted to be extra cautious," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters. "Make sure everything was OK and kind of give him an extra look. Everything is good."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Toronto PG Fred VanVleet (toe) sat out the last two games and is questionable for Monday.

2. Middleton is averaging 21.8 points while shooting 57.1 percent from 3-point range.

3. The Raptors took two of the three meetings last season, but Milwaukee earned a 122-119 overtime victory at Toronto on Feb. 23 behind 26 points from Antetokounmpo.

PREDICTION: Raptors 116, Bucks 113

Monday 10-29-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Monday 10-29-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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