Thursday 11-8-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Aqueduct

11/08/18, AQU, Race 4, 1.47 ET
1M [Turf] 1.34.02 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. Purse $70,000.
(UP TO $12,180 NYSBFOA) FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (4-6) - Pick 6 Races (4-9), Double
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 00.00, $1 ROI 0.00, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Turf
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 2B Business Cycle 6-1 Rider TBA Brown Chad C. SFE
099.6556 2 Propagate 6-1 Castellano J Brown Chad C.
098.4384 7 Bail Out 3-1 Lezcano J McGaughey III Claude R
098.3894 8 Kandinsky 5/2 Saez L Serpe Philip M. L
096.9740 5 Carom 6-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Ribaudo Robert J
096.6580 9 Strategic Outlook 9/2 Rosario J Gyarmati Leah
096.3403 3 Timepiece 12-1 Gutierrez R Bond H. James W
096.0022 6 Le Condor (GER) 12-1 Cohen D Hennig Mark A.
094.9417 1A Tiz Morning 10-1 Reyes L R Mc Allen John P.
094.6960 3X Zealous 12-1 Gutierrez R Bond H. James
093.0789 4 Bad Guy 20-1 Davis D Maymo Alejandro C
092.0837 1 Duncastle 10-1 Cancel E Mc Allen John P.
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse Win Percent 11.11, $1 ROI 0.16, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 2B Business Cycle 6-1 Rider TBA Brown Chad C. EW
099.1168 2 Propagate 6-1 Castellano J Brown Chad C.
097.9053 8 Kandinsky 5/2 Saez L Serpe Philip M. SFL
097.5109 7 Bail Out 3-1 Lezcano J McGaughey III Claude R
096.5575 5 Carom 6-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Ribaudo Robert J
096.1810 9 Strategic Outlook 9/2 Rosario J Gyarmati Leah
095.3413 6 Le Condor (GER) 12-1 Cohen D Hennig Mark A.
095.0637 3 Timepiece 12-1 Gutierrez R Bond H. James
094.2754 3X Zealous 12-1 Gutierrez R Bond H. James
093.8139 1A Tiz Morning 10-1 Reyes L R Mc Allen John P.
092.1489 1 Duncastle 10-1 Cancel E Mc Allen John P.
091.5689 4 Bad Guy 20-1 Davis D Maymo Alejandro C

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Churchill Downs

11/08/18, CD, Race 8, 4.36 ET
6F [Dirt] 1.07.03 ALLOWANCE. Purse $78,500.
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES
Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 8-9-10)
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 21.79, $1 ROI 0.64, For Race Category Non-Maiden Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 7 Proximus 6-1 Geroux F Cox Brad H. TFEL
099.4999 4 Givemeaminit 5/2 Lanerie C J Stewart Dallas W
099.3651 5 Rubus 3-1 Mena M Bauer Philip A. S
097.7388 3 Examiner 7/2 Hernandez. Jr. B J Colebrook Ben C
097.6799 2 Tap Master 6-1 Santana. Jr. R Asmussen Steven M.
097.3319 6 Mojo Man 12-1 Gaffalione T DiVito James P. J
097.0869 1 Eagle Dance 9/2 Landeros C Hough Stanley M.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 5 - Claiming - 9.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 70

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE OCTOBER 8 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000, IF FOR $4,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 CASHTON PEAK 5/2

# 3 NORTH DUBAI 4/1

# 2 OUR CHARITABLE 3/1

CASHTON PEAK is the strongest bet in this race. Has performed admirably lately in route races, posting a nifty 70 avg Equibase Speed Figure. Is a contender - given the 64 Equibase Speed Figure from his most recent race. A solid 85 avg class rating may give this gelding a distinct class edge against this group. NORTH DUBAI - With a +89 return on investment, this jock and handler duo has produced quite good profits lately for investors. OUR CHARITABLE - Could beat this field given the 62 Equibase Speed Figure posted in his last outing. He has recorded decent numbers under today's conditions and will almost certainly fare well against this group.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Delta Downs
Delta Downs - Race 6

DD (Races 6-7) ($1 min.) / Exacta / Trifecta (.50 min.) / Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8) Pick 5 (Races 6-10) (.50 min.) / Superfecta (.10 min.)


Maiden Claiming $10,000 • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 49 • Purse: $14,000 • Post: 7:43P
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. LORRIE G is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * LORRIE G: Horse is dropping into a race which has an Class Rating at least five points lower than the Class Rating of its last race. Horse has a T rackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. MISS READY CAT: Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner with an inside post position. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. SPEEDPOINT: Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner wi th an inside post position. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
5
LORRIE G
2/1

3/1
1
MISS READY CAT
4/1

5/1
2
SPEEDPOINT
6/1

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
5
LORRIE G
5

2/1
Front-runner
0

0

83.5

44.8

42.3
1
MISS READY CAT
1

4/1
Front-runner
55

43

53.6

31.6

26.6
9
UNTUTTABLE SPEED
9

5/1
Alternator/Front-runner
0

0

55.7

34.1

27.6
2
SPEEDPOINT
2

6/1
Alternator/Front-runner
48

38

44.7

36.0

27.0
10
SASSY KYLIE
10

30/1
Alternator/Trailer
0

0

0.0

2.8

0.0
3
SARAH ANN'S POINTE
3

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0
6
BLUE SUEDE RANSOM
6

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0
7
TRAPPE ME
7

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0








Unknown Running Style: HEADSTRONG WOMAN (12/1) [Jockey: Castillo Alexander - Trainer: Gelner Scott], MYSTERIOUS KINGDOM (7/2) [Jockey: Thornton Timothy - Trainer: Broberg Karl].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Golden Gate Fields
Golden Gate Fields - Race 3

$1 Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $2 Rolling Double $1 Superfecta (.10 min) / $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) $0.50 Late Pick 5 (3-4-5-6-7)


Starter Allowance $8,000 • 1 Mile • All-Weather • Ages 3 and up • CR: 104 • Purse: $15,000 • Post: 1:50P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $8,000 OR LESS IN 2017-2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE SEPTEMBER 1 ALLOWED 2 LBS. (MAIDEN, CLAIMING AND STARTER RACES FOR $6,250 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. BLACK TIE EVENT is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * BLACK TIE EVENT: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. MANILA MISCHIEF: H orse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. NOWHERE MAN: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. TIZ TITUS: Horse ha s run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
4
BLACK TIE EVENT
8/1

5/1
2
MANILA MISCHIEF
3/1

6/1
3
NOWHERE MAN
7/5

7/1
1
TIZ TITUS
2/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
BLACK TIE EVENT
4

8/1
Front-runner
96

91

109.8

91.6

85.1
1
TIZ TITUS
1

2/1
Stalker
103

105

86.6

94.2

89.2
3
NOWHERE MAN
3

7/5
Stalker
109

105

63.8

91.4

88.9
2
MANILA MISCHIEF
2

3/1
Alternator/Stalker
106

104

73.4

97.2

90.7
6
MONSAJEM ACCRETE
6

10/1
Trailer
101

93

83.6

93.6

84.6
5
SYMPHONY FORTY ONE
5

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
93

87

83.6

86.8

75.8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park West - Race #7 - Post: 3:30pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 71

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 ENIGMATICA (ML=8/1)
#6 BIRD OF PEACE (ML=12/1)
#3 BONNIE SCOT (ML=6/1)


ENIGMATICA - Was in a $16,000 Claiming race at Gulfstream Park last race out. That event had an Equibase class figure of 79 and she is moving down in today's race. A certain win candidate. Last time she ran at this distance she notched a speed fig good enough to win today's affair. Average class figure is tops in this field. I think that is a big advantage for a turf race. BIRD OF PEACE - You always have to be on the patrol for money generating jockey/conditioner combos; we have one right here. Ran last out against tougher competition at Gulfstream Park West. The move down in class should suit her well. BONNIE SCOT - I like to bet on this handicapping theory, a pony coming back off a good contest within the last month or so.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 GRACIAS ADIOS (ML=3/1), #8 PRAY PRAY PRAY (ML=7/2), #2 FRECKLES KAN (ML=4/1),

GRACIAS ADIOS - The pace scenario just isn't too promising for this early speedster. Many other thoroughbreds would have to scratch to promote her efforts. PRAY PRAY PRAY - All sorts of crazy early speed signed up for this event. No chance for this front-runner. FRECKLES KAN - Hard to put any money on this filly on the front end. Likes to end up on the board though.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #5 ENIGMATICA to win. Have to have odds of at least 7/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,5,6]

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

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 4 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 91

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 8 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 HAWK'S IMAGE 5/2

# 5 FOUR LEFT FEET 5/1

# 1 IKER 9/5

HAWK'S IMAGE is my choice. The average Equibase class rating alone makes this horse a key contender. Formidable average Equibase speed figs in dirt sprint races make this pony a solid choice. He has been running very well and the Equibase Speed Figs are among the best in this group. FOUR LEFT FEET - He ought to be given consideration given the very strong speed figs. Has run solidly when racing a dirt sprint race. IKER - Win percentage under similar conditions may be the key for this gelding. Looks respectable to be on the lead at the first call.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #2 - Post: 6:27pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 85

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 CUBAN COWBOY (ML=4/1)


CUBAN COWBOY - I believe Moreno-Barban is making a good move here. This gelding can only be aided by the shorter distance. This gelding is in nice condition. Ran second on Oct 13th.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 NICO'S PRIZE (ML=2/1), #2 CEE 'N O (ML=3/1), #6 ONE SOCK MAUK (ML=7/2),

NICO'S PRIZE - I don't normally play a morning-line favorite that hasn't been to the track in the last 3 weeks. CEE 'N O - Didn't come through as the public's choice back to back. Probably won't gain a top finish today either. ONE SOCK MAUK - Just don't believe he is priced right at the given odds.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #8 CUBAN COWBOY on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Carolina Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preview and Predictions 11-08-2018

NFL Predictions 6th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/06/2018

After beginning their winning streak versus one Keystone State representative, the Carolina Panthers bid for their fourth straight victory against another on Thursday when they invade Heinz Field to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cam Newton led three fourth-quarter touchdown drives to upend defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia on Oct. 21 before tossing two more scoring strikes in wins over Baltimore and Tampa Bay.

"Listen, we may not necessarily be the best team in the league, but we're damn sure going to be the best team when we play. That's all that matters," Newton said. The 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player has thrown at least two touchdown passes in seven consecutive games, and he'd set a franchise record should he repeat the feat versus Pittsburgh. Steelers running back James Conner also can scribble his name among the franchise's elite should he rush for 100-plus yards in his fifth consecutive game -- joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis. The 23-year-old Conner has amassed a staggering 689 yards on 108 touches (88 carries, 20 receptions) over his last four games, including 163 yards (107 rushing, 56 receiving) in Pittsburgh's 23-16 win over arch-rival Baltimore on Sunday.

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, FOX, NFL Network. LINE: Steelers -4. O/U: 51.5

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (6-2): The elusive Christian McCaffrey can give Conner a run for his money after totaling 157 scrimmage yards (79 rushing, 78 receiving) in Sunday's 42-28 win over Tampa Bay. "He is an athletic, dynamic football player who just makes plays for us," coach Ron Rivera said of the 22-year-old McCaffrey, who also found the end zone twice for the second week in a row after scoring one touchdown in his previous six games. Tight end Greg Olsen made a twisting one-handed catch versus the Buccaneers to reel in a scoring strike for the third straight outing. Star linebacker Luke Kuechly leads the team with 64 tackles in 2018 and had a club-best 14 in the last meeting with Pittsburgh, albeit in a 37-19 setback in September 2014.




ABOUT THE STEELERS (5-2-1): Ben Roethlisberger says he's not a fan of Thursday games, and he let his listeners know why on his weekly radio show this week. "I'm sure the fans like (Thursday night games); they like seeing football as often as they can," the 36-year-old Roethlisberger said. "Players? (Sighs) It's like, 'Oh here we go, short week, especially after a Baltimore game where you're physically beat up.'" Roethlisberger has thrown seven touchdowns without an interception in his last two Thursday contests while Antonio Brown has reeled in three scoring strikes in each of his last two such tilts. The 30-year-old Brown has flourished during games on other days as well, collecting eight touchdowns in his last six games overall as well as finding the end zone on two occasions to go along with 10 catches in his last encounter with Carolina.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Pittsburgh WR JuJu Smith-Schuster leads the team in receptions (53), receiving yards (672) and 20-plus-yard catches (nine).

2. Rivera said he is optimistic that C Ryan Kalil (ankle) will play versus the Steelers despite failing to practice on Tuesday.

3. Pittsburgh lost its first-ever encounter with Carolina before winning the last five in the series.

PREDICTION: Panthers 28, Steelers 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. NC State Wolfpack Preview and Predictions 11-08-2018

NCAAF Predictions 6th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/06/2018

No. 22 North Carolina State faces its most common historical opponent Thursday when it hosts Wake Forest in an ACC matchup. This is the 112th meeting between the Tar Heel state rivals, who are coming off opposite performances a week ago.

NC State trounced Florida State in its last contest, rolling to a 47-28 triumph after losing its previous two games and stands 14th in the College Football Playoff rankings. Wake Forest, meanwhile, was thumped by Syracuse, 41-24, to fall for the third time in its last four outings. The home team in 18-2 in the last 20 matchups between the Wolfpack and Demon Deacons, which bodes well for North Carolina State in its bid to move up the ACC Atlantic Division standings. "After we had a rough two weeks, maybe people lost faith, but we never lost faith," said defensive tackle Larrell Murchison, whose team will face a new Wake Forest quarterback this weekend. "We know what we can do, within ourselves and within our team."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: NC State -17

ABOUT WAKE FOREST (4-5, 1-4 ACC): The Demon Deacons will start redshirt sophomore Jamie Newman at quarterback after Sam Hartman suffered a season-ending leg injury last week. Hartman had thrown multiple touchdown passes in seven of the team's nine games, creating some big shoes to fill for Newman, who has thrown 19 career passes (zero touchdowns, two interceptions). Matt Colburn posted career highs of 243 rushing yards and three TDs in a win over Louisville on Oct. 27 but was limited to 67 yards on 15 carries (and no scores) against Syracuse.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA STATE (6-2, 3-2): True freshmen accounted for 35 of the team's 47 points in the win over Florida State with Ricky Person scoring three touchdowns and Chris Dunn accounting for four field goals and five extra points. "Obviously we would like to finish some drives more in the end zone instead of finishing with field goals, but having Chris Dunn make all those field goals was huge. That was a big lift for us," offensive lineman Garrett Bradbury said. Senior Ryan Finley has thrown six touchdowns in the last two games and is two TD passes from matching his career high set in 2016.

EXTRA POINTS

1. NC State, which has not gone undefeated at home since 1986, is 5-0 at Carter-Finley Stadium this season.

2. The Demon Deacons rank 118th nationally (out of 129 teams) by allowing 37.2 points per game.

3. Wake Forest WR Greg Dortch has 17 catches for 230 yards and a score over the last two games.

PREDICTION: North Carolina State 44, Wake Forest 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 11-08-2018

NBA Predictions 8th November 2018 by Gracenote
Rockets vs. Thunder Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 11/08/2018

Two teams that are recovering from slow starts square off Thursday when the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Houston Rockets. The Thunder have won six straight after an 0-4 start while Houston has rolled off three straight road victories after opening 1-5.

Oklahoma City will likely be without point guard Russell Westbrook (ankle) for the second straight game but prevailed without him Wednesday with a 95-86 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Thunder will get their first look at Carmelo Anthony in a Rockets' uniform and the player who proclaimed he wouldn't be a backup for Oklahoma City this season is averaging 14.7 points as a reserve for Houston. The Rockets are 3-0 on a five-game road trip and uncharacteristically scored fewer than 100 points in consecutive wins over Chicago (96-88) and Indiana (98-94). "We're doing a really good job of getting stops and making it hard for teams to score," point guard James Harden told reporters. "I'm not worried about our offense. We're a really good offensive team. We're going to make shots. We need a pretty good defensive effort (each night)."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (4-5): Houston wasn't in sync earlier in the campaign as point guard Chris Paul missed two games because of a suspension and Harden sat out three because of a hamstring injury. Harden is averaging 26.5 points in two games since his return and scored 28 against the Pacers on Monday. Center Clint Capela is developing into a force and had 18 points (on 8-of-10 shooting) and 10 rebounds against Indiana for his sixth straight double-double and he has season averages of 15.6 points and 11.3 rebounds.



ABOUT THE THUNDER (6-4): Offseason acquisition Dennis Schroder matched his season high of 34 minutes with Westbrook sidelined Wednesday and scored a season-best 28 points for his third 20-point outing of the season. Schroder has accepted a bench role after being a starter for the Atlanta Hawks the past two seasons and is proving to be a good fit for a team that is meshing after the slow start. "Everybody is on the same page," forward Paul George told reporters after the win over the Cavaliers. "We come out there and we have an expectation of the level we want to play at. Regardless of how the game goes, we find a way to take it to the next level and we're getting the job done."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Westbrook averaged 29 points and 9.3 assists as the Thunder went 2-1 against the Rockets last season.

2. Oklahoma C Steven Adams collected 13 rebounds against Cleveland for his sixth double-digit effort of the season.

3. Paul is averaging eight points on 7-of-23 shooting over the past two games.

PREDICTION: Rockets 117, Thunder 112

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns Preview and Predictions 11-08-2018

NBA Predictions 7th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/07/2018

The road trip isn't going so well for the Boston Celtics, and the frustration is starting to show. Kyrie Irving and company will try to keep their focus on their own issues on the court and avoid a three-game slide when they Celtics visit the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.

The Celtics dropped a 102-101 heartbreaker at Indiana to begin the five-game trip and fell 115-107 at Denver on Monday in a game that was most notable for Nuggets guard Jamal Murray scoring 48 points and Irving getting upset when he tried for 50 in the final seconds. "There's a tradition and a respect within the league, as well as in any basketball game," Irving, who was fined $25,000 by the NBA for throwing the ball into the stands after the game, told reporters. "Obviously, you've won the game, you have it sealed, you've had a great game, game of your life, and you do something like that, it's just ... it's petty. It's immature." The Suns have their own guard capable of dropping 50 points in Devin Booker, but he is more concerned with his young team building some cohesion. "I think all good teams have that trust and chemistry, where they're able to get on each other and know that it's for a better purpose," Booker told reporters. "For us, I don't think we have that right now. We're not comfortable with each other, we don't step on each other's toes, we don't push each other, and I think that's what we need to do."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS Boston, FS Arizona (Phoenix)

ABOUT THE CELTICS (6-4): Boston held a 10-point edge after the first quarter in Indiana and enjoyed a 15-point cushion after the first period in Denver, only to take a tumble in the second. "We just got to keep doing what it takes to win, like the stuff that gets us our lead, we have to maintain," Celtics guard Jaylen Brown told reporters. "We can't start wavering after we get a big lead. We've got to keep hitting them in the mouth. We let our foot off the gas, we lose." Irving's saltiness after the Denver loss had little to do with his own performance after he matched a season-high 31 with points on 13-of-17 shooting in 34 minutes.



ABOUT THE SUNS (2-8): Booker scored a team-high 25 points in a 102-100 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday that snapped a seven-game slide but needed 21 shots to reach 20 points in a 104-82 loss at home to the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. "We thought last game would be our step forward," Booker told reporters after the loss. "We definitely took a step back tonight. We didn't protect home court, came in here and got blown out in front of our fans. It's embarrassing." Booker is trying to build chemistry with No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, who collected 15 points and 13 rebounds for his sixth double-double on Tuesday but struggled to 6-of-17 from the floor.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Celtics PF Marcus Morris went 0-of-4 from 3-point range on Monday after going 18-of-29 from beyond the arc in the previous five contests.

2. Phoenix PF Richaun Holmes recorded his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench on Tuesday.

3. Boston took the last three and six of the last seven in the series.

PREDICTION: Celtics 126, Suns 115

[Can'tPickAWinner]

LA Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview and Predictions 11-08-2018

NBA Predictions 7th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/07/2018

CJ McCollum has put a slump behind him and looks to follow up his best outing of the season when the Portland Trail Blazers host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. McCollum exploded for 40 points in Tuesday's 118-103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks and also added six assists and five rebounds.

McCollum was 17-of-26 shooting and made five 3-pointers in a strong showing that followed a stretch in which he scored fewer than 20 points in five of six games. "Whether I play well or not, I know how much time I spend preparing," McCollum told reporters following the fourth 40-point outing of his career. "The only thing I saw was I had a lot of in-and-outs and I was shooting with a dead wrist. That was the only thing I noticed. I wasn't locking my wrist out, so I just tried to lock my wrist out." The Clippers are looking for their first three-game winning streak of the season after scoring 120 points in back-to-back wins over the Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves. "This team likes to play together and they understand that if one guy or a group is going they're fine with waiting," Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers told reporters of his team's unselfish approach.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), NBCS Northwest (Portland)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (6-4): Starting forwards Tobias Harris (21.3 points) and Danilo Gallinari (20 per game) are providing a large chunk of the team's scoring, but the next four leading scorers are all reserves. Guard Lou Williams, the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner, is averaging 19.1 points and is followed by power forward Montrezl Harrell (12.1), center Boban Marjanovic (9.1) and rookie guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (eight per game). "We have different guys that can make plays, and on any given night, it's gonna be somebody else's night," Harris told reporters. "That's the beauty of our team."



ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (8-3): Portland is 3-1 on a six-game homestand that concludes Sunday against the Boston Celtics and its three triumphs have been by an average of 19.3 points. Swingman Evan Turner established season highs of 16 points and 11 rebounds against Milwaukee on a night in which point guard Damian Lillard tallied a season-low 13. Lillard wasn't needed for an offensive splurge with McCollum on a roll but his season average stands at a stellar 26.7.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Trail Blazers won the past three meetings after losing 10 of the previous 12.

2. McCollum averaged 18.3 points in four games against the Clippers last season.

3. Los Angeles SG Avery Bradley (ankle) will miss his second straight game.

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 124, Clippers 117

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 11-08-2018

NBA Predictions 7th November 2018 by Gracenote
Bucks vs. Warriors Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 11/07/2018

The Golden State Warriors remain the team to beat in the NBA, but the Milwaukee Bucks are building something special and are intent on proving they belong among the game's elite. The Bucks will try to prove as much when they visit the Warriors in the second of a four-game west coast road trip on Thursday.

Milwaukee won its first seven games before dropping two of the last three, including a 118-103 loss at Portland on Tuesday to begin the trip. "I didn't think we came out with the greatest attention to the 3-ball, attention to them coming off screening situations," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters after the loss. "So, that put us in a little bit of a hole." Lack of attention to detail on the 3-ball and in screening situations can doom an opponent of the Warriors, who lead the NBA in team 3-point percentage at .423 while boasting three of the best shooters in the game in Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant, all of whom can operate off the screen. Golden State is enjoying an eight-game winning streak and knocked down 13-of-24 from beyond the arc while cruising to a 117-101 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State)

ABOUT THE BUCKS (8-2): Milwaukee star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is the driving force behind the team's hot start and is averaging 25.8 points on 54.4 percent shooting, 13.3 rebounds and 5.9 assists while drawing praise from his fellow superstars. "He's just very unique and I think he owns his game," Curry told reporters of Antetokounmpo. "He understands how he can be impactful every night. He obviously plays extremely hard every night. Some of the stuff he does, your jaw drops. The way he can cover ground in a few strides, the way he can finish in the paint and all those types of things, it's pretty special." Antetokounmpo is also second in the NBA in turnovers at an average of five per game.



ABOUT THE WARRIORS (10-1): Curry leads the NBA in scoring at an average of 31.3 points while shooting 52.5 percent from the floor, 50.8 percent from beyond the arc and 92.3 percent from the free-throw line. Durant is right behind while averaging 27.7 points on 56.5 percent shooting, but the two will have to operate on Thursday without fellow All-Star Draymond Green, who is out with a sprained big toe suffered in Monday's win. "It's just day to day," Golden State coach Steve Kerr told reporters after Wednesday's practice. "No concern long term. So, we'll just monitor it each day, and we're so early in the season, obviously we'll be cautious. We'll see how it plays out."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Warriors also expect to be without PG Shaun Livingston (foot), who will miss his sixth straight game.

2. Bucks C Brook Lopez scored a season-high 22 points while going 6-of-10 from 3-point range on Tuesday.

3. Milwaukee earned a 116-107 win at Golden State last season as Antetokounmpo scored 32 points in a game Curry missed.

PREDICTION: Warriors 126, Bucks 112