Wednesday 12-5-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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ARTHUR RALPH

FREE play WED: Vanderbilt-13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $15000 Class Rating: 70

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE NOVEMBER 5 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 SUMMERTIME GAL 5/1

# 12 SIZZLE FACTOR 3/1

# 7 SKEETER 6/1

SUMMERTIME GAL looks to be a very strong contender. Has performed admirably recently in route races, posting a nifty 71 avg Equibase Speed Figure. Had one of the most respectable speed figures of this field in her last competition. A solid 79 avg class rating may give this mare a distinct class edge versus this group. SIZZLE FACTOR - Conditioner has very solid win rate (25 percent) at this distance and surface. It's a good signal that Broberg is using Thornton on this one. SKEETER - Has performed solidly as of late in route races, posting a nifty 66 avg speed figure. Is hard not to examine based on speed figs which have been very strong - 65 avg - of late.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Allowance - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 81

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 ROSIES CORONA 5/1

# 2 AUDI MURPHI 5/1

# 6 PIEPER 7/2

ROSIES CORONA is my choice. Is worth a close look and may be a bet - strong Speed Figures (70 average) at today's distance and surface recently. The Equibase Speed Fig of 79 from her latest affair looks strong in here. Shows signs of the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 69 speed figure which is one of the best in this group of animals. AUDI MURPHI - With a formidable return on investment of +32 this handler has shown very good results with entries running at this distance and surface. Ran a sharp last race. PIEPER - Is worth considering and may be a wager - strong speed figures (59 average) at today's distance and surface lately. Davis has a strong win percentage with horses racing in short races.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

12/05/18, GP, Race 10, 5.06 ET
5F [Turf] 00.53.03 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $29,000.
Claiming Price $25,000. FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
$1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5
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 9 Ny Beth Getsitdone 12-1 Vasquez M A Dwoskin Steven
099.9539 7 Brenda's G L P 5/2 Jaramillo E Abreu Fernando E
099.8266 3 Sweet Apple Pie 15-1 Jimenez A Matz Michael R. SL
099.5535 2 Spiteful 3-1 Rios J M Yates Michael
098.5815 10 Rachel's Smokin 4-1 Maragh R R Duffy Sean
096.9983 4 Faith Flys Again 8-1 Zayas E J Antonucci Jena M. C
096.1991 1 Assume Control(b+) 15-1 Mitchell R Yates Michael F
095.7068 5 Broadway Peggy 20-1 Cruz M R Parra Hernan
095.3486 8 Monja(b-) 30-1 Hernandez J H Negrete Javier W
094.7270 11 Just Say Lucky 20-1 Lopez P Plesa. Jr. Edward JT
094.6720 6 Deer Island Diva 10-1 Panici L Catanese. III Joseph C
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse Win Percent 33.33, $1 ROI 0.93, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 7 Brenda's G L P 5/2 Jaramillo E Abreu Fernando JE
099.4394 11 Just Say Lucky 20-1 Lopez P Plesa. Jr. Edward T
099.0606 9 Ny Beth Getsitdone 12-1 Vasquez M A Dwoskin Steven
098.8613 3 Sweet Apple Pie 15-1 Jimenez A Matz Michael R. FL
098.2691 10 Rachel's Smokin 4-1 Maragh R R Duffy Sean
098.1712 4 Faith Flys Again 8-1 Zayas E J Antonucci Jena M. C
097.7442 2 Spiteful 3-1 Rios J M Yates Michael S
097.5216 5 Broadway Peggy 20-1 Cruz M R Parra Hernan
096.5921 1 Assume Control(b+) 15-1 Mitchell R Yates Michael
096.2504 8 Monja(b-) 30-1 Hernandez J H Negrete Javier W
095.5570 6 Deer Island Diva 10-1 Panici L Catanese. III Joseph C

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #1 - Post: 6:05pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,100 Class Rating: 80

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 RAVENS DELIGHT (ML=7/2)
#5 MISTER HUMOR (ML=7/2)
#7 CABOT COVE (ML=4/1)


RAVENS DELIGHT - When Inirio and Houghton unite on horses the return on investment has been great at +58. This gelding has higher odds on the morning line than the other entrant from the stable of Houghton. Better be wary of this angle. This gelding registered a good speed fig of 86 in his last event. That speed figure should be strong enough to triumph this time around. MISTER HUMOR - This colt likes to stalk the pace and the way things shape up here, he should get a gorgeous trip. CABOT COVE - This horse ran off the board at Penn National last time around the track in the slop. He should improve in this race on a fast track.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 JIBBER JABBER (ML=3/1), #6 SUPER FLEET (ML=9/2),

JIBBER JABBER - Should have at least hit the board in the last 60 days in a short distance race to be worth the risk at small odds in a sprint. Hard to play this gelding today since the event isn't limited to sophomores. SUPER FLEET - On a downward spiraling sequence. Equibase speed figs keep lessening.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #1 RAVENS DELIGHT to win if we can get at least 4/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Remington Park
Remington Park - Race 1

Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta (.50 Cent Minimum) Superfecta (.10 Cent Minimum) / Pick 5 (Races 1-5) (.50 Cent Minimum)


Claiming $20,000 • 1 Mile 70 yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 80 • Purse: $14,300 • Post: 7:07P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000, IF FOR $15,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. SUMMER'S INDY is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SUMMER'S INDY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equiba se Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
2
SUMMER'S INDY
6/5

1/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
SUMMER'S INDY
2

6/5
Alternator/Stalker
87

86

64.5

75.8

73.8
1
HOLD THE GREEN
1

6/1
Trailer
73

67

49.1

42.7

31.2
4
BACKSEAT PROMISES
4

8/5
Trailer
77

64

44.1

62.0

55.0
3
ALL THE TEA
3

15/1
Alternator/Trailer
61

61

59.1

60.4

48.9
6
FLYING MAGIC SONG
6

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
78

76

38.9

50.0

42.5
7
BANNER WAVE
7

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
72

75

27.5

50.2

43.2
5
AMERICAN ROYAL
5

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
76

69

24.6

50.2

42.2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Tampa Bay Downs

12/05/18, TAM, Race 8, 3.55 ET
1M 40Y [Dirt] 1.39.00 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $10,400.
Claiming Price $10,000, For Each $1,000 To $8,000 1 lb. FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta ($.50 minimum) / Superfecta ($.10 minimum) - Super High 5
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 14.29, $1 ROI 0.27, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 1 Gifted Path 4-1 Castanon J L Raymond Robert A. SFEL
097.8363 3 Fast Point 5/2 Mena R Ochoa Gerard
096.2314 2 Bourbon Trace 9/2 Mendez K Dominguez Luis R. W
095.4793 9 American Halo 7/2 Camacho S House Gary F. J
094.4494 7 Nelo Margarita 5-1 Ayala A J Ciaio Charles A. C
094.2649 8 Telling Me Softly 15-1 Uske S Wasiluk. Jr. Peter
092.5388 6 Z Red Rocket 20-1 Clemente A Rivera Xavier A. T
092.1675 4 Happy Princess 15-1 Camacho. Jr. S Ochoa Gerard
090.5516 5 Thirstyforamiracle(b+) 30-1 Delgado D Escobar Alison

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Turfway Park
Turfway Park - Race 3

Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta / Daily Double Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5)


Maiden Claiming $7,500 • 1 Mile • All-Weather • Ages 3 and up • CR: 71 • Purse: $6,100 • Post: 7:11P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 123 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. PRAY FOR KITTEN is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * FINISHED: Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. PRAY FOR KITTEN: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. PISTOL BOX: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. TESTY KITTEN: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
5
FINISHED
3/1

4/1
14
PRAY FOR KITTEN
15/1

6/1
13
PISTOL BOX
3/1

7/1
6
TESTY KITTEN
5/2

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
14
PRAY FOR KITTEN
14

15/1
Front-runner
75

70

83.2

44.6

36.1
6
TESTY KITTEN
6

5/2
Stalker
0

0

74.9

64.5

61.0
3
BOURBON SHOTTE
3

15/1
Alternator/Stalker
81

64

56.2

52.9

38.4
13
PISTOL BOX
13

3/1
Trailer
78

72

55.0

62.4

53.4
9
GLENGARRIFF
9

10/1
Trailer
56

54

52.1

57.8

45.3
5
FINISHED
5

3/1
Alternator/Trailer
91

83

50.0

58.7

55.2
7
I'M WORTH IT
7

30/1
Alternator/Trailer
0

0

40.2

41.6

20.6
4
COLOMBIANO
4

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
56

39

58.4

38.7

15.7
8
BET IT ALL TO WIN
8

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
71

61

56.2

30.9

14.4
12
COLONIAL COMPOSER
12

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
71

63

47.7

40.2

21.2
10
POPULAR SMITTY
10

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

45.6

45.6

22.1
11
ZAPPER
11

4/1
Alternator/Non-contender
83

60

45.5

21.8

6.8
1
BO JANGO
1

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

40.8

37.5

18.0
2
TAICHUNG BOBBY
2

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
71

61

36.2

41.4

23.4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Woodbine - Race #1 - Post: 6:45pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,000 Class Rating: 81

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 HOCKEY HAIR (ML=3/1)
#2 MOLINARO DEPUTY (ML=6/1)


HOCKEY HAIR - You always have to be on the patrol for profit making rider/trainer combos; we have it right here. Gattellaro brings her back again. I advocate you stay with this hot mare. Cruised home victorious as she wired the field just recently at Woodbine. A quick turn around to potentially do it again in this race. MOLINARO DEPUTY - This mare should give a strong account of herself in today's affair.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 FLASHY PATCH (ML=2/1), #3 SASSY OMBRE (ML=5/2), #4 LIGHT MY PATH (ML=9/2),

FLASHY PATCH - This horse doesn't have a winning demeanor. Frequently finishes in the place and show hole. LIGHT MY PATH - If you keep choosing these sort of 'bridesmaid' types, you're going to be disillusioned frequently. Finished first in her most recent race with a run-of-the-mill speed rating. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this field.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #5 HOCKEY HAIR to win if we can get at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 12-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/04/2018

It doesn't have quite the same juice as it used to when LeBron James was around, but it's still special when the participants in the last four NBA Finals get together in the regular season. The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to get some revenge when they host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

The Warriors beat the Cavaliers in three of the last four NBA Finals, including the last two, but Cleveland is no longer among the elite teams in the Eastern Conference since the departure of James. The Cavaliers are fighting to stay out of the basement in the East and lifted themselves to 5-18 with a 99-97 triumph over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. Golden State is not on top of the West at the moment but remains a Finals favorite and finally looked like the team that won those titles while it rolled the Atlanta Hawks 128-111 on Monday. "We have a great offense where we emphasize ball movement, body movement, making the right play and trying to find a great shot every time down," Warriors forward Kevin Durant told reporters after the victory. "Tonight, we saw something working in our movement game."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State), FS Ohio (Cleveland) LINE: Warriors -12

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (16-9): Superstar guard Stephen Curry was playing his second game back after missing 11 with a groin injury on Monday and managed to shake off the last of the rust while exploding for 18 points in the first quarter en route to 30 on 10-of-17 shooting. "I think with Steph, our offense is so free-flowing," Durant told reporters. "And if it's Steph getting 18 points in the first quarter or Klay (Thompson) or myself, it starts off with passing the basketball. So, I think, obviously, Steph scored the points, but we all had a hand in setting screens, throwing the ball to him, getting out of the way so he could be aggressive. He's just all otherworldly when he makes those types of shots and definitely got us going tonight." Durant finished with 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting and eight assists in the win.



ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (5-18): Cleveland is still working on its roster in the post-James era and brought in guard Alec Burks from the Utah Jazz last week in the deal that sent Kyle Korver out of town. Burks finished with 13 points on Monday and punctuated the effort with a go-ahead dunk in the final seconds. "He attacks the basket," Cavaliers coach Larry Drew told reporters of Burks. "Because he's so athletic, he can maneuver to the basket and get a shot off. The one thing I was trying to do, I wanted to be aggressive on the last play of the game. If the same shot hadn't gone in, just wanted to take them to overtime. We were going to get the last shot. He just made a really good move with the basketball."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Cavaliers C Tristan Thompson recorded a double-double in seven of the last eight games.

2. Warriors PF Draymond Green (toe) is expected to miss his 10th straight game.

3. Golden State took both regular season meetings in 2017-18 and swept the NBA Finals.

PREDICTION: Warriors 122, Cavaliers 108

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Denver Nuggets vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Predictions 12-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/04/2018

The Denver Nuggets will try to avoid a letdown following perhaps their best win of the season when they continue a five-game road trip at the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Even after losing leading scorer Gary Harris (hip) in the first half, the Nuggets held on to top NBA-leading Toronto by a 106-103 margin Monday night.

Nikola Jokic notched his second triple-double of the season with 23 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds as Denver won its season-high sixth in a row and its fourth straight away from home. "To beat the No. 1 team in the East means a lot to us," Jokic told reporters after his team remained in a tie atop the Western Conference with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Magic will be returning home after finishing a six-game road trip with back-to-back wins, including Tuesday's 105-90 triumph at Miami. Aaron Gordon led six players in double figures with 20 points while making all three of his 3-point tries, part of Orlando's 14-for-28 effort from beyond the arc against the Heat.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), FS Florida (Orlando) LINE: Nuggets -5.5

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (16-7): Jokic shot 8-of-13 from the floor Monday night while reaching double figures in rebounds and assists in the same game for the third time during the six-game winning streak, including in the 112-87 win over Orlando on Nov. 23. "He does everything," guard Jamal Murray told reporters of Jokic. "He passes, rebounds, handles the ball. There's nothing he really can't do, except jump." Murray chipped in 21 points and Malik Beasley added 15 off the bench while making all three of his 3-point attempts.



ABOUT THE MAGIC (12-12): Gordon is averaging 19 points and 9.5 rebounds while shooting 53.6 percent in two games since missing a loss at Portland due to a back issue. Nikola Vucevic finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds in Tuesday's win for his 10th double-double in the last 13 games, and the star center has made at least 50 percent of his shots in 10 consecutive contests. Reserve swingman Terrence Ross also had 19 points versus Miami and averaged 18.7 on the road trip, including a 7-for-8 shooting effort at Denver.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Beasley is 4-for-4 from beyond the arc over his last two games.

2. Orlando has held consecutive opponents under 100 points for the first time this season.

3. Denver has won five straight meetings.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 108, Magic 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview and Predictions 12-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/04/2018

The Washington Wizards kicked off a four-game road swing with a victory Monday at New York and look to continue banking wins against struggling teams when they play at the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. The Wizards, who began the trip just 2-9 away from home, played one of their best quarters of the season to take control against the Knicks, hitting 15-of-25 shots from the field in the third quarter (4-of-9 from 3-point range) en route to a 110-107 victory.

"We pushed the pace and made open shots," Wizards guard John Wall told the media after Washington beat the Knicks, one of six Eastern Conference teams with a worse record than Washington. The Wizards play teams below them in the standings in the first three games of the trip, which continues against an Atlanta team tied for the conference's worst record. The Hawks fell 128-111 to defending champion Golden State on Monday, committing 18 turnovers - nine in the opening quarter - and shooting 5-of-26 from 3-point range. "I thought we played well, then you take the turnovers into the equation and you figure you're going to have a long night," Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce told reporters afterward.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington, FS Southeast (Atlanta) LINE: Wizards -5.5

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (10-14): Guard Bradley Beal hit 12-of-25 shots from the field in scoring 27 points against New York, and he is averaging 23.2 points per game on 51.1 percent shooting and 4.6 assists in his last five contests. Wall finished with 18 points with a season-high 15 assists in the win over the Knicks, entering Tuesday fourth in the league in assists per game (8.4). The Wizards, who travel Saturday to Cleveland, have won four of their past six.



ABOUT THE HAWKS (5-19): Rookie point guard Trae Young continues his erratic play, committing seven first-half turnovers Monday while scoring 20 points, and is shooting 35.7 percent from the field in his past five games. Forward John Collins finished with 24 points on 11-of-14 shooting and 11 rebounds against the Warriors, and in his past five games scored in double figures four times while averaging 9.4 rebounds. Atlanta remains last in the league in scoring defense, surrendering 118.5 points per game.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Beal has scored 20 or more points in 17 of his 24 games this season.

2. Atlanta F Taurean Prince sprained his left ankle Monday and left the arena on crutches after the game.

3. Wednesday is the first of four meetings between the Southeast Division rivals; Atlanta and Washington split the four-game series last season.

PREDICTION: Wizards 112, Hawks 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Brooklyn Nets Preview and Predictions 12-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th December 2018 by Gracenote
Thunder vs. Nets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 12/04/2018

The Brooklyn Nets are sinking with losses in seven straight, though four of the setbacks came by six or fewer points. The Oklahoma City Thunder, who visit the Nets on Wednesday, are streaking in the opposite direction with wins in three in a row and 15 of the last 18 games.

Oklahoma City began its three-game road trip by trouncing a Detroit Pistons team that came into the meeting hot in a 110-83 triumph. "Our guys' concentration, their focus, their attention to detail, the job that they did on the defensive floor enabled us to get down and score and play well throughout most of the game," Thunder coach Billy Donovan told reporters. "The third quarter we came out and really established ourselves." The Nets were the victims of a late-game letdown after recovering from an 11-point deficit to tie the game, only to watch Cleveland Cavaliers guard Alec Burks throw down a go-ahead dunk in the final seconds of a 99-97 setback Monday. "First of all, it's poor shooting," Brooklyn coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters. "We missed a ton of shots and that can take you throughout the game. Excellent defense in the second half, but we couldn't overcome our shooting. We made a valiant comeback."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Oklahoma, YES (Brooklyn) LINE: Thunder -7.5

ABOUT THE THUNDER (15-7): Center Steven Adams led Oklahoma City in scoring with 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting on Monday but gave all the credit to teammates Paul George and Russell Westbrook. "What's good is that we have a couple smart bloody players, who are able to make adjustments on the fly," Adams told reporters of George and Westbrook. "It's just identifying what the problem is and where we could attack them but also where we can stop them. That's crucial. It saves timeouts." Westbrook and George combined for 35 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in the latest victory.



ABOUT THE NETS (8-17): Brooklyn is looking for different players to step up and received an encouraging performance on Monday from small forward Rodions Kurucs. The 20-year-old from Latvia matched a season high with 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting in 14 minutes. "He's got extreme energy," Atkinson told reporters of Kurucs. "He turned the game and got us back into it. He's in the conversation, you can't deny it. Guys have to compete for minutes, but he's definitely earning some more playing time."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Nets SF Joe Harris (hip) sat out the last three games and is questionable for Wednesday.

2. Thunder SG Hamidou Diallo (ankle) sat out the last five games but was available in an emergency on Monday and could return Wednesday.

3. Oklahoma City took three of the last four meetings but fell at Brooklyn 100-95 last season.

PREDICTION: Thunder 113, Nets 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Charlotte Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Preview and Predictions 12-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th December 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 12/04/2018

The Minnesota Timberwolves are winners of five of their last six games and reached .500 with a 103-91 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday. The Timberwolves will try to pull over .500 for the first time this season and finish up a winning four-game homestand when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

Minnesota fell off on the defensive end during a 118-109 loss to the Boston Celtics on Saturday but found its form on that end while holding the Rockets to 29 points in the second half - nine in the fourth quarter - in Monday's win. "We came in here and made it clear we had to change things," center Karl-Anthony Towns told reporters of the message at halftime. "We came out with an edge, a fire to us, to get back in the game. One thing I'm proud of is not only did we come in here and talk about it, we came out and did it." The Hornets dropped their last two games to fall below .500 and struggled on the defensive end in both setbacks. "I think we've just got to play better basketball," Charlotte coach James Borrego told reporters. "East, West, it doesn't matter. We've just got to play better basketball."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), FS North (Minnesota) LINE: Timberwolves -5

ABOUT THE HORNETS (11-12): Charlotte star Kemba Walker is struggling of late and is averaging 19.2 points on 34.5 percent shooting over the last five games, including a 5-of-16 effort in Sunday's 119-109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Picking up some of the slack is power forward Frank Kaminsky, who followed up a scoreless effort in Friday's loss to Utah with 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting on Sunday. Kaminsky could see extended minutes on Wednesday with fellow power forward Marvin Williams expected to miss at least the next few games with a shoulder injury.



ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (12-12): Minnesota held four of its last five opponents under 100 points and is trying to develop a defensive identity. "Oh, absolutely," small forward Robert Covington, who came over from Philadelphia and is known for his perimeter defense, told reporters. "A guy like me came in here, as far as the way I bill myself, holding guys accountable. The way I lead is by example. And it's very contagious. You can see already how guys are picking it up. ... That's the effect I want to have, a positive influence on this team. It's unique to see how we've gelled already." Covington recorded two of the teams 11 steals on Monday and goes into play on Tuesday leading the NBA in average steals (2.26).

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Timberwolves SF Andrew Wiggins went 6-of-11 from the floor on Monday to snap a string of 10 straight games in which he failed to hit at least 50 percent of his shots.

2. Hornets C Cody Zeller (ribs) missed the last two games but could return Wednesday.

3. The teams split the series in each of the last two seasons.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 106, Hornets 99