Saturday 1-19-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

NFL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football

College Football
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football

Baseball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...57-ML-Baseball

College Basketball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...CAA-Basketball

NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Maiden Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $6000 Class Rating: 40

FOR NATIVE MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 INGENIERA 7/2

# 5 AWILDA MIA 5/2

# 10 AY KRIS 2/1

INGENIERA looks to be a respectable contender. This horse is prominent in this group in earnings per start at the distance/surface. AWILDA MIA - Orozco has a very solid win percentage with horses racing in dirt sprint races. The class figure of today's race is much lower than her last affair. AY KRIS - There is a quite good chance that this entry's late pace will improve with second time Lasix. Has been running soundly lately and should be on or close to the lead early on.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 1 - Claiming - 8.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $16000 Class Rating: 75

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE DECEMBER 19, 2018 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 BUCK DYNASTY 9/5

# 6 GUEYDAN 9/2

# 7 BIG GIG 3/1

BUCK DYNASTY gets the edge as the wager in here. Has a sharp record at the distance and surface, which makes me like this gelding. Will most likely be one of the early speedsters of the pack going into the midpoint of the race. With a respectable 80 speed fig last time out, will surely be a factor in this contest. GUEYDAN - Must be given a chance here on the basis of the figures in the speed department alone. He has decent class ratings, averaging 82, and has to be given a shot here. BIG GIG - This gelding obviously likes the distance, going 2 out of 6 in his races recently. Foster and Nieves have won 15 percent of their races giving this racer a quite good chance.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

01/19/19, GP, Race 1, 11.45 ET
6F [Dirt] 1.08.01 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. Purse $43,000.
FOR STATE BRED MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 - $.50 Bet 3 (Races 1-2-3) / $.50 Pick 5 (Races 1-2-3-4-5)
Top Horse(100.0000) - Races 71, Win Percent 29.58, $1 ROI 0.67, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse with stats MUST be the top rated horse for the profitable condition to be valid.
Profits are for $2 Win bets. ROI is based on $1. Stats are exclusive to GP.
Rating P# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer Flags Profit ROI WPC W# Occ Condition
100.0000 8 Notorious Nick 8-1 Castellano J Joseph. Jr. Saffie A. TW
098.0104 6 Amnesty 2-1 Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A.
097.2059 3 Ohanzee 10-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Cibelli Jane J
096.3075 1 Squeezadios 7/2 Vasquez M A Pompay Teresa M. FC
095.0546 7 Lemniscate 10-1 Ortiz J L McPeek Kenneth G.
093.7279 5 Jamaican 5/2 Maragh R R Biancone Patrick L. E 3.40 1.85 50.00 1 2 Horse Carries Apprentice Weight
093.7189 2 Fafa Fooey 15-1 Saez L Attard Sid C. L 2.20 1.10 36.36 4 11 Horse Best LeadPack
089.5645 4 Big Alex 20-1 Rodriguez A Duco Luis

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)
Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse) - Race 8

$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $1 Superfecta (.10 cent minimum wager)


Trial • 400 Yards • Dirt • Age 3 • CR: 99 • Purse: $6,000 • Post: 9:16P
QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. 124 LBS(NO SEX ALLOWANCE).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * POWERFUL FAVORITE: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. RED HAWK CARTEL: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. ANAS IMAGE: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation. Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. DELAYED STEAL: 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.
3
POWERFUL FAVORITE
4/5

7/2
5
RED HAWK CARTEL
6/1

6/1
6
ANAS IMAGE
3/1

8/1
2
DELAYED STEAL
12/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
SENATOR CASH
1

15/1
Average
89

86

4.1

0.0

0.0
2
DELAYED STEAL
2

12/1
Average
91

89

4.6

0.0

0.0
3
POWERFUL FAVORITE
3

4/5
Average
99

101

4.4

0.0

0.0
4
THE RUNAWAY FAVORITE
4

6/1
Average
93

86

4.7

0.0

0.0
5
RED HAWK CARTEL
5

6/1
Fast
95

89

3.5

0.0

0.0
6
ANAS IMAGE
6

3/1
Fast
87

94

3.3

0.0

0.0
7
FLASH N RETURN
7

30/1
Slow
81

73

7.1

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel - Race #6 - Post: 3:00pm - Allowance - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $42,000 Class Rating: 94

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 EAGLE PASS (ML=7/2)
#3 JUMP JIVE AN WAIL (ML=3/1)


EAGLE PASS - Karamanos was aboard this gelding last out and was impressed enough to take the equine right back. I look for this racer to sit off the pace and make a big move on the turn, cruising straight on to the winner's circle. The jockey and trainer combination here have a high win percent when they work together. I like when a pony has dropped in class at least 5 points like this one did last time out and then runs against a similar field right back. Rice must've found the right level. JUMP JIVE AN WAIL - This gelding is in fine condition. Ended up second on January 4th. Had a strong closing move in the last race, running the last quarter in less than 25 seconds. A similar performance today, and it's straight to the winner's circle.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 FLYING THE FLAG (ML=5/1), #5 SPARTY (ML=6/1),

FLYING THE FLAG - Run-of-the-mill speed figure last time around the track at Laurel at 1 mile. Don't believe this mount will improve too much in today's race. SPARTY - Looked good on December 31st, finishing first, but no drills since is a bit troublesome.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - EAGLE PASS - Coming off his last race with the top speed figure of 98 at Laurel. He is the gelding to beat today.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #9 EAGLE PASS on top if we're getting at least 3/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
9 with 3 with [1,5,7] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
9 with 3 with [1,5,7,10,11] with [1,5,7,10,11] Total Cost: $20

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
[3,9] with [3,9] with [1,5,7,11] with [1,5,7,11] with [1,5,7,11] Total Cost: $48

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Sunland Park
Sunland Park - Race 5

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


Claiming $5,000 • 5 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 79 • Purse: $9,200 • Post: 2:18P
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. FOUR YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
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 * COMMANCHERO SPRING: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. CREATIVE HIT: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase S peed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
8
COMMANCHERO SPRING
5/2

3/1
11
CREATIVE HIT
7/2

7/2




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
11
CREATIVE HIT
11

7/2
Front-runner
76

83

78.2

66.9

63.9
2
SO LONG TIGER
2

4/1
Front-runner
61

55

74.7

48.0

35.5
10
GAVILAN DIABLO
10

20/1
Front-runner
68

52

72.8

27.9

8.9
8
COMMANCHERO SPRING
8

5/2
Front-runner
79

81

63.0

71.0

68.0
4
ZOMBIE ALAN
4

6/1
Front-runner
69

63

47.4

58.5

49.5
5
GALLOPINGGUINNESS
5

8/1
Front-runner
70

52

45.4

51.8

41.8
6
RUNAWAY REGENT
6

15/1
Front-runner
53

44

42.3

41.0

25.0
3
SOLAR EFFECT
3

12/1
Alternator/Front-runner
70

55

57.2

53.0

42.0
9
DIABOLICAL EXCESS
9

20/1
Stalker
70

54

63.0

46.6

36.1
7
DEVONAS PROSPECTOR
7

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
72

68

51.4

37.4

20.9
1
MIKEY BABY
1

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
59

57

24.4

27.8

8.8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Tampa Bay Downs

01/19/19, TAM, Race 10, 4.40 ET
1M [Turf] 1.33.04 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. Purse $22,500.
FOR LESS THAN $25,000
Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta ($.50 minimum) / Superfecta ($.10 minimum) - Super High 5
Top Horse(100.0000) - Races 24, Win Percent 33.33, $1 ROI 1.27, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Turf
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse with stats MUST be the top rated horse for the profitable condition to be valid.
Profits are for $2 Win bets. ROI is based on $1. Stats are exclusive to TAM.
Rating P# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer Flags Profit ROI WPC W# Occ Condition
100.0000 12 Readyforprimetime 5-1 Lynch F Thomas Jonathan TW 18.80 1.55 35.29 6 17 Horse Is Not 3YO in 3UP Race
098.2490 3 Channel Island 7/2 Camacho S Clement Christophe 18.80 1.55 35.29 6 17 Horse Is Not 3YO in 3UP Race
097.0994 11 Lord Dragon(b-) 6-1 Bracho J A Blair Jordan FE 22.80 1.81 50.00 7 14 Last Race Weight Is Equal To Today's Weight
097.0321 9 My Macho(b+) 5-1 Castanon J L Motion H. Graham 18.80 1.55 35.29 6 17 Horse Is Not 3YO in 3UP Race
096.4385 2 King Nekia 4-1 Spieth S Epley. Jr. Steve SL 22.80 1.81 50.00 7 14 Last Race Weight Is Equal To Today's Weight
095.6351 4 Chief of Joy 9/2 Cannon D Correas. IV Ignacio 18.80 1.55 35.29 6 17 Horse Is Not 3YO in 3UP Race
095.4833 7 Unite the Masses 12-1 Ferrer J C DeVaux Cherie J 18.80 1.55 35.29 6 17 Horse Is Not 3YO in 3UP Race
095.4508 8 Juan Pablo 10-1 Morales P Harty Eoin G. 18.80 1.55 35.29 6 17 Horse Is Not 3YO in 3UP Race
095.0934 10 Shopenhare 6-1 Pimentel J Rubley Kelly 18.80 1.55 35.29 6 17 Horse Is Not 3YO in 3UP Race
093.9570 5 Ace Dinero 15-1 Ayala A J Thomas Monte R. 18.80 1.55 35.29 6 17 Horse Is Not 3YO in 3UP Race
093.0841 6 Dry Lake 6-1 Panici L Wilkes Ian R. C 18.80 1.55 35.29 6 17 Horse Is Not 3YO in 3UP Race
092.0686 1 Wowza Man 30-1 Wales G Creel Rick 22.80 1.81 50.00 7 14 Last Race Weight Is Equal To Today's Weight
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse(100.0000) - Races 64, Win Percent 25.00, $1 ROI 0.66, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse with stats MUST be the top rated horse for the profitable condition to be valid.
Profits are for $2 Win bets. ROI is based on $1. Stats are exclusive to TAM.
Rating P# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer Flags Profit ROI WPC W# Occ Condition
100.0000 12 Readyforprimetime 5-1 Lynch F Thomas Jonathan TW 2.20 1.37 33.33 1 3 Horse Post Is GT 9
097.8465 9 My Macho(b+) 5-1 Castanon J L Motion H. Graham 7.40 1.13 41.38 12 29 Last Race Distance Is Not LT Today's Distance
097.3498 11 Lord Dragon(b-) 6-1 Bracho J A Blair Jordan FE 7.40 1.13 41.38 12 29 Last Race Distance Is Not LT Today's Distance
097.2130 3 Channel Island 7/2 Camacho S Clement Christophe 1.80 1.09 30.00 3 10 Race Age Is 3
096.3674 7 Unite the Masses 12-1 Ferrer J C DeVaux Cherie J 1.80 1.09 30.00 3 10 Race Age Is 3
096.1244 8 Juan Pablo 10-1 Morales P Harty Eoin G. 1.80 1.09 30.00 3 10 Race Age Is 3
095.5803 10 Shopenhare 6-1 Pimentel J Rubley Kelly 2.20 1.37 33.33 1 3 Horse Post Is GT 9
095.3904 6 Dry Lake 6-1 Panici L Wilkes Ian R. SC 7.40 1.13 41.38 12 29 Last Race Distance Is Not LT Today's Distance
095.0227 4 Chief of Joy 9/2 Cannon D Correas. IV Ignacio 1.80 1.09 30.00 3 10 Race Age Is 3
094.6788 2 King Nekia 4-1 Spieth S Epley. Jr. Steve L 4.00 1.10 42.86 9 21 Horse Best LeadPack
092.7413 5 Ace Dinero 15-1 Ayala A J Thomas Monte R. 1.80 1.09 30.00 3 10 Race Age Is 3
089.4950 1 Wowza Man 30-1 Wales G Creel Rick 7.40 1.13 41.38 12 29 Last Race Distance Is Not LT Today's Distance

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #1 - Post: 12:40pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,500 Class Rating: 67

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 ALLY ON FIRE (ML=9/5)
#4 LINEMANS CHECK (ML=2/1)


ALLY ON FIRE - I look for this pony to sit off the pace and make a big move on the turn, cruising straight on to the finish line. Taking a drop in class rating points from his December 30th race at Turf Paradise. Based on that data, I will give this horse the edge. On board this animal on December 30th and Velazquez is right back in the irons this time. I think this gelding is ready to run a good one. He's had enough efforts since the vacation and should be fit. LINEMANS CHECK - Arrieta and Barrio perform well when they unite. It's hard to beat a +46 return on investment for a jockey and conditioner. Taking a class drop in class rating points from his December 8th race at Turf Paradise. Based on that data, I will give this animal the edge. The 72 latest race speed fig looks mighty good on paper. Barrio will try adding blinks today in hopes of an improved performance.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 ULTRA LUCKY (ML=5/2), #6 NUMAANY'S REWARD (ML=7/2),

ULTRA LUCKY - 5/2 is not priced right for any thoroughbred in a sprint of 6 furlongs that hasn't finished in the money in a sprint race lately. NUMAANY'S REWARD - Today's event is 6 furlongs. Hasn't hit the board in a short distance event in the last couple months. Not the best of omens. Finished sixth in his most recent effort with a disappointing speed fig. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this bunch.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #2 ALLY ON FIRE on the win end if we get at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-19

NBA Predictions 18th January 2019 by Gracenote
Thunder vs. 76ers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/18/2019

The Philadelphia 76ers are winners of three straight games and crushed their last two opponents by a total of 66 points. The Oklahoma City Thunder, who visit the 76ers on Saturday, are not enjoying much success with losses in five of their last six games while struggling on the defensive end.

Philadelphia will put that suspect Thunder defense to the test after following up a 149-107 pasting of the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 120-96 triumph at fellow Eastern Conference-contender Indiana on Thursday. "We were locked in, especially toward the end of the third quarter," 76ers center Joel Embiid told reporters after Thursday's triumph. "Everybody stuck to the concepts. I feel it's a matter of us trying and when we do try, we are actually really good at it." Oklahoma City is giving up an average of 130.2 points over the last six contests and allowed the Los Angeles Lakers to shoot 50.5 percent from the floor in Thursday's 138-128 overtime setback. "It was a slight lack of awareness," Thunder reserve center Nerlens Noel told reporters. "Backdoors and small things. We just have to do a better job of guarding the ball one on one. Being around the team the last few days, defense has been the focal point. Regardless of the lineup we have to guard the yard to make sure teams aren't getting easy baskets or wide-open threes."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE THUNDER (26-18): Oklahoma City's players believe that the team just needs to make small tweaks to fix the defense. "A little bit of communication, the small things," small forward Jerami Grant told reporters. "The defense is the most important thing. If you're limiting the team you're playing to a certain amount of points, you'll win the game." Thunder coach Billy Donovan reiterated the team's need to defend the 3-point line at a high level after the Lakers knocked down 19-of-40 from beyond the arc.

ABOUT THE 76ERS (30-16): Philadelphia totaled 40 assists on 55 made field goals in Tuesday's win over the Timberwolves and was just as willing to share the ball in Thursday's contest. "Thirty-eight of our 46 made baskets were assisted, and that is a statement that we are proud of," 76ers coach Brett Brown told reporters. "You guard, you share ... and it set the table for a good night." Three players tied for the team lead with eight assists on Thursday, including Embiid, who collected 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes at Indiana while playing through a sore back.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Thunder PG Russell Westbrook needed 30 field-goal attempts to reach 26 points on Thursday (7-of-30).

2. 76ers SG Jimmy Butler is 18-of-27 from the floor over the last two games.

3. Oklahoma City is enjoying an 18-game winning streak in the series.

PREDICTION: 76ers 123, Thunder 119

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Phoenix Suns vs. Charlotte Hornets Preview and Predictions 2019-01-19

NBA Predictions 18th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/18/2019

The Charlotte Hornets are trying to creep back to .500 and will go for their third consecutive win when they host the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Charlotte is hanging out in the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference and will try to take advantage of the Suns with a three-game road trip starting on Sunday.

Charlotte went 2-4 on a recently-completed road trip but came home with some momentum after knocking off the San Antonio Spurs in the finale and opened a two-game homestand by racing past the Sacramento Kings 114-95 on Thursday. "We have to get the ones at home because we play better here," Hornets small forward Miles Bridges told reporters after the team improved to 15-8 at home on Thursday. "We have to steal some on the road, but we've been playing well at home." Charlotte stole one on the road with a 119-113 victory at Phoenix on Jan. 6 - part of a stretch with nine losses in the last 11 games for the Suns. Phoenix was crushed 131-97 at Indiana in the opener of a four-game road trip on Tuesday but gave the East-leading Toronto Raptors a fight in a 111-109 setback on Thursday.

TV: 5 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), FS Southeast (Charlotte)

ABOUT THE SUNS (11-35): Phoenix is a young team trying to earn some respect from both opponents and referees, and second-year swingman Josh Jackson took it upon himself to fight for his team on Thursday. Jackson, who recorded seven points on 3-of-4 shooting in the loss, was ejected in the fourth quarter after drawing a pair of technical fouls for arguing with the officials. "A lot of frustration, a lot of calls that should've been called that weren't, but I felt like it was my job to step up and say something for my teammates," Jackson told reporters. "I felt like somebody should've gotten a technical foul because that was ridiculous. Somebody should've said something."

ABOUT THE HORNETS (21-23): Charlotte had four reserves score in double figures on Thursday and gave the credit for the win to the bench. "We got off to a poor start and that's on all five starters, but the bench was tremendous tonight ... they really came in and gave us a boost on both ends," forward Marvin Williams told reporters. "They were great offensively and really, really good defensively. Once the starters were able to come back in, we kind of fed off of their momentum and pulled away from (Sacramento)." Bridges and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist lead the reserves with 15 points apiece.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Suns SG Devin Booker scored 30 points on Thursday after managing eight on Tuesday in his return from a back injury.

2. Hornets C Willy Hernangomez matched a career high with 16 rebounds on Thursday.

3. Charlotte took the last four in the series.

PREDICTION: Hornets 120, Suns 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dallas Mavericks vs. Indiana Pacers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-19

NBA Predictions 18th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/18/2019

The Indiana Pacers went from one extreme to the other in their last two games and will try to find some consistency when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. The Pacers are having little trouble breaking apart inferior opponents but tend to struggle against the better teams in the Eastern Conference.

Indiana's last three losses are to the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers by an average of 22.3 points but sandwiched in between are easy wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns. The Pacers had no trouble breezing to a 131-97 triumph over Phoenix on Tuesday but looked like a different team while struggling at home two nights later in a 120-96 setback to the 76ers, prompting star guard Victor Oladipo to tell reporters, "They just kicked our (butt) every which way from start to finish." The Mavericks aren't in the same category as the Knicks, Cavaliers and Suns but sit four games under .500 as they get set for a two-game road trip at Indiana and Milwaukee. "We have two tough road games coming up, and the difference between winning and losing is taking care of the ball, rebounding and loose balls, because they're all possession things," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. "And we've got to be tight with the game plan."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Dallas), FS Indiana

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (20-24): Dallas dropped its last two games by a total of nine points against Western Conference-powers Golden State and San Antonio. The Mavericks held a 19-point lead over the Spurs in the first quarter on Wednesday and were up 11 at halftime before squandering the lead and struggling in a tight game down the stretch. "We knew they were going to keep playing hard - that's what they do," Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki told reporters. "We knew they were going to somehow crawl back in it. Just down the stretch a couple of too many mistakes, a couple of turnovers, we missed a couple of good looks, we left too many shooters in the fourth quarter."

ABOUT THE PACERS (29-15): Indiana made nine 3-pointers to Philadelphia's 18 on Thursday and shot 40.2 percent from the floor in the setback. "From start to finish, they ran their stuff, they executed, they screened, they passed and they scored," Oladipo told reporters. "Their big dogs were big today. We didn't have a good game. Obviously, it's just one game but it should be a wake-up call for us, by helping us realize that we have to be better." The outlier for Indiana was power forward Thaddeus Young, who scored a season-high 27 points on 11-of-17 shooting in the loss.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Mavericks rookie SF Luka Doncic is averaging 27.4 points, seven rebounds and 6.4 assists over the last five games.

2. Oladipo is 8-of-31 from the floor in the last two contests.

3. Dallas took the last three in the series, including a 98-94 win at Indiana last season.

PREDICTION: Pacers 115, Mavericks 114

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sacramento Kings vs. Detroit Pistons Preview and Predictions 2019-01-19

NBA Predictions 19th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/19/2019

The Detroit Pistons have recorded consecutive victories for the first time since just after Thanksgiving, and they'll attempt to keep their run going when they host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. Behind 32 points and 11 rebounds from Blake Griffin, the Pistons clawed their way past the Miami Heat 98-93 on Friday to improve to 2-0 on their three-game homestand.

The victory did not come without cost, however, as star center Andre Drummond departed in the first quarter with a nasal injury after being hit in the face. "Got elbowed in the nose. Doesn't look any different but he's going to be re-evaluated in the morning," coach Dwane Casey told reporters of Drummond, the NBA's leading rebounder. The Kings recently finished up a 3-0 homestand but they've dropped five in a row on the road, including Thursday's 114-95 setback in Charlotte to begin a six-game road trip. Guard Buddy Hield scored 24 points while making 6-of-11 3-pointers in the loss, while his teammates were 5-of-22 from beyond the arc.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), FS Detroit

ABOUT THE KINGS (23-22): Sacramento was outscored 43-25 in the second quarter against the Hornets as the second unit struggled to keep pace. "Their role players struggled a little bit at our place, our role players struggled a little bit here," coach Dave Joerger told reporters, referencing a home win over Charlotte five days earlier. "That's generally what happens -- role players play better at home. We're playing a lot of young guys at the same time, so it's going to take a little while to figure out." The Kings also defeated the Pistons on their recent homestand, as Hield led seven players in double figures with 18 points.

ABOUT THE PISTONS (20-24): Detroit scored a season low-tying 12 points in the third quarter Friday night before bucking a trend of poor finishes by producing a 33-point fourth to steal the victory. "We knew they were going to make a run," coach Dwane Casey told reporters of the topsy-turvy second half. "It's one of our habits that we've got to break that as soon as they make a run we drop our heads, drop our shoulders, our energy level goes wrong. Winning teams, championship teams don't do that. You can't. Once that stretch was over with, we kind of got our engines back on again and it was about toughness, energy and hard play." Reggie Bullock entered the night averaging 12.2 points but he has nine straight games with at least 13 after chipping in 19 versus Miami.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Kings PG De'Aaron Fox averages 18.6 points on 50.7 percent shooting on the road, compared to 17 points on 43.7 percent at home.

2. Griffin (rest) missed the game in Sacramento on Jan. 10 but is averaging 31.3 in four games since.

3. Pistons PG Ish Smith (groin) also left Friday's game and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Pistons 102, Kings 100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Predictions 2019-01-19

NBA Predictions 18th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/18/2019

The Milwaukee Bucks look to post their 15th win in the past 18 games when they visit the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Milwaukee's hot stretch has seen it move a season-best 20 games over .500 as well as seize the best record in the NBA.

The Bucks have won an NBA-best 23 games by double digits and led by as many as 31 during Wednesday's 111-101 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Milwaukee has won seven of its last nine road games and is a solid 12-8 away from home this season. Orlando is slipping in the other direction with 11 losses in its past 16 games and the Magic blew a 21-point lead before falling 117-115 to the visiting Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Orlando power forward Aaron Gordon scored 23 points before leaving with a lower back injury and coach Steve Clifford said his availability will be determined on Saturday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE BUCKS (32-12): Point guard Eric Bledsoe is averaging 18.8 points over the past four games and he had an electrifying stretch in the third quarter of the win over the Grizzlies. Bledsoe scored nine straight points during a 19-0 surge that turned a one-point deficit into an 18-point lead as the Bucks asserted control. "Eric Bledsoe was phenomenal. He really changed the game," Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters. "We needed him. We needed someone to step up and have a game like that."

ABOUT THE MAGIC (19-25): Clifford insisted there was nothing different he could have tried to do to slow the Brooklyn charge and pointed out that the Nets just staged a similar comeback against the Houston Rockets. Brooklyn outscored the Magic 63-48 in the second half and the Orlando backcourt had no answers when it came to defending D'Angelo Russell, who made eight 3-pointers and scored 40 points. Magic center Nikola Vucevic had 16 points and 17 rebounds but was just 7-of-20 shooting.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Bucks posted a 113-91 home win on Oct. 27 for their sixth victory in the past eight meetings with the Magic.

2. Milwaukee F Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points and 11 rebounds against the Grizzlies for his 30th double-double of the season.

3. Orlando rookie C Mo Bamba (ankle) returned from a four-game absence and had nine points and four rebounds in 15 minutes against the Nets.

PREDICTION: Bucks 111, Magic 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview and Predictions 2019-01-19

NBA Predictions 19th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/19/2019

Kyrie Irving has seemingly had some missteps in his effort to be the leader for the Boston Celtics in the locker room. He's having no issues leading the way on the floor and looks to stay hot when the Celtics visit the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.

Irving, who has called out teammates on multiple occasions this season and recently admitted to apologizing to superstar LeBron James for how he behaved as a youngster in Cleveland, scored 38 points and dished out 11 assists in Friday's 122-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at home. "We've got to let Kyrie be Kyrie," fellow starting guard Marcus Smart -- who scored 20 points while making 6-of-8 3-pointers -- told reporters. The Hawks are 8-7 since a 6-23 start and are coming off perhaps their most impressive win of the season, a 142-126 victory over Oklahoma City on Tuesday. Rookie Trae Young finished with 24 points and 11 assists and Atlanta put together a pair of 45-point quarters in its best offensive effort in a regulation game in nine seasons.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Boston, FS Southeast (Atlanta)

ABOUT THE CELTICS (27-18): Smart's big night from the perimeter continued his breakout campaign on the offensive end, as he is now up to 37.4 percent from beyond the arc after hitting 29.3 percent of his 3-pointers through his first four seasons. "I thought he was going to have a really good shooting year last year," coach Brad Stevens told the media. "He put in a lot of time and work over the summer and then he had a couple of hand injuries that set him back for that season. But you could see that there was a foundation there that was gonna really pay off." Irving and Smart helped Boston survive a difficult night for forward Jayson Tatum, who went without a basket for the first time in his two-year career while shooting 0-for-6 from the floor.

ABOUT THE HAWKS (14-30): Tuesday's offensive outburst came despite a series of absences, as Kent Bazemore (ankle) remained sidelined and was joined by fellow guard Jeremy Lin (illness) and center Dewayne Dedmon (ankle), who has missed two games in a row but could return Saturday. Young is averaging 25 points over his last two games and hit four 3-pointers for the first time this month in the victory over the Thunder. "Tonight the shots just kept falling," he told reporters of the team's season-high 62.2 percent mark from the floor. "When you see the ball go in like we did tonight, I think it just keeps rolling."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Celtics have lost four straight and six of their last seven on the road.

2. Atlanta PF John Collins made 12-of-14 shots against Oklahoma City and is shooting 63.2 percent at home.

3. Boston C Al Horford is averaging 21 points over the last two games, during which he's shot 17-for-22.

PREDICTION: Celtics 120, Hawks 118