Tuesday 1-29-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 05:40 AM

Buffalo Sabres vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Preview and Predictions 2019-01-29

NHL Predictions 28th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/28/2019

The Columbus Blue Jackets had a chance to enter the All-Star break atop the ultra-competitive Metropolitan Division, only to stumble with a pair of losses in which they scored one goal in each contest. Following a nine-day layoff that included their league-mandated break, the Blue Jackets will look to get back on track when they host the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night.

Columbus, which sits four points back of the first-place New York Islanders and one behind defending Stanley Cup champion Washington, had won four in a row before the back-to-back defeats. Defenseman Seth Jones, who banged his left knee into a goal post at the All-Star Game, did not practice Monday but is expected to play Tuesday. The Sabres are four points out of the final playoff slot in the Eastern Conference but have dropped 16 of 23 since ripping off a 10-game winning streak. "I think (the break is) great. It gives us a reboot, a fresh start," Buffalo coach Phil Housley said. "Getting back to what we did in training camp. Getting back to work and focusing on areas we really need to improve."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG-Buffalo, FS Ohio (Columbus)

ABOUT THE SABRES (24-18-6): Buffalo had a hold-your-breath moment during Monday's practice session when All-Star forwards Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner -- the team's top two scorers -- were involved in a collision, leaving Eichel slow to get up. "It wasn't a good feeling," said Skinner, who slid into Eichel. "You're falling on your pants there and you don't have much control of where you're going or how to stop. But he's got pretty good reflexes and got out of the way pretty quick, so he was all right." Skinner collected a goal and an assist and Eichel set up a pair of goals in a 5-4 overtime loss at Columbus on Oct. 27.

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (28-17-3): While the status of leading scorer Artemi Panarin and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky -- both impending free agents -- are hot-button topics in Columbus, Hall of Famer Martin St. Louis joined to team the past two days in his role as special teams consultant. "This isn't Marty coming in and thinking that he's going to change it here, that he's the answer," coach John Tortorella said. "It's just a different voice, a different look sometimes. When he sees certain plays, sometimes he may see it differently." The Blue Jackets rank 27th in the league, converting on 14.6 percent of their power-play chances.

OVERTIME

1. Blue Jackets All-Star F Cam Atkinson had two goals and an assist in the All-Star Game and identical numbers versus Buffalo on Oct. 27.

2. Eichel has amassed 31 of his 52 points in 24 road games while recording 11 in 10 contests versus Columbus.

3. Bobrovsky is 10-4-1 with a 2.50 goals-against average versus the Sabres.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 4, Sabres 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 05:40 AM

Winnipeg Jets vs. Boston Bruins Preview and Predictions 2019-01-29

NHL Predictions 28th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/28/2019

The Boston Bruins will resume their four-game homestand Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets, but they'll be without their former Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender. Tuukka Rask was placed on injured reserve Monday after suffering a concussion in Boston's 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Jan. 19 - its last contest prior to the All-Star break.

Rask, who is tied with Tiny Thompson for first place on the franchise list with 252 victories, stopped six of the seven shots he faced before exiting in the first period as the Bruins fell to 1-1-0 on their homestand and 1-2-1 in their last four overall games. Brad Marchand tallied in the setback against New York, giving him three goals and as many assists during his four-game point streak. Winnipeg wasted a chance to move two points ahead of idle Nashville for first place in the Central Division as it dropped a 3-1 decision at Philadelphia on Monday. Jack Roslovic scored for the first time in 23 contests as the Jets fell to 1-2-0 on their four-game road trip with their fourth loss in their last five away from home.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN3, TVA (Winnipeg), NESN (Boston)

ABOUT THE JETS (31-16-2): Bryan Little has collected five goals and five assists over his last nine games after setting up Roslovic's tally on Monday. The 31-year-old center, who was selected by the franchise with the 12th overall pick in the 2006 draft, is six assists shy of 300 for his career. Rookie defenseman Sami Niku, who was assigned to Manitoba of the American Hockey League prior to the All-Star break, was recalled on Sunday and registered two shots in 13 minutes, 25 seconds of ice time against the Flyers.

ABOUT THE BRUINS (27-17-5): Trent Frederic was one of several players recalled from Providence of the AHL on Monday and is expected to make his NHL debut against Winnipeg. The 20-year-old center, who was drafted 29th overall in 2016, has recorded 10 goals and seven assists in 37 games with Providence this season. Center Joakim Nordstrom, who has been sidelined since suffering a fractured fibula on Jan. 1, practiced Monday and could be in the lineup versus the Jets.

OVERTIME

1. Bruins RW David Pastrnak, who leads the team with 56 points, has notched one in four of his last five contests following a three-game drought.

2. Winnipeg captain Blake Wheeler, who began his NHL career with the Bruins, will have reached double digits in goals in each of his first 11 seasons with his next tally.

3. In addition to Frederic, Boston recalled G Zane McIntyre and LW Peter Cehlarik from Providence and assigned Cs Ryan Donato and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson to the AHL club.

PREDICTION: Jets 4, Bruins 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 05:40 AM

Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-29

NHL Predictions 28th January 2019 by Gracenote
Flyers vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/28/2019

The New York Rangers' previous attempt to match their season-high four-game winning streak was summarily dismissed by the Philadelphia Flyers, courtesy of a 4-0 romp in November. After falling to Philadelphia once again last month, the Rangers hope the third time is the charm on Tuesday as they host the matchup between the Metropolitan Division rivals.

New York's Mika Zibanejad, who leads the team in assists (27) and points (44), joined Hall-of-Famer Rod Gilbert as the lone members of the franchise to score the game-winning goal in three straight contests. The 25-year-old Swede has recorded five tallies and four assists during his five-game point streak, although he has yet to dent the scoresheet in two meetings with the Flyers. While the Rangers prepare to begin a stretch of playing seven straight contests in the New York Metropolitan area, Philadelphia hit the ground running on Monday as it opened a string of three games in four nights with a 3-1 home victory over Winnipeg. Travis Konecny, who collected a goal and two assists in the first matchup against the Rangers, notched one of each against the Jets as the Flyers won their season-high fourth straight contest.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, Sportsnet, MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE FLYERS (20-23-6): Philadelphia's hot streak notwithstanding, general manager Chuck Fletcher told reporters that the team expects to have a plan in place regarding soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Wayne Simmonds in the coming weeks. The 30-year-old Simmonds, who has registered four points (two goals, two assists) over his last four games and scored in the Flyers' 3-2 shootout win over New York on Dec. 23, is in the final season of a six-year deal worth an annual average of $3.97 million. Fletcher did toss the label of "untouchable" in the direction of captain Claude Giroux, who notched three of his club-leading assists (38) and points (52) in the first encounter with the Rangers.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (21-20-7): Kevin Hayes hardly could contain himself as he prepares to return to the ice on Tuesday, and thus end a nine-game absence due to an upper-body injury. The 26-year-old Hayes initially sustained the injury while crashing into the boards during a 4-3 overtime loss against Arizona on Dec. 14, however he remained in the lineup for two additional contests following a career-best nine-game point streak. Chris Kreider (team-leading 22 goals) has scored two goals and set up three others in his last four games and also tallied in the meeting with the Flyers in December.

OVERTIME

1. Philadelphia LW James van Riemsdyk has recorded seven goals and nine points in his last six games after mustering just six and 13, respectively, in his previous 26.

2. Newsday reported that Rangers C Mats Zuccarello, who has collected four goals and five assists during his five-game point streak, will sit out Tuesday's contest against the Flyers with a foot injury.

3. Philadelphia has won just one of its last nine games involving back-to-back situations.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Flyers 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 08:11 AM

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

Daily Double / Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta

Allowance • 300 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 86 • Purse: $6,800 • Post: 3:00P
QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * AJS CORONA CHICK: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. FLAMIN HOT FORTUNE: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. PIEPER: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. JESS A BOY: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. THE PYC ALLURIST AW: Quarter Horse has a Fast Bre ak Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast.
4
AJS CORONA CHICK
5/2

9/2
1
FLAMIN HOT FORTUNE
5/1

5/1
5
PIEPER
9/5

9/1
6
JESS A BOY
4/1

9/1
3
THE PYC ALLURIST AW
12/1

10/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
FLAMIN HOT FORTUNE
1

5/1
Fast
76

78

2.8

0.0

0.0
2
SS HIGHLYCOVERT
2

9/2
Average
77

70

3.7

0.0

0.0
3
THE PYC ALLURIST AW
3

12/1
Fast
80

68

1.8

0.0

0.0
4
AJS CORONA CHICK
4

5/2
Average
80

86

4.6

0.0

0.0
5
PIEPER
5

9/5
Average
78

74

4.7

0.0

0.0
6
JESS A BOY
6

4/1
Slow
78

74

7.9

0.0

0.0

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 08:11 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #6 - Post: 3:04pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $9,900 Class Rating: 70

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 LUCY E. (ML=8/1)
#9 WITHALITTLEHOPE (ML=20/1)

LUCY E. - When this jock and conditioner combine forces you have to take a look. Orm and West have been terrific together. Last out, this one was in a race at Mahoning Valley Race Cour in a race with a class rating of 78. Dropping drastically in class figure this time around puts her in a solid position in this race. WITHALITTLEHOPE - Has happened upon a great spot this time out.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 BEAUTIFUL NITE SKY (ML=2/1), #8 CATCHUMDENAE (ML=3/1), #5 WORLD ELITE (ML=4/1),

BEAUTIFUL NITE SKY - The chalk horse is vulnerable here with the lack of drills. This thoroughbred likes to be in the money, but doesn't usually win. Leave out of the top spot. CATCHUMDENAE - Recorded a most unsatisfactory rating last time out in a $4,000 Claiming race on Jan 15th. Doubtful to see an improved performance off of that fig. WORLD ELITE - No success for this racer in a short distance race over the last 60 days tells me that this mare is in a very difficult circumstance

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 LUCY E. Is going to be the play if we are getting 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 08:12 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Portland Meadows
Portland Meadows - Race 7

$1 Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9)

Claiming $2,500 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 79 • Purse: $5,500 • Post: 2:48P
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. WEIGHT, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 27 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $2,500.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Lone Trailer. PREVAIL is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * PREVAIL: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. POWER OF WAR: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. PEPPER SHARP: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
6
PREVAIL
3/1

7/2
9
POWER OF WAR
5/2

6/1
7
PEPPER SHARP
7/2

6/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
MYSTIC WOOD FORCE
1

8/1
Front-runner
82

69

72.4

59.4

48.9
7
PEPPER SHARP
7

7/2
Alternator/Front-runner
80

80

60.6

71.4

63.4
3
JERSEY RED
3

20/1
Alternator/Front-runner
73

68

59.8

43.2

30.7
9
POWER OF WAR
9

5/2
Stalker
77

78

75.2

71.8

65.3
4
WATCHMYSIXTHIRTEEN
4

5/1
Alternator/Stalker
80

65

65.6

64.2

52.2
6
PREVAIL
6

3/1
Alternator/Trailer
83

82

48.0

73.2

70.7
5
KNOWN DEFENSE
5

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
79

73

81.0

59.2

49.2
2
MY BOY RUDY
2

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
80

74

50.6

52.8

40.8
8
KINGPIN RULER
8

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
71

56

35.6

54.8

40.3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 08:12 AM

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

Race 9 - SA - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $38000 Class Rating: 90

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $25,000 OR LESS AND WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN OR CLAIMING OR NEVER WON FOUR RACES. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 29, 2018 ALLOWED 3 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 JEFAZO 10/1

# 5 BLU WITHOUT YOU 9/1

# 2 POPIZAR 3/1

JEFAZO looks to be a solid contender and could score at a price in here. With a formidable jockey who has won at a quite good 16 percent rate over the last month. This has to be one of the top selections. Rodriguezcastr has an excellent ROI over the past 30 days (+20) which ought to help gamblers with this choice. BLU WITHOUT YOU - Looks competitive for the conditions of this outing today, showing solid figs in dirt sprint races lately. Garnered a respectable speed figure last time out. POPIZAR - Is worth considering and may be a bet - strong speed figures (83 average) at today's distance and surface recently. Has ran quite well in dirt sprint races.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 08:13 AM

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

Race 4 - Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $11200 Class Rating: 78

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE JANUARY 1, 2018 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. FOUR YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500 MAIDEN RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 RED SPRING 3/1

# 8 ENDLESS THYME 6/1

# 4 SEAMS DISCREET 5/2

RED SPRING has a solid shot to take this race. Put up a respectable speed rating last time out. Players should take a good look at this one as this mare has one of the best win percentages at this distance in this group of horses in this race. ENDLESS THYME - She has been racing admirably recently while recording solid speed figures. Well above average win rate at this distance/surface. SEAMS DISCREET - Has run soundly when running a dirt sprint race. As of late Arnett has provided players with a very strong winning percentage with horses moving in dirt sprint races.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 08:13 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #4 - Post: 2:09pm - Allowance - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,000 Class Rating: 89

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 MAXX EFFORT (ML=8/1)
#5 RAMBLIN' MAN (ML=7/5)
#4 CATS SURFIN (ML=9/2)

MAXX EFFORT - After the event aboard this animal on Jan 9th, the rider is going to know the gelding much better. Don't often see a favorable return on investment like +390. This rider/handler duo has done well together over the last 12 months. This thoroughbred coming off a sharp effort in the last thirty days is a contender in my book. The way this race sets up this gelding will be in the 'garden' spot when they dash for the finish. RAMBLIN' MAN - Faced tougher last time out at Turf Paradise. Based on class figures, this is a weaker group, so I will put this one on my list of probable winners in this race. Just view his latest speed figure, 88. That one fits well in this field. CATS SURFIN - This jockey and trainer are consistent together. Winning percentage when teamed up is hard to beat. On board this horse on Jan 16th and Hebert is back again in the irons in today's contest. Peltier brings him right back. I advocate you stay with this live gelding.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 FAMOUS ROCK STAR (ML=8/5), #1 JIMJIMMYJAMES (ML=8/1),

FAMOUS ROCK STAR - In any affair of 6 furlongs, I like to bet on a contender that has been on the board in short distance affairs recently. JIMJIMMYJAMES - 8/1 is just too low of a price to take on most any thoroughbred that has run poorly in back to back races around the track. Tough to wager on this horse running out of the one slot. His pps show that he doesn't run well out of there.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - CATS SURFIN - With speed figures of 73 and 85, this steed is showing much improvement.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #3 MAXX EFFORT on the win end if we get at least 4/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 12:12 PM

Washington Wizards vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-29

NBA Predictions 28th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/28/2019

The Cleveland Cavaliers snapped their latest slide at six straight losses with a win over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday and will try to make it back-to-back triumphs for the first time since November when they host the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. The Cavaliers, who own the worst record in the NBA, improved to 2-18 over their last 20 games with Sunday's victory.

Cleveland came within single digits of an opponent once during its latest slide - a 100-94 setback against Miami on Friday - and coach Larry Drew was pleased with how his team executed down the stretch on Sunday. "We haven't been in that situation often, but when we do get there, it's important moving forward that we learn how to play down the stretch, we learn how to execute, how to defensively get the stops we need," Drew told reporters. "... We came up with the plays down the stretch that we needed and that's what let us come up with the win." Washington could not come up with the plays it needed on Sunday and fell to 1-1 on its three-game road trip with a 132-119 setback at San Antonio. The Wizards allowed the Spurs to shoot 57 percent from the floor and were outrebounded 56-41 while falling to 6-19 on the road.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington, FS Ohio (Cleveland)

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (21-28): While the defense was a problem on Sunday, Washington was pleased with the offensive efforts of point guard Tomas Satoransky, who nearly pulled off a triple-double while collecting 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. The 27-year-old is starting in place of All-Star John Wall (heel) and posted at least eight assists in each of the last four games. Some of those passes are finding center Thomas Bryant, who scored in double figures in each of the last seven games and posted his third double-double in that stretch with 15 points and 10 boards on Sunday.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (10-41): Cleveland is firmly in a rebuilding mode this season but took the ball out of the hands of the youngsters down the stretch on Sunday and instead turned to veteran point guard Matthew Dellavedova. The 28-year-old collected 16 points, five assists and four rebounds in the win while logging 22 minutes - his longest stretch in over a month. "It wasn't just what he was doing offensively as far as making shots, but he did a really good job of getting us organized and did a really good job on the defensive end just being scrappy," Drew told reporters of Dellavedova. "He was consistent with our coverages and going down toward the end there I just felt as well as he had been playing, he needed to be in there."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Cavaliers C Ante Zizic grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds on Sunday.

2. Washington SF Sam Dekker (back) sat out Sunday and is day-to-day.

3. The teams split the first two meetings, with Cleveland earning a 116-101 home win on Dec. 8.

PREDICTION: Wizards 116, Cavaliers 104

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 12:12 PM

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Detroit Pistons Preview and Predictions 2019-01-29

NBA Predictions 28th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/28/2019

The Milwaukee Bucks have yet to drop back-to-back games this season and will try to keep that streak alive when they host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. The Bucks had a six-game winning streak come to an end at Oklahoma City on Sunday in the opener of a five-game road trip.

Milwaukee can still claim the best winning percentage in the NBA and is gearing up for a first-place showdown in the Eastern Conference with a trip to Toronto set for Thursday but needs to work out some things on the offensive end. The Bucks scored 42 points in the first half on Sunday and could not quite make up the difference with a stronger second half while dropping a 118-112 decision to the Thunder on Sunday. The Pistons have their own offensive problems to solve and are averaging 97 points while going 2-3 over the last five games, capped by a 106-101 loss at Dallas on Friday that left the team with a sour taste. "It doesn't feel good at all," Detroit coach Dwane Casey told reporters. "Again, we're not here to play close, you only get that in horseshoes and hand grenades. One thing, again, it's what, the 10th games we've lost by five points of less? Just making decisions down the stretch."

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

ABOUT THE BUCKS (35-13): Milwaukee managed to make it a game after the poor first half on Sunday and was at least encouraged by the effort. "We've got to remember that we did battle back, we did fight back against a very good team that had momentum, that played well tonight," Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon told reporters after the setback. "We did not play well tonight and we were still in the game." Superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is shooting 57.5 percent from the floor on the season but was 8-of-22 from the floor against the Thunder while finishing with 27 points and 18 rebounds.

ABOUT THE PISTONS (21-27): Detroit is trying to hang around in the postseason race in the East and is kicking off a four-game homestand with Milwaukee after dropping three of the last four contests. "All games are critical," Casey told reporters. "Each time we walk out should be critical. It should be a sense of urgency, a sense of desperation. The hunger, the intensity on all of us, myself down to our equipment manager, should feel a sense of urgency. If not, we're in the wrong business." Star forward Blake Griffin is playing with a sense of urgency and is averaging 33.5 points over the last six games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Bucks C Brook Lopez is 11-of-17 from 3-point range over the last three games.

2. Pistons PG Ish Smith (groin) missed the last four games and is questionable for Tuesday.

3. Milwaukee took the first three meetings this season by an average of 16 points.

PREDICTION: Bucks 112, Pistons 106

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 12:13 PM

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Predictions 2019-01-29

NBA Predictions 28th January 2019 by Gracenote
Thunder vs. Magic Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/28/2019

Paul George was named an All-Star starter last week and is making himself into a dark horse MVP candidate with his play of late. George will try to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a sixth consecutive victory when they open a three-game road trip by visiting the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

George controlled the game as the Thunder took down the top team in the Eastern Conference with a 118-112 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, finishing with 36 points on 12-of-21 shooting, eight 3-pointers, 13 rebounds and three assists. "He was doing everything - making 3s, midrange, dunking, floaters, he was all over the place," Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo told reporters of George. "He's been playing amazing. Down the stretch you know where the ball's going to go, it's going to go to Paul George. He closed the game out for them, and he played the right way all night." George could be in for another big night against the Magic, who are losers of three straight and are sliding out of contention in the Eastern Conference. "It's a lot of games this year that I feel like we handed away," Orlando forward Aaron Gordon told reporters after a 103-98 loss at Houston on Sunday. "We have a couple more home games coming up, so we have to take care of the crib and see if we can get on a winning streak."

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

ABOUT THE THUNDER (31-18): George is averaging 31.4 points while shooting 54.3 percent from beyond the arc during the five-game winning streak but is taking just as much pride in his role on the other end of the floor. "We were sharp. We rotated. We helped," George told reporters of Oklahoma City's defense on Sunday. "That's what our defense is when we're number one. Tonight, we did do an excellent job of shrinking the floor and flying out to their shooters. We did a little of everything and it was enough for us to win." Former MVP Russell Westbrook recorded another triple-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists on Sunday but suffered through a poor shooting night at 5-of-20 from the floor.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (20-30): Orlando is 1-6 in its last seven games with five of those losses coming by five or fewer points, and the team is well aware of its execution problems down the stretch. "We just gotta do it," center Nikola Vucevic told reporters. "Execute at the end, make stops at the end. That one win might get us over the hump." Vucevic collected 19 points and 17 rebounds on Sunday for his third double-double in four games but bemoaned his own lack of execution and aggressiveness after managing just two of those points in the second half.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Thunder C Steven Adams is shooting 66.9 percent from the floor in January.

2. Orlando SF Jonathon Simmons totaled two points on 1-of-7 shooting over the last two games.

3. The teams split the two-game series last season, with each protecting home court.

PREDICTION: Thunder 120, Magic 109

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 12:13 PM

Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets Preview and Predictions 2019-01-29

NBA Predictions 29th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/29/2019

The Brooklyn Nets' six-game winning streak is over, and they look to start a new stretch of victories when they host the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. Brooklyn dropped a 112-104 decision in Boston on Monday for only the sixth loss in its last 25 games.

The Nets, who shot just 37.7 percent from the field, committed 17 turnovers in the loss to the Celtics and seemingly lacked spark. "I think we're a little fatigued right now," Brooklyn coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters. "We're on a back-to-back. This is the fatigue time in the NBA, so everybody's fatigued. We're feeling it, quite honestly." Chicago has dropped three straight games and 13 of its last 14 after falling 104-101 to visiting Cleveland on Sunday. "It's frustrating, but we just have to keep our heads up," Bulls power forward Lauri Markkanen told reporters after the loss to the NBA's worst team. "That's the beauty of this league. We have the next one coming up in two days. Nobody's going to feel sorry for us. We're going to show up for work and try to get better."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), YES (Brooklyn)

ABOUT THE BULLS (11-39): Victories are hard to come by for a young squad that hasn't shown improvement since Fred Hoiberg was fired as coach on Dec. 3 and replaced by Jim Boylen. Zach LaVine missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer against Cleveland as the squad dropped to 6-20 under Boylen's tutelage. "Still a work in progress," point guard Kris Dunn told reporters. "We had a coaching change, the lineup has been changing. We're just trying to stick with it, figure out what works for us. We're working on it each and every day."

ABOUT THE NETS (27-24): D'Angelo Russell scored 25 points against Boston, topping 20 for the 10th time in 13 games this month. Russell knocked down four 3-pointers for his eighth straight contest with at least two and has gone 35-for-75 from long range during the stretch. Shabazz Napier matched his season high of four 3-pointers while scoring 20 points but is just 9-for-29 overall while averaging 19 over his last two games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Nets are 2-0 versus the Bulls this season and have won each of the last five meetings.

2. Brooklyn PG Spencer Dinwiddie (thumb) underwent surgery on Monday and could be sidelined up to six weeks.

3. Markkanen recorded 21 points and 15 rebounds against Cleveland for his sixth double-double of the season and the 20th of his career.

PREDICTION: Nets 113, Bulls 101

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-29-2019, 12:13 PM

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 2019-01-29

NBA Predictions 28th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/28/2019

James Harden looks to stretch his streak of consecutive 30-point efforts to 24 when the Houston Rockets host the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. The star guard scored 40 points in Sunday's 103-98 win over the visiting Orlando Magic to reach 40 for the 12th time in the past 17 contests.

Harden has raised his play a level higher than his MVP campaign of a season ago and he helped Houston rally from a 16-point deficit to beat Orlando for its third consecutive victory. "James is going to be James," Houston point guard Chris Paul told reporters after the win. "I don't care who's on the court - me, anybody - he's going to be him. We need him to be him. That's why he's the MVP." The Pelicans dropped their last three games and they appear to be slipping out of the playoff race with star big man Anthony Davis (finger) sidelined. "We're not giving up on our season, if that's what everybody thinks," New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters after Saturday's 126-114 home loss to the San Antonio Spurs. "We've just got to keep plugging away, and some kind of way, we're going to get this thing turned around."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

ABOUT THE PELICANS (22-28): Davis will miss his fifth straight game and his absence has created an opportunity for Jahlil Okafor, who had season highs of 24 points and 15 rebounds in the loss to the Spurs. Okafor recorded three double-doubles in the four games Davis missed and made 36-of-48 shots while averaging 19.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots during the stretch. "Obviously it's fun to play and I was working really hard to try and stay as ready as I can," Okafor told reporters. "My teammates have been really great just supporting me from the bench, talking to me, understanding that I haven't played that much. They have been really patient with me."

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (29-20): Paul returned from a 17-game absence due to a hamstring injury and he recorded 12 points, six assists and three steals in 25 minutes against the Magic. "He looked good," Harden told reporters of Paul. "He looked like he had an extra pep in his step. He looked great and he made some big-time shots. It was good to see him back on the court." Austin Rivers moved back to the bench with Paul back and had just four points on 2-of-7 shooting and is only 21-of-67 over the past seven games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split this season's first two meetings, including the Pelicans rolling to a 131-112 win at Houston on Oct. 17.

2. New Orleans PF Julius Randle (ankle) is questionable after missing the previous two games.

3. Harden has scored 40 or more points on 18 occasions this season.

PREDICTION: Rockets 125, Pelicans 112

Tuesday 1-29-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Tuesday 1-29-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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