Wednesday 2-6-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #2 - Post: 7:29pm - Maiden Special - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $23,000 Class Rating: 57

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 KOOL KEA (ML=5/2)
#7 COSMIC CANDY (ML=3/1)
#6 UNRULY JULIE (ML=4/1)


KOOL KEA - A thoroughbred coming back this quickly after a solid outing is a good omen. Stick with this horse. No other viable pace gives this horse a strong chance at the winner's circle. Walters drops her down to this class. You don't need too much more information to think this horse is in a good spot at this level. This animal is tops in earnings per start. She looks sharp in today's race. That 50 fig this filly notched in her last contest tells me she's a major player this time. COSMIC CANDY - Was in a Maiden Special race at Charles Town in the last race. That event had an Equibase class figure of 69 and she is moving down in this field. A certain serious competitor. UNRULY JULIE - Looking at today's Equibase class figure, this thoroughbred is encountering an easier bunch than last race out at Charles Town. This filly is the longer price of the 'split' entry from the barn of Runco. I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run her best in the 3rd or 4th start back.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 YODEL LADY (ML=7/2), #3 BRIGINTINE ISLAND (ML=5/1),

YODEL LADY - Tough to take this racer at the odds after the finish position (fifth) in the last affair. BRIGINTINE ISLAND - This filly registered a speed rating in her last event which likely isn't good enough in today's race.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #8 KOOL KEA to win if you can get at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
8 with [6,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [6,7,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 2 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $15000 Class Rating: 65

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 6, 2019 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 MACHI 5/2

# 7 QUIET FLATTERING 4/1

# 3 SHA BLUSH 10/1

MACHI seems to be the bet in here. Is worth considering and may be a bet - strong Equibase Speed Figures (51 average) at today's distance and surface recently. With a formidable jockey who has won at a very good 28 percent clip over the last month. This has to be one of the top choices. Is hard not to look at based on Equibase Speed Figs which have been very good - 61 avg - of late. QUIET FLATTERING - Lately Milligan has provided bettors with a quite good winning percentage with horses racing in dirt sprint races. Saenz will probably be able to get this filly to break out early for this race. SHA BLUSH - Recorded a strong speed figure in the last race. Can run another good one in this contest.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

02/06/19, GP, Race 8, 4.10 ET
5F [Turf] 00.53.03 CLAIMING. Purse $28,000.
Claiming Price $16,000 (Races where entered for $12,500 or less not considered in allowances). FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 - $.50 Bet 3 (Races 8-9-10) / $2 HRR - (RED 4,6: 1/1. BLK 1,2,5,7,8: 6/5. GRN 3,9,10: 12/1.)
Top Horse(100.0000) - Races 464, Win Percent 27.37, $1 ROI 0.96, For Race Category Non-Maiden 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 GP.
Rating P# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer Flags Profit ROI WPC W# Occ Condition
100.0000 7 Ice Show 8-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Vitali Marcus J. JW 61.20 1.12 24.71 63 255 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
098.2386 5 Take a Stroll 10-1 Gonzales J J Ritvo Katherine F 61.20 1.12 24.71 63 255 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
097.8596 4 The Two Nancy's 4-1 Maragh T Maragh Aubrey A. T 61.20 1.12 24.71 63 255 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
096.7153 10 Passionate Emotion 12-1 Juarez N Falcone. Jr. Robert N. 61.20 1.12 24.71 63 255 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
096.6821 8 Jersey Life(b+) 12-1 Jimenez A Nunn David 61.20 1.12 24.71 63 255 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
096.1374 6 A Dixie Twister 5/2 Saez L Procino Gerald SEC 26.60 1.21 35.94 23 64 Horse Best Closer
095.4140 1 Dahlonega 10-1 Monterrey. Jr. P Brinsley Monte 61.20 1.12 24.71 63 255 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
094.5220 2 Eila 3-1 Hernandez. Jr. B J McLellan Brett L 61.20 1.12 24.71 63 255 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
093.3388 9 Linda Nin 20-1 Sanchez J Abreu Fernando 61.20 1.12 24.71 63 255 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
089.8999 3 Love Flute 20-1 Mitchell R Creque Rasharn 61.20 1.12 24.71 63 255 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse(100.0000) - Races 521, Win Percent 31.09, $1 ROI 0.83, For Race Category Non-Maiden 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 7 Ice Show 8-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Vitali Marcus J. J
099.7223 2 Eila 3-1 Hernandez. Jr. B J McLellan Brett WL
099.1805 4 The Two Nancy's 4-1 Maragh T Maragh Aubrey A.
098.4555 6 A Dixie Twister 5/2 Saez L Procino Gerald SFEC
098.4311 5 Take a Stroll 10-1 Gonzales J J Ritvo Katherine
098.3165 10 Passionate Emotion 12-1 Juarez N Falcone. Jr. Robert N. T
097.4739 1 Dahlonega 10-1 Monterrey. Jr. P Brinsley Monte
094.2682 9 Linda Nin 20-1 Sanchez J Abreu Fernando
094.1175 8 Jersey Life(b+) 12-1 Jimenez A Nunn David
093.5813 3 Love Flute 20-1 Mitchell R Creque Rasharn

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston Race Park - Race 2

WPS / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Daily Double (Races 2-3) Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4) / Pick 4 (Races 2-3-4-5)


Claiming $10,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 72 • Purse: $7,500 • Post: 12:50
(PLUS UP TO $525 ATB) FOR TEXAS ACCREDITED FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. LOOKIECOOKIE is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * LOOKIECOOKIE: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. GET THE BLING: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
1
LOOKIECOOKIE
7/5

5/2
5
GET THE BLING
9/5

4/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
LOOKIECOOKIE
1

7/5
Front-runner
70

66

53.4

62.0

57.0
3
I'M HIGHLY RATED
3

10/1
Alternator/Stalker
68

61

66.5

50.6

43.1
5
GET THE BLING
5

9/5
Alternator/Stalker
78

68

51.4

63.0

59.0
2
VALID SILVER CHARM
2

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
74

48

51.6

44.2

35.2
6
TOLEDO PACHE
6

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
82

74

41.8

48.0

40.0
7
NAVAHOEJOE
7

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
71

64

24.0

41.4

32.9
4
SPIRIT OF ROYALTY
4

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
63

58

22.1

41.8

28.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #4 - Post: 2:08pm - Maiden Special - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $22,100 Class Rating: 69

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 SLIPPERY (ML=6/5)


SLIPPERY - This is a classic 'Lone Front-runner' scenario. If Rodriguez gets him out of the gate cleanly it'll likely be smooth sailing. She has the topmost earnings per start. Check out this horse. The 72 last race rating looks strong in the TrackMaster PPs.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 FASHIONABLYAWESOME (ML=3/1), #2 OUT TILL DAWN (ML=5/1), #7 SHES JUST CAPITAL (ML=6/1),

FASHIONABLYAWESOME - Can't wager on this racer in today's sprint of 6 furlongs. Hasn't even hit the board in a sprint race recently. Not probable that this entrant will be at her best this time out off the extended rest time. Maybe next out. OUT TILL DAWN - This vulnerable equine will in all probability be at the back of the pack as this field crosses the finish line. SHES JUST CAPITAL - Hard to play any horse to turn things around if there is no wager value to taking the shot.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #8 SLIPPERY to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
8 with [1,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Penn National
Penn National - Race 5

W-P-S / Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / Daily Double $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7) / $0.50 Pick 4 (Races 5-6-7-8)


Maiden Claiming $10,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Age 3 • CR: 57 • Purse: $13,600 • Post: 7:54P
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000, IF FOR $9,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. OUR LORIN ELEANOR is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * OUR LORIN ELEANOR: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/ surface. Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs. PRIDE IN THE BIZ: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top thr ee in TrackMaster Power Rating.
7
OUR LORIN ELEANOR
5/2

2/1
5
PRIDE IN THE BIZ
2/1

7/2




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
OUR LORIN ELEANOR
7

5/2
Front-runner
62

49

68.9

45.9

41.9
5
PRIDE IN THE BIZ
5

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
63

50

56.1

50.3

46.8
2
DAZZLE ME
2

3/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

40.8

39.4

33.4
3
MELODRAMA
3

5/1
Alternator/Non-contender
64

54

60.0

36.8

29.8
4
GOLDEN ACES
4

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

45.6

27.9

20.4
6
S W DOC AND GALE
6

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

29.5

28.9

17.4
1
COMPLEX LUNA
1

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

14.2

35.1

21.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Tampa Bay Downs

02/06/19, TAM, Race 5, 2.30 ET
6F [Dirt] 1.08.03 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $10,400.
Claiming Price $10,000, For Each $1,000 To $8,000 1 lb. FOR MAIDENS, FOUR YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta ($.50 minimum) / Superfecta ($.10 minimum) - Pick 3 ($.50 minimum) (Races 5-6-7) / Super High 5
Top Horse(100.0000) - Races 296, Win Percent 28.72, $1 ROI 0.74, 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 8 Siggylongstockings(b+) 20-1 Ferrer J C Tebbutt John JTWC
099.5665 10 Storm Protection 4-1 Ulloa A P Paramo Martin SFEL
099.0458 1 Cades Cove Loop 5-1 Martinez O Decker Kenneth
096.8138 3 J's Flashy Halo(b+) 9/2 Villa-Gomez H Bowersock Maria
096.6347 6 I'mawreckingball 15-1 Santos A Thomas Monte R.
096.5678 9 Warhavoc 5-1 Alencar W Palacios Molina Jacob
095.6296 5 Brilliant Boy 7/2 Garcia J A Inirio Carlos
094.4487 7 Sweepingthenation 15-1 Garcia W A Rivera Marco
093.5082 4 El Cachorro 30-1 Jimenez M Palacios Molina Jacob
093.3918 2 Coosawhatchie 12-1 Mendez K Lusk Brian R.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $7000 Class Rating: 90

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 12, 2018 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 PASSED DUE 7/2

# 8 CALL SAUL 6/1

# 2 JEN'S BIG O 10/1

My pick for this race is PASSED DUE. This gelding with Ramgeet in the irons makes him a definite contender. Ramgeet will most likely be able to get this gelding to break out early for this event. Has to be given a chance based on the quite good Equibase speed fig earned in the last race. CALL SAUL - Could provide positive returns based on solid recent Speed Figures with an average of 81. Has to be considered based on the respectable Equibase Speed Figure garnered in the last contest. JEN'S BIG O - Must be in condition if the conditioner is bringing him back so quickly.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Denver Nuggets vs. Brooklyn Nets Preview and Predictions 2019-02-06

NBA Predictions 5th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/05/2019

The Denver Nuggets had a six-game winning streak snapped and attempt to start a new one when they visit the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. The Nuggets were down three starters on Monday and were unable to put up much of an effort as they were pounded 129-103 by the host Detroit Pistons.

Point guard Jamal Murray (ankle) missed his sixth straight game, shooting guard Gary Harris (groin) sat out for the third straight contest and power forward Paul Millsap (ankle) also didn't play against Detroit. "Regardless of how many bodies we had available, we didn't defend the whole night," Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters afterward. "Healthy bodies or no healthy bodies, we got our butts kicked. So no excuses." Brooklyn was just 5-of-42 from 3-point range on Monday as it dropped a 113-94 decision to the Milwaukee Bucks to see its nine-game home winning streak come to an end. The Nets have lost three straight games and four of their last five after a stretch in which they went 19-5.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), YES (Brooklyn)

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (37-16): Not only was Denver short-handed against Detroit but All-Star center Nikola Jokic was off his game and had just 16 points, four assists and three rebounds. Jokic recorded triple-doubles in four of the previous seven games and had five 20-point outings and six double-digit rebounding efforts during the stretch. Point guard Monte Morris has been a strong fill-in for Murray and had 18 points against the Pistons and is averaging 18.3 points on 30-of-49 shooting over the past four games.

ABOUT THE NETS (28-27): Brooklyn also will be short-handed with point guard Spencer Dinwiddie (thumb) and forwards Joe Harris (hip) and Jared Dudley (hamstring) out but reinforcements are on the way. Shooting guard Caris LeVert (foot) and swingman Allen Crabbe (knee) are progressing from their injuries and are expected to return after the All-Star break if not sooner."Listen, it doesn't have to be 40 minutes, right?" Nets coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters. "If we can start ... just start integrating those guys slowly into the lineup. That's going to be a big boost for us. Right now, like I said, it's good timing."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Nets recorded a 112-110 win in Denver on Nov. 9 despite Jokic producing 37 points and 21 rebounds.

2. Nuggets F Trey Lyles scored 20 points against Detroit and is averaging 19.5 points over the past two contests.

3. Brooklyn PG Shabazz Napier missed all 10 of his 3-point attempts against Milwaukee and is 5-for-28 from long range over the past three games.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 113, Nets 109

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Chicago Bulls Preview and Predictions 2019-02-06

NBA Predictions 5th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/05/2019

Anthony Davis is the New Orleans Pelicans' star player for now, but his immediate future is very much in doubt. Davis has been cleared to return to practice after missing the last seven games with a sprained index finger but there is no word on whether he will take the court when the Pelicans visit his hometown Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

Davis, a Chicago native who was drafted No. 1 overall by New Orleans in 2012, demanded a trade late last month and is awaiting his fate with Thursday's NBA trade deadline fast approaching, and the team is in no hurry to rush him back into the lineup. "He's been cleared to practice, so he'll practice," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters before hedging on in if Davis will play Wednesday. "... I don't make those decisions. I was told that he was cleared to practice. That's what I know." The Bulls don't have the distraction of a big-time trade demand hanging over them and are just trying to get some positive things going as they dig into a rebuild. "I think we are getting better and trying to be on the same page," forward Lauri Markkanen, who is a key piece of that rebuild, told reporters after a 125-118 loss at Charlotte on Sunday. "We have to get the balance of guarding and preventing fast breaks and quality possessions on both ends of the floor. We are working every day and hope it's not for nothing and feel we are getting closer as a team; it's a process, for sure."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS New Orleans, NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE PELICANS (23-31): The possibility of a Davis trade has been hanging over the entire franchise for over a week, but the players on the floor are still fighting. New Orleans dropped six of its last seven games but each of those setbacks came by single digits, including a 109-107 home setback against Indiana in the most recent outing on Monday. "Another frustrating loss," Pelicans center Jahlil Okafor, who has seen his playing time increase substantially with Davis out, told reporters. "You know we really were right there at the end. You know we had a couple mental lapses late in the game that pretty much costs us the game like a couple offensive rebounds we let up, we lost our man a few times. But in all, the effort is there. We're all playing the right way. We're all playing hard."

ABOUT THE BULLS (12-41): Chicago is trying to figure out how to pull out close games as well and dropped five of its last six, with four of those defeats coming by single digits. Forward Bobby Portis is doing his part and scored 26 points in a win at Miami last Wednesday before exploding for 33 points - 28 in the first half - on 13-of-23 shooting at Charlotte. "Obviously, my role on this team is to come in and score the basketball, rebound the basketball at a high level, compete," Portis told reporters. "I think I've been doing that the last two games and I have to keep that rolling for the rest of the season."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Bulls PG Kris Dunn (pelvic contusion) sat out practice on Monday and is day-to-day.

2. Pelicans PG Elfrid Payton (ankle), SG E'Twaun Moore (quad) and PF Nikola Mirotic (calf) are all questionable for Wednesday.

3. New Orleans won the last three meetings, including a 107-98 home win on Nov. 7 in which Davis collected 32 points and 15 rebounds.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 109, Bulls 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview and Predictions 2019-02-06

NBA Predictions 5th February 2019 by Gracenote
Wizards vs. Bucks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 02/05/2019

The NBA-best Milwaukee Bucks are rolling along with wins in four straight and nine of their last 10 games and just finished up another successful road trip which included a win at the Washington Wizards. The Bucks will try to ease past the Wizards once again when they host a rematch on Wednesday.

Milwaukee dropped the opener of its five-game trip at Oklahoma City on Jan. 27 before blasting through Detroit, Toronto, Washington and Brooklyn by an average of 14.5 points, capped by Monday's 113-94 triumph over the Nets. "I think five games in whatever this has been, nine or 10 days, and everybody in the league's gotta do it," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters. "But hopefully we're a team that can do it a little bit longer, a little bit smarter, a little bit harder than everybody else. The fifth game on a road trip was one of those nights I thought the guys dug down deep and were really good." The Wizards surrendered 131 points in the loss to Milwaukee on Saturday and were even worse on the defensive end in a 137-129 home loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. "They made tough shots, a lot of tough shots," forward Jeff Green told reporters of the Hawks. "We have to be more aggressive putting them off the line. We have to give credit where credit is due. They made some tough shots."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Washington, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (22-31): All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal is carrying a heavy load in the absence of fellow All-Star guard John Wall (heel) and he scored 20 or more in the seventh straight game with 27 on Monday. Washington announced Wall suffered a setback with a ruptured Achilles that will sideline him 12 months. Shooting guard Jordan McRae didn't find a spot in the rotation until last week but is making up for lost time and went 8-of-11 from the floor in 26 minutes while scoring 20 points on Monday.

ABOUT THE BUCKS (39-13): Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo collected 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting, 15 rebounds and nine assists in Monday's win but was most excited about his three blocks and a team defense that held the Nets to 32.4 percent shooting, including 5-of-42 from 3-point range. "Defense is everything," Antetokounmpo told reporters. "We get energy off our defense." The defense is led on the perimeter by point guard Eric Bledsoe, who collected five steals on Monday and leads the team at an average of 1.5.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Wizards PG Tomas Satoransky handed out at least six assists in each of the last eight games.

2. Bucks C Brook Lopez recorded at least one block in 10 straight contests and is averaging 2.1.

3. Washington won in both of its trips to Milwaukee last season.

PREDICTION: Bucks 128, Wizards 116

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Charlotte Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview and Predictions 2019-02-06

NBA Predictions 6th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/06/2019

The Charlotte Hornets have struggled on the road this season as they begin a four-game excursion against the host Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. The Hornets are just 7-18 in road venues with eight of the setbacks coming by 15 or more points.

Charlotte was in position to sweep a three-game homestand when it held a 20-point lead on Tuesday but wilted down the stretch and lost 117-115 to the Los Angeles Clippers. "No matter where you're at in the season, you want to close out those games," Hornets coach James Borrego said during his postgame press conference. "We put ourselves in a great position with a 20-point lead." Guards Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee and Trey Burke are slated to make their Dallas debuts after being acquired from the New York Knicks in a deal that also yielded injured Kristaps Porzingis in exchange for guards Dennis Smith Jr. and Wesley Matthews, center DeAndre Jordan and two first-round picks. The Mavericks have won four of their past six games after notching a 111-98 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE HORNETS (26-27): Star guard Kemba Walker had a strong game with 32 points and nine assists without a turnover against the Clippers but Charlotte couldn't get him the ball for a last-second tying shot and forward Marvin Williams was forced to throw up a heave that was far off the mark. Walker is averaging 34.5 points over the past two games and has topped 20 in each of the past four outings. Center Cody Zeller (hand) returned from a 16-game absence and had six points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (24-28): Having three days without a game was a welcome break to coach Rick Carlisle as he tries to figure out how the additions will fit into the team. "We're fortunate to have a break like this immediately after a major trade," Carlisle told reporters on Tuesday. "All three of these guys from New York are professionals, they're ready to play and we'll see what (Wednesday) brings. I can't tell you that they're all going to play (against the Hornets), or the number of minutes, or any of that kind of stuff, but I know they'll be ready. It's just time to get out there and play a game." Hardaway figures to eventually be in the starting lineup as he was the Knicks' leading scorer at 19.1 points per game.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Mavericks clobbered the Hornets 122-84 in Charlotte on Jan. 2 for the fourth-largest road winning margin (38 points) in franchise history.

2. Charlotte PG Tony Parker (back) departed Tuesday's game after playing nine minutes and his status will be determined prior to tip-off.

3. Dallas rookie star SF Luka Doncic has topped 30 points in three of his past four games and is averaging 29.5 points during the span.

PREDICTION: Hornets 107, Mavericks 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions 2019-02-06

NBA Predictions 5th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/05/2019

The Utah Jazz look to stretch their homecourt winning streak against Phoenix to nine games when they host the Suns on Wednesday. Phoenix limps into town with a season-long 11-game losing streak while the Jazz have won 10 of their past 13 outings.

The Suns put up a fight before falling 118-110 to the visiting Houston Rockets on Monday but lost by 20 or more points on four occasions during the slide. Standout shooting guard Devin Booker had 19 points in 33 minutes before departing with tightness in his right hamstring but said he intends to play against the Jazz. Utah is coming off a suspect performance against the Rockets as it was drubbed 125-98 at home while committing 23 turnovers. The Jazz have been blown out by 27 points in two of their past three contests as they were also pounded 132-105 by the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 30.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE SUNS (11-44): Second-year forward Josh Jackson poured in 25 points in each of the past two games and scored in double digits in seven of the past eight outings. Jackson is 21-of-38 shooting in the two big games behind an approach that has seen him looking to shoot more as opposed to the tentativeness he has occasionally displayed in the past. "He's being aggressive," Booker told reporters. "When I wasn't playing (due to injury), he was playing super aggressive and when I came back, I had a talk with him. I was like, 'no matter if I am on the court or not, you're starting. ... We need you to be aggressive.'"

ABOUT THE JAZZ (30-24): Point guard Ricky Rubio didn't make a shot from the field while collecting just six points and two assists against Houston on a day that trade rumors began percolating. The Jazz are reportedly making a run at standout Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley and Rubio would likely be one of the pieces sent to Memphis. Rubio averaged 17.3 points and 8.7 assists over the previous three games and is averaging 12.9 points and 6.1 assists while shooting 40.2 percent from the field.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Jazz won last season's final three meetings by an average of 23.3 points.

2. Utah star SG Donovan Mitchell topped 20 points in 14 of the past 15 games but was just 7-of-24 shooting against the Rockets while scoring 26 points.

3. Phoenix backup F Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 23 points against Houston and reached double digits in 14 straight games.

PREDICTION: Jazz 120, Suns 94

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings Preview and Predictions 2019-02-06

NBA Predictions 5th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/05/2019

James Harden attempts to record his 28th straight effort of 30 or more points when the Houston Rockets visit the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. Harden and the Rockets will also be looking to post their 16th victory in the past 18 meetings against the Kings.

Harden poured in 44 points in Monday's 118-110 road win over the Phoenix Kings to register his 20th 40-point outing of the season."I'm just trying to keep going. Nothing can slow me down," Harden told reporters after the victory. "Nothing can stop me. I'm trying to give that same motivation to my teammates and it's not about scoring, it's about attacking the game, being aggressive with the game of basketball -- defensively, offensively." Sacramento has won seven consecutive home contests and is 3-0 on a six-game homestand after Monday's 127-112 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The stretch of home wins is the longest since the Kings won 14 straight during the 2005-06 campaign.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), NBCS California (Sacramento)

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (31-22): Harden scored 40 or more points in 15 of the past 21 games and he once again appeared virtually unstoppable while making 15-of-26 shots against the Suns. "They held him to 44. That's pretty good," Houston coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters afterward. "He's seen everything, he's going to score." Power forward Kenneth Faried had 17 points and matched his season best of 14 rebounds to post his fifth double-double in the past six games.

ABOUT THE KINGS (28-25): Rookie forward Marvin Bagley III has recorded three straight double-doubles and had a season-high 24 points along with 12 rebounds during the victory over the Kings "It's been fun, man," Bagley told reporters of his recent stretch of stellar play. "I'm a totally different person from Game 1. I just feel different. I'm seeing a lot of things differently out there. The game is slowing down." Bagley, the No. 2 overall selection from Duke, is averaging 18.3 points and 12.3 rebounds over the past three games and scored in double digits in six straight outings.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Rockets made 20 3-pointers while cruising to a 132-112 home win over the Kings on Nov. 17.

2. Sacramento G Yogi Ferrell scored a season-best 19 points on 7-of-7 shooting against the Spurs.

3. Houston SG Eric Gordon (knee) hopes to return after sitting out versus Phoenix.

PREDICTION: Rockets 124, Kings 122