Sunday 2-10-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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

Race 1 - Allowance - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $15200 Class Rating: 86

FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 26, 2019 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE JANUARY 10, 2019 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 10, 2018 ALLOWED 4 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 BIRTHDAY LETTER 3/1

# 2 SHES A BULLET 4/5

# 1 BRUJERIA 5/2

I think BIRTHDAY LETTER is a very good choice. This filly has posted some nice finishes in her last several starts. Reliable average Speed Figures in dirt route races make this equine a solid choice. With better than average trips to the winner's circle, Diaz ought to have this filly in excellent position to win the contest. SHES A BULLET - Must be given a shot here on the basis of the figs in the speed department alone. Santiago has been sizzling the last month, winning at a nifty 15 percent clip. BRUJERIA - Looks to have a solid class edge based on the recent company kept. With a very good 73 Equibase Speed Figure last time out, will clearly be a factor in this affair.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Fair Grounds - Race #6 - Post: 2:53pm - SO - 12.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 91

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 CORDERO (IRE) (ML=6/1)
#11 SENOR BLANCO (ML=9/2)
#8 YEOWZER (ML=7/2)


CORDERO (IRE) - Kennedy and Hartman perform well when they combine forces. It's hard to beat a +125 return on investment for a jockey and conditioner. Has the look of an overlay right here in this race at odds of 6/1. Finished ninth in last race at Fair Grounds but was close at the finish line. SENOR BLANCO - Last time out, finished tenth on the soft turf at Fair Grounds. Should do much better right here. EPS (earnings per start) is something that I feel can be a vital handicapping factor. This entrant is ranked numero uno in this bunch. YEOWZER - When a campaigner finishes in the top three as often as this gelding does, you will usually want to use him in your exotic wagers. This trainer brings horses to the turf in shape and ready to win, winning over 20 percent of the time under similar conditions. A pony coming back this promptly after a nice effort is a good sign. Last time around the track on the grass, this animal was solid. Anything close in this field, and this one should win.

Vulnerable Contenders: #13 CANDY CARLOS (ML=3/1), #9 BAIRES BOY (ML=4/1), #6 REAL GLITTER (ML=6/1),

CANDY CARLOS - Would have to perk up off that sixth place finish last time out to make an impact here. BAIRES BOY - This sustainer should have a rough go of it to be along with the lack of speed in this race. REAL GLITTER - The result of seventh in the last race shows me that this equine may be tailing off. A come from behinder like this one needs an early battle to set things up and he isn't likely to get one this time.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#2 CORDERO (IRE) is the play if we get odds of 7/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,8,11] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

02/10/19, GP, Race 8, 3.34 ET
6F [Dirt] 1.08.01 CLAIMING. Purse $18,000.
Claiming Price $6,250 (Races where entered for $5,000 or less not considered in allowances). FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 - $.50 Bet 3 (Races 8-9-10) / $.50 Pick 5 (Races 8-12) / $2 HRR - (RED 1,3,11: 4/5. BLK 2,4,6,10,12: 7/5. GRN 5,7,8,9,13: 12/1.)
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 11 Townie 10-1 Jaramillo E Cibelli Jane JL
098.0991 6 Lumumba 20-1 Reyes L Pompay Teresa M. TW
097.9905 1 Black Pepper 6/5 Alvarado. Jr. R Orseno Joseph F. FEC
097.7877 3 Bound Bi Luck 10-1 Vasquez M A Cibelli Jane
097.6382 12 Royalty Salvatore 6-1 Landeros C Dobles Elizabeth L.
097.2602 2 Salambo 6-1 Olivero C Garcia Rodolfo S
095.5527 10 Cactus Catch Me 15-1 Dregits K M Walsh Ryan D.
094.8205 7 High Mischief 20-1 Batista J A Jehaludi Mohamed
094.3629 4 My Mr. Wonderful 20-1 Cruz M R Catanese. III Joseph C
092.4141 5 Rigo 30-1 Gomez D F Negrete Javier
092.1861 9 Joe Cain 30-1 Meneses M Santillana Frank
092.1024 8 Lovingrdsimmar 30-1 Mitchell R Camano Alexis
091.9189 13 Don Fager 30-1 Arrieta R Arrieta Michel

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Louisiana Downs
Louisiana Downs - Race 3

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


Maiden Claiming $10,000 • 330 Yards • Dirt • Age 3 • CR: 61 • Purse: $3,800 • Post: 1:48P
QUARTER HORSE 330Y, FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * JETIN WYATT: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. ANGEL BAR CARTEL: Horse ranks in the top three in Tr ackMaster Power Rating. TEENTOAST: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
5
JETIN WYATT
4/1

4/1
3
ANGEL BAR CARTEL
2/1

5/1
2
TEENTOAST
5/2

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
SHEZA BLUE FIREBALL
1

15/1
Slow/Trouble-prone
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0
2
TEENTOAST
2

5/2
Average
64

51

5.5

0.0

0.0
3
ANGEL BAR CARTEL
3

2/1
Slow
69

55

6.7

0.0

0.0
5
JETIN WYATT
5

4/1
Average
71

57

3.8

0.0

0.0
6
MAKEMELIKAFERARRI
6

9/2
Slow
55

50

7.6

0.0

0.0
7
IM ON STRIKE
7

8/1
Slow
0

0

9.1

0.0

0.0








Unknown Running Style: ROYAL DOMINYUN (10/1) [Jockey: Rodriguez Jose Ariel - Trainer: Sanchez Hector J].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel - Race #7 - Post: 3:30pm - SO - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $28,000 Class Rating: 87

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 GLENGAR (ML=5/2)
#2 PETION NIGHT (ML=7/2)


GLENGAR - Expect this gelding to be in the rear of the field early and come flying past them. When Pimentel and Gonzalez team up on animals the winning pct has been out of sight at 34. Forgive the off the board finish on the off track last out. Under better track conditions, has a shot in this field. This gelding should be in fine condition, this far into his form cycle. PETION NIGHT - Last workout was the second fastest of the day. Unquestionably on edge for a good one today. Sub-par try in the last race at Laurel was due to the off-going (he ran fifth). Expect better right here without the slop.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 THROW THE FADE (ML=6/5), #3 BANDITO (ML=6/1),

THROW THE FADE - Difficult to keep stabbing at this kind of 'hanger' horse. Not a value play to back the favorite when he continues to lose time and time again when favored. BANDITO - Difficult to play any entrant to turn things around if there is no wager value to taking the risk. Should have at least finished in the money in the last 60 days in a short distance event to be worth the risk at low odds in a sprint.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #1 GLENGAR on the nose if you can get odds of 6/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Oaklawn Park

02/10/19, OP, Race 9, 5.10 CT
1M [Dirt] 1.34.02 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. Purse $77,000.
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD
Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta
Top Horse(100.0000) - Races 170, Win Percent 26.47, $1 ROI 0.95, 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 OP.
Rating P# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer Flags Profit ROI WPC W# Occ Condition
100.0000 1 Helena 6-1 De La Cruz F Cox Brad H. T 55.20 1.33 27.38 23 84 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
099.6506 3 Blessed Again 9/2 Cohen D Prather. Jr. John Henr L 55.20 1.33 27.38 23 84 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
098.2546 7 Sundaysatthebeach 5-1 Vazquez R A Walsh Brendan P. J 55.20 1.33 27.38 23 84 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
098.1790 4 Ultimate Mo 4-1 Cabrera D Lukas D. Wayne 23.80 1.35 35.29 12 34 Last_Race Is 2nd Race After 45 Days Off
097.7412 2 Cairo Cutie 8-1 Morales E Gorder Kellyn 55.20 1.33 27.38 23 84 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
097.6607 5 Adari 10-1 Birzer A Chleborad Lynn SE 55.20 1.33 27.38 23 84 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
096.9970 6 Kid Sis(b+) 8-1 Rodriguez I O Moquett Ron 55.20 1.33 27.38 23 84 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
096.0775 8 Paradise Bay 8-1 Santana. Jr. R Asmussen Steven M. 55.20 1.33 27.38 23 84 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
095.1348 12 She's a Truckin 12-1 McMahon C Cates Al 55.20 1.33 27.38 23 84 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
094.5151 9 Carolina Beach(b+) 15-1 Lara E Holthus Paul E. W 63.40 1.59 40.74 22 54 Horse Best Workouts
093.4242 11 Palace Princess 20-1 Hill C Peitz Daniel C. 55.20 1.33 27.38 23 84 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
092.4120 10 A. P. Princess 30-1 Borel C H Fires William H. 55.20 1.33 27.38 23 84 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Allowance - 4.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $3500 Class Rating: 77

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND OLDER. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 TWO STEPS OF GLORY 3/1

# 7 CHAMPION RISK 3/1

# 4 FRENCH GENERAL 2/1

TWO STEPS OF GLORY looks to be a very good contender. Should be given a shot based on the decent Equibase Speed Fig posted in the last race. With a reliable 72 average speed figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's contest. Has ran solidly in dirt sprint races. CHAMPION RISK - Displays the look of a lucrative play, averaging a solid 67 speed figure which is one of the top in this field. Could best this group based on the speed figure - 64 - of her last race. FRENCH GENERAL - With a competitive 69 speed rating last time out, will definitely be a factor in this race. Is difficult not to examine given the company run in lately.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Turf Paradise
Turf Paradise - Race 4

$1 Exacta / $1 Quinella / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta $1 Double (Races 4-5) / $.50 Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6) $.50 Pick 5 (Races 4-5-6-7-8)


Claiming $8,500 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 86 • Purse: $8,500 • Post: 2:27P
(PLUS UP TO 10% PLUS 10%) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 115 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 10 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,500. ARIZONA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * GAME STAR: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. KATZUMOTO: Horse has a Tra ckMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. BECOME AN INSIDER: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. MICHAEL MUNDO: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. SPOON BOSS : Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
1
GAME STAR
5/2

6/1
4
KATZUMOTO
4/1

6/1
7
BECOME AN INSIDER
8/1

7/1
3
MICHAEL MUNDO
7/2

7/1
2
SPOON BOSS
5/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
5
PEACOCK COWBOY
5

6/1
Front-runner
78

79

77.4

66.0

55.5
6
NO SUPAH FOR YOU
6

9/2
Alternator/Front-runner
70

78

69.0

71.8

60.3
1
GAME STAR
1

5/2
Stalker
86

82

57.2

79.8

73.3
4
KATZUMOTO
4

4/1
Alternator/Stalker
89

84

69.4

79.2

74.7
7
BECOME AN INSIDER
7

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
85

78

62.4

79.4

73.9
3
MICHAEL MUNDO
3

7/2
Trailer
89

80

69.2

78.6

73.1
2
SPOON BOSS
2

5/1
Trailer
80

84

56.2

76.4

65.9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview and Predictions 2019-02-10

NBA Predictions 9th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/09/2019

The Portland Trail Blazers feature two of the better 3-point shooters in the NBA in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum but getting into the paint might be more beneficial to the team on Sunday. The Trail Blazers will try to take advantage of an opponent's suspect interior defense when they visit the Dallas Mavericks.

The Mavericks put up little resistance on the inside on Friday at home against the Eastern Conference-leading Milwaukee Bucks and ended up with a 122-107 setback, ending the team's hopes of reaching .500 before the All-Star break. "We just did not put up enough resistance and they're a great team," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. "When you give up 80 points in the paint, which by the way if that's not an NBA record, I can't imagine a game where someone scored more than 80 points in the paint - but maybe they did. They're extremely well coached, (Giannis) Antetokounmpo is a great player, but 80 points in the paint is ridiculous. It's just ridiculous." Portland scored 62 points in the paint in a 127-118 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday and shot 53.8 percent from the floor in improving to 23-8 at home. The Trail Blazers, who are 10-13 on the road, will play their next two away from home before heading into the All-Star break with a home date against the West-leading Golden State Warriors.

TV: 3 p.m. ET, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (33-21): Portland added some depth at the trade deadline by acquiring shooting guard Rodney Hood from the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he fit in well in his team debut. Hood scored 14 points in 25 minutes off the bench while going 6-7 from the floor - 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. "He had a good rhythm," Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts told reporters of Hood. "I think he took the shots that were there. He just played the game. It wasn't like he was trying to force it, he wasn't trying to shy away from anything, I thought he just played the game. Defensively, he picked up our switching and took the individual challenge when he was there. Just a good, solid game at both ends."

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (25-29): The results of Dallas' big move in front of the deadline won't truly be felt until Kristaps Porzingis is able to get back on the court next season following knee surgery, but some of the other pieces from the deal are settling in. Point guard Trey Burke came off the bench on Friday and collected 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals in 27 minutes. "I was pretty comfortable," Burke said. "Coach just told me to be aggressive. I think it started when we started getting stops. When we got stops, we got out in transition and got some easy buckets. First and foremost, we got to get stops, and I don't think we got enough tonight."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Mavericks waived veteran PF Zach Randolph on Friday after acquiring him from the Sacramento Kings the previous day.

2. Lillard is 2-of-17 from 3-point range over the last two games.

3. Dallas earned a 111-102 home win over Portland on Dec. 4 despite 33 points from Lillard.

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 113, Mavericks 108

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 2019-02-10

NBA Predictions 9th February 2019 by Gracenote
Lakers vs. 76ers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 02/09/2019

The Los Angeles Lakers shook off the bad feelings left in the wake of the trade deadline and pulled off an impressive win over a top team from the Eastern Conference on Thursday. The Lakers will try to turn that trick again when they visit an East contender on Sunday that improved itself at the deadline in the Philadelphia 76ers.

Los Angeles reportedly offered up nearly every young player on the roster in an effort to acquire New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis before the deadline but ultimately could not get the deal done, leaving some to wonder about the psychological impact that would have on a team struggling to stay in the playoff race. The Lakers answered some of those questions by battling back from an 18-point deficit on the road and downing the Boston Celtics 129-128 while getting significant contributions from the likes of Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma. The 76ers made several big splashes in front of the deadline, acquiring Tobias Harris from the Los Angeles Clippers and bolstering the team's depth with veteran wings James Ennis and Jonathon Simmons. Harris collected 14 points and eight rebounds in his debut on Friday as Philadelphia improved to 22-6 at home with a 117-110 triumph over the Denver Nuggets.

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

ABOUT THE LAKERS (28-27): Los Angeles is sitting in the No. 10 spot in the West with 27 games left in the regular season and general manager Rob Pelinka is hoping his team can emulate the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. "I think early on they were facing a ton of adversity," Pelinka said on a conference call Friday. "There were lots of stories being told about fractured relationships, but what did they do? They kind of came together. ... My hope is our story is a little bit, maybe, like that where we're on the outside but we find a way to get in the playoffs with the skill sets we've added. And then much like (Tom) Brady did, we let one of the all-time greats -- LeBron (James) -- take the helm for this team and make some noise." James recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in Thursday's win while fellow veteran Rajon Rondo knocked down the game-winner to finish off a 17-point, 10-assist effort.

ABOUT THE 76ERS (35-20): Philadelphia's starting lineup of JJ Redick, Harris, Jimmy Butler and All-Stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid now rivals any in the East, and those five were on the court for the decisive stretch in the fourth quarter on Friday. "I thought it looked great just coming off the court right away," Redick told reporters of the lineup. "That was my initial thought. We have a lot of options, a lot of versatility, and you saw a glimpse of it down the stretch tonight where I think each guy made a play down the stretch, and that's who we can be." Redick benefited the most on Friday from the extra space provided by Harris and finished with 34 points on 11-of-15 shooting.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Simmons could make his Philadelphia debut on Sunday.

2. Lakers SG Reggie Bullock, who was acquired from the Detroit Pistons prior to the deadline, will make his team debut on Sunday.

3. The road team took each of the last five meetings, with Philadelphia breezing to a 121-105 victory at Los Angeles on Jan. 29.

PREDICTION: 76ers 131, Lakers 117

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings Preview and Predictions 2019-02-10

NBA Predictions 9th February 2019 by Gracenote
Suns vs. Kings Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 02/09/2019

The Sacramento Kings are taking advantage of their longest homestand of the season to surge back toward the top eight in the Western Conference. They will attempt to finish the six-game stay at Golden 1 Center with another victory when they host the sliding Phoenix Suns, losers of 13 straight, in a Sunday matinee.

Sacramento won the first three games of the stay before running into James Harden and the Houston Rockets on Wednesday and falling 127-101, but it rallied late Friday night to top the Miami Heat 102-96 and move within a half-game of the eighth-place Los Angeles Clippers entering Saturday. "I don't think maybe anybody thought we were going to be in this position at this point of the year," coach Dave Joerger told reporters. "But things have happened in the Western Conference and we've got an opportunity, so now the little stuff matters. The silly quick shot, the silly turnover, not getting back on my guy fast enough. It really matters. Everything is amplified this time of year." While the Kings are eyeing an end to their 13-year playoff drought, the Suns are nowhere near respectability. They started fast by taking an early 17-point lead against the mighty Golden State Warriors on Friday before fading late and dropping a 117-107 decision.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), NBCS California (Sacramento)

ABOUT THE SUNS (11-46): Phoenix still led the defending champs by six points with just over eight minutes remaining despite playing without leading scorer Devin Booker, who sat with a hamstring injury. Kelly Oubre Jr. carried the load with 25 points and a career-high 12 rebounds while rookie center Deandre Ayton notched his 30th double-double with 23 and 12, and the big man has not lost confidence amid the constant losing. "We can compete," Ayton told reporters. "We're maturing even though we're young. We can challenge any team. Don't mind our record, there's a lot of guys with a lot of great potential and we could actually make a dynasty team."

ABOUT THE KINGS (29-26): Buddy Hield scored 23 points against Miami and showed his leadership with a pep talk that helped ignite the team's fourth-quarter rally. "I was like, 'We've been here before, we've done it before,'" Hield told reporters of his message to the team. "It comes down to confidence, wanting to be in that position and wanting to succeed and excel. As a young team, they don't expect us to excel but for us we have to put pressure on ourselves to do good in those situations so coach can trust us." Hield is averaging 23.8 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the floor in four games this month.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Oubre Jr. tied a career-high with 26 points to lead the Suns to a 115-111 win over the Kings at home last month.

2. Sacramento PF Marvin Bagley III is 5-for-18 from the floor over the last two games and 1-for-18 from 3-point range over a 10-game stretch.

3. The Kings are 9-0 when holding opponents under 100 points.

PREDICTION: Kings 119, Suns 107

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview and Predictions 2019-02-10

NBA Predictions 10th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/10/2019

The Orlando Magic opened their three-game road trip in impressive fashion on Saturday to continue a sudden surge back into the Eastern Conference playoff race. They'll try to stay perfect on the trek and win their third straight overall contest for the first time since mid-November when they visit the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

Orlando took advantage of the absence of Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) to coast past the Bucks 103-83 on Saturday, improving to 4-1 on the heels of a 3-11 swoon. "We've really put a good string of, to me, really six or seven games together where, you know, there's things we could do better, but we played with better purpose," Magic coach Steve Clifford told reporters after his team held the Bucks to 32.6 percent shooting. The Hawks have dropped the first two contests of their seven-game homestand. They allowed 46 first-quarter points and fell short with a late rally in Saturday's 129-120 loss to Charlotte.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Orlando), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

ABOUT THE MAGIC (24-32): Rookie Isaiah Briscoe hit all three of his shot attempts in Thursday's win over Minnesota and was 4-for-5 from the floor while handing out seven assists in the rout of the Bucks. "By far, his best game. Both ways, and he hit his jumper," Clifford said of the 22-year-old guard. "They were blitzing the pick and roll, and the ball got to him and he had room. He hit the two in the corner, and then he hit the spot-up 3. Again, his defense was very good." All-Star Nikola Vucevic, who recorded 29 points and 14 rebounds in a win at Atlanta last month, finished with 15 and 17 at Milwaukee.

ABOUT THE HAWKS (18-37): Atlanta's league-worst defense was on full display in Saturday's loss, as Charlotte shot 54.5 percent and recorded 30 assists on 48 baskets. "Great night offensively, really poor night defensively," coach Lloyd Pierce told reporters. "I thought Charlotte came out, they didn't feel us from the start and pretty much didn't feel us most of the game, and anytime you give a team confidence and an opportunity the way they had in the first quarter, it's harder. You feel like you're just chasing around the entire game, and that's what we were doing." John Collins led the way offensively with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Hawks PG Trae Young recorded 11 assists on Saturday and has notched at least eight in eight of his last nine games.

2. Orlando is 17-15 against East rivals, compared to 7-17 versus the Western Conference.

3. Atlanta C Dewayne Dedmon is 12-for-24 from 3-point range over his last five contests.

PREDICTION: Magic 111, Hawks 109

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Heat vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 2019-02-10

NBA Predictions 9th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/09/2019

The Golden State Warriors own the best record in the Western Conference and earned wins in 14 of the last 15 games, but occasional poor performances still haunt the team. The Warriors will look to bounce back from one such effort when they host the Miami Heat on Sunday.

Golden State showed off just how dominant it can be with a 141-102 triumph over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday but struggled to pull out a 117-107 victory at West-worst Phoenix on Friday. "The Suns did a pretty good job of it," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters. "They totally outplayed us all night. The only reason we won is because we have a lot more talent, obviously. ... It's not a game that we're going to be particularly proud of, but we'll take the win and move on." The Heat, who squandered a fourth-quarter lead in a 102-96 loss at Sacramento on Friday, will take any win they can find after dropping four of their last five games to fall three games under .500. "Overall, they stepped up their pressure and we weren't able to respond with detail, focus, execution and they were able to take control in the fourth quarter," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters. "Thirteen points obviously in that fourth quarter was not enough, I don't think it would have required a 30-point quarter. But lower 20s?"

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Sun (Miami), NBCS Bay Area (Golden State)

ABOUT THE HEAT (25-28): Miami sent away guards Tyler Johnson and Wayne Ellington prior to Thursday's trade deadline, opening a starting spot for shooting guard Dion Waiters and more playing time for veteran Dwyane Wade. Waiters responded with 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting in a season-high 32 minutes while Wade scored 15 off the bench on Friday. "It just felt good," Waiters told reporters. "Now it's about getting the rust off and things like that, and just being more aggressive. Just trying to go out there and make plays and just get back in the swing of things. Really, it's pretty much downhill from here."

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (39-15): Golden State power forward Draymond Green was ejected from Friday's game for arguing with the referees while center DeMarcus Cousins was hit with a technical foul. Cousins, who is easing his way into the rotation after recovering from Achilles surgery, is taking his role as an energy-producer for the team seriously. "I was honestly just trying to perform on the floor, because we came out looking like (expletive) tonight," Cousins told reporters after Friday's win. "(Kevin Durant) hollered at me during the game and was like, 'We've got to bring more energy.' I was like, 'I agree with you 100 percent,' and he was like, 'It starts with me and you.' Our energy is terrible. I just try to make a change on the fly and pull out a tough win."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Warriors All-Star SG Klay Thompson is 12-of-17 from 3-point range over the last three games.

2. Heat C Hassan Whiteside recorded a double-double in each of the last four games and is shooting 67.3 percent from the floor in that span.

3. Golden State took both meetings last season and seven of the last eight in the series.

PREDICTION: Warriors 125, Heat 110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Blues vs. Nashville Predators Preview and Predictions 2019-02-10

NHL Predictions 9th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/09/2019

The St. Louis Blues have climbed from last place in the Western Conference to a playoff position in fewer than six weeks and go after sixth straight win as they try for the back-to-back sweep of the Predators on Sunday afternoon in Nashville. The Blues scored twice in the first period and held off a rally to knock off the Predators 3-2 on Saturday at home to earn at least a point for the 11th time in their last dozen contests (9-1-2).

"I think everyone's really working together and really showing that we care about each other on the ice. That comes with hard work, too," St. Louis defenseman Vince Dunn told reporters after scoring his seventh goal Saturday. "When we're working as a whole, we're going to see better results individually and as a team, and I think that's really starting to show." The Blues have won the last two in the series after dropping six in a row, including a playoff contest, against a Nashville team that lost for only the second time in seven games Saturday and failed in its chance to take over first place in the Central Division. The Predators outshot St. Louis 12-3 in the third period and got within one on center Ryan Johansen's goal with 1:15 to go, but could not recover from a disappointing first 40 minutes. "You could see in the first two periods we weren't skating. We weren't first to pucks, or battling, or dictating the play," Nashville defenseman Mattias Ekholm told Fox Sports Tennessee. ". ... That's something we really have to focus on (Sunday)."

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, NBC, TVA

ABOUT THE BLUES (26-22-5): Vladimir Tarasenko scored Saturday to pull within one of his sixth straight season with at least 20 goals, and the Russian right wing has recorded nine points in his past seven contests. Center Ryan O'Reilly was kept off the scoresheet in the last two games, but owns 11 of his team-high 53 points in the past 10 contests, while forward Brayden Schenn boasts a goal and six assists in his past five outings. Rookie Jordan Binnington (29 saves) earned his ninth win in 11 decisions (9-1-1) on Saturday, but could give way to Jake Allen (15-15-4) in the second of a back-to-back although coach Craig Berube was undecided after the game.

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (33-20-4): Johansen has registered 12 of his team-best 48 points in the last 11 games and All-Star defenseman Roman Josi had an assist Saturday to give him seven of his 43 points in the past five contests. Ekholm scored his seventh goal Saturday to pull within one of his first 40-point season while forward Filip Forsberg posted an assist - his fifth in five games to go along with his 19th goal Tuesday against Arizona. Veteran Pekka Rinne (19-14-3) took the loss in net Saturday after stopping 30-of-33 shots and that could hand Sunday's start to backup Juuse Saros (14-6-1), who has allowed four goals in three consecutive victories.

OVERTIME

1. The Predators scored on their only power-play chance Saturday after going 1-for-37 in their previous 11 contests.

2. St. Louis LW David Perron (upper body) and D Carl Gunnarsson (lower body) are not expected to return the lineup Sunday.

3. Nashville C Brian Boyle has two shots and a minus-3 rating in his first two games since being acquired from New Jersey.

PREDICTION: Predators 4, Blues 3