Saturday 2-23-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct
RACE #8 -AQUEDUCT RACE TRACK - 4:35 PM EASTERN POST
The Franklin Square Stakes
6.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#3 STONESINTHE ROAD
#4 FORGOTTEN HERO
#6 FLUSH
#2 MAIDEN BEAUTY

For your information folks, Franklin Square is a hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) in Nassau County, New York, United States. The hamlet is an unincorporated area in the Town of Hempstead. Here in the 5th running of The Franklin, #3 STONESINTHEROAD has excellent early speed for this 6.0 furlong sprint, is the pace profile leader, and is undefeated in a two race career to date, winning both in "POWER RUN FASHION." Jockey Rajiv Maragh was in her irons for those two wins, and is back today here in Ozone Park for his 3rd ride, gunning for a "Hat Trick Win." #4 FORGOTTEN HERO, the morning line favorite, drops in class (-4), is the overall speed leader, and like my top pick, is undefeated in her respective two race career, also winning both in "POWER RUN FASHION."

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 2 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $6500 Class Rating: 67

FOR NATIVE FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 8, 2019 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE JANUARY 23, 2019 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 23, 2018 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 LADY VEIGA 4/1

# 1 LA SUEGRITA 5/1

# 6 SYRIANA MIA 8/5

I give my vote to LADY VEIGA here. This mare has a strong win percent in dirt sprint races. Has some encouraging handicapping angles which make this one a bet. LA SUEGRITA - Her 57 average has this mare with among the top Speed Figures for this race. Looks respectable to be up on the lead at the first call. SYRIANA MIA - Conditioner has strong win rate (23 percent) at this distance and surface. Has to be given a chance - I like the figures from the last competition.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Fonner Park
Fonner Park - Race 10

Exacta / Trifecta / 10-cent Superfecta


Claiming $5,000 • 4 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 83 • Purse: $4,800 • Post: 5:51P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JUNE 23, 2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * MAYHAWK: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Today is a sprint and the hors e is carrying at least 120 lbs. PRIVATE STASH: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. LAND OF OZ: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. DAVE: Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner with an inside post position. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
5
MAYHAWK
12/1

5/1
10
PRIVATE STASH
8/1

6/1
9
LAND OF OZ
8/1

7/1
3
DAVE
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
9
LAND OF OZ
9

8/1
Front-runner
85

75

89.6

65.0

58.5
3
DAVE
3

5/2
Front-runner
83

84

78.6

61.8

52.3
10
PRIVATE STASH
10

8/1
Front-runner
78

80

78.4

67.8

62.3
2
DIVINE COUNSIL
2

4/1
Front-runner
62

67

71.4

53.2

35.7
1
CALL ME BUBBA
1

12/1
Alternator/Front-runner
79

76

56.2

70.6

63.1
8
LIL' QUARTER CHUTE
8

6/1
Stalker
83

72

76.2

64.6

56.1
5
MAYHAWK
5

12/1
Stalker
86

80

63.2

77.8

71.3
6
ATTACK THE SHACK
6

5/1
Alternator/Stalker
84

79

60.2

67.6

55.6
4
SNOWCONE BOB
4

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
76

62

37.8

56.6

40.6
7
DOUBLEC'STWOPUNCH
7

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
70

76

25.8

46.8

28.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

02/23/19, GP, Race 11, 4.58 ET
1M [Dirt] 1.33.01 STAKES. Purse $100,000.
Grade 3
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 - $.50 Bet 3 (Races 11-12-13) / $2 HRR - (RED 3,4,7: 4/5. BLK 1,5,9: 6/5. GRN 2,6,8: 8/1.)
Top Horse(100.0000) - Races 569, Win Percent 31.63, $1 ROI 0.84, 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 Copper Town 6-1 Castellano J Pletcher Todd A.
099.8466 5 Quip 4-1 Ortiz J L Brisset Rodolphe EL
099.3122 3 Breaking Lucky 2-1 Saez L Weaver George
098.9985 9 Prince Lucky 8-1 Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A.
098.4494 1 Tale of Silence 5-1 Leparoux J R Tagg Barclay C
098.4456 2 Fellowship 12-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Decker Kenneth JW
096.8228 8 Sir Anthony 20-1 Hernandez. Jr. B J Mitchell Anthony F
096.6695 4 Wild Shot 8-1 Albarado R Arnold. II George R.
095.5241 6 Mr. Jordan 10-1 Lopez C C Plesa. Jr. Edward

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

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


Maiden Claiming $15,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Age 3 • CR: 56 • Purse: $7,500 • Post: 8:15P
(PLUS UP TO $1,125 ATB) FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.
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 * ST JOSEPH COUNTY: 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. BIG MONEY ZEKE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. NOBLE GAMBLER: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
2
ST JOSEPH COUNTY
5/2

5/2
5
BIG MONEY ZEKE
4/1

5/1
6
NOBLE GAMBLER
2/1

6/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
ST JOSEPH COUNTY
2

5/2
Front-runner
58

50

52.8

48.8

44.3
4
WITH THE BAND
4

6/1
Front-runner
0

0

36.5

43.2

38.2
6
NOBLE GAMBLER
6

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

63.9

45.6

41.6
5
BIG MONEY ZEKE
5

4/1
Alternator/Stalker
58

44

52.9

40.8

32.3
1
COLLEGE CAT
1

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

25.3

15.6

6.1
3
NIGHT DIVINE
3

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

13.9

32.2

23.2








Unknown Running Style: I'M LIT (15/1) [Jockey: Mcneil Bryan - Trainer: Durham Danele], LONE TROOPER (12/1) [Jockey: Parker Deshawn L - Trainer: Broberg Karl], OVER FUNDED (8/1) [Jockey: Mcneil Erik - Trainer: Pish Danny].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 4 - Trial - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $6000 Class Rating: 81

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR ACCREDITED LOUISIANA BRED TWO YEAR OLDS THAT REMAIN ELIGIBLE. FINAL PAYMENT MUST BE ON ACCOUNT WITH THE HORSEMEN'S BOOKKEEPER AT THE TIME OF ENTRY. SUPPLEMENTARY NOMINATION'S OF $6,000 MUST ACCOMPANY THE ENTRY. WEIGHT: 122LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 SIZZLISH 10/1

# 6 HIGHEST DARE 9/2

# 8 TRAIN OF DIAMONDS 7/2

SIZZLISH gets the edge as the bet in here especially at 10/1. Sire -Sizzlin Cartel- has produced progeny who have done soundly in their first starts. Will most likely be one of the leaders of the bunch going into the midpoint of the competition. Has to be given consideration given one of the strongest sires around. HIGHEST DARE - Bettors have done soundly with foals of this sire in the past, whose +19 return on investment is one of the best in this field. Competitive sire data will play a key role in this filly racing well. TRAIN OF DIAMONDS - Kopycinski has well above average profits at this distance/surface.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel - Race #5 - Post: 2:30pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,000 Class Rating: 67

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 MIKE THE TIGER (ML=6/1)
#8 ZEPHYR TRAIN (ML=6/1)
#6 CAN HE SHINE (ML=20/1)
#2 EAGLE CAVIAR (ML=6/1)


MIKE THE TIGER - McCarthy comes to ride after getting to know the gelding in the last event. McCarthy's agent must like anytime Egan gives them a mount; winning percentage together is tremendous. This horse ran off the board at Laurel last out on a track listed as good. He should improve in this race without a sloppy track. Horse made up some ground down the lane in the last race on January 20th at Laurel. That race is better than it looked. ZEPHYR TRAIN - This gelding is in fine form. Ran third on Jan 25th. Last two races were sprints. Longer races have to be his best game and he should be considered a play in this route. CAN HE SHINE - Really figure this fine animal is going to be close at the wire. EAGLE CAVIAR - Horses that finish runner up in Maiden races and finish well ahead of the third horse are generally good bets next time out. This gelding is in good condition, having run a nice race on Feb 7th, finishing second. Just view his last speed figure, 70. That one fits in this field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #10 SALUTELUTE (ML=7/2), #12 COOL CRINOLINE (ML=9/2),

SALUTELUTE - The favorite is suspect here with the lack of drills. The seventh place finish in the last affair was not the greatest. COOL CRINOLINE - Awfully difficult to bet on this horse when he hasn't been showing any signs of readiness recently.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #5 MIKE THE TIGER on the win end if we get at least 5/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Tampa Bay Downs - Race #5 - Post: 2:45pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $13,200 Class Rating: 62

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#11 COTTAGE (ML=8/1)
#8 PHIL THE VIBE (ML=12/1)
#6 BIG MAROON (ML=6/1)


COTTAGE - Garcia rode this animal for the first time in the last race and comes right back today. The February 6th event at Tampa Bay Downs was at a class level of (71). Dropping down the class ladder considerably, so he should be in a good place. Don't throw out based on last race finish. He didn't land in the money, but made a nice move in the lane making up ground. Could be dangerous at a possible price. PHIL THE VIBE - Martinez rode this entrant for the first time last out and comes right back today. BIG MAROON - Another way to identify class is earnings per race. This thoroughbred has the highest in the bunch. I think he'll be close at the end.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 DUKE OF MONROE (ML=5/2), #10 ARAGO (ML=7/2), #5 IRISH MAIL (ML=4/1),

DUKE OF MONROE - Jan 25th is the last time we've seen this colt around. Have to be a little bit leery. Have to put a question mark next to the latest rating since it was acquired on the soft turf. ARAGO - This colt finished out of the money on Oct 5th and wasn't close last time around the track either. IRISH MAIL - Speed kills. Plenty of speed in this affair compromises this animal's hopes. Hasn't been getting close at all of late.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - COTTAGE - The best last race TrackMaster turf number makes this gelding a tough opponent for these horses.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #11 COTTAGE to win if we can get at least 3/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
11 with [6,8]

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

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 2019-02-23

NBA Predictions 22nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/22/2019

The Philadelphia 76ers survived their first test without All-Star center Joel Embiid, but the road is about to get tougher. The 76ers will try to make it two straight without the big man when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday.

Embiid, who posted a double-double in Sunday's All-Star Game in Charlotte, was ruled out for at least a week with tendinitis in his left knee on Thursday and did not play in Philadelphia's 106-102 home win over the Miami Heat later that night. The 76ers, who improved to 24-7 at home with the victory, hit the road after Saturday's contest and will travel to New Orleans and Oklahoma City without Embiid available. The Trail Blazers are just 11-15 on the road but began a seven-game trip by knocking off the Brooklyn Nets 113-99 on Thursday behind 27 points and 12 rebounds from center Jusuf Nurkic. "Good to get a road win, good to get that first win after the break," Portland coach Terry Stotts told reporters. "I thought we did a good job with pick-and-rolls when we had it. Obviously our two big guys dominated inside. That was an important part of our offense."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, NBCS Northwest (Portland), NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (35-23): Portland will challenge the Embiid-less 76ers on the inside with Nurkic and newcomer Enes Kanter, who made his Portland debut on Thursday. The veteran center, who was signed after being waived by the New York Knicks, contributed 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting and nine rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench. "Yeah, that's my game," Kanter told reporters. "Just go out there, I play hard and bring energy, rebounds - the inside game. I think it's just the important thing to go out there and get a win."

ABOUT THE 76ERS (38-21): Philadelphia's big move before the trade deadline brought in small forward Tobias Harris from the Los Angeles Clippers to give the team arguably the most formidable starting lineup in the East, but an unheralded part of that deal is proving to have just as big an impact. Center Boban Marjanovic logged a season-high 27 minutes while starting in place of Embiid on Thursday and delivered 19 points and 12 rebounds. Marjanovic is 19-of-25 from the floor in five games with the 76ers and outplayed Miami center Hassan Whiteside in Thursday's triumph.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Harris recorded his first double-double in five games with the 76ers with 23 points and 11 rebounds against the Heat.

2. Trail Blazers Gs Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined to go 3-of-15 from 3-point range on Thursday.

3. Portland crushed Philadelphia 129-95 at home on Dec. 30 in a game Embiid missed.

PREDICTION: 76ers 121, Trail Blazers 119

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview and Predictions 2019-02-23

NBA Predictions 23rd February 2019 by Gracenote
Lakers vs. Pelicans Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 02/23/2019

The Anthony Davis saga could take another twist when the New Orleans Pelicans host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Talks involving Davis going to the Lakers reached a crescendo prior to the Feb. 14 trade deadline but no deal was made, and the oft-injured superstar power forward may not play Saturday after recording 15 points and eight rebounds in 20 minutes of Friday's 126-111 loss at Indiana.

"You will see a reduction in Anthony's minutes," Pelicans general manager Danny Ferry told reporters about Davis, who left the Feb. 14 victory over Oklahoma City with a shoulder injury and played only five minutes in the All-Star Game. "League rules made it clear Anthony has to play. As we've done previously, we will continue to follow their lead but also be focused on the future of the team." The Lakers' LeBron James, who appeared to make a mockery of the NBA's tampering rules with his courting of Davis to join his team, is in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2004-05 - his second season. The Lakers trail the eighth-place Los Angeles Clippers by three games for the final Western Conference playoff spot after rallying from a 19-point deficit to defeat Houston 111-106 on Thursday with James recording 29 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. "He's had a more serious look to his face," Lakers coach Luke Walton told reporters about James. "He recognizes where we are at and the sense of urgency. He was huge (Thursday) but he's always great."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles), FS New Orleans

ABOUT THE LAKERS (29-29): James (26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 7.6 assists) is averaging 24 points, 10.8 boards and 10.2 assists in six games since missing 17 because of a groin injury. Kyle Kuzma (19.1 points) scored 18 versus Houston after being named MVP of the Rising Stars game on All-Star weekend while Brandon Ingram (17.2) came out of the break strong with 27 points and a season-high 13 rebounds Thursday. Reggie Bullock scored 14 points against Houston in his third game with Los Angeles after being acquired from Detroit, giving him 29 in the last two contests.

ABOUT THE PELICANS (26-34): Jrue Holiday (20.9 points) scored 14 points Friday - the third time in the last four games he's been held below his average - and is 11-for-47 from 3-point range in eight February games. Elfrid Payton (10.1 points) returned to the lineup Friday after missing nine contests with an ankle injury and contributed 15 points, four assists and two blocks in 28 minutes. Cheick Diallo (4.7 points) erupted for 16 points and a career-high 18 rebounds versus Indiana after scoring a total of 12 in his previous five games, and has seven double-figure games this season - four in February.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Lakers PF Mike Muscala (7.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 22.0 minutes per game) could return to the lineup after missing the last two contests with an ankle injury.

2. New Orleans SF Darius Miller (8.0 points) missed Friday's game with an ankle injury and is day-to-day.

3. Los Angeles snapped a three-game losing streak in the series by winning the first of four meetings this season 112-104 on Dec. 21 behind 22 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds from James. The third encounter is Wednesday at Staples Center.

PREDICTION: Lakers 115, Pelicans 112

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 2019-02-23

NBA Predictions 23rd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/23/2019

Kevin Love flashed his All-Star form in Cleveland's last outing and he looks to lead the Cavaliers to a second straight win when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. Love, who recently returned from foot surgery, had 16 points and 11 rebounds in just 22 minutes as Cleveland notched a 111-98 win over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Thursday.

Love missed 50 games due to his injury as the Cavaliers sunk toward the bottom of the standings and his effort against the Suns was encouraging as he is still working on his conditioning. "He's a walking double-double," forward Larry Nance Jr. told reporters of Love. "That's something he's been his whole career, that's certainly not going to change now. He's just such a weapon for us." The Grizzlies recorded a 95-87 home win over Cleveland earlier this season but enter the rematch with three straight defeats after falling 112-106 to the visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. Memphis recently traded long-time stalwart Marc Gasol to the Toronto Raptors and now has lost impressive rookie forward Jaren Jackson Jr. for an indefinite period.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Memphis), FS Ohio (Cleveland)

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (23-37): Jackson, who has a 13.8 scoring average, is dealing with a deep bruise to his right quadriceps that may sideline him for the rest of the season. Memphis coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters after the contest that the club won't take any risks with Jackson and that the diagnosis of a bruise was determined through an MRI exam conducted Friday. "He practiced (Thursday) and there must have been a moment in practice where it was re-aggravated," Bickerstaff said during his postgame session. "He finished practice and it wasn't something that stopped him from being able to practice. After practice he noticed it and went to visit the training staff."

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (13-46): Cleveland has won both of the last two games Love has played in since his return as the team's skill level - not to mention its mood - is greatly improved by the five-time All-Star's presence. "This is not a bottom-tier team," Nance told reporters. "We're very talented and dangerous when we can play well. Any team missing a player the caliber of Kevin is going to hurt. We hurt worse than most. I look at the East and I'm like 'man, whether it's the rest of this year or next year, we are just not that far back.'" Nance floated the possibly of the Cavaliers making a charge into contention of an Eastern Conference playoff spot but that's not happening with Cleveland 15 games behind the eighth-place Detroit Pistons with only 23 games remaining.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Cavaliers have a 17-4 home record against the Grizzlies.

2. Memphis C Jonas Valanciunas (personal reasons) will miss his second straight game.

3. Cleveland rookie PG Collin Sexton scored just eight points against Phoenix after averaging 22.8 points over the previous five games.

PREDICTION: Grizzlies 96, Cavaliers 92

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brooklyn Nets vs. Charlotte Hornets Preview and Predictions 2019-02-23

NBA Predictions 23rd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/23/2019

The Brooklyn Nets are struggling to find consistency through a series of roster fluctuations and are sinking back toward the tail end of the Eastern Conference playoff race. They'll try to get everyone on the same page and fend off one of their closest challengers in the East when they visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.

After dropping five of seven prior to the All-Star break, Brooklyn fell 113-99 to Portland at home Thursday night, with a trio of starting guards shooting a combined 8-of-31 from the floor. "We didn't have great rhythm tonight, didn't play well. I think that's across the board. Didn't coach well, didn't play well," coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters. "It was just one of those games where I think Portland was simply the better team. There's just no way around it." The Hornets were easily the better team in Friday's 123-110 win over the Washington Wizards to begin a four-game homestand. Kemba Walker led six players in double figures with 27 points while collecting a season high-tying 11 assists as Charlotte moved within a game of sixth-place Brooklyn in the East.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, YES (Brooklyn), FS Southeast (Charlotte)

ABOUT THE NETS (30-30): Caris LeVert is shooting 36.2 percent from the field - including 3-of-15 from beyond the arc - in four games since returning from a lenghty layoff, but the team seems intent on sticking with the dynamic guard in the starting lineup for the time being. "Obviously we have a long relationship now. He's been here from the beginning and so I'm not thinking of just the past three games, three or four games," Atkinson told the media. "I'm thinking of preseason and last season and how well he started the season and listen, I think from a physical standpoint he's looked pretty sharp." Reserve Allen Crabbe is trending in the other direction by making 16-of-33 from 3-point range over the same four-game stretch.

ABOUT THE HORNETS (28-30): Coach James Borrego altered his rotation Friday by placing guard Jeremy Lamb on the bench, moving rookie forward Miles Bridges into the starting lineup and shifting Nicolas Batum to shooting guard. Batum and Bridges combined for 34 points on 13-of-22 shooting while Lamb shined in his new role with 16 points, six rebounds and four steals in 23 minutes. "I wanted to balance the two groups a little bit, let Lamb come off and give us a little more scoring off the bench," Borrego told reporters. "I like pairing him with Tony (Parker). I just like the mixture of starting Miles and what it does for both of our units."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Nets PG Spencer Dinwiddie, who scored 37 points in a double-overtime win over the Hornets earlier this season, remains sidelined following thumb surgery last month.

2. Batum hit 5-of-9 from 3-point range against Washington after missing all nine of his attempts in the previous two games.

3. Walker scored 64 points while making 11-of-21 from behind the 3-point arc through the first two matchups with Brooklyn.

PREDICTION: Hornets 104, Nets 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview and Predictions 2019-02-23

NBA Predictions 23rd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/23/2019

The Phoenix Suns continue pursuit of the No. 1 pick in June's NBA draft against the Hawks in Atlanta on Saturday. Phoenix has lost a franchise-record 16 straight contests after coming out of the All-Star break with a 111-98 setback at Cleveland on Thursday and owns the worst record in the league by one loss over the New York Knicks.

"We all feel bad about it, but that's who we are right now with our record," Suns coach Igor Kokoskov told reporters. "That's not opinion, that's just fact. You can't be lackadaisical and take any possession off. When you have a young team, players need to understand that every possession, every shot, every screen is important." Atlanta is coming off a 125-122 loss to Detroit on Friday for its fifth setback in the last six games - all at home. The Hawks' Trae Young continued his solid rookie season with 30 points and 10 assists against the Pistons, giving him double-digit assists in four straight games. Atlanta has won three of the last four meetings after a 118-112 victory Feb. 2 in the first of two encounters this season behind John Collins, who matched a career high with 35 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

ABOUT THE SUNS (11-49): Devin Booker (team highs of 24.7 points, 6.7 assists) came out of the break in fine form with 30 points and seven assists against Cleveland and had 32 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds against Atlanta earlier this month. Deandre Ayton (16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds) is shooting 58.7 percent from the field, which would be the highest percentage by a rookie averaging a double-double in NBA history. Kelly Oubre Jr. (14.3 points) scored 23 on Thursday and has scored at least that many in four of the last six games after recording four such contests in his first 52 games this season.

ABOUT THE HAWKS (19-40): Collins (team highs of 19.1 points, 9.4 rebounds) and Young (17.1 points, club-best 7.7 assists) continue to offer hope for the future. Rookie guard Kevin Huerter (9.3 points, 27.3 minutes per game) did not play Friday and is expected to miss Saturday's game because of a sprained ankle. Vince Carter, 42, scored 16 points in 16 minutes Friday, shooting 5-for-8 from the field and 3-for-6 from 3-point range.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Phoenix SF T.J. Warren (18.0 points per game) has missed the last 11 contests with an ankle injury.

2. Atlanta C Dewayne Dedmon (10.6 points) scored 14 and added 12 rebounds Friday and has exceeded his scoring average in seven of nine February games.

3. Booker has 11 recorded contests with at least 30 points and seven assists this season and is one of three players (Houston's James Harden, 24; Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, 10) in the league with at least 10.

PREDICTION: Hawks 110, Suns 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indiana Pacers vs. Washington Wizards Preview and Predictions 2019-02-23

NBA Predictions 23rd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/23/2019

The Indiana Pacers are trying to take advantage of a string of lesser opponents to strengthen their position in the Eastern Conference. After starting the stretch with a win in their first game after the All-Star break, the Pacers hit the road to square off with another losing team when they visit the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

Behind 24 points from Wesley Matthews and a dominant second half, Indiana rallied past New Orleans 126-111 on Friday in the first of seven straight games against teams under .500. "We had to get that second wind, we looked like we were running in mud. Slow start, didn't look like we had that urgency," Pacers coach Nate McMillan told the media of a sluggish start prior to a 68-point second half. "Coming out with that attitude. I thought that the third quarter we challenged our guys to come with that urgency and play the game they're capable of playing." While Indiana remained alone in third place in the East, the Wizards continued to fade from contention with their third straight loss Friday at Charlotte. Bradley Beal's season-high 46 points went for naught as his teammates combined to shoot 36.1 percent.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Indiana, NBCS Washington

ABOUT THE PACERS (39-20): Matthews shot 8-of-36 from the floor over his previous four games - two while a member of the New York Knicks - before hitting 7-of-14 shots against New Orleans, with six of the makes from beyond the arc. "I want to win. That's what I came here to do," Matthews told Fox Sports Indiana in a postgame interview. Domantas Sabonis chipped in Friday with 18 points and 13 rebounds, and the Gonzaga product is shooting 71.9 percent over his last seven games.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (24-35): Washington has allowed at least 120 points in each of its three straight losses, and Beal simply can't keep up. "I'm definitely pissed," he told reporters of the team's effort Friday. "We just got to be better at the end of the day. I mean, we can't blame anything, nobody but ourselves at the end of the day." Forward Bobby Portis had 12 points and 12 rebounds off the bench in the loss to the Hornets and is averaging 17.6 points and 8.2 boards in five games since being traded from Chicago.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Beal is averaging 32.4 points and nine assists over his last five games.

2. Pacers C Myles Turner (hip) sat out Friday's win and is day-to-day.

3. The home team has won each of the first three meetings.

PREDICTION: Pacers 118, Wizards 112