Tuesday 11-26-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

1MINNESOTA -2 NEW JERSEY
MINNESOTA is 18-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) vs. losing teams over the last 2 seasons.

3BOSTON -4 MONTREAL
BOSTON is 34-37 ATS (-18 Units) against excellent power play teams - scoring on > 19% of their chances over the last 2 seasons.

5DALLAS -6 CHICAGO
DALLAS are 9-1 ATS (7.9 Units) in November games in the current season.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, November 26

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MINNESOTA (9-11-0-3, 21 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (8-10-0-4, 20 pts.) - 11/26/2019, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 2-2 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 2-2-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.2 Units)

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BOSTON (15-3-0-5, 35 pts.) at MONTREAL (11-7-0-5, 27 pts.) - 11/26/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 108-91 ATS (+8.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
BOSTON is 26-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 32-12 ATS (+13.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-3 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-3-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.9 Units)

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DALLAS (14-8-0-2, 30 pts.) at CHICAGO (9-9-0-5, 23 pts.) - 11/26/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in November games this season.
CHICAGO is 14-35 ATS (+59.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-3 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-3-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Tuesday, November 26

Trend Report

Montreal Canadiens
Montreal is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games
Montreal is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Montreal is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Montreal's last 8 games when playing Boston
Montreal is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Boston
Montreal is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Boston Bruins
Boston is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games on the road
Boston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Montreal
Boston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games when playing Montreal
Boston is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal

New Jersey Devils
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 8 games
New Jersey is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
New Jersey is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
New Jersey is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Minnesota Wild
Minnesota is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Minnesota is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New Jersey
Minnesota is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing New Jersey
Minnesota is 3-8-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against New Jersey

Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chicago's last 12 games at home
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Chicago is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Dallas
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 19 of Chicago's last 23 games when playing at home against Dallas
Dallas Stars
Dallas is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Dallas's last 21 games
Dallas is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games on the road
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Dallas is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chicago
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 19 of Dallas's last 23 games when playing on the road against Chicago

[Can'tPickAWinner]

In the Crease - Week 9
Joe Williams

Star Light, Star Bright

The Dallas Stars have ripped off seven consecutive victories following their 4-2 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night. As a result of the winning streak the Stars have rocketed up the standings in the Central Division, now just two points back of the defending champ and first-place St. Louis Blues. The Stars are doing it with a nice combination of offense and goaltending, posting 29 goals with just 14 goals allowed during the seven-game run. They're also working on a 12-game point streak, which is now the longest active run since the New York Islanders saw their streak snapped in Anaheim on Monday, 3-0. Ben Bishop has won six straight starts since his last loss Oct. 26, and he has allowed three or fewer goals in past 10 starts dating back to Oct. 14.

Looking Ahead

Tuesday, Nov. 26

Boston at Montreal: The Bruins are starting to warm up again, and the rival Canadiens will be there at Bell Centre trying to cool them off in the Original Six battle. Boston will be without Patrice Bergeron, who is sidelined indefinitely due to a lower-body injury. Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price will square off in what could be a lower-scoring game. The 'under' is 5-2-2 in the past nine meetings in Montreal, and the under has connected in seven of the past eight meetings in this series, too. Boston has dominated the series lately, too, going 5-1 in the past six trips to Bell Centre, and 8-3 in the past 11 meetings overall. Another trend points to the B's, too, as the road team has won four of the past five in this series.

Wednesday, Nov. 27

Toronto at Detroit: The Maple Leafs and Red Wings hook up at Little Caesars Arena in Hockeytown. The Leafs have responded under new head coach Sheldon Keefe, going 2-0 with wins at Arizona and at Colorado since Mike Babcock was dismissed following a 4-2 loss at Vegas on Nov. 19. This will be the second meeting of the season between these teams, as Toronto won 5-2 in Detroit back on Oct. 12, cashing as -200 favorites while narrowly hitting the 'over'. Despite the two-game winning streak on the road, the Leafs are still just 3-7 in the past 10 on the road, and they're 0-4 in the past four against Eastern Conference teams. The Wings haven't been much better, though, going 3-8 in the past 11 at LCA. The Leafs have also dominated their O6 rivals, going just 3-10 in the past 13 meetings, and 2-6 in the previous eight at home.

Carolina at N.Y. Rangers: The Hurricanes will head to Madison Square Garden looking for some revenge after falling 4-2 on Nov. 7. Henrik Lundqvist stood on his head in that outing, and it came on the second end of a back-to-back situation, which was even more impressive. The Rangers are kryptonite for the Hurricanes. Really, everyone in the Metropolitan Division has been kryptonite to the Canes, as they're on an 0-6 cold streak against divisional foes. The Rangers posted an OT win over the visiting Wild on Monday, and they're 4-1 in the past five at Madison Square Garden. Speaking of kryptonite, MSG has been a house of horrors for Carolina, as they're just 5-21 in the past 26 visits to Manhattan, while going 14-38 in the past 52 battles overall against the Rangers.

Edmonton at Colorado: The Oilers and Avalanche are set to square off at 10 p.m. ET in the Mile High City. The Oilers are 7-1 in the past eight as an underdog, and 6-1 in the past seven as a road 'dog, so watch this line closely. Edmonton has been red-hot away from home, going 6-2 in the past eight road games overall. The Avalanche are equally hot, going 19-7 in the past 26 at Pepsi Center, and 6-0 in the past six overall against teams with a winning percentage at .600 or better. They're also 15-5 in the past 20 as a home favorite, so something's gotta give. Looking at the head-to-head trends in this series, the arrow points squarely at the Oilers, who are 7-3 in the past 10 meetings, and 4-1 in the past five in Denver. The 'over' is also 5-0-1 in the past six battles in Colorado, so perhaps this kerfuffle will be a high-scoring affair.

Thursday, Nov. 28

New Jersey at Montreal: The Devils will have to have to trade their turkey and mashed potatoes for a Labatt Blue and a serving of poutine, as they celebrate Thanksgiving north of the border in Montreal. The Habs enter on a 0-2-2 skid heading into Tuesday's game against the B's, including a 4-3 overtime loss at home on Nov. 16 against the Devils when backup goaltender Keith Kinkaid fell against Mac Blackwood. The Habs are in a bad way during their 0-2-2 slide, losing as favorites in each outing, taking a -693 loss if you ate the chalk in each outing. The Devils slapped the brakes on a two-game mini-slide by pushing aside the Red Wings by a 5-1 score on Saturday in Louis Domingue's team debut in the crease. Blackwood is expected to be back in there, however. Heading into Tuesday's game, the Devils are averaging just 2.1 goals per game across the past 10, with the under 5-2-1 across their past eight.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Parx Racing

Parx Racing - Race 7	Daily Double / Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta /10 cent Superfecta
Starter Allowance $7,500 • 6 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 93 • Purse: $30,000 • Post: 3:07P
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $7,500 OR LESS SINCE JANUARY 1, 2018. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 26, 2019 ALLOWED 3 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $10,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).

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 * FORMAN THE FOREMAN: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. V. I. P. CODE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. SLOT: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. FIRE MISSION: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. BOBCAT: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rati ng.
4	FORMAN THE FOREMAN	9/2	9/2
2	V. I. P. CODE	9/5	6/1
7	SLOT	4/1	8/1
1	FIRE MISSION	3/1	9/1
1A	BOBCAT	3/1	9/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
4	FORMAN THE FOREMAN	4	9/2	Front-runner	96	93	89.2	83.2	75.7
1A	BOBCAT	8	3/1	Front-runner	89	92	77.2	69.6	62.1
7	SLOT	7	4/1	Stalker	89	84	58.5	85.4	76.9
2	V. I. P. CODE	2	9/5	Alternator/Stalker	89	88	68.7	84.6	79.6
5	WON THE CASE	5	12/1	Alternator/Stalker	94	86	47.8	84.4	76.9
1	FIRE MISSION	1	3/1	Trailer	87	86	49.6	83.4	76.9
6	REFUSEING	6	15/1	Trailer	86	83	32.0	72.8	57.3
3	A J'S WAY	3	20/1	Alternator/Non-contender	102	87	43.2	67.6	56.6
8	HOWBOUTDEMPATS	9	30/1	Alternator/Non-contender	79	76	15.6	43.8	26.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Delta Downs

Delta Downs - Race 2	Daily Double (Races 2-3) / Exacta / Trifecta (50 cent min.) Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4) / Superfecta (10 cent min.)
Claiming $5,000 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 69 • Purse: $15,000 • Post: 2:03P
FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Lone Front-runner. SIX GRAND is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SIX GRAND: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). STAR ANNE: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. FREDDIESLILWILDCAT: Horse has run a G ood Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
5	SIX GRAND	15/1	4/1
7	STAR ANNE	5/1	5/1
1	FREDDIESLILWILDCAT	3/1	8/1

---

P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
5	SIX GRAND	5	15/1	Front-runner	50	56	60.7	67.3	50.3
11	LOOKING FOR BULL	11	12/1	Alternator/Stalker	62	54	46.6	56.2	46.2
1	FREDDIESLILWILDCAT	1	3/1	Trailer	69	60	44.9	59.7	51.2
10	DREWTEMPO	10	12/1	Trailer	68	64	42.6	43.6	28.1
3	TONIGHTS STAR	3	10/1	Trailer	58	48	40.2	54.6	42.1
6	KOWBOY'S BOBO	6	7/2	Trailer	63	61	38.0	57.5	47.0
8	NOMOREQUESTIONS	8	8/1	Trailer	52	51	33.6	50.6	39.6
7	STAR ANNE	7	5/1	Alternator/Trailer	77	66	51.2	62.8	55.3
9	TIZ A SECRET	9	6/1	Alternator/Non-contender	64	58	79.8	49.5	37.5
2	FLASHY IMAGE	2	10/1	Alternator/Non-contender	73	77	55.2	54.6	46.1
4	HOLD ME KAT	4	12/1	Alternator/Non-contender	63	59	35.8	54.0	38.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 2 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $10300 Class Rating: 89

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON THREE RACES SINCE NOVEMBER 26. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 26 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000 OHIO REGISTERED FOALS PREFERRED).

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 8 VINNY BOY 3/1
# 7 CHROMIUM 4/1
# 6 CHILITO PIQUIN 10/1

I lean toward VINNY BOY here. This gelding has posted some nice finishes in his last several tries. With one of the top jocks in terms of returns at the window, don't count this gelding out. Should definitely be given a shot for this event if only for the very good Equibase Speed Figure earned in the last contest. CHROMIUM - Always good to invest in a handler with this kind of decent win percentage - 28 percent - at this distance & surface. Will almost certainly go to the lead and should never look back. CHILITO PIQUIN - Trainer boasts strong win numbers at this distance and surface. Will most likely go to the front end and should never look back.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Evangeline Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 3 - Claiming - 330y on the Dirt. Purse: $8000 Class Rating: 73

QUARTER HORSE 330Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 1 ROMANTIC HISPANIC 5/2
# 5 GRAFICK 4/1
# 3 OUACHITA SPECIAL 7/2

I favor ROMANTIC HISPANIC here. Has very strong early lick and will most likely fare well versus this group. Ran a strong last race. Could provide positive profits based on very strong recent Equibase Speed Figures with an average of 65. GRAFICK - Don't let this gelding slip past you. Could prove victorious at a big price. Has to be given a shot - I like the figures from the last contest. OUACHITA SPECIAL - This gelding has a good win percent in short races. Ran a very solid last race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Turf Paradise - Race #4 - Post: 2:07pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,000 Class Rating: 61

Rating:

#8 EZ BUBBLES (ML=5/2)
#3 SECRET ALIBI (ML=9/2)
#5 MINISTER'S GIRL (ML=7/2)


EZ BUBBLES - Pearson brings this filly back into a race rather than a workout. He knows his filly is on top of her game. This animal could be close at the end. She's got a great late kick. SECRET ALIBI - I really like sprint horses that make a quick turnaround. Always beware of the longer priced horse when a trainer has an 'uncoupled' entry in a race. Trying to break maiden moving from a race on the turf to the main track. I think Pearson will have her fit and in good condition for today's contest. MINISTER'S GIRL - Last time, was entered in a race at Golden Gate Fields in a race with a class figure of 68. Dropping a significant amount in class rating today puts her in a solid position right here. The jockey and trainer combination have a favorable ROI when they unite. The 56 last race speed fig looks good on paper.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 BUTTERCUP UP (ML=3/1), #6 COLLECTING STARS (ML=4/1),

BUTTERCUP UP - Earned a somewhat easily forgotten speed figure in the last race in a $10,000 Maiden Claiming race on Oct 22nd. Unlikely to see an improved performance off of that figure. COLLECTING STARS - Usually I need a sprinter to have some success lately in sprint races in order to bet on her.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Play #8 EZ BUBBLES to win if you can get odds of 3/1 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:	8 with [3,5]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Box [3,5,8] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Mountaineer Park - Race #2 - Post: 7:22pm - Maiden Special - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,500 Class Rating: 59

Rating:

#3 NANCY KNOWSTHEMATH (ML=6/1)
#2 ALEXA G (ML=10/1)


NANCY KNOWSTHEMATH - The jockey and trainer combination have a positive return on investment when they join forces. I always like to see a horse getting Lasix for the first time. Godsey adds it on this one today. ALEXA G - Gonzalez has this filly placed in the right contest.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 JOSEPHINE BAKER (ML=6/5), #5 CHEAP BUT GOOD (ML=5/2), #4 GRUMETI SKY (ML=5/1),

JOSEPHINE BAKER - Most of the time I need a sprinter to have some recent success in short distance affairs in order to support her. Don't believe this questionable contender will make an impact in today's race. That last speed rating was substandard when compared with today's class figure. CHEAP BUT GOOD - Don't think this questionable contender is worth 5/2 in this event. GRUMETI SKY - Don't figure that this vulnerable equine has what it takes to win this time out.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - NANCY KNOWSTHEMATH - At modest odds in first career start this filly finished fifth on November 3rd. Look for her to produce something better than last race.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Put your money on #3 NANCY KNOWSTHEMATH on the nose if you can get odds of 9/5 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [2,3]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Dunkel

Tuesday, November 26


Minnesota @ New Jersey

Game 1-2
November 26, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
10.585
New Jersey
11.766
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Jersey
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Jersey
-135
6
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-135); Under

Boston @ Montreal

Game 3-4
November 26, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
12.011
Montreal
9.877
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-120
6
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-120); Over

Dallas @ Chicago

Game 5-6
November 26, 2019 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
10.729
Chicago
11.803
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
-120
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+100); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, November 26


LA Clippers @ Dallas

Game 523-524
November 26, 2019 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
125.812
Dallas
127.322
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 1 1/2
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 2 1/2
228 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+2 1/2); Under

Washington @ Denver

Game 525-526
November 26, 2019 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
116.587
Denver
122.092
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 5 1/2
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 10
227
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+10); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Weekly Essentials
Tony Mejia

Looking Luka's Way for MVP

LeBron James didn’t win an MVP until his sixth NBA season. Giannis Antetokounmpo put in a full five years before he was recognized too.

Luka Doncic may not win MVP for 2019-20 since the grind will likely catch up to a Mavs team currently performing among the NBA’s best ahead of schedule, but then again, maybe he will.

The reigning Rookie of the Year won’t turn 21 years old until February and won’t play his 90th game in this league until Friday’s visit to Phoenix, but to deny what you’re seeing from Doncic is like expressing doubt that Lamar Jackson can continue to do what he’s doing in the NFL this season simply because you haven’t seen it before.

If special showed up more often, it would start meaning something else and we’d need a new word to describe what it’s expected to convey.

Doncic is special.

Entering Tuesday’s game against the Clippers, Doncic had averaged 34.8 points, 52.8 FG, 42 percent 3-point shooting, 10.8 assists and 9.8 rebounds during Dallas’ five-game winning streak, an epic run that started with a home win over defending champion Toronto and continued with Sunday’s 137-123 rout of the Rockets in Houston. The Mavs beat the Warriors by 48 points and then took down the Cavs by 42, toying with fellow pros so handily that Doncic didn’t even have to put in a full 30 minutes of action on the floor.

We’ve seen guys get into grooves like this before. James Harden has done it regularly over the past few seasons. Russell Westbrook averaged a triple-double for three straight years in Oklahoma City. Kawhi Leonard just willed Toronto to its first title a few months ago. LeBron is leading in the league in assists.

That the run Doncic has embarked upon seems to be on the level with all those guys is what’s unique because he’s reached it before he can legally celebrate his latest triple-double with an adult beverage. Guys enter the league as teenagers all the time and will do so more often when the one-and-done rule is soon abolished. I don’t think we’ll see another Doncic go from Rookie of the Year to MVP candidate again this quickly. Kids are too raw.

Doncic is not raw. He’s a 20-year-old veteran.

While the quality of pro basketball in Spain and other European countries pales in comparison to the world’s premier league, the ferocity with which guys compete doesn’t take that back seat. Doncic has been competing against grown men before shaving and has brought a confidence to the NBA that can only be developed through experience. It took him a few months to adjust to more speed and new gyms but he emerged as the league’s top first-year player a season ago before taking his game to another level in year two.

He’s only going to get stronger. Things will always look like they come this easily to him because they do. Doncic, undeniably a savant, is 5-to-2 to win MVP per the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook. Only Antetokounmpo (2/1) has better odds and scored 50 points to beat the Jazz on Monday in a dominant performance in which he added 14 rebounds and six assists. Harden is 3-to-1 despite leading the league in scoring and James is 6-to-1 after his fabulous start, but the point of it all is that no one should be questioning whether Doncic’s name belongs in that company.

Head coach Rick Carlisle played with Larry Bird and coached Paul George early in his career before spending a decade with Dirk Nowitzki, so he’s the perfect person to foster Doncic’s development as he continues. He’s put the ball in his hands and let him lead, so expect the Mavs to continue improving as he does. Getting Kristaps Porzingis comfortable playing off Doncic and finding more pick-and-roll partners and shooters to benefit from his heady decision making and all the attention he receives will be essential to turning Dallas into a title contender going forward, but if he stays healthy, we’re going to have to account for the Mavericks for as long as he’s at the controls.

We’ll have an opportunity to see Doncic make his climb and although he’ll likely take his lumps early the way all the other greats have, seeing how he fares in challenges like Tuesday’s where we could see George or Leonard line up against him. Patrick Beverley will undoubtedly get a turn to frustrate Doncic, who isn’t easily flustered by anyone but the refs and missed calls based on what we’ve seen to date.

Beating the Rockets meant the Mavs got to open the week as leaders of the Southwest Division. With the Spurs, Pelicans and Grizzlies all struggling, Dallas looks like Houston’s primary competition in the conference and appears to be in excellent shape as far as finishing top-eight and reaching the playoffs is concerned. We’re less than a quarter of the way in, but don’t let anyone try and tell you what you’re seeing from Doncic is a fluke or that regression to the mean is coming. He may have some inefficient nights – Joel Embiid just went scoreless in Monday’s loss to Toronto – but Doncic is going to dominate more often than not, giving the Mavericks a chance to win every time he steps out there.

There’s not another 20-year-old on the planet you can say that about in team sports at the highest levels.

What's going on with?

The Brooklyn Nets
Spencer Dinwiddie joined Doncic in being named one of the NBA’s players of the week, claiming Eastern Conference honors after filling in wonderfully for Kyrie Irving. He then went out and celebrated by knocking down a cold jumper with just over a second left to turn back the Cavs in Cleveland.

Brooklyn takes a four-game winning streak into Wednesday’s visit to Boston and is above .500 despite Irving’s absence, improving to 5-1 without him after Monday night’s triumph. Irving is out with a shoulder injury and wasn’t playing much defense despite his offensive brilliance, so seeing the Nets excel without him by taking care of business against the Hornets, Kings, Knicks and Cavs isn’t terribly surprising. It’s a nice stretch for the Dinwiddie-led supporting cast auditioning to fill out a roster that will inevitably be led by Kevin Durant and Irving next season, but it’s more important that this group finds success alongside Irving.

Make no mistake, seeing center Jarrett Allen step up with a 21-rebound game like he managed to Monday is tremendous for the franchise. Having Dinwiddie, Taurean Prince, Joe Harris and Garrett Temple step up and play as well as they have with Caris LeVert also out tells you the franchise is headed in the right direction, but making sure Irving got his tenure with the team off to a seamless start was the primary objective for these first few months and hasn’t been met yet.

Whether you believe Irving ducked his return to Boston on Wednesday by “planning” his shoulder injury as Kendrick Perkins accused him of or believe he’s genuinely hurt and just want to see him get healthy to watch him work, there’s no denying that hearing the noise about him being moody this early in his Brooklyn stint isn’t ideal. Watching his team win without him as Dinwiddie racks up awards he’s supposed to be winning creates an interesting dynamic and makes his potential return Friday at home against his former Celtics teammates one of the week’s must-watch matchups.

Carmelo Anthony
Although the Blazers got beat in Cleveland in the first game ‘Melo played with Damian Lillard upon the point guard’s return from injury, it’s clear that he’s got the All-Star’s support.

Anthony, looking to impress after signing a non-guaranteed make-good deal in which he doesn’t cash in on a veteran’s minimum deal of just over $2M unless he’s still on the roster on Jan. 7, got off to a mediocre start shooting the ball but played his best game yet in Monday’s rout of Chicago, scoring a team-high 25 points and racking up eight rebounds.

Anthony took 20 shots in 31 minutes and has physically held up. He’s putting in some effort on defense, which has never been a strong suit, but he’s off to a better start than many expected he’d find after missing over a calendar year due to fears he wouldn’t embrace a lesser role than he’s enjoyed throughout the career. Ironically, that still hasn’t come in Portland, where Lillard has made sure to get him going as head coach Terry Stotts paid him the ultimate respect by immediately placing him in the starting lineup.

After snapping a four-game losing streak, we’ll see how the Blazers progress over a crucial stretch in which they’ll play six of the next seven games at Moda Center. Only two teams among those seven opponents, the Clippers and Lakers, currently have winning records, so Portland has to make inroads in order to overcome its awful start. An increased sense of urgency could make them worth backing, but you’ll want to see this experiment succeed against someone other than the Bulls. I won’t waste much space on it, but if you’re ever fading a team strictly based on coaching, Chicago’s Jim Boylan is your guy. He got a contract extension in April, too, so he should be around despite the Bulls being such a dumpster fire that they took solace in rooting on Melo and reveling in his success on Monday.

Injuries to Monitor

Boston won without Kemba Walker in the mix, holding off the Kings despite Buddy Hield’s 11 3-pointers, but should have him back from a scary neck injury as early as Wednesday. Brad Wanamaker and rookie Tremont Waters filled in for the already short-handed Celtics, who won’t get Gordon Hayward back until next month. Center Daniel Theis was sick but should also return by week’s end. Enes Kanter got extended run with him out but seems better-suited for a reserve role with this group since Theis is a better defender... Hornets center Cody Zeller injured his hip in a loss to Miami, so Bismack Biyombo could be in for more minutes... Miami is likely to hold out wing Justise Winslow the remainder of the month due to concussion protocol. He’s been out since Nov. 5... Raptors PG Kyle Lowry is getting closer to a return from his thumb injury and big man Serge Ibaka will be traveling with the team this season, so a Toronto team that has overcome losing Leonard and these injuries should continue making noise... Zion Williamson is hoping to debut around mid-December if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, while fellow rookie Ja Morant should play despite being hurt after a nasty fall and a collision with a camera man on Monday. He returned in the third quarter… Golden State F Draymond Green will probably return to action this week, potentially as early as Wednesday’s game against the Bulls… Jazz C Rudy Gobert will likely remain a game-time decision against the Pacers on Wednesday after sitting out a loss to the Bucks, but his ankle injury isn’t expected to linger… Suns point guard Ricky Rubio (back) and center Aron Baynes (hip) have missed multiple games due to injuries and have been greatly missed since their team misses their poise, defense and the structure they provide. Phoenix is worth fading until they return.

Games to Watch

Tuesday – Clippers at Mavs
After cleaning up at Staples Center to start the season, the Clippers have to start proving they deserve to be the NBA favorite as they hit the road for nine of the next 11 starting here.

Wednesday – Lakers at Pelicans
LeBron James and Anthony Davis will see plenty of familiar faces. Here’s hoping Brandon Ingram continues to play as well as he has in order for this one to remain spicy throughout.

Thursday – No games
Happy Thanksgiving, turkeys!

Friday – Jazz at Grizzlies
Mike Conley returns to Memphis! Wait, didn’t we just do this? He’d like to win this time after Morant denied him in his return two weeks ago. Gobert should play.

Saturday - Pacers at 76ers
With Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner back, the Pacers are better off for their injuries since a young bench was able to generate confidence through success while filling in for them throughout the month. The Holiday brothers have really stood out.

Sunday - Mavericks at Lakers
Doncic-led Dallas lost 119-110 at home to open November and gets another crack at the Lakers with a little more experience and success fueling the team as they play the second of a three-game road swing.

Free Winner

Friday – Celtics at Nets
They’re tipping this one off at noon – breakfast-time in Vegas, so grab some coffee before digging into leftovers and serve up some sloppy basketball as we root on an ‘under’ here. Look for the number to be placed around 210.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Wynn

Free Winner: CBB St Bonaventure -6 Over Mercer

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Tuesday, November 26, 2019


11/26 03:00 PM PT / 6:00 PM ET

CB (663) WICHITA STATE VS (664) SOUTH CAROLINA

Take: (664) SOUTH CAROLINA

Reason: Your free play for Tuesday, November 26, 2019 is in the college basketball contest between Wichita State and South Carolina. Your free play is on South Carolina.