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NHL Grand Salami - March

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
3/1 6 32 41 OVER
3/2 3 15.5 16 OVER
3/3 10 54.5 55 OVER
3/4 4 21.5 16 UNDER
3/5 8 44 46 OVER
3/6 6 31 31 PUSH
3/7 10 53 51 UNDER
3/8 6 30.5 41 OVER
3/9 5 27.5 23 UNDER
3/10 8 43.5 42 UNDER
3/11 3 16.5 20 OVER
3/12 11 59.5 53 UNDER
3/13 5 27.5 30 OVER
3/14 12 63 54 UNDER
3/15 7 37.5 28 UNDER
3/16 4 21 19 UNDER
3/17 9 47.5 39 UNDER
3/18 3 - - -
3/19 10 - - -
3/20 3 - - -
3/21 13 - - -
3/22 4 - - -
3/23 7 - - -
3/24 18 - - -
3/25 3 - - -
3/26 11 - - -
3/27 3 - - -
3/28 13 - - -
3/29 8 - - -
3/30 6 - - -
3/31 7 - - -

NHL Preview: Penguins (39-21) at Stars (32-28)

Date: March 19, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Penguins are concerned about their scoring woes as they play without top goal scorers Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist.

The Dallas Stars concede more goals against Eastern Conference foes than any club, though they have been outstanding against Metropolitan Division teams.

Thursday night's star-studded matchup features Sidney Crosby and Tyler Seguin but will likely be missing Malkin and Hornqvist as the visiting Penguins look to avoid a fourth straight loss.

Pittsburgh (39-21-10) has not dropped four straight in regulation since a six-game slide Dec. 29, 2011-Jan. 11, 2012. The Penguins have scored once during their current struggles.

'This is not a streak you want to run into at this time of year,' Crosby said. 'The games are tight. We have to find a way."

Malkin, who leads the club with 28 goals, has missed the last two games with a lower-body injury. The team confirmed via Twitter on Wednesday the star center will not join the team on this trip.

Hornqvist, tied with Crosby for second on Pittsburgh with 23 goals, sat out Tuesday's 2-0 loss at New Jersey with an undisclosed injury that will likely sideline him at least two more games.

Pittsburgh was blanked for the eighth time despite a 35-19 edge in shots.

"When you are missing some key guys out of the lineup, you have to make sure that you're still making plays, getting to the net and it's just up to us to finish, execute," defenseman Paul Martin said.

The Penguins' offensive problems go back even further with one goal or none in five of their last six games. They are 1 for 22 on the power play in their last eight.

'The frustrating part of all of this is that we're still creating opportunities,' Martin said. 'We're just not able to finish. That's the frustrating part."

Seguin has 32 goals to lead all players in Thursday's contest for Dallas, the West's highest-scoring team at 3.07 goals per game. The Stars average a league-best 3.40 goals against East clubs.

The problem is that is the same figure Dallas (32-28-10) is yielding versus the East for the NHL's worst mark. The Stars allow 3.23 goals per game overall.

Dallas is 11-3-1 against Metropolitan opponents for the second-best mark among West clubs. That includes a 3-2 win at Pittsburgh on Oct. 16, in which they scored twice in the final 2:57.

The Stars are 6-2-0 in their last eight, though they fell 3-0 to St. Louis on Sunday. Coach Lindy Ruff wasn't unhappy after watching his team's three-game win streak end despite holding a 28-21 advantage in shots.

"We are where we want to be," Ruff said. "If we play like that, we'll win."

Kari Lehtonen figures to start Thursday. He is 8-2-2 with a 2.72 goals-against average in his last 13 starts.

It's less clear who Johnston will use in goal. Backup Thomas Greiss has started two games in this losing streak while entering in relief of Marc-Andre Fleury in the other one. Fleury has yielded three goals or more in five of his last seven outings.

Crosby has 11 points in seven games against Dallas while Seguin has scored in five of his last six meetings with Pittsburgh.

PGA Bracket - Part 1
By Dan Daly

The Weekly Waggle is coming to you live from the labor and delivery wing this week where my wife and I welcomed our second little girl over the weekend.

A big shout out to my wife; while she didn’t have the unenviable task of taking on “The Snake Pit” I was still very proud of her and of course my little one.

You can go ahead and chalk up a JD “leave of absence” from the PGA Tour in 3, 2, 1…

In honor of March Madness, or since I write a golf article, the WGC Match Play tournament next month, I present you with the first ever…PGA March Madness/Match Play Bracket.

The selection committee was made up of…me.

The winners and losers of each match-up were voted on by a highly select group of golf aficionado’s.

The field was of course seeded 1-16 in each bracket with the brackets consisting of the Masters, US Open, British Open and PGA Championship brackets. (Come on, it’s a golf article, plus I am extremely tired and that seems like the easiest thing to go with!)

With the Masters Bracket winner going against the PGA Championship winner and the US Open winner going against the British Open winner in the final four.

This week we will reveal the First Round Winners below.

Masters Bracket

(1) Paulina Gretzky’s Instagram account vs (16) Ian Poulter’s Twitter account
In what is the single biggest upset of round one, the 16 seed takes out the 1 seed here. Obviously Paulina’s Instagram account going from bikini pics to baby pics really didn’t sit well with the voters.

(2) Patrick Reed’s Necklace vs (15) Stevie Williams’ Chest Hair In Masters Jumpsuit
Sporting the single most talked about piece of jewelry in PGA tour history clearly counts for something. On a side note, this will most likely be the highest ranking Patrick Reed will ever receive.

(3) Greg Norman Masters Meltdown vs (14) Scott Hoch Masters Choke
This one wasn’t even close. Look at the bright side Greg, at least you finally won something Master related.

(4) John Daly’s Ex-Wives vs (113) Tiger's Mistresses (See what I did there for both seeding’s? Clever, I know)
In what was by far the closest vote in the first round, Tiger and his many infidelities just edged JD and his multiple Ex’s. At least JD was able to turn his misfortunes into a Country Music hit.

(5) “Hello Friends” vs (12) Sir Nick Faldo
Faldo may have been awarded some sort of Knighthood but it looks like Jim Nantz is still the king of the booth.

(6) Amen Corner vs (11) The Bear Trap
Please.

(7) Tiger Wood’s Chipping Yips vs (10) Tom Watson’s Putting Yips
I can’t say I’m surprised here, the dude literally putted away anywhere from 5-10 majors.

(8) Steve Stricker’s Inner 'Beast' vs (9) Rory McIlroy ‘Living In The Hall Of Fame’
The Savage Steve Stricker “cruises” to an easy victory here. And rightfully so, they can’t pull that Omega commercial off the air soon enough for me.

vs.

PGA Championship Bracket

(1) Amanda Dufner’s yoga pants vs (16) Billy Horschel’s Pants
Yoga pants…a bikini…does it really matter as long as her ass is somehow involved?

(2) Jason Dufner’s Snuff vs (15) Angel Cabrera Burning Heaters
Some may question the low Cabrera seeding here but the fact that he quit didn’t help his cause here. Dufner won in a landslide.

(3) John Daly The Musician vs (14) Luke Donald The Artist
JD’s music is on Sirius Radio (The Highway, Channel 56). What do you have to show for your “art” Luke?

(4) Tiger/Sergio Feud vs (13) McIlroy/McDowell Fallout
This one was not even close. Rory and Graeme need to step up their cat fighting skills apparently.

(5) Tin Cup vs (12) The Ryder Cup
A 62 in a major, a 12 on the last hole of the same major against what has become a bi-yearly route? Can’t say I’m surprised here.

(6) Elin With A 9-iron vs (11) Stevie William’s With A Camera
I can’t speak for all the voter’s here but I know I for one sure as hell wasn’t going to vote against her if she still has the 9-iron nearby.

(7) Augusta National Chairman vs (10) PGA of America President
One guy took on the world and said EFF YOU we run our tournament the way we want…the other picked Davis Love III again to Captain the Ryder Cup.

(8) Victor Dubuisson’s Facial Hair vs (9) Rickie Fowler’s Facial Hair
One looks like a creepy porn star, and I have to say I am a little surprised the creepy porn star lost here.


US Open Bracket

(1) Jim Furyk’s Sunday meltdowns vs (16) Lee Westwood’s Twitter Meltdown
Westwood went on a one night bender, Furyk has stretched his accomplishment out for several straight years now. This one wasn’t really close.

(2) Adam Scott’s Dating Scorecard vs (15) Bubba Watson’s Wife Finger Tattoo
The biggest landslide in the first round. In fact it was 100% to 0%. I knew I picked a smart group of people the vote.

(3) David Duval’s Sunglasses vs (14) Zach Johnson’s Sunglasses
This one was really simple, one guy made Oakley’s look cool and shot a 59 wearing them in the rain, the other guy couldn’t be cool if he was Adam Scott for a day.

(4) Dustin Johnson’s “leave of absence” vs (13) Anthony Kim’s Disappearance
Let’s just say AK was “blown” away here.

(5) Phil Mickelson’s US Open Meltdown vs. (12) Arnold Palmer’s US Open Meltdown
Hospitality tent, tree, bunker, rough, chip, putt for a smooth double bogey when par wins the US Open and bogey at least gets him a playoff. “I just can't believe that I did that. I am such an idiot.”

(6) Sergio Garcia 2002 U.S Open vs (11) Kevin Na 2012 Players Championship
It appeared as though Sergio managed to piss off the entire state of New York. While not hard to, still impressive none the less.

(7) Brandel Chamblee’s Hair vs (10) Ian Poulter’s Hair
It has its own twitter account, that’s when you know you have something special.

(8) Guan Tianlang’s Pace Of Play vs (9) Ben Crane’s Pace Of Play
We are still waiting for the results of this match-up actually so I just deferred to the higher seed.

vs.

British Open Bracket

(1) Miguel Angel Jimenez’s Cigar vs (16) Joey D Golf Exercise Program
I don’t who the one person that voted for Joey D is…but you sir are fired!

(2) Rory McIlroy's Claret Jug Filled With Jäger vs (15) Phil Mickelson’s Krispy Kreme Drive-Thru
Do I really need to explain this one?

(3) Jean Van De Velde British Open Meltdown vs (14) Adam Scott British Open Meltdown
The Claret Jug engraver was literally engraving his name in the trophy when Van De Velde teed off on 18. You will not see a bigger meltdown in professional sports in your lifetime.

(4) “Ben Hogan has officially rolled over in his grave” vs (13) “Better Than Most”
Take a bow Johnny Miller…that was by far your finest moment in broadcasting.

(5) A John Daly Cocktail vs (12) Graeme McDowell’s GolfBeer Brewing Company
Maybe if the voting was held in Ireland then McDowell may have had a chance, but this is America.

(6) Boo Weekly Math vs (11) FedEx Cup Scoring System
"I don't know nothing about the FedEx Cup." Well Boo, they are still tweaking it every year so apparently they don’t either.

(7) Rickie Fowler’s Flat Billed Hat vs (10) Hunter Mahan’s Flat Billed Hat
At least Fowler has turned his look into a brand and made millions on it. Mahan just looks like a tool.

(8) Fuzzy's Fried Chicken vs (9) Sergio’s Fried Chicken
Fuzzy threw in a side of collard greens to make himself sound extra stupid.

We will return next week with Part 2 as we count down from 32 all the way to the Final Four.

Golf Tour heads to Bay Hill

Tournament: Arnold Palmer Invitational
Date: Mar. 19 - Mar. 22
Venue: Bay Hill Club and Lodge
Location: Orlando, FL

The PGA concludes its “Florida Swing” with a visit to the king of golf’s favorite course at Bay Hill this week. The par-72, 7,381-yard course has hosted this event for the tour since 1979 and has had big names such as Palmer, Trevino, Irwin, Stewart, Couples, Mickelson, Els and Woods hold the trophy at Sunday in the past. The course has been much harder to navigate in recent years with the average winning score being just over 10-under par in the past eight installments of the event with 13-under being the mark in each of the past three seasons.

It was Matt Every who was able to grab his first career PGA victory here last year when he surpassed the likes of Adam Scott, Keegan Bradley and Jason Kokrak on the final day with a score of 70. One of the big stories of the week will be the addition of world No.1 Rory McIlroy to the field as he competes in this tournament for the first time and is joined by the rest of the top-five with Bubba Watson, Henrik Stenson, Adam Scott and Jason Day all teeing it up.

The strong field continues as 10 other players from the top-30 of the Official World Golf Ranking come out to play as last week’s winner, Jordan Spieth, sits this one out. One player that will not be hitting the course is Tiger Woods who has dominated here in the past, winning eight times in his career and four times in the last seven years.

Let’s take a look at who can go out this week and hold his own at Arnold Palmer’s favorite course.

Golfers to Bet:

Henrik Stenson (8/1): Stenson takes up residency not too far from this course and has seemed at home here in each of the past three years; getting a top-15 finish each time and improving his standing in each successive visit. Last year was his best showing as he shot under 70 on three of the days and finished in a tie for fifth with a score of nine-under par behind better than 80% of GIR and fairways hit. The No. 3 player in the world is coming off consecutive fourth-place finishes in each of the past two weeks at very tough courses as he’s gained 1.13 strokes gained putting so far in three PGA events and should use that momentum to catapult him up the leaderboards come Sunday.

Keegan Bradley (28/1): Bradley has seen his game struggle somewhat due to changing his putting style from the anchored putter to the more standard grip, but has still made 6-of-7 cuts and has two top-25’s. He should improve with his short game as the season progresses and there is no better place than Bay Hill for him to do that as he placed third here in 2013 and then was the runner-up last year. He shot 11-under on the par-5s in 2014 and netted two rounds of 67 or better before shooting an even 72 on Sunday. While his putting has suffered (-0.21 strokes gained putting, 140th on tour), he still ranks in the top-15 in both driving distance (302.0 yards per, 15th on tour) and strokes gained tee-to-green (1.12, 12th on tour). Look for Bradley to get back on track this week and put up some nice numbers.

Ian Poulter (40/1): Poulter has flirted with the winner’s circle recently and despite being one of the best players in the world, has just one win on the PGA tour in stroke play. At certain points in both the Honda Classic and Valspar Championship, Poulter looked poised to grab the lead and run with it, but had trouble each time as he finished third and 24th respectively. The Englishmen has enjoyed his time at Bay Hill, doing no worse than 21st over his last four visits with a third-place back in 2012 being his best showing as he managed a score of six-under. Poulter is fantastic around the greens, and if he can avoid the little mistakes that cost him strokes he should easily net a top-10 finish.

Erik Compton (350/1): Compton may be a tough pick to swallow as the 35-year-old has failed to make the cut in each of the past five events, but he has a top-16 finish here in each of the past two seasons, including a standing of fifth last year, and has too much talent to continue at this pace. His two showings at this event are among 11 total top-25 finishes he’s carded since the start of the 2013 campaign, so he surely enjoys this course, and his solid putting (0.35 strokes gained putting, 56th on tour) should give him an outside shot at his first career victory.

S.J. Park (450/1): Park is one of many rookies on the tour that has had success in their inaugural PGA season and he’s made 7-of-11 cuts thus far on the year; including finishing second at the Humana Challenge with four straight days of 68 or better. He should also be feeling some confidence after a 69 on Sunday at the Valspar Championship, a mark that brought him up to a tie for 30th on a tough course. Park has an accurate driver (65.6%, 40th on tour) while being great around the green, ranking fifth on tour in scrambling (69%) and sixth in sand save percentage (69.5%), all important attributes on a course such as this one. The rookie is a risky selection, but is worth dropping a unit on if you want a deep sleeper.

Arnold Palmer Invitational Betting Odds

Rory McIlroy 5/1
Henrik Stenson 8/1
Bubba Watson 11/1
Jason Day 16/1
Adam Scott 17/1
Rickie Fowler 23/1
Brooks Koepka 28/1
Keegan Bradley 28/1
Hideki Matsuyama 30/1
J.B. Holmes 30/1
Harris English 35/1
Ian Poulter 40/1
Kevin Na 40/1
Brandt Snedeker 45/1
Paul Casey 45/1
Sean O'Hair 45/1
Webb Simpson 50/1
Graeme McDowell 55/1
Francesco Molinari 65/1
Graham Delaet 65/1
Jason Kokrak 65/1
Justin Thomas 65/1
Martin Laird 65/1
Russell Knox 65/1
Billy Horschel 75/1
Shane Lowry 75/1
Brendan Steele 80/1
Hunter Mahan 80/1
Louis Oosthuizen 80/1
Charles Howell III 95/1
Rory Sabbatini 95/1
Daniel Berger 100/1
Gary Woodland 100/1
Shawn Stefani 100/1
Bernd Wiesberger 120/1
Zach Johnson 120/1
Chris Kirk 130/1
Danny Willett 130/1
Matt Jones 130/1
Sang-Moon Bae 150/1
Vijay Singh 150/1
Branden Grace 160/1
Daniel Summerhays 160/1
Freddie Jacobson 160/1
Padraig Harrington 160/1
Retief Goosen 160/1
Alexander Levy 170/1
Brian Davis 80/1
Camilo Villegas 180/1
Kevin Chappell 180/1
Kevin Streelman 180/1
Lucas Glover 180/1
Marc Leishman 180/1
Boo Weekley 200/1
Robert Streb 200/1
John Senden 220/1
Seung-Yul Noh 220/1
Brian Harman 230/1
Danny Lee 230/1
Ernie Els 230/1
George McNeill 230/1
Pat Perez 230/1
Russell Henley 230/1
Scott Stallings 230/1
Tony Finau 230/1
Chris Stroud 240/1
Jason Bohn 240/1
Matt Every 240/1
William McGirt 240/1
Angel Cabrera 250/1
Chad Campbell 250/1
Chesson Hadley 250/1
K.J. Choi 250/1
Ryo Ishikawa 250/1
Sam Saunders 250/1
Carl Pettersson 300/1
Carlos Ortiz 300/1
John Huh 300/1
Zac Blair 300/1
Ben Martin 350/1
Billy Hurley III 350/1
Erik Compton 350/1
Morgan Hoffmann 350/1
Alex Prugh 400/1
Andres Gonzales 400/1
Brian Stuard 400/1
Charlie Beljan 400/1
David Lingmerth 400/1
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano 400/1
Stewart Cink 400/1
S.J. Park 450/1
Spencer Levin 500/1
Chad Collins 550/1
Colt Knost 550/1
D.A. Points 550/1
Kyle Reifers 550/1
Ben Curtis 650/1
Hudson Swafford 650/1
Rod Pampling 650/1
Steven Bowditch 650/1

Arnold Palmer Invitational Preview and Picks
by Matt Fargo

Jordan Spieth claimed his second PGA Tour event as he won in a playoff over Sean O’Hair and Patrick Reed at the Valspar Championship. The PGA Tour continues the Florida swing with a trip to Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. This is a big event with a lot of big names and this will be the final stocked field until the Masters in three weeks. The headliner is Rory McIlroy who is making his first ever start at Bay Hill and he is the favorite at +500.

Bay Hill’s last significant upgrade came 22 years ago, when four holes were changed but six years ago, it was a full overhaul. Despite being raised from a par 70 to a par 72, the added yardage increased the cumulative scoring average as Bay Hill was third highest in difficulty of all par 72 non-majors five years ago and second highest in difficulty in 2011. In 2012, it was third in difficulty and in 2013, it was third-highest among 18 par 72’s in non-majors.

Bay Hill played as a par 70 of over 7,100 yards for three straight years from 2007-2009. It was the most difficult track of any non-major course in 2009, playing at +2.19 strokes to par. Five years ago, it played at +0.89 strokes over par, four years ago, it played +1.20 strokes over par, three years ago, it was +1.17 strokes over par, two years ago it was +0.928 strokes over par. Last year was one of the easier years at +0.47 over par. In five of the last 10 years, Bay Hill has played to at least one shot over par.

While McIlroy is the headliner, the field is a mighty one as the top five players in the world are all competing as well as 15 of the top 30. Eight-time winner Tiger Woods is sitting out the Invitational for the second straight year and just his third since turning pro in 1996. Overall, 31 of 36 winners at Bay Hill have been Americans. Last year, Matt Every was the first winner in five years not to have recorded a previous top-five finish on the Florida Swing leading up to the event.

Adam Scott (+2,000) missed his first cut since 2012 last week at Innisbrook, a place he has struggled in recent starts. He finished T4 in his first start of the season at the Cadillac Championship so he is certainly not rusty. Bay Hill has been up and down for him and last year he was making his first start here since 2009. He led by seven going into Sunday but a 76 pushed him back to third.

Harris English (+3,100) is a quality ball striker and he has some momentum from a Sunday 65 at the Valspar. He has been pretty up and down but he has missed just one cut in 2015 while bagging three top tens including a T3 at the Sony and a playoff setback at the Famers. He has gotten progressively better at Bay Hill, going from a MC in 2012 to a T57 in 2013 to a T14 last year.

Keegan Bradley (+3,200) isn’t exactly tearing things up this season but he hasn’t been horrible either. He has only one missed cut while putting up a trio of top fives including a T4 at the Northern Trust Open. His most recent finish was a T38 at the Cadillac Championship and Bay Hill has been one of his favorite stops the past two years with a solo second and a T3.

J.B. Holmes (+3,500) is hard not to root for and his game is back. He has been close to victory on two different occasions with a T2 at the Farmers and a solo second in his last start at the Cadillac Championship. He has never missed the cut at Bay Hill with his best finish being a T10 last year. Making that even more impressive is the fact he did not finish better than T52 in his previous four starts.

Kevin Na (+4,500) has not won since 2011 when he won at Justin Timberlake’s event but he has been close with three runner-up finishes the last two seasons. He is playing at his best right now with a T9 at the Cadillac Championship and a T10 last week at the Valspar. He has four top 15 finishes in his last five starts at Bay Hill including a T4 in 2012 and a T2 in 2010.

Recommended Tournament Win Five Pack at the Arnold Palmer Invitational – All for 1 Unit

Adam Scott (+2,000)
Harris English (+3,100)
Keegan Bradley (+3,200)
J.B. Holmes (+3,500)
Kevin Na (+4,500)

2015 Record to date after 9 events: +41.5 Units.

Hyundai Tournament of Champions -5 Units
Humana Challenge +24 Units
Waste Management Phoenix Open -5 Units
Farmers Insurance Open +8.5 Units
AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am +18 Units
Northern Trust Open -5 Units
Honda Classic -5 Units
WGC-Cadillac Championship +16 Units
Valspar Championship -5 Units.

NBA Preview: Pelicans (37-30) at Suns (35-33)

Date: March 19, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

While the New Orleans Pelicans got a taste of the postseason their last time out, it'll take a successful stretch to reach the real thing.

Locked in a tight race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, New Orleans will look to keep pace Thursday night against the Phoenix Suns, who have stayed afloat despite a slight downturn following the trade deadline.

The Pelicans (37-30) have gone 10-3 since Feb. 21 to remain within striking distance of the playoffs, trailing Oklahoma City by a half-game for the eighth seed in the West.

After a double-overtime loss Sunday, New Orleans nearly squandered a 15-0 opening run Tuesday before holding off Milwaukee 85-84 to avoid its first back-to-back defeats since a four-game skid Feb. 7-20. It was the fourth victory in five games for the Pelicans, and for Anthony Davis, perhaps the most grueling.

"It felt like a playoff game," said Davis, who had a game-high 20 points and 12 rebounds. "It was physical. That's how it's going to be from here on out. It's going to be battles. But we came out with the win, so we're happy about that."

Davis has averaged 29.3 points in his last seven along with 11.3 rebounds and 4.7 blocks. He and the Pelicans will play their remaining 15 games against West competition.

"We've got to take it one game at a time, go into Phoenix with a mind-set of getting that win, and we've just got to play," Davis said. "We can't go out there and think we're going to win. We've got to go out there and have a will to win and a sense of urgency."

Sitting 2 1/2 games behind New Orleans, this contest stands especially significant for Phoenix (35-33). Although the Suns bounced back from a loss to Atlanta on Friday with a 102-89 victory against New York on Sunday, they have gone 6-8 since trading Isaiah Thomas to Boston and Goran Dragic to Miami on Feb. 19.

Their offense has suffered the most significant decline, averaging just 99.4 points over their last 14 compared to 105.9 previously.

Eric Bledsoe has managed to maintain his production in spite of his team's waning offense. He scored 21 points in each of his last two games and nearly recorded his third career triple-double Sunday, finishing with 11 assists and nine rebounds.

"It would have been great if I would have got it, but at the end of the day we won," Bledsoe said. "We've still got a fighting chance (at the playoffs)."

Brandon Knight has missed Phoenix's last three games with a sprained left ankle, but could play Thursday. Knight, who was acquired at the deadline, is averaging 14.4 points through 10 games with the Suns after scoring 17.8 per game with Milwaukee.

Alex Len, who sat Sunday with a sprained right ankle, could also be available.

The Suns struggled on the glass in their 110-106 loss to New Orleans on Dec. 30. Davis grabbed a season-high 18 boards to help the Pelicans outrebound Phoenix 49-38.

StatFox Super Situations

NBA | UTAH at LA LAKERS
Play Under - All teams where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points an average offensive team (92-98 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (>=102 PPG), after allowing 90 points or less 2 straight games
29-8 since 1997. ( 78.4% | 20.2 units )

NBA | UTAH at LA LAKERS
Play Against - Home underdogs vs. the money line (LA LAKERS) a good offensive team (98-102 PPG) against an average offensive team (92-98 PPG) after 42+ games, after scoring 105 points or more
58-18 since 1997. ( 76.3% | 31.9 units )

NBA | UTAH at LA LAKERS
Play Under - Home teams where the first half total is between 90.5 and 95.5 points after going under the total by 48 or more points total in their last seven games against opponent after going under the total by 54 or more points total in their last ten games
85-43 since 1997. ( 66.4% | 37.7 units )
5-3 this year. ( 62.5% | 1.7 units )

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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


Race 7 - Post: 2:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$3300 - $4000 CLAIMING/ALLOWANCES J TAGGART JR 3 OVER 5 J RYAN 4 OVER 1 K DIBENEDETTO 8 OVER 2


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 IDEAL BID 5/2


# 4 COURT JESTER 3/1


# 6 IDIDITMYREI 9/2


IDEAL BID gets the edge as our best wagering option in this race. Has competitive TrackMaster Speed Ratings and quite possibly has to be considered for a wager this time. Enters this contest with nice TrackMaster class ratings in relationship to the group - could be worth a shot. Could surely better this grouping given the 85 speed fig earned in his most recent race. COURT JESTER - If effort in the last competition is any indication, this nice horse will have a very competitive shot for this one. High last race TrackMaster Speed Rating. The panel of smart guys always likes a proven player. This horse's high winning percent is evidence of that. IDIDITMYREI - The handicapping group gives this solid standardbred a competitive chance to win this one, class ratings are tops in the group. Respectable driver/conditioner, winning 23 percent of the time. Looks like a excellent bet.

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Northfield Park

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


Race 14 - Post: 10:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 79 - Purse:$6000 - FILLIES & MARES NON WINNERS $400 PER START IN 2014-15 OR 2015. AE: N/W $3500 IN LAST 5 STARTS THAT ARE N/W $70,000 IN 2014-15. NORTHFIELD


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 PINKPOLOSOCKS 1/1


# 2 HERE AND NOW 5/1


# 7 JV'Z DREAM 9/2


All signs point to PINKPOLOSOCKS for the selection. Sometimes you just have to go with an instinct, lean toward this one's chances. Many bettors know speed is is key. This fine animal has credentials with a 80 avg rating. If effort in the most recent race is any indicator, this solid standardbred will have a very good shot this time. High last race TrackMaster Speed Rating. HERE AND NOW - The number crunching team will always toss in a harness racer from the 2 slot here at Northfield Park, definitely worth a look. With a 81 avg class statistic, this contender has one of the strongest class advantages in the grouping. JV'Z DREAM - Could be considered for this one if only for the good speed rating recorded in the most recent competition. One of the best win percentages with this driver-trainer make this mare dangerous.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Golden Gate

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


Race 5 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 74

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 BACIAMI 2/1


# 1 RED MYSTIC 5/2


# 3 INDIAN SCRIBBLES 10/1


BACIAMI looks quite good to best this field. McLean has this filly travelling well and is a very good selection based on the quite good speed figures put up in sprint races recently. Lately Baze has been hot which may give the edge to this filly. The speed rating of 67 from her latest race looks respectable in here. RED MYSTIC - Sound average Equibase Speed Figures in dirt sprint races make this animal a solid choice. Moger has her trained soundly to break rapidly out of the gate. INDIAN SCRIBBLES - She has recorded respectable figures under today's conditions and should fare well against this group. Looks respectable to be up near the front end at the first call.

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Santa Anita

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


Race 6 - Maiden Special Weight - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $56000 Class Rating: 99

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 SMART TRANSITION 2/1


# 8 MOE CANDY 4/1


# 6 AIR POCKET 8/1


SMART TRANSITION seems to be the bet in here. Has solid speed figs and has to be considered for a wager in this race. Posted a formidable Equibase Speed Figure last time out. MOE CANDY - There is a very good chance that this entry's late pace will improve with second time Lasix. AIR POCKET - Competitive jock and trainer combo winning 28 percent of their races working together. Baffert has him trained well to break swiftly out of the starting gate.

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #8 - Post: 10:25pm - Allowance - 4.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $26,000 Class Rating: 68

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 MAGINOT LINE (ML=12/1)
#8 FIERY STAR (ML=9/2)
#3 UNTAMED DIXIE (ML=8/1)


MAGINOT LINE - This speedy sort is running a shorter distance today. Should aid her chances to win. Taking a trip down the ladder based on class rating points; has the ability to make her presence felt. FIERY STAR - Taking a trip down the ladder based on class rating points; has the ability to make her presence felt. Almodovar comes to ride again after getting to know the filly in the last contest. For my money, a bullet workout is the best indicator of fitness there is. Look at that last one - 48.2. Very impressive. UNTAMED DIXIE - This jockey/handler duo has been producing a very profitable ROI, right at +374. You have to always check out this type of speed horse with an inside post in a sprint on a bullring of a track.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 OFFICER BUNS (ML=5/2), #9 LONG KISS GOODBYE (ML=3/1), #4 LITTLE BOP PEEP (ML=6/1),

OFFICER BUNS - If today's race shapes up right, all the front runners will force a ferocious speed duel early. Too bad this animal is one of those front runners. LONG KISS GOODBYE - The extended layoff will probably be the downfall for this pony. LITTLE BOP PEEP - All sorts of crazy early speed on board for this contest. No chance for this speedball. The Brain always tells me to keep away from ponies in short distance contests that haven't hit the board in short distance events lately.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 MAGINOT LINE is the play if we get odds of 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
6 with [3,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel Park - Race #8 - Post: 3:50pm - Allowance - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $42,000 Class Rating: 91

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 TWENTY PERCENT (ML=9/2)
#9 GALLIVANTING (ML=7/2)
#3 TRIBAL HONOUR (ML=9/2)


TWENTY PERCENT - Last ran at Laurel Park and finished fourth. Reviewing his PP data, I see he was close at the finish, within five of the winner. Jock jumped on this colt's back for the first try on February 6th. Should be in touch with the animal even better in today's race. Trainer Potts moves this thoroughbred down in class ranks to face weaker company. Look for a strong performance in this race. This colt's last speed rating is good enough to prove victorious here, I'll invest in him right back in today's event. GALLIVANTING - Really have to figure this horse is going to be on the money at the finish line. TRIBAL HONOUR - Gelding's last work was second fastest of the day for the distance. This jock and trainer have a lucrative return on investment when they unite. This race sets up for this gelding. I call this the 'Lone Stalker' scenario. When the real running starts, he'll be in the 'garden' spot. This gelding is obviously on the improve with Equibase speed figures of 56, 80, 88 last 3 out.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 MISCHIEVIOUSLY (ML=3/1), #7 TRACY'S TURN (ML=8/1), #5 STEVIE LOVES WOMEN (ML=8/1),

MISCHIEVIOUSLY - Would have to move up off that third place finish last time to make an impact here. Tough to like the downward spiraling flow (97/90/81) of Equibase speed figures. TRACY'S TURN - Not easy to bet on this questionable contender this time around. Make him show you something in a short distance race before you bet on him in a race of 7 furlongs. Ran unpredictably on February 13th. Be leery this time out. Not probable that the speed fig he garnered on February 13th will be enough in this event. STEVIE LOVES WOMEN - Tough to wager on any horse to turn things around if there is no wager value to taking the chance.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - TWENTY PERCENT - I like to check out the TrackMaster Platinum PPs to look for the top horse in earnings per start. This thoroughbred looks good to me so I'm making a bet on him.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #1 TWENTY PERCENT on top if we're getting at least 3/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,3,9] with [1,3,9] with [1,3,4,5,9] with [1,3,4,5,9] Total Cost: $36