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Live from 9am everyday – let’s take a look at what’s on deck today;
NBA – Phoenix Suns @ LA Lakers
We have a fantastic NBA clash this afternoon with the Lakers taking on the Phoenix Suns.
Despite starting the season as one of the favourites for the title this has been a disastrous season for the Lakers. LeBron James has missed time with a rolled ankle and an abdominal strain, now Anthony Davis is set to miss 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. Furthermore, their veteran signings Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony have been unable to have much positive impact on the Lakers’ play.
On the other hand, the Suns have had a strong first third of the season, looking a genuine contender to return to the finals and perhaps go one better and bring the NBA title to Phoenix for the first time in franchise history. Chris Paul has been in MVP form, and Devin Booker returned last game, making a solid contribution in a big win over Charlotte after missing seven games due to a hamstring strain.
This season the Lakers are ranked 10th in Defensive Efficiency but only 24th in Offensive Efficiency, far below Phoenix who rank 3rd and 7th respectively. Phoenix have the 2nd best road record in the league this year and despite playing in LA we are backing them to cover the -6.5 line comfortably.
Our best bet: Phoenix Suns -6.5 $1.90 at PlayUp
Horse racing – Warwick Farm
Today we have this John O’Shea 3-year-old gelding re-engaging the services of JMAC.
Drawn in barrier one Jmac should be 2-3 pairs off the leaders in running and with a lot of his main rivals soft in the market, and all resuming from lengthy spells, this looks a perfect way to break his maiden status.
Battled on very well on the Heavy 8 last start and back on top of the ground today, should be winning and winning well.
Already $3.30 into $2.50 so the money is with us.
Our best bet: Warwick Farm Race 2, no. 9 – Pizzaro $2.50 at PlayUp
Market mover
Ears the Barman $21.00 –> $9.50
This is a very interesting runner out of the Phillip Stokes yard with Madison Lloyd claiming the 3 Kg from the outside draw (16).
Big drop down in grade from the BM 76’S and 78’s of late to a very suitable BM64. The $21.00 opener was snapped up as soon as the markets opened and now into a $9.50 quote.
The only word of warning is this 5-year-old Gelding will be going back-to-last and with the rail out 8m maybe make sure “swoopers’ are able to run on before launching into this prospect.
Sandown Race 8, no. 1 – Ears the Barman $9.50 at PlayUp