Preview: Raptors at Celtics
The Boston Celtics hope to have solved some of the problems stemming from a rocky road trip, just in time for a visit from the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors, on Friday night. After a 1-4 trip that featured only a come-from-behind win at lowly Phoenix, the Celtics took out some frustrations with a 111-82 win over Chicago in their return home Wednesday.
"One of the toughest things to do in this league is to come off a road trip, good or bad, and play well in front of the home fans," guard Kyrie Irving told reporters after scoring 17 points. "For us it was a conscious effort to be more aggressive and kind of play the game out as it came." The Raptors started 12-1 but may have some frustration to take out as well after dropping their final two games of a three-game homestand, including Wednesday's 106-104 loss to Detroit and former coach Dwane Casey. Toronto blew a 19-point lead and fell on Rodney Bullock's buzzer-beater to send the squad out on a four-game road trip on a bad note. "It's a good win for (Casey)," Raptors guard Kyle Lowry told the media. "I'm sure he's happy, but we're not happy. I'm not happy for him. We should have won the game."
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN, Sportsnet One (Toronto), NBCS Boston
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (12-3): Kawhi Leonard had 26 points, nine rebounds and three steals in the loss to the Pistons, but he also committed six of Toronto's season high-tying 20 turnovers, eight of which came in the fourth quarter. He was also 1-of-6 from 3-point range for a team that has made just 17 of its 65 long-range attempts during the two-game slide. Reserve swingman CJ Miles (groin) was inactive while veteran big man Greg Monroe took advantage of some rare minutes to post season highs of 17 points and nine rebounds.
ABOUT THE CELTICS (8-6): Jaylen Brown had a team-high 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting against Chicago after scoring a combined 16 points on 6-of-24 from the field over the final two games of the road trip. "Just trying to be aggressive on both ends," Brown told reporters. "Despite having a bad game, or despite being in a slump it's coming out with the right mindset. It's not my style to point fingers and things like that. I got to play better. I just got to come out and play with the right mindset and happily some of the shots fell." Irving, who scored 21 points and had just one turnover in 36 minutes of a loss at Toronto last month, is averaging 26.4 points over his last seven games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Celtics PF Marcus Morris (illness) missed Wednesday's game and is day-to-day.
2. Leonard scored 31 points and grabbed 10 boards in the 113-101 win over the Celtics at home Oct. 19.
3. Toronto ranks second in the NBA in field-goal percentage (48.6) while Boston is 28th (42.9).
PREDICTION: Celtics 106, Raptors 104
The Boston Celtics hope to have solved some of the problems stemming from a rocky road trip, just in time for a visit from the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors, on Friday night. After a 1-4 trip that featured only a come-from-behind win at lowly Phoenix, the Celtics took out some frustrations with a 111-82 win over Chicago in their return home Wednesday.
"One of the toughest things to do in this league is to come off a road trip, good or bad, and play well in front of the home fans," guard Kyrie Irving told reporters after scoring 17 points. "For us it was a conscious effort to be more aggressive and kind of play the game out as it came." The Raptors started 12-1 but may have some frustration to take out as well after dropping their final two games of a three-game homestand, including Wednesday's 106-104 loss to Detroit and former coach Dwane Casey. Toronto blew a 19-point lead and fell on Rodney Bullock's buzzer-beater to send the squad out on a four-game road trip on a bad note. "It's a good win for (Casey)," Raptors guard Kyle Lowry told the media. "I'm sure he's happy, but we're not happy. I'm not happy for him. We should have won the game."
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN, Sportsnet One (Toronto), NBCS Boston
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (12-3): Kawhi Leonard had 26 points, nine rebounds and three steals in the loss to the Pistons, but he also committed six of Toronto's season high-tying 20 turnovers, eight of which came in the fourth quarter. He was also 1-of-6 from 3-point range for a team that has made just 17 of its 65 long-range attempts during the two-game slide. Reserve swingman CJ Miles (groin) was inactive while veteran big man Greg Monroe took advantage of some rare minutes to post season highs of 17 points and nine rebounds.
ABOUT THE CELTICS (8-6): Jaylen Brown had a team-high 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting against Chicago after scoring a combined 16 points on 6-of-24 from the field over the final two games of the road trip. "Just trying to be aggressive on both ends," Brown told reporters. "Despite having a bad game, or despite being in a slump it's coming out with the right mindset. It's not my style to point fingers and things like that. I got to play better. I just got to come out and play with the right mindset and happily some of the shots fell." Irving, who scored 21 points and had just one turnover in 36 minutes of a loss at Toronto last month, is averaging 26.4 points over his last seven games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Celtics PF Marcus Morris (illness) missed Wednesday's game and is day-to-day.
2. Leonard scored 31 points and grabbed 10 boards in the 113-101 win over the Celtics at home Oct. 19.
3. Toronto ranks second in the NBA in field-goal percentage (48.6) while Boston is 28th (42.9).
PREDICTION: Celtics 106, Raptors 104
ATS Trends
Toronto
Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Raptors are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Raptors are 36-15 ATS in their last 51 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Raptors are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Boston
Celtics are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Celtics are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Celtics are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games.
Celtics are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Celtics are 35-17 ATS in their last 52 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
Celtics are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
Celtics are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Celtics are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Toronto
Over is 8-1 in Raptors last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 5-1 in Raptors last 6 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Under is 5-1 in Raptors last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 11-4 in Raptors last 15 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 10-4 in Raptors last 14 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 11-5 in Raptors last 16 overall.
Over is 11-5 in Raptors last 16 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Boston
Over is 6-0 in Celtics last 6 Friday games.
Over is 13-3 in Celtics last 16 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Over is 7-2 in Celtics last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 7-2 in Celtics last 9 home games.
Under is 8-3 in Celtics last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 13-5 in Celtics last 18 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-3 in Celtics last 10 games following a ATS win.
Under is 9-4 in Celtics last 13 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Head to Head
Home team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Boston.
Raptors are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
Raptors are 5-12-1 ATS in the last 18 meetings in Boston.
Toronto
Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Raptors are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Raptors are 36-15 ATS in their last 51 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Raptors are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Boston
Celtics are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Celtics are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Celtics are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games.
Celtics are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Celtics are 35-17 ATS in their last 52 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
Celtics are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
Celtics are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Celtics are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Toronto
Over is 8-1 in Raptors last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 5-1 in Raptors last 6 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Under is 5-1 in Raptors last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 11-4 in Raptors last 15 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 10-4 in Raptors last 14 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 11-5 in Raptors last 16 overall.
Over is 11-5 in Raptors last 16 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Boston
Over is 6-0 in Celtics last 6 Friday games.
Over is 13-3 in Celtics last 16 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Over is 7-2 in Celtics last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 7-2 in Celtics last 9 home games.
Under is 8-3 in Celtics last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 13-5 in Celtics last 18 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-3 in Celtics last 10 games following a ATS win.
Under is 9-4 in Celtics last 13 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Head to Head
Home team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Boston.
Raptors are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
Raptors are 5-12-1 ATS in the last 18 meetings in Boston.
Preview: Heat at Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are struggling with one win in their last four games but got a rare four-day break to practice and attempt to fix some of the problems. The Pacers will show off the results of that practice when they host the Miami Heat on Friday.
Indiana, which earned a 110-102 win at Miami last Friday for its lone victory in the last four contests, is struggling to find balance on the offensive end with All-Star Victor Oladipo dominating the ball. "We talk about execution, and execution is working to get a good shot. It is on Victor. When he feels he has a good shot, we want him to take that - but also create opportunities for other guys when that defense is committed to him," Pacers coach Nate McMillan told reporters. "Part of this process of establishing our style is trusting each other, recognizing a matchup and trying to take advantage of that and get those guys the ball." Miami has a chance to sweep its two-game road trip after snapping a three-game slide with a 120-107 victory at Brooklyn on Wednesday. The Heat, who held a team meeting following a 124-114 home loss to Philadelphia on Monday, were noticeably better on the defensive end, holding the Nets to 40.2 percent shooting.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Miami), FS Indiana
ABOUT THE HEAT (6-8): Miami got a season-high 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting off the bench on Wednesday from guard Tyler Johnson, who is building some consistency with four straight games in double figures. "We need him to be aggressive off the bench," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters of Johnson. "...He's reading it, because not every play is just to make to the rim. But the aggressiveness certainly is important for us. It’s good for him to see the ball go in, because he's been putting a lot of time at it." Fellow guard Goran Dragic is putting up solid numbers as well with an average of 21.5 points in the last two games after going scoreless on 0-of-7 shooting in a loss to Washington on Saturday.
ABOUT THE PACERS (8-6): Oladipo averages 20 field-goal attempts while the next-highest shooter on the team - reserve guard Tyreke Evans - is at 9.6, and the discrepancy is something the team would like to fix. "He's trying to get us involved," point guard Darren Collison told the team's website of Oladipo. "We have to take it upon ourselves to be more aggressive, too. With the shot disparity, you don't want him to have that early in the season. He'll wear down. Everybody has to take it upon themselves to help him out. And he'll do a better job distributing as well." Oladipo is shooting 45 percent from the floor and leads the team in scoring (23.8 points) and assists (4.9).
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Pacers SG Bojan Bogdanovic is 9-of-15 from 3-point range over the last three games.
2. Miami SG Dwyane Wade (personal) sat out the last five games and is not expected to play Friday.
3. Oladipo scored 22 points on 9-of-22 shooting in the 110-102 win at Miami on Nov. 9.
PREDICTION: Pacers 116, Heat 109
The Indiana Pacers are struggling with one win in their last four games but got a rare four-day break to practice and attempt to fix some of the problems. The Pacers will show off the results of that practice when they host the Miami Heat on Friday.
Indiana, which earned a 110-102 win at Miami last Friday for its lone victory in the last four contests, is struggling to find balance on the offensive end with All-Star Victor Oladipo dominating the ball. "We talk about execution, and execution is working to get a good shot. It is on Victor. When he feels he has a good shot, we want him to take that - but also create opportunities for other guys when that defense is committed to him," Pacers coach Nate McMillan told reporters. "Part of this process of establishing our style is trusting each other, recognizing a matchup and trying to take advantage of that and get those guys the ball." Miami has a chance to sweep its two-game road trip after snapping a three-game slide with a 120-107 victory at Brooklyn on Wednesday. The Heat, who held a team meeting following a 124-114 home loss to Philadelphia on Monday, were noticeably better on the defensive end, holding the Nets to 40.2 percent shooting.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Miami), FS Indiana
ABOUT THE HEAT (6-8): Miami got a season-high 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting off the bench on Wednesday from guard Tyler Johnson, who is building some consistency with four straight games in double figures. "We need him to be aggressive off the bench," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters of Johnson. "...He's reading it, because not every play is just to make to the rim. But the aggressiveness certainly is important for us. It’s good for him to see the ball go in, because he's been putting a lot of time at it." Fellow guard Goran Dragic is putting up solid numbers as well with an average of 21.5 points in the last two games after going scoreless on 0-of-7 shooting in a loss to Washington on Saturday.
ABOUT THE PACERS (8-6): Oladipo averages 20 field-goal attempts while the next-highest shooter on the team - reserve guard Tyreke Evans - is at 9.6, and the discrepancy is something the team would like to fix. "He's trying to get us involved," point guard Darren Collison told the team's website of Oladipo. "We have to take it upon ourselves to be more aggressive, too. With the shot disparity, you don't want him to have that early in the season. He'll wear down. Everybody has to take it upon themselves to help him out. And he'll do a better job distributing as well." Oladipo is shooting 45 percent from the floor and leads the team in scoring (23.8 points) and assists (4.9).
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Pacers SG Bojan Bogdanovic is 9-of-15 from 3-point range over the last three games.
2. Miami SG Dwyane Wade (personal) sat out the last five games and is not expected to play Friday.
3. Oladipo scored 22 points on 9-of-22 shooting in the 110-102 win at Miami on Nov. 9.
PREDICTION: Pacers 116, Heat 109
ATS Trends
Miami
Heat are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 vs. NBA Central.
Heat are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Heat are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 vs. Eastern Conference.
Heat are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win.
Heat are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.
Heat are 1-8-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Indiana
Pacers are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS loss.
Pacers are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Pacers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 Friday games.
Pacers are 23-9 ATS in their last 32 vs. Eastern Conference.
Pacers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Southeast.
Pacers are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pacers are 34-15-2 ATS in their last 51 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Pacers are 24-11 ATS in their last 35 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pacers are 41-19 ATS in their last 60 games following a straight up loss.
Pacers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Miami
Over is 4-0 in Heat last 4 overall.
Over is 5-0 in Heat last 5 road games.
Over is 7-0 in Heat last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 5-0 in Heat last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 4-0 in Heat last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 8-1 in Heat last 9 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-1 in Heat last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-1 in Heat last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Heat last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 4-1 in Heat last 5 games following a straight up win.
Over is 17-5-1 in Heat last 23 games following a ATS win.
Under is 24-9 in Heat last 33 Friday games.
Over is 5-2 in Heat last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Indiana
Under is 6-0 in Pacers last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Under is 4-0 in Pacers last 4 home games.
Over is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 vs. NBA Southeast.
Under is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Pacers last 8 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 8-3 in Pacers last 11 Friday games.
Under is 32-12-1 in Pacers last 45 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Pacers last 10 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 18-8 in Pacers last 26 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 35-17-1 in Pacers last 53 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Head to Head
Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
Heat are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Indiana.
Heat are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Miami
Heat are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 vs. NBA Central.
Heat are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Heat are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 vs. Eastern Conference.
Heat are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win.
Heat are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.
Heat are 1-8-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Indiana
Pacers are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS loss.
Pacers are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Pacers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 Friday games.
Pacers are 23-9 ATS in their last 32 vs. Eastern Conference.
Pacers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Southeast.
Pacers are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pacers are 34-15-2 ATS in their last 51 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Pacers are 24-11 ATS in their last 35 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pacers are 41-19 ATS in their last 60 games following a straight up loss.
Pacers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Miami
Over is 4-0 in Heat last 4 overall.
Over is 5-0 in Heat last 5 road games.
Over is 7-0 in Heat last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 5-0 in Heat last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 4-0 in Heat last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 8-1 in Heat last 9 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-1 in Heat last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-1 in Heat last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Heat last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 4-1 in Heat last 5 games following a straight up win.
Over is 17-5-1 in Heat last 23 games following a ATS win.
Under is 24-9 in Heat last 33 Friday games.
Over is 5-2 in Heat last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Indiana
Under is 6-0 in Pacers last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Under is 4-0 in Pacers last 4 home games.
Over is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 vs. NBA Southeast.
Under is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Pacers last 8 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 8-3 in Pacers last 11 Friday games.
Under is 32-12-1 in Pacers last 45 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Pacers last 10 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 18-8 in Pacers last 26 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 35-17-1 in Pacers last 53 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Head to Head
Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
Heat are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Indiana.
Heat are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Preview: Jazz at 76ers
The Jimmy Butler era began with a loss, but the Philadelphia 76ers seem to think big things are on the horizon. The 76ers will try to earn their first win since adding Butler to the mix when they host the struggling Utah Jazz on Friday.
Butler, who was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves after a public trade demand and protracted drama, scored 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting in his Philadelphia debut on Wednesday as the 76ers dropped a 111-106 decision at the Orlando Magic. "Obviously, we didn’t get the win, and get the outcome we wanted to have," Butler, who noted the players were getting along with each other and communicating well, told reporters. "But we got a lot more of these things. I think we will all be better, myself included." Philadelphia will be taking on a Jazz squad that just suffered its worst loss since the franchise moved to Utah, 118-68 at Dallas on Wednesday. "There was a point where we stopped competing," Jazz coach Quin Snyder told reporters. "We all have to own that, and obviously the scoreboard reflected that."
TV: 7 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah), NBCS Philadelphia
ABOUT THE JAZZ (7-7): Utah's 68 points marked the lowest total of any team in a game this season, and it managed just 22 points after the break. "We just didn’t play with a lot of pride defensively," guard Donovan Mitchell, who was one of three Jazz players to score in double figures with 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting, told reporters. "Obviously, when shots aren’t falling, our defense has to drive us even more." Utah shot 31.3 percent from the floor, including 6-of-35 from 3-point range, and committed 22 turnovers in the lopsided decision.
ABOUT THE 76ERS (9-7): Butler's acquisition pushed much-maligned former No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz to a reserve role, and the early returns were positive. Fultz delivered eight points on 4-of-6 shooting and two assists in 21 minutes while serving as the point guard on the second unit. "We played him exclusively as (point guard) tonight, and I saw him make plays out of a middle pick-and-roll, get into the paint," Philadelphia coach Brett Brown told reporters of Fultz. "I thought defensively he was good tonight as well."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. 76ers C Joel Embiid recorded his first career triple-double with 19 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists on Wednesday.
2. Utah SF Jae Crowder is 4-of-21 from the floor in the last two games, including 2-of-16 from beyond the arc.
3. Philadelphia, which is 7-0 at home, took both meetings last season.
PREDICTION: 76ers 109, Jazz 97
The Jimmy Butler era began with a loss, but the Philadelphia 76ers seem to think big things are on the horizon. The 76ers will try to earn their first win since adding Butler to the mix when they host the struggling Utah Jazz on Friday.
Butler, who was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves after a public trade demand and protracted drama, scored 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting in his Philadelphia debut on Wednesday as the 76ers dropped a 111-106 decision at the Orlando Magic. "Obviously, we didn’t get the win, and get the outcome we wanted to have," Butler, who noted the players were getting along with each other and communicating well, told reporters. "But we got a lot more of these things. I think we will all be better, myself included." Philadelphia will be taking on a Jazz squad that just suffered its worst loss since the franchise moved to Utah, 118-68 at Dallas on Wednesday. "There was a point where we stopped competing," Jazz coach Quin Snyder told reporters. "We all have to own that, and obviously the scoreboard reflected that."
TV: 7 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah), NBCS Philadelphia
ABOUT THE JAZZ (7-7): Utah's 68 points marked the lowest total of any team in a game this season, and it managed just 22 points after the break. "We just didn’t play with a lot of pride defensively," guard Donovan Mitchell, who was one of three Jazz players to score in double figures with 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting, told reporters. "Obviously, when shots aren’t falling, our defense has to drive us even more." Utah shot 31.3 percent from the floor, including 6-of-35 from 3-point range, and committed 22 turnovers in the lopsided decision.
ABOUT THE 76ERS (9-7): Butler's acquisition pushed much-maligned former No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz to a reserve role, and the early returns were positive. Fultz delivered eight points on 4-of-6 shooting and two assists in 21 minutes while serving as the point guard on the second unit. "We played him exclusively as (point guard) tonight, and I saw him make plays out of a middle pick-and-roll, get into the paint," Philadelphia coach Brett Brown told reporters of Fultz. "I thought defensively he was good tonight as well."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. 76ers C Joel Embiid recorded his first career triple-double with 19 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists on Wednesday.
2. Utah SF Jae Crowder is 4-of-21 from the floor in the last two games, including 2-of-16 from beyond the arc.
3. Philadelphia, which is 7-0 at home, took both meetings last season.
PREDICTION: 76ers 109, Jazz 97
ATS Trends
Utah
Jazz are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Jazz are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference.
Jazz are 18-8 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Jazz are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Jazz are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Friday games.
Philadelphia
76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
76ers are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 vs. NBA Northwest.
76ers are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
76ers are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 Friday games.
76ers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
76ers are 22-9 ATS in their last 31 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
76ers are 24-10 ATS in their last 34 home games.
76ers are 35-15-1 ATS in their last 51 vs. Western Conference.
76ers are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
76ers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Utah
Over is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 6-1 in Jazz last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Jazz last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 9-2 in Jazz last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 6-2 in Jazz last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 11-4 in Jazz last 15 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 Friday games.
Over is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 7-3 in Jazz last 10 overall.
Over is 7-3 in Jazz last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Philadelphia
Over is 5-1-1 in 76ers last 7 vs. NBA Northwest.
Over is 4-1-1 in 76ers last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Head to Head
Under is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Philadelphia.
Favorite is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
Utah
Jazz are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Jazz are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference.
Jazz are 18-8 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Jazz are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Jazz are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Friday games.
Philadelphia
76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
76ers are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 vs. NBA Northwest.
76ers are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
76ers are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 Friday games.
76ers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
76ers are 22-9 ATS in their last 31 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
76ers are 24-10 ATS in their last 34 home games.
76ers are 35-15-1 ATS in their last 51 vs. Western Conference.
76ers are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
76ers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
Utah
Over is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 6-1 in Jazz last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Jazz last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 9-2 in Jazz last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 6-2 in Jazz last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 11-4 in Jazz last 15 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 Friday games.
Over is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 7-3 in Jazz last 10 overall.
Over is 7-3 in Jazz last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Philadelphia
Over is 5-1-1 in 76ers last 7 vs. NBA Northwest.
Over is 4-1-1 in 76ers last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Head to Head
Under is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Philadelphia.
Favorite is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
| Preview: Nets at Wizards The league's most disappointing team over the first couple of weeks, the Washington Wizards suddenly are moving in the right direction. They will try to extend their first winning streak of the season to four games when they continue a five-game homestand against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. After a 2-9 start, Washington topped Miami on the road last weekend before opening the homestand with victories over Orlando and Cleveland, averaging 117.3 points during the streak. "We still have a lot of work to do -- we still have to get better," guard Bradley Beal told reporters after Wednesday's 119-95 win over the Cavaliers. "We're still not content with where we are. We put three (wins) together, but we still have a couple more at home that we have to take care of." The Wizards have been able to take advantage of a succession of sub-.500 opponents and the Nets fit the bill, having lost three straight with a 120-107 home loss to the Heat on Wednesday. In its first game since losing guard Caris LeVert to a foot injury, Brooklyn shot 40.2 percent from the floor while allowing Miami to hit on 54.1 percent of its shots. TV: 7 p.m. ET, YES (Brooklyn), NBCS Washington ABOUT THE NETS (6-9): Although Brooklyn was pleased to learn that LeVert may be able to return this season from a dislocated right foot, it knows there will be a long adjustment period without its leading scorer. "Just the significance of how the injury happened, him being the heart and soul of the team up until this point, our go-to scorer and facilitator," forward Joe Harris told reporters. "Then obviously just the energy and enthusiasm and leadership that he brings, that's a void we miss a lot and it is going to be an adjustment for us." Spencer Dinwiddie was the high scorer Wednesday with 18 points off the bench while Allen Crabbe started in place of LeVert and was held to six points before fouling out in 26 minutes. ABOUT THE WIZARDS (5-9): Washington wasted little time establishing itself against the struggling Cavaliers by scoring 41 points in the first quarter and racing to a 73-52 halftime lead. "We did a good job of coming out there very aggressive on the defensive end," center Dwight Howard told the media. "We got a lot of stops early which allowed us to get a pretty good lead." Beal had a team-high 20 points while fellow guard John Wall collected nine assists and a pair of steals to make up for a season-low eight points. BUZZER BEATERS 1. Howard is averaging 12.6 points on 61.1 percent shooting in seven games since returning from a sore backside. 2. Nets PG D'Angelo Russell is shooting 44.4 percent from 3-point range on the road, compared to 28.1 percent at home. 3. Brooklyn took the first two meetings at home last season before falling in overtime at Washington on Jan. 13. PREDICTION: Wizards 114, Nets 106 |
ATS Trends
Brooklyn
Nets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Nets are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 vs. NBA Southeast.
Nets are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 road games.
Nets are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 Friday games.
Nets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Nets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Nets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Washington
Wizards are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Wizards are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 6-13-1 ATS in their last 20 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Wizards are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Wizards are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
Wizards are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Wizards are 8-21-1 ATS in their last 30 Friday games.
Wizards are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win.
Wizards are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games following a ATS win.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
OU Trends
Brooklyn
Over is 7-0 in Nets last 7 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Over is 5-1 in Nets last 6 Friday games.
Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Over is 4-1 in Nets last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 6-2 in Nets last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 11-5 in Nets last 16 vs. NBA Southeast.
Washington
Under is 3-0-1 in Wizards last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Under is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 8-2 in Wizards last 10 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 11-4-1 in Wizards last 16 games following a ATS win.
Over is 5-2 in Wizards last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 7-3 in Wizards last 10 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 7-3-1 in Wizards last 11 games following a straight up win.
Over is 13-6 in Wizards last 19 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Head to Head
Nets are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Home team is 20-8 ATS in the last 28 meetings.
Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Nets are 3-12 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Washington.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Brooklyn
Nets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Nets are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 vs. NBA Southeast.
Nets are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 road games.
Nets are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 Friday games.
Nets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Nets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Nets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Washington
Wizards are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Wizards are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 6-13-1 ATS in their last 20 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Wizards are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Wizards are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
Wizards are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Wizards are 8-21-1 ATS in their last 30 Friday games.
Wizards are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win.
Wizards are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games following a ATS win.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
OU Trends
Brooklyn
Over is 7-0 in Nets last 7 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Over is 5-1 in Nets last 6 Friday games.
Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Over is 4-1 in Nets last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 6-2 in Nets last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 11-5 in Nets last 16 vs. NBA Southeast.
Washington
Under is 3-0-1 in Wizards last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Under is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 8-2 in Wizards last 10 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 11-4-1 in Wizards last 16 games following a ATS win.
Over is 5-2 in Wizards last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 7-3 in Wizards last 10 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 7-3-1 in Wizards last 11 games following a straight up win.
Over is 13-6 in Wizards last 19 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Head to Head
Nets are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Home team is 20-8 ATS in the last 28 meetings.
Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Nets are 3-12 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Washington.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Preview: Kings at Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies look to post their fourth victory in the past five games when they host the Sacramento Kings on Friday. Memphis continued its stellar season-opening play with a 116-113 road victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies bounced back from Monday's home loss to the Utah Jazz with the impressive showing while handing the Bucks their first home setback of the season. "I couldn't be more proud of the guys with their effort," Memphis coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters. "This is a hell of a win for our ballclub coming off a loss and not allowing ourselves to lose two in a row." Sacramento is also playing well and Monday's 104-99 home win over the San Antonio Spurs was its seventh in the past 10 games. Second-year point guard De'Aaron Fox has played solidly during the stretch by averaging 19.5 points and 7.2 assists.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), FS Southeast (Memphis)
ABOUT THE KINGS (8-6): Shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic recently returned from knee surgery and scored 22 points against the Spurs in his third game of the season. "He's trying to find his rhythm a little bit and he's also playing with some guys that maybe he hasn't played with before," Sacramento coach Dave Joerger told reporters after Bogdanovic played 25 minutes. "But I thought he was really feeling it and did a terrific job." Center Willie Cauley-Stein recorded back-to-back doubles and is averaging 18.5 points and 9.5 rebounds over the past four games.
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (8-5): Center Marc Gasol scored a season-high 29 points and point guard Mike Conley added 26 in the impressive win over the Bucks. "That's who we live and die with. We were riding with those two guys - they are our horses," Bickerstaff said. "The other guys understand that and play their part. They understand how to make their teammates better, so it works well together." Gasol needs 16 rebounds to pass Zach Randolph (5,612) - now a member of the Kings - for most rebounds in franchise history.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. SG Buddy Hield scored 23 points as the Kings posted a 97-92 victory over the Grizzlies on Oct. 24.
2. Memphis backup PG Shelvin Mack scored 15 points against Milwaukee to reach double digits for the sixth time in the past eight games.
3. Sacramento backup C Kosta Koufos (calf) could miss his second straight game.
PREDICTION: Grizzlies 104, Kings 102
The Memphis Grizzlies look to post their fourth victory in the past five games when they host the Sacramento Kings on Friday. Memphis continued its stellar season-opening play with a 116-113 road victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies bounced back from Monday's home loss to the Utah Jazz with the impressive showing while handing the Bucks their first home setback of the season. "I couldn't be more proud of the guys with their effort," Memphis coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters. "This is a hell of a win for our ballclub coming off a loss and not allowing ourselves to lose two in a row." Sacramento is also playing well and Monday's 104-99 home win over the San Antonio Spurs was its seventh in the past 10 games. Second-year point guard De'Aaron Fox has played solidly during the stretch by averaging 19.5 points and 7.2 assists.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), FS Southeast (Memphis)
ABOUT THE KINGS (8-6): Shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic recently returned from knee surgery and scored 22 points against the Spurs in his third game of the season. "He's trying to find his rhythm a little bit and he's also playing with some guys that maybe he hasn't played with before," Sacramento coach Dave Joerger told reporters after Bogdanovic played 25 minutes. "But I thought he was really feeling it and did a terrific job." Center Willie Cauley-Stein recorded back-to-back doubles and is averaging 18.5 points and 9.5 rebounds over the past four games.
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (8-5): Center Marc Gasol scored a season-high 29 points and point guard Mike Conley added 26 in the impressive win over the Bucks. "That's who we live and die with. We were riding with those two guys - they are our horses," Bickerstaff said. "The other guys understand that and play their part. They understand how to make their teammates better, so it works well together." Gasol needs 16 rebounds to pass Zach Randolph (5,612) - now a member of the Kings - for most rebounds in franchise history.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. SG Buddy Hield scored 23 points as the Kings posted a 97-92 victory over the Grizzlies on Oct. 24.
2. Memphis backup PG Shelvin Mack scored 15 points against Milwaukee to reach double digits for the sixth time in the past eight games.
3. Sacramento backup C Kosta Koufos (calf) could miss his second straight game.
PREDICTION: Grizzlies 104, Kings 102
ATS Trends
Sacramento
Kings are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Southwest.
Kings are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Kings are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Kings are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Kings are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Kings are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. Western Conference.
Memphis
Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
Grizzlies are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.
Grizzlies are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 1 days rest.
Grizzlies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Grizzlies are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Grizzlies are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up win.
Grizzlies are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
Grizzlies are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Pacific.
OU Trends
Sacramento
Under is 4-0 in Kings last 4 overall.
Under is 4-0 in Kings last 4 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 8-1 in Kings last 9 vs. NBA Southwest.
Over is 6-1 in Kings last 7 road games.
Under is 5-1 in Kings last 6 Friday games.
Over is 4-1 in Kings last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 8-2 in Kings last 10 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 14-5 in Kings last 19 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 8-3 in Kings last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Memphis
Under is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 5-0 in Grizzlies last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Grizzlies last 7 vs. NBA Pacific.
Under is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 13-4 in Grizzlies last 17 Friday games.
Under is 6-2 in Grizzlies last 8 games following a straight up win.
Under is 6-2 in Grizzlies last 8 games following a ATS win.
Head to Head
Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Memphis.
Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Under is 16-5 in the last 21 meetings.
Kings are 3-9 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Kings are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Memphis.
Sacramento
Kings are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Southwest.
Kings are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Kings are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Kings are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Kings are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Kings are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. Western Conference.
Memphis
Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
Grizzlies are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.
Grizzlies are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 1 days rest.
Grizzlies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Grizzlies are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Grizzlies are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up win.
Grizzlies are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
Grizzlies are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Pacific.
OU Trends
Sacramento
Under is 4-0 in Kings last 4 overall.
Under is 4-0 in Kings last 4 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 8-1 in Kings last 9 vs. NBA Southwest.
Over is 6-1 in Kings last 7 road games.
Under is 5-1 in Kings last 6 Friday games.
Over is 4-1 in Kings last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 8-2 in Kings last 10 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 14-5 in Kings last 19 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 8-3 in Kings last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Memphis
Under is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 5-0 in Grizzlies last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Grizzlies last 7 vs. NBA Pacific.
Under is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 13-4 in Grizzlies last 17 Friday games.
Under is 6-2 in Grizzlies last 8 games following a straight up win.
Under is 6-2 in Grizzlies last 8 games following a ATS win.
Head to Head
Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Memphis.
Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Under is 16-5 in the last 21 meetings.
Kings are 3-9 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Kings are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Memphis.
Preview: Trail Blazers at Timberwolves
Jimmy Butler has been traded and suddenly the Minnesota Timberwolves look like a team again. Minnesota strives to earn its third straight victory since Butler was shipped to the Philadelphia 76ers when it hosts the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
Center Karl-Anthony Towns (25 points, 16 rebounds) and small forward Andrew Wiggins (23 points) both had strong games as the Timberwolves posted a 107-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. "We were just playing together," Towns told reporters. "We did a great job getting the ball around, getting everyone involved. It was just about having fun and playing with love and enthusiasm." Portland will be looking to rebound after it fell 126-117 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday to see a four-game winning streak reach an end. The setback occurred in the opener of a six-game road trip that concludes against the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 23.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS North (Minnesota)
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (10-4): Star guard Damian Lillard is nursing a sore right knee but played 38 minutes against the Lakers and collected 31 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. Lillard has 23 assists over the past two games while recording back-to-back double-doubles and has tallied 25 or more points on nine occasions in another strong start. Center Jusuf Nurkic averaged 19.5 points and 15.5 rebounds while recording two straight double-doubles and has seven on the campaign.
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (6-9): Forwards Robert Covington (13 points) and Dario Saric (nine) made their team debuts on Wednesday after being acquired in the Butler deal along with injured guard Jerryd Bayless (knee). Covington was in the starting lineup while Saric came off the bench and Minnesota will study their games to see where they best fit. "The last few days feel very short to me, but at the end of the day, this is basketball," Saric told reporters after the win. "It was very pleasurable to be on the court. We played team basketball. I think we had 29 assists -- that's a pretty good number. It's just the beginning. I hope we still continue to play like this every game."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Trail Blazers won the past three meetings, including a 111-81 victory on Nov. 4.
2. Minnesota G Derrick Rose (knee) is expected back after a one-game absence.
3. Portland SG Seth Curry (knee) departed Wednesday's contest and is questionable to play against Minnesota.
PREDICTION: Timberwolves 119, Trail Blazers 113
Jimmy Butler has been traded and suddenly the Minnesota Timberwolves look like a team again. Minnesota strives to earn its third straight victory since Butler was shipped to the Philadelphia 76ers when it hosts the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
Center Karl-Anthony Towns (25 points, 16 rebounds) and small forward Andrew Wiggins (23 points) both had strong games as the Timberwolves posted a 107-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. "We were just playing together," Towns told reporters. "We did a great job getting the ball around, getting everyone involved. It was just about having fun and playing with love and enthusiasm." Portland will be looking to rebound after it fell 126-117 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday to see a four-game winning streak reach an end. The setback occurred in the opener of a six-game road trip that concludes against the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 23.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS North (Minnesota)
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (10-4): Star guard Damian Lillard is nursing a sore right knee but played 38 minutes against the Lakers and collected 31 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. Lillard has 23 assists over the past two games while recording back-to-back double-doubles and has tallied 25 or more points on nine occasions in another strong start. Center Jusuf Nurkic averaged 19.5 points and 15.5 rebounds while recording two straight double-doubles and has seven on the campaign.
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (6-9): Forwards Robert Covington (13 points) and Dario Saric (nine) made their team debuts on Wednesday after being acquired in the Butler deal along with injured guard Jerryd Bayless (knee). Covington was in the starting lineup while Saric came off the bench and Minnesota will study their games to see where they best fit. "The last few days feel very short to me, but at the end of the day, this is basketball," Saric told reporters after the win. "It was very pleasurable to be on the court. We played team basketball. I think we had 29 assists -- that's a pretty good number. It's just the beginning. I hope we still continue to play like this every game."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Trail Blazers won the past three meetings, including a 111-81 victory on Nov. 4.
2. Minnesota G Derrick Rose (knee) is expected back after a one-game absence.
3. Portland SG Seth Curry (knee) departed Wednesday's contest and is questionable to play against Minnesota.
PREDICTION: Timberwolves 119, Trail Blazers 113
ATS Trends
Portland
Trail Blazers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Friday games.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
Trail Blazers are 22-8 ATS in their last 30 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 vs. NBA Northwest.
Trail Blazers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Minnesota
Timberwolves are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Timberwolves are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
OU Trends
Portland
Under is 7-0 in Trail Blazers last 7 vs. NBA Northwest.
Under is 5-0 in Trail Blazers last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-1 in Trail Blazers last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 6-1 in Trail Blazers last 7 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 overall.
Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Trail Blazers last 7 road games.
Minnesota
Under is 5-0 in Timberwolves last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 6-0 in Timberwolves last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 overall.
Under is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 Friday games.
Under is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Timberwolves last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 10-2 in Timberwolves last 12 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 5-1 in Timberwolves last 6 games following a ATS win.
Under is 5-1 in Timberwolves last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Timberwolves last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 20-8 in Timberwolves last 28 home games.
Over is 10-4 in Timberwolves last 14 vs. NBA Northwest.
Head to Head
Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Over is 14-3 in the last 17 meetings in Minnesota.
Trail Blazers are 20-6 ATS in the last 26 meetings in Minnesota.
Trail Blazers are 38-13-1 ATS in the last 52 meetings.
Portland
Trail Blazers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Friday games.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
Trail Blazers are 22-8 ATS in their last 30 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 vs. NBA Northwest.
Trail Blazers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Minnesota
Timberwolves are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Timberwolves are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.
OU Trends
Portland
Under is 7-0 in Trail Blazers last 7 vs. NBA Northwest.
Under is 5-0 in Trail Blazers last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-1 in Trail Blazers last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 6-1 in Trail Blazers last 7 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 overall.
Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Trail Blazers last 7 road games.
Minnesota
Under is 5-0 in Timberwolves last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 6-0 in Timberwolves last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 overall.
Under is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 Friday games.
Under is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Timberwolves last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 10-2 in Timberwolves last 12 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 5-1 in Timberwolves last 6 games following a ATS win.
Under is 5-1 in Timberwolves last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Timberwolves last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 20-8 in Timberwolves last 28 home games.
Over is 10-4 in Timberwolves last 14 vs. NBA Northwest.
Head to Head
Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Over is 14-3 in the last 17 meetings in Minnesota.
Trail Blazers are 20-6 ATS in the last 26 meetings in Minnesota.
Trail Blazers are 38-13-1 ATS in the last 52 meetings.
Preview: Knicks at Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have done nothing but streak this season and are hoping Wednesday's setback at Minnesota doesn't send the team into another tailspin. The Pelicans will try to avoid a losing streak when they host the lowly New York Knicks on Friday.
New Orleans, which began the season with four wins, followed that with six losses and then won three straight to pull above .500, fell into a 21-point hole in the second quarter against the Timberwolves and ran out of gas down the stretch. "You gotta start the game the right way, and we didn't do it," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "We dug ourselves a hole and spent too much energy getting out. We talked before about everything, putting ourselves in a position where we can catch the lead." New Orleans should be able to score early and often against the Knicks, who are allowing an average of 123.7 points during a three-game slide and dropped the first stop of a three-game trip 128-103 at Oklahoma City on Wednesday. “With young teams that’s just how it is," New York coach David Fizdale told reporters. "If everybody was a complete player right now, I think we'd be in a lot different situation record-wise."
TV: 8 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), FS New Orleans
ABOUT THE KNICKS (4-11): Fizdale changed his lineup on Wednesday to get more offense in the starting unit with Emmanuel Mudiay and Kevin Knox replacing Frank Ntilikina and Damyean Dotson. Mudiay handed out five assists for a New York team that is last in the NBA in assist average (19) but combined with Knox to go 7-of-21 from the floor. "We have a microcosm of how I'd like our guys to play," Fizdale, who remains optimistic about his young squad, told reporters of the new lineup and its intended results. "Fast, athletic, disruptive."
ABOUT THE PELICANS (7-7): New Orleans fell in Minnesota but shooting guard E'Twaun Moore kept up his recent run of solid play with a season-high 31 points. Moore scored in single digits in back-to-back games before going for 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting in a win over Phoenix and following that up with 30 points on 13-of-18 from the floor in a victory at Toronto on Monday. The Pelicans could use more from the second unit, which combined for five points on 2-of-11 shooting on Wednesday as power forward Julius Randle slumped to three points - the first time this season he failed to reach double figures.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Pelicans PF Nikola Mirotic (ankle) returned from a two-game absence on Wednesday but will undergo an MRI on Thursday and is day-to-day.
2. Knicks rookie C Mitchell Robinson blocked three shots on Wednesday - his fifth straight game with multiple blocks.
3. New York dropped four of the last five meetings but earned a 105-103 win in its trip to New Orleans last season.
PREDICTION: Pelicans 130, Knicks 110
The New Orleans Pelicans have done nothing but streak this season and are hoping Wednesday's setback at Minnesota doesn't send the team into another tailspin. The Pelicans will try to avoid a losing streak when they host the lowly New York Knicks on Friday.
New Orleans, which began the season with four wins, followed that with six losses and then won three straight to pull above .500, fell into a 21-point hole in the second quarter against the Timberwolves and ran out of gas down the stretch. "You gotta start the game the right way, and we didn't do it," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "We dug ourselves a hole and spent too much energy getting out. We talked before about everything, putting ourselves in a position where we can catch the lead." New Orleans should be able to score early and often against the Knicks, who are allowing an average of 123.7 points during a three-game slide and dropped the first stop of a three-game trip 128-103 at Oklahoma City on Wednesday. “With young teams that’s just how it is," New York coach David Fizdale told reporters. "If everybody was a complete player right now, I think we'd be in a lot different situation record-wise."
TV: 8 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), FS New Orleans
ABOUT THE KNICKS (4-11): Fizdale changed his lineup on Wednesday to get more offense in the starting unit with Emmanuel Mudiay and Kevin Knox replacing Frank Ntilikina and Damyean Dotson. Mudiay handed out five assists for a New York team that is last in the NBA in assist average (19) but combined with Knox to go 7-of-21 from the floor. "We have a microcosm of how I'd like our guys to play," Fizdale, who remains optimistic about his young squad, told reporters of the new lineup and its intended results. "Fast, athletic, disruptive."
ABOUT THE PELICANS (7-7): New Orleans fell in Minnesota but shooting guard E'Twaun Moore kept up his recent run of solid play with a season-high 31 points. Moore scored in single digits in back-to-back games before going for 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting in a win over Phoenix and following that up with 30 points on 13-of-18 from the floor in a victory at Toronto on Monday. The Pelicans could use more from the second unit, which combined for five points on 2-of-11 shooting on Wednesday as power forward Julius Randle slumped to three points - the first time this season he failed to reach double figures.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Pelicans PF Nikola Mirotic (ankle) returned from a two-game absence on Wednesday but will undergo an MRI on Thursday and is day-to-day.
2. Knicks rookie C Mitchell Robinson blocked three shots on Wednesday - his fifth straight game with multiple blocks.
3. New York dropped four of the last five meetings but earned a 105-103 win in its trip to New Orleans last season.
PREDICTION: Pelicans 130, Knicks 110
ATS Trends
New York
Knicks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Friday games.
Knicks are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 vs. Western Conference.
Knicks are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Knicks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Knicks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Knicks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
New Orleans
Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Pelicans are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Pelicans are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Pelicans are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pelicans are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Pelicans are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 home games.
Pelicans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pelicans are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pelicans are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Pelicans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Pelicans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Pelicans are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
New York
Under is 6-0 in Knicks last 6 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 10-4 in Knicks last 14 Friday games.
Over is 12-5 in Knicks last 17 vs. Western Conference.
New Orleans
Under is 5-1 in Pelicans last 6 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 4-1 in Pelicans last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 9-3 in Pelicans last 12 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 58-22 in Pelicans last 80 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Over is 73-31 in Pelicans last 104 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 9-4 in Pelicans last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Head to Head
Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in New Orleans.
Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
Knicks are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings in New Orleans.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
New York
Knicks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Friday games.
Knicks are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 vs. Western Conference.
Knicks are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Knicks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Knicks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Knicks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
New Orleans
Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Pelicans are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Pelicans are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Pelicans are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pelicans are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Pelicans are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 home games.
Pelicans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pelicans are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pelicans are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Pelicans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Pelicans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Pelicans are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
OU Trends
New York
Under is 6-0 in Knicks last 6 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 10-4 in Knicks last 14 Friday games.
Over is 12-5 in Knicks last 17 vs. Western Conference.
New Orleans
Under is 5-1 in Pelicans last 6 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 4-1 in Pelicans last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 9-3 in Pelicans last 12 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 58-22 in Pelicans last 80 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Over is 73-31 in Pelicans last 104 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 9-4 in Pelicans last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Head to Head
Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in New Orleans.
Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
Knicks are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings in New Orleans.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Preview: Bulls at Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks attempt to bounce back from their first home loss of the season when they host the Chicago Bulls on Friday. The Bucks were outplayed down the stretch on Wednesday, when they suffered a 116-113 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the opener of a six-game homestand.
Milwaukee was just 9-of-35 from 3-point range and swingman Khris Middleton missed a tying 3-point attempt as the buzzer while falling to 6-1 at home. The early-season success of the Bucks has been partially due to the team's long-range success as Milwaukee makes an NBA-leading 14.8 3-pointers per game. The Bulls have dropped back-to-back games and Wednesday's loss was a brutal 111-82 trouncing against the Boston Celtics that included 22 turnovers. "They came out and hit us in the mouth in the second quarter," Chicago coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters of being outscored 32-11. "A huge thing in this league is, find a way to fight through adversity and play through tough times, and we obviously did not do that well."
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, WGN (Chicago), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
ABOUT THE BULLS (4-11): High-scoring shooting guard Zach LaVine had just 10 points against the Celtics after scoring at least 20 in each of the first 14 games of the season. LaVine, who averages 25.9 points, was just 3-of-11 from the field, and knew his lackluster outing didn't help matters on a night in which Boston pulled away. "We just weren't scoring the ball," LaVine told reporters. "We were playing really good defense, but the floodgates opened up and we couldn't respond."
ABOUT THE BUCKS (10-4): Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting in the loss to Memphis and topped 20 points in each of his last eight games. Antetokounmpo has four 30-point outings while averaging 25 points and is shooting 56 percent from the field despite being only 2-of-28 from 3-point range. Middleton scored 25 points against the Grizzlies and ranks fourth in the NBA with 47 3-point baskets entering Thursday's play with teammate Brook Lopez tied for seventh with 41 makes.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The teams split last season's four meetings.
2. The Bulls failed to reach 100 points in four straight games and are averaging 94.3 during the stretch.
3. Milwaukee rookie SG Donte DiVincenzo (knee) was injured Wednesday and is questionable to play versus Chicago.
PREDICTION: Bucks 121, Bulls 102
The Milwaukee Bucks attempt to bounce back from their first home loss of the season when they host the Chicago Bulls on Friday. The Bucks were outplayed down the stretch on Wednesday, when they suffered a 116-113 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the opener of a six-game homestand.
Milwaukee was just 9-of-35 from 3-point range and swingman Khris Middleton missed a tying 3-point attempt as the buzzer while falling to 6-1 at home. The early-season success of the Bucks has been partially due to the team's long-range success as Milwaukee makes an NBA-leading 14.8 3-pointers per game. The Bulls have dropped back-to-back games and Wednesday's loss was a brutal 111-82 trouncing against the Boston Celtics that included 22 turnovers. "They came out and hit us in the mouth in the second quarter," Chicago coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters of being outscored 32-11. "A huge thing in this league is, find a way to fight through adversity and play through tough times, and we obviously did not do that well."
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, WGN (Chicago), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
ABOUT THE BULLS (4-11): High-scoring shooting guard Zach LaVine had just 10 points against the Celtics after scoring at least 20 in each of the first 14 games of the season. LaVine, who averages 25.9 points, was just 3-of-11 from the field, and knew his lackluster outing didn't help matters on a night in which Boston pulled away. "We just weren't scoring the ball," LaVine told reporters. "We were playing really good defense, but the floodgates opened up and we couldn't respond."
ABOUT THE BUCKS (10-4): Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting in the loss to Memphis and topped 20 points in each of his last eight games. Antetokounmpo has four 30-point outings while averaging 25 points and is shooting 56 percent from the field despite being only 2-of-28 from 3-point range. Middleton scored 25 points against the Grizzlies and ranks fourth in the NBA with 47 3-point baskets entering Thursday's play with teammate Brook Lopez tied for seventh with 41 makes.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The teams split last season's four meetings.
2. The Bulls failed to reach 100 points in four straight games and are averaging 94.3 during the stretch.
3. Milwaukee rookie SG Donte DiVincenzo (knee) was injured Wednesday and is questionable to play versus Chicago.
PREDICTION: Bucks 121, Bulls 102
