Friday 11/18/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

German Bundesliga TODAY 19:30

B Leverkusen

v

RB Leipzig

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT3		13/10	12/5	21/10	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT B LEVERKUSEN	RECENT FORM
H DH LA D*A WA WH W​ Most recent​	Unknown	A DH WA WH WA WH W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Leipzig are unbeaten this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Impressive Leipzig have sent shockwaves through German football with their sudden rise to prominence and they can go top of the Bundesliga table with a victory over Leverkusen. The hosts are only in eighth this season and may be focusing on Tuesday's crucial European clash with CSKA Moscow.

RECOMMENDATION: Leipzig
1

Championship TODAY 19:45

Brighton

v

Aston Villa

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		10/11	5/2	15/4	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT BRIGHTON	RECENT FORM
A WH DH WA WH WA W​ Most recent​	0 - 0 0 - 1 1 - 0 1 - 1	A LH DA WH WA DH W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Villa have drawn nine of their 16 league matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Brighton are in the promotion mix again but they may have to settle for a point against Aston Villa. The visitors have shown signs of improvement under new boss Steve Bruce but Brighton have lost only one of their last 19 matches at the Amex and will prove a tough side to break down.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
2


REFEREE: Stephen Martin STADIUM:

French Ligue 1 TODAY 19:45

Lille

v

Lyon

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT S		2	11/5	6/4	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LILLE	RECENT FORM
A LH WA LH WH LA L​ Most recent​	1 - 0 2 - 1 0 - 0 1 - 1	A LH LH LA WA DH W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Lille have lost seven of their last nine matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Lyon’s inconsistencies have let them down this season but the return to fitness of Alexandre Lacazette has signalled an upturn in form with Bruno Genesio’s side recording back-to-back wins before the international break. Lille are really struggling and the visitors could prove overpriced.

RECOMMENDATION: Lyon
1

Spanish La Liga TODAY 19:45

Real Betis

v

Las Palmas

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		13/10	23/10	11/5	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT REAL BETIS	RECENT FORM
H WA LH LA WH LA L​ Most recent​	1 - 0 0 - 0 1 - 0 4 - 1	H DA DH DA LH DH W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Matches involving Las Palmas have averaged 3.55 goals this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Las Palmas have produced some of the most exciting matches in La Liga this season and they will attempt to take the game to Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin. Only fixtures involving Barcelona, Real Madrid and Celta Vigo have featured more goals than Las Palmas so this should be high-scoring.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
1

Spanish La Liga Sa 19Nov 12:00

Deportivo

v

Seville

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		23/10	12/5	6/5	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT DEPORTIVO	RECENT FORM
A LH WA LA LH DA D​ Most recent​	1 - 1 3 - 4 0 - 2 3 - 3	A WA WH WA DH WH L​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Both teams have scored in four of Deportivo’s five home games

EXPERT VERDICT: Seville are enjoying a fine start to the season and are favourites to bounce back from a home defeat to Barcelona by winning at Deportivo. However, doubts remain over the Andalusians’ defending - both teams have scored in eight of their 11 league matches this term - and Depor have enough about them to trouble the visitors’ rearguard.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
2

Premier League Sa 19Nov 12:30

Man Utd

v

Arsenal

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		6/4	12/5	2	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MAN UTD	RECENT FORM
H WA LH WH DA LA W​ Most recent​	3 - 2 1 - 1 1 - 2 1 - 0	H WH DH WA WA WH D​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Arsenal have won only twice in 13 meetings with United

EXPERT VERDICT: Manchester United have yet to convince under Jose Mourinho but the master tactician can extend his excellent head-to-head record against Arsene Wenger with victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford. The managers have met 14 times in competitive action and Mourinho has yet to lose to his rival, boasting a 54 per cent win ratio.

RECOMMENDATION: Man Utd
1


REFEREE: Andre Marriner STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

In the Crease - Week 6
By Joe Williams

Streaky Teams
Wins and Losses Streak Over/Under Streak
Boston 7-2 past 9 overall Los Angeles Under 9-1-1 past 11
Calgary 1-6 past 7 overall Minnesota Under 6-1-1 past 8
Chicago 8-0-1 past 9 overall Ottawa Under 8-0 past 8
New Jersey 4-0 past 4 overall Pittsburgh Over 6-2-2 past 10
Vancouver 2-9-1 past 12 overall Tampa Bay Under 4-0-1 past 5

Deserted Island
The New York Islanders head into Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins with just one win over their past seven outings (1-3-3), and 2-5-3 over their past 10 outings. They were blanked Monday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and they're averaging just 1.8 goals per game over the past seven games. They dropped a 4-2 decision at Pittsburgh Oct. 27 in their first meeting with the Pens, and they're 1-3-1 over the past two seasons against the Penguins while averaging just 1.4 goals per game.

Montreal Machine
The Montreal Canadiens have dropped their past two road outings, but they have been impenetrable at home. The Habs are a perfect 10-0-0 at home while allowing a total of 12 goals during the impressive span. While that streak is impressive, they also have a unique 0-0-4 record on their past four totals. Carey Price is schedule to start between the pipes Tuesday against the Florida Panthers. Al Montoya is 1-2-1 over his past four starts, while Carey Price is 10-0-0 with a 1.40 Goals-Against Average (GAA) with a .957 save percentage and a pair of shutouts.

Looking Ahead

Friday, Nov. 18
The Flames host the Blackhawks for the third meeting between the teams, and first in Calgary. The Blackhawks blasted the Flames 5-1 in the most recent meeting Nov. 1, while the Flames surprised the Blackhawks 3-2 in a shootout Oct. 24 in the first matchup. ... The Rangers invade Columbus Friday night. New York swept all four meetings last season, winning both games at Nationwide Arena by a 4-2 count. The Blue Jackets have lost seven straight in this series since their last win over the Blueshirts Oct. 11, 2014.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL roundup: Stamkos-less Lightning strike Sabres
By The Sports Xchange

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Alex Killorn had a goal and an assist as the Tampa Bay Lightning began life without captain Steven Stamkos with a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.
Nikita Nesterov, Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point also scored for Tampa Bay, which was playing without Stamkos for the first time since he suffered a knee injury Tuesday. The team announced during the game that Stamkos is expected to miss four months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
Ben Bishop made 32 saves for Tampa Bay.
Cody Franson scored for Buffalo. Robin Lehner made 34 saves.

Flyers 5, Jets 2
PHILADELPHIA -- One day after blaming himself for costing Philadelphia a point in a shootout loss to Ottawa, goaltender Steve Mason helped earn his team two points with a win over the Winnipeg Jets.
Mason turned aside 30 of 32 shots and received goal support from Sean Couturier, Michael Raffl, Mark Streit, Brandon Manning and Wayne Simmonds to help give the Flyers their second win in three games.
Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, on the other hand, struggled all night, stopping just 17 of 21 shots to suffer his first loss since Nov. 6. Dustin Byfuglien and Blake Wheeler scored for the Jets.

Maple Leafs 6, Panthers 1
TORONTO -- Connor Brown scored two first-period goals and added two assists, and Toronto defeated Florida.
Leo Komarov and James van Riemsdyk each had a goal and an assist, and Mitch Marner and Jake Gardiner each added a goal for the Maple Leafs.
Aaron Ekblad scored for the Panthers, who had won their previous two games.
Frederik Anderson stopped 27 shots in the Maple Leafs goal while Panthers goaltender James Reimer made 24 stops in his first game against the Maple Leafs, his former team.

Predators 5, Senators 1
OTTAWA -- Nashville defeated Ottawa for the second time in nine days at Canadian Tire Centre.
Colton Sissons, Ryan Ellis, Pontus Aberg, James Neal and Mike Ribeiro scored for the Predators.
Derick Brassard replied for the Senators.
Predators goalie Pekka Rinne made 30 saves. Senators goalie Mike Condon stopped 35 shots.

Blues 3, Sharks 2
ST. LOUIS -- A power-play goal by David Perron broke a tie in the second period and sent St. Louis over San Jose.
Jaden Schwartz scored the first two goals for the Blues, giving him five goals in his last six games and six for the season. Kevin Lablanc and Logan Couture scored for the Sharks.

Wild 1, Bruins 0
SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- Mikael Granlund's goal with 44.5 seconds remaining in regulation broke a scoreless tie and lifted Minnesota over Boston.
Granlund, who also scored the Wild's most recent goal at home, attempted to feed Jonas Brodin at the weak-side post but his pass deflected behind Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask to break the Wild's six-period scoreless streak at home.
As expected, though, Rask (28 saves) and Minnesota's Devan Dubnyk (25 saves) were the stars of the show. The shutout is Dubnyk's league-leading fourth of the season.

Stars 3, Avalanche 2
DALLAS -- Kari Lehtonen stopped 34 of 36 shots, helping Dallas hold on for a victory against Colorado at American Airlines Center.
Johnny Oduya, Brett Ritchie and Patrick Eaves scored for the Stars, all in the first period.
The Avalanche got a goal and an assist from Nathan MacKinnon and a goal from Mikhail Grigorenko.

Ducks 3, Devils 2
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Ryan Kesler scored with 3:40 to play as Anaheim rallied for a win over New Jersey Devils at the Honda Center.
Jakob Silfverberg added a goal and an assist, Rickard Rakell contributed a goal and goalie Jonathan Bernier stopped 27 shots for the Ducks, who earned their fifth win in seven games.
Kyle Quincy had a goal and an assist for the Devils, whose five-game winning streak ended. Goalie Cory Schneider made 20 saves.

Kings 4, Oilers 2
LOS ANGELES -- Jeff Carter scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, and Los Angeles ended a three-game skid with a victory over Edmonton at Staples Center.
Devin Setoguichi added an insurance goal, his third of the season, with 6:45 left in the contest as the Kings beat the Oilers for the 10th consecutive time at home. Carter and Tyler Toffoli each had a goal an assist. Derek Forbort also scored for the Kings.
Darnell Nurse and Oscar Klefbom scored for the Oilers.

Canucks 3, Coyotes 2 (OT)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Ben Hutton scored on a penalty shot at 3:34 of overtime to give Vancouver a victory over Arizona.
Hutton was awarded the penalty shot after being hooked by the Coyotes' Dylan Strome on a breakaway. Daniel Sedin had a power-play goal and an assist for the Canucks, who battled back from a 2-0 deficit. Brandon Sutter also scored for Vancouver.
Brad Richardson and Anthony DeAngelo scored for the Coyotes, who lost their fourth straight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Penguins (10-4) at Islanders (5-8)

Date: November 18, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- There may not be a team in the NHL that needs a win more than the New York Islanders. A desperate Islanders team is going to meet an angry but wounded opponent Friday night, when the Pittsburgh Penguins travel to Barclays Center for the second meeting this season between the Metropolitan Division rivals.

The Islanders (5-8-3), who reached the second round of the playoffs last spring for the first time since 1993, will enter Friday with the fewest points in the Eastern Conference. New York has lost three straight (0-2-1) and six of seven (1-3-3) this month.

In the Islanders' most recent game, a 4-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, a rapidly emptying crowd of 12,498 chanted for the firing of head coach Jack Capuano, who appeared to be making a case to stay by using some variation of "it's on me" three times during his postgame press conference.

"I have to find the right combinations for us to find some offense," said Capuano, whose team is 2-8-3 when scoring three goals or fewer. "We've been able to do it in the past. I have faith in myself and our coaching staff to figure it out. But we have to find a way to get some offense."

Capuano tinkered with the top line during practice Thursday, when center and captain John Tavares was flanked by Ryan Strome and Josh Bailey. Tavares has a team-high five goals this season while Strome and Bailey have scored twice apiece.

The new-look Islanders will get quite a challenge Friday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins (10-4-2), who suffered their worst loss in almost six years in falling to the Washington Capitals, 7-1, on Wednesday.

"We were embarrassed out there tonight, all of us," Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said Wednesday night. "It's humbling when you go through it. My hope is that we learn from it and make sure it doesn't happen again."

Pittsburgh last lost by at least six goals on Feb. 2, 2011, when the Islanders routed the Penguins 9-3 at Nassau Coliseum.

"Our team as a group tonight, we weren't ready to play," Sullivan said. "And we can search for solutions tactically, but sometimes this game is more about will than it is about skill."

Not only did the Penguins lose the game, but they potentially lost two key forwards for Friday's game.

Rugged wingers Patric Hornqvist and Chris Kunitz could both miss the game. Both are day-to-day, with Hornqvist dealing with a concussion and Kunitz dealing with a lower-body injury. Their availability won't be determined until Friday's morning skate.

The Penguins also waived Tom Sestito on Wednesday in order to give themselves flexibility should they need to make a call-up or two on Friday afternoon.

The Islanders have had an uncanny knack this month for running into teams coming off lopsided losses. Of New York's six losses in November, five have come against a team that lost its preceding game by more than two goals.

"I'm sure they'll be well-prepared no matter what the circumstance," Tavares told Newsday following practice on Thursday.

The Penguins won the first game of the season between the teams on Oct. 27, when they beat the Islander 4-2 at PPG Paints Arena. The game Friday marks the first of two trips to Barclays Center this month for Pittsburgh, which visits again Nov. 30. The season series concludes March 24 in Pittsburgh.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Wings (8-8) at Capitals (10-4)

Date: November 18, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- The Washington Capitals look to build on Wednesday's blowout of the Pittsburgh Penguins when they continue their five-game homestand Friday night against the Detroit Red Wings.

Washington (10-4-2) moved into a second-place tie with the Penguins in the Metropolitan Division with a resounding 7-1 win. The victory followed a four-game stretch in which the Capitals had mustered only five goals.

Now the task will be to follow it up against Detroit (8-8-1), losers of two straight.

"There's been times in the last week or so where portions of games haven't been that bad. We're doing a few good things but it just wasn't sustained enough where tonight I thought we were pedal to the metal the whole way," Matt Niskanen said after Wednesday's victory. "Got a nice little homestand here ... hopefully look for some good results here."

Linemates Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie scored two goals apiece, while Dmitry Orlov, Justin Williams (his second goal of the season) and Alex Ovechkin (his first goal in five games) also tallied. After five games without a power-play goal, Washington netted two against Pittsburgh.

Backstrom, of one the game's best assist men, has three goals in two games.

"He's got a terrific shot," Capitals coach Barry Trotz said. "It's quick, it's accurate and it's very deceptive, so yes, I think anytime he gets a chance, (he should) not be afraid to shoot it because he shoots it pretty well."

After sitting for two games, a well-rested Braden Holtby lost his bid for his first shutout with just over three minutes remaining. He's 6-2, with a 1.97 goals- against average and .931 save percentage versus the Red Wings.

Detroit learned this week it will be without forward Darren Helm for at least six weeks after he suffered a shoulder injury in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Tampa Bay. He had four goals and three assists over 17 games. Riley Sheahan, still looking for his first goal of the season, could move into the third-line center spot.

"With Darren's injury, that could give some more opportunity to Riley," Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill told the Detroit Free Press. "He had lots of opportunity early, and then his opportunity went away here in the last little bit. It's hard to produce when you don't get the opportunity."

Goalie Petr Mrazek (4-5-1, 3.16) has allowed four goals in each of his last four starts. Jimmy Howard (4-3, 1.80) could get the start Friday night, though he's 3-1-3 with 3.15 goals-against average and .890 save percentage versus the Capitals.

"Jimmy has played really good," Blashill said. "He's done what he has had to do in terms of putting up the numbers when given the opportunity, in terms of winning hockey games when you can and giving ourselves the best chance to win. Jimmy has made a good statement."

Whoever starts faces a Washington team that has three points in its last two games and appears locked in again on offense.

"We've just got to get the joy back in our game a little bit," Trotz said. "We know we can play more consistent, but at the same time understanding that we've got to keep building our game in certain areas."

Ovechkin has 10 goals and eight assists in 17 games versus Detroit.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (13-4) at Blue Jackets (8-4)

Date: November 18, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus Blue Jackets try for a club-record seventh straight victory at home when they play the first-place New York Rangers on Friday in a Metropolitan Division clash at Nationwide Arena.

The Rangers (13-4-0), who are highest-scoring team in the NHL at 4.2 goals per game, routed the Canucks 7-2 on Tuesday in Vancouver for their third straight victory.

"It was our third game in four nights and our guys really paid the price," New York coach Alain Vigneault said. "We have to heal our wounds here a little bit because we are a little banged up and we are going to get ready for Columbus on Friday."

Left wing Chris Kreider rejoined the Rangers on Thursday and is expected to play Friday, after being sidelined with an upper-body injury.

Kreider, who has three goals and eight assists in 11 games, was sent back to New York from Edmonton on Sunday for further evaluation relating to cervical/spinal issues by team doctors. He missed four games in late October because neck spasms.

Left wing JT Miller (seven goals) leads the Rangers in points this season with 17 in 17 games. Right wing Michael Grabner has a team-most 10 goals.

The team is backstopped by goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (9-4-0), who owns a 2.24 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.

"We just know sooner or later good things are going to happen," Lundqvist said. "Someone is going to make a big play and the big thing is when guys are getting an opportunity, they are seeing net, they are not seeing a goalie right now and that's huge to be able to score when you are under pressure.

"That gives you a lot of confidence."

Columbus's home winning streak tied a club record.

Blue Jackets associate coach Brad Shaw has helped the team's defense blossom.

"Brad Shaw is one of the most intellectual guys I've met as far as how he looks at the game,' Columbus coach John Tortorella said. "It's a huge hire for us ... I think it's the youngest group in the league, our back end.

"I think it's a perfect time for them to come together here. Our engine is our back end."

Zach Werenski, a 19-year-old rookie defenseman, was tied for third in rookie scoring and fourth among NHL defensemen through Wednesday's games with five goals and eight assists in 14 games.

"I don't think he knows just how good he can be," Columbus captain Nick Foligno said of Werenski. "That's exciting. He comes to work every day with the right attitude to get better. He realizes he can make a difference when he's on the ice."

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is 8-4-1 with a 2.22 goals-against average and .933 save percentage.

Foligno leads all Blue Jackets with 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 14 games. He's matched his 2015-16 total with five multi-point games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Canadiens (13-2) at Hurricanes (5-6)

Date: November 18, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes have been playing their best hockey of the season during the past week and they're likely to need more of that when they take on the NHL's top team.

The Montreal Canadiens visit PNC Arena on Friday night.

"It doesn't change for us," Carolina coach Bill Peters said. "It's about what we do."

Yet while the Hurricanes have been on a brief uptick to move out of the Eastern Conference basement, the Canadiens have encountered their first sustained glitches of the season.

Montreal has failed to win its last two games, marking the first time this year it has gone that long without a victory. The Canadiens are coming off Tuesday night's 4-3 overtime loss at home to the Florida Panthers.

"We need to win battles for the puck and protect the pick," said Canadiens coach Michel Therrien, whose Montreal team has a league-best 13-2-2 record.

With back-to-back wins against Washington and San Jose, the Hurricanes have been particularly successful on defense. They've given up one goal across the last two games, including posting their first shutout of the season by blanking San Jose 1-0.

"It's starting to come together," Peters said. "We want chemistry and we want continuity. We have an identity we're trying to get to. I like the direction we're headed."

Peters said the Hurricanes (5-6-4) have shown good discipline and that has allowed the team to flourish in several areas.

"It's a combination of a lot of different things that have been working for the lines," Peters said. "The execution has been very high. ... We've got to get seconds and thirds (attempts on goal)."

The Hurricanes, who are 15-for-15 on penalty kills across the last seven games, have dominated at times with faceoffs, giving them extra possessions.

"Faceoff execution, not only winning it but doing something with it," Peters said.

Friday's game will mark the fourth in a five-game homestand for Carolina.

"We need to get some points in the bank," Peters said. "This is a big homestand for us and we have two left."

The Canadiens are playing their only road game during a five-game stretch.

Montreal forward Alexander Radulov will miss the Carolina game because of illness, meaning he'll skip his second game in a row.

The goalie matchup is listed as Montreal's Al Montoya and Carolina's Cam Ward.

"He has made the big saves at the big moments," Peters said of Ward. "We're better in front and he's better."

Ward credited teammates for tying up sticks and limiting rebounds.

"You just try to keep a quiet mind," Ward said. "You've got to build some momentum. These last two games have been our best two games of the year. We did it in real good fashion. ... It's not going to get any easier."

The Hurricanes will need to keep watch on Montreal center Alex Galchenyuk, who holds a six-game points streak. To Therrien, that kind of production seems just about right.

"He's working hard and he's getting his reward for that," Therrien said. "His positioning (has been good). ... That's a process."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blackhawks (11-4) at Flames (7-10)

Date: November 18, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

CALGARY, Alberta -- The Calgary Flames struggled to win with Johnny Gaudreau. Now they face a long stretch in which they must win without him.

The Flames play their second game without their injured star on Friday, hosting a Chicago Blackhawks squad that is infinitely better than the team they defeated in their first game without Gaudreau on Wednesday, the Arizona Coyotes.

"Every guy recognizes that we lost a really good player and now collectively we have to play a certain way to get ourselves in a position to get points in this league," Calgary coach Glen Gulutzan said. "It's certainly hurt us as a hockey club, but we look at it as something we can rally around and try to find a true identity here."

Gaudreau underwent surgery Wednesday afternoon after breaking a finger the night before when slashed by Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter. He is expected to miss about six weeks, Calgary general manager Brad Treliving said.

The Flames (7-10-1) beat the Wild 1-0 on Tuesday on Gaudreau's goal and followed it up the next night by eking out a 2-1 overtime victory over Coyotes, who are last overall in the 30-team league.

Up next, however, is one of the league's elite squads, Chicago, which is third overall entering Friday's play. The Blackhawks (11-4-2) began a seven-game road trip with a 4-0 loss in Winnipeg on Tuesday, which ended their seven-game winning streak and marked the first time they failed to gain at least a point in 11.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is very conscious that the chasing teams aren't far behind.

"There's a real big pack in the middle; everybody seems to be just around the .500 mark," he told the Chicago Tribune. "The way we've been playing, we're fortunate where we are in the standings. It's a tremendous pack where everybody's in the mix and there are no easy games."

The Flames took Thursday off from both skating and answering questions about how they were going to overcome the loss of Gaudreau, who after struggling to start the season appeared to be rounding into form. He had three goals in his last two games.

"We're sort of working around a six-week timeframe (for his absence)," Treliving said. "Hopefully it's shorter. ...

"We don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves. We have to come together. ... Everyone has injuries. You deal with them."

The Blackhawks began their 13-day road trip unhappy with their play despite not having lost in regulation since Oct. 21 prior to the Winnipeg setback. Expectations certainly are higher for a team chasing first place overall than they are for someone like the Flames, who are just trying to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.

"It's not how you want to start (the trip) at all," Quenneville told the Chicago Sun-Times. "We have tougher games as we keep going. They keep getting tougher and tougher and tougher. There's no easy games on the road anymore. We've had a favorable schedule here, and we know we have to play much better."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Grand Salami - November

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
11/1 12 66.5 57 UNDER
11/2 3 16.5 16 UNDER
11/3 12 65.5 65 UNDER
11/4 3 16 24 OVER
11/5 13 69 70 OVER
11/6 6 32 33 OVER
11/7 3 15 14 UNDER
11/8 10 55.5 60 OVER
11/9 3 15.5 11 UNDER
11/10 10 54.5 54 UNDER
11/11 6 31.5 30 UNDER
11/12 11 56.5 61 OVER
11/13 6 32 28 UNDER
11/14 1 5.5 4 UNDER
11/15 13 70.5 63 UNDER
11/16 2 10.5 11 OVER
11/17 10 53.5 52 UNDER
11/18 5 - - -
11/19 11 - - -
11/20 5 - - -
11/21 7 - - -
11/22 5 - - -
11/23 12 - - -
11/24 2 - - -
11/25 11 - - -
11/26 9 - - -
11/27 6 - - -
11/28 2 - - -
11/29 12 - - -
11/30 3 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Friday’s games

Pittsburgh won four of last five games with Islanders; three of last four series games stayed under total. Penguins lost three of last four visits here. Home side won six of last eight series games. Pittsburgh is 7-3 in last ten games but lost two of last three on road. Islanders lost six of last seven games; under is 2-0-1 in their last three, when they were outscored 11-3.

Washington won four of last five games with Detroit (under 4-0-1); Red Wings lost three of last four visits here. Detroit lost seven of its last nine games; under is 3-1-1 in their last five- they’re 3-4 on road. Caps lost three of last five games but hammered Penguins 7-1 in last game; over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games. Washington is 4-2 a home this season.

Rangers won their last seven games with Columbus; five of last six series games went over the total. New York won its last three visits here by combined score of 10-5. Rangers won eight of last nine games, with five of last seven going over total- they won last four road games by combined score of 19-6. Blue Jackets won six of last eight games; under is 7-3 in their last ten.

Montreal won seven of last eight games with Carolina under is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Canadiens won three of last four visits to Raleigh- they lost last two games 3-2/4-2, after a 13-2 start to season. Over is 3-0-4 in their last seven games. Hurricanes won last two games 1-0/5-1 after a 1-5 skid. Over is 3-1-1 in their last five home games.

Chicago won five of last seven games with Calgary; five of last six series games stayed under the total. Blackhawks are 3-2 in last five visits to Saddledome. Chicago lost two of last three games after winning seven in row; they’re 3-3 on road. Under is 4-1-2 in their last seven games. Flames won last two games 2-1/1-0 after a 1-6 skid; six of their last seven games stayed under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA roundup: Harden's triple-double lifts Rockets
By The Sports Xchange

HOUSTON -- James Harden posted his third triple double in five games and the Houston Rockets turned offensive blitzed in the first and third quarters into a 126-109 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night at Toyota Center.
Harden totaled 26 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds to pace the Rockets (7-5) while they shot 48.4 from the floor including 14 of 32 on 3-pointers. All five Houston starters reached double figures in points including guard Patrick Beverley, who scored 11 in his first start of the season following preseason left knee surgery.
Forward Trevor Ariza scored 16 points while center Clint Capela added 15. Each chipped in seven boards. Guard Eric Gordon added 16 points off the Houston bench.

Timberwolves 110, 76ers 86
MINNEAPOLIS -- Andrew Wiggins scored 35 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and 10 rebounds in a matchup of star young centers as Minnesota cruised to a victory against Philadelphia.
Wiggins added 10 rebounds and four assists, while shooting 14 of 20 as two of the four youngest teams in the NBA met for a nationally televised game showcasing the young skill of players like Wiggins, Towns and Philadelphia rookie center Joel Embiid.
Gorgui Dieng had his fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds for Minnesota, which won for the third time in five games. Dieng also helped limit Embiid to 10 points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes of action. It's the second straight double-double for Embiid and his third of the season. But the 7-footer entered the game leading all rookies with 18 points per game.

Heat 96, Bucks 73
MIAMI -- Dion Waiters scored 23 points and Miami snapped a six-game losing streak with a win over Milwaukee at AmericanAirlines Arena.
The losing skid was the longest since 2008 for the Heat.
The Heat got some revenge against the Bucks, who had won their previous three meetings in Miami. Even with the win, the Heat is just 2-6 in their past eight games against the Bucks.
Point guard Goran Dragic, who had missed the past three games due to an injured left ankle, returned to the starting lineup and contributed 16 points and four assists.

Wizards 119, Knicks 112
WASHINGTON -- John Wall had 23 points and 11 assists as Washington snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over New York.
The Wizards returned home after a demoralizing 109-102 loss Wednesday to a one-win Philadelphia 76ers squad during which they trailed by as many as 24 points.
Washington reversed course dramatically by sinking 15 of 25 3-pointers and limiting New York's offense for most of the game.

Bulls 85, Jazz 77
SALT LAKE CITY -- Jimmy Butler scored 20 points and Dwyane Wade added 18 to lead Chicago to its fourth consecutive victory, a decision over Utah.
Robin Lopez added 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulls, who won their third consecutive road game. Chicago overcame shooting 36.7 percent (33 of 90) from the floor by holding Utah to 38.5 percent (30 off 78) from the field.
Rudy Gobert scored 16 points, collected 13 rebounds and blocked three shots to lead the Jazz. Dante Exum chipped in 14 points and Rodney Hood added 12 for Utah, which lost its second straight home game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Suns (3-9) at Pacers (6-6)

Date: November 18, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers will look to keep their strong week going as they host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

The Pacers (6-6) have won consecutive games for the first time this season, defeating the Orlando Magic on Monday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Despite the .500 overall record, the Pacers are 6-1 on their home court.

"We're slowly building day by day," said Pacers center Myles Turner. "We've got to keep the ball rolling."

Coach Nate McMillan is seeing the improvement on the defensive end.

"We've gone back to focusing on the basics," McMillan said. "We were switching a lot, but that was making us too soft. We've gone back to working hard and just playing traditional defense."

Turner added: "To be the team we want to be, and to go where we want to go, we've got to be a good defensive team."

The Pacers and Suns have both been much better on the offensive end compared to the defensive end overall this year. It could make for a high-scoring game.

"They've got some good guards," said Pacers point guard Jeff Teague. "We have to make sure we match their intensity."

Those guards include Devin Booker (20.5 points per game), Eric Bledsoe (17.5), and Brandon Knight (12.8).

The Suns (3-9) have lost three straight games. They're averaging 108 points per game, good enough for fifth in the NBA. However, they're also fifth-worst in the NBA in defensive efficiency (107 points allowed per 100 possessions).

Phoenix has scored over 100 points in every game except the opener, but still has nine losses to show for it. That will happen when you give up the most points per game in the NBA as the Suns have so far this season.

They've given up 120 points or more in three consecutive games for the first time since 1988.

"We're 3-9," Suns guard Brandon Knight told ESPN.com. "Our goal was to be a playoff team, so we have a lot of major issues."

Knight scored a season-high 32 points in the losing effort against Denver on Wednesday. He's been getting more accustomed to his role off the Suns' bench.

"It's not an easy transition," Knight said of being a sixth man. "Just trying to figure out a routine. That's the biggest thing. You've had a routine over the past five, six years. Just trying to figure out how to be successful within the time you're playing and how to pace yourself because you can play long spurts as a bench guy."

Both teams are in the midst of a critical early season stretch. The Pacers have been playing a lot of home games lately, and that will continue with four of their next five games in Indianapolis. The next six games for the Suns will be against the Pacers, Sixers, Wizards, Magic, Timberwolves, and Magic. Those teams have a combined 22-44 record, and the Suns will need to take advantage.

For the first time in several weeks, Rodney Stuckey is listed as questionable for the Pacers. He will be returning soon from a hamstring injury.

The Pacers won both games against the Suns last season, but Phoenix has won eight of their previous 11 trips to Indiana.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pistons (6-6) at Cavaliers (9-2)

Date: November 18, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers will face each other Friday night for the first time since a somewhat chippy and intense playoff series last spring that ended in a Cleveland sweep in the first round. But the games were more competitive -- and physical -- than a typical sweep.

Pistons forward Stanley Johnson, at the time only a rookie, bragged he thought he was in LeBron James' head during the series. And if he wasn't, the Pistons certainly seemed to be targeting it.

Andre Drummond clubbed James with a blow to the head during the series, and Marcus Morris caught James with a body shot. The series grew in intensity throughout, although both sides survived without serious injuries.

James sat out Wednesday's loss at Indiana to rest, lowering the Cavs' record in games without him to 4-16 since he returned to Cleveland three seasons ago. But he'll be back in the lineup for Friday's game in Cleveland, and J.R. Smith could return after missing three games with a sore right ankle.

The Cavs appear to have a decided edge over Detroit in rebounding. Although Drummond ranks second in the league in rebounding (13.8 per game), he isn't getting much help. The Pistons rank toward the middle of the pack in rebounding, while the Cavs rank fifth and feature two of the best in Kevin Love (10.8 rpg) and Tristan Thompson (9.9 rpg).

The Pistons were smashed on the glass during Tuesday's loss at New York, losing the rebounding 52-40 while allowing the Knicks 19 offensive rebounds that led to 15 second-chance points. Given the number of extra looks the Knicks received, that figure should've been even higher.

"We'll be able to go in and look at 10 or 12 plays that were just lack-of-effort plays, lack-of-focus plays," Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy told the Detroit Free Press. "You can't afford that on the road and we continue to do that."

The Pistons are perfect at home this season, but have just one road win in seven tries. It's a disappointing start for a team that expected to take a big leap after securing the eighth seed last season and pushing the eventual champions despite the sweep.

Now the Cavs are rolling despite Wednesday's loss. They're among the league leaders in a number of offensive categories and coach Tyronn Lue believes they can play even better.

Quickening the pace was a focus for Lue since taking over at midseason last year. He likes the way James pushes when the ball is in his hands, but believes the pace slows a bit when Kyrie Irving is in charge. After lagging near the bottom of the league in pace last season, the Cavs rank just outside the top 10 this year. They are one of 11 teams right now generating at least 100 possessions per game.

"I think offensively we're doing a good job of sharing the basketball. We're trying to play with pace. We need to play even faster," Lue said. "At times we play fast, at times we kind of slowly bring the ball up the court. So, if we play with pace we're hard to stop."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Warriors (9-2) at Celtics (6-5)

Date: November 18, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

BOSTON -- If Celtics fans had their way, and if their dreams had come true, Kevin Durant would be playing for Boston instead of the Golden State Warriors when the teams meet Friday night.

Last summer, when Durant was deciding where to spend the next years of his career, the Celtics put on a big push, bringing their players and Tom Brady to a meeting with Durant on Long Island, N.Y.

However, Durant spurned the Celtics and also spurned his former team, leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Bay Area.

It could make for an interesting reception by the TD Garden folks.

"What can they be mad about?" Durant said Wednesday. "I never played there, I never said I was going there. They're going to support their team.

"It's one of the best fan bases in the league. Top five, easily. So no matter who goes in there, they're going to boo them. But I have no attachment to Boston at all."

Buttering them up -- sort of -- may not keep the boos from raining down on Durant, but it will make for an interesting night.

The Warriors lost just nine games in their record-setting regular season last year. One of those defeats was to the Celtics, in Oakland on April 1 -- and Boston was this close to being the only team in the NBA to beat Golden State twice.

On Dec. 11, with TD Garden rocking, the Warriors rallied for a 124-119 double-overtime win against the Celtics, which gave Golden State a 24-0 record at the time. The Warriors' record opening streak ended at Milwaukee in the next game, at the end of a seven-game road trip.

The Warriors, who actually won their 28th straight regular-season game in Boston, trailed by five with 2:07 left in regulation, then played through a sloppy first overtime and then won the 58-minute game.

"We continue to fight. We believe in ourselves," Golden State forward Draymond Green said that night. "We believe in each other and we trust each other. So, nothing new. The same old same old, which has made us who we are."

They look a little different this season after failing to hold a 3-1 lead and losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in last year's NBA Finals. Durant arrived, and some key parts, such as Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut, left. However, coach Steve Kerr's team is 9-2 and hits Boston for the second game of a four-game road trip having already done something special.

The Warriors have won five straight after a 127-121 victory at Toronto on Wednesday. They recorded at least 30 assists and shot 50 percent or better in all five games of their streak -- the first team since the 1990 Chicago Bulls to pull that off.

And they meet a Celtics team that has been battling through the injuries suffered by Al Horford -- the big name brought in instead of Durant -- and Jae Crowder. The latter returned to practice Thursday, and both appear close. But having either of them for this game appears doubtful at best.

After Durant went west, Crowder, in an interview with MassLive, said, "That team is for sure the villain of the league. Every other NBA guy, friends of mine, are really disgusted from how the league is turning on that standpoint. Everybody is joining together. Everybody wants to go to Golden State or Cleveland."

On Wednesday night, Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley, the guards who have to deal with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on Friday, combined for 48 points, 17 rebounds and seven assists in Boston's win over the undermanned Dallas Mavericks -- Thomas putting on a one-man show down the stretch.

The little big man, who has yet to score fewer than 23 points in a game this season, scored 22 in the fourth quarter, 20 in the final 6:01. Bradley had the other two Boston baskets in the run and also grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds in the win that lifted the Celtics to 6-5 on the season.

The same night against the Raptors, Curry scored 35 points and dished out seven assists, while Durant went for 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Curry is averaging 33.6 points per game and Durant 25.4 during the five-game winning streak.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nets (4-7) at Thunder (7-5)

Date: November 18, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The past three days have been pretty hectic for Russell Westbrook. The Oklahoma City guard handed out thanksgiving dinners at the Boys & Girls Club Tuesday, beat Houston with a viral-worth dunk Wednesday and then was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame by Michael Jordan Thursday.

"It's an unbelievable honor, man," Westbrook said before the ceremonies. "It's something you don't take for granted. So definitely a blessing and something you won't forget. MJ took the time out of his day to come all the way to Oklahoma City to do this for me. it's an honor. I'm happy to have him here."

Just another week in the life of the NBA's most unique talents.

But, despite all of the off-court events and activities, Westbrook heads into Friday with his team still trying to find the success they had started the season with. The win over the Rockets broke the four-game losing streak, but it didn't answer the pressing questions that had arisen.

If Houston hadn't gone ice cold from the field in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City could be riding a five-game slide heading into its contest with the Brooklyn Nets.

"I thought their effort was good the entire game. But they really did a great job defensively, scrambling, rotating and moving," Thunder coach Billy Donovan said. "I'm not going to sit there and say that in the third and the fourth their shooting percentage from the 3-point line was all because of us, but I thought we did a better job defensively there in the second half than we did in the first half."

One of the bright spots was the emergence of Victor Oladipo. He scored 29 points and was 5 of 7 from the 3-point line.

Oklahoma City (7-5) needs a confident Oladipo on the perimeter to keep defenses honest and from crowding Westbrook.

"I worked my whole life on shooting and increasing my range and things like that," Oladipo said. "So I just go out there and shoot with confidence because I'm going to make some and miss some and at the end of the day, just go out and keep shooting with confidence."

While the Thunder have been inconsistent, they have at least been competitive in almost all of their games. That can't be said for the Nets, who have a minus 4.5-point differential. That is tied for seventh worst in the NBA.

It got even worse Monday night when Brooklyn was rolled over 127-95 by the Clippers. However, coach Kenny Atkinson sees the drubbing as a learning lesson.

"It's actually good for our guys to see a team like this," Atkinson told the NY Daily News. "They can see how well they are playing and their cohesiveness. They've been together for a while and they're executing well. They turned us over and got us out of our game."

As bad as the Nets have played at times this season, scoring has not been the issue. They are fifth in the Eastern Conference at just over 106 points a game.

But that hasn't helped Brooklyn when it goes on the road. The Nets have a 1-5 record away from home.

The Thunder, on the other hand, are 5-3 at home. But have lost three of their last four at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Their three-game home losing streak came to an end Wednesday.

On the importance of breaking the losing streak:

"It was huge for us. It was real important to me," Oladipo said. "This organization is known for winning. Losing is unacceptable. We got to do whatever it takes in our power to continue to keep winning."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Trail Blazers (7-6) at Pelicans (2-10)

Date: November 18, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

NEW ORLEANS -- The Portland Trail Blazers are not faring well against teams with winning records so far this season.

That won't be an issue when they face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night in the Smoothie King Center.

The Blazers are 7-6 overall, but just 1-5 against teams with winning records after a 126-109 defeat against the Rockets (7-5) on Thursday night in Houston.

The Pelicans (2-10) have the worst record in the NBA.

"It's still early," Portland All-Star point guard Damian Lillard told the Oregonian. "I think we've got a lot of time to shore up things we haven't done well so far. I'm not happy with some of the things that have happened, but we're in a good spot."

Portland's only victory against a team that has a winning record came on opening night against a short-handed Utah Jazz team that was missing injured starters Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors.

In their five other games against winning opponents, the Blazers lost to the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Clippers (twice), the Chicago Bulls and the Rockets by an average of 20.8 points.

"I'm just happy that we can say that we're learning through a lot of things right now," Lillard said. "We're not doing well, but (we're) still finding ways to win games."

That hasn't been the case for New Orleans, but help is on the way.

Starting point guard Jrue Holiday is expected to make his season debut against Portland. Holiday had been away from the team to be with his wife, Lauren, who last month gave birth to the couple's first child, daughter Jrue, and recently underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor.

Lauren Holiday is a former U.S. women's national team soccer star.

Mother and daughter are doing well and stayed at home in North Carolina as Holiday rejoined his teammates and coaches, who were very supportive during his absence.

"Anything we needed, they were there for us," Holiday said Thursday. "It was unbelievable. I'm so excited. Going through a hard time, my teammates were always there for me. My teammates and the Pelicans were always there. To come back and fight for them, like they supported me, I'm happy to do it."

The Pelicans are happy to have their point guard back, and they are looking forward to other happy returns.

"It will probably take (Holiday) a couple games to get back (to form)," All-Star forward Anthony Davis told the team's official website, "but as long as he's on the floor."

New Orleans hopes to have Davis back on the floor after he sat out an 89-82 loss at Orlando on Wednesday because of a bruised right quad. Davis practiced Thursday and is listed as questionable for the game against the Blazers.

Terrence Jones started in Davis' place against the Magic and scored a career-high 26 points. He also fell one rebound short of his second consecutive double-double.

"We tried to make sure we still had that flow as if the best big in the league was still playing with us," Jones told the team's official website. "Without him, it's very tough to keep that normal flow of offense."

Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans returned to practice earlier this week and could return soon from offseason knee surgery.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (6-5) at Mavericks (2-8)

Date: November 18, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

The Dallas Mavericks return home wounded and slumping. Facing off against the Memphis Grizzlies probably won't help either malady.

The Mavericks (2-8) take a three-game losing streak into their first meeting against Southwest Division rival Memphis (6-5) Friday night at American Airlines Center.

"We obviously are trying to win games," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "So far, it's been difficult, but we got to stay the course. It's a long season. There's a ton more games to go. No one's going to drop their heads here, I'll make sure of that."

The injury toll continues to mount for the Mavericks, who received a huge scare with J.J. Barea went down in the second half of Wednesday's 90-83 loss at Boston.

Barea was in great pain initially and thought the injury could be season threatening. It turned out to be a calf strain that will likely sideline the combo guard for several weeks.

"It was awful," Barea said. "I never felt that before in my entire basketball career. I thought it was over. I thought it was the Achilles. It's a little bit of good news that it's my calf. Hopefully I don't need surgery, but we'll just wait. I never felt that feeling before. It felt like you got shot in your leg."

Barea is an integral part of Carlisle's rotation, both coming off the bench or starting. The Mavericks are already without Dirk Nowitzki (Achilles soreness) and Devin Harris (toe), and Deron Williams (strained calf) had to leave Wednesday's game before halftime after returning from a four-game absence.

"There's no secret, we're going through some adversity right now," forward Harrison Barnes said. "We caught a little break with J.J. ... but our young guys are going to have to step up with everybody out. It's all hands on deck. Coming back home against Memphis, it's a must-win game."

The Grizzlies are coming off Wednesday's dramatic 111-107 win at the Los Angeles Clippers. Marc Gasol hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 14 seconds left for Memphis to snap the Clippers' seven-game winning streak.

"They are the best team in the league right now, so for us to get a signature win like this is huge," point guard Mike Conley said.

Conley scored 30 and Gasol added a season-high 26 points for the Grizzlies in their second straight win, both coming on the road.

"Our two franchise players, Marc and Mike, just carried us and it was a good game," forward Zach Randolph said. "We're starting to come around. Guys are getting more comfortable."

Gasol is becoming comfortable in 3-point territory this season. After only hitting 12 from deep in his first eight years in the NBA, the 7-foot center has already knocked down 16 this season.

"He's the best 3-pointer shooter on the team, no disrespect," Randolph quipped. "I've been saying that for a long time."

The Grizzlies' four-game trip ends in Dallas. Memphis coach David Fizdale has seen an uptick in team chemistry during the last week away from home.

"We're really starting to become more connected as a group," he said. "That's what the road does for you."

The trip to Dallas is also a return for Chandler Parsons, who spent the last two years with the Mavericks before signing with Memphis in the offseason.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Spurs (9-3) at Lakers (7-5)

Date: November 18, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES -- The improved Los Angeles Lakers play host to the San Antonio Spurs in a matchup of two of the NBA's top offensive teams and best defensive clubs on Friday night at Staples Center.

The Spurs (9-3) are riding a four-game winning streak after a 110-105 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Ex-Laker Pau Gasol led the way for San Antonio with a season-high 24 points and nine rebounds. Gasol will face his former team for the first time in a Spurs uniform.

The Lakers (7-5), who have won three of their last four games, will face an obvious and early challenge against the Spurs, annually one of the league's top teams. After dropping consecutive contests to the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets at home more than a week ago, the Spurs responded with consecutive wins over the Detroit Pistons, the Rockets, the Miami Heat and the Kings.

"We're connecting with each other better, moving the ball better," said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who is tied with Larry Brown for seventh on the all-time NBA list for regular-season coaching victories at 1,098. "We're improving."

The Spurs are 6-0 on the road and have captured the last five contests against the Lakers, going 4-0 last season. Ball movement and contributions from several players sparked the Spurs' recent surge.

Forward Kawhi Leonard, again an early MVP candidate, is averaging 25 points per game and 2.4 steals (third best in the league). LaMarcus Aldridge is scoring 17.8 points per game and hitting 54.5 percent of his 3-point attempts.

"We're at our best when we move the ball, when we make the defense work and we find the open guys," Gasol said. "We get much better shots that way, and it pays off. It creates a flow and energy that carries over to the defensive end."

The Spurs average 101.9 points on offense (19th in the NBA), but their defense is holding opponents to 96.8 points (fourth).

The Lakers have emerged as one of the league's top scoring teams. Los Angeles is ranked second in scoring at 110 points per game, trailing only the Golden State Warriors (117.4 points).

Point guard D'Angelo Russell scored a season-high 32 points and forward Julius Randle contributed a triple-double with 17 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists Wednesday in a 125-118 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

The Lakers' bench has been another strength, averaging a league-best 50.6 points. Reserve guard Lou Williams has been one of the main sparkplugs with a 15.6 scoring average.

"They have been great all year, so obviously we're not going to complain about them, but even before the (Brooklyn) game I said I think the reason that they have so much success is because of how unselfish they play as a group," Lakers coach Luke Walton said of his reserves.

Both clubs are among the leaders in 3-point shooting percentage. San Antonio is ranked second at 39.2 percent per game, with Los Angeles is tied for third with Golden State at 37.4 percent.

The Spurs will be without center Dewayne Dedmon (left knee sprain), who is not traveling with the team.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NBA Picks: Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

You don't think of Warriors-Celtics as a great NBA rivalry, but I don't know that two teams played two better regular-season games against one another last season -- and they renew acquaintances on Friday night. When Golden State visited Boston it was 23-0 and frankly should have lost but didn't, prevailing 124-119 in double overtime. But the damage was done: the next night, the tired Warriors' record-setting winning streak to start a season ended in a 13-point loss in Milwaukee. On April 1, Boston visited Oakland and upset the Warriors 109-106 in ending Golden State's NBA-record 54-game home winning streak. Steph Curry missed a long 3-pointer in the waning seconds to tie it. Here's hoping Friday's matchup is close to those two games.

Hawks at Hornets (TBA)

Atlanta won its sixth straight game Wednesday, 107-100 over Milwaukee. Dwight Howard and Thabo Sefolosha were out injured. Mike Muscala started for Howard and had 16 points. Neither injury is considered serious and it seems like Howard is the more likely to play here. Charlotte ended a two-game skid with a 115-108 victory in Minnesota on Tuesday. Kemba Walker had 30 points to lead his team back from a 12-point halftime deficit. The team was again without Jeremy Lamb, but he might return Friday. Charlotte lost three of four vs. Atlanta last year but won the most recent home game.

Key trends: The home team is 7-1-1 against the spread in the past nine meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in the past five.

Early lean: Hornets and under regardless of Howard.

Suns at Pacers (-7.5, 219.5)

Phoenix dropped a third in a row Wednesday, 120-104 in Denver. Brandon Knight scored a season-high 32 points for Phoenix, and Devin Booker had 24 before he was ejected late. Tyson Chandler (personal) returned from a four-game absence. Indiana beat visiting Cleveland 103-93 on Wednesday as the Cavs rested LeBron James. Paul George had 21. By the way, this game coincides with the 30th anniversary of the movie "Hoosiers" and Indiana will wear awesome Hickory Huskers jerseys. Indiana swept the regular-season series last year for the first time since the 2012-13 season.

Key trends: The Pacers are 9-4 ATS in their past 13 at home. The over is 13-3 in the Suns' past 16.

Early lean: Pacers and over.

Pistons at Cavaliers (-10.5, 206.5)

Detroit lost 105-102 in New York on Wednesday. Andre Drummond was back from a one-game absence due to a sprained ankle and had 15 points and nine rebounds. Cleveland's three-game winning streak ended in Indiana without LeBron. You are going to see him get an occasional second of a back-to-back on the road off. So if you live in an NBA city and the Cavs are in town, keep that in mind. J.R. Smith sat a third game in a row for Cleveland. Might surprise you to know the Pistons won three of four meetings last year and has taken four of the past six in Cleveland.

Key trends: The Pistons are 9-3 ATS in the past 12 in Cleveland. The under is 7-3 in the Cavs' past 10 vs. the East.

Early lean: Cavs and under.

Trail Blazers at Pelicans (TBA)

I mentioned earlier this week that New Orleans point guard Jrue Holiday would make his season debut either Wednesday or Friday, and indeed it will come in this game. New Orleans lost 89-82 in Orlando on Wednesday. Anthony Davis sat it out with a thigh injury, so here we go again with him. Portland was in Houston on Thursday. Portland won three of its four games against New Orleans last season and has claimed three straight season series over the Pelicans.

Key trends: The Blazers are 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 4-1 in the past five in New Orleans.

Early lean: Have to wait on Davis.

Nets at Thunder (-11, 218)

Brooklyn lost at the Lakers 125-118 on Tuesday. Brook Lopez had 30 points and 10 rebounds for the Nets while also becoming the franchise leader in blocks. Bojan Bogdanovic scored 29 points. Oklahoma City ended a four-game losing streak with a 105-103 home win over Houston on Wednesday. Russell Westbrook had 30 points, including a vicious dunk in the final seconds to clinch it. Victor Oladipo added season highs of 29 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder. These teams split last year, each winning by double digits at home.

Key trends: The Nets are 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The over is 8-1 in their past nine road games.

Early lean: Nets and over.

Warriors at Celtics (+7, 221.5)

First of an ESPN doubleheader. Golden State took a fifth in a row Wednesday, 127-121 in Toronto. Stephen Curry had 35 points and Kevin Durant added 30. The Warriors set a franchise record with a fifth straight game with at least 30 assists and shooting over 50 percent. Boston beat visiting Dallas 90-83 on Wednesday. Isaiah Thomas scored 22 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter. Avery Bradley added 18 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Al Horford and Jae Crowder remained out for Boston. Golden State has won three straight in Boston.

Key trends: The Warriors are 0-3-1 ATS in the past four meetings. The over is 5-0 in their past five.

Early lean: Warriors and over.

Grizzlies at Mavericks (TBA)

Dallas lost its third straight Wednesday, 90-83 in Boston. Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 28 points, and he's about the only bright spot this year. Deron Williams was back in the lineup but then left in the second quarter with a calf injury. Then No. 2 point guard J.J. Barea left in the fourth with a strained calf. Barea will miss a while. Dirk Nowitzki sat a fifth straight game. This team is a wreck. Memphis pulled off a 111-107 upset at the Clippers on Wednesday. Marc Gasol suddenly is hitting 3-pointers and hit the go-ahead 3 with 14 seconds left. He had a season-high 26 points. Chandler Parsons didn't play the second half due to a sore knee. Dallas lost the first meeting last year but won the final three.

Key trends: The Mavs are 11-5 ATS in the past 16 meetings. The over has hit in 10 of the past 13.

Early lean: Mavs if Dirk returns as a likely letdown game for Grizz.

Raptors at Nuggets (+3.5, 213.5)

Toronto completed its Cavs-Warriors back-to-back at 0-2 with a 127-121 home loss to Golden State on Wednesday. DeMar DeRozan had a team-high 34 points for the Raptors. He's the first NBA player with nine 30-point games in his team's first 11 games since Michael Jordan in 1987-88. Denver ended a four-game skid with a 120-104 win over Phoenix on Wednesday. Wilson Chandlers has a season-high 28 points and 11 rebounds. It was Denver's first home win. However, shooting guard Gary Harris was out again and now likely will miss a month with a foot injury. These teams played on Halloween in Toronto and the Raptors won 105-102. DeRozan had 33 points and Kyle Lowry 29. The Raptors ended the game on a 12-3 run as Denver made just one of its final 12 shots.

Key trends: The Raptors are 1-4 ATS in the past five meetings. The over has hit in four of those.

Early lean: Nuggets (letdown game for Raptors) and over.

Spurs at Lakers (+6, 207)

San Antonio won 110-105 in Sacramento on Wednesday for its fourth win in a row. Pau Gasol had 24 points and nine rebounds as the Spurs stayed unbeaten on the road. Danny Green did play despite being hurt Monday. The Lakers beat Brooklyn 125-118 on Tuesday. D'Angelo Russell scored 32 points and Julius Randle added 17 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists for his second career triple-double. San Antonio won all four meetings last year and has won five straight at the Lakers.

Key trends: The Spurs have covered just one of the past six meetings. The over is 4-0 in the past four.

Early lean: Spurs and under.

Clippers at Kings (+7, 204)

Second ESPN game. Los Angeles was stunned at home by Memphis on Wednesday, 111-107 to end the Clips' seven-game winning streak. J.J. Redick scored a season-high 29 points for L.A. Both of its losses are at home. Sacramento hung tough with San Antonio on Wednesday but lost by five for its third consecutive defeat. DeMarcus Cousins had 26 points, 17 rebounds and six assists. Los Angeles won three of four vs. the Kings last year and has won seven straight in Sacramento, albeit in a different building.

Key trends: The Clippers are 5-1 ATS in the past six in Sacramento. The over is 6-1 in the past seven meetings overall.

Early lean: Clippers and under.