Wednesday 11/21/2018 ... Comps / Bonus Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Requests Etc

[bmd1803]

Preview: Suns at Bulls


Two teams experiencing very little success square off when the Phoenix Suns visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Phoenix owns the third-worst record in the NBA and is winless in seven road games while Chicago is just a half-game better after losing its past four contests.

The Suns fell to the Philadelphia 76ers 119-114 on Monday in the opener of a four-game excursion despite receiving 37 points and eight assists from star guard Devin Booker. Phoenix coach Igor Kokoskov decided to mix things up with his team struggling and he started Booker at point guard for the first time this season. Chicago expects to have standout shooting guard Zach LaVine back in the lineup after a one-game absence due to illness. LaVine scored 20 or more points in each of his 14 games before struggling in his last two appearances by averaging 12.5 points on 9-of-31 shooting.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE SUNS (3-13): Center Deandre Ayton had 17 points and nine rebounds in his highly anticipated first matchup with 76ers center Joel Embiid. Ayton was ridiculed on social media by Embiid prior to the season but the rookie showed nothing but respect for the Philadelphia star during the contest and said he viewed the game as a learning situation. "It was fun to finally play against Joel," Ayton told reporters afterward. "The way he used his body, I'm going to use that, steal that. Thank you for teaching me. He put in a lot of work. I have to put in a lot of work, too."

ABOUT THE BULLS (4-13): Chicago's injury woes continue as shooting guard Denzel Valentine will undergo surgery on his left ankle next week and will be sidelined four to six months. Valentine displayed promise by averaging 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 77 games (37 starts) last season but hasn't played this season due to the persistent pain in his ankle. Valentine is one of four key players dealing with injuries as second-year power forward Lauri Markkanen (elbow) has yet to make his season debut while forward Bobby Portis (four games played) and point guard Kris Dunn (one) were both lost in October with knee sprains.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Suns won both of last season's meetings for their first season sweep of the Bulls since 2007-08.

2. Phoenix SF TJ Warren scored 21 against the 76ers for his sixth straight 20-point outing and he is averaging 24.3 points during the stretch.

3. Chicago SF Jabari Parker scored in double digits in 16 of 17 games.

PREDICTION: Bulls 111, Suns 107

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Phoenix

Suns are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Suns are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Suns are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Suns are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Suns are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Suns are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games following a ATS win.
Suns are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Suns are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Suns are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Central.

Chicago

Bulls are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Bulls are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Bulls are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 vs. NBA Pacific.
Bulls are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Bulls are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bulls are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Bulls are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Bulls are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Bulls are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

OU Trends
Phoenix

Under is 6-0 in Suns last 6 games following a ATS win.
Under is 5-1 in Suns last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Suns last 5 road games.
Under is 6-2 in Suns last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 16-6 in Suns last 22 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Under is 13-5 in Suns last 18 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 5-2 in Suns last 7 Wednesday games.
Under is 5-2 in Suns last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Under is 7-3 in Suns last 10 overall.

Chicago

Under is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 5-0 in Bulls last 5 Wednesday games.
Under is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 6-0 in Bulls last 6 home games.
Under is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 8-1 in Bulls last 9 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Bulls last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Bulls last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 5-1 in Bulls last 6 overall.
Over is 5-1 in Bulls last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Under is 5-1 in Bulls last 6 vs. NBA Pacific.
Under is 9-2 in Bulls last 11 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 6-2 in Bulls last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Bulls last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Under is 34-16-1 in Bulls last 51 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Head to Head

Suns are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Road team is 13-5 ATS in the last 18 meetings.
Underdog is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Pistons at Rockets


The Houston Rockets are regaining their swagger and look to extend their winning streak to five games when they host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. The Rockets are looking for a sweep of a three-game homestand before the teams engage in a rematch in Detroit on Friday.

Houston looked lost offensively while failing to reach 100 points in four consecutive games earlier this month but followed that up with an average of 115.8 during the winning streak, including a season-best output in Saturday's 132-112 win over the Sacramento Kings. The victory moved the Rockets over .500 for the first time as the squad has quickly recovered from a dreadful 1-5 start. Detroit won four of its previous five games and built a 20-point halftime lead en route to a 113-102 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. "At times we sat down and really played well defensively," Pistons power forward Blake Griffin told reporters. "And we moved the ball offensively well - at times, again. We didn't put together a full 48 minutes, so we've got to be better when it comes to that. You get a lead like that, you've got to finish it."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

ABOUT THE PISTONS (8-6): Detroit picked up four technical fouls in the victory over Cleveland and holds the dubious NBA lead with 15, and coach Dwane Casey vows to work on that issue. "I've done a bad job of setting the tone for that," Casey told reporters. "I've got to do a better job of setting the tone for our team. You get a technical, we got to find some reason or some consequence for that. We've got to have our composure." Center Andre Drummond already has seven technicals - an automatic one-game suspension kicks in at No. 16 - and Griffin has three.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (8-7): Star guard James Harden scored 34 points against Sacramento and is averaging 29.6 points over the past five games to help the offense find a higher gear. Center Clint Capela recorded 23 points on 11-of-14 shooting and collected 16 rebounds and four blocked shots against the Kings for his 10th double-double, and his success in the interior is helping open up the perimeter. "We're making shots, playing the right pace, and it's our defensive end though," point guard Chris Paul told reporters after the win over the Kings. "We gave up over 100 but for the most part, the defense was good."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split last season's two meetings.

2. Drummond had 23 points and 16 rebounds against Cleveland for his sixth straight double-double, and he is averaging 21.3 points and 17.3 rebounds during the stretch.

3. Houston backup SG Gerald Green made a season-high five 3-pointers while scoring 17 points against the Kings.

PREDICTION: Rockets 127, Pistons 115

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Detroit

Pistons are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Pistons are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Pistons are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games.
Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pistons are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win.
Pistons are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

Houston

Rockets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Rockets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Rockets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Central.
Rockets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Rockets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

OU Trends
Detroit

Under is 5-0 in Pistons last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 4-1 in Pistons last 5 Wednesday games.
Under is 16-6-1 in Pistons last 23 vs. NBA Southwest.
Under is 5-2 in Pistons last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Pistons last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 59-27-3 in Pistons last 89 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Houston

Under is 6-1 in Rockets last 7 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Rockets last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Under is 5-1 in Rockets last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 5-1 in Rockets last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 Wednesday games.
Under is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 games following a ATS win.
Under is 6-2 in Rockets last 8 overall.
Under is 20-7 in Rockets last 27 vs. NBA Central.
Under is 7-3 in Rockets last 10 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 38-18 in Rockets last 56 games following a straight up win.

Head to Head

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Pistons are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Pistons are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Houston.
Under is 12-4 in the last 16 meetings in Houston.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Trail Blazers at Bucks

Nov 21, 2018

CJ McCollum scored a season-high 40 points against Milwaukee earlier this month and the Portland Trail Blazers guard looks for another strong outing against the host Bucks on Wednesday. McCollum made 17-of-26 shots, including five 3-pointers, as Portland posted a 118-103 home victory on Nov. 6.

McCollum had another strong effort on Tuesday when he made five 3-pointers and scored 31 points as the Trail Blazers posted a 118-114 road victory over the New York Knicks. Portland boasts the best record in the Western Conference after the win and stands 2-2 on a six-game road trip. The Bucks look to continue their strong start that has seen them post the second-best record in the NBA through 16 games. Milwaukee recovered from a 17-point, first-half deficit on Monday to register a 104-98 home victory over the Denver Nuggets.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (12-5): McCollum and star sidekick Damian Lillard (29 points) combined for 60 points against the Knicks and McCollum wasn't lacking for confidence after a 13-of-23 shooting effort. "I just tried to be aggressive," McCollum said in a postgame television interview. "I hit some 3s and it felt good. Once I get a few shots in, it feels like I'm throwing the ball into the ocean." Lillard is also playing superbly and is averaging 29 points over the past four games, including a 40-point outing against the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

ABOUT THE BUCKS (12-4): Star small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 29 points and 13 rebounds in the victory over Denver to register his 10th double-double of the season. Antetokounmpo has scored more than 20 points in each of his past 10 contests and is averaging 25.9 points during the stretch. "We've got to do a better job to try to set the tone," Antetokounmpo told reporters of his club needing to overcome the hefty deficit. "I think we did a better job this game, but we can do a lot better. I think our talent saves us. I feel like we are so talented that even when we are down 10, down 15, we can always get back into the game."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Bucks have won their past four home games versus the Trail Blazers.

2. Milwaukee is 8-1 at home, equaling its best nine-game home start since the 1990-91 campaign.

3. Portland C Jusuf Nurkic had 13 points and 11 rebounds against New York for his fifth straight double-double.

PREDICTION: Bucks 116, Trail Blazers 105

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Portland

Trail Blazers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Trail Blazers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Central.
Trail Blazers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Trail Blazers are 33-16-2 ATS in their last 51 games following a straight up win.
Trail Blazers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Milwaukee

Bucks are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Bucks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Northwest.
Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Bucks are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
Bucks are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 vs. Western Conference.
Bucks are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
Bucks are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 Wednesday games.
Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.

OU Trends
Portland

Under is 5-0 in Trail Blazers last 5 vs. NBA Central.
Under is 8-1 in Trail Blazers last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 6-1 in Trail Blazers last 7 Wednesday games.
Under is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 6-2 in Trail Blazers last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Trail Blazers last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Trail Blazers last 7 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 7-3 in Trail Blazers last 10 road games.

Milwaukee

Over is 6-0 in Bucks last 6 Wednesday games.
Over is 5-1 in Bucks last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 5-1 in Bucks last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 4-1 in Bucks last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 24-6 in Bucks last 30 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 21-6 in Bucks last 27 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 23-7 in Bucks last 30 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 13-4 in Bucks last 17 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 16-5 in Bucks last 21 home games.
Over is 37-14 in Bucks last 51 overall.
Over is 20-8 in Bucks last 28 games following a straight up win.
Over is 12-5 in Bucks last 17 games following a ATS win.
Over is 45-22-1 in Bucks last 68 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Head to Head

Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
Home team is 5-2-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Trail Blazers are 3-11-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings.
Trail Blazers are 0-3-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Milwaukee.
Underdog is 3-0-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Nuggets at Timberwolves


The Denver Nuggets have seen a hot start evaporate and they look to regain their season-opening form when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Denver was clicking on all cylinders during a 9-1 start but has since dropped six of its last seven contests.

The Nuggets are 0-2 on a three-game road trip and let a 17-point, first-half lead get away in Monday's 104-98 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. "Overall, I was really pleased with the fight, with the competitive spirit and the fact that we gave ourselves a chance against a very good basketball team on the road," Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters afterward. "No moral victories. We gotta start winning these games, but I do like the fact that our guys competed at a high level for 48 minutes." Minnesota is seeking a rebound from Sunday's 100-87 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, when it committed 20 turnovers in the team's first loss in four games since trading disgruntled Jimmy Butler to the Philadelphia 76ers. "That definitely makes the game a lot harder," forward Robert Covington, one of the players acquired for Butler, told reporters of the miscues. "That's 20 times that we didn't get a shot up or something bad happened. We've just got to be better and fight through that."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), FS North (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (10-7): Point guard Jamal Murray recorded 17 points, a season-best nine assists and eight rebounds in the loss to Milwaukee but also matched his season worst of five turnovers. "I thought he did some good things out there for us," Malone told reporters of Murray. "I think, for him, the challenge is going to be valuing the basketball. As a starting point guard, you can't have five turnovers. But overall, forget numbers, it was good to see him be aggressive and have an effective game. He looked more aggressive than he has lately." Murray scored in double figures in 14 straight games, topped by a career-high 48 points against the Boston Celtics on Nov. 5.

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (7-10): Small forward Andrew Wiggins suffered through a 6-for-18 effort while scoring 14 points against Memphis and he said his shot selection wasn't the issue. "I feel like I just missed so many easy ones around the rim and in the mid-range with no one on me," Wiggins told reporters. "Good shots, I just missed them." Center Karl-Anthony Towns collected 20 rebounds against the Grizzlies for his second contest of at least 20 boards in the past four games and he has recorded eight double-doubles over the last 11 games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Timberwolves went 3-1 against the Nuggets last season, including a 112-106 overtime victory on the final day of the season to make the playoffs instead of Denver.

2. Minnesota PG Jeff Teague scored a season-low two points on 1-of-9 shooting against Memphis.

3. Denver C Nikola Jokic scored 20 points against the Bucks and tallied 20 or more in four of the past six games.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 115, Nuggets 111

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Denver

Nuggets are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. NBA Northwest.
Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Nuggets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Wednesday games.
Nuggets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Nuggets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Nuggets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Nuggets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Nuggets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Nuggets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Nuggets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Nuggets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Nuggets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Nuggets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Minnesota

Timberwolves are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games.
Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Northwest.
Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.
Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

OU Trends
Denver

Under is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 5-1-1 in Nuggets last 7 road games.
Over is 9-2-1 in Nuggets last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 9-2-1 in Nuggets last 12 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1-1 in Nuggets last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 6-2 in Nuggets last 8 Wednesday games.
Over is 9-3 in Nuggets last 12 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 17-6 in Nuggets last 23 vs. NBA Northwest.
Over is 10-4-1 in Nuggets last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 11-5-1 in Nuggets last 17 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Minnesota

Under is 8-0 in Timberwolves last 8 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 8-1 in Timberwolves last 9 overall.
Under is 7-1 in Timberwolves last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-1 in Timberwolves last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Under is 4-1 in Timberwolves last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 9-4 in Timberwolves last 13 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 50-23-1 in Timberwolves last 74 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 17-8 in Timberwolves last 25 home games.

Head to Head

Nuggets are 20-6-1 ATS in the last 27 meetings in Minnesota.
Underdog is 19-7 ATS in the last 26 meetings.
Road team is 37-13-1 ATS in the last 51 meetings.
Nuggets are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Nets at Mavericks

Nov 21, 2018

The Dallas Mavericks will try to bounce back from a tough road loss when they put a four-game home winning streak on the line against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. The Mavericks had won four in a row overall and were tied with the surging Memphis Grizzlies going into the fourth quarter Monday night before falling 98-88.

"I thought we played three tough, solid quarters," coach Rick Carlisle said. "And then the fourth, we had some breakdowns." Dallas has held four of its last five opponents under 100 points and will face a Nets' squad that has reached that mark in 10 consecutive games. D'Angelo Russell led six players in double figures with 20 points in Tuesday's 104-92 win at Miami, giving Brooklyn a 2-2 mark since losing star guard Caris LeVert to a foot injury. After leaving Dallas, the Nets will play 13 of their next 17 games at home.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, YES (Brooklyn), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE NETS (8-10): Russell has scored at least 20 points in three straight games and he is averaging 7.3 assists, five rebounds and 2.7 steals in that span as he does his best to fill the void left behind by LeVert's injury. "I like to consider myself one of the closers of this team," Russell said in a YES postgame interview. "We've got a few but I like to consider myself one of them. We can make it happen any given night." Center Jarrett Allen has also stepped up in the wake of the LeVert injury and has three straight double-doubles, including 13 points and 14 rebounds at Miami.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (7-9): All five starters scored in double figures at Memphis but none of them shot better than 50 percent and injuries limited the bench support. Guard J.J. Barea, who scored in double figures off the bench in each of his previous five games, was out with a groin issue while backup big man Dwight Powell missed his first contest due to a knee problem. Starting guard Wesley Matthews has missed three of the last four games because of a hamstring problem.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Nets PF Ed Davis has 19 rebounds in 37 minutes off the bench over the last two games and made all four of his shot attempts versus Miami.

2. Mavericks SF Luka Doncic leads his team in scoring (19.2) but is 23-for-65 from the floor in a span of four contests.

3. Brooklyn claimed both meetings last season by single digits.

PREDICTION: Mavericks 106, Nets 99

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Brooklyn

Nets are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Nets are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 road games.
Nets are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Nets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.

Dallas

Mavericks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Mavericks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Mavericks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Mavericks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Mavericks are 26-9 ATS in their last 35 games following a ATS loss.
Mavericks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Mavericks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Mavericks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Wednesday games.

OU Trends
Brooklyn

Over is 6-0 in Nets last 6 vs. NBA Southwest.
Over is 6-1 in Nets last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 13-3 in Nets last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 8-2 in Nets last 10 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 4-1 in Nets last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Over is 5-2 in Nets last 7 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 5-2 in Nets last 7 road games.
Over is 5-2 in Nets last 7 games following a straight up win.

Dallas

Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Under is 5-2 in Mavericks last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 7-3 in Mavericks last 10 games following a straight up loss.

Head to Head

Nets are 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Dallas.
Nets are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Underdog is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
Road team is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Grizzlies at Spurs


After flirting with last place in the Western Conference nearly all of last season -- finishing with the second-worst record in the NBA -- the Memphis Grizzlies are eyeing the top spot in the conference. The Grizzlies aim for their fifth straight win when they open a two-game road trip at the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

A 98-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday put Memphis, a 22-win team a season ago, into a tie atop the West with three other teams as they approach the quarter pole, and the Grizzlies continue to do it with their trademark defense. "I think for our guys to come in here on a back-to-back, there's always those built in excuses, and for us to hold them to 14 points in the fourth quarter says a lot about our group of guys," coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters after Monday's win. "You could be tired. You could be worn out, no legs, and all that but our guys stepped up and defended. That’s special." The Spurs had a very different experience Monday in New Orleans, allowing the Pelicans to shoot 57.8 percent from the floor in a 140-126 loss. At 8-8, San Antonio is in danger of falling below .500 for the first time since opening the 2015-16 season at 0-1.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Memphis), FS Southwest (San Antonio)

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (11-5): Memphis entered Tuesday leading the league in scoring defense (100 points allowed per game) and turnover differential (-4.6) while ranking second in steals (9.8), but there's a development on the other end of the floor that could mean even more. After a cold-shooting start following an injury-plagued season, point guard Mike Conley is heating up and scored 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting against Dallas. "I think over the last few weeks, it's slowly starting to come around," Conley -- who is hitting 38.7 percent from 3-point range this month after making 28.2 percent in October -- told reporters. "My coaches and teammates have done a great job of trying to get me going, and tonight it all came together."

ABOUT THE SPURS (8-8): Monday marked San Antonio's fifth straight road loss and made a recent four-game streak of holding opponents under 100 points a thing of the past. "We scored 120-something points," guard DeMar DeRozan told reporters. "That's more than enough to win an NBA game. We just can't give up 140-plus points. That's just unacceptable." DeRozan carried the weight on the other end with 21 points while forward LaMarcus Aldridge continued his struggles by shooting 2-for-11 and scoring seven points.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Aldridge, who averaged 23.1 points per game last season, scored seven or fewer three times in his last seven contests.

2. Grizzlies C Marc Gasol has three straight double-doubles and averages 17.7 points and 10.4 rebounds this month.

3. San Antonio won each of the last six meetings.

PREDICTION: Grizzlies 106, Spurs 104

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Memphis

Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Grizzlies are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games playing on 1 days rest.
Grizzlies are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Grizzlies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

San Antonio

Spurs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Spurs are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss.
Spurs are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
Spurs are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 home games.
Spurs are 6-13-1 ATS in their last 20 vs. NBA Southwest.
Spurs are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Wednesday games.
Spurs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.

OU Trends
Memphis

Under is 6-1 in Grizzlies last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 6-2 in Grizzlies last 8 road games.
Under is 12-4-1 in Grizzlies last 17 vs. NBA Southwest.
Under is 8-3 in Grizzlies last 11 games following a straight up win.
Under is 8-3 in Grizzlies last 11 games following a ATS win.
Under is 5-2 in Grizzlies last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 13-6 in Grizzlies last 19 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

San Antonio

Over is 4-0 in Spurs last 4 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Spurs last 4 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Spurs last 8 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 5-2 in Spurs last 7 overall.
Over is 5-2-1 in Spurs last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 7-3-1 in Spurs last 11 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 21-10-1 in Spurs last 32 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.

Head to Head

Favorite is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
Grizzlies are 1-3-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in San Antonio.
Grizzlies are 1-4-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Road team is 4-0-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Kings at Jazz


The Utah Jazz return from an uneven five-game road trip for a quick stay at home when they host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. After opening the trip with a solid win over a surging Memphis team, the Jazz lost two straight -- scoring 68 points in a defeat at Dallas -- and then posted a very impressive victory at Boston, only to get throttled two nights later in Indiana.

"I just talked to the guys. I don't want to overreact, it's still early. But at the same time, you're going to lose in this league, but you can't keep getting your a** kicked like that," forward Jae Crowder told the Salt Lake Tribune after the 121-94 loss to the Pacers. "That's an a**-whupping, I feel like. It sends a message to the league. We need to be in every game, no matter who is on the court." Utah's last five losses have come by an average of 22.2 points and it sits a game below .500 with five out of the next six games on the road once the Kings leave town. Sacramento enters with some momentum after stopping the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder in Russell Westbrook's return to the court Monday night. Buddy Hield scored 25 points -- including a trio of key 3-pointers late in the game -- in the 117-113 win.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), AT&T Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE KINGS (9-8): Hield is 10-for-20 from 3-point range over his last three games and scored at least 22 points in eight of his last 13 contests. "Right spots, right time," Hield told reporters Monday. "Just trying to pick spots where I could read the defense and the stuff they were giving up." Fellow guard De'Aaron Fox overcame a woeful shooting night (1-for-10) with 13 assists and veteran Iman Shumpert broke out for 23 points after averaging six over his previous four games.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (8-9): Second-year star guard Donovan Mitchell was as up and down as anyone on the trip and finished it with a clunker, scoring seven points -- his first single-digit effort since Feb. 7 -- and handing out only one assist in 32 minutes. "They came out and blew stuff up," Mitchell told reporters of the Pacers. "I had two turnovers early just from being loose with it. That set the tone." Fellow guard Ricky Rubio picked up much of the slack with a season high-tying 28 points while center Rudy Gobert recorded his 16th double-double, which ranks second in the NBA.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Mitchell scored 24 points to lead Utah to a 123-117 win at Sacramento in the opener for both teams Oct. 17.

2. Kings rookie PF Marvin Bagley III recorded his first career double-double Monday night with 15 points and 13 boards.

3. Sacramento C Kosta Koufos (calf) missed four straight games.

PREDICTION: Jazz 115, Kings 110

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Sacramento

Kings are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Kings are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Northwest.
Kings are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games.
Kings are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Kings are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Utah

Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Pacific.
Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Jazz are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Jazz are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

OU Trends
Sacramento

Over is 4-0 in Kings last 4 road games.
Over is 5-1 in Kings last 6 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Over is 5-1 in Kings last 6 vs. NBA Northwest.
Under is 8-3 in Kings last 11 Wednesday games.
Over is 7-3 in Kings last 10 games following a ATS win.
Under is 7-3 in Kings last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Utah

Over is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 home games.
Over is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Over is 7-1 in Jazz last 8 vs. NBA Pacific.
Over is 6-1 in Jazz last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 7-2 in Jazz last 9 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 10-4 in Jazz last 14 Wednesday games.
Over is 7-3 in Jazz last 10 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 9-4 in Jazz last 13 overall.

Head to Head

Kings are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Kings are 25-10-2 ATS in the last 37 meetings in Utah.
Underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Thunder at Warriors


The fun-loving Golden State Warriors are a thing of the - very recent - past, and the discontent led the team to losses in each of its last three games and five of seven. The Warriors will try to turn things around when they return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.

Golden State has not been the same team since point guard Stephen Curry went down with a groin injury and an ugly incident between All-Star forwards Kevin Durant and Draymond Green, which led to a one-game suspension for Green. "We've had such a charmed existence the last four seasons," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters after a 104-92 loss at San Antonio on Sunday. "This is the toughest stretch we've been in. This is the real NBA. We haven't been in the real NBA the last few years. We've been in this dream. And so now we're faced real adversity and we got to get out of it ourselves." The Thunder had a three-game winning streak come to an end with a 117-113 loss at Sacramento on Monday, which coincided with the return of star point guard Russell Westbrook. The former MVP collected 29 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and three steals in the setback and settled in after a slow start.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Oklahoma, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State)

ABOUT THE THUNDER (10-6): All-Star forward Paul George scored 27 points on Monday but was 9-of-24 from the floor, including 4-of-14 from 3-point range. "They play fast, they play early in the shot clock. It took us a second to get things under control," George told reporters. "General statement for the game: we didn't shoot well enough to win the game." Those shooting woes extended to the bench, from where point guard Dennis Schroder, who started the previous six games in place of Westbrook, was just 3-of-17 in his return to the reserve corps.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (12-6): Golden State's offense is based on movement, sharing the ball and spacing, and the constant lineup changes brought on by new players and injuries are having an impact. "We've got to move the ball," Kerr told reporters. "We've got to trust each other. That's the hallmark of our team. We've got playmakers all over the floor. We've got guys who can dribble, pass and shoot. And what we've done the last few years is we've shared the ball. The ball has moved, and we've gotten each other great shots. We're not getting great shots right now. We're taking a lot of contested shots." Shooting guard Klay Thompson is having the toughest time getting his shot to fall and went 5-of-27 from 3-point range in losses at Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Durant is 1-of-17 from 3-point range over the last four games.

2. Thunder PF Nerlens Noel (illness) sat out Monday and is day-to-day.

3. Golden State is riding a three-game winning streak in the series, including a 108-100 home triumph on Oct. 16.

PREDICTION: Thunder 112, Warriors 109

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Oklahoma City

Thunder are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Thunder are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Thunder are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 17-6 ATS in their last 23 Wednesday games.
Thunder are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Thunder are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Thunder are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.

Golden State

Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games.
Warriors are 46-22-3 ATS in their last 71 Wednesday games.
Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Northwest.
Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Western Conference.

OU Trends
Oklahoma City

Over is 5-1 in Thunder last 6 vs. NBA Pacific.
Under is 13-3 in Thunder last 16 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 7-2 in Thunder last 9 road games.
Under is 11-4 in Thunder last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 8-3 in Thunder last 11 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Thunder last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 35-16 in Thunder last 51 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 35-17 in Thunder last 52 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Golden State

Under is 5-1 in Warriors last 6 vs. NBA Northwest.
Under is 5-1-1 in Warriors last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 13-3 in Warriors last 16 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 4-1 in Warriors last 5 home games.
Under is 16-5 in Warriors last 21 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 19-7-1 in Warriors last 27 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 5-2 in Warriors last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-3 in Warriors last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 35-17-1 in Warriors last 53 games following a ATS loss.

Head to Head

Under is 11-1 in the last 12 meetings in Golden State.
Under is 16-5 in the last 21 meetings.
Road team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Thunder are 3-9 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
Thunder are 3-10 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Golden State.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NHL Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The New York Rangers have turned around their season by recording at least one point in nine of their last 10 games (8-1-1), but the lone regulation loss in that stretch continued a disastrous run against their cross-town rival. The Rangers, who dropped a 7-5 decision to the New York Islanders last week, will bid to snap an eight-game skid in the series on Wednesday when the clubs meet at Madison Square Garden.

"We have a little bit of a chip on our shoulder because of how (the series has) gone as of late," Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith told Newsday. The Rangers rebounded from their setback to the Islanders to double up both Florida and Dallas to extend their winning streak at MSG to six games heading into the finale of their three-game homestand. Anthony Beauvillier recorded career firsts with both a hat trick and a four-point performance (three goals, one assist) against the Rangers before netting his fifth goal of the season on Sunday as the Islanders fell to 7-3-2 in their last 12 outings following a 6-2 setback to the Stars. "He looks like a completely different player. Think he's got a little confidence, obviously ... I think he's playing freer," Islanders coach Barry Trotz said of the 21-year-old Beauvillier.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG, MSG2

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (10-7-2): Mathew Barzal set up Scott Mayfield's third-period tally on Sunday to boost his point streak to a season-high five games, during which he has a goal and five assists. The reigning Calder Memorial Trophy recipient, Barzal notched one of his team-leading 16 assists in the last encounter with the Rangers and enjoyed a five-point performance (two goals, three assists) in a 7-2 win at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 13. Leo Komarov and Brock Nelson each scored and set up a goal against the Rangers last week, with the former carrying a three-game point streak into Wednesday's tilt.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (11-8-2): Filip Chytil became the first teenager in franchise history to score in four straight games in Monday's 2-1 win over Dallas when he netted the go-ahead goal early in the third period. "I am happy we are winning and I can help the team with goals," the 19-year-old Chytil said. "I am trying to play hard and play my game." Fellow forward Chris Kreider scored twice against the Islanders last week to give him seven points (four goals, three assists) in his last five games overall and five (three goals, two assists) in his last seven contests in the series.

OVERTIME

1. Rangers G Alexandar Georgiev carries a three-start winning streak into Wednesday's contest.

2. The Islanders are 7-0-0 against Metropolitan Division rivals this season.

3. Rangers C Mika Zibanejad has collected 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in his last 17 contests.

PREDICTION: Islanders 4, Rangers 3

 

[bmd1803]

Dallas Stars vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NHL Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The Pittsburgh Penguins are mired in one of their worst tailspins in over a decade, winning only once in their last 10 games, but there may be a reason for optimism on the horizon. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby participated fully in practice Tuesday for the first time in a week and could be back in the lineup for Wednesday's home game against the Dallas Stars.

Pittsburgh suffered its fourth straight loss Monday night, squandering a three-goal lead in a 5-4 loss to visiting Buffalo, so coach Mike Sullivan is hopeful Crosby is nearing a return. "He looks pretty close to me," Sullivan said Tuesday. "He had a strong practice today. We'll see how he responds. His status is still day-to-day, but obviously he had a real good practice today and that's encouraging." The Stars are dealing with a key injury of their own as goaltender Ben Bishop was hurt in Monday's loss to the New York Rangers. Dallas has split the first two contests of its three game road trip and has won six of eight against Pittsburgh over the previous four seasons.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southwest Plus (Dallas), AT&T Sportsnet-Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE STARS (11-8-2): Bishop turned aside 12 of 13 shots against the Rangers before exiting with a lower-body injury that is expected to sideline him for at least one week, Dallas coach Jim Montgomery said Tuesday. Backup Anton Khudobin, who made 29 starts for Boston last season, will take a 2.37 goals-against average and .925 save percentage into Wednesday's matchup. "It's not easy, but that's the part of the job," Khudobin said. "Not really that I'm planning that I am playing every day, but at the same time I have to prepare for it. Nothing changes."

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (7-8-4): Crosby, who has missed three games due to an upper-body injury, skated on a line with Jake Guentzel and Patric Hornqvist on Tuesday but was non-committal about playing against Dallas. "It's always difficult watching," Crosby said. "You want to be with the group regardless of winning or losing. You want to be out there, but especially when you lose. You want to go out and help in any way you can. Just trying to stay positive and do my best to get back." Center Evgeni Malkin did not practice Tuesday but is expected to play Wednesday.

OVERTIME

1. Penguins F Tanner Pearson had a goal and an assist Monday, his first points in three games since he was acquired from Los Angeles.

2. Stars C Tyler Seguin has scored four times in the past six games and has eight goals in 21 contests versus Pittsburgh.

3. Malkin has seven assists during a four-game point streak, including two in three straight contests.

PREDICTION: Penguins 4, Stars 3

 

[bmd1803]

Montreal Canadiens vs. New Jersey Devils Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NHL Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The Montreal Canadiens were well on the way to matching their longest winning streak of the season, only to blow a two-goal lead and fall in overtime to the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. The Canadiens will look to rebound from the 5-4 setback when they begin a two-game road trip with a visit to the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night.

"It's tough to lose when you're leading 4-2. We want to win," said Montreal's Brendan Gallagher, who scored his 10th goal and had a game-high seven shots on net. The Canadiens, already without top defenseman Shea Weber, learned Tuesday that fellow blue-liner Noah Juulsen will be sidelined indefinitely due to a facial fracture sustained in Monday's loss. New Jersey has dropped 11 of 15 games since opening the season with four consecutive wins but the team received good news on the injury front Tuesday. Coach John Hynes said No. 1 center Nico Hischier should be "good to go" after missing the last four games due to a thumb injury.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet1, RDS2 (Montreal), MSG-Plus 2 (New Jersey)

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (11-6-4): Juulsen, Montreal's first-round draft pick in 2015, was hit in the face with the puck in the first period Monday. With the Canadiens down to five defensemen, Jeff Petry played a staggering 33 minutes, 51 seconds to pick up the slack and also contributed at the offensive end with a goal and an assist. "I think he's been especially good for us this year. That's important because of Shea's injury," coach Claude Julien said. "Petey is one of the players who raised the level of his game and helped us fill the void in Weber's absence."

ABOUT THE DEVILS (8-9-2): Hischier, the top overall pick in the 2017 draft who has 12 points in 15 games, centered Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri at Tuesday's practice and also worked with the top power-play unit. "Nico is our first-line center and a big part of our future, a big part of our team," Hall said. "Hopefully he's healthy and ready to go and maybe a bit more energized after missing some games. It'll be good to have him back, not only for our team, but our line as well." Travis Zajac had two goals and four points in three games versus Montreal last season.

OVERTIME

1. Canadiens F Max Domi has five goals and nine assists in a 10-game point streak, the longest for the team since 1996.

2. Devils G Cory Schneider has lost 16 straight regular-season starts dating to 2017-18.

3. Montreal recalled F Michael Chaput from Laval of the American Hockey League.

PREDICTION: Devils 3, Canadiens 2

 

[bmd1803]

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Carolina Hurricanes Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NHL Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

Auston Matthews' absence from the lineup has not slowed down the Toronto Maple Leafs, who aim for their fifth consecutive victory when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday. The Maple Leafs have won seven of their last eight contests - all without Matthews, who hasn't played since Oct. 27 because of a shoulder injury.

Toronto extended its winning streak to four games Monday, overcoming a two-goal deficit to post a 4-2 victory over Columbus. John Tavares forged a 2-2 tie late in the second period before setting up the first of two third-period goals by Zach Hyman, who had tallied once in his first 20 games this season. Carolina continues a six-game homestand on which it has gone 2-1-1 following a 2-1 triumph over New Jersey on Sunday. Micheal Ferland scored his third goal in four games to become the first member of the Hurricanes to reach double digits.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FS Carolinas

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (15-6-0): Tavares leads the team with 13 goals after recording five in his last six contests. The 28-year-old center has landed on the scoresheet in 10 of his last 12 games, collecting seven tallies and seven assists in that span. Mitch Marner, who set up a pair of scores against the Blue Jackets and tops the club with 28 points, is riding a five-game point streak during which he has registered one goal and eight assists.

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (9-8-3): Ferland got his name in the franchise record book Sunday, scoring at the 30-second mark of the first period after captain Justin Williams tallied eight seconds earlier. They were the fastest two goals to open a game in franchise history and tied for the fifth-fastest in league annals. Williams' tally ended his 14-game drought and put him nine away from 300 for his career.

OVERTIME

1. Hurricanes C Sebastian Aho, who leads the team with 23 points, registered two goals and four assists during his four-game streak before being kept off the scoresheet Sunday.

2. Toronto D Morgan Rielly is three points shy of 200 for his career as he is riding a six-game streak during which he has collected three goals and five assists.

3. Carolina LW Teuvo Teravainen has recorded a goal and four assists over his last five contests.

PREDICTION: Hurricanes 3, Maple Leafs 2