Saturday 11-18-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Carolina at Buffalo

W/L TRENDS

Carolina

Hurricanes are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. Atlantic. Hurricanes are 19-39 in their last 58 road games. Hurricanes are 37-78 in their last 115 Saturday games. Hurricanes are 3-7 in their last 10 games playing on 1 days rest. Hurricanes are 1-6 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Hurricanes are 1-7 in their last 8 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Buffalo

Sabres are 67-145 in their last 212 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Sabres are 28-63 in their last 91 vs. Metropolitan. Sabres are 2-5 in their last 7 home games. Sabres are 7-19 in their last 26 overall. Sabres are 25-69 in their last 94 games playing on 0 days rest. Sabres are 2-6 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Sabres are 2-12 in their last 14 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Sabres are 1-6 in their last 7 Saturday games. Sabres are 1-8 in their last 9 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Sabres are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. a team with a losing record. Sabres are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.

OU TRENDS

Carolina

Over is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 4-1-2 in Hurricanes last 7 vs. Atlantic. Under is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 34-13-4 in Hurricanes last 51 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2-1 in Hurricanes last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Buffalo

Under is 4-0 in Sabres last 4 home games. Over is 4-0-1 in Sabres last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 9-1-2 in Sabres last 12 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Over is 5-1 in Sabres last 6 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 4-1-1 in Sabres last 6 overall. Over is 4-1 in Sabres last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 4-1 in Sabres last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-1 in Sabres last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 17-8-2 in Sabres last 27 games playing on 0 days rest.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 7-2-4 in the last 13 meetings. Home team is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Hurricanes are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Buffalo.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 18, 2017
Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec

Matchup Edge

TOR	Edge in:	MON
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Maple Leafs at Canadiens

Gracenote
Nov 17, 2017

The absence of leading goal scorer Auston Matthews has done little to cool off the Toronto Maple Leafs, who carry a five-game winning streak into Saturday night's matchup at the Montreal Canadiens. Matthews, out the past four games, scored the decisive goal last month when Toronto ended Montreal's 14-game winning streak in the series.

Although Matthews has been practicing this week, Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock labeled the reigning Calder Trophy winner as a game-time decision for Saturday's game. “I’m trying to get a feel for everything each and every day," Matthews said after Friday's practice. "I feel like I have a ways to go to getting the feel for the puck I had and just the pace of play I was playing at before.” The Canadiens will try to bounce back from a 5-4 setback to NHL-worst Arizona, which marked the Coyotes' first regulation win of the season. "It's more embarrassing than frustrating," Montreal coach Claude Julien said after his team squandered three separate leads in its second straight defeat.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBC, TVAS, Sportsnet, City

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (13-7-0): William Nylander, who scored 22 times last season, ended an 11-game drought by netting the lone goal with 2.2 seconds left in overtime in Thursday's 1-0 victory over New Jersey. "When you haven't scored in a while as a young guy you start thinking too much instead of playing and working," Babcock said."They want to score every night and if you're a point-getter you think you should be doing that every night." Defenseman Morgan Rielly has one goal and five assists during a five-game point streak.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (8-10-2): With Montreal set to play its third game in five days, Julien eschewed a punishment skate as a message to his team at Friday's practice to keep the players fresh. "It gives this group an opportunity to show some character and show that the game was unacceptable and they want to redeem themselves," Julien said. "I would expect us to have some pride and bounce back." Brendan Gallagher, who registered a career-low 10 goals last season, already has eight after scoring five times in the past nine games.

OVERTIME

1. Maple Leafs G Frederik Andersen has allowed four goals and owns a .965 save percentage in his last three starts.

2. Montreal's Max Pacioretty, Jonathan Drouin and Jordie Benn are all questionable after missing Friday's practice due to the flu.

3. Toronto signed F Josh Leivo to a one-year, $950,000 contract extension on Friday.

PREDICTION: Canadiens 3, Maple Leafs 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Toronto at Montreal

W/L TRENDS

Toronto

Maple Leafs are 4-0 in their last 4 games following a win. Maple Leafs are 5-0 in their last 5 overall. Maple Leafs are 9-2 in their last 11 vs. a team with a losing record. Maple Leafs are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Atlantic. Maple Leafs are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Maple Leafs are 6-2 in their last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Maple Leafs are 9-4 in their last 13 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Maple Leafs are 17-35 in their last 52 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Montreal

Canadiens are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Atlantic. Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Canadiens are 9-3 in their last 12 Saturday games. Canadiens are 5-2 in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Canadiens are 2-7 in their last 9 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Canadiens are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Canadiens are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

OU TRENDS

Toronto

Under is 3-0-1 in Maple Leafs last 4 overall. Under is 3-0-1 in Maple Leafs last 4 games following a win. Under is 3-0-1 in Maple Leafs last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 8-1-1 in Maple Leafs last 10 Saturday games. Over is 6-1 in Maple Leafs last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 3-1-1 in Maple Leafs last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 22-10-1 in Maple Leafs last 33 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Montreal

Over is 4-0 in Canadiens last 4 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Canadiens last 6 overall. Under is 4-1 in Canadiens last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Canadiens last 5 Saturday games. Under is 4-1 in Canadiens last 5 home games. Over is 3-1-1 in Canadiens last 5 vs. Atlantic. Under is 15-7-8 in Canadiens last 30 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 23-11-7 in Canadiens last 41 vs. Eastern Conference.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Montreal. Maple Leafs are 7-20 in the last 27 meetings. Maple Leafs are 1-8 in the last 9 meetings in Montreal.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 18, 2017
Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida

Matchup Edge

NYI	Edge in:	TB
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Islanders at Lightning

Gracenote
Nov 17, 2017

The Tampa Bay Lightning continue to cruise along at the top of the NHL and look to extend their winning streak to six games Saturday night when the improving New York Islanders pay a visit. The Lightning are 6-0-1 since losing in regulation for only the second time this season and eased to a 6-1 victory over Dallas on Thursday with a workmanlike performance for 60 minutes.

“We had a game plan and we stuck to it,” Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos told reporters after posting two goals and two assists Thursday to push his league-leading total to 35 points in 19 games. “We emphasized that we wanted to keep our foot on the gas and keep pressing. When you can do that, it sucks the life out of the team and gives them no hope to come back.” The Lightning attempt to extend their winning streak to eight games against the Islanders, including playoffs, after outscoring them 14-2 in three triumphs last season. New York has been a different team this season, though, and notched at least a point for the fourth time in five games (3-1-1) Thursday by rallying for a 6-4 victory over Carolina. “It says a lot about where we are as a team right now that we can bounce back like we did,” Islanders center Casey Cizikas told reporters. “You’re not going to play every period perfect. It’s how you respond.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG Plus (New York), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (10-6-2): Josh Bailey recorded a goal and an assist Thursday to take over the team lead with 20 points - one better than Anders Lee and captain John Tavares, who has only one in the past four contests. Lee has one goal and three assists in the last two games while rookie forward Mathew Barzal scored once and helped set up two others in the victory over Carolina to push his point total to 17. Jordan Eberle has also scored in back-to-back contests and defenseman Nick Leddy boasts a goal and three assists in the last two games.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (15-2-2): Stamkos has prospered while skating with Nikita Kucherov (NHL-leading 17 goals) and Vladislav Namestnikov, who has 20 points - eight shy of his total in 74 games last season. “They want to produce, they like to produce, and they are producing,” Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said after Thursday’s win. “They’re the engine that starts our team.” Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has gone 14 games without a regulation loss (13-0-1) and boasts a .943 save percentage in five outings this month, allowing one goal each in his last three.

OVERTIME

1. New York F Brock Nelson has gone seven games without a point and nine without a goal.

2. The Lightning are 18-for-18 on the penalty kill over the last seven games and New York is 1-for-11 on the power play in the past four.

3. The Islanders are 4-6-0 on the road and 6-0-2 at home - one of only two teams not to lose in regulation in their own arena.

PREDICTION: Lightning 5, Islanders 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Islanders at Tampa Bay

W/L TRENDS

NY Islanders

Islanders are 10-1 in their last 11 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Islanders are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Atlantic. Islanders are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Islanders are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Islanders are 17-35 in their last 52 Saturday games. Islanders are 5-14 in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Tampa Bay

Lightning are 6-0 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Lightning are 10-1 in their last 11 games playing on 1 days rest. Lightning are 10-2 in their last 12 home games. Lightning are 5-1 in their last 6 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Metropolitan. Lightning are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Lightning are 20-6 in their last 26 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Lightning are 19-7 in their last 26 games following a win. Lightning are 19-7 in their last 26 vs. Eastern Conference. Lightning are 35-16 in their last 51 overall. Lightning are 53-25 in their last 78 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

OU TRENDS

NY Islanders

Over is 7-0 in Islanders last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Islanders last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 6-1 in Islanders last 7 games following a win. Over is 10-2 in Islanders last 12 overall. Over is 5-1 in Islanders last 6 road games. Over is 5-1 in Islanders last 6 Saturday games. Over is 5-1 in Islanders last 6 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Islanders last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 7-3 in Islanders last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Tampa Bay

Over is 5-0 in Lightning last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Lightning last 5 overall. Over is 7-2 in Lightning last 9 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 6-2 in Lightning last 8 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 11-4 in Lightning last 15 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 11-4 in Lightning last 15 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 5-2 in Lightning last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 12-5 in Lightning last 17 home games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Islanders are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Tampa Bay. Islanders are 0-7 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 18, 2017
Where: PPG PAINTS Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Matchup Edge

CHI	Edge in:	PIT
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Blackhawks at Penguins

Gracenote
Nov 17, 2017

The Chicago Blackhawks set a franchise record in goals for a season opener in their resounding 10-1 shellacking of the Pittsburgh Penguins before ultimately scoring three or fewer tallies 13 times in an excruciating 14-game stretch from Oct. 9-Nov. 9. The Blackhawks have picked up the pace with 15 goals in the last three contests heading into the opener of a three-game road trip in Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Patrick Kane collected a goal and three assists in the season-opening pummeling of the Penguins and has that same scoring output over his last three games, but the 2016 Hart Trophy winner isn't comforted with where the Blackhawks reside in the standings. "We were a little bit behind the eight-ball, where these games mean a little bit more at this point in our season," Kane told the Chicago Sun-Times. "Could be a good thing, too. Now it's almost like every game is so important, you're playing to win every game. It's almost like you're playing playoff hockey right away." The Blackhawks and Penguins know a thing or two about playoff hockey considering the former has three Stanley Cups in six years (2010, 2013, 2015) while the latter has won the last two. Captain Sidney Crosby set up Phil Kessel for his team's lone goal against the Blackhawks and has a goal and two assists during Pittsburgh's current two-game winning streak.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network, WGN (Chicago), AT&T Sportsnet-Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (9-8-2): Artem Anisimov effectively ended his former team's season-high six-game winning streak with his first career hat trick in Wednesday's 6-3 triumph over the New York Rangers. Nick Schmaltz set up three goals in that encounter to give him five assists in his last two games and erupted for a three-point performance (two goals, one assist) in the first meeting versus Pittsburgh. Brandon Saad netted a hat trick in the season opener and had eight points (six goals, two assists) in his first six games before recording just a goal and an assist over his last 13.
ABOUT THE PENGUINS (11-7-3): Matt Murray doesn't have fond memories of the first meeting with Chicago this season - he yielded six goals on 31 shots, after all - but the 23-year-old has turned his fortunes around in November. Murray improved to 4-2-0 with a .910 save percentage this month after his sprawling 10-bell save on Mike Hoffman in the first period set the tone for his 21-save performance in a 3-1 victory at Ottawa on Thursday. "If they score on that maybe they get some momentum and it's a different outcome," Crosby said.

OVERTIME

1. Chicago RW Alex DeBrincat has four goals and one assist during his three-game point streak.

2. Pittsburgh C Jake Guentzel has three goals and an assist in his last six contests after mustering just one of each in his previous 10.

3. Blackhawks D Duncan Keith, who has appeared in all 19 games this season, missed back-to-back practices due to an illness and is listed as questionable versus the Penguins.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 4, Penguins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Chicago at Pittsburgh

W/L TRENDS

Chicago

Blackhawks are 5-1 in their last 6 Saturday games. Blackhawks are 9-2 in their last 11 vs. Metropolitan. Blackhawks are 13-4 in their last 17 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Blackhawks are 4-10 in their last 14 road games. Blackhawks are 3-9 in their last 12 vs. a team with a winning record. Blackhawks are 1-6 in their last 7 games following a win. Blackhawks are 0-5 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Pittsburgh

Penguins are 40-11 in their last 51 home games. Penguins are 43-12 in their last 55 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Penguins are 40-15 in their last 55 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Penguins are 65-28 in their last 93 games playing on 1 days rest. Penguins are 53-25 in their last 78 vs. a team with a losing record. Penguins are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. Central. Penguins are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference. Penguins are 0-5 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Penguins are 0-4 in their last 4 Saturday games.

OU TRENDS

Chicago

Over is 4-0 in Blackhawks last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 5-1 in Blackhawks last 6 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Blackhawks last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 7-2 in Blackhawks last 9 games following a win. Over is 18-6-5 in Blackhawks last 29 road games. Over is 20-8-5 in Blackhawks last 33 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 33-15-12 in Blackhawks last 60 vs. Metropolitan.

Pittsburgh

Under is 5-0 in Penguins last 5 games following a win. Over is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 Saturday games. Under is 7-2-1 in Penguins last 10 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 7-3 in Penguins last 10 vs. Western Conference. Over is 36-16-6 in Penguins last 58 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-0-2 in the last 6 meetings in Pittsburgh. Blackhawks are 7-0 in the last 7 meetings. Under is 5-1-2 in the last 8 meetings. Home team is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 18, 2017
Where: Captial One Arena, Washington, District of Columbia

Matchup Edge

MIN	Edge in:	WAS
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Wild at Capitals

Gracenote
Nov 17, 2017

Giving up six goals in back-to-back games is cause for alarm for any team, particularly one that features a former Vezina Trophy winner in net. The beleaguered Washington Capitals look to get back on track following a pair of ugly road losses when they host red-hot Jason Zucker and the resurgent Minnesota Wild on Saturday night.

The Capitals held a brief team meeting following Thursday's 6-2 loss at Colorado, which came two days after a 6-3 drubbing in Nashville. The two-time defending Presidents' Trophy winners are hitting a favorable portion of the schedule to get back on track, kicking off a four-game homestand and playing nine of the next 10 at Verizon Center. After winning three in a row via shutout, Minnesota's offense came to the rescue in Thursday's 6-4 comeback win over Nashville, scoring four late third-period goals to extend its winning streak to four. “That’s what we did last year,” goaltender Devan Dubnyk said. “We can be overwhelming. We have a ton of guys who can score goals. We hadn’t really shown that yet this year."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), NBC Sports Washington

ABOUT THE WILD (9-7-2): Zucker is on a goal-scoring binge with eight tallies during a five-game streak and they haven't been cheap ones -- seven of the eight have come in the final 20 minutes, including the go-ahead tally against Nashville. Zucker boosted his total to 11 goals, halfway to last season's career-high 22. "For me, I want to make sure that I'm just trying to create chances and get in on pucks and get pucks to the net at any point in the game," Zucker said. "I guess they're just happening to go in in the third period."

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (10-9-1): Slow starts continue to hinder Washington, which fell behind by two goals in the first period in each of the past two games and dropped to 5-9-0 when allowing the opponent to score first. “There’s not enough urgency,” forward Tom Wilson said. “I mean, it can spiral. You come out, they get a couple goals, guys are maybe trying to cheat a little bit on the offensive end and then another puck goes in your net.” Braden Holtby takes a 5-2-0 record and 1.69 goals-against average at home into Saturday's start.

OVERTIME

1. Dubnyk owns a 2-4-1 mark with a 3.61 goals-against average against the Capitals.

2. Washington has won four in a row at home and five straight against Minnesota.

3. The Wild have killed off all 17 short-handed situations in the previous six games.

PREDICTION: Capitals 3, Wild 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Minnesota at Washington

W/L TRENDS

Minnesota

Wild are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Metropolitan. Wild are 4-0 in their last 4 overall. Wild are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference. Wild are 8-3 in their last 11 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Wild are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Washington

Capitals are 12-3 in their last 15 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Capitals are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Capitals are 20-7 in their last 27 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Capitals are 40-14 in their last 54 games playing on 1 days rest. Capitals are 13-5 in their last 18 vs. Central. Capitals are 67-26 in their last 93 home games. Capitals are 60-25 in their last 85 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Capitals are 70-32 in their last 102 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Minnesota

Under is 3-0-1 in Wild last 4 Saturday games. Over is 3-0-1 in Wild last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 3-0-1 in Wild last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 6-1 in Wild last 7 games following a win. Over is 16-5-3 in Wild last 24 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 3-1-1 in Wild last 5 overall. Over is 16-6-5 in Wild last 27 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2-2 in Wild last 9 road games.

Washington

Over is 4-0 in Capitals last 4 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Capitals last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 6-1 in Capitals last 7 home games. Over is 5-1 in Capitals last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 19-4-5 in Capitals last 28 vs. Central. Over is 6-2 in Capitals last 8 Saturday games. Over is 19-7-2 in Capitals last 28 vs. Western Conference. Under is 5-2 in Capitals last 7 overall.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 3-0-2 in the last 5 meetings. Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings in Washington. Home team is 15-5 in the last 20 meetings. Wild are 1-6 in the last 7 meetings in Washington. Wild are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 18, 2017
Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee

Matchup Edge

COL	Edge in:	NAS
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Avalanche at Predators

Gracenote
Nov 17, 2017

Clubs that were recently involved in a blockbuster three-team trade meet Saturday when the Nashville Predators try for their eighth straight victory over the visiting Colorado Avalanche. Newly acquired Colorado defenseman Sam Girard, 19, faces the team that selected him in the second round of the 2016 draft for the first time but center Vladislav Kamenev, also acquired from Nashville in the Matt Duchene trade to Ottawa, broke his arm Thursday in his Avalanche debut.

Kamenev sustained his injury on a clean open-ice hit from Washington's Brooks Orpik during Colorado's 6-2 victory, dampening a contest in which captain Gabriel Landeskog scored his first career hat trick, and Nathan MacKinnon (five) and Mikko Rantanen (four) recorded career-high point totals. The Predators appeared to be en route to their sixth straight win before allowing four goals in the final 6:56 of a stunning 6-4 loss at Minnesota on Thursday. "I think sometimes you get a tendency to sit back a little bit when you're up," Nashville defenseman Roman Josi told reporters. "The best way to play defense is to be playing offense if you have the puck. We got to make sure if we're up, we've got to keep playing and go for that next goal."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Altitude (Colorado), FSN Tennessee (Nashville)

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (9-7-1): MacKinnon has an eye-popping 15 points (five goals) in his last seven games while Landeskog's three-goal game gives him a team-high eight tallies. Girard has two assists in three games while averaging 22:02 of ice time and skating on the top defensive pairing with Erik Johnson. Tyson Barrie (14 points in 2017-18) missed his first game of the season Thursday with an upper-body injury but coach Jared Bednar told reporters he was hopeful the defenseman could play this weekend.

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (10-6-2): Filip Forsberg (team highs of nine goals and 19 points) has five points in his last three games after recording a pair of assists Thursday. Viktor Arvidsson (seven goals, 12 points) had a goal and an assist Thursday, giving him four and three in his last six games. Pekka Rinne is 4-2-0 this month despite an .895 save percentage, allowing three or more goals in five of the six contests.

OVERTIME

1. Colorado rookie C Alex Kerfoot had his four-game point streak (four goals, seven points) snapped Thursday.

2. The Avalanche are 9-for-26 on the power play over their last seven contests while Nashville killed only five of eight man-advantage opportunities in the last two games.

3. The Predators won the opener of the four-game season series 4-1 on Oct. 17 behind a goal and an assist apiece from Arvidsson and Josi.

PREDICTION: Predators 3, Avalanche 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Colorado at Nashville

W/L TRENDS

Colorado

Avalanche are 3-7 in their last 10 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Avalanche are 5-13 in their last 18 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Avalanche are 8-21 in their last 29 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Avalanche are 8-21 in their last 29 Saturday games. Avalanche are 14-37 in their last 51 vs. Central. Avalanche are 9-24 in their last 33 vs. a team with a winning record. Avalanche are 22-59 in their last 81 overall. Avalanche are 8-22 in their last 30 games following a win. Avalanche are 13-38 in their last 51 games playing on 1 days rest. Avalanche are 12-41 in their last 53 road games. Avalanche are 10-41 in their last 51 vs. Western Conference. Avalanche are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Nashville

Predators are 5-1 in their last 6 overall. Predators are 22-7 in their last 29 home games. Predators are 54-19 in their last 73 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Predators are 11-4 in their last 15 vs. Central. Predators are 9-4 in their last 13 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Predators are 35-17 in their last 52 vs. Western Conference.

OU TRENDS

Colorado

Over is 4-0 in Avalanche last 4 road games. Over is 4-0 in Avalanche last 4 games following a win. Over is 4-0 in Avalanche last 4 vs. Western Conference. Over is 5-1 in Avalanche last 6 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Avalanche last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 12-3-2 in Avalanche last 17 Saturday games. Over is 7-2-1 in Avalanche last 10 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 22-7-1 in Avalanche last 30 overall. Over is 13-5 in Avalanche last 18 vs. Central. Over is 18-7-2 in Avalanche last 27 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 34-16-6 in Avalanche last 56 vs. a team with a winning record.

Nashville

Under is 5-0 in Predators last 5 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Predators last 4 Saturday games. Under is 6-1 in Predators last 7 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Predators last 6 overall. Under is 10-2-4 in Predators last 16 vs. Central. Over is 7-2 in Predators last 9 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 16-6-4 in Predators last 26 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 12-5-3 in Predators last 20 vs. Western Conference.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 12-3-1 in the last 16 meetings in Nashville. Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. Avalanche are 7-19 in the last 26 meetings in Nashville. Avalanche are 0-7 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 18, 2017
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina

Matchup Edge

LAC	Edge in:	CHA
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Clippers at Hornets

Gracenote
Nov 18, 2017

The Los Angeles Clippers' losing streak is at seven games, but they're seemingly getting closer to a breakthrough. The Clippers will try once again to get back into the win column when they continue a five-game road trip at the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.

Los Angeles extended its longest skid since a nine-gamer in 2010 with Friday's 118-113 overtime loss at Cleveland, the squad's fourth straight setback by single digits. The Clippers, who are also 0-4 against Eastern Conference teams, have won six straight meetings with the Hornets, although two last season that were decided by a total of eight points. Charlotte is right behind Los Angeles with six consecutive losses, the latest a 123-120 setback at Chicago on Friday, which came despite Kemba Walker's 47 points. The Hornets have been outscored by 47 points in the fourth quarter over their last four games and gave up 40 in the final period against the Bulls while coughing up a nine-point lead.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FSN Southeast (Charlotte)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (5-9): Blake Griffin scored 23 points and DeAndre Jordan notched his seventh double-double with a season-high 20 points to go with 22 rebounds in the loss to Cleveland. Patrick Beverley (knee) missed his fourth game in a row and Danilo Gallinari (glute) sat for the fifth consecutive contest. Reserve guard Lou Williams failed to make a 3-pointer for the first time this season while finishing with 13 points, matching his lowest total this month.

ABOUT THE HORNETS (5-9): Walker was 17-for-27 from the field and 5-for-8 from long distance while still handing out five assists in Friday's loss. The veteran guard has scored at least 20 points in 10 of 14 games this season. Center Dwight Howard had six double-doubles in his first nine games but has gone five straight contests without one and has made just 7-of-21 free throws over a three game span.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Griffin is shooting 33 percent from the field over his last five games.

2. Hornets SG Treveon Graham (quadriceps) has missed two games in a row.

3. Jordan entered Friday ranked third in the NBA in rebounding (13.4) and Howard was fourth (12.5).

PREDICTION: Clippers 103, Hornets 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - L.A. Clippers at Charlotte

ATS TRENDS

L.A. Clippers

Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Clippers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Clippers are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS win. Clippers are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day. Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games. Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss. Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Clippers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Clippers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Clippers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 0 days rest.

Charlotte

Hornets are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Pacific. Hornets are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 Saturday games. Hornets are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Hornets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Hornets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Hornets are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Hornets are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Hornets are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss. Hornets are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Hornets are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Hornets are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

L.A. Clippers

Under is 13-3 in Clippers last 16 Saturday games. Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 games following a ATS win. Over is 5-2 in Clippers last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Clippers last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 7-3-1 in Clippers last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.

Charlotte

Over is 5-0 in Hornets last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 4-0 in Hornets last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Hornets last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 7-2 in Hornets last 9 overall. Over is 20-6 in Hornets last 26 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 9-3 in Hornets last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 9-3 in Hornets last 12 home games. Over is 14-5 in Hornets last 19 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 8-3-1 in Hornets last 12 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Over is 13-6 in Hornets last 19 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Clippers are 11-3-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Charlotte. Clippers are 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings. Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 18, 2017
Where: Amway Center, Orlando, Florida

Matchup Edge

UTA	Edge in:	ORL
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Jazz at Magic

Gracenote
Nov 18, 2017

Somebody's three-game losing streak is coming to an end on Saturday, when the road-challenged Utah Jazz visit the Orlando Magic. Utah is the only winless road team in the NBA after losing in Brooklyn on Friday to fall to 0-6 away from home.

The Jazz have lost seven of their last eight overall games, and coach Quin Snyder was disappointed with a defensive performance in which his squad allowed Brooklyn to make 17-of-37 3-point attempts in the 118-107 setback. "I think at the beginning of the game, we weren't as aggressive defensively as we needed to be," Snyder told reporters. "Brooklyn made some shots, but I felt we could've done more on the defensive end to make that hard for them." Orlando, which has lost five of its last seven contests, is returning from a four-game road trip for two at home before beginning another four-game trek and isn't overly concerned with Utah's road woes. "We can't take it for granted that they're going to be tired," Magic center Nikola Vucevic told reporters. "We're coming from the West Coast, so we're going to have to make sure that we come out with a lot of energy and do our jobs."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Utah), FSN Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE JAZZ (6-10): Point guard Ricky Rubio missed the loss to the Nets with a sore right Achilles and may not be available against the Magic. "He's had soreness in his Achilles and you want to be smart, especially with what we're dealing with," Snyder told reporters prior to Friday's loss. "The last thing we need is Ricky to go out and try to show his toughness and play, which is what he wants to do." Rookie Donovan Mitchell was inserted into the starting lineup and recorded 15 points and eight assists, but the real stunner was little-used guard Raul Neto scoring a career-high 22 points in 20 minutes of action.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (8-7): The stretch of five losses in seven games began after backup point guard D.J. Augustin was lost to a hamstring injury, and there's a chance he will be able to return to action Saturday. "It felt good, but I'm still trying to get my legs under me because I haven't practiced in two weeks," Augustin told reporters after returning to practice on Friday. "I'm trying to get my conditioning and my legs up, but the hamstring felt pretty good." Augustin was averaging 8.3 points and 5.1 assists before the injury and put together three straight double-digit scoring performances - including a double-double - during a stretch in which he filled in for injured starter Elfrid Payton.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Jazz won both of last season's meetings, including an 87-74 victory in Orlando.

2. Magic SF Evan Fournier has recorded 10 20-point efforts while averaging 19.7 on 50.9 percent shooting.

3. Utah SF Joe Ingles scored 15 points while matching his career high of five 3-pointers (without a miss) against the Nets and has made 47 percent of his shots from beyond the arc this season.

PREDICTION: Magic 98, Jazz 92

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Utah at Orlando

ATS TRENDS

Utah

Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games. Jazz are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Jazz are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Jazz are 3-9-3 ATS in their last 15 games playing on 0 days rest. Jazz are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Jazz are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss. Jazz are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss. Jazz are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Jazz are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Jazz are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Jazz are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Jazz are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games. Jazz are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Orlando

Magic are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Magic are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss. Magic are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference. Magic are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Magic are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Magic are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Magic are 9-21-1 ATS in their last 31 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Magic are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Magic are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Magic are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 2 days rest. Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games. Magic are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Northwest.

OU TRENDS

Utah

Over is 7-0 in Jazz last 7 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 6-1 in Jazz last 7 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 5-1 in Jazz last 6 Saturday games. Over is 7-3 in Jazz last 10 overall. Under is 7-3 in Jazz last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 7-3 in Jazz last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Orlando

Under is 4-0 in Magic last 4 home games. Under is 6-0 in Magic last 6 games following a straight up loss. Over is 4-1 in Magic last 5 Saturday games. Under is 8-2 in Magic last 10 vs. Western Conference. Under is 4-1 in Magic last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 7-2 in Magic last 9 overall. Over is 3-1-1 in Magic last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 5-2 in Magic last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 7-3 in Magic last 10 vs. NBA Northwest. Over is 45-21 in Magic last 66 games playing on 2 days rest.

HEAD TO HEAD

Jazz are 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Orlando. Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Orlando. Jazz are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Underdog is 22-7-1 ATS in the last 30 meetings. Road team is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 18, 2017
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

Matchup Edge

BOS	Edge in:	ATL
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Celtics at Hawks

Gracenote
Nov 18, 2017

The Boston Celtics stunned the basketball world and made a big statement by knocking off the defending champion Golden State Warriors and running their winning streak to 14 straight on Thursday. The trick now will be to avoid a letdown when the Celtics begin a three-game road trip by visiting the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.

The Warriors entered Thursday's meeting averaging 119.6 points but shot 40.2 percent from the floor and ended up dropping a 92-88 decision to Boston, which tried to keep the win in perspective. “It’s just a regular season game," swingman Jaylen Brown told reporters. "We’ve still got 60-plus games left to play. We’ve got to take it one game at a time and keep winning. We’ve got a 14-game win streak going down to Atlanta, and we’ve got Miami and Dallas. Now that we have a reputation, I think everyone is coming for us. Now we have to come play even harder, and I think we can do that." The Celtics own the NBA's best defense, allowing an average of 94.1 points, and will be going up against a Hawks squad that is coming off its best performance of the season - a 126-80 thrashing of the Sacramento Kings that marked the largest margin of victory in franchise history. The win was the first of the season at home for Atlanta, which is just 3-12.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Boston, FS Southeast (Atlanta)

ABOUT THE CELTICS (14-2): Boston attempted 19 more free throws than the Warriors on Thursday, and point guard Kyrie Irving relentlessly attacked the basket in the final minute and put his team ahead at the line. “We talk all the time about we want to get free throws, layups or three’s and play inside out and we made an emphasis on that at the start of training camp," Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "You don’t always get to the line quite as much, but I thought we really drove it hard. They are so hard to score on, you have to convert when you do get to the line.” Irving was just 4-of-16 from the floor but finished with 16 points after discarding the mask he had been wearing to protect a facial fracture during the contest.

ABOUT THE HAWKS (3-12): Atlanta is a rebuilding club but proved it wasn't yet tanking when it went out and demolished the Kings on Wednesday. Center Dewayne Dedmon is emerging as a building block and delivered 20 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in 24 minutes on Wednesday for his second double-double in the last five games and third this season. Dedmon could be sharing the frontcourt for a long time with rookie John Collins, who went 7-of-9 from the field on Wednesday to score in double figures for the fourth time in the last six contests.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Celtics C Al Horford is 23-of-30 from the floor over the last three games.

2. Hawks PF Ersan Ilyasova (knee) returned from an eight-game absence on Wednesday and grabbed eight rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench.

3. Boston earned a 110-107 win at Atlanta on Nov. 6 behind 35 points from Irving.

PREDICTION: Celtics 106, Hawks 90

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Boston at Atlanta

ATS TRENDS

Boston

Celtics are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Celtics are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Southeast. Celtics are 20-5-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a straight up win. Celtics are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Celtics are 21-6-1 ATS in their last 28 games playing on 1 days rest. Celtics are 24-7-1 ATS in their last 32 games overall. Celtics are 17-5-1 ATS in their last 23 games following a ATS win. Celtics are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 vs. Eastern Conference. Celtics are 24-9 ATS in their last 33 Saturday games. Celtics are 33-16-2 ATS in their last 51 road games. Celtics are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Atlanta

Hawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Hawks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win. Hawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Hawks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Hawks are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games. Hawks are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Eastern Conference. Hawks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

OU TRENDS

Boston

Under is 6-1 in Celtics last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 6-1 in Celtics last 7 Saturday games. Under is 9-2 in Celtics last 11 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 overall. Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 games following a straight up win. Under is 7-2 in Celtics last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 21-7-2 in Celtics last 30 road games. Under is 6-2 in Celtics last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 7-3 in Celtics last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Atlanta

Over is 4-0 in Hawks last 4 home games. Over is 3-0-1 in Hawks last 4 vs. NBA Atlantic. Over is 5-0 in Hawks last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Over is 10-1 in Hawks last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 7-1 in Hawks last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Hawks last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 4-1-1 in Hawks last 6 games following a straight up win. Over is 4-1 in Hawks last 5 games following a ATS win. Over is 7-2 in Hawks last 9 overall. Over is 16-5 in Hawks last 21 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Over is 19-6-2 in Hawks last 27 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 6-2-1 in Hawks last 9 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Under is 5-2 in Hawks last 7 Saturday games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Celtics are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Atlanta. Celtics are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings. Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, November 18, 2017
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Matchup Edge

GS	Edge in:	PHI
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Warriors at 76ers

Gracenote
Nov 18, 2017

The Philadelphia 76ers seem to be getting better with each game and just finished up a west coast trip strong with a pair of wins in Los Angeles. The 76ers went 3-2 on that trip, with one of the losses coming at Golden State, and they will try to avenge that setback when they host the Warriors on Saturday.

Just over a month into the regular season and it's clear that Philadelphia has two of the best building blocks in the NBA in center Joel Embiid and point guard Ben Simmons, and the former is coming off a career-high 46-point effort in a 115-109 win over the Lakers on Wednesday. "I think he's just playing more confidently," 76ers coach Brett Brown told reporters of Embiid. "I think he's getting his fitness base slowly underneath him, and I feel like it's just progressively playing with teammates, and being with us more. His growth path and comfort level, we felt that it was going to come after Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving happened just a little bit quicker." Embiid and Philadelphia will be taking on a Warriors squad that had a seven-game winning streak snapped and scored a season low in a 92-88 loss at Boston on Thursday. "It was a defensive battle both ways," Golden State point guard Stephen Curry told reporters. "They played great defense, we played great defense."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State), NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (11-4): Golden State is trying to repeat as NBA champions and was averaging 119.6 points before Thursday's loss. "I think it was a great game for us though, to understand it's not always going to be 2017 NBA out there," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters. "You're going to run into teams like this, who are really physical and tough, so that's why we harp on every box out, every foul." Golden State had less trouble offensively last Saturday at home against Philadelphia, when it shot 58.5 percent from the floor and breezed to a 135-114 victory.

ABOUT THE 76ERS (8-6): Simmons nearly pulled off his third triple-double with 18 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds to go with five steals on Wednesday, but Embiid was the star of the L.A. stage. The 23-year-old center went 14-of-20 from the floor and added 15 rebounds, seven assists and seven blocked shots, becoming the first player to reach those totals in the same game since blocks began being kept as a statistic in 1973. "I heard it has never been done in the league ever before," Embiid told reporters. "I wish I could have had a quadruple-double, with blocks, but, like I said, I just went out there and played basketball, and played the right way."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The 76ers and SF Robert Covington are reportedly finalizing a four-year contract extension.

2. Curry sat out a win on Monday over Orlando with a thigh bruise and was just 3-of-14 from the floor in his first game back.

3. Golden State took the last nine in the series, including four straight in Philadelphia.

PREDICTION: Warriors 125, 76ers 113

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Golden State at Philadelphia

ATS TRENDS

Golden State

Warriors are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 Saturday games. Warriors are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 road games. Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Warriors are 21-8-1 ATS in their last 30 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Warriors are 17-7-1 ATS in their last 25 games playing on 1 days rest. Warriors are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Warriors are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss. Warriors are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss. Warriors are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Warriors are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Atlantic.

Philadelphia

76ers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 2 days rest. 76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. 76ers are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. 76ers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. 76ers are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. 76ers are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. 76ers are 22-7 ATS in their last 29 games following a straight up win. 76ers are 18-6 ATS in their last 24 vs. NBA Pacific. 76ers are 38-14 ATS in their last 52 vs. Western Conference. 76ers are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 games following a ATS win. 76ers are 18-8 ATS in their last 26 home games. 76ers are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. 76ers are 44-21 ATS in their last 65 games overall.

OU TRENDS

Golden State

Over is 4-0 in Warriors last 4 games following a straight up loss. Under is 5-1 in Warriors last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 15-3 in Warriors last 18 vs. NBA Atlantic. Under is 4-1 in Warriors last 5 overall. Over is 8-2 in Warriors last 10 games following a ATS loss. Under is 4-1 in Warriors last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 13-4 in Warriors last 17 road games. Over is 5-2 in Warriors last 7 Saturday games.

Philadelphia

Under is 4-0 in 76ers last 4 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Over is 6-1 in 76ers last 7 games following a ATS win. Over is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 games following a straight up win. Under is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 7-2 in 76ers last 9 overall. Over is 7-2 in 76ers last 9 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in 76ers last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 8-3 in 76ers last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 10-4 in 76ers last 14 Saturday games. Over is 5-2 in 76ers last 7 vs. Western Conference. Over is 7-3 in 76ers last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Philadelphia. Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Home team is 19-7 ATS in the last 26 meetings. Warriors are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings. Underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings. Warriors are 1-9 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Philadelphia.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 18, 2017
Where: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee

Matchup Edge

HOU	Edge in:	MEM
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Rockets at Grizzlies

Gracenote
Nov 18, 2017

Any questions about how Houston would mesh with Chris Paul upon his return from a knee injury were answered in emphatic fashion when the Rockets scored 90 points in the first half en route to a 142-116 triumph at Phoenix on Wednesday. Paul and the Rockets will get a stiffer defensive test on Saturday, when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies.

The 90-point half set a franchise record for Houston, which was glad to welcome Paul back after he went down in the season opener. "I don't know if he can get any better than that, but if he does, it'll be scary," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters when asked if Paul looked rusty in his first game back. "You forget how good he is. He was hurt the last exhibition game and then the first game of the season, and you kind of forget how good the guy is. It's nice to get him back." The Grizzlies are historically a strong defensive team but are slipping a bit of late and allowed an average of 112.3 points while dropping the last three games. "Our defense is plummeting because of our lack of focus and lack of effort, for whatever reason," Memphis coach David Fizdale told reporters after a 116-113 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. "So, that’s on me. I’ve got to help them out and we’ve got to get back in here (Thursday) and the next day and get to work."

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

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (12-4): Paul collected 11 points and 10 assists in 21 minutes on Wednesday while Harden, who leads the NBA in scoring (31.8) and assists (10.1), delivered 48 points and seven assists. "James knows that every night he's not going to have 48 and stuff like that, but we just try to play the right way, make the right plays and move the ball," Paul told reporters. "It's fun. It's fun playing like that because of the energy with our team. We know it's not going to be easy like this night in and night out, but we talk, we communicate and that's what helps." Harden is averaging 40.2 points over the last six contests and is 42-of-42 from the free-throw line in the last three.
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (7-7): While Houston enjoys a glut of star point guards in Paul and Harden, Memphis figures to be without its own star guard for the foreseeable future. Mike Conley, who is averaging 17.1 points but shooting a career-low 38.1 percent from the floor, is being shut down indefinitely due to soreness in his left Achilles. "Obviously, we're feeling more for him," Fizdale told reporters. "It's been a frustrating process. He did so much work this summer to get ready for this year to play the style of play after a year under his belt of knowing how I wanted to play, and for whatever reason this thing isn't going away on its own."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Grizzlies PG Mario Chalmers is expected to start in Conley's place.

2. Rockets SG Eric Gordon is 4-of-25 from 3-point range over the last three games.

3. Houston earned a 111-96 home win over Memphis last Saturday behind 38 points from Harden.

PREDICTION: Rockets 113, Grizzlies 101