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When: 8:25 PM ET, Thursday, November 30, 2017
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Preview: Redskins at Cowboys
Gracenote
Nov 28, 2017
The Dallas Cowboys are a decidedly different team than the one that coasted to a 33-19 win against the Washington Redskins last month, especially considering Ezekiel Elliott rolled up a season-high 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns in that outing. With Elliott suspended, the Cowboys' overall offense hasn't been as potent and mustered just 22 points during the team's three-game losing skid heading into Thursday's contest versus the visiting Redskins.
The Cowboys are averaging a solid 4.4 yards per carry in Elliott's absence, but that's just noise to Alfred Morris as he prepares to face his former team. "You can say (the running game has been good enough), but it doesn't matter," Morris said. "We’re not winning games. We're not putting points on the board, so it doesn't matter if we, in a sense, are doing our part." The Redskins reached 30 points in back-to-back losses before tightening their defense in a 20-10 win over the sputtering New York Giants on Thanksgiving. Kirk Cousins (NFL second-best 3,038 yards), who tossed a pair of touchdown passes against the Giants, has thrown for 625 passing yards, six TDs and no interceptions in his last two encounters with the Cowboys.
TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Cowboys -1. O/U: 44
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (5-6): While coach Jay Gruden was pleased to see left tackle Trent Williams (knee) participate in practice in a bid to end a one-game absence versus Dallas, the coach doesn't have high hopes for the return of tight end Jordan Reed. "Your guess is as good as mine," Gruden said of a potential return date for Reed, who has missed each of the last four games with a hamstring injury. "Obviously there is an issue there, otherwise I would like to think he would be further along now. But we just have to get him healthy." Rookie running back Samaje Perine has looked healthy with 217 rushing yards in his last two contests, and a season-best 130 scrimmage yards (100 rushing, 30 receiving) last week.
ABOUT THE COWBOYS (5-6): Dak Prescott and the Dallas passing game have taken a hit with the threat of Elliott removed from the offense. "It's frustrating, simple as that. But what it does is it makes being on top fun," said Prescott, who tossed five interceptions in his last two games to eclipse his total of four during his rookie season in 2016. "That's what it's all about is getting out of these whatever you call them, ruts, or whatever they are and getting back to our expectations, our standards." Wideout Dez Bryant has struggled to get untracked without Elliott, failing to crack 40 yards receiving in two of the last three games.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Dallas has failed to score at least 10 points in three straight games for the first time in franchise history.
2. Redskins LB Zach Brown recorded 12 of his NFL-best 110 tackles in the first meeting with the Cowboys.
3. Washington TE Vernon Davis, who failed to reel in a catch last week, has two touchdowns in his past two encounters with Dallas.
PREDICTION: Redskins 24, Cowboys 16
Trends - Washington at DallasATS TRENDS
OU TRENDS
Washington
- Redskins are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
- Redskins are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in November.
- Redskins are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf.
- Redskins are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
- Redskins are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 road games.
- Redskins are 10-4 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
- Redskins are 6-14-1 ATS in their last 21 games after allowing less than 250 total yards in their previous game.
- Redskins are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win.
- Redskins are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.
- Redskins are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. NFC East.
- Redskins are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.
- Redskins are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.
- Redskins are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in Week 13.
Dallas
- Cowboys are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
- Cowboys are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
- Cowboys are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss.
- Cowboys are 9-23-1 ATS in their last 33 games on fieldturf.
- Cowboys are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up loss.
- Cowboys are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
- Cowboys are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home.
- Cowboys are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in November.
- Cowboys are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
- Cowboys are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 13.
- Cowboys are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 14 points.
- Cowboys are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Thursday games.
- Cowboys are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Washington
- Over is 8-0 in Redskins last 8 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
- Over is 5-0 in Redskins last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
- Over is 6-1 in Redskins last 7 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.
- Over is 5-1 in Redskins last 6 Thursday games.
- Over is 14-3 in Redskins last 17 vs. a team with a losing record.
- Over is 24-8 in Redskins last 32 games overall.
- Over is 9-3 in Redskins last 12 vs. NFC East.
- Over is 22-8 in Redskins last 30 vs. NFC.
- Over is 20-8 in Redskins last 28 road games.
- Over is 5-2 in Redskins last 7 games in November.
- Under is 5-2 in Redskins last 7 games following a ATS win.
- Under is 17-8-1 in Redskins last 26 games after allowing less than 250 total yards in their previous game.
Dallas
- Under is 4-0 in Cowboys last 4 games overall.
- Under is 4-0 in Cowboys last 4 games in November.
- Over is 6-1 in Cowboys last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
- Under is 6-1 in Cowboys last 7 games after accumulating less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
- Under is 9-2 in Cowboys last 11 games following a double-digit loss at home.
- Under is 4-1 in Cowboys last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
- Under is 4-1 in Cowboys last 5 games after accumulating less than 250 total yards in their previous game.
- Under is 4-1 in Cowboys last 5 vs. NFC East.
- Under is 6-2 in Cowboys last 8 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game.
- Under is 10-4 in Cowboys last 14 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
- Under is 16-7 in Cowboys last 23 games following a ATS loss.
- Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
- Road team is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
- Redskins are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 meetings in Dallas.
- Underdog is 29-10 ATS in their last 39 meetings.
- Redskins are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 meetings.
NFL opening line report: Divisional showdown in New Orleans highlights Week 13
Patrick Everson
"We know that the public will look to back New Orleans, so we wanted to be a step higher on that side. Don’t be surprised to see this finish at -3."
Week 13 on the NFL docket includes a divisional battle for first place among two teams that finished below .500 last season. Patrick Everson checks in on the opening lines for a quartet of contests, with insights from Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook Bookmaker.eu.
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys (-1)
The loser of this Thursday night meeting can probably start thinking hard about next season. Dallas has lost its last three games, all without suspended star running back Ezekiel Elliott, who still must sit out three more games. The Cowboys (5-6 SU and ATS) got dumped by the Los Angeles Chargers 28-6 as a 1-point home pup on Thanksgiving Day.
Washington, also 5-6 SU and ATS, played the Turkey Day Thursday nighter and came away with a 20-10 win over the New York Giants giving 7 points at home.
“Despite an early move to -1.5, I’m sure we’ll see some sharp money on Washington at some point,” Cooley said. “The Cowboys have had their backs against the wall for two weeks, and they’ve come out flat each time. I’d be hard-pressed to bet on this Dallas squad right now.”
NFL
Long Sheet
Week 13
Thursday, November 30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WASHINGTON (5 - 6) at DALLAS (5 - 6) - 11/30/2017, 8:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NFL
Week 13
Trend Report
Thursday, November 30
WASHINGTON @ DALLAS
Washington is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing Washington
F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Aqueduct
Aqueduct - Race 8
Exacta, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Double Wagers
Optional Claiming $62,500 • 6 Furlongs • Outer Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 100 • Purse: $69,000 • Post: 3:47P
OUTER TURF (UP TO $12,420 NYSBFOA) FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $10,000 TWICE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $62,500. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES OTHER THAN CLAIMING OR STARTER IN 2017 ALLOWED 2 LBS. ONE SUCH RACE IN 2017 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $62,500 (ALLOWANCE HORSES PREFERRED.).
Contenders
Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line
Accept
Odds
Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * CAROLINA SHAG: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. DIVINE MIS S GREY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. TRUE CHARM: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. TRUTH IN THE LIES: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. LAMONTAGNE: Today is a sprint and this is the horse 's third or fourth start after a layoff.
5
CAROLINA SHAG
5/1
9/2
1
DIVINE MISS GREY
7/2
6/1
4
TRUE CHARM
8/1
8/1
3
TRUTH IN THE LIES
2/1
9/1
1A
LAMONTAGNE
7/2
9/1
P#
Horse (In Running Style Order)
Post
Morn
Line
Running Style
Good
Class
Good
Speed
Early Figure
Finish Figure
Platinum
Figure
1
DIVINE MISS GREY
1
7/2
Front-runner
100
98
123.2
94.8
87.3
4
TRUE CHARM
4
8/1
Front-runner
95
95
100.4
90.4
80.4
5
CAROLINA SHAG
5
5/1
Stalker
106
97
96.6
97.2
92.7
1A
LAMONTAGNE
6
7/2
Stalker
95
95
84.2
90.0
82.5
7
ANNIE ROCKS
8
12/1
Stalker
95
90
77.4
89.9
80.9
6
JC'S SHOOTING STAR
7
3/1
Alternator/Stalker
98
93
96.7
93.9
86.4
2
HOLIDAY DISGUISE
2
9/5
Trailer
91
95
67.1
83.9
72.4
3
TRUTH IN THE LIES
3
2/1
Alternator/Trailer
97
97
58.4
71.1
58.1
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Bar
Charles Town - Race #3 - Post: 7:57pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 73
Rating: 4
#7 TERO (ML=5/1)
#1 CHARITABLE MARK (ML=4/1)
TERO - Rodriguez and Lane perform well when they combine forces. It's hard to beat a +837 return on investment for a jockey and trainer. Looking at today's class figure, this thoroughbred is up against an easier bunch than last time around the track at Penn National. This gelding is in good form. Finished third on Nov 18th. CHARITABLE MARK - I like to see fast works. This gelding's last one was very good. Second fastest of the day. I think this gelding is coming into top form. Utilizing this jock/trainer combination is a good decision. Earnings per race is something that I think can be a key handicapping factor. This racer is ranked numero uno in this field.
Vulnerable Contenders: #9 APOLLO LANDING (ML=5/2), #5 APOLLO ELEVEN (ML=7/2), #8 CROSSING BORDERS (ML=9/2),
APOLLO LANDING - This probable favorite ran on November 3rd and hasn't had a drill after that. Not probable that the speed fig he registered on Nov 3rd will be enough in this event. APOLLO ELEVEN - Never really did much at all last time around the track on November 20th. Hard to wager on in today's event. Could be tough for this thoroughbred to beat this group off of that last speed rating. Not probable to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the vulnerable competitors list. CROSSING BORDERS - This gelding raced well above average on November 10th placing first, but hasn't even visited the track since then. Not really a good sign.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#7 TERO is going to be the play if we are getting 2/1 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,7]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip
Handicapped by The Walker Group at Evangeline Downs
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 3 - Claiming - 220y on the Dirt. Purse: $8500 Class Rating: 69
QUARTER HORSE 220Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks
# 5 SHEZA DASHING CORONA 9/2
# 7 MISSIN THE BUX 3/1
# 4 PATRIOT TOOLS 6/1
SHEZA DASHING CORONA should be supported as the bet in here. Could beat this group of horses in this race given the 68 Equibase Speed Figure recorded in her last outing. Is worth a close look and may be a bet - strong speed figures (68 average) at today's distance and surface recently. MISSIN THE BUX - Should best this group here, showing very good numbers of late. She looks competitive in this spot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the midpoint. PATRIOT TOOLS - Could best this field based on the speed rating - 66 - of her last effort. Is hard not to look at given the company run in lately.
Handicapped by The Walker Group at Hawthorne
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 8 - SO - 8.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $11000 Class Rating: 99
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $6,250 OR LESS IN 2016 - 2017 OR CLAIMING PRICE $12,500. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE OCTOBER 30 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500
RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks
# 2 SHOBIZ STAR 5/2
# 4 CHICORY BLUE 2/1
# 7 URBAN COOL 8/1
SHOBIZ STAR gets the edge as the bet in here. As of late Santiago has been on fire which may give the edge to this gelding. The speed rating of 110 from his most recent race looks very strong in here. His 86 average has this gelding with among the top Equibase Speed Figures in this race. CHICORY BLUE - Looks competitive for the conditions of this contest today, showing solid figures in dirt route races recently. I expect a quite good performance from this racer whose trainer has one of the most respectable return on investment percentages with horses running at this distance and surface. URBAN COOL - His 87 average has this gelding with among the top speed figures in this race. Should go to the lead and may never look back.
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Bar
Penn National - Race #4 - Post: 7:22pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,200 Class Rating: 75
Rating: 4
#8 SCOBEYVILLE (ML=5/1)
#2 TORE DOWN (ML=4/1)
SCOBEYVILLE - Took a significant drop in class rating last time around the track at Parx Racing. Returning to a similar level right here. Should do well in this race. TORE DOWN - Ferreira brings him back again. I suggest you stay with this live gelding. Possibly a peak effort for this gelding today. Been getting closer to the winner with each recent start. Look at this pattern of improvement. 58/62/70 are the last three Equibase speed figures.
Vulnerable Contenders: #6 SPOTTY ZEALOUS (ML=3/1), #5 COWBOY CHROME (ML=9/2), #1 TALK TO THE MEDIA (ML=6/1),
SPOTTY ZEALOUS - Generally I need a sprinter to have some success lately in sprint contests in order to play him. COWBOY CHROME - The speed fig last race out doesn't fit very well in this race when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's contest. Mark this racer as a likely underlay. TALK TO THE MEDIA - In the last affair this racer finished fourth. Doesn't look good for his chances today. Hard to put your dough on the win end of any horse that finishes second and third as frequently as this participant does.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #8 SCOBEYVILLE on top if we're getting at least 3/2 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,8]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip
F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Remington Park
Remington Park - Race 4
Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta (.10 Cent Minimum) / Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6)
Maiden Special • 1 Mile • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 67 • Purse: $33,000 • Post: 8:31P
FOR MAIDEN, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 119 LBS.
Contenders
Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line
Accept
Odds
Race Type: Dominant Trailer. GOLDIE AGAIN is the Dominant Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * GOLDIE AGAIN: Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. TWO SIPS: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. COSTA DEL SOL: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating.
6
GOLDIE AGAIN
3/1
7/2
1
TWO SIPS
5/2
7/2
7
COSTA DEL SOL
8/5
6/1
P#
Horse (In Running Style Order)
Post
Morn
Line
Running Style
Good
Class
Good
Speed
Early Figure
Finish Figure
Platinum
Figure
7
COSTA DEL SOL
7
8/5
Alternator/Front-runner
65
61
49.3
57.8
52.8
6
GOLDIE AGAIN
6
3/1
Trailer
64
54
77.7
61.6
54.6
1
TWO SIPS
1
5/2
Trailer
71
56
47.6
53.8
49.8
3
SUNDAYMORNINGSAINT
3
8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0
0
42.7
47.4
38.4
5
CITY GONE COUNTRY
5
15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0
0
40.8
40.8
32.8
4
GHOST JUMPER
4
12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0
0
37.5
37.5
27.5
2
GONE AWRY
2
30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0
0
28.8
28.8
16.3
Cavaliers vs. Hawks Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 11/29/2017
LeBron James is in the 15th season of a career that will finish in the Hall of Fame but still manages to find ways to do things he's never done in the NBA. The Cleveland Cavaliers expect to have James back on the court on Thursday when they visit the Atlanta Hawks after he was hit with his first career ejection on Tuesday.
James collected 21 points on 10-of-16 shooting while adding 12 rebounds, six assists and five steals in 28 minutes against the Miami Heat on Tuesday but was not on the court to celebrate his team's ninth straight win after he was ejected for arguing a non-foul call. "I got fouled all the way up the court, from the time I stripped (Heat forward James Johnson), all the way until I got to the rim," James told reporters. "I said what I had to say and then I moved on, but he decided I should get (ejected). It is what it is. We got the win, and that's what's most important." The Hawks don't need to see a well-motivated James or a red-hot Cleveland squad after suffering the worst loss of an already down season with a 112-78 home setback to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. "Our defense was just - they were shooting 64, 68 percent at the half," Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters. "They'd hit enough 3's to make you worry about that and they'd just kick it into drive. I feel like our defense, not just in the paint but everywhere, was just not good enough for an NBA game."
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cleveland), FSN Southeast (Atlanta)
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (14-7): James' ejection on Tuesday overshadowed a dominant performance from forward Kevin Love, who scored a season-high 38 points while going 10-of-16 from the field and 14-of-17 from the free-throw line. The All-Star came up one rebound shy of his sixth double-double during the nine-game winning streak. Love will get a chance on Thursday to wipe away the memory of his worst performance of the season, when he managed four points on 1-of-6 shooting in a home loss to Atlanta on Nov. 5.
ABOUT THE HAWKS (4-16): Atlanta is getting plenty of practice time this week to get things right with only the matchup against Cleveland coming between the loss to the Raptors last Saturday and a trip to Brooklyn this Saturday. Point guard Dennis Schroder scored a team-high 14 points in the loss to Toronto and reached double figures in scoring in seven straight games after bottoming out with seven points on 2-of-16 shooting in a loss at Washington on Nov. 11. Schroder matched a season high with 28 points and added nine assists in the Hawks' 117-115 win at Cleveland on Nov. 5.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Cavaliers SG Dwyane Wade is averaging 15 points over the last four games - 4.2 points above his season mark.
2. Hawks PF Ersan Ilyasova is shooting 28.3 percent from the floor in nine games this season, including 19.2 percent from beyond the arc.
3. Cleveland SG Iman Shumpert (knee) sat out four of the last five games and is day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Cavaliers 120, Hawks 106
Bulls vs. Nuggets Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 11/29/2017
The Denver Nuggets seem to struggle on the road but are winners of five straight at home and will begin a two-game homestand by hosting the NBA-worst Chicago Bulls on Thursday. The Nuggets could use a home game against a lowly opponent after getting blown out 106-77 at Utah on Tuesday.
"They did whatever they wanted," Denver coach Michael Malone told reporters of the Jazz after Tuesday's loss. "We were completely outplayed. Just an awful, embarrassing night for the Denver Nuggets." The 77 points marked a season-low for the Nuggets, who average 112.1 points at home but just 100.5 on the road. The Bulls average an NBA-worst 94.6 points and were held below 100 for the fifth straight game in a 104-99 home loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Chicago is making a one-game trip to Denver before coming home to host the Sacramento Kings the next night and is looking for its first road win since a 105-83 triumph at Orlando on Nov. 3 - its only road victory of the season.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), Altitude (Denver)
ABOUT THE BULLS (3-16): Chicago's season began with team turmoil when forward Bobby Portis punched forward Nikola Mirotic in the face, leading to a hospital stay and facial fractures for Mirotic and a suspension for Portis. Mirotic has yet to suit up for a game this season but attended his first game of the campaign on Tuesday. Mirotic, who has reportedly not yet spoken with Portis, began practicing with the team on Monday and is expected to practice with the team's G League affiliate along with point guard Zach LaVine (knee) while the Bulls are in Denver.
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (11-9): Denver lost some veteran leadership when power forward Paul Millsap went down with a wrist injury that required surgery and will leave him out three months, and filling the void is proving to be difficult. "Somebody's got to step forward and kind of be a voice and get on people," center Mason Plumlee told the Denver Post after Tuesday's loss. "It just can't be from the staff. We've got to take ownership internally and deal with it. ... It has to change if we want to make this season worthwhile, it's gotta happen." Center Nikola Jokic, 22, is the young face of the franchise but is still growing into a consistent force and followed up a 28-point, 13-rebound, eight-assist effort in a win over Memphis on Friday with seven points in Tuesday's setback.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Chicago PG Kris Dunn scored a career-high 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting in Tuesday's loss.
2. Nuggets SF Wilson Chandler (back) sat out Tuesday and is day-to-day.
3. Denver took the last three in the series while averaging 116.7 points.
PREDICTION: Nuggets 120, Bulls 98
Kings vs. Capitals Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 11/29/2017
Anze Kopitar effectively has flipped the script with 12 goals in just 25 games this season after requiring 75 contests to reach that total in 2016-17. The team leader in goals, assists (16) and points (28), Kopitar looks to continue his surge on Thursday as the Los Angeles Kings play the second contest of their four-game trek against the Washington Capitals.
"I'm feeling good this year, and maybe that's the whole difference. I'm confident about my game in a way that I wasn't last season, said Kopitar, who admitted he was drained from competing in the Olympic qualifiers (for Slovenia) and the World Cup (for Team Europe) before the 2016-17 season even began. The 30-year-old Kopitar collected two goals and an assist on Tuesday as Los Angeles opened a four-game trek with a 4-1 victory at Detroit. While the Kings are aiming for their first three-game winning streak since Oct. 28, the Capitals are riding their second such streak this month with resounding victories over Eastern Conference foes Ottawa, Tampa Bay and Toronto. Captain Alex Ovechkin earned NHL Third Star of the Week honors after scoring a goal in all three contests to raise his league-leading total to 18, highlighted by his third hat trick of the season and 20th career in a 4-2 win over Maple Leafs on Saturday.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), NBCSN Washington
ABOUT THE KINGS (14-8-3): Jonathan Quick has rebounded from a disastrous six-start losing skid, answering his .899 save percentage in that span by turning aside 48 of 50 shots in the last two contests. The 2012 Conn Smythe Trophy recipient and two-time Stanley Cup winner has flustered Washington in his career with wins in seven of nine starts while posting a .915 save percentage. Former captain Dustin Brown has scored in back-to-back games to give him 10 goals in 25 games this season, putting him on pace to obliterate his previous totals in the last three campaigns (11, 11, 14).
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (14-10-1): T.J. Oshie set up three goals at Toronto on Saturday and has five assists in his last three games as the United States Olympic hero is off to his best start to a season in his career. The 30-year-old scored a goal in both games versus Los Angeles last season after recording five assists in his previous five career meetings. Fellow forward Nicklas Backstrom has set up four goals during his three-game point streak, with his 16 assists this season trailing only Evgeny Kuznetsov for the team lead.
OVERTIME
1. Washington's Braden Holtby will get the nod at home, where he ranks first in save percentage (.927) and third in goals-against average (2.13) among NHL goaltenders with at least 100 such starts since 2010-11.
2. Los Angeles D Drew Doughty has set up four goals during his three-game assist streak and has seven points (one goal, six assists) in his past seven contests.
3. Kuznetsov (team-leading 26 points) has been held off the scoresheet in three of his last four games.
PREDICTION: Capitals 4, Kings 2
Canucks vs. Predators Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 11/29/2017
The Nashville Predators have a chance to complete a perfect month of November at home when they host the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. The Predators own the best home record in the Western Conference at 9-1-1 and have won six consecutive games at Bridgestone Arena, part of a 10-1-1 overall record in their last 12 games.
One reason for Nashville's success at home is the power play, which has connected in all 11 games at Bridgestone Arena -- matching a franchise record set in 2006. "A huge factor," said Predators defenseman Roman Josi, who scored on the man advantage in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Chicago. "It changes games and is very important." Vancouver owned one of the league's top records away from home before losing three in a row on its six-game road trip that concludes Thursday. The Canucks have lost their last three visits to Nashville and have scored a combined five goals in the past four meetings against the Predators.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver), FSN Tennessee
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (11-10-4): Bo Horvat scored for the fourth time in eight games to push his season total to 10 -- halfway to his career-high 20 set in 2016-17 -- but he's unhappy with Vancouver's regression on the road trip. The Canucks posted a pair of 5-2 wins at Philadelphia and Pittsburgh before losing three straight. "We've got to get back to frustrating teams rather than turning it into a track meet where you're trading chances," Horvat said after Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Islanders. "We need 20 guys."
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (15-6-3): Forward Austin Watson converted on the power play for only his third goal of the season and 12th of his career, but it was his play at the other end of the ice against Chicago that drew raves. Watson blocked three shots in the final seconds of Tuesday's win to add to his game-high five hits. "It was unreal. We were celebrating on the bench like somebody just scored a hat trick," Josi said. "It was unbelievable. That's what makes him so valuable. He's a true warrior."
OVERTIME
1. Predators F Filip Forsberg is the only player in the NHL to score in every home game, collecting eight goals and nine assists.
2. Canucks LW Daniel Sedin has been held off the scoresheet the past two games to remain two points shy of 1,000.
3. Predators G Pekka Rinne has won five straight starts but is 11-9-2 overall against Vancouver.
PREDICTION: Predators 3, Canucks 2
Golden Knights vs. Wild Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 11/29/2017
Born in Southern California, Jason Zucker was raised in Las Vegas and is the only Nevada-produced player in NHL history. Zucker will get a firsthand look at the expansion franchise on Thursday as his Minnesota Wild welcome the Vegas Golden Knights to the Xcel Energy Center.
Zucker, who is a former IHL Las Vegas Thunder stick boy and roller hockey star, has 10 of his team-leading 13 goals during a 12-game stretch. The 25-year-old carries a four-game point streak into Thursday's tilt for Minnesota, which has dropped four of six and has been on the receiving end of back-to-back drubbings by Central Division rivals St. Louis and Winnipeg. Vegas saw its second five-game winning streak of the season come to a halt after suffering its first shutout in franchise history on Tuesday, with Radek Faksa's hat trick accounting for the damage in a 3-0 setback to Dallas. "I thought we played a pretty strong game but we just couldn't get any grade-A scoring chances," Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant said.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, AT&TSN-Rocky Mountain (Vegas), FSN North (Minnesota)
ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (15-7-1): Erik Haula made himself at home in Minnesota, as the Finnish-born forward was a prep school and college star in the state before spending the past four seasons with the Wild. "The whole deal is going to be super weird," the 26-year-old Haula told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I'm going to try to have as much fun with it as possible. I definitely had this day marked on my calendar." Haula, who joins former Wild forward Alex Tuch and defenseman Clayton Stoner in returning to Minnesota, has answered a sluggish start to the season by recording 10 points (five goals, five assists) in his last 11 games.
ABOUT THE WILD (11-10-3): Coach Bruce Boudreau didn't mind doing the math when discussing the recent generous play on defense by Minnesota, which has yielded 13 goals in its last two games and 30 over its last seven on the heels of three consecutive shutouts. "That's 4 1/2 goals a game. If you're going to do that, you can't win in the NHL," Boudreau said. "It's almost impossible for me to think you can get three shutouts in a row and seven games later you allow 30 goals." Devan Dubnyk will look to stop the bleeding after permitting 18 goals in his last four outings, albeit with a 2-1-1 mark.
OVERTIME
1. Minnesota C Eric Staal (team-leading 13 assists, 21 points) has scored four goals and set up nine others in his last 12 contests.
2. Vegas D Brayden McNabb signed a four-year, $10 million contract, the team announced Wednesday.
3. Wild F Zach Parise skated on Wednesday for the first time since microdiscectomy surgery on Oct. 24. There is no timeline for his return to practice or games, however.
PREDICTION: Wild 3, Golden Knights 2
Stars vs. Blackhawks Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 11/29/2017
After coming up short against a nemesis on the road, the Chicago Blackhawks return home with a chance to extend a winning streak against another division rival. The Blackhawks will host the Dallas Stars on Thursday in the first leg of a home-and-home series, looking to earn their sixth consecutive victory in the series.
The Stars won the Central Division in 2015-16 and Chicago succeeded them the following season, each with a Western Conferece-best 109 points. Their success against one another was pivotal in each team's run to a division title -- the Blackhawks won all five meetings last season, while Dallas captured four of five the previous campaign. Currently tied for third place in the Central, Chicago and the Stars enter Thursday's matchup playing some of their best hockey. Chicago was on a 4-0-1 run before dropping a 3-2 decision at Nashvile while the Stars have won four of five after snapping Vegas' eight-game home winning streak with a 3-0 victory.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Anaheim), NBCSN Chicago
ABOUT THE STARS (13-10-1): One game after Tyler Seguin registered a hat trick, Radek Faksa duplicated the feat -- albeit in more dramatic fashion -- at Vegas, scoring all of the team's goals in the second period, including two eight seconds apart. "I am very happy for the goals. I get very emotional when I score. But the most important thing is the team win," Faksa said. "I am glad we had a greasy win on the road. We needed it." Goaltender Ben Bishop registered his second shutout, both coming in the last eight games.
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (12-9-3): Fresh off his first career hat trick in a 7-3 rout of Anaheim on Monday, rookie Alex DeBrincat collected an assist in Tuesday's loss to give him seven goals and 11 points over his last four games. Corey Crawford, who was rested in Tuesday's loss at Nashville, is 4-0-1 in his last five starts and won all three appearances against Dallas last season while allowing a combined seven goals. Chicago is not lacking for chances, producing at least 35 shots on goal in 12 of its last 14 games.
OVERTIME
1. Despite Tuesday's shutout, Bishop's goals-against average is two higher on the road (3.62) than at home (1.61).
2. Blackhawks F Patrick Kane, who had a seven-game point streak halted Tuesday, has 23 goals and 50 points in 40 games versus Dallas.
3. Dallas is 1-for-23 on the power play over the past seven games.
PREDICTION: Blackhawks 5, Stars 3
Maple Leafs vs. Oilers Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 11/29/2017
Taken at their word, Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid aren't heaping adding significance on Thursday's game pitting the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs against the Edmonton Oilers. "It's just another game," said Matthews, the reigning Calder Memorial Trophy recipient, of facing off against the current Hart Trophy winner in McDavid.
"You don't really get too worked up about the whole matchup, individual matchups, that the media likes to make out," Matthews said before reiterating that "it's just another hockey game." Matthews leads Toronto in both goals (12) and points (24) and extended his assist streak to three contests in Tuesday's 4-1 triumph over Calgary in the opener of a three-game trek through Western Canada. Fellow 20-year-old McDavid leads Edmonton in goals (10), assists (20) and points (30), but the Oilers have endured somewhat of a dry spell with the NHL's 26th-ranked offense (2.7 goals per game) - prompting coach Todd McLellan to alter lines on a semi-regular basis. "Obviously you'd like to stick with a line for games in a row, but it hasn't worked out that way," said McDavid, who could see Jesse Puljujarvi ascend to his top line along with Milan Lucic.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, TSN4 (Toronto), TVAS, Sportsnet West (Edmonton)
ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (16-9-1): Nazem Kadri got right back on the horse after seeing his career-best nine-game point streak come to halt, as the 27-year-old scored in the third period on Tuesday to give him 11 points (six goals, five assists) in his last 11 contests. Kadri drilled the Oilers with three goals in two encounters last season to increase his point total to 10 (six goals, four assists) in nine career meetings. Fellow forwards William Nylander (three assists) and Zach Hyman (one goal, two assists) are riding three-game point streaks while Nikita Zaitsev has scored in back-to-back contests.
ABOUT THE OILERS (10-13-2): Cam Talbot's availability is in question as the 30-year-old workhorse is nursing an upper-body injury, prompting Edmonton to bring in a University of Alberta goaltender for Wednesday's practice. Coach Todd McLellan said that Talbot "tweaked something in his upper body" while making 29 saves in a 4-3 overtime win against Arizona on Tuesday. Should Talbot need a breather, backup Laurent Brossoit will vie for his first win of the season as he owns an 0-3-0 mark with a 3.31 goals-against average and .881 save percentage.
OVERTIME
1. Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl is one assist shy of 100 for his career while fellow C Ryan Strome is one goal short of 50.
2. Toronto is 0-for-10 on the power play in its last five games after scoring five times with the man advantage in its previous three.
3. Oilers RW Zack Kassian, who is an Ontario native, has three points (one goal, two assists) in his last four games after mustering just two assists in his previous 21.
PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 5, Oilers 3
Coyotes vs. Flames Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 11/29/2017
With the Arizona Coyotes in a full-fledged rebuild, the team made the move to trade veteran goaltender Mike Smith to the Calgary Flames in the offseason. Smith has started all but three games this season for the Flames and will face his former team for the first time when Calgary hosts the last-place Coyotes on Thursday night.
Smith has been inconsistent in his first season in Alberta and has played better overall on the road, sporting a 2.19 goals-against average and .941 save percentage as opposed to marks of 3.06 and .901 at home. Calgary has dropped three of four overall (1-2-1) and is coming off a 4-1 setback to Toronto on Tuesday in the opener of a four-game homestand. Arizona failed to earn a regulation win in its first 20 games this season but has since gone 4-2-1 following a 3-2 overtime loss at Edmonton on Tuesday. In the last meeting between the teams, the Coyotes rolled to a 5-0 victory at Calgary on Feb. 13 behind a 36-save performance from Smith to end a five-game losing streak in the series.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, Sportsnet360 (Calgary)
ABOUT THE COYOTES (6-17-4): Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson was forced from Tuesday's game at Edmonton due to an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day, but coach Rick Tocchet expects him to miss the next two games. Antti Raanta (upper body) remains sidelined, which means a fourth consecutive start for Scott Wedgewood, who bounced back from getting yanked in Vegas on Saturday with a solid performance versus the Oilers. "Wedgie was really good for us," forward Christian Fischer said. "He got the point for us."
ABOUT THE FLAMES (13-10-1): Forward Kris Versteeg (lower body), who missed the past two games, was placed on injured reserve as the team seeks a second opinion on his injury, coach Glen Gulutzan said. Calgary recalled forward Garnet Hathaway, who was off to a hot start with Stockton of the American Hockey League, notching 11 goals and eight assists in 18 games. "Anywhere he'll play he's going to be a factor," center Mark Jankowski said. "That's the good thing about him -- he can be a factor on any line, he can play with anyone."
OVERTIME
1. Flames leading scorer Johnny Gaudreau has one goal and four assists in his last eight games versus Arizona.
2. Coyotes F Clayton Keller leads the team with 11 goals but hasn't scored in 11 games.
3. Flames LW Sam Bennett missed practice Wednesday to get stitches in his face but it expected to play Thursday.
PREDICTION: Flames 4, Coyotes 2
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