Wednesday 10-25-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Joey Juice

Dodgers will look to take a 2-0 series lead when they host the Astros in game two of the World Series.

The Astros go with their Ace, 34-year old right-hander Justin Verlander, while the Dodgers will send 37-year old left-hander Rich Hill to the mound. This is a must-win for Houston if they're going to steal and take home field advantage back for game 3.

A look into the numbers reveals why I like Houston in this play. First of all Houston is unstoppable when Verlander is on the mound, they are 8-0 in Verlander’s last 8 starts. They are even better when he's well-rested. Astros are 4-0 in Verlander’s last 4 starts on four days of rest. Don't worry about interleague play on the road vs lefties as Houston's got that covered as well, 6-0 in their last 6 interleague road games against a left-handed starter.

Houston evens up the series and takes advantage headed home for game 3.

4* HOUSTON

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio

Matchup Edge

BUF	Edge in:	CLB
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Sabres at Blue Jackets

Gracenote
Oct 25, 2017

The Columbus Blue Jackets stubbed their toes in different ways in their last two contests and look to snap out of the funk as they begin a stretch of four games in six days when they host the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. Columbus, which got off to a 5-1-0 start this season, was shut out despite recording 43 shots against Tampa Bay on Thursday before giving up six goals in a loss to Los Angeles two days later.

“They got one late and it’s unfortunate,” Columbus captain Nick Foligno told reporters after Saturday's 6-4 loss. “That’s a game we have to find a way to win, especially at home. You can’t lose two in a row, and that’s something we haven’t done in a long time.” The Blue Jackets play three of their next four at home, starting with a matchup against a Buffalo team that has earned at least one point in four of its last five contests (3-1-1). Benoit Pouliot scored for the second straight game after going without one in his first eight contests as the Sabres blanked Atlantic Division-rival Detroit 1-0 on Tuesday. Evander Kane leads the way offensively with six goals for Buffalo, which has won back-to-back games for the first time this season.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCSN

ABOUT THE SABRES (3-5-2): Pouliot stepped up in the last two games and Buffalo needs more players to join Kane, Jason Pominville (five goals), Jack Eichel (four) and Ryan O’Reilly (three) - who have combined for 40 of the team’s 68 points. Defensemen Taylor Fedun and Viktor Antipin each notched an assist on Pouliot’s goal Tuesday for their first points of the campaign. The Sabres, whose win over the Red Wings was their first in four home games this season, continue to struggle on the power play with five goals on 36 opportunities after going 0-for-9 over the last three contests.

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (5-3-0): Boone Jenner made his season debut against Los Angeles and made an immediate impact with six shots and four hits in 18 minutes, 11 seconds of ice time. “He gives our team a different look,” coach John Tortorella told reporters. “He does a lot of things for us. It’s great to have him back in the lineup.” Rookie Sonny Milano scored his team-leading fifth goal on Saturday and Artemi Panarin notched his eighth assist to push his team-best total to nine points while Foligno posted his first multi-point performance of the season (two).

OVERTIME

1. Sabres backup G Chad Johnson, who did not play on Tuesday, is 5-1-0 with a 1.81 goals-against average in his career against Columbus.

2. The Blue Jackets scored on the power play Saturday for the first time since the season opener and are 2-for-22 overall.

3. Columbus placed C Lukas Sedlak (ankle) on injured reserve and recalled LW Markus Hannikainen from Cleveland of the American Hockey League.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 5, Sabres 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Buffalo at Columbus

W/L TRENDS

Buffalo

Sabres are 46-95 in their last 141 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Sabres are 65-141 in their last 206 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Sabres are 27-61 in their last 88 vs. Metropolitan. Sabres are 3-7 in their last 10 games following a win. Sabres are 48-114 in their last 162 road games. Sabres are 30-72 in their last 102 vs. a team with a winning record. Sabres are 10-25 in their last 35 Wednesday games. Sabres are 3-8 in their last 11 vs. Eastern Conference. Sabres are 25-67 in their last 92 games playing on 0 days rest. Sabres are 4-12 in their last 16 overall. Sabres are 1-5 in their last 6 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Sabres are 0-6 in their last 6 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Columbus

Blue Jackets are 8-0 in their last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Blue Jackets are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Blue Jackets are 17-5 in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Blue Jackets are 6-2 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blue Jackets are 31-14 in their last 45 home games. Blue Jackets are 3-9 in their last 12 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Buffalo

Under is 4-0-1 in Sabres last 5 Wednesday games. Over is 6-0 in Sabres last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1-1 in Sabres last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 7-2 in Sabres last 9 vs. Metropolitan. Under is 6-2-1 in Sabres last 9 games following a win. Under is 6-2 in Sabres last 8 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Sabres last 7 road games. Over is 7-3-1 in Sabres last 11 overall. Over is 16-7-2 in Sabres last 25 games playing on 0 days rest.

Columbus

Under is 4-0 in Blue Jackets last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 4-0 in Blue Jackets last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Blue Jackets last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 5-0-1 in Blue Jackets last 6 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 4-1 in Blue Jackets last 5 vs. Atlantic. Over is 3-1-1 in Blue Jackets last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Columbus. Over is 10-4-1 in the last 15 meetings. Home team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Where: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri

Matchup Edge

CAL	Edge in:	STL
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

Preview: Flames at Blues

Gracenote
Oct 25, 2017

Less than 24 hours after rallying for a victory, the Calgary Flames attempt to extend their road winning streak to five games when they visit the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday. Calgary entered the third period at Nashville on Tuesday with a two-goal deficit but managed to forge a tie before posting a 3-2 shootout victory.

Matthew Tkachuk and Micheal Ferland scored 2:20 apart midway through the third session for the Flames, who have won four straight on the road since being shut out at Edmonton in their season opener. St. Louis is riding a three-game point streak (2-0-1) as it plays at home for just the third time this campaign. The Blues, who won their first two at Scottrade Center, are coming off an overtime loss at Vegas on Saturday in which they earned a point by scoring late in the third period. Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo netted the tying goal to set a career high with 11 points in the month of October.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Sportsnet 360 (Calgary), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

ABOUT THE FLAMES (5-4-0): Tkachuk, who scored 13 goals as a rookie last season, ended a four-game drought Tuesday to give him three tallies in nine contests this campaign. The 19-year-old, who did not receive a shootout opportunity in 2016-17, converted his first career chance on Tuesday to give Calgary the victory. Johnny Gaudreau has collected a goal and four assists during his four-game point streak and landed on the scoresheet in seven of his last eight contests.

ABOUT THE BLUES (6-2-1): Jaden Schwartz is wielding a hot stick, as he has collected four goals and two assists during his four-game point streak. It is the second four-game run already for the 25-year-old, who leads the team with 13 points and has been kept off the scoresheet just once this season. Brayden Schenn has recorded only three points over his last seven games after beginning the campaign with back-to-back two-point performances.

OVERTIME

1. Flames C Mark Jankowski, who appeared in his first NHL game last campaign, made his season debut on Tuesday and saw 11 minutes, 38 seconds of ice time.

2. St. Louis recalled RW Beau Bennett from Chicago of the American Hockey League and assigned C Ivan Barbashev and LW Sammy Blais to the Wolves and San Antonio of the AHL, respectively.

3. Calgary G Mike Smith, who has started every game this season, likely will get the night off after recording his 200th career victory on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Blues 5, Flames 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Calgary at St. Louis

W/L TRENDS

Calgary

Flames are 4-0 in their last 4 road games. Flames are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Western Conference. Flames are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flames are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. Central. Flames are 6-14 in their last 20 games playing on 0 days rest. Flames are 2-5 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Flames are 2-6 in their last 8 games following a win. Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 Wednesday games. Flames are 1-6 in their last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flames are 1-9 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record.

St. Louis

Blues are 4-0 in their last 4 home games. Blues are 12-3 in their last 15 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 10-4 in their last 14 vs. Pacific. Blues are 9-4 in their last 13 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Blues are 27-12 in their last 39 overall. Blues are 21-10 in their last 31 vs. Western Conference. Blues are 43-21 in their last 64 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Blues are 1-6 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

OU TRENDS

Calgary

Under is 3-1-1 in Flames last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 6-2-4 in Flames last 12 road games. Under is 19-7-3 in Flames last 29 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 5-2-2 in Flames last 9 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 11-5-2 in Flames last 18 games playing on 0 days rest.

St. Louis

Over is 6-1 in Blues last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Under is 5-1 in Blues last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Blues last 5 home games. Under is 21-8-3 in Blues last 32 vs. Pacific. Under is 21-8-4 in Blues last 33 vs. Western Conference. Under is 13-5-3 in Blues last 21 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 19-8-3 in Blues last 30 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-0-4 in the last 8 meetings in St. Louis. Over is 3-1-2 in the last 6 meetings. Flames are 5-12 in the last 17 meetings. Flames are 2-7 in the last 9 meetings in St. Louis.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Wednesday, October 25

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CALGARY (4-4-0-0, 8 pts.) at ST LOUIS (6-2-0-1, 13 pts.) - 10/25/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-3 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 3-3-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.5 Units)

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BUFFALO (2-5-0-2, 6 pts.) at COLUMBUS (5-3-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/25/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 31-12 ATS (+15.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 22-9 ATS (+12.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 14-5 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 6-14 ATS (-10.7 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 3-3 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 3-3-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.2 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Wednesday, October 25

Flames won three of last four games with St Louis; over is 3-1-2 in last six series games. Calgary won 4-1/3-2ot in its last two games in this building. Flames are 2-3 in last five games but they’ve won their last four road games. Under is 3-2 in their road games. Blues are 6-3 this season, 2-3 in last five games; they won both their home games (over 2-0) this season.

Blue Jackets won three of last four games with Buffalo; Sabres lost three of last four visits to Ohio. Over is 5-3 in last eight series games. Buffalo is 3-2 in last five games after an 0-5 start; over is 3-1 in their last four games. Sabres are 2-4 on the road. Columbus lost its last couple games after a 5-1 start; over is 3-1 in its last four games. Blue Jackets are 2-2 at home.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Wednesday, October 25

Trend Report

CALGARY @ ST. LOUIS
Calgary is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Calgary

BUFFALO @ COLUMBUS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Buffalo's last 8 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Columbus's last 8 games when playing at home against Buffalo
Columbus is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Dunkel

Wednesday, October 25

Calgary @ St. Louis

Game 51-52
October 25, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
10.007
St. Louis
11.159
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
N/A

Buffalo @ Columbus

Game 53-54
October 25, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Buffalo
10.478
Columbus
12.001
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Columbus
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Columbus
-230
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Columbus
(-230); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Wednesday, October 25

Houston @ LA Dodgers

Game 903-904
October 25, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Verlnder) 17.032
LA Dodgers
(Hill) 18.186
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-110
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-110); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, October 25

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HOUSTON (108 - 66) at LA DODGERS (112 - 59) - 8:05 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. RICH HILL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 24-26 (-12.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
VERLANDER is 63-77 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 79-33 (+28.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 108-66 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 27-18 (+7.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
HOUSTON is 54-33 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 42-19 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 38-23 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 42-22 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 21-13 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VERLANDER is 12-5 (+7.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 156-179 (-63.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 148-105 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
VERLANDER is 2-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

RICH HILL vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HILL is 2-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.054.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-1. (+3.8 units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

World Series Game 2 betting preview and odds: Astros at Dodgers

Justin Verlander has been nothing short of spectacular since coming over from the Tigers. He is 9-0 with a 1.22 ERA (including playoffs) and won the ALCS MVP.

Houston Astros at Los Angeles Dodgers (-115, 7.5)

Dodgers lead series 1-0

Justin Verlander is 4-0 during his stellar postseason run and looks to continue the success when the Houston Astros visit the Los Angeles Dodgers for Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday. Verlander will aim to help Houston knot the series after Clayton Kershaw and Justin Turner guided the Dodgers to a 3-1 victory in Game 1.

Verlander was acquired from Detroit by the Astros to fortify their rotation, and now he's a symbol of a franchise looking for its first World Series title in the wake of a damaging hurricane that ravaged Houston in August. "In any organization, the opportunity to win your first championship is something special, but really with what's going on in Houston now specifically, I think it makes it even that much more special," Verlander said during his press conference on Tuesday. "I mean, given this opportunity, if we come away successful, you leave a legacy and mark on people that won't be forgotten." Kershaw allowed one run and three hits with 11 strikeouts over seven innings while Turner belted a tiebreaking two-run homer (his fourth of the postseason) in Tuesday's victory. "You enjoy it while it happens," Turner told reporters, "and then you go home and you find a way to prepare, and we've got to figure out how to beat Verlander."

TV: 8:09 p.m. ET, FOX

LINE HISTORY: Sportsbooks are giving a lot of respect to Justin Verlander (and they should) opening the Dodgers as very slight -113 home favorites. They have moved very slightly to the current number -115. The total hit the board the at 7.5.

WEATHER REPORT:

It should be another scorcher in Los Angeles Tuesday.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (4-0, 1.46 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (0-0, 3.00)

Verlander has a stellar 11-5 postseason record, but none of those victories occurred in the World Series, where he went 0-3 with a 7.20 ERA in three career starts for the Tigers. The 34-year-old's arrival in Houston changed the complexion of the rotation, providing the team with a second ace alongside Dallas Keuchel as well as raising the stature of the organization. "We understand the magnitude of his performance and the magnitude of his entrance into our clubhouse," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said at a press conference. "The way he's fit in, the way he's been intellectually curious on how to get better, but let's be honest, ultimately the way he's performed, has been second to none."

Hill is 1-2 with a 3.96 ERA in six career postseason starts and is making his World Series debut. The 37-year-old is trying to keep the moment in perspective after his major-league career appeared to be finished in the summer of 2015, when he signed with the independent Long Island Ducks, but 26 of his 50 career regular-season victories have come since that stint. "I wouldn't change that for anything," Hill said at his press conference on Tuesday. "It was learning, reigniting that fire, reigniting that passion for what we do out there on the field. And really getting back into disassociating yourself with the results, and just understanding that it is a pitch-to-pitch process and understanding that the moment is all that matters."

UMPIRE REPORT: Paul Nauert

Nauert was one of the biggest homer umps in the Majors this season, with the home team going 21-9 (70 percent). When he was calling balls and strikes this season where the home team was listed between -101 and -120 , the home team went 5-0. Nauert was also one of the best Under umpires, going 10-18 against the total. That is interesting considering his low strike rate of 62.04

TRENDS:

* Astros are 8-0 in Verlanders last eight starts.
* Dodgers are 5-0 in their last five playoff home games.
* Over is 5-1 in Astros last six road games vs. a left-handed starter.
* Under is 5-1-1 in Dodgers last seven overall.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the red-hot Verlander in Game 2, with the 63 percent of wagers on the Astros. With another hot pitcher on the mound, bettors like the Under here with 58 percent of wagers on it.

WALK OFF NOTES:

* The Dodgers bullpen came in and shut the door behind Kershaw, throwing another two hitless and shutout innings. Since the start of the NLCS the Dodgers bullpen has pitched 19 scoreless innings, striking out 23, allowing just four hits with just one walk.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brandon Lee

Oct 25 '17, 8:05 PM in 8h
MLB | Astros vs Dodgers
Play on: Astros +100 at 5Dimes

10* FREE MLB PICK (Astros +100)
My money is on the Astros to bounce back and even up the series at 1-1. Houston will have Justin Verlander on the mound, who has been a different pitcher since the trade to the Astros. Verlander is 9-0 with a 1.23 ERA and has saved his best for the postseason, where he's posted a 1.46 ERA in the postseason to this point. He faced this Dodgers team in August and completely shut them down, allowing just 1 run on 2 hits with 9 strikeouts in 8 innings of a 6-1 win. As much respect as I have for LA starter Rich Hill, I think you have to ride the hot hand with Verlander and bank on the Astros offense to do enough to secure the win. Give me Houston +100!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mark Franco

Oct 25 '17, 8:05 PM in 8h
MLB | Astros vs Dodgers
Play on: Astros +100 at 5Dimes

Astros
The Los Angeles Dodgers figured out a way to get through Houston Astros starter Dallas Keuchel, but now comes a matchup against a revived Justin Verlander. In four appearances (three starts) in this postseason, Verlander has a 1.46 ERA over 24 2/3 innings, striking out 24 with six walks. Every time Verlander has touched the mound this October, the Astros have come away with a victory.
If Verlander follows the Kershaw blueprint (seven innings, one run, no walks, 11 strikeouts in a 3-1 win), the Astros could be headed back to Houston with the 1-1 split. He is 9-0 with a 1.23 ERA in a Houston uniform, regular season and postseason combined.
The Dodgers' Game 2 starter, Rich Hill, is 37, but he has made just six previous postseason appearances and will be making his World Series debut.
Look for Houston to get by here with a close win.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Teddy Davis

Oct 25 '17, 8:35 PM in 8h
NBA | Grizzlies vs Mavs
Play on: Mavs +4 -103 at 5Dimes

Let's take the Mavs here as the perception is very bad on them right now. They have yet to cover a game this season, but I like to take teams that are playing the first of a home and home especially if the first game is a home underdog.
The Grizzlies are riding high here and as I mentioned with this being a home and home they may not be fully invested here as they are coming off two big wins beating the Rockets and Warriors.
I believe we will see a big effort here from the Mavs as they are eager to get their first win of the season.