Saturday 11-4-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 10:45 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

Preview: Arizona at USC
Gracenote
Nov 1, 2017

First place in the Pac-12 South Division will be on the line when No. 17 USC hosts No. 25 Arizona at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Saturday night. The Wildcats have won four in a row to remain in contention for a berth in the conference championship game, while the Trojans have won three straight in Pac-12 play to maintain a half-game lead on the Wildcats.

Containing Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate will be at the top of the list for USC, which is coming off its best all-around performance this season in a 48-17 win at Arizona State last weekend. Tate has piled up 840 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in the past four games, as well as 743 passing yards and six touchdowns, becoming the first player in Pac-12 history to earn offensive player of the week honors four straight weeks. Before that stretch, Tate had combined for 86 yards rushing and 41 yards passing in the first four games, and did not account for any touchdowns during the 2-2 start. USC has a strong runner in Ronald Jones II, who ran for 216 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona State, and has 254 rushing yards and two touchdowns in two career games against the Wildcats.

TV: 10:45 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: USC -7.

ABOUT ARIZONA (6-2, 4-1 Pac-12): Tate's success seems to have opened wider holes for running back J.J. Taylor, who had 157 rushing yards on 13 carries against Washington State, including touchdown runs of 79 and 3 yards. The redshirt freshman from the Southern California Inland Empire city of Corona is the fifth player for Arizona to produce a 100-yard rushing effort this season. Staying on the field has been the biggest issue for Taylor, as he sustained a season-ending broken ankle in the fourth game last season, and two weeks ago was ejected in the first quarter for targeting while pass blocking against California.

ABOUT USC (7-2, 5-1): A key player for the Trojans this week will be middle linebacker Cameron Smith, who comes in fourth in the Pac-12 at 8.8 tackles a game. Smith is one of 15 finalists for the Butkus Award, annually awarded to the nation’s best linebacker. Rasheem Green leads the conference with seven sacks, but the Trojans are still adjusting to the loss of previous sack leader Christian Rector, who will miss his second straight game with a broken hand sustained during practice on Oct. 25.

EXTRA POINTS

1, Arizona has beaten USC twice since 2001.

2. USC is riding a 14-game home-winning streak, its longest since winning 21 in a row from 2001 to 2004.

3. Jones needs 112 rushing yards for his second straight 1,000-yard season.

PREDICTION: USC 37, Arizona 31

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - No. 25 Arizona at No. 17 Southern California

ATS Trends
Arizona

Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.
Wildcats are 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
Wildcats are 20-43 ATS in their last 63 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Wildcats are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 conference games.
Wildcats are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Wildcats are 15-40 ATS in their last 55 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Wildcats are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in November.
Wildcats are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
Wildcats are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

Southern California

Trojans are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games in November.
Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Trojans are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Trojans are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Trojans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.
Trojans are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Trojans are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Trojans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Trojans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.

OU Trends
Arizona

Over is 4-0 in Wildcats last 4 games overall.
Over is 6-0 in Wildcats last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 4-0 in Wildcats last 4 conference games.
Over is 6-1 in Wildcats last 7 road games.
Over is 11-2 in Wildcats last 13 games following a straight up win.
Over is 5-1 in Wildcats last 6 games in November.
Over is 5-1 in Wildcats last 6 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 9-2 in Wildcats last 11 games following a ATS win.
Over is 14-4 in Wildcats last 18 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 17-5 in Wildcats last 22 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 9-3 in Wildcats last 12 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 6-2 in Wildcats last 8 games on grass.
Over is 23-9 in Wildcats last 32 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Wildcats last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Over is 5-2 in Wildcats last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.

Southern California

Under is 6-1 in Trojans last 7 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 7-2 in Trojans last 9 games following a ATS win.
Under is 6-2 in Trojans last 8 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Under is 9-3-1 in Trojans last 13 games in November.
Over is 6-2 in Trojans last 8 games on grass.
Over is 19-7-2 in Trojans last 28 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 5-2 in Trojans last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 20-8-1 in Trojans last 29 conference games.
Under is 37-18 in Trojans last 55 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.

Head to Head

Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings in Southern California.
Underdog is 10-2 ATS in their last 12 meetings.
Road team is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Kings at Pistons

Gracenote
Nov 3, 2017

The Detroit Pistons followed up an impressive road trip with a triumphant opener to their five-game homestand and they have a great opportunity to sustain the momentum Saturday against the struggling Sacramento Kings. After a three-game swing that included head-turning victories over the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, the Pistons returned to Little Caesars Arena and topped Milwaukee 105-96 on Friday.

Andre Drummond hit a career-high 14 free throws in 16 attempts en route to a 24-point, 15-rebound performance for Detroit. Drummond, a 38.6 percent shooter at the foul line last season, had made 28-of-36 attempts in 2017-18 as a new stroke has paid big dividends. The Kings have lost six in a row and they've barely been competitive in the last three, losing by an average of 24 points. Just three players landed in double figures - led by Buddy Hield's 17 points - in Wednesday's 113-86 setback at Boston, which outrebounded Sacramento by a 52-26 margin.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN California (Sacramento), FSN Detroit

ABOUT THE KINGS (1-7): Hield was brought off the bench Wednesday after he had produced a total of 11 points on 5-of-20 shooting over his previous two games, and he is doing his best to find the positives amid the losing streak. "Despite these losses, I think we're playing better. We're moving the ball, playing with each other," Hield told reporters. "It can mentally break you down. We've just got to be mentally strong each and every day." Sacramento entered Friday ranked 29th in the NBA in scoring (93.1) and made free throws (12.4 per game), and it was tied for last in made 3-pointers (seven per game).

ABOUT THE PISTONS (6-3): Guard Avery Bradley scored 23 points for the second time in his last three games in Friday's win and he's making 41 percent of his 3-pointers on the season. Fellow starter Reggie Jackson slumped to nine points on 3-of-11 shooting but backup Ish Smith continued a torrid stretch with 10 points in 18 minutes off the bench. Smith, who entered Friday shooting 41.4 percent from the field in his 412-game career, is 21-for-28 from the floor over a four-game stretch while averaging 11.5 points.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Sacramento won both meetings last season but the Pistons have claimed six of the last seven over the Kings at home.

2. Jackson is averaging 14.2 points and 6.5 assists in Detroit's six wins, compared to 18.3 and 5.7 in its three losses.

3. Kings SG Garrett Temple is averaging 5.7 points while making 5-of-18 shots over his last three games after producing 23 points in 24 minutes in a loss at Phoenix on Oct. 23.

PREDICTION: Pistons 104, Kings 98

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Sacramento at Detroit

ATS TRENDS

Sacramento

Kings are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Kings are 14-37-1 ATS in their last 52 games playing on 2 days rest. Kings are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games. Kings are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Kings are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Kings are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Kings are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games. Kings are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Kings are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Kings are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Central. Kings are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Detroit

Pistons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Saturday games. Pistons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Pistons are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference. Pistons are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Pacific. Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest. Pistons are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Pistons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Pistons are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

OU TRENDS

Sacramento

Under is 5-1 in Kings last 6 Saturday games. Over is 5-1 in Kings last 6 vs. NBA Central. Under is 6-2 in Kings last 8 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 9-3-2 in Kings last 14 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 10-4 in Kings last 14 games following a ATS loss. Over is 7-3 in Kings last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 11-5 in Kings last 16 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 11-5 in Kings last 16 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 13-6 in Kings last 19 road games.

Detroit

Under is 5-0 in Pistons last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 7-0 in Pistons last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 7-2 in Pistons last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 16-5 in Pistons last 21 home games. Under is 6-2-1 in Pistons last 9 vs. Western Conference. Under is 13-5 in Pistons last 18 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 5-2 in Pistons last 7 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Under is 10-4 in Pistons last 14 Saturday games. Under is 13-6-1 in Pistons last 20 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Kings are 3-0-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings. Over is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings in Detroit. Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Home team is 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Underdog is 12-4-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois

Matchup Edge

NO	Edge in:	CHI
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Pelicans at Bulls

Gracenote
Nov 4, 2017

The Chicago Bulls are fresh off their best effort of the season and look to win consecutive games for the first time when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. Chicago had seven players score in double digits and was 14-of-29 from 3-point range as it recorded an impressive 105-83 victory over Orlando on Friday after losing five of its first six games.

Shooting guard Justin Holiday scored a team-best 19 points and the Bulls were stingy on defense against the Magic while establishing a season low for points allowed. "We took a big step forward," Holiday told reporters. "That builds confidence. It's the best we've played so far. If we can play aggressive defense like we did, and play together like this, we can be a tough team to beat." New Orleans has dropped six straight games against Chicago and is hoping the star tandem of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins can put an end to that dismal skid. Davis recorded 30 points and 13 rebounds and Cousins contributed 20 and 22 in Friday's 99-94 road victory over Dallas.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN New Orleans, NBCSN Chicago

ABOUT THE PELICANS (4-5): Having Davis and Cousins post huge performances in the same game is a pretty good tonic for success, and the latter also recorded seven assists while posting his second 20-point, 20-rebound outing of the season. Cousins has posted eight double-doubles in nine games and Davis is right behind him with seven in eight contests. "Obviously, I like our two big guys that we have," coach Alvin Gentry told reporters after the win over Dallas. "They are pretty good in the post and pretty good outside. The thing that I love is that they are also unselfish players."

ABOUT THE BULLS (2-5): Holiday is averaging 15.3 points and is in a starting role while offseason acquisition Zach LaVine recovers from an ACL injury, while rookie Lauri Markkanen is living up to his billing with team-best averages of 16.6 points and 9.3 rebounds. The plan was to bring Markkanen off the bench, but the preseason altercation between fellow forwards Nikola Mirotic (facial fractures) and Bobby Portis, who was suspended eight games for punching his teammate, forced an audible. The 7-foot Markkanen has scored in double digits in all seven games and has been superb as a 3-point shooter, making 20-of-47 attempts.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Bulls have swept eight of their last 11 season series against the Pelicans.

2. New Orleans PG Jrue Holiday - the younger brother of Justin - was just 3-of-13 against Dallas after shooting 50 percent or better in four consecutive contests.

3. Chicago PG Kris Dunn made three 3-pointers against Orlando and has tallied 11 points in each of the past two games.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 97, Bulls 95

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - New Orleans at Chicago

ATS TRENDS

New Orleans

Pelicans are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Pelicans are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Pelicans are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Central. Pelicans are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Pelicans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win. Pelicans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Pelicans are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 Saturday games. Pelicans are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day. Pelicans are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.

Chicago

Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest. Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Bulls are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win. Bulls are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Bulls are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

OU TRENDS

New Orleans

Over is 3-0-1 in Pelicans last 4 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 10-2 in Pelicans last 12 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes on the previous day. Over is 4-1 in Pelicans last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-1 in Pelicans last 5 vs. NBA Central. Under is 7-2 in Pelicans last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 5-2 in Pelicans last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 12-5 in Pelicans last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Over is 7-3 in Pelicans last 10 Saturday games. Under is 11-5 in Pelicans last 16 games following a straight up win. Under is 61-30-3 in Pelicans last 94 road games.

Chicago

Under is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 overall. Under is 11-1 in Bulls last 12 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 7-1 in Bulls last 8 vs. Western Conference. Over is 5-1 in Bulls last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 5-1 in Bulls last 6 Saturday games. Under is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Under is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 games following a ATS win. Under is 21-7 in Bulls last 28 home games. Under is 5-2 in Bulls last 7 games following a straight up win. Under is 7-3 in Bulls last 10 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Pelicans are 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Chicago. Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Chicago. Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Road team is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Mavericks at Timberwolves

Gracenote
Nov 4, 2017

The Minnesota Timberwolves are displaying signs of progress and aim for their fourth consecutive victory when they host the lowly Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Minnesota defeated Oklahoma City for the second time to start its three-game winning streak and followed up with road triumphs at Miami and New Orleans.

The Timberwolves have a 13-season playoff drought, but the addition of All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler to go with young stars Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns is changing the complexion of the group. "It's a different feeling," Towns told reporters after Wednesday's 104-98 win over the Pelicans. "We've got a different confidence level." Dallas is only experiencing miserable feelings as it dropped to 1-9 with Friday's 99-94 loss to the Pelicans to match its worst 10-game start since the 1993-94 campaign. Small forward Harrison Barnes continues to be the team's bright spot as he scored a season-best 26 points for his fourth 20-point effort of the season.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Dallas), FSN North Plus (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (1-9): Dallas has scored fewer than 100 points in six of its 10 games and shot just 38.6 percent against the Pelicans, including 9-of-34 from 3-point range. Starting guards Dennis Smith Jr. (7-of-20) and Wesley Matthews (seven points on 3-of-12 shooting) both had subpar outings with Smith scoring 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. "We were taking too long to make our decisions whether we are going to attack, pass or shoot," Smith told reporters afterward. "We just have to get used to switching."

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (5-3): Veteran power forward Taj Gibson also is making an impact as he recorded 11 points and a season-best 12 rebounds in the win over New Orleans for his second double-double of the season. "Taj is smart," Butler told reporters of his long-time teammate with the Bulls. "He knows where he wants to get the ball on the floor. He works incredibly hard. He studies the film." Another pleasing aspect of the win over the Pelicans is that the Timberwolves received just two points from Towns (team-leading 21.4 average) but emerged victorious as six other players scored in double digits.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Timberwolves went 2-1 against the Mavericks last season after losing the previous seven encounters.

2. Dallas PF Dirk Nowitzki recorded just seven points on 2-of-9 shooting against the Pelicans for his second single-digit scoring effort of the season.

3. Butler scored 23 points against New Orleans and is averaging 21.3 during the winning streak.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 112, Mavericks 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Dallas at Minnesota

ATS TRENDS

Dallas

Mavericks are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Mavericks are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 0 days rest. Mavericks are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 road games. Mavericks are 3-11-1 ATS in their last 15 vs. Western Conference. Mavericks are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss. Mavericks are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall. Mavericks are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss. Mavericks are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Mavericks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Saturday games.

Minnesota

Timberwolves are 20-41-1 ATS in their last 62 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Timberwolves are 18-38-1 ATS in their last 57 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Timberwolves are 7-15-2 ATS in their last 24 games overall. Timberwolves are 5-14-2 ATS in their last 21 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Timberwolves are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 2 days rest. Timberwolves are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Timberwolves are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games. Timberwolves are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.

OU TRENDS

Dallas

Under is 7-1-1 in Mavericks last 9 Saturday games. Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 4-1-1 in Mavericks last 6 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 vs. NBA Northwest. Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 3-1-1 in Mavericks last 5 games following a ATS loss. Over is 5-2 in Mavericks last 7 road games.

Minnesota

Under is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Over is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 7-1 in Timberwolves last 8 games following a straight up win. Over is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 10-2 in Timberwolves last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 5-1-1 in Timberwolves last 7 home games. Over is 5-1 in Timberwolves last 6 games following a ATS win. Over is 4-1-1 in Timberwolves last 6 vs. Western Conference. Over is 8-3 in Timberwolves last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 18-7-1 in Timberwolves last 26 overall. Over is 38-18-1 in Timberwolves last 57 vs. NBA Southwest.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Minnesota. Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings. Favorite is 14-3 ATS in the last 17 meetings. Mavericks are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Mavericks are 14-6 ATS in the last 20 meetings in Minnesota.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 9:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Warriors at Nuggets

Gracenote
Nov 4, 2017

The Golden State Warriors are playing superb on their road trip and look to make it a three-game sweep when they visit the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. Golden State walloped the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio by an average of 24 points before arriving in the Mile High City.

The Warriors rolled up 141 points in a 28-point rout of the Clippers and then looked just as good in a 112-92 win over the Spurs on Thursday. The offense has been clicking as Golden State leads the NBA in scoring (120 points per game) and blocked shots (9.1) while ranking second in 3-point field goals made (13.4). Denver is 2-0 on a six-game homestand after power forward Paul Millsap hit three free throws with 11.8 seconds left in Friday's 95-94 victory over Miami. Millsap scored a season-best 27 points for his second 20-point performance of the campaign for his new club.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCSN Bay Area (Golden State), Altitude (Denver)

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (6-3): Shooting guard Klay Thompson is off to a solid start as he scored 27 points on 11-of-17 shooting and made five 3-pointers in the win over the Spurs. Thompson is shooting 52.7 percent - including 45.7 from 3-point range - and is marveling at the overall figure, which would represent a career high if he can sustain it. "It would be awesome to shoot that percentage from the floor throughout the whole year," Thompson told reporters. "It would be incredibly difficult. That's what Kevin (Durant) shot last year. But if you're around 50 percent as an outside shooter, that's great. That's what I aim for."

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (5-4): Denver signed Millsap in the offseason to provide a veteran presence, and the four-time All-Star wasn't feeling too stellar when he missed two free throws with 26.2 seconds left. But the Nuggets went right back to him, and he didn't seem to feel the stress of the situation after getting fouled while shooting a 3-pointer as he sank each free throw. "That's why we're giving him $30 million," coach Michael Malone told reporters in reference to Millsap's annual salary. "What I love is, he misses two big free throws. We go right back to him. He draws the foul and calmly, coolly, steps up and knocks down three humongous free throws."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Warriors were 2-1 against the Nuggets last season and have won eight of the last 11 meetings.

2. Denver SG Jamal Murray recorded three points on 1-of-6 shooting Friday after averaging 23.3 over his previous three games.

3. Golden State is the lone NBA team to make at least 10 3-pointers in each of its contests.

PREDICTION: Warriors 123, Nuggets 116

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Golden State at Denver

ATS TRENDS

Golden State

Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games. Warriors are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 road games. Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win. Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Warriors are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Warriors are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Warriors are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Northwest. Warriors are 18-8-1 ATS in their last 27 vs. Western Conference. Warriors are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall. Warriors are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Warriors are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Warriors are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.

Denver

Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Pacific. Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Nuggets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference. Nuggets are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games following a ATS loss. Nuggets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Nuggets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day.

OU TRENDS

Golden State

Over is 7-1 in Warriors last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 9-2 in Warriors last 11 vs. Western Conference. Over is 12-3 in Warriors last 15 road games. Over is 9-3 in Warriors last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 6-2 in Warriors last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 23-8 in Warriors last 31 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 11-4 in Warriors last 15 games following a straight up win. Over is 19-7 in Warriors last 26 overall. Over is 13-5 in Warriors last 18 games following a ATS win. Over is 7-3 in Warriors last 10 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

Denver

Under is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 Saturday games. Under is 7-0 in Nuggets last 7 vs. Western Conference. Over is 10-1 in Nuggets last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 6-1 in Nuggets last 7 home games. Under is 6-1 in Nuggets last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 9-2-1 in Nuggets last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Under is 4-1 in Nuggets last 5 games playing on 0 days rest. Under is 11-3 in Nuggets last 14 overall. Under is 5-2 in Nuggets last 7 games following a straight up win. Under is 5-2 in Nuggets last 7 games following a ATS loss. Over is 14-6 in Nuggets last 20 vs. NBA Pacific. Over is 15-7-1 in Nuggets last 23 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Denver. Warriors are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Denver. Over is 35-17 in the last 52 meetings. Road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings. Warriors are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Dunkel

Saturday, November 4

Memphis @ LA Clippers

Game 501-502
November 4, 2017 @ 3:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
124.270
LA Clippers
121.680
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 2 1/2
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
N/A

Sacramento @ Detroit

Game 503-504
November 4, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
112.961
Detroit
117.884
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 5
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 9
197
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+9); Over

New Orleans @ Chicago

Game 505-506
November 4, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
123.920
Chicago
113.921
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 10
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 6
200 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-6); Over

Dallas @ Minnesota

Game 507-508
November 4, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
105.542
Minnesota
124.390
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 19
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 13 1/2
213 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-13 1/2); Over

Golden State @ Denver

Game 509-510
November 4, 2017 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
134.883
Denver
119.491
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 15 1/2
229
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 8 1/2
230 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-8 1/2); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Saturday, November 4

Clippers won seven of last nine games with Memphis, covering four of last five. Last three series games went over total. Grizzlies are 4-2 vs spread in last six series games played here. Memphis is 5-3 to start season, splitting two road games. Under is 6-1-1 in Memphis games. Clippers are 5-2 to start season, but both losses were at home (3-2 SU, 3-1 as HF). Five of their seven games stayed under the total.

Kings won three of last four games with Detroit; home side won four of last five series games. Sacramento is 2-2-1 vs spread in last five visits to the Motor City. Kings lost their last six games; they’re 0-4 vs spread in last four road games. Under is 5-3 in their games this season. Detroit won four of last five games; three of their last four stayed under the total. Pistons are 2-1 as home favorites.

Bulls won their last six games with New Orleans, covering four of last five; Pelicans are 4-1 vs spread in last five visits to the Windy City (under 3-2). New Orleans is 3-2 in its last five games, 3-2 on road, 1-0 as a road favorite. Over is 2-3 in their road games. Bulls are 2-5 to start the season; their last four games stayed under the total. Chicago is 1-1 as a home underdog.

Dallas won eight of last ten games with Minnesota (7-3 vs spread); they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to the Twin Cities. Under is 7-1-1 in last nine series games. Mavericks lost nine of their first 10 games; they’re 1-3 as road underdogs. Over is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Minnesota won its last three games, by 3-3-6 points; over is 6-1-1 in their games. Underdogs covered all three of their home games (0-2 as HF).

Golden State won six of last eight games with Denver, but Nuggets covered four of last five; last nine series games went over total. Warriors won five of their last six games; they covered last three road games. Over is 3-1 in their last four games. Denver beat Miami by a point Friday; they won four of last five games, are 3-1 at home, with only loss by 5 to Washington. Three of their last four games went over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Saturday, November 4

Trend Report

MEMPHIS @ LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games
Memphis is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
LA Clippers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis

SACRAMENTO @ DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Sacramento's last 9 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 8 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Detroit's last 14 games at home

NEW ORLEANS @ CHICAGO
New Orleans is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans

DALLAS @ MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Dallas is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games

GOLDEN STATE @ DENVER
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Golden State

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, November 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEMPHIS (5 - 3) at LA CLIPPERS (5 - 2) - 11/4/2017, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 4-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 5-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SACRAMENTO (1 - 7) at DETROIT (6 - 3) - 11/4/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 158-200 ATS (-62.0 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
DETROIT is 68-97 ATS (-38.7 Units) in home games when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
DETROIT is 111-158 ATS (-62.8 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 3-0 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 3-1 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW ORLEANS (4 - 5) at CHICAGO (2 - 5) - 11/4/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 261-315 ATS (-85.5 Units) in the first half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 124-170 ATS (-63.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 60-96 ATS (-45.6 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
CHICAGO is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) in home games after allowing 90 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 2-1 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 4-0 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DALLAS (1 - 9) at MINNESOTA (5 - 3) - 11/4/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 381-316 ATS (+33.4 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 483-408 ATS (+34.2 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 266-218 ATS (+26.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 53-77 ATS (-31.7 Units) in home games in November games since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 5-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GOLDEN STATE (6 - 3) at DENVER (5 - 4) - 11/4/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 171-220 ATS (-71.0 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 5-2 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 5-2 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
7 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri

Matchup Edge

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

Preview: Maple Leafs at Blues

Gracenote
Nov 3, 2017

The St. Louis Blues are left with questions after seeing a four-game winning streak and seven-game point stretch (6-0-1) go by the boards with their first loss at Scottrade Center - in shutout fashion, no less. Coach Mike Yeo hopes the Blues can provide the answers on Saturday when they host a high-octane Toronto Maple Leafs squad that is wrapping up a four-game road trip.

"I think we can be more direct, whether it's off the rush, whether it's in the offensive zone. You've got to be able to create offense in other ways," Yeo told reporters on Friday, one day after St. Louis came up empty on 33 shots in its 2-0 setback to Philadelphia. Toronto's second-ranked offense hasn't had that issue by averaging 3.79 goals per game, but the Maple Leafs' fortunes have taken a tumble as they have answered winning six of their first seven contests with losing five of their last seven. Auston Matthews increased his point total to 10 (five goals, five assists) in his last eight games after converting one of his two penalty shot attempts and adding an assist in Thursday's 5-3 setback to Los Angeles, but the reigning Calder Trophy recipient knows just what the Blues bring to the table. "(St. Louis is) a big, heavy team that has some guys with some offensive skill that can make you pay," Matthews told the Toronto Star. "... If you turn the puck over in the neutral zone, they're coming back at you with a two-man rush."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBC (Toronto), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (8-6-0): Morgan Rielly continued his scoring output with a goal in the waning moments of the second period on Thursday, increasing his point total to eight (two goals, six assists) in his last nine games overall while his season point total of 11 (two goals, nine assists) leads all Toronto defensemen. The 23-year-old Rielly, who also netted a goal in the Maple Leafs' 2-1 overtime loss to the Blues on Feb. 9, admitted the team's recent struggles have more to do with effort than errors in the game plan. "The game plan was working when we executed it," Rielly said of the team's performance after facing a five-goal deficit on Thursday. "We started working down low and moving our feet."

ABOUT THE BLUES (10-3-1): Jaden Schwartz, who leads the team in goals (eight) and points (17), enjoyed a fast start to the season and earned the NHL's Third Star of the Month for October in the process. The 25-year-old looks to continue his offensive touch on Saturday versus Toronto, against which he has recorded six points (two goals, four assists) in six career encounters. Fellow forward Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice versus the Maple Leafs during his 39-goal performance last season and has gashed the club for five tallies and six points in seven career meetings.

OVERTIME

1. St. Louis captain Alex Pietrangelo (four goals, nine assists) is tied with Philadelphia's Shayne Gostisbehere for the league lead in points (13) among NHL defensemen through Thursday.

2. Toronto RW Connor Brown has scored in back-to-back games and has eight points (five goals, three assists) in his last 12 contests.

3. Blues G Jake Allen turned aside 57 of the 59 shots he faced to win both encounters last season versus the Maple Leafs.

PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 4, Blues 2