Saturday 12-9-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 6:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 9, 2017
Where: Mexico City Arena, Mexico City

Matchup Edge
MIA Edge in: BK
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Heat at Nets


The Brooklyn Nets traded away most of their top draft picks over the last few seasons but made some up in a trade on Thursday. The Nets, who serve as host in Mexico City to the Miami Heat on Saturday, picked up center Jahlil Okafor as the centerpiece of a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Brooklyn sent veteran power forward Trevor Booker and his $9.125 million salary in the final year of an expiring contract to the 76ers in exchange for Okafor, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 draft, shooting guard Nik Stauskas, who was the No. 8 overall pick in 2014, and a second-round pick. "It's an opportunity for both teams to move forward in a little bit of a different direction," Nets general manager Sean Marks told reporters. "I think we get an opportunity to get a look at two young guys, we get a pick, and we replenish some of the assets that we need and move forward with some of these guys." The Heat are losers of four of their last five games and spent the last two games getting whipped by Western Conference powers Golden State and San Antonio by a combined 40 points. Miami dropped its last three on the road and began a stretch with six of eight away from home at San Antonio on Wednesday.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Sun (Miami), YES (Brooklyn)

ABOUT THE HEAT (11-13): Miami felt better about the way it played at the Spurs, when it totaled 18 made 3-pointers and handed out 28 assists in a 117-105 setback. "It was one of our better, at least coherent games, other than the (18) turnovers," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters. "We just have to get our hands around that and figure out how to get those numbers down. But we had some coherent actions to get the ball where we wanted it to go, the right people handling in certain spots. That was a little bit of an improvement." Shooting guard Tyler Johnson made his own improvement by scoring 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting after failing to reach 20 in any of his last 18 games.

ABOUT THE NETS (10-14): Brooklyn is playing two games in Mexico City and can sweep its trip on Saturday after earning a 100-95 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. "It was about staying together and being aggressive," small forward Rondae-Hollis Jefferson told Newsday of playing in Mexico City. "The altitude was tough. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't. Credit the performance staff for putting together a process of playing, and it worked for us." Reserve point guard Caris LeVert scored a team-high 21 points in the win and is 13-of-23 from the floor in the last two games while totaling 16 assists.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Nets waived SG Sean Kilpatrick to clear space for the new players.

2. Heat PG Goran Dragic scored in single figures in four of the last five games.

3. Miami took the last five in the series by an average of seven points.

PREDICTION: Heat 108, Nets 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Miami vs Brooklyn

ATS Trends
Miami

Heat are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 Saturday games.
Heat are 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 vs. Eastern Conference.
Heat are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.
Heat are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Heat are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.

Brooklyn

Nets are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Nets are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Nets are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Southeast.
Nets are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following a ATS win.
Nets are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Nets are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 games playing on 1 days rest.
Nets are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 vs. Eastern Conference.
Nets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win.

OU Trends
Miami

Under is 4-0 in Heat last 4 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 4-0 in Heat last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Heat last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 6-1 in Heat last 7 overall.
Under is 5-1 in Heat last 6 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Under is 10-2 in Heat last 12 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 9-3 in Heat last 12 games playing on 2 days rest.
Under is 22-8 in Heat last 30 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Heat last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 10-4 in Heat last 14 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 20-9 in Heat last 29 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 36-17 in Heat last 53 road games.

Brooklyn

Under is 4-0 in Nets last 4 games following a straight up win.
Under is 7-1 in Nets last 8 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 5-1 in Nets last 6 overall.
Under is 5-1-1 in Nets last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1-1 in Nets last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 games following a ATS win.
Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 12-5-2 in Nets last 19 vs. NBA Southeast.

Head to Head

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Favorite is 4-0-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Heat are 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
Heat are 18-6 ATS in the last 24 meetings in Brooklyn.
Over is 22-10-1 in the last 33 meetings in Brooklyn.
Road team is 5-1-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 9, 2017
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina

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

Preview: Lakers at Hornets
Gracenote
Dec 9, 2017

The Los Angeles Lakers snapped a five-game losing streak in dramatic fashion to open their road trip, and they hope to build off that victory when they visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Brandon Ingram capped a 21-point effort with the decisive 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left to give the Lakers a 107-104 win in Philadelphia on Thursday.

"He's really taken some nice steps forward the last week or two as far as just his overall presence and his overall leadership on the practice court, the game court," coach Luke Walton told reporters of Ingram, who is averaging 19.3 points over a 10-game stretch. All five starters and two reserves scored in double figures for Los Angeles, which is nearly halfway through a 10-game stretch in which it plays both Golden State and Houston twice, Cleveland once and six opponents on the road. Charlotte may offer a soft landing during the difficult portion of the schedule, as the Hornets have lost six of seven and will have had little rest from an overtime loss to the NBA-worst Chicago Bulls on Friday night. Dwight Howard had 25 points, 20 rebounds and six blocks in the loss as Charlotte fell to 8-5 at home.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles), FSN Southeast Charlotte

ABOUT THE LAKERS (9-15): Rookie Lonzo Ball had 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists - including one on the game-winner by Ingram - to go along with four blocks and three steals in a stat sheet-stuffing effort Thursday. The target of fans in opposing arenas, Ball seems to enjoy having a target on his back and is averaging 10.5 points and 7.3 assists while shooting 37.1 percent on the road, compared to 7.2 points, 6.8 assists and a woeful 27.2 percent mark at home. "Right when they called my name, they were ready to go," he told the media when discussing the fans in Philadelphia. "They were going after us. It's always fun playing like that though."

ABOUT THE HORNETS (9-15): Kemba Walker scored 20 points in the loss to Chicago and he is averaging 24.3 points in three games since returning from a shoulder injury, but he's shooting 37.7 percent in that span. Howard notched his first double-double in four December games after finishing November with six straight in that category and Charlotte may continue to lean on their big man with injuries surrounding his support team. Reserve 7-footers Frank Kaminsky (ankle) and Cody Zeller (knee) both sat Friday and Zeller is out indefinitely due to a torn meniscus.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Hornets PG Michael Carter-Williams is 4-for-19 from the floor over a three-game stretch and is shooting 25 percent in 12 games this season.

2. Lakers rookie F Kyle Kuzma is averaging 13.5 points on 44.3 percent on the road and 18.6 and 52.8 percent at home.

3. Charlotte has won five straight meetings.

PREDICTION: Lakers 105, Hornets 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - L.A. Lakers at Charlotte

ATS Trends
L.A. Lakers

Lakers are 9-19-1 ATS in their last 29 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Lakers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win.
Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Lakers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games.
Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Lakers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Charlotte

Hornets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Hornets are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 Saturday games.
Hornets are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Hornets are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Hornets are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.
Hornets are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss.
Hornets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Hornets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.

OU Trends
L.A. Lakers

Under is 7-0 in Lakers last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 5-0 in Lakers last 5 Saturday games.
Under is 6-0 in Lakers last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-2 in Lakers last 9 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 6-2 in Lakers last 8 road games.
Over is 5-2 in Lakers last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Under is 21-9 in Lakers last 30 vs. NBA Southeast.
Over is 9-4 in Lakers last 13 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Charlotte

Under is 5-0 in Hornets last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Hornets last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Hornets last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Over is 5-1 in Hornets last 6 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes on the previous day.
Under is 4-1 in Hornets last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 4-1 in Hornets last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 4-1 in Hornets last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Hornets last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 6-2 in Hornets last 8 Saturday games.
Over is 20-7 in Hornets last 27 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Hornets last 7 overall.

Head to Head

Lakers are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Charlotte.
Lakers are 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Underdog is 20-6-1 ATS in the last 27 meetings.
Road team is 4-0-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 9, 2017
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

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

Preview: Magic at Hawks
Gracenote
Dec 9, 2017

Leading scorer Aaron Gordon will be out of the lineup due to a concussion when the Orlando Magic visit the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. The 22-year-old forward was injured when he collided with Denver guard Gary Harris in Friday's 103-89 home loss to the Nuggets and won't play again until he clears the NBA's concussion protocol.

Gordon has been a bright spot while averaging a team-best 18.7 points for the Magic, who have dropped 12 of their past 15 games. "Yeah, it's tough, but everybody in the league has injuries," Magic coach Frank Vogel said afterward. "You know we can't feel sorry for ourselves now. We have to go get a win (Saturday) night." Atlanta has lost four of its last five games and one of the setbacks came against the Magic in Wednesday's 110-106 overtime loss. Hawks center Dewayne Dedmon, who averages 11.1 points and 7.8 rebounds, is expected to miss his fifth straight game due to a leg injury.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Orlando), FSN Southeast (Atlanta)

ABOUT THE MAGIC (11-16): Swingman Evan Fournier will miss his second straight game since being hurt against the Hawks during a 27-point effort on Wednesday and the team hasn't yet announced a timetable for his return. Fournier, who is Orlando's second-leading scorer at 18.3 points per game, didn't make the trip to Atlanta but is hopeful his absence won't be a lengthy one. "It shouldn't be too long, honestly," Fournier told reporters before Friday's loss to the Nuggets. "I don't know what it's going to be like. It's going to be day-to-day, obviously. I'm pretty positive."

ABOUT THE HAWKS (5-19): Point guard Dennis Schroder has emerged as the club's top scorer and is averaging 24 points over the past four games. Schroder scored 26 points in Wednesday's loss to Orlando for his 13th 20-point outing of the campaign but was just 10-of-26 shooting. Second-year forward Taurean Prince is averaging 12.5 points and tallied 19 on 6-of-8 shooting against the Magic after being just 11-of-34 shooting over the previous three games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Hawks have won 11 of the past 14 home matchups with the Magic.

2. Orlando C Nikola Vucevic had 21 points and 17 rebounds in Friday's loss after having 22 points and 16 rebounds against the Hawks.

3. Atlanta F John Collins (shoulder) will miss his fourth straight contest and is expected to miss another week to 10 days.

PREDICTION: Hawks 103, Magic 98

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Orlando at Atlanta

ATS Trends
Orlando

Magic are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Magic are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 0 days rest.
Magic are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 vs. Eastern Conference.
Magic are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Magic are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Southeast.
Magic are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.
Magic are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Atlanta

Hawks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Hawks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Hawks are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Hawks are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Southeast.
Hawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.

OU Trends
Orlando

Over is 4-0 in Magic last 4 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Over is 6-1 in Magic last 7 Saturday games.
Over is 6-1 in Magic last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 6-1 in Magic last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Over is 4-1 in Magic last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Over is 4-1 in Magic last 5 vs. NBA Southeast.
Over is 6-2 in Magic last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Magic last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 7-3 in Magic last 10 overall.
Over is 7-3 in Magic last 10 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 35-16 in Magic last 51 games following a double-digit loss at home.

Atlanta

Over is 8-2 in Hawks last 10 home games.
Over is 4-1 in Hawks last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 10-3 in Hawks last 13 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 19-7-1 in Hawks last 27 vs. NBA Southeast.
Under is 13-5-1 in Hawks last 19 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 7-3 in Hawks last 10 Saturday games.
Over is 9-4 in Hawks last 13 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 9-4 in Hawks last 13 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Head to Head

Under is 21-5 in the last 26 meetings in Atlanta.
Magic are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Atlanta.
Under is 39-16 in the last 55 meetings.
Underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 9, 2017
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio

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

Preview: 76ers at Cavaliers
Gracenote
Dec 9, 2017

The Cleveland Cavaliers saw their franchise record-tying winning streak snapped at 13 games and look to start a new run of victories when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. The Cavaliers suffered a 106-102 road loss to the Indiana Pacers on Friday, their first setback since losing to the Houston Rockets on Nov. 9.

"Streaks are meant to be broken obviously," forward LeBron James told reporters afterward. "We knew this would be a tough game for us. They're playing extremely well at home. We gave ourselves a chance, and that's all you can ask for." Cleveland has a streak to protect against Philadelphia as it has rolled off 10 consecutive victories against the 76ers, including a 113-91 win on Nov. 27 when James contributed 30 points and 14 rebounds. Philadelphia is opening up a three-game road trip after dropping consecutive home contests to the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. Star center Joel Embiid scored 33 points in Thursday's 107-104 loss to the Lakers but will be rested Saturday on the front end of a back-to-back, while point guard Ben Simmons is coming off a triple-double (12 points, 15 assists, 13 rebounds) against Los Angeles.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCSN Philadelphia, FSN Ohio (Cleveland)

ABOUT THE 76ERS (13-11): Philadelphia acquired veteran forward Trevor Booker (averages of 10.1 points, 6.6 rebounds) from the Brooklyn Nets for center Jahlil Okafor, guard Nik Stauskas and a second-round pick in 2019. Booker will be with the team on Saturday and is excited about the potential of the young squad that appears to be on the rise. "Hopefully we can continue to play well and if we do get into the playoffs, it'll be a great experience, especially for the young guys," Booker told HoopsHype. "It'll be great to get back to that (playoff) atmosphere. We're just going to keep building and keep improving that chemistry. We want to just keep getting better and progress throughout the season."

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (18-8): Cleveland has scored 100 or more points in 19 consecutive games and the postgame chatter was focused on seeing if the team could run off another long stretch of victories. "Got a very confident unit and we talked about it in the locker room, gotta start a new streak," Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue told reporters. "It was a good streak and came in here and got beat." Shooting guard J.R. Smith matched his season best of five 3-pointers against the Pacers to raise his career total to 1,826, one behind 12th-place Kobe Bryant on the all-time list.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The 76ers have dropped their last seven visits to Cleveland.

2. Injured Cavaliers PG Derrick Rose (ankle) said Friday that he has a bone spur that may require surgery.

3. Philadelphia F Dario Saric (left eye laceration) could miss his second straight game.

PREDICTION: Cavaliers 119, 76ers 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Philadelphia at Cleveland

ATS Trends
Philadelphia

76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games.
76ers are 23-6 ATS in their last 29 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
76ers are 37-14 ATS in their last 51 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
76ers are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 road games.
76ers are 31-15 ATS in their last 46 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
76ers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 vs. NBA Central.
76ers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
76ers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
76ers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Cleveland

Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Cavaliers are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss.
Cavaliers are 6-20-2 ATS in their last 28 home games.
Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Cavaliers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.

OU Trends
Philadelphia

Under is 4-0 in 76ers last 4 overall.
Under is 4-0 in 76ers last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in 76ers last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in 76ers last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 Saturday games.
Under is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in 76ers last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 4-1 in 76ers last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 8-2 in 76ers last 10 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 10-4 in 76ers last 14 road games.
Under is 5-2 in 76ers last 7 vs. NBA Central.
Under is 11-5 in 76ers last 16 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Cleveland

Under is 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 6-0-1 in Cavaliers last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-0-1 in Cavaliers last 6 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Under is 6-1-1 in Cavaliers last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 13-3 in Cavaliers last 16 Saturday games.
Under is 7-2-1 in Cavaliers last 10 overall.
Under is 7-2-1 in Cavaliers last 10 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 3-1-1 in Cavaliers last 5 home games.
Over is 29-10 in Cavaliers last 39 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 5-2 in Cavaliers last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 37-17-2 in Cavaliers last 56 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 38-18 in Cavaliers last 56 games following a ATS loss.

Head to Head

Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Under is 14-5 in the last 19 meetings.
76ers are 16-6 ATS in the last 22 meetings.
Under is 13-5 in the last 18 meetings in Cleveland.
Underdog is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 9, 2017
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois

Matchup Edge
NY Edge in: CHI
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Knicks at Bulls
Gracenote
Dec 9, 2017

The New York Knicks once again took advantage of their time in Madison Square Garden to right some wrongs, but they have yet to solve their issues away from home. The Knicks will try for their first road victory in well over a month when they visit the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.

New York snapped out of a 1-5 slide with a 99-88 victory over Memphis at home Wednesday night, improving to 11-5 in Manhattan, compared to 1-7 on the road. Courtney Lee scored 24 points and Kristaps Porzingis added 18 in his return from an ankle injury as the Knicks shot 52.2 percent and dominated the boards by a 42-27 margin. The Bulls have four wins on the season and two have come against the Charlotte Hornets, including a 119-111 triumph in overtime in North Carolina on Friday. Lauri Markkanen had 24 points - including five in the extra session - and 12 rebounds as Chicago snapped a 10-game slide.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), WGN (Chicago)

ABOUT THE KNICKS (12-12): Tim Hardaway Jr., who ranks second on the team in scoring, is out another two weeks or so and veteran Lance Thomas was solid in his first start in place of Hardaway in the win over Memphis. "He’s a true professional, man," Lee told reporters. "He knows every play. He's in practice doing his work early. He's a dude that you can hold accountable and he holds everybody accountable. When he gets in, he makes the most of his opportunity, and that's just going out there and playing hard." Thomas made his only two shots - including a 3-pointer - and each of his three free throws in the win, while Lee was 10-of-17 and hit 4-of-6 3-pointers.

ABOUT THE BULLS (4-20): Point guard Kris Dunn continues to fill the stat sheet and he finished Friday's win with 20 points, a season-high 12 assists, his third straight six-rebound effort and three steals. One of his backups, David Nwaba, has also made an impact with 22 points on 10-of-13 shooting off the bench over the last two games, contributing four assists and three blocked shots against Charlotte. Saturday's tilt opens a three-game homestand for Chicago and a stretch in which it plays five of six at the United Center.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. New York has won five straight meetings.

2. Bulls C Robin Lopez had 19 points and 10 rebounds Friday for his third double-double.

3. Knicks F Michael Beasley is averaging 16 points in 20 minutes over his last three games.

PREDICTION: Knicks 105, Bulls 100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - New York at Chicago

ATS Trends
New York

Knicks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Knicks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Knicks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Knicks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Central.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Chicago

Bulls are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.
Bulls are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Bulls are 17-35 ATS in their last 52 Saturday games.
Bulls are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.
Bulls are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bulls are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Bulls are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Bulls are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
Bulls are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Bulls are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
Bulls are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 0 days rest.
Bulls are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

OU Trends
New York

Over is 3-0-1 in Knicks last 4 Saturday games.
Under is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Under is 5-1 in Knicks last 6 games following a straight up win.
Under is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 overall.
Under is 8-2-1 in Knicks last 11 vs. NBA Central.
Under is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 games following a ATS win.
Under is 7-2 in Knicks last 9 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 8-3-1 in Knicks last 12 road games.
Under is 23-9-1 in Knicks last 33 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 5-2 in Knicks last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-3 in Knicks last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Chicago

Over is 4-1-1 in Bulls last 6 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes on the previous day.
Under is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 Saturday games.
Under is 6-2 in Bulls last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 6-2 in Bulls last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 6-2 in Bulls last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Bulls last 10 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 7-3 in Bulls last 10 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 11-5 in Bulls last 16 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 35-16 in Bulls last 51 home games.

Head to Head

Knicks are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Chicago.
Home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 9, 2017
Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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

Preview: Jazz at Bucks
Gracenote
Dec 9, 2017

While many of the NBA's elite teams have been built around power trios, the Milwaukee Bucks have quietly created one of their own. The Bucks will try to ride Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe to another win when they host the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

Milwaukee's star threesome combined for 82 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, five steals and four blocks in Friday's 109-102 win over Dallas at home. The Bucks have won three straight at home and 10 of their last 14 overall, but one of the four losses on that stretch came in a 121-108 setback at Utah last month. That result was part of a six-game winning streak for the Jazz, who have since dropped back-to-back games against Oklahoma City and Houston. "It was definitely a good reminder," rookie guard Donovan Mitchell told reporters after the 112-101 loss to the Rockets. "It's easy when you go on certain streaks to go out there and go, 'We got this,' and be happy with it. This was definitely a good reminder game and we've definitely got a tough schedule coming up, so it was good to get it at the beginning of the month."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE JAZZ (13-13): Utah is 6-9 with center Rudy Gobert in the lineup and he has been slow to get going since returning from a knee injury three games ago. The 25-year-old from France has just five made field goals in 76 total minutes while turning the ball over eight times in that span. "That's what they do," Gobert told reporters of the Rockets. "They're very aggressive. They don't have to play defense much, so they steal the ball, drag you off and that's what they do. I had five turnovers, and that's something we need to avoid."

ABOUT THE BUCKS (14-10): Friday's win came without starting guard Tony Snell, who was sidelined due to knee tendinitis. Backup point guard Malcolm Brogdon picked up some of the slack with 14 points and six assists in a season high-tying 41 minutes, and the second-year pro has scored in double figures in five straight games. Antetokounmpo scored 27 points and Brogdon added 19 while making 4-of-5 3-pointers in the loss to Utah earlier this season.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Mitchell is averaging 28.6 points over a five-game hot streak.

2. Middleton has shot at least 54.5 percent from the field in six consecutive contests.

3. Jazz SG Rodney Hood (ankle) has missed six straight games and is close to a return, although he is not expected to play Saturday.

PREDICTION: Bucks 105, Jazz 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Utah at Milwaukee

ATS Trends
Utah

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

Milwaukee

Bucks are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 0 days rest.
Bucks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Northwest.
Bucks are 1-4-2 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games.
Bucks are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.
Bucks are 0-3-2 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Bucks are 0-2-2 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Bucks are 0-2-2 ATS in their last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

OU Trends
Utah

Over is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Under is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 5-1 in Jazz last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 12-4 in Jazz last 16 vs. NBA Central.
Over is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 road games.
Over is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 9-4-1 in Jazz last 14 games playing on 1 days rest.

Milwaukee

Over is 3-0-1 in Bucks last 4 overall.
Over is 4-0-1 in Bucks last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Bucks last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 3-0-1 in Bucks last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Bucks last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Bucks last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 4-1 in Bucks last 5 games following a straight up win.
Under is 6-2 in Bucks last 8 vs. NBA Northwest.
Under is 8-3 in Bucks last 11 Saturday games.

Head to Head

Jazz are 25-5 ATS in the last 30 meetings.
Jazz are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Milwaukee.
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Milwaukee.
Home team is 15-6 ATS in the last 21 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 9:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 9, 2017
Where: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee

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

Preview: Thunder at Grizzlies
Gracenote
Dec 9, 2017

Carmelo Anthony is struggling with his shot and looks to break out of his scoring funk when the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. Anthony made just 5-of-20 shots in Thursday's 100-95 loss to Brooklyn in Mexico City and is averaging just 10.8 points over his last four games.

Anthony is a porous 15-of-49 shooting over his last three contests and has gone six games without reaching 20 points during one of the worst funks of his 15-year NBA career. "For me, I think these past three, four games offensively has been the toughest stretch for me, as far as scoring the basketball, making shots," Anthony told reporters. "I don't think it had anything to with the altitude, for the most part. I think it's just, for me, this is a rough stretch for myself personally. Probably the roughest that I've had throughout my career." Anthony, who is averaging a career-low 18.1 points, looks to break out against a Memphis squad that lost 116-107 to Toronto on Friday - its 13th defeat in its last 14 games. "We're human, we see the records, we have a brain," Grizzlies small forward Chandler Parsons told reporters. "At the same time, we can't worry about that now. We still have 55, 60 games or whatever left. It's too early to start panicking, but it's tough."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN Oklahoma, FSN Southeast (Memphis)

ABOUT THE THUNDER (11-13): While Anthony's shot is ailing, fellow forward Paul George also is hurting with a right calf contusion that prevented him from playing against the Nets. George is listed as questionable for the contest against Memphis, and the injury comes after he scored 20 or more points three times during a four-game stretch. Point guard Russell Westbrook is averaging 29 points, 10 assists and 9.7 rebounds over his last three games and excelled against the Grizzlies last season, when he averaged 32 points, 10 rebounds and 8.5 assists in four contests.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (8-17): Memphis had a chance at a rare victory before scoring just 14 fourth-quarter points, and it had huge issues in transition as Toronto posted a 41-13 advantage in fast-break points. "We're kinda shooting ourselves in the foot, doing things we can control," Parsons told reporters. "Turning the ball over, giving them easy baskets. Things we work on every day and are not executing in the game. Not getting back in transition. It's frustrating, it's miserable and we gotta figure a way to get out of this." Guard Tyreke Evans poured in 27 points against the Raptors and is averaging 22.3 over his last four games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Thunder have won five of the last six meetings.

2. Memphis C Marc Gasol scored 20 points against Toronto and is averaging 21.3 over his last four contests.

3. Oklahoma City was just 12-for-24 from the free-throw line against Brooklyn and also had a 10-for-21 showing versus San Antonio earlier this month.

PREDICTION: Thunder 112, Grizzlies 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Oklahoma City at Memphis

ATS Trends
Oklahoma City

Thunder are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Thunder are 33-16-2 ATS in their last 51 Saturday games.
Thunder are 8-21 ATS in their last 29 vs. Western Conference.
Thunder are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Thunder are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Thunder are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games playing on 1 days rest.
Thunder are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Thunder are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Thunder are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Southwest.

Memphis

Grizzlies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.
Grizzlies are 8-21 ATS in their last 29 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Grizzlies are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up loss.
Grizzlies are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Grizzlies are 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
Grizzlies are 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Grizzlies are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
Grizzlies are 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss.
Grizzlies are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Grizzlies are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Grizzlies are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

OU Trends
Oklahoma City

Under is 4-0 in Thunder last 4 Saturday games.
Under is 4-0-1 in Thunder last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Under is 9-1-1 in Thunder last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Under is 5-1-1 in Thunder last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Over is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 20-6 in Thunder last 26 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 6-2 in Thunder last 8 overall.
Under is 19-7 in Thunder last 26 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 13-5 in Thunder last 18 road games.
Under is 17-7 in Thunder last 24 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 17-7 in Thunder last 24 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Memphis

Under is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 vs. NBA Northwest.
Under is 6-0 in Grizzlies last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Grizzlies last 7 home games.
Under is 13-3-1 in Grizzlies last 17 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 8-3 in Grizzlies last 11 overall.
Under is 7-3 in Grizzlies last 10 games following a straight up loss.

Head to Head

Thunder are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Home team is 10-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
Favorite is 15-5-2 ATS in the last 22 meetings.
Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 9:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 9, 2017
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Arizona

Matchup Edge
SA Edge in: PHO
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Spurs at Suns
Gracenote
Dec 9, 2017

While there have been conflicting reports about the potential return date of two-time All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard, one thing remains the same for the San Antonio Spurs: finding a way to win, even when shorthanded. After finishing off a flawless three-game homestand with a thrilling win over the Boston Celtics on the front end of a back-to-back, the Spurs open a three-game road trip Saturday against the Phoenix Suns.

Reports surfaced early Friday that Leonard, who has missed his team's first 26 games with right quadriceps tendinopathy, would make his season debut Saturday, but multiple sources later suggested the team is eyeing its next road game instead - Tuesday versus the Dallas Mavericks - as the most likely date. Despite losing Danny Green (left groin tightness) to injury early and playing without Tony Parker late, the Spurs used a 3-pointer from Manu Ginobili with five seconds left to defeat Boston 105-102 for their 14th victory in their last 18 games. "We got to remember we played the best team in the league - best defense in the league - without Kawhi, without Tony in the last few minutes and without Danny in the second half … we are proud of this win," Ginobili said. The Suns are headed in the opposite direction as San Antonio, dropping 14 of their last 19 following Thursday's 109-99 setback against the Washington Wizards.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (San Antonio), FSN Arizona (Phoenix)

ABOUT THE SPURS (18-8): Green traveled with the team after Friday's game and is a game-time decision versus the Suns while San Antonio opted to start Bryn Forbes after the break against Boston - and the second-year guard responded with two 3-pointers and a pair of steals over a career-high 35 minutes. Ginobili finished with 11 points in 24 minutes of action to become the fourth player in team history to top 26,000 career minutes, joining Tim Duncan, Parker and David Robinson. LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 27 points and 10 rebounds for his eighth 20-10 outing of the season after recording only three such games last year, while Pau Gasol had 14 points and 11 boards to remain the only Spur to play and start in every game this season.

ABOUT THE SUNS (9-18): With Devin Booker (24.3 points) expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a left groin strain, Phoenix added swingman Danuel House, who averaged 17.7 points and 6.3 rebounds in 15 games with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G League. Rookie Josh Jackson (9.3 points, 21.6 minutes per game) replaced Booker in the lineup Thursday but his role did not change much, as he finished with 10 points in 24 minutes before fouling out. Tyson Chandler (9.8, 13th), who is questionable for Saturday due to a personal matter, and Alex Len (9.0, 16th) each rank inside the top 20 in the league rebounding and form one of three teammate duos exceeding nine boards per game.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Spurs have won 10 of the last 11 meetings.

2. Phoenix owns the longest active 3-point streak in the NBA at 1,085 - 23 shy of matching the league record set by the Mavericks (1999-2012). San Antonio's active streak of 1,001 ranks second.

3. Although he has yet to play more than 20 minutes, San Antonio is 7-0 with Parker in the lineup since his season debut on Nov. 27.

PREDICTION: Spurs 109, Suns 95