Saturday 12-16-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
Matchup Edge
POR Edge in: CHA
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Trail Blazers at Hornets
Gracenote
Dec 16, 2017

The Portland Trail Blazers have recovered from a season-worst, five-game losing streak with back-to-back victories. Portland aims to continue the momentum on Saturday when it visits the struggling Charlotte Hornets, who have lost nine of their past 11 games.

The Trail Blazers notched a 95-88 road win over the Orlando Magic on Friday, a contest they led by 17 points with less than 7 1/2 minutes before Orlando got back into the game. "You've got to win games," star point guard Damian Lillard told reporters afterward. "If we came out here and lost this game, then what would you say? You'd say, 'Oh, you guys lost another one.' All that matters is winning the game." Charlotte has found winning to be a tough task recently and the home fans showered the club with jeers during the final quarter of Friday's 104-98 loss to the Miami Heat. "We're not slacking," interim coach Stephen Silas, who is filling in for ailing Steve Clifford, told reporters. "We're not not playing hard at all. Some of those turnovers were not smart. So part of it is playing smarter, but part of it, to me, is also making shots."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN Northwest (Portland), FSN Southeast (Charlotte)

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (15-13): Center Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) returned from a three-game absence and was rusty offensively with nine points on 4-of-11 shooting while collecting 11 rebounds. Nurkic is on a minutes restriction for the back-to-back games but should be able to expand his playing time early next week. Lillard tallied 21 points against the Magic and is averaging 28.7 points in six December outings, while shooting guard CJ McCollum scored 20 and is averaging 24.3 points over the past four games.

ABOUT THE HORNETS (10-18): Point guard Kemba Walker scored 25 points against the Heat despite leaving the game for a short time with an injured left wrist. Walker has tallied 20 or more five times over the past seven games and is averaging 21.9 points during the stretch. Center Dwight Howard contributed 15 points and 16 rebounds against Miami and has 16 double-doubles this season, including in four of the past five contests.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Trail Blazers have won 12 of the past 16 meetings.

2. Charlotte SG Nicolas Batum - a former Portland starter - is averaging just 6.3 points on 11-of-34 shooting over his past four games.

3. Portland F Al-Farouq Aminu is 18-of-31 from 3-point range over the past five contests.

PREDICTION: Hornets 107, Trail Blazers 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Portland at Charlotte

ATS Trends
Portland

Trail Blazers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Trail Blazers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Trail Blazers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Southeast.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Trail Blazers are 8-2-2 ATS in their last 12 games playing on 0 days rest.
Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Trail Blazers are 15-7-2 ATS in their last 24 games following a straight up win.
Trail Blazers are 17-8-2 ATS in their last 27 Saturday games.
Trail Blazers are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Trail Blazers are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Charlotte

Hornets are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Northwest.
Hornets are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 Saturday games.
Hornets are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Hornets are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Hornets are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Hornets are 3-10-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up loss.
Hornets are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Hornets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Hornets are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

OU Trends
Portland

Under is 4-0 in Trail Blazers last 4 road games.
Under is 5-0 in Trail Blazers last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 6-1 in Trail Blazers last 7 Saturday games.
Under is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 vs. NBA Southeast.
Under is 20-6-1 in Trail Blazers last 27 games following a ATS win.
Over is 6-2 in Trail Blazers last 8 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 20-7-1 in Trail Blazers last 28 games following a straight up win.
Under is 17-6-1 in Trail Blazers last 24 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 20-8 in Trail Blazers last 28 overall.

Charlotte

Over is 4-0 in Hornets last 4 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 5-1 in Hornets last 6 home games.
Under is 4-1 in Hornets last 5 Saturday games.
Under is 4-1 in Hornets last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 6-2 in Hornets last 8 overall.
Under is 6-2 in Hornets last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 20-8 in Hornets last 28 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Hornets last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Head to Head

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Favorite is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Charlotte.
Trail Blazers are 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Matchup Edge
UTA Edge in: CLE
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Jazz at Cavaliers
Gracenote
Dec 15, 2017

The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a challenging road stretch on the horizon, but first look to remain scorching hot at home when they finish a four-game stay at Quicken Loans Arena against the Utah Jazz on Saturday. The Cavaliers have claimed 10 straight at home to highlight their 16-1 stretch after Thursday's 121-112 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James tied Larry Bird for sixth in NBA history with his 59th triple-double while Kevin Love led all scorers with 28 points as Cleveland scored over 100 points for the 22nd straight game. "We have a lot of guys contributing both in that starting lineup and the lineup that comes in, whether it's LeBron in there with that next unit or five new fresh bodies," Love told reporters. "It's great to have a number of scorers out there that can give you a lot on both ends." The Jazz will be facing the second-best team in the Eastern Conference one night after they knocked off the top team in the East with a 107-95 triumph at the Boston Celtics, snapping a four-game slide. Center Rudy Gobert departed after just two minutes with a reported MCL sprain and forward Derrick Favors needed six stitches for a facial laceration and played 12 minutes.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah), FSN Ohio (Cleveland)

ABOUT THE JAZZ (14-15): If the frontcourt remains shorthanded Utah will probably continue to lean on its guard play, and Ricky Rubio and Donovan Mitchell combined for 39 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds in Friday's win. Jonas Jerebko picked up some of the slack underneath with a season-high 17 points and seven rebounds. Reserve Rodney Hood is averaging 16 points while making 7-of-11 3-pointers in two games since returning from an ankle injury.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (21-8): Much of Cleveland's 16-1 stretch has come with veteran point guard Jose Calderon entering the starting lineup, and the 36-year-old had season highs with 17 points and six assists in 23 minutes against the Lakers. "He's an oldie but goodie," Love said. "Whether he's playing five minutes or 35 minutes, he's going to be Jose and go out there and knock down shots, play with a lot of poise. He's been great for us." Calderon is averaging 12 points while making 12-of-18 3-pointers over the last four games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Jazz are 7-4 without Gobert, who is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam.

2. Cavaliers C Tristan Thompson, who has missed 19 of the last 20 games with a calf strain, is expected to play in this one.

3. Cleveland, which plays 10 of its next 12 on the road, has won five straight against Utah at home.

PREDICTION: Cavaliers 112, Jazz 100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Utah at Cleveland

ATS Trends
Utah

Jazz are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
Jazz are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 0 days rest.
Jazz are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Jazz are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games.
Jazz are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Jazz are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Jazz are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Jazz are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Jazz are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.

Cleveland

Cavaliers are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Cavaliers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Saturday games.
Cavaliers are 6-20 ATS in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Cavaliers are 5-20-1 ATS in their last 26 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 3-13-1 ATS in their last 17 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Cavaliers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.
Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Western Conference.

OU Trends
Utah

Over is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 overall.
Over is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 Saturday games.
Over is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Jazz last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 8-2 in Jazz last 10 road games.
Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 vs. NBA Central.
Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-3 in Jazz last 10 games playing on 0 days rest.

Cleveland

Over is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 vs. NBA Northwest.
Over is 9-2 in Cavaliers last 11 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 7-2-1 in Cavaliers last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 13-4 in Cavaliers last 17 Saturday games.
Over is 18-6-2 in Cavaliers last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Over is 21-8-2 in Cavaliers last 31 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 5-2 in Cavaliers last 7 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Over is 20-9-1 in Cavaliers last 30 home games.
Over is 39-19 in Cavaliers last 58 games following a ATS loss.

Head to Head

Jazz are 3-0-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Home team is 5-1-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Jazz are 1-3-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Cleveland.
Underdog is 3-0-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
Matchup Edge
OKC Edge in: NY
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Thunder at Knicks
Gracenote
Dec 16, 2017

Carmelo Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in September with the assumption they would compete for a championship, but he and his new team have fallen well short of that expectation through 28 games. The Thunder have started to find their groove in December, however, and will try to find enough energy to give Anthony a happy homecoming Saturday when he returns to New York for the first time since the trade when they face the Knicks.

Anthony enjoyed one of his finest games of the season with 24 points on 11-of-17 shooting as Oklahoma City outlasted the Philadelphia 76ers 119-117 in three overtimes Friday, marking only the second time in 10 games in which the 10-time All-Star topped 20 points. The Thunder improved to 6-2 this month as their star-studded trio of reigning MVP Russell Westbrook, Anthony and Paul George combined for 75 points. While Oklahoma City will have less than 24 hours to recover from its marathon victory, it may be able to draw comfort from the fact New York could be without its top two scorers. Already without Tim Hardaway Jr., the Knicks watched leading scorer Kristaps Porzingis leave midway through the third quarter with an injury Thursday but found a way to secure their third straight win - a 114-104 triumph at the Brooklyn Nets.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV, FSN Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE THUNDER (14-14): Westbrook added another layer to his statistical greatness in Friday's marathon victory, finishing with 27 points, 18 rebounds and 15 assists to join former teammate James Harden as the only player in the last 30 seasons to tally at least 25 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a game. Andre Roberson, who hit the game-winner with 10 seconds left in the third overtime, returned from a two-game absence to contribute four points, seven rebounds and three steals. George shot 5-of-11 beyond the arc and tallied 24 points Friday but continued to shoot poorly overall; the four-time All-Star is 18-for-51 in three games since a two-game absence due a right calf contusion, lowering his field-goal percentage for the season to a career-low 40.8.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (15-13): Porzingis is questionable for Saturday after removing himself from Thursday's game with a left knee injury; the 22-year-old forward reportedly had his knee "worked on" Friday and the discomfort in his knee decreased as a result, according to reports. With Hardaway Jr. already out indefinitely with a stress injury in his lower left leg, Courtney Lee scored 18 of his 27 points in the second half to hold off the Nets. Michael Beasley, who finished with 15 points in 20 minutes Thursday and has averaged 17 points per game as a starter this season, will likely draw his fifth start of the season if Porzingis is ruled out before the start of Saturday's game.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Thunder have won four straight against the Knicks and can even the all-time series at 65-65 with another victory Saturday.

2. Beasley is averaging 12.3 points in December after scoring 8.3 points per game in November and 4.4 in October.

3. Westbrook has produced a triple-double in each of his last three road outings.

PREDICTION: Thunder 102, Knicks 99

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Oklahoma City at New York

ATS Trends
Oklahoma City

Thunder are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Thunder are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day.
Thunder are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 vs. Eastern Conference.
Thunder are 33-16-2 ATS in their last 51 Saturday games.
Thunder are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Thunder are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 road games.
Thunder are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Thunder are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.

New York

Knicks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
Knicks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
Knicks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Knicks are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 home games.
Knicks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Knicks are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Saturday games.
Knicks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Knicks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

OU Trends
Oklahoma City

Under is 5-1 in Thunder last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 5-1 in Thunder last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 Saturday games.
Under is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Under is 10-3 in Thunder last 13 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 13-5 in Thunder last 18 games following a straight up win.
Under is 5-2 in Thunder last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 20-8 in Thunder last 28 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 37-18 in Thunder last 55 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

New York

Over is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 overall.
Over is 4-0-1 in Knicks last 5 Saturday games.
Over is 5-0 in Knicks last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 games following a straight up win.
Over is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Knicks last 8 home games.
Over is 7-3 in Knicks last 10 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 7-3 in Knicks last 10 vs. NBA Northwest.

Head to Head

Home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Thunder are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings in New York.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Matchup Edge
LAC Edge in: MIA
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Clippers at Heat
Gracenote
Dec 16, 2017

Erik Spoelstra looks to become the winningest coach in franchise history when the Miami Heat host the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. Spoelstra picked up win No. 454 on Friday to move into a tie with current team president Pat Riley atop the Heat's victory list.

Riley served as a mentor to Spoelstra, so the 47-year-old feels a bit odd to be on the verge of surpassing the Hall of Famer on the team ledger. "That would seem like a misprint to me," Spoelstra said about matching Riley with the 104-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets. "Pat has meant everything to me as a coach and as a mentor. I want to win (Saturday) night, but I don't want to pass Coach Riley in wins. We all think of him as the guy who should have all the records." The Heat defeated the Clippers 104-101 on Nov. 5 in Los Angeles and are looking to sweep the season series. The Clippers lost to the Washington Wizards 100-91 on Friday as their three-game winning streak ended.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FSN Sun (Miami)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (11-16): The injury-ravaged team saw guard Austin Rivers (concussion) join the ailing list that includes forwards Blake Griffin (knee) and Danilo Gallinari (glute) and point guard Patrick Beverley (knee). Rivers will likely miss his second straight game unless he clears the protocol prior to Saturday's game, but point guard Milos Teodosic (recently back from a foot injury) will be available against the Heat after sitting out Friday for rest. Shooting guard Lou Williams scored 23 points against Washington for his seventh 20-point outing in the past nine games and he is averaging 25.8 points during the stretch.

ABOUT THE HEAT (14-14): Miami featured a balanced attack on Friday with seven players scoring in double digits and reserve guards Wayne Ellington and Tyler Johnson leading the way with 16 points apiece. The Heat continue to play without center Hassan Whiteside (sidelined for eight games with a knee injury) and forward Justise Winslow (last two due to knee issues), making the strong 3-point shooting by Johnson (4-of-4) and Ellington (5-of-10) on Friday extra timely. "When you have guys coming off the bench who can (combine) for 20 in a quarter, it's tough," reserve center Kelly Olynyk told reporters of the backcourt tandem. "They are making guys pay and making it easier for everybody else."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Clippers have won their past three visits to Miami.

2. Heat PG Goran Dragic is averaging just 9.5 points on 6-of-22 shooting over the past two games.

3. Los Angeles SF Wesley Johnson is 3-of-17 shooting over the past three games.

PREDICTION: Heat 112, Clippers 108

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - L.A. Clippers at Miami

ATS Trends
L.A. Clippers

Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Clippers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Southeast.
Clippers are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Clippers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss.
Clippers are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
Clippers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.

Miami

Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Heat are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games playing on 0 days rest.
Heat are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 Saturday games.
Heat are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Pacific.
Heat are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Heat are 1-3-2 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Heat are 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Heat are 1-5-2 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Heat are 2-13-2 ATS in their last 17 home games.

OU Trends
L.A. Clippers

Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 road games.
Over is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 17-5 in Clippers last 22 Saturday games.
Under is 9-3 in Clippers last 12 games following a ATS win.
Under is 8-3 in Clippers last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 7-3 in Clippers last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Miami

Under is 5-0 in Heat last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 7-1 in Heat last 8 vs. NBA Pacific.
Over is 10-2 in Heat last 12 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 5-1 in Heat last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 13-3 in Heat last 16 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Heat last 5 Saturday games.
Under is 19-7 in Heat last 26 overall.
Under is 21-8 in Heat last 29 games following a straight up win.
Under is 5-2 in Heat last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 5-2 in Heat last 7 home games.
Under is 35-17 in Heat last 52 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 39-19 in Heat last 58 games following a ATS win.

Head to Head

Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.
Over is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in Miami.
Home team is 13-6 ATS in the last 19 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Matchup Edge
MIL Edge in: HOU
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Bucks at Rockets
Gracenote
Dec 16, 2017

The soaring Houston Rockets strive to stretch their winning streak to 13 games when they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Houston delivered a 124-109 trouncing of the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, marking its 10th double-digit win during the impressive stretch of victories.

The Western Conference-leading Rockets led by as many as 28 points while dismantling the Spurs on Friday. "We have so many talented guys on this team that anyone can come in and have an impact on the game," star guard James Harden said in a postgame television interview. "We just take it one night at a time. ... We just want it to be at a high level and play for each other." Harden averaged 32 points and 10 assists in two games against the Bucks last season and Milwaukee could be in trouble after giving up 115 points in each of its last two games - losses to the New Orleans Pelicans (Wednesday) and Chicago Bulls (Friday). The Bucks are thriving on offense by scoring 100 or more in 11 consecutive games, the franchise's best streak since a 12-game run during the 1990-91 campaign.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), AT&T Sports Net Southwest (Houston)

ABOUT THE BUCKS (15-12): The rise of the Milwaukee offense was aided with the acquisition of guard Eric Bledsoe to go with star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and solid swingman Khris Middleton "You've got three guys playing at a high level with Bled, Khris and Giannis," coach Jason Kidd told reporters. "Sharing the ball is the key, and being able to make your free throws. Just making a play for a teammate and finding the open guy. Guys are moving the ball. Right now, the ball is going in for us." Antetokounmpo and Middleton each scored 29 points in Friday's 115-109 loss to the Bulls while Bledsoe was limited to 12 points.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (23-4): Point guard Chris Paul enjoyed a stellar effort against San Antonio with 28 points, eight assists and a season-best seven steals - he has posted that line six times over the last 10 years while the rest of the NBA has done so four times combined - and Houston improved to 13-0 with the nine-time All-Star in the lineup. Paul is averaging 26.3 points, eight assists and 3.5 steals over the past four games and has made a season-high five 3-pointers in each of the past two contests. Harden put up 28 points despite 6-of-18 shooting and has scored 20 or more in every game this season.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Antetokounmpo averaged 31.5 points, nine rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.5 blocks as the teams split last season's two meetings.

2. Houston C Clint Capela made 30-of-35 shots over the last four contests and is averaging 16.5 points and 9.8 rebounds during the stretch.

3. Milwaukee swingman Tony Snell (knee) is expected to miss his fifth consecutive game.

PREDICTION: Rockets 122, Bucks 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Milwaukee at Houston

ATS Trends
Milwaukee

Bucks are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games playing on 0 days rest.
Bucks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Bucks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Bucks are 3-9-3 ATS in their last 15 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 2-6-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss.
Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 1-4-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 1-4-2 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Houston

Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Rockets are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Central.
Rockets are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day.
Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.

OU Trends
Milwaukee

Over is 3-0-1 in Bucks last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 5-0 in Bucks last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Bucks last 4 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 4-0-1 in Bucks last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 7-0-1 in Bucks last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-0 in Bucks last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 6-0-1 in Bucks last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 9-1-1 in Bucks last 11 overall.
Over is 5-1 in Bucks last 6 road games.
Under is 4-1 in Bucks last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 6-2 in Bucks last 8 vs. NBA Southwest.
Over is 9-3 in Bucks last 12 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 13-6-1 in Bucks last 20 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Houston

Under is 6-0 in Rockets last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 6-1 in Rockets last 7 vs. NBA Central.
Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 games following a straight up win.
Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Rockets last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 15-6 in Rockets last 21 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes on the previous day.
Under is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 Saturday games.
Over is 10-4 in Rockets last 14 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Head to Head

Home team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Underdog is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Matchup Edge
PHO Edge in: MIN
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Suns at Timberwolves
Gracenote
Dec 15, 2017

The Minnesota Timberwolves are at their best when Karl-Anthony Towns is dominating in the frontcourt, and he is hot lately. Towns will try to lead the Timberwolves to back-to-back wins when they host the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.

Towns joined Kevin Garnett as the only players in franchise history to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five blocks when he went for 30, 14, five and five in a 119-96 win over the visiting Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Minnesota seems to go as Towns goes, and he is averaging 26.3 points on 66.7 percent shooting in the last three wins while totaling 26 points on 8-of-22 shooting in the last two losses. The Suns are missing some offensive firepower without shooting guard Devin Booker (groin), who is expected to be out at least another week, and are losers of five in a row. Phoenix averages 106.6 points on the season but has seen that number drop to 100.3 in the four games without Booker.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS North (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE SUNS (9-21): Phoenix's best offensive effort since Booker went down came on Wednesday at home against Toronto, when Troy Daniels enjoyed a career night in a 115-109 loss. Daniels scored 32 points on 11-of-16 shooting in 32 minutes off the bench, including 7-of-10 from 3-point range. "At the end of the day, as a player, you want to win," Daniels told reporters. "I think we're putting ourselves in a position to win, we just have to get over that hump. We're playing our tails off. We'll figure it out."

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (17-12): Towns isn't the only former No. 1 overall pick on the roster, and swingman Andrew Wiggins finally seems to be pulling himself out of a shooting slump. The 2014 No.1 pick out of Kansas scored 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting on Thursday - snapping a five-game streak of shooting under 50 percent - and went 3-of-4 from 3-point range after knocking down 2-of-20 in the previous five contests. Wiggins is playing on the opposite wing from Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 26.4 points on 51.2 percent shooting in seven games this month.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Suns rookie SF Josh Jackson is 3-of-21 from the field over the last two contests, including an 0-of-7 effort on Wednesday.

2. Minnesota SG Jamal Crawford totaled four points on 2-of-10 shooting over the last two games.

3. Wiggins, Towns and Butler combined for 78 points in a 119-108 home win over Phoenix on Nov. 26.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 115, Suns 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Phoenix at Minnesota

ATS Trends
Phoenix

Suns are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Saturday games.
Suns are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Northwest.
Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Suns are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Suns are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Suns are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Suns are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss.
Suns are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Suns are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Suns are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Suns are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games playing on 2 days rest.

Minnesota

Timberwolves are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Western Conference.
Timberwolves are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
Timberwolves are 7-17-2 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Timberwolves are 2-5-2 ATS in their last 9 vs. NBA Pacific.
Timberwolves are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Timberwolves are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games.
Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Timberwolves are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Timberwolves are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.
Timberwolves are 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.

OU Trends
Phoenix

Over is 4-1 in Suns last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 4-1 in Suns last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 4-1 in Suns last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 4-1 in Suns last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 37-15 in Suns last 52 games following a ATS win.
Over is 35-15-1 in Suns last 51 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 9-4 in Suns last 13 road games.

Minnesota

Over is 5-0 in Timberwolves last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 vs. NBA Pacific.
Under is 6-1 in Timberwolves last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Under is 11-2 in Timberwolves last 13 games following a straight up win.
Under is 5-1 in Timberwolves last 6 Saturday games.
Over is 5-1 in Timberwolves last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 7-2 in Timberwolves last 9 games following a ATS win.
Over is 6-2 in Timberwolves last 8 overall.
Over is 6-2 in Timberwolves last 8 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 12-4 in Timberwolves last 16 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 10-4 in Timberwolves last 14 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Over is 5-2 in Timberwolves last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Head to Head

Home team is 3-0-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Minnesota.
Suns are 1-4-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Minnesota.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 16, 2017
Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas
Matchup Edge
DAL Edge in: SA
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Mavericks at Spurs
Gracenote
Dec 16, 2017

Kawhi Leonard has been sharp in limited minutes since his return earlier this week, but his contributions have been mostly for naught as the San Antonio Spurs have dropped consecutive games for the first time since a four-game slide early in the season. The Spurs will be without their two-time All-Star on Saturday as he sits out the tail end of a back-to-back against the visiting Dallas Mavericks.

Leonard missed the team's first 27 games while completing his recovery from a right quadriceps injury before making his season debut Tuesday in Dallas, but his 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting and six rebounds in 16 minutes were not enough to keep San Antonio from falling 95-89. Although he produced 12 points on 5-of-9 from the field over 17 minutes Friday, the Spurs' defense gave up a season-high point total to the Houston Rockets in a 124-109 defeat. The Mavericks were unable to follow up their surprise success against San Antonio at Golden State on Thursday, as the Warriors outscored them by 15 in the second half after Dallas played the world champions to a draw through two quarters. "They're a talented team and we let a few miscommunications let them get a run going, and we just couldn't really stop them," Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes told reporters.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Dallas, San Antonio)

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (8-21): Point guard Dennis Smith Jr. (hip) has already been ruled out for Saturday - his fifth straight absence; Yogi Ferrell has taken on most of the rookie's production over the last three games, averaging 13 points while shooting 47.2 percent from the field. Dirk Nowitzki bounced back from a 1-for-8, six-point effort versus the Spurs with 18 points against the Warriors - one shy of his season high - on 6-for-13 from the field and nine boards in 27 minutes. Barnes struggled from the field Thursday (6-for-18), but he still managed to produce his 20th double-digit scoring performance in 21 games since the beginning of November; the 25-year-old has managed at least 12 points in all but two of 29 games.

ABOUT THE SPURS (19-10): Leonard will not play back-to-backs anytime soon, and while San Antonio is obviously happy to get its star forward back, getting him back to speed can't come soon enough for coach Gregg Popovich. "It's a pain in the (behind) for everybody. Rotations are screwed up. If a guy is only going to play so many minutes, do you go to him the whole time to get him going and get him back in the flow? Do you just do what you usually do? It makes it a little bit tough that way," Popovich told the San Antonio Express-News. Tony Parker (rest) and Kyle Anderson (sprained MCL) are also expected to sit out Saturday as well, but the Spurs are hopeful Anderson can return Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Spurs PF LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging 29.3 points in three games against the Mavericks this season - his most against any opponent.

2. Following a three-game stretch in which he shot a combined 8-for-26 from the field and averaged eight points, Mavericks G J.J. Barea is averaging 15.3 points on 17-for-29 shooting over his last three outings.

3. Dallas (eight) and San Antonio (10) combined for only 18 turnovers in Tuesday's meeting.

PREDICTION: Spurs 96, Mavericks 93

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Dallas at San Antonio

ATS Trends
Dallas

Mavericks are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Mavericks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Mavericks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Southwest.
Mavericks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
Mavericks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Mavericks are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Mavericks are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Mavericks are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Mavericks are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Mavericks are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Mavericks are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Mavericks are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Mavericks are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

San Antonio

Spurs are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Spurs are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Spurs are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 home games.
Spurs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Spurs are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Spurs are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss.
Spurs are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Saturday games.
Spurs are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
Spurs are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games playing on 0 days rest.
Spurs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Spurs are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Southwest.

OU Trends
Dallas

Under is 4-0 in Mavericks last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 4-0 in Mavericks last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 6-1-1 in Mavericks last 8 vs. NBA Southwest.
Under is 6-1 in Mavericks last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 13-3-1 in Mavericks last 17 Saturday games.
Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 overall.
Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 8-2 in Mavericks last 10 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-2 in Mavericks last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 7-2 in Mavericks last 9 games following a straight up loss.

San Antonio

Under is 8-1 in Spurs last 9 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Spurs last 7 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Over is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Over is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 home games.
Under is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 20-6 in Spurs last 26 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 9-3 in Spurs last 12 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 8-3 in Spurs last 11 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Over is 16-7 in Spurs last 23 games following a ATS loss.

Head to Head

Mavericks are 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Mavericks are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in San Antonio.
Underdog is 22-6 ATS in the last 28 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Boston at Memphis

ATS Trends
Boston

Celtics are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Celtics are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.
Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 vs. NBA Southwest.
Celtics are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 road games.
Celtics are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 36-17 ATS in their last 53 Saturday games.
Celtics are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Celtics are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Celtics are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.

Memphis

Grizzlies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Saturday games.
Grizzlies are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Grizzlies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Grizzlies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Grizzlies are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games overall.
Grizzlies are 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Grizzlies are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Grizzlies are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 vs. Eastern Conference.
Grizzlies are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 home games.
Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
Grizzlies are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

OU Trends
Boston

Over is 10-1 in Celtics last 11 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Over is 9-1 in Celtics last 10 Saturday games.
Over is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Over is 7-2 in Celtics last 9 road games.
Over is 7-2-1 in Celtics last 10 vs. NBA Southwest.
Over is 11-4 in Celtics last 15 overall.
Over is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Over is 12-5 in Celtics last 17 games following a straight up loss.

Memphis

Over is 14-2 in Grizzlies last 16 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 8-2 in Grizzlies last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 8-2 in Grizzlies last 10 home games.
Under is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 6-2-1 in Grizzlies last 9 games following a straight up win.
Under is 11-4 in Grizzlies last 15 overall.

Head to Head

Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Over is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings in Memphis.
Celtics are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Over is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings.
Favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Celtics are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Memphis.