Saturday 12-23-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 23, 2017
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Matchup Edge
BK Edge in: IND
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Nets at Pacers
Gracenote
Dec 23, 2017

The last time the Indiana Pacers were on their home floor they walked off with their heads hanging low. After righting the ship with a road win against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, the Pacers return to Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Saturday looking to end a three-game home losing streak when they host the Brooklyn Nets.

Indiana made a startling comeback against the Boston Celtics in its last home game before blowing a five-point lead in the closing seconds with a bad turnover by Bojan Bogdanovic leading to the game-winning basket for the visitors. Bogdanovic came back with 19 points and a pair of steals in Wednesday's 105-95 win over the Hawks, as the Pacers were able to put the gut-wrenching loss in the rear view mirror. "That's what it's all about, responding," guard Lance Stephenson told the team's website about Bogdanovic. "You make a mistake, you respond the next game. When you've got a good group of teammates who encourage you to keep pushing and don't worry about mistakes, it's always a blessing to have that. I think he was mad, but he got over it and you saw in the next game he played unbelievable." The Nets snapped a four-game losing streak that included a loss to Indiana with a 119-84 rout of Washington at home Friday night.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, YES (Brooklyn), FSN Indiana

ABOUT THE NETS (12-19): Brooklyn gave up an average of 111 points during its four-game slide but turned the tables by holding the Wizards to 36.6 percent shooting, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the way with 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie buried 4-of-5 3-pointers en route to 15 points. Backup Nik Stauskas also hit four triples and he is 10-for-19 beyond the arc since being acquired from Philadelphia earlier this month.

ABOUT THE PACERS (18-14): Victor Oladipo scored 23 points to lead the scoring for Indiana in Wednesday's win and is averaging 29.1 points on 50.5 percent shooting this month. Center Myles Turner followed up his worst game of the season (two points, 0-of-3 shooting) in the loss to the Celtics by recording 20 points, six rebounds, three blocks and two assists versus the Hawks. Turner is averaging 18.5 points on 62.5 percent to go along with 10 rebounds and three blocks in a pair of wins over Brooklyn this season.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pacers PG Darren Collison is 9-for-14 from 3-point range over his last six games.

2. Brooklyn outrebounded Washington 60-35.

3. Indiana has won five straight meetings.

PREDICTION: Pacers 110, Nets 99

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Brooklyn at Indiana

ATS Trends
Brooklyn

Nets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Nets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Nets are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Nets are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games following a ATS win.
Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Indiana

Pacers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Pacers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Pacers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Pacers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pacers are 23-8 ATS in their last 31 vs. Eastern Conference.
Pacers are 24-9 ATS in their last 33 games playing on 2 days rest.
Pacers are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games overall.

OU Trends
Brooklyn

Under is 8-1 in Nets last 9 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-1-1 in Nets last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 6-1-1 in Nets last 8 vs. NBA Central.
Under is 5-1 in Nets last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 5-1 in Nets last 6 games following a straight up win.
Under is 5-1 in Nets last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 12-3-1 in Nets last 16 overall.
Under is 4-1-1 in Nets last 6 road games.
Under is 8-2 in Nets last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 6-2-1 in Nets last 9 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Under is 10-4-1 in Nets last 15 games following a ATS win.

Indiana

Under is 4-0 in Pacers last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Over is 4-0 in Pacers last 4 Saturday games.
Under is 5-1 in Pacers last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Pacers last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 5-2 in Pacers last 7 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 10-4 in Pacers last 14 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Head to Head

Favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Over is 21-5-1 in the last 27 meetings in Indiana.
Home team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Over is 37-17-1 in the last 55 meetings.
Nets are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Nets are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Indiana.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 23, 2017
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, District of Columbia
Matchup Edge
ORL Edge in: WAS
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Magic at Wizards
Gracenote
Dec 23, 2017

The Washington Wizards had a healthy John Wall hitting his stride and seemingly had figured things out following a recent slump, but their most recent result suggests there is still plenty of work to be done. The Wizards will try to bounce back from a lopsided road loss when they host the reeling Orlando Magic on Saturday.

Washington was 3-1 since Wall came back from a knee injury before it suffered an ugly 119-84 setback at Brooklyn on Friday, the squad's second-largest margin of defeat this season. "We got our butts kicked," coach Scott Brooks told reporters after his team shot 36.6 percent and was outrebounded 60-35. "Myself included. We seemed like a step slow all the way around." A silver lining in the loss was that Wall saw only 16 minutes of action as he prepares to play in both ends of a back-to-back for the first time since returning from the injury. Another silver lining lies in the fact that Washington gets to take on an Orlando team that has lost seven in a row and hasn't had a lead in the last three games.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Orlando), NBCSN Washington

ABOUT THE MAGIC (11-22): Injuries continue to play a major role in Orlando's slump as leading scorers Evan Fournier (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (calf) have missed seven straight and three straight, respectively, and both are considered doubtful to return Saturday. "We can't feel sorry for ourselves," coach Frank Vogel told reporters after Friday's 111-97 loss to New Orleans at home. "It's that simple. We're playing a game (Saturday) night." Jonathon Simmons continues to do his part in filling the gaps and he had 22 points against the Pelicans for his fifth 20-point effort in the last seven contests.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (17-15): Saturday's game offers a chance for leading scorer Bradley Beal to bounce back from perhaps his worst game of the season, as the sharpshooter was 2-for-15 from the floor and tied a season low with four points against the Nets. Otto Porter Jr. returned from a two-game layoff but managed just six points in 21 minutes as Wall's 10-point performance led the starters. Even backup forward Mike Scott, who was a phenomenal 53-of-72 from the floor over his previous eight games, struggled on the offensive end and finished 3-for-8 in 20 minutes.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Wall needs 19 points to move past Kevin Loughery (9,833) and into second place in franchise history.

2. Magic C Nikola Vucevic's string of seven consecutive double-doubles came to an end Friday as he finished with 21 points and eight rebounds.

3. The teams split four meetings last season and the average margin of victory was 3.5 points.

PREDICTION: Wizards 105, Magic 94

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Orlando at Washington

ATS Trends
Orlando

Magic are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 Saturday games.
Magic are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Magic are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Magic are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Magic are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Magic are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games overall.
Magic are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 vs. Eastern Conference.
Magic are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Magic are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Magic are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Magic are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Magic are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Southeast.
Magic are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 0 days rest.

Washington

Wizards are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games playing on 0 days rest.
Wizards are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games.
Wizards are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Wizards are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Wizards are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

OU Trends
Orlando

Over is 4-0 in Magic last 4 Saturday games.
Under is 4-0 in Magic last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Magic last 6 vs. NBA Southeast.
Under is 4-1 in Magic last 5 overall.
Under is 4-1 in Magic last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 4-1 in Magic last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 5-2 in Magic last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 35-16 in Magic last 51 games following a double-digit loss at home.

Washington

Under is 6-0 in Wizards last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 4-0 in Wizards last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 7-1 in Wizards last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 6-1 in Wizards last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 6-1 in Wizards last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Wizards last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Under is 5-1 in Wizards last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 9-2 in Wizards last 11 home games.
Under is 3-1-1 in Wizards last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 20-7 in Wizards last 27 overall.
Over is 26-10 in Wizards last 36 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Wizards last 7 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 20-8 in Wizards last 28 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 19-8 in Wizards last 27 Saturday games.

Head to Head

Magic are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Magic are 3-8-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Washington.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Road team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 23, 2017
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
Matchup Edge
DAL Edge in: ATL
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Mavericks at Hawks
Gracenote
Dec 23, 2017

Sustainable success have been fleeting for the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks, both of whom find themselves at the bottom of their respective conferences. A pair of cellar-dwellers coming off road losses in the first half of a back-to-back hope for better fortune Saturday when the Mavericks visit the league-worst Hawks.

Marco Belinelli exploded for 27 points Friday - his highest-scoring performance in nearly two years - but Atlanta surrendered a 3-pointer to Russell Westbrook with 1.7 seconds left to drop a 120-117 decision to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The defeat wasted a rally from a 16-point first-half deficit by the Hawks, who have yet to win consecutive games and are 2-7 against Western Conference opponents this season. Dallas has managed two two-game winning streaks but missed out on a third after falling 113-101 to the Miami Heat on Friday. The Mavericks allowed the Heat to score the first 12 points of each half and shoot 64 percent overall.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, KTXA (Dallas), FSN Southeast (Atlanta)

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (9-24): Devin Harris, who is doubtful for Saturday, was only able to log eight minutes Friday before leaving the game for good with an illness, opening the door for Yogi Ferrell to go 9-for-13 from the field - including a season-high five 3-pointers - en route to a season-high 23 points. Dirk Nowitzki set season highs Friday in minutes (32), points (20), made 3-pointers (six) and 3-point attempts (15). Harrison Barnes was the only other Maverick to reach double figures against the Heat with 20 points; the 25-year-old shooting forward has hit the 20-point mark in three straight outings and been limited to fewer than 10 points only twice this season.

ABOUT THE HAWKS (7-25): The Hawks nearly won Friday despite the absence of point guard Dennis Schroder (team-leading averages of 19.4 points and 6.7 assists), who sat out with a left ankle injury. Belinelli took advantage of his first start of the season by going 10-of-18 from the field - including 5-of-10 beyond the arc - while doubling his previous best point total of the month. Taurean Prince extended his streak of hitting at least one 3-pointer to a career-best 14 games and Ersan Ilyasova went 4-for-5 from long-range as Atlanta shot 15-for-32 beyond the arc Friday - the 19th time the Hawks buried at least 10 3-pointers and the 14th time they converted at least 40 percent of their tries.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Atlanta rookie F John Collins, who ranks fourth in the league in field-goal percentage (61.7), is averaging 17 points and nine rebounds over his last two contests.

2. Dallas' 22 rebounds Friday were the fewest by an NBA team this season.

3. Belinelli hit both of his foul shots against Miami to extend his streak of consecutive free throws to 28.

PREDICTION: Hawks 107, Mavericks 98

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Dallas at Atlanta

ATS Trends
Dallas

Mavericks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Mavericks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Saturday games.
Mavericks are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Mavericks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Mavericks are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Mavericks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Mavericks are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Mavericks are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Mavericks are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Mavericks are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
Mavericks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Southeast.
Mavericks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Mavericks are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Mavericks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Mavericks are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Atlanta

Hawks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Hawks are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss.
Hawks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
Hawks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Hawks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Hawks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Hawks are 19-9-1 ATS in their last 29 games playing on 0 days rest.
Hawks are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

OU Trends
Dallas

Under is 4-0 in Mavericks last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-0 in Mavericks last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
Under is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 15-5-1 in Mavericks last 21 Saturday games.
Under is 13-5 in Mavericks last 18 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Under is 5-2 in Mavericks last 7 overall.
Under is 37-16-1 in Mavericks last 54 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Under is 28-13-2 in Mavericks last 43 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Atlanta

Over is 4-1 in Hawks last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 13-4 in Hawks last 17 vs. NBA Southwest.
Under is 9-3 in Hawks last 12 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 19-7 in Hawks last 26 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Over is 8-3 in Hawks last 11 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 10-4 in Hawks last 14 home games.
Under is 14-6-1 in Hawks last 21 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

Head to Head

Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Mavericks are 1-7 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 23, 2017
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Matchup Edge
CHI Edge in: BOS
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Bulls at Celtics
Gracenote
Dec 22, 2017

The Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls are at opposite ends of the standings in the Eastern Conference, but you'd never know it by the way the teams are playing of late. The Bulls will go for their eighth win in nine games when they visit the slumping Boston Celtics on Saturday.

Chicago nearly pushed its winning streak to eight in a row before falling just short in a 115-112 loss at the Cleveland Cavaliers and felt like it should have pulled out the close game. "There's a reason we were on that winning streak," Bulls point guard Kris Dunn told reporters. "We had an edge. We played tough. It just sucks that the way we've won close games is defensive stops and we couldn't get them tonight." The way the Celtics won 16 straight earlier this season had a lot to do with defensive stops as well, but Boston's struggles of late are coming at the offensive end. "I honestly don't think there's much of a concern," center Al Horford told reporters after a 102-93 loss at New York on Thursday. "We just need to regroup, get as much rest as we can and get ready for a tough game on Saturday. I think we're going to be OK. I don't think we need to overreact."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, NBCS Boston

ABOUT THE BULLS (10-21): One of the wins during the recent surge came at home against Boston on Dec. 11, when Nikola Mirotic led the way with 24 points. Mirotic suffered his first loss since rejoining the team with Thursday's setback but managed 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting and is averaging 19 on 52.5 percent shooting over the last eight games. Rookie forward Lauri Markkanen missed the first five games of the streak with a back injury and struggled in his first two games back before breaking out for 25 points in Thursday's narrow defeat.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (26-9): Boston dropped back-to-back games for the first time since the opening two contests of the season with setbacks against Miami and the Knicks in the last two outings. "It's a long year," Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters after the loss in New York. "It's a marathon. I just told our guys, 'Listen, there's a lot of things we can improve on, but that was the kind of fight that we can build off of.' The last couple, not so much. This one, we'll be OK if we play like that more often than not." Kyrie Irving is trying to carry the scoring burden and put up at least 30 points in five of the last six games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Dunn scored in double figures in each of the last 10 games and handed out a season-high 14 assists on Thursday.

2. Celtics SG Jaylen Brown (Achilles) sat out Thursday and is day-to-day.

3. Boston beat Chicago in six games in the first round of the playoffs last spring.

PREDICTION: Celtics 102, Bulls 100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Chicago at Boston

ATS Trends
Chicago

Bulls are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Bulls are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS win.
Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Bulls are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bulls are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Bulls are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bulls are 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
Bulls are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Bulls are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 vs. Eastern Conference.
Bulls are 26-12 ATS in their last 38 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Bulls are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.

Boston

Celtics are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Celtics are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS loss.
Celtics are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 Saturday games.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Celtics are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Celtics are 0-2-2 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Celtics are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Celtics are 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
Celtics are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

OU Trends
Chicago

Over is 5-1 in Bulls last 6 road games.
Over is 5-1 in Bulls last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 5-1 in Bulls last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 5-1 in Bulls last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 games following a ATS win.
Under is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Bulls last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 5-2 in Bulls last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 38-18 in Bulls last 56 games playing on 1 days rest.

Boston

Over is 10-1 in Celtics last 11 Saturday games.
Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 11-3 in Celtics last 14 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 6-2 in Celtics last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Under is 8-3 in Celtics last 11 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Over is 26-10-1 in Celtics last 37 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 10-4 in Celtics last 14 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 13-6 in Celtics last 19 overall.
Over is 13-6 in Celtics last 19 games following a straight up loss.

Head to Head

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Over is 20-6 in the last 26 meetings in Boston.
Bulls are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Boston.
Road team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Bulls are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 23, 2017
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Matchup Edge
NO Edge in: MIA
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Pelicans at Heat
Gracenote
Dec 23, 2017

The New Orleans Pelicans look to earn a split of a four-game road trip when they conclude the excursion with a contest against the Miami Heat on Saturday. Standout center DeMarcus Cousins had a strong outing while leading the Pelicans to a 111-97 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday after the club opened the trip with losses to the Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards.

Cousins had 26 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in the victory over the Magic as New Orleans also ended a dubious streak of allowing 100 or more points in 12 consecutive games. "We're on the right path, but we're still learning each other, still finding our way," Cousins said afterward. "With some consistency, we can become a top team." Miami has won six of its past eight contests and recorded a 113-101 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday in the opener of a four-game homestand. Backup shooting guard Wayne Ellington drained a career-best eight 3-pointers while matching his personal high of 28 points as the Heat shot 63.9 percent from the field and went 16-of-25 from 3-point range.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN New Orleans, FSN Sun (Miami)

ABOUT THE PELICANS (16-16): Guard Jrue Holiday (24 points) and power forward Anthony Davis (20 points, 11 rebounds) also had 20-point outings against Orlando as the trio combined for 70 points on 29-of-45 shooting. Ending the 100-point streak and committing only 15 turnovers were crucial elements as New Orleans got back to the .500 mark. "I thought we did a good job with the turnovers, which didn't compromise our defense very much at all," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "And then I thought we did a good job of moving the basketball and finding open people, and I liked the pace that we played at. and I thought our shot selection was really good."

ABOUT THE HEAT (17-15): Starting shooting guard Dion Waiters (sprained ankle; X-rays were negative) departed in the first quarter, opening up increased playing time for Ellington, who made 10-of-16 from the field while reaching 20 points for the fifth time this season. "I really enjoy watching Wayne, I enjoy watching his routine," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said afterward. "He has one of the best workout shooting routines I've ever been around in 23 years. It doesn't guarantee he is going to have performances like this, but I think those are the championship habits we've seen." Forward Josh Richardson (24 points on 11-of-14 shooting) and guard Tyler Johnson (19 on 8-of-12) also had stellar performances for a team missing center Hassan Whiteside (knee), point guard Goran Dragic (elbow) as well as forwards James Johnson (ankle) and Justise Winslow (knee).

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Heat have won 12 of 17 home meetings with the Pelicans.

2. Holiday is averaging 25.1 points over the past nine games and has six efforts of 20 or more during the stretch.

3. Miami C Kelly Olynyk scored just 11 points against Dallas two nights after erupting for a career-best 32 against this former team (the Boston Celtics).

PREDICTION: Heat 107, Pelicans 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - New Orleans at Miami

ATS Trends
New Orleans

Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games.
Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Southeast.
Pelicans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

Miami

Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games playing on 0 days rest.
Heat are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Southwest.
Heat are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 Saturday games.
Heat are 5-13-1 ATS in their last 19 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win.
Heat are 2-6-2 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Heat are 4-15-2 ATS in their last 21 home games.

OU Trends
New Orleans

Over is 4-0 in Pelicans last 4 games following a straight up win.
Over is 6-0 in Pelicans last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Pelicans last 4 games following a ATS win.
Over is 11-1 in Pelicans last 12 overall.
Over is 10-1 in Pelicans last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 9-1 in Pelicans last 10 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Pelicans last 6 road games.
Over is 4-1 in Pelicans last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 5-2-1 in Pelicans last 8 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Pelicans last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Over is 5-2 in Pelicans last 7 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Miami

Under is 6-0 in Heat last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 8-1 in Heat last 9 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Heat last 6 Saturday games.
Under is 13-3 in Heat last 16 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Heat last 5 home games.
Over is 4-1 in Heat last 5 vs. NBA Southwest.
Under is 7-2 in Heat last 9 games following a straight up win.
Under is 9-3 in Heat last 12 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 19-7 in Heat last 26 overall.
Under is 23-9 in Heat last 32 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Under is 36-15 in Heat last 51 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 35-17 in Heat last 52 games following a ATS win.

Head to Head

Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
Home team is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
Pelicans are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Miami.
Pelicans are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 23, 2017
Where: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
Matchup Edge
LAC Edge in: MEM
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Clippers at Grizzlies
Gracenote
Dec 23, 2017

If only for a brief moment over the first two or three weeks of the season, the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers appeared as if they could survive without the key cogs that led them to the playoffs last season. Although both squads have experienced much more disappointment since their first meeting, the Clippers attempt to build off their most impressive win of the season when they visit the Grizzlies on Saturday.

Los Angeles bolted to a 4-0 start despite losing Chris Paul in the offseason and was still 5-2 on Nov. 4 when it hosted Memphis, which held the Clippers to 4-of-26 beyond the arc in a 113-104 victory. That setback began a nine-game losing streak for Los Angeles, which is coming off Friday's surprising 128-118 victory at the Houston Rockets to improve to 5-7 without the injured Blake Griffin. Shortly after improving to 6-3 with their early November win at the Staples Center, the Grizzlies went on an 11-game slide that contributed to the firing of coach David Fizdale. Memphis, which lost its own star this offseason when Zach Randolph bolted in free agency, lost for the eighth time in nine tries Thursday as the Phoenix Suns' Troy Daniels - a former Grizzlie - hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 17 seconds left to send Memphis to a 97-95 defeat.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FSN Southeast (Memphis)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (13-18): Austin Rivers (15.4 points) and Lou Williams (20.2), who are both enjoying career years, combined for 68 points and 13-of-26 shooting beyond the arc in Friday's triumph, as Rivers exploded for a career-high 36 points and Williams poured in 32 off the bench. Williams, who entered the game leading the league in bench scoring (19.1 points), topped the 30-point mark for the third time in December and has posted a NBA-best five such performances from a reserve. Starting point guard Milos Teodosic (8.3 points, 4.6 assists) was rested Friday but will return Saturday; the 30-year has scored more than eight points only twice in five outings since returning from a 22-game absence due to a foot injury.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (9-23): Marc Gasol (18.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.4 blocks) is one of two players in the league (along with the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo) to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and blocks, but the three-time All-Star is listed as doubtful for Saturday with a left hip injury. Assuming Gasol sits, Tyreke Evans (18.4 points) will be the only healthy Grizzlies' player averaging at least 10 points, as Mike Conley (17.1) remains without a definite timetable in his return from an Achilles' injury. Evans is enjoying his finest offensive season since his rookie year in 2009-10, scoring in double figures in 28 games - including 13 20-point efforts.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Ten of the last 14 and 14 of the Grizzlies' last 20 opponents have shot at least 40 percent from 3-point range.

2. Jordan leads the NBA with seven 20-rebound games.

3. Memphis is 2-18 without Conley this season and 0-17 when shooting a lower percentage from the field than its opponent.

PREDICTION: Clippers 105, Grizzlies 97

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - L.A. Clippers at Memphis

ATS Trends
L.A. Clippers

Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Clippers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Clippers are 7-15 ATS in their last 22 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Clippers are 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Clippers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 vs. Western Conference.
Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest.
Clippers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Saturday games.
Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Southwest.

Memphis

Grizzlies are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games following a straight up loss.
Grizzlies are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Grizzlies are 7-20-1 ATS in their last 28 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Grizzlies are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games overall.
Grizzlies are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 vs. NBA Pacific.
Grizzlies are 3-11-1 ATS in their last 15 games following a ATS loss.
Grizzlies are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Western Conference.
Grizzlies are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 home games.
Grizzlies are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games playing on 1 days rest.
Grizzlies are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Grizzlies are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Grizzlies are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

OU Trends
L.A. Clippers

Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Over is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 19-7 in Clippers last 26 Saturday games.
Over is 8-3 in Clippers last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Under is 5-2 in Clippers last 7 overall.
Over is 5-2 in Clippers last 7 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Over is 5-2 in Clippers last 7 vs. NBA Southwest.

Memphis

Under is 5-0 in Grizzlies last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 5-1 in Grizzlies last 6 overall.
Under is 5-1 in Grizzlies last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 10-3 in Grizzlies last 13 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 3-1-1 in Grizzlies last 5 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 15-5-1 in Grizzlies last 21 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 8-3 in Grizzlies last 11 home games.
Under is 18-7-2 in Grizzlies last 27 games playing on 1 days rest.

Head to Head

Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Clippers are 6-14 ATS in the last 20 meetings.
Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 23, 2017
Where: Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
Matchup Edge
OKC Edge in: UTA
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Thunder at Jazz
Gracenote
Dec 23, 2017

The Utah Jazz were routed by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday and aim to avenge the thrashing when the teams meet Saturday in Salt Lake City. The Jazz scored just nine first-quarter points and were never competitive in the game at Oklahoma City as the Thunder rolled to a 107-79 victory.

Oklahoma City has won five of its last six games but had to fight for a 120-117 home victory over the Atlanta Hawks with star point guard Russell Westbrook knocking down the tiebreaking 3-point basket with 1.7 seconds left. "We feel good going down the stretch that we're going to make the right plays, get a basket," Thunder forward Paul George said afterward. "Whereas before, we didn't know where or how we were going to close. I think we know now how to close and where we're going to close." Utah has won just two of its past nine games, but its most recent performance was a strong one as it recorded a 100-89 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. "It was a good team effort," Jazz power forward Derrick Favors said afterward. "We came out with a lot of energy on the defensive end ... just tried to make it hard for them."

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

ABOUT THE THUNDER (17-15): Westbrook, who is averaging 28.8 points over the past five contests, contributed 30 points and 15 assists in Friday's victory. "Besides the shot, he was unbelievable," Thunder coach Billy Donovan said afterward, "because it wasn't going well in the third quarter and his enthusiasm and positivity, his leadership was really, really good for our team. We got so stagnant on both sides of the ball. We had that period there where we just didn't play particularly well." Forward Carmelo Anthony drained a season-best seven 3-pointers while scoring 24 against the Hawks for just his third 20-point outing in the past 14 games.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (15-18): Shooting guard Rodney Hood scored 29 points in the victory over San Antonio and is averaging 24 over the past three games. Hood has scored 20 or more points on eight occasions this season - twice notching 30 or more - and is starting to fill the scoring void left by the offseason departure of All-Star forward Gordon Hayward. "I've got to be real aggressive," Hood told reporters. "Especially when they're not being real aggressive on me and I can see daylight, just rise up and shoot the ball. My teammates give me a lot of confidence to do that."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Thunder are 2-1 versus Utah this season and have won nine of the past 11 meetings.

2. Westbrook had 24 points (on 10-of-13 shooting) 10 rebounds, seven assists and four steals in Wednesday's win over the Jazz.

3. Utah rookie G Donovan Mitchell (toe) could miss his third consecutive game.

PREDICTION: Jazz 108, Thunder 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Oklahoma City at Utah

ATS Trends
Oklahoma City

Thunder are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day.
Thunder are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Thunder are 9-23 ATS in their last 32 vs. Western Conference.
Thunder are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games.
Thunder are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Thunder are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win.
Thunder are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
Thunder are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Thunder are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 road games.
Thunder are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Northwest.
Thunder are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Utah

Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Jazz are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.
Jazz are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
Jazz are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Jazz are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS win.
Jazz are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up win.
Jazz are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Northwest.
Jazz are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Jazz are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Jazz are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.

OU Trends
Oklahoma City

Under is 7-1 in Thunder last 8 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 5-1 in Thunder last 6 vs. NBA Northwest.
Over is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 games following a straight up win.
Under is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Thunder last 8 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 23-11 in Thunder last 34 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Utah

Under is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 6-1 in Jazz last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Jazz last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 5-1 in Jazz last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 Saturday games.
Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 16-6 in Jazz last 22 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Under is 13-6-1 in Jazz last 20 games following a straight up win.
Under is 37-18-1 in Jazz last 56 vs. NBA Northwest.

Head to Head

Under is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings in Utah.
Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Under is 20-7 in the last 27 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 23, 2017
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
Matchup Edge
DEN Edge in: GS
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Nuggets at Warriors
Gracenote
Dec 23, 2017

The Golden State Warriors look to extend their season-best winning streak to 12 games when they host the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. The Warriors recorded a 113-106 home victory over the Los Angeles on Friday to improve to 26-6 and supplant the Houston Rockets as owners of the NBA's best record.

Golden State let a 23-point, second-half lead get away and trailed the Lakers before getting back in stride and keeping the winning streak intact. Star forward Kevin Durant produced 33 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four blocked shots against the Lakers and is averaging 32.3 points over the past seven contests. Denver is just 6-12 on the road but posted a convincing 102-85 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday behind 27 points, eight rebounds and six assists from center Nikola Jokic. "He went out there and attacked," Nuggets coach Michael Malone said afterward. "He was effective all over the floor - scoring, rebounding, playmaking."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), NBCSN Bay Area (Golden State)

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (17-15): Forward Wilson Chandler gave a standout performance in Friday's victory by scoring a season-best 21 points to go with 11 rebounds. The big outing came after Chandler averaged just 7.7 points on 9-of-26 shooting over the previous three games. Gary Harris (elbow) scored 17 against Portland after a one-game absence and is averaging 22.8 points over the past four games, while fellow guard Jamal Murray had just seven after erupting for 30 against Minnesota two nights earlier.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (26-6): Power forward Draymond Green (shoulder) returned from a four-game absence to contribute 13 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in the win over the Lakers. "It's great to have Draymond back after his absence," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the victory. "He brings an energy to the game that otherwise was lacking last game." Rookie forward Jordan Bell also stood out with a career-high 20 points (on 9-of-13 shooting) and 10 rebounds for his first NBA double-double.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Nuggets have lost their last five road contests against the Warriors.

2. Golden State PG Stephen Curry (ankle) will sit out for the eighth consecutive contest and coach Steve Kerr said it is "99.999 percent" that Curry will miss the Christmas Day showdown against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

3. Denver PG Emmanuel Mudiay (ankle) will likely miss his fourth straight game.

PREDICTION: Warriors 125, Nuggets 112