Thursday 12-28-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Vegas at Los Angeles

W/L Trends
Vegas

Golden Knights are 5-0 in their last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Golden Knights are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
Golden Knights are 4-0 in their last 4 games following a win.
Golden Knights are 5-0 in their last 5 overall.
Golden Knights are 10-1 in their last 11 vs. Pacific.
Golden Knights are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Golden Knights are 17-4 in their last 21 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Golden Knights are 17-4 in their last 21 vs. Western Conference.
Golden Knights are 6-2 in their last 8 road games.

Los Angeles

Kings are 5-0 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Kings are 5-0 in their last 5 home games.
Kings are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Kings are 7-2 in their last 9 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Kings are 10-3 in their last 13 Thursday games.
Kings are 10-4 in their last 14 overall.
Kings are 12-5 in their last 17 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Kings are 3-8 in their last 11 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Kings are 3-8 in their last 11 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Kings are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. Pacific.

OU Trends
Vegas

Over is 4-0 in Golden Knights last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 7-1-1 in Golden Knights last 9 road games.
Over is 10-2-1 in Golden Knights last 13 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 4-1 in Golden Knights last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
Over is 12-3-2 in Golden Knights last 17 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 12-3-2 in Golden Knights last 17 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 15-5-2 in Golden Knights last 22 games following a win.
Over is 12-4-2 in Golden Knights last 18 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 6-2-2 in Golden Knights last 10 vs. Pacific.
Over is 18-8-2 in Golden Knights last 28 overall.

Los Angeles

Under is 5-0-1 in Kings last 6 vs. Pacific.
Under is 9-1-1 in Kings last 11 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 8-2 in Kings last 10 home games.
Over is 13-5-5 in Kings last 23 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Under is 5-2-1 in Kings last 8 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 32-13-13 in Kings last 58 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 14-6-1 in Kings last 21 overall.

Head to Head
No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 10:30 PM ET, Thursday, December 28, 2017
Where: SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose, California
Matchup Edge
CAL Edge in: SJ
Offense
Defense
Power Play
Penalty Kill
Face Offs
Discipline
Goaltending

Preview: Flames at Sharks
Gracenote
Dec 27, 2017

Despite a matchup looming against one of their biggest nemesis, Calgary Flames won't be looking past Thursday's visit to the San Jose Sharks in the opener of a two-game California road trip. Calgary is three points behind third-place San Jose and one back of Anaheim (Saturday's opponent) entering Wednesday in the Pacific Division.

Getting away from home might not be the worst thing for the Flames, who are 9-4-3 on the road as opposed to a mediocre 9-11-0 at Scotiabank Saddledome, including a 3-2 setback against San Jose on Dec. 14. Calgary went into the break off a 3-2 home loss to Montreal, but it carries a five-game road point streak (3-0-2) into Thursday's matchup. San Jose is coming off an impressive 2-0 win over Los Angeles and will be looking to wrap up a perfect three-game homestand before opening a five-game road trip. "When we play with energy like that, and that kind of compete, we can beat any team in the league," goaltender Martin Jones told reporters after blanking the Kings. "It's just a matter of rolling that game out every night."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West (Calgary), NBCSN California (San Jose)

ABOUT THE FLAMES (18-15-3): Defenseman Travis Hamonic was injured in Wednesday's win over St. Louis and sat out Friday versus Montreal, but he was back at practice Wednesday skating alongside T.J. Brodie. Coach Glen Gulutzan said he expected Hamonic to rejoin the lineup but the status is unclear for Jaromir Jagr, who has missed seven of the past nine games but will accompany the team to California. Mike Smith and David Rittich will each get a start in net this weekend, Gulutzan told reporters.

ABOUT THE SHARKS (19-11-4): Logan Couture, out the past three games due to a concussion, skated with the team wearing a non-contact jersey Wednesday, but there's no timetable for when the team's leading scorer will return. "It was a practice. I wasn't on a line or anything, I was able to get through it," said Couture who has 15 goals and 26 points. "It's all about how I feel after I skate." Defenseman Paul Martin also went through his first practice since returning from a conditioning stint in the minors.

OVERTIME

1. San Jose has scored at least one power-play goal in eight straight games, going 13-for-37 in that span.

2. Flames leading scorer LW Johnny Gaudreau has one goal in the past 10 games - against San Jose two weeks ago.

3. Jones is 5-3-0 with a 2.85 goals-against average versus Calgary.

PREDICTION: Sharks 3, Flames 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Calgary at San Jose

W/L Trends
Calgary

Flames are 4-1 in their last 5 Thursday games.
Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Flames are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.

San Jose

Sharks are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Sharks are 5-1 in their last 6 home games.
Sharks are 6-2 in their last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Sharks are 8-3 in their last 11 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Sharks are 2-5 in their last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU Trends
Calgary

Under is 5-0 in Flames last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 8-0 in Flames last 8 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 8-1-3 in Flames last 12 Thursday games.
Under is 6-1 in Flames last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Flames last 6 overall.
Under is 4-1-2 in Flames last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Under is 4-1 in Flames last 5 road games.
Under is 4-1 in Flames last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 6-2 in Flames last 8 vs. Pacific.
Under is 37-14-6 in Flames last 57 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 5-2 in Flames last 7 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

San Jose

Under is 4-1-3 in Sharks last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Under is 6-2 in Sharks last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 6-2 in Sharks last 8 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 25-10-17 in Sharks last 52 vs. Pacific.
Under is 19-8 in Sharks last 27 overall.
Under is 39-17-10 in Sharks last 66 home games.
Under is 22-10-5 in Sharks last 37 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Under is 38-18-16 in Sharks last 72 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Head to Head

Under is 4-1-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Home team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Thursday, December 28

Trend Report

PHILADELPHIA @ FLORIDA
Philadelphia is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 7 games

MONTREAL @ TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

BOSTON @ WASHINGTON
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

TORONTO @ ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 9 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing Toronto

LAS VEGAS @ LOS ANGELES
Las Vegas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Las Vegas's last 6 games on the road
Los Angeles is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Los Angeles's last 10 games at home

CHICAGO @ VANCOUVER
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 7 games
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Vancouver
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Vancouver's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games at home

CALGARY @ SAN JOSE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 6 games
Calgary is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
San Jose is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
San Jose is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Calgary

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Dunkel

Thursday, December 28

Montreal @ Tampa Bay

Game 51-52
December 28, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
10.212
Tampa Bay
12.776
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
N/A

Boston @ Washington

Game 53-54
December 28, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
10.303
Washington
11.776
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
N/A

Philadelphia @ Florida

Game 55-56
December 28, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
11.744
Florida
10.209
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida
-120
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+100); Over

Toronto @ Arizona

Game 57-58
December 28, 2017 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
10.673
Arizona
11.557
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-170
6
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(+150); Under

Chicago @ Vancouver

Game 59-60
December 28, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
11.989
Vancouver
10.887
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
-125
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(-125); Under

Vegas @ Los Angeles

Game 61-62
December 28, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Vegas
11.213
Los Angeles
12.755
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
-140
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles
(-140); Over

Calgary @ San Jose

Game 63-64
December 28, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Calgary
11.778
San Jose
10.616
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Jose
-145
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(+125); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, December 28

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MONTREAL (16-17-0-4, 36 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (26-7-0-2, 54 pts.) - 12/28/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 13-25 ATS (-15.4 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 26-9 ATS (+15.8 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 26-9 ATS (+8.3 Units) first half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 22-12 ATS (+9.9 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 370-413 ATS (-99.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 170-205 ATS (-75.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 6-2 (+5.3 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 6-2-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.4 Units)

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BOSTON (20-10-0-5, 45 pts.) at WASHINGTON (22-13-0-3, 47 pts.) - 12/28/2017, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 8-0 (+8.3 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 8-0-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (15-13-0-8, 38 pts.) at FLORIDA (15-16-0-5, 35 pts.) - 12/28/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-11 ATS (-8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-11 ATS (-8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
FLORIDA is 16-6 ATS (+9.3 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 82-62 ATS (+18.6 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
FLORIDA is 50-68 ATS (-25.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 10-18 ATS (-9.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 31-60 ATS (+100.7 Units) after shutting out their opponent in their previous game since 1996.
FLORIDA is 20-30 ATS (-15.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-2 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 5-2-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

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TORONTO (22-14-0-1, 45 pts.) at ARIZONA (9-25-0-5, 23 pts.) - 12/28/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 367-391 ATS (-114.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
ARIZONA is 9-30 ATS (-29.8 Units) in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 9-30 ATS (+51.5 Units) first half of the season this season.
ARIZONA is 33-98 ATS (+175.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 4-1 (+5.1 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 4-1-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.8 Units)

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

CHICAGO (17-13-0-5, 39 pts.) at VANCOUVER (15-17-0-5, 35 pts.) - 12/28/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 7-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 351-345 ATS (-135.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 55-25 ATS (+19.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 4-12 ATS (+19.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
VANCOUVER is 374-349 ATS (+770.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 4-2 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 4-2-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.7 Units)

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

VEGAS (24-9-0-2, 50 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (22-11-0-4, 48 pts.) - 12/28/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VEGAS is 24-11 ATS (+37.2 Units) in all games this season.
VEGAS is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in December games this season.
VEGAS is 24-11 ATS (+37.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
VEGAS is 10-1 ATS (+11.0 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
VEGAS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a division game this season.
VEGAS is 10-5 ATS (+16.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VEGAS is 10-5 ATS (+16.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 15-23 ATS (-22.4 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VEGAS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
VEGAS is 1-0-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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

CALGARY (18-15-0-3, 39 pts.) at SAN JOSE (19-11-0-4, 42 pts.) - 12/28/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 20-16 ATS (+41.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 67-60 ATS (+138.8 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 153-127 ATS (-62.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 171-147 ATS (-82.1 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 6-5-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL


Thursday, December 28

Montreal won six of its last eight games with Tampa Bay; they won three of last four games in this building. Over is 5-3 in last eight series games. Canadiens lost six of last nine games overall; they split last six road games. Five of their last six games stayed under total. Montreal is 2-4 if they played night before. Tampa Bay won nine of last ten games; they won their last seven home games. Seven of their last ten games went over total.

Washington won its last ten games with Boston (under 6-3-1). Bruins won their last five games, outscoring opponents 20-5; they won six of last seven games on road. Six of their last nine games stayed under the total. Boston is 2-3 if they played the night before. Washington lost its last three games after a 12-2 run; Caps won their last six home games- they’re 2-5 if they played night before. Four of their last five games stayed under the total.

Flyers won their last four games with Florida; they lost three of last four games in this building. Under is 6-3-1 in last ten series games. Flyers lost three of their last four games; they lost six of last nine road games. Under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Florida won its last three games, allowing four goals; they won three of last four home games. Five of their last seven games stayed under total.

Coyotes won six of last seven games with Toronto; Maple Leafs split their last four visits here. Under is 8-2 in last ten series games. Toronto lost four of its last six games overall; they lost four of last five road games. Under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Arizona lost eight of its last ten games overall, six of last seven on road- they’re 0-6 if they played night before. Six of their last eight games stayed under the total.

Chicago won four of last five games with Vancouver; they’re 3-2 in last five games in this arena. Over is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Chicago lost its last two games 4-0/4-1 after a 5-game win streak; they’re 2-5 in last seven road games. Under is 6-0-1 in their last seven games. Vancouver lost its last four games, outscored 21-11; they lost five of their last six home games. Seven of their last eight games went over the total.

Golden Knights beat the Kings 4-2 at home in their only meeting, Nov 19. Las Vegas won its last five games, outscoring opponents 18-7; they won their last three home games. Four of their last six games stayed under. Knights are 3-3 if they played the night before. Los Angeles lost four of its last six games overall; they won their last five home games. Kings’ last three games stayed under total.

Calgary-San Jose split their last ten games; under is 4-1-2 in last seven series games. Flames split their last four games in the Shark Tank. Calgary lost four of its last six games overall; they’re 3-4 in their last seven road games. Seven of their last nine games stayed under the total. San Jose is 5-3 in its last eight games overall, 4-1 in last five home games. Three of their last four games went over the total.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:00 PM ET, Thursday, December 28, 2017
Where: Amway Center, Orlando, Florida
Matchup Edge
DET Edge in: ORL
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Pistons at Magic
Gracenote
Dec 27, 2017

Injuries helped derail a once-promising season for the Orlando Magic, who are losers of nine in a row. The Magic will try to take advantage of another team that just had a key player go down with an injury when they host the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.

Center Nikola Vucevic, who underwent surgery to repair a broken hand on Tuesday, was the latest to go down for Orlando when he was injured on Saturday, but Evan Fournier came back from an ankle injury and at least provided an emotional boost in the 107-89 loss at Miami last time out. "We got a good bounce (from Fournier's return) and we were surprised that he was going to play," forward Marreese Speights told the team's website. "He fought through the pain and came out there and played for his team. That's what it's all about - playing for your teammates and what we stand for." Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson was diagnosed with a grade three ankle sprain on Wednesday and will be out six to eight weeks, landing a blow to a team that was beginning to roll with wins in five of its last six games. "It's tough," associate coach Bob Beyer told reporters. "It's tough for him. He was playing really well. That's a big loss for us. But now we've just got to go next man up and move on."

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

ABOUT THE PISTONS (19-14): "Next man up" likely means backup Ish Smith, who is averaging 8.9 points and 3.9 assists in 20.1 minutes. Smith scored in double figures in each of the last three games and filled in capably while Jackson dealt with a knee injury last season, averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 assists in 32 starts. "It's a role that he's somewhat used to," Beyer told reporters of Smith. "I think he feels more comfortable coming off the bench - that's just him - but when called upon he's one of those backup point guards that, because he's played starter's minutes in the past, it's not going to be a huge adjustment for him."

ABOUT THE MAGIC (11-24): The injured players are slowly beginning to make their way back, with Jonathan Isaac (ankle) joining Fournier on Tuesday and Aaron Gordon (calf) close to a return. The upheaval in the rotation is leading to some disjointed play, and Orlando committed 17 turnovers in Tuesday's loss. "We turned the ball over, we were a little careless and we were impatient at times and not playing enough with the pass and guys trying to do too much on their own," coach Frank Vogel told reporters. "But I was very proud of their effort and how hard they played. We fought throughout the game."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pistons SF Tobias Harris scored 30 points on 10-of-11 shooting, including 7-of-8 from 3-point range, in Tuesday's 107-83 win over Indiana.

2. Orlando C Bismack Biyombo went 1-of-7 from the floor but collected 12 rebounds and five blocks while starting in place of Vucevic on Tuesday.

3. Jackson scored 17 points in a 114-110 home win over Orlando on Dec. 17.

PREDICTION: Pistons 106, Magic 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Detroit at Orlando

ATS Trends
Detroit

Pistons are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Pistons are 19-40 ATS in their last 59 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Pistons are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Pistons are 3-10-1 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Pistons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.

Orlando

Magic are 16-37-1 ATS in their last 54 home games.
Magic are 10-26-1 ATS in their last 37 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Magic are 8-21-1 ATS in their last 30 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Magic are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games overall.
Magic are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 vs. Eastern Conference.
Magic are 4-16-1 ATS in their last 21 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Central.
Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Magic are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Thursday games.
Magic are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Magic are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.
Magic are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Magic are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

OU Trends
Detroit

Under is 10-0-1 in Pistons last 11 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 10-2-1 in Pistons last 13 road games.
Over is 5-1 in Pistons last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Under is 6-2-1 in Pistons last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 9-3-1 in Pistons last 13 overall.
Under is 9-3-1 in Pistons last 13 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 3-1-1 in Pistons last 5 games following a ATS win.
Under is 8-3 in Pistons last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Pistons last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Under is 5-2 in Pistons last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Over is 7-3 in Pistons last 10 Thursday games.
Over is 13-6 in Pistons last 19 vs. NBA Southeast.

Orlando

Under is 4-0 in Magic last 4 home games.
Under is 6-1-1 in Magic last 8 Thursday games.
Under is 5-1 in Magic last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Magic last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 6-2 in Magic last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Magic last 7 overall.
Under is 5-2 in Magic last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 17-8 in Magic last 25 vs. NBA Central.

Head to Head

Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Pistons are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Thursday, December 28, 2017
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Matchup Edge
HOU Edge in: BOS
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Rockets at Celtics
Gracenote
Dec 28, 2017

Two of the top three teams in the NBA square off on Thursday, when the Houston Rockets visit the Boston Celtics. Houston owns the second-best record in the league and will be looking to halt a three-game slide when it takes on the Celtics, who possess the third-best mark.

The Rockets were sailing along with 14 consecutive wins but lost back-to-back home games to the two Los Angeles teams (Lakers and Clippers) before dropping a Christmas Day contest in Oklahoma City. The status of Chris Paul (left adductor strain) remains uncertain, and Houston is 15-1 with the point guard in the lineup and 10-6 when he sits out. Boston experienced its own rough patch with three setbacks in a four-game span before registering a crisp 102-91 victory at Charlotte on Wednesday. Kyrie Irving scored 21 points and Al Horford recorded 20 and 11 rebounds in the triumph.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (25-7): Houston isn't known for its defense, but it has been a troublesome component during the skid as the team has allowed an average of 120.7 points over the three games. The offense continues to click at an impressive rate as the Rockets have scored 100 or more points in 25 consecutive games and rank first in scoring at 115.1 per contest. Star guard James Harden leads the NBA with an average of 32.4 points, and he recorded 29 - and 14 assists - against Oklahoma City after scoring 51 in each of the previous two games.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (28-10): Rookie small forward Jayson Tatum scored 18 points in the victory over the Hornets, with 10 of them coming in the fourth quarter. Tatum is averaging 16.3 points over his last seven contests and is starting to really hit his stride as the campaign nears the midway point. "It comes with the amount games we've played," Tatum told reporters. "Each and every day, I'm getting more comfortable and getting into a rhythm."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Rockets are 19-44 all-time at Boston.

2. Houston C Clint Capela (right orbital fracture) will miss at least the next two games.

3. Boston swingman Jaylen Brown (knee) sat out Wednesday and is questionable to play against the Rockets.

PREDICTION: Celtics 124, Rockets 119

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Houston at Boston

ATS Trends
Houston

Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Rockets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games.
Rockets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Rockets are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss.
Rockets are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Rockets are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.
Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Atlantic.

Boston

Celtics are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day.
Celtics are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Southwest.
Celtics are 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Celtics are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Celtics are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 0 days rest.
Celtics are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
Celtics are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.
Celtics are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
Celtics are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

OU Trends
Houston

Under is 6-0 in Rockets last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 5-1 in Rockets last 6 overall.
Over is 5-1 in Rockets last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Under is 15-6-1 in Rockets last 22 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Rockets last 10 games playing on 2 days rest.

Boston

Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 Thursday games.
Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 6-1 in Celtics last 7 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes on the previous day.
Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 home games.
Over is 8-2-1 in Celtics last 11 vs. NBA Southwest.
Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Over is 8-2 in Celtics last 10 games following a ATS win.
Over is 11-3 in Celtics last 14 games following a straight up win.
Under is 16-5 in Celtics last 21 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 6-2 in Celtics last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 games playing on 0 days rest.
Over is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 15-7 in Celtics last 22 overall.

Head to Head

Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Boston.
Under is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings.
Rockets are 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Boston.
Rockets are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Thursday, December 28, 2017
Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Matchup Edge
MIN Edge in: MIL
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Timberwolves at Bucks
Gracenote
Dec 28, 2017

The fast-rising Minnesota Timberwolves seek their sixth consecutive victory when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Offseason acquisition Jimmy Butler has helped spur the improvement, and he scored a season-best 39 points in Wednesday's 128-125 overtime win over Denver.

Butler, a three-time All-Star who was acquired from Chicago, is a big reason why a club that hasn't made the playoffs since 2004 is nine games above .500 at the 35-game mark. "He's got an unbelievable will to win, and that's what makes him so special," Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters of Butler. "When his best is needed, he's always at his best. Always been that way, and that's not going to change." The Bucks will try to slow down Butler, as well as halt a stretch during which they have lost five of their last seven games. Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is expected to play, though the club is closely monitoring the injury that caused him to miss Saturday 's game.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (22-13): Butler knew the history that includes 12 straight losing campaigns but was fine with the draft-day trade as Chicago is in rebuilding mode. He was thrilled to join Thibodeau - the former coach of the Bulls - and has been on a mission to help change the culture of a franchise that hasn't been a playoff-caliber squad since Kevin Garnett's prime. "I just want to be here to win, give this city hope, put this city back where it wants to be - at the top of this thing, in the playoffs," Butler told reporters after Wednesday's victory. "But we've got to continue to play some really good basketball."

ABOUT THE BUCKS (17-15): Antetokounmpo played through the pain on Tuesday and scored 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting to mark his 22nd consecutive 20-point effort. Coach Jason Kidd said the club will remain proactive in its observation of the 23-year-old star, who ranks second in the NBA with an average of 29.5 points. Kidd was less than thrilled with the club's rebounding in Tuesday's 115-106 loss to Chicago, saying, "That's just who we are, we can't rebound the ball. We just hope and pray that someone gets it. When that happens, we're going to get killed, and we got killed again."

BUZZER BEATERS

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

2. Minnesota PG Jeff Teague (left knee) departed Wednesday's game in the fourth quarter and will undergo an MRI exam on Thursday.

3. Milwaukee swingman Khris Middleton was just 5-for-18 while scoring 16 points against the Bulls after averaging 29.5 over the previous two contests.

PREDICTION: Bucks 103, Timberwolves 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Minnesota at Milwaukee

ATS Trends
Minnesota

Timberwolves are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Timberwolves are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Timberwolves are 12-25-3 ATS in their last 40 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Timberwolves are 8-21-1 ATS in their last 30 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Timberwolves are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 vs. Eastern Conference.
Timberwolves are 3-10-1 ATS in their last 14 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Timberwolves are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Central.
Timberwolves are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Milwaukee

Bucks are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Bucks are 5-11-4 ATS in their last 20 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 2-5-3 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Bucks are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Bucks are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Bucks are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Bucks are 0-3-2 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.

OU Trends
Minnesota

Over is 5-0 in Timberwolves last 5 overall.
Over is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 road games.
Over is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 games following a straight up win.
Over is 5-0 in Timberwolves last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-2 in Timberwolves last 9 vs. NBA Central.
Over is 16-5 in Timberwolves last 21 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 6-2 in Timberwolves last 8 games playing on 0 days rest.
Over is 37-13-1 in Timberwolves last 51 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 5-2 in Timberwolves last 7 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes on the previous day.
Over is 37-15-1 in Timberwolves last 53 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 37-16 in Timberwolves last 53 vs. Eastern Conference.

Milwaukee

Over is 4-0-1 in Bucks last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 8-0 in Bucks last 8 Thursday games.
Over is 7-0-1 in Bucks last 8 home games.
Over is 6-0-1 in Bucks last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 5-0 in Bucks last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 6-0-1 in Bucks last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 11-0 in Bucks last 11 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 13-2-1 in Bucks last 16 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 14-3 in Bucks last 17 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 13-3-1 in Bucks last 17 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-2 in Bucks last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 15-5-1 in Bucks last 21 overall.
Under is 3-1-1 in Bucks last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Head to Head

Favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Under is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings.
Timberwolves are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:30 PM ET, Thursday, December 28, 2017
Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas
Matchup Edge
NY Edge in: SA
Points Per Game
Field Goal %
Free Throw %
Defense
Rebounding
Turn Overs
Bench

Preview: Knicks at Spurs
Gracenote
Dec 28, 2017

Kawhi Leonard is showing signs of hitting his stride and looks to make more progress when the San Antonio Spurs host the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Leonard has played in just five games after suffering a quadriceps injury prior to the campaign but scored 21 points in a season-high 26 minutes of Tuesday's 109-97 victory over Brooklyn.

Leonard was just 8-of-17 shooting against the Nets but is moving better and starting to recapture the form that landed him in the top three in MVP voting each of the last two seasons. "I don't feel like I'm there yet, but I tried to do what I can," Leonard told reporters. "It's really nothing. Just the whole process of going through playing limited minutes, and just seeing how I feel each game. It just felt good going out." Having Leonard find his form can't sound like good news to the Knicks, who dropped to 2-11 on the road with Wednesday's 92-87 loss at Chicago. "This is a disappointing loss," New York coach Jeff Hornacek told reporters. "I thought we had a chance to really get a giant lead there in the second quarter. ... You have to take advantage when you have opportunities, and we didn't."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), FSN Southwest (San Antonio)

ABOUT THE KNICKS (17-17): New York has lost three consecutive games, and the setback in Chicago kicked off a three-game road trip. Kristaps Porzingis scored 23 points against the Bulls but stunningly was shut down by rookie Lauri Markkanen over the final 6:58, and the offense became stagnant as it recorded just three points in the last 5 1/2 minutes of the contest. "We got content to walking it up the court," Hornacek said. "We weren't able to get into easy early stuff. Instead, we were setting up, they were switching and we were spending too much time looking for K.P., and then the shot clock would start going down."

ABOUT THE SPURS (24-11): Danny Green (groin) played 23 minutes against the Nets and figures to be on the court against the Knicks barring a setback. While Leonard and Tony Parker have been recovering from their quadriceps injuries, there has been ample opportunity for the entire roster to get minutes and be contributors. "I don't want to write a book here. That's not a question that you answer in 30 seconds," coach Gregg Popovich told reporters after being asked about his handling of the situation. "But it's basketball. It's not the Middle East peace process. It's not figuring out why our democracy is being eroded. It's pick-and-roll. Big deal."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Spurs have won their last three home meetings with the Knicks.

2. San Antonio C Pau Gasol has posted three consecutive double-doubles and is averaging 16.3 points and 13.3 rebounds during that stretch.

3. New York SG Tim Hardaway Jr. (shin) is making progress from his late-November injury but is at least two more weeks away from returning.

PREDICTION: Spurs 107, Knicks 95

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - New York at San Antonio

ATS Trends
New York

Knicks are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 vs. Western Conference.
Knicks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS loss.
Knicks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Knicks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Knicks are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 road games.

San Antonio

Spurs are 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
Spurs are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Spurs are 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Spurs are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Spurs are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win.
Spurs are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Thursday games.

OU Trends
New York

Over is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 games playing on 0 days rest.
Over is 6-1 in Knicks last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1-1 in Knicks last 7 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 overall.
Under is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 Thursday games.
Under is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 6-2 in Knicks last 8 road games.
Under is 11-4-1 in Knicks last 16 vs. NBA Southwest.
Over is 8-3 in Knicks last 11 vs. Western Conference.

San Antonio

Under is 4-0 in Spurs last 4 games following a ATS win.
Under is 5-0 in Spurs last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 games following a straight up win.
Over is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 6-2 in Spurs last 8 Thursday games.
Under is 5-2 in Spurs last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Over is 9-4-1 in Spurs last 14 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Head to Head

Over is 5-0-1 in the last 6 meetings in San Antonio.
Knicks are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Knicks are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in San Antonio.
Over is 5-2-1 in the last 8 meetings.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.