Friday 3-30-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Arizona Diamondbacks were in fine form at the plate in their season opener and hope to continue swinging hot bats when they resume their three-game series against the visiting Colorado Rockies on Friday. Arizona pounded out 12 hits and put together a pair of three-run innings Thursday en route to an 8-2 victory.

Jake Lamb, who recorded a career-high 105 RBIs last season, got off to a good start as he drove in four runs and David Peralta went 3-for-5 with an RBI, but Paul Goldschmidt remains in search of his first hit of the year after going 0-for-2 with three walks. Colorado scored both of its runs on homers as DJ LeMahieu and Nolan Arenado both went deep. The 26-year-old Arenado is seeking his fourth consecutive season with at least 37 home runs and 130 RBIs. Chris Iannetta, who is in his second stint with the Rockies after spending last year in Arizona, made an impressive return to the team with which he began his career as he collected one-third of the club's nine hits in the opener.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Arizona Plus

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (2017: 6-6, 4.81 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2017: 15-5, 2.89)

Anderson's 2017 season was interrupted by left knee surgery, but he finished strong upon his return, going 3-1 with a 1.19 ERA in four appearances (three starts). The 28-year-old native of Las Vegas was especially impressive in the victories as he struck out 12 batters and walked only two while scattering seven hits over 17 scoreless innings. Anderson has yet to lose to Arizona, going 2-0 with a 4.85 ERA and 34 strikeouts over 26 frames in six career games (four starts).

Ray registered more victories last year than in his first three major-league seasons combined (14) and led the National League with a rate of 12.11 strikeouts per nine innings while limiting opponents to a .199 batting average. The 26-year-old Tennessean suffered his last loss of the campaign on July 23, going 6-0 with a 2.20 ERA over his final nine starts. Ray owns a 2-3 record and 5.21 ERA in nine career turns against the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks OF Jarrod Dyson had an impressive debut for his new team on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored and an RBI.

2. Colorado OF Charlie Blackmon is a .519 career hitter with three homers and eight RBIs against Ray.

3. Arizona RHP Zack Greinke (groin) will start the series finale on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Rockies 1

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Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
After working overtime on Opening Day, the visiting Los Angeles Angels and the Oakland Athletics hook up for the encore Friday. The Athletics claimed a walk-off win in the 11th inning Thursday and send Sean Manaea to the mound opposite fellow left-hander Tyler Skaggs to try to make it two in a row against their American League West rivals.


Marcus Semien went 3-for-5 and drove in the winning run in the 11th while Khris Davis and Matt Olson hit back-to-back homers in the Athletics' 6-5 win Thursday. Zack Cozart and Kole Calhoun each homered among three hits and Albert Pujols also went deep for the Angels in the opener, but stars Mike Trout and Justin Upton were a combined 0-for-11. Japanese star Shohei Ohtani singled on the first pitch he saw in his major-league debut but finished 1-for-5 with a strikeout. Four Oakland relievers combined for six scoreless innings, and Los Angeles used six relievers, so both teams could use deep outings from their starters.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS Bay Area (Oakland)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (2017: 2-6, 4.55 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (2017: 12-10, 4.37)

Skaggs has yet to make it through a full season in the majors without injury concerns, but his 16 starts last year were his most since making 18 in 2014. The 26-year-old had only one win in 11 starts after returning from the disabled list last August. Skaggs has never beaten the Athletics - he's 0-4 with a 6.26 ERA in five career meetings.

Manaea had a good spring, going 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in 10 2/3 innings as he looks to build off a solid showing in his first full season in the majors. The 26-year-old is tough on lefties, who have hit just .207 against him in his career, and has been good at home, where he is 11-6 with a 3.55 ERA in 27 games (26 starts). The Angels have roughed him up, though, as he's 1-2 with a 5.10 ERA in six career meetings.


WALK-OFFS

1. Davis is 4-for-6 with two doubles and a homer against Skaggs.

2. Trout is 5-for-11 with a triple and two homers and Calhoun is 4-for-13 with two doubles versus Manaea.

3. Angels 2B Ian Kinsler sat out the opener with a groin injury but is expected to make his Los Angeles debut Friday.


PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Angels 4

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Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The San Diego Padres' youth movement takes another step forward Friday, with 24-year-old left-hander Joey Lucchesi set to make his major-league debut against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers. The teams needed extra innings to decide Thursday's season opener, as Orlando Arcia's RBI single in the 12th proved to be the difference in the Brewers' 2-1 victory.

Lucchesi is taking the spot of expected starter Dinelson Lamet, who will miss at least a month with a flexor strain in his right elbow. The Padres haven't reached the postseason since winning the National League West in 2006 but boast one of the top farm systems in the baseball with Lucchesi part of a group that includes top prospects such as shortstop Fernando Tatis, Jr., outfielder Franchy Cordero and infielder Luis Urias along with pitchers Cal Quantrill and MacKenzie Gore. While San Diego is pointing toward the future, Milwaukee has added outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich in an effort to capture the NL Central crown after finishing second last season. Cain went 3-for-5 with a stolen base while hitting leadoff in the opener while Yelich batted second and was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (2017: 13-10, 3.89 ERA) vs. Padres LH Joey Lucchesi (MLB Debut)

Chacin signed a two-year contract with Milwaukee after working 180 1/3 innings over 32 starts for San Diego last season. The 30-year-old Venezuelan should feel right at home at Petco Park, where he posted a 1.79 ERA in 16 starts last year compared to a 6.53 mark in 16 turns everywhere else. Chacin recorded a 1.84 ERA over five appearances this spring and has gone 6-2 with a 3.07 ERA in 14 career games (10 starts) against the Padres.

Lucchesi recorded a 2.20 ERA in 139 innings between Single-A Lake Elsinore and Double-A San Antonio last season and earned Friday's turn after posting a 1.54 ERA in four spring starts. "His stuff plays. There's a real deception to it. It's tough to pick up," Padres manager Andy Green told reporters. "It's a real three-pitch mix that's going to play well at the big-league level." A fourth-round selection in the 2016 draft, Lucchesi possesses an impressive curve and change-up along with a mid-90s fastball.

WALK-OFFS

1. Green said Padres RHP Luis Perdomo will start Saturday's series finale while LHP Bryan Mitchell will get the nod Monday against Colorado.

2. After struggling in spring training, Brewers RHP Jacob Barnes earned the save Thursday by striking out the side in the 12th inning.

3. The Brewers purchased the contract of 1B Ji-Man Choi from Triple-A Colorado Springs prior to Thursday's game.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Padres 3

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San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
Few teams needed an Opening Day win more than the San Francisco Giants, who already have placed their closer and two starting pitchers on the disabled list. The Giants continue their four-game series against the host Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday with some much-needed momentum after topping Clayton Kershaw in Thursday's 1-0 victory.

With injured starters Madison Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija sidelined for several more weeks, the Giants opened the season by having four relievers allow a total of three hits over four frames following five strong innings from Ty Blach. Hunter Strickland recorded the save in place of closer Mark Melancon, who landed on the DL on Thursday with a right elbow flexor strain but hopes to return in a few weeks. "No question, it is disheartening to lose your No. 1 and No. 3 (starters) and your closer," manager Bruce Bochy told reporters. "Last year, we didn't do such a good job dealing with adversity. I think this team is equipped to respond in a better way." The injury bug also has hit the Dodgers, who had Kiké Hernandez batting cleanup in their first game without Justin Turner (fractured left wrist), who is expected to return in 5-7 weeks.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), KTLA, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Johnny Cueto (2017: 8-8, 4.52 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (2017: 16-3, 2.72)

Cueto is looking to bounce back after battling blister and forearm issues last season while posting his worst ERA since his rookie year in 2008. The two-time All-Star worked 19 innings this spring, allowing seven runs with 19 strikeouts in five starts. Matt Kemp is 12-for-37 with three homers against Cueto, who owns a 6-8 record and 3.44 ERA in 17 career turns against Los Angeles - including a 4-5 mark and 2.67 ERA in nine outings at Dodger Stadium.

After recording 10 wins and a 1.67 ERA in the first half last season, Wood struggled with injuries and posted a 3.89 ERA in the second half. The 27-year-old was 2-1 in five spring starts, registering a 3.63 ERA with 22 strikeouts against six walks. Buster Posey is 7-for-15 against Wood, who is 2-2 with a 5.35 ERA in five career starts against the Giants - including seven solid innings during a victory in his last outing on July 28.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants play 17 of their first 19 games against National League West rivals.

2. Kemp has hit .279 with 24 home runs in 177 career games versus the Giants.

3. Bochy said Strickland will serve as the team's regular closer until Melancon returns.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Giants 2

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Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Bulls have recorded just 24 victories all season, but three of them have come against the Orlando Magic. Chicago looks to complete a sweep of the four-game season series when it visits Orlando on Friday.

The Bulls fell to Miami 103-92 on Thursday for their seventh consecutive loss - the third time this season they have dropped at least seven in a row. Chicago will be without its starting backcourt for the eighth consecutive game as shooting guard Zach LaVine (knee) and point guard Kris Dunn (toe) continue to recuperate, although it is beginning to look like Dunn might not play again this season. Orlando has dropped nine of its last 11 contests, and its next setback will ensure it will win fewer than 30 games for the fifth time in the last six seasons. The Magic are 2-4 on their seven-game homestand after losing 114-111 to Brooklyn on Wednesday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE BULLS (24-51): Lauri Markkanen (elbow) is expected to play versus Orlando after sitting out Thursday and missing seven of the team's last nine games, including five due to a back ailment. The 20-year-old power forward, who averages 14.9 points and 7.5 rebounds, said prior to Thursday's contest that he would vote himself the NBA Rookie of the Year over the two true candidates - Utah's Donovan Mitchell and Philadelphia's Ben Simmons. Markkanen could finish third in the voting and certainly has proven he will be a solid building block for a Chicago franchise that will be aiming for respectability next season.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (22-52): With Orlando having one of the worst records in the league, a good number of its fans were happy with the loss to fellow Eastern Conference doormat Brooklyn in order to better the team's chances in the 2018 draft lottery. Coach Frank Vogel said the draft order isn't an issue as the team will get a solid player whether it selects first or 10th, while power forward Aaron Gordon admits it's disappointing to see the fan reaction. "It hurts just to be in that situation," Gordon told the Orlando Sentinel. "We don't want to be in the lottery. We don't want to be known as a team that tanks, especially when we go out there and we give our all. We put our body, our mind and our soul all out there every night."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Bulls have won six of the last seven meetings between the teams.

2. Chicago reserve PF Bobby Portis matched his career high of 16 rebounds while also contributing 13 points against Miami.

3. Orlando rookie F Jonathan Isaac (foot) is expected to return after a three-game absence.

PREDICTION: Magic 97, Bulls 93

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia 76ers remain the hottest team in the Eastern Conference, but they may be forced to try to continue their surge without All-Star center Joel Embiid when they visit the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Embiid left Wednesday's 118-101 home win over the New York Knicks following a collision with teammate Markelle Fultz.

The 24-year-old Embiid was taken to the hospital, where it was determined he had a facial contusion but no fractures and he passed concussion tests. "I know I hit him, but I believe he is OK," Fultz told reporters. "My heart dropped. He's a tough guy. All I can do is pray for him." Dario Saric picked up the slack with 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Sixers, who won their season-high eighth straight game and remained a half-game behind third-place Cleveland in the East. They get to play two of their remaining eight games at lowly Atlanta, which dropped 10 of its last 11 after a 126-114 loss at Minnesota on Wednesday to cap a 1-5 road trip.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Southeast (Atlanta)

ABOUT THE 76ERS (44-30): Philadelphia's winning streak is its longest since a nine-gamer in 2003 and it is 19-1 at Wells Fargo Center since January began. "It's a blessing just to be a part of that," Robert Covington - who chipped in 17 points against the Knicks - told reporters. "We are still going. We have a lot of basketball to play. So it's only the beginning." Fultz was playing in his second game after sitting out the bulk of the season with a shoulder issue and he has 15 assists with one turnover in 28 minutes since his return.

ABOUT THE HAWKS (21-54): Atlanta simply wants some positives to carry into the offseason and it received one Wednesday in the play of Mike Muscala, who scored a career-high 24 points in 25 minutes off the bench. "I thought we moved it well in transition and got some good looks from 3 and everything, and guards did a good job penetrating, finding open shooters and finishing at the rim," he told the media. Isaiah Taylor is averaging 21.3 points in three starts in the past week in place of point guard Dennis Schroder, who is day-to-day with a sprained ankle.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Covington scored 22 points and Embiid added 21 in a 119-109 win over Atlanta at home earlier this season.

2. Atlanta needs to win two of its remaining seven games to avoid the franchise's second 60-loss campaign.

3. Sixers PG Ben Simmons recorded at least 10 assists in eight of his last nine games.

PREDICTION: 76ers 109, Hawks 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Houston Rockets are on the verge of clinching first place in the Western Conference and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs as they rip through the second half of their schedule. The Rockets will try to push their latest winning streak to 11 straight when they host the lowly Phoenix Suns on Friday.

Houston won 27 of its last 28 games and is picking on teams at the bottom of the standings of late after cruising past the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday and blasting the Chicago Bulls 118-86 on Tuesday despite resting MVP candidate James Harden. The Rockets are trying to maintain their intensity and execution heading into the postseason despite owning a big lead and already setting the franchise record for regular-season wins. The Suns are at the opposite end of the spectrum and sit in last place in the West, 42 1/2 games behind Houston. Phoenix dropped its last 13 games as it gives young players a chance to prove they belong in the team's future.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

ABOUT THE SUNS (19-57): Two players that don't need to prove they are in the team's plans for the future are Devin Booker (hand) and TJ Warren (knee), but the two have both missed the last five games and the team is in no rush to get them back on the court. Point guard Tyler Ulis is getting plenty of chances to shine and scored a season-high 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting in 37 minutes in Wednesday's 111-99 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Fellow guard Shaquille Harrison scored 17 points in a season-high 31 minutes off the bench in the loss.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (61-14): Harden's absence gave Eric Gordon a chance to step back into the starting lineup, and he responded by scoring 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including 8-of-13 from 3-point range. Gordon is averaging 22.4 points on 53.9 shooting over the last five games after failing to reach double figures in three of the previous four contests. Point guard Chris Paul (hamstring) returned from a three-game absence on Tuesday and collected 13 points and 10 assists in 28 minutes but is day-to-day with a sore left hip.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Suns PG Elfrid Payton (knee) sat out Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday.

2. Rockets PF Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) sat out the last three games and is questionable for Friday.

3. Houston took the last seven in the series while averaging 125.6 points.

PREDICTION: Rockets 122, Suns 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming together as the postseason approaches and get a four-game homestand to try to lock up homecourt advantage in the first round. The Cavaliers will try to pick up their seventh win in eight games when they open that homestand by hosting the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.

Cleveland enters play on Thursday in third place in the Eastern Conference, a half-game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers, after bouncing back from a rare loss by knocking off the Charlotte Hornets 118-105 on Wednesday. That win came without All-Star forward Kevin Love, who was placed in the concussion protocol after taking an elbow to the face during a loss at Miami on Tuesday and is day-to-day. The Pelicans are fighting for position in the Western Conference and are sitting two games ahead of the ninth-place Los Angeles Clippers but are coming off back-to-back losses to a pair of teams above them in the standings. New Orleans dropped a 107-103 decision at home to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday while committing 16 turnovers and giving up 17 offensive rebounds.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Ohio (Cleveland)

ABOUT THE PELICANS (43-32): Anthony Davis is trying to carry New Orleans but is getting plenty of help from guard Jrue Holiday, who collected a triple-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the loss to Portland. "I think every game we've played, probably for a month and a half, felt like a playoff game," Holiday told reporters. "This one just hurts a little bit because we -- well, we really want to win every game, but this one, I think, we really wanted." Holiday took on some extra ball-handling responsibilities on Tuesday with Rajon Rondo (wrist) out, and Rondo is questionable for Friday.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (45-30): LeBron James continues to make history and is on the verge of passing Michael Jordan in consecutive double-digit scoring efforts. James scored 41 points in Wednesday's win to tie Jordan's record at 866 straight games. "I can't even tell you how I've been able to do it," James told reporters. "It's not like I go into every game saying, 'OK, I've got to get 10 points.' It's just kind of organic. It happens, and anytime I'm mentioned with some of the greats, and arguably the greatest basketball player of all time in Mike, it's just another feat for me to be appreciative and humbled by what I've been able to do."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Cavaliers PG George Hill is 6-of-19 from the floor over the last two games after combining to go 19-of-27 in the previous three.

2. Pelicans PF Nikola Mirotic is shooting 29 percent from the floor, including 20.5 percent from 3-point range, over his last 10 games.

3. New Orleans took the first meeting 123-101 at home on Oct. 28.

PREDICTION: Cavaliers 119, Pelicans 114

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Denver Nuggets are facing an uphill climb in their pursuit of a Western Conference playoff spot as they enter Friday's road contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Denver sits two games behind eighth-place Utah, with the Los Angeles Clippers sandwiched in between, after losing four of its last six contests.

The Nuggets suffered a 114-110 loss in Toronto on Tuesday, and coach Michael Malone was highly disappointed with his squad's lack of urgency. "We have seven games to go," Malone told reporters. "Every (darn) play matters, and right now, we're not playing like every play matters. We're playing like we have 30 games to go in the season, and I can't explain that. It's unacceptable." Oklahoma City dropped a 103-99 decision to San Antonio on Thursday and is tied for fourth place with the Spurs, who own the tiebreaker. Thunder star Russell Westbrook recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds but also committed seven turnovers and missed two late 3-point attempts, including an untimely air-ball.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), FS Oklahoma

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (40-35): Denver is 2-4 on its six-game road trip and will finish it the way it started - without the services of shooting guard Gary Harris. The 23-year-old will miss his seventh straight contest due to the knee injury he suffered on March 15, and the Nuggets badly miss his ability to stretch defenses - as well as his 17.7 point average, which puts him second on the club behind Nikola Jokic (17.8). Denver received a strong performance from Jokic (29 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists) against Toronto, and he has scored 20 or more points in eight of his last 11 contests.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (44-32): All-Star Paul George had a stellar game against the Spurs with 26 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. It was a much-needed performance for the 27-year-old after he averaged 14 points on 7-of-31 shooting - including missing all 13 3-point attempts - over his previous two contests. Meanwhile, Westbrook averaged 29 points, 10.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists over his previous four games before struggling through a lackluster 7-of-19 shooting effort against the Spurs.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Nuggets are 2-1 against the Thunder this season but dropped a 95-94 decision at Oklahoma City on Dec. 18.

2. Oklahoma City PF Carmelo Anthony is averaging just seven points on 8-of-27 shooting over his last three contests.

3. Denver PF Paul Millsap is averaging 18 points on 14-of-22 shooting over his last two games after scoring just two against Washington on March 23.

PREDICTION: Thunder 105, Nuggets 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
Karl-Anthony Towns seeks an encore performance as he leads the Minnesota Timberwolves into a matchup at the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Towns erupted for a franchise-record 56 points to go along with 15 rebounds and four assists in a much-needed 126-114 win over Atlanta at home Wednesday night.

The effort allowed the Timberwolves to snap an ill-timed two-game slide and stay in seventh place in the Western Conference, 1 1/2 games up on the ninth-place Los Angeles Clippers. "I just realized the ball kept coming to me more and more often," Towns told reporters after also setting a career high with his 63rd double-double. "I guess that was a sign to shoot the ball. Everyone just kept telling me, 'You need six more, you need eight more, for 50.' I wasn't really thinking about that. I was just trying to find a way to win." Minnesota plays its remaining six games against teams below it in the West standings, beginning with a Mavericks squad that has dropped six of its last seven. Dallas shot 39.3 percent from the field overall and managed only 12 points in the fourth quarter of a 103-93 loss at the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Southwest Plus (Dallas)

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (43-33): Towns was 19-of-32 from the field, 6-of-8 from 3-point range and 12-of-15 from the foul line as he eclipsed the team's previous scoring high of 52 points set by Mo Williams in 2015. "He was all over the place, rebounding, scoring, dominating the game," teammate Andrew Wiggins told reporters. "They couldn't do nothing with him. He played amazing. Dominant performance. Special performance." Towns averages 24.7 points on 60.5 percent shooting to go along with 11.7 rebounds in three wins over Dallas this season.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (23-52): Coach Rick Carlisle is utilizing his entire roster when he can and nine players saw between 20 and 26 minutes of action against the Lakers. Rookie star Dennis Smith Jr. finished with 14 points, eight assists and one turnover in 22 minutes after going for 19 points and six assists in 25 minutes in a win at Sacramento the previous night. Dirk Nowitzki averaged 4.3 points on 6-of-24 shooting over his previous three contests before recording 13 points on 4-of-7 on Wednesday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Wiggins was held below 20 points for the fourth straight time against Atlanta after scoring 20 or more in nine of his previous 11 games.

2. Mavericks PG J.J. Barea missed the last two games due to personal reasons.

3. Minnesota won each of the last four meetings.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 112, Mavericks 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Utah Jazz are fighting to stay in the top eight of the Western Conference and can't afford to drop another game to a team well out of the playoff race. The Jazz will try to avoid dropping back-to-back games for the first time since mid-January when they host the lowly Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

Utah, which had a nine-game winning streak come to an end with a home loss to the Eastern Conference-worst Atlanta Hawks on Mar. 20, was stunned at the buzzer by the Boston Celtics in a 97-94 loss on Wednesday. "We just didn't execute the way we needed to in some situations," Jazz coach Quin Snyder told reporters. "All that aside, we didn't rebound defensively down the stretch. Whether it was the free-throw line late, I felt like if we could've secured a couple of defensive boards, that makes up for when you're struggling on the offensive end." Utah goes into play on Thursday in eighth place in the West, one game ahead of the ninth-place Los Angeles Clippers. The Grizzlies stunned another playoff contender with a 108-103 win over Portland on Wednesday as the roster tries to earn a spot not only in the franchise but in the NBA.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Memphis), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (21-54): Memphis signed 29-year-old shooting guard MarShon Brooks to a 10-day contract and he scored 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting in his season debut on Wednesday. Brooks, who was playing in an NBA game for the first time since April 16, 2014, is a former first-round draft pick and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range against the Trail Blazers. "If you look back, he's a bucket getter," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters of Brooks. "You look at what he's done since he's been in the Chinese league. That's what he does. He scores the ball. You don't have to run plays for him. The ball finds him and one-on-one situations, you see he's hard to guard. His ability to make shots from deep puts pressure on defenses."

ABOUT THE JAZZ (42-33): Rookie guard Donovan Mitchell scored a team-high 22 points on Wednesday but was 7-of-20 from the floor and committed four turnovers. "They just played zone," Mitchell told reporters. "It was a little different look. That was pretty much it. I turned the ball over at the end of the game. We have to take care of the ball." Backcourt mate Ricky Rubio was just 4-of-14 from the floor in the setback but finished with 10 assists after failing to record an assist in a win at Golden State on Sunday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Grizzlies SG Wayne Selden scored in double figures in six of the last seven games, raising his season average to 9.1.

2. Jazz PG Dante Exum is 10-of-14 from the floor over the last three games.

3. Utah held Memphis to an average of 83 points in winning the last two meetings.

PREDICTION: Jazz 106, Grizzlies 89

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Clippers are surging toward the top eight in the Western Conference with wins in three straight, but the schedule is not getting any easier down the stretch. The Clippers will try to push it to four in a row when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.

Los Angeles sits one game behind the eighth-place Utah Jazz in a tightly-packed group led by the Trail Blazers, who occupy the No. 3 spot. The Clippers used an 18-0 run in the fourth quarter to skip past the Phoenix Suns in a 111-99 win on Wednesday and spent the night watching the rest of the scores from around the league. "Of course everybody is caught into that right now," Los Angeles guard Austin Rivers told reporters. "I think teams that aren't even in the race are caught up in it right now because they just want to see. So, we're watching. We know who lost tonight. We know who won tonight. We're not caught up in it, but we're definitely keeping an eye on it." Portland is keeping an eye on it as well and is suddenly looking vulnerable with losses in three of the last five games, including a stunning 108-103 setback at the lowly Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), NBCS Northwest (Portland)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (41-34): Los Angeles only has one road game left on the schedule after Friday -- at Utah on Thursday -- but will play six of its final seven games against teams with winning records. "Every game is do-or-die for us," center DeAndre Jordan told the Los Angeles Times. "Every game we drop, it's going to be tougher and tougher for us to extend our season, like I keep saying. We still got a chance and I think we're still optimistic in this locker room. But we've got to take care of business." Jordan is doing his part by averaging 17.3 rebounds while shooting 64.1 percent from the floor in March.

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (46-29): Portland won 13 straight prior to the current lull and beat a pair of playoff teams on the road at Oklahoma City and New Orleans before suffering the letdown in Memphis. "We had leads and let them come back in the game; didn't sustain it," shooting guard CJ McCollum told reporters. "We didn't sustain our brand of basketball, gave up some easy points, gave up some second chance opportunities, and they competed, battled and won the game." McCollum scored 42 points on 16-of-25 shooting in the loss while All-Star point guard Damian Lillard missed the game following the birth of his child.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Blazers PG Wade Baldwin IV made his second appearance of the season on Wednesday and scored 15 points in 21 minutes off the bench.

2. Clippers PG Milos Teodosic (foot) sat out Wednesday and is day-to-day.

3. Los Angeles won 104-103 at Portland on Oct. 26 but lost the two meetings at home.

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 112, Clippers 109

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

30th March 2018 by Gracenote
The eighth-place Milwaukee Bucks strive to move closer to clinching an Eastern Conference playoff spot when they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Milwaukee recorded an impressive 116-107 road victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday and is five games ahead of the ninth-place Detroit Pistons with seven games remaining.

All-Star small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated the host Warriors with 32 points on 14-of-18 shooting and the Bucks took a 20-point lead into the fourth quarter before prevailing. "This gives us a lot of confidence," Antetokonumpo said in a postgame television interview. "We got another game (Friday) versus the Lakers. We got to come out and play hard but (this) is a great win." The Lakers might be without rookie point guard Lonzo Ball, who is listed as questionable after Thursday's MRI exam revealed he suffered a bruised left knee during Wednesday's 103-93 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. "It wasn't in the spot that I previously hurt it that caused me to miss a lot of games so I wasn't too worried about it," Ball told reporters, referring to a 15-game absence that stretched from mid-January through the following month's All-Star break. "It's just kind of like a bruise. It just hurts but I should be back soon."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Spectrum Sports Net (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE BUCKS (40-35): Antetokounmpo tweaked the right ankle that caused him to miss a game last week during the third quarter of Thursday's game but indicated afterward that it wasn't an issue. "I feel good," Antetokounmpo said. "I just have to play through it and that's what I do." Swingman Khris Middleton scored 23 points despite briefly leaving during the first half with a hyperextended knee but he assured reporters after the contest that he would play against the Lakers.

ABOUT THE LAKERS (33-41): Guard Isaiah Thomas is done for the season and perhaps for good with the Lakers after undergoing surgery on his right hip Thursday. Thomas, who will be a unrestricted free agent following the campaign, averaged 15.6 points and five assists in 17 games after being acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles coach Luke Walton appreciated his attitude. "He never complained," Walton told reporters. "Every day, I asked him how he was feeling, he said, 'I feel great, coach.' Obviously, he was in some pain and had some discomfort. I didn't know about it because he was always saying how good he felt."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Antetokounmpo recorded 33 points and 15 rebounds as the Bucks defeated the visiting Lakers 98-90 on Nov. 11.

2. Milwaukee C Thon Maker (groin) is expected to miss his third straight game.

3. Los Angeles PF Julius Randle has posted four straight double-doubles and nine in the past 11 games, while averaging 22.4 points and 10.6 rebounds during the stretch.

PREDICTION: Lakers 107, Bucks 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
The surging Washington Capitals have already wrapped up a playoff berth and are closing in on their third consecutive Metropolitan Division title. The two-time reigning Presidents' Trophy winners look to extend their winning streak to a season-high six games when they host the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night.

Washington leads the division by five points and is peaking at the right time, completing a home-and-home sweep of the New York Rangers on Wednesday night to improve to 9-1-0 over its last 10 games and secure its fourth straight postseason berth. "It's the first step on the way," forward Lars Eller said after scoring the tying goal with under two minutes left in regulation in Wednesday's 3-2 overtime win over New York. "We want to win our division and go into the playoffs on a high note." The Capitals have won five of the past six meetings against the Hurricanes, although Carolina skated to a 3-1 victory in its last visit to Washington on Jan. 11. The Hurricanes' playoff hopes unraveled after they lost 11 of 14 starting in mid-February and, even if they win their final five, they will be mathematically eliminated from contention if New Jersey earns one point over its last five games.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Carolina, NBCS Washington

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (34-32-11): After managing one goal and one assist in an 18-game span, forward Phillip Di Giuseppe has come alive by netting three goals and setting up three others in the past four contests. "I like to think I've been doing the same things," Di Giuseppe said. "I've been trying to move my feet more and just shoot it and not overthink it." Rookie Warren Foegele scored in each of his first two NHL games, but he was sent back to Charlotte of the American Hockey League on Thursday.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (46-24-7): With Philipp Grubauer ailing, Washington needed Braden Holtby to come up with a solid effort and he delivered with 35 saves against New York. It marked only the second time in 11 starts that Holtby yielded fewer than three goals. "I felt comfortable," Holtby said. "It's something I'm not used to -- not playing much. The stamina and such was a little different than I was used to, but it felt good to go out there and just get to work and play in a high-intensity game."

OVERTIME

1. Capitals C Nicklas Backstrom has eight assists during a three-game point streak and is four shy of reaching 50 for the fifth straight season.

2. The Hurricanes are 1-for-15 on the power play over the past seven games.

3. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has three goals and five points in three meetings versus Carolina this season.

PREDICTION: Capitals 4, Hurricanes 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Islanders Preview and Predictions 03-30-2018

29th March 2018 by Gracenote
After setting franchise records with their 46th win overall and 27th at home this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs received their biggest victory this season without stepping foot on the ice. The now-playoff-bound Maple Leafs will vie for their eighth win in 10 outings when they visit the New York Islanders on Friday.

"I think those things are all great, but we've got bigger plans. We're just moving along and trying to get better," Toronto coach Mike Babcock said after Wednesday's 4-3 win over Florida pushed the club to the edge of a postseason berth -- one that was secured after the Panthers dropped a 3-2 shootout loss to Ottawa the following night. Mitch Marner recorded a goal and an assist versus Florida to raise his totals to four and 10, respectively, during his 10-game point streak heading into Friday's tilt versus New York. The Islanders' postseason aspirations sank like an anchor as the team dropped 14 of 16 (2-10-4) to plummet into the cellar of the Metropolitan Division before scratching for a 4-3 win over Ottawa on Tuesday. "As athletes we want to win, we hate losing so we want to compete, we want to go out there and work hard do the right thing," forward Anthony Beauvillier said. "It's about pride, it's about playing for us and it's about feeling good about ourselves."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN4 (Toronto), MSG-Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (46-24-7): Frederik Andersen turned side 30 shots against Florida to record his career-high 36th win this season, with a 28-save performance in a 5-0 victory on Jan. 31 highlighting his dominance over the Islanders. The 28-year-old Dane benefited from Marner and Auston Matthews scoring a goal in both meetings against New York to improve to his career mark to 5-1-1 versus the club. Speaking of Matthews, the former top overall pick hasn't missed a beat since returning from a month-long absence due to a right shoulder injury -- recording two goals and two assists in his last four outings.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (32-35-10): Anders Lee netted his sixth goal in the last six games to open the scoring in the first period on Tuesday and push his team-high total to 39, one shy of New York's previous high output by Jason Blake in 2006-07. The 27-year-old's power-play goal was New York's 10th in its past seven contests. Lee also assumed the team's ironman distinction after Nick Leddy saw his consecutive games streak end on Tuesday, although the latter is expected to join fellow defenseman Johnny Boychuk in being reinserted back into the lineup against the Maple Leafs.

OVERTIME

1. Toronto D Morgan Rielly has set up five goals in his last four games to boost his season total to 43 assists, with a career-high 22 coming at even strength.

2. New York C Casey Cizikas sat out Thursday's practice as he nurses an upper-body injury and has been ruled out for the team's back-to-back set with the Maple Leafs and New Jersey (Saturday).

3. Toronto F Leo Komarov practiced on Thursday for the first time since sustaining a lower-body injury and is expected to return versus Winnipeg on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 4, Islanders 3