Tuesday 4-3-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

3rd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Houston Astros' pregame ceremony to unveil their World Series flag did not go according to plan Monday, but that snag was about the only thing that didn't go right in their home opener. The Astros set their sights on a fourth straight victory Tuesday, when they continue their three-game set against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

Houston resorted to using a leaf blower on Monday to aid in the lifting of the fabric that was covering the championship pennant when the ropes failed to do the job during a windy night in Houston before Alex Bregman doubled home George Springer to send the Astros to a 6-1 win. The rotation has been up to the task in the team's 4-1 start, posting a 1.78 ERA and 36 strikeouts. Justin Verlander set the tone for the starting pitchers with his Opening-Day victory and attempts to keep his perfect regular-season record as an Astro intact against the Orioles, who are batting .129 and have been outscored 19-3 during their three-game losing streak. Manny Machado (.231) is the only Baltimore regular hitting over .200, and he only has one hit in nine at-bats since going 2-for-4 in the season opener.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Baltimore), AT&T Sportsnet-Southwest Plus (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Mike Wright (2017: 0-0, 5.76 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (1-0, 0.00)

Wright won a rotation spot in spring training despite a less-than-impressive showing, surrendering 15 runs - 14 earned - on 26 hits and five walks across 19 innings while dropping both of his decisions. The native of South Carolina made all 13 of his appearances last season out of the bullpen, and he is 3-4 with a 6.22 ERA in 21 career starts (12 in 2016). The Astros tagged Wright for five runs in as many innings to give him a loss the only time they faced him in 2015.

Verlander improved to 10-1 with a 1.53 ERA in 13 starts (including playoffs) since he was acquired from Detroit last August with Thursday's victory over Texas, striking out five over six scoreless frames. The 2011 American League Cy Young Award winner has been even more dominant in his regular-season starts with the Astros, winning each of his six turns while posting a 0.90 ERA. Verlander won his only start against the Orioles last year, allowing two runs and fanning 10 over seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros SS Carlos Correa departed after the second inning Monday with discomfort in his left big toe and is day-to-day.

2. Baltimore has dropped 12 of the last 14 meetings in this series, including all seven at Minute Maid Park.

3. Houston pitchers have struck out 49 batters, a club record through the first five games.

PREDICTION: Astros 8, Orioles 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

3rd April 2018 by Gracenote
Shortstop Paul DeJong looks to continue his red-hot start with the bat when the St. Louis Cardinals visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night for the middle contest of a three-game series. DeJong belted a three-run homer for his third blast in two days as the Cardinals knocked off Milwaukee 8-4 on Monday afternoon for their second straight win after starting the season with two setbacks.

DeJong, who hit .285 with 25 homers and 65 RBIs in his first full season in the majors last season, launched a pair of solo homers in Sunday's win over the New York Mets and is 7-for-15 with four runs scored in the early going. Chase Anderson, who was outstanding in the season opener last week for Milwaukee, will try to cool off DeJong while Jack Flaherty makes his season debut for St. Louis. The Brewers swept three games at San Diego to start the season before suffering the loss in the franchise's 50th home opener Monday despite hitting three homers. Center fielder Lorenzo Cain, a major free-agent signing in the offseason, hit one of the blasts and is off to a scorching start with the bat while going 9-for-18 with four RBIs, three steals and no strikeouts.

TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (2017: 0-2, 6.33 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (0-0, 0.00)

Flaherty was recalled to take the spot on the roster of Adam Wainwright after the two-time 20-game winner went on the disabled list before the season with a hamstring injury. The 22-year-old Californian went 14-4 with a 2.18 ERA in 25 starts at Triple-A and Double-A combined last season before struggling in six appearances (five starts) with the Cardinals. Flaherty gave up four runs on five hits in five innings to lose against Milwaukee on Oct. 1.

Anderson threw the ball well last Thursday while allowing one hit over six scoreless innings with six strikeouts and three walks in 97 pitches, but did not get a decision in a 2-1 win. The 30-year-old Texas native is coming off his best of four major-league seasons when he went 12-4 with a 2.74 ERA after going 5-1 in the last seven starts. Marcell Ozuna is 6-for-14 with a double against Anderson, who went 2-0 with a 3.04 ERA in four starts against the Cardinals last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis C Yadier Molina is 5-for-16 with two homers to start the season and has hit safely in nine straight games against the Brewers.

2. Milwaukee LF Ryan Braun is 1-for-12 to start the season but leads the team with five RBIs - three coming on a homer Friday.

3. Cardinals 3B Jedd Gyorko went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and an RBI Monday before leaving the game with a right hamstring strain.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Cardinals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

3rd April 2018 by Gracenote
One of the most reliable closers in the game, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Kenley Jansen is facing questions about his decreased velocity after struggling in his first two appearances. Jansen quickly has become a major source of concern for the Dodgers, who continue their three-game series against the host Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Jansen allowed a total of five home runs in 68 1/3 innings last year but gave up his second in two appearances this season on Monday, when Chris Owings belted a game-tying three-run blast with two outs in the ninth. Arizona finally prevailed 8-7 as Nick Ahmed and Jeff Mathis each drove in a run off Wilmer Font in the bottom of the 15th inning after the Dodgers had taken a one-run lead in the top half. Ahmed continued his hot start with three hits and Ketel Marte went 3-for-7 with two triples for the Diamondbacks, who have won their last seven regular-season meetings with the Dodgers. Both teams will be looking for their starting pitchers to go deep into the game Tuesday after combining to use 15 relievers in Monday's contest, which lasted nearly six hours.


TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (0-1, 1.50 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (2017: 8-9, 3.37)

Kershaw made his franchise-record eighth consecutive Opening Day start on Thursday and lost for the first time, giving up one run over six innings in a 1-0 loss to San Francisco. After tossing 21 1/3 scoreless frames across six spring starts, the three-time Cy Young Award winner was nearly as impressive in the opener, striking out seven while walking two. Paul Goldschmidt is 10-for-44 with two home runs versus Kershaw, who is 14-8 with a 2.55 ERA in 26 career starts against Arizona.

Godley appears primed to build on last season's breakout performance, when he set career highs in starts (25), wins (eight), innings (155) and strikeouts (165). "I'm looking for everything to continue," manager Torey Lovullo told reporters. "He came into camp in very good shape and very ready for every challenge that's going to be put before him this year." Godley owns a 1-1 record and 3.38 ERA in eight career games (four starts) against the Dodgers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Goldschmidt's 28 home runs and 90 RBIs are the most by an active player against the Dodgers.

2. Dodgers C Yasmani Grandal went 3-for-6 with a two-run homer Monday and has recorded seven hits in his first 16 at-bats.

3. Arizona OF Yasmany Tomas cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Reno.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 3, Diamondbacks 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

3rd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Oakland Athletics attempt to hand the Texas Rangers a fourth straight loss when they host their American League West rivals on Tuesday in the second contest of their four-game series. Oakland ended a three-game skid of its own on Monday as Jed Lowrie delivered a two-run double in the seventh inning to snap a tie and lead the club to a 3-1 victory.

Matt Chapman provided the other run for the Athletics, going deep in his second consecutive game to help the team post its first win since Opening Day. Matt Joyce likely will be rested Tuesday after serving as the designated hitter due to left ankle soreness. Texas was unable to record an extra-base hit in the series opener, collecting seven singles en route to its third defeat in a row. Shin-Soo Choo recorded two of them for the Rangers as he registered his second multi-hit performance in three contests.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Cole Hamels (0-1, 4.76 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Kendall Graveman (0-0, 9.00)

Hamels took the loss on Opening Day, allowing three runs on five hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings against Houston. The 34-year-old native of San Diego served up a pair of homers but did record seven strikeouts, which was one shy of his season high in 2017. Hamels has made seven career starts against Oakland, going 2-3 with a 4.39 ERA.

Graveman escaped with a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels in the season opener after surrendering five runs and seven hits - three homers - in five-plus innings. The 27-year-old from Alabama did not issue a walk but struck out only one batter. Graveman has posted a 4-2 record and 4.11 ERA in eight career starts against the Rangers.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rangers optioned Nick Gardewine to Triple-A Round Rock, placed Rocky Rodriguez (biceps) on the 60-day disabled list and purchased the contract of fellow RHP Bartolo Colon, who started and pitched well in the series opener.

2. Athletics C Jonathan Lucroy is 6-for-15 with a homer and three RBIs against Hamels in his career while OF Khris Davis has belted three shots and driven in five runs versus the southpaw.

3. Texas OF Delino DeShields underwent surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand Monday and is expected to miss four-to-six weeks.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Athletics 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia 76ers aim to produce their longest winning streak since in 28 years on Tuesday when they put a 10-game run on the line against the visiting Brooklyn Nets. The winning streak matches one from the start of the 2000-01 season and is two shy of the 12-game string that the 1989-90 team put together.

Ben Simmons continued to carry the load with Joel Embiid sidelined in the Sixers' 119-102 win at Charlotte on Sunday, finishing with 20 points and 15 assists as Philadelphia stayed within a half-game of Cleveland in the race for third place in the Eastern Conference. "We're having fun on the court and that's really important for us," guard Marco Belinelli told reporters after producing 22 points on 9-of-10 shooting. "For sure, we miss Joel out there on defense. But we know that everybody needs to step up and be aggressive on offense and defense and just play together." The Nets are beginning a three-game road trip as they play out the remainder of another losing season. They had won a respectable four of seven before falling 108-96 to Detroit on Sunday at home.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, YES (Brooklyn), NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE NETS (25-52): Sunday's loss left Brooklyn 0-6 in games when it had a chance to record a three-game winning streak, and it offered little resistance at home against the Pistons. "[Coach Kenny Atkinson] challenged us to come off the road trip and get as prepared the most we can mentally, physically, before this game. We could've done better," guard D'Angelo Russell told reporters. "We never stopped the bleeding. We didn't make that shot or get that stop that we needed to stop the bleeding or that 50-50 play." Russell was benched in a win at Miami the previous night but returned to collect 13 points and seven assists in the loss.

ABOUT THE 76ERS (46-30): Belinelli is providing a nice boost off the bench with eight straight double-digit scoring efforts, shooting better than 50 percent in seven of those outings. Simmons has at least 10 assists in 10 of his past 11 games and is 22-of-35 from the floor over a three-game stretch. Simmons had 21 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds in a 120-116 win over Brooklyn last month as Philadelphia took a 2-1 season series lead.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Nets SF DeMarre Carroll is 4-for-20 from the floor over the last two games.

2. Sixers SG JJ Redick has scored at least 19 points in four straight games to raise his season average to 16.6, which would be a career high.

3. The winning team has averaged 124.3 points over the last four matchups.

PREDICTION: 76ers 114, Nets 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Cavaliers are getting hot at a good time and seek their ninth victory in the past 10 games when they host the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. Cleveland's revamped roster is finding a comfort zone as the Cavaliers are in third place in the Eastern Conference, a half-game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers.

LeBron James is feeling good about Cleveland's postseason chances while fellow forward Kevin Love would like to see the Cavaliers reach the 50-victory mark. "I think we'd all like to get 50 wins," Love told reporters after Sunday's 98-87 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. "If we don't, it's not going to be the 'end-of-the-world' type of deal. It's something, especially with ups and downs of any season, it would be great to get over that hump." Toronto holds a two-game lead over Boston for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and the gap was narrowed when the Celtics posted a 110-99 victory over the Raptors on Saturday. Toronto needs to win just two of its final six games to set a new franchise mark for victories (56-26 in 2015-16).

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN (Toronto), FS Ohio (Cleveland)

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (55-21): Toronto has been a bit unsteady over the past two weeks with four losses in seven games but remaining on top in the East remains of paramount importance. "We want to win the Eastern Conference," All-Star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan told reporters. "That's our goal to fulfill that opportunity and we got to take advantage of it." DeRozan contributed 32 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in the loss to Boston and appears to have regained his shooting touch by going 19-of-31 over the past two games after struggling through a 17-of-49 stretch over the previous three contests.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (47-30): James experienced a porous shooting performance against the Mavericks when he was just 5-of-21 from the field while posting his 17th triple-double of the season with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. "I missed four, five, maybe six layups, which I'm not accustomed to doing," James told reporters after the contest. "But me not shooting the ball well never stopped me making an impact on the game. So if I'm not shooting well, I gotta make sure I get my guys on time, on target with my passes and I gotta rebound and I gotta do other things to help us win and I was able to do that." Love had 13 points and 13 rebounds in the contest for his 30th double-double of this season and the 400th of his career.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split two meetings earlier this season, with the Raptors' win coming by a convincing 133-99 on Jan. 11 in Toronto.

2. Toronto was 8-of-35 from 3-point range against Boston to see its franchise-record streak of 17 straight games with 10 or more come to an end.

3. Cleveland PG George Hill (ankle) will likely miss his second straight game.

PREDICTION: Cavaliers 115, Raptors 109

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
A pair of teams playing out the string and suffering through three-game losing streaks meet Tuesday when the New York Knicks host the Orlando Magic. The Knicks dropped the opener of a five-game homestand with a 115-109 loss to Detroit on Saturday to fall to 18-19 at Madison Square Garden.

It gave the franchise four straight 50-loss campaigns in a row, tying its longest such run. "Not good. I'm a bad loser. Sore (loser)," forward Michael Beasley told reporters after scoring 32 points in the setback. "But at the same time, you have to be able to accept the situation." New York enters this one with a plethora of personnel issues, as Troy Williams is out for the season due to a fractured jaw suffered against the Pistons, center Enes Kanter (back, wrist) is doubtful, Beasley (illness) is questionable and three others are playing in the G League playoffs. The Magic head to Manhattan a half-game ahead of last-place Atlanta for the worst record in the Eastern Conference after losing to the Hawks 94-88 on Sunday.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Orlando), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE MAGIC (22-54): Orlando has averaged 85 points the past two games and it shot 34.4 percent from the floor in the loss to Atlanta. D.J. Augustin collected 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting while his fellow starters were a combined 14-of-49 from the floor as the Magic fell to 7-31 on the road. "We have to get out in transition," forward Aaron Gordon told reporters of the offensive woes. "It kills 75 percent of our offense if we don't get out in transition. ... It seemed a little out of rhythm out there."

ABOUT THE KNICKS (27-50): New York allowed an average of 116.7 points in regulation during the current losing streak as it continues its season-long issues on the defensive end. "The defensive intensity, I thought, dropped right there," coach Jeff Hornacek said Saturday of a spell that allowed Detroit to seize the lead for good in the third quarter. "They made a couple shots, but then it was making adjustments when the guys were coming in when they shouldn't. That happened a couple times late in the game. They had good intentions to help but that was probably not the right time to help and they got a couple kick-out threes." Guards Frank Ntilikina (illness) and Courtney Lee (foot) both missed the contest but are probable to return Tuesday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Magic SF Jonathon Simmons (wrist) will miss his seventh straight game.

2. Knicks PG Trey Burke averages 24.3 points and nine assists as a starter.

3. Orlando leads the all-time series 55-54.

PREDICTION: Knicks 108, Magic 99

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Miami Heat are coming off the best scoring month in franchise history and look to continue that production when they attempt to clinch a playoff spot against the visiting Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night in the first of a back-to-back. The Heat averaged 111.7 points in 16 games during March, but went 9-7 and failed in a chance to clinch Saturday in a 110-109 overtime loss at Brooklyn.

"Our team has been trending in that direction," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters of his team's offense. "I want the guys growing together and gaining confidence as the season goes on and it's happening at the right time and we're doing it the right way. Our assist numbers are up. We're sharing the ball. Guys are enjoying other players, their teammates' success. That's what it's all about." The Heat, who visit the Hawks on Wednesday, lead ninth-place Detroit by four games with five contests left and three of them are at home where they are 24-14. Atlanta snapped a five-game losing streak with a 94-88 victory over Orlando on Sunday to move within one-half game of the Magic in the race to avoid the cellar in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks will play the rest of the season without point guard and leading scorer Dennis Schroder (ankle), who is are averaging 19.4 points and 6.2 assists.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), FS Sun (Miami)

ABOUT THE HAWKS (22-55): Rookie guard Tyler Dorsey, picked in the second round last June, scored a career-high 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting (3-of-5 from 3-point range) in Sunday's victory to raise his season average to 6.4. "When he gets a little bit of confidence, he has different ways of scoring," Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters. "He has a knack for scoring. It was great to see that from him." Center Dewayne Dedmon registered his third straight double-double Sunday and is averaging 13.7 points along with 12.3 rebounds in that span.

ABOUT THE HEAT (41-36): Center Hassan Whiteside was fined an undisclosed amount by the team for his expletive-filled post game comments about playing time after Saturday's loss in his second game back from missing nine with a hip flexor injury. Whiteside left the game with 3:55 left in the third quarter after scoring 14 points in 20 minutes and did not return as Spoelstra went with a smaller lineup down the stretch. Power forward Kelly Olynyk has lifted his game of late, averaging 14.5 points the last four contests and draining 17-of-25 field goal attempts the past three.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Miami G Goran Dragic, who leads the team in scoring (17.4) and assists (4.8), made 92.7 percent of his free throws in March.

2. Atlanta SF DeAndre' Bembry had four points and three assists Sunday after missing 16 games with an abdominal strain.

3. The teams have split their first two meetings this season with the Hawks taking the last matchup 110-104 on Dec. 18.

PREDICTION: Heat 108, Hawks 96

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Boston Celtics have won six in a row and begin a crucial two-game road trip in their quest for the top spot in the Eastern Conference when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. The Celtics are two games behind the first-place Toronto Raptors, whom they visit Wednesday to finish the back-to-back.

Boston defeated the Raptors 110-99 on Saturday at home to make the race for the No. 1 seed that much more interesting. "We have to see them twice in a week, and we know it's going to be a battle," guard Terry Rozier told reporters after scoring 21 points in the victory. "But I say we don't let the standings dictate anything. We just go out there and we play and we go to war. That's what happened tonight." Before the rematch, the Celtics must first contend with a Bucks squad that is on the verge of clinching a playoff berth and could finish as high as sixth in the East. Milwaukee won four of five and had Denver on the ropes Sunday before faltering down the stretch and dropping a 128-125 overtime affair.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS Boston, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE CELTICS (53-23): Rozier has filled in very well for the injured Kyrie Irving and Morris has taken his game to another level amid the team's many physical issues over the past month. The Kansas product is averaging 24 points on 61.2 percent shooting over his last four games while making 12-of-20 3-pointers. "Whatever they can do, we can do," Morris said of the matchups with the Raptors. "We just play hard. A couple guys stepped up. ... It was a good team win."


ABOUT THE BUCKS (41-36): Milwaukee has the talent to scare someone in the first round of the playoffs and it will be even more formidable if Jabari Parker plays anything like he did Sunday against Denver. In his 26th game since returning from a torn ACL, Parker had season highs of 35 points and 10 rebounds while making 14-of-23 shots in 39 minutes. "I think I was getting good looks," Parker told the media. "What helps is that my teammates help me out there and they constantly just try to keep me engaged. It's not fun just coming off the bench and playing spot minutes, but I thank them for staying with me."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Rozier averages 18.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and five assists in 12 starts.

2. Bucks PF Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 35 points and 10.7 rebounds in the three games against the Celtics this season.

3. Boston took two of the first three meetings, including a 96-89 triumph in its one visit to Milwaukee on Oct. 26.

PREDICTION: Celtics 107, Bucks 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Charlotte Hornets became the latest Eastern Conference team to be mathematically eliminated from the postseason race over the weekend after suffering three straight losses. The Hornets are embracing the player-development portion of the schedule through the end of the season and visit the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday.

Charlotte dropped a 119-102 decision at home to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday but ramped up the minutes for the likes of rookie Malik Monk and seldom-used second-year point guard Julyan Stone. "I thought Julyan Stone, for a guy who hasn't played really," Hornets coach Steve Clifford told reporters. "It's stuff you guys wouldn't see, but in terms of allowing people to execute his defense on both (Marco) Belinelli and (JJ) Redick was outstanding." The Bulls are no strangers to being out of the postseason race and continue to push their own player development but took some time out on Sunday to throw a wrench into the East standings by knocking off the playoff-bound Washington Wizards 113-94. Twelve different players logged at least 15 minutes as Chicago shot 52.4 percent from the floor in the victory.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE HORNETS (33-44): All-Star guard Kemba Walker was limited to 26 minutes on Sunday as Charlotte expanded the minutes down the roster, allowing Stone and Monk to get more of an opportunity. While Stone made his presence felt on the defensive end, Monk contributed on the other side of the floor by scoring 16 points and burying four 3-pointers in 24 minutes. Center Willy Hernangomez picked up some extra minutes at the expense of veteran Dwight Howard and responded with 15 points and 11 rebounds in 22 minutes.

ABOUT THE BULLS (26-51): Veterans Robin Lopez and Justin Holiday combined to go 8-of-11 from the floor and each played 17 minutes, but it was the younger players doing the bulk of the damage in Sunday's triumph. Rookie forward Lauri Markkanen scored a team-high 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting and buried five 3-pointers while hauling in six rebounds in 25 minutes. Bobby Portis, 23, played just 16 minutes in the win but made his presence felt with 18 points to mark the 11th time in the last 12 games that he reached double figures.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Bulls PG Kris Dunn (toe) sat out the last eight games and reportedly will be shut down for the remainder of the season.

2. Charlotte SG Nicolas Batum scored in single digits in each of the last four games after returning from an Achilles injury.

3. Chicago took two of the first three meetings this season, including a 123-120 home win on Nov. 17.

PREDICTION: Hornets 113, Bulls 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Wizards vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Houston Rockets already wrapped up the best record in franchise history and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs, but they are not satisfied with how they are playing. The Rockets will try to bounce back from a rare loss when they host the slumping Washington Wizards on Tuesday.

Houston won 28 of its last 30 games but had an 11-game winning streak come to an end with a 100-83 loss at San Antonio on Sunday, causing coach Mike D'Antoni to declare an end to the process of resting players down the stretch. "That's why at the end of the year, you've got to be careful taking guys out and just resting them," D'Antoni told reporters. "Everybody wants rest, rest, rest. Well, they've got to play. Otherwise, we're going to lose the advantage of what you worked for for 80 games, and it's scary times for us. You've got to play. You've got to bring it, and you've got to bring it every day. We'll get it back." The Wizards would like to see the Rockets rest some of their stars as they attempt to recover from an embarrassing 113-94 loss to the lowly Chicago Bulls. "We made the playoffs, but are we just excited to have made the playoffs? That's a question we have to ask," Washington coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "We have to continue to focus on doing the things that are going to help us win in the playoffs. The good habits we talk about, we work on, but it wasn't displayed (Sunday)."

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

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (42-35): Washington played on Sunday like a team trying to avoid the No. 6 spot in the East and a possible first-round date with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. "Now it's all about matchups and who you want to play in the first round from now on," All-Star guard Bradley Beal told reporters. "We could either be playing somebody we want to play or playing a tough one in the first one, so regardless we've got to be better. But when you have the abilities to control your destiny a little bit, you've got to take advantage of them." The Wizards would draw the Boston Celtics or the Toronto Raptors in the first round if they slipped to the No. 7 or No. 8 spot.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (62-15): Point guard Chris Paul sat out five of the last six games and superstar James Harden rested once last week, but both could be in the backcourt together again on Tuesday. "We've coasted these last few games," Harden told reporters. "It's time to amp it up a little bit. Just get our minds and our bodies right and get ready to go." Harden is just 6-of-40 from 3-point range over his last five games and committed five of the team's 10 turnovers in Sunday's setback.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Rockets C Clint Capela went 3-of-7 from the floor on Friday and 3-of-9 on Sunday, marking the first time this season that he failed to hit at least 50 percent of his shot attempts in back-to-back games.

2. Wizards PG John Wall (knee) rested on the second night of a back-to-back Sunday but is expected to play Tuesday.

3. Washington knocked off Houston 121-103 at home on Dec. 29 behind 26 points from SF Otto Porter Jr.

PREDICTION: Rockets 119, Wizards 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Oklahoma City Thunder dropped three straight games by a total of eight points before figuring things out down the stretch on Sunday and snapping the slide with a 109-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Thunder will try to stay in the running for homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs and earn back-to-back wins when they host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.

Sunday's win pushed the Thunder into fifth place in the West, a half-game behind the fourth-place San Antonio Spurs but just a half-game ahead of the sixth-place Utah Jazz. "This is a huge win," Thunder forward Paul George told reporters after beating the Pelicans. "This is a great win, playing against an opponent who is in the same position for us. A must win for both teams. It was a step in the right direction for us to pick up a game like this on an opponent's floor." The Warriors are locked into the No. 2 spot in the West and are trying to find a rhythm again now that Kevin Durant (ribs), Klay Thompson (thumb) and Draymond Green (pelvic contusion) are back in the lineup together. Durant led the way in back-to-back wins while averaging 28 points, 10.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists against Sacramento and Phoenix.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (56-21): Thompson is playing with his thumb wrapped but it doesn't seem to be hampering his shooting stroke, and he is 20-of-38 from the floor over the last two games. Thompson and the rest of the Golden State offense is working through Durant with Stephen Curry (knee) still on the mend, and the All-Star forward is up for the challenge. "I felt like everyone came and contributed," Durant told reporters after Sunday's 117-107 triumph over Phoenix. "I don't think on this team there's one guy bossing everybody around and telling everyone what to do. I just think we're all working together. You see the ball moving four or five times in a possession."

ABOUT THE THUNDER (45-33): George is shooting just 33.3 percent from the floor over the last five games and was just 9-of-24 on Sunday but buried a key 3-pointer with just over a minute to play off a feed from Russell Westbrook. "It felt great, man, especially having a lot of easy and open looks that I was missing," George told reporters. "It felt good to have a shot to close the game out. It's just trying to stay consistent with it, the rhythm and getting good looks." Westbrook recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists on Sunday and broke out of his own shooting slump by going 9-of-17 from the floor.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Thunder SF Jerami Grant is 10-of-14 from the floor over the last two games.

2. Warriors SF Andre Iguodala (knee) missed the last two games and is day-to-day.

3. Golden State took the most recent meeting, 112-80 at home on Feb. 24, but dropped the first two matchups this season.

PREDICTION: Thunder 112, Warriors 107

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Portland Trail Blazers are headed to the playoffs for the fifth straight season and their focus has turned to securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The Trail Blazers hold a three-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs with five to play as they open a four-game road trip with Tuesday's contest against the Dallas Mavericks.

Portland has been on a scintillating eight-week stretch in which it has compiled a 19-4 record and the club took time to enjoy the clinching after Sunday's 113-98 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. "Clinching the playoffs, being in the playoffs five straight years is a good accomplishment; it's one of our goals at the beginning of the season," Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts told reporters afterward. "We still have some more goals to accomplish, but it's something everybody should be proud of." Dallas is suffering through a porous campaign and is limping toward the finish with three straight losses and eight in the past nine games. The Mavericks fell 98-87 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday and failed to reach 100 points for the fourth time in the last five contests.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (48-29): Portland's extended roll has the franchise in position to get a breather and rest some players instead of battling to get into the postseason up until the season's final days. "I think for our stress level, we don't have to go down to the wire to get a playoff spot," All-Star guard Damian Lillard told reporters. "Now we're just looking to stay sharp, keep doing the things that have allowed us to have the success that we've had, and try to finish it off and win the division, get home court." Lillard averaged 30 points and six assists in two games against Dallas this season, and his 26.7 scoring average helped fuel the Trail Blazers to score 100 or more points in 20 straight games, the club's longest single-season mark since a 42-game run during the 1989-90 campaign.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (23-54): Veteran Dirk Nowitzki is playing through knee and ankle ailments but the player who turns 40 in June has started a team-leading 76 games, and that impresses Dallas coach Rick Carlisle. "He's another guy that's just so extremely meticulous with his approach," Carlisle told reporters. "He changed his diet about 12 years ago or 13 years ago and went to very specific kinds of foods. Drinking a lot of water. There's a level of consistency there that is amazing." Nowitzki no longer is a star averaging more than 20 points per game but remains a solid contributor by averaging 12 points and 5.7 rebounds.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Trail Blazers won this season's first two meetings and are looking to sweep the Mavericks for the first time since going 3-0 against them in the 1998-99 season.

2. Dallas F Harrison Barnes scored 30 points versus Cleveland to reach at least 30 for the fourth time this season.

3. Portland PF Al-Farouq Aminu had 17 points and 10 rebounds against Memphis for his ninth double-double of the season, one off his career high set in 2012-13.

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 104, Mavericks 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indiana Pacers vs. Denver Nuggets Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

3rd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Denver Nuggets used a stunning comeback in the final minute of regulation on Sunday to force overtime in a win over Milwaukee, keeping them in the race for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Nuggets will try to keep the pressure on the teams above them in the standings and post a third consecutive victory when they host the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday.

Denver is sitting in the No. 9 spot in the West, one game behind eighth-place New Orleans, after rallying from an eight-point deficit in the final minute and winning its second straight overtime contest. "You keep playing," Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray told reporters. "You play until there are all zeroes on the clock. There's always a chance, and if you want to be a championship-type team, you have to play to the end. You can't give up and say, 'It's over now,' or give in to the situation. You've got to make the situation happen." The Pacers just finished beating one Western Conference team with playoff aspirations, posting a 111-104 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Indiana has won its last five games to move into the No. 5 spot in the East, one-half game behind fourth-place Philadelphia, and looks to complete a sweep of its four-game road trip on Tuesday.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Indiana, Altitude (Denver)

ABOUT THE PACERS (46-31): All-Star guard Victor Oladipo was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the third time this season on Monday after averaging 26 points in three games. Oladipo capped the week by scoring 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting against the Clippers and adding a season-high 12 assists. "My teammates did a great job of stepping up and doing great things today, making shots," Oladipo told reporters. "Darren Collison has been great down the stretch, and Myles (Turner) played awesome. (Thaddeus Young), and Bojan (Bogdanovic) hit a big shot down the stretch as well. It's huge for us when guys step up and play like that, so we're really good when we do that."

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (42-35): Murray scored 18 of his 27 points on Sunday in the fourth quarter and overtime, and he made the key offensive and defensive plays at the end of regulation when he stole an inbounds pass, was fouled while shooting a 3-pointer and made all three free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining. "No pressure. That's my favorite shot," Murray told reporters of the free throws. "I talk about meditation and being calm and composed and all that - I couldn't wait to go up to the line and hit them." Star center Nikola Jokic is stepping up as well, as he has averaged 29 points and 15 rebounds over his last three games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Turner scored 24 points on Sunday, snapping a string of four straight games in single digits.

2. Nuggets SF Wilson Chandler (nasal fracture) sat out Sunday and is day-to-day.

3. Indiana beat Denver at home 126-116 in overtime on Dec. 10 behind 47 points from Oladipo.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 121, Pacers 117

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions 04-03-2018

2nd April 2018 by Gracenote
The Utah Jazz have their sights on a playoff berth as they look to continue their recent domination of the visiting Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Utah, which is in sixth place in the Western Conference, will be seeking its sixth straight victory over the Lakers.

The Jazz won 25 of their past 30 games and are just one game behind the fourth-place San Antonio Spurs but also just two games clear of the ninth-place Denver Nuggets in the tightly packed race. "It's been amazing," Utah coach Quin Snyder told reporters after Sunday's 121-97 road trouncing of the Minnesota Timberwolves. "You can move up four spots in one game, or you can move down four spots. There's so much pressure on you every time you play." The Lakers dropped seven of their last nine games and just posted their second-lowest scoring output of the season in Sunday's 84-83 setback against the Sacramento Kings. "We are going to have to play a lot better for the remainder of the season," Los Angeles coach Luke Walton told reporters after the loss. "We have some really good teams coming in town that are playing for something pretty significant. We are going to have to elevate our game a lot, or it is going to be a long six games to end the season."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Spectrum Sports Net (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE LAKERS (33-43): Los Angeles looked like a team with little to play for when it never got the offense untracked in the loss to the Kings. Being without point guard Lonzo Ball (knee) and small forward Brandon Ingram (concussion) didn't help - it is possible that Ball is cleared to play against Utah - but rookie small forward Kyle Kuzma is aware a better effort needs to be made. "We just got to bring it," Kuzma told reporters. "We are playing playoff teams, a lot of teams fighting for seeding, so they are going to try to pound us. We just got to fight back and bring our 'A' game."

ABOUT THE JAZZ (44-33): Utah's dismantling of Minnesota on Sunday was a solid step toward reaching the playoffs and it left standout center Rudy Gobert feeling giddy. "It's a win over a direct playoff competitor," Gobert told reporters after the triumph. "That was big for us. They are all big at this point, but this one was especially big." Standout guard Donovan Mitchell tallied 20 or more points in nine consecutive contests, the best stretch by a rookie guard since Allen Iverson rolled off 11 straight during the 1996-97 season.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Jazz won eight of the past nine meetings, including a 96-81 home victory on Oct. 28.

2. Los Angeles PF Julius Randle is averaging 23 points over the past 11 games.

3. Utah PG Ricky Rubio scored 23 points against his former Minnesota teammates and tallied 20 or more in four of his past six outings.

PREDICTION: Utah 104, Los Angeles 93