Monday 4-9-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
Two-way star Shohei Ohtani isn't expected to see action Monday when the Los Angeles Angels begin a three-game series against the host Texas Rangers, but that's only because even rookie phenoms need a day of rest. Ohtani has already homered three times as a hitter and was even more impressive in Sunday's 6-1 win over Oakland, pitching 6 1/3 perfect innings with 12 strikeouts.

Mike Trout snapped an 0-for-15 skid with a solo homer Sunday while new arrival Ryan Schimpf started at third base and homered with two walks to help the Angels improve to 7-3. Of course, most of the buzz around the Angels is focused on Ohtani, who is typically given the day off before and after he pitches but will likely serve as the team's designated hitter on Tuesday. "I think he's mature beyond his years," manager Mike Scioscia told reporters. "Shohei, he's very confident, he works very, very hard at what he needs to do, and there's a lot on his plate. But he has the talent to do it." The Rangers dropped two of three against Toronto over the weekend despite another strong series from leadoff hitter Shin-Soo Choo, who has scored a run in five straight games and is batting .325 with three home runs.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (1-0, 5.06 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Doug Fister (1-1, 3.12)

After struggling in his Opening Day start against Oakland, Richards earned the victory last Tuesday against Cleveland by allowing two runs on one hit with four walks and nine strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old native of Oklahoma is hoping for a healthy campaign after being limited to a total of 12 starts over the last seasons due to various injuries. Rougned Odor is 2-for-25 with nine strikeouts against Richards, who is 9-4 with a 3.15 ERA in 21 career games (17 starts) against Texas.

After tossing five innings of one-run ball in his first start against Houston, Fister allowed two runs on seven hits over 3 2/3 frames in last Wednesday's 6-2 loss to Oakland. "I was putting them in good hitters' counts and not getting ahead of them," Fister told reporters. "I've got to be better, period." Andrelton Simmons is 4-for-26 against the 34-year-old native Californian, who has gone 3-4 with a 2.90 ERA in 13 career starts against the Angels.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas was 11-8 against the Angels last season, including 5-4 at Globe Life Park.

2. The Angels placed JC Ramirez on the 10-day disabled list with a right elbow strain and recalled fellow RHPs Eduardo Paredes and Felix Pena from Triple-A Salt Lake.

3. Texas is 18-25 at home since last season's All-Star break.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Rangers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Houston Astros' calling card last season was their high-octane offense, which led the majors in runs, hits, batting average and slugging percentage among other categories. After erupting for 57 runs to win five of six meetings with Minnesota in 2017, the ascending Astros hope to keep flexing their muscles on Monday when they open a three-game series versus the host Twins.

Josh Reddick blasted his third homer in five games during Sunday's 4-1 triumph over San Diego, improving to 9-for-19 with seven RBIs in his last six outings heading into the expected cold temperatures of Minnesota. "The elements are going to be horrible," Houston manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. "It's just cold. There's no way around it. If they tell us to play, we're going to play." Unlike the weather, Brian Dozier is hot with four solo homers and eight runs scored to highlight his seven-game hitting streak, although he is batting just .185 with eight strikeouts in 27 career at-bats versus Monday starter Justin Verlander. Miguel Sano and Eduardo Escobar can tell similar tales as they are carry six- and five-game hitting streaks, respectively, into a matchup with Verlander - against whom they are batting .100 (with five strikeouts in 10 at-bats) and .167 (four strikeouts in 12 at-bats).

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (1-0, 2.31 ERA) vs. Twins RH Lance Lynn (0-1, 11.25)

Verlander overcame a pair of homers in his last outing to carry an eight-game regular-season winning streak into Monday's tilt versus Minnesota, against which he owns a 17-9 mark with a 3.15 ERA. While those numbers are impressive, the 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Award recipient is a sparkling 6-0 with a 1.38 ERA since being traded to the Astros - although he settled for a no-decision in his last trip to the mound. Verlander yielded four runs on six hits while striking out nine in 5 2/3 innings against Baltimore on Tuesday.

Sunday's inclement weather allowed Lynn an extra 24 hours to lament his first start with the Twins, as he struggled with control against Pittsburgh and allowed five runs in the first inning. The 30-year-old Ole Miss product, who matched a personal worst with six walks versus the Pirates, issued a career-high 78 in 186 1/3 innings with St. Louis last year when he went 11-8. Lynn has posted just one victory in his last 10 appearances despite five quality starts in that span.

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston 2B Jose Altuve ravaged Minnesota in 2017 to the tune of going 13-for-26 with four extra-base hits (three doubles, one homer), four RBIs and eight runs scored.

2. Twins 1B Joe Mauer has hit safely in six consecutive games and scored a run in four straight.

3. The Astros' 8-2 start to the season matches the club's franchise record, which was set in 1972.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Twins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
Just when the Seattle Mariners' bats were coming to life, Mother Nature slowed their momentum. The Mariners hope to pick up where they left off when they begin a three-game road series against the Kansas City Royals on Monday.


Seattle set a season high for runs in an 11-4 win at Minnesota on Saturday, but the hot bats were put on hold when the series finale was postponed due to inclement weather. The offensive outburst was encouraging for a Mariners team that had totaled three runs in losing its previous two contests and is light on power with slugger Nelson Cruz on the disabled list. The Royals have even less firepower, as they rank near the bottom of the American League in most offensive categories - including home runs as they have hit just two. Kansas City has scored two runs or fewer in five straight games but posted a pair of 1-0 victories in that span.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), FS Kansas City


PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (1-0, 4.26 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jakob Junis (1-0, 0.00)

Gonzales' second start of the season had to wait a day because of Sunday's postponement in Minnesota. The 26-year-old was solid in his debut, allowing three runs and six hits over 6 1/3 innings en route to a win at San Francisco. He did serve up a pair of home runs at spacious AT&T Park, however, which might warrant some concern.

Junis was dominant in his first outing of the season, striking out six over seven scoreless innings to win at Detroit. The 25-year-old allowed only three singles and a walk, carrying over from his impressive spring. Junis has been excellent at home in his young career, going 3-0 with a 3.43 ERA in nine games (seven starts) at Kauffman Stadium.


WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners CF Dee Gordon (11-for-30) and 2B Robinson Cano (11-for-25) both are riding seven-game hitting streaks.

2. Royals RF Jorge Soler recorded three hits on Sunday, snapping an 0-for-34 drought dating to July 2.

3. Seattle SS Jean Segura is 11-for-25 during his six-game hitting streak.


PREDICTION: Royals 4, Mariners 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Colorado Rockies look to bounce back from a rare Coors Field shutout when they open a three-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres on Monday. The Rockies are an even 5-5 after dropping two of three against Atlanta over the weekend, including Sunday's 4-0 loss.

Colorado scored only six runs in the series and clearly missed Charlie Blackmon on Sunday, when the team's leadoff hitter and center fielder sat out due to a tight back. Blackmon hopes to return to the lineup Monday against San Diego, which fell to 2-8 after being held to four hits in Sunday's 4-1 loss at Houston. Center fielder Manuel Margot, who batted leadoff in seven of the team's first nine games, has five hits in his first 37 at-bats and was moved to the ninth spot for the last two games. The Padres are searching for answers at several positions, including third base, where Christian Villanueva, Cory Spangenberg and Chase Headley are sharing the job with mixed results through 10 games.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (0-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Gray (1-1, 2.45)

Richard tossed seven innings of one-run ball on Opening Day against Milwaukee but struggled early versus Colorado last Wednesday, allowing five runs in the first two innings. The 34-year-old settled in and exited after five innings, permitting five runs on eight hits with six strikeouts. Chris Iannetta is 6-for-17 with two home runs against Richard, who has gone 5-7 with a 5.38 ERA in 20 career games (19 starts) against Colorado.

After lasting just four innings and taking the loss in his Opening Day start against Arizona, Gray bounced back with seven shutout frames versus San Diego last Wednesday. The 26-year-old native of Oklahoma struck out seven and issued no walks while throwing 93 pitches to record the victory at Petco Park. Gray is 5-2 with a 2.15 ERA in 11 career starts against the Padres and owns a 12-4 record in 27 career outings at Coors Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres SS Freddy Galvis is batting .364 and has reached base safely in each of the team's first 10 games.

2. Colorado RHP Bryan Shaw is one strikeout shy of 400 for his career.

3. San Diego RHP Kirby Yates missed Sunday's game with a right ankle injury but is expected to avoid the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Padres 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Raptors vs. Detroit Pistons Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Toronto Raptors are gearing up for what they hope is a long playoff run by giving some of their key players a little rest down the stretch, but the wins keep coming. The Raptors aim for their fourth consecutive win when they open a regular season-ending two-game road trip against the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

With leading scorer DeMar DeRozan and starting center Jonas Valanciunas resting in the first half of a back-to-back, Toronto finished its home slate with a 112-101 win over Orlando on Sunday. "Just execution, attention to detail," coach Dwane Casey told reporters of what he's looking for in the final few games. "You've got examples all around the league where teams underestimate teams around the league that are so-called playing for the lottery, whatever they're playing for, a rebuild, playing young players, giving young players minutes. We want to work on some little things. We'll sprinkle some things that we want to use next week every now and then in." The Pistons had won eight of 10 games and had a chance to finish at .500 before falling 130-117 at Memphis on Sunday. Detroit allowed the Grizzlies to shoot 57.8 percent from the floor while giving up 130 points in a regulation game for the first time since March 12, 2011.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), FS Detroit

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (58-22): Casey indicated he would give another starter the night off in Detroit but seems intent on playing everyone in the finale of the regular season at Miami on Wednesday. He was unable to dodge any bullets in Sunday's affair as three players - center Lucas Nogueira (hamstring), guard Fred VanVleet (back) and forward Norman Powell (ankle) - each suffered injuries, although Powell returned to the court following his. C.J. Miles led the way with 22 points and OG Anunoby added 21 points after posting 21 straight single-digit scoring efforts.

ABOUT THE PISTONS (38-42): Henry Ellenson provided one of the few positives in Sunday's loss with a career-high 17 points while making 4-of-6 from 3-point range. Luke Kennard was 4-for-4 from beyond the arc as Detroit hit a season-high 23 triples in 47 attempts, but it was all for naught in the face of a poor effort on the other end of the floor. "Our defense was horrendous," coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters. "They're the next to worst offense in the league and they scored at least 30 in each quarter. There's nothing to be happy about there."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pistons PF Blake Griffin (ankle) missed his sixth straight game Sunday and PG Reggie Jackson (illness) did not play in the fourth quarter.

2. The Raptors finished with a 34-7 home record, tied with Houston for the best mark in the NBA.

3. Toronto took the first three meetings this season and has won five in a row overall against Detroit.

PREDICTION: Raptors 109, Pistons 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Oklahoma City Thunder earned a huge win in their bid for a spot in the Western Conference playoffs by knocking off the top-seeded Houston Rockets on Saturday, but there is still work to be done. The Thunder will try to get a step closer to the postseason and post back-to-back wins when they visit the Miami Heat on Monday.

Oklahoma City is in a three-way tie for the No. 5 spot in the West entering play on Sunday but is just one game ahead of the ninth-place Denver Nuggets with two games left in the regular season. "Just better not lose," All-Star forward Paul George told reporters. "That's what it comes down to. We better not lose. We control our destiny at this point, but we've got to have the mindset that we need these wins. We've got to come out and play our game, and that's always been good enough for us." The Thunder get lowly Memphis at home in the season finale on Wednesday but could get a challenge from the Heat, who are among three teams that seem to be fighting over the No. 7 spot in the East and the right to face the injury-depleted Boston Celtics in the first round. "You want to go into the playoffs on a high note, you don't want to be losing three in a row," Miami guard Dwyane Wade told reporters after a 122-98 loss to the lowly New York Knicks on Friday. "You want to definitely go in winning and feeling good about yourself. The seeds, whatever happens at the end of the day from seeds standpoint, is what it is. We're at the bottom we're going to play a Goliath team anyway. It really doesn't matter. We want to continue to play good basketball."

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

ABOUT THE THUNDER (46-34): Oklahoma City outscored Houston 28-19 in the fourth quarter on Saturday as Russell Westbrook led a strong defensive effort by locking down MVP candidate James Harden. "Our communication was at an all-time high tonight, throughout the whole game and especially throughout that fourth quarter when it was time to get stops and make plays," forward Carmelo Anthony told reporters. "We competed, we talked it out and we made plays when we had to." Anthony contributed 22 points on 7-of-14 shooting in the win after going 4-of-16 in a loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.

ABOUT THE HEAT (43-37): Miami coach Erik Spoelstra would like to see his team playing well as they head into the playoffs and was not pleased with the effort against the Knicks. "I don't want to take away from what they did. They played a great game," Spoelstra told reporters of New York. "But the best way to say it is all across the board we were a no-show. I hardly recognized our team tonight compared to who we've been and how we've been playing." The Heat, who allowed the Knicks to knock down 18 3-pointers on Friday, finish up the regular season by hosting the East-best Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Thunder PF Jerami Grant is 15-of-21 from the floor over the last four contests.

2. Heat PG Goran Dragic is shooting 53.3 percent from the field over his last five games.

3. Oklahoma City took the last four in the series, including a 105-99 home win on March 23.

PREDICTION: Thunder 120, Heat 109

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
When the Brooklyn Nets visited the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, it was clear which of the two teams playing out the string was more interested in performing well. The Nets will try to follow up a record-setting performance in a rout of the Bulls when the teams meet again Monday in Brooklyn in the second-to-last game of the regular season for both squads.

Quincy Acy had six of the Nets' franchise-record 24 made 3-pointers en route to a career-high 21 points in the 124-96 victory in the Windy City, Brooklyn's fourth win in the last six games. "When we're hot, I feel like we can run with anybody in the gym," Acy told reporters. "And tonight, we got hot." Allen Crabbe hit 5-of-13 3s and Joe Harris was 4-of-5 from long range for the Nets, who bring a 14-26 home record into their finale at the Barclays Center. The Bulls had won three straight before their current two-game slide and will be playing their last road game before hosting Detroit on Wednesday to finish the season.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, YES (Brooklyn)

ABOUT THE BULLS (27-53): Chicago could use another loss or two in order to improve its draft lottery odds but it was not prepared for the embarrassment of Saturday's result. "Tonight was obviously a debacle," coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters. "We were stuck in mud from the beginning of that game." Sean Kilpatrick, who was waived by the Nets in December, posted his third straight game of at least 20 points and is averaging 21.7 on 50 percent shooting in that span.

ABOUT THE NETS (27-53): Only Houston attempts more 3-pointers per game than Brooklyn (35.5) and Acy fits well in their long-range attack, having taken 285 of his 355 shots this season from beyond the arc. "He's our bench leader, a great guy," coach Kenny Atkinson told the media of Acy, who had offseason ankle surgery and has played through groin and finger injuries as well. "I think he hasn't been fully healthy and he's played through a lot." The Nets also did some nice things on the defensive end and recorded their first game all season in which they had double digits in both blocks and steals.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Bulls PF Bobby Portis averages 14.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals as a starter.

2. Crabbe needs 12 made 3-pointers in the final two games to become the first Net to hit 200 in a season.

3. Brooklyn's average margin of victory in the first two meetings is 22.5.

PREDICTION: Nets 112, Bulls 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Cavaliers get to finish out the regular season with a pair of games against the lowly New York Knicks, beginning with a matchup in Madison Square Garden on Monday. The Cavaliers are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, a game behind the Philadelphia 76ers, who knocked off Cleveland 132-130 in a dramatic affair Friday night.

Despite the setback, the Cavaliers need just one win to clinch the Central Division, which would give them the edge in a potential tiebreaker with the Sixers, although finishing third or fourth may not matter much to the players. "I want to go into the postseason healthy," LeBron James told reporters after posting a triple-double of 44 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists against Philadelphia. "Get our team healthy. That's the only thing that matters to me." The Knicks, who visit Cleveland on Wednesday, have not been healthy much of the season and were without their top three scorers in a 115-102 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday. New York enters its finale at Madison Square Garden with a 19-21 record at home.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Ohio (Cleveland), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (49-31): James certainly seems to be in great health as he continues one of his finest seasons ever, but there are other physical concerns on the team and guard Rodney Hood was added to the list by leaving Friday's loss with a sore Achilles tendon. George Hill (ankle) has missed four straight games and fellow point guard Jose Calderon (hamstring) sat out the last two contests. Jeff Green stepped up with a season-high 33 points in the loss to the Sixers and is averaging 27 points on 18-of-22 shooting over the last two contests.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (28-52): Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle), Enes Kanter (back, wrist) and Emmanuel Mudiay (concussion) missed the loss to Milwaukee, as veteran guard Jarrett Jack got a rare opportunity to carry the load. "The job is 82 games," Jack - who scored 18 points after seeing very limited action since the All-Star break - told the media. "If you're not in, you cheer for everybody else. But if he calls your number, be ready to come in there and contribute as best you can." Kyle O'Quinn collected 15 points and a career high-tying 16 rebounds for his third straight double-double.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Green is 7-of-9 from 3-point range and 11-of-11 from the foul line in his last two games.

2. Cleveland needs one victory to record its fourth straight 50-win season.

3. The road team won the first two matchups.

PREDICTION: Cavaliers 110, Knicks 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Minnesota Timberwolves can ill afford a letdown Monday against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies as they fight to end a lengthy playoff drought. The Timberwolves pulled into Sunday holding down the eighth and final postseason spot in the Western Conference with two games to play, including a finale at home against the ninth-place Denver Nuggets.

With Jimmy Butler back in the fold following a six-week layoff due to a knee injury, Minnesota snapped a two-game slide with a 113-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. "Probably the biggest thing is the toughness," coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters of Butler's presence. "When you look at plays at the end of games, those are his plays. He's the guy that is coming up with every big rebound, loose ball, whatever the game needs he provides." The Grizzlies ended their home schedule in impressive fashion with a 130-117 win over Detroit on Sunday. MarShon Brooks scored 25 points and has at least 21 in all five of his games since joining Memphis.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Memphis), FS North Plus (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (22-58): Dillon Brooks chipped in 22 points and Memphis shot a season-high 57.8 percent from the floor in the win over Detroit, which came on the heels of a four-game slide in which the Grizzlies scored 98 points or fewer. "It feels good," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters. "The guys are deserving but our fans are deserving too and I think our guys understood that from the beginning of the game. ... They deserved a performance like the one the guys gave tonight." Memphis plays its final two games on the road, where it is an NBA-worst 6-33.

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (45-35): Butler displayed no rust in scoring 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting and chipping in four steals in 23 minutes against the Lakers. "We need them all," Butler told reporters. "We need them all. We are not satisfied with just this one. We got a team that we haven't beaten this year on Monday in Memphis. They have been whupping our tail all year long." Butler's return also seemed to spark point guard Jeff Teague, who finished with 25 points and eight assists against the Lakers.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Grizzlies PG Kobi Simmons produced career highs with 20 points and seven assists in Sunday's win.

2. Timberwolves C Karl-Anthony Towns averages 22.9 points and 12.7 rebounds at home.

3. Memphis has won the last four meetings, including the first two this season.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 112, Grizzlies 100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Milwaukee Bucks continue to prepare themselves for the playoffs mentally and physically when they host the disappointing Orlando Magic on Monday night in their regular-season home finale. The Bucks are tied with Miami for sixth in the Eastern Conference and one ahead of Washington with two games to go after knocking off the New York Knicks 115-102 on Saturday.

Milwaukee's leading scorer Giannis Antetokounmpo (27.1) sat out Saturday's victory with right ankle soreness and could be rested again, but guard Malcolm Brogdon (quad) may return from a 30-game absence Monday or in Wednesday's contest at Philadelphia. Milwaukee has won six of its last nine contests and boasts 43 victories - its most since 2009-2010 when it won 46 - but coach Joe Prunty is looking for a consistent effort. "We know how good we can be and we've shown it," Prunty told reporters. "We've shown it in games and over stretches of games, but. ... we have lulls or games where we haven't played as well as we'd like to or need to, and that's what we're trying to build on every day." The Magic, who are 8-32 on the road, have been out of the playoff race for quite a while and come in off a 112-101 loss at Eastern Conference-leading Toronto on Sunday night when they allowed 17 makes from 3-point range.

TV: 8 p,m. ET, FS Florida (Orlando), FS Wisconsin (MIlwaukee)

ABOUT THE MAGIC (24-56): Leading scorer Aaron Gordon came back after a one-game absence due to a calf injury to score 16 on Sunday while center Nikola Vucevic scored 10 and grabbed nine rebounds after missing two contests with a sore back. Rookies Jamel Artis and Khem Birch have taken advantage of opportunities with playing time down the stretch and are averaging 13.3 and 11.3 points, respectively, the last four games. Swingman Mario Hezonja, a former fifth overall draft pick, is averaging 14 points over the last five contests - more than four above his season mark.

ABOUT THE BUCKS (43-37): Guard Eric Bledsoe registered his second double-double since being acquired by Milwaukee on Saturday as he recorded 22 points along with 10 assists and is scoring 25.6 per game over the last five. "He was huge (Saturday), he controlled the game, especially in that second half," forward Khris Middleton told reporters of Bledsoe. "He found guys, got guys in the right spots and also got himself going, which is what we needed." Middleton has also been more productive of late, averaging 23 points over the last seven contests - 2.6 above his season mark.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Orlando G Terrence Ross (knee, leg) returned to the lineup for the first time since late November and scored three points in 10 minutes against Toronto.

2. Milwaukee SG Shabazz Muhammad and SG Tony Snell are also questionable with ankle injuries.

3. The Bucks lead the season series two games to one, but dropped a 126-117 decision at Orlando on March 14.

PREDICTION: Bucks 112, Magic 100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The San Antonio Spurs are heading into the final three days of the regular season without a playoff berth sewn up but found some momentum with a win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. The Spurs will try not to overlook the visiting Sacramento Kings on Monday with a potentially key trip to New Orleans for the regular season finale looming on Wednesday.

San Antonio dropped back-to-back games in Los Angeles last week to fall back into the mess of six teams fighting for five playoffs spots but stayed a game ahead of ninth-place Denver by riding a throwback performance from Manu Ginobili to a 116-105 win over Portland. "Every win is huge and we have to fight really hard to get them," Ginobili told reporters. "It's fun, too. It's making us better. It's making us grow and stick together." The Spurs can clinch a postseason spot with a win over the Kings, who are giving young players as many minutes as possible while playing out the string. Sacramento has not beaten a team with a winning record since March 16 but is 2-1 on its four-game road trip after edging Memphis 94-93 on Friday.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), FS Southwest (San Antonio)

ABOUT THE KINGS (26-54): Rookie guard Bogdan Bogdanovic hit the go-ahead jumper with 1.1 seconds left and stole the ensuing inbounds pass to seal the win over the Grizzlies. The Serbia native went 0-of-5 from 3-point range in the win and is just trying to stay sharp at the end of a long season. "It's more mental because we're out of the playoffs and these games don't give you the same feedback at the end of the game," Bogdanovic told the Sacramento Bee. "But we're still trying to win and still trying to play the right way. It's tough but we'll figure it out, and as I said we want to finish the season strong."

ABOUT THE SPURS (46-34): Ginobili, 40, scored eight straight points during a decisive run in the fourth quarter on Saturday with a pair of 3-pointers and a finger roll. "I truly don't know. I was just feeling good," Ginobili told reporters. "A couple of shots went in. I was feeling that type of rush, and that type of excitement, flow. I was trying to use it. I'm very happy that happened in a game like today, in an important moment. Made me feel good. It helped the team get a lead." Ginobili finished with 17 points on 7-of-7 shooting after sitting out the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday and going 0-of-6 from the field on Tuesday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Kings rookie SF Justin Jackson is 12-of-21 from the floor in the last two games after going 3-of-16 in the previous two contests.

2. Spurs PF LaMarcus Aldridge scored at least 28 points in each of the last three contests.

3. San Antonio won the last 13 meetings, including a 113-98 home victory in the most recent matchup on Jan. 28.

PREDICTION: Spurs 109, Kings 92

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Denver Nuggets are tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference but would lose a tiebreaker and miss out on the postseason with the way things stand now. The Nuggets can make it easy on themselves by winning their final two regular season games, starting with the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Monday.

Denver visits Minnesota in the regular season finale on Wednesday and is playing some of its best basketball after crushing the Los Angeles Clippers 134-115 on Saturday. "I think overall, offensively, defensively, controlling our turnovers, I think it's our best overall basketball," power forward Paul Millsap told reporters. "Not necessarily the best offense that we've played all year. Not necessarily the best defense. But to be a really good team you have to have good balance. And I think, especially coming down the stretch, we have good balance on offense and defense. And that's what we need." The Nuggets stretched their winning streak to five straight with the rout, and all five of those victories came against teams with winning records. The Trail Blazers are still in the driver's seat for the No. 3 spot in the West but dropped their last three while tuning up for the playoffs.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS Northwest (Portland), Altitude (Denver)

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (48-32): Portland could not find a win in Texas over the first three games of its road trip but finishes out the trip in Denver before ending the regular season at home against fourth-place Utah. "We've got two games left, one on the road and one at home," All-Star point guard Damian Lillard told reporters after a 116-105 setback in San Antonio on Saturday. "One gives us home court for sure, and if you win these last two -- 50 wins and the three seed. It is getting tight because we have things we can still get done, but for us it's more about how we're playing." Lillard scored 33 points in the latest setback after sitting out at Houston on Thursday to rest an ankle injury.

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (45-35): Denver small forward Will Barton led the way with 31 points on 11-of-15 shooting in Saturday's win and is stepping up down the stretch. "I just wanted to be aggressive from the start and put pressure on their defense," Barton told reporters. "Once I did that, I figured out what I could get, whether I was getting to the rim, pull-up jumpers and pull-up threes. Once I got into a rhythm, I just figured out what they were trying to do and tried to exploit it." Barton is averaging 20 points on 51.4 percent shooting, seven rebounds and 4.6 assists during the five-game winning streak.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Trail Blazers C Jusuf Nurkic recorded a double-double in each of the last three games.

2. Nuggets SG Gary Harris (knee) missed the last 11 games but is coming close to a return.

3. Denver took the last two meetings, edging Portland 104-101 at home in the most recent matchup on Jan. 22.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 113, Trail Blazers 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview and Predictions 04-09-2018

8th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Clippers made a spirited run at a playoff spot in the Western Conference but were finally eliminated from the race on Saturday. The New Orleans Pelicans, who visit the Clippers on Monday, do not yet have their spot in the playoffs secured but are playing well with wins in three straight.

The Pelicans entered play on Sunday fifth in the West but just one game ahead of ninth-place Denver with two games remaining. New Orleans began its winning streak by picking off the lowly Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns but worked hard on Saturday and ended a 14-game losing streak to the defending champion Warriors with a 126-120 victory at Golden State. "It's a big win for us," All-Star forward Anthony Davis told reporters. "It's a tough place to play. They go on runs all the time. You just have to be able to withstand that run and make a run of your own. Kind of even it out. When we got out to that lead, instead of us making a run to catch back up we kind of made a run to separate. They're the defending champions. The position that we're in, we just wanted to come out and do anything to win." The Clippers did not put up much of a fight on the defensive end in a 134-115 loss to the Nuggets on Saturday and dropped four of their last five.

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

ABOUT THE PELICANS (46-34): New Orleans point guard Rajon Rondo handed out 17 assists in Saturday's win and is taking on a leadership role with the team. "We are hungry, and the guy who is really leading is (Rajon) Rondo," Davis told reporters. "He's telling us how good we are and how good we can be. Where we are and everything. He's coming in with a new stat about if we don't win tonight and somebody else win. Or if we win, and all this stuff. He's been through all this before and won a championship. He's kind of been the leader of the team as far as this playoff race has gone." Davis is leading on the court as well and posted his fourth straight double-double with 34 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks on Saturday.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (42-38): Los Angeles may have been eliminated from contention with Saturday's loss, but that doesn't mean it plans on laying down for the last two games. "I think I have to play the (starters) against New Orleans, honestly," Clippers coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "I think we have to really go after that game. I think it's the - I just believe in protecting the league. You know what I'm saying? I just think that's what we should do, and I hope we do that." Leading scorer Lou Williams seems like he could use a break after going a combined 9-of-27 from the floor over the last two games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Clippers C DeAndre Jordan ranks second in the NBA in rebounding (15.3), three spots ahead of Davis (11.1).

2. Pelicans SG Ian Clark (ankle) sat out the last two games and is doubtful for Monday.

3. New Orleans earned a 121-116 win at Los Angeles on March 6 behind 41 points from Davis.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 125, Clippers 113

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Wynn

Free Play: Free Pick Minnesota w/Lynn +155 Over Houston

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Selection from Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Monday, April 9, 2018



4/09 07:35 PM PT / 10:35 PM ET

NBA (717) NEW ORLEANS PELICANS VS (718) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Take: (717) NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

Reason: Your free play for Monday, April 8, 2018 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the New Orleans Pelicans and the LA Clippers. Your free play is on the PELICANS.