Wednesday 4-11-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

11th April 2018 by Gracenote
The dream pitching quintet of the New York Mets will once again become reality as the team is expected to recall right-hander Zack Wheeler from Triple-A Las Vegas to make his debut in Wednesday's series finale versus the host Miami Marlins. Wheeler joins a red-hot Mets squad that has won seven straight and is off to the best 10-game start in franchise history.

Asdrubal Cabrera extended his hitting streak to nine games after launching a pair of solo homers - one from each side of the plate - in Tuesday's 8-6 triumph. The 32-year-old has collected 14 hits, eight runs scored and five RBIs during that stretch for NL East-leading New York (9-1), which owns a perfect 5-0 mark on the road. Cellar-dwelling Miami (3-8) is heading in the opposite direction with a 2-6 record at home while being outscored 51-20 en route to losing six of its last seven overall. Justin Bour showed signs of busting out of a slump with a pair of opposite-field, two-run homers on Tuesday while four-time All-Star Starlin Castro has hit safely in 10 of 11 contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (2017: 3-7, 5.21 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Jarlin Garcia (0-0, 1.80)

Wheeler joins Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey and Steven Matz in a rotation that had Mets fans salivating since 2015, although the potent contingent hasn't been healthy at the same time. "It's an awesome rotation. It speaks for itself," the 27-year-old Wheeler said. "I'm just happy to be a part of it. Hopefully I can stay here." Wheeler fared well in his lone start with the 51s, permitting one run on three hits and striking out six in five innings.

Garcia, who will make his first career start on Wednesday, was bidding to be a part of Miami's rotation in the spring before opening the season in the bullpen. The 25-year-old surrendered just one hit over six scoreless innings versus the Chicago Cubs on March 30 before allowing two runs on four hits in four frames against Philadelphia on Thursday. "I feel like he has two starts under his belt already," manager Don Mattingly said. "I think this will be good for Jarlin now that he knows he's a starter. He can get into his routine. He knows exactly when he's going to pitch, and he is throwing the ball really well."

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami rookie 3B Brian Anderson has hit safely in 10 of 11 games this season.

2. New York RHP Jeurys Familia has converted all six save opportunities this season and has yet to allow a run in eight innings.

3. Marlins LF Derek Dietrich has five hits in the series and carries a six-game hitting streak into Wednesday's contest.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Marlins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Pittsburgh Pirates are off to their best start since 1992, but they have plenty left to prove - starting with a statement about their status in the National League Central. The Pirates look to further legitimize themselves as contenders with a second straight road win over the division-favorite Chicago Cubs on Wednesday at Wrigley Field.


Pittsburgh continued its hot start with an 8-5 win Tuesday, spoiling the Cubs' home opener. Starling Marte and Francisco Cervelli went deep in the opener and Corey Dickerson had three hits, improving to 22-for-55 with 11 RBIs in 16 career games against the Cubs. Chicago's Javier Baez hit his first two home runs of the season Tuesday, and Kyle Schwarber snapped an 0-for-14 skid with two hits. The Cubs need stronger pitching, though, and they hope to get it Wednesday from veteran left-hander Jon Lester, who is 25-14 with a 3.23 ERA in 54 starts at Wrigley Field.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WGN (Chicago)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Steven Brault (2-0, 1.13 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (1-0, 2.89)

Brault wants to be a starter, and he made a strong case for staying in the rotation in his last start Thursday. The 25-year-old held Cincinnati to one run and three hits over five innings with four strikeouts, but he also issued four walks. Brault hasn't fared too well against the Cubs, posting a 7.90 ERA in 13 2/3 innings across five games (two starts).

After a rough outing on Opening Day, Lester was lights-out in his second start. The 34-year-old allowed just three hits and a walk over six scoreless innings at Milwaukee on Thursday, and he struck out six. Lester is 5-5 with a 3.23 ERA in 12 starts against the Pirates.


WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates closer LHP Felipe Rivero officially changed his last name to Vazquez, which was reflected on the back of his jersey for the first time Tuesday.

2. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant is 5-for-7 with a double and a homer against Brault.

3. Pittsburgh 1B Josh Bell went 2-for-5 on Tuesday and has reached base in all 10 games this season.


PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Pirates 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

11th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Angels lead the majors in runs scored (79), hits (128) and homers (20), and their offensive production likely won't be questioned by the Texas Rangers given the events of the last two days. Tied for the best 12-game start in franchise history, the Angels (9-3) have erupted for 19 runs and 31 hits against the Rangers (4-9) heading into Wednesday's series finale in Arlington, Texas.

Mike Trout belted a mammoth 441-foot homer to mark the second time he's gone deep in three outings and Albert Pujols recorded his second straight multi-hit performance and fourth during his seven-game hitting streak in Los Angeles' 11-1 romp over Texas on Tuesday. Pujols resides one RBI shy of tying Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx (1,925) for seventh place on the all-time list, although he is just 2-for-12 versus Wednesday starter Matt Moore. While the Angels' 9-3 start is matched by the franchise's 1979 and 1982 teams, the reeling Rangers' 3-10 mark is their worst since the 2002 season. Adrian Beltre had two hits to improve to 9-for-20 during his five-game hitting streak while Nomar Mazara has recorded multi-hit performances in five of his last eight outings.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jaime Barria (0-0, -.-- ERA) vs. Rangers LH Matt Moore (0-2, 11.05)

Signed by the Angels out of Panama at the tender age of 16, the now-21-year-old Barria is expected to be activated on Wednesday and make his major-league debut. He worked his way through High-A and Double-A before finishing with three starts in Triple-A Salt Lake last season in which he struck out 11 in 14 2/3 innings. "I thought this moment would come, just not so soon. I learned at each level. I threw innings across three different levels last year, and it went really well," said Barria, who boasts a low-90s fastball, a curveball and reportedly an above-average changeup.

Moore has limped out of the box by yielding 10 runs on 12 hits in pair of sub-par performances, with his four walks in 3 1/3 innings on Friday against Houston leaving plenty to be desired. The 28-year-old hopes to rebound when he faces the Angels, against whom he owns a 4-0 mark with a 1.78 ERA in five career outings. Trout is just 3-for-11 versus Moore, although Rene Rivera has gone deep twice among his three hits against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles C Martin Maldonado is 5-for-8 with four RBIs and two runs scored in the series.

2. Texas has lost all eight games in which an opponent has scored the first run.

3. Los Angeles 2B Zack Cozart has scored a run in six consecutive contests.

PREDICTION: Angels 7, Rangers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oakland Athletics vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

11th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Dodgers vie for their first three-game winning streak of the season when they host the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday in the final contest of their two-game interleague series. The Dodgers, whose first three victories of 2018 came against San Francisco, topped Oakland 4-0 in Tuesday's opener for their third shutout triumph.

Los Angeles belted three home runs in the win after hitting only four over its first nine games of the year, with Chris Taylor and Corey Seager beginning the first inning by going back-to-back. Cody Bellinger has recorded four multi-hit performances over his last seven games after going 0-for-9 in his first three contests. Khris Davis registered two of the five hits on Tuesday by Oakland, which has scored one run over its last two games after totaling 16 in its previous two. The Athletics are hoping it's the beginning of a hot stretch for the slugger, who was 3-for-29 in eight contests this month after going 4-for-10 over his first three games of the year.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (0-2, 6.55 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (0-1, 1.93)

Mengden will be glad to hit the road after losing his first two starts of the season at home to fall to 0-10 with a 6.45 ERA in 13 career turns at Oakland Coliseum. The 25-year-old native of Houston, who is 5-3 in 10 major-league road starts, is coming off a setback against Texas on Thursday in which he yielded four runs - three earned - and five hits in 5 1/3 innings. Mengden is 2-3 with his only career complete game - a shutout - and a 3.52 ERA in six career interleague starts but has yet to face Los Angeles.

After limiting San Francisco to one hit over eight scoreless innings of a no-decision in his season debut, Wood took the loss at Arizona last Wednesday despite giving up only three runs in six frames. The 27-year-old from North Carolina has 10 strikeouts without issuing a walk in his two turns and has not served up a home run. Wood is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA with six walks and just two strikeouts over 11 2/3 innings in two career starts against the Athletics.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics MGR Bob Melvin told reporters on Tuesday that OF Boog Powell (knee) will miss several weeks after injuring himself on Friday.

2. Seager registered 55 extra-base hits last season but had none this year prior to Tuesday's homer.

3. Oakland C Josh Phegley (fingers) went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts for Single-A Stockton on Tuesday as he began his rehab assignment.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Athletics 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Cavaliers are finishing the regular season strong and look to win for the 12th time in the past 14 games when they conclude the campaign against the visiting New York Knicks on Wednesday. Cleveland won 12 of the past 13 meetings against the Knicks, including a 123-109 victory on Monday in New York in the front end of the home-and-home set.

The Cavaliers are battling the red-hot Philadelphia 76ers for the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs but Monday's win was the squad's 50th of the season and also clinched the Central Division crown. "We've got one more at home and then like we always say, 'the real thing starts,'" All-Star power forward Kevin Love told reporters. "But yeah, 50 wins and a division title ... we're still happy with that, and home court (advantage in the first round). Ready to dial it in." While Cleveland is celebrating its fourth straight 50-win season, New York is playing out the end of its fourth consecutive 50-loss campaign. The Knicks lost 25 of their past 30 games and second-year coach Jeff Hornacek is expected to be fired following the season.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), FS Ohio (Cleveland)

ABOUT THE KNICKS (28-53): New York will be shorthanded similar to Monday's contest as center Enes Kanter (back) is slated to miss his sixth straight game, shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) is expected to miss his third in a row while point guard Emmanuel Mudiay (concussion) will definitely miss his third straight outing. Rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina stood out in Monday's game as the 19-year-old scored a season-high 17 points and also recorded six rebounds and five assists. Rookie shooting guard Damyean Dotson put together three straight double-digit outings, topped by the season-high 30 he scored against the Miami Heat last Friday.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (50-31): Forward LeBron James indicated he will play in the season finale - "I'm healthy, so I'm playing," James told reporters - and it will mark the first time he has played in all 82 regular-season games during his 15-year NBA career. "LeBron has led this charge and playing 81 out of 81 games," Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue told reporters after Monday's game. "It's very easy for a guy to sit down when you're going through the stuff we went through all season. I think he did a great job just leading by example, playing every game even though we were going through a tough stretch and tough stretches. I think he did a really good job of setting the tone for everyone." James has downplayed the possible accomplishment but the underlying belief is he is proud of being able to do it at age 33.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Knicks fared superbly in Cleveland on Oct. 29, when they held James to 16 points and rolled to a 114-95 victory.

2. Cavaliers swingman Rodney Hood (Achilles) will likely miss his second straight game.

3. New York SF Michael Beasley is averaging 16.5 points over the last two contests after missing the previous two due to a knee injury.

PREDICTION: Cavaliers 120, Knicks 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Toronto Raptors can reach 60 victories for the first time in franchise history Wednesday night when they visit the Miami Heat in the regular-season finale for both playoff-bound teams. The Raptors won their fourth straight and 59th game of the season - three more than their previous high - Monday with a 108-98 triumph at Detroit and can assure themselves home court if they should play Golden State in the finals with a win over Miami.

"We want sixty, because we know it would be a great achievement for our franchise," Toronto point guard Kyle Lowry told reporters. "The important thing, though, is what happens after the Miami game. We're ready. It doesn't matter who we play. We just have to play our game." Toronto will be the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the postseason and the Heat is in line for either the sixth, seventh or possibly the eighth spot after getting beaten by a combined 46 points in the last two games. "I've been to 13 playoffs now coming up," Heat veteran guard Dwyane Wade told reporters. "I've seen so many different scenarios and so many things happen at the last minute you just never know. It doesn't matter. We're in the playoffs, whoever we play, we play, man." However, Miami would like a better performance to go into the postseason with after a 122-98 loss at the New York Knicks Friday and getting outscored 39-12 in the fourth quarter of a 22-point loss to Oklahoma City at home Monday.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TSN (Toronto), FS Sun (Miami)

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (59-22): Toronto shot 52.9 percent from the field and received 25 points along with nine rebounds from center Jonas Valanciunas in the victory at Detroit on Monday. "We are taking these last games seriously, because now isn't the time to let any bad habits into our game," coach Dwane Casey told reporters. "This week is about sharpening your habits to be ready for next week." Toronto will rely on the backcourt duo of DeMar DeRozan (23.1 points, 5.2 assists) and Lowry (16.1, 6.9), who has averaged 8.3 assists in his last three games.

ABOUT THE HEAT (43-38): The margin in the final 12 minutes Monday was the third worst in a quarter in franchise history, but Miami is 13-9 overall since its worst stretch of the season in early February (1-8) to return to the playoffs after a one-year absence. "We had a lot of good things going, and then it was a combination of them marching to the free-throw line and us not executing at the other end," coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after Monday's loss. Leading scorer Goran Dragic (17.3) hopes to rebound from a 2-for-10 shooting night against Oklahoma City.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Wade, who has averaged 12.1 points in 20 games since coming over from Chicago, was 5-for-19 from the field in his last two contests.

2. Toronto F Serge Ibaka, who is third on the team in scoring (12.8) and second in rebounding (6.4), rested Monday and could return for the finale.

3. The Raptors won five of the last seven meetings, including the 2015-16 playoffs, after the teams split the first two matchups this season.

PREDICTION: Raptors 108, Heat 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Oklahoma City Thunder are trying to finish the regular season on a high note to get the best seed they possibly can and take some momentum into the postseason. The Memphis Grizzlies, who visit the Thunder in the regular season finale on Wednesday, are trying to carry some momentum into their offseason after dropping into the lottery.

Oklahoma City turned in a pair of impressive road wins in the last two games with victories at Houston and Miami to clinch its spot in the Western Conference playoffs and can finish sixth or better with a win on Wednesday. "It's obviously something that we come into the season playing for, that time of the year to get to the ultimate goal," Thunder star point guard Russell Westbrook told reporters of clinching. "Definitely a great blessing with a bunch of great guys." Oklahoma City could finish as high as fourth place in the West and earn homecourt advantage with a win and some help in the finale. The Grizzlies missed out on chances to play spoiler with losses to Utah, Portland, New Orleans and Minnesota among their last six contests and are playing out the string while giving young players long looks.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Memphis), FS Oklahoma

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (22-59): Memphis has been accused of tanking for draft lottery position with some of the lineups it is putting on the floor, but interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff insists that is not the case. "Every time they step on the floor they compete to win and that's the sign of what you want in your program," Bickerstaff told reporters. "Everybody from the outside can say whatever they want to say, that's just a distraction. You step on the court every night. ... It's disrespectful to say those guys are tanking and trying to lose because those guys that are on the floor every night have something to prove. Whether it's here, whether it's somewhere else, if it's another team, you know, these guys want to stick." Rookie power forward Ivan Rabb is trying to stick and scored 14 points on Monday to reach double figures for the third time in the last four games.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (47-34): Westbrook needs 16 rebounds on Wednesday to average a triple-double for the second straight season after grabbing 18 boards in Monday's 115-93 win over the Heat. "He's got a unique ability as a guy that's been able to impact the game with his scoring, his rebounding and his assists, but for me as a coach the most important thing as a coach is can we build off these last two games on the road and play better and make some improvements and strides," Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan told reporters. "Just being around Russell, I know he's not wrapped up at all in that stuff. He's more wrapped up in winning." Westbrook joined Oscar Robertson as the only players in history to average a triple-double last season and would become the first to accomplish the feat in multiple campaigns.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Grizzlies SG MarShon Brooks is averaging 22 points in six games since joining the team.

2. Thunder PF Jerami Grant is shooting 70.4 percent from over the last five games.

3. Oklahoma City took the last six in the series, including a 110-92 home win on Feb. 11.

PREDICTION: Thunder 121, Grizzlies 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
Some of the drama was taken out of Wednesday's meeting when the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Pelicans each clinched a playoff berth on Monday, but that doesn't mean the regular season finale is meaningless. The Pelicans and the Spurs will be fighting for seeding in the crowded Western Conference when they meet in New Orleans on Wednesday.

Both teams could finish as high as fourth in the West with a win and some help on the season's final day. "It's a good feeling, but we know we're not done," Pelicans All-Star forward Anthony Davis told reporters after a 113-100 victory at the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday clinched the playoff spot. "Our goal wasn't just to get here, but to make some noise, so we've got another one Wednesday, which will be a good one, our last home, and then see where we're seeded and try to go win some series." The Spurs clinched their 21st consecutive postseason appearance with a win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday and are heading to the playoffs despite MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard playing in just nine games this season. "It's like we've said in any other year: We want to be the best team we can be come playoff time," San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. "I think at this point, other than our road play, we've gotten to the point where we know our team pretty well. We're as good as we can get. We've got a lot of guys that have really progressed. ... Hopefully we'll finish it the right way."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (San Antonio), FS New Orleans

ABOUT THE SPURS (47-34): San Antonio's rash of injuries forced the team to lean harder on 40-year-old guard Manu Ginobili, and he responded with 17 points in each of the last two games. "Sometimes you have got to adjust your goals relative to your potential and the way you have been playing, the way the season is going," Ginobili told reporters. "We have to be realistic. Maybe we are not the favorites this year, or it was not going to be a 60-win season like the previous ones. ... The goal was to make the playoffs. Once we clinched, then we could talk about standings. The way the West is this year, it's crazy. Everything is so clogged, so tight that at this point, we are happy to have it clinched." LaMarcus Aldridge is the backbone of the team with Leonard out and he is averaging 25.7 points 10.8 rebounds over the last six games.

ABOUT THE PELICANS (47-34): New Orleans was left for dead when All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins went down with a season-ending Achilles injury at the end of January but instead surged behind Davis and a strong cast of role players. "We're excited. We've done a good job of just hanging in," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "We've had some ups and downs along the way. Obviously losing DeMarcus was a huge, huge blow for us. ... (Davis) did a great job of stepping up for our team, and Jrue (Holiday). ... We're looking forward to playing in the playoffs." Davis led the way with 28 points in Monday's clinching victory.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Spurs SF Rudy Gay scored in double figures in each of the last five games and is averaging 16.4 points on 56.1 percent shooting in that span.

2. Pelicans SG Ian Clark (ankle) returned from a two-game absence on Monday and scored 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting.

3. New Orleans took the first two meetings this season but lost at San Antonio 98-93 in the most recent matchup on March 15.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 108, Spurs 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
The final day of the regular season will decide seeding in each conference and give several teams a chance to get healthy or build momentum heading into the playoffs, but only one game is win or go home. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, and the winner will advance to the postseason while the loser heads to the offseason earlier than anticipated.

The Timberwolves were in third place in the Western Conference at several points this season and could still finish as high as fifth with a win on Wednesday and some help, or they could miss the playoffs and continue a tough stretch in which the franchise has not qualified for the postseason since 2004. "Don't nobody like losing," Minnesota All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler told reporters. "Nobody in this locker room does at least. I think this city deserves to be in the playoffs. We're the only ones who control that. ... If we win this game Wednesday, I think that puts us in the playoffs, right? So that's what we've got to do." The Nuggets are coming in hot with wins in the last six games and are well acquainted with win or go home basketball after needing a win to stay alive on Monday. Denver managed to overcome an 11-point, second-half deficit and earn an 88-82 victory while holding Portland to 13 points in the fourth quarter.

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

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (46-35): Denver center Nikola Jokic is driving the team forward and collected 15 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists in Monday's win for his second straight triple-double and 10th of the season. The 23-year-old is averaging 23.7 points, 16 rebounds and 8.2 assists during the six-game winning streak but suffered through his worst shooting night of the stretch in a 100-96 home win over Minnesota on Thursday, when he went 6-of-20 from the floor. Shooting guard Gary Harris missed that meeting with a knee injury but returned from an 11-game absence on Monday and eased back into the rotation with 12 points in 18 minutes off the bench.

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (46-35): Minnesota picked up wins in the last two games, coinciding with Butler's return from knee surgery. The veteran swingman played 23 minutes against the Lakers and the Grizzlies and averaged 16.5 points while going a combined 10-of-18 from the floor, and he was not afraid to call out his team after it fell behind the lowly Grizzlies by 10 points in the first half on Monday. "We were just playing soft," Butler told reporter. "We tend to do that from time to time. Whenever we play hard, good things happen."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Timberwolves PF Taj Gibson (neck) was limited to eight minutes on Monday and is questionable for Wednesday.

2. Nuggets SF Will Barton is averaging 20.3 points during the winning streak, raising his season mark to 15.6.

3. Denver snapped a four-game losing streak in the series with Thursday's win and is looking for its first victory at Minnesota since Nov. 3, 2016.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 116, Timberwolves 110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Detroit Pistons were the last team to be eliminated from playoff competition in the Eastern Conference and are slumping to the finish with losses in three of the last four games. The Pistons will try to go into the offseason on a high note when they visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday in the regular season finale.

Detroit did not win a postseason in any of the last four years under head coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy, and owner Tom Gores is ready to shake things up. "I think we've got to make some changes," Gores told reporters. "I'm just not sure what they are. (Van Gundy's) been working the whole season, so I need to hear from Stan. But I can tell you this: He's just an extremely dedicated man. I think he's been good for our franchise. That I know for sure." The Bulls are going through some changes as well and are at the beginning of their rebuilding phase but are excited about a future built around young players like Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine. Markkanen is the only healthy one of those three heading into the final game.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE PISTONS (38-43): Detroit's season began to go south when point guard Reggie Jackson went down with a severe ankle injury on Dec. 26 that caused him to miss nearly three months, and he is one of many players that would like to see what the team is capable of when fully healthy. "Just not us being healthy has been the tough part," Jackson told reporters. "I'm happy with the way we competed. Hopefully, we can have a more healthy year next year." Star forward Blake Griffin sat out the last seven games with an ankle bruise and is not expected to play on Wednesday.

ABOUT THE BULLS (27-54): Markkanen struggled to 10 points on 3-of-14 shooting in Monday's 114-105 loss at Brooklyn but became the first Chicago rookie since Elton Brand in 2000 to reach at least 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. "His work ethic is one of his best attributes and he's going to continue to get better and better," Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters of Markkanen. "We put the ball in his hands more as the year has gone on and the confidence he's shooting the ball with now, it's been a lot of fun to watch. He's made so many strides and shown he's going to be a special player in this league. The kid is an absolute winner." Markkanen is averaging 15.1 points and 7.5 rebounds in 67 games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Bulls SG Sean Kilpatrick is averaging 15.6 points in eight games since joining the team.

2. Pistons SF Stanley Johnson is 5-of-21 from the floor over the last two games and is shooting 37.3 percent on the season.

3. Detroit is looking for its first win at Chicago since April 2, 2016.

PREDICTION: Pistons 108, Bulls 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

11th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia 76ers have a chance to lock up the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference when they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday in the finale of the regular season for both teams. The 76ers' 15th consecutive victory - the longest in a single season in franchise history - was a 121-113 triumph at Atlanta on Tuesday and they own a one-game lead on fourth-place Cleveland entering the final day of the regular season.

"We know it's a big game," rookie guard Ben Simmons told reporters. "[The Bucks] are coming in to win, also. So for us, you have to be locked in as soon as the [Hawks game] is over and be ready for the next game." There's a chance that Philadelphia could open up the postseason at home against these very same Bucks, who clinch sixth place with a victory in this matchup. Milwaukee closed out the Bradley Center with a 102-86 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday. It was the Bucks' seventh win in the past 10 games and left them a game ahead of Miami and Washington entering the season's final day.

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

ABOUT THE BUCKS (44-37): Milwaukee's final seeding means very little compared to the health of superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed the last two games with an ankle ailment. Jabari Parker started in place of Antetokounmpo the last two games and is averaging 16 points and 10.5 rebounds in that span while point guard Eric Bledsoe continues to run the show and recorded his fourth career triple-double in the win over the Magic. "Bled's huge for this team and we've been very consistent with that," coach Joe Prunty told reporters. "For as good as he was statistically tonight, there's a lot of things that you don't see in the stat sheet that he impacts the game with, in particular his ability to pressure the ball and defend and that's critical for us."

ABOUT THE 76ERS (51-30): The last seven of Philadelphia's wins have come without All-Star center Joel Embiid, who is not expected to make it back from a fractured orbital bone by the time the playoffs begin. "I think it's just trying to get him with the ball in his hands -- touch a ball," coach Brett Brown said Tuesday on 97.5 The Fanatic. "At some point soon really focus on the cardio side of it all. All of those things that will equal him playing an incredibly physical, fast playoff game. Right now we're starting to make inroads but I think it would be misleading to suggest that he could play in Game 1." The Sixers also lost forward Dario Saric at Atlanta when he cut his lip and chipped a tooth in a collision, and he is considered questionable for Wednesday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Sixers SG JJ Redick is averaging 24.8 points over the last four games.

2. Bledsoe has posted an average of 24.7 points over a six-game stretch.

3. The Sixers can become the first team in NBA history to win the final 16 games of a regular season.

PREDICTION: 76ers 108, Bucks 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

11th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Boston Celtics play their final tune-up before the postseason when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday in the finale of the regular season for both teams. The Celtics are locked into the No. 2 seed for the upcoming Eastern Conference playoffs but have lost four of their last five after a 113-101 setback at Washington on Tuesday.

Jaylen Brown, who will be relied upon to carry a depleted Boston squad in the postseason, scored 21 of his 27 points in the first quarter of the loss. Brown's fellow starters combined to shoot 10-of-40 from the floor as the Celtics - who will face either Milwaukee, Miami or Washington in the first round of the playoffs - shot 37.9 percent as a team. "There has to be concern," forward Al Horford told reporters. "We know it's the second-to-last game of the season. We have to be better." The Nets are playing out the string but they're playing it out well while enjoying their first three-game winning streak of the season.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, YES (Brooklyn), NBCS Boston

ABOUT THE NETS (28-53): Among those ending with a flourish is guard Allen Crabbe, who made 8-of-11 3-pointers en route to a career-high 41 points in Monday's 114-105 victory over Chicago. "Things are maybe turning that corner that we wanted to get a little early in the season, but it's better late than never," Crabbe told reporters of Brooklyn's current run. The Cal product needs four 3-pointers to become the first player in franchise history to make 200 in a season.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (54-27): With Kyrie Irving (knee) out for the postseason and Marcus Smart (thumb) sidelined for another two weeks or so, Brown has become the go-to guy down the stretch. He made 6-of-10 3-pointers in Tuesday's loss, which came two games after a 7-of-10 effort in a win over the Chicago Bulls, and has scored at least 19 points in five of nine games since returning from a concussion. Fellow starting guard Terry Rozier had filled in admirably in place of Irving but is just 10-of-38 from the floor in four games since returning from an ankle injury.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Brooklyn is 1-14 against division opponents.

2. Celtics C Greg Monroe is 19-for-24 from the field over a three-game span.

3. Boston won each of the last eight meetings, including the first three this season by a total of 12 points.

PREDICTION: Celtics 103, Nets 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Wizards vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

11th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Washington Wizards go into the final day of the regular season with plenty to play for and could finish as high as sixth in the Eastern Conference with a win over the Orlando Magic. After knocking off Boston 113-101 on Tuesday, the Wizards were in eighth place in the East but with the same record as seventh-place Miami and just a game back of Milwaukee in sixth.

Regardless of where Washington ends up, it was simply pleased to get back into the win column after a four-game slide in which it allowed an average of 113.8 points. "We got into the ball, we got into the pin downs, we got into the passing lanes, we defended. We defended the way we have to going into the playoffs," coach Scott Brooks told reporters Tuesday. The Magic enter the finale a half-game up on Atlanta for the worst record in the East. They suffered a third straight defeat with Monday's 102-86 setback at Milwaukee, committing 20 turnovers and hitting just 5-of-24 3-pointers.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington, FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (43-38): Tuesday's win did not come without an issue, as forward Otto Porter Jr. left the game with a calf strain and is not expected to play in the finale. John Wall, who collected his 5,000th career assist in a 29-point, 12-assist effort against the Celtics, is not expected to see any action in the finale as well. Bradley Beal scored 19 points in Tuesday's win and hopes to be on target again against the Magic after shooting 59.5 percent against them through the first three meetings.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (24-57): Nikola Vucevic stuffed the stat sheet in Monday's loss with 17 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in 29 solid minutes. The loss dropped Orlando to 16-53 since its 8-4 start and the players can only hope that there was a lesson learned in losing that early momentum. "Complacency. I think that is kind of what happens to a young team with early wins," forward Aaron Gordon - who had six of the team's turnovers at Milwaukee - told the media of the fast start and poor play thereafter.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Washington earns the sixth seed with a win and losses by Milwaukee (at Philadelphia) and Miami (vs. Toronto).

2. Magic C Khem Birch is averaging 11 points and 8.6 rebounds in 22.4 minutes over the last five games.

3. The Wizards averaged 123.3 points in winning each of the first three meetings.

PREDICTION: Wizards 114, Magic 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

11th April 2018 by Gracenote
The No. 3 seed in the Western Conference is on the line Wednesday, when the Utah Jazz visit the Portland Trail Blazers. The streaking Jazz have won six straight and 29 of their last 34 games after dismantling Golden State 119-79 on Tuesday, while Portland has dropped its last four contests.

The loser of Wednesday's matchup risks opening a first-round playoff series on the road, and both teams are well aware of the importance of the result. "Portland is a really tough place to play," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said during Tuesday's postgame press conference. "It is an important game from a seeding standpoint... You want to have the opportunity to have homecourt." The Jazz are 2-1 this season against the Trail Blazers, who are craving a victory to get back on track in addition to securing home-floor advantage. "I think we're playing good basketball," Trail Blazers All-Star point guard Damian Lillard told reporters. "Just playing against desperate teams, teams trying to make it happen - and now it comes down to one game."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Utah), NBCS Northwest (Portland)

ABOUT THE JAZZ (48-33): Donovan Mitchell arrived for Tuesday's contest wearing a shirt displaying the definition of a rookie, clearly taking a shot at Philadelphia's Ben Simmons, a player who missed all of last season with a foot injury and is battling Mitchell for Rookie of the Year honors. Mitchell, who scored 22 points against Golden State, made four 3-pointers to raise his season total to 186 - surpassing the NBA rookie record previously held by Lillard (185 in 2012-13). "It's incredible," Mitchell said in a postgame television interview. "I wouldn't be able to do it without my teammates and without my coaching staff having faith and trust in me. I'm thankful to be in this spot."

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (48-33): Backup forward Ed Davis (ankle) returned from a four-game absence to collect five rebounds in 15 minutes of Monday's 88-82 loss to Denver, and coach Terry Stotts made it clear he appreciates the 28-year-old, who averages 5.3 points and 7.4 rebounds. "What he offers on the court is unique, as far as his rebounding, his screen setting, his finishing around the paint, all those things," Stotts told reporters. "His presence in the locker room, his presence on the bench, just the intangibles. He's been a very integral part of what we've done this year." Jusuf Nurkic is on a roll with four straight double-doubles after contributing 20 points and 19 rebounds in the loss to Denver.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Jazz averaged 113.5 points in their two victories over the Trail Blazers but were walloped 100-81 in their loss.

2. Lillard has scored at least 25 points in each of his last four games, averaging 28.5 during the stretch.

3. Utah G Dante Exum (left lower leg soreness) is questionable after departing Tuesday's contest.

PREDICTION: Jazz 107, Trail Blazers 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview and Predictions 04-11-2018

11th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Clippers look to continue their recent domination over the Los Angeles Lakers when the teams conclude their seasons on Wednesday at Staples Center. The host Clippers have won each of this campaign's three previous meetings to stretch their winning streak in the all-time series to six games and have prevailed in 17 of the last 18 matchups.

Both teams are outsiders in terms of the postseason as the Clippers have collapsed down the stretch with three straight losses and five of their last six games. The Clippers made the playoffs each of the previous six seasons, but the offseason departure of point guard Chris Paul and the midseason trade of power forward Blake Griffin is leading to a transition period. The Lakers have dropped 11 of their last 14 games after losing 105-99 to Houston on Tuesday and are concluding their fifth straight losing campaign. The Lakers again will be without rookie point guard Lonzo Ball (knee), Brandon Ingram (concussion) and Kyle Kuzma (ankle).

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers), Prime Ticket (Clippers)

ABOUT THE LAKERS (34-47): The shortage of players led to the organization dipping into its G League affiliate to recall 32-year-old journeyman Andre Ingram, who produced a feel-good story by scoring 19 points in his NBA debut after playing 10 seasons in the minors. The 6-3 Ingram, who serves as a math tutor during offseasons, made 6-of-8 shots - including 4-of-5 from 3-point range, the latter fitting for a player who is the G League's all-time leader with 713 3-pointers. "There were times, of course, where it didn't seem like it would happen," Ingram said in a postgame television interview of reaching the NBA. "I kept coming back because I generally felt like I was close. I passed up a lot of overseas opportunities because I wanted to play in this league."

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (42-39): Sharpshooter Lou Williams (ankle) is expected back after sitting out Monday's 113-100 loss to New Orleans as he looks to put the finishing touches on one of the top seasons by a Sixth Man in NBA history. Williams is averaging a career-best 22.6 points overall, but his 21.9 average in 60 games off the bench is the highest by a reserve since Milwaukee's Paul Pierce averaged 23 in 1989-90. Williams also is averaging a career-high 5.3 assists and will become the first player in NBA history to average 20 points and five assists as a reserve.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Clippers have won 11 straight in the series when designated as the "home" team.

2. Lakers rookie G Josh Hart scored 20 points versus the Rockets and is averaging 21.7 points during the stretch.

3. Clippers G Austin Rivers (elbow) is questionable after sitting out Monday.

PREDICTION: Clippers 115, Lakers 111