Wednesday 10-24-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls Preview and Predictions 10-24-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 23rd October 2018 by Gracenote
Hornets vs. Bulls Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/23/2018

The Charlotte Hornets have playoff aspirations this season but struggled in a big road test against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference on Monday. The Hornets will try to bounce back and end a four-game road trip on a high note when they visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday in the first of a home-and-home set.

Charlotte, which will host the Bulls on Friday, knocked off Orlando and Miami to begin the road trip but struggled to defend on Monday and allowed the Raptors to shoot 57.5 percent from the floor in a 127-106 setback. "(Toronto) came in with an aggressive mentality. We just didn't match their physicality, their energy," Hornets coach James Borrego told reporters. "Against a team like this, you have to make them feel you early. I think we let them get into a rhythm." The Bulls aren't especially stout on the defensive end while allowing an average of 122 points in three straight losses to begin the season. "Each and every year I've been with the Bulls we've gone through stretches where we couldn't find our way," forward Bobby Portis told the team's website. "Obviously, for a young team it's hard to find a win in this league. We can do a lot of things."

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

ABOUT THE HORNETS (2-2): All-Star guard Kemba Walker was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week after averaging 35.3 points in the first three games and was solid again with 26 points on 11-of-22 shooting on Monday but could not quite guide Charlotte to a win. Walker could use more help from the starting frontcourt after watching Marvin Williams and Cody Zeller combine for six points on 3-of-8 shooting in the loss to the Raptors. Reserve center Willy Hernangomez was the lone non-guard to score in double figures in the loss, recording 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting in 18 minutes.

ABOUT THE BULLS (0-3): Guard Zach LaVine is averaging 32.2 points and was 11-of-15 from the floor in Monday's 115-109 loss to Dallas but is attuned to the realities of the young roster. "We have to figure out how to win," LaVine told reporters. "... We have a lot of talent, a lot of good dudes on this team. But we have to learn how to win and we haven't done that yet. Once we figure it out, we can start talking about other goals and other things. But we have to be able to come back from a deficit and still get a win." Point guard Kris Dunn suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee during his season debut on Monday and will be sidelined four to six weeks.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Bulls PF Jabari Parker is averaging 16 points after scoring a season-high 20 at Dallas on Monday.

2. Charlotte SG Malik Monk scored in double figures in each of the first four games.

3. Chicago took three of the four meetings last season.

PREDICTION: Bulls 110, Hornets 108

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indiana Pacers vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview and Predictions 10-24-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 23rd October 2018 by Gracenote
Pacers vs. Spurs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/23/2018

The San Antonio Spurs are a franchise in transition and they look to win for the third time in four games this season when they host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. The revamped Spurs are banking that standout guard DeMar DeRozan will be a good fit with power forward LaMarcus Aldridge and the early returns are favorable.

DeRozan was acquired from the Toronto Raptors in the deal for disgruntled Kawhi Leonard and he is averaging a team-best 29.3 points with his low output through three games being 28. Aldridge regained his go-to role last season while Leonard was injured and he is averaging 23.3 points after exploding for 37 in Monday's 143-142 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pacers are playing the second game of a stretch in which five of six are on the road and coach Nate McMillan is hoping for a better offensive showing then Monday's 101-91 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. "I thought our shot selection was poor," McMillan told reporters of the 39.6 percent effort. "We didn't have ball movement. Basically we were taking quick shots and taking quick, contested shots."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Indiana, FS Southwest (San Antonio)

ABOUT THE PACERS (2-2): Shooting guard Victor Oladipo has strung together three straight 20-point efforts but he wasn't impressed with his play while scoring 20 on 8-of-23 shooting against Minnesota. "I've got to do a better job with my shot selection, seeing guys coming, seeing the weak side coming over and stuff like that," Oladipo told reporters. "It is something we've got to get better at -- making the right decisions offensively and stuff." Point guard Darren Collison is off to a slow start with averages of seven points and 4.3 assists.

ABOUT THE SPURS (2-1): DeRozan recorded 32 points and a career-best 14 assists in the win over the Lakers but it was neither he nor Aldridge who hit the winning shot. Veteran Patty Mills connected on the decisive jumper with 6.8 seconds left and the player in his eighth season with the team is now the longest tenured player with the franchise. "It's always good when you make shots or make an impact," Mills said afterward. "Other than that shot, it was a team victory. It was a gutsy win. Everyone participated."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Pacers swept two games from the Spurs last season and their win in San Antonio was just their second in the past 16 visits.

2. San Antonio is averaging 13 3-points baskets per game with G Bryn Forbes leading the team with 10.

3. Indiana F TJ Leaf (ankle) is expected to return after a three-game absence.

PREDICTION: Spurs 109, Pacers 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview and Predictions 10-24-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 24th October 2018 by Gracenote
76ers vs. Bucks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/24/2018

The Milwaukee Bucks are seeking their first 4-0 start since the 2001-02 campaign when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Milwaukee has thrived under first-year coach Mike Budenholzer as it is averaging 118.3 points during the strong start.

Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo says he isn't yet comfortable with Budenholzer's offensive style, but he is off to a superb start by averaging 27.3 points, 16 rebounds and 5.7 assists. "It's the third game of the season, new coach, new game plan," Antetokounmpo told reporters after Monday's 124-113 victory over New York. "I'm just trying to figure it out, and I will. When I do, it's going to be so easy. I'll be a beast out there." Philadelphia will attempt to bounce back from Tuesday's 133-132 overtime loss to Detroit, a contest in which it allowed Blake Griffin to score a career-best 50 points. Point guard Ben Simmons (back) sat out the game and his availability will be determined prior to Wednesday's contest.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE 76ERS (2-2): Simmons exited Saturday's victory over Orlando in the first half, and his back didn't respond well enough to treatments for him to play against Detroit. Asked by reporters if he will return to face the Bucks, Simmons said, "There's no point in rushing. It's only the fourth game. Let's just see how it feels." Center Joel Embiid (33 points, 11 rebounds) missed a potential winning shot at the buzzer Tuesday while shooting guard JJ Redick (30 points) has reached the 30-point mark in back-to-back games, going 14-for-28 from 3-point range during that stretch.

ABOUT THE BUCKS (3-0): Antetokounmpo isn't the only player off to a torrid start as swingman Khris Middleton is averaging 24 points and is a scorching-hot 15-for-23 from 3-point range. The 6-8 Middleton was 7-for-8 from 3-point range - and 11-for-14 overall - while scoring 30 points against the Knicks, and Budenholzer feels he can develop into one of the NBA's top 3-point shooters. "We feel like he puts a lot of work and time into his craft," Budenholzer told reporters. "We're going to create great opportunities for everybody, including Khris. And he's done it before."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split last season's four meetings, with the home team winning each time.

2. Philadelphia rookie G Landry Shamet made his first career start in place of Simmons and recorded five points in 24 minutes.

3. Milwaukee PG Eric Bledsoe registered 13 assists against the Knicks, three shy of his career best.

PREDICTION: Bucks 116, 76ers 112

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Preview and Predictions 10-24-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 23rd October 2018 by Gracenote
Lakers vs. Suns Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/23/2018

The arrival of LeBron James isn't translating into victories as the winless Los Angeles Lakers visit the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. James missed a potential winning 3-pointer in Monday's 143-142 overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs as his new club dropped to 0-3.

James maintains he isn't frustrated by the winless start -- "I know what I got myself into," he said -- but it is clear he is expecting some victories to soon be part of the equation. "We're going to continue to get better," James said after the loss to the Spurs. "I like the direction we're going in. Obviously, it's not resulting in the wins right now, but it's such a long process." Phoenix has dropped back-to-back contests but is pleased with building block Deandre Ayton, who had 20 points and 14 rebounds in Monday's 123-103 loss to the Golden State Warriors. "Every game I play I learn from it," Ayton told reporters. "This game I learned about how fast we can move. Those guys are grown men and they were running faster than us. We've just got to keep up our energy and not come out slow and really lock in on defense."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles), FS Arizona

ABOUT THE LAKERS (0-3): James recorded 32 points, 14 assists and eight rebounds in the loss to San Antonio but is just 3-of-19 from 3-point range after missing the game's last shot. "We'll take LeBron going to his left on a step-back jumper for game every single night," Los Angeles coach Luke Walton said after the contest. "He is going to hit most of those. Players making plays." Small forward Kyle Kuzma was the team's best player on Monday as he poured in 37 points on 15-of-25 shooting and collected eight rebounds in 45 minutes.

ABOUT THE SUNS (1-2): Small forward TJ Warren is serving in a reserve role after the offseason additions of Ryan Anderson and Trevor Ariza and he played the part well in the loss to Golden State by scoring 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting in 24 minutes. The fifth-year pro accepted the challenge of being sixth man and has been a "spark plug" in the eyes of star shooting guard Devin Booker. "No matter what's going on, he can play well," Booker told reporters. "He knows how to play the game of basketball and it shows. He's that piece that we need."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Lakers went 3-1 against the Suns last season.

2. Booker has scored at least 25 points in all three games and is averaging 29.3.

3. Los Angeles SF Brandon Ingram will miss the second of a four-game suspension and PG Rajon Rondo will sit out the second of a three-game suspension related to their actions in Sunday's game against the Houston Rockets.

PREDICTION: Suns 119, Lakers 114

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings Preview and Predictions 10-24-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 24th October 2018 by Gracenote
Grizzlies vs. Kings Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/24/2018

The Memphis Grizzlies look to record their third straight victory when they conclude a brief two-game road trip against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. Memphis stunned Utah 92-84 on Monday in the opening game of the trek despite shooting just 36.9 percent from the field.

The Grizzlies had issues putting the ball in the basket and adjusted by increasing their defensive intensity as they held the Jazz to 35.4 percent shooting while forcing them to miss 12 of their first 13 fourth-quarter shots. "It says we've got a lot of grit on this team," point guard Mike Conley told reporters. "We've got a lot of guys who've got a lot to prove, play with a lot of energy. We play together. We stick together through adversity." Sacramento's defense has been atrocious, and Tuesday's 126-111 loss to Denver reduced their average points allowed to 129.5. The Kings are home for two contests after going 1-2 on a three-game road trip and then head back out on the road for four games.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Memphis), NBCS California (Sacramento)

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (2-1): Marc Gasol is coming off a solid outing against the Jazz as he posted 18 points and 13 rebounds while outplaying Utah's Rudy Gobert, who scored seven of his 11 points after Memphis' center fouled out with 3:41 remaining. Gasol was bothered by a sore back that limited his effectiveness over the first two games - he averaged just 6.5 rebounds - but appeared much more mobile against Utah. "He's kind of the horse that pulls the plow," coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters. "Time and time again, when called upon, he goes out and does the job."

ABOUT THE KINGS (1-3): Second overall draft pick Marvin Bagley III had his best game as a pro on Tuesday, when he scored 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting while also recording nine rebounds and five blocked shots. The 19-year-old forward averaged 17.3 points and eight boards during the road trip and has the look of a player who soon will to be promoted to the starting lineup. Second-year point guard De'Aaron Fox will look to bounce back against Memphis after scoring just six points on 2-of-8 shooting against Denver to follow up a hot start during which he averaged 20.7 points over the first three games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Grizzlies posted two 18-point victories over the Kings last season, while Sacramento's win was by one point.

2. Kings backup SF Justin Jackson is averaging 14 points on 11-of-17 shooting over the last two games.

3. Conley scored a season-best 23 points despite going 6-for-20 from the field against the Jazz.

PREDICTION: Kings 109, Grizzlies 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 10-24-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 23rd October 2018 by Gracenote
Wizards vs. Warriors Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/23/2018

The Golden State Warriors bounced back from their first loss in impressive fashion on Monday while showing off the full range of their offensive gifts. The Warriors will try to make it two in a row on Wednesday, when they host a Washington Wizards squad coming off their first victory.

Golden State came out flat and committed 19 turnovers in a 100-98 loss at Denver on Sunday but was a different team at home the next night, shooting 51.1 percent from the floor and cutting the turnovers to 14 in a 121-103 rout of the Phoenix Suns. "That looked like our team," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters. "The purpose of each possession, just driving and kicking and trying to get guys better shots and playing together. It was a good night." The Wizards began their five-game road trip by outlasting the Portland Trail Blazers 125-124 in overtime on Monday to earn their first win. "It was a great win for us," Washington coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "A lot of good plays, and finally, the ball bounced our way."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State)

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (1-2): Washington rode a small-ball lineup featuring Markieff Morris at center to the win on Monday and plans to stick with that group whenever it needs a spark. "I think that's the best basketball we played, obviously all year, but just for a while," shooting guard Bradley Beal told reporters. "Because it's fun out there. It's fun. Everybody touched it. Everybody was involved and everything was clicking on both ends." Morris ended up scoring 28 points while going 6-of-10 from 3-point range in 25 minutes.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (3-1): Golden State has no problem going small and regularly uses power forward Draymond Green at the center spot, though the team is committed to working center Damion Jones into the mix. The 23-year-old Vanderbilt product scored 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting in Monday's win and is shooting 85 percent from the floor while averaging 21 minutes through the first four games. Superstar point guard Stephen Curry is off to a hot start as well and is averaging 30.5 points on 52.9 percent shooting, including 46.8 percent from 3-point range.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Washington C Dwight Howard (back) has yet to make his team debut and is not traveling with the team.

2. Warriors PG Shaun Livingston (knee) sat out the last two games and is questionable for Wednesday.

3. Golden State took both meetings last season and seven of the last eight in the series.

PREDICTION: Warriors 120, Wizards 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Winnipeg Jets Preview and Predictions 10-24-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 23rd October 2018 by Gracenote
Maple Leafs vs. Jets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/23/2018

The Toronto Maple Leafs answered five consecutive wins to highlight a sizzling start to the season by cooling off with two straight losses. Auston Matthews and company bid to heat up again as the Maple Leafs put their undefeated road record on the line Wednesday against Patrik Laine and the Winnipeg Jets, who are 5-0-1 at Bell MTS Place this season and 14-0-1 dating back to 2017-18.

Toronto had scored an NHL-best 33 goals in seven games to open the season before being shut out by Pittsburgh and mustering defenseman Morgan Rielly's lone goal in a 4-1 setback against St. Louis on Saturday. Rielly's 14 points are two shy of Matthews - the top overall pick of the 2016 NHL Draft - for the team lead with the Maple Leafs, who will head home to host the Jets on Saturday. Mark Scheifele matched a career high with a four-point performance (two goals, two assists) and defenseman Jacob Trouba scored in overtime on Monday as Winnipeg improved to 4-0-1 on its season-high six-game homestand with a 5-4 overtime victory over St. Louis. "Every game is a stepping stone for us. We have to continue to grow and we have to continue to build this group of guys," said the 25-year-old Scheifele, who has a team-leading nine points in eight games.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet One, TVA

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (6-3-0): Matthews (NHL-leading 10 goals) has been held off the scoresheet in consecutive outings after recording multi-point performances in each of his previous seven. The 21-year-old has jolted the Jets with eight points (one goal, seven assists) during his career, highlighted by a three-point effort in Toronto's 7-2 win in the season opener last season. Fellow center Mitch Marner, who scored and set up a goal in that contest, has notched eight of his 12 points this season on the road.

ABOUT THE JETS (6-2-1): Connor Hellebuyck has paid significant dividends in 2018-19 after signing a six-year, $37 million deal in the wake of tying for the NHL lead in wins (44) last season. The 25-year-old highlighted those numbers with a stellar 15-3-5 mark against Eastern Conference representatives, a run that included a 28-save performance in Winnipeg's 3-1 triumph at Toronto on March 31. Burly defenseman Dustin Byfuglien scored in that contest and has four points (one goal, three assists) in his last three games overall to reside one shy of 500 for his career.

OVERTIME

1. Winnipeg has scored a power-play goal in all five games of the homestand.

2. The Maple Leafs and Jets will pit the NHL's second- and fourth-best power plays, respectively, against the league's sixth- and eighth-leading penalty kills.

3. Trouba has recorded four of his six points this season in his last two games.

PREDICTION: Jets 5, Maple Leafs 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders Preview and Predictions 10-24-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 23rd October 2018 by Gracenote
Panthers vs. Islanders Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/23/2018

The New York Islanders make a brief stop at home following a disappointing trek before heading back out on the road when they host the Florida Panthers on Wednesday. New York concluded a 1-3-0 trip with Saturday's 4-1 setback in San Jose and take to the road for three more contests after meeting Florida in just its third home game of the season.

Brock Nelson scored the lone goal against the Sharks for the Islanders, who recorded a total of four tallies in the three losses on their road trip. Florida began a three-game trek that precedes a trip to Finland for a pair of contests against Winnipeg with a 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Tuesday. Vincent Trocheck and Mike Hoffman tallied for the Panthers, who had gone past regulation in each of their previous three games. Hoffman is riding a five-game point streak during which he has recorded three goals and two assists.

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

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (1-3-3): Jonathan Huberdeau notched a pair of assists on Tuesday, giving him five points in his last three contests. Trocheck, who shares the team lead in goals (three) and points (eight), is six tallies away from 100 for his career. Florida is the only team in the league without a regulation or overtime win, as its lone victory of 2018-19 came in a shootout at Washington.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (3-4-0): Nelson's goal against the Sharks was the 101st of his career, tying him with Anders Kallur for 30th place on the franchise list. The 27-year-old, who fell one tally shy of his fourth consecutive 20-goal season in 2017-18, is four away from pulling even with Ed Westfall and Benoit Hogue for 28th in team history. Josh Bailey and Anders Lee also are on the verge of climbing the club's all-time goals list as they both are one behind Jason Blake for 18th place.

OVERTIME

1. Islanders F Anthony Beauvillier (illness) hopes to be in the lineup against the Panthers after missing Saturday's contest.

2. Florida D Mark Pysyk (upper body) has missed two games and is day-to-day.

3. New York plays six of its first eight games in November at home after being on the road for eight of its 11 contests this month.

PREDICTION: Islanders 4, Panthers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Colorado Avalanche Preview and Predictions 10-24-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 23rd October 2018 by Gracenote
Lightning vs. Avalanche Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/23/2018

The Tampa Bay Lightning have found their offense since the first two games of the season and will likely need to display the same production when they visit the red-hot Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. The Lightning are averaging five goals per game since managing two combined in the first two and face an Avalanche squad which has built a six-game point streak (4-0-2) with a big boost from its top line.

Tampa Bay registered 33 shots on net in the second period Sunday at Chicago, a record since the NHL made shots per period an official statistic in 1997-98, en route to a 6-3 victory to extend its point streak five (4-0-1). "It's what we try to do every period," Lightning forward Tyler Johnson told reporters. "We always try to say get that shot volume. We're getting pucks to the net, we're getting those (quality) opportunities. ... We're a good team when we have that." Linemates Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen are the second duo in Colorado/Quebec franchise history to start a single season with nine-game point streaks and the third member of the trio, captain Gabriel Landeskog, boasts seven goals in the last four games. "When you're playing with two good players like Mikko and Nate, offensively we're going to create and it's going to take care of itself," Landeskog told reporters. "We're just trying to move and skate and talk and try to be threats out there."

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (5-1-1): Third-line center Anthony Cirelli posted a career-high nine shots Sunday, after managing one in the previous four games, and scored his second goal of the season after registering five in 18 contests during 2017-18. "(Cirelli is) just a competitor," Johnson told the media. "When you have guys like that in your lineup, it definitely makes everyone build around it. He is a big part of our team." Yanni Gourde boasts a six-game point streak while J.T. Miller scored once and set up three others in the first two contests of the trip, and the duo is tied with fellow forward Brayden Point (goal, two assists on Sunday) for the team lead at eight points.

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (6-1-2): MacKinnon has 15 points and Landeskog 12, but the 21-year-old Rantanen leads the team with 16 points to go along to a plus-11 rating after scoring twice in Monday's 4-1 win at Philadelphia. "(Rantanen) put up almost 90 points last year and he's off to a good start this year and it seems like he'd still not getting the recognition he deserves," Landeskog told reporters. "... If he can fly under the radar, that's fine with us. He's going to be a stud in this league for a long time." Semyon Varlamov (4-0-2, .953 save percentage) has been outstanding in net and backup Philipp Grubauer (2-1-0, .925) is 4-0-1 in his career against the Lightning.

OVERTIME

1. Rantanen and MacKinnon join Anton Stastny and Avalanche Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic, who both opened the 1988-89 season on nine-game point streaks.

2. Tampa Bay RW Nikita Kucherov and LW Ondrej Palat (all assists) each take five-game point streaks into Wednesday's contest.

3. The Lightning have won their past three games at Colorado, including a 6-5 triumph in December, and are 4-1-0 in the last five meetings overall.

PREDICTION: Lightning 4, Avalanche 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vancouver Canucks vs. Vegas Golden Knights Preview and Predictions 10-24-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 23rd October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/23/2018

The Vegas Golden Knights have turned the tables on a tough start to the season, winning three straight contests to even their record after eight games. The Golden Knights aim to continue their good fortune and remain unbeaten versus the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday when the Pacific Division rivals meet at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Marc-Andre Fleury has turned aside 69 of 71 shots during the three-game winning streak, highlighted by moving into sole possession of 10th place on the NHL's all-time wins list by registering his 408th following a 17-save performance in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Anaheim. The three-time Stanley Cup champion, who was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week on Monday, yielded just three goals to win both of his starts versus Vancouver last season as Vegas went on to emerge victorious in all four matches with its division rival. Sven Baertschi scored in a 6-3 setback against the Golden Knights on Feb. 23 and also tallied on the power play Monday as the Canucks fell for the second time in three contests with a 5-2 setback against Washington. Bo Horvat had an assist to push his point streak to three games heading into a tilt with Vegas, against which he tallied twice while registering 11 shots on goal in four meetings in 2017-18.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet 360 (Vancouver), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Vegas)

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (5-4-0): Rookie Elias Pettersson, who is being plagued by his first recorded concussion, practiced with his teammates on Tuesday and will travel with the club on its two-game road trip to Vegas and Arizona. "Maybe, maybe not," the 19-year-old Swede told reporters when asked if he could play Wednesday. "This is my first practice with the team, and I'm taking it day by day. The medical team here helped me a lot and (said) I should take it day by day and rather rest one extra day." Pettersson leads the team with eight points (five goals, three assists) despite being sidelined for the last four games after being injured by Florida defenseman Mike Matheson on Oct. 13.

ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (4-4-0): Jonathan Marchessault recorded a multi-point performance for the second straight game and fourth time in six outings on Saturday when he scored and set up a goal against the Ducks. The 27-year-old leads the team in goals (five) and points (10), and flustered the Canucks with three tallies and two assists in three outings in 2017-18. Fellow forward William Karlsson has turned it on of late with eight points (two goals, six assists) in his last six contests and faces a Vancouver team that he shredded for four goals and five assists last season.

OVERTIME

1. Vancouver recalled Darren Archibald from Utica of the American Hockey League on Tuesday with fellow F Brock Boeser (lower body) deemed day-to-day by coach Travis Green.

2. Vegas owns the league's worst power play (8.3 percent).

3. Canucks G Anders Nilsson has answered permitting five goals in his first three games by surrendering four on 32 shots in each of his last two contests.

PREDICTION: Golden Knights 4, Canucks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Wednesday, October 24


LA Dodgers @ Boston

Game 903-904
October 24, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Ryu) 20.133
Boston
(Price) 16.912
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(+120); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Weather Report

Wednesday, October 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Wednesday, October 24

Trend Report

Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
LA Dodgers is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games
LA Dodgers is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
LA Dodgers is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Red Sox
Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing LA Dodgers
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, October 24

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LA DODGERS (99 - 76) at BOSTON (116 - 56) - 8:05 PM
HYUN-JIN RYU (L) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 99-76 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 40-47 (-25.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 171-192 (-69.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 119-135 (-36.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 69-57 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 76-61 (-26.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
RYU is 7-13 (-9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 116-56 (+39.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 17-4 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game this season.
BOSTON is 81-46 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 79-36 (+27.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 47-30 (+17.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 28-18 (+10.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
PRICE is 24-9 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 11-4 (+9.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 2-10 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in playoff games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

HYUN-JIN RYU vs. BOSTON since 1997
RYU is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

DAVID PRICE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
PRICE is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.583.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.7 units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

World Series Game 2 Home Plate Umpire: Kerwin Danley

2018 Betting Stats:

Home Team: 13-17 ($-1071)
Over/Under: 19-10
Strike Percentage: 64.13%
Average Runs Per Game: 10.70