Wednesday 11-21-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:08 PM

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NBA Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
Pelicans vs. 76ers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The Jimmy Butler era in Philadelphia is off to a strong start with wins in the last three games. The 76ers will try to make it four straight when they host a New Orleans Pelicans squad on Wednesday that averaged 131.3 points in winning their last three contests.

The Pelicans are winners of six of their last seven games as they prepare to kick off a three-game trip in Philadelphia and had four players score at least 21 points while handing out 34 assists in a 140-126 thrashing of the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. "When we play like that, unselfish, the open man gets the ball, playing for each other on both ends of the floor, we can beat anybody on any night," power forward Julius Randle, who recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in 25 minutes off the bench, told reporters. "We are all having fun playing, and obviously winning is fun." The 76ers are having fun playing as well and watched star center Joel Embiid go off for 33 points and 17 rebounds in a 119-114 win over Phoenix on Monday. "I love his spirit," Philadelphia coach Brett Brown told reporters of Embiid. "I really thought his spirit was great tonight. When he started having that body language, you try to get him the ball."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS New Orleans, NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE PELICANS (10-7): Randle averages 25.6 minutes but posts 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds while occasionally putting up big assist numbers. "I really did think that he played great," New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters of Randle. "Not just from the standpoint of being a facilitator. He took advantage of matchups to have a triple-double. I think this is maybe the fourth one he's had (in his career) or something. I just thought he played great. Really played with a lot of force. His rebounding was great. His play-making was great. He had a really good solid game." Star forward Anthony Davis had a solid game as well and is averaging 37.3 points during the three-game winning streak.

ABOUT THE 76ERS (12-7): Philadelphia is still ironing out its rotation after the addition of Butler but continues to find minutes for reserve power forward Mike Muscala, who scored a season-high 19 points in 23 minutes on Monday. "Mike was instrumental at making efforts going to the boards," Brown told reporters. "A few times, he got fouled. He was able to stretch the floor and make a three. I thought he did a good job." Butler added 16 points in the latest win and is averaging 18.3 in four games since joining the team.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pelicans SG E'Twaun Moore is averaging 21.3 points on 62.2 percent shooting over the last six games.

2. Philadelphia is 9-0 at home.

3. The home team took each of the two matchups last season.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 131, 76ers 128

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:08 PM

Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NBA Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

There is no player in the NBA hotter than Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker, who totaled 103 points in the last two games. Walker will try to put together another highlight-worthy performance and drag the Hornets to back-to-back wins when they host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.

Walker's 60 points weren't quite enough in a 122-119 overtime loss to Philadelphia on Saturday, but his 43 points on Monday proved to be just enough to sneak Charlotte past the Boston Celtics 117-112. "He's incredible," Hornets coach James Borrego told reporters of Walker. "This is a special player, a special performance and a special start to an NBA season. Every team is locked in on him, as I keep seeing. Every scouting report, he's the number one guy on that scouting report. They put the best defender on him and they have two or three bodies on him every single time and this guy continues to produce for us. He does whatever it takes for us to win. Kemba deserves all the credit. It's his work. It's his spirit. It's his drive." The Pacers are winners of three in a row and might have put together their best performance of the season in Monday's 121-94 win over the Utah Jazz despite missing All-Star guard Victor Oladipo (knee). "When I've been talking about ball movement and getting everyone involved, this is what we are talking about," Indiana coach Nate McMillan told reporters. "Tonight, they executed the game plan perfectly."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Indiana, FS Southeast (Charlotte)

ABOUT THE PACERS (11-6): Oladipo's injury opened the door for rookie point guard Aaron Holiday, who scored a season-high 12 points in 15 minutes after Oladipo went down on Saturday and bested that mark with 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting in Monday's triumph. "I think that kid has earned the right to be out on the floor and he's waited, he's been patient," McMillan told reporters. "I've talked about how tough it is to play a 10-man rotation, but we may have to look at that, look at a way to get him out on the floor. He's doing some really good things for us. I love the energy, I love the intensity he brings to the floor." Holiday totaled five points in the first 15 games of the season and did not get off the bench in 10 of those contests.

ABOUT THE HORNETS (8-8): Walker is 35-of-59 from the floor over the last two games, including 13-of-27 from beyond the arc. "For the most part, I've just been working on my game," Walker told reporters. "I come in here every night and get shots up, work on my game to make sure I'm staying as ready as possible for these kinds of moments. My teammates were looking for me, my coaching staff, they put me in great situations to score the basketball and, you know, I've just been making some shots." Walker's recent performances lifted him into the lead in the NBA in scoring at an average of 29.6 points.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Hornets SG Malik Monk is 3-of-26 from the floor over the last four games, including 0-of-16 from beyond the arc.

2. Pacers PF Domantas Sabonis handed out a season-high nine assists to go with 19 points and nine rebounds on Monday.

3. Walker averaged 22.8 points in four games against Indiana last season, winning twice.

PREDICTION: Pacers 120, Hornets 116

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:08 PM

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NBA Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The response shouldn't be as vicious as the last time he returned to Cleveland after leaving the Cavaliers, but LeBron James isn't thinking too hard about it. James will make his return on Wednesday, when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Cavaliers.

James led the Lakers to wins in seven of the last nine games, including a 113-97 triumph in the first half of his homecoming at Miami on Sunday. "I will think about some of the good, I will think about some of the bad, I will think about some of the great that I had with the franchise obviously and then once the tip ball gets going, it is time to go to work," James told reporters of his trip to Cleveland, where he helped the franchise win its first championship in 2016. "It will be good to see some of my family that will come to the game, see some of my friends as well and get the thing going." The Cavaliers look nothing like the four-time Eastern Conference championship squad that James left and owns the worst record in the NBA at 2-13. Cleveland appears to be making a turn toward rebuilding as the veterans find their way to the end of the bench or off the roster.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles), FS Ohio (Cleveland)

ABOUT THE LAKERS (9-7): James scored 51 points in his return to Miami and is second in the NBA in scoring at an average of 28.8 points. "I've played for three very, very historic franchises in the time that I played," James said. "Obviously, in Miami we did some historical things. In Cleveland we was able to do some historical (things). And obviously the Lakers (name) speaks for itself, what they've been able to do. And so, my teammates, my coaching staff, they just put that trust in me to go out and make plays, and I just try to be as efficient as possible when I'm on the floor and make things happen." James became the fifth player in NBA history to score 50 or more points with three different franchises, joining Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, Bernard King and Jamal Crawford.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (2-13): Shooting guard JR Smith, 33, was a big part of that 2016 championship team with James but is not with Cleveland as it attempts to trade the disgruntled veteran. "I don't think the goal is to win. The goal isn't to go out there and try to get as many wins as you can," Smith told The Athletic on Monday. "I think the goal is to develop and lose to get lottery picks. I think that was always the plan." All-Star forward Kevin Love is not going to appear in a Cavaliers uniform any time soon as well and expects to be out until the new year after undergoing toe surgery.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Cavaliers rookie PG Collin Sexton is averaging 18.6 points over the last five games but left Monday's loss with a hip injury and is day-to-day.

2. Lakers SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is 9-of-18 from 3-point range over the last four games.

3. Los Angeles snapped a seven-game losing streak in the series with a 127-113 victory on March 11 despite 24 points and 10 rebounds from Cleveland's James.

PREDICTION: Lakers 123, Cavaliers 106

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:09 PM

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NBA Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The Boston Celtics are struggling with six losses in their past nine games and they look to change their fortunes when they host the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Boston is just one game over .500 due to its recent funk while New York is already 10 games below after losing its last six contests.

The Celtics were slated for an off-day Tuesday but coach Brad Stevens changed the schedule so the team could work on some shortcomings. "We've still got so many more games left to figure it out," backup point guard Terry Rozier told reporters. "I feel like we're still connecting and getting better at playing with each other." The Knicks are in disarray with six straight setbacks after suffering a 118-114 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. "I really love the way we competed," New York coach David Fizdale told reporters after the latest loss. "You're talking about the top team in the West. That team has gone through a lot of wars."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), NBCS Boston

ABOUT THE KNICKS (4-14): Shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 32 points against Portland and has tallied 30 or more in each of the past three games. Hardaway is 12-for-28 from 3-point range and 26-of-29 from the free-throw line during the stretch as he continues to be New York's biggest bright spot. Backup point guard Trey Burke - a former college teammate of Hardaway's at Michigan - scored 19 points off the bench and is averaging 24.7 points over the past three games.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (9-8): Struggling small forward Gordon Hayward came off the bench for the first time in Monday's 117-112 loss to the Charlotte Hornets but his woes continued as he had just four points on 1-of-6 shooting over 31 minutes. "I'm OK with whatever I can do to help us win," Hayward told reporters of the change. "Right now, I just have to focus on myself and getting myself better and being a better basketball player." Hayward is averaging just 9.8 points and shooting just 38.9 percent from the field while being unable to find his form, stemming from the badly broken ankle he suffered 13 months ago.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Celtics went 3-1 against the Knicks last season, including home wins of 30 and 21 points.

2. New York PG Emmanuel Mudiay is averaging 15.7 points on 19-of-29 shooting over the past three games.

3. Boston C Al Horford (knee) is listed as probable.

PREDICTION: Celtics 114, Knicks 98

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:09 PM

Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NBA Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The Denver Nuggets have seen a hot start evaporate and they look to regain their season-opening form when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Denver was clicking on all cylinders during a 9-1 start but has since dropped six of its last seven contests.

The Nuggets are 0-2 on a three-game road trip and let a 17-point, first-half lead get away in Monday's 104-98 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. "Overall, I was really pleased with the fight, with the competitive spirit and the fact that we gave ourselves a chance against a very good basketball team on the road," Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters afterward. "No moral victories. We gotta start winning these games, but I do like the fact that our guys competed at a high level for 48 minutes." Minnesota is seeking a rebound from Sunday's 100-87 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, when it committed 20 turnovers in the team's first loss in four games since trading disgruntled Jimmy Butler to the Philadelphia 76ers. "That definitely makes the game a lot harder," forward Robert Covington, one of the players acquired for Butler, told reporters of the miscues. "That's 20 times that we didn't get a shot up or something bad happened. We've just got to be better and fight through that."

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

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (10-7): Point guard Jamal Murray recorded 17 points, a season-best nine assists and eight rebounds in the loss to Milwaukee but also matched his season worst of five turnovers. "I thought he did some good things out there for us," Malone told reporters of Murray. "I think, for him, the challenge is going to be valuing the basketball. As a starting point guard, you can't have five turnovers. But overall, forget numbers, it was good to see him be aggressive and have an effective game. He looked more aggressive than he has lately." Murray scored in double figures in 14 straight games, topped by a career-high 48 points against the Boston Celtics on Nov. 5.

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (7-10): Small forward Andrew Wiggins suffered through a 6-for-18 effort while scoring 14 points against Memphis and he said his shot selection wasn't the issue. "I feel like I just missed so many easy ones around the rim and in the mid-range with no one on me," Wiggins told reporters. "Good shots, I just missed them." Center Karl-Anthony Towns collected 20 rebounds against the Grizzlies for his second contest of at least 20 boards in the past four games and he has recorded eight double-doubles over the last 11 games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Timberwolves went 3-1 against the Nuggets last season, including a 112-106 overtime victory on the final day of the season to make the playoffs instead of Denver.

2. Minnesota PG Jeff Teague scored a season-low two points on 1-of-9 shooting against Memphis.

3. Denver C Nikola Jokic scored 20 points against the Bucks and tallied 20 or more in four of the past six games.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 115, Nuggets 111

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:09 PM

Phoenix Suns vs. Chicago Bulls Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NBA Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

Two teams experiencing very little success square off when the Phoenix Suns visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Phoenix owns the third-worst record in the NBA and is winless in seven road games while Chicago is just a half-game better after losing its past four contests.

The Suns fell to the Philadelphia 76ers 119-114 on Monday in the opener of a four-game excursion despite receiving 37 points and eight assists from star guard Devin Booker. Phoenix coach Igor Kokoskov decided to mix things up with his team struggling and he started Booker at point guard for the first time this season. Chicago expects to have standout shooting guard Zach LaVine back in the lineup after a one-game absence due to illness. LaVine scored 20 or more points in each of his 14 games before struggling in his last two appearances by averaging 12.5 points on 9-of-31 shooting.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE SUNS (3-13): Center Deandre Ayton had 17 points and nine rebounds in his highly anticipated first matchup with 76ers center Joel Embiid. Ayton was ridiculed on social media by Embiid prior to the season but the rookie showed nothing but respect for the Philadelphia star during the contest and said he viewed the game as a learning situation. "It was fun to finally play against Joel," Ayton told reporters afterward. "The way he used his body, I'm going to use that, steal that. Thank you for teaching me. He put in a lot of work. I have to put in a lot of work, too."

ABOUT THE BULLS (4-13): Chicago's injury woes continue as shooting guard Denzel Valentine will undergo surgery on his left ankle next week and will be sidelined four to six months. Valentine displayed promise by averaging 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 77 games (37 starts) last season but hasn't played this season due to the persistent pain in his ankle. Valentine is one of four key players dealing with injuries as second-year power forward Lauri Markkanen (elbow) has yet to make his season debut while forward Bobby Portis (four games played) and point guard Kris Dunn (one) were both lost in October with knee sprains.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Suns won both of last season's meetings for their first season sweep of the Bulls since 2007-08.

2. Phoenix SF TJ Warren scored 21 against the 76ers for his sixth straight 20-point outing and he is averaging 24.3 points during the stretch.

3. Chicago SF Jabari Parker scored in double digits in 16 of 17 games.

PREDICTION: Bulls 111, Suns 107

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:09 PM

Detroit Pistons vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NBA Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The Houston Rockets are regaining their swagger and look to extend their winning streak to five games when they host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. The Rockets are looking for a sweep of a three-game homestand before the teams engage in a rematch in Detroit on Friday.

Houston looked lost offensively while failing to reach 100 points in four consecutive games earlier this month but followed that up with an average of 115.8 during the winning streak, including a season-best output in Saturday's 132-112 win over the Sacramento Kings. The victory moved the Rockets over .500 for the first time as the squad has quickly recovered from a dreadful 1-5 start. Detroit won four of its previous five games and built a 20-point halftime lead en route to a 113-102 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. "At times we sat down and really played well defensively," Pistons power forward Blake Griffin told reporters. "And we moved the ball offensively well - at times, again. We didn't put together a full 48 minutes, so we've got to be better when it comes to that. You get a lead like that, you've got to finish it."

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

ABOUT THE PISTONS (8-6): Detroit picked up four technical fouls in the victory over Cleveland and holds the dubious NBA lead with 15, and coach Dwane Casey vows to work on that issue. "I've done a bad job of setting the tone for that," Casey told reporters. "I've got to do a better job of setting the tone for our team. You get a technical, we got to find some reason or some consequence for that. We've got to have our composure." Center Andre Drummond already has seven technicals - an automatic one-game suspension kicks in at No. 16 - and Griffin has three.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (8-7): Star guard James Harden scored 34 points against Sacramento and is averaging 29.6 points over the past five games to help the offense find a higher gear. Center Clint Capela recorded 23 points on 11-of-14 shooting and collected 16 rebounds and four blocked shots against the Kings for his 10th double-double, and his success in the interior is helping open up the perimeter. "We're making shots, playing the right pace, and it's our defensive end though," point guard Chris Paul told reporters after the win over the Kings. "We gave up over 100 but for the most part, the defense was good."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split last season's two meetings.

2. Drummond had 23 points and 16 rebounds against Cleveland for his sixth straight double-double, and he is averaging 21.3 points and 17.3 rebounds during the stretch.

3. Houston backup SG Gerald Green made a season-high five 3-pointers while scoring 17 points against the Kings.

PREDICTION: Rockets 127, Pistons 115

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:09 PM

Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NBA Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

After flirting with last place in the Western Conference nearly all of last season -- finishing with the second-worst record in the NBA -- the Memphis Grizzlies are eyeing the top spot in the conference. The Grizzlies aim for their fifth straight win when they open a two-game road trip at the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

A 98-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday put Memphis, a 22-win team a season ago, into a tie atop the West with three other teams as they approach the quarter pole, and the Grizzlies continue to do it with their trademark defense. "I think for our guys to come in here on a back-to-back, there's always those built in excuses, and for us to hold them to 14 points in the fourth quarter says a lot about our group of guys," coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters after Monday's win. "You could be tired. You could be worn out, no legs, and all that but our guys stepped up and defended. That's special." The Spurs had a very different experience Monday in New Orleans, allowing the Pelicans to shoot 57.8 percent from the floor in a 140-126 loss. At 8-8, San Antonio is in danger of falling below .500 for the first time since opening the 2015-16 season at 0-1.

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

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (11-5): Memphis entered Tuesday leading the league in scoring defense (100 points allowed per game) and turnover differential (-4.6) while ranking second in steals (9.8), but there's a development on the other end of the floor that could mean even more. After a cold-shooting start following an injury-plagued season, point guard Mike Conley is heating up and scored 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting against Dallas. "I think over the last few weeks, it's slowly starting to come around," Conley -- who is hitting 38.7 percent from 3-point range this month after making 28.2 percent in October -- told reporters. "My coaches and teammates have done a great job of trying to get me going, and tonight it all came together."

ABOUT THE SPURS (8-8): Monday marked San Antonio's fifth straight road loss and made a recent four-game streak of holding opponents under 100 points a thing of the past. "We scored 120-something points," guard DeMar DeRozan told reporters. "That's more than enough to win an NBA game. We just can't give up 140-plus points. That's just unacceptable." DeRozan carried the weight on the other end with 21 points while forward LaMarcus Aldridge continued his struggles by shooting 2-for-11 and scoring seven points.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Aldridge, who averaged 23.1 points per game last season, scored seven or fewer three times in his last seven contests.

2. Grizzlies C Marc Gasol has three straight double-doubles and averages 17.7 points and 10.4 rebounds this month.

3. San Antonio won each of the last six meetings.

PREDICTION: Grizzlies 106, Spurs 104

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:12 PM

Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NBA Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The Utah Jazz return from an uneven five-game road trip for a quick stay at home when they host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. After opening the trip with a solid win over a surging Memphis team, the Jazz lost two straight -- scoring 68 points in a defeat at Dallas -- and then posted a very impressive victory at Boston, only to get throttled two nights later in Indiana.

"I just talked to the guys. I don't want to overreact, it's still early. But at the same time, you're going to lose in this league, but you can't keep getting your a** kicked like that," forward Jae Crowder told the Salt Lake Tribune after the 121-94 loss to the Pacers. "That's an a**-whupping, I feel like. It sends a message to the league. We need to be in every game, no matter who is on the court." Utah's last five losses have come by an average of 22.2 points and it sits a game below .500 with five out of the next six games on the road once the Kings leave town. Sacramento enters with some momentum after stopping the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder in Russell Westbrook's return to the court Monday night. Buddy Hield scored 25 points -- including a trio of key 3-pointers late in the game -- in the 117-113 win.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), AT&T Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE KINGS (9-8): Hield is 10-for-20 from 3-point range over his last three games and scored at least 22 points in eight of his last 13 contests. "Right spots, right time," Hield told reporters Monday. "Just trying to pick spots where I could read the defense and the stuff they were giving up." Fellow guard De'Aaron Fox overcame a woeful shooting night (1-for-10) with 13 assists and veteran Iman Shumpert broke out for 23 points after averaging six over his previous four games.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (8-9): Second-year star guard Donovan Mitchell was as up and down as anyone on the trip and finished it with a clunker, scoring seven points -- his first single-digit effort since Feb. 7 -- and handing out only one assist in 32 minutes. "They came out and blew stuff up," Mitchell told reporters of the Pacers. "I had two turnovers early just from being loose with it. That set the tone." Fellow guard Ricky Rubio picked up much of the slack with a season high-tying 28 points while center Rudy Gobert recorded his 16th double-double, which ranks second in the NBA.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Mitchell scored 24 points to lead Utah to a 123-117 win at Sacramento in the opener for both teams Oct. 17.

2. Kings rookie PF Marvin Bagley III recorded his first career double-double Monday night with 15 points and 13 boards.

3. Sacramento C Kosta Koufos (calf) missed four straight games.

PREDICTION: Jazz 115, Kings 110

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:13 PM

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NBA Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
Thunder vs. Warriors Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The fun-loving Golden State Warriors are a thing of the - very recent - past, and the discontent led the team to losses in each of its last three games and five of seven. The Warriors will try to turn things around when they return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.

Golden State has not been the same team since point guard Stephen Curry went down with a groin injury and an ugly incident between All-Star forwards Kevin Durant and Draymond Green, which led to a one-game suspension for Green. "We've had such a charmed existence the last four seasons," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters after a 104-92 loss at San Antonio on Sunday. "This is the toughest stretch we've been in. This is the real NBA. We haven't been in the real NBA the last few years. We've been in this dream. And so now we're faced real adversity and we got to get out of it ourselves." The Thunder had a three-game winning streak come to an end with a 117-113 loss at Sacramento on Monday, which coincided with the return of star point guard Russell Westbrook. The former MVP collected 29 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and three steals in the setback and settled in after a slow start.

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

ABOUT THE THUNDER (10-6): All-Star forward Paul George scored 27 points on Monday but was 9-of-24 from the floor, including 4-of-14 from 3-point range. "They play fast, they play early in the shot clock. It took us a second to get things under control," George told reporters. "General statement for the game: we didn't shoot well enough to win the game." Those shooting woes extended to the bench, from where point guard Dennis Schroder, who started the previous six games in place of Westbrook, was just 3-of-17 in his return to the reserve corps.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (12-6): Golden State's offense is based on movement, sharing the ball and spacing, and the constant lineup changes brought on by new players and injuries are having an impact. "We've got to move the ball," Kerr told reporters. "We've got to trust each other. That's the hallmark of our team. We've got playmakers all over the floor. We've got guys who can dribble, pass and shoot. And what we've done the last few years is we've shared the ball. The ball has moved, and we've gotten each other great shots. We're not getting great shots right now. We're taking a lot of contested shots." Shooting guard Klay Thompson is having the toughest time getting his shot to fall and went 5-of-27 from 3-point range in losses at Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Durant is 1-of-17 from 3-point range over the last four games.

2. Thunder PF Nerlens Noel (illness) sat out Monday and is day-to-day.

3. Golden State is riding a three-game winning streak in the series, including a 108-100 home triumph on Oct. 16.

PREDICTION: Thunder 112, Warriors 109

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:13 PM

New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NHL Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The New York Rangers have turned around their season by recording at least one point in nine of their last 10 games (8-1-1), but the lone regulation loss in that stretch continued a disastrous run against their cross-town rival. The Rangers, who dropped a 7-5 decision to the New York Islanders last week, will bid to snap an eight-game skid in the series on Wednesday when the clubs meet at Madison Square Garden.

"We have a little bit of a chip on our shoulder because of how (the series has) gone as of late," Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith told Newsday. The Rangers rebounded from their setback to the Islanders to double up both Florida and Dallas to extend their winning streak at MSG to six games heading into the finale of their three-game homestand. Anthony Beauvillier recorded career firsts with both a hat trick and a four-point performance (three goals, one assist) against the Rangers before netting his fifth goal of the season on Sunday as the Islanders fell to 7-3-2 in their last 12 outings following a 6-2 setback to the Stars. "He looks like a completely different player. Think he's got a little confidence, obviously ... I think he's playing freer," Islanders coach Barry Trotz said of the 21-year-old Beauvillier.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG, MSG2

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (10-7-2): Mathew Barzal set up Scott Mayfield's third-period tally on Sunday to boost his point streak to a season-high five games, during which he has a goal and five assists. The reigning Calder Memorial Trophy recipient, Barzal notched one of his team-leading 16 assists in the last encounter with the Rangers and enjoyed a five-point performance (two goals, three assists) in a 7-2 win at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 13. Leo Komarov and Brock Nelson each scored and set up a goal against the Rangers last week, with the former carrying a three-game point streak into Wednesday's tilt.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (11-8-2): Filip Chytil became the first teenager in franchise history to score in four straight games in Monday's 2-1 win over Dallas when he netted the go-ahead goal early in the third period. "I am happy we are winning and I can help the team with goals," the 19-year-old Chytil said. "I am trying to play hard and play my game." Fellow forward Chris Kreider scored twice against the Islanders last week to give him seven points (four goals, three assists) in his last five games overall and five (three goals, two assists) in his last seven contests in the series.

OVERTIME

1. Rangers G Alexandar Georgiev carries a three-start winning streak into Wednesday's contest.

2. The Islanders are 7-0-0 against Metropolitan Division rivals this season.

3. Rangers C Mika Zibanejad has collected 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in his last 17 contests.

PREDICTION: Islanders 4, Rangers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:13 PM

Dallas Stars vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NHL Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The Pittsburgh Penguins are mired in one of their worst tailspins in over a decade, winning only once in their last 10 games, but there may be a reason for optimism on the horizon. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby participated fully in practice Tuesday for the first time in a week and could be back in the lineup for Wednesday's home game against the Dallas Stars.

Pittsburgh suffered its fourth straight loss Monday night, squandering a three-goal lead in a 5-4 loss to visiting Buffalo, so coach Mike Sullivan is hopeful Crosby is nearing a return. "He looks pretty close to me," Sullivan said Tuesday. "He had a strong practice today. We'll see how he responds. His status is still day-to-day, but obviously he had a real good practice today and that's encouraging." The Stars are dealing with a key injury of their own as goaltender Ben Bishop was hurt in Monday's loss to the New York Rangers. Dallas has split the first two contests of its three game road trip and has won six of eight against Pittsburgh over the previous four seasons.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southwest Plus (Dallas), AT&T Sportsnet-Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE STARS (11-8-2): Bishop turned aside 12 of 13 shots against the Rangers before exiting with a lower-body injury that is expected to sideline him for at least one week, Dallas coach Jim Montgomery said Tuesday. Backup Anton Khudobin, who made 29 starts for Boston last season, will take a 2.37 goals-against average and .925 save percentage into Wednesday's matchup. "It's not easy, but that's the part of the job," Khudobin said. "Not really that I'm planning that I am playing every day, but at the same time I have to prepare for it. Nothing changes."

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (7-8-4): Crosby, who has missed three games due to an upper-body injury, skated on a line with Jake Guentzel and Patric Hornqvist on Tuesday but was non-committal about playing against Dallas. "It's always difficult watching," Crosby said. "You want to be with the group regardless of winning or losing. You want to be out there, but especially when you lose. You want to go out and help in any way you can. Just trying to stay positive and do my best to get back." Center Evgeni Malkin did not practice Tuesday but is expected to play Wednesday.

OVERTIME

1. Penguins F Tanner Pearson had a goal and an assist Monday, his first points in three games since he was acquired from Los Angeles.

2. Stars C Tyler Seguin has scored four times in the past six games and has eight goals in 21 contests versus Pittsburgh.

3. Malkin has seven assists during a four-game point streak, including two in three straight contests.

PREDICTION: Penguins 4, Stars 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:13 PM

Montreal Canadiens vs. New Jersey Devils Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NHL Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

The Montreal Canadiens were well on the way to matching their longest winning streak of the season, only to blow a two-goal lead and fall in overtime to the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. The Canadiens will look to rebound from the 5-4 setback when they begin a two-game road trip with a visit to the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night.

"It's tough to lose when you're leading 4-2. We want to win," said Montreal's Brendan Gallagher, who scored his 10th goal and had a game-high seven shots on net. The Canadiens, already without top defenseman Shea Weber, learned Tuesday that fellow blue-liner Noah Juulsen will be sidelined indefinitely due to a facial fracture sustained in Monday's loss. New Jersey has dropped 11 of 15 games since opening the season with four consecutive wins but the team received good news on the injury front Tuesday. Coach John Hynes said No. 1 center Nico Hischier should be "good to go" after missing the last four games due to a thumb injury.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet1, RDS2 (Montreal), MSG-Plus 2 (New Jersey)

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (11-6-4): Juulsen, Montreal's first-round draft pick in 2015, was hit in the face with the puck in the first period Monday. With the Canadiens down to five defensemen, Jeff Petry played a staggering 33 minutes, 51 seconds to pick up the slack and also contributed at the offensive end with a goal and an assist. "I think he's been especially good for us this year. That's important because of Shea's injury," coach Claude Julien said. "Petey is one of the players who raised the level of his game and helped us fill the void in Weber's absence."

ABOUT THE DEVILS (8-9-2): Hischier, the top overall pick in the 2017 draft who has 12 points in 15 games, centered Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri at Tuesday's practice and also worked with the top power-play unit. "Nico is our first-line center and a big part of our future, a big part of our team," Hall said. "Hopefully he's healthy and ready to go and maybe a bit more energized after missing some games. It'll be good to have him back, not only for our team, but our line as well." Travis Zajac had two goals and four points in three games versus Montreal last season.

OVERTIME

1. Canadiens F Max Domi has five goals and nine assists in a 10-game point streak, the longest for the team since 1996.

2. Devils G Cory Schneider has lost 16 straight regular-season starts dating to 2017-18.

3. Montreal recalled F Michael Chaput from Laval of the American Hockey League.

PREDICTION: Devils 3, Canadiens 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 11-21-2018, 12:13 PM

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Carolina Hurricanes Preview and Predictions 11-21-2018

NHL Predictions 20th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/20/2018

Auston Matthews' absence from the lineup has not slowed down the Toronto Maple Leafs, who aim for their fifth consecutive victory when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday. The Maple Leafs have won seven of their last eight contests - all without Matthews, who hasn't played since Oct. 27 because of a shoulder injury.

Toronto extended its winning streak to four games Monday, overcoming a two-goal deficit to post a 4-2 victory over Columbus. John Tavares forged a 2-2 tie late in the second period before setting up the first of two third-period goals by Zach Hyman, who had tallied once in his first 20 games this season. Carolina continues a six-game homestand on which it has gone 2-1-1 following a 2-1 triumph over New Jersey on Sunday. Micheal Ferland scored his third goal in four games to become the first member of the Hurricanes to reach double digits.

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

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (15-6-0): Tavares leads the team with 13 goals after recording five in his last six contests. The 28-year-old center has landed on the scoresheet in 10 of his last 12 games, collecting seven tallies and seven assists in that span. Mitch Marner, who set up a pair of scores against the Blue Jackets and tops the club with 28 points, is riding a five-game point streak during which he has registered one goal and eight assists.

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (9-8-3): Ferland got his name in the franchise record book Sunday, scoring at the 30-second mark of the first period after captain Justin Williams tallied eight seconds earlier. They were the fastest two goals to open a game in franchise history and tied for the fifth-fastest in league annals. Williams' tally ended his 14-game drought and put him nine away from 300 for his career.

OVERTIME

1. Hurricanes C Sebastian Aho, who leads the team with 23 points, registered two goals and four assists during his four-game streak before being kept off the scoresheet Sunday.

2. Toronto D Morgan Rielly is three points shy of 200 for his career as he is riding a six-game streak during which he has collected three goals and five assists.

3. Carolina LW Teuvo Teravainen has recorded a goal and four assists over his last five contests.

PREDICTION: Hurricanes 3, Maple Leafs 2

Wednesday 11-21-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Wednesday 11-21-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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