Wednesday 1-2-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:53 AM

Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NBA Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

The Miami Heat finished up a disappointing three-game homestand with a 113-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday and will play two of the next three on the road, though all three are against teams with losing records. The Heat will try to take advantage of one such team when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Miami's lone win on the three-game homestand was a 118-94 triumph over the Cavaliers on Friday and it failed to follow that up while committing 20 turnovers against the Timberwolves on Sunday. "We haven't had a game like this in a while, where our offense really hurt us," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters. "This was more indicative of early in the season with 20 turnovers that led to 24 points in a possession game, then add on (Minnesota's) 17 offensive rebounds. It was just too much to overcome." Cleveland owns the worst record in the NBA and dropped its last six contests after finishing up a three-game trip with a 111-108 setback at Atlanta on Saturday. The Cavaliers get a chance to right themselves at home with four in a row to begin 2019 before taking off on a six-game west coast trip beginning Jan. 9.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Miami), FS Ohio (Cleveland)

ABOUT THE HEAT (17-18): The star of Miami's win over the Cavaliers on Friday was small forward Justise Winslow, who is serving as point guard with Goran Dragic out and collected 24 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in that victory. Winslow, 22, is still fighting for consistency in that role and slumped to 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting, three assists and three turnovers in Sunday's setback. One positive coming out of Sunday was center Hassan Whiteside going 2-of-3 from the free-throw line after shooting 19.6 percent from the stripe in his previous 13 games.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (8-29): Cleveland is looking for building blocks for the future and is getting encouraging performances from power forward Larry Nance Jr., who replaced veteran Channing Frye in the starting lineup on Saturday. Nance, 25, filled up the box score with 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting, 15 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and a block in the loss. Small forward Cedi Osman, 23, stepped up against Atlanta as well with 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting and closed 2018 by scoring in double figures in each of the last eight games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Cavaliers C Tristan Thompson (foot) missed the last 10 games but is practicing with the team and could return during the homestand.

2. Miami PF James Johnson (illness) sat out Sunday and is day-to-day.

3. Miami lost its two games at Cleveland last season by an average of 6.5 points.

PREDICTION: Heat 106, Cavaliers 96

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:53 AM

Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NBA Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

The Dallas Mavericks still can't find a way to win on the road, and the issue is sending them down the standings in the Western Conference. The Mavericks will try to snap a nine-game road losing streak when they continue a four-game trip by visiting the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

Dallas began the trip by dropping a 122-102 decision at the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, which pushed the team's road record to 2-16. The Mavericks, who continue the trip with a back-to-back at Boston and Philadelphia on Friday and Saturday, beat the Thunder at home on Sunday before going on the road and committing 29 turnovers in dropping the second night of the home-and-home set. The Hornets are winners of four in a row at home after star guard Kemba Walker led the way with 24 points in a 125-100 drubbing of the Orlando Magic on Monday. "It was a good team effort tonight," Walker told reporters after the win. "Everybody did a great job coming in and making some great contributions to this win. But you know, we've got to get more consistent still. We've been doing this all year. Go on the road, bad loss, come home, get a great win. It just can't be like that. We've got to get some type of consistency between us. We've got to get right."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Dallas), FS Southeast (Hornets)

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (17-19): Dallas' 29 turnovers on Monday were a season high and three off the franchise record. "It was a world's record," coach Rick Carlisle exaggerated to reporters. "They had a lot to do with it, but we can do better, and we'll keep working at it. The level of force was clearly in their favor, and that put us behind the eight-ball early. We were on our heels early and never really got our bearings, and that kills you on the road." Star rookie Luka Doncic was held to 17 points on 4-of-10 shooting in the loss, snapping a string of four straight games with at least 21 points.

ABOUT THE HORNETS (18-18): Second-year shooting guard Malik Monk came off the bench to score 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting on Monday - snapping a string of three straight games scoring in single digits - and is hoping the performance closing out 2018 is indicative of how the team will begin 2019. "Oh yeah, we needed it, we needed that. We needed to close out the year," Monk told reporters. "How you end the year is how you start the new one, so we're starting off with a good start." Walker went 10-of-16 from the floor in the easy victory and is averaging 31.2 points on 56.6 percent shooting over the last five contests.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Hornets C Cody Zeller suffered a fractured right hand on Monday and is out indefinitely.

2. Mavericks SF Harrison Barnes matched a career high with seven 3-pointers on Monday.

3. The road team took five of the last six in the series, with Dallas earning a 115-111 win at Charlotte last season.

PREDICTION: Hornets 116, Mavericks 112

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:54 AM

Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NBA Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

The Washington Wizards are insisting they can remain in the playoff race without five-time All-Star point guard John Wall. The Wizards look to post their second straight victory since learning Wall is done for the season when they host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

Wall will undergo season-ending heel surgery and forward Markieff Morris (back) will miss his third straight game as the club attempts to feel optimistic about turning its season around. "We have enough in (the locker room) to win, even with the guys we have out," standout shooting guard Bradley Beal told reporters after Saturday's 130-126 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. "It's a matter of us putting it together and just doing it." The Hawks dropped a 116-108 decision to the Indiana Pacers on Monday for just their second loss in seven games. "We struggled to execute down the stretch and didn't give ourselves the opportunity to make shots," Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce told reporters afterward.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), NBCS Washington

ABOUT THE HAWKS (11-25): Rookie guard Kevin Huerter established season bests of 22 points and six 3-pointers against Indians for his 12th double-figure outing of the campaign. "I made my first one and that's always big to see the ball go in, especially after a couple games of not shooting as well as I wanted to," Huerter said afterward of his long-range success. "We've been unselfish and it just seems like the ball was finding me." Second-year forward John Collins has recorded six straight double-doubles after having 22 points and 16 rebounds against Indiana.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (14-23): Tomas Satoransky is the new starting point guard with Wall out and he notched season-highs of 20 points and four 3-pointers while also posting six assists in the win over Charlotte. Satoransky had just one turnover in 33 minutes and the Wizards recorded 35 assists against 12 turnovers in the victory. "It's a good feeling obviously, because you know it tells you we are moving the ball," Satoransky told reporters. Brad is kind of the playmaker. It's a tough on him because a lot of teams focus on him, so we have to kind of play smart around him and he is creating for us so many good options."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split two December meetings in Atlanta.

2. Hawks SG Kent Bazemore (ankle) missed the loss to the Pacers and will be sidelined at least two weeks.

3. Washington SF Otto Porter Jr. (knee) could return Wednesday after a 10-game absence.

PREDICTION: Wizards 119, Hawks 114

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:54 AM

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Brooklyn Nets Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NBA Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
Pelicans vs. Nets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

The Brooklyn Nets dropped back-to-back games after taking nine of 10 and are trying to find the positives while dealing with a recent batch of injuries. The Nets will look for more key contributions up and down the roster when they open 2019 by hosting the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.

Brooklyn turned some heads while knocking off the likes of Toronto and Philadelphia during its recent run but could not find the energy with a depleted rotation and dropped both ends of a road back-to-back at Charlotte and Milwaukee on Friday and Saturday. The Nets get three full days off to rest the likes of Allen Crabbe (knee) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (groin) and play at home on Wednesday before stepping out for a three-game trip that includes another road back-to-back at Chicago and Boston next week. The Pelicans managed to earn a win despite being without superstar forward Anthony Davis, who sat out a 123-114 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday with an illness and is day-to-day. "When Anthony's playing, we look for him a lot and try to have him bail us out," New Orleans point guard Jrue Holiday told reporters. "I think today we did a great job of playing even (in terms of shot distribution). Julius (Randle) played great minutes, (Jahlil Okafor) played great minutes. Everybody was a part of this win."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS New Orleans, YES (Brooklyn)

ABOUT THE PELICANS (17-21): Randle stepped up with 33 points and 11 rebounds in Davis' absence on Monday, but the New Orleans offense also benefited from the return of point guard Elfrid Payton. Payton sat out the previous 22 games with a broken finger on his left hand and contributed nine points and six assists in 24 minutes against Minnesota. "I think the way he pushes the pace and gets to the basket," Holiday told reporters of Payton's return. "I don't think he finished as well as he wanted to, but to be able to get there and make plays out of that was huge for us. Obviously, he had a lot of energy in his first game back in a long time. It was fun to have him out there."

ABOUT THE NETS (17-21): Getting a chance to shine in Milwaukee on Saturday was reserve point guard Shabazz Napier, who matched his career high with 32 points on 9-of-15 shooting in 33 minutes while handing out a team-high seven assists. Reserve forward Kenneth Faried made the best use of an increase in playing time as well and collected season highs of 21 points and 10 rebounds in the 129-115 setback. "You understand sometimes that it may not be your number that the coach calls," Napier told reporters. "I understood that. I know how to play. Faried, coming from the Denver Nuggets, he knows he knows how to play. At the end of the day, you've just got to be professional about it. If your number is called, you be ready. If it doesn't get called, you support."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Nets PG Spencer Dinwiddie totaled 13 points in the last two games after averaging 24.4 over the previous 10 contests.

2. Pelicans SF Darius Miller scored a season-high 21 points and went 5-of-8 from 3-point range in Monday's win.

3. New Orleans knocked off Brooklyn 117-115 at home on Oct. 26 behind 26 points from Holiday.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 123, Nets 121

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:54 AM

Detroit Pistons vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NBA Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/02/2019

The Memphis Grizzlies have not been below .500 since they opened the season 0-1, and they'll try to avoid sinking under the even mark when they open a two-game homestand against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. The Grizzlies have lost nine of 12 following a 15-9 start after Monday's 113-101 loss at Houston, the second straight game in which the usually sound defensive club has allowed at least 112 points.

"They scored too many points in the first half," center Marc Gasol told reporters. "I think they had 61, but our offense was really stagnant, and we weren't really moving our bodies or the ball." Gasol had 14 points and 12 rebounds in the loss while Kyle Anderson matched his career high with 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting for Memphis. The Pistons are enduring a dismal four-game road trip, having dropped the first three by an average of 20.7 points, and are 3-12 since a 13-7 start. They shot 38 percent and allowed Milwaukee to shoot 59.5 percent in a 121-98 loss to the Bucks on Tuesday.

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

ABOUT THE PISTONS (16-19): Blake Griffin, Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond combined for 63 points on 23-of-42 shooting at Milwaukee, but their teammates were 12-for-50 from the floor. "There's another level we can get to. Shooting the ball, whatever it is, there's another competitive level we can get to," coach Dwane Casey told reporters. "We're gonna get there. I keep saying it. We're gonna find seven, eight or nine guys that's gonna do it. We're gonna keep working at it. We've got some guys that are laying it on the line but not enough." Detroit was also a bit shorthanded Monday with reserves Stanley Johnson (undisclosed) and Zaza Pachulia (leg) sidelined.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (18-18): Anderson averages 7.8 points but has scored in double figures in six of his last seven games, shooting 70.4 percent in that stretch. Meanwhile, rookie forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who played sparingly down the stretch in Saturday's loss to Boston, saw just 13 minutes of action Monday and scored four points on 2-of-8 shooting. Backup JaMychal Green filled the void with 17 points in 20 minutes and he shot 53.9 percent in December.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Anderson was shooting 63.6 percent from the line before missing all six of his attempts in the loss to Houston.

2. Pistons SG Langston Galloway is 2-for-20 from the floor - 0-for-11 from 3-point range - over a three-game stretch.

3. Memphis had its best offensive performance last season in a 130-117 win over Detroit at home.

PREDICTION: Grizzlies 107, Pistons 101

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:54 AM

Orlando Magic vs. Chicago Bulls Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NBA Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

The Chicago Bulls look to defeat Orlando for the ninth time in the past 11 meetings when they host the Magic on Wednesday. Chicago has recorded six consecutive home victories against Orlando, including a 90-80 triumph on Dec. 21.

Power forward Lauri Markkanen scored a season-best 32 points in the recent win over the Magic as the Bulls allowed a season low for points. Chicago has shown improvement of late with three wins in its last five games though it lost 95-89 to the host Toronto Raptors on Sunday. The Magic lost five of their past seven games and were routed 125-100 by the host Charlotte Hornets on Monday. Center Nikola Vucevic is expected to be fine after suffering a calf injury and has this to say about the performance against the Hornets: "We just were never be at a level we needed to be at to win this game."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Orlando), WGN (Chicago)

ABOUT THE MAGIC (16-20): Point guard D.J. Augustin (ankle) sat out Monday after averaging 23.3 points and 6.7 assists over the previous three games and he expects to play against the Bulls. "I've been doing a lot of treatment and icing, so it should be a lot better by Wednesday," Augustin told reporters. "I wouldn't say this is a bad ankle sprain. It's actually more in my foot area, but I definitely think it won't take much time for me to be back from." Power forward Aaron Gordon had a team-best 14 points on 6-of-17 shooting while Vucevic had 12 points before departing in the third quarter.

ABOUT THE BULLS (10-27): First-round pick Chandler Hutchison displayed his potential by scoring 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting in just 14 minutes during Sunday's 95-89 loss to the Toronto Raptors. "I thought Chandler had a good game," Chicago coach Jim Boylen told reporters afterward of the small forward. "Great kid and a hard worker, extremely coachable and teachable and he's reliable, a good young player." Shooting guard Zach LaVine will be looking to bounce back after scoring just 13 points on 3-of-17 shooting.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split two meetings this season with the Magic's win coming in Mexico City on Dec. 13.

2. Orlando SF Jonathon Simmons (ankle) sat out Monday but may be able to play against the Bulls.

3. Markkanen had 18 points and 10 rebounds against Toronto for his second straight double-double.

PREDICTION: Bulls 101, Magic 97

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:54 AM

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Boston Celtics Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NBA Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

The Minnesota Timberwolves are struggling to perform consistently at the defensive end, leading to losses in eight of the last 12 games. The Timberwolves will try to find a way to get key stops and close out on 3-point shooters when they finish out a three-game road trip by visiting the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

Minnesota knocked off Miami 113-104 in the opener of the road trip on Sunday but could not muster up the same defensive effort while allowing the New Orleans Pelicans to knock down 14-of-25 from 3-point range in a 123-114 loss the next night. "Until we play defense for 48 minutes, it's going to be hard to win," Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. "...It's discipline. Everyone's got to do their job, but it wasn't just the bench. We can't pick and choose when we're going to do things." Minnesota failed to take advantage of a New Orleans team missing superstar Anthony Davis but may get another chance with a star absent as Celtics All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving is questionable. Irving had to leave Monday's 120-111 loss at San Antonio in the fourth quarter after suffering a scratched left cornea and is day-to-day.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS North (Minnesota), NBCS Boston

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (17-20): Minnesota is dealing with an injury situation in the backcourt that has point guards Jeff Teague (ankle) and Derrick Rose (ankle) day-to-day, opening an opportunity for Tyus Jones. The 22-year-old made the most of a start on Monday and collected 15 points and 13 assists but was unhappy about the team's performance down the stretch. "These close games, we've got to find a way to pull through," Jones told reporters. "We've got to find a way to come out on the other end. We're fighting, and we've just got to find a way to come out on the right side of things and we've got to learn from it."

ABOUT THE CELTICS (21-15): Boston dropped five of its last eight games following an eight-game winning streak but will get a chance to turn things around with the next four at home - three against teams with losing records. The Celtics are undersized with center Aron Baynes (hand) out and struggled on the glass during their three-game road trip. "We have to play twice as hard because we're smaller," Irving told reporters. "So, they're just pounding it in, going at our bigs, making Marcus Morris guard (power forwards) and Al (Horford) guard these (centers). They're just launching at the basket and getting offensive boards, so most of our lineups are featured with four guards, so that makes our job on the boards a lot tougher. And it just showed. It's been showing over the last few games."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Celtics C Robert Williams III (groin) sat out the last four games and is questionable for Wednesday.

2. Timberwolves C Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 28.3 points and 18.5 rebounds over the last four games.

3. Boston took the last five in the series, including a 118-109 triumph at Minnesota on Dec. 1.

PREDICTION: Celtics 120, Timberwolves 115

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:55 AM

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Phoenix Suns Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NBA Predictions 2nd January 2019 by Gracenote
76ers vs. Suns Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/02/2019

The Philadelphia 76ers look to complete a five-game road trip with a winning record when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. Philadelphia is 2-2 on the excursion after posting a 119-113 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday behind 28 points and 19 rebounds from star center Joel Embiid.

Embiid has recorded a league-leading 32 double-doubles and the latest one occurred after a one-game absence because of left knee soreness. "I feel good," Embiid said during a postgame television interview. "I was a little bit out of shape and then the elbow that I got (from teammate Ben Simmons) almost knocked me out but I'm fine. I'm good. I'll be good." Phoenix has opened up a seven-game homestand by allowing an average of 124 points in losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors. Star shooting guard Devin Booker has strung together nine straight 20-point outings and is averaging 28.4 points during the stretch.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Arizona (Phoenix)

ABOUT THE 76ERS (24-14): Philadelphia's offensive production soared with Embiid back in the lineup as the club scored 76 in the first half against the Clippers after recording 41 without him in Sunday's 129-95 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. But Embiid was highly upset and unleashed a few choice words when he went up for a rebound and Simmons smacked him in the face with his elbow. "I'm sure it was the frustration and initial fear (of being hurt) but don't read into anything about that," 76ers coach Brett Brown told reporters of the exchange.

ABOUT THE SUNS (9-29): Rookie center Deandre Ayton gets a second look at Embiid and scored 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting in a loss on Nov. 19. The No. 1 overall pick has been superb over the last two games with averages of 29 points and 12 rebounds in losses to Denver - he scored a season-best 33 against the Nuggets - and the Golden State Warriors. "I just put up a lot of shots in my off time, especially when I'm tired," Ayton told reporters about topping 20 points in six of the past eight contests. "I just go to the gym a lot and put up a lot of shots, like a lot. I just work on my hook shots and post moves just when I'm bored."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Embiid recorded 33 points and 17 rebounds as the 76ers posted a 119-114 home win in the November meeting.

2. Philadelphia SG JJ Redick has made at least four 3-pointers in four of the past five games and is 20-of-39 during the stretch.

3. Booker scored 37 points and matched his career high of six 3-pointers in the earlier loss to Philadelphia.

PREDICTION: 76ers 113, Suns 105

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:55 AM

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NBA Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
Thunder vs. Lakers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

The Los Angeles Lakers will be without star forward LeBron James for the fourth straight game when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Los Angeles is 1-2 without James, who injured his left groin in a Christmas Day rout of the Golden State Warriors.

The Lakers recorded their first win without James on Sunday, when they closed the game with an 18-4 burst to post a 121-114 victory over the visiting Sacramento Kings. "When we feel comfortable on the basketball court it gives us a better chance to win," Los Angeles small forward Brandon Ingram told reporters. "We just continue to show growth in tight situations we are in." Oklahoma City split a home-and-home with the Dallas Mavericks, beginning with a 105-103 loss in Dallas before recovering to notch a 122-102 home rout on Monday. "When you keep it simple, it makes the game easier for everybody else, not just myself," Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook told reporters after registering his 114th career triple-double. "Keeping it simple is something that I've strived to learn over the course of the years."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Oklahoma, Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE THUNDER (23-13): Westbrook was a horrid 4-of-22 shooting - missing all eight 3-point attempts - for nine points in the loss against Dallas but was back in star mode the following night with 32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for his 10th triple-double of the season. He made 13-of-24 overall shots and was 9-of-15 on mid-range jumpers and decided to bank a few in off the glass. "It's an easy shot," Westbrook told reporters. "If I happen to be in that area I'm going to shoot the same shot. Why do anything different if they keep giving you the same shot, then take it."

ABOUT THE LAKERS (21-16): Ingram recorded a season-best nine assists against the Kings and was part of the fourth-quarter charge when he scored nine of his 21 points in the period. "He seemed to have a joy about him playing that, when he has it, it's a lot of fun to watch," Lakers coach Luke Walton told reporters. "Whether it's practice or a game, that's where we have to get to." Guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was superb with season bests of 26 points and five 3-pointers and tallied 17 points in the second half.

BUZZER BEATERS

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

2. Oklahoma City SF Paul George topped 20 points in each of his last 11 appearances, including seven efforts of more than 30 points, as he faces the team he once wanted to join before re-signing with the Thunder.

3. Los Angeles G Josh Hart scored a season-best 22 points against Sacramento.

PREDICTION: Thunder 112, Lakers 106

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:55 AM

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NHL Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

The Pittsburgh Penguins hope their success carries over from one calendar year to the next as they enter the 2019 portion of their schedule with a season-best six-game winning streak. The Penguins look to notch their campaign-high fifth straight road victory on Wednesday when they complete a three-game trek against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Pittsburgh continues to be fueled by its superstars, as Phil Kessel (one goal, two assists) collected his third straight three-point performance in Monday's 3-2 triumph versus Minnesota and captain Sidney Crosby (one goal, one assist) produced his fourth consecutive multi-point effort while playing in his 900th career contest. "We still need to improve I think, but our mentality and we're doing a better job of keeping it simple and not forcing things," said Crosby (two goals, eight assists), who joins Kessel (three goals, seven assists) in riding a four-game point streak into a tilt versus New York. The Rangers pushed their point streak to four games (2-0-2) and improved to 10-3-7 in contests decided by one goal with Saturday's 4-3 win at Nashville and a 2-1 victory in St. Louis two nights later. "Two huge road wins here against two pretty good teams, tough buildings to play in as well. We got it done. Nice way to finish off 2018," forward Mika Zibanejad said.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (21-12-6): Matt Murray has returned from his lower-body injury with a flourish, sporting a 5-0-0 mark with a 1.38 goals-against average and .959 save percentage. The two-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender is a stellar 6-0-1 with a 1.74 GAA and .950 SP away from the Steel City and has turned aside 100 of 110 shots to boast a perfect 4-0-0 record in four career encounters with the Rangers. Former Hart Trophy recipient Evgeni Malkin has done his fair share of damage against New York with 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists) in 54 career meetings, including scoring in overtime to cap a four-point performance (one goal, three assists) in a 5-4 win on Oct. 17, 2017.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (17-14-7): Chris Kreider scored his team-leading 20th goal and added two assists against the Predators before setting up Mats Zuccarello's power-play tally late in the first period versus the Blues to extend his point streak to a career high-tying five games. "We're finding ways to win games," the 27-year-old Kreider said. "Obviously (Monday) was not as good as the other night (in Nashville), but we found a way, and that's what good teams do. We've got to continue to do that. That's a greasy road win. You've got to do what it takes." Henrik Lundqvist turned aside 37 shots to run his personal point streak to six games (2-0-4) heading into the tilt versus Pittsburgh, against which he owns a 29-23-11 mark with four shutouts in 63 career encounters.

OVERTIME

1. New York D Marc Staal, who is slated to play in his 800th game on Wednesday, has logged at least 20 minutes of ice time in 14 of his last 15 contests.

2. Penguins D Kris Letang has one goal and five assists on his four-game point streak.

3. New York has converted on the power play in each of the last three games and registered seven man-advantage goals in the past eight.

PREDICTION: Penguins 4, Rangers 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:55 AM

Vancouver Canucks vs. Ottawa Senators Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NHL Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

The Ottawa Senators have tumbled to the bottom of the Eastern Conference and will hope getting off the road will bring an end to a season-worst losing streak. The Senators, who have an NHL-low four road wins after stumbling late in a 6-3 setback at Columbus on New Year's Eve, will open a three-game homestand against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night.

Ottawa permitted five third-period goals -- two empty-netters -- to the Blue Jackets and have dropped five games in a row, getting outscored 24-10 during its tailspin. "We're really not getting the job at all lately," said Senators forward Ryan Dzingel, who scored twice in the latest loss. "You can be positive all you want, but you have to have results." The Canucks had been getting results prior to Monday's 4-0 loss at New Jersey, but they are 8-3-1 in their last 12 heading into the fourth stop of a six-game road trip. Brock Boeser, who skated in his 100th NHL game Monday, had a goal and an assist in Vancouver's 3-0 win at Ottawa on Oct. 17.

TV: 7 p.m. ET; Sportsnet, Sportsnet 360 (Vancouver), TVAS (Ottawa)

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (19-19-4): Anders Nilsson earned the shutout in the first meeting between the teams in October and was in net for Monday's loss at New Jersey, so Vancouver is expected to go back to red-hot Jacob Markstrom on Wednesday. Markstrom has been instrumental in Vancouver's resurgence, posting an 8-1-0 record with a 1.66 goals-against average and .943 save percentage in nine starts in December -- with the lone defeat a 1-0 setback against Winnipeg. Boeser had been on a goal-scoring tear with eight in 10 games before he was held without a shot on net in Monday's defeat.

ABOUT THE SENATORS (15-21-4): In an attempt to shake his team out of its doldrums, Ottawa coach Guy Boucher shuffled his lineup for Monday's game, breaking up his No. 1 unit by elevating Chris Tierney to the top line while dropping Colin White to the second. The moves did not stop there as the Senators placed Tom Pyatt on waivers Tuesday afternoon after the fourth-line forward remained stuck on zero goals and two assists in 37 games. "He's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet," Boucher said. "It's tough but we know where the organization is going. It has to make choices."

OVERTIME

1. Senators F Matt Duchene had an assist in Monday's loss to leave him one shy of 300 for his career.

2. Canucks rookie C Elias Pettersson has 10 goals and 21 points in 19 road games.

3. Senators F Bobby Ryan, who ended a nine-game goal drought Monday, has 30 points in 29 games versus Vancouver.

PREDICTION: Canucks 3, Senators 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:55 AM

Calgary Flames vs. Detroit Red Wings Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NHL Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

Johnny Gaudreau would well be within his right to be winded after collecting 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) during 14 games in December, surpassing his previous best total for a month by seven. Gaudreau looks to carry his good fortune into the new calendar year on Wednesday as the Calgary Flames open a four-game road trip against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena.

Gaudreau (team co-leading 21 goals, club-best 34 assists and 55 points) joined Matthew Tkachuk by scoring two goals and setting up two others while Sean Monahan had a career-high five assists in Monday's 8-5 victory versus San Jose. Calgary's offensive outburst is nothing new, as the club has scored seven or more goals for an NHL-best fifth time this season. Detroit has cooled off considerably since the start of December, falling for the 12th time in its last 15 (3-8-4) after seeing a three-goal lead go by the boards in Monday's 4-3 shootout loss to Florida. Dylan Larkin set up Gustav Nyquist's first-period tally to extend his career-high point streak to 14 games (seven goals, 10 assists) heading into the tilt with Calgary, against which he has six points (two goals, four assists) in six encounters.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West (Calgary), FS Detroit

ABOUT THE FLAMES (24-12-4): In addition to Gaudreau, Monahan has 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in his past 15 games while linemate Elias Lindholm boosted his point total to 10 in his last seven outings following a three-point performance versus San Jose. The 24-year-old Swede netted his career-high 18th goal of the season against the Sharks and boosted his power-play point total to 15. "Our top line is driving the bus but I think a lot of guys chipped in (Monday) and that's big too," said fellow forward Mikael Backlund, who tallied twice versus San Jose.

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (15-19-7): Darren Helm skated on a line with Luke Glendening and Andreas Athanasiou on Tuesday as he bids to snap a 21-game absence due to a shoulder injury. "I expect Helm to be ready for tomorrow," coach Jeff Blashill said. "We'll make final determination tomorrow after pregame skate but I expect him to be ready tomorrow." As for Athanasiou, the speedy 24-year-old has scored twice in his last three games after being held without a goal in his previous 11.

OVERTIME

1. Nyquist recorded 16 (seven goals, nine assists) of his 34 points in December.

2. Tkachuk has 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in his last 13 games.

3. Detroit G Jimmy Howard owns a 9-7-1 mark versus Calgary in 17 career encounters despite posting an .898 save percentage.

PREDICTION: Flames 4, Red Wings 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:55 AM

New Jersey Devils vs. Dallas Stars Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NHL Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

The New Jersey Devils have a chance to match their longest winning streak of the season and they can do it against the same opponent that they victimized during their previous four-game run. Buoyed by the stellar player of rookie netminder MacKenzie Blackwood, New Jersey kicks off a four-game road trip with a visit to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night.

"We're not getting complacent," Devils forward Brian Boyle said after Monday's 4-0 win over Vancouver. "We can't just because of where we're at because we've dug ourselves a pretty big hole, but we're starting to turn ourselves in a good direction." New Jersey started the season by winning its first four games, capped off by a 3-0 victory over the visiting Stars on Oct. 16, but won only eight of its next 31 games prior to its current tear. Dallas has points in three straight after its modest two-game winning streak was halted in a 3-2 overtime loss to visiting Montreal on Monday. The Stars, who own a six-game point streak at home (4-0-2) versus New Jersey, announced Tuesday that the team will host the 2020 Winter Classic as the Cotton Bowl.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN Plus, MSG Plus (New Jersey), FS-Southwest Plus (Dallas)

ABOUT THE DEVILS (15-16-7): Leading scorer and reigning league MVP Taylor Hall was placed on injured reserve Tuesday and will miss his fourth straight game, but New Jersey has outscored the opposition 11-2 in the three consecutive wins. Blackwood, named the NHL Third Star of the Week on Monday, showed it was no fluke by turning aside 25 shots against the Canucks hours later for his second straight shutout. "It's pretty cool what's going on. I don't really know how to explain it," Blackwood said after his fourth career start. "The credit goes to the team. They've been playing so good in front of me, making my job a lot easier."

ABOUT THE STARS (20-16-4): Even though Dallas earned a split against Detroit and Montreal to start the four-game homestand, coach Jim Montgomery was happy with his team's effort after producing a combined 89 shots on goal. "We had our two best practices consecutively. And we've played well these last two games here," Montgomery said. "We just have to keep doing it every day. That's been the biggest challenge with our group, is being good every day." Captain Jamie Benn and linemate Tyler Seguin, the subject of blistering criticism by Stars CEO Jim Lites, combined for 11 shots -- with Seguin setting up a goal by Benn.

OVERTIME

1. Stars G Ben Bishop is 9-2-0 with a 1.43 goals-against average and two shutouts versus New Jersey.

2. Devils F Miles Wood has scored in back-to-back games and is one shy of tying his career high of eight goals.

3. Benn has only two goals and six points in 17 games versus New Jersey.

PREDICTION: Stars 3, Devils 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-02-2019, 08:56 AM

Edmonton Oilers vs. Arizona Coyotes Preview and Predictions 2019-01-02

NHL Predictions 1st January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/01/2019

The Arizona Coyotes were making a charge up the Pacific Division in early December after ripping off four straight victories but they have stalled and are finding wins hard to come by. The same holds true for the sagging Edmonton Oilers, who are mired in a six-game losing streak and now must open a four-game road trip with a visit to the Coyotes on Wednesday night.

Arizona is 4-9-0 over its last 13 games and has won only once in regulation during that span while being limited to one goal or less in each of its last six losses, including a 5-1 drubbing by visiting Vegas on Sunday that left coach Rick Tocchet flustered. "I just saw a team go totally south on us," Tocchet said of his club's lackluster effort. "So maybe we have some players here that just can't do it regularly and we're going to have to find some players that will." Hitting the road may not be the worst thing for Edmonton, which has surrendered 29 goals during its slide and capped an 0-for-5 homestand with a 4-3 loss to Winnipeg on Monday. "We are making too many little mistakes and that starts with me and the top guys," Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl said. "We have to clean that up."

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, Sportsnet1 (Edmonton), FS Arizona Plus

ABOUT THE OILERS (18-18-3): Defensemen Brandon Manning and Alexander Petrovic, acquired in separate trades on Sunday, made their Edmonton debuts on Monday -- one day before coach Ken Hitchcock turned his attention to putting a spark in his offense. With the Oilers too reliant on top-line standouts Draisaitl and captain Connor McDavid, Hitchock moved Zack Kassian alongside his top two point producers while dropping Ty Rattie to the fourth line. "Rattie's playing well and he offers skill and speed to that (fourth) line," Hitchcock explained. "Kassian is going to bang bodies and create some space and room that we need."

ABOUT THE COYOTES (17-20-2): Forward Nick Schmaltz, who has five goals and 14 points in 17 games since he was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, did not practice Tuesday and was listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Forward Brad Richardson, sidelined for the past three games due to illness, centered a line with Alex Galchenyuk and Vinnie Hinostroza during practice and appears ready to return to the lineup against the Oilers. Galchenyuk supplied the only goal against the Golden Knights on the power play to extend his point streak to five games but he also finished the game with a minus-4.

OVERTIME

1. McDavid is averaging two points per game over his last 11 contests.

2. Arizona assigned G Calvin Pickard to Tucson of the American Hockey League on a conditioning loan.

3. Draisaitl has scored five times during a four-game goal streak and has amassed 19 points in the past 11 games.

PREDICTION: Oilers 4, Coyotes 3

Wednesday 1-2-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Wednesday 1-2-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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