Tuesday 1-8-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, January 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (21-17-0-3, 45 pts.) at BOSTON (24-14-0-4, 52 pts.) - 1/8/2019, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-2-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAROLINA (19-17-0-5, 43 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (23-13-0-4, 50 pts.) - 1/8/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 55-68 ATS (-22.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 7-18 ATS (-11.4 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 16-26 ATS (-11.8 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 24-51 ATS (+81.2 Units) in road games after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
CAROLINA is 21-37 ATS (+61.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 8-26 ATS (+40.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 23-17 ATS (+5.2 Units) in all games this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 10-4 ATS (+5.6 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 8-4 ATS (+12.7 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 49-83 ATS (+147.0 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 7-5 (+4.0 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 7-5-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.1 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FLORIDA (17-16-0-7, 41 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (23-13-0-6, 52 pts.) - 1/8/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 17-23 ATS (-11.1 Units) in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 113-170 ATS (+286.9 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 7-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 5-1 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 5-1-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.0 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW JERSEY (16-18-0-7, 39 pts.) at BUFFALO (22-14-0-6, 50 pts.) - 1/8/2019, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 5-1 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 5-1-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.2 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILADELPHIA (15-21-0-6, 36 pts.) at WASHINGTON (25-12-0-4, 54 pts.) - 1/8/2019, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 4-4 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 4-4-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MONTREAL (22-16-0-5, 49 pts.) at DETROIT (16-21-0-7, 39 pts.) - 1/8/2019, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 8-2 (+5.3 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 8-2-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLUMBUS (24-14-0-3, 51 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (32-8-0-2, 66 pts.) - 1/8/2019, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 32-10 ATS (+18.3 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 27-9 ATS (+13.9 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 16-2 ATS (+13.1 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
TAMPA BAY is 11-2 ATS (+7.7 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
TAMPA BAY is 11-0 ATS (+11.0 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 10-1 ATS (+8.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLUMBUS is 8-1 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 4-3 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 4-3-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLORADO (20-14-0-8, 48 pts.) at WINNIPEG (26-13-0-2, 54 pts.) - 1/8/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 10-39 ATS (+79.2 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 87-54 ATS (+166.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 50-30 ATS (+12.0 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 34-16 ATS (+14.7 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 41-15 ATS (+22.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 90-74 ATS (+169.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more since 1996.
COLORADO is 63-52 ATS (+119.8 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.
COLORADO is 254-216 ATS (+27.2 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 6-4 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 6-4-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.5 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DALLAS (22-17-0-4, 48 pts.) at ST LOUIS (17-19-0-4, 38 pts.) - 1/8/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 21-46 ATS (+74.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 24-40 ATS (-18.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 25-14 ATS (+9.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 224-148 ATS (+42.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 2-7 ATS (-5.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
ST LOUIS is 12-21 ATS (-19.5 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 5-4 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 5-4-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY RANGERS (17-17-0-7, 41 pts.) at VEGAS (26-15-0-4, 56 pts.) - 1/8/2019, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 3-21 ATS (+32.1 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 5-18 ATS (+24.4 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
VEGAS is 91-57 ATS (+156.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 5-0 ATS (+5.0 Units) on Tuesday nights this season.
NY RANGERS are 21-16 ATS (+42.3 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 132-129 ATS (+280.1 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 14-7 ATS (+21.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VEGAS is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
VEGAS is 2-1-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.8 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDMONTON (20-19-0-3, 43 pts.) at SAN JOSE (24-13-0-7, 55 pts.) - 1/8/2019, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 9-8 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 9-8-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
10 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.2 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Tuesday, January 8

Trend Report

Minnesota Wild
Minnesota is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games
Minnesota is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games
Minnesota is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Minnesota is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Bruins
Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Boston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Minnesota

New Jersey Devils
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
New Jersey is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
New Jersey is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New Jersey is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New Jersey's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games on the road
New Jersey is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Buffalo
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Buffalo
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo is 19-6 ATS in its last 25 games
Buffalo is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Buffalo's last 7 games
Buffalo is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Buffalo is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Buffalo is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games when playing at home against New Jersey

Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Carolina's last 24 games
Carolina is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
Carolina is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
Carolina is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
New York Islanders
NY Islanders is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
NY Islanders is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of NY Islanders's last 19 games
NY Islanders is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Carolina
NY Islanders is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Islanders's last 5 games when playing Carolina
NY Islanders is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina
NY Islanders is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Islanders's last 5 games when playing at home against Carolina

Florida Panthers
Florida is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games
Florida is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games on the road
Florida is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Florida is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Florida is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Florida
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Florida
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Florida

Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Philadelphia is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington Capitals
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Washington is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

Montreal Canadiens
Montreal is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games
Montreal is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Montreal is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Montreal is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Montreal is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Montreal's last 9 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit Red Wings
Detroit is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Detroit is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Detroit is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Montreal
Detroit is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Montreal
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing at home against Montreal

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Columbus is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Columbus is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 6 games on the road
Columbus is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Columbus's last 21 games when playing Tampa Bay
Columbus is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Tampa Bay's last 21 games when playing Columbus
Tampa Bay is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Columbus

Dallas Stars
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Dallas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Dallas is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing St. Louis
Dallas is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis Blues
St. Louis is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games at home
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of St. Louis's last 9 games at home
St. Louis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
St. Louis is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Dallas
St. Louis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas

Colorado Avalanche
Colorado is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games
Colorado is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Winnipeg
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Winnipeg
Colorado is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Winnipeg is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games
Winnipeg is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Winnipeg is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Colorado
Winnipeg is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
Winnipeg is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado

New York Rangers
NY Rangers is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of NY Rangers's last 15 games
NY Rangers is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
NY Rangers is 6-17 SU in its last 23 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Rangers's last 8 games on the road
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vegas's last 6 games
Vegas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Vegas is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Edmonton is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Edmonton is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Edmonton is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Edmonton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing San Jose
Edmonton is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose Sharks
San Jose is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
San Jose is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games
San Jose is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games at home
San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Jose's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
San Jose is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games when playing at home against Edmonton

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NBA Predictions 7th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/07/2019

The Indiana Pacers missed a chance to declare themselves legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference when they dropped a 121-105 decision at Toronto on Sunday, but there is still plenty of room for growth. The Pacers will try to bounce back when they make the third stop of a five-game trip by visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.

Indiana had a six-game winning streak come to an end on Sunday and was outscored in each quarter as Toronto steadily pulled away. "Toronto's a really good team," Pacers center Domantas Sabonis told reporters. "That's why they've been at the top of the east for the last couple of years. The way they are consistent throughout the whole game is something we need to work towards." Indiana takes a step down in competition against the Cavaliers, who own the worst record in the NBA and come into Monday's matchup riding a nine-game losing streak, capped by a 133-98 home loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. "If you love this game and you care about being a competitor, you're going to hate times like these," Cleveland center Tristan Thompson told reporters. "You're going to have sleepless nights, and it's going to mess with you."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Indiana, FS Ohio (Cleveland) LINE: Pacers -10

ABOUT THE PACERS (26-13): Indiana went 4-of-17 from 3-point range on Sunday, with All-Star shooting guard Victor Oladipo missing all four of his attempts from beyond the arc. "They got up 33 threes tonight, we got up 17, they made most of theirs, and we didn't make enough of ours," Oladipo told reporters. "It seemed like we got cold, it's just a tough loss, it seemed like we were exhausted out there, but we just gotta figure it out. Hopefully this will be eye opening for us and we will realize we've got a lot of work to do if want to get to where we want to be." Oladipo is 10-of-36 from 3-point range over the last six games.



ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (8-32): Cleveland is struggling to keep pace in the second half and coach Larry Drew was fed up enough with the third-quarter struggles to pull four of his five starters less than four minutes into the period on Saturday. "I was just a little upset I couldn't take all five out and put five new ones in there, I only had four guys on the bench," Drew told reporters. "The message was very simple. Those guys were not playing well. Frankly, I had seen enough at that point." Reserve guard Jordan Clarkson led the team with 23 points in the loss and leads the team at an average of 16.9 points.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Cavaliers waived SG Patrick McCaw on Sunday after signing him one week earlier.

2. Pacers C Myles Turner (shoulder) sat out Sunday and is questionable for Tuesday.

3. The visiting team took the first two meetings this season, with Indiana earning a 119-107 victory at Cleveland on Oct. 27.

PREDICTION: Pacers 125, Cavaliers 109

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Wizards vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NBA Predictions 7th January 2019 by Gracenote
Wizards vs. 76ers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/07/2019

The Philadelphia 76ers routed Washington earlier this season and now look to beat the Wizards on back-to-back nights. The 76ers led by as many as 35 points in a 123-98 home triumph on Nov. 30 and now host the Wizards on Tuesday before the scene shifts to Washington for Wednesday's back end of the home-and-home set.

Philadelphia has won three straight games and six of its past eight and improved to 17-3 at home with Saturday's 106-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Swingman Jimmy Butler (upper respiratory infection) is expected back after a two-game absence amid reports he recently challenged coach Brett Brown about his role in the offense. Washington improved to 5-17 on the road with a stellar 116-98 trouncing of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday that was certainly one of its best performances of a disappointing campaign. "It has to be up there, there's no question," Wizards coach Scott Brooks said afterward. "We battled. We played against one of the best teams in basketball. They've got a lot of talent. They've got three All-Stars on the floor and I think we battled them and did a lot of things well."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington, NBCS Philadelphia LINE: 76ers -8.5

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (16-24): Small forward Otto Porter Jr. had 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocked shots in 24 minutes off the bench in the rout of the Thunder. Porter has served in a reserve role in three straight games since returning from a 10-game absence due to a knee injury and Brooks said he is considering keeping Porter in a bench role. "Otto just wants to play and play well and play the right way," Brooks told reporters. "If we keep him there for a while, who knows. But we have been playing some good basketball. I know we haven't won every game, but we've been playing hard, and we have to keep doing it. But he has a nice rhythm coming off the bench the last few games."



ABOUT THE 76ERS (26-14): Butler isn't always meshing with fellow stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons with Embiid saying the trio will "keep working on it," while Brown downplayed the turmoil. "I didn't feel like any of that crossed the line," Brown told reporters of Butler's strong assertions. "He's vocal. He's all in and he has opinions, but it's instigated by me. None of this should surprise anybody. He's got opinions. He wants to be heard. And he should be heard." Simmons said he has no issues with Butler - "Jimmy's been great, amazing for me," he said.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The 76ers won five of the past eight meetings after losing 10 of the previous 11 matchups.

2. Washington SG Bradley Beal scored 25 points against Oklahoma City for his 31st 20-point effort of the campaign.

3. Simmons recorded 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists against Dallas for his sixth triple-double of the season and 18th of his career.

PREDICTION: 76ers 110, Wizards 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NBA Predictions 7th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/07/2019

The Denver Nuggets look to start a new winning streak when they visit the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Denver had a five-game victory stretch halted Monday when they were outclassed 125-113 by the torrid Houston Rockets.

The Nuggets allowed 22 3-pointers and made just seven of their own during a loss to a Houston squad that won for 12th time in the past 14 games. Standout center Nikola Jokic recorded 24 points and 13 rebounds for his fourth straight double-double and he is averaging 27 points and 13 rebounds during the stretch. Miami had been playing well with eight wins in 10 games before being pounded 106-82 by the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday. The Heat will try to rebound in the opener of a three-game homestand that includes games against the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Altitude2 (Denver), FS Sun (Miami) LINE: Heat -1.5

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (26-12): Shooting guard Gary Harris was limited to 27 minutes after tweaking his hamstring during Monday's loss and he insisted after the contest that he would play against the Heat. Coach Michael Malone didn't sound as sure and told reporters there was "definitely a little bit of concern in terms of his hamstring" and that was why Harris didn't return to the game. Harris had 14 points in just his fourth contest after missing 11 straight games with a hip injury.



ABOUT THE HEAT (19-19): Miami shot just 35.6 percent from the field, including a putrid 5-of-34 from 3-point range, in the embarrassing showing against Atlanta. "If you don't bring your best effort, your best game, best focus, you can pay the price and get beat at any time," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters. "It was urgency and attention to detail that we lacked." Despite the large margin of defeat, Spoelstra didn't use Dion Waiters, prompting the shooting guard to say, "At the end of the day, that's the coach. He controls all that. That's out of my control. The only thing I can do is be ready."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Heat have won five of the past seven meetings.

2. Miami C Hassan Whiteside had just four rebounds (and two points) against the Hawks after averaging 14.3 boards over his previous three games.

3. Denver PF Paul Millsap had just six points on 2-of-6 shooting against Houston after averaging 14.7 points over the previous three games.

PREDICTION: Heat 106, Nuggets 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Hawks vs. Toronto Raptors Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NBA Predictions 7th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/07/2019

The Toronto Raptors just knocked off their two closest competitors in the Eastern Conference to become the first team in the NBA to reach 30 wins and re-establish themselves as the class of the conference. The Raptors will try to maintain their edge when they host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.

Toronto pulled out a 123-116 victory at Milwaukee on Saturday and had enough energy left over to knock off the Indiana Pacers 121-105 on the second night of a back-to-back on Sunday thanks to Norman Powell stepping up with 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting off the bench. "I feel really confident," Powell told reporters. "I think the coaching staff is trusting me; I've talked to them, broken down film and things like that and talking with me where I can find my spots to be aggressive and help the team and where I fit in. I feel good, just going out there and seeing what the defense is doing, see what the defense is giving me and picking my spots." The Hawks are hanging around the bottom of the standings in the East, though they are putting up some competitive performances of late. Atlanta snapped a three-game slide with a 106-82 triumph at home over the Miami Heat on Sunday and earned the win in six of the last 10 contests.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), TSN (Toronto) LINE: Raptors -14.5

ABOUT THE HAWKS (12-27): Atlanta put together one of its best performances of the season on Sunday, holding the Heat to 35.6 percent from the floor while dominating the glass 67-52. Power forward John Collins led the way on the boards with 13 rebounds to go with 13 points in his 14th double-double of the season - sixth in the last eight games. Five other players grabbed at least seven boards in the win including rookie shooting guard Kevin Huerter, who showed off his range of skills with 10 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals.



ABOUT THE RAPTORS (30-12): Toronto rested star forward Kawhi Leonard on Sunday but point guard Kyle Lowry (back) returned after a six-game absence. "He pushes the tempo and, I don't know, just him, you can't really put it into context, but he just does a good job of bringing energy, pushing the pace, doing the little things, taking charges, being scrappy," point guard Delon Wright told the Toronto Sun of Lowry's contributions. Lowry contributed 12 points, eight assists and three steals to Sunday's victory but told reporters that his back was something that will need to continue to be monitored going forward.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Raptors SG Danny Green is 7-of-11 from 3-point range over the last two games after missing all eight of his attempts in the previous two contests.

2. Hawks SF DeAndre' Bembry is averaging 18 points over the last two games, pushing his season mark to 8.5.

3. Toronto took the last five in the series, including a 124-108 win at Atlanta in the first meeting this season on Nov. 21.

PREDICTION: Raptors 121, Hawks 112

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NBA Predictions 7th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/07/2019

The Minnesota Timberwolves are making some drastic changes to their basketball operations, from the front office down to the bench. The Timberwolves will be operating under an interim coach when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday after firing head coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau on Sunday.

Minnesota fired Thibodeau after he led the team to a 108-86 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, but the Timberwolves are two games under .500 nearing the halfway point of the season after expecting to contend. "We've gone ... halfway through the season, and I don't think we're where we thought we would be, or where we think we should be," Minnesota owner Glen Taylor told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "We still have hopes to get into the playoffs, and I think with half the season left, let's see if this change will make a difference." The Thunder aren't dealing with that sort of organizational upheaval but will need to bounce back after a disappointing 116-98 loss to the Washington Wizards at home on Sunday. "We did well on the road, we had some big games that we won and just one of those nights you come home and you see an opponent like the Wizards ... you just fall into that trap," Oklahoma City forward Paul George told reporters.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS North (Minnesota), FS Oklahoma LINE: Thunder -8

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (19-21): Minnesota named assistant Ryan Saunders - son of former coach Flip Saunders - the interim coach while general manager Scott Layden will take over some of Thibodeau's front office responsibilities. "Ryan has been around now quite a few years," Taylor told the Star Tribune. "He knows the players. The players know him. I just think that's very helpful, looking at our staff, I think he was probably the best candidate to move ahead. ... My hope would be that Ryan takes over and we play well or good enough to get into the playoffs and do well there and that Ryan would earn to be the permanent coach." The Timberwolves are winners of back-to-back games and five of their last eight.



ABOUT THE THUNDER (25-14): Russell Westbrook posted his third triple-double in the last four games with 22 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists on Sunday but committed eight of the team's 15 turnovers. "We've talked about (Westbrook) advance passing and getting it up there. We want him to do that," Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan told reporters. "A couple of those passes, to be honest with you, if they were probably a few more inches just a little bit further, they probably would have ended in some dunks." George added 20 points in the loss - the 14th straight game in which he scored 20 or more.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Timberwolves PG Jeff Teague is averaging 19 points and 10.5 assists in two games since returning from an ankle injury.

2. Thunder PG Dennis Schroder is 14-of-51 from the floor over the last four games.

3. Minnesota earned a 114-112 win at Oklahoma City on Dec. 23 behind 30 points from SG Andrew Wiggins.

PREDICTION: Thunder 116, Timberwolves 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NBA Predictions 8th January 2019 by Gracenote
Kings vs. Suns Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/08/2019

The struggling Phoenix Suns look to halt their six-game losing streak when they host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. Phoenix has recorded just nine wins at the season's midway point and is on pace to finish with fewer than 20 for just the second time in franchise history.

Devin Booker has been the bright spot for the Suns, but he is questionable for the contest after leaving Sunday's loss to Charlotte with back spasms. The guard's availability will be determined either at the mid-day shootaround or closer to game time, depending on the level of soreness he is feeling. Sacramento snapped its four-game slide with a solid 111-95 home win over Orlando on Monday in which it led by 28 points entering the final quarter. "We definitely needed that," Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox told reporters after scoring 20 points and matching his career best of five steals. "We have given a few of the previous games away, and it was good for us to take control."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), FS Arizona (Phoenix) LINE: Kings -3.5

ABOUT THE KINGS (20-20): Prized rookie Marvin Bagley III returned from an 11-game absence due to a knee injury to contribute eight points and six rebounds in 20 minutes against Orlando. Coach Dave Joerger was unsure if he will play Bagley on the back end of consecutive games, but the No. 2 overall draft pick professed his knee is 100 percent after Monday's performance. "My game is getting up and down fast and creating for my teammates," Bagley told reporters. "I felt like I was able to do that."



ABOUT THE SUNS (9-32): Booker was limited to 54 games last season due to injuries and already has missed 10 this campaign as his durability is becoming a concern. First-year coach Igor Kokoskov denies that the issue is becoming troublesome, but it is clear his squad is deeply affected when it's missing a player who is averaging 24.8 points and 6.9 assists. "There is no frustration - that's just the basketball game," Kokoskov told reporters after Monday's practice. "He has to invest a lot of time and everything else in his body and understand that he's got to be in top shape."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Kings SG Buddy Hield scored 20 points in a 122-105 road win over the Suns on Dec. 4.

2. Phoenix SF Josh Jackson scored a season-best 22 points in the loss to Charlotte.

3. Sacramento SG Iman Shumpert (right index finger) could miss his third straight game.

PREDICTION: Kings 119, Suns 115

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Charlotte Hornets vs. LA Clippers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NBA Predictions 7th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/07/2019

The Charlotte Hornets are in the midst of a six-game road trip and a stretch of nine of 11 away from home and will try to move to 2-1 in that span when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. The Hornets began the excursion with a 123-110 loss at Western Conference-leading Denver on Saturday but picked it up on the second night of a back-to-back and grabbed a 119-113 triumph at Phoenix on Sunday.

Charlotte is trying to get back to .500 and shook off a slow start by dominating late in the victory over the Suns. "We just played with more energy and effort (in the second half)," forward Marvin Williams told reporters. "We didn't play with the most energy and effort in the first half and Phoenix did a great job of taking advantage of that. We decided in the second half to come out and really pick it up. We were able to get stops and keep scoring on offense." The Clippers won each of their last two games and six of nine after picking off the Orlando Magic 106-96 in the opener of the two-game homestand on Sunday. Los Angeles held the Magic to 37.1 percent from the floor in limiting an opponent to fewer than 100 points for the first time since a 96-86 loss at Memphis on Dec. 5.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), FS Prime Ticket (Los Angeles) LINE: Clippers -6.5

ABOUT THE HORNETS (19-20): The key to Charlotte's strong play late on Sunday was star guard Kemba Walker, who scored 18 of his 29 points in the final five minutes. "I was just being aggressive," Walker told reporters. "(Backup point guard) Tony (Parker) did a great job of holding it down and I wanted to come in, be aggressive and make plays. I was able to get downhill and get to the basket and free-throw line as well. ... Everybody on my team wanted me to be aggressive." Walker went 10-of-31 from the floor in back-to-back losses and was 4-of-12 on Sunday before breaking out late and knocking down five of his last eight field-goal attempts.



ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (23-16): Tobias Harris reached 20 points once in the previous five games and started off slow on Sunday before finding his rhythm and pouring in a team-high 28 points in the win. "It was definitely a tough start for us, myself included, but one thing my teammates kept telling me was 'keep getting to your spots, your shots are going to fall,'" Harris told reporters. "'Get downhill and create some plays.' That's what we were able to do." Harris helped make up for an off-night from fellow forward Danilo Gallinari, who went 5-of-16 from the floor and 2-of-10 from beyond the arc in the victory.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Hornets SG Jeremy Lamb (hamstring) sat out the last three games and is day-to-day.

2. Clippers G Avery Bradley is 4-of-14 from the floor over the last two games and is shooting 38.5 percent on the season.

3. Los Angeles won seven of the last eight in the series.

PREDICTION: Clippers 123, Hornets 120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Knicks vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NBA Predictions 8th January 2019 by Gracenote
Knicks vs. Warriors Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/08/2019

The Golden State Warriors look to extend their winning streak in the all-time series to 10 games when they host the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Golden State rolled to a 128-100 victory in New York on Oct. 26 for its 26th triumph in the last 32 meetings.

The Warriors have cranked up the offense to an average of 131 points over their last three games and knocked down 21 3-pointers in Saturday's 127-123 victory over Sacramento. However, Golden State has lost its last three home contests as it was routed by 26 points by the Los Angeles Lakers and dropped one-point overtime decisions to both Portland and Houston. The Knicks are 1-4 on their six-game road trip and have lost 14 of their last 16 contests after falling 111-101 to the Trail Blazers on Monday. "I felt like the first three games of this new year, we have really come out to compete on the road and really fight to give ourselves a chance to win on the road, and hopefully we can keep building off of it," New York coach David Fizdale told reporters after the loss to Portland.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV, MSG (New York), NBCS Bay Area (Golden State)

ABOUT THE KNICKS (10-30): Emmanuel Mudiay (17 points) and Noah Vonleh (16, 14 rebounds) were the only starters who scored in double digits against the Trail Blazers. Vonleh, who matched his career high for points, has collected 10 or more rebounds in seven of his last eight games while the double-double was his 13th of the season and came against the team with which he played parts of three seasons. "I was happy for Noah Vonleh coming back and showing he belongs in this league," Fizdale told reporters. "Mudiay is continuing to grow and develop."

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (26-14): Stephen Curry drained 10 3-pointers while scoring 42 points against the Kings and is averaging 37 over his last three games. Curry has made 20 shots from beyond the arc over his last three contests and enjoyed the matchup versus Sacramento as the two teams combined for an NBA-record 41 3-pointers. "It's a fun way to play, especially when you're shooting a high percentage," Curry told reporters. "You can shoot as many 3s as you want to, but shooting a high percentage the way it was on both ends was pretty crazy."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Warriors have won the last four home meetings and 14 of the last 16.

2. Golden State SF Kevin Durant scored 29 points against the Kings and has recorded 25 or more in each of his last five contests.

3. New York PG Frank Ntilikina (ankle) will miss his second straight game and may be sidelined the rest of the week.

PREDICTION: Warriors 131, Knicks 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Florida Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NHL Predictions 7th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/07/2019

The Pittsburgh Penguins may have seen their season-high eight-game winning streak come to an end in their last outing, but the defeat did not slow down Kris Letang. The defenseman carries a season-high seven-game point streak (three goals, seven assists) into Tuesday's contest as the Penguins wrap up a three-game homestand versus the Florida Panthers.

Letang recorded a point for the 10th time in his last 11 games by setting up Jake Guentzel's first-period goal in Sunday's 5-3 setback to Chicago. Guentzel (two goals, two assists) joins Evgeni Malkin (one goal, three assists), Dominik Simon (two goals, two assists) and defenseman Marcus Pettersson (three assists) with three-game point streaks for Pittsburgh, which looks to finish off its homestand on a high note before heading west for a five-game road trip. Florida opens a five-game trek after answering a 6-2-0 stretch with back-to-back 4-3 losses against Buffalo and Columbus, with the latter setback coming in overtime at BB&T Center on Saturday. "We had a lot of great parts in the game, a lot of great pushes, but the one big mistake keeps haunting us. We've got to get better at that," Panthers coach Bob Boughner said.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Florida, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (17-16-7): Mike Hoffman has been on a goal-scoring binge, tallying in back-to-back contests and five times over his last seven games to boost his club-best total to 20. Jonathan Huberdeau also tallied versus the Blue Jackets to continue his stellar surge, as the 25-year-old has recorded 31 (seven goals, 24 assists) of his team-leading 46 points over the last 22 games. Huberdeau collected four points in three meetings last season with Pittsburgh, highlighted by a two-goal performance in a 4-3 setback on Oct. 14, 2017.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (23-13-6): Captain Sidney Crosby, who leads the team in goals (19), assists (32) and points (51), owns a six-game home point streak (eight goals, four assists) against Florida while fellow forward Phil Kessel carries a four-game assist streak (five total) versus the club into Tuesday's tilt. While Crosby and Kessel tend to secure the majority of the headlines, the second line of Malkin, Patric Hornqvist and Simon have combined for 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in its last three contests overall. Hornqvist, in fact, has six points (three goals, three assists) in his last six games overall while Malkin has multiple points in his last two contests versus the Panthers, collecting three goals and two assists in that stretch.

OVERTIME

1. Pittsburgh C Derick Brassard has scored six of his seven goals on home ice.

2. Panthers G Roberto Luongo owns a 15-10-5 mark with four shutouts in 33 career encounters with the Penguins.

3. Letang will move past Rick Kehoe (722) on Tuesday for sole possession of sixth place on the franchise's all-time games played list.

PREDICTION: Panthers 4, Penguins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NHL Predictions 7th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/07/2019

After breezing through a rugged stretch over the past three weeks, the surging New York Islanders will not have to leave the state for the next six games as they look to continue their push for a playoff spot. Winners of a season-high six in a row and nine of 10, New York plays five of its next six at home beginning with Tuesday's matchup versus the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Islanders rallied for three goals in the third period for a 4-3 victory at St. Louis on Saturday despite mustering a season-low 14 shots on goal. "Good teams, they find ways to win when they're not playing well," forward Jordan Eberle said after New York earned its sixth road win in the torrid 10-game span. "As a group, we're definitely feeling confident." The Hurricanes have taken advantage of a soft spot in their schedule, beating a pair of last-place clubs three times during their four-game winning streak after opening a three-game road trip with a 5-4 victory at Ottawa. Carolina is seeking a season-high fifth straight win but up next are two of the league's hottest clubs in the Islanders and NHL-best Tampa Bay.

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

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (19-17-5): Carolina has received offensive contributions from its blue-line corps during the winning streak, with the defensemen accounting for five goals and nine assists. Dougie Hamilton, part of the blockbuster trade with the Calgary Flames in the offseason, has led the charge by scoring in each of the past three games and is vying to become the first defenseman in franchise history to notch a goal in four consecutive games. "Our D is supposed to be the strong part of our team," Hamilton said after Sunday's victory. "Everyone on our D can score goals, get in the rush and make plays."

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (23-13-4): Goaltender Robin Lehner has been one of the driving forces in the winning streak, earning his seventh consecutive victory against St. Louis and earning NHL Third Star of the Week honors on Monday after posting a 3-0-0 mark with a 1.99 goals-against average and .935 save percentage. Still, coach Barry Trotz did not name his goaltender for Tuesday's game and could go with Thomas Greiss, who already has beaten the Hurricanes three times this season, allowing one goal in each matchup. Center Valtteri Filppula (upper body) returned to practice Monday after missing two games.

OVERTIME

1. New York has not won seven in a row since a nine-game winning streak from Dec. 31, 1989 to Jan. 19, 1990.

2. Hamilton, who had a career-high 17 goals last season, had only three tallies and 10 points prior to his three-game binge.

3. The Islanders are 10-3-1 against Metropolitan Division rivals.

PREDICTION: Islanders 3, Hurricanes 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NHL Predictions 7th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/07/2019

The slumping Buffalo Sabres are unsure if captain Jack Eichel will be back in the lineup for Tuesday night's matchup against the visiting New Jersey Devils. Eichel was back at practice on Monday after sitting out the past two games due to an upper-body injury but coach Phil Housley said he would not know until Tuesday if his top scorer will be available to play.

Although Buffalo has lost four of its last five (1-3-1) and scored a combined five goals in the four defeats, Eichel is taking a long-range approach regarding his health. "It's not a rush. You don't want to put yourself in a bad position," Eichel said. "You want to make sure you're comfortable in every situation that you put yourself in, myself and the team." New Jersey also is missing its leading scorer in reigning NHL MVP Taylor Hall, but the team has managed to go 4-2-0 in his absence entering the finale of a four-game road trip. The Devils own a six-game point streak (5-0-1) against the Sabres and have won their last six visits to Buffalo.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG (New Jersey), MSG-Buffalo

ABOUT THE DEVILS (16-18-7): New Jersey did not practice Monday so there were no medical updates on Hall and rookie netminder MacKenzie Blackwood, who was injured in Friday's win at Arizona and was not available to serve as a backup to Keith Kinkaid in Sunday's loss to Vegas. Kinkaid is a logical choice to get the nod against Buffalo -- he has won all three career starts against the Sabres while turning aside 80 of 83 shots. Center Nico Hischier, the top overall pick in the 2017 draft, has scored in back-to-back contests to give him five goals and nine points over his last 10 games.

ABOUT THE SABRES (22-14-6): While Eichel's status was the No. 1 topic Monday, forward Zemgus Girgensons went through his first full practice with the team since Dec. 22 and skated on a line with Casey Mittelstadt and C.J. Smith. "(Mittelstadt's) a skilled guy," Girgensons said. "Smith has good puck vision and good handling, so I've just got to keep doing my job, create space for them, and good things will happen." If Eichel does not play, Buffalo could be without two-thirds of its top line as forward Sam Reinhart did not practice for the second straight day due to illness.

OVERTIME

1. Sabres backup G Linus Ullmark has started the past two games with G Carter Hutton mired in a six-game winless drought (0-4-2).

2. Devils F Kyle Palmieri has reached 20 goals in four straight seasons but has just two in 10 games against Buffalo.

3. Sabres F Jeff Skinner has 28 goals on the season and 13 tallies in 31 games versus New Jersey.

PREDICTION: Devils 3, Sabres 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Wild vs. Boston Bruins Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NHL Predictions 7th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/07/2019

With their lineup nearly back to full health, the Boston Bruins will look to extend their winning streak to a season-high five games as they resume a four-game homestand against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night. Boston beat Atlantic Division-rival Buffalo for the second time during its four-game winning streak to improve to 15-5-0 at TD Garden.

The Bruins have won seven of nine and are receiving offensive support throughout the lineup, a welcome change after they were so reliant on the No. 1 line for much of the early season. "It's huge. Obviously you saw it last game, over this stretch," forward Jacob DeBrusk said. "You need secondary scoring to win games in this league. Guys have a done great job here." The Wild will look to complete a perfect four-game road trip against Boston, where they have won eight of their last 11 meetings. Minnesota made it three wins in a row for the first time since Nov. 8-11 by blanking Montreal 1-0 on Monday night following identical 4-3 decisions over Ottawa and Toronto.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, FS North, FS Wisconsin (Minnesota), NESN (Boston)

ABOUT THE WILD (21-17-3): Mikael Granlund took over the team scoring lead from Zach Parise in clutch fashion Monday night, ending a 15-game goal drought with an unassisted third-period tally for the decisive marker to give him 39 points. With Devan Dubnyk registering his first shutout of the season and 30th career in the win over Montreal, backup Alex Stalock is expected to be in net versus Boston in his first start since Dec. 6 at Calgary. Coach Bruce Boudreau did not have an update on forward Eric Fehr, who had to exit Monday's game after he was knocked into the boards by Montreal's Kenny Agostino.

ABOUT THE BRUINS (24-14-4): Goaltender Tuukka Rask has shrugged off a slow start to win all three starts while allowing a total of five goals since the Christmas break. "He does look comfortable, maybe part of that is he's getting more reps in the net," Boston coach Bruce Cassidy said. "He's certainly earning them. It appears to be his time of year, off he goes and we're just going to ride it. If that what he brings, awesome." David Backes looked at home on the No. 2 line with David Krejci and DeBrusk in his return from a three-game suspension, scoring a goal and registering five shots on net versus Buffalo.

OVERTIME

1. Rask is 4-3-1 with a 1.97 goals-against average in his career versus Minnesota.

2. Wild captain Mikko Koivu is one goal shy of 200 for his career.

3. Boston D Charlie McAvoy (lower body), out the past five games, skated Monday for the first time since he was hurt.

PREDICTION: Bruins 3, Wild 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 2019-01-08

NHL Predictions 7th January 2019 by Gracenote
Flyers vs. Capitals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/07/2019

The Washington Capitals didn't exactly put forth an awe-inspiring performance in their last outing, but the result proved to be just enough to prevent their first four-game skid since March 2017. The Capitals will look for a better effort on Tuesday when the Metropolitan Division leaders host the team making itself comfortable in the division's cellar: the free-falling Philadelphia Flyers.

For a club that boasts 14-time 30-goal scoring dynamo Alex Ovechkin, Washington received an offensive jolt from unlikely sources as Travis Boyd netted his fourth tally at 6:19 of the third period and Michal Kempny added his fifth with 3:52 remaining of Sunday's 3-2 win over Detroit. Habitual line-stepper Tom Wilson moved within two tallies of last season's career high by scoring his 12th goal in 22 games for Washington, which is facing Philadelphia for the first time in 2018-19 after dropping three of four encounters last campaign. The fledgling Flyers fell for the seventh straight game (0-5-2) and sustained their sixth shutout loss of the season in Monday's 3-0 setback to St. Louis -- to a goaltender (Jordan Binnington) that was making his first NHL start, no less. Rookie Carter Hart turned aside 34 shots versus the Blues, but Michal Neuvirth is in line to start Tuesday's tilt against his former team.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, TVAS, NBCS Washington

ABOUT THE FLYERS (15-21-6): Captain Claude Giroux, who leads the team in assists (33) and points (46), has been kept off the scoresheet in five of his last seven outings while Sean Couturier (club-best 15 goals) has been held without a point in five of his last six. Both forwards look to get off their respective slides at the expense of Washington, against which Giroux collected five points (two goals, three assists) in four meetings while Couturier had seven (two goals, five assists). Jakub Voracek also collected two goals and five assists versus the Capitals last season, although he has been kept off the scoresheet in four of six outings after notching a point in 11 of his previous 13.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (25-12-4): Coach Todd Reirden's decision to reunite Washington's top line of Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Wilson from the playoffs paid immediate benefits as Kuznetsov corralled a loose puck in front of the net and alertly fed Wilson on the right side for a one-timer at 6:57 of the first period. "That's what you've got to do in this league," Wilson said of shaking things up, per the Washington Post. "It hasn't been coming easy for us the last couple of games, and it's huge to be able to turn that one around and finish on a strong note. It's a tough league, and you've got to be sure you end those little skids." Kuznetsov's assist accounted for his 300th career point before he set up Kempny's game-winning tally.

OVERTIME

1. Philadelphia has mustered just 12 goals during its seven-game losing streak.

2. Ovechkin has flustered the Flyers throughout his career, to the tune of 55 points (33 goals, 22 assists) in 49 career encounters.

3. Philadelphia D Ivan Provorov, who has just 13 points this season, had four (one goal, three assists) against Washington in 2017-18.

PREDICTION: Capitals 6, Flyers 1