Sunday 2-3-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, February 3

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MEMPHIS (20 - 33) at NEW YORK (10 - 41) - 2/3/2019, 1:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 3-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 3-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OKLAHOMA CITY (33 - 18) at BOSTON (33 - 19) - 2/3/2019, 2:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 86-62 ATS (+17.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 60-45 ATS (+10.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 44-31 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 54-40 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 58-40 ATS (+14.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.
BOSTON is 136-173 ATS (-54.3 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 3-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (29 - 24) at TORONTO (37 - 16) - 2/3/2019, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 223-282 ATS (-87.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games in February games over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 47-33 ATS (+10.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 202-255 ATS (-78.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 3-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Sunday, February 3

Trend Report

Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is 6-18-1 ATS in its last 25 games
Memphis is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
Memphis is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games on the road
Memphis is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New York
Memphis is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing New York
Memphis is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New York
New York Knicks
New York is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games
New York is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Memphis
New York is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing Memphis

Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Oklahoma City is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Boston
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Celtics
Boston is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Boston is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City

Los Angeles Clippers
LA Clippers is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
LA Clippers is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of LA Clippers's last 16 games
LA Clippers is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
LA Clippers is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Toronto
LA Clippers is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 6 games when playing Toronto
LA Clippers is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
LA Clippers is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Toronto is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games
Toronto is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing LA Clippers
Toronto is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
Toronto is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Toronto is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Sunday, February 3

Trend Report

Boston Bruins
Boston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Boston's last 21 games on the road
Boston is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Boston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Boston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington Capitals
Washington is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

Calgary Flames
Calgary is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Calgary's last 9 games
Calgary is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Calgary is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Calgary's last 23 games on the road
Calgary is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing Carolina
Calgary is 4-7-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Carolina is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games
Carolina is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Carolina is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Carolina is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Edmonton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games
Edmonton is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Edmonton is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games on the road
Edmonton is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
Edmonton is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Montreal Canadiens
Montreal is 17-8 ATS in its last 25 games
Montreal is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Montreal's last 13 games
Montreal is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Montreal's last 9 games at home
Montreal is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Montreal is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing at home against Edmonton

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Memphis Grizzlies vs. New York Knicks Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NBA Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

Things haven't gone as planned this season for the New York Knicks or the Memphis Grizzlies, and one of the two is already beginning to take giant steps toward the future. The Knicks hope to have a few of their new players available after pulling off the first blockbuster trade of the season when they host the Grizzlies on Sunday.

New York went all-in on a rebuild by sending Kristaps Porzingis, Courtney Lee, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday in exchange for DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr., two first-round picks and - most importantly - enough cap space this summer to sign two max free agents. The immediate result of the trade left the Knicks shorthanded on Friday, leading to a 113-99 home loss to the Boston Celtics that marked the team's 12th straight setback and leaves it with the worst record in the NBA. The Grizzlies floated rumors weeks ago that veterans Mike Conley and Marc Gasol were on the trade block but have yet to pull the trigger on their own rebuild. Conley sat out Friday to rest a sore knee and Gasol struggled to eight points on 3-of-10 shooting in 27 minutes in a 100-92 loss at Charlotte that marked the team's 17th loss in the last 19 games.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FS South (Memphis), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (20-33): Memphis might not be piling up wins, but the team feels like the effort is there from the veterans down to the youngsters. "I think that's been the consistent thing from the last games, from the last six, seven games the effort has been tremendous independently of who's out there, whatever the name on the jersey is," Gasol told reporters after Friday's setback. "Everybody that steps on the floor sets the standard of effort." Power forward Ivan Rabb, 21, is making the most of an increased opportunity and scored in double figures in each of the last two games while going a combined 10-of-15 from the floor.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (10-41): New York spent most of the last month giving the young players on the roster increased playing time while pushing veterans like Lee and center Enes Kanter to the end of the bench. The trio of former Mavericks joining the team soon are not expected to get the same treatment, and Matthews and Jordan will serve as mentors to the youngsters while Smith stabilizes a point guard spot that has been a problem this season. Kadeem Allen, who was signed to a two-way contract last month, started at point guard on Friday with Burke on his way out the door and Frank Ntilikina (groin) and Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) nursing injuries.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Grizzlies SF Omri Casspi will reportedly undergo surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee.

2. Knicks rookie SF Kevin Knox is averaging 19 points over the last three games.

3. New York earned a 103-98 win at Memphis on Nov. 25 behind 21 points and 26 rebounds from Kanter.

PREDICTION: Grizzlies 102, Knicks 95

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NBA Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

The Boston Celtics are trying to make a run up the Eastern Conference standings while fending off trade rumors and distractions ahead of the Feb. 7 NBA trade deadline. The Celtics will try to pull off their ninth win in 10 games and keep the area fans distracted a bit in the run up to the New England Patriots playing in the Super Bowl when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday afternoon.

Boston is one of several rumored destinations for disgruntled New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis, though pairing him with All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving in the Celtics starting lineup is looking like less of a possibility with rumors also swirling that Irving will explore the free agent market this summer. "At this point, it's nothing but a distraction, honestly," Irving told reporters after hearing "We want Kyrie" chants from New York Knicks fans in a 113-99 win on Friday. "I appreciate the fans, I appreciate the support. But it's really about our team now and what we want to accomplish this season, and that's a championship. My focus is stuck on that." The Thunder are trying to prove themselves as championship contenders as well and roll into Boston on a seven-game winning streak after blowing past Orlando and Miami on the first two stops of the three-game trip. All-Star forward Paul George buried a career-high 10 3-pointers en route to 43 points in Friday's 118-102 triumph over the Heat while fellow All-Star Russell Westbrook posted his fifth straight triple-double with 14 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds.

TV: 2 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE THUNDER (33-18): Finding consistent scoring options behind George and Westbrook is a focus for the Oklahoma City coaching staff, and reserve point guard Dennis Schroder is stepping up as a reliable third option. The 25-year-old scored 24 of his 28 points in a red-hot second quarter and finished 11-of-13 from the floor on Friday, improving to 19-of-24 on the road trip. "Dennis gave us a big lift," George told reporters. "People don't understand how good he is offensively. He can play in the pick and roll, shoot the three, play in the midrange with his floaters and set up and create for guys. He's another dimension. When we're all clicking, we're a pretty good team."

ABOUT THE CELTICS (33-19): Irving sat out three of the previous four games to rest a sore hip but returned on Friday and collected 23 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes to lead the way. The former No. 1 overall pick made headlines earlier in the day Friday when he made a less-than-firm commitment to staying in Boston through next season and beyond but reiterated his desire to help the team win a championship this year. "We're professionals, so we move on and we focus on the task at hand, and that was tonight against the Knicks," veteran forward Marcus Morris told reporters. "We've got another one on Sunday, and that's all we can focus on. We can't focus on the things we can't control."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Thunder C Steven Adams went 6-of-15 from the floor on Friday, snapping a string of 11 straight games in which he hit at least 50 percent of his shots.

2. Celtics SF Gordon Hayward is 10-of-18 from the floor in the last two games after going 1-of-11 in the previous two contests.

3. SF Jayson Tatum scored 24 points to lead the way in Boston's 101-95 victory at Oklahoma City on Oct. 25.

PREDICTION: Celtics 112, Thunder 110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

LA Clippers vs. Toronto Raptors Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NBA Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

The Toronto Raptors have lost three of their last four games to fall out of the top spot in the Eastern Conference but will try to bounce back from a rare home loss when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon. A 105-92 setback against East-leading Milwaukee on Thursday represented the worst offensive effort of the season at home for the Raptors, who had won their previous 10 contests at Scotiabank Arena.

"We're in February," Toronto guard Kyle Lowry told reporters. "We're starting to get to that point where we need to be. We know exactly what we're doing. We're adding things now. We've got to get better, quicker. We don't have the whole year. We've got a couple months. We've got to make sure that we kind of know exactly what we want to do and continue to work on that." The Clippers have won three in a row on the road after rallying from a 25-point deficit to stun Detroit on Saturday in the opener of their six-game trip. Lou Williams scored a season-high 39 points - including 16 in a row - for Los Angeles during a dominant fourth quarter. Danilo Gallinari (back) missed his seventh straight game for the Clippers while fellow forward Tobias Harris made only three of his 12 shot attempts while dealing with a shoulder ailment.

TV: 3 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), Sportsnet One (Toronto)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (29-24): Williams and his fellow reserves combined for 80 points in Saturday's win, fueling the comeback from an 83-60 third-quarter deficit. "This is great," coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "As good as it gets for us. Our guys hung in there and kept fighting." Montrezl Harrell scored 16 points and Mike Scott chipped in 15 while converting all three of his 3-point attempts.

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (37-16): Toronto has dropped three of its four meetings with Milwaukee this campaign and Lowry struggled in the season series, going an alarming 1-for-20 from 3-point range in his three contests against the Bucks. Fellow All-Star Kawhi Leonard was held to 16 points in Thursday's loss to snap his career-high streak of scoring at least 20 points at 22 consecutive games. Pascal Siakam scored 28 points against Milwaukee and averaged 17.6 on 53.4 percent shooting in January.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Raptors C Serge Ibaka scored 24 points and PG Fred VanVleet recorded a career-high 14 assists to lead the team - which was without Leonard (hip) to a 123-99 win at Los Angeles earlier this season.

2. Scott has gone 8-for-13 from beyond the arc over his last four games.

3. Toronto SG Danny Green, who averages 10 points, has scored a total of six on 2-of-12 shooting over his last two home contests.

PREDICTION: Raptors 113, Clippers 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NHL Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

Sure, the Washington Capitals are the defending Stanley Cup champions and perennially among the top teams in the league, but their dominance against the Boston Bruins defies logic -- even to their own players. Two nights after snapping a seven-game losing streak by beating Calgary, the Capitals vie for their 15 consecutive victory over the visiting Bruins on Sunday afternoon.

Washington has won both meetings this season, including a 4-2 victory in Boston on Jan. 10 that prompted a reporter to ask goaltender Braden Holtby if the team feels like it owns the Bruins. "We've had success against them, but they've always been good games," Holtby said. "It's just one of those things that seems to just happen, but they're a fun team to play against." Boston last defeated the Capitals in March 2014 and has dropped its last seven visits to the nation's capital, but it also has lost three straight - all at home - and five of six following Thursday's 3-2 overtime setback against Philadelphia. "We have to fix it," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters. "The guys have to decide if they're going to play the right way and buy in and understand what we are right now."

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, NBC

ABOUT THE BRUINS (27-17-7): Tuukka Rask, who returned from a concussion in the loss to the Flyers, will get his third chance at trying to set the franchise record for victories that he shares with Tiny Thompson (252), but Washington has been a nemesis for him as well as his teammates. Although he is riding a personal eight-game point streak (6-0-2) since the Christmas break, Rask has posted only one win and a 3.30 goals-against average in 18 career appearances (1-11-5) versus the Capitals. The Bruins continue to be top-line heavy as David Pastrnak scored twice on Thursday to reach 30 goals for the third consecutive season.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (28-17-6): With captain Alex Ovechkin a rare absence from the lineup due to a one-game suspension for skipping the All-Star Game, Evgeny Kuznetsov wound up playing 24 1/2 minutes and assisted on one goal before delivering the game-winner in the final minute. Part of Kuznetsov's workload was necessitated by an undisclosed injury to third-line center Lars Eller, who exited Friday's contest in the second period and was listed as a game-time decision by coach Todd Reirden after sitting out Saturday's practice. Holtby's career numbers versus Boston are off the charts, as he is 16-2-0 with a 1.85 GAA and four shutouts.

OVERTIME

1. Ovechkin scored twice in last month's win over the Bruins, giving him 24 goals and 49 points in 47 career meetings.

2. Pastrnak was kept off the scoresheet and posted a minus-5 rating in the two matchups versus Washington this season.

3. Capitals C Nicklas Backstrom, who scored in the last meeting with Boston, has recorded one goal and five assists during his four-game point streak.

PREDICTION: Capitals 3, Bruins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Calgary Flames vs. Carolina Hurricanes Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NHL Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

The Calgary Flames drew a tough matchup in their return from the All-Star break and league-mandated bye, and the road will not get much easier when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday afternoon. The Flames, who own the best record in the Western Conference, had their nine-game point streak (8-0-1) snapped when it dropped a 4-3 decision to reigning Stanley Cup-champion Washington on Friday.

Calgary capped its sizzling stretch entering the break by defeating visiting Carolina 3-2 in overtime but gave up a last-minute goal on Friday for its first regulation loss since Jan. 3. Sunday's game will mark the return of a number of familiar faces to Carolina - Flames coach Bill Peters, defenseman Noah Hanifin and center Elias Lindholm, who all moved from the Hurricanes to Calgary in the offseason. Carolina returned from its break with an impressive 5-2 win over Vegas that improved the club to 10-3-1 in its last 14 games and moved it closer to the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. "They work really hard," Hanifin, who was part of a blockbuster five-player deal that brought defenseman Dougie Hamilton, left wing Micheal Ferland and prospect Adam Fox to the Hurricanes, told reporters. "They're fast, obviously got a really good D corps. We've got to work hard or we'll be in trouble."

TV: 2 p.m. ET, Sportsnet360 (Calgary), FS Southeast (Carolina)

ABOUT THE FLAMES (33-14-5): Lindholm, who has established career highs across the board in his first season with Calgary, scored his 22nd goal on Friday to give him two tallies and nine assists during his nine-game point streak, but he and Mark Jankowski did not make it through Saturday's practice. Defenseman Travis Hamonic suffered a lower-body injury against Washington and did not practice, leaving his status for Sunday in question. Leading scorer Johnny Gaudreau, who was named the NHL's First Star of the Month for January on Friday, had an 11-game point streak halted in the matchup against Carolina on Jan. 22 - the only time he was kept off the scoresheet last month.

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (25-20-6): Last month's trade that sent Victor Rask to Minnesota for Nino Niederreiter was viewed as a swap of underachieving forwards who both needed a change of scenery, but the deal decidedly has been benefited Carolina. Niederreiter tallied again in Friday's win to give him five goals in as many games with the Hurricanes after scoring nine times in 46 contests with the Wild. "He's fit in great and he's got a great attitude. You knew he was a good player. That was never the issue," coach Rod Brind'Amour told reporters. "And obviously, contributing the way he is, that makes it a lot better."

OVERTIME

1. Flames G David Rittich improved to 7-0-1 in his last eight starts after turning aside 33-of-35 shots versus Carolina on Jan. 22.

2. Hurricanes C Sebastian Aho, who scored in Calgary, has collected three goals and six assists during his five-game point streak.

3. Calgary recalled D Rinat Valiev from Stockton of the American Hockey League.

PREDICTION: Hurricanes 4, Flames 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NHL Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

Montreal Canadiens coach Claude Julien liked everything he saw from his team in its first game back from the All-Star break and league-mandated bye - except the final result. After failing to hold a third-period lead in an overtime loss to New Jersey, the Canadiens look to get back on track when they resume their five-game homestand Sunday afternoon against the Edmonton Oilers.

Julien lamented missed opportunities after his club registered a wide advantage in shots (39-27) in the 3-2 setback to drop to 5-1-1 in its last seven games. "I think it's pretty obvious we were the better team," Julien told reporters. "When you let a team get back into it because you don't finish your scoring chances, it often comes back to haunt you." The Oilers can relate to Julien's feelings, dominating the first two periods in Philadelphia on Saturday before coughing up a two-goal lead en route their fourth straight loss - a 5-4 overtime defeat. Edmonton has made itself at home at Bell Centre, improving to 6-1-0 in its last seven visits to Montreal following a 6-2 victory on Nov. 13.

TV: 2 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, RDS

ABOUT THE OILERS (23-24-4): Although Edmonton received a short-handed tally from Zack Kassian that produced a two-goal lead early in the third period, the special teams were a disaster on Saturday, allowing four power-play goals. "We did a lot of good things, but the penalty kill's got to be better," defenseman Darnell Nurse told reporters. "Any time you give up four goals, you shoot yourself in the foot pretty good. As a penalty-killer myself, you can't be letting the guys down." Captain Connor McDavid, who reached 30 goals for the third straight season by scoring on Saturday, collected three points in Edmonton's visit to Montreal in November.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (28-18-6): Jesperi Kotkaniemi, the third overall pick in last year's draft, opened the scoring on Saturday with his third goal in seven games and seventh of the season, giving him 24 points - fourth among NHL rookies. "Definitely, it felt good," the 18-year-old Finn told reporters of the nine-day hiatus. "We had played so many games before the break, so a little break was good for that. Guys got a little rest so they could be more ready for the rest of the season." Carey Price, who served a one-game suspension for missing the All-Star Game, looks to win his fifth consecutive start on Sunday.

OVERTIME

1. Canadiens C Phillip Danault scored his ninth goal of the campaign on Saturday, eclipsing the career high he set last season.

2. Oilers G Mikko Koskinen is 6-5-1 with a 3.23 goals-against average away from home.

3. Montreal's 31st-ranked power play failed on all three of its opportunities on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Canadiens 4, Oilers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Georgetown Hoyas vs. Villanova Wildcats Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NCAAB Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

With its senior stars leading the way, No. 14 Villanova is on the verge of a double-digit winning streak. The Wildcats can clinch a 10th straight victory Sunday when they host Georgetown in Big East action.

Since losing back-to-back games to Pennsylvania and Kansas, Villanova has won nine in a row with veterans Phil Booth and Eric Paschall handling the heavy lifting on offense. The senior duo combined for 39 points in Wednesday's 12-point win over DePaul and, on the season, they are averaging more than 35 points between them. Georgetown, meanwhile, has bounced back with two wins in a row following a stretch of four losses in six games. Freshman James Akinjo broke out of a long shooting slump with 23 points in Thursday's win over Xavier and is seeking to reach the 20-point mark in back-to-back games for the first time in his career.

TV: Noon ET, Fox Sports 1

ABOUT GEORGETOWN (14-7, 4-4 Big East): Akinjo was 6-of-10 from the field and 4-of-7 from 3-point range against Xavier after shooting 18-of-72 in his previous seven games. Fellow freshman Josh LeBlanc had 17 against the Musketeers and has seen his point totals rise gradually in the last five games from four points against Providence to five to 10 to 15 before Thursday's effort against Xavier. Jessie Govan is the team's leading scorer (19.4) and shooting 56 percent from 3-point range in the last six outings.

ABOUT VILLANOVA (17-4, 8-0): Booth (18.7 points), who has knocked down 10 3-pointers over the last two games, has 18 assists versus only three turnovers over the last three contests. Paschall (17.0) has recorded at least 17 points in nine of the last 10 outings and needs one 3-pointer to tie his career high of 45, set when he was a freshman at Fordham. Sophomore Collin Gillespie (11.2) has drained multiple triples in six straight games and had no turnovers against DePaul as Villanova committed a total of three miscues Wednesday.

TIP-INS

1. Villanova won the two meetings with Georgetown last season by 32 points and 24 points.

2. Akinjo had five steals against Xavier; he had totaled four steals in his previous eight games.

3. Wildcats freshman G Saddiq Bey registered career highs in points (16) and rebounds (11) against DePaul.

PREDICTION: Villanova 79, Georgetown 70

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Purdue Boilermakers Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NCAAB Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

No. 18 Purdue looks to continue its impressive run in Big Ten play when it hosts Minnesota on Sunday. The Boilermakers have won six consecutive contests after pulling out a 99-90 overtime victory against Penn State on Thursday, which moved them into a second-place tie with fifth-ranked Michigan in the conference standings, and hope to stay in contention for their second regular-season title in three years by knocking off the Gophers for the third straight time.


Purdue has been a force at home, winning 12 consecutive games, and is 9-1 against Minnesota in Mackey Arena under coach Matt Painter. Minnesota is back on track following two straight victories, including an 86-75 win against Illinois on Wednesday. The Gophers had suffered a humbling 95-68 setback to the Illini on Jan. 16, but they avenged their biggest defeat of the season and hope to add some quality wins to their NCAA Tournament resume with a three-game gauntlet against ranked opponents on deck. "Our next 10 games we have eight potential quad one wins, so we're going to have a great chance," Minnesota coach Richard Pitino told reporters. "I have a lot of respect for that team (Purdue) and obviously they shoot the ball as well as any team in the country."

TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network


ABOUT MINNESOTA (16-5, 6-4 Big Ten): Amir Coffey produced 18 points, six assists and four rebounds to lead five players in double figures in the win against Illinois. Jordan Murphy added 16 points and 10 rebounds against the Illini to register his fourth straight double-double while Gabe Kalscheur scored 14 points and pulled down five boards, which matched a career high. Isaiah Washington added a spark off the bench with 12 points and four assists while Daniel Oturu contributed 11 points and eight rebounds after sitting out the previous game with a shoulder injury.

ABOUT PURDUE (15-6, 8-2): Carsen Edwards continues to make a strong case for the Big Ten Player of the Year as he matched a program record with eight 3-pointers en route to 38 points to move into 20th place on the Boilermakers' all-time scoring list with 1,568. Ryan Cline knocked down 6-of-7 attempts from 3-point range to finish with 20 points against the Nittany Lions and is 30-of-53 (56.6 percent) from beyond the arc over his last eight games. Trevion Williams added 10 points and five rebounds while Nojel Eastern tallied eight points and a team-high 10 rebounds.


TIP-INS

1. Purdue has won 21 of its last 22 home games.

2. Murphy has recorded 14 double-doubles this season.

3. Edwards has scored 30 or more points in five games in 2018-19.


PREDICTION: Purdue 82, Minnesota 73

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Clemson Tigers Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NCAAB Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

Clemson will try to make it back-to-back ACC wins for the first time this season when the Tigers host struggling Wake Forest on Sunday. The Demon Deacons are looking to snap a season-high four-game losing streak and in search of their first road win of the season.


The Tigers lost their first three ACC games and five of their first six before an 82-69 home win over Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Wake Forest was hammered 82-54 by No. 16 Louisville on Wednesday, wrapping up a stretch in which the Demon Deacons played ranked teams in five of their past seven games. The Tigers have won five straight meetings and six in a row at home dating to 2009. Marcquise Reed has been the catalyst in the past three meetings, averaging 21.3 points and 5.3 rebounds against the Demon Deacons.

TV: Noon ET, ESPNU


ABOUT WAKE FOREST (8-12, 1-7 ACC): The Demon Deacons already lacked for offensive weapons, but it has taken a turn for the worse in conference action. They've struggled from 3-point range in ACC play, shooting 24.6 percent beyond the arc after hitting 34.5 percent from long range in non-conference action, and only leading scorer Brandon Childress (15.9 points) has continued to knock down outside shots. Freshman big man Jaylen Hoard (14.1 points, 8.1 rebounds) and sophomore guard Chaundee Brown (10.5 points) also average double figures, though Brown's production has dropped off a bit in conference games.

ABOUT CLEMSON (12-8, 2-5): The Tigers lean on Reed (19.6 points, 5.4 rebounds) at the offensive end, especially with backcourt mate Shelton Mitchell (11.6 points) struggling in ACC play. Big man Elijah Thomas (13.1 points, 7.7 rebounds) is coming off a quiet night against Pittsburgh with four points and six rebounds in 16 minutes, but he is capable of putting up big numbers. The Tigers got some unexpected contributions from the bench against the Panthers, as sophomore guard Clyde Trapp scored a career-high 16 points and forward Javan White posted season highs for points (10) and rebounds (seven) in 16 minutes.


TIP-INS

1. Reed is one of five players in the nation averaging at least 19.5 points, five rebounds, three assists (3.2), and 1.5 steals (1.9).

2. Wake Forest scores 25 percent of its points from the foul line, the second-highest percentage in the nation, averaging 17.6 made free throws per game.

3. The Demon Deacons are 0-8 when allowing at least 80 points and 8-4 when holding opponents under 80.

PREDICTION: Clemson 75, Wake Forest 69

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Xavier Musketeers vs. Creighton Bluejays Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NCAAB Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

Xavier has missed the NCAA Tournament once in the past 13 seasons and hasn't finished with a losing conference record since 1982. Both those scenarios are in danger of becoming reality unless the Musketeers can go on a run in February, beginning with a visit to Creighton on Sunday for a Big East clash.

Xavier, the conference's regular-season champion last season, entered Saturday in a tie for last place in the conference after dropping its fourth straight Thursday at Georgetown. "I was really disappointed," coach Travis Steele told reporters after his team allowed 52 second-half points. "I told our guys going into the game we couldn't have the mentality to try to outscore Georgetown. We had to have that defensive nastiness and toughness, which I didn't think we had at all in the second half." The Bluejays ranked second in the Big East in scoring with 82.7 points per game through Friday and was one of seven teams in the country shooting at least 50 percent from the floor, but the offense sputtered in an 83-67 loss at home to St. John's on Wednesday. Sophomore guard Ty-Shon Alexander scored 15 points in the setback as Creighton finished with a season-worst 41.7 percent mark from the floor.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FSN

ABOUT XAVIER (11-11, 3-6 Big East): Sophomore guard Paul Scruggs (13.4 points per game) and sophomore forward Naji Marshall (13.3) lead the way for the Musketeers and they combined for 31 points in Thursday's loss. Junior guard Quentin Goodin chips in 12.1 points and was third in the Big East in assists (4.8), but has handed out only 13 over his last five games. Senior forward Zach Hankins was first in the league in field-goal percentage (70.8), and teammate Tyrique Jones ranked fifth (60.4).

ABOUT CREIGHTON (12-9, 3-5): The Bluejays had won two straight and felt primed to rise up the conference standings with St. John's coming to town, but the uncharacteristic offensive struggles - including a 9-of-34 showing from beyond the arc - has sent them back to the drawing board. "We just have to make sure this doesn't impact us more than (Wednesday)," coach Greg McDermott told reporters. "I'll watch it (Wednesday night). We'll share some things with the guys (Thursday). Then we need to wipe it, and we need to get ready for an important game against Xavier on Sunday." Alexander leads the team in scoring (17.4) while four players average between 11.4 and 10.0, a quartet led by junior forward Martin Krampelj, who has 30 points on 12-of-17 shooting over his last two games.

TIP-INS

1. Creighton was tied for third nationally in 3-point percentage (41.7). Xavier was tied for 225th (33.3).

2. Bluejays G Davion Mintz had one point on 0-of-6 shooting in Wednesday's loss after averaging 15.7 on 51.4 percent from the floor over his previous three contests.

3. The teams have split 12 meetings since they joined the Big East prior to the 2013-14 season.

PREDICTION: Creighton 83, Xavier 77

[Can'tPickAWinner]

East Carolina Pirates vs. Connecticut Huskies Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NCAAB Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

Connecticut caught a break in the schedule following a rough start to American Athletic Conference play, but it is debatable whether or not first-year coach Dan Hurley's squad has taken full advantage of it. The Huskies wrap up a five-game stretch in which they face one conference favorite and the four teams who sit below them in the league standings Sunday when they host East Carolina.

Following a crushing overtime loss in Cincinnati on Jan. 12, UConn was unable to solve its road woes against Tulsa before returning home for easy wins over Tulane and Wichita State. The Huskies traveled to Central Florida and put themselves in position to notch their first victory over a conference foe with a winning record during league play Thursday before falling 73-67 to the Knights. The Pirates, who stunned the Bearcats nearly a month ago for their first AAC win of the season, proceeded to drop their next five contests before edging Tulane 66-65 on Thursday. East Carolina will need to overcome its recent history in order to register consecutive wins for only the third time this season, as it has lost nine in a row away from home dating back to last season by an average of 22.2 points.

TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPNews

ABOUT EAST CAROLINA (9-11, 2-6 American): The Pirates were able to come away with the victory against the Green Wave on the strength of a plus-nine turnover margin (16-7), which they turned into a 23-4 advantage in points off mistakes. Freshman forward Jayden Gardner (18.8 points, 9.4 rebounds) is the only player in the conference averaging a double-double during league play and just missed posting his ninth overall versus Tulane, managing 15 points and nine rebounds in only 22 minutes. Sophomore Dimitrije Spasojevic (3.5 points), who scored eight of his 10 points in the first half to help East Carolina stay in the game while Gardner was dealing with foul trouble, has reached double figures in two straight after failing to do so in any of his first 18 outings.

ABOUT CONNECTICUT (12-9, 3-5): Leading scorer Jalen Adams (18.6 points) has produced his top three scoring efforts of the season over the last four games, averaging 26 points while shooting 50 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from 3-point range. Alterique Gilbert (13.0 points) missed his first game of the season with lingering soreness in his left shoulder; the sophomore guard is day-to-day, but Hurley suggested he will not play until he is pain-free. Tarin Smith (8.4 points) filled in for Gilbert on Thursday and reached double figures for the first time in conference action with 11 points - he had been held to single digits since a 20-point performance Dec. 18 against Drexel - while Christian Vital (13.6 points) has scored in double figures in 11 straight.

TIP-INS

1. Adams needs eight points to pass Cliff Robinson (1,664; 1985-89) for 11th place on the Huskies' all-time scoring list and four assists to pass Ryan Boatright (491; 2012-15) for ninth place in school annals.

2. In addition to their 0-7 road record this season, the Pirates are also winless in all seven of their visits to UConn.

3. Thursday marked the first time all season the Huskies used a different starting lineup.

PREDICTION: Connecticut 80, East Carolina 70

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Stanford Cardinal vs. California Golden Bears Preview and Predictions 2019-02-03

NCAAB Predictions 2nd February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/02/2019

California coach Wyking Jones is preaching patience with his young team, which has lost nine straight games and is one loss away from tying the school's worst-ever streak. The last-place Bears aim for their first Pac-12 victory Sunday in a pre-Super Bowl matinee against rival Stanford, which is beginning a three-game road trip.

Sophomore forward Justice Sueing is averaging a team-high 15.5 points in Pac-12 play for Cal, which has lost 25 of its past 26 conference games and appears destined for its second straight last-place finish. "There's light at the end of the tunnel," Jones told reporters. "We're all optimistic about the future of the program. The main things are: continue to improve, continue to get better every day, stay positive, stay connected and for my players and staff to continue to trust the process." The Bears have failed to score more than 65 points in their past five games and will need an improved effort against Stanford, which has allowed an average of 64 points over the past two contests. Cal will also need to slow down Stanford wing KZ Okpala, who ranks fourth in the Pac-12 in scoring (17.5) while shooting 44 percent from 3-point range.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT STANFORD (10-10, 3-5 Pac-12): Okpala had scored more than 20 points in each of his four previous games before scoring a season-low five points on 2-for-8 shooting in last Saturday's 75-62 victory over Colorado. Coach Jerod Haase has received a welcome boost from senior center Josh Sharma, who is averaging 11.4 points and eight rebounds over his last eight games after averaging 6.6 points and 3.8 boards in his first 11 contests. Forward Oscar da Silva had 21 points and seven rebounds in last Saturday's win and could duplicate those numbers against the undersized Bears.

ABOUT CAL (5-15, 0-8): Sophomore guard Darius McNeill is averaging 11.4 points in league play for the Bears, who received a much-needed week off following last Saturday's 82-64 loss to Utah. Freshman guard Matt Bradley scored 11 points and tied his career-best totals for rebounds and assists at five apiece against the Utes, but junior point guard Paris Austin was held to two points on 1-of-7 shooting with four turnovers and two assists. The Bears are last in the league with a minus-6.8 rebounding margin and used a small lineup in each of their past four games.

TIP-INS

1. Stanford has won three of the last four meetings against Cal, including a 76-58 victory in last season's Pac-12 tournament.

2. Sueing averaged 13.7 points in three games against Stanford last season.

3. Stanford freshman G Cormac Ryan could miss his fifth straight game with an ankle injury.

PREDICTION: Stanford 74, Cal 61