Monday 10/22/2018 ... Comps / Bonus Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Requests Etc

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

New York Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 19th October 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Falcons Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/19/2018

Quarterback Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons withstood a late comeback to end a three-game slide last weekend in what may have been a season-saving victory. That's pretty much the same position the reeling New York Giants and the much-maligned Eli Manning find themselves in when they head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons on Monday Night Football.

One season after finishing 3-13 and winding up with prize running back Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft, New York is off to a 1-5 start amid growing cries that Manning needs to be yanked from the starting lineup. "I know he's the punching bag right now," Giants co-owner John Mara told reporters earlier this week. "But a lot of guys need to play better when you're 1-5." Atlanta has plenty of issues of its own -- namely injuries -- but still has Ryan and favorite target Julio Jones, the subject of pregame hype with New York's Odell Beckham Jr. on the opposite sideline. "In our league today, there are a handful of receivers who garner that special attention," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. "It just so happens that two of them are matched up this week. They are different players, but really effective in their own right."

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Falcons -4 O/U: 54

ABOUT THE GIANTS (1-5): Barkley has lived up to his pre-draft hype, rushing for 130 yards and a touchdown and catching nine balls for 99 yards in a 34-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 11. Barkley has a chance to make history against the Falcons and join Kansas City's Kareem Hunt as the only players to pile up at least 100 yards from scrimmage in seven consecutive games to begin their career. Manning continues to have trouble connected with Beckham and has averaged 6.5 yards or fewer per pass attempt in four of six games. New York's defense has allowed 27 points per game and is tied for last in the league with 7.0 sacks.

ABOUT THE FALCONS (2-4): Ryan is third in the NFL with 1,956 passing yards and has 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions over the past four games after throwing for 340 yards and three scores in last week's win over Tampa Bay. Jones had 10 catches for 144 yards against the Buccaneers and is second in the league with 708 yards, but he has yet to find the end zone after scoring only three touchdowns in 2017. With Devanta Freeman going on injured reserve following groin surgery this week, Tevin Coleman and rookie Ito Smith will share the load in the backfield. Atlanta is 30th in total defense (417.2 yards) and 31 in points allowed (32.0).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ryan has an NFL-best 1,432 yards and 128.2 passer rating since Week 3.

2. Giants TE Evan Engram is expected to return after sitting out the last three games.

3. Falcons DE Takk McKinley has 4.5 sacks in the last five games.

PREDICTION: Falcons 30, Giants 23

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
Magic vs. Celtics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

The Boston Celtics were the preseason favorites to win the Eastern Conference but putting together the pieces might take more time than originally thought. The Celtics will try to earn back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they host the upstart Orlando Magic on Monday.

Boston advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals last season without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward and are working in the two stars, and the Celtics looked a bit uneven in a loss at Toronto on Friday and a 103-101 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday. "We've got 79 more games, 79," Irving told reporters. "So, I'm trying to take it one game at a time and enjoy every part of the ups and downs that we're gonna face and the challenges that we face as we continue to build an identity of who we are and our consistency on both ends of the floor, how much effort we play with." The Magic are focusing on consistency as well as they try to mold a young roster into a playoff contender and bounced back from a terrible performance by taking the 76ers down to the wire in a 116-115 setback at Philadelphia on Saturday. "We played better and should have won the game, but we made two huge - huge - defensive game plan mistakes late that we had defended the whole game," Orlando coach Steve Clifford told reporters. "So, whatever, we played better, but that's not what this league is about. That's a game right there that was there to be won. There were plays to be made and you've got to make them."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Florida (Orlando), NBCS Boston

ABOUT THE MAGIC (1-2): Orlando's roster doesn't offer much in the way of veteran leadership, but 27-year-old center Nikola Vucevic is trying to step into that role. The eight-year veteran recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists on Saturday while going 4-of-4 from 3-point range but was not happy that his team came out on the wrong end on the scoreboard. "We can be proud of the way that we fought, but we can't be satisfied with that because the goal isn't to play hard and have a close loss," Vucevic told reporters. "You always learn stuff (about your team). Win or lose, you always have to learn, but I think we're past the point where we can be OK with the learning part."

ABOUT THE CELTICS (2-1): Irving and Hayward are the incumbent All-Stars on the roster, but second-year forward Jayson Tatum might have the most superstar potential. The 20-year-old Duke product collected 24 points and 14 rebounds in the win at New York and is becoming the go-to option during crunch time. "A lot more comfortable than I would have been last year," Tatum told reporters of his comfort level at the end of games. "I think it's just - it gets easier with time, as you play more games you get more relaxed."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Hayward, who missed all but the first two minutes of the opener last season due to an ankle injury, did not play Saturday on the second night of a back-to-back but should be in the lineup on Monday.

2. Magic SF Jonathon Simmons (personal) missed Saturday's loss and is questionable for Monday.

3. The Celtics took three of the four meetings last season, with Orlando's lone win coming at Boston on Jan. 21.

PREDICTION: Celtics 116, Magic 103

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
Hornets vs. Raptors Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

The Toronto Raptors look like the best team in the Eastern Conference less than a week into the regular season, with the continued All-Star play of point guard Kyle Lowry just as much of a key to the team's success as the addition of Kawhi Leonard. Lowry, Leonard and the Raptors will try to improve to 4-0 when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday.

Leonard, who was limited to nine games with the San Antonio Spurs due to a quad injury last season, averaged 27.5 points and 11 rebounds in the first two games before taking the second night of a back-to-back off on Saturday, which gave Lowry a chance to shine on his own. The 32-year-old responded with 28 points and 12 assists as Toronto pushed aside the Washington Wizards 117-113. The Hornets have a point guard capable of taking over games as well in Kemba Walker, and he is doing his best to carry the team to wins. Walker is averaging 35.3 points and 5.3 assists through the first three games and buried the game-winning free throw with 0.5 seconds left on Saturday to cap a 39-point outburst and give Charlotte a 113-112 win at the Miami Heat.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), Sportsnet One (Toronto)

ABOUT THE HORNETS (2-1): Walker eclipsed 10,000 career points in Saturday's win - the first player in franchise history to reach that mark - and is 19-of-38 from 3-point range so far in 2018-19. "I work on my game every single day," Walker told reporters after the win over the Heat. "I had a great first half. I knew I would miss some in the second, but I had to step up, keep on being aggressive and taking those shots. Guys were looking at me like, 'Kemba, keep on shooting.' That's what I'm going to keep doing." Walker is getting some scoring help from second-year guard Malik Monk, who is averaging 14.7 points and reached double figures in each of the first three contests.

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (3-0): Lowry built a solid partnership with DeMar DeRozan as the two led Toronto to the playoffs in each of the previous five seasons and is trying to do the same with Leonard. Lowry went 15-of-20 from the floor in two games with Leonard and tried to lean on his teammates on Saturday even without another star in the lineup. "I'm never going to force it," Lowry told reporters after going 10-of-21 from the floor at Washington. "Whatever happens, I stay within the game, I always trust my teammates in every situation."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Raptors PG Delon Wright (thigh) sat out the first three games and is day-to-day.

2. Hornets veteran PG Tony Parker went scoreless on 0-of-6 shooting in the last two games.

3. Toronto took all four meetings last season by an average of 14 points.

PREDICTION: Raptors 119, Hornets 111

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Indiana Pacers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
Pacers vs. Timberwolves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

The Indiana Pacers recorded two victories by 20 points or more at home in the early going but hope to produce a better effort in their second road game Monday night, when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Pacers could not get enough stops as Milwaukee pulled away for a 118-101 victory Friday before coming home to rout Brooklyn 132-112 one night later with the help of 25 points from Victor Oladipo.

"We got to be ready to play on the road. (It's) a different type of environment," Oladipo told the Indianapolis Star. "It's more hostile and guys are ready to play. They're ready to defend their home court." Indiana won four straight at Minnesota after a 130-107 victory last October that included 28 points from Oladipo, and the road team is on a five-game winning streak in the series. The Timberwolves produced plenty of points in the first three games but the defense has been lacking (125 points per game against), no more so than Saturday, when Dallas outlasted them 140-136 with a 43-point fourth quarter and a 15-6 edge in offensive rebounds. "We have to, as bigs, get to rebounds," Minnesota forward Karl-Anthony Towns told reporters. "... We got a lead by getting those rebounds, getting in transition and utilizing our athleticism and our speed and our talent. We have to be able to utilize that better."

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

ABOUT THE PACERS (2-1): Even though it allowed 112 points Saturday, Oladipo pointed at defense as a key to Indiana's easy victory over Brooklyn. "When we play at a high level defensively, we give ourselves a great chance to win," Oladipo told reporters of the Pacers, who were tied for fourth in points against (104.3) and sixth in field-goal percentage defense (41.8) through Saturday. "We have to build on it. ... If we do that and continue to keep growing, continue to keep playing with confidence on good days and bad days, the sky's the limit." Power forwards Domantas Sabonis (knee) and T.J. Leaf (ankle) are both questionable after missing Saturday's game.

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (1-2): Jimmy Butler, who made a trade request before training camp, is expected back in the lineup after being rested Saturday on the second night of a back-to-back - following a 33-point effort against Cleveland on Friday. That gave rookie guard Josh Okogie, the 20th pick in last June's draft, a chance to make his NBA debut against Dallas and he contributed six points, five rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes. "I knew where to pick my spots and what my role is when I'm on the court with them," Okogie told the Star Tribune. "I came in the game ready to make an impact. I knew I just had to come to the game, rebound, do the dirty work, let the others shine."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Minnesota F Andrew Wiggins scored at least 19 points in each contest this season, but averaged 10.5 in two games versus Indiana in 2017-18.

2. Indiana PF Myles Turner increased his point total from eight to 11 to 14 in the first three games.

3. Towns scored 31 on 9-for-16 shooting against Dallas after averaging 10 on 6-for-16 in the first two contests.

PREDICTION: Pacers 116, Timberwolves 110

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
Knicks vs. Bucks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

The Milwaukee Bucks will attempt to open 3-0 for the first time since 2005 when they continue a three-game homestand against the New York Knicks on Monday. Behind another prolific attack from beyond the arc, the Bucks rolled to a 118-101 win over Indiana in their opener at the new Fiserv Forum on Friday.

Milwaukee hit 17 3-pointers in the victory and it entered Sunday's action ranked ninth in the NBA in long-range accuracy (38.8 percent) and second with an average of 40 3-point attempts per game. "I feel we can beat any team on any night," forward Giannis Antetokounmpo told reporters. "We have a really, really good opportunity to do good stuff this year, so hopefully we can work hard, go back and work on our craft, and be able to execute and compete every night." The Knicks followed up a season-opening 126-107 win over Atlanta with consecutive two-point losses to Brooklyn and Boston. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 24 points in Saturday's 103-101 loss to the Celtics, while rookie Kevin Knox played just four minutes before exiting with an ankle sprain.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE KNICKS (1-2): Early reports suggest that Knox, who averaged 13.5 points through his first two games, will miss at least two weeks of action while his left ankle heals, which could yield more time for Damyean Dotson. The second-year pro did not get off the bench against Atlanta and Brooklyn but was pressed into duty when Knox went down Saturday and responded with 10 points, two assists and two steals in 22 minutes. "I told him this, I told him all through preseason -- I trust the kid -- 'You're a player. You're exactly what we're looking for in a player.' And he earned the right to get on the court," coach David Fizdale told the media. "I'm really happy how he kept himself ready, real professional approach."

ABOUT THE BUCKS (2-0): Antetokounmpo was the outlier against the Pacers by going 0-for-6 from 3-point range, but the dynamic 23-year-old still managed 26 points and 15 rebounds and is averaging 25.5 and 16.5 on the season. Khris Middleton has benefited from new coach Mike Budenholzer's desire to fire away from outside, making 8-of-15 3-pointers while averaging 21 points overall. Milwaukee took all four meetings last season and Antetokounmpo averaged 26.7 points and 10.7 rebounds in the three games he played against the Knicks, making a game-winner in the closing seconds in one of the matchups at home.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Knicks C Enes Kanter has three straight double-doubles to begin the season.

2. Bucks C John Henson is 2-for-3 from 3-point range after going 1-for-13 over his first six seasons.

3. Knicks SG Courtney Lee (neck) missed the first three games and is expected to see a specialist Monday.

PREDICTION: Bucks 117, Knicks 108

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Chicago Bulls vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
Bulls vs. Mavericks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

The Dallas Mavericks' rebuild received an encouraging sign in the team's home opener and it will try to make it two straight when the Chicago Bulls pay a visit Monday night. Behind 19-year-old Luke Doncic's 26 points and a strong stretch run for 20-year-old Dennis Smith Jr. -- who scored 10 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter -- the Mavericks rallied past Minnesota 140-136 on Saturday.

Center DeAndre Jordan added 22 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in his home debut for Dallas. "We're going to have ups and downs," Jordan told reporters. "We've got young guys with high character and poise with good basketball IQs." The Bulls have loads of young talent of their own but it has yet to translate into the win column, with Saturday's 118-116 defeat against Detroit in their home opener a particularly frustrating one. "It can't happen," guard Zach LaVine told reporters of the closing seconds in which he turned the ball over moments after the Pistons scored the go-ahead basket. "It has to be either a miss or a make, so that's really upsetting to lose that way. We played so good and to have it end like that, it's an emotional roller-coaster."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE BULLS (0-2): LaVine's inability to get off a potential game-winning 3-pointer soured an otherwise solid effort for one of the team's few healthy starters. "I loved his aggressiveness," coach Fred Hoiberg said of LaVine, who had 33 points. "I thought he started the game attacking and that's when he's at his best." Kris Dunn is expected to make his season debut Monday while fellow starters Lauri Markkanen (elbow) and Denzel Valentine (ankle) remain sidelined.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (1-1): While Smith, Doncic and Jordan are leading a productive starting unit, Dallas has been given a big boost early on from a pair of veteran reserves. Forward Dwight Powell produced 35 points in just 34 minutes through the first two games and JJ Barea has a team-high 21 assists in 43 minutes. Harrison Barnes, the team's leading scorer a season ago at 19.2 points per game, has yet to play due to a hamstring injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Dunn averaged 25 points on 62.1 percent shooting and eight assists in two meetings -- both wins -- against Dallas last season.

2. Bulls SF Bobby Portis is averaging 12.5 rebounds through the first two games but was 2-for-12 from the floor against the Pistons.

3. Smith has two turnovers in 54 minutes through the first two games.

PREDICTION: Mavericks 119, Bulls 113

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

The Utah Jazz will try to bounce back from a painful loss to the defending champs when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. After scoring 81 first-half points against the Golden State Warriors on Friday at home, the Jazz faded down the stretch and lost 124-123 on a last-second putback.

"We did a great job competing," coach Quin Snyder told reporters after his team hit 19 3-pointers -- including 10 in the second quarter. "It's an opportunity to look at it and get better." Joe Ingles scored 27 points while making seven of those 19 3-pointers for Utah, which plays 15 of its next 21 games on the road after the Grizzlies leave town. Memphis enters on a high note after picking up its first win of the season, a 131-117 triumph over Atlanta at home Friday night. After shooting 29.3 percent while scoring just 83 points in their season-opening loss at Indiana, the Grizzlies saw a nearly 50-point bump in scoring while shooting 54.3 percent.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Memphis), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (1-1): Garrett Temple was 10-for-11 from the floor and made 5-of-6 3-pointers en route to 30 points in the win over the Hawks. Promising rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. produced 24 points in 28 minutes off the bench and veteran guard Mike Conley chipped in 16 points, 11 assists and zero turnovers in 25 minutes. Memphis will be without JaMychal Green for up to six weeks after he suffered a broken jaw against Atlanta.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (1-1): Guard Donovan Mitchell scored 19 points against the Warriors but took on some of the blame for the late-game failures after shooting 0-for-6 in the fourth quarter. "It's more physical," Mitchell told reporters of the way teams are defending him after his outstanding rookie campaign. "They're taking away my easy looks. I just got to be able to hit the tougher shots. That's all it is." The 22-year-old is 15-for-44 from the floor through the first two games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jazz C Rudy Gobert opened the season with back-to-back double-doubles while making 11-of-15 shots.

2. Grizzlies SF Chandler Parsons hit 3-of-4 3-pointers on Friday after missing all five of his long-range tries against Indiana.

3. Utah held Memphis to an average of 87.7 points in winning all three meetings last season.

PREDICTION: Jazz 110, Grizzlies 99

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Washington Wizards vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
Wizards vs. Trail Blazers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

The Portland Trail Blazers put together a pair of impressive wins to begin the season and are feeling good about themselves and their chances in the Western Conference. The Trail Blazers will try to remain undefeated on Monday, when they host a Washington Wizards team coming off a pair of tough losses to begin the campaign.

Portland knocked off the Los Angeles Lakers in the opener and shot 53.6 percent from the floor in a 121-108 triumph over the San Antonio Spurs at home on Saturday as Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 53 points. "Getting good, quality looks from 3," McCollum told reporters. "Our guys are setting great screens, bigs rolling, (center Jusuf Nurkic) was finishing well around the basket. Defensively, we weren't giving up as many offensive rebounds early in the third quarter, so we were able to get out and run right after the shot." The Wizards fell to Miami and Toronto by a combined five points in two home games to begin the season and are staring at a five-game road trip that includes a stop in Golden State after Portland. "I like where we are, and I'll never give up on our team," shooting guard Bradley Beal told reporters. "We're going to figure it out. We're going on the road and it doesn't get easier, which I like. It just continues to challenge us and prepare us for down the road."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington, NBCS Northwest (Portland)

ABOUT THE WIZRDS (0-2): Beal scored 32 points in Saturday's 117-113 loss and went 6-of-11 from 3-point range to reach 870 made 3-pointers in his career, passing Gilbert Arenas (868) for the franchise record. "I wasn't aware, but that's a blessing," Beal told reporters. "That's amazing and I'm honored. I won't say that was a goal of mine. That's a pretty cool accomplishment to have and one that I'm proud of. I wish it was a win on top of this, but I'm proud." Backcourtmate John Wall is averaging 25.5 points but is just 1-of-10 from beyond the arc.

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (2-0): Lillard is averaging 28.5 points and played largely mistake-free basketball on Saturday while handling out nine assists with no turnovers. "I have the ball in my hands a lot, so I know that it's going to happen some games, and also some nights, you just turn the ball over," Lillard told reporters. "You're throwing it out there, your timing is off, things happen, but as a point guard and somebody who our team counts on to be able to take care of the ball, I do take pride in taking care of it." The starting five accounted for just four turnovers on Saturday while combining for 14 assists.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Trail Blazers SG Nik Stauskas slumped to three points on 1-of-5 shooting Saturday after scoring 24 points on 7-of-11 in the opener.

2. Wizards C Dwight Howard (back) has yet to make his season debut and is questionable for Monday.

3. The road team took each of the two meetings last season, with Washington claiming a 106-92 win at Portland on Dec. 5.

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 123, Wizards 117

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
Spurs vs. Lakers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

The fightin' Los Angeles Lakers are ready to scuffle in LeBron James' first season with the team, but that isn't translating to many wins. The Lakers will be missing two key players due to suspension when they go for their first win against the visiting San Antonio Spurs on Monday.

James made his home debut on Saturday against the Houston Rockets but the game was marred by an ugly incident in the fourth quarter, began when Los Angeles small forward Brandon Ingram shoved Rockets star James Harden. The scuffle escalated to punches, with Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo and Houston point guard Chris Paul trading shots, and Ingram was hit with a four-game suspension while Rondo will sit three games. The Spurs aren't getting into any on-court melees but are also not off to the best start on the two-game west coast trip, which began with a 121-108 loss at Portland on Saturday. "We're not disciplined defensively yet," San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. "It's going to take a while with a new group, basically. They run a really nice offense. It's geared for their players and it's hard to guard. We're just not ready for that."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Southwest (San Antonio), Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE SPURS (1-1): San Antonio allowed the Trail Blazers to shoot 53.6 percent from the field and is getting used to new teammates and new defensive responsibilities. "It's all about communication," star forward LaMarcus Aldridge told reporters. "We were a little late on some rotations and some schemes. We have to keep drilling it and get more familiar with each other." All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan is not having any trouble adjusting offensively and scored 28 points in each of the first two contests.

ABOUT THE LAKERS (0-2): James knew it was going to be a process to mold the Los Angeles roster into a championship contender, and he was not upset about letting a one-point game get out of hand due to the late skirmish. "I'm not disappointed at all," James told reporters after the 124-115 setback. "I understand that we're going to have some early struggles. Nobody said it's going to be easy. I'm not disappointed in nothing we did tonight." James is averaging 25 points through two games but is still searching for his touch from long range while going 1-of-11 from beyond the arc.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Lakers are shooting an NBA-worst 24.2 percent from 3-point range.

2. DeRozan is averaging 6.5 assists - more than twice his career mark (3.1).

3. Los Angeles took all three meetings last season and four straight in the series.

PREDICTION: Spurs 121, Lakers 117

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NBA

NBA Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
Suns vs. Warriors Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

The Golden State Warriors will try to make a quick recovery from their first loss of the season when they host the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Stephen Curry scored 30 points and made six 3-pointers, but his teammates combined to hit just 1-of-13 from beyond the arc in the Warriors' 100-98 loss at Denver on Sunday.

"I don't like the looks we've been getting at all," Golden State coach Steve Kerr told the media. "We have not been executing." Curry's six triples moved him past Paul Pierce (2,143) and into sixth place on the NBA's all-time list, eight behind Suns guard Jamal Crawford. Phoenix also is coming off a loss at Denver, a 119-91 setback on Saturday in which the Suns shot 37.7 percent from the floor. They have struggled to break through against the mighty Warriors in recent years while dropping 15 straight meetings, including all four last season by an average of 22 points.

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

ABOUT THE SUNS (1-1): Devin Booker is averaging 30 points and seven assists through the first two games and he is hoping to get some support down the road from rookie center Deandre Ayton. The No. 1 overall pick out of Arizona had a solid NBA debut with 18 points and 10 rebounds in a season-opening win over Dallas before struggling to produce five points on 2-of-7 shooting while matched up with Nuggets star Nikola Jokic (35 points on 11-of-11 shooting) on Saturday. "It was a learning lesson for me," Ayton told reporters of the matchup. "In time I'm going to be doing the same thing."

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (2-1): Among those struggling to get the looks Kerr wants to see is Klay Thompson, whose early-season slump continued Sunday. The four-time All-Star scored 15 points and hauled in seven rebounds but he was 1-of-6 from 3-point distance and is 2-of-16 through the first three games. Kevon Looney provided a boost off the bench at Denver with a 4-for-4 showing from the field en route to 10 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots in 19 minutes.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Warriors G Shaun Livingston (knee) missed Sunday's game and is day-to-day.

2. Suns G Troy Daniels (concussion) missed the game in Denver and is questionable for Monday.

3. Curry and his father, Dell Curry, have a combined 27,197 career points, which leaves them 22 points shy of moving past Dolph and Danny Schayes for the second-most points by a father-son duo in NBA history.

PREDICTION: Warriors 113, Suns 103

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Colorado Avalanche vs. Philadelphia Flyers Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
Avalanche vs. Flyers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is on quite the roll, as the 25-year-old Swede followed up his third career hat trick with two goals in his last outing. Landeskog carries a four-game point streak (six goals, two assists) into Philadelphia on Monday when the Avalanche conclude a four-game road trip bidding for a season sweep of the Flyers.

"I don't know, obviously a lot of luck," Landeskog told reporters of his good fortune following Colorado's 3-1 win over Carolina on Saturday afternoon. "But at the same time you're getting in the scoring areas and skating and working hard and a lot of it is just kind of coincidence. You happen to be in the right place at the right time." Landeskog also tallied in the Avalanche's 5-2 victory versus Philadelphia on Oct. 6, and Colin Wilson scored with the man advantage for a Colorado team that has converted on the power play in all five road games - seven of eight contests overall this season. Philadelphia recorded its first power-play goal from the second unit when Travis Konecny scored during Saturday afternoon's 5-2 victory versus New Jersey. The 21-year-old has tallied in two straight to highlight his three-game point streak and had an assist in the first encounter against Colorado.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA, Altitude (Colorado), NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (5-1-2): Nathan MacKinnon recorded his second straight three-point performance on Saturday afternoon when he scored a goal and set up two others versus the Hurricanes while linemate Mikko Rantanen also has recorded at least a point in eight straight games. "(Our line), we've been playing well," the 23-year-old MacKinnon told reporters. "We had a decent first five or six games but not great, so I think the last two or three have been awesome. We're controlling the play a lot more. We just got some chances and took advantage." MacKinnon collected a goal and an assist in the previous meeting with the Flyers after mustering just four points (one goal, three assists) in his previous nine encounters.

ABOUT THE FLYERS (4-4-0): Jake Voracek's offense has come in bunches this season, as he recorded his third multi-point performance with a goal and two assists against New Jersey despite describing the first 39 minutes of his play as "horse (expletive)." "I'm glad his expectations are high," Philadelphia coach Dave Hakstol told reporters. "He's playing some really good hockey right now. With his dynamics he can change the look of a hockey game. ... If he wants to do more, that's good. ... Hey, we're .500, so everybody has got to be a little bit better." Captain Claude Giroux is pulling his weight, registering a point for the seventh time in eight games with an assist on Saturday.

OVERTIME

1. Philadelphia G Brian Elliott has yielded seven goals on 65 shots in his last three games (2-1-0) after being gashed for eight versus San Jose on Oct. 9.

2. Avalanche D Erik Johnson has just two points in six games since notching three assists versus the Flyers.

3. Philadelphia RW Wayne Simmonds has three goals in his last three games.

PREDICTION: Avalanche 4, Flyers 3

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Detroit Red Wings Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

After being the talk of the league following a sizzling 4-0-1 start, the Carolina Hurricanes have seen that conversation quieted with losses in three straight contests. The Hurricanes aim to get back to their winning ways on Monday when they visit the Detroit Red Wings, who posted their first victory of the season in the last outing.

"You don't want to let things snowball and go the wrong way," Carolina veteran forward Justin Williams told reporters following Saturday afternoon's 3-1 setback to Colorado. "The trick is to not let it become bigger than it is. Nip it. As long as we approach it that way, we'll be fine." Sebastian Aho registered his team-leading 13th point Saturday and extended his point streak to eight games, which ties the Hurricanes' record to start a season, with an assist on a goal from Micheal Ferland, who has tallied in three straight contests. Gustav Nyquist capped his second multi-point performance of the season when he scored 3:44 into overtime on Saturday as Detroit posted a 4-3 triumph over Florida. "Seven games and you're looking for your first win, it's not the position you want to be in, but finally we got that one and it feels nice," the 29-year-old Swede told reporters.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Carolinas, FS Detroit

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (4-3-1): Carolina's power play has been a sore spot, as the club failed on all five opportunities with the man advantage against the Avalanche to drop to 2-for-30 on the season - and one of those goals was into an empty net. "The power play is stale, and that's got to change," coach Rod Brind'Amour told the media. "That might be an area we shake up." Teuvo Teravainen, who scored on the power play in an 8-5 win over the New York Rangers on Oct. 7, has one goal and seven assists in his last seven games.

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (1-5-2): Defenseman Dennis Cholowski continues to make an impact during his rookie season, scoring a 5-on-3 goal in the second period on Saturday before notching an assist on Thomas Vanek's power-play goal to forge a 2-2 tie. "You can't be afraid of making a mistake, or else nothing's gonna happen," the 20-year-old Cholowski told reporters. "You're just gonna play conservative, and that's not gonna help anybody. You have to be able to try to make those plays that you were making in previous years." Dylan Larkin, who scored his team-leading fourth goal on Saturday, had three assists in three encounters with Carolina last season and seven points (two goals, five assists) in nine career meetings.

OVERTIME

1. Detroit G Jimmy Howard owns a 4-5-0 mark despite posting a .916 save percentage in nine career matchups with Carolina.

2. The Hurricanes have outshot their opponent in all eight games this season.

3. Vanek has two goals in his last three contests after recording a minus-6 rating while being held off the scoresheet in each of his previous five games.

PREDICTION: Hurricanes 4, Red Wings 2

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
Blues vs. Jets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

The St. Louis Blues look to match the effort from their best performance of the season last time out when they complete a three-game trip through Canada with a matchup against the Winnipeg Jets on Monday night. The Blues snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory at Toronto on Saturday, limiting the high-flying Maple Leafs to 23 shots and getting goals from four different players.

"It was pretty textbook hockey. Everyone bought in," St. Louis goalie Jake Allen told reporters. "That was nice to see. Everyone came to play and. ... if we do that every night, the majority of the times we'll be in games and have a good chance of success." The Blues hope to avoid a repeat of the 5-1 loss to the Jets on opening night and Winnipeg takes a four-game point streak (3-0-1, all at home) into the contest after outlasting Arizona 5-3 on Saturday night. Jets captain Blake Wheeler told reporters his team is still trying to find its A-game while averaging three goals, but Winnipeg has allowed just one in four of its five victories. "If we thought we were going to come in and thought it would be easy, that's not the way this works," Wheeler told reporters of his team, which reached the Western Conference finals a season ago. "I think we're sticking with it through the frustration, through the grind right now. I think that's a real positive. We're trying to figure out what we are, what we do well. We'll get there. We're just not there yet."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NHL Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis), TSN3 (Winnipeg)

ABOUT THE BLUES (2-3-2): David Perron and Ryan O'Reilly each had two points against Toronto and lead the team with seven while fellow forwards Brayden Schenn and Vladimir Tarasenko have contributed six each. Veteran defenseman Jay Bouwmeester (one assist, minus-4 rating) was a healthy scratch for the first time in his career Saturday as he remained one point shy of 400 for his career. "I'm not gonna talk a lot about it because nobody likes being in this position," Bouwmeester told the St. Louis Dispatch. "But it's the nature of the business. ... You deal with it, that's all you can do."

ABOUT THE JETS (5-2-1): Defenseman Josh Morrissey registered his second two-point game of the season Saturday and shares the team lead at seven with forward Kyle Connor. "I think I've been happy with the work I've put in the offseason," the 23-year-old Morrissey, who had a career-best 26 points in 2017-18, told the Winnipeg Free Press. "I think some of those things are starting to feel pretty good, but it's a long season." Patrik Laine owns three goals on a team-best 31 shots while fellow forward Nikolaj Ehlers is still looking for his first tally since April 3 - a drought of 25 games, including playoffs.

OVERTIME

1. The Jets are 7-for-20 on the power play and the Blues had the second-most goals with the man advantage (nine) through Saturday.

2. Winnipeg F Adam Lowry, who posted eight goals in 45 games last season, has four in the first eight contests of 2018-19.

3. St. Louis D Alex Pietrangelo had six points in the first five games of 2017-18 and managed just one in the first seven this season.

PREDICTION: Jets 5, Blues 2

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Washington Capitals vs. Vancouver Canucks Preview and Predictions 10-22-2018 in NHL

NHL Previews 21st October 2018 by Gracenote
Capitals vs. Canucks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/21/2018

The Washington Capitals have been keeping the scoreboard operator busy at both ends of the ice, as they are averaging an NHL-best 4.14 goals per game and allowing a league third-worst 3.86 to boot. The numbers, however, haven't added up in the Capitals' favor of late as they have dropped three of their last four (1-2-1) heading into the opener of a four-game road trip versus the Vancouver Canucks on Monday.

"There have been some signs of some good things and some signs of some things that definitely need some work," Washington coach Todd Reirden told reporters. "And that's where we need to continue to develop our identity that we had at the end of last year. To expect that it starts at that same spot is not really all that achievable." Nicklas Backstrom scored with the man advantage in Friday's 6-5 shootout loss to Florida, as the Capitals carry a league-best power play into Vancouver. The Canucks posted their fourth win in five outings following Saturday's 2-1 overtime victory over Boston. Bo Horvat, who scored his team co-leading fifth goal at 3:12 of overtime, had a goal and an assist in Vancouver's 6-2 romp over visiting Washington on Oct. 26, 2017.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington Plus, Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver)

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (3-2-2): One of Washington's calling cards has been its potent power play, as the club leads the NHL in man-advantage goals (10) and percentage (38.5) heading into Sunday's action. Evgeny Kuznetsov is tied atop the league with four power-play goals while Backstrom's seven points with the man advantage are tops in that category through Saturday. Captain Alex Ovechkin, who has three power-play goals this season, has six points (four goals, two assists) with the man advantage in 16 career encounters versus Vancouver.

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (5-3-0): Brandon Sutter scored his second goal in three outings on Saturday to boost his point total to four, a promising sign considering he mustered just 26 (11 goals, 15 assists) in 61 games last season. "The puck came in off Jake (Virtanen) and I tipped it off my pad and it was just sitting there and I just tried to whack it and get it toward the net. I'll take it," the 29-year-old Sutter told the Vancouver Province of his less-than-aesthetically-pleasing tally versus the Bruins. Jacob Markstrom turned aside 30 shots in his first action since surrendering five goals in each of his previous two contests, although he sports an 0-6-0 mark with a 3.44 goals-against average and .895 save percentage in six career encounters versus the Capitals.

OVERTIME

1. Horvat has three of Vancouver's seven goals since promising rookie C Elias Pettersson (concussion) was injured.

2. Capitals G Braden Holtby owns a 3-2-0 mark with one shutout in five career meetings with the Canucks.

3. Vancouver has won both of its home contests this season.

PREDICTION: Capitals 4, Canucks 1

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Dustin Hawkins
Oct 22 '18, 7:05 PM in 9h
NHL | Avalanche vs Flyers
Play on: Flyers -118

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Bobby Conn
Oct 22 '18, 7:35 PM in 9h
NHL | Hurricanes vs Red Wings
Play on: Hurricanes -156

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Kenny Walker
Oct 22 '18, 7:35 PM in 9h
NHL | Hurricanes vs Red Wings
Play on: Red Wings +140

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Hunter Price
Oct 22 '18, 7:35 PM in 9h
NBA | Hornets vs Raptors
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bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Totals Guru
Oct 22 '18, 8:05 PM in 10h
NBA | Pacers vs Wolves
Play on: OVER 225 -110

bmd1803 · Oct 22, 2018

Mark Wilson
Oct 22 '18, 8:05 PM in 10h
NBA | Knicks vs Bucks
Play on: OVER 224½ -110

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