Monday 11/05/2018 ... Comps / Bonus Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Requests Etc

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Titans at Cowboys 11/5/18 - NFL Picks & Predictions
by Eddie

NFL: 8:15 PM EST
Nov. 05, 2018
TV: ESPN
Latest Odds : DAL -6 Total 42

AT&T Stadium will play host to a Monday night NFL showdown between the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys.

The Titans have lost three straight games for first year head coach Mike Vrabel and are 1.5 games behind Houston for the AFC South Division lead. Last time out, Tennessee failed twice on a two-point conversion with 31 seconds remaining during a 20-19 loss against the Chargers in London. Dion Lewis rushed for 91 yards on 13 carries in a losing effort for the Titans.

Through seven games, Tennessee ranks third worst in total offense and is scoring just 15.1 points on average. Dallas will be up to the challenge with a defense that ranks 3rd in yards allowed and gives up 17.6 points per game.

Like the Titans, the Dallas Cowboys are coming off a bye and looking to get their season headed in the right direction. The Cowboys have lost four of their first seven games and are two games behind NFC East leading Washington. Last time out, Dallas turned the ball over twice during a 20-17 road loss against the Redskins. Dak Prescott threw for 273 yards and accounted for both touchdowns on the afternoon.

For the season, Dallas ranks 28th in total offense and is scoring 22.0 points per game. Tennessee leans heavily on a defense that ranks 11th in yards allowed and gives up 18.1 points per contest.

Recent Betting Trends:

Titans are 11-23 ATS in their last 34 road games.

Cowboys are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games following a bye week.

Under is 5-1 in Titans last 6 games overall.

Under is 13-3 in Cowboys last 16 games overall.

Over is 7-0 in Cowboys last 7 games following a bye week.

Bonus Betting Pick: Dallas Cowboys -6

Dallas G Zack Martin has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL and is listed as week-to-week. Both teams have had plenty of struggles on offense, so the under is worth a look. The stronger play is on Dallas get a much needed win and cover at home. Final Score Prediction, Dallas Cowboys win and cover ATS 27-14.

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Tennessee Titans vs. Dallas Cowboys Preview and Predictions 11-05-2018

NFL Predictions 2nd November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/02/2018

The Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans each have the luxury of playing in mediocre divisions, but both teams are in danger of falling too far back in their respective conference playoff pictures with another loss. The Titans and Cowboys also share the similarities of owning identical 3-4 records while coming off a loss and a bye heading into Monday night's clash in Dallas.

The game will mark the Cowboys debut of wide receiver Amari Cooper, who was acquired from Oakland for a first-round draft pick to put some juice in Dallas' struggling offense. "He's electrifying. He's one of those guys you hold your breath every time he catches the ball," running back Ezekiel Elliott told reporters regarding Cooper. "He's a great addition to this offense and I'm excited." The bye week couldn't come soon enough for Tennessee, which followed a three-game winning streak by scoring a total of 31 points during a three-game slide that includes a pair of one-point defeats. "It's our fault, you know what I'm saying?" Titans Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard told reporters. "We're not doing the right things to win these games, and we have to find ways to turn that around."

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Cowboys -5.5. O/U: 40.5

ABOUT THE TITANS (3-4): Marcus Mariota injured his elbow in the season opener and has been dealing with numbness in his throwing hand, but he finally was able to discard the glove he's been wearing since getting hurt. That, and the loss the of tight end Delanie Walker to a season-ending injury in Week 1, has contributed to Mariota's woes - he has thrown three touchdown passes and five interceptions while being held to 129 yards or fewer in four of his six games. The running back tandem of Dion Lewis and Derrick Henry also has struggled, although Lewis gained 155 yards from scrimmage in Tennessee's last contest. The Titans rank 19th in the league against the run, permitting 112.3 yards per game.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (3-4): The offseason departures of Dez Bryant and Jason Witten has grounded Dallas' aerial attack, prompting the move to bring in Cooper to jump-start a passing offense ranked 29th in the NFL (183.1 yards). Whether Cooper is the answer for Dak Prescott remains to be seen - the former No. 4 overall pick had 48 receptions and seven touchdowns last season while recording 22 catches and one score for the Raiders this year before the trade. The Cowboys have the league's fourth-ranked ground game thanks to Elliott, who is second in the NFL in rushing with 619 yards and has three 100-yard performances. Dallas ranks third overall in total defense (313.7) and against the pass (217.4).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Dallas (17.6) and Tennessee (18.1) rank second and third, respectively, in the NFL in points allowed.

2. Mariota has thrown 24 TD passes and seven interceptions in his last 12 games versus NFC opponents.

3. Cowboys DE Demarcus Lawrence has registered seven sacks in his last five home contests.

PREDICTION: Cowboys 23, Titans 20

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

ATS Trends
Tennessee

Titans are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Monday games.
Titans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Titans are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss.
Titans are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Titans are 11-23 ATS in their last 34 road games.
Titans are 12-25-3 ATS in their last 40 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
Titans are 17-37-1 ATS in their last 55 games following a ATS win.
Titans are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a bye week.
Titans are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
Titans are 9-27-3 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
Titans are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Titans are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games in November.
Titans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf.

Dallas

Cowboys are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Cowboys are 9-4-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
Cowboys are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games following a bye week.
Cowboys are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 Monday games.
Cowboys are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 9.

OU Trends
Tennessee

Over is 5-0 in Titans last 5 games in Week 9.
Under is 5-1 in Titans last 6 games overall.
Under is 5-1 in Titans last 6 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 4-1 in Titans last 5 games in November.
Under is 4-1 in Titans last 5 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Titans last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 4-1 in Titans last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 7-3 in Titans last 10 games following a ATS win.

Dallas

Over is 7-0 in Cowboys last 7 games following a bye week.
Over is 8-1 in Cowboys last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 5-1 in Cowboys last 6 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 13-3 in Cowboys last 16 games overall.
Under is 4-1 in Cowboys last 5 games in November.
Under is 4-1 in Cowboys last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 15-4-2 in Cowboys last 21 games in Week 9.
Under is 6-2 in Cowboys last 8 games after accumulating less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 8-3 in Cowboys last 11 games on fieldturf.

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

MNF - Titans at Cowboys
Kevin Rogers

LAST GAME

Both these teams are off the bye last week as each squad looks to climb back to the .500 mark. The Titans (3-4 SU, 4-3 ATS) were once 3-1 after three consecutive three-point wins. However, the offense has scored a total of 31 points in the past three losses, while coming off a 20-19 defeat to the Chargers in London back in Week 7. Tennessee cashed as 6 ½-point underdogs to improve to 4-1 ATS when receiving points, but there were many questions on why the Titans didn’t win.

The Titans erased a 17-6 deficit to creep within one point in the final minute on a Marcus Mariota touchdown pass to Luke Stocker on fourth down. However, instead of opting for the tie and overtime, Titans’ head coach Mike Vrabel put his offense on the field for the game-winning two-point conversion. Tennessee didn’t convert as that call was questioned by the pundits, even though the Titans’ defense limited Los Angeles to one touchdown in the final three quarters and the Titans had momentum late.

The Cowboys (3-4 SU, 3-4 ATS) have not owned a winning record this season, while alternating wins and losses through the first seven games. Prior to the bye, Dallas fell short at Washington, 20-17 as kicker Brett Maher hit the post on a game-tying field goal in the final seconds. Running back Ezekiel Elliott ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards heading into Week 9, as the former Ohio State standout was limited to a season-low 33 yards against Washington.

Off a win this season, the Cowboys have scored 13, 16, and 17 points. However, Dallas has put up 20, 26, and 40 off a loss, which is the situation the Cowboys are in this week. The Cowboys and Titans are part of a three-team group that has not allowed more than 27 points in a game this season, while the Eagles are the other.

DIAL UP ANOTHER WIN?

The Cowboys have yet to lose a game at AT&T Stadium this season by beating the Giants, Lions, and Jaguars. Yes, it has worked out that Dallas faced all those off road losses, where they are 0-4 this season. Dallas has split its first against the spread in the home favorite role by cashing against New York, but needing a late field goal to edge Detroit. Since 2016, the Cowboys have covered in four of five opportunities as a home favorite of six points or more, while being listed in that range for the first time this season.

DOGGY DOES IT

Tennessee has thrived in the underdog role this season by covering in four of five opportunities. Prior to the one-point loss (and cover) against the Chargers in London, the Titans had won outright when receiving points in their first three chances against the Texans, Jaguars, and Eagles. The 4-1 ATS mark under Vrabel is a significant change from the 4-6 ATS record last season as an underdog, while the Titans posted a horrific 9-18 ATS ledger from 2014 through 2017.

SERIES HISTORY

Before the Texans were even a thought, the Cowboys and the then-Oilers were the two main attractions in the Lone Star State. Since the Titans moved to Nashville in 1998, Tennessee and Dallas have hooked up five times in the regular season with the Cowboys coming out victorious three times. The Cowboys knocked off the Titans in their last meeting at Tennessee in 2014 as three-point underdogs, 26-10. Every main offensive weapon on both sides is no longer on the active roster as tight end Delanie Walker is the lone contributor still on one of these teams, but he is sidelined with a season-ending ankle injury.

MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

The Cowboys have won in each of their last three opportunities on Monday night football since 2015. In the past two seasons, Dallas has cruised in the favorite role on Mondays by pounding Detroit, 42-21 in 2016 and taking care of Arizona last season, 28-17 as three-point chalk. The Titans have covered six consecutive Monday night games dating back to 2008, while winning five times straight-up. Last season, Tennessee pulled away from Indianapolis, 36-22 after rallying from a 10-point deficit in the first half.

HANDICAPPER’S CORNER

Handicapper Joe Nelson checks in on this interconference matchup by noting how competitive Tennessee has been this season, “Six of the seven games for the Titans have been decided by a single-score, making this underdog spread of nearly a full touchdown appealing. However, Tennessee is on a 12-25 ATS run in road games since 2014. The Titans have the third-best scoring defense in the NFL allowing 18.1 points per game but only Arizona and Buffalo have been worse scoring teams with Tennessee averaging 15.1 points per game.”

Two seasons ago, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys owned the best record in the NFC. Things have changed quickly for the former Mississippi State standout, according to Nelson, “Prescott has been a top 4 QBR quarterback each of the past two seasons for the Cowboys, but with some changes on the offensive line, he has struggled this season. He and Mariota are both outside of the league’s top 20 in QBR at this point in the season. The numbers are even worse in traditional QB Rating with Prescott 24th and Mariota 30th as the star quarterbacks trail players like Derek Carr, Brock Osweiler, and Eli Manning in that metric.”

Nelson also notes that Dallas needs to end their inconsistent ways if it wants to make a playoff push in the NFC, “For Dallas, road games at Philadelphia and at Atlanta follow this game as the season is certainly at a critical juncture. All four losses have come by 11 or fewer points vs. winning teams while the wins for Dallas have all come at home vs. losing teams. Dallas made a bye week deal for Amari Cooper looking to boost the offensive potential of the team though he remains questionable with a concussion. Cooper was one of the best receivers in the league in 2015 and 2016, but has just 70 catches for 960 yards over his past 20 games.”

LINE MOVEMENT

The Westgate Superbook opened the Cowboys as 6 ½-point favorites last Monday. However, that line has dropped to Dallas laying four at the Westgate, while other books are showing Dallas -4 ½. There hasn’t been much movement on the total, which opened at 41, as this number has dipped to 40 ½ at most outfits.

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Monday, Nov. 5

Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys (-6.5, 41)

The Titans will be the first team to try and slow down WR Amari Cooper in a Cowboys uniform. Both teams come off a bye, and they have the luxury of an extra day of rest, too, with the game being played on Monday.

CG Technology had Dallas listed at -4 1/2 to open, quickly moving to -6. The Strat also opened at -4 1/2, and quickly rose to -6 1/2 in less than 24 hours. Westgate went all the way from -4 to -6 1/2 in about 19 hours. Early bettors are feeling the Cowboys in their Jerry World on Monday night. Meanwhile, the total has tumbled from 42 1/2 to 41 at BetOnline.ag offshore.

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

NFL
Long Sheet

Week 9

Monday. November 5

Tennessee Titans
Tennessee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tennessee's last 6 games
Tennessee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tennessee's last 6 games on the road
Tennessee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas Cowboys
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Dallas's last 11 games
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tennessee

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

NFL
Dunkel

Week 9

Monday, November 5

Tennessee @ Dallas

Game 474-474
November 5, 2018 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tennessee
124.951
Dallas
136.869
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 12
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 6 1/2
40 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(-6 1/2); Over

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Monday
Titans (3-4) @ Cowboys (3-4)— Cowboys fired their OL coach during bye week, would expect to see them try and run ball more here. Dallas is 3-0 at home, 0-4 on road; 3 of their last 4 games were decided by 3 or fewer points. Cowboys are 7-6 in last 13 games as home favorites, 1-1 this year. Titans lost last three games after a 3-1 start; five of their last six games were decided by 3 or fewer points- they’re 10-24-1 vs spread in last 35 true road games, 8-17 in last 25 games as a road underdog. Dallas won three of last four series games; Oilers/Titans are 4-3 in their visits here. Under is 5-2 in Dallas games, 5-1 in last six Titan tilts. Thought o lay 6.5 points to a team that hasn’t played a game this season that was decided by more than seven points.

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Tech Trends - Week 9
Bruce Marshall

Monday, Nov. 5

TENNESSEE at DALLAS (ESPN, 8:25 p.m. ET)
Dallas 3-0 SU at home TY (2-1 vs. line), Cowboys also “under” 9-2 last 11 since late 2017. Titans 4-1 as dog for Vrabel, and “under” 9-4 since late 2017.
Tech Edge: “Under,” based on “totals” trends.

ErnieSteele · Nov 5, 2018

Monday Morning Caddie
monmorningcaddie

Penguins -170
Pittsburgh comes into this game after losing 3 straight for the first time this season. Over the last 3 seasons, the penguins are 5-1 after 3 or more consecutive losses. Conversely, the Devils have also lost 3 straight, but are 13-22 over the last 3 seasons after 3 or more consecutive losses. Their last time out, the Devils lost 3-0 vs the Islanders. New Jersey is 0-3 this season after a loss of 2 or more goals in their previous game. Overall, Pittsburgh has the statistical advantage and I believe the spot edge in this home tilt Monday night. Lay the money and bet the Pens.

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers Preview and Predictions 11-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/04/2018

The Houston Rockets are slowly turning things around with wins in back-to-back games as the roles are becoming more defined. The Rockets will try to make it three straight when they visit the red-hot Indiana Pacers on Monday.

Houston kept former All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony in a reserve role and welcomed MVP James Harden (hamstring) back to the lineup following a three-game absence on Saturday, and both players looked comfortable while combining for 42 points in the 96-88 win at Chicago. "Once we get guys into rotations and comfortable, the sky's the limit for us," Harden told reporters of the Rockets, who are also working small forward James Ennis into the flow while waiting for shooting guard Eric Gordon (leg) to return. The Pacers pulled out close wins in each of the last three games and swept a back-to-back when All-Star guard Victor Oladipo buried a 3-pointer in the final seconds on Saturday to down the Boston Celtics 102-101. "I told our guys we want to go out there and play like we believe we can win this game," Indiana coach Nate McMillan told reporters. "The Celtics are a very good team, a lot of talent over there. We're not going to make excuses for the schedule. This was a tough back-to-back, and all I asked our guys to do was play like you believe you can win this game. And they did."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Indiana

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (3-5): Houston's two-game winning streak corresponds with an uptick in accuracy from Anthony, who is 17-of-26 from the floor in the two victories after a 2-of-12 performance in a 104-85 loss to Portland on Tuesday. The steadying force in the Houston rotation is center Clint Capela, who collected 12 points and 12 rebounds on Saturday for his fifth consecutive double-double. The 24-year-old is averaging 15.3 points and 11.5 rebounds while recording multiple blocks in five of the last six contests.

ABOUT THE PACERS (7-3): Oladipo scored 10 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter on Saturday, including the go-ahead 3-pointer. "I was just trying to get to any spot and win the game," Oladipo told reporters. "Get to my spot wherever I could get a shot off and win the game. I saw the clock going down and I just felt like I could get to that spot and I shot it with confidence." Oladipo is averaging 22.5 points and 7.3 rebounds and recorded a double-double in each of the last two contests.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Harden committed eight of the team's 19 turnovers on Saturday.

2. Indiana PF Domantas Sabonis is averaging 13.6 points on 67.1 percent shooting.

3. Houston took the two meetings last season by an average of 22 points.

PREDICTION: Pacers 109, Rockets 103

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons Preview and Predictions 11-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/04/2018

The Miami Heat are having trouble getting stops in a three-game losing streak, during which they are allowing an average of 123.7 points. The Detroit Pistons, who host the Heat on Monday, are enduring their own slide with losses in four straight following a four-game winning streak to start the season.

Miami allowed 102 points through the first three quarters to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday and a turnaround on defense in the final period proved to be too late in a 123-118 setback. "The fourth quarter defense and the effort from the guys is what's going to be required for 48 minutes," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters. "We were able to hold them to 21 points, and you could feel the intensity of the guys on the court laying it all out there for better or worse. That's the type of desperation and urgency we're going to need for a complete game." The Pistons had a similar problem starting slow on Saturday due mostly to foul trouble in the frontcourt. "It's almost like you've got to play with your hands behind your back," Detroit center Andre Drummond told reporters after the 109-99 loss at Philadelphia. "Can't really touch nobody. But that's the way they're calling the game now, so I've got to figure a way to adjust to try to stay in the game. It's hard to play like that."

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

ABOUT THE HEAT (3-5): Miami was without point guard Goran Dragic (toe) on Saturday and made the unusual move of starting small forward Justise Winslow at the point. The 22-year-old nearly pulled off a triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists while adding two blocks and two steals. "That's emptying your tank out there," Spoelstra told reporters of Winslow. "And that's what we need from a full roster. Whatever your minutes are, you're playing as hard as you can. You felt his presence out there. Even through some of the mistakes, he just made so many plays and did everything to try not to be denied."

ABOUT THE PISTONS (4-4): Detroit fell behind by 22 points at the break on Saturday and trailed after the first quarter in each of the last four games. "We held them to 27 percent in the second half, which is a hell of an effort defensively for us," Pistons coach Dwane Casey told reporters after Saturday's setback. "But our starts have been atrocious. Our approach to start the game has to be here. We come out in the first half the way we came out in the second half, we're a pretty good team." The bright spot at Philadelphia came from power forward Blake Griffin, who fought through foul trouble and scored 38 points on 12-of-21 shooting.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Heat SG Josh Richardson scored a season-high 32 points on 10-of-18 shooting on Saturday and is averaging a team-high 20.8 points.

2. Detroit SG Reggie Bullock (ankle) sat out Saturday and is day-to-day.

3. The home team took each of the four meetings last season.

PREDICTION: Pistons 121, Heat 116

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Predictions 11-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/04/2018

The Cleveland Cavaliers may be finding it difficult to focus on basketball with all the turmoil surrounding the team. They will try to stick to matters at hand when they visit the Orlando Magic on Monday for the finale of a two-game road trip.

The trip began with an ugly 126-94 loss at Charlotte on Saturday, the team's second straight blowout loss amid testy contract negotiations with acting coach Larry Drew, trade requests, foot surgery for star forward Kevin Love and a slew of lineup changes that have yet to pay dividends. "I haven't been on the job long, so I still have some time to try and find it but I'm very happy with our squad," Drew told reporters after the loss to the Hornets. "I think we've got a good group. I think we just gotta get it out of them." The Magic will be playing the second half of a back-to-back but the first half was an excellent one, as they snapped a four-game losing streak with a surprising 117-110 win at San Antonio. Aaron Gordon broke out of a slump with 26 points as Orlando had its best offensive output of the season.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cleveland), FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (1-8): Not long after indicating he would like to be traded, veteran J.R. Smith led Cleveland with 14 points in the loss the Hornets. He and Kyle Korver combined to make 7-of-11 from 3-point range while the rest of the team went 3-for-15 from beyond the arc. Rookie Collin Sexton had scored at least 12 points in five straight games before being held to a season low-tying four points on 1-of-5 shooting.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (3-6): Gordon averaged just over 10 points while shooting 34.3 percent in his previous three games before carrying the load against the Spurs. "I was just taking what they were giving me," he told FS Florida in a postgame interview. "When coach calls my number I've got to be ready. I gotta continue to do that. Make shots." Rookie center Mo Bamba recorded his first career double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds Sunday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Smith needs two 3-pointers to move past Daniel Gibson (578) and into fifth place on the franchise's all-time list.

2. Magic SG Evan Fournier has three steals in each of his last two games after recording a total of three through his first seven contests.

3. The teams split four meetings last season, with Orlando taking the final meeting 116-98 at home.

PREDICTION: Magic 107, Cavaliers 99

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks Preview and Predictions 11-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/04/2018

The New York Knicks hope to get much more out of their starting five - or perhaps go with a new one - when they host the Chicago Bulls on Monday. Leading scorer Tim Hardaway Jr. was held to a season-low seven points on 2-of-10 shooting and the other four starters combined for just 29 as the Knicks fell 108-95 at Washington on Sunday.

The Wizards entered with the worst scoring defense (123.9 points allowed per game) in the league but had no issues stifling a New York team that managed to make only 5-of-27 from 3-point range. Hardaway, who entered the game averaging 25.1 points, also took a knee to the back in the first half and ended his night early, leaving his status for Monday in question. The Bulls dropped four in a row at home to teams that entered Sunday with a combined 27-10 record - the last three by a combined 11 points. Zach LaVine continues to carry the load for a team playing without four injured starters, scoring 21 points while making 12-of-13 free throws in the 96-88 loss to Houston on Saturday.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE BULLS (2-8): While LaVine did a nice job getting to the line against the Rockets, he was 4-for-16 from the field and Chicago shot a season-low 38.9 percent. "We had one bad quarter and unfortunately it was a really bad third quarter," Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters of a seven-point effort in the third. "We were settling for shots. In fourth quarter, we got back in it by attacking the rim and getting to the free throw line." Rookie Wendell Carter Jr. had 14 points and a season-high 13 rebounds for his second career double-double.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (3-7): Enes Kanter had 18 points and 12 rebounds off the bench at Washington and fellow reserve Allonzo Trier provided a nice spark with nine points in 22 minutes while mixing it up multiple times with Wizards star guard John Wall. "I want our whole team to be that way," coach David Fizdale told reporters of Trier's toughness. "That's Knicks DNA. Every player when you go back through the history with those teams, the toughest teams, that's the attitude." The rookie is averaging 14.5 points on 71.9 percent shooting over his last four games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Knicks PG Frank Ntilikina is 0-for-10 from 3-point range over his last three games.

2. Thirty of Bulls SF Justin Holiday's 42 baskets have come from beyond the arc.

3. Chicago won three of four meetings last season with the victories coming by a total of 10 points.

PREDICTION: Bulls 106, Knicks 104

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 11-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th November 2018 by Gracenote
Pelicans vs. Thunder Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 11/04/2018

The Oklahoma City Thunder are finding their groove just as the New Orleans Pelicans are hitting a rut. The Thunder will try to earn their fifth consecutive win and hand the Pelicans a sixth straight loss when the teams meet in Oklahoma City on Monday.

New Orleans won its first four games before hitting the skid and is trying to salvage the finale of a five-game road trip after falling at fellow Western Conference contenders Denver, Golden State, Portland and San Antonio. "We've got to play better," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "It's that simple. There is no secret formula. We've got to do a better job of protecting the ball. We've got to stay within what we're supposed to do from a game plan standpoint, and we have to execute." The Thunder are moving in the opposite direction with their winning streak coming after four consecutive losses to begin the campaign. Oklahoma City put together its best offensive game of the young season on Friday at Washington, when it shot 57 percent from the floor and rolled to a 134-111 victory.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS New Orleans, FS Oklahoma

ABOUT THE PELICANS (4-5): New Orleans' 120.6 points allowed ranks 29th in the NBA and that number jumped to 124 during the five-game slide. "We're not playing defense, we're not guarding anybody, we're making the game hard on ourselves," Pelicans star forward Anthony Davis told reporters. "It shouldn't be this easy. It's hard to score buckets in there and it's so easy for them on the other end. We're not physical. We're not stopping anybody one-on-one. We're just not playing basketball. We need to go back to the basics of guarding your man." Davis played in only two of the last five games due to an elbow injury but logged 40 minutes on Saturday and is probable for Monday.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (4-4): Oklahoma City is forcing an NBA-best 18 turnovers and forced the Wizards into 19 miscues on Friday, leading to 26 points. "I'm seeing a cohesive team effort that has really been contagious," center Nerlens Noel told the team's website. "We've really been putting a lot of effort and energy into the defense end, being able to guard the ball one on one, switching off into pick and rolls and just communicating. I think every day from game to game, practice to practice, guys have just been building on it and building an identity within ourselves." Star point guard Russell Westbrook is turning up his effort on the defensive end and recorded at least three steals in each of the last four contests.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pelicans PG Elfrid Payton (ankle) sat out the last four games and is questionable for Monday.

2. Thunder PF Jerami Grant scored a season-high 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting Friday and is averaging 14.5 during the four-game winning streak.

3. New Orleans took two of the three meetings last season, including a 109-104 win at Oklahoma City on April 1.

PREDICTION: Thunder 123, Pelicans 119

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Toronto Raptors vs. Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions 11-05-2018

NBA Predictions 5th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/05/2018

The Utah Jazz will try for a fourth time to pick up their first home win of the season when they host the red-hot Toronto Raptors on Monday. At 0-3 in Salt Lake City, the Jazz are one of two teams in the NBA yet to record a victory at home, where they will play their next three games.

Utah has been much better on the road but it collapsed down the stretch at Denver on Saturday and fell 103-88. "The score didn't reflect our effort," Jazz coach Quin Snyder told the media after his team was outscored 35-15 in the fourth quarter. "But ultimately you've got to put the ball in the basket. We weren't able to do that in the fourth quarter." The Raptors are tied for the best record in the NBA after winning 121-107 at the Los Angeles Lakers late Sunday night. Serge Ibaka hit his first 14 shots en route to a career-high 34 points to lift Toronto to the easy victory without star swingman Kawhi Leonard (foot), who is questionable for this one.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (9-1): Ibaka was 8-for-8 from the floor in the first quarter alone as Toronto raced to a 42-17 lead and he finished 15-for-17, later crediting point guard Kyle Lowry for helping to simplify the attack. "Kyle is making the game so easy for me and [center Jonas Valanciunas]," Ibaka told Sportsnet in a postgame interview. "The fact that he can shoot at the 3-point line just makes the game for us easy." Lowry's phenomenal assist binge continued with 15 more helpers against the Lakers, giving the veteran point guard at least 10 in each of the last eight games, and he turned the ball over just once.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (4-5): Leading scorer Donovan Mitchell missed Friday's loss to Memphis due to a hamstring injury and left the game in Denver with an ankle issue before returning to complete a 16-point effort. He missed all seven of his 3-point tries against the Nuggets and Utah finished 6-for-31 from beyond the arc, including 2-for-16 by the starters. Rudy Gobert recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds in the loss to Denver for his eighth double-double, second in the league entering Sunday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Jazz SG Alec Burks (hand) has missed four straight games.

2. Raptors PF Pascal Siakam has three double-doubles in his last eight games after recording zero in his first 138 career contests.

3. The teams split a pair of meetings last season, with the road team winning both.

PREDICTION: Jazz 110, Raptors 106

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets Preview and Predictions 11-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/04/2018

The Denver Nuggets are cruising along in the early going and showed what they are capable of when they put their foot on the pedal in the fourth quarter in a 103-88 win over Utah on Saturday. The Nuggets will try to turn the trick again against a top contender when they host the Boston Celtics on Monday.

Denver outscored the Jazz 35-15 in the fourth quarter on Saturday to continue the team's best start since 1976, and coach Michael Malone insists his squad is just doing the little things right. "We're third in defensive efficiency," Malone told reporters. "Our turnovers are way down, and we're the best rebounding team in the NBA. And those are things, I don't care if the league is 3-point shooting or not, when you defend and when you take care of it and you rebound, you're going to give yourself a chance every night." The Celtics had a four-game winning streak come to an end with a 102-101 loss at Indiana on Saturday, and center Al Horford is using it as a learning experience. "Games like this will help us learn to value possessions," Horford told reporters. "There were times I'm not even focused on offense, I'm thinking defensively we need to get stops. ... We have to be better in that regard. Some of these games early in the season that have worked in our favor but we're living on the edge a little too much. Maybe this will wake us up as a group and understand that we need to be better."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS Boston, Altitude (Denver)

ABOUT THE CELTICS (6-3): Boston point guard Kyrie Irving scored 18 points in Saturday's setback but missed a key layup attempt in the final seconds and put the loss on his own shoulders. "Great play call by Coach Stevens and I just smoked the layup," Irving told reporters. "It was just my body position. That was fully my responsibility to get open and to finish that shot. I rushed it. I got my left hand on the backboard and instead of finishing the play, I just put too much whatever on it and it just shorted. This one was my responsibility. I should have put us up four with that layup." Irving knocked down 4-of-7 from beyond the arc in the loss and is 15-of-27 over the last four contests.

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (8-1): Center Nikola Jokic scored seven points on 3-of-9 shooting on Saturday but still managed a double-double with 16 assists and 10 rebounds. "I think it speaks to his greatness," Malone told reporters of Jokic. "Some guys can impact the game with solely their scoring and their ability to score baskets. Nikola can dominate a game without scoring at all and not many guys can do that." Jokic is 17-of-42 from the floor over the last four games but is averaging 9.5 assists in that span - all wins.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Celtics PF Marcus Morris is 18-of-29 from 3-point range over the last five contests.

2. Nuggets PF Paul Millsap is shooting 59.1 percent from the floor during the four-game winning streak.

3. Boston took the two meetings last season by a total of seven points.

PREDICTION: Celtics 110, Nuggets 107

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. LA Clippers Preview and Predictions 11-05-2018

NBA Predictions 5th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/05/2018

Lou Williams has led the way with a productive second unit for the Los Angeles Clippers and hopes to continue his personal hot streak when they return home to take on the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Williams averaged 23.7 points and drained 8-of-12 from 3-point range as the Clippers went 1-2 on their just-completed road trip that ended with a 120-95 win at Orlando on Friday, and they'll play four of the next five at home.

"(Williams) got it going in the third and fourth quarter and that changed the game," Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers told reporters of Williams, who made all five 3-point attempts and scored a season-high 28 on Friday. "He is just an amazing, amazing shooter and he shoots from all angles. ... He is a professional scorer and you see it every time he plays." The Clippers received 63 points from their reserves in the win over Orlando and will need more of the same against Minnesota, which has won the last six meetings and four in a row at Los Angeles. The Timberwolves are not the same team as the one that made the playoffs for the first time in 14 years in 2017-18 as injuries and turmoil have led to a 4-6 start after the 111-81 setback at Portland on Sunday - equalling the most lopsided loss in coach Tom Thibodeau's tenure. Jimmy Butler, who has requested a trade, did not play at Portland and the All-Star is a game-time decision for Monday along with fellow guards Derrick Rose (ankle) and Jeff Teague (knee).

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (4-6): Leading scorer Karl-Anthony Towns poured in a team-high 23 points on Sunday and is averaging 21 with 13 makes from 3-point range in the past five contests. Andrew Wiggins was the only other Minnesota player in double figures Sunday with 17 points and is averaging 19.3 in three games since returning from a quad injury. Guard Josh Okogie was held to six points on 2-of-8 shooting Sunday after averaging 14 in the previous three contests while fellow rookie Keita Bates-Diop scored his first four points in the NBA after making 2-of-7 from the field in 12 minutes.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (5-4): Boban Marjanovic continues to make a major impact and the 7-3 Serbian got his first start Friday before posting his second straight double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes. "(Marjanovic) did a great job," Los Angeles' leading scorer Tobias Harris (21.2) told reporters. "Anytime he got a hand up for a target that's something I'm looking for. He has huge hands so he's going to grip the ball really fast, too. It's tough for defenses to guard." Harris, who also tops the team in rebounds (8.3 per game), has connected on 34-of-54 shots from the field over the last four games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Timberwolves shot a season-low 31.2 percent from the field Sunday and were 7-of-30 from 3-point range.

2. The Clippers assigned Gs Jerome Robinson and Ty Wallace to their G League affiliate in Ontario, Calif.

3. Butler has scored at least 20 points in six of the seven games in which he played, averaging 22.3.

PREDICTION: Clippers 112, Timberwolves 104

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 11-05-2018

NBA Predictions 4th November 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 11/04/2018

Klay Thompson has found his long-range shot, making the Golden State Warriors even more difficult to crack as they prepare to host the improving Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Thompson was just 5-for-36 from behind the 3-point arc in the first seven games but has drained 19-of-37 over the last three, including an NBA-record 14 against Chicago on Oct. 29 to help the Warriors extend their win streak to seven.

Stephen Curry has flown out of the gate by averaging 32.5 points, Kevin Durant is contributing 28.3 and Draymond Green has 44 assists combined the last four games, but Thompson adds another key element. "When Klay's going, and we've got KD and Steph going, we're pretty hard to beat," Golden State forward Kevon Looney told the San Francisco Chronicle. "We space the floor so much, and you've got to pick your poison." Memphis had the second-fewest wins in the league (22) last season and is off to a promising start, but coughed up a fourth-quarter lead in a 102-100 loss at Phoenix on Sunday in the middle of a three-game road trip. The Grizzlies' top two scorers - guard Mike Conley and center Marc Gasol - must recover after combining to miss 24-of-29 from the field in the loss to the Suns while the Memphis bench outscored its starters 59-41.

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

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (5-3): Guard Shelvin Mack gave Memphis a chance to win with a season-high 21 points off the bench Sunday, and is averaging 18 over his last three contests while making 8-of-12 from 3-point range. Conley and Gasol had averaged 40 points between them in the previous three games - all victories - before struggling at Phoenix while third-leading scorer Garrett Temple had contributed 15.5 in that stretch before an eight-point effort Sunday. Rookie forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who was picked fourth overall in the 2018 draft, has scored in single digits three of the last four games after averaging 14.8 points the first four contests.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (9-1): Green finished Friday's 116-99 win over Minnesota with nine points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and a steal while drawing plenty of praise from coach Steve Kerr. "Our fourth-quarter defense was tremendous," Kerr told reporters after outscoring the Timberwolves 33-12 in the final 12 minutes. "Everybody flying to the ball. I thought (Green) set the tone. I'm not sure I've seen Draymond play better since I've been here." Golden State continues to get strong contributions off the bench from forward Alfonzo McKinnie, who is averaging 9.6 points and shooting 61.3 percent from the field the last five games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Memphis F Omri Casspi, who will receive a championship ring from Golden State on Monday, left Sunday's game with knee soreness.

2. Golden State G Shaun Livingston (foot) has missed the last four games and is listed as day-to-day, but could return soon.

3. The Warriors have won four of the last five meetings and scored 141 points in the last matchup Dec. 30, 2017.

PREDICTION: Warriors 123, Grizzlies 101

bmd1803 · Nov 5, 2018

New Jersey Devils vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Preview and Predictions 11-05-2018

NHL Predictions 4th November 2018 by Gracenote
Devils vs. Penguins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 11/04/2018

The Pittsburgh Penguins haven't set the Steel City on fire with its play at PPG Paints Arena while the New Jersey Devils are ice cold when considered the road team this season. The Penguins bid to end a three-game home losing skid on Monday when they host the desperate Devils, who have dropped three straight to begin their seven-game road trip and six of seven overall (1-5-1).

Both Metropolitan Division teams are coming off their first shutout loss of the season, as Toronto cruised to a 5-0 triumph in Pittsburgh on Saturday while the New York Islanders skated to a 3-0 victory versus New Jersey. "You win a few games in a row and you feel good about yourself, but the league has a funny way of humbling you and right now we've been humbled," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan told reporters. New Jersey's Taylor Hall took an optimistic view after New Jersey's blanking, telling reporters that "we'd almost take that game than playing (poorly) and winning. ... Right now, we'll take the way we played." The reigning Hart Trophy winner punished Pittsburgh in four outings last season, highlighted by capping a three-point performance by scoring on a breakaway 27 seconds into overtime of a 4-3 win on March 23.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG Plus (New Jersey), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

ABOUT THE DEVILS (5-5-1): Kyle Palmieri has been held off the scoresheet in back-to-back games after erupting for 14 points (nine goals, five assists) in October. The 27-year-old tallied twice last season versus Pittsburgh while fellow forward Hall gashed the Penguins for three goals and four assists. Keith Kinkaid likely will be in net looking to end his woes outside of the Garden State, as he sports an 0-3-0 mark with a 4.45 goals-against average and .865 save percentage on the road.

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (6-3-3): Captain Sidney Crosby bids to turn the page after the team's shutout against the Maple Leafs when he faces New Jersey, against which he recorded four points (three goals, one assist) last season to match Brian Dumoulin (one goal, three assists) for the team lead. "There's not much to say with that one (versus Toronto)," the 31-year-old Crosby told reporters. "... We have to move on. There's not much positive to take out of this one. We have to make sure that we're better on Monday." Fellow former Hart Trophy winner Evgeni Malkin, who saw his nine-game point streak halted on Saturday, had just one point in four encounters versus the Devils last season.

OVERTIME

1. Pittsburgh G Matt Murray has yielded at least five goals in four of eight appearances this season.

2. New Jersey C Travis Zajac is one assist shy of 300 for his career.

3. Penguins RW Phil Kessel, who is tied with Malkin for the team lead in goals (seven), had just one tally versus the Devils last season.

PREDICTION: Penguins 4, Devils 2