Monday 12/10/2018 ... Comps / Bonus Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Requests Etc

Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks Preview and Predictions 2018-12-10
NFL PREDICTIONS 7TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE


The Seattle Seahawks saw any hopes of winning the NFC West evaporate when the division-rival Los Angeles Rams opened the season 8-0. The Seahawks' playoff chances also appeared to take a major hit after back-to-back losses to both Los Angeles teams, but they have bounced back and carry a three-game winning streak into Monday night's contest against the visiting Minnesota Vikings.


Seattle posted three-point victories over Green Bay and Carolina before routing San Francisco last week to vault into the fifth playoff spot in the NFC - one-half game ahead of Minnesota. "We need tough matchups with teams that really challenge us in many ways, and this is one of them, for sure," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters of facing the Vikings. "So we've got to get it cranked up, have a good week and get ready to go for a big opportunity on Monday night." Minnesota owns a one-half game lead over three teams for the last postseason berth after losing at New England 24-10 last weekend (as the Vikings were +5.5 point underdog at intertops) and now must fly to the opposite coast to face resurgent Seattle. "It comes down to other teams are in the hunt, other teams are fighting for their division title and whoever has the best four-game stretch," Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins told reporters. "It doesn't really matter what happened before."


TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Seahawks -3 O/U: 45.5


ABOUT THE VIKINGS (6-5-1): Minnesota has alternated losses and wins over its last five games, a stretch during which Cousins has thrown nine touchdown passes against six interceptions. Running back Dalvin Cook was effective against the Patriots, picking up 84 yards on nine carries, but he has not had more than 10 rushing attempts since the season opener as the Vikings continue to struggle to find balance in their offense. Wide receiver Adam Thielen has registered nine 100-yard performances and just as many touchdowns, but he was held under 30 yards for the second time in the last four games by New England. Defensive pressure is critical for Minnesota, which is 6-1-1 when it notches at least three sacks and 0-4 when it fails to record three.

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (7-5): Unlike Minnesota, the running game is a point of emphasis for Seattle, which features the top-ranked attack with an average of 148.8 yards and at least 32 rushes in eight of its last 10 games. "Because it's the best way to not screw it up," Carroll said. "That's why the turnover issue is of paramount importance to us. It's the most important thing that we taught." Quarterback Russell Wilson is averaging only 226.4 yards passing but usually dials it up late in the season, and this year is no exception - he has 11 touchdown passes and zero interceptions over his last four contests. Linemen Frank Clark and Jarran Reed have combined for 16.5 sacks to lead a unit ranked ninth in scoring defense (21.6 points).


EXTRA POINTS


1. Seattle has won each of the last four matchups, including a 10-9 playoff victory in January 2016.


2. Thielen, who has made a league-high 98 catches, has recorded 48 receptions and five TDs in six road games.


3. Wilson has a 142.0 passer rating with eight TDs and zero interceptions in three career matchups versus Minnesota.


PREDICTION: Seahawks 26, Vikings 23

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors Preview and Predictions 2018-12-10
NBA PREDICTIONS 9TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE


The Golden State Warriors look more like themselves lately and are racing back to their customary perch atop the Western Conference standings. The Warriors finished their five-game road trip with three consecutive wins and could have All-Star forward Draymond Green back when they begin a stretch with seven of nine at home by hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.


Golden State's winning streak coincided with the healthy return of two-time MVP Stephen Curry, who averaged 30.7 points in the three wins, and Green's return from an 11-game absence due to a toe injury could be the next factor in getting two-time defending champions back up to speed. "Getting Steph back changes everything. Knowing that Draymond is coming back continues that change," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters. "Those guys are in many ways our leaders out there for us and are the heartbeat with what Draymond brings defensively and pushes the ball. Our pace is going to pick up. Our guys know that. What Steph does out there night after night infuses the whole team with confidence." The Timberwolves dropped the first stop of a four-game road trip 113-105 at Portland on Saturday while suffering through some breakdowns on the defensive end late. "We didn't do what we were supposed to do," Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. "I'll leave it at that."


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


ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (13-13): Minnesota is just 2-9 on the road and began a stretch with 10 of 13 away from home with Saturday's loss. Star center Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his 15th double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the setback but was 6-of-16 from the floor and is shooting 46 percent from the floor on the road while shooting 50.6 percent at home. Towns finished up the last homestand with 35 points on 13-of-20 shooting, 12 rebounds and six blocks in a 121-104 win over Charlotte on Wednesday.


ABOUT THE WARRIORS (18-9): Green's return could be a big boost to Golden State's defense, and his teammates are looking forward to having their anchor back. "Lately, I feel like the communication hasn't really been there, kind of second-guessing ourselves, especially on rotations," Warriors forward Andre Iguodala told the San Jose Mercury News. "But when (Draymond's) in the game, it's night and day as far as I'm trusting him. Those are my best defensive games individually because I know where he's at and know what he's going to do." Green, who got in a memorable shouting match with teammate Kevin Durant prior to his injury, is averaging 6.9 points and 7.5 rebounds.


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Durant scored a season-low 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting in Friday's 105-95 win at Milwaukee.


2. Timberwolves SF Robert Covington (knee) sat out Saturday's loss and is day-to-day.


3. Durant scored 33 points in a 116-99 home win over Minnesota on Nov. 2.


PREDICTION: Warriors 123, Timberwolves 115

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Predictions 2018-12-10
NBA PREDICTIONS 9TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE


LeBron James and Dwyane Wade won a pair of championships together as teammates and will likely be taking the court together in an NBA game for the final time when James and the Los Angeles Lakers host Wade and the Miami Heat on Monday. Wade is expected to retire after the season but is still putting up throwback performances from time to time.


"It's bitter, and it's sweet," James told reporters of facing Wade for the final time. "It's sweet and sour. The sweet part about it is I've always loved being on the same floor with my brother. We struck up a relationship together at the combine in 2003, and it started from there. And the sour part about it is that this is our last time sharing the same court." James and Wade entered in the same 2003 draft class and spent four seasons together in Miami and part of 2017-18 together in Cleveland. Wade is no longer a consistently explosive scorer like he was a few years ago but followed up a rough performance in the opener of the road trip at Phoenix on Friday by burying five 3-pointers en route to 25 points in a 121-98 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. "I'll savor this. We both will," Wade told reporters of matching up against James one more time. "We both had some amazing moments versus each other as competitors. But we obviously had some great moments as teammates. And we're going to be friends forever, but this is the last time we play basketball versus each other. So, we'll enjoy it and then we'll savor it."


TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Sun (Miami), Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles)


ABOUT THE HEAT (11-14): Miami was down to eight healthy players after the first quarter at the Clippers on Saturday and joining Wade in stepping up was small forward Justise Winslow. The 22-year-old served as point guard for stretches with Goran Dragic (rest) and Josh Richardson (shoulder) sitting out and finished with 21 points, nine assists and six rebounds in the win. "I think I'm finally just catching a rhythm," Winslow told reporters. "I'm healthy for the most part for a stretch of games and I'm just figuring it out. I'm still young. I'm still trying to figure out my niche in this league. But I think every game, I just get closer and closer to figuring that out."


ABOUT THE LAKERS (16-10): Los Angeles bounced back from a loss at San Antonio by crushing the Memphis Grizzlies 111-88 to finish off the two-game road trip on Saturday. James nearly pulled off a triple-double with 20 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in the win while forward Kyle Kuzma knocked down four 3-pointers and finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists. "Just falling," Kuzma told reporters of his shot. "I'm gonna shoot till I get hot, regardless of 0 for 8, 5 for 8, it doesn't matter to me. I'm gonna keep shooting. It's falling now, so that's good."


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Heat C Hassan Whiteside sat out due to the birth of a child on Saturday and is questionable.


2. Lakers SF Brandon Ingram (ankle) missed the last two games and is not expected to play on Monday.


3. The road team took the last three meetings, including a 113-97 Los Angeles win at Miami on Nov. 18 in which James scored 51 points.


PREDICTION: Lakers 120, Heat 113

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets Preview and Predictions 2018-12-10
NBA PREDICTIONS 9TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE


The Denver Nuggets finished a road-heavy portion of their schedule with a whimper and hope to rediscover their winning ways at home. They begin a four-game homestand, tied for the longest they'll enjoy all season, when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.


Denver climbed to the top of the Western Conference on the strength of a recent seven-game winning streak, which included five straight road victories, before faltering at Charlotte and Atlanta as injuries piled up and makeshift rotations struggled for consistency. "This was one of our worst performances of the year," Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters after Saturday's 106-98 loss to the lowly Hawks. "We had a lot of guys who had really bad nights. It was by far our worst passing game since I've been here. We couldn't pass the ball from A to B. We couldn't get the ball inside. It's just a lack of discipline, lack of awareness, lack of execution. It's a tough way to finish up a long road trip." The Grizzlies will be attempting to bounce back from a bad loss as well after they fell 111-88 at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Memphis made just 6-of-30 3-pointers in its second-most lopsided setback of the season.


TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Memphis), Altitude (Denver)


ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (15-10): Wayne Selden was the leading scorer for Memphis for the first time this season with 17 points against the Lakers, while star guard Mike Conley was limited to 12 on 4-of-12 shooting. The Grizzlies were outrebounded 57-36 overall and outscored by 25 points through the first three quarters in a contest that brought back memories of their 22-60 finish in 2017-18. "We've got to bounce back," reserve forward JaMychal Green told the media. "We can't play like this ever again this season. We had enough of those games last season."


ABOUT THE NUGGETS (17-9): Guards Gary Harris (hip) and Will Barton (hip) were already out Saturday, forward Paul Millsap missed his first game since breaking his right big toe at Charlotte and leading scorer Jamal Murray was limited after taking a kick to the shin in the first half. "I thought this was one of the tougher games that he's had," Malone told reporters of Murray. "That shin has been bothering him prior to tonight. It's one of those injuries where you try to protect it, but every kick, hit, anytime it gets touched it's probably really, really painful for him." Star center Nikola Jokic remains one of the few healthy key players and finished Saturday's loss with 24 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Jokic attempted -- and missed -- only one shot in 26 minutes in an 89-87 loss at Memphis earlier this season.


2. Grizzlies C Joakim Noah is averaging 7.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in three games since signing with the team last week.


3. Nuggets PF Juan Hernangomez recorded two straight double-doubles after having one through his first 23 games.


PREDICTION: Nuggets 104, Grizzlies 99

LA Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns Preview and Predictions 2018-12-10
NBA PREDICTIONS 9TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE


The Phoenix Suns dropped their last eight games and own the worst record in the NBA while trying to build a young team. The Los Angeles Clippers, who visit the Suns on Monday, are battling through a tough stretch of their own after dropping the last two contests.


Phoenix's last six losses came by double figures and the team is fighting through injuries to its top two scorers - Devin Booker (hamstring) and T.J. Warren (ankle). "Not good," Suns first-year coach Igor Kokoskov told reporters. "It's hard. If you feel good about losing games, then you're in the wrong place, wrong spot, but it doesn't really matter from the point of view that we focus on our job. It has to be done. There's really no time to rest. Just regroup. Focus forward and encourage guys." The Clippers went into an offensive slump in the last two games, failing to score 100 points in either contest, and are coming off a 121-98 home loss to the Miami Heat on Saturday. Los Angeles was blitzed 30-8 in the fourth quarter of that contest and coach Doc Rivers was ejected after getting hit with a pair of technical fouls.


TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FS Arizona (Phoenix)


ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (16-9): Los Angeles was sitting atop the Western Conference before dropping three of its last four games and is struggling to get consistent scoring from forwards Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari. Harris, who leads the team at an average of 21 points, was held to eight on 2-of-13 shooting in a 96-86 loss at Memphis on Wednesday while Gallinari, who averages 18.8 points, combined to shoot 8-of-25 from the floor in the last two contests. Sixth man Lou Williams is slumping as well and went a combined 8-of-24 from the floor in the last two games.


ABOUT THE SUNS (4-22): Phoenix scored nine points in the first quarter of losses to Sacramento and Portland on Tuesday and Thursday and at least managed to get off to a good start before falling off in Friday's 115-98 setback to the Heat. "The effort was definitely there tonight," Suns swingman Josh Jackson told reporters after the latest setback. "What I was more excited about was that it was there from the beginning and didn't take us taking a punch and realizing, 'Oh we're in a fight now and we've got to play.'" Rookie small forward Mikal Bridges scored 12 points on Friday, one night after a sideline exchange with Kokoskov went viral.


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Suns SG Troy Daniels is averaging 15.3 points over the last three games, boosting his season mark to 7.7.


2. Clippers PF Mike Scott is 1-of-9 from 3-point range over the last two games.


3. Los Angeles took the last nine meetings, including a 115-99 victory at home on Nov. 28.


PREDICTION: Clippers 106, Suns 96

Orlando Magic vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview and Predictions 2018-12-10
NBA PREDICTIONS 9TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE


The Dallas Mavericks have long forgotten a 2-7 start to the season and look to continue their surge with a 10th straight home-court victory Monday night when they host the scuffling Orlando Magic. The Mavericks won 11 of their last 15 games to climb into playoff position in the Western Conference after 19-year-old rookie Luka Doncic scored 21 points in Saturday's 107-104 win over Houston.


Doncic, the NBA's Rookie of the Month for October/November, scored 11 straight points in the final minutes to turn an eight-point deficit into a lead Saturday and coach Rick Carlisle told reporters of the 6-7 forward, "It's pretty clear that he's got a flair for the moment. He's unafraid. You don't see that every day." Dallas, which is 11-2 at home overall, missed the playoffs the last two seasons and will try to continue its run against an Orlando team (6-6 on the road) that dropped six of its last nine games and two in a row. The Magic shot 40.4 percent from the field and turned the ball over 16 times Friday in a 112-90 loss to Indiana at home. "We're good enough to beat anybody, but we can't have many more of these nights because we're not just going to show up and beat people," Orlando coach Steve Clifford told reporters. "We have to put a lot into it to win, and there's nothing wrong with that. But there's got to be a purpose and a commitment to the way we're playing and an understanding of why we're good, when we're not good and a willingness to do the things necessary so we can play well."


TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Orlando), FS Southwest (Dallas)


ABOUT THE MAGIC (12-14): Leading scorer and rebounder Nikola Vucevic scored 22 in Friday's loss before suffering a sprained ankle, but told reporters: "I don't think it's anything bad. Hopefully, it won't keep me out at all." Vucevic is averaging 24.4 points and 12.1 rebounds over the last seven games and second-leading scorer Aaron Gordon contributed 19.3 points over his past four. Shooting guard Terrence Ross is connecting on 39.9 percent from 3-point range overall and has averaged 17 points per contest in his past four outings.


ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (13-11): Doncic leads the team in scoring (18.2) and center DeAndre Jordan sits second in the NBA in rebounding (13.8) after hauling in 20 on Saturday - the third time in nine games he reached that figure. Rookie guard Jalen Brunson got more playing time the last two games with Dennis Smith Jr. (13.5 points per contest) out with a wrist injury and took advantage by averaging 12.2 points on 12-of-18 from the field. Future Hall of Fame forward Dirk Nowitzki is closing in on his season debut after recovering from offseason ankle surgery, but he is not expected to play Monday.


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Orlando F Jonathon Simmons is 5-of-22 from the field in the last four games, averaging 2.8 points in that span.


2. Dallas PF Max Kleber (6.5 points) could miss his second straight contests with a sprained toe.


3. The past three season series were split and the home team won the last seven meetings.


PREDICTION: Magic 112, Mavericks 106

Sacramento Kings vs. Chicago Bulls Preview and Predictions 2018-12-10
NBA PREDICTIONS 9TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE


Fresh off the worst loss in franchise history, the Chicago Bulls are struggling to figure out their new coach and his methods. The Bulls will try to bounce back and put together a more competitive effort when they host the Sacramento Kings on Monday.


Chicago dropped a 133-77 decision to the Boston Celtics on Saturday and interim coach Jim Boylen subbed out all five of his starters in both the first and third quarters, a move that didn't sit well with all the players. "It sucks man, sitting there and watching the score go up and up," Bulls guard Zach LaVine told reporters. "I know we're competing, but you know you can help. And sometimes you don't feel like you do anything wrong. We got blitzed to come out. Obviously, (Boylen) didn't like that. That happens in the NBA sometimes. We responded in the second quarter. I don't know. I do not know. There's a lot of questions you could ask, but I really don't know." The Kings are coming off a loss as well after watching a three-game winning streak come to an end with a 107-97 setback at Indiana on Saturday. "We just sucked," Sacramento shooting guard Buddy Hield told reporters. "The second half, we didn't get back on defense (and) turnovers killed us; turnovers and not making shots. We're supposed to make shots."


TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), NBCS Chicago


ABOUT THE KINGS (13-12): Sacramento was playing the second night of a back-to-back at Indiana on Saturday and looked sluggish while seeing a string of nine straight games scoring at least 111 points come to an end. "It will just be like a mental day, refresh, re-Zen, get yourself right again," Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein told reporters while looking forward to a day off on Sunday. "Monday's game is a must-win for us. I think everybody in this locker room is together, really together, and really wants to win, so this day off is going to be big for us." Cauley-Stein collected 14 points, nine rebounds and a pair of blocks in the loss.


ABOUT THE BULLS (6-21): Boylen is increasing the frequency and intensity of practices since taking over for Fred Hoiberg last week and sat his starters for nearly the final 22 minutes on Saturday in anticipation of a spirited Sunday practice. "That's not the standard of our program, to get down like that at home," Boylen told reporters. "We were just following them around. We were a step slow on everything, mentally and physically. Is it want to? Is it effort? What is it? I don't know what it is. I just wasn't going to stand for it. I just pulled them together and told them all these people paid the money to see you guys play, and you're not giving them the effort you gotta give them. It's disappointing. We need some leadership to step up." LaVine, who leads the team in scoring at an average of 24 points, finished with 11 in 19 minutes on Saturday.


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Bulls PG Shaquille Harrison scored a career-high 20 points in 29 minutes off the bench on Saturday.


2. Kings SF Justin Jackson is 10-of-16 from 3-point range over the last five games.


3. Sacramento took both meetings last season, including a 107-106 victory at Chicago.


PREDICTION: Kings 116, Bulls 103

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics Preview and Predictions 2018-12-10
NBA PREDICTIONS 9TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE


The Boston Celtics seemed to figure things out offensively when they visited New Orleans just after Thanksgiving and spanked the Pelicans. That kicked off a five-game winning streak for the Celtics, who try to keep the run going when they host New Orleans for a rematch Monday night.


Boston is averaging 126.2 points during its winning streak and set a record for the largest margin of victory in team history with a 133-77 rout of the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. "I think since the last five games, we've been moving the ball very well, probably average 30 assists in every game we won," forward Daniel Theis told reporters after producing a career-high 22 points in the victory. "That's the way we should play - just fast." The Pelicans have exchanged wins and losses since the meeting with Boston and opened their two-game road trip with a 116-108 win at Detroit on Sunday. Jrue Holiday scored a season-high 37 points in the victory as New Orleans survived a limited effort by superstar forward Anthony Davis, who missed a portion of the game due to a hip issue and finished with just six points.


TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS New Orleans, NBCS Boston


ABOUT THE PELICANS (14-14): Davis had his lowest point total since he had two points in an injury-shortened affair on Oct. 24, 2017, but the 25-year-old still managed nine rebounds, five blocks and four assists in his 26 minutes. "It will be evaluated later," coach Alvin Gentry told reporters of his best player's hip. "A lot of times it's the next day where the pain is. We'll have to wait and see. If he's not ready to go (Monday), we're not going to press the issue - not less than 30 games into the season." Holiday made 14-of-22 shots in Sunday's win and is averaging 26.5 points and 9.5 assists over his last four games.


ABOUT THE CELTICS (15-10): Jaylen Brown returned from a back injury two games ago and has thrived in his new bench role, producing an average of 22 points while shooting 15-for-21 in those two contests. Fellow reserve Terry Rozier chipped in 15 points and backup Semi Ojeleye had 13 in Saturday's win as coach Brad Stevens continues to get good production from his non-starters. "It's something we've had to figure out, what was going to work best," Stevens told reporters of the bench. "If all things being equal, as we went back to our lineup at the start of the year, we'd be a little bit better, because we're more comfortable with each other, we'd know a little bit more about how guys coexist. But clearly it's been a good couple of groups, so we'll see what happens from here."


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Celtics F/C Al Horford (knee) missed Saturday's game and is day-to-day.


2. Boston PG Kyrie Irving had 26 points, 10 assists and five steals in the earlier win at New Orleans.


3. Pelicans PF Julius Randle is averaging 29.5 points and 11.3 rebounds over a four-game span.


PREDICTION: Celtics 121, Pelicans 110

Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview and Predictions 2018-12-10
NBA PREDICTIONS 9TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE


The Philadelphia 76ers are still trying to find the right offensive structure to get the most out of both Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler, but they will go for a sixth victory in seven games Monday night against the visiting Detroit Pistons. Butler, acquired from Minnesota last month, scored 38 points for the second straight game Friday versus Detroit with Embiid being rested.


Embiid, who missed Sunday's practice due to a migraine that makes his status for Monday uncertain, told reporters he hasn't been himself lately and has been frustrated with the way he has been used on the offensive end. "We sometimes have to space the floor," Embiid told Philly.com after going 9-of-30 from the field his past two games. "A lot of times, actually, with the way our plays are set up, I tend to spend a lot of time on the perimeter. So it's an adjustment." Meanwhile, the Pistons are sputtering with four consecutive defeats after a 116-108 setback against New Orleans at home on Sunday afternoon and have allowed 114.5 points per game during the losing streak. Detroit's Blake Griffin isn't struggling though, as he is averaging 32.3 points over the last three contests - including a 31-point, 12-rebound, six-assist performance against the 76ers on Friday.


TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, NBCS Philadelphia


ABOUT THE PISTONS (13-11): Griffin got help inside Sunday from center Andre Drummond, who scored 23 points and hauled in 19 rebounds to push his league-leading average to 15.4 boards. Langston Galloway poured in a season-high 24 points on his 27th birthday Sunday while guard Reggie Jackson was limited two - more than 13 below his average - and is 3-of-17 from 3-point range over the last four games. Reggie Bullock (10.1 points) has missed three games with an ankle injury and Stanley Johnson (9.8 points) has sat out the last two with a knee injury.


ABOUT THE 76ERS (18-9): Coach Brett Brown told reporters, "in general we have to do better at creating space for (Embiid)," but Philadelphia is averaging 115.2 points in 12 games since Butler joined the lineup. Embiid still leads the league in double-doubles with 24 and tops the team at 26.3 points per game while Butler has averaged 21.4 on 49.5 percent shooting from the field in his tenure with the 76ers. Ben Simmons was tied for third in the league with 18 double-doubles (four straight) entering Sunday and is averaging 15.3 points, nine rebounds and 7.9 assists.


BUZZER BEATERS


1. The 76ers have won six of the last seven meetings, with the only loss being a 133-132 overtime setback on Oct. 23.


2. Philadelphia F Mike Muscala scored 18 points - his second highest output of the season - in Friday's win at Detroit.


3. Pistons F Jon Leuer drained 8-of-10 shots from the field in the last three games and recorded 29 points in 39 total minutes over the past four.


PREDICTION: 76ers 112, Pistons 98

Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers Preview and Predictions 2018-12-10
NBA PREDICTIONS 9TH DECEMBER 2018 BY GRACENOTE


All-Star guard Victor Oladipo remains out indefinitely with a knee injury, but that isn't stopping the Indiana Pacers from finding wins. The Pacers will try to push their current streak to four straight and improve to 7-4 since Oladipo went down when they host the Washington Wizards on Monday.


The Pacers held each of the last three opponents under 100 points and recovered from a lackluster first half to knock off the Sacramento Kings 107-97 on Saturday. "It's just about playing hard," Indiana center Myles Turner told reporters. "I know I said that a lot, about playing hard, but that's what it is. We started the game so lackadaisical and I think around halftime we kind of got a fire lit under us and just started playing so much better." The Wizards remain maddeningly inconsistent and followed up a three-game winning streak with a 116-101 loss at lowly Cleveland on Saturday. "It was definitely disappointing," shooting guard Bradley Beal told reporters of the loss. "We didn't come out with the same focus and intensity as the last three games that we won. We kind of took a step back a little bit."


TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington, FS Indiana


ABOUT THE WIZARDS (11-15): Washington allowed the Cavaliers to shoot 52.8 percent from the floor and knock down 15 3-pointers, and coach Scott Brooks wasn't happy with his team's intensity. "I'm disappointed in the way our mindset wasn't right," Brooks told reporters. "We gave up everything they wanted. Give them credit. They attacked and got open shots in the paint. They got open 3's. When you give teams open opportunities, they are going to take advantage of it. ... We didn't have the right mindset." All-Star point guard John Wall was the worst of the bunch, finishing with one point on 0-of-5 shooting in 26 minutes while playing through an illness.


ABOUT THE PACERS (16-10): Indiana is surviving the loss of Oladipo by spreading out the points and placed seven scorers in double figures in Saturday's victory, led by 20 points from power forward Thaddeus Young. Domantas Sabonis led three reserves in double figures with 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting in 24 minutes while fighting food poisoning. "We have a lot of weapons on this team and now everybody is playing with confidence," Turner told reporters. "I think that's one thing that's grown a lot. I don't think guys at the beginning of the season were playing with as much confidence as they're playing with right now."


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Pacers PG Cory Joseph is shooting 53.7 percent from the floor over the last five games.


2. Wizards SF Sam Dekker, who arrived in a trade from Milwaukee, could make his team debut on Monday.


3. Washington took five of the last six in the series.


PREDICTION: Pacers 110, Wizards 96