Wednesday 10-18-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When:7:00 PM ET, Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Where:Amway Center, Orlando, Florida

Preview: Heat at Magic

Gracenote
Oct 17, 2017

The Miami Heat won 30 of their last 41 games last season, but still missed the playoffs due to a brutal start and hope to avoid the same scenario this time around as they visit the Orlando Magic on Wednesday to open the campaign. The Heat bring back virtually the same lineup they ended 2016-17 with and will enjoy a six-game homestand after the brief road trip north to play the rebuilding Magic.

“Everybody wants to get off to a great start. That’s going to be one of our biggest things,” Miami guard Josh Richardson told the Sun-Sentinel. “We can’t dig ourselves a hole again this year. We dug ourselves a huge hole last year and we spent the whole second half trying to climb out of it.” Guard Goran Dragic and center Hassan Whiteside lead the way for the Heat as they take on Orlando, which disappointed last season after starting their journey with serious playoff asperations. The Magic return guard Evan Fournier and center Nikola Vucevic, while additions such as first-round pick Jonathan Isaac along with veterans Arron Afflalo, Shelvin Mack, Marreese Speights and Jonathon Simmons can help. “I feel better and better, honestly, about the competitiveness,” Orlando center Bismack Biyombo told the Orlando Sentinel. “The chemistry is much better as well. The spirits of the guys and the coaches are in the right place.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Miami), FSN Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE HEAT (2016-17: 41-41): Dragic averaged 20.3 points and 5.8 assists while Whiteside scored 17 and pulled down an NBA-best 14.1 rebounds per game a season ago to give the Heat a solid inside-outside threat. The key for Miami may be staying healthy as Dion Waiters (14.6 points) missed 36 games and Justise Winslow (10.9) was out for all but 18 contests in 2016-17. Kelly Olynyk, who averaged nine points with Boston last season, is the biggest addition and first-round pick Bam Adebayo could help inside down the road while Tyler Johnson (13.7 points) and Richardson (10.2) are key on the perimeter.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (2016-17: 29-53): Orlando did not get off to an awful start last season at 10-12, but never could find a consistent rhythm on both sides of the court and hope they learned lessons from it. Fournier, who is probable with an ankle injury, averaged 17.2 points in 2016-17 and Vucevic (14.6 points, 10.4 rebounds) is a consistent force inside and outside to build around. Terrence Ross added a spark after coming from Toronto in a trade-deadline deal, averaging 12.5 points, but has been hampered with a hamstring injury and may miss opener while point guard Elfrid Payton (12.8 points, 6.5 assists) has his moments.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Magic were last in the Eastern Conference in scoring (101.1) and field goal percentage (44.0) last season.

2. Miami SF Rodney McGruder will miss at least three months after surgery to correct a stress fracture in his left leg.

3. The Heat have won six straight season openers, including last year at Orlando, but the Magic won three of four meetings in 2016-17.

PREDICTION: Magic 104, Heat 100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Miami at Orlando

ATS TRENDS

Miami

Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games. Heat are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 Wednesday games. Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Heat are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss. Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Heat are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss. Heat are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Heat are 29-11-1 ATS in their last 41 games overall. Heat are 21-8-1 ATS in their last 30 vs. Eastern Conference. Heat are 21-9-1 ATS in their last 31 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Heat are 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

Orlando

Magic are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Magic are 16-34-1 ATS in their last 51 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Magic are 12-26-1 ATS in their last 39 home games. Magic are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 vs. Eastern Conference. Magic are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games overall. Magic are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 Wednesday games. Magic are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

OU TRENDS

Miami

Over is 6-1 in Heat last 7 Wednesday games. Under is 9-2 in Heat last 11 road games. Over is 8-2 in Heat last 10 games following a ATS loss. Over is 4-1 in Heat last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 17-5 in Heat last 22 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Over is 11-4 in Heat last 15 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 8-3 in Heat last 11 games following a straight up loss.

Orlando

Over is 6-1-1 in Magic last 8 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 5-1-1 in Magic last 7 overall. Over is 5-1-1 in Magic last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1-1 in Magic last 6 games following a straight up loss. Over is 4-1-1 in Magic last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Magic last 5 games following a ATS loss. Over is 3-1-1 in Magic last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Magic last 7 Wednesday games. Over is 5-2-1 in Magic last 8 home games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Over is 10-3-1 in the last 14 meetings in Orlando. Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When:7:00 PM ET, Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Where:Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

Preview: Hornets at Pistons

Gracenote
Oct 17, 2017

The Eastern Conference looks very top-loaded, with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards again expected to leave the rest of the teams in the dust. The Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets, who open their respective seasons against each other in the inaugural NBA regular season game at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit on Wednesday, are trying to join the party after both missing out on the postseason last spring.

The Pistons looked like playoff contenders at times in 2016-17 but were hurt by injuries to point guard Reggie Jackson and some growing pains from star center Andre Drummond, who is taking on a bigger role in the offense. "That's a role (coach) Stan (Van Gundy) kind of gave me a couple of weeks ago," Drummond told reporters. "He wanted to start running the offense through me because I’m able to move the ball and able to find an open guy and get them open shots. It takes their bigger guy away from the rim, too, when I do dribble handoffs and gives me a chance to offensive rebound and attack." The Hornets are hoping to return to the playoffs as well and made one major move by bringing in former All-NBA center Dwight Howard to man the middle. Howard is expected to anchor a defense-focused front line that also includes forwards Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), FS Detroit

ABOUT THE HORNETS (2016-17: 36-46): Charlotte is led by point guard Kemba Walker, who is coming off a 2016-17 campaign in which he averaged career highs of 23.2 points, 44.4 percent shooting from the field and 39.9 percent shooting from 3-point range. Walker will have to get used to a new starting backcourt mate with Nicolas Batum expected to miss six-to-eight weeks with an elbow injury, and Jeremy Lamb will get first crack at the job while rookie Malik Monk comes off the bench. “[I’m] just trying to get ready," Lamb told the team's website. "An opportunity has come that I’m ready to take advantage of. Hopefully, Nic has a speedy recovery and we can get him back out there as soon as possible.”

ABOUT THE PISTONS (2016-17: 37-45): Jackson's 2016-17 campaign was a dud from the start as he missed the first 21 games with left knee issues and ended up playing just 52 games and averaging 14.5 points on 41.9 percent shooting. Jackson, who is owed $51.1 million over the next three seasons, made it through training camp healthy and will not have any restrictions on his playing time. "I’m confident, but the beginning of the season is kind of ugly for all teams," Jackson told the team's website. "We're going to have little missteps, a few of 'em here and there. I’m going to try to keep my turnovers down, but I’ve still got to be on the attack. I feel like my timing is good. Wednesday will be the first test and then keep trying to progress after that."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Pistons brought in SG Avery Bradley in a trade from Boston over the summer and will start him in the backcourt.

2. Charlotte C Cody Zeller, who averaged 10.3 points and 6.5 rebounds last season, is expected to come off the bench behind Howard.

3. The Pistons took three of the four meetings last season, including both in Detroit.

PREDICTION: Pistons 108, Hornets 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Charlotte at Detroit

ATS TRENDS

Charlotte

Hornets are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 Wednesday games. Hornets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Hornets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Hornets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Hornets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Hornets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Central. Hornets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Detroit

Pistons are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall. Pistons are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games. Pistons are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Pistons are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 vs. NBA Southeast. Pistons are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Pistons are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss. Pistons are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win. Pistons are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 vs. Eastern Conference. Pistons are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 Wednesday games.

OU TRENDS

Charlotte

Over is 4-0 in Hornets last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 6-0 in Hornets last 6 games following a straight up win. Over is 6-0 in Hornets last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Over is 6-0 in Hornets last 6 games following a ATS win. Over is 10-1 in Hornets last 11 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 9-1 in Hornets last 10 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 8-1 in Hornets last 9 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 10-2 in Hornets last 12 overall. Over is 7-2 in Hornets last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 20-7 in Hornets last 27 Wednesday games. Over is 7-3 in Hornets last 10 vs. NBA Central.

Detroit

Over is 5-0 in Pistons last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Under is 9-1 in Pistons last 10 home games. Under is 5-1-1 in Pistons last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Pistons last 5 Wednesday games. Under is 16-4-1 in Pistons last 21 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 9-3 in Pistons last 12 games following a straight up loss. Over is 9-3 in Pistons last 12 vs. NBA Southeast. Under is 3-1-1 in Pistons last 5 games following a ATS win. Under is 10-4-1 in Pistons last 15 overall. Under is 9-4-1 in Pistons last 14 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Favorite is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings. Home team is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings. Over is 20-6-1 in the last 27 meetings in Detroit. Over is 19-7-1 in the last 27 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When:8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Where:FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee

Preview: Pelicans at Grizzlies

Gracenote
Oct 17, 2017

Star big men Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins begin a season together for the first time when they lead the New Orleans Pelicans into the opener Wednesday at the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pelicans were 11-14 after acquiring Cousins from Sacramento at the All-Star break last season while finishing short of the playoffs for the fifth time in six years, but with a clean slate the duo is primed to take a step forward together.

"Everybody wants to be the man, but just being the man by yourself is not going to help you win games in this league," Cousins recently told reporters. "The league is way too talented, way too competitive. Just having a talent like (Davis) on our side, it definitely helps with carrying the burden." New Orleans also hopes for big things from new point guard Rajon Rondo but he is sidelined four to six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a hernia. The Grizzlies have made the postseason seven straight times but were knocked out in the first round in each of their last two trips and said goodbye to stalwarts Zach Randolph and Tony Allen this offseason. Point guard Mike Conley and center Marc Gasol remain to lead a squad that ranked as one of the top defensive teams in the NBA during its seven straight winning seasons and ended the preseason with a 41-point win over the Pelicans.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS New Orleans, FS Southeast (Memphis)

ABOUT THE PELICANS (2016-17: 34-48): Guard Jrue Holiday will take on a more crucial role with Rondo out, and figures to be the primary offensive complement to the big men all season. The 27-year-old saw his scoring average dip to 15.4 from 16.8 a season earlier but shot a career-high 45.4 percent from the floor in 2016-17. With Davis often dominating underneath, Cousins attempted nearly six 3-pointers a game after arriving in New Orleans and hit an impressive 37.5 percent of those tries.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (2016-17: 43-39): Without Randolph and Allen and with coach David Fizdale now in his second season and freed up to utilize some of the team's youth and athleticism, the style of play should look a bit different in Memphis. "Obviously, we have a different team now," Fizdale recently told reporters. "We have a team that I think has more skill and more speed, and that obviously is something that I've talked about that I'd like to have a team that can do that." Former Pelican Tyreke Evans adds a scoring option off the bench and the team is hoping that oft-injured, high-priced forward Chandler Parsons - who shot 33.8 percent from the field in 34 games last season - has a bounce-back effort.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Allen - who signed with the Pelicans in the offseason after seven seasons in Memphis - will eventually have his number retired, the Grizzlies announced last week.

2. Gasol made 104 3-pointers last season after hitting a total of 12 over his first eight campaigns.

3. Davis recorded career highs in scoring (28.0), rebounding (11.8) and games (75) last season.

PREDICTION: Grizzlies 104, Pelicans 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - New Orleans at Memphis

ATS TRENDS

New Orleans

Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games. Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Pelicans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss. Pelicans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Pelicans are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Pelicans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Pelicans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Pelicans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Memphis

Grizzlies are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Grizzlies are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Southwest. Grizzlies are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Grizzlies are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference. Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Grizzlies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Grizzlies are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

New Orleans

Under is 6-2 in Pelicans last 8 vs. NBA Southwest. Under is 12-5-1 in Pelicans last 18 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 15-7-1 in Pelicans last 23 vs. Western Conference. Under is 58-28-3 in Pelicans last 89 road games.

Memphis

Over is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 overall. Over is 3-0-1 in Grizzlies last 4 games following a straight up win. Over is 4-0-1 in Grizzlies last 5 home games. Over is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 vs. Western Conference. Over is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 vs. NBA Southwest. Over is 4-0-1 in Grizzlies last 5 games following a ATS win. Over is 5-0-1 in Grizzlies last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 3-0-1 in Grizzlies last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 13-2-1 in Grizzlies last 16 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Under is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 9-4-1 in Grizzlies last 14 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Memphis. Underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When:8:30 PM ET, Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Where:American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

Preview: Hawks at Mavericks

Gracenote
Oct 17, 2017

The Dallas Mavericks open the NBA season Wednesday at home against the Atlanta Hawks looking for their young talent to fuel improvement over last season’s 33-49 record, but one steady constant remains in the middle. Center Dirk Nowitzki, sixth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, returns for his 20th season and the 39-year-old shows no signs of slowing down after averaging 14.2 points and 6.5 rebounds a season ago, then signing a two-year contract in the offseason.

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle believes last season’s 2-13 start and a variety of injuries may pay off since several younger players saw expanded playing time, telling reporters, “We’re younger, and younger guys have more confidence because they got to play last year.” The Hawks look to be entering a rebuilding phase after several key players left in free agency, putting their streak of 10 consecutive playoff appearances in jeopardy. “Our goal for the season is to see growth in all our guys,” new general manager Travis Schlenk told reporters. “Historically, teams that are young take it on the chin a little bit.” Point guard Dennis Schroder highlights the returning starters, after averaging 17.9 points and 6.3 assists a season ago.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), FSN Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE HAWKS (2016-17: 43-39): Schroder will be the focal point of an offense that lost three of its top four scorers from last season. Guard Kent Bazemore battled through an up-and-down season in averaging 11 points per game on 40.9 percent shooting from the field, and first-round draft pick John Collins and second-year player Taurean Prince showed flashes of potential in preseason. Atlanta also faces a difficult start to the season, beginning the campaign with a five-game road trip.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (2016-17: 33-49): Rookie point guard Dennis Smith figures to bolster an offense that finished last in the NBA in scoring in 2016-17 (97.9 points per game). Forward Harrison Barnes scored 19.2 points per game last season and will help anchor a young core that includes guard Yogi Ferrell and center Nerlens Noel. It is likely Nowitzki, who missed 20 games a season with an Achilles injury, will have his minutes limited at times.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Collins, a first-team selection in the NBA Summer League, averaged 7.6 points and seven rebounds in preseason.

2. Barnes averaged 16 points in preseason as the Mavericks finished 5-2.

3. Seven players on Atlanta’s 15-man roster have one year or fewer NBA experience.

PREDICTION: Mavericks 112, Hawks 97

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Atlanta at Dallas

ATS TRENDS

Atlanta

Hawks are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss. Hawks are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Hawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Hawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a double-digit loss at home. Hawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Western Conference.

Dallas

Mavericks are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games. Mavericks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Southeast. Mavericks are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss. Mavericks are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Mavericks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games. Mavericks are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Mavericks are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Mavericks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Mavericks are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Mavericks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Atlanta

Under is 5-0 in Hawks last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home. Under is 6-1 in Hawks last 7 vs. NBA Southwest. Under is 13-3 in Hawks last 16 Wednesday games. Over is 4-1 in Hawks last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Under is 12-4-1 in Hawks last 17 road games. Under is 15-5-1 in Hawks last 21 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Under is 11-4-1 in Hawks last 16 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 19-7-1 in Hawks last 27 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 14-6-1 in Hawks last 21 games following a ATS loss. Under is 35-16-1 in Hawks last 52 vs. Western Conference. Under is 37-17-2 in Hawks last 56 games following a straight up loss.

Dallas

Over is 4-0 in Mavericks last 4 Wednesday games. Under is 7-1 in Mavericks last 8 home games. Over is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 games following a straight up loss. Under is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 vs. NBA Southeast. Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 overall. Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 games following a ATS loss. Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Under is 13-4-1 in Mavericks last 18 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 20-8 in Mavericks last 28 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 5-2 in Mavericks last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Hawks are 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings. Hawks are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Dallas. Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When:9:00 PM ET, Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Where:Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah

Preview: Nuggets at Jazz

Gracenote
Oct 17, 2017

The Utah Jazz begin a season without All-Star forward Gordon Hayward for the first time in eight years when they host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday in the opener for both teams. Hayward, the Jazz's top scorer each of the last four seasons, signed with the Boston Celtics this offseason after helping Utah gain its first playoff berth in five years.

That leaves the Jazz in the hands of center Rudy Gobert, whose breakout campaign was cut short by a knee injury seconds into the first playoff game. "We've got a great group of guys and a great coaching staff and we all want to go in the same direction and our goal is to win," Gobert told the media. "My role is to try to talk to everyone on the court and off the court. I've been around five years, so it’s my role to talk to the younger guys and communicate." The Nuggets missed the postseason four straight times but hit the 40-win mark for the first time in that span last season and saw big man Nikola Jokic emerge in a big way. The 22-year-old from Serbia averaged 17.7 points, 11.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists after the All-Star break and finished fourth in the NBA with six triple-doubles.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (2016-17: 40-42): While Jokic blossoms into a star, Denver added a nice complement in forward Paul Millsap, a four-time All-Star with Atlanta who also played seven seasons with the Jazz. Guard Gary Harris emerged as an outstanding perimeter threat last season, shooting 42 percent from 3-point range and 50.2 percent overall while averaging 14.9 points. The starting point guard position comes down to Emmanuel Mudiay - who started 107 games over the last two seasons - and 20-year-old Jamal Murray.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (2016-17: 51-31): Utah also lost second-leading scorer George Hill but has a dynamic addition to its backcourt in point guard Ricky Rubio, who ranked in the top 10 in the NBA in assists (9.1) and steals (1.7). Unfortunately, Rubio's backup - Dante Exum - is expected to undergo surgery to repair a separated shoulder and is out indefinitely. Gobert ranked first in the league in blocks (2.6), second in field-goal percentage (66.1) and fourth in rebounds (12.8).

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Nuggets ranked third in the NBA in scoring last season (111.7) and 27th in defensive scoring (111.2), while Utah was 28th in scoring (100.7) and first in defense (96.8).

2. Denver signed veteran F Richard Jefferson to a one-year deal Monday, according to reports.

3. Utah finished with an NBA-best 5-0 preseason record.

PREDICTION: Jazz 105, Nuggets 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Denver at Utah

ATS TRENDS

Denver

Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games. Nuggets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference. Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games. Nuggets are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games following a ATS loss. Nuggets are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up loss. Nuggets are 35-14-2 ATS in their last 51 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

Utah

Jazz are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win. Jazz are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Jazz are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 Wednesday games. Jazz are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 home games. Jazz are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Northwest.

OU TRENDS

Denver

Under is 5-0 in Nuggets last 5 overall. Under is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 5-0 in Nuggets last 5 vs. Western Conference. Under is 5-1 in Nuggets last 6 vs. NBA Northwest. Over is 4-1 in Nuggets last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 4-1 in Nuggets last 5 games following a ATS loss. Under is 5-2 in Nuggets last 7 Wednesday games. Over is 5-2 in Nuggets last 7 games following a straight up loss.

Utah

Under is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 games following a straight up win. Under is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 games following a ATS win. Under is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 8-3 in Jazz last 11 vs. NBA Northwest. Over is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 home games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings. Favorite is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings. Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Utah. Under is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings. Nuggets are 4-11 ATS in the last 15 meetings. Nuggets are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Utah.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When:9:30 PM ET, Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Where:AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas

Preview: Timberwolves at Spurs

Gracenote
Oct 17, 2017

The San Antonio Spurs expect be without star swingman Kawhi Leonard when they open the regular season at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Leonard, coming off a second straight All-Star campaign in which he averaged a career-high 25.1 points, missed training camp and preseason with a quadriceps injury.

Leonard also sat out much of the Spurs' loss to Golden State in the Western Conference Finals in May, which ended San Antonio's NBA-record 20th consecutive winning season. The Timberwolves have a long way to go before they can consider themselves even close to that level as a franchise, having suffered through the longest playoff drought in the NBA at 13 years, but they seem to be trending in the right direction. "We know the opportunity that we have ahead of us if we do the right things, if we guard, we share the ball, if we rebound, don't turn the ball over, all the things that (coach Tom Thibodeau) says to do," said guard Jimmy Butler, the team's prize import this offseason. "And we know that we can win, we have the potential to do that, but we've got to go out there and do it." Butler will play a big role alongside talented big man Karl-Anthony Towns (25.1 points per game, 12.3 rebounds per game last season) and emerging star Andrew Wiggins (23.6 ppg).

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS North (Minnesota), KENS 5 (San Antonio)

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (2016-17: 31-51): While the acquisition of Butler received all the headlines, veteran Jeff Teague offers a durable, consistent option at point guard, a spot that opened up when the oft-injured Ricky Rubio moved on. Teague averaged nearly 79 games over the past five seasons while averaging more than 15 points in each of the last four and finishing seventh in the league in assists (7.8) with Indiana in 2016-17. The Timberwolves will need to figure out how to share the scoring load, as Towns, Wiggins and Butler (23.9 ppg with Chicago) give the team three of the NBA's top 16 scorers a season ago.

ABOUT THE SPURS (2016-17: 61-21): The signing of forward Rudy Gay should help San Antonio deal with Leonard's absence, as will veteran guard Patty Mills - who tied with Leonard for the team lead with 147 3-pointers. Gay was limited to 30 games last season with Sacramento due to an Achilles issue but figures to lead the second unit for the Spurs and gave his new team a glimpse of things to come by averaging nearly 13 points in 22 minutes over the last three preseason games. Point guard Tony Parker and center Pau Gasol return for their 17th seasons while reserve guard Manu Ginobili will play his 16th - all in a San Antonio uniform.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. San Antonio won 11 straight meetings.

2. Towns shot 54.2 percent from the field in each of his first two seasons.

3. The Spurs on Tuesday announced a three-year, $72.3 million extension with F LaMarcus Aldridge, who averaged 17.3 points and 7.3 rebounds last season.

PREDICTION: Spurs 108, Timberwolves 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Minnesota at San Antonio

ATS TRENDS

Minnesota

Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Wednesday games. Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home. Timberwolves are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Timberwolves are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS loss. Timberwolves are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Timberwolves are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Timberwolves are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 road games. Timberwolves are 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Timberwolves are 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall. Timberwolves are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up loss. Timberwolves are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 vs. Western Conference. Timberwolves are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Timberwolves are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

San Antonio

Spurs are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Northwest. Spurs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Spurs are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Spurs are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference. Spurs are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Spurs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. Spurs are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 Wednesday games. Spurs are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Minnesota

Over is 5-1 in Timberwolves last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home. Over is 5-1 in Timberwolves last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 25-8 in Timberwolves last 33 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Over is 19-7 in Timberwolves last 26 games following a ATS loss. Over is 8-3 in Timberwolves last 11 road games. Over is 21-8 in Timberwolves last 29 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 12-5 in Timberwolves last 17 overall. Over is 37-17-1 in Timberwolves last 55 vs. NBA Southwest.

San Antonio

Over is 6-0 in Spurs last 6 home games. Over is 4-0 in Spurs last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 6-1 in Spurs last 7 games following a ATS win. Over is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 Wednesday games. Over is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 13-3 in Spurs last 16 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 16-5 in Spurs last 21 overall. Over is 16-5 in Spurs last 21 vs. Western Conference. Over is 5-2 in Spurs last 7 games following a straight up win.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in San Antonio. Favorite is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings. Timberwolves are 3-8 ATS in the last 11 meetings. Road team is 7-0 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When:10:00 PM ET, Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Where:Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Arizona

Preview: Trail Blazers at Suns

Gracenote
Oct 17, 2017

The Phoenix Suns hosting the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday might involve more tension than a normal season-opener after an altercation between the teams during the preseason led to a suspension. Trail Blazers star shooting guard C.J. McCollum will sit out the opener while serving a one-game suspension for leaving the bench area.

McCollum, who averaged 23 points last season and is a key to Portland's hopes of returning to the playoffs, was trying to de-escalate the situation after some pushing and shoving between Blazers rookie Caleb Swanigan and Suns center Alex Len on Oct. 11. “You never want to miss games, especially like that to start the season," McCollum told the team's website. "You work so hard to prepare for the season, you go through a lot of preseason games that don’t mean anything and then you miss a regular season game because of an incident that you weren’t even involved in. There’s nothing I can do about it now but move forward and learn from it." The Suns are trying to learn as well and enter the season with the NBA's youngest roster at an average age of 24.5. Phoenix shut down several of its veteran players in the second half last season and ended up with the No. 4 overall draft pick, adding 20-year-old small forward Josh Jackson to a talented mix.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBCS Northwest (Portland), FS Arizona (Phoenix)

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (2016-17: 41-41): One reason Portland believes it can take a step forward in 2017-18 and possibly make a deep run in the playoffs is the presence of center Jusuf Nurkic, who averaged 15.2 points and 10.4 rebounds in 20 games with the team after arriving in a trade from the Denver Nuggets and is set to play his first full season with the Trail Blazers. Nurkic, who suffered a non-displaced fibula fracture late in the season and was not much help in the first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors last spring, is over the leg injury but is going through the league's concussion protocol after taking a hit in the preseason finale. The Bosnian big man provides a solid inside counterpart to McCollum and point guard Damian Lillard, who averaged a career-high 27 points on 44.4 percent shooting in 2016-17.

ABOUT THE SUNS (2016-17: 24-58): Jackson joins forward Marquese Chriss, 20, forward Dragan Bender, 19, point guard Tyler Ulis, 21, and shooting guard Devin Booker, 20, as the core of the team's future. Point guard Eric Bledsoe, 27, is the elder statesman of the group along with center Tyson Chandler, 35, and small forward Jared Dudley, 32, and he is hoping for a fully-healthy season. Bledsoe was averaging 21.1 points and 6.3 assists in 66 games before being shut down with a knee injury and failed to score in double digits in the preseason despite logging more than 20 minutes in each of the five games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams split two matchups in the preseason but the Trail Blazers took three of the four regular-season meetings in 2016-17.

2. Portland PF Noah Vonleh (shoulder) will miss at least the first two weeks.

3. Phoenix SF T.J. Warren (bruised lower back) is not expected to play Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 123, Suns 119

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Portland at Phoenix

ATS TRENDS

Portland

Trail Blazers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win. Trail Blazers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games. Trail Blazers are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Trail Blazers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win. Trail Blazers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Trail Blazers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 vs. NBA Pacific. Trail Blazers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Trail Blazers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Trail Blazers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Trail Blazers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Wednesday games.

Phoenix

Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. Suns are 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 games following a ATS loss. Suns are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Suns are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Suns are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 Wednesday games. Suns are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

OU TRENDS

Portland

Under is 5-1-1 in Trail Blazers last 7 Wednesday games. Over is 4-1-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 overall. Over is 4-1-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 vs. Western Conference. Over is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 vs. NBA Pacific. Under is 4-1-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 games following a straight up win. Under is 3-1-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 games following a ATS win.

Phoenix

Over is 6-1 in Suns last 7 overall. Over is 6-1 in Suns last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 6-1 in Suns last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Suns last 5 home games. Over is 4-1 in Suns last 5 games following a straight up loss. Under is 8-2 in Suns last 10 games following a ATS loss. Over is 4-1 in Suns last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in Suns last 8 vs. NBA Northwest. Over is 38-15 in Suns last 53 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Suns last 7 Wednesday games. Over is 36-15 in Suns last 51 vs. Western Conference. Over is 42-20 in Suns last 62 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Phoenix. Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.

[bmd1803]

Dodgers at Cubs 10/18/17 - NLCS Game 4 - MLB Picks & Predictions

by Eddie

Latest Odds : CHC -130 O/U 7.5

The Los Angeles Dodgers will look to stay undefeated this postseason, when they face the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night in Game Four of the National League Championship Series. Last night, SP Yu Darvish struck out seven batters and allowed one run over six plus frames during a convincing 6-1 victory. Andre Eithier and Chris Taylor homered to power the Dodgers’ offense on the night.

Twenty-six year old southpaw Alex Wood (16-3 2.72 ERA) will get the nod for the Dodgers in this contest. Wood has yet to appear this postseason, but allowed just one earned run and struck out 12 batters in eight plus innings versus Chicago during the regular season.


The defending World Series Champion Chicago Cubs 15-4 through the first three games of this series and are in serious danger of being swept out of the postseason. In Game Three, SP Kyle Hendricks was tagged for four runs in five innings and took the loss. Kyle Schwarber’s first-inning home run was the only offense that the Cubs could generate as part of their eight-hit attack.

The Cubs will counter with thirty-one year old righty Jake Arrieta (14-10 3.53 ERA) on Wednesday night. In his only start versus Los Angeles this season, Arrieta allowed five hits and four runs over six frames.


Recent Betting Trends:
Under is 6-1 in Cubs last 7 home playoff games.
Cubs are 1-4 in Arrietas last 5 starts vs Dodgers.
Dodgers are 8-2 in Woods last 10 road starts.
Cubs are 1-7 in their last 8 games vs a left-handed starter.
Over is 5-1 in Woods last 6 starts overall.


Free Betting Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers +120


Los Angeles SS Corey Seager (back) feels considerably better but did not travel with the team to Chicago. Through 162 games, Los Angeles ranked 22nd in batting average and 12th in runs scored. For the season, Chicago ranked 16th in batting average and 4th in runs scored. The Dodgers look primed to win it all and will not be denied their attempt at a sweep. Final Score Prediction, Los Angeles Dodgers win 6-4.