Wednesday 11-22-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

Matchup Edge

LAC	Edge in:	ATL
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Clippers at Hawks

Gracenote
Nov 22, 2017

There have not been many positives this season for the Atlanta Hawks, who enter Wednesday’s home contest against the Los Angeles Clippers with just three victories. But the Hawks have been competitive against some of the better teams in the NBA, including an 11-point loss at San Antonio on Monday, and rookie John Collins is grabbing attention with his performance after scoring 21 points with nine rebounds off the bench.

“We’re a little short-handed,” Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters after the loss, citing a lower-back injury sustained by Luke Babbitt and Mike Muscala’s absence as a chance for Collins to gain additional playing time. The Clippers can attest to struggling in the early season, bringing to Atlanta a nine-game losing streak after Monday’s 107-85 defeat in New York. “Bottom line, we just can’t sustain anything,” Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers told the media afterward. “Right now, we get it going a little bit and one thing happens and it just implodes.” The Clippers’ guard play was not strong Monday, as Austin Rivers, Lou Williams and Jawun Evans combined to shoot 5-for-25 from the field.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FSN Southeast (Atlanta)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (5-11): Center DeAndre Jordan ranks second in the NBA in rebounding at 13.7 per game and is one of 12 NBA players currently averaging a double-double (10.3 points). Williams is averaging 17.1 points off the bench, but Los Angeles is 1-11 since opening the season with four consecutive victories. Blake Griffin, the Clippers’ leading scorer (22.7 points), finished with a team-high 21 points Monday before fouling out.

ABOUT THE HAWKS (3-14): Atlanta’s last four games have featured a one-point loss, a franchise-record 46-point victory, and close calls against Boston and San Antonio. Collins, a first-round draft pick from Wake Forest, is averaging 11.6 points and 7.4 rebounds on the season and is shooting 72.1 percent from the field in his past five games. Dennis Schroder leads Atlanta in scoring at 19.7 points per game, while second-year forward Taurean Prince has reached double figures in four of his past five contests.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Clippers G Patrick Beverley scored nine points with six rebounds Monday, returning after missing five games with a sore right knee.

2. Atlanta is third in the NBA in steals (9.0 per game) and 10th in assists (22.9).

3. Los Angeles is 2-6 on the road this season, and plays four of its next six away from home.

PREDICTION: Hawks 108, Clippers 100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - L.A. Clippers at Atlanta

ATS TRENDS

L.A. Clippers

Clippers are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 Wednesday games. Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Clippers are 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Clippers are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Clippers are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games. Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Clippers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss. Clippers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Clippers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss. Clippers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games overall.

Atlanta

Hawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Hawks are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Hawks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Pacific.

OU TRENDS

L.A. Clippers

Over is 4-0 in Clippers last 4 Wednesday games. Under is 5-1 in Clippers last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 overall. Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 7-2 in Clippers last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Over is 6-2 in Clippers last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Atlanta

Over is 5-0 in Hawks last 5 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Over is 5-0 in Hawks last 5 home games. Under is 9-1 in Hawks last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 11-3-1 in Hawks last 15 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 9-3 in Hawks last 12 Wednesday games. Under is 19-7-2 in Hawks last 28 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Over is 8-3 in Hawks last 11 overall. Under is 21-8 in Hawks last 29 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 5-2 in Hawks last 7 vs. NBA Pacific. Under is 17-8-2 in Hawks last 27 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 25-12-1 in Hawks last 38 vs. Western Conference.

HEAD TO HEAD

Over is 12-2 in the last 14 meetings in Atlanta. Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida

Matchup Edge

BOS	Edge in:	MIA
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Celtics at Heat

Gracenote
Nov 21, 2017

The Boston Celtics rallied from double-digit deficits for victories in the last three contests to keep their impressive winning streak alive and can extend it to 17 games when they visit the scuffling Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Boston trailed by 13 with less than eight minutes to go Monday before storming back for a 110-102 overtime victory at Dallas as Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 47 points.

“For us it’s just about battling back when teams get a comfortable rhythm, whether it’d be in the first half or the second half,” Irving told reporters. “As a group we continue just to stick together throughout anything and everything.” The Celtics can tie the third-longest streak (1959-60) in franchise history with a win and hope for a similar effort as Oct. 28 when they took care of the Heat 96-90 in Miami with a game-high 24 points from Irving. Miami has dropped three of its last four after a crushing 120-95 defeat at home against Indiana on Sunday in which they allowed 60 percent shooting from the field. “It’s not physical. It’s mental for us,” Heat forward Udonis Haslem told the Miami Herald. “We’ve got to be able to sustain intensity and focus for 48 minutes understanding that even though the game of basketball is emotional, and it goes up and down, we still have to stay even throughout the course of the game.”

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN Boston, FSN Sun (Miami)

ABOUT THE CELTICS (16-2): Irving is averaging 22.5 points and 5.3 assists overall after scoring 77 combined in the last two contests while draining 10-of-13 from beyond the arc. “He’s got every move imaginable, but on top of that he’s one of the best shooters in the league,” coach Brad Stevens told the Boston Herald. “Everybody gets caught up in the moves and dribbling and everything he can do the ball, but his touch is beautiful with both hands.” Jaylen Brown is averaging 23.7 points over the last three games to push his season mark to 16.2 while making 10-of-20 from 3-point range.

ABOUT THE HEAT (7-9): Leading scorer Goran Dragic (18.3 points, 4.7 assists) is averaging just seven over the past two games while missing 13 of 19 shots from the field while backcourt mate Dion Waiters (15.1 points) is coming off a 0-for-10 shooting peformance. Center Hassan Whiteside continues to put up big numbers (16.2 points, 13.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks) and forward James Johnson is the fourth player averaging in double figures (12.3). Starting guard Josh Richardson is considered day-to-day with an eye injury after getting poked Sunday and leaving the contest with 15 points.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Celtics have won eight straight meetings, including the last three by a combined 13 points.

2. Boston’s rookie F Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 13.9 points, has scored in double figures 15 times in his first 18 NBA games.

3. Miami C/F and former Celtic Kelly Olynyk is scoring 6.7 per game in November after averaging 12.5 during October.

PREDICTION: Celtics 106, Heat 96

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Boston at Miami

ATS TRENDS

Boston

Celtics are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Celtics are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Southeast. Celtics are 22-4-1 ATS in their last 27 games following a straight up win. Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Celtics are 20-5-1 ATS in their last 26 games overall. Celtics are 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS win. Celtics are 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Celtics are 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 vs. Eastern Conference. Celtics are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Celtics are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Wednesday games. Celtics are 35-16-2 ATS in their last 53 road games. Celtics are 39-19-3 ATS in their last 61 games playing on 1 days rest.

Miami

Heat are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Heat are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 vs. NBA Atlantic. Heat are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Heat are 5-11-2 ATS in their last 18 games overall. Heat are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Heat are 3-8-2 ATS in their last 13 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Heat are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Heat are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Heat are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Wednesday games. Heat are 2-12-2 ATS in their last 16 home games. Heat are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Heat are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Eastern Conference. Heat are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

OU TRENDS

Boston

Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 road games. Over is 5-1-1 in Celtics last 7 Wednesday games. Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 11-3 in Celtics last 14 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 17-7-1 in Celtics last 25 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Under is 7-3 in Celtics last 10 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 11-5 in Celtics last 16 vs. NBA Southeast.

Miami

Under is 4-0 in Heat last 4 vs. NBA Atlantic. Under is 7-0 in Heat last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Heat last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 4-1 in Heat last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 4-1 in Heat last 5 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-1 in Heat last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Over is 9-3 in Heat last 12 Wednesday games. Under is 18-7 in Heat last 25 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Under is 5-2 in Heat last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Heat last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 5-2 in Heat last 7 games following a ATS loss. Under is 5-2 in Heat last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 7-3 in Heat last 10 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 7-3 in Heat last 10 overall.

HEAD TO HEAD

Celtics are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Miami. Celtics are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings. Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Miami. Underdog is 13-5 ATS in the last 18 meetings. Road team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 7:30 PM ET, Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

Matchup Edge

TOR	Edge in:	NY
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Raptors at Knicks

Gracenote
Nov 21, 2017

The New York Knicks struggled at the Toronto Raptors on Friday in one of their few lackluster performances of late. After bouncing back with an easy win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, the Knicks will get another shot at their Atlantic Division rivals on their home court when they host the Raptors on Wednesday.

After several down seasons, New York owns a winning record over a month into the 2017-18 campaign and is beginning to believe that its team - built around budding star Kristaps Porzingis - can make some noise in the Eastern Conference. "One thing about this team, everybody knows what they're going to do, everybody knows his role," Center Enes Kanter, who delivered 12 points and 16 rebounds in Monday's 107-85 win over the Clippers, told reporters. "We're just going out, playing basketball and having fun." Toronto seems to be having plenty of fun as well and enters Wednesday's tilt riding a four-game winning streak, including that 107-84 triumph over New York. The Raptors got 22 points apiece from Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan in that win while holding the Knicks to 33 percent shooting, including 3-of-13 from Porzingis.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (11-5): Injuries are forcing Toronto to widen the rotation a bit, and younger players like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby are finding themselves contributing as starters. Siakam is making his presence felt on the defensive end and blocked three shots in the win over New York while serving as the primary defender against Porzingis, and he added two more blocks and nine rebounds over 31 minutes in Sunday's 100-91 win over the Washington Wizards. “(Siakam) is my guy, he’s great,” DeRozan told reporters. “The energy he brings, just his presence, his vibe as a person is unbelievable. When you go out there on the court and see the things he is able to do, it is definitely great to see."
ABOUT THE KNICKS (9-7): New York is a different team from last season with Porzingis emerging as the star in the wake of Carmelo Anthony's departure and players like Kanter, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Doug McDermott stepping up in their first seasons with the team. The Knicks are winners of nine of 13 since dropping their first three games of the season, and the organization recognizes the difference. “I think their resiliency (is the difference from last year’s team),” New York coach Jeff Hornacek said. “We started off 0-3 and they could have dropped their heads, but they didn’t. They kept working hard in practice. They kept going after it. If you play hard and buy into playing together as a team and not worry about stats, not worrying about what you’re going to do, just figure out what you’re going to do to help the team win things usually turn out pretty well."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Knicks rookie PG Frank Ntilikina (illness) was limited to 11 minutes on Monday and is day-to-day.

2. Raptors SF Norman Powell (hip) sat out the last four games and is questionable for Wednesday.

3. Toronto took the last eight in the series, including four in New York.

PREDICTION: Knicks 106, Raptors 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Toronto at New York

ATS TRENDS

Toronto

Raptors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall. Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games. Raptors are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Raptors are 24-9 ATS in their last 33 vs. NBA Atlantic. Raptors are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Raptors are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games playing on 2 days rest.

New York

Knicks are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games. Knicks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Knicks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Knicks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference. Knicks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games. Knicks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Knicks are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 vs. NBA Atlantic.

OU TRENDS

Toronto

Under is 5-1 in Raptors last 6 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 road games. Under is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 6-2 in Raptors last 8 games following a ATS win. Over is 5-2 in Raptors last 7 Wednesday games. Over is 5-2 in Raptors last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 12-5 in Raptors last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 7-3 in Raptors last 10 vs. NBA Atlantic. Over is 7-3 in Raptors last 10 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 7-3 in Raptors last 10 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

New York

Under is 5-1 in Knicks last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Under is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 games following a straight up win. Under is 20-7-1 in Knicks last 28 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 11-4 in Knicks last 15 games following a ATS win. Under is 18-7-1 in Knicks last 26 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 18-8-1 in Knicks last 27 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 9-4 in Knicks last 13 home games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings. Raptors are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Raptors are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in New York.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Where: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas

Matchup Edge

DEN	Edge in:	HOU
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Nuggets at Rockets

Gracenote
Nov 21, 2017

Even without their head coach and two starters, the Denver Nuggets continued their recent surge, but they'll need all hands on deck for Wednesday's visit to the high-powered Houston Rockets. Nuggets coach Mike Malone was serving a one-game suspension and both Paul Millsap and Wilson Chandler were sidelined, but the Nuggets had more than enough to coast past Sacramento 114-98 on Monday.

"Given the circumstances, I'll take it," assistant Wes Unseld Jr., who coached the team, told reporters. "The minute (we) got in here from the team bus they knew it was a task at hand. We were under adverse circumstances and had no other option than to pull it together." Denver won nine of its last 14 but the Rockets present a vastly different challenge than the lowly Kings and they are 8-1 in their last nine games after a 105-83 rout of Memphis on Saturday. James Harden continued his MVP-caliber play with 29 points and Clint Capela added 17 and 13 rebounds for Houston, which won its fifth straight road game but is returning home for the first time since a 19-point loss to Toronto on Nov. 14. Wednesday's tilt opens up a stretch in which the Rockets play 11 of 14 at home.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (10-7): Will Barton earned his third start in the last five games and responded with 25 points while making 5-of-6 3-pointers, and he is averaging 21 points and 6.7 rebounds as a starter. "That third quarter we were real patient and sound, ran our sets and got going," Barton told reporters. "Anytime you're missing two starters, impact guys like that, it's going to take a while." Gary Harris chipped in 20 points and is averaging 20.7 on 64.9 percent shooting since returning from a shoulder injury three games ago.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (13-4): Houston ranks second to Golden State in scoring (112.6 points per game) and it put forth some solid defensive efforts of late as well, allowing 96 points or fewer in three of its last four wins. "We all know that the only way we're going to go far in the playoffs is defensively," coach Mike D'Antoni told the media after the Rockets held Memphis to 36 percent from the field. "You've got to be a bear. Tonight, we were." Capela swatted away three shots and Houston recorded nine blocks for the second game in a row.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Capela was 7-for-11 from the floor Saturday and leads the NBA in field-goal percentage (68.1).

2. Millsap (wrist) and Chandler (back) are day-to-day.

3. Houston averaged 118 points in sweeping four games from Denver last season.

PREDICTION: Rockets 120, Nuggets 113

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Denver at Houston

ATS TRENDS

Denver

Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Southwest. Nuggets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win. Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Nuggets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games. Nuggets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win. Nuggets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

Houston

Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Western Conference. Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Rockets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win. Rockets are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 home games. Rockets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Rockets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Wednesday games.

OU TRENDS

Denver

Over is 5-0 in Nuggets last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Nuggets last 5 overall. Over is 4-1 in Nuggets last 5 road games. Under is 4-1 in Nuggets last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 4-1 in Nuggets last 5 Wednesday games. Under is 8-3 in Nuggets last 11 vs. NBA Southwest. Under is 5-2 in Nuggets last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Under is 7-3 in Nuggets last 10 games following a ATS win. Under is 9-4 in Nuggets last 13 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 9-4 in Nuggets last 13 vs. Western Conference. Over is 9-4 in Nuggets last 13 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Houston

Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 home games. Under is 6-2 in Rockets last 8 vs. Western Conference. Over is 8-3 in Rockets last 11 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 7-3 in Rockets last 10 overall. Over is 7-3 in Rockets last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

HEAD TO HEAD

Nuggets are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Houston. Nuggets are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Where: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee

Matchup Edge

DAL	Edge in:	MEM
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Mavericks at Grizzlies

Gracenote
Nov 21, 2017

The Memphis Grizzlies are struggling through a five-game losing streak, but help could be on the horizon in the form of their next opponent. The Grizzlies will try to get themselves right at the expense of the worst team in the NBA when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.

Memphis dropped the first three of a four-game homestand while playing without point guard Mike Conley (Achilles), but it believes it is close to breaking out. "You've got to look for some small victories in this stuff when you're crawling through the mud," Grizzlies coach David Fizdale told reporters after a 100-92 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. "We've just got to keep digging and stick together, and keep trying to weather this. I liked our approach this week. I even liked us in the locker room right now. We were just way more connected and just more about let's just keep trying to figure it out." The Mavericks own the most losses in the NBA (15) but are playing better of late and pulled off a 111-79 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday before taking the NBA-best Boston Celtics to overtime in a 110-102 setback on Monday. "We're making progress," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. "We just aren't putting the kind of wins on the board that we feel we can. And the only thing that can short circuit us from making more progress is to take our eye off the ball in terms of making more progress. If we stay in the process, we will win our share of games."
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Dallas), FSN Southeast (Memphis)

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (3-15): Harrison Barnes matched a season high with 31 points on Monday but missed a potential game-winner in the final second of regulation and was hard on himself in defeat. "As the closer, I've got to be better," Barnes told reporters. "At the end of the day, it's got to show up in wins and losses. There's no moral victories around here. Tonight, playing against a great team, we had a great opportunity to win here in front of our fans. But like I said, we let it slip away." Rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. was limited to eight points on 4-of-16 shooting in the loss and is 9-of-36 from the floor in the last three contests.
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (7-9): Memphis was dejected after a 105-83 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday but felt that it picked up its level of play considerably in Monday's setback. "I think this game, obviously, we didn't have a great night shooting, but defensively we were way more engaged, way more physical, way more aggressive, way more proactive, and that's what it's going to take," center Marc Gasol told reporters after the loss to Portland. "Obviously, then, we have to make shots and give good passes, but those things you can clean up and you can build on." Gasol delivered 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in Monday's setback but is just 13-of-37 from the floor over the last two games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Mavericks PF Brandan Wright (groin) sat out Monday's game and has already been ruled out for Wednesday.

2. Grizzlies SG Tyreke Evans scored 20 or more points in seven of nine games this month.

3. Memphis earned a 96-91 home win over the Mavericks on Oct. 26 after falling 103-94 at Dallas the previous night.

PREDICTION: Grizzlies 99, Mavericks 92

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Dallas at Memphis

ATS TRENDS

Dallas

Mavericks are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 Wednesday games. Mavericks are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS loss. Mavericks are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Mavericks are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games overall. Mavericks are 5-14-1 ATS in their last 20 games following a straight up loss. Mavericks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games. Mavericks are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Mavericks are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Mavericks are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Mavericks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Mavericks are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 1 days rest. Mavericks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.

Memphis

Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Southwest. Grizzlies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Wednesday games. Grizzlies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Grizzlies are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss. Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss. Grizzlies are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Grizzlies are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games. Grizzlies are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Grizzlies are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Grizzlies are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Grizzlies are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

OU TRENDS

Dallas

Over is 6-0-1 in Mavericks last 7 Wednesday games. Under is 4-0-1 in Mavericks last 5 vs. NBA Southwest. Under is 6-1 in Mavericks last 7 games following a straight up loss. Under is 5-1 in Mavericks last 6 games following a ATS loss. Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 vs. Western Conference. Under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 7-2 in Mavericks last 9 overall. Over is 5-2-1 in Mavericks last 8 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 10-4-1 in Mavericks last 15 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Memphis

Under is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Grizzlies last 4 vs. Western Conference. Under is 6-0-1 in Grizzlies last 7 vs. NBA Southwest. Under is 7-2 in Grizzlies last 9 home games. Over is 3-1-1 in Grizzlies last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

HEAD TO HEAD

Mavericks are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. Mavericks are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Memphis. Over is 12-5-2 in the last 19 meetings. Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Matchup Edge

ORL	Edge in:	MIN
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Magic at Timberwolves

Gracenote
Nov 21, 2017

The Minnesota Timberwolves look to get back on track after two straight losses when they begin a four-game homestand against the struggling Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. The Timberwolves had won eight of 10 to take over sole possession of first place in the Northwest Division, but dropped a three-point decision to Detroit on Sunday at home before suffering a 118-102 defeat at Charlotte one day later.

“We just didn’t do what we need to do, on both ends. It’s part of it, man,” Minnesota guard Jimmy Butler told the Star Tribune after Monday’s loss. “To lose the way we lost, what can you say? These games come quick in this league.” Butler has picked up his production the last three games, averaging 20.3 points, and hopes to continue that trend while helping to hand the Magic their sixth consecutive loss. Orlando began the season as one of NBA’s best surprises by winning six of its first eight games, but has dropped seven of nine since after Monday’s 105-97 setback against Indiana and starts a four-game trip Wednesday. “I thought the effort was good,” Magic guard Evan Fournier told the Orlando Sentinel Monday. “Honestly, guys, I don’t know what to tell you. We just look like a totally different team. It’s (darn) frustrating, man. There’s not much to say.”

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Florida, FSN North Plus (Minnesota)

ABOUT THE MAGIC (8-9): Orlando is allowing 112.8 points during the losing streak while the offense has been stagnant at key times and the Magic turned the ball over 22 times against Indiana. “We’re trying,” Magic coach Frank Vogel told reporters. “Nobody’s happy with how we’re playing, and we know we’ve got to dig ourselves out of a little bit of a rut here.” Center Nikola Vucevic recorded 25 points against the Pacers to raise his scoring season average to 17.3 - third on the team behind Fournier (19.0) and forward Aaron Gordon (17.5).

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (10-7): Minnesota’s top two scorers have cooled off a bit of late as center Karl-Anthony Towns (20.6) is averaging 16.3 points over the past three games and Andrew Wiggins (18.8) has produced 15.2 the last five. Veteran reserve Jamal Crawford picked up some of the slack Monday with a season-high 19 points, but starting forward Taj Gibson was held to a season-low one on 0-for-4 shooting. Point guard Jeff Teague scored at least 15 points in four of the last five contests, but went 8-for-25 from the field over the last two.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Orlando F Jonathan Isaac (ankle) is questionable after missing the last four games.

2. The Timberwolves are last in the league in field goal percentage defense (48.5).

3. Minnesota won both meetings last season after the Magic took the previous five matchups.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 106, Magic 100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Orlando at Minnesota

ATS TRENDS

Orlando

Magic are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games. Magic are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Magic are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 road games. Magic are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss. Magic are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference. Magic are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Magic are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Magic are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Northwest.

Minnesota

Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. Timberwolves are 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Timberwolves are 7-17-2 ATS in their last 26 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Timberwolves are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Southeast. Timberwolves are 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Timberwolves are 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games following a straight up loss. Timberwolves are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Timberwolves are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.

OU TRENDS

Orlando

Under is 7-0 in Magic last 7 games following a ATS loss. Under is 8-1 in Magic last 9 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 7-1 in Magic last 8 games following a straight up loss. Under is 6-1 in Magic last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 11-4 in Magic last 15 vs. Western Conference. Under is 8-3 in Magic last 11 overall. Under is 8-3 in Magic last 11 Wednesday games. Over is 8-3 in Magic last 11 vs. NBA Northwest. Over is 8-3-1 in Magic last 12 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 5-2 in Magic last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 10-4 in Magic last 14 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Minnesota

Under is 5-0 in Timberwolves last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 home games. Under is 5-0 in Timberwolves last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 8-0 in Timberwolves last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 9-1 in Timberwolves last 10 overall. Over is 7-1 in Timberwolves last 8 vs. NBA Southeast. Over is 9-3 in Timberwolves last 12 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Over is 5-2-1 in Timberwolves last 8 games following a straight up loss. Over is 27-11-1 in Timberwolves last 39 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 36-15 in Timberwolves last 51 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 36-17-1 in Timberwolves last 54 games following a ATS loss.

HEAD TO HEAD

Magic are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Minnesota. Magic are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings. Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Minnesota. Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings. Road team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

Matchup Edge

SA	Edge in:	NO
	Points Per Game
	Field Goal %
	Free Throw %
	Defense
	Rebounding
	Turn Overs
	Bench

Preview: Spurs at Pelicans

Gracenote
Nov 21, 2017

The San Antonio Spurs have done the bulk of their damage at home this season but face a challenging road contest when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. The Spurs entered Tuesday with an NBA-high eight home wins after Monday's 96-85 victory over Atlanta, but they're just 3-4 on the road, where they play 19 of their next 30.

LaMarcus Aldridge figures to give San Antonio a chance regardless of the venue and the veteran forward led the way against the Hawks with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Kyle Anderson continued his solid play with 13 points and a career-high 10 assists. "He's been ready for the moment," Aldridge told reporters of Anderson. "He's been playing really confident, making plays for us, being the other guy to be a ball-handler and been just saving us in games, basically." The Pelicans won six of their last nine and survived an ejection by star big man DeMarcus Cousins in a 114-107 triumph against Oklahoma City on Monday. Anthony Davis carried the load with 36 points and 15 rebounds and is averaging 27.6 points on 56.9 percent shooting at home.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (San Antonio), FS New Orleans

ABOUT THE SPURS (11-6): Anderson's opportunity has arisen in the wake of the season-long injury to star Kawhi Leonard, who still has no timetable for a return. Anderson is shooting 58.1 percent from the floor and 81.8 percent from the line in November, compared to 42.3 and 64.3, respectively, in October, and has also helped to fill the void left by injured point guard Tony Parker. "He gets to handle the ball more and that's his game, too," veteran Manu Ginobili told reporters. "He's playing as a point power forward. He's a tough matchup because of his size and his handles."
ABOUT THE PELICANS (9-8): Jrue Holiday scored 18 points in the win over the Thunder while Cousins hit that same mark before being tossed. New Orleans trailed by eight at the break but utilized a dominant effort by Davis and some sharp shooting from a bench that went 10-for-15 from the floor to mount a comeback. "Our second team did amazing to get us back in this game," Holiday told reporters. "Hats off to them. They really brought the energy, and from there, we kind of picked it up and sustained it."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pelicans SF Darius Miller is averaging 12.8 points while making 12-of-19 3-pointers over a four-game hot stretch.

2. Cousins averaged 27.3 points, 19 rebounds and four assists in three games against San Antonio last season, only one of which came with New Orleans.

3. Aldridge missed all seven of his 3-point attempts over a six-game span.

PREDICTION: Pelicans 109, Spurs 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - San Antonio at New Orleans

ATS TRENDS

San Antonio

Spurs are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 Wednesday games. Spurs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Spurs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Spurs are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games.

New Orleans

Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. Pelicans are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Pelicans are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Pelicans are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Wednesday games. Pelicans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

OU TRENDS

San Antonio

Under is 4-0 in Spurs last 4 games following a straight up win. Under is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 games following a ATS win. Under is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 road games. Over is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 Wednesday games. Over is 8-3 in Spurs last 11 vs. NBA Southwest. Under is 8-3 in Spurs last 11 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Over is 18-7 in Spurs last 25 vs. Western Conference. Under is 5-2 in Spurs last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

New Orleans

Under is 8-2 in Pelicans last 10 vs. NBA Southwest. Under is 8-3-1 in Pelicans last 12 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 5-2 in Pelicans last 7 overall. Over is 55-25 in Pelicans last 80 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

HEAD TO HEAD

Home team is 20-6 ATS in the last 26 meetings. Under is 5-2-1 in the last 8 meetings. Underdog is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings. Spurs are 3-9 ATS in the last 12 meetings. Spurs are 5-18 ATS in the last 23 meetings in New Orleans.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Wednesday, November 22

Home side won eight of last nine Wizard-Hornet games; Washington is 3-2 vs spread in last five visits here. Over is 5-2 in last seven series games. Wizards won five of their last seven games; they’re 5-1 vs spread as road underdogs. Last nine Washington games stayed under. Charlotte won three of its last four home games; they’re 5-0 as home favorites. Three of their last four games went over.

Cavaliers won six of last eight games with Brooklyn; under is 7-2 in last nine series games. Nets are 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to Ohio. Brooklyn lost seven of last ten games; they’re 4-3 as a road underdog- three of their last four games went over total. Cleveland won its last five games (3-2 vs spread); they’re 1-7 vs spread as a home favorite. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Home side won last five Portland-Philly games; Trailblazers are 0-3 vs spread in last three visits to Philly. Three of last four series games stayed under. Portland won four of its last five games; they’re 0-1-1 as road underdogs. Blazers’ last eight games stayed under the total. 76ers won three of last four games; they’re 5-1 vs spread at home, 3-1 if favored. Over is 7-3 in their last 10 games.

Clippers won three of last four games with Atlanta; road team won four of last five series games. LA is 2-3 vs spread in last five visits here (over 4-1). Clippers lost their last nine games (1-8 vs spread); they’re 3-4 vs spread on road (0-0 as road favorite). Four of their last five games stayed under total. Hawks lost eight of their last ten games; they’re 3-2 as home underdogs. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Toronto won its last eight games with the Knicks (6-2 vs spread); under is 3-1 in last four series games. Raptors are 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Manhattan. Toronto won its last four games; they’re 6-3 vs spread on road, 1-1 as a road favorite. Over is 4-1 in their last five games on road. Knicks won six of their last nine games; they’re 9-2 vs spread at home, 4-2 as a home dog. Three of their last four games stayed under.

Boston won its last 16 games after an 0-2 start; they’re 5-1 as a road favorite. Three of their last four games went over total. Celtics won their last eight games with Miami (6-2 vs spread); under is 6-4 in last ten series games. Boston covered its last five visits to South Beach. Heat lost three of last four games; they’re 0-2 vs spread as a home underdog. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Minnesota won its last two games with Orlando, after losing previous five; over is 6-3 in last nine series games. Magic covered their last four visits to the Twin Cities. Orlando lost its last five games; they’re 4-3-1 as a road underdog. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games. Timberwolves are 3-4 in their last seven games; they’re 3-3 as home favorites. Nine of last ten Minnesota games stayed under the total.

Warriors won/covered their last seven games with Oklahoma City; five of last six series games stayed under. Golden State is 3-2 vs spread in last five visits here. Warriors won nine of last ten games; they’re 4-5 vs spread as road favorites. Under is 5-2 in last seven games. Thunder won lat three games but they’re 3-6 in last nine games overall. OKC is 4-2-1 vs spread at home. Four of their last five games went over total.

Houston won its last four games with Denver, but Nuggets covered five of last seven. Over is 5-5 in last ten series games. Denver is 3-1 vs spread in last four visits here. Nuggets won seven of their last ten games; they’re 2-6 vs spread on road, 0-2 as a road underdog. Four of last five Denver games went over total. Rockets won eight of its last nine games; they’re 3-4 as a home favorite. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Dallas won six of last nine games with Memphis; they’re 3-1 vs spread in last five visits to Beale Street. Over is 5-4-1 in last ten series games. Mavericks lost five of their last six games; they’re 2-5 vs spread as a road underdog. Under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Grizzlies lost their last five games; they’re 2-4 vs spread as a home favorite. Under is 4-2 in their last six games.

Spurs won six of last seven games with New Orleans, but Pelicans are 7-3 vs spread in last ten series games. San Antonio is 0-5 vs spread in last five visits to Bourbon Street. Under is 5-2-1 in last eight series games. Spurs won seven of their last nine games; they’re 1-6 vs spread on road, 0-2 as road underdogs. Three of their last four games stayed under total. Pelicans won six of last nine games; they’re 1-4 as home favorites. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Bulls won their last three games with Utah; under is 9-1 in last ten series games. Chicago is 1-3 vs spread in last four visits to SLC. Bulls lost six of their last seven games; they’re 4-3-1 against spread as road underdogs. Three of their last four games went over total. Jazz lost eight of their last ten games; they’re 4-4 as a home favorite (0-4 in last four). Three of their last four games went over total.

Bucks won their last four games with Phoenix; road team won five of last seven series games. Milwaukee covered four of last five visits to the desert. Under is 5-1 in last six series games. Bucks lost four of their last five road games; they’re 3-4 vs spread on road, 1-0 as a road favorite. Five of their last six games stayed under. Suns are 3-2 in their last five games, 3-4 vs spread as a home underdog. Over is 5-2 in last seven Phoenix games.

Lakers lost eight of last ten games with Sacramento; last six series games stayed under total. LA is 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to the state capital. Lakers lost four of their last five road tilts; they’re 3-4 vs spread on road, all as an underdog (2-5 SU). Last four Laker road games stayed under the total. Sacramento lost five of its last six games; they’re 4-2 as home underdogs. Over is 6-4 in their last ten games.