Saturday 3/19/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sabres (29-33) at Maple Leafs (24-35)

Date: March 19, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Buffalo Sabres finally snapped their losing streak in Toronto earlier this month with help from star rookies Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel.

Reinhart also got the Sabres going in their latest victory and will try to deliver another in Saturday night's rematch with the Maple Leafs.

Buffalo (29-33-10) snapped a six-game skid at the Air Canada Centre by rallying for a 4-3 shootout victory March 7. Eichel started the comeback by scoring one of the Sabres' two goals in the third period and Reinhart had the only score of the shootout.

Reinhart scored his 20th goal in a 3-1 win against visiting Ottawa on Friday and registered an assist. He had one goal in his previous 12 games.

Reinhart and Eichel are the third Sabres rookie duo with 20-plus goals and first since Danny Gare and Peter McNab in 1974-75.

"They're going to be a huge part of our team moving forward and we're lucky to have both of them," defenseman Zach Bogosian said.

Buffalo, which hasn't won back-to-back games since Feb. 12 and 14, will try to send Toronto to a fourth consecutive defeat in the series. The Sabres have won each of this season's two meetings in shootouts.

The Maple Leafs (24-35-11) were denied a third straight victory and their third in a row at home Thursday with a 4-1 defeat to Florida. After allowing one goal in its previous two games, Toronto was bitten by a pair of unlucky bounces.

The Panthers' Jussi Jokinen was credited with goals when two passing attempts off Maple Leafs sticks got past Jonathan Bernier.

"Two goals that are pretty lucky," said defenseman Morgan Rielly, who scored his team's goal. "I don't think that they would argue that. But that's just the way the game goes. They played well. They played with speed and they generated those chances."

Garret Sparks is expected to end Bernier's run of three consecutive starts. He was in net earlier this month against the Sabres, one of 10 career starts.

Buffalo goaltender Robin Lehner is dealing with a nagging right ankle injury, an ailment that caused him to miss 39 games earlier this season. Nathan Lieuwen was called up in his absence and could get his sixth career start - and first since 2013-14 - on Saturday with Chad Johnson having played Friday.

Lieuwen has never faced Toronto while Johnson has been in net for both matchups this season.

Evander Kane will try to provide support for whichever netminder starts by adding to his three goals and two assists in his last five games against Toronto.

Maple Leafs forward Brad Boyes had three goals and four assists in his past six games against his former team but is among a number of Maple Leafs who are dealing with injuries. Boyes has an ailing shoulder that's kept him out since March 7 against Buffalo, and leading goal scorer Leo Komarov has a lower-body injury.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Wings (35-25) at Panthers (40-22)

Date: March 19, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Florida Panthers' final seven games are against foes currently out of playoff position, an upcoming stretch that will seemingly give them a prime opportunity to clinch their first division title in four years.

They'll get a better idea of how they measure up against playoff competition over the next week.

Florida looks to win three straight for the first time in six weeks Saturday night when it hosts a Detroit Red Wings team looking to improve its postseason chances.

The Panthers (40-22-9) have regained the Atlantic lead by winning four of their last five following a 1-3-2 stretch, and they're four victories away from surpassing the franchise record set in 1999-2000. They won the last two of a three-game trip with 4-1 victories over Montreal on Tuesday and Toronto on Thursday.

Florida faces the Canadiens and Maple Leafs twice more each with matchups against New Jersey, Ottawa and Carolina sprinkled in over the season's final 10 days. Winning a division title for the first time since 2011-12 could depend on how it navigates this upcoming stretch, though.

After hosting Detroit (35-25-11), the Panthers embark on another three-game trip against the New York Rangers, Boston and Tampa Bay. The Bruins and Lightning aren't far back of Florida in the Atlantic.

'We've got some big games ahead of us, so we didn't want to overlook (the NHL-worst Maple Leafs) and look ahead,' said Roberto Luongo, made 32 saves Thursday. "They made us earn it.'

Jussi Jokinen sat out against Montreal with a lower-body injury but returned with two goals, both of which were intended passes that deflected into the net. He had two assists in each of the first two meetings with the Red Wings, a 2-1 overtime win Nov. 29 and 6-3 victory Feb. 4.

The latter capped a five-game winning streak for the Panthers, who haven't won three straight since. Luongo looks to help change that and has a 1.65 goals-against average while winning his last three starts against Detroit.

Petr Mrazek made 23 saves to blank Florida 3-0 in the most recent matchup Feb. 8, but he fell ill and sat out Detroit's 3-1 win over Columbus on Thursday. Jimmy Howard stopped 27 shots, and he could be in net for this one if Mrazek isn't ready to go.

"We can enjoy the flight down to Florida and then we've got to forget about it and get ready for the Panthers," Howard said. "They're ahead of us in the standings and we're scratching and clawing for points here and we're going to need to build off of this."

Henrik Zetterberg scored for the Red Wings, who had dropped five of their previous seven. They're clinging to the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot with a one-point edge on Philadelphia and trail the Lightning by four for the Atlantic's last automatic berth.

Detroit held a one-goal lead after the first period against the Blue Jackets, marking the first time it has led heading into the second since a win over Ottawa on Feb. 10.

"I think we just have to realize where we are," Zetterberg said. "We have to play with more urgency."

Dylan Larkin ranks among the rookie scoring leaders with 20 goals and 21 assists, but his assist Thursday was just his third point in 17 games since having an assist in the last meeting with the Panthers. He scored in each of the first two matchups.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Islanders (38-22) at Stars (42-21)

Date: March 19, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Tyler Seguin and reigning Art Ross Trophy winner Jamie Benn make up the league's highest-scoring duo for the Dallas Stars.

Only Benn will be able to help keep Dallas atop the Western Conference.

The Stars are forced to play at least the rest of the regular season without the injured Seguin, beginning with Saturday night's visit from the New York Islanders.

Benn ranks behind only Chicago's Patrick Kane with 80 points and is followed closely by Seguin, who has 33 goals and 40 assists. That production has helped the Stars (42-21-9) lead the West by two points over St. Louis and Los Angeles with 10 games to play, although the Kings have two in hand.

Benn scored in the second period Thursday against Tampa Bay, then assisted on Stephen Johns' tying goal in the third before scoring two minutes later in a 4-3 victory as Dallas snapped a 1-1-2 slump. His last goal marked his career-high 36th.

The victory was marred, though, when Seguin suffered a cut to his Achilles tendon during the final shift of the game. General manager Jim Nill addressed the media Friday and said Seguin underwent surgery that morning to stitch a 15 percent cut of the tendon.

Seguin will be out three to four weeks with the hope that he can return for the start of the playoffs.

"It's as good of a case scenario as it could be considering where he got cut," Nill said. "Another eighth of an inch and it could've severed the whole thing. It's really just time to heal now."

The Stars for now plan to move forward without making a call-up from the AHL after Patrick Sharp returned from a lower-body injury that kept him out the previous six. The offense certainly will take a hit with Seguin out, but Benn is more concerned about the Stars' defensive game.

Dallas has allowed 13 goals over its last three games and at least three in 11 of 14.

"We definitely want to get the goals against down," Benn said. "I thought our third period (Thursday) was our strongest, and we found a way to win."

New York (38-22-9) has outscored the Stars 26-18 while winning four of the last five meetings, including a 6-5 victory Jan. 3 when 12 Islanders recorded a point. Kyle Okposo and Cal Clutterbuck had two goals apiece.

The Islanders, though, are in the midst of a 1-2-2 stretch and will try to salvage the last of their three-game road trip. Ryan Pulock scored his first NHL goal and Brock Nelson added one in the third of Thursday's 4-2 loss to Nashville.

New York is clinging to a one-point lead over Pittsburgh for the Metropolitan Division's last automatic playoff berth.

'It's been the same theme for us," coach Jack Capuano said. "It's the common denominator that we try to make the sexy play and we don't want to get pucks to the net."

Mikhail Grabovski isn't likely to play after being sent back to New York because of an upper-body injury. He returned for Tuesday's shootout loss to the Penguins after missing the previous 10 but sat out against the Predators.

Thomas Greiss continues to get the work in net with Jaroslav Halak out for at least a few more weeks. He faced 41 shots in the first meeting with the Stars.

Antti Niemi could be in net for Dallas looking to snap out of his slump. He has a 4.72 goals-against average in his last six starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blues (41-22) at Canucks (27-31)

Date: March 19, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

After conceding 11 goals in consecutive defeats, the St. Louis Blues are more than ready to welcome Brian Elliott back.

Elliott will return from a 10-game absence from a lower-body injury Saturday night when the visiting Blues seek to hand the Vancouver Canucks a fourth straight defeat.

The goaltender was on a roll with a 1.99 goals-against average in winning five straight starts before leaving in the first period of a 6-3 defeat to San Jose on Feb. 22. St. Louis (41-22-9) went 6-4-0 in the games he missed with Jake Allen starting in his place.

"It's good to get the opportunity to get back in there," Elliott said. "I've been practicing well here for almost two weeks now, so it's good to get back in game action."

Allen won six straight starts between Feb. 28-March 12 before allowing nine of the team's 11 goals in losses by 7-4 to Calgary on Monday and 6-4 to Edmonton two days later. The Blues feel he may be getting fatigued by the heavy ice time.

"At the end of the day when you're traveling like this and you're playing this many games, you're gonna get worn down," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "It's funny, we've reached the edge on both guys when we were close to getting worn down with 'em and then the other guy came back in and helped us. Our timing has been perfect on it and it's time for Brian to start sharing some of the load for us here."

St. Louis, which has scored at least four goals in its last six road games, is two points behind Dallas for the Western Conference lead.

It looks like the Blues will see a face from their past in goal for the Canucks in Ryan Miller, who played 19 games for St. Louis in 2013-14. Miller has faced the Blues twice since he played for them, going 1-1-0 with a 2.55 GAA.

He figures to get the start since Jacob Markstrom made 23 saves in Friday's 2-0 loss at Edmonton. Vancouver (27-31-12) has totaled three goals in this losing streak, falling to the Oilers despite a 40-25 advantage in shots.

'I thought we had some really good chances to score, but with 40 shots, we should have created some more grade-A chances,' captain Henrik Sedin said.

Winger Radim Vrbata's status is uncertain after he left Friday with a lower-body injury.

Vancouver is 0 for 20 on the power play in its last six games and that figures to be welcome news for St. Louis. The Blues have allowed a power-play goal in a season-high five straight games, including four in six chances Wednesday.

"Well I can start with saying that we're just taking too many penalties," center Patrik Berglund said. "It's hard to kill off that many penalties. But also we're obviously in a slump, we're not doing the job we should do out there."

The Blues ended an 0-4-2 streak in this series by winning 4-3 on the road Oct. 16 in the season's lone matchup.

"They're a heavy team, they're waiting for us so that's gonna be a challenge for us coming home," Canucks coach Willie Desjardins said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Lightning (40-26) at Coyotes (31-32)

Date: March 19, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Lightning have had little success since their team-record winning streak ended two weeks ago.

Things might not get any easier Saturday night considering how well the Arizona Coyotes have played of late.

The Lightning can salvage a split of their four-game trip by avoiding a third straight loss and preventing the Coyotes from matching a season high with their fourth consecutive win.

Tampa Bay (40-26-5) held a two-point lead in the Atlantic Division after winning its ninth in a row March 5, but have dropped to third by going 1-4-1 since. The Lightning are four points behind first-place Florida and four up on Detroit.

"We understand where we're at and how things are going," goaltender Ben Bishop said. "It's about manning up now."

Bishop made 37 saves as the Lightning opened the trip with a 4-0 win over Columbus on Sunday, but fell 4-1 to lowly Toronto two days later. They led three times Thursday against Dallas, but failed to hold a 3-2 advantage and were outshot 17-4 in the third of a 4-3 loss.

"The guys in the room, they're going to hold themselves accountable," coach Jon Cooper told the NHL's official website. "We were doing everything right for two periods and then to come out and completely change the way they played, we got to do better.

"We got to be better, it's the bottom line."

Steven Stamkos, who recorded his second two-goal game of the trip, thinks the Lightning might be too eager for the postseason to begin.

"We played like a fragile team that was scared to lose and not hungry to close out a game," he said. "We can't let that fear of losing creep in at this time of the year. There's almost that feeling like we want the playoffs to get here, but there's still a lot of hockey left.

"We'll address that, nip that, and stay focused for these last 11 games of the season."

Stamkos opened the scoring as the Lightning won their third straight over Arizona, 2-1 on Feb. 23. Tampa Bay has won 13 of 17 in the series.

The Coyotes (31-32-7), though, have outscored opponents 11-2 during their three-game winning streak. Arizona won four in a row Jan. 4-12.

After missing 40 games with a lower body injury, Mike Smith delivered a stellar 44-save performance in last Saturday's 4-0 victory at Edmonton, then stopped 27 shots in a 3-1 victory over San Jose on Thursday.

"I knew what to expect more going into (Thursday's) game, but there were still some times where it was a little uncomfortable," the ex-Tampa Bay netminder said. "I definitely felt better than I did in Edmonton. It's a good sign ... It's a process. I know what to expect now."

Smith is 2-3-0 with a 3.90 goals-against average against his former club.

Shane Doan has a goal and three assists in three games for the Coyotes, who have gone 4 for 9 on the power play in the last four. They've killed all 12 penalties over the same stretch.

Stamkos converted on Tampa Bay's only power-play chance Thursday after it went 0 for 19 in the previous eight games.

It's uncertain if Arizona points leader Oliver Ekman-Larsson (upper body) will miss a fifth straight game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bruins (39-25) at Kings (43-22)

Date: March 19, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

The sting of last month's blowout loss to the Los Angeles Kings and former teammate Milan Lucic likely hasn't worn off for the Boston Bruins.

Their chances of avenging that defeat Saturday night don't appear too promising since the Kings' scoring attack has been on a roll of late.

Los Angeles (43-22-5) registered its finest scoring performance in eight seasons in Lucic's return to Boston, a 9-2 victory Feb. 9 in which he contributed a goal and two assists. That was also the Bruins' worst defensive effort since a 10-2 loss in Washington on March 3, 2008.

Lucic has three goals and seven assists in an eight-game point streak that matches a career high and ties the longest by a Kings player this season. Los Angeles has totaled 14 goals in its current three-game win streak and rallied for a 4-3 overtime victory against the visiting New York Rangers on Thursday.

Anze Kopitar scored the tying goal with 4:10 remaining in regulation, then tallied the winner 1:34 into the extra period. He has six goals and five assists in eight games this month.

"I thought we played a pretty good game from start to finish, especially the first couple periods we really were all over them. A couple of miscues in our own zone, pucks ended up in our net and we had to battle back," said captain Dustin Brown, who scored in his third straight game. "When we throw that many pucks at the net with guys around, good things happen. It was a good win for us."

The Kings have outscored opponents 24-11 while going 5-0-1 in their last six and are 7-1-1 in their past nine home games. They will seek their fifth win in six visits from Boston while trying to pad a four-point lead over Anaheim in the Pacific Division.

The Bruins (39-25-8) remained three points behind Florida in the Atlantic and one ahead of Tampa Bay after a 4-0 loss to Anaheim on Friday night.

"We didn't play a bad game,' Boston forward Brad Marchand said. "They got a couple of early ones, and their goalie made a few really big saves at the right time."

Boston is 0-2-0 on its four-game road stretch after going 5-0-2 to open this month.

"We didn't come (out on the road) to go home empty-handed so we've got to find a way to get some points," coach Claude Julien said. "We're going to play another good team, and right now, we just need to dig a little deeper."

With Jonas Gustavsson starting Friday, the Bruins will likely give Tuukka Rask a chance to atone for his latest effort against the Kings. He was pulled in the second period in February after giving up five goals on 32 shots.

Rask was 2-1-0 with a 1.69 goals-against average in his previous three starts versus Los Angeles.

Kings netminder Jonathan Quick is 2-1-0 with a 1.34 GAA in his last three matchups with Boston and 4-1-0 with a 1.58 GAA in five lifetime home starts versus the Bruins.

Marchand has eight goals and an assist in his last seven games against the Kings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Grand Salami - March

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI
Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
3/1 8 48.5 49 OVER
3/2 3 16.5 17 OVER
3/3 12 65.5 69 OVER
3/4 3 15.5 20 OVER
3/5 11 58 62 OVER
3/6 6 30.5 34 OVER
3/7 7 36 38 OVER
3/8 8 44.5 41 UNDER
3/9 6 32.5 32 UNDER
3/10 6 32.5 29 UNDER
3/11 5 26.5 28 OVER
3/12 12 63.5 66 OVER
3/13 3 16 13 UNDER
3/14 6 30 41 OVER
3/15 8 43.5 40 UNDER
3/16 6 32.5 32 UNDER
3/17 8 43.5 51 OVER
3/18 6 32 26 UNDER
3/19 11 - - -
3/20 7 - - -
3/21 4 - - -
3/22 10 - - -
3/23 2 - - -
3/24 11 - - -
3/25 3 - - -
3/26 14 - - -
3/27 3 - - -
3/28 8 - - -
3/29 9 - - -
3/30 3 - - -
3/31 10 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Hockey Odds and Picks: Scouting the Week Ahead
by Alan Matthews

One could make the argument that home-ice advantage is more important in the NHL than in the NFL, NBA or Major League Baseball (they don't have ice, but you get the drift). That's because home NHL teams actually have a schematic advantage in that they get the last line change off a stoppage of play. Thus the coach can manipulate matchups if need be.

That brings me to the perplexing San Jose Sharks, who entered Monday third in the Pacific Division but just three points behind first-place Los Angeles. Are the Sharks good enough to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time? Maybe. Goaltender Martin Jones has been a brilliant offseason trade acquisition. He was formerly Jonathan Quick's backup in Los Angeles, and the Kings thought so highly of Jones that they purposefully traded him to the Boston Bruins this summer to keep him out of the Western Conference. Except the Bruins then turned around and traded Jones days later to the Sharks. Jones is 34-18-4 with a 2.28 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. He has gone seven games in a row without giving up more than two goals.

San Jose certainly is a good enough road team to win the Cup. It is 25-9-3 away from home, the most road wins in the NHL. But what's up with that 13-15-3 record at home? The Sharks haven't had a losing home record since 1997-98. Over the past 25 years, the Stanley Cup winner with the fewest home victories (not including shortened seasons) was the 1997 Red Wings with 20. The swept the Flyers in the Cup Finals. The Stanley Cup finalist over that period with the fewest regular-season home wins was the 2002 Carolina Hurricanes, who were 15-13-11-2 at home. Ties and OT losses were separate categories then.

The Sharks start a stretch of seven of their next eight at home against Boston on Tuesday, an NBC Sports Network national TV game. San Jose is +700 to win the Western Conference.

Big Loss For Penguins

Pittsburgh's chances at winning the Cup took a big hit Saturday when star winger Evgeni Malkin was ruled out 6-8 weeks with an upper-body injury (they never tell you what the true injury is in the NHL). Malkin left Friday's win in Columbus following a collision with Blue Jackets defenseman Dalton Prout in the second period. Malkin has 27 goals and 31 assists this season. Since making his first postseason appearance in 2007, Malkin has averaged 1.10 points per playoff game. The only player with a higher number since then is teammate Sidney Crosby at 1.18.

Malkin missed 10 consecutive games last month, during which time the Penguins went 5-4-1. Their all-time record when he has been injured is 71-45-9 following Sunday's win at the New York Rangers.

This Week's Games To Watch

NY Islanders at Dallas, Saturday: If you like offensive hockey, this matchup is for you as both are among the Top 5 scoring teams in the NHL. That showed in the first meeting, a 6-5 Islanders home win on Jan. 3. Kyle Okposo and Cal Clutterbuck each had two goals for the Isles, who trailed 2-1 in the first period before scoring the next four goals and holding on. Valeri Nichushkin had two goals for Dallas. There aren't many NHL games where I'd recommend the over total, but this would be one of them. The Islanders have lost No. 1 goaltender Jaroslav Halak for 6-8 weeks with a lower-body injury, meaning he likely misses the start of the playoffs. Thomas Greiss has played pretty well in net this year for the Isles but has less than one full game of playoff experience. Halak has 30 games of postseason play under his belt.

Boston at Los Angeles, Saturday: Could see this matchup replayed come June in the Stanley Cup Finals. This will be a chance for some major payback for Boston as it was totally embarrassed on home ice by the Kings on Feb. 9, 9-2. Nine different players scored for the Kings, including Milan Lucic, who was traded from Boston last summer (in the Jones deal). That was not a popular deal among Bruins fans. It remains an NHL high in goals scored by any team and Los Angeles also had a season-best 57 shots on net. That was the most shots against Boston since Detroit had 57 on March 18, 1965. Tuukka Rask gave up five goals on 32 shots before being pulled. It was the most goals the Bruins allowed at home in nine years.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Penguins, Flyers both won five of their last six games.
-- San Jose won seven of its last ten games.
-- Devils won three of their last four games.
-- Toronto won three of its last five games.
-- Florida won four of its last five games.
-- Arizona won its last three games, allowing two goals.
-- Los Angeles won five of its last six games.

Cold teams
-- Carolina lost its last three games (five of last six went OT/SO). Minnesota lost four of its last five games.
-- Rangers lost three of their last four games.
-- Columbus lost four of its last five games.
-- Senators, Canadiens both lost six of their last nine games.
-- Sabres are 4-6 in their last ten games.
-- Red Wings lost five of their last eight games.
-- Dallas Stars lost three of their last five games. Islanders lost four of last five.
-- Canucks lost last three games, outscored 10-3. St Louis lost its last two games, allowing 13 goals.
-- Lightning lost five of their last six games.
-- Boston lost three of its last four games.

Series records
-- Flyers won eight of last nine games with Pittsburgh.
-- Hurricanes lost their last five games with Minnesota.
-- Rangers won their last three games with San Jose.
-- Devils lost their last five games with Columbus.
-- Canadiens won three of last four games with Ottawa.
-- Sabres won four of last five games with Toronto.
-- Panthers won five of last seven games with Detroit.
-- Islanders won four of last five games with Dallas.
-- Canucks won six of last seven games with St Louis.
-- Lightning won six of last eight games with Arizona.
-- Boston-LA split last six games; Kings won last one, 9-2.

Totals
-- Over is 4-1-1 in Philly's last six games.
-- Over is 3-1 in Carolina's last four visits to Minnesota.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Ranger games.
-- Five of last seven New Jersey games went over.
-- Six of last seven Montreal-Ottawa ganes stayed under.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Buffalo-Toronto games.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Detroit games.
-- Seven of last eight Dallas Stars games went over.
-- Over is 7-0-1 in last eight St Louis games.
-- Six of last seven Tampa Bay-Arizona games went over.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Boston games.

Back-to-backs
-- Ottawa is 2-8 if it played the night before.
-- Buffalo lost six of last nine if it played night before.
-- Vancouver is 5-7 if it played the night before.
-- Boston is 5-4 in it played the night before.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nuggets (28-41) at Hornets (39-29)

Date: March 19, 2016 6:00 PM EDT

While Golden State and San Antonio keep winning at a record pace in the Western Conference, the surprising Charlotte Hornets have been the East's top team since the end of January.

Kemba Walker is playing a leading role for the Hornets, who hope to continue their climb by winning for the 16th time in 19 games Saturday night against the road-weary Denver Nuggets.

The Warriors have a shot to break NBA's record of 72 victories set by Chicago during the 1995-96 season, while the Spurs are on pace to break their franchise mark of 63 set in 2005-06.

They're the only teams with a better record than Charlotte's 17-4 since Jan. 31.

The Hornets (39-29), who were 10th in the East before the surge, are now in a race with barely any separation between four teams fighting for No. 3 seed. They're also just a half-game behind Atlanta as they try to capture the first division title in franchise history.

'It's fun now,' said Walker, the East's reigning player of the week. 'It's a race. It's a battle.'

Charlotte took a big step toward reaching both goals Thursday when Walker had 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and Al Jefferson added 21 points and 10 boards in a 109-106 victory at Miami. The Hornets made 13 of 26 from 3-point range and rallied from a 15-point deficit.

They've been hitting on all cylinders offensively so far this month, averaging an East-best 113.8 points and making 41.1 percent from beyond the arc while winning nine of the first 10 games.

Walker has scored 26.2 per game while hitting 31 of 69 (44.9 percent) from 3-point range in his last nine. Nicolas Batum has averaged 21.7 points, 7.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds in his past three.

The Hornets seek their 13th win in 15 home games as they take on a Denver team that has given up 119.5 points per game on 53.7 percent shooting over a season high-tying four-game road skid.

The Nuggets (28-41) allowed Atlanta to shoot 50 percent - including 12 for 26 from 3-point range - in Thursday's 116-98 loss on the third stop on this five-game road swing. D.J. Augustin finished with 17 points and seven assists, while Joffrey Lauvergne had 16 points and Gary Harris scored 15.

'Maybe some guys are starting to mail it in,' coach Mike Malone said. 'I'm not sure. But I'm not going to stand for that. ... I'll just find a group of guys that will compete and play hard.'

After averaging 18.6 points and shooting 40 percent from 3-point range over his previous nine games, Emmanuel Mudiay will try to bounce back after scoring 12 while missing 8 of 11 shots Thursday. The rookie had 11 points on 5-of-15 shooting in a 95-92 home win over Charlotte on Jan. 10, though he did help hold Walker to 11 on 3-of-12 shooting.

Danilo Gallinari scored 27 points as Denver ended a four-game slide in this series, but he's since been sidelined with an ankle injury. Kenneth Faried is also likely to sit out due to a back injury.

Jefferson wasn't available for Charlotte in January, and now fellow big man Cody Zeller could be sidelined after leaving Thursday's game at halftime due to left knee soreness.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Thunder (47-22) at Pacers (36-32)

Date: March 19, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Indiana Pacers swingman C.J. Miles doesn't know Russell Westbrook personally but he expects revenge to be on the mind of the Oklahoma City star this weekend.

Westbrook just recorded his fourth triple-double in seven games and looks to help the visiting Thunder win their fourth straight Saturday night by avenging last month's loss to the Pacers.

Indiana (36-32) won 101-98 at Oklahoma City on Feb. 19 by outscoring the Thunder 17-7 in the final 3:00 in a run that included four 3-pointers in the last 2:28. Monta Ellis scored 27 and Paul George added 22 with a season-high 10 assists.

"They remember, especially guys (with) attitudes like Russ," Miles said. "You know Russ remembers. I don't even know him that well but I know he remembers. I mean we remember stuff like that.

"You know they're going to try to come in here and steal one back. It's going to be a great game, it's going to be intense."

Miles was out with a stomach virus for that matchup and he is back now, playing three of the last four games after missing nine with a strained left calf. That injury continues to limit his minutes.

He got to see Kevin Durant score 31 that night while Westbrook had 23 with 18 assists.

"Those two guys are as electrifying as any guys in this league," Miles said. "Russ plays every minute as if somebody shot him out of a cannon and KD arguably is the best scorer, flat-out scorer in the league. They're two of the best guys at their positions."

They showcased how dynamic they are in Friday's 111-97 victory at Philadelphia that clinched a playoff spot. Westbrook had 20 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists while Durant made 11 of 16 shots for 26 points and 13 boards.

Westbrook's 13 triple-doubles tie Grant Hill (1996-97) and Jason Kidd (2007-08) for the most in a season over the last 25 years.

'It's a blessing, especially to go out and have fun and get the win,' Westbrook said. 'I think it's fun to see where we're playing the right way. It's fun for our guys to see everybody happy playing the right way.'

Durant logged 34 minutes and Westbrook 32 on Friday to lead Oklahoma City, which is 5-7 in the second half of back-to-backs.

The Thunder (47-22) rested starting forward Serge Ibaka because they were playing the worst team in the league, with Nick Collison starting in his place. Ibaka is expected to play Saturday.

His presence will boost an Oklahoma City team that leads the NBA in rebound margin at plus-8.4 and held a 63-36 edge without him Friday.

The Pacers have been outrebounded in three straight games, losing twice. That includes a 57-48 deficit in Thursday's 101-94 overtime loss to Toronto in which they allowed Bismack Biyombo to grab 25 rebounds.

The Thunder held a 48-45 advantage on the glass last month.

"I know we gotta keep them (Oklahoma City) off the glass better than we kept off Boston and Toronto our last couple of games," coach Frank Vogel said.

George is shooting just 35.2 percent in his last five games while averaging 18.6 points.

Pacers guard Ty Lawson is questionable after missing four games with a sore left ankle while Ian Mahinmi is questionable after sitting out Thursday with a sore back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nets (19-49) at Pistons (35-34)

Date: March 19, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Detroit Pistons are coming off a hard-fought win to move into a virtual tie for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot.

They have a quick turnaround with the Brooklyn Nets visiting The Palace of Auburn Hills on Saturday night, but playing on consecutive days hasn't been a problem for the Pistons lately.

After opening a franchise-long nine-game homestand with Wednesday's 118-114 loss to Atlanta, Detroit (35-34) bounced back with a 115-108 win over Sacramento on Friday. Detroit got off to a sizzling start, scoring a season-high 39 first-quarter points to lead by 14 after 12 minutes but the Kings roared back from 18 down to tie things up in the fourth but were never able to pull ahead.

'It's a good win. It doesn't matter how the game goes,' Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said. 'In this league a lot of times, the team who loses but comes back from like 21 down gets praised more than the team who wins. ... I'll keep taking 21-point leads. That would be good.'

The tight game meant starters Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson all played more minutes than their season averages, but the increased workloads might not matter

The Pistons, who moved percentage points behind eighth-place Chicago, have won the second game of their last five back-to-backs. While two of those victories came over a pair of also-rans in New York and Philadelphia, they've also knocked off the East's two best teams in Toronto and Cleveland. While the Raptors rested Kyle Lowry, the Cavaliers were at full strength.

This is the first time they've reeled off five straight wins in the second half of back-to-backs in a single season since a six-game run in 2007.

Detroit's offense has also been firing on all cylinders in the last three such games, averaging 120.7 points on 54.5 percent shooting - 52.4 percent from 3-point range.

Jackson is averaging 23.4 points and has made 11 of 20 from beyond the arc during this winning streak while Morris has scored 19 in each of the last two. Morris, who is averaging 13.9 points, scored 20 and made all 6 3-point attempts in Friday's first half. He finished with 24 while Caldwell-Pope scored 23.

In his last five games, Caldwell-Pope is averaging 22.4 points - 7.6 better than his season average.

'He's been playing really, really well. He really has, at both ends,' Van Gundy said. 'You've got to hand it to him. He's been our most consistent player of late, and he's on a good run right now.'

Another big offensive performance seems likely given Brooklyn's defensive woes. Since March 4, the Nets (19-49) are allowing an East-worst 113.1 points per game and a league-worst 50.4 percent shooting.

In Wednesday's 118-102 loss at Chicago, Brooklyn fell behind by as much as 24 before pulling within four early in the fourth but could get no closer.

'That's all effort,' interim coach Tony Brown said. 'Our intensity level picked up'

Bojan Bogdanovic led the comeback with 26 points, two nights after scoring a career-high 44 in a 131-114 victory over the 76ers.

Losers of four straight on the road and 13 of 16 away from Brooklyn, the Nets have dropped 14 of 17 at The Palace.

The Pistons have won two of three against Brooklyn this season, with Andre Drummond averaging 21.3 points and 15.7 rebounds.

Detroit has totaled 152 points in the paint in this season's matchups with the Nets, who are allowing an average of 46.7 points in the paint, second-worst in the NBA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Knicks (28-41) at Wizards (33-35)

Date: March 19, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

John Wall is going above and beyond to help the Washington Wizards' quest to make it into playoff position.

Carmelo Anthony just wants to believe the New York Knicks are capable of a better effort than they gave in their latest defeat.

With Wall in position to record a third straight triple-double, the Wizards can equal a season high with their fourth consecutive victory Saturday night against Anthony and the visiting Knicks.

A night after recording 29 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 117-96 rout of Chicago, Wall put up 16, 14 and 13 as Washington (33-35) hung on for Thursday's 99-94 win at Philadelphia.

Tied for fourth in the league with a career-high four triple-doubles, Wall is looking to become the first Washington player in 30 years to accomplish that feat in three straight contests. Wall turned the ball over eight times but shot 11 of 19 against the Bulls to make at least 50 percent of his shots for the third time in a four-game stretch. He had a season-high nine turnovers and went 4 of 17 from the field but hit all eight free throws Thursday.

"He stepped up (Thursday), but the good thing is that John wasn't happy about it," coach Randy Wittman said.

Perfect in three games since losing five in a row, the Wizards are 10th in the Eastern Conference but 1 1/2 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot. Washington led by as many as 24, but allowed the 76ers to tie the score twice in the final 5 1/2 minutes. The Wizards scored their final nine points from the free-throw line.

'If you want to reach the next levels, you have to be more professional in finishing off a game," Wittman said.

Wittman should be happy that the Wizards have allowed an average of 90.3 points and 39.7 percent shooting in three games after yielding 110.8 and 48.9 percent from the field in the previous five.

Wall had 25 points but just four assists as New York (28-41) snapped a seven-game series skid with its 117-110 win at Washington on Halloween. Wall had 28 and 17 assists to help the Wizards avenge that defeat with a 111-108 victory at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 9, hitting four free throws in the final seconds.

With 37 points in the win and 33 plus 13 rebounds in the loss, two of Anthony's top three scoring games this season were against the Wizards.

Anthony has shot 52 percent while New York's gone 3-5 this month, and averaged 25.1 points in eight games prior to finishing with 18 in Wednesday's 121-85 loss at Golden State.

The Knicks' other starters totaled 10 points as the team shot 39.6 percent, allowed the Warriors to go 18 of 37 from 3-point range and were outscored 35-18 in the third quarter. That all added up to an irritated Anthony.

"At times we didn't even try to compete," he said.

"This is not an indication of who we are as a team (in terms of effort). We can bounce back and be the team we really are against the Wizards."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (49-19) at Heat (39-29)

Date: March 19, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

LeBron James had Cleveland Cavaliers fans and media abuzz earlier this month when he visited Miami and worked out with former teammate Dwyane Wade.

The Heat haven't been as hospitable to the Cavaliers in recent home matchups, and James will try again Saturday night to claim his first victory in Miami since leaving.

James took advantage of a short break to head back to his former home with his wife after a 100-96 win against Indiana on Feb. 29. His explanation for taking off for Miami was "because I want to" and added he didn't care if people were upset with him meeting with a current rival.

"I would love to go to L.A., but I'll take 2 1/2 (hours of flight time to Miami) over 4 1/2 (flight to Los Angeles)," he said. "I've got a house in L.A. but it makes more sense for me to go south than go west. But I go because I want to."

In this scheduled trip to Miami, James will try to push Cleveland (49-19) toward a second straight Central Division title and its ninth win in 11 games. The Cavaliers have lost 10 straight in Miami - their longest active road losing streak to any opponent - and in three trips since James returned to Cleveland last season.

He was given the night off in a 99-84 loss Dec. 5 and scored 29 points on 13-of-19 shooting in a 102-92 victory Oct. 30. The teams have split their last six overall meetings.

"Obviously, we love to compete against them and I love to compete against (James)," Wade said. "It will be good for us, coming off a loss to play the best team in the Eastern Conference. It will be another challenge for us."

Miami (39-29) could use a win to boost its chances in the competitive Southeast Division. The Heat fell one-half game behind Atlanta with a 109-106 defeat to Charlotte on Thursday, which also ended a four-game home win streak.

Miami is also tied with the Hornets after dropping three of five.

"There's a lot at stake for us. It's about us trying to bounce back from a tough loss ," coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Cleveland clinched a playoff berth with a 109-103 victory in Orlando on Friday. Kyrie Irving led the way with 26 points, giving him a combined 59 in his past two games.

"We thought we were going to make the playoffs, so it wasn't really a big deal to clinch," coach Tyronn Lue said. "We have bigger things ahead of us. We have a bigger deal in front of us."

Irving missed both games against Miami earlier this season while recovering from knee surgery.

Wade is averaging 28.1 in 21 all-time home games against Cleveland and had topped 30 in consecutive visits from the Cavaliers until a 19-point performance in December.

Wade needs 13 points to become the 41st player in NBA history to reach 20,000 and will try to help Miami score at least 100 for a 10th consecutive game. The Heat haven't pulled off that feat in one season since a team-best run of 14 straight in 1993-94.

Cleveland's most recent victory in Miami was a 92-91 win Jan. 25, 2010.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockets (35-34) at Hawks (40-29)

Date: March 19, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Atlanta Hawks survived for one night without Kent Bazemore, but his absence may not be for long.

Bazemore is listed as probable Saturday night when the Hawks seek a fifth straight win as they host the Houston Rockets.

Atlanta (40-29) held out Bazemore in Thursday's 116-98 victory over Denver due to a bone bruise in his right knee. Tim Hardaway Jr. made his first start in Bazemore's place and scored a season-high 21 points.

Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said he did not feel the injury was serious and his club has upgraded Bazemore to probable. Bazemore's return would come at a good time since he had his second-best scoring effort of the season with 26 points in a 121-115 victory at Houston (35-34) on Dec. 29.

Atlanta rallied from 19 points down in that win. Al Horford had 30 points and 14 rebounds in his battle at center against Dwight Howard, who had 30 and 16. James Harden finished with 26 points, 10 boards and eight assists.

Hardaway did not see action in that game as part of a difficult season for the first-year Hawk that has seen him endure two assignments to the Development League.

'It's tough, but at the same time you've got to be ready for any situation,' he said.

The Hawks have won nine of 11 to take the Southeast Division lead and move into third place in the Eastern Conference. They know they can't take anything for granted with Miami and Charlotte each one-half game behind them.

"It seems like when I look there's very little different between third and 10th," Budenholzer said. "It changes every couple days or five days, one team wins two or three in a row and someone has a tough schedule, a tough back-to-back so there's still quite a few games (left). We just need to keep kind of pressing forward."

The Rockets have struggled all season to resemble the team that won 56 games a season ago. They have held multiple team meetings, with point guard Patrick Beverley calling the latest one Thursday and Houston responding the next night with a 116-111 home win over Minnesota.

Beverley scored a season-high 18 points with a career-high 10 assists.

'He's the fire starter,' coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of Beverley. 'The guys feed off of his energy, and they feed off of his fight."

Harden had 29 points and matched a career high with 14 assists, marking the fourth time he has had that many this season. Harden is averaging 9.4 assists in a 5-2 stretch for Houston.

"I'm just trying to get my teammates involved," Harden said. "They were really loaded up defensively in the paint so just making the extra pass and guys knocked down shots tonight."

The Rockets are 7-9 in the second half of a back-to-back set despite Harden averaging a league-best 31.3 points in such games.

Houston has not played Josh Smith in the last seven games while claiming he is not injured, although he is not 100 percent healthy. It means the Atlanta area native and former Hawks forward likely won't get the chance to win for the first time in four tries as a visitor against the club he played for from 2004-13.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Jazz (33-35) at Bulls (34-33)

Date: March 19, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

The revolving door of injuries keeps on spinning for the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls, with no signs of slowing down for the home stretch.

With each team missing key players again, the Jazz and Bulls continue to scrap for postseason spots Saturday night.

Utah (33-35) has won four straight to move closer to Portland, Dallas and Houston, who are holding down the final three Western Conference three playoff berths.

The Jazz's chances of making it in seemingly suffered a major blow this week with the news that leading scorer Gordon Hayward would miss time with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, an injury notorious for keeping players shelved for extended time.

Hayward, who averages 20.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists, sat out the last two games and his return is uncertain.

Utah, however, earned two impressive wins without him, beating East-leading Cleveland 94-85 on Monday and Phoenix 103-69 on Thursday.

Joe Ingles had a season-high 15 points and career-high six steals against the Suns while starting his second straight game in place of Hayward. Trey Lyles scored 17 and Shelvin Mack had 15 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.

'The way our system is, it's not for Gordon or for anybody in particular,' Ingles said. 'It goes side-to-side and we've got 15 guys that are willing to pass the ball. Whoever's going or whoever's open is going to take or get the shot.'

It was the defensive showing that was most impressive. The Jazz held the Suns to a season-low point total for a Utah opponent and 34.1 percent shooting, which included a 6-for-24 effort on 3-pointers.

The Jazz have played lengthy stretches without several key contributors, including Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors, Alec Burks and Dante Exum.

Utah will be looking for a sweep of the season series after a 105-96 overtime victory Feb. 1, its third in four meetings.

Chicago (34-33) opened a pivotal four-game homestand with Thursday's 118-102 win over Brooklyn.

The fragile Derrick Rose (groin) and Jimmy Butler (knee) each logged at least 29 minutes, while Taj Gibson played 27 minutes despite a nagging right hamstring injury. Gibson started in place of Pau Gasol, who will sit out Saturday and is doubtful for Monday's contest against Sacramento due to right knee inflammation.

E'Twaun Moore has helped to fill the void in the Bulls' backcourt when Rose and Butler have been unavailable, but he's also out after leaving Thursday's game with a left hamstring injury. Gibson is probable.

"It's a part of the NBA, it's being a part of this team," Gibson said. "I'm an unselfish player and I am trying to set a good example for the young guys and go out there and play for each other, especially now with the playoff push. It's real important now helping each other. So I don't want them to see any doubt."

Chicago, battling Indiana, Detroit and Washington for the East's final two postseason spots, has received a huge lift from Doug McDermott off the bench lately. He's averaged 24.7 points and 62.2 percent shooting while going 12 of 19 from behind the arc in the last three games, two of them wins.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Clippers (43-24) at Grizzlies (39-30)

Date: March 19, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies appear to be headed toward a first-round playoff matchup, though both clubs are hoping to look much different by the time they get there.

While the Clippers are now likely to be without their leading scorer until later this month, the Grizzlies are missing so much more as they stand on the verge of their longest slide in 27 months.

Los Angeles will try to close the gap on third place in the Western Conference on Saturday night when it chases a fourth consecutive victory over host Memphis, which looks to avoid a fifth straight defeat.

The Clippers have more than held their own with a 26-11 record since All-Star Blake Griffin went down. They've moved five games ahead of the fifth-place Grizzlies in a potential opening-round showdown, but received some bad news last weekend when Griffin suffered a setback in his return from a quad injury.

J.J. Redick stepped up with 25 points and five 3-pointers on Wednesday while DeAndre Jordan had 23 points and 16 rebounds and Chris Paul added 15 points and 16 assists in a 122-106 win at Houston.

"Even before Blake left, we've become a grinding team," coach Doc Rivers told the team's official website. "You've just got to hang in there ... There's no guarantee what lineup we're going to have."

The lineup Rivers does have has raised its level of play. Redick has scored 20.3 per game while hitting 53.7 percent from 3-point range in his last six, while Jordan has averaged 17.3 points on 80.3 percent shooting over his past eight and Paul has put up 22.5 points and 11.7 assists in his last 15.

Redick also shined in the first meeting with Memphis (39-30) on Nov. 9, scoring six consecutive points over the final 55 seconds to help the Clippers (43-24) rally for a 94-92 victory at Staples Center.

Los Angeles has won three straight in this series after dropping seven of the previous eight, including the 2013 first-round playoff series that the Grizzlies won in six games. Now the Clippers will try to inch closer to third-place Oklahoma City as they continue a difficult five-game road swing.

The Grizzlies have a comfortable hold on fifth but things are moving in the wrong direction after host Milwaukee handed them a sixth loss in eight games, 96-86 on Thursday. The Grizzlies have lost most of their rotation to injury, including starters Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph.

"We keep attacking, keep doing what we can," coach Dave Joerger told the team's official website.

Randolph will likely be a game-time decision after missing the past seven with a sore knee, while reserve Vince Carter also could return after sitting out the last four due to a strained calf.

Lance Stephenson, acquired from Los Angeles for Jeff Green on Feb. 18, has filled in with 23.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game in his last four. Matt Barnes, another former Clipper, has averaged 16 points and 8.2 boards over his past five and JaMychal Green has had 14.1 and 8.3 in his last eight.

The Grizzlies aren't getting much help from others, averaging just 95.8 points on 38.7 percent shooting in their past six games. They've also given up an uncharacteristic 110.8 points per game over that span.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Warriors (62-6) at Spurs (58-10)

Date: March 19, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

The Golden State Warriors have spent the last 18 months rising to the gold standard in the NBA, a peerless team that has blown the doors off the rest of the league during their title run last season and the record-setting pace they have set this year.

As good as they have been through it all, they have rarely been better than they were at home Jan. 25 against the organization that has for two decades been the NBA's standard bearer.

The Warriors thumped the San Antonio Spurs that night, a 30-point victory that delivered a resounding message to the rest of the league. Yet for all of the obstacles they've obliterated along the way, one more remains: a win in San Antonio.

The Warriors - the team that almost never loses these days - have lost a staggering 32 straight regular-season games in San Antonio, a skid that started when 39-year-old Tim Duncan entered the league. The last time they won in San Antonio was Feb. 14, 1997.

Golden State could end that skid Saturday night.

'We know what the Spurs have been doing all year,' Stephen Curry said before the Warriors started a tough back-to-back with a 130-112 win at Dallas on Friday. 'We'll talk about we haven't won there in the regular season for so long. We'd love to end that streak."

The Warriors (62-6) are eyeing one of the league's magic numbers: the 72 wins the Chicago Bulls piled up in 1995-96. But the Spurs (58-10) are right on their heels and have been there all season long, and when the two meet it will be the best combined record among opponents this late in the season in league history.

The Spurs have always downplayed regular-season matchups, keeping their eyes fully focused on being as ready as possible once the playoffs begin in April.

'It's whatever you want to make it,' said Duncan, who did not play in the first meeting. 'We're going to show up for the game and we're going to play it. It's not going to change our season or anything else. It will be a great matchup for us. Obviously, two best records in the league. They're playing exceptionally well. It's a good test for us. Playoff-type atmosphere and playoff-type intensity. Good experience for us.'

But there may be a little extra motivation for a proud franchise that has won five championships but left Golden State in January with coach Gregg Popovich saying 'it was like men and boys out there.'

'They're the defending champs and they've been playing unbelievable this year,' Spurs guard Tony Parker said. 'We've been playing great, too, so we get another shot at it.'

The Spurs are 20-3 since losing to the Warriors and have fully evolved from a veteran team guided by its Big Three of Duncan, Parker and Manu Ginobili to one that leans heavily on All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge.

Like Golden State, San Antonio has already clinched a playoff berth and division title. But clinching the top seed would be huge for either team given their success at home. Golden State has won 50 straight home games dating to last season, which is the longest streak in league history. The streak includes 32 victories to open this season, which is fourth all-time.

San Antonio is 34-0 at home this season and has won 43 straight overall dating to March 2015, which is third all-time.

Both Popovich and Warriors coach Steve Kerr have taken to resting players in the regular season - no matter the opponent - to ensure everyone is ready for the postseason. But this one feels different.

'I don't think that's going to happen,' Parker said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Saturday, March 19 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

I love the NBA, but if I'm being honest the regular season really doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things. The most memorable regular-season games I can remember in my lifetime off the top of my head involved individuals: Michael Jordan's first games out of retirement; Kobe Bryant's 81-point night against Toronto; LeBron James' first game as a member of the Heat and then first game back in Cleveland with Miami. Things like that. But I can't recall an actual game matchup I have anticipated more than Saturday night's epic Golden State at San Antonio showdown, which is the ABC Saturday Primetime Game. Not much will take my attention away from the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament, but this will. The result could determine whether the Warriors do break the Bulls' NBA record of 72 wins and if we have two teams incredibly finish the regular season unbeaten at home. Enjoy!

Nuggets at Hornets (-8.5, 216)

Denver lost a third in a row Thursday in Atlanta, 116-98. The Nuggets' starters combined for only 49 points in the team's third game already this week (all on road). Starting forward Kenneth Faried sat with lower back soreness. He should return here. Charlotte won in Miami on Thursday, 109-106 for its second straight win. Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker each had 21 points as the Hornets rallied from 15 down. Center Cody Zeller was unable to play in the second half due to knee soreness. Charlotte lost in Denver 95-92 on Jan. 10 but has won two straight at home in the series.

Key trends: The Nuggets are 1-4 against the spread in the past five meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in the past five.

Early lean: Hornets and under.

Nets at Pistons ( TBA)

Brooklyn lost 118-102 in Chicago on Thursday. The Nets nearly rallied from a 24-point deficit late but then faded. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Nets' comeback with 26 points. Detroit hosted Sacramento on Friday night looking to end a two-game losing streak. Detroit goes for the season series win vs. the Nets with a 2-1 lead. The Pistons have won four of the last five games at home against Brooklyn.

Key trends: The Nets are 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 8-1 in Detroit's past nine in the second of a back-to-back.

Early lean: Not really sure why this is TBA. Reggie Jackson originally was questionable for the Pistons on Friday but set to play. They win here regardless.

Thunder at Pacers (+4, 212.5)

Oklahoma City was in Philadelphia on Friday in a potential trap game ahead of this one. Indiana lost 101-94 at home in overtime to Toronto on Thursday. Monta Ellis had a chance to win the game in regulation at the free-throw line but made just 1-for-2 to tie it at 85. The Pacers are 1-7 in overtime games, and they've played 16 games decided by one possession. Rodney Stuckey played for the first time since Jan. 13 and finished with four points and five rebounds. Indiana is looking to sweep the season series for the first time in seven years as it pulled off a 101-98 upset in OKC on Feb. 19.

Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 11-1 in the past 12 in Indiana.

Early lean: Thunder and over.

Knicks at Wizards (-8, 207.5)

New York didn't put up much of a fight in Oakland on Wednesday, losing 121-85 to the Warriors. Carmelo Anthony had 18 points, six rebounds and six assists. Kristaps Porzingis played through an illness but probably shouldn't have as he was 1-for-11 from the field for two points. Washington won a third straight Wednesday, 99-94 in Philadelphia. John Wall had 16 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds for his fourth triple-double of the season. Guard Bradley Beal (pelvic sprain) and swingman Alan Anderson (left ankle) didn't play. These teams have split two meetings, each winning on the road. Washington had won seven straight vs. the Knicks entering the season.

Key trends: The road team is 7-0-1 ATS in the past eight meetings. The under is 9-1 in New York's past 10 games overall.

Early lean: Knicks will be gassed at end of season-long six-game trip. Go Wizards.

Rockets at Hawks (-6.5, 216.5)

Houston hosted Minnesota on Friday. The next time Houston visits Atlanta, Rockets center Dwight Howard could be in a Hawks uniform. They are expected to go after Howard in free agency, and Howard is from there so might actually go. Atlanta won a fourth in a row Thursday, 116-98 over Denver. Tim Hardaway Jr. got his first start of the season and had 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists. I wondered why that guy had been buried on the bench after coming over in a draft night trade from New York. Hardaway started because Kent Bazemore was out, but certainly Hardaway has earned more minutes at a minimum. Atlanta has won four straight in the series following a 121-115 victory in Houston on Dec. 29. Al Horford had 30 points and 14 rebounds in that one.

Key trends: The underdog is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The over is 5-2 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Hawks and over.

Cavaliers at Heat (+4.5, 209)

Cleveland was in Orlando on Friday, and Coach Tyronn Lue already has said he plans to let LeBron James play both ends of the back-to-back. All his guys, actually, assuming they aren't hurt Friday. Miami lost 109-106 at home to Charlotte on Thursday, blowing a 15-point lead. Dwyane Wade missed an open 3-pointer at the buzzer. He's never been much of a 3-point shooter. Wade scored 11 points, getting him within 13 of 20,000 for his career. Miami reached 100 points for the ninth consecutive game. These teams have split two low-scoring meetings, each winning at home. They haven't played since early December. Miami has won 10 straight at home vs. the Cavs.

Key trends: The home team is 7-0 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 5-0 in Miami's past five games.

Early lean: Heat and under.

Jazz at Bulls (TBA)

Utah won a fourth straight Thursday, 103-69 over sorry Phoenix. Shelvin Mack was close to a triple-double with 15 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. Gordon Hayward missed a second straight game with a foot injury, and I doubt he plays here. Joe Ingles started again for him. The 69 points were a season low allowed. Chicago beat the visiting Nets by 16 on Thursday. Doug McDermott had his third strong game in a row with 25 points. Pau Gasol missed a third in a row and won't play here. Chicago lost in Utah 105-96 in OT on Feb. 1. Hayward scored 15 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and overtime for the Jazz.

Key trends: The Jazz are 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The under is 6-1 in the past seven.

Early lean: I'd probably take Jazz if Hayward was playing. Assuming not, go Bulls.

Clippers at Grizzlies (+10, 202.5)

L.A. ended a two-game losing streak with a 122-106 win in Houston on Wednesday. DeAndre Jordan had 23 points (8-for-8 from the floor) and 16 rebounds, and J.J. Redick 25 points. The Clippers shot 57 percent from the field. Memphis lost a fourth straight Thursday, 96-86 at Milwaukee. It's just a really bad team right now with all those injuries. It would be easier to tell you who played than who didn't. The Clips and Grizz have played once thus far, a 94-92 L.A. win in Memphis on Nov. 9. These teams made a trade Feb. 18 in which L.A. sent guard Lance Stephenson and a 2019 first-round draft pick to Memphis in exchange for forward Jeff Green.

Key trends: The road team is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The under is 4-0-1 in the past five.

Early lean: Clippers and under.

Warriors at Spurs (-4, 220)

I'm rather bummed the Warriors are playing the second of a back-to-back as they were in Dallas on Friday. Andre Iguodala missed that game and won't play here, either. I'd prefer both teams at full strength. San Antonio avoided looking ahead to this one too much Thursday against Portland but the Spurs didn't cover, as I said they wouldn't, winning 118-110 for their fifth straight victory. Tony Parker had 18 points and a season-high 16 assists for the Spurs, now 34-0 at home. I'm sure you remember the first meeting of these teams. It was Jan. 25 in Oakland and the Warriors slaughtered the Spurs 120-90; San Antonio had won 13 straight entering that one. Steph Curry had 37 points in just three quarters. The teams had the highest combined win percentage ever for opponents meeting at least 40 games into an NBA season. It should be noted the Spurs were without Tim Duncan, but obviously he alone isn't good enough for a 30-point swing. If the Spurs don't lose here, I only give them three other shots to be beaten at home: April 2 vs. Toronto, April 10 vs. these Warriors and April 12 vs. Oklahoma City.

Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 5-1 in the past six.

I'm leaning: Did you know the Spurs have won an incredible 32 straight regular-season home games over the Warriors? Make it 33. If the Warriors win this, the season is basically over. No one beats them in the playoffs. Go under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Saturday's hot teams
-- Hornets won nine of their last ten games (5-3-1 last 9HF).
-- Thunder won five of its last seven games (5-1 last 6AF). Indiana won four of its last six (3-3HU).
-- Cavaliers won eight of their last ten games (3-1 last 4AF). Heat won seven of their last ten games (3-1HU).
-- Rockets won five of their last seven games (3-1 last 4AU) Atlanta won seven of its last eight games (6-1 last 7HF).
--
Utah won its last four games; Chicago won three of its last four home games. -- Warriors won their last seven games (2-0AU). San Antonio won its last five games (2-4-1 last 7HF).

Cold teams
-- Denver lost its last three games (1-4 last 5AU).
-- Nets lost five of their last six games (2-3 last 5AU). Detroit lost three of its last five games (13-3-1 last 17HF).
-- Wizards won their last three games (4-2 last 6HF). New York lost six of its last nine games (3-2 last 5AU).
-- Memphis lost its last four games (5-1 last 6HU). Clippers are 3-4 in their last seven games (8-1 last 9AF).

Series records
-- Hornets won four of last five games with Denver.
-- Thunder lost three of last four games with Indiana.
-- Nets lost three of last four games with Detroit.
-- Knicks lost eight of last nine games with Washington.
-- Heat won seven of last ten games with Cleveland (3-3 since Lebron went back to the Cavaliers).
-- Hawks won their last four games with Houston.
-- Jazz won three of last four games with Chicago.
-- Clippers won their last three games with Memphis.
-- Spurs won eight of last ten games with Golden State.

Totals
-- Last four Denver games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Indiana games stayed under the total.
-- 8 of last 9 Detroit games went over if Pistons played night before.
-- Nine of last ten New York games stayed under total.
-- Last five Miami games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-0 last eight games if Houston played the night before.
-- Six of last seven Chicago-Utah games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Memphis games went over the total.
-- Seven of last night Golden State-San Antonio games stayed under.

Back/backs
-- Pistons covered last six games if they played the night before.
-- Thunder is 2-7-1 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Cleveland is 6-3 last nine times if it played the night before.
-- Rockets are 2-7 vs spread last nine times they played night before.
-- Warriors covered one of last five games if they played night before.