Wednesday 11/25/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Columbus won four of its last six games. Devils won four of last five at home.
-- Rangers won nine of their last ten games. Montreal won three of its last four.
-- Washington won three of its last four games.
-- Bruins won four of their last five games. Detroit won three of its last four.
-- Lightning won three of their last four home games. LA won four of last six games overall.
-- Senators won their last three games 3-0/4-0/7-4.
-- San Jose won its last six games, allowing 11 goals.

Cold teams
-- Edmonton lost four of its last five games. Carolina lost six of its last seven.
-- Canucks lost five of their last six games. Minnesota lost three of last four.
-- Nashville lost its last three games and didn't score any goals. Buffalo lost its last five games.
-- Blues, Penguins are both 3-4 in their last seven games.
-- Winnipeg lost seven of its last nine games.
-- Philly lost five of its last seven games. Islanders lost three of last five at home.
-- Anaheim lost five of its last eight games. Arizona lost three of its last four.
-- Colorado lost three of its last four games.
-- Chicago lost last two games, 6-3/2-1ot.

Series records
-- Oilers won three of last four games with Carolina.
-- Blue Jackets won last three games with New Jersey.
-- Rangers lost three of last four games with Montreal.
-- Canucks lost six of last eight games with Minnesota.
-- Predators won last four games with Buffalo.
-- Blues won five of their last seven games with Pittsburgh.
-- Jets lost seven of last eight games with Washington
-- Red Wings lost nine of last ten games with Boston.
-- Islanders won four of last five games with Philadelphia.
-- Kings won seven of last eight games with Tampa Bay.
-- Ducks won four of last five visits to Arizona.
-- Avalanche won eight of last nine games with Ottawa.
-- Blackhawks won six of last nine games with San Jose

Totals
-- Six of last seven Edmonton-Carolina games went over.
-- Three of last four Columbus games stayed under.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Ranger-Canadien games.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Minnesota-Vancouver games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Nashville games.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five St Louis games.
-- Five of last six Winnipeg-Washington games went over.
-- Three of last four Boston games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Flyer-Islander games went over.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Tampa Bay games.
-- Six of last seven Anaheim-Arizona games stayed under.
-- Seven of last ten Ottawa games stayed under total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Chicago games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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

The Montreal Canadiens were able to withstand the loss of the NHL's best goalie, Carey Price, for nine games while remaining comfortably atop the Atlantic Division. But the Habs' resolve will now be tested again as they have lost arguably their second-best forward, Brendan Gallagher, indefinitely.

Gallagher is out for the foreseeable future after undergoing surgery Monday to repair fractures suffered to two fingers on his left hand in Sunday's 4-2 win over the New York Islanders. Check out the video if you have a strong stomach as one of his finger looks just gruesome after. The injury happened in the second period, when the Isles' Johnny Boychuk teed up a shot that Gallagher blocked with his hand. The right winger has nine goals and 10 assists this season and was plus-7. He had appeared in 166 consecutive games, last missing a game in November 2013 due to the flu. It's likely that he misses at least six weeks.

Gallagher, not a big guy at 5-foot-9, is one of those typical hard-nosed hockey players, but why use your hand? If Price is the team MVP, Gallagher is the club's heart and soul.

"He's always gone down like that," teammate Max Pacioretty explained. "Last year, I stood up (to block a shot) and I got one in the finger and broke my finger. There's no real technique of how to do it properly. I think it's just a matter of bad luck."

For now, the Habs are going to replace Gallagher from within -- getting off to such a hot start gives Montreal the ability to not panic and make a trade to replace Gallagher's production. The Canadiens remain +350 Eastern Conference favorites and +800 to win the Stanley Cup, behind only Dallas (+650).

Some other injuries of note:

Winnipeg goalie Ondrej Pavelec was placed on injured reserve Monday with a significant knee sprain that will keep him out until at least December. He was hurt in the second period of Saturday's loss over Arizona when Pavelec collided with the Coyotes' Shane Doan. But it wasn't Doan's fault as he was pushed by Jets defenseman Mark Stuart. Pavelec is 5-6-1 with a 2.82 goals-against average and .906 save percentage. Michael Hutchinson will become the No. 1 goaltender for now.

Minnesota star Zach Parise hasn't played since Nov. 5 due to a knee injury and is inching closer to a return but it's not likely to be this week.

Senators goalie Andrew Hammond, who now backs up Craig Anderson, is still recovering from a concussion and Coach Dave Cameron said Hammond's recovery has "stalled" so he could be a while.

The Blues welcomed back center Paul Stastny on Monday night after missing 16 games with a broken right foot. Stastny is a six-time 20-goal scorer and had been out since he was hurt in the second period of a 4-3 win over Vancouver on Oct. 16. Stastny played nearly 20 minutes and had one shot Monday in a win over the Sabres.

Games To Watch

Chicago at San Jose, Wednesday: The Sharks are the hottest team in the NHL right now with a six-game winning streak. What's amazing is all those came on the road in a perfect trip through the Eastern Conference (best Sharks trip ever). The Sharks have the league's best road record at 10-3-0 but are only 3-5-0 at home. They erased a 3-1 third-period deficit against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday and won going away 5-3. What's more impressive is all that was without forward Logan Couture, who remains sidelined with a fractured right fibula. He's not likely to be back this week but has started skating. This is game No. 4 of a six-game trip for the Blackhawks, who have dropped two straight. They have to go to Anaheim on Friday and the Kings on Saturday. I believe your clear Calder Trophy favorite right now is Chicago's Artemi Panarin, who has seven goals and 14 assists. He leads all rookies in assists, points, primary assists (eight), power-play points (five) and rookie forwards in average ice time per game at 19:11. This is the first meeting of the season between Chicago and San Jose. The Sharks are -110.

Los Angeles at Tampa Bay, Wednesday : This was the matchup that ESPN's Barry Melrose picked as the Stanley Cup Finals. L.A. is +1200 on Bovada to win the Cup and Tampa +1400. The Kings might be a bit flat as this concludes a tough five-game road trip in which Los Angeles is 2-2. Tampa has climbed back over .500 with back-to-back home wins over Stanley Cup contenders the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks. The Bolts put up five goals on the Ducks on Saturday, including two from Steven Stamkos. The Lightning had just 21 goals over their previous 13 games. Tampa Bay played without injured forwards Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, Cedric Paquette and Jonathan Drouin. All are day-to-day except for Palat, who could miss three to five more weeks. The Lightning are -115 favorites.

Vancouver at Dallas, Friday: There are no games on Thanksgiving. The Stars might be pulling away in the Central Division as they have won five in a row entering Tuesday. Dallas scored at least three goals in all five. The Stars are outscoring opponents 31-17 in the third period this season. Vancouver is slumping, having dropped five of six. It lost in Dallas on Oct. 29, 4-3 in overtime. Jamie Benn scored the winner.

New Jersey at Montreal, Saturday: The Devils were supposed to be one of the NHL's worst teams this season but they are 11-5-0 since a 0-3-1 start when they were outscored 13-6. Goalie Cory Schneider is playing like a Vezina Trophy winner and Coach John Hynes is a Jack Adams Award candidate. This is the back end of a home-and-home between these teams so we might not see the Habs' Price and Schneider on Saturday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Knicks (8-7) at Magic (6-8)

Date: November 25, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

The New York Knicks were rolling along before their worst offensive performance of the season led to the end of their longest winning streak in 19 months.

They had similar poor showings in two road matchups with the Orlando Magic last season, but the Knicks might be catching them at the right time Wednesday night.

New York (8-7) opened a four-game trip with wins over Oklahoma City and Houston to give it four straight victories overall for the first time since the end of the 2013-14 season.

The Knicks, though, came out flat in Miami on Monday, missing 15 of 16 shots early in the game en route to a 95-78 loss. New York set season lows in points and field-goal percentage (32.2) and matched a season-low by shooting 16.7 percent from 3-point range.

'We never gave ourselves a chance,' coach Derek Fisher said after the Knicks became the eighth team this season to score no more than 30 in a half after not trailing by double figures in any of their last eight.

Rookie Kristaps Porzingis continued to play well with 20 points and 14 rebounds for his seventh double-double. The No. 4 overall pick is averaging 20.0 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks while shooting 51.9 percent - 66.7 from beyond the arc - in the last four games.

'We missed shots early. It kind of got us down a little bit,' said Carmelo Anthony, who scored 21 but missed 10 of 16 shots and went 0 for 5 from deep. 'We did a much better job in the second half making the adjustment. But by that time we were already in the hole.'

New York failed to make adjustments after halftime in both games at Orlando in 2014-15. The Knicks were outscored 45-36 in the second half of an 89-83 loss Feb. 11 and 29-19 in the fourth quarter April 11, but they managed to eke out a one-point win in that one.

New York shot 34.2 and 37.8 percent in those matchups, two of its worst six performances on the road last season.

The Knicks now face an Orlando team that allowed Cleveland to shoot 53.1 percent in Monday's 117-103 road loss. The Magic (6-8) gave up their most points in regulation this season, and no team had shot higher than 49.4 percent against them.

'It was kind of men against boys,' coach Scott Skiles said after his team's third loss in four games.

Skiles hinted he may make some lineup changes after Tuesday's practice.

"Whatever we do, if we do anything, is punitive," he said. "We're trying to find a little better balance between the first and second units and just how we can maximize everybody."

Magic fans will see a familiar face in Knicks reserve forward Kyle O'Quinn, who was drafted in the second round by Orlando in 2012. O'Quinn played in 177 games with the Magic before New York acquired the restricted free agent in a sign and trade in July and inked him to a four-year, $16 million contract.

Nikola Vucevic averaged 23.5 points and 15.5 rebounds in four meetings with the Knicks last season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wizards (6-5) at Hornets (8-6)

Date: November 25, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

The Charlotte Hornets aren't expected to play shut-down defense, employing a wide-open style that can lead to plenty of points on both ends of the floor.

The key for the Hornets is scoring, and after some inconsistency on offense during a 2-4 start, they seem to have found a groove with six wins in eight games entering Wednesday night's home matchup against the Washington Wizards.

Considering the fact Charlotte (8-6) is allowing 101.1 points per game this season, the Hornets have been relying on big men Al Jefferson, Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky to open things up for their guards, especially starters Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum.

Jefferson in particular has been creating opportunities out of the post with 21 assists during the last eight. He's also capitalizing when defenses don't collapse on him, shooting 59.6 percent in three games over that span in which he's had at least 15 shots.

The balance has been evident in the last two overall. Jefferson was dominant in a more traditional mold against Philadelphia rookie Jahlil Okafor, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in Friday's 113-88 victory.

Three nights later with Sacramento big man DeMarcus Cousins in the paint, Jefferson scored just 10 points and let Walker take over from the perimeter with 25 of his season-best 39 points coming in the fourth quarter and overtime of a 127-122 win.

"I was doing anything possible to win," said Walker, who fell three points shy of matching a career high. "I got great looks and my shots were falling. I kept being aggressive and making the right plays. That is what I try to do - make the right plays."

Walker, who hit a one-handed scoop with 0.7 seconds left in regulation before the Kings forced OT on an inbound alley-oop, shot 16 of 23 to help Charlotte rally from 22 down in the second half en route to a sixth straight home win.

"To come back like that and play like we did in the fourth quarter, it's good and it shows the fight we have within our group," coach Steve Clifford said.

Batum chipped in with 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists and Jeremy Lin scored 14 for the Hornets, who shot 50 percent for the second time this season.

Charlotte's wide-open play has led to 26.6 3-point attempts per game - among the most in the league - and the Hornets had gone an impressive 23 of 50 in the two games preceding Monday's 9-for-29 performance.

The Wizards (6-5) would do well to defend the arc against the Hornets after allowing Indiana to hit a franchise-record 19 3s in 26 attempts in Tuesday's 123-106 loss.

Washington is among the league's worst with a 37.2 defensive 3-point percentage, though there isn't much to be done against a team shooting 73.1 percent from downtown.

"When I'm standing this close to you and you're still making shots, I mean, what else do you want us to do?" a frustrated Bradley Beal said after being tasked with guarding Paul George on a night when he hit seven 3s and scored 40 points.

Gary Neal scored 23 points off the bench, Beal had 20 and John Wall 18 for the Wizards, whose three-game winning streak was snapped.

"We have to let this one go," said coach Randy Wittman. "I thought our guys played hard. I don't have a problem with that. We just ran into a hot team shooting the ball."

The last time the Wizards visited Charlotte, they held the Hornets to 23 second-half points in a 95-69 win March 9 - the lowest-scoring half in franchise history.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: 76ers (0-15) at Celtics (7-7)

Date: November 25, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

After the Boston Celtics handed a pair of wins to two struggling teams, it would make for a troubling trend if the Philadelphia 76ers pull off a third.

The winless 76ers hope to become the latest to benefit from Boston's downturn when they visit TD Garden on Wednesday night.

The Celtics (7-7) picked up their fourth win in five games with an easy 120-95 victory over visiting Brooklyn on Friday, but things have since gone the other way.

A few cracks started to show in Sunday's 111-101 road loss to the Nets, who never trailed and led by as much as 22, before Boston crumbled in Tuesday's 121-97 loss at Atlanta that marked its worst of the season. The Nets and Hawks had each lost four of five before beating Boston, which has dropped three of its last four.

Most troubling is a defense which allowed Brooklyn and Atlanta to make more than half their shots - a mark Boston had allowed only once in the first 12 games. The Celtics have also allowed at least 50 points in the paint in three straight, including 68 by the Hawks.

"We've got to reconnect as a group," coach Brad Stevens said. "I think we did a lot of things on an island. When your defense is a sieve, you're not a team. The best way we will be able to recognize it is if we guard somebody for once."

Avery Bradley's surge has continued despite Boston's slide. After sitting out two games with a calf injury, Bradley has averaged 21.0 points in his last six while making 53.8 percent of his shots.

He followed a season-high 27 points against Brooklyn on Sunday with an efficient 25 on 10-of-17 shooting against Atlanta. Bradley has made 20 of 39 shots from 3-point range since returning from his injury, including 11 of 22 in the last two games.

Bradley averaged 10.7 points through six games, including just four against the 76ers in a season-opening 112-95 win Oct. 28.

Isaiah Thomas did the damage in that one with 27 points and seven assists while making 10 of 19 shots, helping the Celtics to their fifth consecutive win in this series - the last three coming in Boston.

Philadelphia (0-15) is 0-8 on the road and has lost 34 of 36 away from home. The 76ers will try to avoid pulling within one of the franchise-worst 0-17 mark they opened last season with while trying to snap a 0-25 skid dating to last season - two short of the longest losing streak in league history they suffered through in 2013-14.

Jahlil Okafor did all he could to net Philadelphia its first victory Monday. The rookie hit 10 of 15 shots for 25 points while grabbing 12 rebounds and far outplayed Minnesota's No. 1 overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns.

He helped the 76ers build a 13-point first-half lead that still stood at five with 2:30 left, but Andrew Wiggins - another top draft pick - scored 15 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter to lift the Timberwolves to a 100-95 win.

"I think we've taught them how to compete," 76ers coach Brett Brown said. "Now the next layer is we've got to teach them how to close out a game with a win."

Okafor finished with 26 points and seven rebounds in the season opener against Boston, but he committed eight turnovers. Nerlens Noel scored 14 points and pulled in 13 boards.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Heat (9-4) at Pistons (7-7)

Date: November 25, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, Amare Stoudemire and Luol Deng have all led a team in scoring at one point during their careers, but this version of the Miami Heat is making its mark at the other end of the floor.

The Heat have been the NBA's best defensive team so far, and they shouldn't have much trouble looking the part Wednesday night as they visit a Detroit Pistons team that's finding few answers offensively.

Miami (9-4) allowed 103.8 points per 100 possessions in its first season without LeBron James, but its efficiency has taken an impressive turn in the first month of 2015-16. The Heat are allowing a league-low 94.0 points per 100, yielding the NBA's lowest opponents' field-goal percentage (40.4) and second-lowest 3-point percentage (29.7).

Five of Miami's seven opponents on its just-completed homestand shot in the 30s, with the Knicks' 32.2 percent mark Monday registering as the fourth-worst performance in the league this season. The Heat won 95-78 to cap their stay in South Florida with a sixth victory.

"You can see some defensive habits being built," coach Erik Spoelstra said after a game in which no Miami player scored more than 16 points. "In this game I think it was fitting that there wasn't a quote-unquote star of the game. It was more of a group effort."

That's made up for some struggles on the other end, where Bosh (43.4 percent) and Wade (42.7) are having career-worst seasons in terms of accuracy for a team that's 26th in 3-point percentage (30.8).

But the Heat have held on to the ball - they've totaled 33 turnovers in their three straight wins - and have allowed a league-low 8.46 fast-break points per game after limiting the Knicks to two.

'We're going to need these habits that we've built in these last couple games,' guard Tyler Johnson said. 'We're building a championship-level defense. We're definitely on the right path and I think we can get even better.'

They'll see the Knicks again Friday, but first is a stop in Detroit to face a team that seems to have little chance of exposing Miami. Only the winless 76ers are scoring fewer points per 100 possessions than the Pistons (97.6), who shot a season-low 34.1 percent in Monday's 109-88 loss at Milwaukee.

Stan Van Gundy was not pleased.

"I'm really disappointed and worried about where we are right now," the coach said. "Through the first six or seven games, I thought we competed hard on a consistent basis. Since then, I think we've competed on a sporadic basis in games. We've had stretches, and we bring ourselves back into the game. But, it has not been as consistent and then tonight we had no stretches where we competed.

"So, that obviously has to change."

The Pistons' bench provided 45 points Monday with the game out of hand early in the second half, but it's averaging a league-low 21.4. Detroit (7-7) is a plus-55 this season with its starters on the floor and minus-69 with any other combination.

Van Gundy's team isn't afraid to take 3s - ranking 10th in attempts - but it's the least-accurate in the NBA at 29.3 percent. Only Ersan Ilyasova is shooting better than 34 percent.

Andre Drummond averaged 19.0 points and 15.0 boards against the Heat last season as the Pistons took two of three, while the only game Miami won came with Hassan Whiteside sidelined. Wade went for 40 in that 109-102 victory.

Reggie Jackson averaged 30.0 points and 10.0 assists in his two games against the Heat after donning a Detroit uniform.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (11-3) at Raptors (9-6)

Date: November 25, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

The Toronto Raptors have spent less time at home than any NBA team so far, and as Dwane Casey and DeMarre Carroll pointed out, their reward for returning from their latest trip looks like another difficult test.

Kyle Lowry was a little bit more defiant when discussing Wednesday night's visit from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"It's a very good litmus test," Casey said. "They're playing good basketball right now. It seems like it's another road game where you're in town and then back out of town, but it's what the schedule gives us and we have to come prepared."

Casey had his coachspeak hat on after practice Tuesday as Toronto (9-6) prepared for just its fifth home game, reminding the media that he's told his players "we're not playing against the LeBron Cavaliers. We're playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers."

Carroll, who was physical with James while playing for Atlanta in last season's conference finals, echoed his coach's message.

"It's a great opportunity to play them," Carroll said, referring to James as the best player in the world. "I think they're the best team in the East right now. If you can't get up for this game, you're not a real NBA player."

Toronto's point guard had other ideas when approached with the idea that Wednesday's game would give the Raptors - who beat both Los Angeles teams to close their latest road trip at 2-3 - an idea of where they stack up in the East.

"We just go out there and do our jobs," Lowry said. "We don't measure ourselves against anyone."

Perhaps Lowry should reconsider since the Cavaliers (11-3) averaged 110 points in winning the final three meetings last season behind James' 29.3 points and 11.3 assists per game.

Cleveland was 12-0 last season when James had more than 10 assists, and they're 3-0 when that unfolds after the four-time MVP had 13 in Monday's 117-103 win over Orlando.

Three of James' assists went to Kevin Love, whose 34 points were his most in a Cavaliers uniform. Love is shooting 53.8 percent overall on passes he gets from James and 47.1 percent from 3-point range, while he's connecting on just 41.7 percent and 30.7 percent from 3 on passes from anyone else.

"He's done it his whole career," Love said of James, who joined Oscar Robertson as the only players in NBA history to rank in the top 25 in career points and assists. "One of the, if not the most, unselfish superstars. It doesn't surprise me. He goes out there every night, shares the ball and finds myself and everybody else."

James isn't the only one finding his teammates. Matthew Dellavedova has 25 assists and three turnovers in the Cavaliers' three straight wins while starting for Mo Williams, who is dealing with an ankle injury. It's unclear if Williams will play Wednesday or if Dellavedova, who's dealing with a leg issue himself, will again get the call.

The onus to score for the Raptors is now even more on the backcourt of Lowry and DeMar DeRozan after Jonas Valanciunas fractured his left hand in the second-to-last game of the trip. But it was Carroll (21 points) and Luis Scola (20) who stepped up in Sunday's 91-80 win over the Clippers, while Bismack Biyombo started at center and finished with 14 rebounds.

Casey said he anticipates playing small more frequently with Valanciunas out, which will likely include James Johnson getting time at center. That shouldn't be too much of a hindrance against Cleveland, which is splitting its center minutes between Tristan Thompson and Anderson Varejao with Timofey Mozgov out with a shoulder injury.

James has a personal nine-game winning streak in Toronto dating to his first stint with the Cavaliers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (8-7) at Rockets (5-9)

Date: November 25, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

A coaching change hasn't altered the Houston Rockets' fortunes yet, but they're showing some improvement defensively. That could continue with Patrick Beverley back.

The guard is slated to return from his latest injury as the Rockets try to avoid their second loss in less than a week to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.

After reaching the Western Conference finals last season, Houston (5-9) has been perhaps the league's biggest disappointment.

But after surrendering 108.5 points and 47.1 percent shooting over their first 11 games, Houston is yielding 102.0 points and 41.5 percent shooting since McHale was let go. New York shot 42.5 percent overall Saturday, but hit 12 of 25 3s in a 107-102 win that dropped the Rockets to 1-2 under interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

Beverley's return could give the Rockets more help defensively after he missed five straight games with an ankle injury after sitting out two of the previous four with a concussion.

"I'm just happy to be back out there," said Beverley, who is averaging 4.7 points and shooting just 34.2 percent in seven games. "I know we're going through a tough time right now. We got some good teams coming up. The way we're playing, we can't overlook anyone right now. It's up to us to stay locked in."

Beverley isn't about to crack Bickerstaff's starting five just yet.

"We're going to stick with our same starting lineup," Bickerstaff said. "Obviously, Patrick coming back with the injury, minutes will have to be monitored but we've got enough bodies. All of them have enough skill to help."

There will likely be one change to the lineup - the return of Dwight Howard. The center, who was hampered by knee injuries last season, rested Saturday, the third such instance in games involved in back-to-back scheduling. It's also the second straight time the Rockets have lost without him.

Howard has only attempted 20 shots in his last four games. He made 4 of 5 Friday at Memphis, totaling 12 points and pulling down 15 boards in a 96-84 loss.

"We're going to try to get our best players on the floor no matter their size or their position," Bickerstaff said.

James Harden is still that for the Rockets despite his shooting struggles, but he hasn't had much success against the Grizzlies of late. He's averaging 17.9 points in his last seven against Memphis after putting up 22 with six turnovers Friday.

Memphis has reversed a 1-5 stretch by going 5-1 after beating Dallas 110-96 on Tuesday with seven players scoring in double figures.

"We have so many weapons. We have to utilize them any way we can," said forward Jeff Green, who had 19 points "Sharing the ball and getting everybody involved is how you get it done."

The Grizzlies are averaging 104.2 points over the last six games with five players scoring at least 13.7. Mike Conley leads the way with 19.3 while hitting 48.8 percent from the floor - 13 of 26 from long range. The guard connected on 10 of 17 field goals while scoring a season-high 26 points against the Rockets last week.

That was also the first of three straight games without forward Zach Randolph (knee), who is averaging 14.5 points and 8.7 rebounds. He's considered day to day, but Matt Barnes could get a second straight start if he's not ready.

Barnes scored 14 points against the Mavericks and has totaled 31 in the last two meetings with Houston.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Kings (5-10) at Bucks (6-8)

Date: November 25, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe downplayed a big performance in win over his former team, saying he brings the same intensity regardless of the opponent.

Despite those words, he may have to take his game to another level for a matchup with one of basketball's best big men, if he is healthy.

All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins injured his back in Sacramento's last game and his availability is uncertain for Wednesday night's game in Milwaukee.

After being outscored by an average of 27.0 points during an 0-3 trip, the Bucks (6-8) bounced back with a 109-88 win over Detroit on Monday. Milwaukee had seven players reach double figures, shot 51.8 percent while making 9 of 13 3-pointers and had 30 assists.

"We're young and we're new. So we got to get used to each other," said coach Jason Kidd. " ... It's not going to happen in 10 games, it's not going to happen in 20 games. So you have to get used to each other and you can see they're starting to get used to one another."

Facing the team he spent his first five seasons with, Monroe had 20 points and 13 rebounds for his seventh double-double. The Bucks were a plus-28 in scoring with Monroe on the floor - the highest by any Milwaukee player this season.

'I am trying to win every game,' Monroe said. 'They just happen to be my former team. No matter who comes in here, I going to come in with the same focus. That is do what I need to do to help my team win on that night. They just happen to be the only other team I have played for.'

Cousins had another huge game Monday, totaling 30 points and 11 rebounds for his eighth double-double, but wasn't able to finish. He sprained his back in the third quarter and although he had 12 points and five rebounds in the fourth, coach George Karl held him out of overtime in Sacramento's 127-122 loss to Charlotte.

'You could see it was bothering him,' Karl said. 'He went back in. We probably should have not played him because he was never a hundred percent after that.'

Cousins appeared to be walking fine in the locker room after the game and there was no update of his status.

Before Monroe arrived in Milwaukee, Cousins had been a matchup problem for the Bucks, averaging 29.0 points and 14.0 rebounds in his last three meetings, though the Kings lost both games last season.

Though the Bucks are last in the league in rebounding at 38.2 boards per game, Monroe is one of the league's leaders in grabbing contested rebounds, averaging 4.9.

Cousins' injury only added to the disappointment Monday for the Kings (5-10), who blew a 22-point, second-half lead are trying to end this season-high five-game trip 2-3. Sacramento was outscored 38-21 in the fourth quarter and needed a Rudy Gay layup as time expired to send the game to the extra session.

'I should have substituted probably earlier and more often,' Karl said. 'I thought we were going to win the game with the switching. We probably should have changed it up with more blitzing.'

Gay had a season-high 28 points and Rajon Rondo added 20 assists - the most by a Kings player since the team moved to Sacramento in 1985-86.

The Kings and Bucks are two of the league's top 3-point shooting teams, with Milwaukee at 38.4 percent and Sacramento at 37.7.

Cousins is surprisingly playing a large role on the perimeter, going 16 of 42 (38.1 percent) from beyond the arc after entering this season 11 of 69 (15.9) from 3-point range.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nets (3-11) at Thunder (9-6)

Date: November 25, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

Kevin Durant made an instant impact in his return from injury, and the Oklahoma City Thunder continued to dominate offensively behind their superstar duo.

Durant and Russell Westbrook will look to lead Oklahoma City to its third three-game winning streak of the season Wednesday night against the visiting Brooklyn Nets.

The Thunder (9-6) won 111-89 at Utah on Monday behind Durant's 27 points in his first game since straining his left hamstring in a win at Washington on Nov. 10. They had gone 3-3 without him, averaging 103.0 points on 43.7 percent shooting.

Those numbers increase to 114.3 points and 49.3 percent when Durant plays after Oklahoma City shot a season-high 54.5 percent Monday.

The four-time scoring champion has averaged 28.0 points while shooting a career-best 52.4 percent. He was 10 of 13 from the field with six rebounds and four assists against Utah.

"When I was ready to get back on the court physically, I was there putting my work in making sure my body was ready, my fundamentals were right," said Durant, who has shot 58.5 percent in his last eight meetings with Brooklyn. "I just have the mindset that, no matter what, I just pick up where I left off. I think that is what separates good players from great players, is that mindset."

Russell Westbrook shouldered a larger load in Durant's absence, averaging 32.7 points and 9.3 assists. He remained effective Monday with 20 points - despite a season-low 10 field-goal attempts - and handed out nine assists. The Thunder are scoring 117.5 points per 100 possessions with both on the floor.

"You got 30 points that is not in the lineup, so that changes a lot for your team," Westbrook said, "and when you have that back it makes it easier. As you can see tonight, that makes it a lot easier for us as a team."

Brooklyn (3-11), meanwhile, has been disastrous defensively, giving up 104.4 points per game and 46.6 percent shooting - worst among Eastern Conference teams.

The Nets come off their first win in 11 games when allowing the opposition to reach 100 points, beating Boston 111-101 on Sunday. They shot 50.6 percent compared to a season-low 39.3 mark two days earlier in a 120-95 road loss to the Celtics.

Brook Lopez had 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Jarrett Jack added 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Those two had combined for only 25 points Friday.

Brooklyn also limited Boston to 32 points in the paint, down from the season-high 68 it allowed Friday.

"I think we took what happened the other night personal," Jack said. "Not necessarily per se toward that particular team, I think we took our performance personal."

The Nets are 1-8 on the road but have won their last three visits to Oklahoma City. Brooklyn has won four of the past five meetings overall, though Westbrook missed the last four and Durant the last two.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hawks (10-6) at Timberwolves (6-8)

Date: November 25, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

Andrew Wiggins wasn't even a year old when Kevin Garnett made his NBA debut with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995 as the fresh-faced kid right out of high school expected to help turn the franchise around.

Garnett did that for a time before stops in Boston and Brooklyn, and now that he's back in Minnesota, he's doing his best to help the 20-year-old Wiggins be the next young star to lift the Timberwolves to new heights.

Wiggins showed the Atlanta Hawks how well he's coming along earlier this month, and he'll look to help Minnesota win back-to-back games for the first time since that meeting Wednesday night.

The reigning Rookie of the Year poured in 32 points in Monday's 100-95 victory over Philadelphia, scoring 11 in the final five minutes - including a thunderous dunk while being fouled - as the Timberwolves (6-8) won at home for the first time in seven tries.

Wiggins is averaging 26.1 points and shooting 48 percent over his last nine, scoring at least 31 three times. Ricky Rubio, who had 11 assists against the 76ers, said Wiggins "can become MVP one day in this league."

Coach Sam Mitchell praised him by saying "he's turning into an unbelievable player."

'My teammates and my coaches trust me down the stretch to make the right plays and win the game for us,' Wiggins said. 'That's what I'm going to try to do.'

Garnett guided the Timberwolves to eight straight playoff appearances during his prime before being traded to Boston and winning his only NBA championship. He's more of a spectator in his second go-around with Minnesota, but he contributed eight points and 10 rebounds in nearly 19 minutes Tuesday.

He was animated from the bench in crunch time, motivating with his strong words and celebrating big plays like Wiggins' and a clutch 3-pointer by Kevin Martin.

'When we talk about how valuable Kevin is to our team, he's not the same player on the court,' Mitchell said. 'He has glimpses of it, flashes of it. But what he does in the locker room, at some point you hope it catches on. He gave us a big lift. He did not want to lose this game.'

Minnesota lost six of seven following its 117-107 win over Atlanta (10-6) on Nov. 9, when Wiggins hit 15 of 22 from the field and scored a season-high 33 points.

Jeff Teague had 24 points and Paul Millsap added 22 in the defeat that began a 2-5 stretch for the Hawks, which they ended with Tuesday's 121-97 rout of Boston.

The victory was a relief after coach Mike Budenholzer was ejected and fined $25,000 for making contact with an official in Saturday's 109-97 loss at Cleveland.

'I think that was a little closer to what we want to be and how we want to play on both ends of the court,' Budenholzer said. 'The competitive spirit was closer to where we need it to be.'

Millsap finished 10 of 14 from the field and scored 25 points, while Teague added 16 and nine assists.

'We had some hard practices,' Teague said. 'We preached in the film session playing harder, competing. We have to make (teams) fear us."

It's unclear if starting guard Kent Bazemore, who has missed the last four with a sprained right ankle, will return for this contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mavericks (9-6) at Spurs (11-3)

Date: November 25, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

Even though they're missing a big piece, the San Antonio Spurs might be able to stay unbeaten at home as long as Kawhi Leonard keeps playing like an MVP.

While its uncertain whether LaMarcus Aldridge will return, the Spurs seek their 17th straight regular-season win at the AT&T Center on Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks.

Aldridge, averaging 15.3 points and a team-high 9.9 rebounds, is questionable after missing the first two of this three-game homestand with a sprained left ankle. The forward's 21.9 scoring average against Dallas is his highest against any West opponent.

While David West has replaced Aldridge in the lineup, Leonard and Tony Parker have stepped up to help the Spurs improve to 7-0 at home. Parker has totaled 38 points on 16-of-23 shooting in the last two games after averaging 12.6 over his previous 12.

Leonard finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds in Monday's 98-84 win over Phoenix. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year also starred at the other end with four of the team's season-high 18 steals as San Antonio forced 28 turnovers.

"We're a defensive-minded squad - that's what (coach Gregg Popovich) preaches from day one," veteran forward Tim Duncan said. "We have a lot of returning guys and we had the concept in place, it's just about guys buying in and doing it over and over again."

The Spurs (11-3) are allowing a league-low 85.1 points per game at home while winning by an average of 14.9. They've run off the NBA's second-longest active regular-season home winning streak since a 128-125 overtime loss to Cleveland on March 12.

The Mavericks (9-6) have dropped their last nine regular-season trips to the AT&T Center, losing by an average of 15.2 points. They shot 37.8 percent and committed 18 turnovers in a 94-76 loss March 27 in their most recent meeting there.

After a six-game winning streak, Dallas has stumbled in the first two of this three-game trip. Following a 117-114 setback Sunday at Oklahoma City, the Mavericks shot 39.0 percent and committed a season high-tying 19 turnovers in Tuesday's 110-96 loss at Memphis.

'We did a poor job of ball protection in the first half,' coach Rick Carlisle said. 'Twelve turnovers for a bunch of points. We did better in the second half, but we dug ourselves too big of a hole.'

J.J. Barea and Raymond Felton had 16 points apiece off the bench, but starters Dirk Nowitzki, Chandler Parsons, Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews scored a combined 41 on 14-of-40 (35.0 percent) shooting. Nowitzki also has struggled against the Spurs, averaging 11.7 points on 33.3 percent shooting in his last three meetings.

Since allowing 92.2 points per game and a 40.0 field-goal percentage over a five-game stretch, Dallas has given up an average of 113.5 points on 47.7 percent shooting in its last two. The club has surrendered 48 points in the paint in each of those contests.

The Spurs, however, aren't exactly lighting things up offensively. They've averaged just 93.3 points in their last three games and turned the ball over 39 times in the past two.

'We are coming around,' Duncan insisted. 'I think defensively, we are a lot further along than offensively. We're still being unselfish and moving the ball around (but) people are still trying to figure out when and where their shots are."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pelicans (3-11) at Suns (7-7)

Date: November 25, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

The Phoenix Suns turned in arguably their worst performance of the season without their top player.

Even though Eric Bledsoe could be sidelined again, they hope they'll be better prepared for their second matchup in a span of four days with the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.

Phoenix (7-7) has dropped three of four, capping a three-game trip with Monday's 98-84 loss at San Antonio. The Suns came in averaging 106.5 points, but were held to a season low in points, and their 28 turnovers were the second-most in the NBA this season.

Bledsoe, who leads the team with 23.2 points, 5.8 assists and 2.0 steals per game, sat out due to a sore left knee and is questionable for this contest.

The Suns play at the league's second-fastest pace, but they were too careless against the Spurs, who scored 27 points off Phoenix's turnovers. The last three opponents have combined for 74 points off turnovers.

"I don't know what we were doing just handing the ball, soft passes," coach Jeff Hornacek said. "Even when we tried to lob it over, the passes were like five feet short of where it's supposed to go. That's hard to overcome."

Carelessness was also a major issue in Sunday's 122-116 loss at New Orleans, Phoenix's third defeat in four meetings. The Pelicans recorded 25 points off turnovers and Anthony Davis scored 32 points, while Ryan Anderson added 29.

Bledsoe totaled 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists and went 11 of 12 from the free-throw line in the loss. The Suns hit 17 of 36 from beyond the arc, but they converted only 33.3 percent of their 2-point attempts while being outscored 44-22 in the paint.

"We have to shoot better than that in the paint if we want to win," Hornacek said.

That was the second straight win for the Pelicans (3-11) who also claimed a 14-point win over the Spurs on Friday.

Davis also had 19 rebounds and hit the go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute of Sunday's victory. He's averaging an NBA-best 9.8 points in the fourth quarter while shooting 64.4 percent.

"He invites those situations," coach Alvin Gentry said. "I like the fact that he wanted the ball in crunch time. As I've said all along, I think we're going to be a good team. We've made some progress. Obviously we've got a long, long way to go, but I do like the intensity that we're playing with."

Davis, who has missed three games due to injuries, is averaging 31.2 points and 3.0 blocks over the last four games in which he's played at least 20 minutes.

Anderson is also playing extremely well, averaging 28.3 points on 55.8 percent shooting over his last four contests while going 15 for 32 from 3-point range.

New Orleans is 0-7 on the road, joining Philadelphia as the league's only other club without a win away from home.

This is the first of two straight home games for the Suns before they embark on a season-high six-game trip. They host first-place Golden State on Friday.

Phoenix has last four of its last five home games against the Pelicans.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Jazz (6-7) at Clippers (7-7)

Date: November 25, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers haven't resolved all their issues in one game, but winning always seems to play a role in moving things in the right direction.

Wesley Johnson hopes to be part of the solution after likely earning another start.

The Clippers will try to win back-to-back games for the first time since a 4-0 start Wednesday night when they seek a 14th straight victory against the visiting Utah Jazz.

After struggling to put together a complete effort during a 2-7 stretch, Los Angeles came close to it in Tuesday's 111-94 victory at Denver that snapped a three-game slide.

DeAndre Jordan had 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks, Blake Griffin added 18 points and 10 boards and Chris Paul contributed 15 points and 10 assists. Johnson hit 3 of 4 from 3-point range for 11 points in his first start of the season.

"Just the way (Johnson) ran the court and shot the ball well," Paul said. "We need that.'

Griffin, though, shot a season-worst 7 for 20 after failing to score in double figures for the 10th time in 388 career games in Sunday's loss to Toronto that put the Clippers (7-7) under .500 after 13 games for the first time since his 2010-11 rookie season.

Los Angeles finished with a 39.2 field-goal percentage while committing a season-high 20 turnovers against the Raptors before shooting 46.8 percent - including 8 of 20 from 3-point range - and only turned the ball over eight times against the Nuggets.

Since allowing an average of 108.9 points over an eight-game stretch, the Clippers have held their last two opponents to 92.5 per game on a combined 38.5 percent shooting.

They hope to build on the performance as they try to extend a 13-game winning streak over the Jazz that is the franchise's longest versus any single opponent.

Griffin has played a key role in the run, averaging 30.0 points on 57.5 percent shooting in his last four home meetings. Jamal Crawford has scored 21.2 per game while hitting 13 for 30 (43.3 percent) from 3-point range in his last five overall against Utah.

The Jazz rank among the league leaders in defensive scoring (93.8), but they're looking to get back on track after giving up a season-high field-goal percentage (54.5) in Monday's 111-89 home loss to Oklahoma City that marked their worst defeat of the season.

They also lost Ruby Gobert in the fourth quarter with a tailbone contusion. The center, who ranks among NBA leaders with 2.7 blocks per game, is expected to play.

'I don't feel like we've had the energy and focus that we need to have. So, that leads to breakdowns,' coach Quin Snyder said. "Sometimes energy can kind of make up for breakdowns. We're making dumb plays on defense that I know we know not to make.'

The Jazz (6-7) might not have much of a chance without that defensive focus. They rank near the bottom of the league in scoring at 94.6 per game and have only made 29.8 percent from beyond the arc over their last six.

Gordon Hayward had 19 points Monday as Utah shot 38.4 percent and committed a season high-tying 21 turnovers in its fifth loss in seven games. Hayward has totaled 49 points while sinking nine 3-pointers in his last two road games in this series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet
By Kevin Rogers

Knicks at Magic – 7:05 PM EST

After starting the season with a spectacular 7-0 ATS run on the road, New York (8-7 SU, 10-5 ATS) suffered its first ATS loss away from Madison Square Garden in Tuesday’s 95-78 setback at Miami. Following back-to-back away underdog victories at Oklahoma City and Houston, the Knicks scored a season-low 78 points on 32% shooting from the floor at Miami as five-point underdogs. Derek Fisher’s club had cashed seven straight games prior to the meltdown in Miami, while the Knicks have allowed less than 100 points in eight of the past 10 contests, resulting in seven ‘unders.’

The magic is gone for Orlando (6-8 SU, 8-6 ATS) from a pointspread perspective after cashing seven straight games to begin the season. Scott Skiles’ squad owns a dreadful 1-6 ATS record the past seven contests following a 117-103 setback at Cleveland on Monday as 8 ½-point road underdogs. Each of the previous four home opponents for the Magic are currently below .500 (Lakers, Jazz, Wolves, Kings), as Orlando has allowed below 100 points in regulation in six of seven home games. The Magic and Knicks split four games last season with each team winning on the road by two points or less.

Heat at Pistons – 7:35 PM EST

Miami (9-4 SU, 7-6) hits the road for only the fourth time this season after completing a 6-1 homestand, capped off by a blowout of New York on Monday. The Heat snapped a four-game ATS skid with a cover against the Knicks, while Miami’s defense has stepped up this season by cashing ‘unders’ in 11 of 13 games. Two of Miami’s three road contests have resulted in losses at Cleveland and Indiana, as Erik Spoelstra’s club lost both visits to the Palace of Auburn Hills last season.

Things have slowed down in the Motor City for the Pistons (7-7 SU, 7-7 ATS) after a 5-1 start, as Stan Van Gundy’s squad has dropped six of their past eight games. Detroit suffered its worst loss of the season on Monday, a 109-88 setback at Milwaukee as three-point road favorites, as the Pistons connected on only 6-of-28 attempts from three-point range. The Pistons have performed well in the underdog role this season, covering six of eight times, including a 3-0 SU/ATS record as a home ‘dog.

Cavaliers at Raptors – 7:35 PM EST

Cleveland (11-3 SU, 6-8 ATS) is rolling atop the East, owning the best record in the conference through nearly the first month of the season. The Cavaliers endured an eight-game ATS skid prior to covering each of their last three contests, double-digit home wins over the Bucks, Hawks, and Magic. Following a 4-1 run to the ‘under’ to begin the season, David Blatt’s team has drilled the ‘over’ in eight of the last nine games with the only ‘under’ hitting on a 203 total against the Knicks.

A five-game West Coast road swing that began with three losses ended with a pair of victories in Los Angeles for Toronto (9-6 SU, 11-4 ATS). The Raptors knocked off the Lakers as 6 ½-point favorites on Friday, 102-91, followed by a 91-80 triumph over the Clippers on Sunday as 6 ½-point underdogs to finish the trip at 4-1 ATS. Dwane Casey’s club has played a road-heavy schedule so far with 10 of the past 12 games taking place away from the Air Canada Center, as the Raptors own a 3-1 SU/ATS record at home.

Mavericks at Spurs – 8:35 PM EST

The top two teams in the Southwest division do battle from San Antonio as the Mavericks (9-5 SU, 9-5 ATS) try to bounce back from Monday’s loss at Oklahoma City. Dallas had its six-game winning streak snapped in a 117-114 setback as 3 ½-point underdogs, but the Mavs covered for the sixth time in seven games. Deron Williams continues to have a resurgent season with Dallas, scoring in double-figures for the 12th time by putting together a 20-point, 6-rebound effort at OKC. The Mavs split their four-game series with the Spurs last season, as the home team won all four matchups.

The Spurs (11-3 SU, 9-5 ATS) hope to get forward LaMarcus Aldridge back in the lineup after missing two games with an ankle injury. San Antonio took care of business without Aldridge, beating Memphis and Phoenix at home by double-digits, as the Spurs have yet to allow more than 98 points in seven home contests. Gregg Popovich’s team has yet to lose at the AT&T Center this season, posting a 7-0 SU and 5-2 ATS record with both ATS losses coming as a favorite of 13 ½ points or more. The Spurs have done their most damage from a pointspread perspective when laying single-digits, covering in six of eight opportunities.

Jazz at Clippers – 10:35 PM EST

There have been plenty of frequent flier miles racked up by Utah (6-7 SU, 7-6 ATS) so far, playing nine of 13 games away from Salt Lake City. The Jazz hit the road for one game before settling in for a four-game homestand starting Saturday against New Orleans. The last home contest didn’t work out so well for Quin Snyder’s bunch, suffering a 111-86 setback to the Thunder on Monday, while allowing OKC to shoot 54% from the floor. Utah has responded well as a road underdog, cashing in four of five opportunities, including outright victories at Indiana and Atlanta.

What is happening in Los Angeles? The Clippers (6-7 SU, 4-9 ATS) stormed out to a 4-0 start, but have lost seven of their past 10 games, including each of their last two at home to the Raptors and Warriors. To make matters worse, the Clips have covered just twice in the past 11 trips to the court, including a 1-7 ATS mark the last eight in the favorite role. Los Angeles has won 13 straight meetings with Utah dating back to 2012, but the Jazz covered three of four matchups with the Clippers last season, including a pair of losses by six points or less at Staples Center.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Hot teams
-- Knicks won four of last five games (6-2AU).
-- Hornets won six of last eight games (3-2HF). Washington won three of last four games (1-2AU).
-- Miami won six of its last seven games (1-1AF).
-- Cavaliers won eight of their last ten games (0-4AF). Toronto won its last two games, by 11 points each (0-0HU).
-- Memphis won five of its last six games.
-- Thunder won three of last four games (0-4 last four HF).
-- Spurs won eight of their last nine games (5-2HF).

Cold teams
-- Orlando lost three of last four games (0-4 last four HF).
-- 0-15 76ers are 5-3 as road underdogs. Celtics lost three of their last four games (3-3HF).
-- Detroit lost six of its last eight games (2-0HU).
-- Rockets lost six of their last seven games.
-- Kings lost three of their last four games (3-3AU). Milwaukee lost five of its last seven (1-2HF).
-- Nets lost seven of their last ten games (4-1 last five AU).
-- Hawks lost last three road games, by 12-2-13 points. Minnesota lost six of its last eight games.
-- Dallas lost last two games, by 14-3 points (4-3AU).
-- Pelicans are 0-7 on the road (2-5AU). Suns lost three of their last four games (4-3HF).
-- Jazz lost five of their last seven games (4-1AU). Clippers are 3-7 in their last ten games (2-5HF).

Series records
-- Knicks won seven of last ten games with Orlando.
-- Hornets won five of last seven games with Washington.
-- 76ers lost their last five games with Boston.
-- Heat won six of last nine games against Detroit.
-- Cavaliers won four of last five games with Toronto.
-- Grizzlies won five of last seven games with Houston.
-- Kings lost four of last six games with Milwaukee.
-- Thunder lost four of last five games with Brooklyn.
-- Hawks won seven of last ten games with Minnesota.
-- Home side won last seven Dallas-San Antonio games.
-- Pelicans won three of last four games with Phoenix.
-- Clippers won their last ten games with Utah.

Totals
-- Eight of last ten NY-Orlando games went over.
-- Seven of last eight Washington-Charlotte games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Philly gmes stayed under total.
-- Nine of last ten Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last nine Cleveland games went over total.
-- Four of last five Memphis-Houston games went over.
-- Last five Sacramento-Milwaukee games went over.
-- Last three Brooklyn games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Minnesota-Atlanta games went over.
-- Last four Dallas-San Antonio games stayed under.
-- Three of last four New Orleans games went over.
-- Under is 3-0 in last three games for both Utah/Clippers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the hardwood'

When the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons meet at The Palace of Auburn Hills there is a good chance buckets will be at a premium. Heat averaging 97.5 points/game along with a stellar defense holding opponents to just 91.5 points per/contest (94.0 pts per opponent 100 possessions) have played 'Under' in 11 of its last 12 on the hardwood.

What should also grab the attention of 'Under' gamblers, Heat have played 'Under' in five straight conference games and in eight straight when the total is set below 200. Additionally, Pistons netting 94.2 PPG in front of the friendly crowd at home have played 'Under' in four of five contests this season. Also, the Pistons have played 'Under' in ten of fifteen when running the hardwood against a good defensive team like Heat allowing =< 100 pts per opponent 100 possessions.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Wednesday, November 25 2015 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

The Philadelphia 76ers are inching closer to that first win, losing their past two games by just five points each. But the Sixers just can't get over the hump and are 0-15. Might we be looking at the worst team in league history? The fewest wins in an 82-game NBA season is nine by the 1972-73 Sixers. That team also started 0-15. That club did have a bigger losing streak than a 15-gamer - one that lasted 20 games and spanned from Jan. 9 to Feb. 11. It won two games in a row twice as part of a stretch in which it won five of seven after the 20-game losing streak. The 76ers then followed that with a season-ending losing streak of 13 straight games. Can this current club end the skid Wednesday?

76ers at Celtics (-13, 201)

Philly catches a minor break here in that Boston had to play in Atlanta on Tuesday. So you're saying there's a chance!? The Sixers lost 100-95 in Minnesota on Monday in a game they really probably should have won. Jahlil Okafor had 25 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks for Philadelphia and totally outplayed No. 1 overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns. The Sixers led by 13 in the first half and by five with 2:30 to play but once again couldn't hold on. They have lost 25 straight dating to the last season. Boston opened the season with a 112-95 home win over Philadelphia. The C's have won five straight in the series.

Key trends: The Sixers are 0-5 against the spread in the past five meetings. The "over/under" is 4-0 in the past four in Boston.

Early lean: 76ers and under.

Wizards at Hornets (-2.5, 206.5)

Washington hosted Indiana on Tuesday. Charlotte won a third straight Monday, 127-122 in overtime over Sacramento. The Hornets rallied from a 22-point second-half hole thanks to Kemba Walker, who had 21 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter. It was the second-largest comeback in franchise history. The Wizards and Hornets split four meetings last year, each going 1-1 at home.

Key trends: Charlotte is 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The under is 7-1 in the past eight.

Early lean: Hornets and under.

Knicks at Magic (-2, 198.5)

New York had a four-game winning streak end in Monday's 96-78 loss in Miami. The Knicks shot only 32 percent from the field. They hadn't trailed by double figures in any of their last eight games. The lone bright spot was another double-double for rookie Kristaps Porzingis, who had 20 points and 14 rebounds. Orlando lost a second straight Monday, 117-103 in Cleveland. Orlando's starters were outscored 99-44. Coach Scott Skiles said that it's "time to change the lineup" following the loss. That likely means either Elfrid Payton or Victor Oladipo moves to a reserve role. Payton was 0-for-7 vs. Cleveland.

Key trends: The underdog is 4-0-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 9-1 in the Magic's last 10 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Early lean: Magic and under.

Heat at Pistons (pick'em, 190.5)

Miami beat the Knicks 95-78 on Monday for its third straight win. The Heat have been a phenomenal defensive teams this season. New York was the eighth NBA team this year to score no more than 30 in a half, and Miami has been responsible for three of those halves. Hassan Whiteside blocked five more shots, giving him 63 through 13 games. The previous Heat record for blocks through 13 games was by Alonzo Mourning, who had 50 to open the 1998-99 season. Detroit lost a second straight Monday, 109-88 in Milwaukee. The Pistons were was 31 of 91 (34.1 percent) from the floor, including a 6-for-28 performance from 3-point range. Keep an eye on the status of Pistons star Andre Drummond here. He could be seen holding his side during the game and really struggled in the second half.

Key trends: Miami is 2-10 ATS in its past 12 after a win of at least 10 points. The over is 5-2 in the past seven meetings.

Early lean: Pistons and under.

Cavaliers at Raptors (+2.5, 200.5)

Cleveland won a third straight Monday, 117-103 at home against Orlando. LeBron James moved into 25th place on the all-time assists list to join Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson as the only players in NBA history to rank in the Top 25 in career points and assists. LeBron will pass Reggie Miller for 18th place on the scoring list in this game. Cavs point guard Mo Williams missed a third straight game with an ankle injury and isn't likely here. Center Timofey Mozgov is out probably until early next month. Toronto closed out a five-game West Coast trip with a win over the Clippers on Sunday, but the team got bad news when center Jonas Valanciunas broke his left hand Friday. He's out six weeks. The Raptors outscore opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions when he plays but get outscored by 4.8 per 100 when he sits. Cleveland won three of four vs. Toronto last year.

Key trends: The Cavs are 7-3 ATS in the past 10 meetings. The under is 7-0 in Toronto's past seven following a win.

Early lean: Cavaliers and over.

Grizzlies at Rockets (TBA)

This is on NBA TV and thus should have live betting at sportsbooks. Memphis hosted Dallas on Tuesday, and power forward Zach Randolph was questionable. Houston continued to play very unevenly with a 107-102 home loss to the Knicks on Saturday. The Rockets had won 11 straight in that series. Dwight Howard sat out the second of a back-to-back. Guard Patrick Beverley missed a fifth straight game but looks like he will return here. Houston lost in Memphis 96-84 last Friday. Howard played in that one but Randolph didn't.

Key trends: The Grizzlies are 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 4-1 in the past five.

Early lean: Wait on Randolph.

Kings at Bucks (TBA)

This concludes a five-game road trip for the Kings, who lost by five in Charlotte in OT on Monday, blowing that 22-point lead. DeMarcus Cousins had 30 points and 11 rebounds for Sacramento, and Rudy Gay had 28 points and 10 boards. Rajon Rondo had 14 points and 20 assists. Cousins was dealing with a back injury and a thigh problem after the game, so he might sit this one out. Milwaukee ended a three-game losing streak with a 109-88 win over Detroit on Monday. Greg Monroe had 20 points and 13 boards against his former team.

Key trends: The Bucks are 3-11 ATS in their past 14 against the East. The over is 5-0 in the past five meetings.

Early lean: Wait on Cousins -- Bucks win easily if he's out.

Hawks at Timberwolves (+3.5, 205.5)

Atlanta hosted Boston on Tuesday and was again without swingman Kent Bazemore. Center Tiago Splitter was expected out vs. the C's with a hip injury. Minnesota avoided embarrassment with that come-from-behind win over the visiting 76ers on Monday. Andrew Wiggins had 32 points, 11 coming in the final five minutes. Last year, the Sixers were 0-17 when they visited Minnesota and won. The Wolves went to Atlanta on Nov. 9 and pulled off a 117-107 upset, ending the team's 12-game losing streak there. Wiggins had 33 points.

Key trends: The Wolves are 2-15 ATS in their past 17 at home. The over is 6-1 in the past seven meetings.

Early lean: Wolves and over.

Nets at Thunder (-12.5, 210)

Brooklyn ended a two-game losing streak with a 111-101 win over Boston on Sunday. Brook Lopez had 23 points and 10 rebounds. Oklahoma City got Kevin Durant back from his hamstring injury on Monday, and he didn't miss a beat with 27 points in a 111-89 win in Utah. He hadn't played since Nov. 10. Durant was 10-for-13 from the field in 30 minutes. The Nets won both meetings with OKC last year and have won three straight in Oklahoma City.

Key trends: The Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their past four at home. The road team is 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The under is 6-1 in Brooklyn's past seven vs. the West.

Early lean: Thunder and under.

Mavericks at Spurs (TBA)

Dallas was in Memphis on Tuesday. So it's likely that forward Chandler Parsons misses this game as he doesn't play both ends of a back-to-back. Also keep an eye on swingman Wesley Matthews, who is also on a minutes limit. The Spurs beat the Suns 98-84 on Monday for their second straight. Kawhi Leonard had 24 points and 13 rebounds, and the Spurs forced 28 turnovers. San Antonio's LaMarcus Aldridge missed a second straight game with a sprained left ankle. David West would start again if he's out.

Key trends: The Mavs are 8-3 ATS in the past 11 meetings. The under is 4-0 in the past four.

Early lean: Wait on all the questionable guys.

Pelicans at Suns (TBA)

New Orleans is starting to play a bit better, beating Phoenix 122-116 in the Big Easy on Sunday for its second straight win. Anthony Davis had 32 points, hitting the tiebreaking 3-pointer in the final minute, and 19 rebounds. Ryan Anderson added 29 points. There's a chance that Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans makes his season debut here. Phoenix followed that loss to the Pelicans with Monday's rout in San Antonio where the Suns scored a season-low 84 points. The Suns were without point guard Eric Bledsoe, who missed the second game of a back-to-back with a sore left knee. He should play here.

Key trends: The home team is 7-0 ATS in the past seven meetings. The under is 5-2 in the past seven in Phoenix.

Early lean: Wait on Bledsoe/Evans.

Jazz at Clippers (-5.5, 197.5)

Los Angeles was in Denver on Tuesday. Utah lost 111-89 at home to Oklahoma City on Monday for its second straight defeat. The Jazz entered with the No. 2 scoring defense in the league, allowing 92.4 points per game. Utah center Rudy Gobert left for the locker room early in the fourth quarter with a tailbone contusion. He had no blocked shots for just the second time in his 11 games this season. His injury isn't thought to be anything major. The Jazz have lost 13 straight to the Clippers.

Key trends: The road team has covered four of the past five meetings. The under is 5-2 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Jazz and under if Gobert plays.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Huskies (3-0) at Bulldogs (2-0)

Date: November 25, 2015 12:00 PM EDT

SEATTLE (AP) Thousands of miles from their respective home campuses, No. 10 Gonzaga and Washington are getting together again for the first time in nearly a decade.

And a year earlier than was originally planned.

'As I've always said when we played Gonzaga, we're getting ready to play a very good opponent. An opponent that's one of the most successful programs in the country over the years,' Washington coach Lorenzo Romar said. 'They've been battle-tested, so we know we have a tough road ahead of us.'

Gonzaga and Washington meet in the opening game of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas on Wednesday, a breakfast time matchup for fans back home who have waited nine years to see the two schools meet on the court.

The last time the Bulldogs and Huskies played was Dec. 9, 2006, a 97-77 Gonzaga victory at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane. It was the conclusion of a series that had been played every year since 1997 and dated all the way back to 1910.

There were many reasons for the discontinuation of the popular matchup.

Gonzaga said the rest of its non-conference slate had become too difficult and it couldn't find a spot to fit in the Huskies. Washington didn't feel it needed to play in Gonzaga's home arena every other year.

Conversations about finding a middle ground and renewing a series that had become a must-see event in the mid-2000s - thanks to the likes of Brandon Roy and Adam Morrison - became contentious at times.

Washington state Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, even introduced a bill in the legislature at one point in early 2014 that would have required the schools to play once a year.

Finally, in the fall of 2014, the schools announced a four-year agreement to renew the series beginning in the 2016-17 season, with two games on each home court.

'If you've been around the last few years you've heard me say a hundred times, `We will play Gonzaga again,'' Romar said when the renewal was announced. 'And now we will.'

Washington leads the series 29-14, but Gonzaga has won eight of the last nine meetings. That coincided with Gonzaga's rise to a national power that makes runs in the NCAA Tournament each spring.

But the tournament in the Bahamas brought an unexpected opportunity to put the two schools together earlier than planned. There was a noticeable rivalry aspect to the tournament when the field was first announced with Washington, Gonzaga, Texas, Texas A&M, UConn and Syracuse among the participants. Tournament organizers didn't hesitate in renewing some of those historical matchups with the Zags and Huskies, and Longhorns and Aggies meeting in opening-round games.

'The biggest thing is that we are in one of the best tournaments and we want to keep playing at night,' Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. 'You want to give yourself a chance to keep playing for the championship.'

Washington has started 3-0, returning to the exciting, up-tempo style that made the Huskies successful in the past. The Huskies have scored at least 100 points in each of their last two games, the first time they've scored 100 or more in consecutive games since December 2010.

Gonzaga (2-0) has been equally potent offensively, scoring 91 in a win over Northern Arizona and 101 in beating Mount St. Mary's on Saturday. The Huskies beat Mount St. Mary's two days earlier and scored 100.

'If you're a fan of the state of Washington basketball situation, it's kind of a bonus. Maybe we get to play a little early before we start it, but for me, it kind of feels the same way,' Romar said. 'We play in a field like this, you don't know who you're going to play. We knew we were going to play a good opponent and it happens to be a good one in Gonzaga, so I'm not upset.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rebels (4-1) at Hoosiers (4-1)

Date: November 25, 2015 5:00 PM EDT

Indiana and UNLV had less than 24 hours to digest first-round defeats at the Maui Invitational before taking the court again, and they each responded with victories they wished brought them closer to the tournament title.

Instead, the 13th-ranked Hoosiers and Runnin' Rebels will face each other in Wednesday's fifth-place game looking to leave Hawaii with just one loss.

Indiana (4-1) blew a seven-point lead in the final five minutes and allowed the go-ahead bucket with 3.2 seconds left in Monday's 82-78 upset loss to Wake Forest. It was especially difficult to swallow considering the Hoosiers won three games by an average of 28.7 points before arriving in Maui.

They weren't at their best in the second half Tuesday either, but Yogi Ferrell scored 22 points and had seven assists while freshman Thomas Bryant added 19 in an 83-73 win over St. John's.

Coach Tom Crean changed his lineup, bringing James Blackmon and Troy Williams off the bench after both started the first four. Blackmon hit 5 of 8 from the field and scored 12 points in 17 minutes, and Williams scored seven while adding nine rebounds in 19 minutes.

'We were upset with the loss (Monday), but we looked at this as another opportunity for us to go out and show everybody what we're made of," Ferrell said. "Last game we played, we didn't start off with that mindset that we were going to go out and try to beat these dudes. I think this game we started off very well defensively and offensively.'

Indiana shot 57.7 percent after hitting 43.3 percent against Wake Forest. Bryant made 7 of 9 from the floor as the Hoosiers decided to go down low more, attempting 19 3-pointers - eight makes - after taking an average of 27.8 shots from behind the arc over their first four.

'We went to a game plan that really was where we needed to end the game (Monday), and we didn't end it that way, but we came at it and established it right away," Crean said. 'We didn't play great. It wasn't always pretty, but it's not going to be when you're playing against other competitive teams when you're in this environment."

UNLV (3-1) has had its issues in Maui as well. After falling 77-75 to UCLA in the first round Monday, the Rebels trailed by four at halftime to Division II tournament host Chaminade on Tuesday.

They turned it on in the second half and pulled away for a 93-73 victory, as freshman Derrick Jones finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds while Patrick McCaw added 25.

Jones played only 11 minutes because of foul trouble against the Bruins and finished with six points. McCaw had scored at least 20 in three straight.

'We took a tough loss. Coach (Dave) Rice ensured that we'd come prepared for Chaminade,' McCaw said. 'I know we came out a little slow. We had to fight through the aches and pains. But in the second half, Coach was just preaching we've got to bring energy and effort in the second half and play Runnin' Rebel basketball, and that's what we did.'

Standout freshman Stephen Zimmerman had 10 points and 14 boards against UCLA, but he wasn't in uniform while sitting on the bench Tuesday because of an illness. It isn't clear if Zimmerman, who said he didn't feel well Monday, will be able to play against the Hoosiers.