Prepare your grievances to debate which two- or three-loss teams most deserve the opportunity to lose in the College Football Playoff.
Veteran To Join Blues' AHL Affiliate On PTO
ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues are giving Milan Lucic ample opportunities to earn an NHL contract.
They took that next step on Tuesday by assigning the veteran forward to Springfield of the American Hockey League on a professional tryout.
The 37-year-old joined the Blues on a PTO, but not long into training camp, he suffered a groin strain and kept him out a week before resuming skating and playing in the final three preseason games; he had a goal and an assist.
The Blues were on the verge of making a decision to sign him to a contract or not but decided to keep him around to condition and get healthy from the injury and have taken the next step here to see if there's a path to consummate a contract or not.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound veteran will report to Springfield immediately.
If the Blues do in fact sign Lucic, there will have to be a roster decision made, with the likeliest path being a forward getting put on waivers. It's unlikely that Dalibor Dvorsky, a first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, gets sent back to the Thunderbirds considering he's played really well since his recall from Springfield last week. Dvorsky scored his first NHL goal on Monday in a 3-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers and it was a beauty.
The Blues still have Jake Neighbours (right leg) on injured reserve but he is not expected back before the end of November.
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The Bounce: Giannis flips the boo birds. Plus, college basketball is back!
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If the Denver Nuggets don’t turn this pass by Nikola Jokić that grazed Domantas Sabonis’ lettuce into some kind of barber gimmick, then what are we even doing here? Jokić just won a game of chicken that Sabonis had no idea he was playing.
About last night
Giannis steps up for Myles Turner
The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers have had bad blood of late. They’ve been involved in a kerfuffle over a game ball during the NBA Cup. They got into each other’s faces in the playoffs. Giannis Antetokounmpo even beefed with Tyrese Haliburton’s dad after Indiana eliminated the Bucks last postseason.
The big storyline on Monday night was Myles Turner coming back to Indy after leaving the Pacers for Milwaukee in free agency this summer. He still has all the love for Indiana and its fans, but they booed him during the game. Turner didn’t have some big revenge game or anything. He scored nine points, grabbed seven boards and blocked five shots in 32 minutes.
Turner left all the revenge room for his new teammate, Giannis. The Greek Freak had 33 points, 13 rebounds and five assists while making 14-of-21 from the field. The Pacers put up a great fight in this game, overcoming a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to tie it on the final possession. Unfortunately for Indiana, the last shot was in the hands of Giannis. And he calmly hit the game-winner.
That classic Giannis post-up from the left elbow into a fadeaway jumper! It was an incredible shot, and Giannis seemed to have a little extra for the Pacers crowd. He didn’t like them booing his new teammate (Turner, not Thanasis, who is most definitely back). He shushed the crowd and then booed them back.
The Bucks are 5-2, and the Pacers have fallen to just 1-6.
Rockets 110, Mavs 102: Dallas (2-5) put up a great effort without Anthony Davis, but P.J. Washington’s 29 and 12 just weren’t enough. Amen Thompson got to the hoop whenever he wanted on his way to 27 points. The Rockets (4-2) also received 26-11-6 from Alperen Şengün and 21 from Kevin Durant.
Heat 120, Clippers 119: Kawhi Leonard missed the game-winning shot, and the Clippers (3-3) couldn’t overcome their 20 turnovers. Norm Powell had 21 in his return to the Intuit Dome, and Bam Adebayo had 25 points and 10 boards. Miami (4-3) and its fast pace continue to cause chaos.
Jazz 105, Celtics 103: Keyonte George led the Jazz (3-4) with 31 points, and Jusuf Nurkić (11 points and 11 rebounds) had the winning putback with 0.6 seconds. The Celtics (3-5) got 36 points from Jaylen Brown, but they lost a game in which the Jazz turned it over 19 times. Maybe the Utah rebounding advantage of 55-36 had something to do with it. Somehow this was a no-call!
Lakers 123, Blazers 115: No Luka Dončić. No LeBron James. No Austin Reaves. But the Lakers (6-2) did have a Deandre Ayton revenge game on deck. He had 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Nick Smith Jr. put up 25 off the bench to give the Blazers (4-3) a pretty bad loss. Deni Avdija had 33 for them, though.
Pistons 114, Grizzlies 106: The Grizzlies (3-5) were down 21 in this game and brought it back to a three-point deficit late in the fourth quarter. However, Cade Cunningham had 33 points and eight assists, while Isaiah Stewart complemented him with a monster game. Beef Stew put up 26 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocks for the Pistons (5-2).
Nuggets 130, Kings 124: Russell Westbrook was looking for revenge against his former Nuggets teammates (lots of that going around Monday) and his 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists were a great start to that. And the Kings (2-5) had seven players in double figures. Denver (4-2) had Jokić, though, and his 34 points and 14 assists.
Wolves 125, Nets 109: Julius Randle had 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to rack up the triple-double. Donte DiVincenzo led all Wolveswith 25 points. And Minnesota (4-3) climbed back over .500 as it played without Anthony Edwards again. The Nets are now 0-7. Someone asked me if they were going to win before December. I legitimately don’t know.
Knicks 119, Wizards 102: The Wizards (1-6) got off to a great start and led after the first quarter. If I had to put my finger on it, I’d say the Knicks (4-3) outscoring them 76-48 in the second and third quarters combined is probably why Washington lost. Karl-Anthony Towns led everybody with 33 points and 13 rebounds. Alex Sarr had 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
The last 24
Are the Rockets the league’s second-best squad?
📈 New Rankings! Law Murray has the latest Power Rankings, and a bit of a shocking team ranked No. 2. The 3-2 Houston Rockets!
🏀 Top prospects. Sam Vecenie covers the NBA Draft better than anybody. He’s got what scouts are saying about the race for the top pick. And a two-round 2026 mock draft.
📹 This is just a tribute. What is the bar for a tribute video on a returning former player?Was Turner good enough for one in Indy?
💰 Yoink! A former Hawks executive was charged with embezzling $3.8 million from the team. He bought a Porsche and tickets?
🎧 Tuning in. The latest “NBA Daily” discusses why Bucks-Pacers is the most fun rivalry in the league right now.
Stream the NBA on Fubo (try it for free!) and catch out-of-market games on League Pass.
Back to college
Men’s hoops primer with Brendan Marks
Last night, we had an epic beginning to the men’s college basketball season with incredible talent taking the court all over the country. No. 13 Arizona took down defending champion and No. 3 Florida thanks to 30 points by Koa Peat. We also saw AJ Dybantsa go for 21 points as BYU beat Villanova.
With so much already happening on the men’s side, I needed to call in an expert to prepare us. The Athletic’s Brendan Marks is one of the best in the business and a college fixture when we need answers at The Bounce.
Zach: Who is a team you feel is underrated going into the season, and who is a team you think is overrated?
Brendan: I’m not sure if the No. 11 team in the preseason top 25 truly counts as “underrated,” but most teams with Louisville’s sheer talent would be top 5 (or even top 3) entering the season. The Cardinals are getting dinged because Pat Kelsey has never won an NCAA Tournament game … but neither had Florida’s Todd Golden before last spring. Louisville retained two starters, signed three top-35 transfers and brought in a lottery pick freshman point guard. Why can’t the Cards win it all?
For overrated, wild as it sounds, give me … the defending national champs. Florida brought back its entire frontcourt but lost all three starting guards from last season, including Final Four MOP Walter Clayton Jr. UF should still be good, but I need to see the Gators’ new backcourt perform before seriously entertaining if Golden’s team can go back-to-back.
Zach: In terms of excitement to watch all season, rank Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Duke’s Cameron Boozer and why.
Brendan: Oh, lord. There’s no right answer here, but …
Dybantsa: Narrowly, but his athleticism at 6-foot-9 — plus his arsenal of pro-ready offensive moves — is just mesmerizing. Give him the ball and get out of the way.
Boozer: Possibly controversial, but people 250 pounds are not supposed to move the way Boozer does. His shooting and passing are guard-esque.
Peterson: Putting Peterson third here is like saying Shaq is the third-best center of all time. A stupidly skilled guard with athleticism for days, who should fall somewhere on the scale from Cade Cunningham to Donovan Mitchell.
Zach: Outside of the top prospects, who is a player you think will really surprise people (doesn’t have to be a freshman)?
Brendan: The Big 3 freshmen have (rightfully) stolen most of the headlines, but two other rookie guards — Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. and Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. — could easily be their respective teams’ best players, too. It wouldn’t be surprising if both emerge as top-10 prospects in their own right. As for older players, casual fans may not know Iowa point guard Bennett Stirtz — who followed new Hawkeyes coach Ben McCollum from Division II to Drake and now to Des Moines — but he’s one of my favorite players to watch. If Iowa is going to make the NCAA Tournament, it’s because Stirtz has an All-America-caliber season.
Back to college, Part 2
Women’s hoops primer with Sabreena Merchant
Sadly, we know we’re not going to see USC’s JuJu Watkins this season. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t poised for an amazing women’s season. Reigning champion UConn return an incredible squad. South Carolina looks to get back to winning it all. And UCLA is loaded.
To break it all down, we turned to The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant, who always drops basketball knowledge for us.
Zach: Who is a team you feel is underrated going into the women’s season and who is a team you think is overrated?
Sabreena: Is it OK to call a top-10 team underrated? I’ll go for it. Maryland looks Final Four-caliber this year with the additions of Yarden Garzon (a top-five shooter in the country) and ACC tournament MVP Oluchi Okananwa. The Terrapins are deep and balanced, and they have an identity (pace, pace, pace), which is sometimes a rarity in the portal era. On the other end, I’m confused about the Iowa State hype. We did this last year with the Cyclones, and they fell all the way from preseason top 10 to a No. 11 seed in the tournament. Until Audi Crooks proves she can defend the paint, there is a limited ceiling on this team, and it isn’t the 12th-ranked team in the country.
Zach: If I give you Azzi Fudd as the best player to watch this season, can you give me a better answer?
Sabreena: Fudd certainly has an aesthetically pleasing game — there is arguably no one with a purer jump shot in all of college basketball, women’s or men’s. But she’s not even the best player on her team. That would be Sarah Strong, the do-it-all combo forward who seems destined to fall in the lineage of Breanna Stewart as a multi-time champion at UConn. Strong is as smooth as can be and has something in her game for everyone. For those fans with specific stylistic preferences: Lauren Betts (UCLA) is the most fundamentally sound post player in America, Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame) literally never stops moving, and MiLaysia Fulwiley (LSU) has the most ridiculous handle.
Zach: Which incoming freshman are you most excited to watch this season?
Sabreena: The L.A. freshmen lead the list: Jazzy Davidson at USC and Sienna Betts at UCLA. Both starred for Team USA in the U-19 World Cup this summer and have opportunities to play big roles in their first collegiate seasons. If you squint, Davidson is in the mold of Watkins with her playmaking on both ends, and she’ll be assuming a lot of the offensive and defensive responsibilities Watkins took on last season.
Betts is the modern big partner to her older sister Lauren on the Bruins, and she can rack up double-doubles while also stretching the floor, assuming she gets back from a foot injury that will cost her the start of the season.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
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Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge going for consecutive MVP awards
NEW YORK — Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge are in the running for consecutive MVP awards.
Ohtani joined Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber and New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto as finalists for the NL honor. Judge, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez are in the mix for AL MVP.
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt and Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy also could be repeat winners when the results are announced next week. Skubal, Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown and Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet are finalists for the AL Cy Young Award.
Brown secured an extra selection for Houston after the first round in next year’s amateur draft under the collective bargaining agreement’s prospect promotion incentive. He earned the pick because he was among the top 100 prospects from at least two of Baseball America, ESPN and MLB.com heading into the 2023 season, accrued a full season of service in his rookie season and had a top three finish in Cy Young voting before he became arbitration eligible.
Ohtani is going for his second MVP award with the Dodgers and his fourth overall. He also won with the Angels in 2021 and 2023. Judge is trying for his third MVP win — all with the Yankees.
The 31-year-old Ohtani hit .282 with 55 homers and 102 RBIs in 158 games this year, helping the Dodgers win a second straight World Series championship. The Japanese right-hander also went 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts in his return to the mound following a second major elbow surgery.
The 33-year-old Judge batted .331 with 53 homers, 114 RBIs and a major league-leading 1.145 OPS in 152 games with New York. He also was voted MVP in 2022.
While Ramírez was terrific once again, the AL MVP race is expected to come down to Judge and Raleigh, a switch-hitting catcher who led the majors with 60 homers for Seattle during the regular season.
The top three finishers in voting for each of the major individual awards presented annually by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America were announced Monday night on MLB Network. Balloting is conducted before the postseason.
World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers is a finalist for the NL Cy Young along with Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes and Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez. Skenes was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2024.
Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin, Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton and Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin are competing for top NL rookie this time around.
The finalists for AL Rookie of the Year are Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony and the Athletics duo of Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson. Kurtz hit .290 with 36 homers and 86 RBIs in 117 games for the A’s, and Wilson batted .311 in 125 games.
Vogt was joined by Toronto’s John Schneider and Seattle’s Dan Wilson as finalists for AL Manager of the Year. Philadelphia’s Rob Thomson and Cincinnati’s Terry Francona are in the mix for the NL honor with Murphy.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers already talking about World Series three-peat
LOS ANGELES — The party’s over and now the Los Angeles Dodgers are turning to 2026 with designs on winning a third consecutive World Series.
“What’s better than two?” manager Dave Roberts asked at the team’s rally at Dodger Stadium on Monday. “Three — three-peat! Three-peat!”
Roberts said he’d gotten permission from his friend Pat Riley to use the phrase that the Miami Heat president trademarked in 1988.
Soft-spoken and rarely seen team owner Mark Walter vowed to be “back next year” for another championship celebration.
First baseman Freddie Freeman told a sold out crowd, “Job in 2024, done. Job in 2025, done. Job in 2026 starts now.”
With three titles in the last six years, the Dodgers next will attempt to equal the New York Yankees, who were the last team to win three consecutive championships from 1998-2000.
“I’m already thinking about the third time we’re going to do this,” two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani said.
It certainly seems possible. The team brings back all of its biggest names, alternately striking fear and grudging admiration in the hearts of baseball’s other 29 teams. Los Angeles opened as +350 World Series favorites for 2026, according to Bet MGM Sportsbook.
Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, has already referred to this time as “the golden era of Dodgers baseball.”
Throw in five National League pennants in the last nine years and 12 NL West titles in 13 years and, well, the word dynasty is becoming synonymous with the Dodgers.
“I think definitionally it’s a dynasty,” Friedman said. “For me, it’s still evolving and growing and we want to add to it and we want to continue it and do everything we can to put it at a level where people after us have a hard time reaching.”
The Dodgers won the title last year mixing and matching their relievers. This season, the starting rotation survived a string of injuries to return in time to pitch the team to its ninth World Series title in franchise history.
“It’s really an exceptional, exceptional staff,” Phillies president Dave Dombrowski said after his team lost to the Dodgers in the NL Division Series. “If you’re going to beat them, you’re really going to have to do everything right.”
Ohtani was brought along slowly in his return to the mound this season after rehabbing from elbow surgery in December 2023. He produced another NL MVP-worthy season at the plate and with no restrictions on the mound next year could do things few think possible.
The Dodgers have seven free agents, although three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw officially retired when the World Series ended.
The two most prominent are Kiké Hernández and Game 7 hero Miguel Rojas, whose home run tied the game in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Dodgers figure to make a push to bring Hernández back. He was a regular starter in the postseason where some of his biggest exploits have occurred. Rojas has been valuable off the bench the last three years and his ability to play all three infield positions helped the team withstand injuries to Max Muncy and Tommy Edman. But he’s 36 and the Dodgers may want to acquire youth off the bench.
The other four free agents are Michael Conforto and pitchers Andrew Heaney, Michael Kopech and Kirby Yates. None of them made any of the team’s postseason rosters.
Conforto hit .199 and never lived up to his $17 million, one-year deal despite spending most of the season as the starting left fielder. Yates, who came in on a $13 million, one-year deal, had a 5.23 ERA in 41 1/3 innings pitched. He had three stints on the injured list and at 38 has hinted he might retire.
Kopech was part of a dominant bullpen that helped carry the Dodgers to their 2024 championship. But he began this season on the injured list and later had knee surgery. He was limited to pitching in 14 games before his season ended in September with another IL stint.
Heaney signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers in August and got called up on the next-to-last day of the regular season. He made one appearance, but more memorably he was the 62nd player used by the team, setting a franchise record.
Kershaw has been offered a job with the team by Friedman, so he may be a continuing presence around Chavez Ravine.
“I know they’re going to get one more next year,” he told the fans, “and I’m going to watch just like all of you.”
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight’s game
NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesday continues tonight with a doubleheader featuring two conference showdowns.
In the 11 p.m. ET game, the Los Angeles Clippers (3-3), who are coming off their first loss at home, will play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder (7-0), the lone remaining unbeaten team in the NBA. Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose scoring average is slightly up from his 2024-25 MVP season, will face the team that traded him in 2019 to Oklahoma City after his rookie season.
In an 8 p.m. ET tipoff, the Atlanta Hawks (3-4) will begin a three-game homestand by welcoming the Orlando Magic (3-4), which are completing a five-game road trip. It's a rematch of an Oct. 24 game in Orlando, Florida, where the Hawks won 111-107 with a 15-0 run in the fourth quarter after trailing by 12.
Coast 2 Coast Tuesday will begin weekly with a 30-minute studio show leading into the doubleheader.
See below for additional information on how to watch both games and a breakdown of the Clippers-Thunder matchup.
Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season. Click here to sign up and follow all of the NBA excitement.
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 4
- Where: Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California
- Time: 11 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC (check local listings)
- Live Stream: Peacock
Oklahoma City Thunder storylines
Despite battling through injuries, the defending NBA champions have racked up seven consecutive wins to start the season for the second year in a row — joining the 1963-63 Boston Celtics and 1993-95 Houston Rockets as the third team with back-to-back 7-0 starts. The Thunder rolled to a 137-106 victory Sunday over the New Orleans Pelicans despite the absence of star swingman Jalen Williams (who has yet to play this season while recovering from right wrist surgery), Chet Holmgren (who has missed three consecutive games with a sprained back) and Lu Dort (illness).
It's easier for Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault to juggle the lineup with the presence of league and NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 33.6 points and 5.9 assists per game. Ajay Mitchell (17.3 ppg), Aaron Wiggins (13.4) and Isaiah Hartenstein (10.9) have also provided double-figure scoring while appearing in every game.
Gilgeous-Alexander and his family had a scare Oct. 30 when their home was burglarized during the Thunder's 127-108 victory over the Washington Wizards. "Long story short, everybody's safe, and that's all that really matters in the whole thing," Gilgeous-Alexander said Sunday after the Thunder's win. "Everything else can come and go, but my loved ones are safe, so I'm OK. I'm happy."
Williams has yet to play this season, but the Thunder have started 6-0 without him.
Kurt HelinLos Angeles Clippers storylines
The Clippers lost 120-119 to the Miami Heat as Kawhi Leonard missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer Monday. While led by the twin scoring attack of James Harden (29 points) and Leonard (27), ball security has been an issue for Los Angeles, which committed 21 turnovers that led to 37 points for Miami and frustration for Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. "It came down to turning the ball over," Lue said. "Same (stuff) over and over. Same stuff."
Leonard also said he tweaked his right ankle against Miami and could be a game-time decision against Oklahoma, and fellow veteran Bradley Beal also might sit on the second game of a back to back. The Clippers have started 1-1 on a stretch with six of seven games at home.
After Leonard (24.3 points per game) and Harden (23 points per game), Los Angeles relies on scoring from Ivica Zubac (14.2 points per game), John Collins (11.8 points per game) and Derrick Jones Jr. (10.7 points per game).
What other NBA game is on Peacock tonight?
How to watch Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 4
- Where: State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC (check local listings)
- Live Stream: Peacock
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits on Peacock for whatever suits your mood.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
What devices does Peacock support?
You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.
Mikal Bridges' renewed aggression an early-season Knicks trend worth watching
We’re still in the early days of this new NBA season, but one trend Knicks fans are hoping sticks around is the renewed aggression from Mikal Bridges.
Ahead of Monday's win over the Wizards on Monday, Bridges was averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and six assists on 62.2 percent shooting from two and 46.9 percent from three in six games, a healthy start to the year.
Against Washington, Bridges had a strong game, notching 10 points, four assists, three blocks, three steals, and two rebounds in 29 minutes.
Beyond the counting stats, we’ve seen a material departure in style and substance from last season’s performance. This is a welcome development after the Knicks invested most of their draft capital to acquire Bridges in the summer of 2024.
While he came up huge in the playoffs last season, Bridges spent much of the campaign finding his place, and disappointed with his lack of physicality and impact. He seems to have addressed these concerns head on so far in 2025-26, which bodes well for his team.
Bridges’ scoring average may be virtually identical to last season, but he’s getting there on fewer shot attempts thanks to a reworked shot diet. He’s trading inefficient mid-range attempts for more threes and rim attacks, and it’s working.
Thirty-four percent of Bridges' shot attempts came from between ten feet out and the three-point line last season, compared to 22 percent this year as of Monday. His three-point attempt rate has also jumped from 38 percent of his field goal attempts to 46 percent.
He’s been much more aggressive off the catch and in transition to use his length attacking the cup, resulting in a free throw rate over double what he recorded last season. For context, he’s attempted 16 free throws in six games, and it took him until December to reach that mark in 2024.
As a result, Bridges’ true-shooting percentage is up to 69 percent -- which would be a career high if it sustains, a full 10 percentage points higher than last season. It helps that he’s knocking everything down, but even if the shooting slows down, the increased rim attacks are a healthy and necessary addition to his game.
Bridges has brought this new aggressiveness not just to his drives but the rest of his game. He’s taken on the role of being more of a secondary playmaker, heavily subscribing to new head coach Mike Brown’s drive-and-dish mentality.
He boasts an assist rate of 23.6 percent, closer in comparison to dribble-heavy guards and by far a career high for Bridges. He’s no elite passer, but is willing, capable, and accurate, historically recording few turnovers.
Leaning on this part of his game has no doubt come at a sacrifice of his scoring, but may be crucial in unlocking this offense for the long haul. The next step will be tightening up his play in pick-and-roll, where he’s got more responsibility.
Bridges is also hitting the boards much harder, with career highs in both offensive and defensive rebounding rates. His length and size at the position has long been a boon to his career, just not in this particular area, a surprising but potentially huge development.
The Knicks have had bigger rebounding questions than in years prior given the roster construction and new identity, but Bridges being more active on that end changes the math. It’s been night and day watching him sprint towards hot spots off a teammate’s shot and use his length to tip the ball out for second opportunities.
Finally, on the defensive end, Bridges has been more active getting his hands into passing lanes and shooting pockets. His steal and block rates are elevated to his “3-and-D” heyday levels, making more use of his frame and IQ.
These returns feel much more aligned to the upfront price the Knicks paid for Bridges. The ultimate Swiss Army Knife next to Jalen Brunson is the type of piece you pay a premium to obtain in hopes it can secure you a championship, and this year feels like Bridges starting to figure out how to be that guy.
How to watch Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight’s game
NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesday continues tonight with a doubleheader featuring two conference showdowns.
In an 8 p.m. ET tipoff, the Atlanta Hawks (3-4) will begin a three-game homestand by welcoming the Orlando Magic (3-4), which are completing a five-game road trip. It's a rematch of an Oct. 24 game in Orlando, Florida, where the Hawks won 111-107 with a 15-0 run in the fourth quarter after trailing by 12.
In the 11 p.m. ET game, the Los Angeles Clippers (3-3), who are coming off their first loss at home, will play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder, (7-0) the lone remaining unbeaten team in the NBA. Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose scoring average is slightly up from his 2024-25 MVP season, will face the team that traded him in 2019 to Oklahoma City after his rookie season.
Coast 2 Coast Tuesday will begin weekly with a 30-minute studio show leading into the doubleheader.
See below for additional information on how to watch both games and a breakdown of the Magic-Hawks matchup.
Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season. Click here to sign up and follow all of the NBA excitement.
How to watch Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 4
- Where: State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC (check local listings)
- Live Stream: Peacock
Orlando Magic storylines
The Magic is trying to close the road trip with a third consecutive victory after a 125-94 win Saturday over the Washington Wizards and a 123-107 victory Thursday over the Charlotte Hornets. Forcing 21 turnovers while allowing a season-low opponent points total to Washington, Orlando's defense has improved after allowing more than 135 points in back-to-back losses to Philadelphia and Detroit (the highest scoring totals in consecutive games yielded by the Magic since 1990). Orlando is also picking up the pace on offense, averaging 1303.29 possessions per 48 minutes after an NBA-low 96.5 last season.
The focal point is Paolo Banchero, who signed a franchise-record five-year, $240.7 million extension over the summer and leads the Magic in scoring (23.3 points per game), rebounds (9.3 per game) and blocks (1.3 per game). "He holds so much gravity and weight when he has that ball in his hands," Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said of Banchero, who is averaging 4 assists. "He’s got defenses loaded up to him and he’s looking to make the right play."
Desmond Bane, who was acquired from Memphis before the season, has been slumping from the 3-point line, making only five of his past 25 attempts for a team that was last in 3-point percentage (31.8%) last year. Bane is averaging 14.6 points per game, which ranks third behind Franz Wagner (22.6). Anthony Black (12.3), Wendell Carter Jr. (11.3), Tristan Da Silva ( 10.7) and Jalen Suggs also are averaging double figures in scoring.
Atlanta Hawks storylines
The Hawks are navigating life without four-time All-Star point guard Trae Young, who will miss at least four weeks with a sprained right knee suffered in the first quarter of a Nov. 29 win over Brooklyn. In its first game without Young, Atlanta lost 117-109 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, allowing 33 points on 23 turnovers while playing their fourth starting lineup in seven games.
"I think that collectively we need to be more connected, and that’ll help us,” coach Quinn Snyder said. “A lot of guys are in kind of new spots, new positions, new roles, and they need to help each other, and they’re aware of that.”
Jalen Johnson is leading the Hawks in points (21.2 per game) and rebounds (9.0), and Kristaps Porzingis (18.2 points per game) also has been effective in his first season since being acquired in a trade with Boston. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (16.9) and Onyeka Okongwu (13.9) also have double-figure scoring averages for Atlanta.
What other NBA game is on Peacock tonight?
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 4
- Where: Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California
- Time: 11 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC (check local listings)
- Live Stream: Peacock
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
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Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits on Peacock for whatever suits your mood.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
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Giants manager Tony Vitello details differences between coaching college, MLB
Giants manager Tony Vitello details differences between coaching college, MLB originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Tony Vitello is doing what no MLB manager has done before: Make the jump from college baseball to the big leagues with no prior experience in the league.
The new Giants manager has been peppered with questions about how his college experience will translate to the major leagues. But knowing the differences in coaching at the two levels is a good start.
On the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, Vitello discussed two key areas of difference between college and professional baseball.
“Recruiting, you can have a voice maybe with trades or free agency,” Vitello said. “And I think that’s something that pro players look at is: what park do I want to play in, what city do I want to live in, what coaches?”
Recruiting was one of Vitello’s strengths as the leader of the Tennessee Volunteers’ baseball program, building many strong recruiting classes to establish a foundation on which he landed the school’s first College World Series championship.
He can play a part in convincing free agents to sign with San Francisco and has the know-how to accomplish that, but the onus does not fall completely on him as it did in college.
“It’s not like recruiting goes away, but you’re not in charge of your roster anymore,” Vitello noted.
That’s where he now can rely on a baseball operations staff led by Buster Posey and Zack Minasian.
The other key difference Vitello mentions is building relationships with a variety of players at different stages of their careers.
“The kids you work with in college are so impressionable. They’ll latch on to about anything you’ll give them,” Vitello explained. “I don’t know what I don’t know, but I assume a 35-year-old in the big leagues for a while, he’s pretty much got his system figured out, so it’ll be a little bit different of a co-op or relationship there.”
Two players who have made the jump from college to MLB, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer, both believe Vitello has the tools to succeed in the majors.
“I feel blessed to be the guy, but [I’m] also the guinea pig,” Vitello said.
Tears and trouble: Shaun Wane on England’s narrow defeat to Australia
The coach says England will not win the Ashes until Super League players become used to ‘really intense games’
Shaun Wane is a bear of a man who has built a hugely successful rugby career on intimidation and rabble-rousing, terrifying his own players as much as opponents and reporters. But being an emotional person works both ways. It would not have been a surprise if the 14-4 defeat to Australia had left the England coach in tears on Saturday but, in fact, he his feelings broke through when I asked him about his grandchildren.
After the final whistle Wane spent some time cuddling his small grandkids by the England dugout, showering them with attention and affection. It was lovely and touching. Their smiles and laughter were clearly infectious. A few minutes later, Wane was telling the press how “devastated” he was by the defeat and how 10 loose minutes from his players after half-time had infuriated him. “That really, really hurts – I’m so disappointed,” he said.
Continue reading...Matthew Schafere's Stellar SportLogiq's Stats
New York Islanders No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer has been unreal to begin his NHL career.
Through 12 games entering Tuesday night against the Boston Bruins, the 18-year-old has 10 points, with five goals and five assists, leading all defenseman in the goals department.
Here's his advanced metrics courtesy of Sportslogiq which are mind-boggling.
Sportlogiq (@Sportlogiq) on XWhat an impressive start for Matthew Schaefer 🔥
🔵 1st among all @NHL players in screened shots on net
🟠 3rd in controlled exits among defensemen
🔵 4th in controlled entries among defensemen
🟠 5th in OZ Possession time among defensemen
🔵 9th in passes to the slot amongSchaefer, who already was named Rookie of the Month for October is off to a red-hot start to November after his first career two-goal performance.
How many points do you think he'll have this month?
Ranking Yankees' top 10 free agent targets for 2025-26 MLB offseason
After failing to get to the ALCS, the Yankees will need to retool their roster if they hope to finally capture their first World Series in more than 15 years. That's especially the case with key players like Trent Grisham, Devin Williams,and Cody Bellinger hitting the free agent market.
The free agent class is star-studded with plenty of starting arms, relievers, and a few All-Star caliber hitters who would help the Yanks in 2026 and beyond.
Of course, GM Brian Cashman and the front office can pick up any player, but there are a few specific names that the team should pursue this offseason. There are also some names that, while the Yankees don't necessarily need, could raise the team's ceiling.
Here are the top 10 free agents the Yankees should pursue this offseason...
10. 3B Alex Bregman
If this were a year ago, Bregman would be much higher on the list. But after the Yanks acquired Ryan McMahon at the trade deadline, the need for a third baseman is no longer there. But if one of the best third basemen in the league is available, you need to at least explore the possibility.
Bregman brings great defense and can still hit, both in the regular season and postseason. Yeah, his swing may not be great for Yankee Stadium, but perhaps the Yankees can get creative with how they use Bregman and McMahon. It's hard to pass up on the production Bregman can bring.
9. 1B Pete Alonso
Again, a position that the Yankees don't need to fill, but adding Alonso would raise the production they would get from that corner to heights they haven't seen in quite some time.
Sure, there are holes in Alonso's game. His defense leaves a lot to be desired and he is not the fleetest of foot on the basepaths, but he makes up for it with his power and durability. Alonso would replace Paul Goldschmidt -- who is a free agent -- on the roster, and the team will have to decide what to do with young Ben Rice.
Alonso plays every day, so Rice would either be part of a platoon with Austin Wells at catcher or a candidate to be traded.
There's also Alonso's reported contract demands to take into account. While I don't believe he'll receive a seven-year offer, the soon-to-be-31-year-old is looking for a long-term deal and I speculate the Yanks don't have an appetite for it. But if the market brings Alonso's demands down, the Yankees could do worse at first base.
8. RHP Luke Weaver
Weaver is one of two key relievers the Yankees could lose this offseason. And while his 2025 ended poorly, New York should seriously consider bringing Weaver back.
Every offseason, Cashman is tasked with rebuilding his bullpen, and has consistently done a good job. With David Bednar and Camilo Doval still with the club in 2026, the Yankees need another arm or two to round out the 'pen and be playoff ready.
And while fans may scoff at bringing Weaver back, you can't deny he was dominant in 2024 and was crucial to the team's World Series run that year. He also has the temperament for the city and can handle the pressure. And if he can get over the whole pitch-tipping debacle at the end of the 2025 season, he and the Yankees should find a way to reunite.
7. INF Bo Bichette
The shortstop position is not as steady as it seemed a couple of years ago.
With Anthony Volpe's offense and defense regressing in recent seasons, the young infielder is not a shoo-in as the starter. So, what should the Yankees do? Upgrade, of course, or at least look into it.
Bichette, 27, is entering free agency after having arguably his best season as a pro. It was also a nice bounce back from his injury-plagued 2024. But with that comes some potential pitfalls. Bichette will be looking for a lucrative, long-term deal and his injury history is something to be wary of. The shortstop missed most of the postseason with a knee injury and although he likely won't need surgery, it's something that should be monitored.
Do your due diligence on the medicals, and check in to see if Bichette is gettable. It would resolve the shortstop position for years to come.
6. RHP Devin Williams
Williams is the other big reliever set to test free agency, and one the Yankees should look into bringing back. The organization clearly values and likes what Williams can bring -- they wouldn't have traded for him if they didn't. Despite his roller coaster first season in the Bronx, he rounded into form at the end, and could be a valuable piece for the 2026 Yankees.
Truthfully, Williams may not want to return. There was intense pressure on him after his early-season struggles, and perhaps he'd prefer a smaller market like when he thrived in Milwaukee. Also, he could be looking for closer money this offseason. The Yanks have Bednar, who became their closer down the stretch, but would a reunion with Williams be predicated on being the closer again?
The Yankees could use those dollars elsewhere, but checking in on Williams should be on the docket.
5. 1B/3B Kazuma Okamoto
Okamoto, on paper, fits what the Yankees need. He's a right-handed bat who, while he has some pop -- leading the Central League in home runs three times -- has a lower strikeout rate than Munetaka Murakami, another Japanese hitter ready to be posted this offseason, and is a plus defender.
Bringing Okamoto in can allow the Yankees to have him play alongside both Rice and McMahon at either corner, depending on the pitching matchups.
He'll also be a relatively cheaper option than Murakami. While he is already 29, the combination of power, contact skills and defense makes Okamoto an intriguing option.
4. 1B/3B Munetaka Murakami
And speaking of Murakami. Sure, Okamoto offers the defense and right-handed bat the Yankees need for their roster, but could you not explore bringing in one of the best power-hitting prospects to come out of Japan in recent memory?
His left-handed bat doesn't fit with Rice and McMahon at the corners, but like with Alonso, the addition of Murakami could free the Yanks up to deal Rice.
Murakami, 26, is also younger than Okamoto, so the Yankees could get a lot more mileage out of him.
3. RHP Michael King
Could King return to the Bronx?
After the Yankees traded him to the Padres in the deal for Juan Soto, the right-hander is a free agent -- and a reunion is possible.
The Yankees know what they'd be getting with King, so adding him back into the rotation mix would be seamless. Despite dealing with injuries in 2025, King still pitched to a 3.44 ERA with a strikeout rate of 9.3 per nine. He's only a year removed from his breakout 2024, when he finished seventh in Cy Young voting and pitched to a 2.95 ERA in his first full season as a starter.
New York has a lot of starters already, but Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon will miss the beginning of the season, and the Yankees need arms to stay afloat until reinforcements come. Adding a pitcher like King also allows them to trade one or both of Luis Gil/Will Warren to a team that could use major league ready pitchers.
2. OF Cody Bellinger
No. 1 and No. 2 on this list can be flip-flopped, however you see fit. But either way, the Yankees need an elite outfielder and Bellinger gives them that in spades.
Bellinger is a plus defender at various positions, giving the Yankees flexibility while also delivering power, contact hitting and base running. Most importantly, Bellinger has proven he can do it in New York. That's something that shouldn't be undervalued.
He would also cost considerably less than the No. 1 free agent, allowing the Yanks to stretch out their payroll a bit more.
1. OF Kyle Tucker
And here we are, with arguably the highest-profile name on the free agent market this year.
The arguments can be made for either Bellinger or Tucker, but Tucker gives the Yankees a more dangerous offensive presence behind Aaron Judge. Perhaps the Yankees would overlook his defensive shortcomings -- in relation to Bellinger -- for that firepower.
Re-signing Bellinger is the prudent and safer choice, but Tucker would be the splash this team potentially needs to get over the hump.
Thunder at Clippers predictions: odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for November 4
Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup and find a potential sweat or two! We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff. Odds courtesy of DraftKingsrecent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.
Game Details and How to watch the Thunder vs. Clippers live
- Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- Time: 11 PM EST
- Site: Intuit Dome
- City: Los Angeles, CA
- Network/Streaming: NBC/Peacock
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game odds for the Thunder at the Clippers
The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:
- Moneyline: Thunder (-285), Clippers (+230)
- Spread: Thunder -7.5
- Total: 222.5
That gives the Thunder an implied team point total of 114.5 and the Clippers 107.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups for the Thunder and the Clippers
Thunder
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG Cason Wallace
SF Lu Dort (questionable)
PF Chet Holmgren (questionable)
C Isaiah Hartenstein
Clippers
PG James Harden
SG Bradley Beal (questionable)
SF Kawhi Leonard (questionable)
PF Derrick Jones Jr
C Ivica Zubac
Injuries for the Thunder and the Clippers
Thunder
F Jalen Williams (wrist) is OUT for Tuesday's game
C Chet Holmgren (back) missed Sunday's game
G Lu Dort (illness) missed Sunday's game
Clippers
G Bradley Beal (load management) is questionable for Tuesday's game because of back-to-backs
F Kawhi Leonard (load management) is questionable for Tuesday's game because of back-to-backs
G Kobe Sanders (knee) is OUT for Tuesday's game
G Jordan Miller (hamstring) is OUT for Tuesday's game
Important stats, trends and insights ahead of Thunder at Clippers on Tuesday.
- Oklahoma City is 3-4 ATS and 7-0 on the ML
- Oklahoma City is 4-3 to the Over
- Los Angeles is 3-2 to the Over
- Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS, ranking fourth-worst
- The Clippers have not been underdogs this season
- The Clippers finished 21-16 ATS as a underdog last season and 21-15-1 to the Under
- The Clippers finished 8-5 ATS as a home underdog last season and 7-6 to the Over
- The Clippers were 14-23 on the ML as an underdog last year and 6-7 as a home underdog.
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Thunder & Clippers game:
- Moneyline: Thunder ML (medium confidence)
- Spread: Thunder -7.5 (high confidence)
- Total: Under 223.5 (low confidence)
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
Magic at Hawks predictions: odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for November 4
One of the premier matchups of the NBA slate is on NBC and Peacock tonight when two up-and-coming teams take center stage. The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks link up for the first of four meetings this season, but this one will be missing a common sight in this divisional rivalry.
Atlanta lost to Cleveland, 117-109 on Sunday, and that was the Hawks first game without Trae Young who will miss nearly a month with a knee injury. While Atlanta has had Orlando's number in recent years, without Young, can the Hawks keep that success going?
Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup and find a potential sweat or two! We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff. Odds courtesy of DraftKingsrecent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.
Game Details and How to watch the Magic vs. Hawks live
- Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- Time: 8 PM EST
- Site: State Farm Arena Center
- City: Atlanta, GA
- Network/Streaming: NBC/Peacock
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game odds for the Magic at the Hawks
The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:
- Moneyline: Magic (-162), Hawks (+136)
- Spread: Magic -3.5
- Total: 227.5
That gives the Magic an implied team point total of 115.5 and the Hawks 112.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups for the Magic and the Hawks
Magic
PG Jalen Suggs
SG Desmond Bane
SF Franz Wagner
PF Paolo Banchero
C Wendell Carter Jr
Hawks
PG Nickeil Alexander-Walker
SG Dyson Daniels
SF Zaccharie Risacher
PF Jalen Johnson
C Kristaps Porzingis
Injuries for the Magic and the Hawks
Magic
C Mortiz Wagner (knee) was OUT in Sunday's game
Hawks
G Trae Young (knee) is OUT and will be reevaluated in four weeks
Important stats, trends and insights ahead of Magic at Hawks on Tuesday.
- Atlanta and Orlando are 2-5 ATS, tied for 5th-worst
- Atlanta and Orlando are 2 of 8 teams profitable to the Under so far (both 4-3 to the Under)
- Atlanta is 0-2 ATS and 0-2 ML as home team
- Orlando is 2-2 ATS and 2-2 ML as road team
- Atlanta is 5-2 on the ML in the last 7 meetings versus Orlando
- Atlanta is 5-1 on the ML in the last 6 at home versus Orlando
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Hawks & Magic game:
- Moneyline: Magic ML (medium confidence)
- Spread: Magic -3.5 (high confidence)
- Total: Under 227.5 (low confidence)
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
The Stats Behind Game #14: Canucks 5, Predators 4 (OT)
Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks post-game analytics report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on Vancouver’s most recent 5–4 overtime win against the Nashville Predators.
Early on in the game, Vancouver took the lead in even-strength scoring chances for, putting up nine in the first period compared to Nashville’s seven. However, after that, it was all Nashville in regulation, who had 20 after three periods. The Canucks dominated in overtime, keeping possession throughout the extra frame and putting two scoring chances up on the Predators. By the end of the game, Nashville led in scoring chances by a lead of 20 to 15. Nashville also led in high-danger chances for, putting up nine against Vancouver’s six.
Vancouver was all over the place according to last night’s heat map, though most of their chances were taken a decent distance from the net. Their warmest position on the map was near the top of the faceoff dot. On the other hand, Nashville’s chances came predominantly from in front of Thatcher Demko, indicating that these issues that have persisted throughout the season still remain.
In his first game back from injury, Quinn Hughes had some good setups and looked as dynamic as usual when attempting to generate offence, which is backed up by analytics. While the defenceman finished the game with a 5-on-5 corsi-for of 40%, putting him at ninth on the team, he also placed fourth on Vancouver with 54.17% in all situations. He also put up an xGF% of 63.45% in all strengths, putting him third among the Canucks. Tom Willander finished the game with the highest value in this category with an impressive 76.44%.
With their road trip now over, the Canucks will head back to Vancouver to embark on a four-game homestand featuring games against the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, and Winnipeg Jets. Their next game will take place on Wednesday, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 pm PT.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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