oklahoma city thunder vs cleveland cavaliers

NBA PREDICTIONS: Oklahoma City Thunder VS Cleveland Cavaliers Expert Picks

The two best clubs in the NBA will meet for the last time in Thunder VS Cavaliers. Read on to see our analysis of this game between Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers.  Keep reading for NBA Betting predictions, picks and odds for the Thunder VS Cavaliers, brought to you by MatchPlug. Follow us for full coverage of this game. Predictions and Betting Preview for Oklahoma City Thunder VS Cleveland Cavaliers  Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The Oklahoma City Thunder Oklahoma City Thunder is 33-6 overall this campaign. They are first position in the Western Conference and have a 6.5 game lead over the Houston Rockets. Oklahoma is one game behind Cleveland for the top record in American Basketball. They have won three straight matches since they lost to Cleveland.  In their last match, Oklahoma beat Philadelphia 118-102 on the road on Tuesday. They opened up the match with a 32-11 lead in the first half which gave them an easy victory. The 76ers never took the lead going wire-to-wire. The Thunder shot 55.6% from the field and 33.3% from behind the 3-point line in the loss. They forced 22 turnovers which led to 29 points.  Betting On The Cleveland Cavaliers The Cleveland Cavaliers are 34-5 overall this term. They are first in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers are 6 matches ahead of the Boston Celtics for the top position. They also have the top record in American Basketball. Cleveland is one game ahead of Oklahoma for first position. Their 12-game winning streak ended against the Indiana Pacers two matches ago.  The Cavaliers bounced back with a victory in their last outing. They defeated the Pacers in the second match of their back-to-back by a 127-117 score in Indianapolis on Tuesday. Cleveland mainted a 1-point lead at halftime and never conceded the lead in the second half. They shot 48.3% from the field and 34.1% from behind the 3-point line. Cleveland out rebounded the Pacers 49-37 which was important.  MatchPlug Prediction For Oklahoma City Thunder VS Cleveland Cavaliers Fans can expect a close match, but Cleveland knows how to play road matches. The Cavaliers are 3-0 against the spread when they have emerged underdogs. Take them to cover the spread in this match against the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Final Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers +2.5.

Read More »
sacramento kings vs houston rockets

NBA PREDICTIONS: Sacramento Kings VS Houston Rockets Expert Picks

The 2024-25 NBA season continues with a Western Conference contest between the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets on Friday. Kings VS Rockets will be held at Golden 1 Center Sacramento, CA.  Use MatchPlug’s to find the NBA Predictions Tonight for the Kings VS Rockets. Predictions and Betting Preview For Sacramento Kings VS Houston Rockets  Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The Sacramento Kings The Sacramento Kings have performed well under acting head coach Doug Christie, going 7-2 SU and 5-3-1 ATS. Last Tuesday, the Kings ended their seven-game winning streak, taking a 130-115 road loss against the Milwaukee Bucks.  Sacramento is now 8th in the NBA in adjusted offensive efficiency (115.7 points per 100 possessions) and 14th in adjusted defensive efficiency (113.5). They are second in the NBA in defensive rebound percentage (77.7%).  Betting On The Houston Rockets  The Houston Rockets are unbeaten in four successive meetings, leaving Monday’s 120-118 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies. They have been crushing the boards so far, leading the NBA in offensive rebound percentage (31.0%).  Houston depends on their defense, permitting 107.9 points per 100 possessions (3rd in the NBA). They scored 113.8 points in return (11th) on 51.6% shooting from inside the arc (28th) and 33.4% from downtown (also 28th).  MatchPlug Prediction On Sacramento Kings VS Houston Rockets  The Rockets are not great at shooting, and the Kings have enough weapons to destroy their solid defense. Sacramento makes 55.6% of its 2-pointers (8th in the NBA).  Final Prediction: Sacramento Kings Spread. 

mostbet mostbet sekabet mostbet mostbet mostbet mostbet mostbet
Read More »
columbus blue jackets vs san jose sharks

NHL Predictions Today: Columbus Blue Jackets VS San Jose Sharks Expert Picks

The San Jose Sharks will visit Columbus Ohio to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday. Watch Jackets VS Sharks.  MatchPlug has the NHL Prediction for Blue Jackets VS Sharks. View the picks, odds, and analysis we laid out in this preview. Betting Preview for Columbus Blue Jackets VS San Jose Sharks  Odds as provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets have won five straight matches, which is their longest winning streak since 2019/20. They maintained their latest streak on Tuesday night in a 3-2 score over the Philadelphia Flyers at home. Zach Werenski led the regulation, scoring twice including the game-tying goal with less than five minutes left in the match. Columbus is 8-2 in their last ten matches. They are fifth in the league in goals per game this term. The Blue Jackets are 7th in shot per game and 7th in shooting percentage. On the power play, they are 9th in the NHL. Defensively, Columbus is 31st in the NHL in goals allowed. 11th in shots allowed per game and 31st in save percentage. The Blue Jackets are 15th in penalty minutes per game and 27th on the penalty-kill.  Betting On The San Jose Sharks  The San Jose Sharks enter this match after a 6-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in Detroit on Tuesday. William Eklund delivered a goal and two assists to lead the Sharks’ attack. While Nico Sturm tallied a short-handed goal and Jan Rutta, Mikael Granlund, Tyler Toffoli, and Mario Ferraro scored as well.  San Jose are 3-7 in their last 10 matches despite winning on Tuesday night. They are 28th in the NHL in goals per game. The Sharks are 18th in shots per game and 26th in shooting percentage. They rank 23rd in power-play percentage. Defensively, San Jose is 28th in the league in goals allowed per game. They are first in the NHL in fewest shots allowed per game. 17th in save percentage. The Sharks are 18th in the NHL in penalty-kill percentage and 15th in penalty minutes. MatchPlug Prediction For Columbus Blue Jackets VS San Jose Sharks  Although the Blue Jackets struggle defensively, they have permitted only five goals in their last three matches. They should hold off the Sharks considering San Jose ranking 28th in goals per game.  Final Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets Spread. 

Read More »
Cowboys discuss new deal with McCarthy

Dallas Cowboys to begin discussion with Mike McCarthy on new deal

The Dallas Cowboys and Mike McMarthy are getting ready to begin talks of a new contract. Dallas owner Jerry Jones and McCarthy are open to continuing their partnership. Both sides are expected to start talks today on a new deal to keep him with the Cowboys.  These discussions are happening after several days of talking about the 2024 season and future.  McCarthy’s contract will expire on Tuesday, giving the Cowboys a sole negotiation window before he becomes a free agent.  Almost all of the team’s assistant coaches will have their contracts expire this week. This makes the talk between Jones and McCarthy an urgent one.  During Dallas’ five-game skid in the middle of the year, which featured shameful defeats to the Lions, Eagles, and the Texans, it seemed certain that the Cowboys would drop McCarthy after the season. However, the team powered through to win four of their last seven matches.  Even Jones spoke well of McCarthy’s work and how his staff navigated their challenges. He also spoke about the team losing Dak Prescott.  Several players supported McCarthy to return during and after the season, including Prescott and Micah Parsons.  The Cowboys’ 7-10 record in 2024 followed three straight 12-5 finishes from 2021-23, making it the second season they missed playoffs under McCarthy.  Entering this year, the big question for the team is whether McCarthy could lead them past their constant playoff failures. The early-season slump and third-place finish in the NFC East ensured that question would not be answered this year. Jones and Mike discussing will decide whether the coach will get another chance to take away those struggles.  If those negotiations fall through and McCarthy becomes a free agent, he would get interest from several clubs who are hiring. The Chicago Bears already asked to interview him, a request the Cowboys refused. 

Read More »
rams vs vikings

NFL PREDICTIONS: Los Angeles Rams VS Minnesota Vikings betting Tips

The Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings will play the last game of Wild Card weekend tonight. Rams VS Vikings will be held at State Farm Stadium.  Find the NFL Betting tips, picks, odds, and analysis for Watch Rams VS Vikings on MatchPlug. We have the previews for similar matches in this league. Predictions And Betting Preview For Los Angeles Rams VS Minnesota Vikings Odds provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Los Angeles Rams  The Los Angeles Rams came into December as a 5-6 SU football team, but a five-game winning streak put them on track for their second AFC West title in the last four years. The last time they won the division, they went ahead to win the Super Bowl that season.  This will be the second time in a row the Rams appeared in a postseason contest and their sixth appearance since the 2017 season. After already winning the division crown, Los Angeles gave their starters a break in a 30-25 regular season finale defeat against the Seattle Seahawks.  Betting On The Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings scored 14 regular season victories this year, their highest since going 15-1 in 1998. They began the season strong, winning five straight before a brief, two-game slip up. Then the Vikings soldered on to the end, winning nine consecutive matches before the Detroit Lions ended that run in the regular season finale to send them to the gift seed in the NFC.   Minnesota enters the postseason with an offensive average of 25.4 points per game, the 9th best mark in the NFL this year. The 9 points scored in the season finale was the Vikings lowest output of the season and they averaged 27 points over their last five regular season contests.  MatchPlug Prediction For Los Angeles Rams VS Minnesota Vikings  With a lot of attention on the defensive tackles for the Rams, the amateur defensive unit could be facing a big day. With what is happening in Los Angeles, emotions are high for the team, and they will draw from that to win this match against the Vikings.  Final Prediction: Minnesota Vikings. 

Read More »
crosby delivers goal two assists for penguins for victory over oilers

Crosby delivers goal, two assists for Penguins in victory over Oilers

Sidney Crosby had one goal and two assists, beating Joe Sakic for ninth all-time in points in a 5-3 victory for the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Edmonton Oilers. It happened at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday.  Crosby recorded 1,643 points (604 goals, 1039 assists), ahead of Sakic (1,641) and behind Mario Lemieux (1,723) in eighth. “They’re one of the most dangerous teams in the League,” Crosby said. “It doesn’t take much. They can make a lot out of nothing. So, it was a good challenge, a good test for us.” Bryan Rust followed Crosby’s lead to deliver a goal and two assists, Drew O’Connor scored a goal and an assist, while Marcus Pettersson had two assists for Pittsburgh (18-17-8). Before then, the Penguins had lost four in a row and three straight in overtime or a shootout. Alex Nedeljkovic made 40 saves.  Leon Draisaitl scored twice, while Connor McDavid got three assists for Edmonton (25-13-3), who had won their last four. Stuart Skinner recorded 21 saves. The Oilers outscored the Penguins 37-9 in seven straight victories since a 5-2 loss on December 20, 2019.  “I don’t think the tipping point was tonight, going into the game, that they were ready to play and they were fired up,” Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. “It happens throughout the year. You have a good game, the next one’s not. I think for 40 minutes, we have a heck of a game. The first 20 minutes, we were not ready for it and they outplayed us.” Rickard Rakell gave Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead at 3:19 with his club-leading 21st goal of the term, a wrist shot in the crease after Rust tipped a point shot from Pettersson.  Rust made the score 2-0 at 7.22, stealing a pass from Pettersson in the left face-off circle for a snapshot ahead of a screen for Rakell. He snapped a six-game goalless run with his 16th this year.  Kevin Hayes then drew out the lead to 3-0 at 9:46 on a one-timer in the slot off a pass from O’Connor behind the net. “It feels good when we do that, that’s for sure,” Rust said. “I think for us, that was our goal, to be on our toes, be all over them, be on top of them, because they’re very fast, a skilled team.” Draisaitl levelled it to 3-1 at 12:33 with a backhand on a free puck two seconds after Nedeljkovic made a save on Zach Hyman’s breakaway. O’Connor scored for Pittsburgh on a wrist shot from the left circle, pushing it to 4-1 at 13:41. “Obviously, not the start we wanted,” Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm said. “At that time, it’s just a matter of looking forward. Can’t really do much about the past. So, I thought we came out better in the second. Took some ground on them. But at the end of the night, we can’t dig ourselves that big of a hole.” Crosby made the score 5-1 on a power play at 5:42 of the second period, a snap shot from below the right circle off a slap pass from Michael Bunting. “I’m running out of superlatives,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said of Crosby. “What he’s accomplishing, first of all, his body of work in the League, his legacy that has been built to this point, speaks for itself. He’s the consummate pro. He just represents our sport, the League, the Pittsburgh Penguins in such a great way. “He just carries himself with so much grace and humility and integrity. And he’s a fierce competitor on the ice.” Draisaitl pulled the Oilers to within 5-2 at 10:58 with a one-timer set up by McDavid, his NHL-leading 31st goal. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored again for Edmonton on a wrist shot from the slot, cutting it to 5-3 on power play at 19:15. “We expect a lot better out of ourselves to start games, for sure,” Oilers defenseman Brett Kulak said. “We pride ourselves on that. We just came back in, addressed it. We knew we didn’t like it.”

Read More »
ncaaf predictions: ohio state buckeyes vs texas longhorns

NCAAF PREDICTIONS: Ohio State Buckeyes VS Texas Longhorns betting Tips

The Ohio State Buckeyes will face the Texas Longhorn in a rendition of the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Watch Buckeyes VS Longhorns.  Our preview covers the NFL predictions for Buckeyes VS Longhorns, plus the picks, odds, and analysis for which team will win this game. Predictions And Betting Preview For Ohio State Buckeyes VS Texas Longhorns Odds provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Ohio State Buckeyes  The Ohio State Buckeyes displayed near-perfection in their two playoff wins, destroying the Tennessee Volunteers and beating the Oregon Ducks 41-21 in Pasadena. Against the Ducks, the Buckeyes delivered a masterclass in domination, with the team advancing to a 34-0 lead behind a flawless fusion of offensive precision and defensive suffocation.  This was the best two quarters Ohio has produced in decades, causing turnovers, subduing Oregon’s offensive unit and exploiting mismatches. Although the Ducks put together 15 points over a brief stretch that spanned the second and third quarters. They added a late, insignificant touchdown, to gain absolute control of the game.  Betting On The Texas Longhorns  One in-season loss to Georgia and another in the SEC Championship, stopped the Longhorns from becoming the first team in conference history to win on their first attempt. However, a 5-seed in the CFP and a home playoff match against Clemson allowed them to come to DKR. At the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Texas’ offense awakened with Mathew Golden recording 7 catches for 149 yards and a receiving TD. Meanwhile, Quinn Ewers ended with 322 yards and 3 TDs. Texas is the only SEC team left in the playoff after the Georgia Bulldogs lost to Notre Dame and Ohio State beat Tennessee in the First Round. The Longhorns’ success is thanks to a defensive unit that beats the best in college football.  MatchPlug Prediction For Ohio State Buckeyes VS Texas Longhorns  The Buckeyes offensive line, which dominated in pass protection, will give Howard enough time to attack deep, especially late in the match when defenses falter. Ohio has already scored 42 and 41 points in their playoff games, while the Longhorns delivered 39 in a double-overtime fixture against Arizona State and 38 against Clemson.  Final Prediction: Over 53.5. 

Read More »
penn state vs notre dame

NCAAF PREDICTIONS: Penn State VS Notre Dame betting Tips

Penn State and Notre Dame will play out their rendition of this season’s college football at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami tonight. Don’t miss Penn State VS Notre Dame.  Our preview covers the NFL predictions for Penn State VS Notre Dame, including the picks, odds, and analysis for which team will win this game.  Predictions And Betting Preview For Penn State VS Notre Dame  Odds provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Penn State  Penn State’s multi-headed rushing attack has been the force behind an offense which averaged 33.7 points per game. Ranking 24th in the US in that regard. Penn State has gathered 436.3 total yards per game; 25th in the nation, with 202.2 rushing yards; 19th best in the country. In their victory over Boise State, the offense had 387 total yards, 216 on the ground, and 21 first downs.  Defensively, the Nittany Lions are 6th in the USA, allowing only 288.8 total yards per game. Their rushing defense is 8th overall, allowing 100.9 yards per game. They have also defended against pass, stopping 18 passes while pressuring opposing quarterbacks to take 38 sacks.  Betting On Notre Dame  The Notre Dame offense averaged 25 per game in their two CFP tilts. They have the fourth best scoring offense in the US, averaging 37.7 points per game while producing 406.6 total yards each time out. Their 217.5 rushing yards per game is the 11th best in the nation. Last time when they played Georgia, they gathered only 244 total yards, with 185 via the ground game, and 14 first downs.  Riley Leonard went 15-24 and passed for 90 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 80 yards on 14 carries. Jeremiyah Love, who has recorded 1076 rushing yards and 16 TDs, reinjured his right knee and was limited to only six carries against Georgia. But, he is expected to start for the Orange Bowl.  MatchPlug Prediction For Penn State VS Notre Dame  The Notre Dame Fighting Irish might as well play without their star running back and even if Love plays, his knee injury would slow him down. There’s too much at stake here, so take the Penn State Nittany Lions to win.  Final Prediction: Penn State Moneyline. 

Read More »
columbus blue jackets vs seattle kraken

NHL Predictions Today: Columbus Blue Jackets VS Seattle Kraken Expert Picks

The Columbus Blue Jackets will welcome the Seattle Kraken tonight for a Blue Jackets VS Kraken conference game at Nationwide Arena.  MatchPlug has the NHL Prediction for Blue Jackets VS Kraken. Use the Prediction today, picks, odds, and analysis we laid out in this preview. Betting Preview for Columbus Blue Jackets VS Seattle Kraken Odds as provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Colmubus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets won three of their last four matches, including a 4-3 shoot out win in Pittsburgh against the Penguins on Tuesday. After they bounced back from a 3-1 deficit in the last regulation period, Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson scored in the shootout to give them a win. Marchenko also delivered two assists for the Blue Jackets.  Columbus left winger Dmitri Voronkov put two pucks in the back of the net. Goalie Elvis Merzlikins stopped 23 of the Penguins’ 20 shots and got his 14th victory of the term. The Blue Jackets’ offense have performed well recently, scoring four goals or more in four straight.  Betting On The Seattle Kraken  The Seattle Kraken have lost three straight contests, including a 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils at home to begin the week. New Jersey ended a four-game skid at Seattle’s expense. Adam Larsson and Shane Wright scored for the Kraken in the defeat. Philip Grubauer caught his 12th defeat of the year despite stopping 26 Devils shots on net.  With Joey Daccord on the injury list, Grubauer will appear more for Seattle. The team is now 20-0-1 when leading into the final period. The Kraken have struggled offensively laterly, scoring 3 goals or less in 3 straight matches.  MatchPlug Prediction For Columbus Blue Jackets VS Seattle Kraken  The Blue Jackets’ defense has been weak in 2024, placing 31st in NHL average goals allowed with 3.62. Due to this, expect the Kraken to have enough scoring opportunities in this match. Final Prediction: Seattle Kraken Moneyline. 

Read More »
detroit pistons vs golden state warriors

NBA PREDICTIONS: Detroit Pistons VS Golden State Warriors Expert Picks

The Golden State Warriors will visit Little Caesars Arena to play an inter conference match with the Detroit Pistons. Watch Pistons VS Warriors.  Find Expert NBA PREDICTION TONIGHT for Pistons VS Warriors here on MatchPlug. We are a trusted website to find previews about the ongoing NBA Finals.  Predictions and Betting Preview For Detroit Pistons VS Golden State Warriors  Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons visited the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday and will play the second game in a back-to-back schedule for this match. Two nights ago, the Pistons passed the .500 mark with a 118-115 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.  Cade Cunningham delivered 32 points and 9 assists, Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 26 points. Jalen Duren scored 14 points and 12 rebounds. Detroit are 18-18 after they were 3-33 after 36 matches a year ago. The Pistons have not been .500 since they finished 41-41 in 2018-19. The Trail Blazers outscored Detroit 53.3% to 44.7% from the floor, but went 3 of 5 from the free throw line, while the Pistons were 19 of 22.  Betting On The Golden State Warriors  The Golden State Warriors dropped to .500 at 18-18, after they started the season 12-3. A disheartening 114-98 home defeat to the Miami Heat on Tuesday, was the final nail in their coffin. Front man Stephen Curry scored 31 points, Trayce Jackson-David added 19, while Draymond Green delivered 7 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.  Golden State was jeered by the home crowd, and most fans left Chase Center early for a second consecutive match after their host lost by 30 points against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Buddy Hield scored 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists of the bench. However, Hield’s efforts were not enough to help the Warriors win.  MatchPlug Prediction Detroit Pistons VS Golden State Warriors  The Golden State Warriors rank 24th in shooting percentage, and they do not have anyone who can mark Cade Cunnigham. So, take the Detroit Pistons to cover the spread.  Final Prediction: Detroit Pistons Spread. 

Read More »