Wednesday night viewing has never been this good as the NBA and the NHL have lined up two action-packed games that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seats. First off, the New Orleans Pelicans look to seal their place in the upcoming NBA playoffs when they take on the surging San Antonio Spurs.
As if that wasn’t enough, here come the Stanley Cup playoffs with the Blackhawks taking on the Preds in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round. Read on below as we breakdown these two pivotal games. While you’re at it, check out our 2015 Stanley Cup preview and predictions here.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans (8:00 PM ET)
Line: San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans – view all NBA lines
[sc:NBA240banner ]The New Orleans Pelicans moved to within a victory of clinching their first postseason berth in four years after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves, 100-88, on Monday night. Anthony Davis led the way for the Pelicans in this game, putting up 24 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks.
Grabbing that final playoff spot won’t be easy as standing in their way tonight are the defending champions San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have stormed into second place in the Western standings after winning their 11th consecutive game Monday against the Phoenix Suns. Tim Duncan scored 22 points and grabbed 10 boards for the Spurs who cruised to a convincing 117-101 victory.
The Spurs are 7-3 in their last 10 road games with the Pelicans.
Click here for an in-depth breakdown of this game.
Writer’s Prediction
San Antonio wins, 109-103.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators (8:30 PM ET)
Line: Chicago Blackhawks (-105) at Nashville Predators (-115); total: 5.0 – view all Stanley Cup lines
The Chicago Blackhawks got a major boost ahead of their Game 1 showdown with Nashville as Patrick Kane makes his much-anticipated return to the starting lineup tonight. Kane has been sidelined for the past two months because of a broken clavicle and his quick return will bring added punch to an offense that scored just 2.7 goals per game this season, 17th in the NHL.
That will make things a tad difficult for the struggling Predators. It has been a rough couple of weeks for Nashville who stumbled at the end of the regular season, losing all of their last six games. The main reason behind their late-season meltdown was their poor execution on the defensive end. They surrendered an average of 4.2 goals during their six-game losing skid, way above their season average of 2.5 goals allowed per game.
The Predators are 2-8 in their last 10 home games while the Blackhawks are 6-4 in their last 10 games away from home.
Writer’s Prediction
Chicago steals home ice advantage with a 4-2 win.
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