08:05 PM NBA [705] Los Angeles Lakers +10.5 -105
10:35 PM NBA [709] TOTAL o231-110 (Houston Rockets vrs Portland Trail Blazers)
07:05 PM NHL [52] Carolina Hurricanes -105
07:35 PM NHL [58] Tampa Bay Lightning -210
07:35 PM NHL [59] TOTAL o5-125 (Florida Panthers vrs Montreal Canadiens)
08:05 PM NHL [62] Minnesota Wild -175
08:05 PM NHL [64] Nashville Predators -135
1 unit bet pays 51 ....betdsi line
Goood luck everyone!! :firing: :toast: :SIB:em71:
ripped, cut and pasted, otherwise written by others, from across the internets:
SHARKS VS. OILERS
PLAY: SHARKS +115
I like the fact the Sharks snapped their slump and found some offense in the process in their rally to top the Rangers on Tuesday night. This San Jose team needed a momentum building win and I won?t be at all surprised if the Sharks now put together a bit of a surge.
As for Edmonton, this is still a big game as far as the divisional race is concerned. But it?s also the first game for the Oilers since clinching their first playoff entry in a decade. That makes this game potential letdown material. I?m certainly not going ot shocked if that?s not the case as this is a well coached team and this is an important game. However, I can make a better case for San Jose and the underdog price is somewhat of an added attraction. I?ll go with the Sharks for the Thursday night free play.
Ottawa vs. Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -145
Ottawa is a weak offensive team and has lost six of eight. Ottawa is #21 in the NHL in goals scored, and #22 on the power play. It's their third straight road game, losing the first two, and the offense has tallied just 14 goals the last eight games. Minnesota is a talented team that is not in a good mood, in an angry, late season slump. The Wild is third in goals scored, eighth in goals allowed, and #11 on the power play. Minnesota is 9-4 after allowing five goals or more in their previous game and this is a great spot for the home team to bust out of their slump.
Panthers vs. Canadiens
Play: Canadiens -161
The Florida Panthers have lost 13 of their last 18 overall, and they play on the road in their third game in four nights at Montreal tonight. Florida is banged up, with injuries to starting goaltender Roberto Luongo, top defenseman Aaron Ekblad and backup goaltender James Reimer. It's not clear who will start between the pipes for the Panthers tonight, but it's thought that Luongo may be ready to return to action. The Habs are gearing up for a long playoff run, and they've won 11 of their last 14 overall. Carey Price has looked like the best goalie in the world here in March, with a record of 8-2 and a 1.59 GAA. I picked Montreal to win the Stanley Cup at 25-1 odds before the season started, and I am feeling pretty good about that bet heading into the playoffs. I had high expectations for Alexander Radulov, and he's been a beast all year. The Habs are going to be a tough opponent for anybody at this time of year, and the Panthers are a team that likely doesn't have a lot of gas left in the tank.
The Lightning will face Detroit with the confidence of knowing they somehow won 10 of their last 11 against the Red Wings, including a 4-1 series win in last year's conference quarterfinals, as well as all four meetings this season
Nashville is 20-8 in their last 28 after scoring two goals or less in their previous game
Panthers had beaten Montreal 5 straight times before losing 3-2 in overtime last December...Huberdeau and Marchessault will be highly motivated playing in front of their families and freinds in Montreal.
CAROLINA +103 over Columbus
OT included. The Hurricanes are so close but so far away. To reach an Eastern Conference playoff spot, the Hurricanes must pass three more teams and make up four points. With seven games remaining, Carolina is four points back of the Boston Bruins for the second Wild Card and has a game in hand. The Hurricanes are riding a 12-game points streak (8-0-4) and has already accumulated 23 points in the month of March. We especially like that Carolina took care of business against the Red Wings by securing three out of a possible four points when Detroit came in looking to make life miserable for them. In that last game against Detroit, Carolina was a 2-1 favorite and now they go from that massive price to being a dog in their own building. Of course, Columbus isn?t Detroit but the Jackets aren?t running over anyone these days.
Odds are good that the Blue Jackets will square off with the Penguins in the first round of the postseason. According to projections at HockeyViz.com, that matchup has an 82-percent chance of happening. The Jackets are very likely not moving up or down in the standings and while they don?t want to limp into the playoffs, they don?t want to burn out either (or get injured) in the final few games of the regular season. They are instructed to play hard and bring focus but it?s a mindset or a psychological hurdle to overcome with the playoffs on deck and the great anticipation of being on the big stage at this time of year.
Moreover, the Penguins are one of the national television network?s favorite teams to cover. Only three NHL teams appeared on NBCSN more frequently in 2016-17, and you can bet that mostly every game featuring Sidney Crosby will be featured in primetime slots during the playoffs. The Pens are also the champs and Columbus will very likely be the first team to get a crack at them in the playoffs so there is plenty to think about for the Jackets besides this somewhat meaningless game and again, Columbus haven?t exactly been world-beaters since its 16-game winning streak was halted on Jan. 6. Since then, only two teams have a worse power-play conversion rate than the Blue Jackets. Columbus? offense has tumbled to the middle of the pack as well, as it boasts just the 16th-most goals scored in that same timeframe.
All the charts, numbers and graphs confirm that the Jackets wouldn?t be faring nearly as well without their All-Star goaltender. In their last game against the Sabres, Columbus was outshot 42-29 and won 3-1. In its 1-0 victory over Philadelphia prior to beating Buffalo, Columbus was outshot 36-21. In their last three games, Columbus has been constantly under siege by allowing 42, 36 and 45 shots on net and it?s not just their last three games either. Columbus is winning because of hot goaltending and not because they are dictating the play or outplaying the opposition. Sergei Bobrovsky?s .960 save percentage since March 10 is far and away the best mark in the NHL over that time but it?s an unsustainable mark that is in line for regression. Whether that regression takes place here remains to be seen but what we know for sure is that regression is inevitable and Columbus isn?t winning games because they are playing well. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are dominating puck possession numbers and ARE playing outstanding hockey.
Ottawa +152 over MINNESOTA
OT included. The Sens have dropped two straight but it's not as bad as it sounds. After back-to-back wins over the Bruins and Penguins, Ottawa outshot the Habs 32-24 in a 3-1 loss in a game they played well in. Last time out, the Sens dropped a 3-2 decision to the Flyers in a shootout, but Craig Anderson?s misplay on a clearing attempt behind his own net with six minutes left in the third gave Philly the tying goal and all the momentum heading into the extra frame. Again, the Sens did not play poorly and still secured a point in the OT loss. What sticks out about the Sens is their resiliency all season long. They usually bounce back from tough losses and rarely go on any prolong losing streaks. Ottawa is healthy and playing well. This is a close-knit group that comes to play every night and we can?t imagine for a second that its focus or intensity will be low tonight. The Sens have a great opportunity to grab two more points and put some heat on the Canadiens for first place in the division. We?ll surely trust the Sens taking back a tag more than the Wild spotting one.
The Wild are in a free fall and panic/desperation is starting to sink it. The Wild will now turn to third string goaltender Alex Stalock in an attempt to stop the bleeding with starter Devin Dubnyk and backup Darcy Kuemper both healthy and watching from the rail. This move reeks of desperation from coach Bruce Boudreau. Stalock hasn't started a game in the NHL since February 11, 2016. Asking him to step in here and right the ship may work out but the more likely scenario is that it won?t. When the coach panics, so, too, do the players. It?s wasn't that long ago it looked like the Wild had the Central division and the Western Conference championship in the bag. A 3-10-2 March has them now locked into 2nd place with a first round matchup with either Nashville or St. Louis a virtual lock. Adding to the Wild's trouble is the loss of leader Zach Parise who took a stick to the eye in Washington. He'll miss the next three games at least, as there is no reason to rush him back before the playoffs. Minnesota?s 5-4 overtime loss to Washington might look like a ?good? loss on paper but the Wild still let in five goals in their own building. Minny is just 1-9 in its last 10 games while allowing 40 goals over that span. Minnesota?s record in their last 10 games is second worst in the entire league with only the lowly Colorado Avalanche being worse. The Wild need to turn this around real soon but they are gripping their sticks a little too tightly right now and Alex Stalock is not the right answer.
Dallas +194 over BOSTON
OT included. The Stars are not going to the playoffs but they get the next best thing by playing the role of the spoiler in an attempt to prevent the Bruins from going to the playoffs. These are ?must win? games for the Bruins, which makes them completely overvalued in the market. If the Bruins were as good as this price suggests, they wouldn?t be fighting for their playoff lives. The B?s are coming off consecutive victories over Nashville and the Islanders but lost four straight prior to that while surrendering 20 goals in the process. Boston is giving u plenty of scoring chances while Tuukka Rask has been hit and miss all season long.
The Dallas Stars have two quality scoring lines and zero hope of making the playoffs. That unholy combination should be a major concern for Boston. The Stars also have several hot players. Tyler Seguin has now tallied 11 points over his last 14 games and has 19 points over his last 20. He?s a former Bruin that would love to come in here and make life miserable for Boston. Captain Jamie Benn comes into this contest having earned 21 points over his last 21 games, including seven multi-point outings. Defenseman John Klingberg tallied an assist against the Devils and has now tallied three points over his last four games. Klingberg ranks 12th among d-men with 45 points. Ales Hemsky comes into this contest having registered four points over his last four games. At the end of the day, Dallas is simply too dangerous (and playing well) to be spotting prices like this to and it?s for that reason they must be played. Price dictates the play in a game the Stars figure to leave nothing on the table in. Big overlay.
EDMONTON -? +130 over San Jose
Regulation only. Edmonton clinched a playoff spot in their last game against Edmonton and after a decade of missing the playoffs, we could certainly understand the market playing the ?letdown? angle against the Oilers here. Indeed, their is a sense of both accomplishment and relief but we trust that sense is with the fans and media and not the players. The Oilers have bigger dreams than just making the playoffs and they are in a position to secure home ice advantage for at least a couple of rounds. Both the team and its goaltender are playing outstanding hockey and these weary Sharks are not likely going to derail them.
The wager is based mostly on the Sharks being a dead tired team. This game will be San Jose?s 15th in the past 28 days. Playing their 14th game in 22 days, San Jose recently lost to Dallas, 6-1. The very next night they lost to Nashville, 7-2. To add fuel to the fire, San Jose just returned home from a four-game trip to play the Rangers and while they won, 5-4, they needed OT to do so and will head right back out on the road here for a tough trip to Western Canada. It?s been nothing but a month of hell for the Sharks in terms of games played and travel and now after returning home for one lousy game, they are forced to hit the skies again. Incidentally, San Jose went 0-4 on said trip and were the only team to lose to the Wild over Minnesota?s last 10 games. San Jose has allowed 17 goals against in its last three games, which is another tell tale sign of fatigue. The Oilers should easily be able to smell a wounded and extremely tired prey here and we?ll attempt to take advantage of it.
Lakers vs. Wolves
Play:Wolves -10?
If you want evidence of a tanking team look for further than the Lakers. Wow, they are making it clear they want and need the top 3 pick. This team was up 16 on the Wizards late in the 3rd and not only failed to win, but failed to even cover as 9.5 point underdogs. That is amazing when you think about it. While the T Wolves have nothing to play for either they are still showing life as they went on the road last game and beat the Pacers. I didn't see that coming from them at all. If the Lakers show zero interest on their home court I can't imagine how poorly their effort level will be here tonight!
Brooklyn vs. Detroit
Play: Under 212.5
We absolutely love this total tonight in Detroit. Here are some stats that back up our play: Under is 4-0 in Nets last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 overall. Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Nets last 8 Thursday games. Under is 3-1-1 in Nets last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 5-0 in Pistons last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 4-0 in Pistons last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 4-0 in Pistons last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 7-0 in Pistons last 7 home games. Under is 4-0 in Pistons last 4 vs. NBA Atlantic. Under is 7-1 in Pistons last 8 overall. Under is 7-1 in Pistons last 8 games following a straight up loss. Under is 6-1 in Pistons last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Pistons last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 16-5 in Pistons last 21 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Pistons last 7 games following a ATS win.
Lakers vs. Wolves
Play:Wolves
The Lakers have lost 16 of 18 but still can't shake the Suns. LA is 21-53 but Phoenix is 22-53, as the two teams 'race to the bottom' of the Western Conference standings. The Lakers have already lost 50 games for the fourth straight season and a third straight 60-loss is surely possible. Actually, it's hard NOT to conclude that the Lakers are hoping for a 60-loss season, as the more ping pong balls the better. LA only keeps its No. 1 draft pick in 2017 if it owns a top-three selection.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are among the NBA's most disappointing teams this season. It's more than fair to ask, how can a team featuring two players like Anthony-Towns (24.6-12.1) and Wiggins (23.0-4.0) plus SG La Vine (18.9), PG Ricky Rubio (10.5-8.9 APG) and PGF Dieng (10.0-7.8 ) actually be 15 games under . 500? However, the T-wolves check in at 29-44 after snapping a six-game losing streak with their 115-114 win at Indiana on Tuesday. Towns had 37 points and 12 rebounds in that win, his 14th double-double in the past 17 games. Ricky Rubio had 21 points and 10 assists against the Pacers, giving him averages of 18.7 points and 9.7 assists over the past three games.
The Lakers had a recent history of beating the T-wolves in Minnesota but have lost two in a row at the Target Center, after winning 12 of their previous 14 visits. No reason to think LA even wants to win here, so I'll lay the points.
Lakers at T'wolves
Play: Lakers +11
The Lakers are 10-3 ATS in the past 13 trips to Minneapolis, and they're 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings overall in this series. The underdog is also 4-1 in the past five. Neither side has been particularly attractive against the number lately, but Minnesota is 1-6 ATS in their past seven overall and 0-5 ATS in their past five against losing teams. As such, as double-digit favorites they're laying a few too many points.
Lakers vs. TWolves
Play: Lakers +10?
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are struggling down the stretch. I see no way the Timberwolves should be double-digit favorites here in what is a much more evenly-matched game than this line would indicate.
The Timberwolves are 1-6 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall. Their only win came by one point over the Pacers in which they trailed by 9 points late before a miracle comeback. They have played six of their last seven games on the road, and now this is their first game back home, which is always a tough spot for an NBA team.
The Lakers have been more competitive of late. They beat the Timberwolves 130-119 at home just six days ago. They took the Wizards down to the wire last time out, but blew a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter. They clearly haven't completely packed it in.
Minnesota is 1-10 ATS in home games after scoring 115 points or more over the past two seasons. The Timberwolves are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Minnesota is 16-36-1 ATS in its last 53 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. The Lakers are 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Minnesota.
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Here is the problem - one would like to think that revenge would be motivation for Minnesota, in order to build up some game energy, but this is the 17th court change in 18 games for the T'Wolves, and 10th in a row in a cycle that has taken them through every time zone. Want to have fun with air miles? How about a Jennifer Garner commercial detailing a team that was in Boston (3/15), Miami (3/17), New Orleans (3/19), back in Minneapolis (3/21), out to Los Angeles (3/24), in Portland the next night (3/25), then back to Indiana (3/28), before being at home again. I won't take the time to add that up, but I wonder if that might be a record for miles traveled over that short of a period.
Hence the question for tonight is what the Minnesota energy level will be. They are paper-thin right now, with Dieng going 44:10, Towns 40:48, Wiggins 38:36 and Rubio 38:19 at Indiana on Tuesday. So there is a logic that would call for them to have some spark to get revenge, but is there enough physical energy left to ignite it?
Nets vs. Pistons
Play: Nets +6?
We all know how bad the Nets have been over the last few years, but here is a bit of knowledge you may not have known. Over the past 25 meetings the Nets have won outright 14 times. The Nets have cashed 8 of the last 10 meetings. The Pistons are just going through the motions as of late losing 7 of its last 9 games overall. This one goes down to the wire.
Cavaliers vs. Bulls
Play: Bulls +6
The Bulls have owned the Cavs recently and they are 3-0 both SU and ATS against them this season. The Cavs have had a couple nights off heading into this one but we don?t think it will matter. This team has lost three of its last four and all were double-digit blowouts. There isn?t much doubt that this team will shift into another gear once the playoff starts but things are not right with this squad right now in the stretch run of the NBA regular season. LeBron James is banged up and left the Cavs near-30-point loss to the Spurs last time out. Chicago has now won 18 straight TNT games on Thursdays, and they always get up for these matchups. They have also covered in six of their last eight matchups.
Cleveland vs. Chicago
Play: Cleveland -5?
I think now is the perfect time to jump on Cleveland. The Cavs come in off an ugly 29-point loss at San Antonio, which came after a 12-point loss at home to the Wizards. Cleveland is now just 5-8 in their last 13 and the media is all over them right now. Some saying they have no chance to win the NBA title.
I'm expecting to see a much different Cavs team in this one. Cleveland has had a full 2 days to regroup, have triple-revenge on their minds after losing each of the first 3 meetings to the Bulls and have the incentive of playing in a nationally televised game on TNT.
The perception is the Bulls have more to play for, but Chicago has been even worse of late, going just 4-9 in their last 13 games. Last time out the Bulls won at Milwaukee and are just 8-21 ATS in their last 29 off a road win. Cleveland has played well with rest, going 33-15 ATS the last 2 seasons when playing only their 2nd game in a 5 day span.
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I have some Bulls Over 102 in pocket, some of that the struggling Cavs defense, but also what should be a high energy game for Chicago. With 3 days off prior to this the legs should be there, and with the TNT cameras on hand, plus still not being dead in the playoff hunt, this is one of those games in which a team is supposed to lay everything they have out there. That not only means aggressiveness early, but the likelihood of playing out the end game even more than usual, which can generate some extra possessions and point.
Los Angeles Clippers -9.5
The Phoenix Suns are just trying to get the best pick possible in the NBA Draft at this point. They have so many injuries that they're just simply resting their star players. They are without Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight and Tyson Chandler, and they could be without Devin Booker and Leandro Barbosa again tonight. The Suns are 0-9 in their last nine games with five of their last six losses coming by double-digits. The Clippers are still trying to get home-court advantage in the first round, so they won't be taking the Suns lightly. And the Clippers are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their three meetings with the Suns this season, winning all three by 10 points or more.
Georgia Tech +4
The Yellow Jackets are worth a look here at this price, as I actually think they win this game outright. Georgia Tech has been one of the big surprises this season, as there were some who thought they would struggle to win a single game in the ACC. First year head coach Josh Pastner has done a remarkable job. He's got this team playing with a ton of confidence and playing exceptional defense. In fact, you could argue that this is the best defense TCU will have faced all season. So much is made of the Yellow Jacket's limitations on offense, but they have now scored 70+ points in 4 straight games. Georgia Tech is 26-16 ATS in their last 42 as an underdog and 10-1 ATS in their last 11 when playing only their 2nd game in 8 days this season (defensive energy is at full strength).
Georgia Tech/TCU Under 134
Both Georgia Tech and TCU have made it to the Championship Game thanks to their defense. The Yellow Jackets have allowed 66 or fewer points in all 4 NIT games, and 66 or fewer in 7 of their last 8 games overall coming in. The Horned Frogs have yielded 68 or fewer in 3 of their 4 NIT games, including 59 to Fresno and 53 to UCF. I think defense will reign supreme in this title game tonight as this total goes well UNDER 134. The UNDER is 19-6-1 in Yellow Jackets last 26 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5. The UNDER is 13-5 in Yellow Jackets last 18 non-conference games. The UNDER is 8-2 in Horned Frogs last 10 neutral site games as a favorite. The UNDER is 22-10 in Horned Frogs last 32 non-conference games.
10:35 PM NBA [709] TOTAL o231-110 (Houston Rockets vrs Portland Trail Blazers)
07:05 PM NHL [52] Carolina Hurricanes -105
07:35 PM NHL [58] Tampa Bay Lightning -210
07:35 PM NHL [59] TOTAL o5-125 (Florida Panthers vrs Montreal Canadiens)
08:05 PM NHL [62] Minnesota Wild -175
08:05 PM NHL [64] Nashville Predators -135
1 unit bet pays 51 ....betdsi line
Goood luck everyone!! :firing: :toast: :SIB:em71:
ripped, cut and pasted, otherwise written by others, from across the internets:
SHARKS VS. OILERS
PLAY: SHARKS +115
I like the fact the Sharks snapped their slump and found some offense in the process in their rally to top the Rangers on Tuesday night. This San Jose team needed a momentum building win and I won?t be at all surprised if the Sharks now put together a bit of a surge.
As for Edmonton, this is still a big game as far as the divisional race is concerned. But it?s also the first game for the Oilers since clinching their first playoff entry in a decade. That makes this game potential letdown material. I?m certainly not going ot shocked if that?s not the case as this is a well coached team and this is an important game. However, I can make a better case for San Jose and the underdog price is somewhat of an added attraction. I?ll go with the Sharks for the Thursday night free play.
Ottawa vs. Minnesota
Pick: Minnesota -145
Ottawa is a weak offensive team and has lost six of eight. Ottawa is #21 in the NHL in goals scored, and #22 on the power play. It's their third straight road game, losing the first two, and the offense has tallied just 14 goals the last eight games. Minnesota is a talented team that is not in a good mood, in an angry, late season slump. The Wild is third in goals scored, eighth in goals allowed, and #11 on the power play. Minnesota is 9-4 after allowing five goals or more in their previous game and this is a great spot for the home team to bust out of their slump.
Panthers vs. Canadiens
Play: Canadiens -161
The Florida Panthers have lost 13 of their last 18 overall, and they play on the road in their third game in four nights at Montreal tonight. Florida is banged up, with injuries to starting goaltender Roberto Luongo, top defenseman Aaron Ekblad and backup goaltender James Reimer. It's not clear who will start between the pipes for the Panthers tonight, but it's thought that Luongo may be ready to return to action. The Habs are gearing up for a long playoff run, and they've won 11 of their last 14 overall. Carey Price has looked like the best goalie in the world here in March, with a record of 8-2 and a 1.59 GAA. I picked Montreal to win the Stanley Cup at 25-1 odds before the season started, and I am feeling pretty good about that bet heading into the playoffs. I had high expectations for Alexander Radulov, and he's been a beast all year. The Habs are going to be a tough opponent for anybody at this time of year, and the Panthers are a team that likely doesn't have a lot of gas left in the tank.
The Lightning will face Detroit with the confidence of knowing they somehow won 10 of their last 11 against the Red Wings, including a 4-1 series win in last year's conference quarterfinals, as well as all four meetings this season
Nashville is 20-8 in their last 28 after scoring two goals or less in their previous game
Panthers had beaten Montreal 5 straight times before losing 3-2 in overtime last December...Huberdeau and Marchessault will be highly motivated playing in front of their families and freinds in Montreal.
CAROLINA +103 over Columbus
OT included. The Hurricanes are so close but so far away. To reach an Eastern Conference playoff spot, the Hurricanes must pass three more teams and make up four points. With seven games remaining, Carolina is four points back of the Boston Bruins for the second Wild Card and has a game in hand. The Hurricanes are riding a 12-game points streak (8-0-4) and has already accumulated 23 points in the month of March. We especially like that Carolina took care of business against the Red Wings by securing three out of a possible four points when Detroit came in looking to make life miserable for them. In that last game against Detroit, Carolina was a 2-1 favorite and now they go from that massive price to being a dog in their own building. Of course, Columbus isn?t Detroit but the Jackets aren?t running over anyone these days.
Odds are good that the Blue Jackets will square off with the Penguins in the first round of the postseason. According to projections at HockeyViz.com, that matchup has an 82-percent chance of happening. The Jackets are very likely not moving up or down in the standings and while they don?t want to limp into the playoffs, they don?t want to burn out either (or get injured) in the final few games of the regular season. They are instructed to play hard and bring focus but it?s a mindset or a psychological hurdle to overcome with the playoffs on deck and the great anticipation of being on the big stage at this time of year.
Moreover, the Penguins are one of the national television network?s favorite teams to cover. Only three NHL teams appeared on NBCSN more frequently in 2016-17, and you can bet that mostly every game featuring Sidney Crosby will be featured in primetime slots during the playoffs. The Pens are also the champs and Columbus will very likely be the first team to get a crack at them in the playoffs so there is plenty to think about for the Jackets besides this somewhat meaningless game and again, Columbus haven?t exactly been world-beaters since its 16-game winning streak was halted on Jan. 6. Since then, only two teams have a worse power-play conversion rate than the Blue Jackets. Columbus? offense has tumbled to the middle of the pack as well, as it boasts just the 16th-most goals scored in that same timeframe.
All the charts, numbers and graphs confirm that the Jackets wouldn?t be faring nearly as well without their All-Star goaltender. In their last game against the Sabres, Columbus was outshot 42-29 and won 3-1. In its 1-0 victory over Philadelphia prior to beating Buffalo, Columbus was outshot 36-21. In their last three games, Columbus has been constantly under siege by allowing 42, 36 and 45 shots on net and it?s not just their last three games either. Columbus is winning because of hot goaltending and not because they are dictating the play or outplaying the opposition. Sergei Bobrovsky?s .960 save percentage since March 10 is far and away the best mark in the NHL over that time but it?s an unsustainable mark that is in line for regression. Whether that regression takes place here remains to be seen but what we know for sure is that regression is inevitable and Columbus isn?t winning games because they are playing well. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are dominating puck possession numbers and ARE playing outstanding hockey.
Ottawa +152 over MINNESOTA
OT included. The Sens have dropped two straight but it's not as bad as it sounds. After back-to-back wins over the Bruins and Penguins, Ottawa outshot the Habs 32-24 in a 3-1 loss in a game they played well in. Last time out, the Sens dropped a 3-2 decision to the Flyers in a shootout, but Craig Anderson?s misplay on a clearing attempt behind his own net with six minutes left in the third gave Philly the tying goal and all the momentum heading into the extra frame. Again, the Sens did not play poorly and still secured a point in the OT loss. What sticks out about the Sens is their resiliency all season long. They usually bounce back from tough losses and rarely go on any prolong losing streaks. Ottawa is healthy and playing well. This is a close-knit group that comes to play every night and we can?t imagine for a second that its focus or intensity will be low tonight. The Sens have a great opportunity to grab two more points and put some heat on the Canadiens for first place in the division. We?ll surely trust the Sens taking back a tag more than the Wild spotting one.
The Wild are in a free fall and panic/desperation is starting to sink it. The Wild will now turn to third string goaltender Alex Stalock in an attempt to stop the bleeding with starter Devin Dubnyk and backup Darcy Kuemper both healthy and watching from the rail. This move reeks of desperation from coach Bruce Boudreau. Stalock hasn't started a game in the NHL since February 11, 2016. Asking him to step in here and right the ship may work out but the more likely scenario is that it won?t. When the coach panics, so, too, do the players. It?s wasn't that long ago it looked like the Wild had the Central division and the Western Conference championship in the bag. A 3-10-2 March has them now locked into 2nd place with a first round matchup with either Nashville or St. Louis a virtual lock. Adding to the Wild's trouble is the loss of leader Zach Parise who took a stick to the eye in Washington. He'll miss the next three games at least, as there is no reason to rush him back before the playoffs. Minnesota?s 5-4 overtime loss to Washington might look like a ?good? loss on paper but the Wild still let in five goals in their own building. Minny is just 1-9 in its last 10 games while allowing 40 goals over that span. Minnesota?s record in their last 10 games is second worst in the entire league with only the lowly Colorado Avalanche being worse. The Wild need to turn this around real soon but they are gripping their sticks a little too tightly right now and Alex Stalock is not the right answer.
Dallas +194 over BOSTON
OT included. The Stars are not going to the playoffs but they get the next best thing by playing the role of the spoiler in an attempt to prevent the Bruins from going to the playoffs. These are ?must win? games for the Bruins, which makes them completely overvalued in the market. If the Bruins were as good as this price suggests, they wouldn?t be fighting for their playoff lives. The B?s are coming off consecutive victories over Nashville and the Islanders but lost four straight prior to that while surrendering 20 goals in the process. Boston is giving u plenty of scoring chances while Tuukka Rask has been hit and miss all season long.
The Dallas Stars have two quality scoring lines and zero hope of making the playoffs. That unholy combination should be a major concern for Boston. The Stars also have several hot players. Tyler Seguin has now tallied 11 points over his last 14 games and has 19 points over his last 20. He?s a former Bruin that would love to come in here and make life miserable for Boston. Captain Jamie Benn comes into this contest having earned 21 points over his last 21 games, including seven multi-point outings. Defenseman John Klingberg tallied an assist against the Devils and has now tallied three points over his last four games. Klingberg ranks 12th among d-men with 45 points. Ales Hemsky comes into this contest having registered four points over his last four games. At the end of the day, Dallas is simply too dangerous (and playing well) to be spotting prices like this to and it?s for that reason they must be played. Price dictates the play in a game the Stars figure to leave nothing on the table in. Big overlay.
EDMONTON -? +130 over San Jose
Regulation only. Edmonton clinched a playoff spot in their last game against Edmonton and after a decade of missing the playoffs, we could certainly understand the market playing the ?letdown? angle against the Oilers here. Indeed, their is a sense of both accomplishment and relief but we trust that sense is with the fans and media and not the players. The Oilers have bigger dreams than just making the playoffs and they are in a position to secure home ice advantage for at least a couple of rounds. Both the team and its goaltender are playing outstanding hockey and these weary Sharks are not likely going to derail them.
The wager is based mostly on the Sharks being a dead tired team. This game will be San Jose?s 15th in the past 28 days. Playing their 14th game in 22 days, San Jose recently lost to Dallas, 6-1. The very next night they lost to Nashville, 7-2. To add fuel to the fire, San Jose just returned home from a four-game trip to play the Rangers and while they won, 5-4, they needed OT to do so and will head right back out on the road here for a tough trip to Western Canada. It?s been nothing but a month of hell for the Sharks in terms of games played and travel and now after returning home for one lousy game, they are forced to hit the skies again. Incidentally, San Jose went 0-4 on said trip and were the only team to lose to the Wild over Minnesota?s last 10 games. San Jose has allowed 17 goals against in its last three games, which is another tell tale sign of fatigue. The Oilers should easily be able to smell a wounded and extremely tired prey here and we?ll attempt to take advantage of it.
Lakers vs. Wolves
Play:Wolves -10?
If you want evidence of a tanking team look for further than the Lakers. Wow, they are making it clear they want and need the top 3 pick. This team was up 16 on the Wizards late in the 3rd and not only failed to win, but failed to even cover as 9.5 point underdogs. That is amazing when you think about it. While the T Wolves have nothing to play for either they are still showing life as they went on the road last game and beat the Pacers. I didn't see that coming from them at all. If the Lakers show zero interest on their home court I can't imagine how poorly their effort level will be here tonight!
Brooklyn vs. Detroit
Play: Under 212.5
We absolutely love this total tonight in Detroit. Here are some stats that back up our play: Under is 4-0 in Nets last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 overall. Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Nets last 8 Thursday games. Under is 3-1-1 in Nets last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 5-0 in Pistons last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 4-0 in Pistons last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 4-0 in Pistons last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 7-0 in Pistons last 7 home games. Under is 4-0 in Pistons last 4 vs. NBA Atlantic. Under is 7-1 in Pistons last 8 overall. Under is 7-1 in Pistons last 8 games following a straight up loss. Under is 6-1 in Pistons last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Pistons last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 16-5 in Pistons last 21 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Pistons last 7 games following a ATS win.
Lakers vs. Wolves
Play:Wolves
The Lakers have lost 16 of 18 but still can't shake the Suns. LA is 21-53 but Phoenix is 22-53, as the two teams 'race to the bottom' of the Western Conference standings. The Lakers have already lost 50 games for the fourth straight season and a third straight 60-loss is surely possible. Actually, it's hard NOT to conclude that the Lakers are hoping for a 60-loss season, as the more ping pong balls the better. LA only keeps its No. 1 draft pick in 2017 if it owns a top-three selection.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are among the NBA's most disappointing teams this season. It's more than fair to ask, how can a team featuring two players like Anthony-Towns (24.6-12.1) and Wiggins (23.0-4.0) plus SG La Vine (18.9), PG Ricky Rubio (10.5-8.9 APG) and PGF Dieng (10.0-7.8 ) actually be 15 games under . 500? However, the T-wolves check in at 29-44 after snapping a six-game losing streak with their 115-114 win at Indiana on Tuesday. Towns had 37 points and 12 rebounds in that win, his 14th double-double in the past 17 games. Ricky Rubio had 21 points and 10 assists against the Pacers, giving him averages of 18.7 points and 9.7 assists over the past three games.
The Lakers had a recent history of beating the T-wolves in Minnesota but have lost two in a row at the Target Center, after winning 12 of their previous 14 visits. No reason to think LA even wants to win here, so I'll lay the points.
Lakers at T'wolves
Play: Lakers +11
The Lakers are 10-3 ATS in the past 13 trips to Minneapolis, and they're 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings overall in this series. The underdog is also 4-1 in the past five. Neither side has been particularly attractive against the number lately, but Minnesota is 1-6 ATS in their past seven overall and 0-5 ATS in their past five against losing teams. As such, as double-digit favorites they're laying a few too many points.
Lakers vs. TWolves
Play: Lakers +10?
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are struggling down the stretch. I see no way the Timberwolves should be double-digit favorites here in what is a much more evenly-matched game than this line would indicate.
The Timberwolves are 1-6 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall. Their only win came by one point over the Pacers in which they trailed by 9 points late before a miracle comeback. They have played six of their last seven games on the road, and now this is their first game back home, which is always a tough spot for an NBA team.
The Lakers have been more competitive of late. They beat the Timberwolves 130-119 at home just six days ago. They took the Wizards down to the wire last time out, but blew a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter. They clearly haven't completely packed it in.
Minnesota is 1-10 ATS in home games after scoring 115 points or more over the past two seasons. The Timberwolves are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Minnesota is 16-36-1 ATS in its last 53 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. The Lakers are 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Minnesota.
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Here is the problem - one would like to think that revenge would be motivation for Minnesota, in order to build up some game energy, but this is the 17th court change in 18 games for the T'Wolves, and 10th in a row in a cycle that has taken them through every time zone. Want to have fun with air miles? How about a Jennifer Garner commercial detailing a team that was in Boston (3/15), Miami (3/17), New Orleans (3/19), back in Minneapolis (3/21), out to Los Angeles (3/24), in Portland the next night (3/25), then back to Indiana (3/28), before being at home again. I won't take the time to add that up, but I wonder if that might be a record for miles traveled over that short of a period.
Hence the question for tonight is what the Minnesota energy level will be. They are paper-thin right now, with Dieng going 44:10, Towns 40:48, Wiggins 38:36 and Rubio 38:19 at Indiana on Tuesday. So there is a logic that would call for them to have some spark to get revenge, but is there enough physical energy left to ignite it?
Nets vs. Pistons
Play: Nets +6?
We all know how bad the Nets have been over the last few years, but here is a bit of knowledge you may not have known. Over the past 25 meetings the Nets have won outright 14 times. The Nets have cashed 8 of the last 10 meetings. The Pistons are just going through the motions as of late losing 7 of its last 9 games overall. This one goes down to the wire.
Cavaliers vs. Bulls
Play: Bulls +6
The Bulls have owned the Cavs recently and they are 3-0 both SU and ATS against them this season. The Cavs have had a couple nights off heading into this one but we don?t think it will matter. This team has lost three of its last four and all were double-digit blowouts. There isn?t much doubt that this team will shift into another gear once the playoff starts but things are not right with this squad right now in the stretch run of the NBA regular season. LeBron James is banged up and left the Cavs near-30-point loss to the Spurs last time out. Chicago has now won 18 straight TNT games on Thursdays, and they always get up for these matchups. They have also covered in six of their last eight matchups.
Cleveland vs. Chicago
Play: Cleveland -5?
I think now is the perfect time to jump on Cleveland. The Cavs come in off an ugly 29-point loss at San Antonio, which came after a 12-point loss at home to the Wizards. Cleveland is now just 5-8 in their last 13 and the media is all over them right now. Some saying they have no chance to win the NBA title.
I'm expecting to see a much different Cavs team in this one. Cleveland has had a full 2 days to regroup, have triple-revenge on their minds after losing each of the first 3 meetings to the Bulls and have the incentive of playing in a nationally televised game on TNT.
The perception is the Bulls have more to play for, but Chicago has been even worse of late, going just 4-9 in their last 13 games. Last time out the Bulls won at Milwaukee and are just 8-21 ATS in their last 29 off a road win. Cleveland has played well with rest, going 33-15 ATS the last 2 seasons when playing only their 2nd game in a 5 day span.
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I have some Bulls Over 102 in pocket, some of that the struggling Cavs defense, but also what should be a high energy game for Chicago. With 3 days off prior to this the legs should be there, and with the TNT cameras on hand, plus still not being dead in the playoff hunt, this is one of those games in which a team is supposed to lay everything they have out there. That not only means aggressiveness early, but the likelihood of playing out the end game even more than usual, which can generate some extra possessions and point.
Los Angeles Clippers -9.5
The Phoenix Suns are just trying to get the best pick possible in the NBA Draft at this point. They have so many injuries that they're just simply resting their star players. They are without Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight and Tyson Chandler, and they could be without Devin Booker and Leandro Barbosa again tonight. The Suns are 0-9 in their last nine games with five of their last six losses coming by double-digits. The Clippers are still trying to get home-court advantage in the first round, so they won't be taking the Suns lightly. And the Clippers are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their three meetings with the Suns this season, winning all three by 10 points or more.
Georgia Tech +4
The Yellow Jackets are worth a look here at this price, as I actually think they win this game outright. Georgia Tech has been one of the big surprises this season, as there were some who thought they would struggle to win a single game in the ACC. First year head coach Josh Pastner has done a remarkable job. He's got this team playing with a ton of confidence and playing exceptional defense. In fact, you could argue that this is the best defense TCU will have faced all season. So much is made of the Yellow Jacket's limitations on offense, but they have now scored 70+ points in 4 straight games. Georgia Tech is 26-16 ATS in their last 42 as an underdog and 10-1 ATS in their last 11 when playing only their 2nd game in 8 days this season (defensive energy is at full strength).
Georgia Tech/TCU Under 134
Both Georgia Tech and TCU have made it to the Championship Game thanks to their defense. The Yellow Jackets have allowed 66 or fewer points in all 4 NIT games, and 66 or fewer in 7 of their last 8 games overall coming in. The Horned Frogs have yielded 68 or fewer in 3 of their 4 NIT games, including 59 to Fresno and 53 to UCF. I think defense will reign supreme in this title game tonight as this total goes well UNDER 134. The UNDER is 19-6-1 in Yellow Jackets last 26 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5. The UNDER is 13-5 in Yellow Jackets last 18 non-conference games. The UNDER is 8-2 in Horned Frogs last 10 neutral site games as a favorite. The UNDER is 22-10 in Horned Frogs last 32 non-conference games.
