Handicapper Profile

#15 Vancouver Canucks +132 (10:30 edt) NBCSN

 

Absolutely LOVE Vancouver here at this big underdog price since they are a very hungry team and they looked very strong in their qualifying round victory.  ST. Louis had everything go right last season on their run to the Cup - I just don't see that happening for them this season.  Edge to the Canucks in game 1 since they were playing in a series they had to win as opposed to the Blues who were playing in basically exhibition games.  Take Vancouver here at this dog price. 

#959 - #960 Chicago Cubs - Cleveland Indians UNDER 8 -110 (7:10 edt) Fox Sports One

 

Love the under here since Lester looks as strong as ever for the Cubs and Plutko is solid for the Indians.  Cleveland's hitting has been poor so far this season while Chicago's has been OK but nothing special and it will struggle against this quality starter.  Play the low side of the total here to watch and win with Anthony. 

#741 Toronto Raptors (6:35 edt) ESPN

 

This is a huge game to the Raptors to make a statement to Milwaukee before the playoffs.  I don't see the Bucks being as interested in this game since they already have the top seed locked up.  Toronto is feeling disrespected being as good as they are but nobody is talking about it since they don't have Leonard.  Even on a back to back look for Toronto to bring a full effort here while Milwaukee is not going to play their top guys as much as usual.  Take the Raptors here. 

#965 Cleveland Indians with Bieber moneyline -120 (7:08 edt) ESPN

 

Have to love Cleveland here since Bieber is playing outstanding right now and the Indians know they need to win these divisional games in this very short season.  Giolito has not been super good this season and the Indians figure they owe him one after they lost to Giolito earlier this season.  Play Cleveland here. 

#903 - #904 Detroit Tigers - Pittsburgh Pirates UNDER 9 -110 (4:05 edt) Fox Sports One

 

This total is just simply too high for 2 teams with batting averages this low playing each other.  The Pirates are not even hitting over the Mendoza line (.200 for you young whipper snappers that won't get that reference) and the Tigers are only managing .205.  Neither of these starters is awesome but they are good enough to stymie these weak hitting teams.  Play the low side of the total here. 

#712 Toronto Raptors -3 (9:00 edt) TNT

 

Absolutely LOVE the Raptors here since they are playing very well and they want to show the world they are a very strong team.  Everyone wrote them off when they lost Leonard and they are super motivated to show they are still a good team.  The national TV cameras will have them motivated even more.  Boston only has 1 cover since the restart and this is going to be a tough spot for them here.  Play the Raptors. 

#785 Los Angeles Lakers (9:05 edt) TNT

 

Give me the Lakers here who will be intent on some instant payback to someone coming off of a SU loss on Wednesday night.  You know LeBron loves the national TV stage and he would love to show up Harden and the Rockets.  Houston is not exactly strong at playing defense - look for the Lakers to take advantage of that on their way to a big win and cover here. 

#769 Oklahoma City Thunder + (6:30 edt) ESPN

 

Give me the Thunder and the points here since they may have a playoff spot locked up but they are motivated to get a win to improve their seeding in the West and they are going to be extra motivated against the top dog Lakers.  The Thunder have covered 13 of their last 19 against the Lakers and Los Angeles has locked in the top seed for the playoffs so they really don't have any motivation here. 

#761 - #762 Houston Rockets - Portland Trail Blazers OVER 244 (9:00 edt) TNT

 

Who is going to play defense in this game?  Houston never plays any defense and Portland has now shown any inclination to play defense in the bubble.  The national TV cameras will have both teams very happy to put on an offensive show as well.  Houston can play free and loose since they are already in the playoffs and home court is meaningless with the playoffs happening in the bubble.  Look for a super high scoring affair here going over this huge number.   

#22 Edmonton Oilers ML -130 (10:30 edt) NBCSN

 

This is going to be a very embarrassed Edmonton team here for the way they were pitiful in game 1 in their home arena.  Look for a very motivated Oilers team here to come out flying and get an early lead.  Chicago will not catch them over confident as they were in game 1.  Play Edmonton to watch and win here.