Handicapper Profile

#45 Chicago Blackhawks ML +210 (8:00 est) NBCSN

 

Almost fell over when I saw how big of a favorite the Lightning are here.  I know they are the defending champions but that will have them in celebrate mode here as this is their first home game of the season after a title and they played more hockey than anyone in the bubble so not convinced they are super excited to get back to it this quickly after their win.  Chicago looked very good in upsetting Edmonton in the playoffs last year and they look to build on that momentum here.  Take the 'Hawks here at this huge underdog price. 

#555 Brooklyn Nets -4.5 (7:30 est) ESPN

 

Both of these teams are struggling right now but the big difference is the Nets have some very good players who will likely get on the right track while the Knicks are just a hot mess that is in a tailspin right now.  Look for Brooklyn to put up a big time effort here to get a big win since they have been struggling lately.  Lay this number with the Nets here. 

#622 Vanderbilt Commodores +12.5 (7:00 est) ESPN2

 

Give me the tons of points here since the Commodores are scoring 74 points per game and they will be super fired up for an in-state rival coming to their home court.  Look for a full effort from Vandy here.  Tennessee is a good team but laying double digits on the road against a rival???  I am not seeing it especially off of a great game for them in their last game - not convinced they can duplicate that effort.  Take Vandy and the points here.  

#499 Ohio State Buckeyes +8.5 (8:00 est) ESPN

 

Give me the Buckeyes and the points here since the Ohio State offense showed their power against Clemson and the Tide defense is nowhere near as good as it usually is.  Ohio State got a ton of motivation by being an underdog against Clemson and they get that motivation again here and the title game has a history of underdogs covering the number.  Ohio State has been awesome the rare times they have been underdogs over the past several years as well.  Look for the Buckeyes offense to keep up with the 'Bama offense and keep this game within this number. 

#151 Cleveland Browns +6 (8:15 est) NBC

 

Give me the Browns and the points here since Cleveland will be massively fired up for their first playoff game in forever and they will be playing a very familiar opponent that they just prepared for last week.  Pittsburgh rested starters last week but that can sometimes backfire and the way the Steelers played in the last portion of the season should be a scary thing to lay a touchdown with.  Coach Stafanski can't be on the sideline but his influence will be felt in the preparation for this game and QB Mayfield played in plenty of big games in college so this won't be a strange spot for him.  Take Cleveland and the points here.

#145 Tampa Bay Buccaneers -8 (8:15 est) NBC

 

Only one way to look in this game and that is to Tampa Bay since Washington only got into the playoffs due to their horrible division.  No way this Washington team is playoff material and they are very thin at QB with Smith not 100% and Haskins released.  Tampa Bay will be super motivated for a playoff victory and Brady may not be a spring chicken anymore but he knows how to win playoff games.  Tampa Bay's offense is hitting on all cylinders right now and they get to play the worst team in the playoffs - lay it with Tampa here.

#546 New Orleans Pelicans -6 (7:30 est) ESPN

 

Love the Pelicans here since they are going to be super motivated for a home win since they have lost their last 2 games at home SU - no way they want to lose a 3rd straight home game.  Charlotte is really struggling right now and they can't stop anyone on defense.  Look for the Pelicans to come out strong to get a lead and ride that lead to a win and cover here. 

#539 Dallas Mavericks +3.5 (10:35 est) TNT

 

Dallas and the points are the play here since they have the better defense here and they have been strong in winning 2 of their last 3 road games.  Denver is struggling at home this season and their defense is not playing well right now.  Take the Mavericks here to get this win or at least this cover.   

#518 Miami Heat -2.5 (7:30 est) ESPN

 

Love the Heat here laying this very small number since they have been strong at home on this young season with their only SU home loss to the hands of the Bucks.  Boston is in a tough spot here as they will be playing their 4th straight road game in the last 6 days and the Heat are playing better defense than Boston.  Take the Heat here. 

#639 Kansas Jayhawks -5 (10:00 est) ESPN

 

Lay this number with Kansas since the Jayhawks are going to be mad as a hornets nest here after getting blown out at home on Saturday by Texas.  Look for a huge effort from them here to make up for that lousy effort.  TCU is having an excellent season but they are not going to be ready for this super motivated Kansas team here and with limited fans the home court advantage is not nearly what is usually is.  Lay it with Kansas here.