Will Rogers

The set-up: Utah got out to a slow start, but it’s back on track and I think it carries that momentum over here as well. The Jazz come in off three straight wins over Dallas, Boston and Memphis, while the Mavericks are 3-1 in their last four after besting the lowly Bulls on Monday. Dallas got 11 points from Luka Donic against the Bulls: “Sometimes, he’s gonna have bad games,” veteran point guard J.J. Barea admitted. “He’s still young, and he can’t be great every game. So we’ve got to help him out.” Utah’s already beaten the Mavs twice this season. This is simply a horrible matchup for the Mavericks and now they face a Utah team that’s firing on all cylinders. 

The pick: Note that the Jazz have averaged 115 points over the first two meetings. Note as well that the Mavs are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven at home vs. teams with winning road records. Lay the points and expect a rout.

The set-up: Two teams which can struggle with offensive consistency collide on Wednesday night, but in my opinion, I believe we’re going to see more of a “shootout” than a “chess match.” Boston took three of four in the series last year. The Bulls come in averaging 105.9 PPG and allowing 112.4. Zach LaVine leads the way with 27.1 PPG. The C’s average 105.2 PPG an they allow 103.2. Kyrie Irving averages 21 points and 5.4 assists per game.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well but Chicago has seen the total go “over” in 50 of its last 87 vs. teams with winning records, while Boston has seen the total go “over” in three of four already this season when playing with two days rest. This number is low, play the “over.” 

The set-up: Two teams hungry for a win collide on Wednesday night and I believe points are going to be plentiful. Both teams come in with confidence after two straight wins to open the year. Marquette was picked to finish second in the Big East behind Villanova. Markus Howard had 37 points in the Golden Eagles’ 92-59 win over Bethune-Cookman. Indiana destroyed Montana State 80-35 in its most recent action. Romeo Langford is averaging 15.5 PPG.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Marquette has seen the total go “over” the number in 22 of its last 30 non-conference games, while Indiana has seen the total go “over” in seven of its last eight home games when the total is set between 145 to 149.5. This number is low, play the “over.” 

The set-up: Anaheim comes in off a 2-1 shootout win over Nashville and I believe it’s primed for a predictable letdown here in this difficult road venue. The Golden Knights on the other hand will be eager to return to form after a humbling 4-1 loss to Boston in their most recent action. The Ducks are averaging only 2.21 GPG, while allowing 2.74. The Knights are averaging 2.39 GPG and allowing 2.94. 

The pick: Take it for what you will though, but Anaheim is a poor 1-10 in its last 11 when playing on one days rest, while Vegas is still 27-11 in its last 38 vs. the Pacific. Lay the price.

The set-up: Buffalo is 9-1 and it’s won five straight. The Bulls have never opened a season 9-1 before and if they win today, they’ll clinch the division. However, I think the hungry Bobcats will battle hard and find a way to defend home turf. Previous to last week’s tough 30-28 loss to Miami Ohio, Ohio has been on fire. The Bobcats ran into an equally as hungry side in the Redhawks and they just didn’t have enough on the road. A little “home cooking” is just what the doctor ordered in my opinion though.

The pick: Note that Ohio is 6-1 ATS in its last seven against teams with winning records and 6-2 ATS in its last eight off a loss against a conference rival. Home field is the difference. Play on Ohio.

10* play