SPORTS ADVISORS
Atlanta (48-26, 44-30 ATS) at Cleveland (59-16, 36-38-1 ATS)
The Cavaliers try to make it nine straight wins over the Hawks when they welcome Atlanta into Quicken Loans Arena for an Eastern Conference battle.
Atlanta has won two straight after Wednesday’s 109-92 dismantling of the Lakers at home, cashing as a 1½-point favorite, with Joe Johnson doing most of the damage with 25 points and eight rebounds. However, the Hawks have dropped three in a row on the highway, including a week ago at Philadelphia, falling 105-98 as a 5½-point chalk.
After losing in San Antonio last Friday, the Cavs have won two in a row, including Wednesday’s 101-98 home victory over the Bucks, coming up well short as 9½-point favorites. LeBron James had 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists to lead the charge, but Cleveland has failed to cash in three straight and five of its last seven.
The Cavaliers have won both meetings against Atlanta this season (1-1 ATS) after sweeping the Hawks out of the Western Conference playoffs last year (3-0-1 ATS). They have won eight straight (4-3-1 ATS) over the Hawks, but the road team is o a 3-0-1 ATS run in the series.
Atlanta is 0-5 ATS in its last five Friday contests, but it is on several positive ATS runs, including 5-1 overall, 4-1 as an underdog, 21-8-1 as a ‘dog of between five and 10½ points, 4-0 against winning teams and 5-2 after a spread-cover. Cleveland has struggled at the betting window lately, currently on ATS slides of 2-5 at home, 2-5 overall, 3-9 after a non-cover, 2-8 at home against teams with losing road records and 0-4 on Fridays.
The Hawks are on several “over” streaks, including 11-1 after a straight-up win, 13-5 overall, 4-1 on the road, 5-0 as a road ‘dogs and 4-1 against Central Division teams. On the opposite end, the Cavs have stayed below the posted total in 11 of 16 Friday games, five of seven overall, five of seven at home, six of eight after a non-cover and five of seven as favorites. In this series, the “over” has been the play in five of the last six played in Cleveland.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA
Orlando (53-22, 40-33-2 ATS) at San Antonio (45-29, 39-34-1 ATS)
The Magic try to complete a two-game Texas sweep tonight when they take on the Spurs inside the AT&T Center.
Orlando went to Dallas on Thursday and scored a 97-82 victory as a 2½-point road favorite. Dwight Howard delivered a big game with 17 points and 20 rebounds and Vince Carter added 19 points and seven boards as the Magic shot 48.6 percent from the floor. Orlando has now won three straight (1-1-1 ATS) and six of its last seven (3-3-1 ATS) overall.
San Antonio blew out the Rockets at home on Wednesday, winning 119-102 as an 11-point chalk, two days after a humiliating 90-84 loss to the lowly Nets as a seven-point road favorite. Wednesday, the Spurs got 30 points and seven assists from George Hill with Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Richard Jefferson combining for 54 points.
The Magic have won three straight in this rivalry, including a 110-84 home win back on March 17, 110-84 as seven-point favorites. Last season, they went into San Antonio and took a 105-98 victory as three-point underdogs and have cashed in three straight and five of the last eight.
Orlando is on ATS slides of 1-4-1 as a ‘dog, 0-5 on Fridays and 4-8 against Southwest Division teams, but it is 21-8 ATS in its last 29 as a road pup of up to 4½ points. The Spurs are just 5-11 ATS in their last 16 as a home favorite of up to 4½ points, but they are on ATS upticks of 13-4 overall, 10-3 against Southeast Division squads, 7-2 as a favorite, 6-1 at home, 4-0 on Fridays and 7-2 after getting a day off.
The Magic have topped the posted number in four of five when playing the second night of a back-to-back, but they are on “under” runs of 36-16-1 overall, 20-7 on Fridays, 8-2 as a ‘dog, 6-0 as a road ‘dog of up to 4½ points and 36-15-1 against Western Conference teams. San Antonio has topped the total in four of five at home and six of eight on Fridays, but otherwise they’re on “under” streaks of 7-2-1 at home against teams with winning road marks, 13-6-1 against Eastern Conference teams and 37-18-2 against the Southeast Division.
Finally, in this series, the over has been the play in four of the last five clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Utah (50-26, 47-26-3 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (54-21, 31-41-3 ATS)
The Jazz head to the Staples Center looking to hand the Lakers their third consecutive loss and improve their positioning in the Western Conference playoff standings.
Utah has won three in a row, including Wednesday’s 128-104 rout of Golden State as a 12½-point home favorite. Carlos Boozer led the Jazz with 25 points and 13 rebounds and point guard Deron Williams finished with 19 assists. Utah has scored at least 100 points in 11 straight games (7-4 ATS) and 17 of its last 19 overall, while holding the opposition to 98 points or less in five of the last seven.
The Lakers wrapped up a five-game road trip (2-3 SU and ATS) on Wednesday in Atlanta, falling 109-92 as a 1½-point pup. Los Angeles lost the final two games of the roadie, in New Orleans (108-100 as a six-point favorite) and in Atlanta. The Lakers have struggled offensively, managing 100 points or less in five of their last six overall, averaging about nine points less than their season average of 102.3.
Los Angeles has won two of three (SU and ATS) against Utah this season, including a Feb. 10 victory in Salt Lake City, winning 96-81 as a 5½-point ‘dog. The Lakers have won five straight at home (3-2 ATS) over the Jazz, dating back to last season’s 4-1 series win (2-3 ATS) in the Western Conference playoffs. Utah is just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 trips to face the Lakers as the home team carries a 17-8-1 ATS run into this contest.
The Jazz are just 1-4 ATS on the road against teams with winning home records, but they are on a plethora of positive ATS streaks, including 41-18-3 overall, 20-9-3 after a straight-up win, 15-6-1 on the road, 19-6-2 against Western Conference teams and 10-3 as underdogs of up to 4½ points. Los Angeles has cashed in five of seven after a non-cover, but they are on several ATS skids, including 2-5 overall, 1-6-1 at home, 0-5 after a day off, 2-7-1 against Northwest Division foes and 1-4 as a chalk.
Utah has topped the total in 30 of its last 45 as a road underdog, but the “under” is on runs of 3-1-1 overall, 6-0 against winning teams and 7-2 on Fridays. Meanwhile, it’s been all “unders” for the Lakers lately, including 11-4 against the Western Conference, 13-6 as a favorite, 27-13 after a straight-up loss, 8-2 after a non-cover and 5-0 on Fridays. In this rivalry, the “under” has cashed in six straight overall, but the “over” has been the play in 12 of the last 16 in the Staples Center.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UTAH
DUNKEL INDEX
Atlanta at Cleveland
The Cavs are coming off a 101-98 win over the Bucks and look to build on their 7-3 ATS record in their last 10 games after scoring 100 or more points in the previous game. Cleveland is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Cavs favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-5 1/2)
Game 501-502: Miami at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 122.451; Indiana 125.221
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 3; 195
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 503-504: Milwaukee at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 118.496; Charlotte 123.280
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 5; 189
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 505-506: Chicago at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 115.800; Washington 109.575
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 4; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-4); Over
Game 507-508: Houston at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 112.085; Boston 122.880
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 11; 197
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 509-510: New Orleans at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans113.297; Memphis 119.782
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 6 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 511-512: Phoenix at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 124.582; Detroit 111.711
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 13; 213
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 513-514: Atlanta at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 120.071; Cleveland 128.287
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 8; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 5 1/2; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-5 1/2); Under
Game 515-516: Orlando at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 125.366; San Antonio 126.492
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 1; 193
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 3 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+3 1/2); Under
Game 517-518: New York at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: New York 112.369; Golden State 116.396
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 4; 239
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 519-520: Utah at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 122.925; LA Lakers 125.558
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 2 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+5); Under
NHL
NY Rangers at Tampa Bay
The Rangers look to take advantage of a Tampa Bay team that is 1-4 in its last 5 home games. New York is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Rangers favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-110)
Game 51-52: Chicago at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.246; New Jersey 12.098
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-130); Over
Game 53-54: Montreal at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.063; Philadelphia 11.480
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-130); Over
Game 55-56: NY Rangers at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.738; Tampa Bay 11.446
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-110); Over
Game 57-58: San Jose at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 10.131; Minnesota 10.788
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 59-60: Edmonton at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 12.059; Dallas 11.983
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-250); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+210); Under
Game 61-62: Calgary at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.560; Colorado 11.694
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-135); Over
Game 63-64: Vancouver at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.234; Anaheim 12.061
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1/2;
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Bobby Maxwell
Atlanta at CLEVELAND (-5')
Scored the FREE winner on Thursday as Orlando destroyed the Mavericks in Dallas, improving my comp streak to 75-51-3. Tonight I'm right back on the NBA court, this time with a freebie coming on the Cavaliers as they will crush Atlanta in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers have beaten the Hawks eight straight times and tonight they’ll make it nine in a row and do it with ease, covering this number and cashing my ticket.
Cleveland has won two in a row since losing its nine-game winning streak in San Antonio a week ago. Wednesday they edged Milwaukee 101-98 but came far short of covering the 9 ½-point line. LeBron did his part with 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, but he really needs the outside shooters to be able to knock down those open looks. If they aren’t hitting, it’s a tough game for the Cavs, whereas if they are hitting, this one is a blowout.
The Hawks beat up the Lakers 109-92 at home on Wednesday, but on the road this team is very unstable. They’ve lost three straight on the highway, including a 105-98 game in Philly a week ago as a 5 ½-point favorite.
The Cavs swept Atlanta out of the Eastern Conference playoffs last season (3-0-1 ATS) and have won both meetings this year. This year’s sweep came in a home-and-home series in late December, but the Cavs were unable to get the cash in Cleveland.
There are matchup problems in this series for the Hawks as they have nobody with the strength, size and speed to match LeBron – of course there is no team in the NBA that does. But it is bad with the Hawks as he just has his way with the regularly.
Lay the chalk and play the Cavaliers at home tonight. They’ll win this one by 12 and get us an easy win and cover.
3♦ CLEVELAND
Stephen Nover
Utah at L.A. LAKERS (-5)
Only once all season have the Los Angeles Lakers lost three games in a row.
But if the Lakers lose this matchup, they'll be saddled with a three-game losing streak.
Utah is playing very well, but don't look for the Lakers to lose.
This is the Lakers' first game back at Staples Center following a disappointing 2-3 road trip in which the Lakers lost the last two games by a combined 25 points to New Orleans and Atlanta.
Sometimes a first home game back from a long trip can be a disadvantage because of personal distractions. That won't be the case here. The Lakers were idle yesterday. They will be motivated and focused for this matchup, Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson will make sure of that.
A focused Lakers squad can beat any team, especially at home.
The Jazz have won six of their last seven games. They have played extremely weak competition lately, however. In their last five games, the Jazz have faced Toronto, Indiana, Washington, New York and Golden State. The Jazz are going to have to step way up now, something they are out of practice at having faced such easy opposition.
The Jazz haven't matched up well to the Lakers, especially at Staples Center. The Lakers have beaten Utah 13 straight times at home. The last time these two teams met was in Salt Lake City and the Lakers won there, too, defeating Utah, 96-81.
Center Andrew Bynum remains out for the Lakers, but the Jazz will be without forward Andrei Kirilenko, who is out with a calf injury.
2♦ LAKERS
Marc Lawrence
Orlando Magic at San Antonio Spurs
Prediction: San Antonio Spurs
The Magic hop from Dallas last night to San Antonio this evening in a non-desirous situation this evening. That's because they drilled San Antonio, 106-84, in Orlando two weeks ago and the Magic is 0-5 ATS on the road without rest in games after meeting the Mavericks. Toss in the Spurs' 10-5 SU and ATS mark at home in games when avenging a 20-plus point same season loss against Eastern Conference foes and suddenly it's an overwhelming case in fading Orlando here tonight. Stay at home with San Antonio.
Rob Vinciletti
Orlando Magic vs. San Antonio Spurs
Play: San Antonio Spurs -2.5
The Spurs have big blowout loss revenge here for a 110-84 shellacking back in Orlando in the last meeting between these 2 teams. Now the Spurs catch the Magic with no rest off a big revenge win they exacted in Dallas. Orlando may be a solid team this year. However if we dig in to their road games with no rest off a road game we find that they are 0-3 straight up and ats if they are a dog. They lose by an average 112-102 score. it may be a small sample but it is note worthy. All road teams coming off a road game with no rest traveling into San Antonio are 1-8 and lose by an average 109-93 score. The Spurs have won 10 of the last 13 in the series and are have won an amazing 19 of 20 times at home if they scored 110 or more points at home in their last game, winning by an average 102-91 score. Look for the Spurs to win and cover the modest number.
BEN BURNS
Edmonton @ Dallas
Pick: Edmonton +1.5
Yesterday, we took a large underdog (Florida) on the "puck-line." It turned out that we didn't need the extra 1.5 goals, as the Panthers won the game outright. Still, as expected, it was a close game, (1-0) which was decided by one goal. Here's another case where we can get a very reasonable price with the +1.5 goal option, in a game that also has a good chance of being close the whole way.
While the Oilers are admittedly having a dismal season, they haven't just rolled over and quit. They're 3-3 their last six games. Five of those games, including all three of the losses, were decided by a single goal. In other words, if one had been getting +1.5 goals with them in all six of those games, one would be a perfect 6-0.
The Stars are off an impressive 5-1 win over San Jose. They haven't won back to back games since mid-February though, having alternated wins and losses in each of their last 10 games. Overall, they've got just six wins in their past 16 games.
A look at the season series between these teams shows that all three games were decided by a single goal. Those games had scores of 4-3, 3-2 and 5-4. Edmonton won two of them, both of those victories coming via the "shootout." Looking back further and we find that 10 of the last 16 meetings in the series have been decided by one goal. Consider Edmonton on the puck-line.
BIG AL
Chicago @ Washington
PICK: Chicago -4
On Wednesday, we used the Wizards here over New Orleans, and Flip Saunders' men rewarded us with an outright win, 96-91, as a double-digit underdog. That victory snapped Washington's 16-game win streak, but off that victory, we'll fade Washington as it returns home to face Chicago. Washington has won just 22 games this season (.297 win pct), and now falls into a "late-season" system of mine that's 67% ATS over the past 20 years. What we want to do is fade any .299 (or worse) team off a win in the final 24 games of the season! These teams are generally playing out the string, and usually don't put together two consecutive strong performances. Chicago is still fighting for a playoff spot, as it is currently in 9th place -- two games behind Toronto for the final post-season berth. With the Wizards 7-20 ATS off an upset, we'll play on Chicago on Friday night.
Scott Rickenbach
Orlando @ San Antonio Spurs
PICK: San Antonio Spurs -2.5
The Spurs have the rest edge here. While San Antonio was off yesterday, the Magic were battling the Mavericks in Dallas. Now Orlando goes from facing one tough Southwest Division opponent to facing another one that also has been playing some of their best basketball of the season. A rare exception to the solid level of play that the Spurs have exhibited came when they visited Orlando two weeks ago. In that game San Antonio got pummeled by 26 points and they certainly haven’t forgotten that ugly loss. Now it’s time for revenge at home. Heading into Wednesday’s home game against the Rockets, San Antonio was on an overall 11-5 ATS run. Also, the Spurs entered that game with a 5-1 ATS run in home games. San Antonio has looked like a rejuvenated group ever since the calendar turned the page to March and, now that we’re in April, look for the winning to continue!
The Spurs are known for being a streaky team and when they have their sights set on a goal under coach Gregg Popovich they are tough to stop. In this case that goal is post-season positioning. Coach Popovich has his team poised to climb the standings and get a higher seed. Note that in the Spurs 12-6 straight-up run heading into their Wednesday home game versus Houston, San Antonio only had one loss by a double digit margin and that was the beating they suffered at Orlando. The point is that San Antonio has been very competitive and they will also be tough on Orlando in this spot. They remember what happened last month! Payback will be sweet as the Spurs catch the Magic in a tough back to back after going toe to toe with the Mavericks last night.
As strong as Orlando’s overall season has been, they still haven’t impressed at the betting window when facing better teams in the league. Yes, the Magic pounded the Spurs last month but, entering their game at Dallas last night, Orlando was just 13-18 ATS this season when facing a team with a winning record on the season. Also, while the Magic are very nearly “penciled in” for the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Spurs still have a lot of ground to make up if they want to improve their playoff seeding. The rested, hungry, revenge-seeking Spurs hold the situational edges in this one and we’ll recommend a small play on San Antonio for Friday night.
David Chan
Chicago @ Washington
PICK: Washington +4
The Wizards aren’t very good, but they should not be getting points in this spot. They snapped a 16-game losing streak in New Orleans on Wednesday, and have actually covered five of their last nine games.
Washington’s home ATS mark of 12-24 is cause for concern, but the Bulls’ 14-23 away ATS mark is little better.
Chicago remains two games out of a playoff spot in the East, and management would be just as happy with a lottery pick.
The teams split two close games this year, with the Wizards covering both.
JIM FEIST
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS / MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
TAKE OVER
Hornets/Grizzlies Over the total. Some may point to injuries as the biggest reason New Orleans was such a disappointment this season, but the real story is defense. The Hornets have slipped badly, allowing 102.4 ppg -- 21st in the NBA. Even more embarrassing is the 48% field goal shooting they allow, third worst in the league ahead of the Nets and Warriors. With a lost season winding down for them, they are packing it in defensively even more, on a 3-2 run over the total. The young Grizzlies are no defensive dynamo, either, on a 3-0 run over the total (all losses) allowing 128, 108 and 106 points. Look for an offensive show, Play the Hornets/Grizzlies Over the total.
EZWINNERS
Cleveland Cavaliers -5.5
The Atlanta Hawks have not found a way to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland has defeated Atlanta in eight straight games and I don't expect things to change this time around. The Cavs have added Antoine Jamison to their team since the last time that they played Atlanta and they also have Big Z, Zydrunas Ilgauskas back on their roster as they make a run at the NBA championship. The Hawks are coming off of a big win at home against the Lakers in which the Hawks dominated the Lakers in every which way. The Atlanta offense was unstoppable, the defense was excellent and the bench was superb. Tonight I don't expect that same performance against a Cleveland team that has owned them. The Cavs are playing well as they have won nine out of their last ten games and I expect that to continue. Lay the points.
James Patrick Sports
Heat vs. Pacers
The Pacers have been a frisky bunch at home in Conseco Fieldhouse winning (7) of their past (8) home games ATS and are on a currant ATS run of (8-1-1). The home team is a solid (7-1) ATS in this series and Indiana is (6-1) ATS against the Eastern Conference. Big Game James Patrick's Friday selection in the NBA is Indiana Pacers.
Tom Freese
Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
Utah is is in battle with Denver for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. The Jazz feature 5 double digit scores. Carlos Boozer leads the way with 19.6 points and 11.2 rebounds a game. Point guard Deron Williams scores 18.3 points and 10.6 assists game. The Jazz score 104.2 points a game. Utah is 3-10 ATS their last 13 meetings at Staples Center and they are 0-4 ATS their last 4 Friday games. The Lakers are locked in to the top seed in the Western Conference. Kobe Bryant is not happy with the Lakers are playing. This game against a very good Utah team will bring out the best in the Lakers tonight. Kobe leads the way with 27.2 points a game. Forward Pau Gasol scores 17.6 points a game The Lakers score 102.3 points a game. The Lakers 4-0 ATS off a double digit loss and they are 5-2 ATS of an ATS loss. PLAY ON LA LAKERS -
SPORTS WAGERS
Chicago +1.16 over NEW JERSEY
The Devils woes continue and after its 1-0 loss to the Bruins in its latest game, New Jersey is now 13-21 over its last 34 games. That’s not a funk, that’s almost half a season but because of an outstanding first half, the Devils inefficiencies has gone virtually unnoticed. Coach Jacques Lemaire is pulling his hair out trying to get this thing going and with six games left he’s experimenting with all kinds of different line combinations. New Jersey has two wins in its last seven games and two goals in its last two games. Prior to losing to the Bruins they lost 5-1 to Philly at a time when the Flyers are sinking fast and can’t stop anyone from scoring. Enter the Blackhawks, perhaps the most dangerous team in the league that is also trying to get right-sided. The difference however, is that Chicago’s funk has only been about 10 games or so and they still went 5-7-2 over its last 12, which isn’t horrible. The Blackhawks are also coming off an important 4-0 win in Minnesota on Wednesday night, which will give them back some momentum. Anyway you break this one down the Devils have no edge whatsoever and its chances of winning or not better than the Blackhawks chances. Play: Chicago +1.16 (Risking 2 units).
Edmonton +2.15 over DALLAS
Win, lose or draw the Dallas Stars do not warrant being this big a favorite over anyone and that includes against this visitor. The Oilers are at the bottom of the NHL barrel but a close look reveals that Edmonton is 3-3 over its last six games and all three of their losses have come by a single goal. They lost 3-2 to the Ducks, 2-1 to the Blue Notes and 5-4 in Detroit on Wednesday in a game that was tied with about two minutes to go. Furthermore, the Stars are coming off a big win over the Sharks and the last time the Stars won back-to-back games was way back in early February, just after the Olympic break. So, yeah, the Stars can absolutely win this game and probably should but this choice is all about taking back a big price against a team that has not shown the ability to string together wins and that is way overvalued here. Play: Edmonton +2.15 (Risking 2 units).
Montreal +1.20 over PHILADELPHIA
Both these teams are hanging on for dear life and both had better win a game or two or else they’ll be watching the playoffs from the rail. There is no denying the fact that the Flyers are the more talented bunch but the big difference here is goaltending and that favors the Habs in a big way. In a big game, goaltending is very often the deciding factor and for, oh about the past 30 years, the Flyers goaltending is a huge concern. Boucher was yanked last night on Long Island where he allowed five goals on 24 shots and was replaced by rookie Jeremy Duschene. Who will get the call tonight is anyone’s guess but one thing is certain, every bad goal that goes in against Philly take more steam out of them. Montreal has won more games this year with its goaltending than any team in the NHL and with the Flyers sinking faster than Jesse James’ career, there’s no reason why the Habs can’t do it again. Play: Montreal +1.20 (Risking 2 units).