Dave Cokin
Tonight’s Bonus Play is a future wager I decided to make on an NBA season win total.
TRAILBLAZERS UNDER 45.5 WINS
Portland is a well-coached team that I think has overachieved to a decent extent the last couple of seasons. But I believe they take a step or two backwards this season in then rugged NBA Western Conference. There’s no question the Blazers have themselves an electrifying backcourt combo in Lillard and McCollum. But there’s not a great deal of weaponry beyond that dynamic duo, and I think this team could struggle on the defensive end.
Bear in mind I probably underrated this team in each of the last two seasons. I certainly didn’t have them winning 51 games two years ago, and I thought they’d be a .500 team last year, so they at least exceeded those expectations. But unlike prior to those two seasons, this year I’m willing to bet they won’t be as successful. By no means do I expect Portland to go into the dumpster and become a punching bag. I absolutely feel they will be respectable. However, when stacking the Western Conference up according to the pre-season power rankings, I actually have this team sitting all the way down in the 10th spot on my projections.
Banking on those rankings, it’s tough for me to envision Portland being any better than right around .500. That means anywhere between 38 and 44 wins, and the O/U win total is outside that range. So I see some value in being able to play Under 45 or anything better. With plenty of 45 and 45.5 available, I’m going Under on the Trailblazers.
Tonight’s Bonus Play is a future wager I decided to make on an NBA season win total.
TRAILBLAZERS UNDER 45.5 WINS
Portland is a well-coached team that I think has overachieved to a decent extent the last couple of seasons. But I believe they take a step or two backwards this season in then rugged NBA Western Conference. There’s no question the Blazers have themselves an electrifying backcourt combo in Lillard and McCollum. But there’s not a great deal of weaponry beyond that dynamic duo, and I think this team could struggle on the defensive end.
Bear in mind I probably underrated this team in each of the last two seasons. I certainly didn’t have them winning 51 games two years ago, and I thought they’d be a .500 team last year, so they at least exceeded those expectations. But unlike prior to those two seasons, this year I’m willing to bet they won’t be as successful. By no means do I expect Portland to go into the dumpster and become a punching bag. I absolutely feel they will be respectable. However, when stacking the Western Conference up according to the pre-season power rankings, I actually have this team sitting all the way down in the 10th spot on my projections.
Banking on those rankings, it’s tough for me to envision Portland being any better than right around .500. That means anywhere between 38 and 44 wins, and the O/U win total is outside that range. So I see some value in being able to play Under 45 or anything better. With plenty of 45 and 45.5 available, I’m going Under on the Trailblazers.
Ben Burns
Hurricanes vs Red Wings
Bonus Play Detroit Red Wings
Given the venue and current play of these teams, the price could easily be higher. After a strong preseason, the Wings dropped their first two games, both losses coming in the state of Florida. However, they've since responded with four straight victories, outscoring opponents by a 15-5 margin. With the last three victories coming against the likes of SJ, NYR and Nashville, they'eve been beating some decent teams, too. Now, they step down in class to take on a struggling Carolina team which is playing the final leg of a season-opening 6-game road trip. Through five games, the Canes have allowed 20 goals. No other team in the East has allowed more. While the Canes have managed a couple of wins here lately, the Wings have dominated them here throughout the years, generally laying a much steeper price than they are here. I like their chances of staying hot for another night. Consider laying the wood with the Wings.
Hurricanes vs Red Wings
Bonus Play Detroit Red Wings
Given the venue and current play of these teams, the price could easily be higher. After a strong preseason, the Wings dropped their first two games, both losses coming in the state of Florida. However, they've since responded with four straight victories, outscoring opponents by a 15-5 margin. With the last three victories coming against the likes of SJ, NYR and Nashville, they'eve been beating some decent teams, too. Now, they step down in class to take on a struggling Carolina team which is playing the final leg of a season-opening 6-game road trip. Through five games, the Canes have allowed 20 goals. No other team in the East has allowed more. While the Canes have managed a couple of wins here lately, the Wings have dominated them here throughout the years, generally laying a much steeper price than they are here. I like their chances of staying hot for another night. Consider laying the wood with the Wings.
Sean Murphy
Blue Jackets vs Kings 10:35 PM ET
8* NHL Bonus Play Los Angeles over Columbus
I'll back the Kings on Tuesday night as they aim for their third consecutive victory.
Los Angeles got off to a slow start this season but has turned it around since, thanks to back-to-back wins by way of overtime and a shootout. I don't expect the Kings to face quite as much resistance here, even though the Blue Jackets are off consecutive wins of their own.
Note that the Kings are 7-2 in the last nine meetings in this series. The Jackets caught them flat-footed here in L.A. last November, but wins here on the west coast have been few and far between.
L.A. can secure a winning homestand with a win here, as a tougher matchup against the Predators awaits on Thursday night. The Jackets have been fortunate to earn wins in their last two games as they were outshot and outplayed in both contests. Take Los Angeles (8*).
Blue Jackets vs Kings 10:35 PM ET
8* NHL Bonus Play Los Angeles over Columbus
I'll back the Kings on Tuesday night as they aim for their third consecutive victory.
Los Angeles got off to a slow start this season but has turned it around since, thanks to back-to-back wins by way of overtime and a shootout. I don't expect the Kings to face quite as much resistance here, even though the Blue Jackets are off consecutive wins of their own.
Note that the Kings are 7-2 in the last nine meetings in this series. The Jackets caught them flat-footed here in L.A. last November, but wins here on the west coast have been few and far between.
L.A. can secure a winning homestand with a win here, as a tougher matchup against the Predators awaits on Thursday night. The Jackets have been fortunate to earn wins in their last two games as they were outshot and outplayed in both contests. Take Los Angeles (8*).
Mike Lundin
Spurs vs Warriors
5* NBA Free Pick Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors were unstoppable for most part of the regular season last year, particularly at home, but they came up short in the finals losing to the Cavs in seven games. They'll be hungry for revenge, and they're coming off a dominant preseason.
The Warriors have strengthened their already NBA-best offense with Kevin Durant from OKC during the offseason, and I think they'll win big when hosting the San Antonio Spurs in the season opener Tuesday night. The Warriors are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 home at Oracle Arena and they'll face a Spurs team that might not be quite as strong as in previous years.
San Antonio has lost future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan to retirement, and guard Danny Green is expected to miss the first three weeks of the season. I don't think the Spurs can match up with the Warriors here in the season opener.
Spurs vs Warriors
5* NBA Free Pick Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors were unstoppable for most part of the regular season last year, particularly at home, but they came up short in the finals losing to the Cavs in seven games. They'll be hungry for revenge, and they're coming off a dominant preseason.
The Warriors have strengthened their already NBA-best offense with Kevin Durant from OKC during the offseason, and I think they'll win big when hosting the San Antonio Spurs in the season opener Tuesday night. The Warriors are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 home at Oracle Arena and they'll face a Spurs team that might not be quite as strong as in previous years.
San Antonio has lost future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan to retirement, and guard Danny Green is expected to miss the first three weeks of the season. I don't think the Spurs can match up with the Warriors here in the season opener.
Dave Cokin
Tonight’s Bonus Play is a future wager I decided to make on an NBA season win total.
TRAILBLAZERS UNDER 45.5 WINS
Portland is a well-coached team that I think has overachieved to a decent extent the last couple of seasons. But I believe they take a step or two backwards this season in then rugged NBA Western Conference. There’s no question the Blazers have themselves an electrifying backcourt combo in Lillard and McCollum. But there’s not a great deal of weaponry beyond that dynamic duo, and I think this team could struggle on the defensive end.
Bear in mind I probably underrated this team in each of the last two seasons. I certainly didn’t have them winning 51 games two years ago, and I thought they’d be a .500 team last year, so they at least exceeded those expectations. But unlike prior to those two seasons, this year I’m willing to bet they won’t be as successful. By no means do I expect Portland to go into the dumpster and become a punching bag. I absolutely feel they will be respectable. However, when stacking the Western Conference up according to the pre-season power rankings, I actually have this team sitting all the way down in the 10th spot on my projections.
Banking on those rankings, it’s tough for me to envision Portland being any better than right around .500. That means anywhere between 38 and 44 wins, and the O/U win total is outside that range. So I see some value in being able to play Under 45 or anything better. With plenty of 45 and 45.5 available, I’m going Under on the Trailblazers.
Tonight’s Bonus Play is a future wager I decided to make on an NBA season win total.
TRAILBLAZERS UNDER 45.5 WINS
Portland is a well-coached team that I think has overachieved to a decent extent the last couple of seasons. But I believe they take a step or two backwards this season in then rugged NBA Western Conference. There’s no question the Blazers have themselves an electrifying backcourt combo in Lillard and McCollum. But there’s not a great deal of weaponry beyond that dynamic duo, and I think this team could struggle on the defensive end.
Bear in mind I probably underrated this team in each of the last two seasons. I certainly didn’t have them winning 51 games two years ago, and I thought they’d be a .500 team last year, so they at least exceeded those expectations. But unlike prior to those two seasons, this year I’m willing to bet they won’t be as successful. By no means do I expect Portland to go into the dumpster and become a punching bag. I absolutely feel they will be respectable. However, when stacking the Western Conference up according to the pre-season power rankings, I actually have this team sitting all the way down in the 10th spot on my projections.
Banking on those rankings, it’s tough for me to envision Portland being any better than right around .500. That means anywhere between 38 and 44 wins, and the O/U win total is outside that range. So I see some value in being able to play Under 45 or anything better. With plenty of 45 and 45.5 available, I’m going Under on the Trailblazers.
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Tuesday, October 25, 2016 10:05 PM
(67) OTTAWA SENATORS VS (68) VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Take: UNDER THE TOTAL
Reason: Your free pick for Tuesday, October 25, 2016, comes in the NHL as Ottawa heads to Vancouver. Ottawa comes off a 4-1 loss at home to Tampa Bay with a power play ranked #28. The Under is 5-2 in the Senators last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. Vancouver's hot start has been keyed by defense, #4 in the NHL in goals allowed, but just #26 in goals scored. The Under is 5-2-3 in the Canucks last 10 home games. Play Ottawa/Vancouver UNDER the total.
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Tuesday, October 25, 2016 10:05 PM
(67) OTTAWA SENATORS VS (68) VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Take: UNDER THE TOTAL
Reason: Your free pick for Tuesday, October 25, 2016, comes in the NHL as Ottawa heads to Vancouver. Ottawa comes off a 4-1 loss at home to Tampa Bay with a power play ranked #28. The Under is 5-2 in the Senators last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. Vancouver's hot start has been keyed by defense, #4 in the NHL in goals allowed, but just #26 in goals scored. The Under is 5-2-3 in the Canucks last 10 home games. Play Ottawa/Vancouver UNDER the total.
Scott Spreitzer
Knicks vs Cavs
Bonus Play Cleveland Cavaliers
I'm recommending a play on the Cavaliers minus the points on Tuesday. Historically, on the night a championship team is getting its rings, it comes out a little flat and struggles to cover the spread, basically a 50-50 ATS proposition over the last 2+ decades. However, that wasn't the case last year when Golden State blew out New Orleans by 16 points as a 10.5-point favorite following the ring ceremony. New York has several new components after finishing 32-50 last season, including a new coach in Jeff Hornacek, who will be implementing some new facets to the offense, which will be a change from the primarily triangle offense that has been used since Phil Jackson became president of the team. The Knicks have several new players, including Derrick Rose, who played only one preseason game due to a court case, and Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee and Brandon Jennings. Noah missed two weeks of training camp due to injuries. Cleveland added Mike Dunleavy Jr. to help with its outside shooting, and the rest of the team is mostly intact. There should be plenty of excitement in the city of Cleveland tonight to keep LeBron James and company from a letdown. I'm recommending a play on the Cavaliers minus the points. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Knicks vs Cavs
Bonus Play Cleveland Cavaliers
I'm recommending a play on the Cavaliers minus the points on Tuesday. Historically, on the night a championship team is getting its rings, it comes out a little flat and struggles to cover the spread, basically a 50-50 ATS proposition over the last 2+ decades. However, that wasn't the case last year when Golden State blew out New Orleans by 16 points as a 10.5-point favorite following the ring ceremony. New York has several new components after finishing 32-50 last season, including a new coach in Jeff Hornacek, who will be implementing some new facets to the offense, which will be a change from the primarily triangle offense that has been used since Phil Jackson became president of the team. The Knicks have several new players, including Derrick Rose, who played only one preseason game due to a court case, and Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee and Brandon Jennings. Noah missed two weeks of training camp due to injuries. Cleveland added Mike Dunleavy Jr. to help with its outside shooting, and the rest of the team is mostly intact. There should be plenty of excitement in the city of Cleveland tonight to keep LeBron James and company from a letdown. I'm recommending a play on the Cavaliers minus the points. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
