The set-up: I think that this one sets up great for a higher-scoring shootout between the non-conference opponents. The Kings got caught “looking ahead” to this one after their blowout loss in Brooklyn just last night. The Kings haven’t fared well in the second game of back-to-backs of late (0-7 ATS in their last seven), so if they want to reverse that trend, clearly they’re going to have to match pace with the high-flying home side. The Raptors on the other hand enter off a 119-90 destruction of the Grizzlies on Saturday and I look for them to carry that offensive momentum over here as well vs. this Western Conference foe. The Kings average 114 PPG and they allow 115.1. The Raptors average 113.9 PPG and they allow 108.3. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but the King shave seen the total go “over” the number in all ten games they’ve played in this year as a road underdog in the 6.5 to 12 points range, while Toronto has seen the total go “over” in seven of its last ten off a home win by ten points or more. This number is low, play the “over.” 

10* Over

The set-up: Two hungry non-conference teams collide in the nation’s capital on Tuesday night and in my opinion, goals will be at a premium. San Jose will be eager to atone for a dreadful 6-2 road loss to Florida, while Washington also has some questions to answer after its atrocious 8-5 loss in Chicago in its most recent action. San Jose comes in focused here after three straight losses. Washington fans can empathize, as the defending champs enter having lost five straight! From a situational stand point, I’m absolutely expecting a battle from start to finish and to me, that just screams “under.” 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but San Jose has seen the total go “under” the number in 31 of its last 46 after a loss by two goals or more in its previous game, while the Capitals have seen the total go “under” in three of its last four following a three games or more losing streak. This number is high, play the “under.”

10* Under

The set-up: Calgary’s won seven of its last eight and I think it’ll carry that momentum over here against a potentially dangerous Carolina team. The Hurricanes broke a slide with a very satisfying 7-4 win in Edmonton on Sunday and I believe they’ll stumble in the second game of the Alberta stop-over. Despite their recent victory the Hurricanes still come in averaging 2.8 goals, while allowing 3.00. The Flames beat Edmonton 5-2 in their latest action and they currently have the second best record in the NHL. Overall Calgary averages 3.7 GPG, while allowing 2.8. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but the Flames are 7-1 in their last eight vs. teams with losing records and 5-1 in their last six at home, while Carolina is just 17-38 in its last 55 vs. teams with winning records and only 14-38 in its last 52 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. No upsets here, lay it.

8* play

The set-up: Ole Miss comes in off an 84-67 win over Arkansas in its latest action, but I think it’ll stumble here in this difficult road venue. Overall the Runnin Rebels average 79.4 PPG. The Tide come in as the “hungrier” team after their 71-68 loss to Tennessee. Alabama enters averaging 76 PPG. A date vs. the Rebels is just what the doctor ordered for the Tide to get back on track though as Mississippi has covered in just five of its last 17 trips to Tuscaloosa. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but the Tide are 7-2 ATS in their last nine following a tight SU loss of 3 points or less. I’m banking on home court playing a big part in the outcome of this one. Play on Alabama.

10* play