We had ourselves a great start to the week yesterday by going a perfect 3-for-3. I've always wanted to have that dream week in which I got every single pick right, but I've always fizzled out by Tuesday. Having just read that, I wouldn't blame you if you decided to go against every pick I made now, but this could be that magical week. You just never know...
Alright, three more picks with two of them being NHL and one of them being an NBA tilt. Let's get to the picks.
Atlanta Hawks (-2.5) vs. Indiana Pacers
I think bettors get a small line for a team in the Hawks that's had a lot of regular season success over the last couple of years, particularly against a team that's supposed to be near the bottom of the weak Eastern Conference once all 82 games are played. The Atlanta Hawks have so much more talent than the Pacers. It's a simple explanation but a correct one.
I also think the Pacers are still getting money thrown their way based on an unbelievable performance against the Denver Nuggets a week ago in which they scored 150+ points in regulation and 54 in one quarter by making 20-21 shots in the third quarter. It would be great for Pacers fans if they could constantly do that, but they just can't.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Montreal Canadiens (over 5.5, +110)
Picking the over in a game which has a team coached by Jacques Martin usually isn't a very good suggestion, but I think we might see a more offensive-minded Habs team than we're used to seeing.
The Flyers dominated the Habs in the playoffs a year ago due to their size, strength and physicality as they plowed through the trapping style of the Habs. I think Montreal may try and make it more of a run-and-gun style of hockey game and use their speed and mobility to their advantage. If so, one of two things happens. Either the Habs get themselves a high-scoring and close victory or the Flyers run them out of their own building. Either way, lots of goals tonight.
Nashville Predators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (over 5.5, +115)
Much like picking the over in a game where Jacques Martin is a coach of one of the teams, picking the over in a game involving the Toronto Maple Leafs doesn't seem like a very good idea either, but just because they don't score a lot of goals doesn't mean they don't give up a lot. J-S Giguere will get his third straight start and has given up four goals in each of the previous two.
Why I like the over so much (and the Preds as well) is because of their ability to include the defencemen into the offensive attack. In a recent game against Chicago, the Preds got all their regulation goals from defencemen as they went on to win 4-3.
Hmmm...picking the over for Jacques Martin and the Leafs on the same night? Never mind a magical week, this will be a magical night if it comes through...enjoy the games!