Bobby Conn – Sports Handicapper

50* Powerhouse Play on Rockets -6½ -110

The Trail Blazers (5-8) have gotten off to a very slow start, and now face a tough task while they try to get some momentum going as they head into Houston for a showdown with the Rockets (10-3).

Portland earned a tight victory over San Antonio in their most recent contest, but dropped six of seven before that. Out of their las eight games, the Blazers have allowed at least 114 points on five occasions. Portland has trouble finding offensive help for Damian Lillard, as the Blazers couldn’t even beat Brooklyn on a night when Lillard went for 60.

On average, the Blazers are scoring 112.8 points per game while allowing 114.1 points per game.

Apart from Lillard, who’s averaging 29.8 points per game, and CJ McCollum, who’s averaging 21 points per game, Portland has no player scoring more than 15.3 points per contest.

The Rockets enter tonight’s contest as one of the hottest teams in the NBA with seven wins in a row. Houston has scored at least 117 points in four of those victories. Throughout this winning streak, James Harden has scored 36 points or more in every game.

On average, the Rockets are scoring 118.5 points while allowing 114.2 points per game.

Harden leads the team with his 39.5 points per game, and Russell Westbrook is adding another 21 points and eight rebounds per contest.

1* Free Play on Cavs +2 -109

The Cavaliers (4-8) and Knicks (3-10) have just seven wins between them. Tonight, these two clubs will face off in New York.

Cleveland has recently gone up against a tough schedule, losing to Philadelphia twice and Miami once to drop three in a row. Prior to that losing streak, the Cavaliers handled the Knicks with ease in a 108-87 game played in New York. That victory earned Cleveland one of their two away wins.

On average, the Cavaliers are scoring 104.4 points while allowing 107.7 points per game.

Although Cleveland doesn’t have a player putting up at least 20 points a game, they have a decent duo in Collin Sexton and Kevin Love. Sexton is scoring 18.3 points per contest and Love is averaging 18.2 points and 12.1 rebounds per game.

The Knicks have lost three of their last four, including that 108-87 defeat to Cleveland just over a week ago. Although the Knicks will be at home, New York has won just two out of their six games in Madison Square Garden.

On average, the Knicks are scoring 100.2 points while allowing 109.2 points per game.

New York hasn’t scored more than 111 points all season, and has failed to top more than 106 point in any contest since their first two of the year.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Coyotes -155

While the Kings (8-11-1, 17 points) occupy the basement of the Pacific division, the Coyotes (12-7-2, 26 points) are on the heels of the first-place Oilers. Tonight, the Kings and Coyotes will face off in Arizona.

Los Angeles may not be the most feared team in the NHL, but they’ve managed to win each of their last three games. However, that good run was preceded by three-straight losses. On seven separate occasions, the Kings have allowed five goals or more.

On average, the Kings are scoring 2.65 goals per game (tied for 25th) while allowing 3.60 goals per game (29th).

With seven goals, 15 assists, and 22 points, center Anze Kopitar leads the Kings in all major offensive categories. Goaltending is an issue for Los Angeles, as Jack Campbell has the best numbers by allowing 3.11 goals per game with an .886 save percentage.

With a win this evening, the Coyotes would pull within a single point of Edmonton for the division lead. Arizona has now won three of their last four games, three of which came on the road. Over those four games, the Coyotes scored 12 total goals.

On average, the Coyotes are scoring 2.76 goals per game (21st) while allowing 2.33 goals per game (tied for 1st).

With nine wins, Darcy Kuemper has proven himself to be one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. With a save percentage of .937, Kuemper is allowing just 1.85 goals per game.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Bucks -7½ -109

While the Bulls (4-9) are rebuilding, the Bucks (9-3) have their eyes focused on an NBA Finals appearance. Tonight, these two teams will face off in Chicago.

Milwaukee has jumped out to the lead in the Central division with the 7-6 Pacers posing the largest threat. The Bucks are currently riding a three-game winning streak and have been victorious in seven of their last eight games. Milwaukee has scored 121 points or more in five of those eight contests.

On average, the Bucks are scoring 118.8 points while allowing 109.7 points per game.

MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.1 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, all of which lead the Bucks. Giannis is supported by the 18.5 points per game of Khris Middleton and the 17 points per game of Eric Bledsoe.

The Bulls are level with the Pistons in the basement of the Central division. Chicago will be at home for this contest, but they’ve gone just 2-4 in their own building. The Bulls have now lost three of their last four.

On average, the Bulls are scoring 107.7 points while allowing 111 points per game.

Chicago is without a dominant scorer. Zach LaVine leads the team with 21.6 points per game, and no other player is putting up even 15 points per game.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Chiefs -4 -110

Tonight’s Monday Night Football offering will have a special twist as the Chiefs (6-4) and Chargers (4-6) will take the field in the Estadio Azteca for a game in Mexico City.

After starting the year off with four wins in a row, Kansas City has now lost four of their last six. Although one of those losses came with quarterback Patrick Mahomes sidelined with an injury, Mahomes was on the field for last week’s 35-32 loss at the hands of Tennessee.

On average, the Chiefs are scoring 28 points per game on 419 yards of offense while allowing 24 points per game on 393 yards.

Defense has been Kansas City’s biggest issue all year long. In each of their last three losses, the Chiefs have allowed 31 points or more. However, this high-powered offense looks ready to get it going again after a 446-yard day from Mahomes against the Titans.

Before last week’s narrow loss to Oakland, the Chargers earned a pair of wins over Chicago and Green Bay. Defense was the key to those victories, as they held the Bears to 16 points and the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers to just 11 points.

On average, the Chargers are scoring 21 points per game on 368 yards of offense while allowing 20 points per game on 334 yards.

Throughout this season, the Chargers have scored 20 points or fewer in six contests.