Nick Parsons – Sports Handicapper

My 10* NL GOM is on the Diamondbacks.

Arizona lost 10-6 in its opener here to the Cubs, but I think the D-Backs will bounce back here with Merril Kelly on the mound.

Kelly pitched well against the Cubs last year in his two starts vs. them, giving up only two runs.

Jameson Taillon counters for the Cubs, and he struggled in the Spring, allowing six hits and five runs in his final "tune-up."

All things considered, a great price on ARIZONA here on Friday night.

Good luck, NP

This is my 10* NORTHWEST TOM on the UNDER Jazz/Nuggets.

I'm expecting a very defensive affair here.

The Nuggets are a massive favorite here. They've been trading wins/losses over their last four games. Off a 127-117 win over Milwaukee here, I'm expecting the home side to double down on the defensive end here.

Denver has seen the total go OVER in five straight, but note that looking back the Nuggets have seen the total go UNDER in eight of their last 11 after playing to five or more straight OVERS in a row.

Utah is off four straight losses, including a 121-110 loss at home to Houston. Expect fatigue to be a major issue for Utah.

This number is high, the play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP

My 10* SWEET 16 TOY is on the OVER Ole Miss/Michigan State.

The best finish ever for Ole Miss in the NCAA Tournament was back in 2001 when it bowed out in the Sweet 16.

The Rebels though are rolling after wins over UNC and Iowa State. The Rebels played to a defensive affair in the win over UNC, but they showed off their offensive prowess in the victory over Iowa State. I believe Ole Miss will keep that offensive momentum rolling here in the Round of 16.

Tom Izzo and the Spartans most recently were in the Sweet 16 two years ago, but it's been six years since MSU has advanced past this point.

Ole Miss already proved that it can score against tough defenses, and with the underdog setting the pace in my opinion, everything points to this total flying OVER the number sooner, rather than later.

Good luck, NP