Ray Monohan – Sports Picks & Daily Packages

Hornets +3.5

The Hornets are the move against the Heat on Saturday. Miami comes in 0-2 to start the year and it’s going to take some time for this squad to gel with all the offseason changes they had. Miami has had defensive issues through their first two games allowing 131 and 128 points. Charlotte plays with a lot of tempo and they’re going to cause some issues for Miami once again on the defensive end. Charlotte is built with a lot of a young core and they like to get out in transition. Expect this game to be quick and for Miami to be on their heels once again defensively. Charlotte had the value at this number. Back the Hornets.

Saturday 3* NBA ATS Play

Kraken +136

The Kraken will take on the Wild Saturday night and they have value here. They’ve been the early season surprise as they’re rolling right now. They have won back to back games and opened the season 7-3-1 so far. It’s been the offense that has been the difference maker, putting up 3.82 gpg. They play extremely quick and their speed has caused a lot of problems for opposing teams. Minnesota right now is struggling and they’re not generating quality looks for themselves on the offensive side. Look for Seattle to take control of this game early and wear down Minnesota as this game goes on. Back the Kraken.

Saturday 2* NHL ML Play

UNDER 51

Arizona and Iowa State will meet on Saturday and the under is the move. Iowa State comes in 3-3 and they should be far better than their record indicates. They’ve been one of the top tier defenses in the Big 12 as they’re giving up just over 21 ppg. They have fared well with their ability to avoid allowing the big play and they aren’t shy about bringing pressure. Arizona finds themselves in the Top 25 and their defense has been just as good. They’re giving up just 19 ppg and they’ve really shut teams down when it comes to the run game. They will stack the box and mix different packages in, winning the battle at the line of scrimmage. Expect both defenses to step up in a low scoring game. Back the under.

Saturday 3* NCAAF O/U Play

Texas Tech -10.5

Texas Tech and Cincinnati will meet on Saturday and the Red Raiders are the move laying the points. Texas Tech comes in 6-0 and this offense is rolling right now. They put up 53 points last week in their route of Arizona State as they have been able to create many explosive plays. They’re averaging 37.8 ppg offensively and while they’ve been dominant on this side of the ball, the defense has stepped up just as much. Texas Tech is giving up only 17.7 ppg and this Bearcats offense isn’t going to have a lot of success. Cinci has also struggled defensively, giving up a combined 79 points over their last two games. This is a complete mismatch and the value sits with Texas Tech. Back the Red Raiders.

Saturday 2* NCAAF ATS Play

New Mexico -4.5

New Mexico welcomes in North Dakota State and this is a great line on the Lobos. They come in 5-1 and they’ve dominated on both sides of the ball. They’re averaging 39.7 ppg offensively, while conceding just 10.5 ppg. They’re playing with a lot of confidence everywhere on the field and they matchup very well with this NDSU side. This is such a tough test for NDSU as the speed of New Mexico is difficult to deal with. New Mexico will win this game with their ability to get to the edges with the run game and their explosive ability downfield with a compliment of playmakers. Expect New Mexico to continue to wear them down more and more as this game goes on. Back New Mexico.

Saturday 2* NCAAF ATS Play

UNDER 51

Kentucky and Vanderbilt clash on Saturday in an SEC showdown and the under is the move. Kentucky has been one of the surprises so far this season as they come in 6-1 and they’re getting the job done defensively. They’re giving up only 25 ppg and their success has come from the defensive side of things. Their defense continues to improve week by week and this is a Vanderbilt offense that they can frustrate a lot. Vandy has scored 21 points or less in 4 straight weeks and they have to try and slow games down with how inconsistent their offense has been. This will be a slow developing game where both teams look to slow the tempo down and neither team takes many shots deep. Expect a lot of clock chewing and long drives. Back the under.

Saturday 4* NCAAF O/U Play

UNDER 46.5

Hawaii and NIU meet on Saturday afternoon and the under is the move. NIU is struggling in their first year in the Mountain West as they’re 0-6 to start the campaign. Things have been a struggle for them and offensively it’s been a mess. They’re averaging just 14.2 ppg and they can’t move the ball with any sort of success. Hawaii hasn’t fared much better at 15.7 ppg as they haven’t had much of a pass game. Neither team has a sort of explosiveness to their offense and this will be a game where both teams look to run the ball. We’ll see a lot of clock chewing and field position battles in a low scoring affair. Back the under.

Saturday 3* NCAAF O/U Play