Tim Michael – Expert Sports Handicapper

T.M. Selection: Avs PUCK LINE (10* ELITE OF ELITE).

On some games, I like to break down every single angle possible. In other contests, I think keeping it simple is the best approach. And that's the case here. Instead of laying the massive -300 chalk on the Avs, I'm going to lay the 1.5 goals for the much more reasonable price. I expect Colorado to bounce back big here after its 8-3 loss at Minnesota last time out. Previous to that the Avs had won five straight. Colorado only allows 2.41 GPG this year, while the Ducks only average 2.28. Lay the 1.5 goals, expect a big time blowout!

T.M. Prediction: 5-1 Colorado.

T.M. Selection: Islanders (8* DESTROYER).

After beating the Penguins 8-4, New York fell flat in a 5-2 setbck to the Pens last night. Can anyone say letdown spot here? The Isles played last night too, and won 3-2 in a shootout here at home to the Flyers. New York only allows 2.28 GPG and I have a hard time seeing these fatigued Rangers putting up much of a fight this evening. All things considered, this line could/should in fact be a lot larger!

T.M. Prediction: 4-2 Islanders.

T.M. Selection: A's RUN LINE (10* MONEY-MAKER).

Oakland's 1-7. Houston is 6-1. Clearly the A's are the hungrier dog in this fight, but in a contest which I see being competitive, maybe even decided in extra innins, I'm going to lay the price and grab the 1.5 runs and the A's on the RUN LINE. If Oakland loses by 1 run, we're still going to win our bet. Both Manaea and McCullers Jr. struggled in their repsective openers, making the starters a wash. Oakland' line-up has been drastically underperforming and I expect that trend to end here. 

T.M. Prediction: 6-3 Oakland.

T.M. Selection: Rays RUN LINE (8* BANKROLL BUILDER).

Rich Hill is coming off a poor opening start for the Rays, while Corey Kluber is off a decent opener for the Yankees. Both teams come in off losses. The Yanks lost 4-3 at home to the Orioles, while the Rays fell 9-2 to Boston. Tampa's the hungry home dog here after four-straight losses. The Rays took seven of ten in this regular season series last year. Kluber didn't throw long enough to earn a victory in his opener and he's still untested at this point, with the sample size being much too small. I think Tampa can win this one outright for sure, but a this price, I'll lay it and grab the 1.5 runs!

T.M. Prediction: 6-3 Tampa.

T.M. Selection: Spurs (10* TRADE-MARK).

The Spurs are still in the playoff hunt. San Antonio is looking to avenge a 106-96 loss here just two nights ago (note, the Spurs are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent in which they were held to 99 or less points in.) Denver's been great since the Aaron Gordon trade, but note that the Nuggets are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight after holding their previous opponent to 99 or less points in a SU/ATS victory. I expect things to be much more competitive this time around; so grab as many points as you can!

T.M. Prediction: COMING SHORTLY.