Will Rogers – Sports Handicapper

The set-up: Vancouver is 5-3 and Detroit is 3-5. Vancouver has already beaten the Wings 5-1 at home, but now Detroit will look to exact some revenge in its own building vs. a now road weary and contented Canucks team. Vancouver is getting great defensive play and goaltending, both from Jacob Markstrom and Thatcher Demko, but after beating the Rangers in New York and with this being the final contest on a long-trip, I believe this does indeed set up as a "letdown/look-ahead" spot for the over-achieving visitors. 

The pick: Detroit comes in having lost four straight, making this an early "do or die" game for the home side. The Wings' netminders have hit or miss, but note that the Canucks are just 28-42 (-12.5 units) in their last 70 vs. clubs with losing records, while Detroit is 6-2 in its last eight after playing three straight on the road. In my opinion, this is the very definition of "great line value." 

10* COACH'S CORNER on the Detroit Red Wings.

The set-up: This is the second game of a home and home set between these clubs, after San Jose fell 4-3 at home to the Sabres on Saturday. Martin Jones will be looking to bounce back in net for San Jose, he's 4-2-2 with a 2.36 GAA lifetime vs. the Sabres. Overall the Sharks are scoring 2.63 GPG and allowing 3.50. 

The pick: The Sabres are averaging 3.67 GPG and allowing only 2.33. Goaltender Carter Hutton is 5-0-0 with a 1.40 GAA this year for Buffalo. Note that the Sharks have already seen the total go under the number in three of four this year after allowing four or more goals, while Buffalo has seen the total go under in 21 of its last 36 when playing with two days of rest. This number is high considering the circumstances and numbers/trends listed above.

10* TOTAL PLAY-BOOK on the UNDER Sharks/Sabres.

The set-up: Two unbelievable pitchers face a couple of hard-hitting line-ups. Both Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole have incredible seasonal numbers, in the playoffs and vs. their respective opponents. It wouldn't be difficult to write a play on the "under" based entirely around their stats/numbers. But I think these two starters can still "shine" in this contest, and this total can still eclipse this very low-number. 

The pick: Based primarily around the fact that Washington has seen the total go over the number in eight of its last ten when the total in the contest is set at 7 or lower, while Houston has seen the total soar over in 11 of its last 17 after allowing four runs or less in four straight games. With time to re-focus, I believe it'll be these hard-hitting line-ups which become the main story-lines in tomorrow's summaries. 

10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK on the OVER Nationals/Astros.

The set-up: Until I get a firm look at each team over the first week, I tend to base my picks on different criteria to open a season. I believe this is a great situational play on the Lakers. Kawhi Leonard is an amazing player, which was the final piece on a great team in Toronto. Whether or not that same magic will work for the Clippers is yet to be seen and he'll be without his best option in Paul George, who comes into the season on the injured list. 

The pick: Anthony Davis definitely has something to prove to everyone. So too does LeBron James. James in particular will be out to push the pace from start to finish as he tries to make everyone forget about his China "gaff" that he committed recently. What better way to start that process than to destroy the Clippers in their "shared" building? From a situational stand point, this is as good as it gets in my opinion. Lay the points.

10* BEST OF BEST on the LA Lakers.

The set-up: Big changes for both teams to enter the season. The Pelicans were getting great play from rookie phenom Zion Williamson, but he's now injured and won't be playing for the first month or so. Of course Toronto is the defending champion and while many of the same pieces remain, many have left as well, including leader Kawhi Leonard. Considering the early adversity that each will have to go through, I think this number is much too hight. Offensive chemistry doesn't happen instantly and in my opinion, I think each side comes out tenative to open the 2019/20 campaign. 

The pick: New Orleans has also seen the total go under in 17 of its last 27 non-conference games, while Toronto has seen the total dip under in six of its last seven when the total is greater than or equal to 230 points. This number is a tad high, play the under.

10* TOTAL PLAY-BOOK on the UNDER Pels/Raps.