Will Rogers

The set-up: The Ducks have lost 12 straight and I think they’re going to stumble again here vs. the hungry 23-23 Wild. The Ducks sit two points behind the Wild for eighth spot in the West, but Anaheim continues to struggle to break its slide, most recently falling 4-3 in OT at Winnipeg. Note that Anaheim has posted a mere 20 goals in its last 12 losses. The Wild broke a two-game slide with a 3-2 shootout win over the Kings in their most recent outing. 

The pick: Note that Anaheim is just 8-22 in its last 30 after scoring two or fewer goals in its previous contest, while Minnesota is 7-3 in its last ten in the third game of a 3 in 4 situation. Everything points to a home side blowout. Lay it.

8* MINNESOTA

The set-up: Two hungry teams collides on Thursday afternoon and in my opinion, points will be plentiful! New York enters off a 108-105 home win over Philadelphia on Sunday, while Washington comes in off a frustrating 140-138 OT loss at home to the Raptors this weekend. The Wizards have taken both meetings between the clubs so far this season. The Knicks won’t be lacking motivation here though after losing four straight and 12 of their last 13. Note that New York has seen the total go “over” the number in 15 of 25 on the road this year already. Washington had won three of four previous to its latest setback to the Raptors. The Wizards have seen the total go “over” the number in 14 of 21 at home so far this year. 

The pick: Additionally note that New York has seen the total go “over” the number in 20 of its last 30 as an underdog, while Washington has seen the total go “over” in six of its last eight when playing with three or more days rest. This number is low, play the “over.” 

8* OVER

The set-up: Two hungry teams collide on Thursday night and in my opinion, points are going to be plentiful. The Kings come in confident after their 115-107 home win over the Blazers on Monday. Charlotte also comes in ready to go after its 108-93 road win over the Spurs on Monday. Charlotte plays with the added incentive of revenge as well here after falling 104-97 in Sacramento just last week. From a situational stand point, this one definitely sets up as a higher-scoring shootout in my opinion. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well though, but Sacramento has seen the total go “over” the number in 23 of its last 33 as an underdog and in 13 of its last 11 as a road underdog, while Charlotte has seen the total go “over” in six of eight already this year when playing with two days of rest. 

8* Over 

The set-up: Both teams come in hungry, as each enters off a loss. The Blues are just 20-25 overall and they most recently fell 2-1 in OT on the road to the Isles. The Bruins are 26-20 and they most recently lost 4-3 on the road in Philadelphia last night. Previous to their most recent setback though, the Blues had been playing well, winning three straight. St. Louis will have to match pace with its difficult opponent tonight, as it’s just 9-10 on the road, averaging 2.37 goals and allowing 2.47. The Bruins won’t be leaving anything to chance today after going just 1-3 in their last four. Overall though Boston is 16-7 at home, averaging 3.48 goals and allowing 2.43. From a situational stand point, I definitely think this one sets up as more of an offensive affair (note the plus money return on the line!).

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but St. Louis has seen the total go “over” the number in seven of its last nine road game following an OT loss in its previous game in which it was held to one or less goals, while Boston has seen the total go “over” in six of its last eight when playing on back-to-back days. This number is a little low, play the “over.”

Over 10*