Free Picks

The set-up: As primarily a situational handicapper, this NHL season is definitely shaping up to be an interesting one, because "motivation" really does come into play on an almost nightly basis when teams are seeing each other at least twice in a row (Montreal is actually going to be playing three straight in Vancouver this week.) But in this case, from a situational stand point, I think this one definitely sets up as a lower-scoring contest between the Avalanche and Kings. These teams will play two straight in LA, with the next game coming on Thursday night. The Kings have opened up the season 0-2, but it certainly hasn't been from a lack of trying, as they're off consecutive 4-3 overtime losses at home to Minnesota. Both totals flew well over the posted number of 5.5, but now the Kings are desperate here as they look to finally break into the winners circle. LA will be ultra focussed too facing the Avalanche, who are 1-1 after losing 4-1 to the Blues at home on Opening night, before then bouncing back for that crazy 8-0 win over St. Louis in the second.

The pick: There's usually only a handful of completely lop-sided games like that per season, and I don't foresee the Avalanche repeating that offensive outburst two times in a row. It's interesting to note as well that Colorado has seen the total go under the number in eight of its last 11 road games after scoring six or more goals in a win in its last outing. And it doesn't matter to me who gets the start in net in this one, whether its the starters or the backups, this for me is based upon the situation and the strong trend I listed. So while each team has played to some higher-scoring affairs to open up the year, everything points to a lower-scoring contest here in my opinion in the opener of this two game set.

The is a 1* FREE PLAY on the UNDER Avs/Kings.

#637 ASA FREE PLAY ON Seton Hall +9 over Villanova, Tuesday at 9 PM ET - Due to covid issues Villanova hasn’t played a game in almost a month.  The last time they took the court to face an opponent was before Christmas on December 23rd.  It’s not like they’ve had a normal practice schedule during this hiatus either due to their covid outbreak.  The Cats are 3-0 in league play but have also faced the weakest schedule in the conference thus far including the 2 lowest rated teams in the Big East (Georgetown & Butler).  The Pirates are 9-5 on the season (6-2 in the Big East) having already beaten 6 teams ranked inside the top 100.  Their lone poor outing in conference play was vs Creighton.  Despite Villanova being the class of the Big East the last 5+ seasons, Seton Hall has played them very tough.  Over the Pirates last 4 meetings with the Wildcats they are 2-2 SU with none of those 4 games being decided by more than 6 points.  Bad spot for Nova and we’ll take the points.

This is a free play (1*) on LSU

Look for LSU to end Alabama's unbeaten run in the SEC. No this is not an old College Football writeup. The Crimson Tide lead the conference in basketball too, with a 6-0 SU mark. They've won seven straight games overall, covering six along the way, but this looks to be the toughest test they've had so far. LSU is every bit as good as the 18th ranked Tide, despite not being even ranked. The Tigers are a perfect 8-0 SU here in Baton Rouge and have just one loss in their L10 games overall. You may want to wait a little to bet this one. The way the line is headed, LSU could be an underdog by tipoff. Play on LSU

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