The NBA and NHL continue to ramp up as we move through the year’s first half. With a few big games scheduled, let’s look at how we think three matches will play out.

Tampa Bay Lightning (-130) over Nashville Predators

With a 10-6-1 record this season, the Tampa Bay Lightning come into this game as favorites. They rank third in the Atlantic division and are led by Nikita Kucherov. Kucherov already has 25 points on the season with nine goals and 16 assists. As a team, the Lightning average 3.41 goals per game and allow just 3.12.

The Nashville Predators score an average of only 2.71 goals per game. However, they’ve found a way to win three of their last five games. Currently on a three-game winning streak, another win here would move them to 9-8-1. However, we don’t think they’ll be able to get a win over the Lightning, even if they’re at home.

Utah Jazz (+4.5) over Portland Trail Blazers

With an 11-6 record this season, the Utah Jazz are among the best teams in the league. They’re coming off a 134-133 win over the Phoenix Suns last night. The win over the Suns broke a three-game losing streak that the Jazz were on. Somehow, they come into this game as underdogs but we’re okay with that.

The Portland Trail Blazers lost 109-107 to the Brooklyn Nets a few days ago. The main problem we see is how many players they’re missing. Gary Payton II is out along with Keon Johnson, leaving them without two shooting guards. Because of the injuries they’re dealing with, we’ll go with the Utah Jazz on the road.

Los Angeles Clippers (-8.5) over San Antonio Spurs

The last game we’re going to go over is between the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs, with a 6-10 record, have lost four of their last five games. Their sole win during this time was against the Milwaukee Bucks. After that point, however, they’ve lost three games in a row.

The Los Angeles Clippers are 3-2 in their last five games this season. Their most recent game was a 96-91 win over the Detroit Pistons. The only cause for concern here is the spread but the Clippers did beat the Houston Rockets 122-106. They’ve also beat the Los Angeles Lakers by over 10 points. It’s a tough call but we’ll go with the Clippers -8.5.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.