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.

Atlanta Hawks (-1.5) over Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers are 5-6 this season with a 3-2 record on the road so far. They’re coming off a huge 100-88 win over the Phoenix Suns just a few days ago. However, prior to that they lost two straight games to the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards.

The Atlanta Hawks lost last night to the Utah Jazz 125-119. It was a tough game for the Hawks, who had won the three games prior to that loss. The good news is they now have a chance to bounce back with a win over the 76ers. They’ll only need to cover 1.5 points and James Harden is out for the 76ers today. Take the Hawks at -1.5 over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Portland Trail Blazers (+6.5) over New Orleans Pelicans

One team that has really shocked us this season is the Portland Trail Blazers. They have an 8-3 record and are 5-1 on the road this season. Surprisingly enough, they come into this game as 6.5-point underdogs. They have a few players on the injury list but each of them are likely to play tonight.

The New Orleans Pelicans have a 6-5 record this season and are 2-1 at home. After a 115-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, they’re looking to earn their seventh win of the year. Although the Pelicans are averaging 118.2 points per game, we think the Trail Blazers are the best bet.

Colorado Avalanche (-200) over Nashville Predators

The 5-7-1 Nashville Predators come into this game searching for another win. They’ve lost three of their last five games including one to the Seattle Kraken. After a 5-1 loss to Seattle, they’re facing another tough team in the Colorado Avalanche. They’re also on the road here and are giving up 3.39 goals per game.

The Colorado Avalanche, on the other hand, have a 6-4-1 record. They’ve won their last two games and are allowing just 2.82 goals per game. They’re scoring an average of 3.55 goals per game and are the best pick for tonight. Look for Colorado to pull off a win at home over the Nashville Predators.

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.