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

Boston Celtics (-2) over Cleveland Cavaliers

The first game that we’re going to look at is the Boston Celtics against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This season, the Celtics have a 4-2 record and are 2-1 on the road. Tonight, they face the 5-1 Cleveland Cavaliers who are 3-0 at home. On its surface, it might seem as if the Cavaliers are the best pick but we’d beg to differ.

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is averaging 30.8 points per game. He’s also averaging 7.3 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. The Cavaliers will be without Darius Garland and Dylan Windler tonight. Although they’re coming off a 121-108 win over the New York Knicks, we think the Cavaliers will lose today.

Buffalo Sabres (+1.5) over Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins are heading into Buffalo to face off against the Sabres. With a 4-4-2 record, the Penguins rank seventh in the Metropolitan Division. However, you should keep in mind that on the road the Sabres have a record of 1-4-1. The injury list is also very long for the Penguins, so we wouldn’t recommend taking them.

The Buffalo Sabres are 6-3-0 with a 3-2-0 record at home this season. On average, the Sabres are scoring 4.11 goals per game and only allowing 2.78. In their most recent game, the Sabres beat the Detroit Red Wings 8-3. Look for them to pull off another big win tonight when they take down the Penguins.

Utah Jazz (+5.5) over Dallas Mavericks

We’re pretty surprised that the Utah Jazz are actually the underdogs in this game. They have a 6-2 which is much better than the Mavericks’ 3-3 record. Leading the team in average points per game is Lauri Markkanen, who puts up 22.6 per game. As a team, Utah is averaging 117.5 points per game and is coming off a 121-105 win over Memphis.

The Dallas Mavericks just beat the Orlando Magic 114-105 in a very close game. As a team, the Mavericks average 117.8 points per game. However, their ability to score points hasn’t earned them many wins. Prior to their game against the Magic, they lost 117-111 to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Take the Jazz on the road at +5.5 over the Mavericks.

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.