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.

Washington Capitals (+105) over Pittsburgh Penguins

Our first game of the day is between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins, who have a 4-6-2 record this season, are 1-5-1 on the road. They’ve lost their last seven games and definitely aren’t the best choice here. They do pretty well in terms of goals per game at 3.50 but they also give up 3.67.

The Washington Capitals are coming off a win over the Edmonton Oilers. With a 6-6-2 record, they rank sixth in the Metropolitan Division. As a team, they average just 2.86 goals per game but also give up under three goals each game. It’ll be a close one but the Capitals are 4-2-1 at home this season, so we’ll take them.

Phoenix Suns (-1.5) over Minnesota Timberwolves

The Phoenix Suns have had a pretty impressive start to their season, posting a 7-3 record. Although their 1-2 on the road this year, they’re 3-2 in their last five games. A few nights ago, they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 100-88. Today, they face the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that has struggled over the last five games.

With a 1-4 record in their last five games, things aren’t looking great for Minnesota. Their most recent game was a 120-107 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night. The Suns come in as just 1.5-point favorites, so they’re our pick in this game.

LA Clippers (-4) over Los Angeles Lakers

The season hasn’t gone in the Los Angeles Lakers’ favor so far. They have a 2-8 record this season and are 0-4 on the road. LeBron James leads the team with 24.3 points per game but this hasn’t resulted in wins for the Lakers. Today, they’re on the road again as they face the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Los Angeles Clippers have a 6-5 record this season and are 2-3 at home. After going 4-1 over their last five games, the Clippers are the more trustworthy team here. Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out but Paul George should be able to pick up the slack. Look for the Clippers to win this game and cover the four-point spread.

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.