Happy Selection Sunday in College Basketball. The Madness will get started later this week. Meanwhile, the NBA and NHL seasons continue to turn the pages. Let’s look at a few of our favorite games for Sunday!
Philadelphia 76ers at Orlando Magic
This should not be a competitive basketball game, but in this league, you just never know. Will the 76ers play their top guys the whole time? In other words, how much will we see Joel Embiid and company? Philadelphia has not played since the loss to the Nets on Thursday, so look for a chip on their shoulder, whoever DOES play. Orlando is the lone team in the Eastern Conference officially eliminated from postseason play. Look for the Magic to play hard at home, and compete. While Philadelphia wins; betting the Magic +13 is the play.
Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are one of the toughest teams to figure out in this league. After playing well for a patch of games, they have now dropped four straight games. Back home, a place where they are 15-19, against the worst team in the West, has to be a spot for them to get back on track, right? Houston is 2-8 in their last 10 games and fighting for a lottery pick, as opposed to the postseason. This seems easy: The New Orleans Pelicans -5 over the Houston Rockets is the bet to make here.
New York Knicks at Brooklyn Nets
There is probably not a more disappointing team in the National Basketball League than the New York Knicks in 2022. The Knicks look like they will not repeat their trip to the postseason. They are 28-39, and now 4.5 games behind Atlanta. This is not going to be a great spot for them to get back on track. The Nets have won back to back games, including their beatdown over the 76ers on Thursday. Look for the Nets to keep their solid play game, and win this game at home over their rivals. Take the Brooklyn Nets -5.5 over the New York Knicks.
Time to turn to the ice, where we have a three pack of games out of the National Hockey League.
Anaheim Ducks at New York Islanders
There was a time where the Anaheim Ducks looked like a playoff team. That time seems to be fading, but still just 4 points out of a spot. The New York Islanders have won back to back games, but are another team heading home in just over a month. This could find itself as a low scoring game. Neither team is great offensively. Look for the Ducks to battle on the road, but in the end, the home team wins. Take the Islanders -160 over the Ducks.
Nashville Predators at Minnesota Wild
The Nashville Predators have some tough travels, as they just lost Saturday at home to the Blues. Now, another divisional game against the team they are chasing for third place in the Central. This is a big game. On the other side, the Wild are just 3 points behind St. Louis for second place. With the game being played in Minnesota, this appears to be a game to take the Wild. Despite their 3-6-1 record in their last 10, the Wild grab this one behind Cam Talbot between the pipes on Mikko Koivu’s jersey retirement day. Take the Minnesota Wild -165.
Winnipeg Jets at St. Louis Blues
Another Central Division battle. The Jets are going to need to start finding points if they want a chance at the postseason. Jordan Binnington should be back between the pipes after Ville Husso beat Nashville on Saturday. The Jets are pesky, but St Louis is playing solid hockey right now. Take St. Louis -150 at home in this game on Sunday.
Enjoy the games and 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.
Last updated:March 14, 2022 76ers, Action 247, Blues, Ducks, Islanders, Jets, Knicks, Magic, Nets, Pelicans, Predators, Rockets, Wild