Griffdog’s Picks: Tuesday, March 31
To further make up for not regularly making my daily picks recently, I’ve got ten games on the slate tonight.
Remember, you can always keep up with updated betting odds for a variety of events with Wagering Sports’ comprehensive betting odds section, and if you plan on doing some sports betting tonight, wager responsibly, and good luck!
Now, on to the picks!
NBA (See NBA Betting Odds)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons (NBA, 7 P.M. ET, NBA TV): The Pistons’ struggles have taken some of the shine off of this one. Cleveland won the last meeting at home by 21 (99-78 on Feb. 22), and I don’t see the Pistons mounting a serious challenge tonight. Cavs to cover and win.
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Los Angeles Lakers (NBA, 7 P.M. ET): The Bobcats have to win to stay in the playoff hunt, but the schedule isn’t easy (six of their last nine on the road). But, they’re only one of five teams that have beaten the Lakers on the road. Bobcats to cover and to win.
Portland Trailblazers vs. Utah Jazz (NBA, 10 P.M. ET): Do I like picking Utah’s road games against the league’s better teams just to point out their road woes against such teams? No, but I have to anyway. Utah’s a really good team (just not on the road), and I will take them to cover. But I don’t see the Blazers, who love home games as much as Utah hates road games, losing tonight. Utah to cover, Portland to win.
Men’s College Basketball (See College Basketball Betting Odds)
Baylor vs. San Diego State (NIT Semis, 7 P.M. ET, ESPN2): I had St. Mary’s pegged in the semis, but the Aztecs scored an impressive win over the Gaels to make it to Madison Square Garden. But, the Bears are saving their best for last, and I’m confident in picking them to advance to the final. Baylor to cover and win.
Notre Dame vs. Penn State (NIT Semis, 9 P.M. ET, ESPN2): I picked against both of these teams in the quarterfinals and paid for it, as both recorded impressive wins over SEC foes (Mike Brey should be getting many thank-you notes from Kentucky fans right now). Luke Harangody dominated Kentucky for 30 and 11 boards, but more notable was that the Irish had three other double-digit scorers. If they can get that kind of balance again tonight, they’ll move on to the title game. That being said, Penn State showed just how good they are by winning rather comfortably on the road at Florida, and I think this one will be close. Take the Irish with the spread at your own risk, but I will take them to win.
National Hockey League (See NHL Betting Odds)
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Nashville Predators (NHL, 7 P.M. ET): Columbus and Nashville are safely in the playoff spots, but with several teams charging hard, they have to worry about making the postseason first, then their seeding. Expect a close game – the Predators’ last seven games have been decided by a goal, with four being decided via overtime or shootout. A regulation win tonight would give the Preds the edge for 6th in the West, and I think they’ll do just that. Nashville to win.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Chicago Blackhawks (NHL, 7:30 P.M. ET, ESPN2): The Canadiens don’t have much margin for error, as they’re only one point ahead of Florida for the Eastern Conference’s last playoff spot. None of their last seven games are gimmes, so it’s important that they take advantage of their three remaining home games. The Canadiens are one of the league’s best home teams, but the Blackhawks have been a good road team for the most part. Montreal to win.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks (NHL, 9:30 P.M. ET): The Oilers and Ducks are ninth and tenth in the packed Western Conference playoff standings, so this one is huge. Edmonton won at Anaheim on Friday, but the road team has won the first three matchups this season. The Ducks have won seven of their last nine, and they also have a winning road record. Anaheim to win and move into 8th in the West.
Women’s Basketball (Check out Women’s Basketball Betting Odds)
Connecticut vs. Arizona State (Women’s Elite Eight, 7 P.M. ET, ESPN): Connecticut’s mercilessly tossed around most of their foes this season, so should we expect anything less tonight? The Sun Devils could threaten for a while, but I don’t see them standing in the way of the Lady Huskies joining the men in the Final Four. Connecticut to cover and win.
Oklahoma vs. Purdue (Women’s Elite Eight, 9 P.M. ET, ESPN): The only thing missing from Courtney Paris’ long list of accomplishments at Oklahoma is a Final Four appearance. Can she get it tonight? The Sooners have played well in the tournament, and they’re an overwhelming favorite tonight. While I do think the four-time All-American will get to her first Final Four, I do think the Boilermakers can keep it relatively close and cover the spread. They have played very, very well in the tournament, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them push Oklahoma to the brink (or to even pull off the upset), but Paris won’t be denied. Purdue to cover, Oklahoma to win.
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