Parlays

Last week the Cavaliers held a players only meeting following a 14-10 start to their season and then they proceeded to lose to the Charlotte Hornets at home after going scoreless in the OT period. The first two months of this season just haven’t been good to the Cavs who are hoping to spark a turnaround with a win against the struggling Bulls on Wednesday. They did already win once against this team earlier in the year, but they needed Donovan Mitchell to go berserk in the clutch for that to happen. De’Andre Hunter also went off offensively scoring 29 points, the question is do the Cavs have it in them to go up 2-0 in the regular season series here?

To say that the last 10 games or so have been a struggle for the Bulls would be an understatement. This team has seemingly fallen off a cliff, especially on offense where we’ve grown accustomed to seeing them score a ton of points. That just hasn’t been the case during this stretch with their net rating being the 2nd lowest in the league at just 108.7 points per 100 possessions. The other day we saw them lose to the struggling New Orleans Pelicans at home, scoring only 104 points. There could be some major changes made to the roster as the trade season begins in the NBA, rumor has it the Bulls will attempt to get Chicago native Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks.

Until that happens, it’s hard for me to take the Bulls seriously here. The Cavs did have their struggles this season, but I think it’s time for a signature win over a team that plays very little to no defense. I’ll back Cleveland here.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls Predictions: Cavaliers -5.5 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight with questions marks over the availability of both teams’ superstars. Both Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards appear on the injury report as questionable to play. Even with their stars on the floor, both teams have seen 3 of their last 4 games come in under the 230-point mark. If either does not take to the floor here, it could really cap the scoring potential of their teams. The visitors tonight will also be without the services of Zach Edey, who is by far their best post scorer. Without him, the Grizzlies lose one of the most efficient tools in their offensive arsenal.

This game should not be played at a crazy tempo tonight. Over the last 10 games they have ranked just 17th and 19th in pace, respectively. During that stretch of games, they are both in the top 10 in fewest fast break points given up to opponents. This all points to this being a half court battle. If Morant and Edwards are not available, both could have issues breaking down their opponents in half court sets. During those 10 games the Timberwolves have also been the 4th best team in defending the 3-point line, allowing opponents to shoot just 33.4% from the perimeter. If they have success limiting the Grizzlies in this category, it’s hard to see the game going over the 230-point mark.

Grizzlies vs Timberwolves prediction: Under 230.5 available at time of publishing. Playable to under 229.5.

Bowl games are decided less by talent and more by intent, and this matchup raises real questions about South Florida’s mindset. The Bulls entered November with legitimate College Football Playoff buzz, but that  momentum has since vanished quickly. Now, after head coach Alex Golesh departed for Auburn, USF finds itself in an early bowl game against a team that most would expect them to overpower just weeks ago. That’s the trap.

Old Dominion, however, views this game through a completely different lens. For the Monarchs, this isn’t a consolation prize — it’s an opportunity. A win here would mark one of the most significant achievements in program history, potentially delivering their second 10-win season since transitioning to Division I and their first in nearly a decade. Beating a team that once flirted with the top ten would validate the entire season. South Florida’s profile makes it dangerous from a betting perspective. They’ve been one of the most profitable teams in the country, and that success inflates perception. The market still treats them as a trustworthy favorite, but circumstances matter. Coaching turnover, postseason disappointment, and unclear motivation are all red flags in bowl settings. Said dynamic often decides these games. With urgency on one sideline and uncertainty on the other, we’ll back the team playing for meaning. ODU outright.

Old Dominion vs South Florida prediction: Old Dominion ML (+140) available at time of publishing. Playable at the number.

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This is Delaware’s first-ever bowl appearance as an FBS program, and instinctively, the market wants to fade the Blue Hens. Louisiana-Lafayette is the familiar name here — a team that seems to show up in bowl season every year — while Delaware is stepping into uncharted territory. That perception alone is what creates the value with Delaware. Strip away the helmets and history, and this game profiles as far closer to a coin flip than the price suggests. If Louisiana weren’t viewed as a bowl-season staple and Delaware weren’t labeled the newcomer, it’s hard to argue the Blue Hens would be catching plus money here. In fact, the opening line told a much truer story. The Cajuns opened laying less than a field goal, which is the market’s way of saying Delaware is very much live.

This isn’t a talent mismatch. Delaware has already proven it belongs at this level, competing immediately in its first FBS season and earning a bowl berth on merit, not charity. Motivation also leans heavily toward the Hens. This is a historic opportunity — a chance to punctuate their debut season with a statement win. When a game is effectively 50/50, the correct play is simple: take the plus price. And we have to like that position – Delaware isn’t just happy to be here. They’re positioned to finish the job. Hens outright.

UL Lafayette vs Delaware prediction: Delaware ML (+130) available at time of publishing. Playable at the number.

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Xavier will look to keep things rolling as it welcomes Creighton to the Cintas Center on Wednesday night in the Big East opener for both teams. The Musketeers appear to have found their rhythm, winning 5 straight games while averaging 83.2 points per cotest in that span. As for Creighton, it is coming off a tough shooting performance against Nebraska — making just 30.8% from the floor after shooting 39.7% against Kansas State this past Saturday. Tre Carroll has been a key piece in Xavier’s offense this season, averaging 16.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Josh Dix is leading the Bluejays with 12.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game and is the only player averaging double-digit points per game for his team. 

Creighton has faced a much more challenging non-conference schedule, taking on teams like Gonzaga, Iowa State and Nebraska. Xaver did beat solid West Virginia and Cincinnati teams, but those opponents don’t come close to the level of competition Creighton has already seen. Despite Xavier playing well of late, this Creighton team remains very talented. Austin Swartz is starting to heat up for the Bluejays, averaging 13 points in his last 3 games, and Isaac Traudt is coming off his best game of the season with 18 points. This should be a back-and-forth matchup. I see value with Creighton in this spot, which is why I’m taking the points on the road. 

Creighton vs Xavier prediction: Creighton +2.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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The Vanderbilt Commodores and the Memphis Tigers will face off on Wednesday night for a non-conference showdown. The Commodores have been a great surprise to college basketball. starting the season 10-0. They are now ranked #13 in the country and will look to keep their undefeated season going with a win here. Memphis is just 4-5 on the season and may struggle to get a much-needed home win against Vanderbilt. The spread is currently Vanderbilt -7.5, but my best bet of the game is the over.

Vanderbilt boasts one of the best offenses in all of college hoops. The ‘Dores are ranked #2 nationally in points per game at 95.4 and have yet to score fewer than 80 points in any game this year. According to KenPom, their offense is ranked #4 in adjusted efficiency, #4 in 2-point percentage and #7 in effective field-goal percentage. I do not see Memphis slowing them down in this one, as its defense is ranked just #51 in adjusted efficiency and outside the top 100 in 2-point percentage. The Commodores should be able to score at a high level in this one, and I expect the pace to be fast.

Vanderbilt will look to play fast, which should help drive the total over. They are ranked #5 in adjusted tempo and #34 in average offensive possession length, while Memphis is ranked #133 in adjusted tempo. I see a fast-paced game with no shortage of points here. Let’s take the over.

Vanderbilt vs Memphis prediction: Over 159 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 160.

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Mountain West conference play gets underway this week as the Air Force Falcons face the San Diego State Aztecs. This is a matchup between what should be the most talented and least talented rosters in the conference. The Aztecs have aspirations of once again playing in March, and they should. As for Air Force, it is a constant uphill battle when you can’t really bring in transfers or spend NIL money, and that has this roster depleted and lagging behind others. It is really hard to swallow a 23.5-point spread in a conference game, almost regardless of who it is, but I think taking the Aztecs to win big is the right play here.

When we look under the hood at the metrics, the problems run deep for the boys from the Academy. KenPom rates them at 322 (out of 365), and their offensive efficiency checks in at 343. That is hard to survive on just about any day, and even more so against an Aztec team that is lurking around the top 50 defensively. San Diego State will be bigger and faster at every position, and Air Force does not shoot 3s often or well, nor do they rebound well, the things that can sometimes keep a lesser team in a game like this. I just don’t see the path for the Falcons. Give me the Aztecs big.

Air Force vs San Diego State Prediction: San Diego State -23.5 (-110) available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.

The Utah Mammoth continue their road trip with a stop in Detroit to face the Red Wings. Utah is coming off a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Bruins just 24 hours ago and has lost three of its last five games. They are an above-average defensive team, but lately, keeping the puck out of their net has been a challenge. Their road record is also quite disappointing, sitting at 8-11-2 this season. They have the skills to score goals and win hockey games, but recently, they haven’t been able to figure it out.

Detroit is currently finishing a back-to-back and playing three games in four nights. They have been on a strong winning streak lately, having won four of their last five games. Although their goaltending has been inconsistent throughout the season, they managed to record two shutouts in those last five games. Their power play is performing well at 23.8%, which helps compensate for their below-average performance at even strength. Utah does not allow many shots, so Detroit will need to maximize every opportunity. Overall, Detroit is the stronger team, with a solid home record. They are just one win shy of 20 for the season, and we like their chances of achieving that milestone tonight.

Mammoth vs Red Wings Prediction: Red Wings ML (-125) available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number or better.

The Winnipeg Jets return to Enterprise Center, where they struggled last season in the first-round of the playoffs. Connor Hellebuyck had an awful time in the road games in that series, but eventually the President’s Trophy winning Jets were able to prevail in seven games. The Jets haven’t been nearly as efficient as last season, but they’ve also been without Hellebuyck, the defending Vezina Trophy, for a good chunk of the season. He has returned to play just two games, allowing a total of four goals. He suffered a 3-2 loss in overtime against the Ottawa Senators at home last time out on Monday.

The Blues were pounded 5-2 at home on Monday against the Nashville Predators, and they’re just 1-3-0 in the past four games. Jordan Binnington has really struggled, so backup Joel Hofer has assumed more of a 1A role, as the Blues look for a little consistency in between the pipes. It’s a work in progress, and that’s where the Jets should be able to have a leg up. Hellebuyck is much better, and he hasn’t shown any rust despite missing a month. The Over is 4-1 in the past five games for the Blues, while the Over is also 4-1 in the past five outings for the Jets, just in case you’re interested in a same-game parlay opportunity. We’ll stick with the Jets as the better play, however.

Jets ML (-155) at time of publishing. Playable to -165.

The New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights hit the ice on Wednesday night in the NHL. These cross-conference teams met earlier in the month when the Golden Knights dominated in a 3-0 road win. The Devils will now be looking for payback in an effort to spoil the game in front of a faithful Vegas crowd. To get you set for the action, here is our full Devils vs. Golden Knights prediction.

It has been a rough go for the Devils without superstar leader Jack Hughes. Overall they have gone  6-10-0 in his injury absence, and 2-7-0 in their last nine games. While I think they are still a strong team and they are just four points from second in the Metropolitan Division with a game in hand, they clearly have many weaknesses. On the road in an energetic building against a solid team, I see them struggling. Vegas has won two-straight games, and have posted an impressive 6-0-1 record in their last seven. They are making up for a highly-volatile start to the season, that at one point saw them 10-6-8, and with league dominance on their mind, I don’t see them slowing down. Their elite play of late is no fluke as they have an elite team, and New Jersey will realize this yet again. For our Devils vs. Golden Knights prediction, take Vegas on the money line.

Devils vs. Golden Knights prediction: Vegas Golden Knights money line (-185) available at time of publishing. Playable to (-190).

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