Ben Burns

I'm playing on MINNESOTA (10* ANNIHILATOR). The Suns gave the T-Wolves all they could handle a couple of days ago, at Minnesota. The Wolves still won though and now we're getting them at a far lower line, due to the venue. However, with a 7-17 record here, homecourt doesn't mean much to the Suns though. The Wolves are still fighting for a playoff spot while the Suns are destined for the lottery. They're expected to be without Ayton (currently doubtful) here, made worse by the possible (likely?) absence of Richaun Homels, which is going to mean Towns is destined for a field day. Expect an inspired effort from the Wolves, as they improve to 7-1 ATS, after failing to cover the spread in four or five of their previous six games.

'm playing on EASTERN MICHIGAN (10* VIOLATOR). Bowling Green comes in on an impressive winning streak. However, I believe that Eastern Michigan opened as the favorite for good reason and I expect the Falcons' run to come to an end here. After losing a pair of OT games against the Falcons last season, the Eagles have had this one circled. This is an experienced team which brought back most of last year's players; they haven't forgotten. Keep in mind that many picked the Eagles to finish near the top of the MAC West and the Falcons to finish in, or near, the basement of the East. The Eagles won their last game on this floor by a score of 95-61. Expect another win and cover tonight. 

I'm playing on CALGARY (8*). These teams have both been playing well. They will soon meet again in Raleigh. The Canes might take that one but I fully expect the well-rested Flames to hold serve at home tonight. The Flames are 5-2 when playing with two day's rest, 20-11 in that situation the past 2+ seasons. Look for home ice to prove significant. While the Canes are 10-13 on the road, the Flames are 16-9 at home. With the Flames now 9-2 since New Year's, I'm laying the wood. 

I'm playing on EDMONTON (10* PERS FAV). If the Oilers, desperate for a win, can't beat a poor Detroit team, they truly do have serious problems. I personally feel that they should also give Hitchcock, the coach, the GM job, at least for the rest of the year. Either way, the Oilers know that this is basically must win time. I expect them to respond accordingly. This is a team that they know they can beat, they've arguably got a big edge in talent. The Oilers already won at Detroit. Catching the Wings on the road, where they're just 8-16, expect them to do so again. 

I'm playing CHICAGO on the puck-line (6*, 1.5 goals.) While I like the Hawks to win this one 'outright,' the extra +1.5 goals is obviously huge. Chicago got back on track in a big way last time out, scoring eight goals. That should help provide the Hawks with momentum and confidence here. While its true that the Hawks are still 2-6 their last eight, they'd be 7-1 in those same eight games if getting an extra +1.5 goals in each. The Isles won by a single goal (3-2) when these teams met a few weeks ago. Expect AT LEAST another 'puck-line cover' by the Hawks here.