Doc’s Sports

The Sharks have had the Kings number in recent meetings but we think these teams are going in the opposite directions. The Kings have found a spark and have won four straight, and they are playing with lots of confidence and swagger right now. The Sharks have lost two straight. Those losses came after a three-game winning streak, but the opposition wasn’t great and they needed OT in wins against the Red Wings and Flyers. San Jose has been overrated by the oddsmakers this season and they have drained nearly $1500 from bettors bankrolls, while the Kings have been one of the best betting teams and have made their blind backers more than $1K on the season. They have a Top 5 defense for goals allowed this season, and that is a big reason for their success at the window. They also have a winning record on the road, so we feel confident backing them in this rivalry spot.

The Mavs have been playing very well. But this OKC team just has a knack for covering the spread and keeping games close. They don’t often get the outright win, so that keeps the value with this team. They have covered six of their last eight overall with one push. They are 27-14-1 ATS on the season. The Mavs have been blowing teams out. But this is their third game in four nights even though they were off on Sunday. OKC has the rest advantage because they played Saturday but not Friday. Dallas is 3-6 ATS when laying 5 or more points this season. OKC is 23-11-1 ATS when getting 3 or more points as a dog. OKC is solid defensively and Dallas is a Top 5 defense. The total is low and we expect a low scoring game, which makes every point in a big line more valuable for the underdog. These teams met in OKC about two weeks ago and the Mavs won by nine. The Thunder were without their best player for that game and they are much healthier tonight. We expect a close game.

6 Unit Play. Take #848 Illinois over Purdue (12p.m., Monday, January 17 FOX) The Illini can take firm control of the Big 10 with a win today at State Farm Center. Purdue is the higher ranked team, but they have not played like it this season especially during conference play. The Illini have won 6 straight games, all of them coming by double digits. Illinois has the size to matchup with Purdue down low and I feel Purdue will have to make shots from the arc to win this game. The home team is 6-1 ATS (1 push) in the last 8 games between Purdue and Illinois. Purdue is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against teams with a winning record. Illinois is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.