Andrew Wilsher
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It’s Thursday and to celebrate it almost being the weekend, we have a cross-sport parlay to add to your betting excitement! We’ve got another week of action before the NBA all-star break, while the NHL and NCAAB remain in full swing. We are also just 3 days away from Super Bowl Sunday.
We’re in great form on these cross-sport parlays, having cashed last Wednesday’s parlay at 10/1 odds and Sunday’s parlay at nearly 12/1! I have taken two picks from the NBA and one each from NHL and NCAAB, and a winning ticket returns +1268 odds with FanDuel Sportsbook — over 12/1!
Let’s break down each of these plays.
NBA: Miami Heat -5 (-110) over New Orleans Pelicans, 7:40 pm ET
After a couple of poor showings, the Heat defense is finally back. Over their last 3 games, they held opponents to 100, 86, and 95 points, winning all 3 games. They will be tested tonight by the Pelicans, whom they beat 113-98 earlier this season in Miami.
New Orleans made headlines with the acquisition of Portland’s C.J. McCollum, and he could make his debut in tonight’s game. The Pelicans have also been on a solid 4-game win streak, but 3 of those 4 games were against the Rockets (twice) and Detroit Pistons, who aren’t exactly a good measuring stick at this point of the season. Implementing a player like McCollum into your offense usually takes time, and I expect that to be the case here. If he plays, he has to go up against one of the elite 2-way players in the NBA in Jimmy Butler, so it won’t be an easy debut. I’m taking Miami to sweep the season series.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Miami Heat vs New Orleans Pelicans
NBA: Toronto Raptors -8 (-110) over Houston Rockets, 8:10 pm ET
Toronto won again last night. That makes 7 wins and covers in a row, and the Raptors can extend that to 8 against Houston. and 8 of 9. Toronto has been great in back-to-back situations this season though, going 7-3 SU and 8-2 ATS. The Rockets meanwhile have lost 3 in a row heading into Thursday action. They are just 1-7 in their last 8 and are in development mode with 3 rookies in their top 8 players.
The spread for this one is the same as it was last night for Toronto against Oklahoma City. Toronto has not just been winning, they have been dominating opponents. Time and time again they prove that “tired” legs are not much of a factor so I am not overly concerned about them taking on a weak, inexperienced Houston team this evening. Houston does not play with a ton of size, so the matchups really favor Toronto at every spot on the floor. Look for another easy win.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Toronto Raptors vs Houston Rockets
NCAAB: Purdue Boilermakers -3 (-114) over Michigan Wolverines, 9:00 pm ET
Purdue was even with Illinois for a half before turning it on at home to win by 16 on Tuesday. Jaden Ivey was the best player for either team with 26 points and 6 assists, while the defense allowed just 68 points. If the Boilermakers play stout defense, they almost can’t be beaten.
There was a lot of hype for that Illinois game, but Purdue won with ease. The Boilermakers’ game against Michigan was close, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are the deeper and more talented team than UM. When they play well, they are capable of beating any team in the conference — and with the way they beat Illinois (twice) I am not worried about this game being on the road. Purdue has had its struggles in some spots, but it is surging at this point of the season. The Boilermakers will likely prove they are the best team in the Big Ten by winning big on the road. Take Purdue.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Purdue Boilermakers vs Michigan Wolverines
NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning ML (+100) over Colorado Avalanche, 9:10 pm ET
The Colorado Avalanche had an 18-game home winning streak snapped prior to the all-star break, when they lost to the Arizona Coyotes. Now the Avalanche begin the second half of the season by welcoming the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning to town.
There are two major injury headlines heading into this game, as superstar forward Nathan MacKinnon will remain sidelined for the Avalanche after sustaining a head injury on January 26, while Nikita Kucherov will make his return for the Lightning after missing the past few games on the Covid list. The return of Kucherov only boosts the potential of the Lightning who have been surging lately, winning 7 of their last 10 matchups. There aren’t many teams who are better than the Avalanche, but the Lightning are one of those teams and it’s not often you get the Tampa Bay at this price.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Tampa Bay Lightning vs Colorado Avalanche
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