Andrew Wilsher
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We’ve got a great Wednesday of betting action with games happening in the NBA, NHL and college basketball. As a result, why not go for a payday across all three with a cross-sport parlay? I’ve taken two picks from the NBA and a pick each from the NBA and NCAAB, and a winning ticket on those bad boys returns +1053 odds with FanDuel Sportsbook — more than 10/1!
Let’s break down each of these plays.
College Basketball: Missouri Tigers +6 (-114) over Florida Gators, 3:00 pm ET
The Missouri Tigers (8-12) will host the Florida Gators (13-8) following their 67-50 road loss to now No. 20 Iowa State on Saturday. The Tigers declined to 2-5 in the SEC and enter tonight’s game on a 3-game losing streak. Their 298th-ranked offense is led by 6’7” junior Kobe Brown, who is averaging 13.0 ppg and 8.5 rpg, which ranks 4th in the SEC.
The visiting Gators, meanwhile, are coming off an 81-72 home win over Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Gators improved to 3-5 in the SEC, and have won 3 of their last 5 games by an average margin of 12 points.
Florida is the better team on paper, but Missouri has proved throughout the season that their lack of success is due to their lack of consistency more than it is a lack of ability. Within the last 2 weeks, the Tigers, who are 6-4 at home this season, have defeated former No. 15 Alabama and lost to No. 1 Auburn by a single point on their home floor. Take the Tigers to kickstart this cross-sport parlay.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Florida Gators vs Missouri Tigers
NHL: Los Angeles Kings ML (-140) over Detroit Red Wings (-125), 7:30 pm ET
The Kings and Red Wings are both coming into this game having won last time. and look to carry the momentum in what should be an entertaining matchup. The Kings have skated to an impressive 23-16-7 record this season, sitting 3rd in the Pacific Division just before the all-star break. Although they rank 20th in goals per game and 11th in fewest goals against per game, this Kings team has some of the best underlying metrics in the league. They rank 3rd in shots per game and give up the 4th-fewest shots per game, leading to an overall Corsi percentage of 54.14%, which is good for 4th in the NHL, behind only the Panthers, Hurricanes, and Flames.
The Kings should have the upper hand on the Red Wings in this game as Detroit has the 3rd-worst Corsi rating in the league, ranks 24th in shots per game and gives up the 8th-most shots per game. The Kings’ depth and ability to dominate possession should be enough to earn them the win.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Los Angeles Kings vs Detroit Red Wings
NBA: Memphis Grizzlies -4 (-110) over New York Knicks, 7:40 pm ET
The Knicks continue to struggle this season, lingering outside the play-in positions at 11th in the Eastern Conference. They have a losing record at home, with 13 wins from 27 games. Over the last 10 games, they have been able to pick up just 4 wins. During that period, New York’s offense has not been great, with the team ranking just 26th in the NBA in offensive rating.
With Ja Morant in great form, it will be tough for the Knicks to match his offensive production. The Grizzlies star has scored 30 or more points in each of his last 7 games. Julius Randle is the Knicks’ leading scorer this season, but he is struggling. He has been held below his season average of 18.5 points per game in 5 of his last 7 outings. With a shot-blocker as good as Jaren Jackson Jr. in the paint, he could have another tough night. Take the visitors to cover.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Memphis Grizzlies vs New York Knicks
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers -3.5 (-114) over Portland Trail Blazers, 10:40 pm ET
Not having Damian Lillard around is starting to catch up with the Blazers, who managed only 81 points against the Thunder in their last game. They connected on just 7 of 38 shots from downtown, and they attempted just 8 free-throws as a team in the game, which suggests they lacked aggressiveness in the loss.
Lakers fans were disappointed to hear LeBron James will miss a few more games as he recovers from a minor left knee injury. At 37, LeBron is taking every precaution in order to remain healthy long-term. His team’s performances are suffering without him, though, as the Lakers are only 5-7 in those games. Nevertheless, there were some encouraging signs in the loss at Atlanta over the weekend.
Anthony Davis is coming back into shape, and he should be back to his usual all-star level very soon. With him and Russell Westbrook at the point, the Lakers are the better team on paper, they just have to show it out on the court. LA has won 4 of 5 against Portland at home and 5 of the last 7 overall in their own building. With just 1 win in their last 5 visits to LA and Lillard still being out, the Blazers don’t have much of a chance here, especially after their 17-point loss against one of the worst teams in the NBA.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Portland Trail Blazers vs Los Angeles Lakers
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