Matthew Lowrimore
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We have put together a 4-pick cross-sport parlay that will take you right through Friday, including picks from the NHL, College Football, MLB and NBA. One pick is taken from each sport and a winning ticket would give us a very nice payout with odds of +931 at DraftKings Sportsbook.
NHL pick today: Carolina Hurricanes 3-way ML over New York Islanders (-125), 7:05 pm ET
The Hurricanes have started off the season strongly, going 4-1-1, and they are 1st in the Metropolitan Division. A strong reason for that is their defense and goaltending. The Hurricanes are 2nd in the league with only 14 goals against. Their goaltending tandem of Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta has been incredible with a combined GAA of 2.15. For that reason, play the Hurricanes’ 3-way money line as the Islanders are 1-10 in their last 11 meetings with the Hurricanes.
Be sure to check out our full New York Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes predictions
College Football pick today: East Carolina Pirates +3.5 over BYU Cougars (-115), 8:00 pm ET
Tonight’s feature game on the college football slate is East Carolina at BYU. The Pirates are playing well, winners of 3 of their last 4, with only a loss to a talented Tulane team sandwiched in there. BYU has been going the other way, losing 3 straight.
ECU runs the ball well with Keaton Mitchell, who has been over the century mark on the ground in 4 of 7 games this season. Even better, ECU is 4-0 in games in which Mitchell carries the ball more than 10 times — all of which were 100+ yard games. Given the success East Carolina has had on the ground, backing them to cover will be the play.
Be sure to check out our full East Carolina Pirates vs BYU Cougars predictions
MLB pick today: Houston Astros ML over Philadelphia Phillies (-165), 8:03 pm ET
These teams will head to Houston for Games 1 and 2, and the starting pitching matchup for Game 1 of the World Series will be Aaron Nola of the Phillies against Justin Verlander of the Astros. Nola was having an excellent postseason performance until the NLDS. In his first 2 starts, he threw 12.2 scoreless innings while allowing just 9 hits against the Cardinals and the Braves, but a poor outing in San Diego put a blemish on his spotless postseason run.
Unlike Nola, Verlander had a terrible start to the postseason. He was rocked by the Mariners in Game 1 the ALDS as he surrendered 6 runs and 10 hits in 4 innings. His next start came in the ALCS against the Yankees, and in the first 2 innings, he hit a batter, and allowed a solo shot and a single. However, he finished with 3 hits allowed and 11 strikeouts in 6 innings as Verlander was back to his ace form. This should be a close matchup, but I expect the home team to come out victorious in Game 1.
Be sure to check out our full Philadelphia Phillies vs Houston Astros predictions
NBA pick today: Portland Trail Blazers -4 over Houston Rockets (-110), 10:10 pm ET
The Portland Trailblazers suffered their first loss of the season in their last outing against the Miami Heat, losing Damian Lillard to injury in the process. Even so, they should remain confident that they can continue their hot start at home against the Houston Rockets.
The Trail Blazers should have a major advantage on the interior with Jusuf Nurkic commanding the paint. He is currently 5th in the league in rebounds per game and he should enjoy a height and weight advantage over almost anyone the Rockets can throw at him. The visitors tonight have the 4th worst net offensive and defensive rating in the league, with their offense in particular struggling to make an impact. With quality wing defenders like Jerami Grant and Josh Hart, the hosts should be able to keep the Rockets in check. For that reason, backing the Trail Blazers to cover will be the play.
Be sure to check out our full Houston Rockets vs Portland Trail Blazers predictions
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