Matthew Lowrimore
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We have put together a 4-pick cross-sport parlay that will take you right through Thursday, including picks from the Europa League, College Basketball and NHL. One pick is taken from each sport with a second pick from the NHL. A winning ticket would give us a very nice payout with odds of +1127 at DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Europa League pick today: Manchester United vs Barcelona – Both teams to score – No (+105), 12:45 pm ET
The blockbuster matchup for this afternoon’s Europa League slate pits together two of the biggest teams in world football — Barcelona and Manchester United.
Barcelona has been in rock-solid form but its Champions League campaign earlier in the season left plenty to be desired, with 3 losses in 6 group games to finish 3rd behind Inter and Bayern Munich. Barca have been strong defensively at home, allowing just 6 goals in 13 games in all competitions, and there is a possibility that the teams will cancel each other out. Both teams to score cashed in just 1 of Manchester United’s 6 group games and backing at least one team to be shut out this afternoon looks to be the smart move.
Be sure to check out our full Manchester United vs Barcelona predictions
College Basketball pick today: Houston Cougars -15.5 over SMU Mustangs (-110), 7:00 pm ET
After a loss and a few close games, the Houston Cougars (23-2, 11-1) got back on track with decisive wins over Temple and Tulsa in back-to-back games. In their prior meeting, the Cougars earned a 34-point win over the Mustangs thanks to elite defense and efficient offense.
The second matchup essentially comes down to the fact that the Cougars are a much better team all around with more reliable scoring options and the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Defensively, Houston will likely overpower SMU as well. The Mustangs are the second worst team in terms of offensive efficiency in the AAC while the Cougars are the most efficient defense in the conference by a good margin. The line is big, but the Cougars are 8-2 ATS when laying points away from home and 3-1 ATS as double-digit road favorites since the holidays. For that reason, backing the Cougars will be the play.
Be sure to check out our full Houston Cougars vs SMU Mustangs predictions
NHL pick today: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 over Montreal Canadiens (-165), 7:07 pm ET
The first thing to look at when breaking down a heavy favorite, like the Hurricanes are, is how their defense can hold up. Suffice to say, the Hurricanes back end has been one of the best in the past month. They limit scoring chances, ranking 3rd in expected goals, which has led to a top-10 ranking in goals against per game, as they rank tied for 8th with a mark of 2.70.
Offensively, it is more of the same for the Hurricanes. Since mid-January, they have been one of the best teams in putting pressure on net, ranking 9th in expected goals. This consistent attack has led them to a 2nd place ranking with 4.00 goals per game. For that reason, backing the Hurricanes on the puck line will be the play.
Be sure to check out our full Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes predictions
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NHL pick today: Boston Bruins vs Nashville Predators – Under 5.5 goals (-105), 8:00 pm ET
With the season the Bruins are having, it’s no surprise that they’re the favorites Thursday night, even with the game in Nashville. While they may very well win the game, the smarter play looks to be on the total. One of the primary reasons for Boston’s success this season has been goaltender Linus Ullmark. His 27-4 record is remarkable and his .937 save percentage leads the league by a landslide among goalies with more than just 1 game played. On top of that, he’s leading the NHL in goals saved above expected.
Predators’ goaltender Juuse Saros is one of the best as well. He finished 3rd in the Vezina Trophy voting last season and is having another great season. The Bruins may be buzzing, but they’ve proven they don’t mind winning low-scoring games when facing another great defensive team. For that reason, backing the under will be the play for tonight.
Be sure to check out our full Boston Bruins vs Nashville Predators predictions
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