Xam’s Gem(s):
New Mexico State +3 -110
The Aggies come into this game with a ton of momentum. Last week they went on the road and dominated, winning 28-7 against UTEP. Quarterback Diego Pavia has been a monster all year, making big plays with both his arm and legs. Louisiana Tech doesn’t have a lot of momentum recently, having lost 4 of their last 5 games. The only win came against UTEP. Louisiana Tech has given up 28 or more points in 5 games this year, and we know the Aggies can put points on the board. The Bulldogs have shown an ability to score, but the Aggies haven’t given up more than 17 points in 5 straight games!
Liberty/Western Kentucky Over 61.5 Points -110
Liberty’s offense has been firing on all cylinders recently. Only once has Liberty gone under 31 points this year. They have dropped 73 points in their last 2 games, with 42 coming last week against Middle Tennessee. Western Kentucky is surrendering almost 28 points per game and just under 500 yards of offense per game to opponents this year. However, they’ve shown proficiency on offense as well, scoring 31 points or more 4 times this year. QB Austin Reed is a legitimate dual threat QB, accounting for 16 passing touchdowns and 3 rushing touchdowns on the season. Liberty certainly has the talent offensively to get back into the 40s in this game, so we may not need much help from Western Kentucky in this game.
Diamondbacks/Phillies Over 8 Runs -110
Both teams have shown the ability to score runs in this series. The Phillies in particular have been scary at home offensively. Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt had an up and down year, but he was ineffective on the road this year. However, neither starter will likely last long in this game, as managers Torey Lovullo and Ryan Thomson will go to their respective bullpens at the first sign of trouble. In a Game 7, it’s all hands on deck of course. With how these bullpens have performed at times in this series, don’t be surprised to see a starter make an appearance out of the bullpen. However, after no-showing in Game 6, Philly’s bats will be ready to go tonight. The crowd will be behind them, and they’ve dominated pitchers at home this postseason.
Avalanche Money Line -142
The Avalanche are off to a great start this year, led by their powerful offense. The Avs have had 2 days to rest and travel for this game, and they should be able to score against an Islanders team that has given up 8 goals in their last 2 games. The Isles have also struggled offensively at times this year, scoring 1 goal in 2 of their last 3 games. In this game, that’s not going to work. If goalie Alexandar Georgiev can keep the Islanders in check, the Avs should be able to get going against Ilya Sorokin and an iffy Islanders defense.
Rangers/Flames Under 6.5 Goals -140
The Rangers have already held 3 opponents to 1 goal so far this season, and 2 of those games came on the road. The Flames don’t always play the best defense, as they’ve given up no less than 3 goals in every game this year, and 6 in their last game against Detroit. This just means there’s room to improve! Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom has only given up 4 goals in his last 2 games, however, so it seems he’s starting to round into shape in the early part of this season. Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin has also gotten off to a bit of a slow start this year, giving up 11 goals in 4 starts. However, we’ve seen him be dominant for the Rangers and know he has the ability to shut down opposing offenses.
Warriors Money Line -138
It may be the 1st day of the regular season, but injuries are already becoming a factor. Both Bradley Beal and Devin Booker are battling injuries for the Suns. Draymond Green is out for Golden State, but this is still a team that can score in droves. Even if Beal and Booker play, it feels like a game Kevin Durant will have to dominate for the Suns to win. He’s certainly capable of doing so, but it’s a lot to ask for on the road. The spacing of the Warriors should give the Suns trouble all night. Chris Paul is an excellent facilitator and the Warriors have plenty of sharpshooters that can take advantage. Add in the injury concerns for the Suns, and it feels like the Warriors should be able to do enough defensively to get the job done.