Tuesday came so close to being an above .500 day for me, but it still turned into a good showing thanks to having the right odds. I went aggressive with Calgary because I know how poor my Senators are, and it paid off nicely at +175. Plus-money plays are key to your success, because one or two wins can offset a couple bad showings. Whenever you can make an intelligent risk, you should.
Here are my best bets for January 10. For a deep dive into tonight’s game between North Carolina and N.C. State, head over to Godzilla Wins for my preview.
College Basketball
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Wright State at Robert Morris
Bet you didn’t know this: Wright State leads the nation in field goal percentage. The Raiders shoot 51.9 percent from the floor, in large part because they do not force deep shots. Knowing who you are on offense works well, and the Raiders have learned those lessons over time. Wright State starts two seniors, two juniors and a sophomore, making it tough to rattle them.
Robert Morris certainly won’t. The Colonials defend poorly, ranking 357th in opposing field goal percentage. The Raiders can’t defend either, which is why four of their five Horizon League games have exceeded 160 points. This should make it five for six.
Pick: Over 158.5 (-110)
Florida Gulf Coast at Queens
When Florida Gulf Coast runs into a good 3-point shooting team, it’s in trouble. The Eagles cannot defend the perimeter well, and North Florida exploited that beautifully last time out. The Birds of Trey lived up to their name, hitting 17 3-pointers in a 20-point win.
Queens doesn’t shoot the 3 as well as North Florida, but it still shoots pretty well from behind the arc. The Royals also get off a lot of shots from how quickly they usually play. Queens might win this one on sheer volume.
Pick: Queens -1 (-110)
East Carolina at Temple
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a team as disinterested in rebounding as Temple. The Owls don’t get into position, and it lets opponents shove them around with ease. East Carolina is a top-30 team in second-chance points, and Temple usually gives up plenty of second chances.
Pick: East Carolina ML (+120)
NHL
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Minnesota at Dallas
I normally hate betting the 3-way moneyline for the NHL, because it takes away the possibility of an overtime win. But I’ll make an exception here for two reasons. First, Minnesota is playing poor hockey right now and just got whacked 4-0 by Dallas earlier this week.
Second, and more importantly, the Wild have just two regulation wins in the past month. Since Dec. 10 at Seattle, Minnesota has played 13 times and recorded six defeats, five overtime/shootout wins and just two regulation wins. If the Stars win this game, they’re likely doing it in 60 minutes.
Pick: Dallas 3-Way Moneyline (-120)
Vegas at Colorado
Eventually, the Golden Knights are going to figure out how to win on the road again. But that day does not appear to be this day. Adin Hill will likely show some rust, and that’s not good against a Colorado offense that’s scored three or more in eight of nine games.
The Avalanche should be thinking revenge after getting whitewashed 7-0 in Vegas earlier this year. Colorado should even the score here.
Pick: Colorado ML (-145)