Contributing Writer

NHL prop picks Nov. 26: Back Logan Cooley, fade Elias Pettersson on Tuesday

There are only two games on the NHL schedule but I still found multiple prop picks to bet on.

The pregame narrative: Logan Cooley continues to impress for the Utah Hockey Club and I’m backing him to get on the scoresheet tonight. Elsewhere, fade Elias Pettersson against the Boston Bruins.

Find my NHL prop picks for Nov. 26 here.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

Best Bet: Cooley to score 1+ point (-134)

The second-year pro is making a name for himself in Utah. He has 16 points in 21 games, including four across his previous two.

Cooley is getting more power-play time and the results have been encouraging. He has two PP points in his last two outings.

Tonight, he gets one of the best matchups in the NHL with Montreal.

The Habs allow the second-most goals per game (3.8)
They allow the eighth-most shots (30.1)
They average the sixth most penalty minutes (10.0)

To add, Montreal has allowed four or more goals against in 11 of 20 games this season.

I expect the chances to be there for the Hockey Club and Cooley has all the momentum right now.

Key stat: The Canadiens own the third-worst goal differential (-21) in the league.

Quick pick

Pettersson under 0.5 points (+120): This is a risky spot to fade a red-hot skater but I’m willing to take the plunge.

Pettersson has 10 points in his last seven games but that is the main reason for this nice plus-money number.

Boston is starting to play good hockey and that starts with its defence. The Bruins allowed just one goal across their last two games while giving up just 44 shots combined.

Since Vancouver records the 11th-fewest shots per game, I believe the Bruins will have another shutdown performance.

And even if they didn’t, there’s still no guarantee Pettersson gets a point. After all, he was held off the scoresheet in eight of 19 games this season.

If you feel comfortable fading Pettersson despite his recent play, this a great spot to do so, in my opinion.

NHL picks made at 10:20 a.m. on 11/26/2024.

NHL prop picks Nov. 26: Back Logan Cooley, fade Elias Pettersson on Tuesday

There are only two games on the NHL schedule but I still found multiple prop picks to bet on.

The pregame narrative: Logan Cooley continues to impress for the Utah Hockey Club and I’m backing him to get on the scoresheet tonight. Elsewhere, fade Elias Pettersson against the Boston Bruins.

Find my NHL prop picks for Nov. 26 here.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

Embed: #101551

Best Bet: Cooley to score 1+ point (-132)

The second-year pro is making a name for himself in Utah. He has 16 points in 21 games, including four across his previous two.

Cooley is getting more power-play time and the results have been encouraging. He has two PP points in his last two outings.

Tonight, he gets one of the best matchups in the NHL with Montreal.

The Habs allow the second-most goals per game (3.8)
They allow the eighth-most shots (30.1)
They average the sixth most penalty minutes (10.0)

To add, Montreal has allowed four or more goals against in 11 of 20 games this season.

I expect the chances to be there for the Hockey Club and Cooley has all the momentum right now.

Key stat: The Canadiens own the third-worst goal differential (-21) in the league.

Quick pick

Pettersson under 0.5 points (+130): This is a risky spot to fade a red-hot skater but I’m willing to take the plunge.

Pettersson has 10 points in his last seven games but that is the main reason for this nice plus-money number.

Boston is starting to play good hockey and that starts with its defence. The Bruins allowed just one goal across their last two games while giving up just 44 shots combined.

Since Vancouver records the 11th-fewest shots per game, I believe the Bruins will have another shutdown performance.

And even if they didn’t, there’s still no guarantee Pettersson gets a point. After all, he was held off the scoresheet in eight of 19 games this season.

If you feel comfortable fading Pettersson despite his recent play, this a great spot to do so, in my opinion.

NHL picks made at 10:20 a.m. on 11/26/2024.

Looking to get started? Sign up here.

Rockets vs. Timbewolves same-game parlay predictions Nov. 26: Back Sengun, Edwards in +320 ticket

The Houston Rockets visit the Minnesota Timberwolves for an exciting Tuesday night matchup.

The pregame narrative: Houston is one of the best teams ATS this season so I feel comfortable backing it to cover a teased-up spread. To finish out the ticket, I’m adding player props on Alperen Sengun and Anthony Edwards.

Check out my Rockets vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay predictions for Nov. 26.

Rockets vs. Timberwolves predictions

Go to full NBA betting markets

Parlay: Rockets +6.5 + Sengun over 18.5 points + Edwards over 3.5 threes (+320)

Embed: #101534

Rockets +6.5 (-180): Houston is 12-6 ATS this season. That includes being 3-1 as the underdog which is the situation tonight.

The Rockets are rolling, winning 12 of their first 18 games while Minnesota is falling short of expectations with an 8-8 record.

Part of me believes that Houston will win straight up tonight, but I feel really good about this 6.5-point alternate spread.

The T-Wolves are struggling right now, winning just two of their last seven with losses to the Toronto Raptors and back-to-back losses against the Portland Trailblazers.

Those two wins came by a combined seven points so even if Minnesota pulls out a victory tonight, I can’t see it being a blowout.

Houston is 17-1 against this line.

SGP legs

Sengun over 18.5 points (-139): Firstly, Sengun has cleared this point total in three of his past four games against Minnesota.

At 22 years old, the centre is playing the best basketball of his young career and I think he can take advantage of Rudy Gobert on defence.

Let’s take a look at what a few mobile centres have done against the T-Wolves:

Domantas Sabonis (23 points, 10/15 shooting)
Nikola Vucevic (25 points, 11/15 shooting)
Nikola Jokic (26 points, 8/16 shooting)

Gobert is a great rim-protecting centre, but when the opposing big man can get him moving away from the basket, he has problems.

My biggest concern is that Sengun doesn’t get enough volume — but if he does, I see him stuffing the statsheet.

Edwards over 3.5 threes (-129): There are only a few players in the NBA I would even consider backing at this number and Edwards is one of them.

Ant is a flamethrower from deep:

78 made threes (leads the NBA)

43.8% 3-point percentage

Attempts 11.1 per game

With that volume and efficiency, this is a no-brainer to add to the parlay. Edwards is 13-3 against this line this season.

Picks made at 9:07 a.m. on 11/26/24.

Magic vs. Clippers same-game parlay predictions: Expect Harden to excel in +245 wager

The Orlando Magic look for their seventh-straight win on the road tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The pregame narrative: The Magic are rolling right now but I have reason to back the Clippers on an alternate spread. I also like prop picks on James Harden and Ivica Zubac and will add them to make a +245 ticket.

Check out my Magic vs. Clippers same-game parlay predictions for Nov. 20.

Magic vs. Clippers predictions

Go to full NBA betting markets

Parlay: Clippers +6.5 + Harden over 7.5 assists + Zubac over 10.5 rebounds (+245)

Embed: #100939

Clippers +6.5 (-177): The Magic have a chance to increase their streak to seven wins but I like the Clippers in this spot.

A majority of Orlando’s win streak came at home, where the team is 7-0. On the road, the Magic are just 2-6.

Before beating Phoenix on Monday, the Magic had lost six straight away games. The Phoenix win is good but considering four of those six losses came by double digits, I’m still considering Orlando a bad road side.

The Clippers took some time to get their first win at the new Inuit Dome, but since getting that victory, L.A. is 5-0 on its home floor.

I expect the Clippers to build off their most recent victory against the Golden State Warriors with another win in front of their home fans. But an alternate spread will more than suffice for this parlay.

SGP legs

Harden over 7.5 assists (-159): Harden is coming off back-to-back games putting up monstrous assist numbers:

16 assists vs. Warriors
11 assists vs. Jazz

He’s averaging 9.0 APG on the season and has another great opportunity to dish out assists tonight.

Norman Powell is out, and originally that made me want to jump in on Harden’s points prop. But I feel the point guard will have more assist chances as well with the added offensive responsibility.

Especially since this is such a modest number. Harden has double-digit assists in seven of 15 games this year and tonight he only needs eight to cash.

Zubac over 10.5 rebounds (-157): The Clippers centre has been a beast on the glass this season.

Zubac is averaging 12.4 rebounds per game

He has cleared this line in 12/15 games

He has 11+ rebounds in six of the last seven

Orlando holds opposing centres to the second-fewest rebounds (12.3) but I’m comfortable backing one of the better glass-cleaners in the NBA at this number. No need to overthink this one.

Picks made at 2:34 p.m. on 11/20/24.

Looking to get started? Sign up here.

NHL prop picks Nov. 20: Bet on Stamkos, Michkov and Knies on Wednesday

Three forwards make up today’s NHL prop picks.

The pregame narrative: Steven Stamkos hasn’t been up to standard this season but I expect things to turn around starting tonight. Elsewhere, back Matvei Michkov and Matthew Knies to score points in their respective games.

Find my NHL prop picks for Nov. 20 below.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

Best Bet: Stamkos to record a point (-130)

This isn’t an attractive pick by any means but I like this spot for Stamkos.

The now-Nashville Predator has just 10 points in 19 games, which is the reason this line is at a playable number.

I believe a turnaround is imminent due to a few factors:

Stamkos has scored a point per game in six of the last seven seasons

He is coming off a two-goal performance in a win against the Vancouver Canucks

7/10 of his points have come in November (nine games)

The Seattle Kraken are a decent defensive team but allow 28.8 shots per game and have an average penalty kill (78.8%)

That last part is important as both of Stamkos’ goals last game came with the man advantage. He plays on the first power play unit.

More broadly, five of his six goals have come on the PP and he averages 3:26 of PP time per game.

Key stat: Stamkos had 81 points in 79 games last season.

Quick picks

Michkov to record a point (+100): I keep coming back to this pick because it’s been cashing for me.

Michkov is a top forward in Philadelphia and he keeps producing as a rookie.

He has 15 points in 17 games

That includes points in four of his last five

The rookie played 19:47 last game, which is the most since Oct. 27

As the season goes on, Michkov should continue to earn coach John Tortorella’s trust, which isn’t easy to do.

One thing is clear, however, and it’s that Michkov is one of the more talented players on the Flyers despite his rookie status.

The Carolina Hurricanes are a strong opponent, but they’re worse on the road. The Canes allowed 12 goals over their previous three-game road trip.

Philly played Carolina once already this season, and Michkov scored a point in a 6-4 loss.

Knies to record a point (-130): Knies has stepped up in Matthews’ absence, and I love his value here.

The winger is playing a career-high 18:24 per game with three straight games of 20-plus minutes of ice time.

Knies has earned the trust of coach Craig Berube and has points in three of the last four games.

The Vegas Golden Knights are mediocre defensively, allowing 3.17 goals per game (16th-most).

Knies plays on the top line with Mitch Marner, who’s red-hot right now, and he also skates with the top PP when Matthews is out.

Considering the other Leafs’ top forwards have juiced odds in this market, I’m comfortable backing Knies based on his night-to-night opportunities.

NHL picks made at 1:42 p.m. on 11/20/2024.

NHL prop picks Nov. 20: Bet on Stamkos, Michkov and Knies on Wednesday

Three forwards make up today’s NHL prop picks.

The pregame narrative: Steven Stamkos hasn’t been up to standard this season but I expect things to turn around starting tonight. Elsewhere, back Matvei Michkov and Matthew Knies to score points in their respective games.

Find my NHL prop picks for Nov. 20 below.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

Best Bet: Stamkos to record a point (-136)

Embed: #100904

This isn’t an attractive pick by any means but I like this spot for Stamkos.

The now-Nashville Predator has just 10 points in 19 games, which is the reason this line is at a playable number.

I believe a turnaround is imminent due to a few factors:

Stamkos has scored a point per game in six of the last seven seasons

He is coming off a two-goal performance in a win against the Vancouver Canucks

7/10 of his points have come in November (nine games)

The Seattle Kraken are a decent defensive team but allow 28.8 shots per game and have an average penalty kill (78.8%)

That last part is important as both of Stamkos’ goals last game came with the man advantage. He plays on the first power play unit.

More broadly, five of his six goals have come on the PP and he averages 3:26 of PP time per game.

Key stat: Stamkos had 81 points in 79 games last season.

Quick picks

Michkov to record a point (+110): I keep coming back to this pick because it’s been cashing for me.

Michkov is a top forward in Philadelphia and he keeps producing as a rookie.

He has 15 points in 17 games

That includes points in four of his last five

The rookie played 19:47 last game, which is the most since Oct. 27

As the season goes on, Michkov should continue to earn coach John Tortorella’s trust, which isn’t easy to do.

One thing is clear, however, and it’s that Michkov is one of the more talented players on the Flyers despite his rookie status.

The Carolina Hurricanes are a strong opponent, but they’re worse on the road. The Canes allowed 12 goals over their previous three-game road trip.

Philly played Carolina once already this season, and Michkov scored a point in a 6-4 loss.

Knies to record a point (-124): Knies has stepped up in Matthews’ absence, and I love his value here.

The winger is playing a career-high 18:24 per game with three straight games of 20-plus minutes of ice time.

Knies has earned the trust of coach Craig Berube and has points in three of the last four games.

The Vegas Golden Knights are mediocre defensively, allowing 3.17 goals per game (16th-most).

Knies plays on the top line with Mitch Marner, who’s red-hot right now, and he also skates with the top PP when Matthews is out.

Considering the other Leafs’ top forwards have juiced odds in this market, I’m comfortable backing Knies based on his night-to-night opportunities.

NHL picks made at 11:42 a.m. on 11/20/2024.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Golden Knights Nov. 20: Expect Marner and Knies to continue producing without Matthews

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a showdown at home tonight with the Vegas Golden Knights.

The pregame narrative: Auston Matthews remains sidelined and I like Matthew Knies to continue stepping up in his absence. I’m also backing the over on the game total and taking a shot on a plus-money Mitch Marner prop.

Check out our Maple Leafs picks vs. Golden Knights for the game on Nov. 20.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Golden Knights

Go to full NHL betting markets.

Best Bet: Knies to record a point (-123)

Embed: #100884

Although Vegas is a great team, it’s not because of its defensive ability.

The Knights score often but sit in the middle of the pack in goals allowed (3.17) per game.

Vegas’ starting goalie hasn’t been confirmed yet but neither guy has been great this season.

Adin Hill (.885 SV%, 3.16 GAA)
Ilya Samsonov (.897 SV%, 3.15 GAA)

That’s good news for Knies, who has cemented himself as a top forward for a stacked Leafs team. He has recorded points in three of the last four games.

Knies is playing a career-high 18:24 per game and logged at least 20 minutes of ice time in three straight.

He’ll be on the ice a lot with Toronto’s top forwards, so I love the value here.

Key stat: Knies has points in four of six games since Matthews sustained his injury.

Quick picks

Over 6 goals (-106): I was thinking about taking the Leafs on the moneyline but I couldn’t ignore Vegas’ offensive production and opted for the over instead.

For Toronto, a lot of what I said for Knies applies to the entire team and I’m expecting at least a few goals out of the bunch.

As for the Golden Knights, they pepper their opponents.

Vegas is third in the NHL in goals per game (4.0)
The club is sixth in shots/game (31.0)

Jack Eichel (28 points) leads a group that has eight players with double-digit points, and two others sitting on nine.

Toronto is a strong defensive team but surely Vegas can help contribute to this total.

Marner to record 2+ points (+170): This is a play I would risk less on than the first two but I like the price.

It’s no secret that Marner has been cooking while Matthews has been out.

Marner has 10 points in six games without the captain

He’s 5-1 against this line over that stretch

The Golden Knights are a good team and things shouldn’t be easy but the Leafs are rolling right now and Marner is the main reason why.

Picks made at 9:30 a.m. ET on 11/20/24.

NHL prop picks Nov. 19: Back Bedard and Kucherov on Tuesday

Two talented forwards contribute to today’s NHL prop picks.

The pregame narrative: Connor Bedard has a great matchup to be effective in the offensive zone. I’m taking the over on his shots prop while betting on Nikita Kucherov to score a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Find my NHL prop picks for Nov. 19 below.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

Best Bet: Bedard over 3.5 shots (+115)

Bedard hasn’t cleared this line in his last four games but I love this as a buy-low spot.

The Anaheim Ducks allow the most shots (34.9) per game which is over a shot higher than the San Jose Sharks (33.6) who allow the second most.

To put it simply, there is no better matchup and it’s not close.

Bedard unsurprisingly leads the Chicago Blackhawks in shots (54) this season so there shouldn’t be anyone more capable of taking advantage of this spot.

Chicago is often outmatched but there should be more chances for their top point scorer against an awful Ducks team.

Key stat: In his one game against Anaheim this season, Bedard recorded five shots.

Quick pick

Kucherov anytime goalscorer (+105): Much like the first pick, I’m looking to side with a strong matchup.

Let’s take a look at some stats:

Pittsburgh allows the most goals against (3.9) per game

The Penguins concede the third-most shots per game (32.8)

Kucherov has 11 goals in 16 games played

He leads the Tampa Bay Lightning in goals and is on pace to break his career-high of 44 from last season.

The star winger is -130 to score two-plus points but I feel better about taking him to pot a goal at plus money.

Kucherov has 12 points in his last six games vs. Pittsburgh. If he can continue that level of production in his first meeting with the Penguins this season, a goal is well within the cards.

NHL picks made at 3:02 p.m. on 11/19/2024.

NHL prop picks Nov. 19: Back Bedard and Kucherov on Tuesday

Two talented forwards contribute to today’s NHL prop picks.

The pregame narrative: Connor Bedard has a great matchup to be effective in the offensive zone. I’m taking the over on his shots prop while betting on Nikita Kucherov to score a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Find my NHL prop picks for Nov. 19 below.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

Best Bet: Bedard over 3.5 shots (+110)

Embed: #100848

Bedard hasn’t cleared this line in his last four games but I love this as a buy-low spot.

The Anaheim Ducks allow the most shots (34.9) per game which is over a shot higher than the San Jose Sharks (33.6) who allow the second most.

To put it simply, there is no better matchup and it’s not close.

Bedard unsurprisingly leads the Chicago Blackhawks in shots (54) this season so there shouldn’t be anyone more capable of taking advantage of this spot.

Chicago is often outmatched but there should be more chances for their top point scorer against an awful Ducks team.

Key stat: In his one game against Anaheim this season, Bedard recorded five shots.

Quick pick

Kucherov anytime goalscorer (+104): Much like the first pick, I’m looking to side with a strong matchup.

Let’s take a look at some stats:

Pittsburgh allows the most goals against (3.9) per game

The Penguins concede the third-most shots per game (32.8)

Kucherov has 11 goals in 16 games played

He leads the Tampa Bay Lightning in goals and is on pace to break his career-high of 44 from last season.

The star winger is -130 to score two-plus points but I feel better about taking him to pot a goal at plus money.

Kucherov has 12 points in his last six games vs. Pittsburgh. If he can continue that level of production in his first meeting with the Penguins this season, a goal is well within the cards.

NHL picks made at 1:42 p.m. on 11/19/2024.

Jazz vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions Nov. 19: Bet on LeBron James to dish out assists in +370 ticket

The Los Angeles Lakers look for their sixth-straight win tonight.

The pregame narrative: I’m taking an alternate spread to be safe but expect the Lakers to comfortably beat the Utah Jazz. Prop picks on LeBron James and Lauri Markkanen round out this +370 parlay.

Check out my Jazz vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions for Nov. 19.

Jazz vs. Lakers predictions

Go to full NBA betting markets

Parlay: Lakers -7.5 + James over 9.5 assists + Markkanen over 18.5 points (+370)

Embed: #100814

Lakers -7.5 (-167): The Lakers are rolling right now so I’m comfortable backing this lofty alternate spread.

After all, they play at home against a struggling Jazz team.

Los Angeles is 6-0 at home (5-1 ATS)

Utah has a 109.3 offensive rating (fourth worst) and 120.8 defensive rating (second worst)

The Jazz are last in the Western Conference (3-10 record)

The Lakers offence is cooking under new coach JJ Reddick, scoring 116.8 points per game with a 47.8% field goal percentage. Both of those stats rank inside the top seven in the NBA.

Additionally, when the Jazz lose, it’s by a lot. Eight of their 10 losses have come by eight or more points.

SGP legs

James over 9.5 assists (-157): LeBron is truly remarkable. Even as the oldest player in the NBA, he is putting up crazy stats.

He is averaging 23.3 points, 9.2 assists and 8.6 rebounds

Over the past eight games, he is averaging 10.9 assists

James recorded double-digit assists in six of those contests

With the Jazz being one of the worst defensive teams in the association, LeBron should have an easy time breaking down the defence which will lead to assist opportunities.

Markkanen over 18.5 points (-150): The first two legs side with the Lakers but I found good reason to include Markkanen in this SGP.

The Finnish all-star is having a down year but a turnaround is imminent. He’s averaging 17.3 points currently but is coming off back-to-back seasons of averaging 23-plus.

And Los Angeles provides a nice matchup.

The Lakers allow the seventh-most points per game to power forwards (24.95)

They have the eighth-worst defensive rating (117.6)

It’s a bit of a weird case as Markkanen is shooting a career-high 45.6% from 3-point range. For some reason, he just isn’t taking very many shots.

He’s only taken 28 combined over the past three games but made 16 of them (57.1%).

Markkanen is at the top of the list for guys who should be traded this season so Utah should want to get him more involved to raise his otherwise diminishing value.

Picks made at 11:01 a.m. on 11/19/24.

Looking to get started? Sign up here.