Spencer Closs

Spencer is a true sports junkie. A graduate of the Sports Journalism program at Centennial College, he first joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2023. He is now a contributing writer. He loves finding the edge to bet on in all sports but has a deep passion for the NBA and UFC. Previous stops include Sportsnet.

Miami Open round of 64 parlay predictions: Back Ruud, Lehecka and Musetti at +345

Miami Open predictions

Three different picks on winners make up this round of 64 parlay at the Miami Open.

The pregame narrative: Casper Ruud is in a great spot to win his round of 64 match. I’ll back him, Jiri Lehecka and Lorenzo Musetti all to win in this +345 parlay for Friday’s action.

Check out my top Miami Open predictions for March 21.

Miami Open predictions

Parlay: Ruud to win | Lehecka to win | Musetti to win (+345)

Ruud to win (-154): The Norwegian hasn’t been the best on hard courts over his career but he’s starting to flip the narrative in 2025.

He’s 10-3 this season, with all the games being played on hardcourt surfaces.

He was eliminated in the round of 64 at Indian Wells but the extra rest should do him wonders after playing eight matches between Feb. 1 and March 7.

Visit full Miami Open betting markets

His opponent, Miomir Kecmanovic, started the year off hot, winning the ATP event at Delray Beach but results have been mixed since.

He’s 2-3 over his last five and had a negative record in both 2023 (28-31) and 2024 (26-31).

Despite having a winning record so far this year (13-8), there’s plenty of time for that to change. I expect the downfall to begin against the No. 6-ranked Ruud.

Tennis parlay picks

Lehecka to win (-138): The first young stud being highlighted in this parlay is Lehecka.

The 23-year-old started the year on a tear, winning 13 of his first 15 matches. He then dropped the next three straight heading into Miami.

I’m willing to chalk that up to fatigue and I expect the early exits to be beneficial for Lehecka.

One of those losses was a close three-set match against Jack Draper, who just beat Carlos Alcaraz en route to winning the event at Indian Wells.

Gael Monfils has been good this year, too, but he had to play a qualifying match for the Miami Open and he needed all three sets to squeak out a win. That could be detrimental to the 38-year-old’s stamina.

He’s 12-4 in 2025 but is 2-3 against opponents ranked higher than him, which is the case with Lehecka.

The Czech player also has the upper hand in the head-to-head matchup. He won his only career meeting with the Frenchman in straight sets (6-4, 6-3).

Back the Italian to advance

Musetti to win (-175): The final pick of this parlay is on another young player making a name for himself.

Even though the 23-year-old Italian has only played eight games this year (5-3 record), he’s yet to lose before the third round of any tournament, showing off his consistency.

Two of his three defeats came against players ranked inside the top 20 (No. 18 Fils, No. 14 Ben Shelton).

His opponent on Friday, Quentin Halys, ranks No. 57 in the world and has a lacklustre 10-7 record in 2025.

He holds a 1-3 record against opponents ranked inside the top 20 this season. Musetti is the No. 16-ranked player on tour and has the tools to grab another win in the round of 64.

Miami Open predictions made at 3:01 p.m. on 03/20/25

Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks March 20: Tail Jimmy Butler, Jakob Poeltl

Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks

The Raptors head to the West Coast to play the streaking Golden State Warriors.

The pregame narrative: Jimmy Butler had a roller coaster of a season but he’s settling down with the Warriors and making an impact. I’m taking the over on his points prop and I have a pick on Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl.

Check out my Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks for March 20.

Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks

Best Bet: Butler over 17.5 points (-125)

After forcing his way out of Miami, Butler is finally in midseason form.

That has led to winning basketball for the Warriors. They are 15-2 with Butler in the lineup, and he’s been particularly good over the last eight games:

  • 18.6 points per game
  • 5-3 against this wager

He had a few outlier performances of 5 and 11 points that drastically brought his average down during that time, but he’s scored 23-plus points on four occasions during that stretch.

And this is a soft matchup. The Raptors have the 11th-worst defensive rating in the NBA (116.7) and both teams play at an average pace.

That means there should be lots of shooting volume to go around and Butler should continue filling the statsheet.

Just take a look at his averages from the past two games:

  • 23.5 PPG
  • 8.0 RPG
  • 8.0 APG

Those look like stats from prime Butler, and I think he’ll continue to play like his younger self in a place where he’s happy to be.

There’s obvious blowout potential here with the Raptors being 14.5-point underdogs, but Toronto has been excellent against the spread, covering this number in nine of its past 10 games and winning six games straight up.

Even with the tank being in full force, the young guns on Toronto aren’t willing to roll over and I expect this one to be close.

Key stat: Butler averaged 20.9 points in the 28 games in which he played more than 30 minutes this season.

Quick pick

Poeltl over 11.5 points (-125): Poeltl has been in and out of the rotation for Toronto but he’s been effective with his minutes when playing.

The big man has seen his minutes fall over the last four games, playing 22.5 per but he’s managed to top this modest points total three times.

He’s averaged 16.5 points on 70.0% shooting in those contests. With that sort of efficiency, he wouldn’t need many minutes to once again surpass this total.

RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick and Ja’Kobe Walter are all out for Raptors, which means they could rely more on Poeltl on Wednesday.

Toronto can still tank successfully while Poeltl gets his buckets.

Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks made at 10:48 a.m. ET 03/20/2025.

Miami Open round of 64 parlay predictions: Back Ruud, Lehecka and Musetti at +356

Miami Open predictions

Three different picks on winners make up this round of 64 parlay at the Miami Open.

The pregame narrative: Casper Ruud is in a great spot to win his round of 64 match. I’ll back him, Jiri Lehecka and Lorenzo Musetti all to win in this +356 parlay for Friday’s action.

Check out my top Miami Open predictions for March 21.

Miami Open predictions

Parlay: Ruud to win | Lehecka to win | Musetti to win (+356)

Ruud to win (-143): The Norwegian hasn’t been the best on hard courts over his career but he’s starting to flip the narrative in 2025.

He’s 10-3 this season, with all the games being played on hardcourt surfaces.

He was eliminated in the round of 64 at Indian Wells but the extra rest should do him wonders after playing eight matches between Feb. 1 and March 7.

Visit full Miami Open betting markets

His opponent, Miomir Kecmanovic, started the year off hot, winning the ATP event at Delray Beach but results have been mixed since.

He’s 2-3 over his last five and had a negative record in both 2023 (28-31) and 2024 (26-31).

Despite having a winning record so far this year (13-8), there’s plenty of time for that to change. I expect the downfall to begin against the No. 6-ranked Ruud.

Tennis parlay picks

Lehecka to win (-136): The first young stud being highlighted in this parlay is Lehecka.

The 23-year-old started the year on a tear, winning 13 of his first 15 matches. He then dropped the next three straight heading into Miami.

I’m willing to chalk that up to fatigue and I expect the early exits to be beneficial for Lehecka.

One of those losses was a close three-set match against Jack Draper, who just beat Carlos Alcaraz en route to winning the event at Indian Wells.

Gael Monfils has been good this year, too, but he had to play a qualifying match for the Miami Open and he needed all three sets to squeak out a win. That could be detrimental to the 38-year-old’s stamina.

He’s 12-4 in 2025 but is 2-3 against opponents ranked higher than him, which is the case with Lehecka.

The Czech player also has the upper hand in the head-to-head matchup. He won his only career meeting with the Frenchman in straight sets (6-4, 6-3).

Back the Italian to advance

Musetti to win (-186): The final pick of this parlay is on another young player making a name for himself.

Even though the 23-year-old Italian has only played eight games this year (5-3 record), he’s yet to lose before the third round of any tournament, showing off his consistency.

Two of his three defeats came against players ranked inside the top 20 (No. 18 Fils, No. 14 Ben Shelton).

His opponent on Friday, Quentin Halys, ranks No. 57 in the world and has a lacklustre 10-7 record in 2025.

He holds a 1-3 record against opponents ranked inside the top 20 this season. Musetti is the No. 16-ranked player on tour and has the tools to grab another win in the round of 64.

Miami Open predictions made at 12:31 p.m. on 03/20/25

Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks March 20: Tail Jimmy Butler, Jakob Poeltl

Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks

The Raptors head to the West Coast to play the streaking Golden State Warriors.

The pregame narrative: Jimmy Butler had a roller coaster of a season but he’s settling down with the Warriors and making an impact. I’m taking the over on his points prop and I have a pick on Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl.

Check out my Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks for March 20.

Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks

Best Bet: Butler over 18.5 points (-114)

Embed: #111492

After forcing his way out of Miami, Butler is finally in midseason form.

That has led to winning basketball for the Warriors. They are 15-2 with Butler in the lineup, and he’s been particularly good over the last eight games:

  • 18.6 points per game
  • 5-3 against this wager

He had a few outlier performances of 5 and 11 points that drastically brought his average down during that time, but he’s scored 23-plus points on four occasions during that stretch.

And this is a soft matchup. The Raptors have the 11th-worst defensive rating in the NBA (116.7) and both teams play at an average pace.

That means there should be lots of shooting volume to go around and Butler should continue filling the statsheet.

Just take a look at his averages from the past two games:

  • 23.5 PPG
  • 8.0 RPG
  • 8.0 APG

Those look like stats from prime Butler, and I think he’ll continue to play like his younger self in a place where he’s happy to be.

There’s obvious blowout potential here with the Raptors being 14.5-point underdogs, but Toronto has been excellent against the spread, covering this number in nine of its past 10 games and winning six games straight up.

Even with the tank being in full force, the young guns on Toronto aren’t willing to roll over and I expect this one to be close.

Key stat: Butler averaged 20.9 points in the 28 games in which he played more than 30 minutes this season.

Quick pick

Poeltl over 11.5 points (-112): Poeltl has been in and out of the rotation for Toronto but he’s been effective with his minutes when playing.

The big man has seen his minutes fall over the last four games, playing 22.5 per but he’s managed to top this modest points total three times.

He’s averaged 16.5 points on 70.0% shooting in those contests. With that sort of efficiency, he wouldn’t need many minutes to once again surpass this total.

RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick and Ja’Kobe Walter are all out for Raptors, which means they could rely more on Poeltl on Wednesday.

Toronto can still tank successfully while Poeltl gets his buckets.

Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks made at 10:48 a.m. ET 03/20/2025.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Rangers March 20: Back Auston Matthews to stay hot

Maple Leafs prop picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs head to the Big Apple for a game against the middling New York Rangers.

The pregame narrative: Auston Matthews is finding his scoring touch at the right time as the NHL playoffs approach. I’m backing the Leafs’ captain to pot another goal on Thursday and former captain John Tavares to find his way onto the scoresheet.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Rangers for March 20.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Rangers

Best Bet: Matthews to score (-105)

There’s no chance Matthews will match his 69-goal production from last season, but the centreman is shaping into form at the right time of the season.

  • He has scored in three consecutive games.
  • He has points in 11/13 games since the midseason break.
  • He had 7 goals and 8 assists during that span.

And this is the matchup to stay hot in. In their first nine games of the season, the Rangers looked primed to repeat as Presidents’ Trophy winners. They allowed just 21 goals in those contests (2.33/game).

When the calendar flipped to November, the wheels started to fall off. In the 60 games since, New York has allowed 3.08 goals per game. That would rank in the bottom 10 of the NHL over the full season.

The side also allows the fifth-most shots against per game (30.0), and that’s exactly what I want to see when backing Matthews.

Key stat: Matthews takes the fourth most shots per game (4.06) and has points in five straight games vs. the Rangers, including five goals.

Quick pick

Tavares to record 1+ points (-130): Tavares continues to reclaim the hearts of Leafs fans with a bounce-back season.

After notching 65 points in 80 games in 2023-24, most expected another decline from the 34-year-old vet.

But that hasn’t been the case as Tavares is producing at a near-point-per-game pace with 57 in 61 games.

He’s been wildly consistent as well, recording at least a point in 41 of 61 games played (67.2% hit rate). Considering these odds have an implied probability of 57.3%, I’d say this pick has strong value.

Tavares will continue to benefit from playing with Toronto’s top forwards and I like his prospects of getting on the scoresheet against a vulnerable Rangers team.

Maple Leafs vs. Rangers prop picks made at 10:48 a.m. ET 03/20/2025.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Rangers March 20: Back Auston Matthews to stay hot

Maple Leafs prop picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs head to the Big Apple for a game against the middling New York Rangers.

The pregame narrative: Auston Matthews is finding his scoring touch at the right time as the NHL playoffs approach. I’m backing the Leafs’ captain to pot another goal on Thursday and former captain John Tavares to find his way onto the scoresheet.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Rangers for March 20.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Rangers

Best Bet: Matthews to score (+105)

Embed: #111438

There’s no chance Matthews will match his 69-goal production from last season, but the centreman is shaping into form at the right time of the season.

  • He has scored in three consecutive games.
  • He has points in 11/13 games since the midseason break.
  • He had 7 goals and 8 assists during that span.

And this is the matchup to stay hot in. In their first nine games of the season, the Rangers looked primed to repeat as Presidents’ Trophy winners. They allowed just 21 goals in those contests (2.33/game).

When the calendar flipped to November, the wheels started to fall off. In the 60 games since, New York has allowed 3.08 goals per game. That would rank in the bottom 10 of the NHL over the full season.

The side also allows the fifth-most shots against per game (30.0), and that’s exactly what I want to see when backing Matthews.

Key stat: Matthews takes the fourth most shots per game (4.06) and has points in five straight games vs. the Rangers, including five goals.

Quick pick

Tavares to record 1+ points (-134): Tavares continues to reclaim the hearts of Leafs fans with a bounce-back season.

After notching 65 points in 80 games in 2023-24, most expected another decline from the 34-year-old vet.

But that hasn’t been the case as Tavares is producing at a near-point-per-game pace with 57 in 61 games.

He’s been wildly consistent as well, recording at least a point in 41 of 61 games played (67.2% hit rate). Considering these odds have an implied probability of 57.3%, I’d say this pick has strong value.

Tavares will continue to benefit from playing with Toronto’s top forwards and I like his prospects of getting on the scoresheet against a vulnerable Rangers team.

Maple Leafs vs. Rangers prop picks made at 9:18 a.m. ET 03/20/2025.

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Cavaliers vs. Kings SGP predictions March 19: Back Mobley to have another strong performance

Cavaliers vs. Kings predictions

The Cleveland Cavaliers wrap up their back-to-back with a matchup against the Sacramento Kings.

The pregame narrative: I’m finding it tough to pick a side here with the Cavaliers playing on no rest on the road. However, I will mix together prop picks on Evan Mobley, Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray to make a parlay for the action.

Check out my +320 Cavaliers vs. Kings SGP predictions for March 19.

Cavaliers vs. Kings predictions

Parlay: Mobley over 17.5 points | LaVine over 19.5 points | Murray 2+ threes (+320)

Mobley over 17.5 points (-150): The fourth-year pro has taken a massive step forward offensively this season and he’s in the right spot to go off.

Mobley finished with exactly 17 last night against the Los Angeles Clippers but this is a friendlier matchup.

According to Fantasy Pros, the Kings allow the second most points to power forwards per game (24.37).

  • Over his past 16 games, Mobley is averaging 20.2 PPG and is 10-6 vs. this line.
  • He finished with 17 points three times, showing off his high offensive floor.

If this game is close as the Cleveland -5.5 line indicates, the Cavaliers’ power forward would play above-average minutes.

Take the opponent into account and this is a smash spot for Mobley.

NBA SGP legs

LaVine over 19.5 points (-148): LaVine has been quite successful in his short stint with his new team.

Since being moved at the deadline, the dynamic guard has averaged 22.7 points in 18 appearances.

He is taking fewer shots with more mouths to feed in Sacramento compared to the Chicago Bulls.

So, although he is scoring less with the Kings, he’s scoring the ball with incredible efficiency.

  • 52.7 FG%
  • 44.1 3PT%

LaVine has recorded 20-plus points in 13-of-18 games with Sacramento. That includes in 10 of the last 12 starts.

Murray 2+ threes (-205): Murray is having his worst shooting season, canning a career-low 1.9 triples per game at a 33.3% rate.

But if we look at his stats since Jan. 1, things are a lot more promising.

  • 2.3 threes made per game
  • 37.6 3PT%
  • 23-9 against this line

During that run, the stretch big has attempted 50 more 3-pointers than 2-pointers. His shot is falling and he’s relying on it more and more as he heats up.

Murray drained two-plus 3s in 11 of his last 13 games.

Cavaliers vs. Kings predictions made at 1:44 p.m. ET 03/19/2025.

Canada vs. Mexico men’s Nations League soccer predictions: Back both teams to score in semifinal match

Canada vs. Mexico predictions

Canada and Mexico meet on Thursday with a spot in the Nations League final on the line.

The pregame narrative: It’s hard for me to pick a side between two nations that have been so tightly contested over the past few years. I do feel good about both teams scoring, though, and that’s my best bet for this match.

Check out the best Canada vs. Mexico predictions for the men’s soccer semifinal match on March 20.

Canada vs. Mexico predictions

Go to full Canada vs. Mexico betting markets

Best bet: Both teams to score (-118)

When it comes to the history between these two nations, there have been a lot of goals.

You may not think so after the last meeting in September of 2024 was a stalemate 0-0 draw. However, that was only a friendly so I’ll choose to side with the previous results that meant something.

Before that match, the last four games between Canada and Mexico had a goal from both sides. The 11 total goals mean almost three were being scored per match.

That data dates back to 2019 which is when Canada began to gain relevancy on the international stage.

Mexico scored just one goal in Copa but its offence improved after, scoring in five of eight matches since.

Young striker Santiago Gimenez has recently broken onto the scene, setting a record for most goals in one Champions League run by any Mexican player.

He had six goals in seven games for Italian side AC Milan. It’s his first meaningful call-up and he adds a new threat to the Mexican attack — and a dangerous one at that.

Key stat: Canada went on a run at Copa America, reaching the semis and has scored in every match but one since. That was the outing vs. Mexico.

Nations League soccer pick

Match to end in a draw (+220): With odds like this, I’d only play half a unit, but I think a 1-1 draw is well within the cards.

There hasn’t been much separating the two nations as two of the last three matches ended in a draw.

Canada’s been in better form but this will be closer to a home match for Mexico, who gets to play in Los Angeles.

This is also a semifinal match so the lights will be bright and the players will be satisfied with playing mistake-free soccer and pushing this to extra time if needed.

In that case, this wager would cash as it only applies to the 90 minutes of full time.

This also covers another 0-0 draw in case these sides have simply figured each other out.

Canada vs. Mexico predictions made at 1:29 p.m. on 03/19/25.

Canada vs. Mexico men’s Nations League soccer predictions: Back both teams to score in semifinal match

Canada vs. Mexico predictions

Canada and Mexico meet on Thursday with a spot in the Nations League final on the line.

The pregame narrative: It’s hard for me to pick a side between two nations that have been so tightly contested over the past few years. I do feel good about both teams scoring, though, and that’s my best bet for this match.

Check out the best Canada vs. Mexico predictions for the men’s soccer semifinal match on March 20.

Canada vs. Mexico predictions

Go to full Canada vs. Mexico betting markets

Best bet: Both teams to score (-110)

When it comes to the history between these two nations, there have been a lot of goals.

You may not think so after the last meeting in September of 2024 was a stalemate 0-0 draw. However, that was only a friendly so I’ll choose to side with the previous results that meant something.

Before that match, the last four games between Canada and Mexico had a goal from both sides. The 11 total goals mean almost three were being scored per match.

That data dates back to 2019 which is when Canada began to gain relevancy on the international stage.

Mexico scored just one goal in Copa but its offence improved after, scoring in five of eight matches since.

Young striker Santiago Gimenez has recently broken onto the scene, setting a record for most goals in one Champions League run by any Mexican player.

He had six goals in seven games for Italian side AC Milan. It’s his first meaningful call-up and he adds a new threat to the Mexican attack — and a dangerous one at that.

Key stat: Canada went on a run at Copa America, reaching the semis and has scored in every match but one since. That was the outing vs. Mexico.

Nations League soccer pick

Match to end in a draw (+235): With odds like this, I’d only play half a unit, but I think a 1-1 draw is well within the cards.

There hasn’t been much separating the two nations as two of the last three matches ended in a draw.

Canada’s been in better form but this will be closer to a home match for Mexico, who gets to play in Los Angeles.

This is also a semifinal match so the lights will be bright and players will be satisfied with playing mistake-free soccer and pushing this to extra time if needed.

In that case, this wager would cash as it only applies to the 90 minutes of full time.

This also covers another 0-0 draw in case these sides have simply figured each other out.

Canada vs. Mexico predictions made at 1:29 p.m. on 03/19/25.

Nuggets vs. Lakers prop picks March 19: Tail Reaves and Braun in Western Conference showdown

Nuggets vs. Lakers prop picks

The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers meet for the second time in less than a week, and I’ve got two prop picks for the game.

The pregame narrative: Austin Reaves is shaping into an elite scorer and I expect another big performance in the absence of LeBron James. My other pick is on Denver’s Christian Braun.

Check out my Nuggets vs. Lakers prop picks for March 19.

Nuggets vs. Lakers prop picks

Best Bet: Reaves over 25.5 points (-118)

James is ruled out for the Lakers and that means Reaves will have the green light on offence.

In eight games without LeBron this season, take a look at what Reaves has done:

  • 28.6 points per game
  • 49.0 FG%
  • 43.9 3PT%
  • 6-2 against this line

On March 14, he had 37 points against the Nuggets in Denver on a 13-of-26 shooting performance.

The Lakers have had their most success when rotating Luka Doncic and James, but when the King is out it’s Reaves who steps into the role.

And the same should be expected on Wednesday. The Nuggets have the 12th-worst defensive rating in the NBA (116.5).

That is reflected in the high game total currently set at 233.5. That’s a lot of points, and if it gets near this number, Reaves should be heavily involved.

At that point, it becomes about efficiency. Luckily, the 26-year-old guard has proven to score at a high level while maintaining elite shooting splits.

Key stat: LeBron has missed the last five games, and Reaves scored 26 or more in four of those contests.

Quick pick

Braun over 13.5 points (-110): The Nuggets may not have the best defence but their offence more than makes up for it. The team ranks tied for second in offensive rating (120.9).

Since Feb. 1, Denver is 15-6 and Braun has stepped up his production.

  • Over that time, Braun has averaged 17.3 points per game.
  • He’s been hyper-efficient, knocking down 56.7% of his shots and 39.4% of his 3s.
  • He is 14-6 against this line during that span.

The 23-year-old missed Denver’s last game with an injury after being probable on the injury report. If he goes tonight, I expect him to take on a normal workload.

If he can’t suit up, no harm done as this prop pick would be voided.

Nuggets vs. Lakers prop picks made at 10:51 a.m. ET 03/14/2025.