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Nets vs. Raptors same-game parlay predictions Jan 1: Expect Brooklyn to keep it close, Johnson to fill basket at +325

The Brooklyn Nets visit the struggling Toronto Raptors to kick off the new year.

The pregame narrative: I have no faith in Toronto, so I’m backing the Nets to cover an alternate spread. I also like the under and a Cameron Johnson prop pick in this +325 SGP.

Check out my Nets vs. Raptors same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 1.

Nets vs. Raptors predictions

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Parlay: Nets +3.5 + Under 224.5 points + Johnson over 19.5 points (+325)

Nets +3.5 (-143): The Raptors have lost 11 games in a row and there’s no way I can get behind them right now.

On the season, Toronto has failed to cover this spread in 28 of 33 games. But the active 11-game losing streak has been particularly dark.

The horrid run of play started with a seven-point loss to the Nets and closed out with a 54-point beatdown by the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.

With no rest and important players like RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick on the injury report (both listed as questionable), it’s hard to see the Raptors winning by more than a few points, if at all.

Brooklyn made its second trade of the season recently, sending Dorian Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers for D’Angelo Russell and draft capital.

While Russell fit in terribly with the Lakers, the Nets are in desperate need of another ball handler after trading away Dennis Schroder.

Brooklyn’s new point guard is expected to make his first appearance for the team on Wednesday.

Do I think Brooklyn is a playoff team now? No. Do I think it’s good enough to beat Toronto for the second time in a few weeks? Yes.

SGP legs

Under 224.5 points (-167): A big part of the Raptors’ struggles is how awful their offence has been.

Toronto has averaged 95.6 points per game on its current 11-game losing streak. For context, the Orlando Magic currently score the fewest PPG (105.9) in the NBA.

The offence seriously missed Barrett and Dick yesterday as it scored 71 points against the Celtics.

You won’t be surprised to hear that that’s the fewest by a team in a game this season.

Brooklyn’s offence ranks the worst of the two teams this season, though, scoring the fifth-fewest points per game (107.8).

As mentioned before, I do expect Russell to help the offensive struggles but this is still a total I feel good about taking the under on.

Johnson over 19.5 points (-210): In that Dec. 19 meeting between Toronto and Brooklyn, Johnson scored 33 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field.

He went to the free throw line 12 times, which was a massive aid to that final stat line.

Jakob Poeltl is in for this game, however, meaning I don’t think Johnson will get fouled as much near the rim. But his potential as a scorer is still there in this matchup.

According to Fantasy Pros, the Raptors allow the fourth-most points per game to small forwards (23.5).

Having less playmaking responsibilities after the trade will help Johnson focus on scoring and that’s what he’s best at.

The forward shoots 48.8% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range.

Picks made at 10:48 a.m. ET 01/01/2025.

Devils vs. Kings best bets Jan. 1: Bet on Los Angeles to win a low-scoring game

The lone hockey game on New Year’s Day is between the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings.

The pregame narrative: The Kings are one of the league’s premium home teams and I’m backing them against the Devils on Wednesday. Additionally, I like the under between two tough defensive sides.

Check out my Devils vs. Kings best bets.

Devils vs. Kings best bets

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Best bet: Under 5.5 goals (+100)

The best place to start is with each team’s over/under records:

New Jersey: 14-24-2
Los Angeles: 12-21-2

As you can see, the Devils and Kings have gone under their projected totals in over 60% of their games this season.

Los Angeles concedes the fewest shots on target per game (24.6) while giving up the fifth-fewest goals (2.6). New Jersey matches that by allowing the third-fewest shots and second-fewest goals (2.5).

Neither team makes many mistakes, leading to minimal scoring chances for the opposition.

I expect another calculated approach from both sides in this New Year’s Day contest.

Key stat: When the Devils and Kings met on Dec. 12, the game finished 3-1 with a total of 40 shots on net.

Quick pick

Kings moneyline (-112): New Jersey got the best of L.A. in the first meeting, winning 3-1, but I believe home ice is a huge advantage here.

The Kings are 12-2 at home and haven’t lost at Crypto.com Arena since Nov. 20. They have wins over the Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets during this run.

That list makes up four of the top seven teams in the Western Conference.

The Devils bring a similar level of competition, sitting second in the East, but they’ve played a league-high 40 games and their 12-7 away record is nothing to write home about.

They had a favourable schedule in December, playing only five away games. The Devils went 2-3 and lost three straight with the most recent defeat coming last night to the Anaheim Ducks.

That’s not a great look. And with fatigue being an added factor for the Devils, I love this spot for the Kings.

Picks made at 9:28 a.m. ET on 01/01/2025.

Devils vs. Kings best bets Jan. 1: Bet on Los Angeles to win a low-scoring game

The lone hockey game on New Year’s Day is between the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings.

The pregame narrative: The Kings are one of the league’s premium home teams and I’m backing them against the Devils on Wednesday. Additionally, I like the under between two tough defensive sides.

Check out my Devils vs. Kings best bets.

Devils vs. Kings best bets

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Best bet: Under 5.5 goals (-103)

The best place to start is with each team’s over/under records:

New Jersey: 14-24-2
Los Angeles: 12-21-2

As you can see, the Devils and Kings have gone under their projected totals in over 60% of their games this season.

Los Angeles concedes the fewest shots on target per game (24.6) while giving up the fifth-fewest goals (2.6). New Jersey matches that by allowing the third-fewest shots and second-fewest goals (2.5).

Neither team makes many mistakes, leading to minimal scoring chances for the opposition.

I expect another calculated approach from both sides in this New Year’s Day contest.

Key stat: When the Devils and Kings met on Dec. 12, the game finished 3-1 with a total of 40 shots on net.

Quick pick

Kings moneyline (-106): New Jersey got the best of L.A. in the first meeting, winning 3-1, but I believe home ice is a huge advantage here.

The Kings are 12-2 at home and haven’t lost at Crypto.com Arena since Nov. 20. They have wins over the Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets during this run.

That list makes up four of the top seven teams in the Western Conference.

The Devils bring a similar level of competition, sitting second in the East, but they’ve played a league-high 40 games and their 12-7 away record is nothing to write home about.

They had a favourable schedule in December, playing only five away games. The Devils went 2-3 and lost three straight with the most recent defeat coming last night to the Anaheim Ducks.

That’s not a great look. And with fatigue being an added factor for the Devils, I love this spot for the Kings.

Picks made at 8:35 a.m. ET on 01/01/2025.

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NFL Week 18 odds and betting lines: Vikings and Lions play for NFC’s No. 1 seed

The NFL season closes out with a jam-packed 14-game Sunday afternoon slate.

The latest: Every team plays a divisional rival this weekend. The AFC North plays on Saturday, with three teams looking to change their playoff fortunes. On Sunday, The NFC North — and the conference’s No. 1 seed — is up for grabs when the Minnesota Vikings play the Detroit Lions.

Check out the latest NFL Week 18 odds below.

NFL Week 18 odds

Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens

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Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

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Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

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Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

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New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts

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Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys

Lines OTB

Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans

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Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots

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Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos

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San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals

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Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets

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Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams

Lines OTB

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

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Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions

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Visit all of NorthStar Bets’ NFL markets. Click on game odds below to bet now.

Betting Insights

Cincinnati needs a win against the Steelers in conjunction with a Dolphins and Broncos loss to lock in the No. 7 seed. Pittsburgh has let the AFC North slip away by losing three straight games but can still finish on top (with a win and a Ravens loss) and ruin a division rival’s season in the process.

Baltimore can wrap up the AFC North with a win over the 3-12 Browns. Cleveland turned to Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback a few weeks back and the results haven’t been promising. The Ravens shouldn’t have any issues picking up a win here but weirder things have happened.

The Broncos are 9-7 and draw the Chiefs as their final opponent. KC is 17-1 against Denver in its last 18 games but luckily for the Broncos, the Chiefs have nothing to play for and will be resting many of their starters. Denver is a large home favourite against the Carson Wentz-led Chiefs.
It’s win and in for the Buccaneers, who currently hold a one-game lead over the Falcons in the NFC South. Tampa Bay hosts New Orleans while Atlanta welcomes in Carolina. Both the Buccaneers and Falcons are favoured.

The winner of Sunday’s Vikings/Lions matchup will get the first week of the playoffs off and home-field advantage through the championship game. The loser will have to go on the road as a wild card. That’s what’s at stake between two 13-plus win teams.

Falcons vs. Commanders Week 17 same-game parlay predictions: Back Ertz, Penix in +320 SNF wager

NFL Sunday closes out with an exciting game between the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders.

The pregame narrative: These teams have taken part in high-scoring games this season, and I like the over on a teased-down total for tonight. I’m also backing Michael Penix Jr. and Zach Ertz in this +320 wager.

Check out my Falcons vs. Commanders same-game parlay predictions for Sunday Night Football.

Falcons vs. Commanders same-game parlay predictions

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Parlay: Over 42.5 points + Penix over 18.5 completions + Ertz over 29.5 receiving yards (+320)

Over 42.5 points (-190): In Penix’s first career start, the Falcons scored 34 points. The rookie quarterback’s numbers didn’t jump off the page but he put the offence in better positions than a worn down Kirk Cousins could.

Atlanta averaged 13.8 points across the previous four weeks with Cousins as its starter.

On the other side, Washington is a high-scoring team that can give up points on defence.

The Commanders score 28.8 points per game (fourth-most in the NFL) while allowing 23.2 points, which is more than the league average.

Buying a few points gives this leg a bit more security. Washington has gone over this total in 12 of 15 games.

Other parlay picks

Penix over 18.5 completions (-117): With a negative game script, Penix still managed to complete 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards last week.

Bijan Robinson was the main attraction, securing 94 yards and two touchdowns. Atlanta’s defence managed to return two interceptions for scores, as well.

Robinson can still have a big night but I expect the Falcons to pass more as they try to keep pace with a dynamic Commanders offence.

It’s a small sample size, but Penix has completed 65.6% of his passes this season (21-of-32).

Ertz over 29.5 receiving yards (-143): The Commanders’ veteran tight end ranks second on the team in receiving yards (538) and has often been a safety net for Jayden Daniels.

Ertz is 10-5 against this line but is coming off two consecutive weeks where he fell short.

The good news is the Falcons have a below-average pass defence that allows 223.4 passing yards per game.

It’s also worth noting that Ertz is approaching contract incentives for 60 receptions (five away) and 600 yards (62 away).

Picks made at 1:40 p.m. on 12/29/24.

Spurs vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay predictions Dec. 29: Bet on Wembanyama, Edwards and Gobert at +340

The San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves headline Sunday’s NBA action.

The pregame narrative: Victor Wembanyama has turned things around following a slow start and I predict another high-scoring performance from the Frenchman. I’m adding in prop picks on Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert to craft a +340 SGP.

Check out my Spurs vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay predictions for Dec. 29.

Spurs vs. Timberwolves predictions

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Parlay: Wembanyama over 23.5 points + Edwards over 24.5 points + Gobert over 0.5 steals (+340)

Wembanyama over 23.5 points (-136): The second-year phenom fell short of this point total in his last game but finished with 24-plus points in six of the seven games prior.

Wembanyama finished with 19 points against the Brooklyn Nets but took his fewest shot attempts (14) since Nov. 7.

The 7-foot-5 Wembanyama spends most of his time on the perimeter, so Minnesota’s elite rim protection isn’t much of a concern.

In fact, Wemby takes more 3s (9.4) than 2s (9.3) per game. It’s a thin margin, but it highlights how much of an anomaly he is.

I’m a firm believer that Gobert struggles against more mobile bigs. In his most recent game, opposing centre Alperen Sengun had 38 points and shot 64.0% from the field.

SGP legs

Edwards over 24.5 points (-143): I’m buying in on Edwards right now as I think a string of strong performances is imminent.

The explosive guard topped this total on Christmas Day and then went under against the Rockets on Friday. He finished just shy with 24 points but shot 9-for-17 from the field and 4-for-8 from deep.

Minnesota’s offence was on fire that night, shooting 51% and hitting 21 of its 43 attempted 3s.

Edwards didn’t need to carry the offence but that’s rarely the case. He’s just one of two players on the T-Wolves who averages more than 13.0 PPG.

This is also a matchup Edwards can take advantage of. The Spurs allow the sixth-most points to SGs (23.8) per game, according to Fantasy Pros.

Gobert over 0.5 steals (-205): This leg has the shortest odds but for good reason.

Gobert has been excellent against this line lately, recording a steal in 10 of the last 12 games.

San Antonio commits the 10th-most turnovers per game (15.0). Additionally, Wembanyama averages 3.6 turnovers a night and Gobert will be his primary defender on Sunday.

Picks made at 11:24 a.m. ET 12/29/2024

NHL prop picks Dec. 29: Back Tkachuk to be active in the offensive zone on Sunday

Two forwards and one defenceman make up Sunday’s NHL prop picks.

The pregame narrative: Brady Tkachuk is one of the league’s most active offensive players and I’m backing his shots prop against the Minnesota Wild. I also like Jamie Benn to record a point tonight.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 29.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: Tkachuk over 3.5 shots (-150)

This isn’t a line we get often, but the Wild provide a tough matchup. They allow the sixth-fewest goals per game (2.7).

However, they do concede the 15th-most shots per game (28.6), which is right around league average.

It’s going to take a lot more than that to scare me away from this pick, as Tkachuk is willing to let his shot go from all areas.

4.1 shots per game (2nd in the NHL)
4+ shots in 20/35 games

The Wild have been outshot in six of their last seven games. If Ottawa dictates the pace, expect Tkachuk to be heavily involved on offence.

Key stat: Tkachuk has cashed this bet in four of his past six games.

Quick picks

Benn to score 1+ points (-143): The long-time Dallas Star is heating up right now and I want in on the action.

Benn has recorded a point in 10 of his last 13 games, tallying 12 points in that time.

On Sunday, the Stars take on the Chicago Blackhawks, who present a favourable match to stay hot in.

Chicago allows the eighth-most goals per game (3.3). The side has lost three straight games, allowing 16 goals in that span.

The Stars score the 12th-most goals (3.1) and record the third-most shots on goal (30.9) per game.

This is a good spot to back Benn.

Picks made at 9:50 a.m. 12/29/2024.

NHL prop picks Dec. 29: Back Tkachuk to be active in the offensive zone on Sunday

Two forwards and one defenceman make up Sunday’s NHL prop picks.

The pregame narrative: Brady Tkachuk is one of the league’s most active offensive players and I’m backing his shots prop against the Minnesota Wild. I also like Jamie Benn and Brandt Clarke to record points tonight.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 29.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: Tkachuk over 3.5 shots (-124)

This isn’t a line we get often, but the Wild provide a tough matchup. They allow the sixth-fewest goals per game (2.7).

However, they do concede the 15th-most shots per game (28.6), which is right around league average.

It’s going to take a lot more than that to scare me away from this pick, as Tkachuk is willing to let his shot go from all areas.

4.1 shots per game (2nd in the NHL)
4+ shots in 20/35 games

The Wild have been outshot in six of their last seven games. If Ottawa dictates the pace, expect Tkachuk to be heavily involved on offence.

Key stat: Tkachuk has cashed this bet in four of his past six games.

Quick picks

Benn to score 1+ points (-137): The long-time Dallas Star is heating up right now and I want in on the action.

Benn has recorded a point in 10 of his last 13 games, tallying 12 points in that time.

On Sunday, the Stars take on the Chicago Blackhawks, who present a favourable match to stay hot in.

Chicago allows the eighth-most goals per game (3.3). The side has lost three straight games, allowing 16 goals in that span.

The Stars score the 12th-most goals (3.1) and record the third-most shots on goal (30.9) per game.

Clarke to score 1+ points (+118): This is going to be Clarke’s first full season in the NHL and he’s making the most of his ice time.

The defenceman has 20 points in 35 games. That leads the Los Angeles Kings’ defence despite Clarke being the fourth among blue-liners in average ice time (17:46).

A lot of that has to do with his position on the top power play. Clarke has seven PP points this season.

The Philadelphia Flyers are a plus matchup for any opposing skater. They allow the third-most goals per game (3.6) while having a below-average penalty kill (78.6%).

Picks made at 9:50 a.m. 12/29/2024.

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Lions vs. 49ers Week 17 MNF best bets and odds: Back Detroit ATS, LaPorta to stay hot

A rematch of the 2023 NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers takes place on Monday Night Football.

The pregame narrative: The Lions are rolling into the late stages of the season, and I don’t expect them to slow down against the 49ers. My favourite prop pick for the game is on tight end Sam LaPorta.

Check out my Lions vs. 49ers best bets for MNF on Dec. 30.

Lions vs.49ers best bets

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Best Bet: LaPorta over 45.5 receiving yards (-118)

LaPorta has seen regression in his second year as a pro, but he’s starting to turn things around.

Over the past three weeks, the tight end has:

24 targets
16 receptions
46+ yards in 2/3 games

With David Montgomery out for the regular season, Detroit has needed to pass the ball more to avoid running Jahmyr Gibbs into the ground.

Jared Goff has thrown the ball 132 times over the last three games.

LaPorta has been one beneficiary of the uptick in passing attempts, and I’m predicting another strong performance.

Key stat: Detroit’s tight end had nine receptions for 97 yards against San Fransisco in last year’s NFC championship.

Quick pick

Lions -3.5 (-110): Detroit is 7-0 against teams currently under .500 with a +167 point differential. It covered this spread in six of those games, winning the other by three points against the Chicago Bears.

The Lions are just too big of a wagon this season that I couldn’t bring myself to even consider siding with the 49ers here.

San Francisco has a single win against the Bears since Week 11. The team is averaging 16.9 points and 24.5 points against over that time.

Detroit is the more talented side and has had just one loss since Week 2. That came against the Buffalo Bills, who are legit Super Bowl contenders.

Picks made at 4:07 p.m. ET 12/28/2024.

Lions vs. 49ers Week 17 MNF best bets and odds: Back Detroit ATS, LaPorta to stay hot

A rematch of the 2023 NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers takes place on Monday Night Football.

The pregame narrative: The Lions are rolling into the late stages of the season, and I don’t expect them to slow down against the 49ers. My favourite prop pick for the game is on tight end Sam LaPorta.

Check out my Lions vs. 49ers best bets for MNF on Dec. 30.

Lions vs.49ers best bets

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Best Bet: LaPorta over 3.5 receptions (-121)

LaPorta has seen regression in his second year as a pro, but he’s starting to turn things around.

Over the past three weeks, the tight end has:

24 targets
16 receptions
4+ catches in 3/3 games

With David Montgomery out for the regular season, Detroit has needed to pass the ball more to avoid running Jahmyr Gibbs into the ground.

Jared Goff has thrown the ball 132 times over the last three games.

LaPorta has been one beneficiary of the uptick in passing attempts, and I’m predicting another strong performance.

Key stat: Detroit’s tight end had nine receptions for 97 yards against San Fransisco in last year’s NFC championship.

Quick pick

Lions -3.5 (-112): Detroit is 7-0 against teams currently under .500 with a +167 point differential. It covered this spread in six of those games, winning the other by three points against the Chicago Bears.

The Lions are just too big of a wagon this season that I couldn’t bring myself to even consider siding with the 49ers here.

San Francisco has a single win against the Bears since Week 11. The team is averaging 16.9 points and 24.5 points against over that time.

Detroit is the more talented side and has had just one loss since Week 2. That came against the Buffalo Bills, who are legit Super Bowl contenders.

Picks made at 2:54 p.m. ET 12/28/2024.