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Maple Leafs vs. Blackhawks props Feb. 23: Bet on Marner to shine in plus-money pick

The Toronto Maple Leafs battle the Chicago Blackhawks in a game that should feature plenty of offence.

The pregame narrative: Mitch Marner had a strong showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off and I expect him to feast against a weak Chicago Blackhawks defence. William Nylander is poised to snap his goalless drought, while John Tavares is a good choice to beat his shot prop.

Check out my Maple Leafs vs. Blackhawks props for Feb. 23.

Maple Leafs vs. Blackhawks props

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Best Bet: Marner to score 2+ points (+143)

Toronto should score plenty in this contest.

The Maple Leafs are fresh off a six-goal showing against the stingy Carolina Hurricanes and face a much easier defensive side in Chicago.

The Blackhawks have been absolutely dreadful defensively. They rank:

30th in goals against per game (3.46)
30th in shots against per game (31.6)
30th in scoring chances against per 60 (30.41)

Toronto, meanwhile, is a competent 12th in goals per game (3.13) and should be able to fill the net.

That likely means a standout performance from Toronto’s top point producer.

Marner has 71 points in 55 games and should be able to notch a couple of points against Chicago.

Key stat: Marner has four two-point outings in his last 10 games.

Quick picks

Nylander anytime goal (+123): Nylander remains a solid value on this market for the Maple Leafs.

He has the second-best odds to tally a goal at +123, but there’s a solid case to make that he should boast the shortest odds. His 33 goals are second only to Leon Draisaitl’s 41 across the NHL this year.

He enters this game on a three-game goalless drought, but he was riding a three-game goal streak (five total) before that.

Nylander should be able to put one past Chicago netminder Arvid Söderblom. Söderblom has allowed 12 goals in his last three games and owns a brutal .886 save percentage during this stretch.

Tavares over 2.5 shots (-104): Chicago is a prime team to back players’ shot props against.

The Blackhawks are ceding the third-most shots per game and that’s good news for Tavares. The Maple Leafs forward is third on his team in shots (134) and second on the squad in scoring chances per 60 (10.9).

Chicago has been especially bad defensively since the calendar flipped to 2025. It’s allowing the most shots per game (35.4) since Jan. 1.

Tavares recorded three shots in last night’s victory over Carolina.

Picks made at 3:34 p.m. ET 02/23/2025.

NHL anytime goal picks: Bet on Maple Leafs’ Tavares and Nylander to score

A pair of Toronto Maple Leafs headline my top NHL anytime goal picks for Sunday’s slate.

The pregame narrative: William Nylander and John Tavares are staring down a plus matchup and are solid picks to score a goal. Elsewhere, Jonathan Huberdeau is a solid pick to light the lamp as the Calgary Flames battle the San Jose Sharks.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Feb. 23.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Nylander anytime goal (+120)

It’s a little odd to see the NHL’s No. 2 goalscorer also hold the second-best odds to score a goal on his team, but that’s where Nylander sits on most nights.

It’s just how it goes when you play with Auston Matthews, but the Swedish forward has certainly emerged as the better value.

Nylander has 33 goals on the season which is only behind Leon Draisaitl’s 41 markers.

He’s goalless in his last three games, but he was riding a three-game goal streak before that (five total goals).

The matchup is right for the Toronto Maple Leafs star to strike, also. His opponent, the Chicago Blackhawks, ranks:

30th in goals against per game (3.46)
30th in shots against per game (31.6)
30th in scoring chances against per 60 (30.41)

Chicago has allowed 11 goals against in its last two games and I expect the Maple Leafs to score plenty.

Key stat: Nylander has nine goals in his last 11 games.

Other picks

Tavares anytime goal (+170): For those looking to back a Maple Leafs scorer at longer odds, Tavares is a natural pivot.

The Toronto centre is having a quality campaign. His 22 goals are second on the team this season and he just scored a goal in Saturday’s 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Arvid Söderblom starts for Chicago and he’s been dreadful lately. He’s allowed 12 goals in his last three outings and owns a .886 save percentage during this stretch.

Tavares is third on the Maple Leafs in expected goals (20.08), according to Natural Stat Trick, and he’s a solid choice to net a tally in a plus matchup.

Huberdeau anytime goal (+175): These are nice odds for Huberdeau to deliver a lamplighter.

The Calgary winger leads his team in goals (21) and points (41) this campaign. He’s heating up with two goals in his last four games, and he should be able to carry his strong form into Sunday’s matchup.

The Flames battle the defensively and goaltending inept Sharks. San Jose cedes the most goals per game (3.72) and ranks a brutal 24th on the penalty kill (75.4%).

The Sharks have the worst expected goals against in the NHL (3.55) and Huberdeau is a logical choice as I look to pick on San Jose.

Picks made at 2:08 p.m. ET 02/23/2025.

NHL anytime goal picks: Bet on Maple Leafs’ Tavares and Nylander to score

A pair of Toronto Maple Leafs headline my top NHL anytime goal picks for Sunday’s slate.

The pregame narrative: William Nylander and John Tavares are staring down a plus matchup and are solid picks to score a goal. Elsewhere, Jonathan Huberdeau is a solid pick to light the lamp as the Calgary Flames battle the San Jose Sharks.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for Feb. 23.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Nylander anytime goal (+123)

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It’s a little odd to see the NHL’s No. 2 goalscorer also hold the second-best odds to score a goal on his team, but that’s where Nylander sits on most nights.

It’s just how it goes when you play with Auston Matthews, but the Swedish forward has certainly emerged as the better value.

Nylander has 33 goals on the season which is only behind Leon Draisaitl’s 41 markers.

He’s goalless in his last three games, but he was riding a three-game goal streak before that (five total goals).

The matchup is right for the Toronto Maple Leafs star to strike, also. His opponent, the Chicago Blackhawks, ranks:

30th in goals against per game (3.46)
30th in shots against per game (31.6)
30th in scoring chances against per 60 (30.41)

Chicago has allowed 11 goals against in its last two games and I expect the Maple Leafs to score plenty.

Key stat: Nylander has nine goals in his last 11 games.

Other picks

Tavares anytime goal (+180): For those looking to back a Maple Leafs scorer at longer odds, Tavares is a natural pivot.

The Toronto centre is having a quality campaign. His 22 goals are second on the team this season and he just scored a goal in Saturday’s 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Arvid Söderblom starts for Chicago and he’s been dreadful lately. He’s allowed 12 goals in his last three outings and owns a .886 save percentage during this stretch.

Tavares is third on the Maple Leafs in expected goals (20.08), according to Natural Stat Trick, and he’s a solid choice to net a tally in a plus matchup.

Huberdeau anytime goal (+195): These are nice odds for Huberdeau to deliver a lamplighter.

The Calgary winger leads his team in goals (21) and points (41) this campaign. He’s heating up with two goals in his last four games, and he should be able to carry his strong form into Sunday’s matchup.

The Flames battle the defensively and goaltending inept Sharks. San Jose cedes the most goals per game (3.72) and ranks a brutal 24th on the penalty kill (75.4%).

The Sharks have the worst expected goals against in the NHL (3.55) and Huberdeau is a logical choice as I look to pick on San Jose.

Picks made at 2:08 p.m. ET 02/23/2025.

Suns vs. Raptors same-game parlay predictions Feb. 23: Bet Phoenix, fade RJ Barrett in +460 ticket

The Toronto Raptors host the Phoenix Suns in a matchup of struggling teams on Sunday.

The pregame narrative: Toronto and Phoenix have each lost seven of their 10 games, but I’m picking the Suns to get the win. The under on the game total seems like a solid pick with neither offence dominating this season, and I will also fade RJ Barrett in a difficult matchup.

Check out my Suns vs. Raptors same-game parlay predictions for Feb. 23.

Suns vs. Raptors predictions

Parlay: Suns moneyline | Under 226.5 points | Barrett under 21.5 points (+460)

Suns moneyline (-122): Phoenix is playing its second game in as many days and that’s the reason why this line is where it is.

As of the time of this writing, the Suns have not submitted their injury report. There could be some players missing as all of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal played on Saturday.

Phoenix’s top stars sitting out the second night of a back-to-back is a big reason why it’s 2-9 straight up with no rest.

Even if the Suns play tonight’s game without a full complement of stars, I still like them to beat the underwhelming Raptors.

Toronto is 25th in opponent points per game (116.6) and 22nd in points per contest (110.6).

Phoenix can at least hang its hat on being a competent offensive side. It’s 14th in points per game (113.3) this campaign.

Bet on the Suns winning as they aim to keep pace in the Western Conference’s play-in race.

Quick picks

Under 226.5 points (-105): Don’t expect a high-scoring affair between these two squads.

Durant, Booker and Beal all played 38 minutes on Saturday. Even if they do suit up, they could be in line for reduced roles.

Phoenix has the seventh-best under percentage (51.8%) in the NBA. The team’s slower pace helps contribute to that as it ranks 21st in pace (98.79).

You also have Toronto’s anemic offence. The Raptors have scored 110 points or fewer in five of their last six games.

Barrett under 21.5 points (-124): Lastly, I’m fading Barrett in a very difficult matchup.

The Toronto small forward enters after a pair of strong results. He has 27 and 29 points, respectively, in each of his last two games after missing the previous five.

But there are several reasons to take the under on Barrett’s points prop.

For starters, the Suns have been excellent at locking down small forwards. They’re surrendering the second-fewest points per game (19.30) to the position, according to Fantasy Pros.

Secondly, Barrett was riding a string of poor outputs before his five-game absence. He hit the under on this total in 11 of 13 contests.

Barrett is averaging 21.9 points per game on the campaign and I anticipate a below-average performance on Sunday.

Picks made at 11:50 a.m. ET on 02/23/2025.

Thunder vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay predictions Feb. 23: Bet on OKC to win, fade Conley in +475 ticket

The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Minnesota Timberwolves in a potential Western Conference playoff preview.

The pregame narrative: Minnesota easily disposed of Oklahoma City before the NBA All-Star break, but I expect the Thunder to return the favour. Additionally, I’m taking the under on the game total and Mike Conley’s points prop to round out this ticket.

Check out my Thunder vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay predictions for Feb. 23.

Thunder vs. Timberwolves predictions

Parlay: Thunder -11.5 | Under 226.5 points | Conley under 9.5 points (+475)

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Thunder -11.5 (+118): Minnesota dominated OKC to the tune of a 116-101 victory before the pause, but there are several reasons why I’m backing the latter on a teased-up spread.

Firstly, that loss snapped a seven-game streak where the Thunder won each game by 12-plus points. Oklahoma City then earned a 130-107 over the Utah Jazz after returning from the All-Star break.

Secondly, this is a battle of teams at different ends of the ATS win rate spectrum. The Thunder boast the second-best against-the-spread win percentage (63.5%) while the Timberwolves rank 25th (42.9%).

Lastly, Minnesota has been especially bad at home. It’s a mediocre 15-13 straight-up and a disappointing 9-19-1 ATS.

SGP legs

Under 226.5 points (+108): Both these teams feature stout defences that should keep this total below the number.

The two combined for 117 points in their most recent outing which marked the second time this campaign that they fell below this number.

Opposing squads have struggled to muster much against the Thunder’s suffocating defence. They’re ceding the fewest points per game (104.9).

It’s difficult to pick out a weakness in OKC’s defence. The Thunder are surrendering the fewest fast-break points per game (12.1) and points in the paint per contest (42.9).

The Timberwolves aren’t too far back, allowing the fifth-fewest points per contest (108.3). Minnesota’s defensive strength is tied to its slow pace as it ranks 25th in pace (97.90) this season.

Conley under 9.5 points (-134): This pick ties in nicely with my first two selections.

Conley is an inconsistent scorer who doesn’t usurp this mark all that often. He has gone below 9.5 points in 13 of his last 17 outings and is only averaging 8.2 points per game.

An above-average performance against the Thunder seems unlikely. OKC is allowing the fewest points per game to opposing point guards (21.76).

Conley’s usage is worth monitoring, too. He played 23:59 in his most recent outing, which was his first game back from a four-game absence.

Picks made at 10:33 a.m. ET on 02/22/2025.

Champions League playoff picks and predictions Feb. 18: Bet on Benfica to win second leg of knockout phase

Eight teams will vie for a spot in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday.

The pregame narrative: Six of the eight Champions League matchups are separated by just one goal, leaving plenty of drama for the second legs. Benfica enters with a one-goal lead over AS Monaco, and I expect the former to beat the latter. Elsewhere, I’m taking the under between Bayern Munich and Celtic.

Check out the best Champions League predictions for the knockout phase playoffs.

Champions League predictions

Full Champions League betting markets

Best Bet: Benfica to win (-118)

Benfica eked out a 1-0 victory over AS Monaco in the first meeting and I’m bullish on its chances of earning another win in the second leg.

The Eagles won thanks to a goal early in the second half from Vangelis Pavlidis, but the squad had plenty of opportunities to extend the lead.

Benfica held a significant advantage in the following categories:

Shot attempts (23-6)
Attacks (59-32)
Corners (7-2)

Benfica enters this contest in fine form, too, winning each of its last five outings.

Monaco started the contest strong thanks to an impassioned crowd at Stade Louis-II, but the club faded hard after the half. With the scene shifting to Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, I’m betting on a convincing effort from the home side.

Key stat: Benfica has already defeated Monaco twice in Champions League action in 2024-25.

Quick pick

Bayern Munich vs. Celtic under 3.5 goals (+110): I’m fine taking the plus-money odds with the under for this total.

Bayern Munich would be feeling better about its chances of advancing if not for conceding a late goal to Daizen Maeda in the first leg. The German side is still in the driver’s seat with a 2-1 edge, though, and I expect the club to rely on its defensive prowess to advance.

The Bavarians have conceded just 19 goals across 22 Bundesliga matches this year, proving to be a formidable defensive side.

Although Celtic’s offence is lighting up the Scottish Premiership, fans and bettors have come to expect more muted outputs in Champions League play. The Bhoys have gone under this total in five of their last seven Champions League matches.

Picks made at 2:26 p.m. on 02/17/25.

Champions League playoff picks and predictions Feb. 18: Bet on Benfica to win second leg of knockout phase

Eight teams will vie for a spot in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday.

The pregame narrative: Six of the eight Champions League matchups are separated by just one goal, leaving plenty of drama for the second legs. Benfica enters with a one-goal lead over AS Monaco, and I expect the former to beat the latter. Elsewhere, I’m taking the under between Bayern Munich and Celtic.

Check out the best Champions League predictions for the knockout phase playoffs.

Champions League predictions

Go to full Champions League betting markets.

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Best Bet: Benfica to win (-130)

Benfica eked out a 1-0 victory over AS Monaco in the first meeting and I’m bullish on its chances of earning another win in the second leg.

The Eagles won thanks to a goal early in the second half from Vangelis Pavlidis, but the squad had plenty of opportunities to extend the lead.

Benfica held a significant advantage in the following categories:

Shot attempts (23-6)
Attacks (59-32)
Corners (7-2)

Benfica enters this contest in fine form, too, winning each of its last five outings.

Monaco started the contest strong thanks to an impassioned crowd at Stade Louis-II, but the club faded hard after the half. With the scene shifting to Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, I’m betting on a convincing effort from the home side.

Key stat: Benfica has already defeated Monaco twice in Champions League action in 2024-25.

Quick pick

Bayern Munich vs. Celtic under 3.5 goals (+120): I’m fine taking the plus-money odds with the under for this total.

Bayern Munich would be feeling better about its chances of advancing if not for conceding a late goal to Daizen Maeda in the first leg. The German side is still in the driver’s seat with a 2-1 edge, though, and I expect the club to rely on its defensive prowess to advance.

The Bavarians have conceded just 19 goals across 22 Bundesliga matches this year, proving to be a formidable defensive side.

Although Celtic’s offence is lighting up the Scottish Premiership, fans and bettors have come to expect more muted outputs in Champions League play. The Bhoys have gone under this total in five of their last seven Champions League matches.

Picks made at 2:26 p.m. on 02/17/25.

Quentin Halys vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime Qatar Open best bet and odds: Bet on FAA to beat Halys in straight sets

Felix Auger-Aliassime winning in quick order is my best bet for his match against Quentin Halys at the Qatar Open.

The pregame narrative: Auger-Aliassime aims to continue his string of positive results in Doha. He profiles as a significant favourite against Halys. I’m betting on Auger-Aliassime to blow by Halys in straight sets.

Check out my Halys vs. Auger-Aliassime Qatar Open best bet for the match on Feb. 18.

Halys vs. Auger-Aliassime Qatar Open best bet

Best Bet: Auger-Aliassime to win 2-0 (-138)

It’s fair to say that Auger-Aliassime is back.

The Canadian tennis star struggled through injuries and consistency issues the last couple of years but seems to have regained his form. Auger-Aliassime has already won at Montpelier and Adelaide this year and sports an impressive 10-3 record on the surface.

FAA has beaten some top competitors along the way, too, ousting both Sebastian Korda and Tommy Paul in Adelaide.

Halys enters as the ATP’s No. 79 competitor, but he’s having a rough go in 2025. He has an underwhelming 3-4 record and had to battle through two rounds of qualifiers to advance to the standard field for the Qatar Open.

The Frenchman’s serve is dialled in ahead of this matchup as he’s totalled 21 aces to just three double faults in qualifiers.

But it’s important to remember that Auger-Aliassime represents a significantly tougher challenge as a returner. Halys battled Stan Wawrinka and Mubarak Shannan Zayid, and neither is an especially fluid returner.

Auger-Aliassime, meanwhile, ranks 33rd in return rating (138.5), per ATPTour.com.

The Canadian has been very good at neutralizing first serves. Over the past 52 weeks, he ranks 13th 13th in first serve return points percentage (30.6%).

He also has an impressive serve in his own right, ranking 19th with an average of 8.8 aces per match across the last 52 weeks.

Bet on Auger-Aliassime to blow past Halys and earn a convincing win in Doha.

Key stat: Three of Auger-Aliassime’s last four wins have been via straight sets.

Picks made at 12:54 p.m. ET on 02/17/2025.

Quentin Halys vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime Qatar Open best bet and odds: Bet on FAA to beat Halys in straight sets

Felix Auger-Aliassime winning in quick order is my best bet for his match against Quentin Halys at the Qatar Open.

The pregame narrative: Auger-Aliassime aims to continue his string of positive results in Doha. He profiles as a significant favourite against Halys. I’m betting on Auger-Aliassime to blow by Halys in straight sets.

Check out my Halys vs. Auger-Aliassime Qatar Open best bet for the match on Feb. 18.

Halys vs. Auger-Aliassime Qatar Open best bet

Go to full Halys vs. Auger-Aliassime betting markets.

Best Bet: Auger-Aliassime -1.5 sets (-127)