Handicapper Ben Burns

I'm playing on LA/Utah OVER the total. The Lakers have been on an 'under' streak of late which has helped to keep this line lower than it could have otherwise been. I believe that it'll prove to be too low. With the Lakers off a game in Denver's high altitude last night, the Jazz should be looking to push the pace. The Lakers' last visit here produced 215 points. On the season, games here are producing 213.8 points (higher than their road games) and LA road games are producing 222.7 points, considerably more than their road games. The Jazz, who have averaged more than 120 ppg their last two at home, have already seen the OVER go 2-0 as home favorites of six or fewer points. Expect those stats to improve. 

I'm playing LA on the puck-line (+1.5 goals) Its tough to win two road games in two nights. Its really tough to win them both by multiple goals. Off a 5-2 win at SJ last night, now playing their second game in two days, I expect the Caps to face a far more difficult test. A look at the Kings' recent home games shows that they've won five of their past seven here. A closer look shows that five of those seven games, including both of the losses, were by a single goal. In other words, if they'd been getting an extra +1.5 goals in each of those games, they'd have been a perfect 7-0. While the Caps did recently win a game at Detroit, after playing the previous day, they're still just 15-16 overall the past 2+ seasons, when playing the second of b2b games. Prior to the 5-2 win at Detroit, their previous five b2b spots had all been decided by a single goal. Last year's game here resulted in a 3-2 win for the Caps. Expect AT LEAST a "puck-line cover" for the rested home team. 

Including complimentary winners on the Canucks/Sens 'over' yesterday and the Atlanta Hawks the previous day, Ben Burns is 9-1 the past two days overall. Here, he takes a look at tonight's Miami/Boston game.

This is a tough spot for the Heat. Last night, they left it all on the floor in an OT win at Toronto, against the defending champs. A great effort ... but it figures to take a toll tonight. With the Celtics coming in rested and with a perfect 9-0 ATS record (7-2 SU) against teams with a winning record, consider laying the points. 

Its Ben Burns' time of the year and he's HEATING UP BIG with his football. Thursday's winner with the Vikings first half brought him to 14-3 on the season with his NFL first half plays. He's got TWELVE FOOTBALL PLAYS including his  NFL GAME OF THE MONTH locked and loaded. The time is NOW. Don't wait!

I'm playing on UNC. The Buckeyes are off to a great start. However, they're playing at a very difficult venue and I expect the talented Tar Heels to bring them down to earth this evening. The Buckeyes are just 2-5 SU/ATS the past 2+ seasons as road underdogs of six or fewer points. During that span, the Heels are 4-1 SU/ATS as home favorites of six or less. While the Buckeyes scored 90 points last time out, it should be kept in mind that the opponent was Morgan State. Also, they're just 8-13 ATS the past couple of seasons, after scoring 80 or more points in their previous game. Expect homecourt to prove the difference, the ACC getting the better of the Big Ten in this one. 

I'm playing on UTAH. I successfully played against the Jazz in their last game. However, that was on the road, at a venue where visiting teams were 0-9 and the Jazz were at a scheduling disadvantage. They were also facing a 76ers team which was determined to avenge an earlier close loss. The shoe is completely on the other foot here though. This time, the Jazz are at home. This time, the Jazz are rested and facing a Laker team which played last night in the altitude of Denver. This time, the Jazz are the ones playing with revenge from an earlier loss. While their starts weren't very good, I liked the effort/heart the Jazz showed in each of their last two losses. They fell behind big in both cases but didn't quit either time. They're 11-4 ATS (12-3 ATS) their last 15, off b2b road losses. Expect them to bounce back and improve on those stats Wednesday night.