Sports Handicapper Dan Kaiser's Picks & Predictions

Houston is putting up 114.2 points per game and allowing 107.9 points per game. Detroit is putting up 112.3 points per game but allows 113.6 points per game.The last time these two met, Houston did not shoot the ball well but have been playing a lot better on the offensive end. Houston’s Jalen Green has put things together this month has has scored 22 points or more in every game this month. Houston is one of the best defensive teams in the NBA and the Pistons are without their playmaker Jayden Ivery. Houston has covered the spread in four of the last six games overall. Take the Rockets to cover at home in this one.

Play on Houston. This is a FREE  play

Memphis has been playing well this season and a lot of that has to do with the fact that they play at the fastest pace and lead the league in scoring. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. give the Grizz a dynamic dua that will be difficult for the T-wolves to slow down. The T-wolves will also be without Dante DiVincenzo and Rudy Gobert is listed as questionable. The Grizzlies have won three of their last four games, which includes a road win over Minnesota. The Timberwolves have lost three of their last five games. Minnesota has given up over 113 points over their last three games. That is not good when you are facing the best scoring offense and you have been inconsistent on the offensive end.

Play on Memphis. This is a 4% play

These are the top two scoring defenses in all of college football, and only one of these offenses would be considered explosive. Notre Dame has injury concerns, Riley Leonard may not be at 100% and not as willing to run as usual. Jeremiyah Love was also dealing with an injury, rushed for 46 yards against Penn State. Notre Dame held Georgia to just ten points, and rely on their defense to keep them close in games. Notre Dames only chance is to control the ball on the ground and to keep it within a one score game.

Play on the UNDER, This is a 4% play

#8 Ohio State (13-2) and #7 Notre Dame (14-1) meet in the National Championship Game. This would have been one of the last matchups I would have predicted before the playoffs started.  Ohio State beat #9 Tennessee, #1 Oregon, and #5 Texas to get here, while Notre Dame defeated #10 Indiana, #2 Georgia and #6 Penn State. OSU has won all three playoff games by at least 14 points. Ohio State ranks 12th in the nation in scoring at 35.8 points per game, and they have the best defense in the nation, allowing just 12.2 points per game. Notre Dame finished the season sixth with 37.0 points scored per game, and their defense ranked 2nd by giving up 14.3 per game. These are the top two defenses in the nation in terms of points allowed. Ohio State has sthe more explosive offense. Notre Dame has been battling injuries to Riley Leonard and Jeremiyah Love.  OSU has two receivers and two running backs with over 900 yards receiving and rushing. Notre Dames top receiver has just over 400 yards receiving. OSU has two many ways to score and ND’s only hope is to control the ball on the ground with Leonard and Love. Love has been banged up with a knee issue and if he can’t go at 100% the Irish will be in trouble. I like OSU to win by 10+.

PLayon OSU. This is  a 4% play.