Sports Handicapper Michael Alexander's Picks & Predictions

Rating: 2 Units

In this NJIT vs Vermont Prediction, Vermont is coming as -12 favorites. Vermont has been the better team this season but NJIT has been better against the spread. Vermont has been red-hot lately with a 7-1 record in its last 8 games, while on the other hand, NJIT is 1-4 both straight up and against the spread in its last 5 games. Both teams split wins in the regular season but Vermont is 8-2 in their last 10 head-to-head matches and have been superior both on the offensive and the defensive end, as they have a top-100 defense in the nation. Take Vermont to win and cover in this one.

Rating: 2 Units

Arizona State has won four of its last five games played at neutral venues. While Baylor has lost nine of its last 12 Conference Tournament games.

Rating: 4 Units

The Penguins won their previous meeting against the Hurricanes this season by 5-1 at home but the Canes are 7-2 in their 9 meetings before that.  In this Penguins vs Hurricanes Prediction, the Hurricanes are coming as -220 home favorites. The Hurricanes have been the better team this season and are the third-best home team in hockey so far. They are 7-2 in their last 9 games and are 10-1 in their last 11 home games, while on the other hand, the Penguins are 1-3 in their last 4 games and 1-3 in their last 4 on the road, so I don’t trust them to do any damage in Carolina. I expect an easy victory for the hosts in this one, so take the Canes on the puckline.

Rating: 4 Units

Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5. The Lightning own the better overall record, the better goal differential, superior special teams, and the best goaltender on the ice in Vasilevskiy. Columbus is shorthanded on defense, exhausted from a cross-country back-to-back, and walking into a building where Tampa is one of the league's most dangerous home teams. The Blue Jackets have beaten the Lightning before, but this is not the right spot to back them

Rating: 4 Units

The Avalanche have won each of their last 12 Tuesday home games and have covered the puck line in five of their last six home games against Pacific Division opponents. While the Oilers have lost eight of their last nine road games following a road win and have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four games against opponents on a winning streak.

Rating: 4 Units

Charlotte already defeated Portland recently and enters this matchup with a slightly stronger offensive profile. The Hornets score more points per game and have shown the ability to dominate when their offense is clicking. With Portland struggling defensively throughout the season, Charlotte should have the edge again in this matchup.

Rating: 4 Units

The Warriors are getting some guys back from injury and if anything, last night’s loss only creates a bounce-back spot here. If the Warriors can’t rebound from that loss, it’s time to look at this team funny in the light. The Bulls are one of the more banged-up teams in the league and they’re not winning or covering. The Bulls have also lost 20 times on the road. There are no excuses here. Give me the Warriors and the small number.

Rating: 4 Units

The Mavericks are still playing without Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II, who are both out, while the Hawks are keeping an eye on Jonathan Kuminga, who is a game-time decision. The Mavericks haven’t been able to buy a win lately and their confidence took another gut shot after getting humbled by the Raptors in an ugly defeat on Sunday and now they take on the rising Hawks, who are playing their best basketball of the season right now. The line was always going to be hefty but I am comfortable laying the points in this one, as the Hawks are in a groove right now and I think they stay hot with another win and cover at home.