Sports Handicapper Nick Parsons's Picks & Predictions

This is an INSIDER-PLAY on the Toronto Raptors.

Both teams have been great and it wouldn't be difficult to write a convincing argument for either side to come out on top in this one, but the Lakers are expect to rest Luka and possibly others with a game at Boston tomorrow.

And for me, it's as simple as that. The Raptors have been playing extremely well defensively and I think they'll be super pumped up for this game.

Let's bypass the spread option and instead just take TORONTO to win outright.

Good luck, NP

This is a WESTERN CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE MONTH on the OVER Kraken/Oilers.

As being primarily a situational capper, I am loving the way this one sets up to be more of a faster-paced and higher-scoring "shootout," rather than a slower-paced goaltenders battle.

Both teams enter off losses, and each will be looking to bounce back and to find the back of the net. Which I foresee happening at a prodigious rate.

Seattle enters 11-7-6 overall, including 5-4-3 on the road, while Edmonton is 11-11-5 overall, including 5-3-2 at home. 

The Kraken enter hungry to snap a three-game slide, including a 4-0 home loss to these very Oilers in the most recent. Seattle has also seen the total go UNDER the number in five straight now.

But, both of those facts are important to note, as Seattle has in fact seen the total go OVER in four of its last five (dating to last year), in trying to avenge a shutout home loss as an underdog vs. an opponent, and in three of its last four after playing to five or more straight UNDERS in a row.

The Oilers have been all over the map as far as their consistency is concerned from one game to the next this season, as two nights after shutting out Seattle on the road, Edmonton lost its most recent home game to the Wild by a score of 1-0.

So, Seattle does indeed come to town well-rested with four whole nights off coming into this one.

Overall, the Kraken average 2.5 goals per game, which ranks 31st, while conceding just 2.6, which ranks fourth, while Edmonton averages 3.1 goals per game, ranked 12th, while conceding 3.6, which is ranked 29th.

Seattle is expected to turn to Joey Daccord between the pipes, and he's 7-5-4 with a 2.68 goals against, while Stuart Skinner is 9-8-3 with a 2.90 goals against.

Seattle plays with revenge and is desperate to avoid a four-game slide, while Edmonton is out to atone for a poor shutout home loss to the Wild and an overall shaky start to the season.

With each side pushing the pace in the rematch like I believe it will, everything points to this total flying OVER the number sooner, rather than later.

Good luck, NP

This is a THURSDAY GAME OF THE MONTH on the Lions.

I think the more motivated side is going to win this game, and I think that the more motivated side is Detroit.

Dallas is 6-5 SU, including 2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS on the road. 

The Lions are 7-5 overall, including 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS at home.

Dak Prescott and the Cowboys are 3-0 SU/ATS over their last three, with big wins over Philadelphia and Kansas City, which has a lot of pundits starting to pile quickly back onto the Cowboys.

But now out on the road on the short week across the country, this absolutely feels like a letdown spot. 

And it's also a bit of a look-ahead position as well, with back-to-back "winnable" home games following this one against the Vikings and Chargers.

And that's followed by games vs. Washington and the Giants. 

Dallas has fought its way back into contention, but this letdown + look-ahead spot sets up as a trap game for the visitors in my opinion.

But, for the Lions, it really feels like a do-or-die situation here, especially with extremely difficult matchups to end the season, at the Rams next week, followed by a home game against Pittsburgh, followed by two road games to close out the season at the Vikings and the Bears.

And, more importantly, especially after falling 31-24 to Green Bay at home as a 3-point favorite on Thanksgiving.

I'll point out that the Lions have now been trading wins and losses over their last eight games.

Detroit is still averaging 29.2 points per game, which ranks second, while allowing 22.8, which ranks 15th.

Dallas, on the other hand, averages 29.1 points per game, which ranks fourth, while conceding 28.5, ranked 31st.

Clearly, the major difference between these clubs, despite the Lions being ranked middle of the pack, is on the defensive end.

And in this situation here at home, I think the unit is going to step up large and deliver a gem against Prescott.

And with Jared Goff and the offense playing with a collective chip on their shoulders after last week's meltdown, I look for the LIONS to not only win this game, but to do so in blowout fashion, so lay the points.

Good luck, NP