Sports Handicapper William Burns's Picks & Predictions

(#212853) Japan | ML | . 

I know that this is an international friendly matchup and anything can happen. However, the better side should still emerge victorious in these types of games and I believe that Japan is just that here on Saturday. It's got one of the most underrated squads for this upcoming World Cup and I wouldn't be shocked whatsoever if it made some noise in the upcoming tournament. 

Scotland, on the other hand, survived in its World Cup Qualifying group, sending Denmark to the final qualifying playoff. As good as Scott McTominay is, I don't think that he's going to be able to carry Scotland on his shoulders this spring/summer as much as he did during that phase. This already is a much more difficult matchups. I expect Japan to grab a draw at the very least this weekend. 

Burns' Prediction: 2-0 Japan.

(#532) Atlanta Hawks | ATS | . 

Even though the Sacramento Kings are coming off a strong showing against Orlando in their most recent game, I'm still not impressed with how they've played this season, even with the injuries. The Kings are dead last in the Western Conference and could be trying to get the best odds at the best draft pick in this upcoming draft. We all know how stacked this class is expected to be and a few more losses could be the difference between many picks with the amount of poor teams this season. 

I just won against Atlanta yesterday. I like the Hawks to respond in a massive way on Saturday. Still 14-2 over their latest 16 contests, the Hawks should remain one of the hottest teams in the NBA entering the playoffs next month. I expect Atlanta's pace to continue to overwhelm some teams and that should result in decent success. Give me Atlanta winning big on Saturday. 

Burns' Prediction: 129-104 Hawks.

(#54) Detroit Red Wings | ML | . 

Even though it's playing well right now, I do think that Philadelphia is not exactly as talented as some of these other teams fighting for a playoff spot. This might just be the biggest game of the weekend for teams trying to get into those final positions. The Flyers, with 82 points, are five points back of NYI currently and every loss is extremely damaging. The Flyers did win 2/3 last season when these teams matched up. But, they haven't won at Detroit since 2023 (three straight L's.) Admittedly so, I lost with Detroit in its last game against the Sens. They outplayed Ottawa in that game and hit the post that would've tied the game late. I don't think that the Red Wings will struggle as much to score in this one. They are three points back of the final wildcard spot and need this one badly. I like Gibson in net more than Vladar or whoever Philly sends out. Expect a big home win for the Red Wings here today. 

Burns' Prediction: 4-2 Red Wings. 

(#916) Seattle Mariners | ML | . 

Joey Cantillo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Bryan Woo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) . 

Seattle has been the favorite in each of these first three games against Cleveland. I do like the Guardians this season which is why I haven't been going against them. That being said, I think that this series is quite even and given the home field to begin the year, I don't see the Mariners losing this series by any means either. 

Admittedly so, Joey Cantillo looked fantastic last year in 34 appearances. He did only start a third of those games though which might be a bit concerning. I do expect solid numbers from the Hawaiian pitcher again this year. But, this is going to be an absolute war on the mound and I'm not sure if he's going to be ready for this start on the road against Seattle. 

Bryan Woo was even better than Cantillo a season ago. He had a 15-7 record, a 2.94 ERA & 0.93 WHIP. Anytime you can limit baserunners to under 1.00 per inning you're simply doing an excellent job. This could be a really low scoring game. But, either way, I'm expecting Woo to out-battle Cantillo in this first game and that should lead to an M's win. 

Burns' Prediction: 4-1 Mariners.

(#629) Iowa Hawkeyes vs. (#630) Illinois Fighting Illini | UNDER | . 

These teams met earlier in the season, as Big Ten members, and we saw a closely contested ball game. I know that the first meeting had plenty of offense, with Illinois taking the game 75-69. However, this time around, I'm expecting a much lower scoring affair. Iowa's been one of the slowest playing teams all season long and remains the #361 ranked team in KenPom's adjusted tempo rankings. Adding to that, the Hawkeyes average the 3rd slowest time per offensive possession. 

Illinois showcased just how dominant its defense can be in the Sweet Sixteen win against Houston. That was an out-of-this-world performance defensively and I wouldn't be shocked if the Fighting Illini are able to do similar things here today. With one of the best offenses in the country too, the total is being pushed up higher slightly. But, the Illini also play on the slower end, with the #286 tempo nationally. With so much on the line, and a chance to get to the final four, I expect both teams to have some jitters offensively, especially early in this one. I believe that we're going to see a defensive war. Give me the "under." 

Burns' Prediction: 67-61 Illinois.