Sports Handicapper William Burns's Picks & Predictions

(#84) Seattle Kraken | ML | . 

If you followed my hockey earlier in the season, you'd probably know that I like to play against the Predators. Although I haven't played against them as much as I normally have over the past few months of the campaign, I do believe that there's definitely value against them during the last month of the regular season. I simply do not think that Nashville is a playoff contending hockey team and even though they are very much in the race for the wild-card, this isn't a good matchup. 

Seattle might not be playing its best hockey at the moment. But, given that they've had more than a couple of days to recover for this game, I believe that the Kraken will be able to respond with a big win. This is a huge game for the standings. Give me the home side. 

Burns' Prediction: 3-1 Seattle.

(#72) Carolina Hurricanes | ML | . 

Pittsburgh is a bit of a strange team. Currently without Crosby, the Penguins have actually done a very solid job at staying competitive and winning hockey games. With the race so tight, the Pens are actually second in the division, right behind CAR. But, things could change quickly. This is a game that Carolina's going to want to have after being destroyed by Pittsburgh earlier in the season. 

I know that the Hurricanes are coming off their west Canadian road trip and could be fatigued. But, it's had a few days to rest and that's what's part of hockey. Being able to recover and get back to work in this brutal season. Carolina's been phenomenal at home this season and that should continue today. Even at plus money, I like the Canes to win this game by 2+ goals. 

Burns' Prediction: 5-2 Canes.

(#224213) Bayern Munich FC | 3-WAY ML | . 

I know that this is a challenging road encounter in the Champions League. But, don't expect Bayern to be taking any chances. The German giants are leading the way in the Bundesliga by a large margin (92 goals for in just 25 matches,) showing its dominating capabilities. Harry Kane is still at the top of his game and I find it hard to see Atalanta keeping him or the rest of the Bayern Munich attack silenced on Tuesday. 

Talking about Atalanta, it's conceded six goals over its past three Serie A matches. That's not what you're hoping to hear as an Italian for this matchup. Currently ranked at the 7th best side in Italian football this season, don't expect Atalanta to have much of a chance in this draw. I like Bayern to win this leg convincingly and have a solid lead going back home to Germany. 

Burns' Prediction: 3-1 Bayern.

(#575) Charlotte Hornets | ATS | . 

Although I'm not the biggest fan of this Charlotte side, I do believe that this is a great spot for it to bounce back and start winning again. Considering how the Hornets have played when healthy this season, it's hard to imagine that big of a drop-off over the rest of the season. No, I don't expect many more winning streaks of 7, 8, 9, 10 games. But, I do think that they have a great chance at causing some damage within the Play-In Tournament as well as possibly even the NBA playoffs if they get there. Portland's still building for next season when it'll get Damian Lillard back. I know that the Trail Blazers are a much better side than they have been than in recent years. But, it's still nothing special. Over their past three home games, the Blazers have been outscored by 37 points. I've got Charlotte on Tuesday. 

Burns' Prediction: 123-109 Hornets.

(#306554) UMBC Retrievers | ATS | . 

In both meetings this season, UMASS Lowell struggled. The River Hawks were simply outclassed and didn't even come close, losing both games by 20+ points. On the season, they have had a really tough time at the free throw line and have also been very poor at paint defense. Looking at the Retrievers, they use a mixture of outside and inside attack and play fantastic team basketball. We all remember when the UMBC team of 2018 knocked off UVA in the first round as a #16 seed. Why can't this squad do the exact same thing with the right matchup. No, UMBC doesn't get the steals/blocks defensively that lots of good defenses have. But, it forces opponents to make tough shots and that's what has been the key to success all year long. At home, expect another UMBC double digit destruction against UMASS Lowell. 

Burns' Prediction: 84-59 UMBC.