Sports Handicapper William Burns's Picks & Predictions

(#927) Detroit Tigers | ML | . 

Tarik Skubal (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Zac Gallen (0-1, 9.00 ERA) . 

I had Detroit for the first five innings in Skubal's first start of the year and I'm riding with him and the Tigers again on Wednesday in his second start. I believe that the Tigers are being slightly undervalued this season and that they could really make some noise/emerge as the best team in the American League. It's going to take some growing throughout the year for some of the younger guys. But, I wouldn't count out what this teams ceiling is. Zac Gallen had a really rough season last year and his first start of this campaign wasn't anything pretty either. I know it was against the Dodgers who are probably the best team in baseball once again. But, this is another tough lineup that he's going to have to try and figure out. I like Skubal to stay strong and dominant in this one. 

Burns' Prediction: 6-2 Tigers.

(#911) Boston Red Sox | ML | . 

Garrett Crochet (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Mike Burrows (0-1, 7.94 ERA) . 

Although Boston lost yesterday's matchup, I believe that this is a great spot for it to respond on Wednesday. The Red Sox have their ace on the mound, and he's going to be ready for this Astros lineup. Crochet hasn't had the best of luck against Houston in his career so far. However, don't let that deceive you here. He's one of the best pitchers in the MLB and he most definitely knows his numbers against this team. Expect a much stronger outing than previous here. Mike Burrows, on the other hand, got rocked in his first start in an Astro uniform. He was solid last year in Pittsburgh and although this should be an upgrade in terms of team behind him, this is a downgrade in ballpark as Daikin Park (Minute Maid Park) was a much more hitter friendly ballpark than PNC Park was a year ago. I like Crochet to outclass Burrows here and I also expect the Red Sox to get going on Wednesday. 

Burns' Prediction: 5-1 Red Sox.

(#517) Atlanta Hawks @ (#518) Orlando Magic | OVER | . 

Atlanta has really amped up the pressure on teams since the All-Star break and I believe that it's going to be a problem for a lot of teams down the final stretch of the season. The Hawks are the five seed currently in the Eastern Conference and are still trying to avoid the play-in tournament and have a secured spot in the postseason. That's going to put some pressure on this contest against another team that's trying to avoid the play-in tourney in Orlando. 

Talking about the Magic, they played yesterday and probably won't bring the same intensity defensively on Wednesday night. Tuesday's game was against the Suns, who are a great defensive team. Now, this is a much different type of game where Atlanta will try to outscore you rather than play tough defense. 

These teams have met twice so far this season and both games have gone "over" the number. Although that's not always the best sign to look at, the Hawks simply play at a very fast tempo and that should continue here this evening. I expect lots of points on Wednesday once again between these two divisional foes. 

Burns' Prediction: 124-117 Hawks.

(#22) Colorado Avalanche | PUCK LINE | . 

I won with Vegas -1.5 against the Canucks in their most recent game. Although it took an empty net goal to ultimately get that one, I believe that Vancouver is going to continue to lose games down this final stretch of the season and I wouldn't be shocked whatsoever if this one turned ugly real fast. That's now six consecutive losses for Vancouver, who's been the worst team in the NHL by far this year. 

Colorado, on the other hand, owns the best record by quite a bit in the NHL this campaign. The Avs added Kadri at the deadline and are coming off one of their most impressive performances offensively, scoring nine goals against the Flames. Now, Colorado hosts the Canucks and I simply don't see Vancouver winning this game at all. Even though it's somewhat expensive playing the puck line, it's going to be well worth it when it's all said and done. Hammer Colorado. 

Burns' Prediction: 5-2 Avalanche.