Sports Handicapper William Burns's Picks & Predictions

(#25) Los Angeles Kings | ML | . 

I really like how this game sets up for the Los Angeles Kings. I know that they've been struggling recently and I understand that it hasn't been the best of results since bringing in Artemi Panarin from the Rangers. But, with just over ten games remaining for most teams in the NHL this season, the Kings have to start winning and win this types of games. 

Vancouver has been the worst team in the NHL by far in 2025-26. I do believe that the Canucks will be back in the playoff conversation sooner than later. But, that's simply not the case this season. Almost every team in the NHL should be beating them, especially teams fighting for a playoff spot with everything that they've got. Hammer LAK. 

Burns' Prediction: 3-1 Kings.

(#11) Minnesota Wild @ (#12) Florida Panthers | OVER | . 

I know that it's sometimes difficult to predict the number of goals in games with playoff bound teams against opponents that aren't going to make it. However, I believe that these teams are going to put on a show in the goal scoring department in this contest on Thursday. Not only does Minnesota need this game. But, it's lost five of its past seven games which has it sitting five points back of the Stars now. If the Wild want home ice advantage for at least a series in the playoffs, they are going to have to start winning a lot more games than they have. Florida, on the other hand, has been much weaker defensively this season allowing 3.31 goals per game which is 27th best in the NHL. The Panthers still have the talent to score the puck as well. Give me the "over" in this one. 

Burns' Prediction: 5-3 Wild.

(#212881) France International Team | GOAL SPREAD | . 

Although this is an "international friendly" matchup, this is a massive game for bragging rights before the World Cup begins. I do expect most of the stars to play and prepare themselves for the biggest international event this coming summer. Having said that, I have not been impressed with Brazil's play as a team over the past year It's not been as dominant as you'd expect and the defense is definitely not comparable to some of the top nations in the world anymore. On the other hand, France looks as deadly as can be. With an attack filled with elite players and a dynamite defense/midfield, France should be a popular selection to win the whole thing this June. I expect the Frenchmen to showcase just how good they are here on Thursday. 

Burns' Prediction: 3-1 France.

(#915) Detroit Tigers | 1st 5 ML | . 

Tarik Skubal (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Nick Pivetta (0-0, 0.00 ERA) . 

After a very solid spring training and fairly strong outing for the USA in the World Baseball Classic, I believe that we're going to get another elite season out of Tarik Skubal in 2026. The B2B Cy Young winner seeks a third consecutive when he steps onto the mound this season and I wouldn't be shocked if he did just that. The American League doesn't have as many talented pitchers as the NL in my eyes and there's no question that he wants it. Nick Pivetta is coming off a great season last year. But, his spring wasn't anything special and I think that it's going to be very difficult for him to be able to match those numbers that he had a year ago. I'm going with the better pitcher in the first five innings of this contest on Thursday. 

Burns' 1st 5 Prediction: 2-0 Tigers.

***this is a 1st 5 bet --- but if not avail. play for full game like me here. 

(#614) Houston Cougars | ATS | . 

Although I'm a massive fan of both of these teams, I do believe that this game being in Houston should help the Cougars drastically. Illinois' been one of the best offensive minded teams all season long. I know that the Fighting Illini probably are stronger on that side of the ball. However, I don't know that it will be enough in this one. 

To cancel out the offensive prowess of Illinois, Kelvin Sampson's Cougars are always ready for the battle defensively. This is a team that made the final last year and are aiming for gold, nothing less. I also think that Flemings will show up when the lights are bright. Considering practically having home-court in a Sweet Sixteen game, I'll ride with "MY" preseason #1 team. 

Burns' Prediction: 72-63 Houston.

(#4) Montreal Canadiens | ML | . 

Since the start of the 2025 calendar, I've played on Columbus Blue Jackets games eight times. I've won all eight of them (three times this month already.) That being said, I like to think that I know the Blue Jackets pretty well at the moment. They have played extremely well recently, moving all the way up to second in the Metro Division standings. However, I believe that this matchup is going to be very difficult for them. 

Montreal is also in second, in the Atlantic Division. As good as that sounds, the Canadiens definitely know that they need to keep winning. Only three points safe at the moment, this is a massive opportunity for Montreal to grab a couple of more wins, especially over the next two contests. The Habs have won three consecutive home games and have been great here all season long. 

Earlier this season, CBJ took the meeting in a shootout. Prior to that win, Montreal had taken seven of the past eight matchups. Considering that the Canadiens have scored 12 goals over the past couple of games, against NYI & Carolina, I believe that they are going to be able to continue the dominance offensively here on Thursday. Hammer the Habs in this massive home game. 

Burns' Prediction: 4-2 Canadiens.

(#919) Texas Rangers @ (#920) Philadelphia Phillies | UNDER | . 

Nathan Eovaldi (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Cristopher Sanchez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) . 

After dominance from both of these pitchers in 2025, I'm expecting both to have strong campaigns once again in 2026. Texas isn't expected to be as strong, losing guys like Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia offensively. But, I do expect the pitching still to be at a very high level with Eovaldi, DeGrom & Gore. With a 11-3 record & a 1.73 ERA/0.85 WHIP a year ago, expect Eovaldi to look sharp in the opener. 

Philadelphia's got a potent lineup and it was the team that went out and grabbed Adolis Garcia from the Rangers. However, the Phillies got locked down by last year's opening day starter for the Nats, McKenzie Gore (6.0 innings, 13 K's, 1 hit allowed.) Now, although they managed to torch the bullpen of Washington in that game, it could take them a while for the bats to wake up in this one too. 

Cristopher Sanchez went 13-5 last season with a 2.50 ERA & a 1.06 WHIP. Those are phenomenal numbers considering that he took the ball every five days and started 32 games for the Phils. Both pitchers are more than capable of pitching very well & I'm expecting this first game to be low scoring throughout. Hammer the "under" on Opening Day. 

Burns' Prediction: 3-1 Phillies.