Sports Handicapper William Burns's Picks & Predictions

(#41) Tampa Bay Lightning | ML | . 

These two team have been some of the best in the NHL so far this season and are both definitely en route to the postseason. Talking about both teams, they've each dropped a pair of games though. Tampa begins a four game road trip and the first is very important at this point in the season. I expect the Lightning's high powered attack to get some goals on Tuesday with a much better goaltending performance. 

Minnesota isn't great defensively, other than Hughes/Faber. The Wild allow a ton of shots per game and that's going to come back to cost them on Tuesday. This should be a great game. But, I do believe that Tampa is slightly stronger at the moment. 

Burns' Prediction: 4-2 Lightning.

(#306538) Jackson State Tigers | ML | . 

Both of these teams have been pretty bad this season and there's no way around it really. Arkansas Pine Bluff has 12 wins while Jackson State has nine. However, this is a home game for the Tigers, who are 5-3 when playing at home this year. Jackson State seeks revenge on Tuesday after losing the first meeting by 21 points. Prior to that, the Tigers had won the past 16 meetings since 2018. Ark Pine Bluff might have the slightly stronger numbers statistically this year. But, having just lost twice in a three game home stand, I don't expect the Golden Lions to fare well on the road on Tuesday. Give me JKST.

Burns' Prediction: 83-75 Jackson St.

(#607) Towson Tigers @ (#608) Stony Brook Seawolves | UNDER | . 

I expect this to be a very low scoring contest on Tuesday. Towson brings in the 97th most efficient defense via. KenPom's rankings. Not only that, but the Tigers are significantly worse on the offensive side of the ball, while playing at the 345th fastest tempo. In February, the Tigers played three road games and averaged 60.67 PPG over those three games. 

Stony Brook doesn't play nearly as slow, but still ranks among the slower playing teams in College Basketball. The Seawolves have been struggling, putting up just 127 points over their most recent two contests. Remember, these teams combined for only 126 a few weeks ago. Neither team fouls a lot. Play the "under." 

Burns' Prediction: 63-57 Stony Brook.

(#306529) Bryant Bulldogs | ATS | . 

Although this has not been a great season for Bryant, the Bulldogs can definitely still finish the regular season on a positive note. Although there were a ton of new faces this season, the Bulldogs went 14-2 last season in conference play. This is a group that's been great over the past few seasons and an organization that thrives in this month. I wouldn't be shocked if they grabbed an early upset & made a bit of a run in the AE Tournament coming up. 

New Hampshire's been even worse than Bryant in conference play this year, sitting in 8th. The Wildcats have lost eight consecutive games, dating back to January 31st which actually started w/ a loss against Bryant. They simply just don't have it this year and will most likely be sent home in a couple of days time. Bryant's been really bad, I know. But, the Bulldogs have a significant edge in FT shooting. That's going to help propel them to an upset victory on Tuesday. 

Burns' Prediction: 70-60 Bryant.

(#38) Edmonton Oilers | ML | . 

Ottawa did manage to dominate the battle of Ontario over the weekend. But, I'm still not sold in the Senators for this season. They are coming out west for a long road trip and that could be troublesome for a side that's not been outside of the Eastern time zone in nearly two months. Ottawa has lost three straight to the Oilers as well. 

Talking about Edmonton, it's time to start winning. Enough is enough. I know that the goaltending hasn't been great, and is a problem once again this year. But, the net-minders always seem to step up against this Ottawa team. The Oilers are finally back home for the first time in a month and I expect that to give them a jolt of energy for this contest. Edmonton rolls on Tuesday. 

Burns' Prediction: 4-2 Oilers.

(#549) Phoenix Suns @ (#550) Sacramento Kings | UNDER | . 

Coming off of a big win against the Lakers, Phoenix remains without Dillon Brooks for this evenings contest. The Suns are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this year and that makes them be able to score less and win at a higher level than one would expect. They are eight games above .500, while scoring only 112.1 PPG, which is T-25 in the association. 

Sacramento is "in shambles" right now. With a couple of season ending injuries, the Kings are likely just playing for a great draft pick at this moment. Scoring even less than the Suns, this ought to be a low scoring contest. I see PHX holding SAC to around the 100 mark, while not putting up a whole lot itself. Hammer the "under." 

Burns' Prediction: 109-97 Suns.

(#678) UCLA Bruins | ATS | . 

After beating USC comfortably over the weekend, the Cornhuskers had to stay on the West Coast for a few days to take on UCLA this evening. I know that it doesn't seem like much. But, for college students, that's a solid amount of time to be away from home and stay focused. These Big 10 teams still aren't completely used to having to go out West for a road trip mid-season like this. USC is a team in shambles - its loss didn't surprise me. But, Nebraska will have to be even better on Tuesday to knock off UCLA. 

Talking about the Bruins, they are in must-win mode as the regular season's end fast approaches. Having just lost against Minnesota, UCLA has to wake up over these final couple of games. As of February 27th, before the recent loss, Joe Lunardi had UCLA as a nine seed. That's cutting it very close. A statement win here at home could be just what the Bruins need in order to firmly solidify themselves as a tournament team. I expect the Bruins fans to be out and loud on Tuesday. Expect a mini-upset. 

Burns' Prediction: 76-67 UCLA.