Sports Handicapper William Burns's Picks & Predictions

(#24454) Dakota Hope | ML | . 

I know that Dakota Hope is the underdog here. But, I do believe that he's the better fighter out of the two at the moment and I'm definitely willing to take him at these odds. Fighting out of Pattaya, Thailand, Hope is a kickboxer on a five fight winning streak. He's won 11 of his 12 fights in his career and will be making his UFC debut on Saturday. 

Kai Kamaka III will also be making his UFC debut this weekend. He's been knocked out twice over the course of his career and that could be something to look out for here if Hope gets comfortable early. Kamaka has also lost five decisions. He goes to decision quite a bit. I believe that Hope's aggression and ability to finish fighters should be enough to get him the win whether it's by KO or Decision here this evening. 

Burns' Prediction: Hope via. U-Dec.

(#203853) FC Twente @ (#203854) AFC Ajax | OVER | . 

FC Twente is right behind Ajax in the table and claiming all three points would send it above in the rankings. Twente has been scoring lots lately, having seen 16 goals go in the back of it's opponents net over it's most recent seven games. I like it to score at least once today in this game as slight underdogs on the road. 

Currently in 4th in the Eredivisie this season, Ajax can still make a charge at the top two in the league. I think that it has a real chance if it can pick up three points today. Having scored nearly twice per game this season there's no question that Ajax will be going for it in front of its home fans this afternoon. Ajax has also conceded 35 goals in 28 games. I expect lots of goals in this one. 

Burns' Prediction: 2-2 Draw.

(#208305) Fluminense FC | 3-WAY ML | . 

As one of the best teams in the Brasileirao this season, I believe that it's a bit of disrespect towards Fluminense being at plus odds on Saturday evening. Not only has it won four of its most recent five games, but Fluminense has only conceded six goals through nine games this season so far. That's tremendous defense. 

Looking at Coritiba, it's had a solid start to the year as well. However, its form is simply not at the same level. It's suffered defeat and ended with a draw over its past couple of games this year. Playing at home hasn't been great to Coritiba and Fluminense likes playing away. I expect a comfortable road win here. 

Burns' Prediction: 2-0 Fluminense.

(#979) Chicago Cubs | ML | . 

Shota Imanaga (0-1, 7.20 ERA) vs. Slade Cecconi (0-1, 12.46 ERA) . 

Losing Cade Horton yesterday (unsure for how long yet) did not help the Cubs whatsoever in yesterday's game. That was a game I expect Chicago to win. But, having seed it struggle yesterday, I expect the Cubs to come back and win this one on Saturday in the second game of this series. Shota Imanaga gets the nod & he's been elite in his time in the big leagues so far. He owns a career WHIP of 1.02 as well. 

Slade Cecconi will get handed the ball for the Guardians. Although I am a believe in Cleveland this season, I'm not so sure about this spot in the rotation. Cecconi boasts a career ERA of 5.21 and really struggled in his first outing this year. Although Imanaga did too, he's shown the capabilities to be an ace in this league while the Guards' starter has not. I also like the Cubs lineup a tad more currently, despite the struggles early on. Give me CHC. 

Burns' Prediction: 6-2 Cubs.

(#69) Winnipeg Jets @ (#70) Columbus Blue Jackets | UNDER | . 

Coming off an 0-3 loss last time out, the Winnipeg Jets are still very much in must-win situations until the end of the season. Three points back, it's not completely out of reach. But, not performing in a game like this would be a massive blow to the Winnipeg playoff hopes. What needs to take place? Well, it starts with perhaps the best goalie in hockey in Connor Hellebuyck. Other than his gold medal winning performance in Italy, he hasn't been his normal self this season. He has played better since then. But, he needs to show up tonight and each and every night going forward. I expect him to have a massive game between the pipes this evening. 

Looking at Columbus, I expect it to go back to Jet Greaves after Merzļikins suffered the loss last time out. The Blue Jackets have lost five consecutive games and also see themselves outside of the playoffs looking in. This is of course on the Eastern Conference for CBJ. Having said that, I expect a great showing from the Jackets net-minder as well, who's more than capable as we've seen down the stretch of the season. This is going to be an all-out defensive war on Saturday evening. Hammer the "under." This is my #1 NHL TOTAL OF THE YEAR. 

Burns' Prediction: 3-1 Jets.

(#649) Illinois Fighting Illini | ATS | . 

Illinois has proven the doubters wrong throughout this March Madness Tournament with some of the most impressive performances so far. Beating up on Houston, in Houston was one thing. But, being able to win all four of its games by double digits and with ease for the most part has been fantastic to watch. I'm a big fan of this roster, filled with overseas talent as well as one of best freshman in the nation in Keaton Wagler. 

Throughout the year, the Fighting Illini have been one of the best teams in the country. It was just a matter of what Illinois we were going to get. Prior to the NCAA Tourney, it had lost five of its final nine games (including Big Ten Tournament.) The Illini have a massive team that's built on shooting threes and attacking the rim. I like that type of style for this matchup against UCONN. 

Connecticut shocked the world by beating Duke in the Elite Eight with one of the most incredible shots in March Madness history. Braylon Mullins didn't hit a single three prior to that logo heave and although it was ridiculous to watch, Connecticut did struggle in that game in the first half. The Huskies showed resilience and poise to comeback from down 19pts. But, they didn't shoot well in that game from deep and forcing the ball inside is not going to work as well against one of the best teams in the country at not fouling. 

In the end, I believe that it's going to come down to guard play and execution. Keaton Wagler, who I mentioned early, has a chance to keep improving his draft stock and perhaps be drafted inside the top five of this upcoming NBA draft. I expect a huge game from him and I've got the Fighting Illini playing in the CBB Men's Basketball Championship Game on Monday. 

Burns' Prediction: 75-66 Illinois.