Tips of the day

Why this pick: Vancouver are capable of responding with goals of their own, but their defense still does not allow them to regularly keep opponents at bay. I expect Toronto to capitalize on the number of chances they get and secure a win in 60 minutes.

Why this pick: The visitors may take the game to a close finish, but their away results provide grounds to back Montreal. I’m choosing a handicap on the home team (0): a win in 60 minutes will bring a profit, while a draw will result in a refund.

Why this pick: I am taking the away handicap (-1.5): it requires a victory by at least two points. The quality of the team play and the opponent's defensive vulnerability provide grounds to expect Atlanta Hawks to create and maintain a small lead by the final buzzer.

Why this pick: I’m taking Under 220.5 at 1.61. The selected line is four points higher than the main total of 216.5 and provides additional margin. The hosts’ weak offense, the visitors’ defensive numbers, and both teams having no rest day make this option the most justified for this game.

La LigaLost6:1

BarcelonaAlaves

Why this pick: The odds on a Barcelona win, its handicaps, and the other standard options are heavily underpriced. There is practically nothing left to take there. I suggest turning to the away team’s total and betting that Alavés will not score.

Why this pick: Los Angeles conceded 5 goals before overtime in the previous game, while Buffalo conceded 6 in regulation time. If such problems persist, even a more cautious game could produce the necessary 6 goals.

Why this pick: The first meeting produced 8 goals, while Ottawa’s last game had 10 even before overtime. I expect an open game with scoring stretches from both teams and choose Over 6.5.

Serie AWon3:1

AC MilanInter

Why this pick: After all, this is a fiercely contested rivalry. So today Milan will try to recover after another setback against Bologna. Inter feel much more comfortable in this respect, once again leading Serie A. I believe that in such a matchup there can be no clear favorite in the odds, and I suggest considering a bet on the underdog.

Why this pick: The likely scenario here is a competitive game with the Portland Trail Blazers holding an advantage of several possessions. The Utah Jazz +8.5 handicap leaves room for such an ending and better aligns with the priority of the bet landing than betting on either team to win outright.

Why this pick: In their recent games, the teams have not shown the reliability needed to comfortably defend a narrow lead. I expect the need to respond to conceded goals to keep the scoring high and lead to at least 6 goals in 60 minutes.

BundesligaWon2:2

Bayern MünchenBorussia Dortmund

Why this pick: I want to place a bet on a limited period of time. It seems clear to me how this game will start and which team will have the advantage at the beginning. How many goals we will see afterward and whether Borussia themselves will score is another question. Bayern will not lose the first half, and Bayern's first-half team total will be under 1.5.

Serie AWon2:5

UdineseAS Roma

Why this pick: Therefore, I would go with the BTTS bet — the most optimal option, considering how effectively Roma have been playing lately. Udinese are literally close to the relegation zone and also have to play more actively.

Why this pick: A scenario in which Chicago needs to come from behind is especially difficult: their current number of shots and goals is often insufficient for this. I expect Boston to take the lead and see the match through to a win in 60 minutes.

Why this pick: St. Louis can make the game competitive, but their away results and recent scoring problems do not allow the visitors to be considered the preferred side. I’m choosing Detroit with a (0) handicap, with a push if the game is tied in regulation time.

BundesligaWon2:4

Bayer LeverkusenVfB Stuttgart

Why this pick: I am not expecting any kind of closed game here. The teams are strong and prolific, and will definitely look for chances in each other’s penalty areas. Bayer should return to their usual attacking efficiency, while Stuttgart are capable of responding. We expect a high-scoring game.

Why this pick: The first meeting already showed that the Lakers are capable of exploiting this opponent’s weaknesses. I expect the visitors to be more reliable in crucial possessions again and claim the win.

Why this pick: There should also be enough threats in the other direction. The Kraken actively use their defensemen joining the attack, while Calgary regularly loses players in front of their own net. I expect a high-scoring game in which one team’s strong spells will receive a response at the other end.

Why this pick: Miami still have to prove that the win over Atlanta marked the beginning of a consistent run. I expect a fairly hard-fought game and believe Indiana will stay within a 7.5-point handicap.

Why this pick: Minnesota also does not have a full complement of offensive players, so prolonged scoring runs from both sides seem less likely. I expect the total to be within 223 points.