Monday 8/3/20 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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NBA

Monday, August 3

Trend Report

Toronto @ Miami
Toronto
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing Miami
Miami
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games at home

Denver @ Oklahoma City
Denver
Denver is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Oklahoma City
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

Indiana @ Washington
Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Washington
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing at home against Indiana
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana

Memphis @ New Orleans
Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games on the road
New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis

San Antonio @ Philadelphia
San Antonio
San Antonio is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of San Antonio's last 16 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

LA Lakers @ Utah
LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 5 games
LA Lakers is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Utah
Utah
Utah is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, August 3

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TORONTO (47 - 18) vs. MIAMI (42 - 24) - 8/3/2020, 1:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 224-274 ATS (-77.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
MIAMI is 17-34 ATS (-20.4 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 6-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-4 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (40 - 26) vs. WASHINGTON (24 - 42) - 8/3/2020, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 73-54 ATS (+13.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in road games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-37 ATS (-22.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 21-39 ATS (-21.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 5-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 5-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (43 - 23) vs. OKLAHOMA CITY (41 - 24) - 8/3/2020, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 40-24 ATS (+13.6 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 31-22 ATS (+6.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 9-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 8-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (32 - 35) vs. NEW ORLEANS (28 - 38) - 8/3/2020, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 31-22 ATS (+6.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 5-5 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 6-4 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (29 - 36) vs. PHILADELPHIA (39 - 27) - 8/3/2020, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-37 ATS (-14.7 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 375-315 ATS (+28.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 47-22 ATS (+22.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-2 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 4-1 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (50 - 15) vs. UTAH (42 - 24) - 8/3/2020, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 93-72 ATS (+13.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 6-3 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 5-4 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA picks and predictions for August 3
Covers Staff

Expect Joel Embiid and the Sixers to slow down the tempo on Monday and use their size advantage against a smaller San Antonio lineup.

The second week of NBA betting inside the bubble begins with a six-game slate to choose from.

Game times run from 1:30 p.m. ET to 9 p.m. ET on the NBA odds board, as teams fight for playoff position - or their postseason lives - in the remaining seeding schedule.

We get you pointed in the right direction, with today’s favorite NBA free picks and predictions for August 3.

San Antonio Spurs vs Philadelphia 76ers

Don’t ever underestimate Gregg Popovich. He’s got San Antonio on the cusp of a playoff berth – or at least a play-in series – after retooling his lineup to run smaller and faster. The Spurs have upped the tempo with a four-guard set, ramping their pace from 100.6 before the shutdown to 106.2 in their two bubble games.

That tempo could be hard to replicate on Monday, however, as San Antonio is playing back-to-back games and faces a much bigger Philadelphia lineup. The 76ers fell in their restart opener, blowing a late 10-point lead, and will look to slow down the pace of this game and exploit San Antonio’s lack of frontcourt beef.

The Sixers can roll out talented bigs in Joel Embiid and Al Horford and take advantage of a Spurs interior defense that has allowed a league-high 62 points in the paint per game over its two appearances in the bubble. That punishment will wear down the Spurs’ already tired legs. We like a slower, lower-scoring finish.

PREDICTION: Under 229 (-110)


Indiana Pacers vs Washington Wizards

Indiana opened the seeding schedule with an impressive win over Philadelphia and breathed a sigh of relief that star shooting guard Victor Oladipo decided to play after waiting until the last minute to opt-in on the season restart.

Oladipo, who had 15 points in almost 32 minutes Friday, is expected to sit out today’s game with the Wizards. The Pacers play back-to-back games on Monday and Tuesday, and tomorrow’s matchup with Orlando poses a much bigger threat than Washington, which has lost SU and ATS in its two bubble contests.

The Wizards are playing the second of back-to-back games, having lost by eight to Brooklyn on Sunday, and will have heavy legs as they work off the rust of the restart. Expect plenty of shots to fall short and the final score to finish Under the total.

PREDICTION: Under 227.5 (-110)


Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz

The Lakers’ wheels are wobbling a bit after losing their first two games of the NBA restart. Los Angeles is struggling from deep – shooting just 21 of 76 from beyond the arc in the past two games – and will need to scrap for some buckets on Monday.

LeBron James has been a beast on the boards the past two games, pulling down 10 and 11 rebounds. He posted rebounding efforts of 10 and 12 boards versus Utah earlier this season and the Jazz got outworked by Oklahoma City on the glass Friday, giving up 47 boards including 11 offensive rebounds.

James will do everything in his will to avoid an 0-3 start for L.A. That includes cleaning up the trash on the glass.

PREDICTION: LeBron James Over 8.5 rebounds (+102)

Sunday's NBA picks: 1-2
Season NBA picks: 7-5

NBA betting card for August 3

San Antonio vs. Philadelphia Under 229 (-110)
Indiana vs. Washington Under 227.5 (-110)
LeBron James Over 8.5 rebounds (+102)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL public betting, line movement, sharp money for August 3
Patrick Everson

Marc-Andre Fleury and the Golden Knights play their first game in the Western Conference bubble Monday, against Dallas in a round-robin contest. CG books have Vegas a -130 favorite.

NHL betting odds are on the board, and Monday’s games inside the double NHL Bubble are getting some early attention. Among the notable contests is a Stars-Golden Knights round-robin seeding game that will surely command the attention of Las Vegas oddsmakers.

CG Technology risk analyst Dave Sharapan provided insights on NHL opening lines and early line movement, sharp money and public betting for Monday’s contests. Covers will update this action report with NHL sharp picks vs. public bets and line movement throughout the day.

NHL line movement

The Golden Knights opened -125 two weeks ago at CG Technology’s Las Vegas books, with the Sharks +105. The line moved to Vegas -130/Dallas +110 a week ago, which is where it sat Sunday night, though Monday will surely bring changes ahead of the 6:30 p.m. ET puck drop.

Likewise, the Lightning-Capitals round-robin contest opened Tampa Bay -125/Washington +105 and moved to -130/+110 at CG books, though that adjustment was fresher, happening late Saturday night. Faceoff is at 4 p.m. ET.

CG Tech had yet to post Game 2 of the Canadiens-Penguins qualifying series, which became much more pivotal for No. 5 seed Pittsburgh when No. 12 Montreal won Saturday’s opener 3-2 in overtime. The SuperBook at Westgate opened Penguins -165/Canadiens +150 and moved to -174/+157 for an 8 p.m. ET start.

NHL sharp money

Check back for updates throughout the day on sharp bets coming in for Monday’s NHL games.

NHL public betting

Stars-Knights is all public and all Vegas at this point, which is no surprise at the handful of CG books on and near the Strip.

“It’s been months since we’ve had hockey, period, but the hometown Knights fans are excited,” Sharapan said Sunday night. “All local play, or public play, or Knights fans play. We have not written a single ticket on the Stars. Not one. It looks like the book will be rooting against the home team, although the decision isn’t big yet.”

The Lightning are also a public play, though not nearly to the extent of Vegas.

“All smaller action here. Money is more on Tampa, but not by much,” Sharapan said. “Not even half as much action on this game as the Stars-Knights game.”

CG is also seeing money on the Caps-Lightning total of 6, with bettors playing Over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

21CHICAGO -22 EDMONTON
EDMONTON is 24-32 ATS (-19.7 Units) in home games against poor defensive teams - allowing 2.85+ goals/game over the last 2 seasons.

23NY RANGERS -24 CAROLINA
NY RANGERS are 9-3 ATS (5.7 Units) in road games when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days in the current season.

25WINNIPEG -26 CALGARY
WINNIPEG is 7-1 ATS (5.9 Units) revenging a road blowout loss versus opponent by 3 goals or more in the current season.

27MONTREAL -28 PITTSBURGH
MONTREAL is 23-30 ATS (-15.6 Units) against poor defensive teams - >=29 shots on goal, convert >=17% pp in the current season.

29DALLAS -30 VEGAS
DALLAS are 8-1 ATS (7.7 Units) against good possession teams-averaging 3+ more shots on goal than opp in the current season.

31WASHINGTON -32 TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY is 16-1 ATS (14.9 Units) after playing a game where 4 or fewer total goals were scored in the current season.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Dunkel

Monday, August 3

NY Rangers @ Carolina

Game 23-24
August 3, 2020 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Rangers
12.553
Carolina
11.469
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Rangers
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Carolina
-150
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Rangers
(+130); Over

Winnipeg @ Calgary

Game 25-26
August 3, 2020 @ 2:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
12.788
Calgary
11.684
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Winnipeg
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
-150
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+130); Under

Washington @ Tampa Bay

Game 31-32
August 3, 2020 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
10.785
Tampa Bay
11.879
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-130
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-130); Under

Dallas @ Vegas

Game 29-30
August 3, 2020 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
12.974
Vegas
11.801
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Vegas
-130
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+110); Over

Montreal @ Pittsburgh

Game 27-28
August 3, 2020 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montreal
9.859
Pittsburgh
11.387
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-165
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-165); Over

Chicago @ Edmonton

Game 21-22
August 3, 2020 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
11.737
Edmonton
12.636
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
-135
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(-135); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, August 3

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CHICAGO (33-30-0-8, 74 pts.) at EDMONTON (37-26-0-9, 83 pts.) - 8/3/2020, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 22-17 ATS (+41.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
EDMONTON is 16-8 ATS (+24.3 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
EDMONTON is 15-6 ATS (+8.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
CHICAGO is 32-36 ATS (+84.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 11-8 ATS (+22.7 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 10-5 ATS (+17.2 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
CHICAGO is 10-7 ATS (+21.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 13-22 ATS (-14.5 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 32-41 ATS (+75.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-4 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-4-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.8 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

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NY RANGERS (37-29-0-5, 79 pts.) vs. CAROLINA (39-25-0-5, 83 pts.) - 8/3/2020, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 37-34 ATS (+76.0 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 14-9 ATS (+24.9 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
CAROLINA is 9-13 ATS (-12.5 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
CAROLINA is 30-58 ATS (+117.5 Units) in road games after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 10-3 (+11.4 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 10-3-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.9 Units, Under=-0.7 Units)

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WINNIPEG (37-29-0-6, 80 pts.) vs. CALGARY (37-27-0-7, 81 pts.) - 8/3/2020, 2:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 11-6 ATS (+4.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CALGARY is 6-1 ATS (+7.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
WINNIPEG is 21-14 ATS (+36.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WINNIPEG is 10-5 ATS (+15.7 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
CALGARY is 6-11 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 4-4-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.2 Units)

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MONTREAL (32-31-0-9, 73 pts.) vs. PITTSBURGH (40-23-0-7, 87 pts.) - 8/3/2020, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 32-40 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 11-8 ATS (+22.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 26-31 ATS (-9.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 4-6 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 6-4-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.4 Units)

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DALLAS (37-24-0-8, 82 pts.) vs. VEGAS (39-24-0-8, 86 pts.) - 8/3/2020, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 39-53 ATS (-24.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 268-177 ATS (+56.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 232-251 ATS (+535.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
VEGAS is 85-75 ATS (+162.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VEGAS is 6-2 (+5.9 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
VEGAS is 6-2-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.9 Units)

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WASHINGTON (41-20-0-8, 90 pts.) vs. TAMPA BAY (43-21-0-6, 92 pts.) - 8/3/2020, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 105-51 ATS (+51.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 17-3 ATS (+12.0 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 263-255 ATS (+577.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 158-107 ATS (+13.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 135-87 ATS (+27.3 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 81-61 ATS (+12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-17 ATS (+47.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 9-7 (+4.2 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 9-7-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Monday, August 3

Trend Report

NY Rangers @ Carolina
NY Rangers
NY Rangers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Carolina
NY Rangers is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Carolina
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Carolina is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games

Winnipeg @ Calgary
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Winnipeg's last 7 games when playing Calgary
Calgary
Calgary is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
Calgary is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

Washington @ Tampa Bay
Washington
Washington is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Washington
Tampa Bay is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home

Dallas @ Vegas
Dallas
Dallas is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games on the road
Vegas
Vegas is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Vegas is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games

Montreal @ Pittsburgh
Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games at home

Chicago @ Edmonton
Chicago
Chicago is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing Chicago

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL picks and predictions for Monday, August 3
Rohit Ponnaiya

Both the Blackhawks and Oilers looked weak in nets Saturday, with Corey Crawford allowing four goals on 29 shots and Mike Smith surrendering 5 goals on 23 shots.

A round-robin matchup between the Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning highlights the NHL betting board on Monday, while in the late game, the Edmonton Oilers try to bounce back from an upset loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 of their play-in series.

We break down the hockey odds for those games, as we bring you our best NHL picks and predictions for Monday, August 3.

Washington Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning

Two of the top teams in the league square off on Monday in the first game each team is playing following the shutdown. It will be interesting to see whether these squads will actually be trying to win round-robin games, or simply using them as a tune-up and means of trying different line combos leading up to the playoffs.

That leaves plenty of value with the underdogs, especially a team like Washington which is loaded with experience and has just as much offensive firepower as the Lightning. When you consider that the Caps have won the last four games in the head-to-head against Tampa Bay and that the Bolts will likely be missing Steven Stamkos, Washington looks like a solid play.

PREDICTION: Capitals ML (+115)


Dallas Stars vs Vegas Golden Knights

The third-place Knights take on the Stars, who are looking to shake off a six-game losing streak they were on prior to the break. Dallas has the Western Conference's best goaltending duo in Ben Bishop and Anton Khudobin. However, while Dallas has allowed just 2.52 goals per game (second-best in the league), they've scored only 2.58 (26th).

Having a stout defense and a sluggish offense has a predictable result: Unders, and Dallas has gone Under the total in a league-best 61.5 percent of their games this season.

Vegas will start Robin Lehner who played very well since being aquired by the Knights going 3-0 with 1.67 GAA and a .940 save percentage. Having a defense that allowed the third-fewest shots in the league in front of him certainly doesn't hurt either. With the Under cashing in three of the last four games head-to-head, we like it again.

PREDICTION: Under 5.5 (-130)


Chicago Blackhawks vs Edmonton Oilers

Chicago is coming off a 6-4 upset win over Edmonton and we backed the Over 5.5 so we're happy with that. Edmonton's duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl played very well, and their league-best powerplay scored three goals, but it didn't matter because Chicago's line of Dominik Kubalik-Jonathan Toews-Brandon Saad was dominant.

The Blackhawks outshot the Oilers 42-29 and torched Edmonton's usually-strong penalty-kill unit, scoring three goals of their own with the man advantage. The Oilers had no answer for Chicago's ferocious forecheck and both sides looked weak in nets, with Corey Crawford allowing four goals on 29 shots and Mike Smith surrendering 5 goals on 23 shots.

Expect Mikko Koskinen to get the start between the pipes for Edmonton in Game 2, and oddsmakers have raised the O/U to 6.5, but until I see better defense out of either team, I'm sticking with the Over.

PREDICTION: Over 6.5 (+100)


Today's NHL betting card

Capitals ML (+115)
Stars vs Golden Knights Under 5.5 (-130)
Blackhawks vs Oilers Over 6.5 (+100)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Louisiana Downs

Louisiana Downs - Race 3	Daily Double / Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta .50 Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) /.50 Pick 5 Jackpot (Races 3-4-5-6-7)
Maiden Claiming $12,500 • 1 1/16 Miles • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 40 • Purse: $10,500 • Post: 4:01P
FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500. (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY MANAGEMENT TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT 1 1/16 MILES).

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Dominant Stalker. ENVOY'S GUILT is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * GLITTER TIME: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. ENVOY'S GUILT: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. LADY KING: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. LITTLE GIRLS RULE: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation.
2	GLITTER TIME	3/1	9/2
4	ENVOY'S GUILT	2/1	9/2
6	LADY KING	5/1	9/1
5	LITTLE GIRLS RULE	4/1	9/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
4	ENVOY'S GUILT	4	2/1	Alternator/Stalker	0	0	63.5	37.9	28.4
5	LITTLE GIRLS RULE	5	4/1	Alternator/Stalker	51	25	41.4	21.6	15.1
2	GLITTER TIME	2	3/1	Alternator/Stalker	45	42	32.7	32.7	27.7
6	LADY KING	6	5/1	Trailer	45	38	37.0	37.0	28.0
8	BAD GAL RIRI	8	12/1	Alternator/Trailer	0	0	32.1	25.3	16.3
1	X MINUS ONE	1	8/1	Alternator/Trailer	41	17	27.5	29.4	23.4
3	SIDE SWING	3	15/1	Alternator/Non-contender	41	29	12.7	12.7	0.0
7	SOUVENIR CHANNEL	7	12/1	Alternator/Non-contender	0	0	0.0	0.0	0.0

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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Delaware Park

Delaware Park - Race 1	Daily Double (Races 1-2) / Exacta / Trifecta (50-cent min.) Superfecta (10-cent min.) / Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3, 50-cent min.) Pick 4 (Races 1-2-3-4, 50-cent min.)
Claiming $4,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 79 • Purse: $10,000 • Post: 1:15P
(PLUS UP TO 50% OTHER SOURCES) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 3. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Lone Trailer. MY EMINENCE is the Lone Trailer of the race. * KEY ANGLES * MY EMINENCE: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. DRIVEN BY THUNDE R: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. MATCH UP: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the past in its first and/or seco nd starts after a long layoff. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. LOOKS GOOD: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
7	MY EMINENCE	4/1	7/2
5	DRIVEN BY THUNDER	6/1	6/1
6	MATCH UP	5/2	8/1
8	LOOKS GOOD	7/2	10/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
5	DRIVEN BY THUNDER	5	6/1	Front-runner	96	80	78.0	84.2	76.7
8	LOOKS GOOD	8	7/2	Alternator/Front-runner	81	78	74.0	67.2	58.7
6	MATCH UP	6	5/2	Stalker	86	88	63.6	87.8	84.3
1	CAUSE FOR SURPRISE	1	8/1	Alternator/Stalker	83	73	60.2	65.4	53.4
7	MY EMINENCE	7	4/1	Alternator/Trailer	88	82	74.8	92.2	88.2
2	GREELY IS BACK	2	8/1	Alternator/Non-contender	83	68	72.6	63.4	54.4
4	TISDALE	4	8/1	Alternator/Non-contender	82	76	67.2	67.0	55.0
3	SHOTMASTER	3	10/1	Alternator/Non-contender	91	79	0.0	0.0	0.0

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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Canterbury Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 8 - Optional Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $25000 Class Rating: 87

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, TRIAL OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $12,500. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT ONE MILE OR OVER SINCE JULY 3 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500. MINNESOTA BRED

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 6 SOME SAY SO 9/2
# 1 MIZZEN AIR 10/1
# 2 AFTER RED SUN 5/2

I think SOME SAY SO is a formidable choice. Has been racing in the most competitive company of the group lately. Should go off at a big price and has some positive attributes going for her. MIZZEN AIR - She has been running quite well and the speed figs are among the strongest in this group of horses in this race. Could best this group based on the speed rating - 84 - of her last affair. AFTER RED SUN - I can't pass on this mare given one of the strongest jockey and handler combos on the grounds.

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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Prairie Meadows - Race #10 - Post: 8:02pm - Starter Allowance - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $25,000 Class Rating: 93

Rating:

#5 DOWNTOWNER (ML=8/1)
#2 CHRIS AND DAVE (ML=2/1)


DOWNTOWNER - My expertise says this is the sole stalker in the race. This jock/trainer duo has been producing a very beneficial ROI, right at +55. This horse collects a lot of money per start. I believe he can augment the lifetime total right here. Always watch out for the longer priced horse when a trainer has an 'uncoupled' entry in a race. CHRIS AND DAVE - This jockey/conditioner duo has been producing a very positive ROI, right at +163.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 PINSON (ML=3/1), #4 CAROUSE (ML=4/1), #6 HOUR CITY (ML=5/1),

PINSON - A strong horse that's been running well, but he's been off the track in the mornings lately. CAROUSE - This vulnerable equine ran a disappointing speed fig last race out. He shouldn't run better and will probably get beat in today's event running that figure. HOUR CITY - Hard to keep chasing this kind of 'bridesmaid' horse.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Go with #5 DOWNTOWNER on top if we're getting at least 5/2 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [2,5]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	None

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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Colonial Downs - Race #7 - Post: 8:18pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $16,000 Class Rating: 67

Rating:

#3 FLOWZANO (ML=3/1)


FLOWZANO - The most dangerous animal in racing is the lone speed horse. If they let her get away early they probably won't catch her. Last two speed figures (68, 68) were solid. Anything close to that right here in this race and this one may win easily.

Vulnerable Contenders: #14 MISS LOTUS FLOWER (ML=7/2), #8 LOST SCROLL (ML=6/1), #9 PASS IT ON (ML=8/1),

MISS LOTUS FLOWER - If you keep betting these sort of 'bridesmaid' types, you're going to be frustrated most every time. Hard to wager on these non-winning types at less than generous odds. LOST SCROLL - No speed in this bunch to help set-up her late rush. I'd like to see more preferred recent efforts with M/L odds of 6/1. PASS IT ON - 8/1 odds isn't enough for this horse when checking the most recent efforts.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - FLOWZANO - Earnings per start is one measure of class I like to check out. This magnificent animal is in the top spot in the group and has a good shot to beat this crew.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Bet on #3 FLOWZANO to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	3 with 14
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Skip

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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fairmount Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 7 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $7000 Class Rating: 66

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE IN 2020 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 1 DATA BREACH 3/1
# 5 ROLL CALL 12/1
# 9 HIGH HERO 6/1

I lean toward DATA BREACH here. The Equibase speed fig of 60 from his most recent race looks decent in here. Is tough not to examine given the company run in recently. ROLL CALL - This horse has a excellent winning percentage in dirt sprints. Last time out, this gelding ran against a stronger bunch. HIGH HERO - Should be given consideration - I like the figs from the last contest.