Can the Nuggets dominate the Timberwolves once more? | Plus, why the Stars will get up

Joyful Wednesday sports activities followers! It’s Chris Bengel again within the saddle with you.

Right here we go once more with the Maple Leafs. The Lightning completely manhandled the Maple Leafs, 7-3, in Tuesday’s sequence opener. The narrative of Toronto not having the ability to make it out of the opening spherical is definitely going to be alive and properly after a dreadful Recreation 1 efficiency. The Maple Leafs fell behind 3-0 within the first interval, and have been simply by no means in a position to get well.

We’ve bought loads of NBA and NHL playoff motion as soon as once more on Wednesday, so let’s dive into the picks.

All occasions Jap, and all odds by way of Caesars Sportsbook

🔥 The Sizzling Ticket

Timberwolves at Nuggets, 10 p.m. | TV: NBA TV

• The Choose: Nuggets -8.5 (-110)
• Key Development: The Nuggets are 5-2 ATS of their final seven video games.

The Nuggets dominated the Timberwolves in Recreation 1, and with them nonetheless holding the house courtroom benefit, I don’t anticipate that narrative to vary for Recreation 2.

As a crew, the Nuggets shot 45.6 % from the sector and drilled 41.9 % (16-of-39) of their makes an attempt from past the arc in Recreation 1. The Timberwolves shot simply 37.0 % on the night time, whereas Anthony Edwards (18 factors) and Karl-Anthony Cities (11 factors) have been the one two starters that completed the sport in double figures. Denver’s protection compelled 11 turnovers and out-rebounded Minnesota 54-38, together with 11 on the offensive glass. That’s a giant deal, contemplating that the Timberwolves have Ruby Gobert and Cities. 

Will the Timberwolves make some changes? Sure, after all. Nonetheless, I don’t suppose it’ll cease the Nuggets, who’re such a balanced offensive unit. Heck, MVP candidate Nikola Jokic solely scored 13 factors and solely hoisted up 12 pictures when it was all mentioned and accomplished in Recreation 1. Jokic can merely simply be the facilitator with guys like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. shouldering the scoring load. I’m not anticipating one other 29-point loss, however I do consider that the Nuggets will win this one by double-digits on the very least.

💰 Extra Picks

Wild at Stars, 9:30 p.m. | TV: ESPN2

The Choose: Stars (-160) — Regardless of a deflating Recreation 1 loss, I nonetheless am very a lot on the Stars bandwagon. I’m anticipating a bounce-back effort from Dallas in Recreation 2.

The Stars had each likelihood to finish Recreation 1 in the course of the two time beyond regulation intervals, they simply couldn’t remedy goalie Filip Gustavsson. I feel it was only a case of bounces not going the Stars’ manner. Nonetheless, this Dallas crew is manner too proficient to drop back-to-back video games on their house ice.

It is a very potent offense that averaged 3.41 goals-per-game (seventh within the NHL) all through the common season. Whereas the Wild are clearly a really harmful crew at occasions, they’re not on the identical degree because the Stars. Sure, it’s probably that Joe Pavelski gained’t play after getting knocked out of Recreation 1 as a result of a success from Matt Dumba. However even with out Pavelski, the Stars have the offensive weapons throughout their prime three strains to win this one.

Key Development: The Stars are 6-1 of their final seven video games

Lakers at Grizzlies, 7:30 p.m. | TV: TNT
The Choose: Austin Reaves Over 15.5 Factors (-131) — The Lakers shocked the world in Recreation 1 as they took down the Grizzlies on the street. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been each robust within the win, however certainly one of Los Angeles’ function gamers actually rose to the event: Austin Reeves.

Reeves scored 23 factors on a particularly environment friendly 8-of-13 capturing efficiency, together with a trio of threes. As well as, Reeves netted 14 of his 23 factors within the fourth quarter to essentially assist push the Lakers throughout the end line. The rookie guard was locked in from the perimeter in opposition to a Grizzlies crew that defended the three properly in the course of the common season with opponents registering only a 35.5 % clip (ninth within the NBA). I anticipate him to proceed to be an integral a part of the Lakers’ offense.

Key Development: Reaves has scored a minimum of 16 factors in 5 of his final six video games