After going 13-2 in my past three pieces, you’d think it would be easy to keep the wins coming. It’s actually harder, because there’s more pressure to keep the success coming. Plus, nine of those wins involved football, which I don’t have to help me out here. But we’ve got the World Series, hockey and basketball, so we’ve got more than enough action available. Here are my best plays for October 27.
PACERS -1, -110
The narrative here is that the Pacers can’t defend and the Raptors can’t score. But while the Raptors are pretty poor on offense, the Pacers’ defense is better than it’s getting credit for. Indiana has played two of its first four games against Charlotte, which ranks second in the league in scoring, and Milwaukee, which should need no explanation. Against a middling Miami offense, the Pacers held the Heat to just 91 points in an overtime game. Toronto’s lack of scoring is for real, and Indiana should be able to hold the Raptors in check.
FLYERS ML, +165
You can’t give up 37 shots a game and expect to stay unbeaten forever, even if you have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Eventually, some of these shots are going to go in, and Philadelphia is the perfect team to take advantage. The Flyers rank second in faceoff win percentage and lead the league in goals. They’re going to get good looks at the Edmonton net, and I think they take advantage.
HAWKS -5, -120
The Pelicans played tough against the Timberwolves, but the Hawks have really had their number as of late. Atlanta has covered in seven straight meetings with New Orleans and won the past five straight up. With no Zion Williamson on the floor for the Pelicans, this is going to be a tough streak to break. New Orleans might have kept Minnesota in check, but Atlanta rebounds too well. The Hawks should win this game in the paint.
RED WINGS-CAPITALS O6, -110
Putting a 3.50 GAA and a lesser team in front of Alex Ovechkin is like putting a steak in front of a starving man. Plus, the Wings just hung six on the Blackhawks and the Capitals’ defense left a fair amount to be desired earlier this week against Ottawa. Detroit should do its part on the scoresheet well enough to hit the over here.
BRAVES ML, -105
Max Fried didn’t have it in Los Angeles but should be a lot better against Houston. The Braves’ left-hander has been one of the most reliable pitchers in the game since the All-Star break, and I really do not trust Houston’s pitching right now. Even though the Astros have hit left-handers well, Fried is another matter when he’s on form.
