Will Rogers

The set-up: Auburn enters the SEC Tournament final on a seven-game win streak. Most recently the Tigers beat Florida 65-62 yesterday, going 13 of 28 from range. Note though that Tennessee plays with revenge here after it fell 84-80 at Auburn on March 9th in the regular season finale. The Vols come in off an impressive 82-78 win over favored Kentucky and I think they carry that momentum over here. And with a win today, the Vols will punch their ticket to a No. 1 seed in the upcoming Tournament. 

The pick: Auburn plays its fourth game in four days and I believe it comes out flat and tired here. Look for the up-tempo Vols to push the pace, to avenge the regular season finale loss, to earn the No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA tourney and to be crowned the SEC Tournament winner. Lay the points.

9* play

The set-up: Buffalo comes in off a tiring 4-2 loss at Carolina last night and I think it’ll have a difficult time mustering much of an offensive attack against the Blues’ stifling defense. St. Louis cruised to an easy 5-1 win over Pittsburgh yesterday afternoon and I believe it carries that momentum over here as well. The Sabres have in fact lost seven straight. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but St. Louis is 8-2 in its last ten vs. tams with losing records. The Blues have won 20 of the last 23 in this series and have everything to play for here. The Sabres on the other hand are simply going through the motions at this point. I’m laying the price and expecting a blowout. 

10* play

The set-up: Both teams were in action yesterday, making home ice a major advantage in my opinion at this time of year. This is a great price all things considered. the Isles come in off an exhausting 2-1 loss in Detroit yesterday afternoon, while the Wild cruised to a simple 5-2 win over the Rangers. The Isles have been great on the road all season, but I think they’re running out of gas. Minnesota can’t take the foot off the gas as it’s in a dog fight for one of the wild card spots. From a situational stand point, this one definitely sets up great for the home side in my opinion. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but New York just 2-5 in its last in the second game of a back to back in which it lost and scored one goal or less in the first one, while Minnesota is 6-2 in its last eight home games following a win by two or more goals. Lay the price.

9* play

The set-up: Texas Arlington is off a 67-58 win over Georgia Southern, while Georgia State won 59-46 over Texas State to advance. The Panthers won both regular season meetings over the Mavericks. Each team comes in off a lower-scoring victory and I’m expecting a similar battle here as well. The Mavericks held the Eagles to just 36.7 percent shooting last tie out. UTA needed its defense to step up though, as the offense connected on just 39.7 percent of its chances in the victory. Overall UTA has averaged 69.4 PPG and allowed 69.7. Georgia State averages 77.2 PG and it allows 73.2. During league play though the Panthers have averaged 76.5 PPG and they allow 72.4. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but UTA has seen the total go “under” the number in seven of its last nine after allowing 60 points or less in its previous game, while Georgia State has seen the total go “under” in eight of its last 11 after allowing 48 points or less in its previous outing. This number is high, play the “under.”

10* play

The set-up: Philadelphia enters off a 123-114 home win over the Kings on Friday, while the Bucks posted a 113-98 road win at Miami the same night. Philadelphia plays with revenge here today after falling 123-108 here back on October 24th. The 76ers in fact have won three straight and they come in averaging 114.9 PPG, while allowing 111.5. The Bucks have won two straight and they average 117.6 points, while allowing 108.3. 

The pick: With Joel Embiid back in the mix, the 76ers are once again rolling. They play with the added incentive of revenge today and I’m expecting a war until the final horn. Take it for what you will as well, but Philadelphia is 70-51 ATS in its last 121 in revenging a loss vs. an opponent that scored 100 points or more in, while Milwaukee is just 5-6 ATS in its last 11 after two straight blowout wins by 15 points or more. Grab the points and expect a “nail biter.” 

10* play