First Pick: Over 227.5 Points

Rundown: The Los Angeles Clippers (6-17) are set for a Western Conference matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-8) in a showdown from the Target Center. 

In 22 games this season, Minnesota has seen 17 contests (77.2%) exceed the projected point total. As for Los Angeles, 12 of its 23 games have gone above 227.5 points. Minnesota’s 6th-ranked scoring offense and the Clippers’ inconsistent 19th-ranked defense will provide plenty of possessions and clean looks. Expect both offenses to start strong, with James Harden and Anthony Edwards leading the way for their respective teams. 

Second Pick: Under 5.5 Goals

Rundown: The Chicago Blackhawks (12-9-6) travel out west to face off with the Los Angeles Kings (12-8-7) in a rematch from Thursday night. 

Los Angeles enters with one of the stingiest defenses in the league, allowing the second-fewest goals in the NHL (2.6 goals per game). While Los Angeles has dominated on defense, the offense is still trying to find its stride. The Kings sit near the bottom in scoring, tallying just 2.6 goals per game in 27 contests. The offensive struggles can be best defined by the team’s 12.94% power-play conversion rate, worst in the NHL. 

On the other side of the ice, Chicago has been much more consistent both offensively and defensively. The Blackhawks head into the Crypto.com Arena with the league’s 12th-ranked scoring offense and defense, putting 3.2 goals into the net per game and surrendering 2.8. Given Los Angeles’ defensive strength and Chicago’s middling offensive attack, tonight’s contest looks primed to offer limited scoring chances. Expect a grind-it-out contest with five goals or fewer. 

Third Pick: Ohio State -4

Rundown: Saturday’s spotlight shines bright on Lucas Oil Stadium as the undefeated No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-0) clash with the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers (12-0) in the Big Ten Championship Game. 

This title game features the two best defenses in the country. The Buckeyes boast the No. 1 scoring defense in the country, allowing just 7.8 points per game while Indiana allows just 10.9 points per game. Indiana’s 2nd-ranked offensive attack will present a fascinating challenge, but Ohio State’s defense has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to shut down high-powered offenses.

In a matchup where high octane offenses clash with elite defense, Ohio State’s combination of depth, execution and championship experience will prove to be too much for Indiana. Expect the Buckeyes to take home the Big Ten Championship and cover the spread.