The Bucks are going to miss Khris Middleton vs. Bulls, plus other best bets for Tuesday

Good afternoon gambling aficionados, it’s Chris Bengel. How’s your bracket doing? Just as I suspected, one of mine is in shambles after taking Auburn to win it all. Luckily, Arizona did survive in another one and I do have the Wildcats winning the national title, so there’s a sliver of hope.

But that’s what makes March so great. You truly can never predict what’s going to happen. It’s an awesome story to see a small school like Saint Peter’s become the darling of the entire tournament. As a New Jersey native, seeing the Peacocks reach the Sweet 16 brought a little bit of a sense of pride. Regardless of how far Saint Peter’s ends up going in the tournament, no one can argue that it’s been a fun ride.

Anyway, we have a few more days until we get March Madness back, so to tide you over I’ve got some NBA and NHL picks that should give us more money to play with when Thursday rolls around. Let’s get to the picks!

All times Eastern, and all odds via Caesars Sportsbook

🔥 The Hot Ticket

🏀 Bulls vs. Bucks, 8 p.m. | TV: NBA.tv

Latest Odds:

Chicago Bulls
+7.5

• Key Trend: The Bucks are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games against a team with a winning record
• The Pick: Bulls +8 (-110) 

It’s rare to trust a team that’s coming up on the second night of a back-to-back. However, I’m very confident in siding with the Bulls in this spot — even if it is against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. That’s because the Bucks are going to be without star guard Khris Middleton.

Middleton is scheduled to miss Tuesday’s game due to a wrist injury. Throughout his NBA career, the Bucks have accumulated an 82-91 record without Middleton in the lineup. Now, I’m certainly not saying that the Bucks can’t win this game without Middleton because when you have Giannis Antetokounmpo, nothing is an impossible task. Still, the Bulls are too talented of a team to beat by such a wide margin.

After losing three consecutive games, the Bulls bounced back with a hard-fought 113-99 win over the Raptors on Monday. Much like he has all season, DeMar DeRozan was his usual efficient self to the tune of 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting. Against a team that is among the league’s most dangerous offensive units, I simply believe that the Bucks won’t have enough firepower to cover the eight points, so side with the Bulls

💰 The Picks

🏀 NBA

Clippers vs. Nuggets, 8 p.m. | TV: NBA.tv
The Pick: Nikola Jokic Over 47.5 Points, Assists, and Rebounds (-105): — For the vast majority of the 2021-22 NBA season, it was assumed that Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was a shoe-in to win the league’s MVP award. Not anymore. One of the biggest reasons that the race has reopened is the play of Denver Nuggets star big man Nikola Jokic. 

There’s no other way to put it: Jokic has been absolutely sensational this season. The Nuggets star is able to do damage in so many different phases of the game. His 26.1 points-per-game is good for ninth in the league, but he’s also one of the most gifted distributors and rebounders that the sport has to offer. In five of his last 10 games, Jokic has recorded at least 48 points, assists, and rebounds. 

As for Tuesday’s opponent, the Clippers aren’t exactly savants when it comes to the battle on the glass. In fact, the Clippers are yielding 47.4 rebounds-per-game to their opponents, which is good for 28th in the NBA. In addition, Los Angeles allows their opponents to dish out 24 assists-per-game, which isn’t awful, but isn’t in the elite tier of the league. Jokic should be able to secure 10-15 rebounds with his eyes closed and he’s always good for around 30 points per contest. Add in his elite passing ability and I just don’t see the Clippers keeping him in check. Bet on Jokic to continue his reign of terror.

Key Trend: Jokic has registered at least 48 points, assists, and rebounds in 5 of his 10 games during the month of March

🏒  NHL

Lightning at Hurricanes, 7 p.m. | TV: ESPN+

Latest Odds:

Under 5.5

The Pick: Under 5.5 goals (+100) — This matchup features two of the sport’s most elite goaltenders in Andrei Vasilevskiy and Frederik Andersen. For that reason alone, playing the under is a safe bet.

The Hurricanes and Lightning are two of the more dangerous offenses across the NHL. Both rank just outside the top 10 with 3.3 goals-per-game, which is a very respectable number. However, they’re facing two goaltenders that have showcased the ability to stand on their heads throughout a good portion of the 2021-22 season. In addition, Andersen and Vasilevskiy have two of the top eight goals-against-averages in the entire league and have collectively allowed one goal in two of their last three starts.

The Hurricanes and Lightning also haven’t seen their offenses produce recently. Tampa Bay has had two goals or fewer in four of its last five games, which has resulted in three losses. On the other hand, Carolina has netted two goals or less in three of its last four games. Given the offenses being cold as of late, I’m comfortable riding with the under in this spot and you’re getting some great juice with the odds.

Key Trend: The under is 4-0 in the Hurricanes’ last four games against a team with a winning percentage above .600