Will Rogers

The set-up: The Nuggets looked sluggish in their 125-105 setback to the Heat in their opener, but I think this incredibly deep team will make adjustments and come out much better in its second outing. The Thunder rolled over the Jazz, but Utah had a mental lapse there after its 106-104 Opening night win over the Pelicans. 

The pick: Denver took two of three in the regular season series, as its big men present significant matchup issues for OKC. I expect Denver to indeed make some adjustments and to continue its recent domination of this particular matchup. 

This is an 8* play on the Denver Nuggets. 

The set-up: The Mets and Braves conclude their three game series on Monday night and in my opinion, I think the home side has the advantage here in this duel of team "aces." The visitors go with Jacob deGrom (0-0, 1.64 ERA) gave up two runs over six innings while striking out four in a no-decision vs. the Red Sox on Wednesday. deGrom continues to be the victim of poor run support and with the recent off field issues involving Yoenis Cespidis, things aren't looking any better for this already struggling New York hitting line-up. 

The pick: Mike Soroka (0-0, 1.59) gets the nod for the home side and he'd give up three runs (just two earned) over 5.1 innings while also striking out five in a no-decision vs. the Rays on Wednesday. Note that Soroka was extremely dominant in all "night" games last year as well, going 9-2 with a 2.50 ERA. I like Soroka and the Braves to lay the hammer down here.

This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the Atlanta Braves.

The set-up: Utah looked out of sorts in its 110-94 setback to the Thunder. The Jazz managed a slim victory over the Pelicans in their opener and while they may not take this game outright, I do think the stage is set for a nail-biter. The Lakers of course looked good in their opener vs. the Clippers, but they seemed pretty disinterested in their second game, a blowout loss to the Raptors. 

The pick: The fact of the matter is, the Lakers only needed to go 1-7 over these final eight games to lock up the top spot in the West and they already did that in their first game. LA does not need to push the pace or risk injury at all over the next two weeks, instead it can already be planning for the playoffs and working on different things related to that. The Jazz though need to find consistency and tonight's game is ultra important in proving that. I'm grabbing the points.

This is an 8* play on the Utah Jazz.

The set-up: The Spurs looked good in their Opening Day win, but they play against a hungry Memphis team on Sunday and I think they'll predictably stumble here vs. a 76ers side which will be out to prove that their blowout loss to the Pacers in their Opener was just an "outlier." 

The pick: As primarily a situational handicapper, these are the types of "spots" that I am always keeping my eyes open for. For all intents and purposes, this becomes a "must win" for Philly, who can't afford any more chemistry issues or execuses. I'm laying the points.

This is an 8* play on the Philadelphia 76ers.

The set-up: The Pacers laid the hammer down on Philly 127-121 in their opener and I expect them to keep the foot on the gas here as well in their second game vs. the undermanned and "gassed" Wizards. Washington has a game vs. the Nets on Sunday afternoon and I believe it's going to predictably come into this one with "heavy legs." 

The pick: Indiana took two of three in the regular season series and that was without the services of Victor Oladipo. I believe Indiana will push the pace/tempo from the opening tip until the final horn and that's why I have no issues at all in laying these points.

This is a 10* play on the Indiana Pacers.

The set-up: Montreal and Carey Price looked impressive in their 3-2 win over the Pens in Game 1 of their five-game play-in series, but with their backs against the wall, I believe the Penguins will bounce back in fine fashion in the second game. For me, the value definitely lies with Pittsburgh here, which remains the much deeper offensive team. If the Habs had any shot at stealing this series, Price had to elevate his game and while he did do that in Game 1, he's consistently been inconsistent from game to game throughout his career and I expect that pattern to continue. 

The pick: While this line will surely continue to climb before face-off, it did open at right around -150. If Pittsburgh had actually won Game 1, that line would have opened closer to -180 (or possibly higher?!) The value is on the hungrier/more desperate and overall better talented Pens side.

This is an 8* UPPER-SHELF DESTRUCTION on the Pittsburgh Penguins.