Sports Handicapper William Burns's Picks & Predictions

Burns' Selection // Washington Capitals [ML] . 

Buffalo simply doesn't have anything going for it right now. Currently dead last in the Eastern Conference standings, the Sabres have pretty much been eliminated from the playoffs (not official yet.) They played yesterday in Philadelphia where they gave up seven goals. That's really, really bad. 

On the other hand, Washington hasn't been great recently. But, having Saturday off should really help the Capitals regain some more confidence and an "easier" matchup here against the Sabres should give them some momentum as we head down the stretch. I expect the Capitals to break out of their mini two game skid here this afternoon and win this game by 2+ on Sunday. 

Score Prediction: 5-0 Capitals.

Burns' Selection // Tennessee Volunteers [ML] . 

As we look into this matchup, it amazes me how similar these two teams are. Tennessee doesn't play fast at all. Relying on defense more than anything, the Vols have had brilliant guard play throughout March which has led them to this moment. Zakhi Ziegler has been phenomenal & so has Chaz Lanier. Both guys are playing out of their minds right now. 

Houston has battled and has survived up until this point. But, it's just a matter of time before the Cougars come crashing down. Houston also plays very slow and relies on defense. But, it's not going to fare well against Tennessee if its best scoring option only scores five points again. LJ Cryer shot 2/13 vs. Purdue and the Cougars still managed to win. I see him struggling again (not as badly, but enough) against a top defense and that will prove costly here. 

Since the NCAA March Madness Tournament expanded to 64 teams all the way back in 1985, only one year stands out. It was 2008 when all four one seeds made the Final Four. Crazy thing is that it was in San Antonio. So is this years. Two one seeds are through already and two are ready to play on Sunday. As Lee Corso famously says. Not so fast. Give me Rocky Top in this all time defensive war. 

Score Prediction: 63-58 Tennessee.

Burns' Selection // Golden State Warriors @ San Antonio Spurs [Over] . 

Although Golden State is an average paced team, it's able to play in high scoring games if need be. Curry, who's still somewhat nursing an injury, is expected to play in this game which should help the offense. Golden State is much, much better with Steph in the lineup, like one would expect. 

Looking at the Spurs, they have played in much higher scoring games recently. Consecutive games now have ending going "over" for them and they are still trying very hard in games despite the injuries and current position in the standings. It helps that this is a young group that has nothing to lose. In the first GS/SAS matchup, it was a low scoring game with a lower total than this. With the o/u line up three plus points, I expect that to mean something. Hammer the "over." 

Score Prediction: 125-114 Warriors.

Burns' Selection // Philadelphia Phillies (Moneyline) .. 

Aaron Nola (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Mitchell Parker (0-0, 0.00 ERA) . 

I won with the Phillies in the first game of the season and I'm back with them in the finale, to finish the "sweep." Despite winning yesterday too, Philadelphia gave up six runs which is quite a bit. Today, I don't believe that the Phillies will give up nearly as much with one of their more familiar pitchers on the mound in Aaron Nola. Nola was dominant in four spring starts posting a 1.84 ERA and 17Ks in 14.2 innings. I expect him to be even better than last season's 14-8, 3.57 ERA. 

Looking at the Nationals, it was very difficult for them to give up the lead that they had on Opening Day with how well Gore pitched. That can haunt a team for days and even weeks. That being said, Washington could be in trouble over these next couple of series' @TOR vs. AZ & vs. LAD. Parker gets the nod for the Nats today and he was slightly below average in his rookie year last year (7-10, 4.29 ERA.) Now, those are solid stats for a rookie, and he very well could improve this season. But, this is a bad matchup for him against a quickly turned hot Phillies lineup. 

Even though Trae Turner didn't play yesterday due to a back injury (last minute scratch,) the Phillies should be able to complete the sweep with or without him on Sunday. I believe that both the pitching matchup and batting matchup suits the road team. Therefore, this is my NL EAST GAME OF THE MONTH. 

Score Prediction: 5-2 Phillies.