ASA – American Sports Analysts Handicapper

ASA play on: LA Clippers +2.5 over Houston Rockets, 7:30PM ET – Obviously the biggest game on the card tonight is this one and we are betting the Clippers. These two teams are both 7-3 SU on the season and have some similarities when it comes to general statistics but the biggest advantage the Clippers have is defense. Let’s compare both teams: The Clippers are 8th in offensive efficiency ratings, the Rockets are 3rd. Los Angeles is 11th in defensive efficiency, Houston is 20th. To summarize the Rockets, have a slight edge offensively and the Clippers hold the advantage defensively. But the Clippers numbers have come against the 3rd toughest schedule to date while the Rockets stats have come against the SECOND EASIEST! Houston has one quality win on their resume which was at home against the Bucks.  The Clippers on the other hand have beaten Toronto, Portland, San Antonio, Utah and the Lakers. After facing the much tougher schedule the Clippers average point differential is +5PPG while the Rockets are +1.9PPG against a weak one. L.A. has covered 5 straight, the Rockets are 0-4 AGTS their last four against a team with a winning record. The better defensive team wins outright. Play on: LA CLIPPERS

ASA NHL 9* PLAY ON Philadelphia Flyers over Washington Capitals, Wednesday at 7:35 PM ET

Two really hot teams match up here and the Capitals have had the stronger season thus far as they have been the top team in the league.  However, Washington is on the road for this one and they do not have a single regulation win in any of their last 4 road games.  The Capitals lost one of those, won one in a shootout, and won two in overtime.  In those 4 road games Washington has allowed an average of 4 goals per game.  That holds some significance here for sure because the Flyers are a stellar 6-1-1 on home ice this season and in their last 7 games as a host Philadelphia has allowed just 2.3 goals per game.  Both Carter Hart and Brian Elliott have proven capable of going into "shut down mode" when they are in between the pipes on home ice and you know the Flyers are going to be emotionally charged for this game as Alex Ovechkin and company come to town!  Philly has won 8 of its last 11 games and the Capitals have allowed 3.5 goals per game in their past 8 road games so truly the Caps have not been the same team in their D zone when away from home this season.  Per our computer math model, the Flyers will take advantage here!  This is a great home dog spot for a divisional foe to bring their A game as they look to knock off the team that is not only at the top of their division but also the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup champs.  Bet Philadelphia in early evening NHL action Wednesday.