Will Rogers Handicapping Review & Free Picks Page

Both of these teams have scored goals in a big way. Both are well rested. Koskinen is in the net for the Oilers and he has been sharp. Flyers' goaltender Hart appears to have improved after a rough time last year, but I am not a believer yet. Ryan Ellis is still missing on defense.

The Oilers still allow a ton of shots, and the Flyers have been sharpshooters this year. The Oilers are a very confident team at 5-0, and McDavid and Draisaitl are clicking on all cylinders, as usual, but the Oilers’ offense is a little more diverse than in past years.. There is little doubt that the Oilers will score, but unless they play a better brand of defense, there is little doubt they will be scored upon. Take the high set total to go even higher.

Braves (Fried, 1-1) vs Astros (Urquidy)

It is Fried vs Urquidy after an unexpectedly bullpen-centric World Series game one. Max Fried was dominant in the regular season, especially coming down the stretch. He had 2 very good 6 inning starts in the postseason, but the third was not a charm as the Dodgers finally got to him. He allowed 5 runs over 4.2 innings. Fried, if he is on, can give the Braves what they need, a long successful outing. He is a very good lefty and the Astros are not quite the same team vs. left-handed pitchers.

Urquidy has started 1 game in the post season, lasting just 1.2 innings and giving up 5 ER. He had a strong regular season, marred by a long turn on the IL, and has been uneven since his return. Urquidy is capable of throwing a strong outing today but it is less likely than Fried’s chances.

Both bullpens pitched very well in game one, but having to cover so many innings is far less than ideal. Should these starters falter, both teams will struggle to cover the extra innings today. Atlanta’s batters are on a tear, and appear at the moment quite capable of matching the Astro’s fire power. The Astros are formidable at home but the Braves are a very good road team.

It is a hard call on the total today; just too many variables are out there. I like Fried’s chances of delivering far more than Urquidy’s. I know the Astros will be desperate for a home win, but Atlanta’s chances are also dependent on Fried’s success now that Charlie Morton is out for the duration. Take the Braves, a small underdog, to win today.

Charlotte Hornets @ Orlando Magic

The Hornets have been pretty good in the early going. They're 3-1. That includes going 2-0 straight-up and against-the-spread on the road.

The Magic have been pretty much garbage to open, as they're just 1-3. That includes going 0-1 SU/ATS at home.

Off a tough 140-129 OT home loss to Boston, a game that they led most of the way, I expect this young and talented Hornets team to take out its frustrations on this young and rebuilding Magic side.

Orlando was most recently torched 107-90 at Miami on Monday.

A game at home is not what the doctor ordered either to get back on track for the Magic, who are a putrid 1-8-1 ATS in their last ten at home (also a disturbing 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 as an underdog.) 

The Hornets on the other hand are 38-12-1 ATS in their last 51 games vs a team with a winning percentage below .400.

Everything is in place for a lop-sided road destruction for the Hornets. The play is Charlotte.