(#854) Portland State Vikings | ATS | . 

As the line has moved slightly from the opening line, I believe that this is excellent value that we're getting on a home side that's been brilliant ATS all season long. The Vikings are 10-1 ATS in 11 contests w/ lines this season. That's simply dominant. I know that they don't have as strong of a record YTD than UNCO. However, the Vikings are on fire having won three consecutive including two road games at the moment. 

Northern Colorado just lost to Weber State at home. I don't believe that the Bears are as strong as their record suggests thus far and they might start to fall in the rankings of a lot of people as conference play moves along. Given how they played last time out, I do not see UNCO hanging around in this game against Portland State. 

Burns' Prediction: 83-72 Portland St.

(#517) Charlotte Hornets @ (#518) Los Angeles Lakers | OVER | . 

While the Hornets continue to grow as a young and gritty team, there's no question that they can still compete with some of the top teams even during this growing stretch. I mean, they've beaten OKC and just beat the Jazz by 50+ already thus far. There's no question in my mind that Charlotte can hang with an aging Lakers group and make things interesting on Thursday. 

Well, why aren't I taking the Hornets then? Because both teams love to play in high scoring games and both have some inconsistencies in the winning department at times. LAL just dropped 141 points on Atlanta and would love to keep scoring as much this evening. Either way, this line is way too low considering how these teams play. 

Burns' Prediction: 123-118 Lakers.

(#27) Toronto Maple Leafs @ (#28) Vegas Golden Knights | UNDER | . 

Last season, I was fortunate to be able to watch both of these teams play in a game in Toronto on November 20th. That game finished 3-0 and was an all out defensive battle. I know that there's been a meeting since and all. But, I believe that when these teams play, it's a physical battle and even more so now that Marner is on the Golden Knights. 

Before losing on Tuesday, the Maple Leafs had won four consecutive games. The goaltending has been fantastic allowing only 11 goals over their past five games (that incl. six in the most recent game.) I expect the Leafs to get back to what's gotten them back in it on Thursday and that should help them have a good chance in this game. 

Vegas hasn't been nearly as strong this year as I expected. But, the Golden Knights are finally starting to heat up as well, winning four straight games. Both teams are playing with urgency & know the consequences of more defeats. Expect a hard fought low scoring contest on Thursday evening. 

Burns' Prediction: 2-1 Leafs.

(#835) Lindenwood Lions @ (#836) Southeast Missouri State Redhawks | OVER | . 

Lindenwood probably won't win this game given that it's on the road as sizeable underdogs. However, the Lions will most definitely try. So far this season, they have put up great numbers. As a matter of fact, they are averaging 80+ PPG which is strong for any team. The Lions feed off of fast break points and quite a ton of turnovers which can be a recipe for success in this game. 

SEMO, on the other hand, doesn't score as much. But, the Redhawks do play fast as well. Both teams are in the top 80 in KenPom's adjusted tempo rankings (Lindenwood at #33 & Southeast Missouri State at #78.) I believe that we're going to see a ton of possessions in this game and that will ultimately lead to lots of scoring. 

I know that neither team is great at shooting the basketball from deep. But, both teams know of that weakness and neither team spends time out on the three point shot too much, as both are in the top 35 in two-point shots attempted per game. Expect this one to see 160+ points on Thursday evening. 

Burns' Prediction: 88-79 SEMO.

(#504) Detroit Pistons | ATS | . 

Considering the Jalen Green injury and all that's happened, I'm quite in awe of what Phoenix has been able to do sans Kevin Durant this season. I mean the Suns were significantly worse last year with KD. Now, with a 24-16 record, the Suns are just a half game outside of a guaranteed playoff spot in the highly competitive Western Conference. That's extremely good. 

That being said, Detroit was expected to be great and has been great this season. Leading the Eastern Conference with a 28-10 record at the moment, the Pistons are at home this evening. They are 14-4 in 18 home games and must respond after losing to LAC in their last game. Having not played since the weekend, Detroit is well rested compared to Phoenix who just played down in Miami on Tuesday. Lay the points on Thursday evening. 

Burns' Prediction: 118-103 Pistons.

(#789) Robert Morris Colonials | ATS | . 

After last week's win w/ Milwaukee against IUPUI, you can probably figure out that I'm not the biggest fan of it. The Jaguars are 4-15 YTD and are still getting some respect for some reason that I'm not too sure why. They've lost six consecutive games and own a losing record at home this season. You can't get much worse..

For Robert Morris, it's also lost consecutive games which could be a factor in the line here. I expect a much better game from the Colonials on Thursday who've got four road wins already this season. RMU absolutely dominated both matchups last year and I believe that another blowout could be on the cards in this one. Lay the points. 

Burns' Prediction: 95-71 RMU.

(#19) Winnipeg Jets | ML | . 

After winning with the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday against NYI, I'm coming back with them on Thursday. This is a much bigger selection than that one way. The way the Jets are playing right now, there's no doubt in my mind that they are going to continue to win games throughout the remainder of the season. They had a really rough patch and have lots to do to make up for it. But, they can only take things one game at a time for the meantime. 

Minnesota's struggled a bit recently, losing consecutive games. The injury to Joel Eriksson-Ek has been deadly for the Wild who have not looked the same without him. I'm not sure whether he'll play this evening as he's labelled as day-to-day. But, I don't expect him to be at 100% still if he's able to suit up on Thursday. 

Prior to losing consecutive games to finish 2025 (this season) against Minnesota, Winnipeg had won nine straight meetings. I believe that the Jets are going to get back to their bread and butter and manage another victory on Thursday. This line value is brilliant. Winnipeg wins this hockey game. 

Burns' Prediction: 4-2 Jets.