It’s going to be a great Wednesday, sports fans. Pucks will fly when the Chicago Blackhawks welcome the St. Louis Blues to United Center for a night of exciting hockey action. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies meet the Houston Rockets for the second time in a matchup between two of the top Western Conference teams in the NBA.
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks (8:00 PM ET)
Line: St. Louis Blues (+125) at Chicago Blackhawks (-145); total 5.0 – view these lines
With Chicago goalkeeper Corey Crawford out due to a lower body injury, the Blackhawks will start Antti Raanta tonight. Raanta conceded three goals in each of his last two games, including a 3-2 loss at St. Louis on October 25.
[sc:NHL240 ]The Blackhawks may be able to take their revenge tonight with the Blues also dealing with their own issues between the pipes. St. Louis’ third-ranked 2.0 goals-against average took a hit after netminder Brian Elliot (1.82 GAA) moved to injured reserve on November 26. Starting in Elliot’s place will be Jake Allen, who has a 2.60 GAA in his last five games.
A loaded Chicago front line led by Patrick Kane (a team-high 23 points) and Jonathan Toews (10 goals this season) should be able shoot past Allen on home ice. The Blackhawks have won their last three home games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Blackhawks take their fourth straight home win. Create a betting account now and get your daily dose of sports betting action.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Memphis Grizzlies (+4.5) at Houston Rockets (-4.5); total 191.0 – view these lines
Houston center Dwight Howard is expected to miss his seventh straight game due to a strained right knee. Missing Howard, who accounts for a team-high 11.3 rebounds per game, may prove costly against the frontcourt-heavy Memphis. The Grizzlies have been dominant inside the paint with Marc Gasol averaging team-highs of 20.1 points and 1.5 blocks, and Zach Randolph nabbing 11.7 boards per contest.
The Rockets can still put up the points with James Harden averaging 28 points while shooting .452 from downtown in the past six games. However, the Grizzlies’ backcourt tandem of Mike Conley and Courtney Lee will do their best to shut him down. Conley and Lee limited Harden to a season-low six points on 1-of-8 shooting in their first meeting on November 17.
The Grizzlies are 3-0 SU/ATS in their last three games against the Rockets.
Writer’s Prediction
The Grizzlies have Houston’s number. Take Memphis to cover -4.5 for some value on your bet.
