Ben Burns

THE PLAY: Total Under 6.5 (-115)

The Avalanche finally started keeping the puck out of the net and that's led to them starting to win. The held San Jose to a single goal last game, a 4-1 win, their first game of the season which stayed below the total. This figures to be another relatively low-scoring affair. Off a 2-1 (OT) win over Calgary, the Kraken have seen two of their three home games stay below the total. The last four h2h meetings, here at Seattle, had scores of: 5-1, 4-1, 4-1 and 3-2. Overall, six of the past seven meetings have finished with six combined goals or less. I expect this one to do the same. 

Ben Burns is WagerTalk's #1 NBA/CBB Handicapper of All-Time. He's enjoyed remarkable success on the hardwood for the better part of two decades. Also, WagerTalk's #1 NBA Totals Handicapper Of All-Time, Ben's first total is ready to go. 

Also, make sure to take advantage of Ben's $5 Tuesday NHL Special. He's already a perfect 6-0 YTD with sides rated 3% or higher and this will make 7 straight.

THE PLAY: Toronto Raptors +5.5 (-112)

The Raptors are coming off an awful season, winning just 25 games. They've got some talent on their roster but are likely at least another year away from really contending. They'll ultimately be battling it out with the Nets to avoid (or to get?) the basement in the Atlantic Division. That said, they've got a very passionate fan base and they're coming into the season with plenty of excitement. I expect a big effort from them on opening night. The Raptors played the Cavaliers tough in two of three meetings last season. They lost the first by three points, at Cleveland. They proceeded to beat the Cavs by three in the first game at Toronto. The Raptors beat Minnesota in last season's opener, a 3-point win here at Toronto. The Cavs were involved in a 1-point game with in the Nets in their opener. This should be another close one. Let's grab the points. 

Ben Burns is WagerTalk's #1 NBA/CBB Handicapper of All-Time. He's enjoyed remarkable success on the hardwood for the better part of two decades. Also, WagerTalk's #1 NBA Totals Handicapper Of All-Time, Ben's first total is ready to go.