*3 Star NBA ATS Bookie CRUSHER* The Washington Wizards are without Markieff Morris to tip off the season. For a team that isn't deep in the frontcourt, that's a significant injury. Washington is a veteran team at this point, and they are going to have a solid season again. Washington hasn't been good laying big points at home in recent years though, and I think there is plenty of reason to doubt them in this one.

The Philadelphia 76ers are no longer trying to lose. This is a team that brought in Redick in the offseason and has Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, Joel Embiid, and all sorts of young talent. Philadelphia still has some role players that played great down the stretch last year as well. The 76ers depth is better than average, and I see them as a highly motivated team starting off the season.

The Wizards are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 in the first game of the season. They are laying too much here. 

Take the points and the 76ers. 

*3 Star NBA Opening Night Totals TKO* The Denver Nuggets offense absolutely took off after Jokic was given a bigger role in the offense in the middle of the season last year. After the All-Star break, Denver ranked first in the NBA in points per possession. The Nuggets are going to be a top five offense in the NBA again this year. They also want to push the tempo.

Utah is still going to be a solid defensive team, but the big change for Utah this year should be their tempo. Quin Snyder always has said he wants to speed things up. The Jazz haven't done it. Beat writers in the area said in practices the Jazz are playing significantly faster. While I don't like to read much into the preseason, the Jazz played quicker and averaged 112.3 points per game.

The posted total last time these two played was higher than this. Denver's totals were consistently 220 late last year. I know it can't be that high here with a very good Utah defense, but I see this as a chance to take advantage of some value on the over thanks to Utah's change of pace.

Take the over. 

*4 Star NHL FIRE on the ICE* The Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Tampa Bay Lightning inside Nationwide Arena on Thursday night.

Situationally, this is a nice spot. The Lightning are playing their 4th game in 6 days. Fatigue will be a huge factor as they continue to bounce around from city to city in this short period of time.

Columbus has also started this season off on fire. Winners in 5 or their first 6 and 4 straight overall, the Blue Jackets are clicking right now.

They’ve proven already they can come from behind, but they also have seen the offense really control the pace of play. Columbus has done a great job working in the opponents zone and holding the puck in there.

Columbus has outscored the opposition 21-13 so far on the season. They have a mentality of crashing the net and really keeping the pressure on.

Holding an 8-1 edge in a pair of home games this season, this is just too generous of a price.

Take Columbus.