Wednesday's slate brings an intriguing slate of games into the spotlight as teams in the NHL and college basketball roll into the later stages of January. Tonight presents clear opportunities for bettors to spot and capitalize on value across the board. Here are tonight’s best bets brought to you by BetOnline.ag. Click here to join. All new players get a 50% welcome bonus and up to $250 in free bets.
First Pick: Over 6.5 Goals
Rundown: The Anaheim Ducks (25-21-3) look to extend its win streak to five as they square off with the Colorado Avalanche (34-5-8) in a Western Conference clash from Ball Arena.
Anaheim enters the matchup riding a four-game winning streak, a much-needed surge after enduring a nine-game skid. While the Ducks’ season has been defined by inconsistency, this recent stretch has been fueled by a renewed commitment on the defensive end, allowing just seven total goals during the winning run. That formula will be tested to its limits on Wednesday night, as Anaheim faces the NHL’s most dangerous offensive club.
Colorado boasts the league’s top scoring attack, averaging 4.02 goals per game, and has been nearly untouchable on home ice with just one regulation loss in Denver all season. The Avalanche also sit comfortably atop the NHL standings, led by Hart Trophy favorite Nathan MacKinnon, who is tied for the league lead with 85 points through 47 games.
From a betting perspective, this matchup profiles as an offensive showcase. The two teams combine to average 7.24 goals per game, and their contests have gone over the posted total in 52 of 96 combined games (54.1%).
With Anaheim finding its confidence and Colorado’s elite firepower thriving at altitude, expect a fast-paced, high-event game that lends itself to another over on Wednesday night.
Second Pick: USC -6.5
Rundown: The USC Trojans (14-4) host the Northwestern Wildcats (8-10) in a Big Ten Conference matchup from Galen Center in Los Angeles, California.
USC enters tonight’s matchup looking to bounce back after a 69-64 loss to Purdue on Saturday, while Northwestern continues to search for answers amid a five-game losing streak. The Trojans sit 10 games over .500 on the season but have struggled to find consistency in Big Ten play, posting a 3-4 conference record. Northwestern hasn't generated any success in the conference, occupying the bottom of the Big Ten standings with an 0-7 mark in league action.
From a betting perspective, USC has been the more reliable side this season. The Trojans own a 9-8 record against the spread this season and are 5-4 ATS when favored by 6.5 points or more. Meanwhile, Northwestern has covered in just five of 18 games overall and has covered the spread once in three opportunities when listed as an underdog of 6.5 points or greater.
With USC back on its home floor, holding the edge in both form and betting trends, expect the Trojans to control the tempo and pull away from a struggling conference opponent for a comfortable home victory.