The set-up: Both teams got out to decent starts to the year, but each has struggled over the last month. The Canucks are 10-12 and the Predators are only 9-11. Vancouver won't be lacking for motivation here after three straight losses. The Predators enter on a five-game losing streak. For the most part I base my Over/Under predictions (in all sports) on the overall "situation" on which each team finds itself in. Their overall offensive and defensive seasonal numbers are not part of my equation, and neither are the players on the actual field of play (or ice in this case.) From a situational stand point, I think this one definitely sets up as a faster-paced affair. 

The pick: But note as well that Vancouver has seen the total go over the number in four of its last five after scoring one goal or less in its previous contest, while Nashville has seen the total go over in six of eight this year in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent. Vancouver beat the Predators 5-3 at home and I think a similar high-scoring affair is imminent here as well.

10* TOTAL NET PROFITS on the OVER Canucks/Predators.

The set-up: Central Michigan is 4-0, but it faces a stiff test here in this difficult road venue vs. a 1-3 Gophers team which is looking to get its four game home stand started off on the "right foot." Minnesota has faced tough power conference opponents, while the Chips' competition has been suspect. Note as well that despite the sub-par win/loss record, the Gophers already rank high in several team categories, including 37th in 3-pointers made.

The pick: As note above, two of CMU's victories have in fact come over non-Division 1 opposiion. This is also the Chips very first true road game of the year, with all four victories coming on their home floor. Minnesota has a 22-2 lifetime record vs. the MAC and I expect that number to go up by 1 after tonight. And in blowout fashion. The stage is set for a beatdown, so lay the points.

10* COACH'S CORNER on Minnesota. 

The set-up: After a big home win over the Pelicans, I think they have a predictable letdown here vs. a Suns team which comes in focussed on the task at hand after a recent scuffling stretch. Note that despite their recent "up tick" in play the Pelicans are still allowing a horrible 118.9 PPG this year. New Orleans is getting promising play from Brandon Ingram of late, but New Orleans' poor defensive play is going to come back to haunt it again here in my opinion. 

The pick: Phoenix has lost three of its last five. It's once brilliant start is going to be firmly in the rear view mirror without a victory here today. Note though that the Pelicans are a poor 3-7 ATS in their last ten vs. clubs with winning SU records, while the Suns are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games vs. clubs with losing road records. Enough is enough. Look for Devin Booker and company to lay the hammer down from start to finish and lay the points. 

10* PLAY-BOOK on the Phoenix Suns.

The set-up: Georgia Tech is going to try and play the role of spoiler here, but I like the 4-6 NC State Wolfpack to get one more victory to eligiblity after tonight. NC State has lost four in a row, most recently a 34-20 setback to Louisville. Tech has lost four straight as well, most recently a 45-0 shutout loss at Virginia Tech. NC State though actually outgained Louisville 377 to 326 last week, but it was unable to convert red zone chances. But a date vs. the inept Yellow Jackets is just what the doctor ordered to get untracked finally in my opinion. 

The pick: NC State is the better team on paper and I think it'll be the much better team on the field of play as well. Finally note that Georgia Tech is 0-7 ATS in its last seven at home, while NC State is 3-0-1 ATS in its last four road games vs. teams with a losing home record. For all the reasons listed above, play on NC State.

10* GAME OF THE WEEK on NC State.

The set-up: The Colts come in off a win over the Jaguars, but I think they'll struggle here vs. a Houston team which enters off a loss to the Ravens. While Indianapolis will have Jacoby Brissett under center, note that it'll be without the services of top RB Marlon Mack, who suffered a broken hand. This is a major hit to an offense which relies on a strong run game to open things up for Brissett. 

The pick: The Texans not only want to bounce back after last week's loss to the surging Ravens, but they also play with revenge here after losing to the Colts by 7 in Indianapolis earlier in the year. Houston has had plenty of difficulties over the years with the Colts and while the struggled last week, I think this one sets up well for a bounce back performance. The short week favors the home side and I'll point out that Indy is in fact just 12-15 ATS in its last 27 as an underdog and 0-2 ATS in its last two "Thursday night" games, while Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last six in revenging a road loss vs. an opponent and 2-0 ATS in its last two Thursday night games. Lay the points.

10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the Texans.