Doc's Sports

We were on Houston in Austin last night and they had to get on a plane around midnight to head to Atlanta and after a hard fought game that makes this a bad spot. Houston has plenty of talent and size, but Atlanta's offensive firepower makes the Hawks an attractive play at this price. The key will be pushing the tempo and preventing the Rockets from controlling the game with their physicality and rebounding. Atlanta has enough scoring options to make Houston uncomfortable, and getting the Hawks at nearly even money offers some appeal. Expect a competitive game, but we like Atlanta to make the necessary plays late and pick up the victory.

Seattle is an attractive home underdog against Minnesota, especially at this plus-money price. The Kraken are capable of making things difficult with their forecheck and balanced scoring, while Minnesota isn't always the easiest team to trust away from home. This looks like a competitive matchup where Seattle has a realistic chance to steal two points, and the +136 makes it worth taking a shot.

2 Unit Play. Take #611 Golden State +5.5 over Atlanta (1 p.m., Saturday, October 24, NBC)

Golden State needs this win to keep its championship hopes alive, and I expect the Valkyries to respond with a strong effort. They have won four of their six meetings with the Dream this season, and I believe they have the potential to win this one comfortably. Look for Golden State to take control early and deliver its most complete performance of the series.

7-Unit Play. Take #675 Over 58.5 in Ottawa Redblacks at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Saturday, Oct. 24, 3:00 p.m., CFL+)

This final-week matchup features two eliminated East Division teams, and I expect the offenses to set the tone. Hamilton comes off a bye and has already shown it can score against Ottawa, posting a 34-16 victory earlier this season.

The Redblacks enter off their first win of the year, a 40-39 shootout against Toronto highlighted by a big passing performance from Bryson Barnes. Ottawa has allowed 37.5 points per game and surrendered at least 34 in five straight contests, giving Hamilton a favorable matchup at home.

Both defenses rank near the bottom of the league, and with playoff contention off the table, I expect both teams to play aggressively. Look for enough big plays and scoring opportunities to push this total over 58.5.

2 Unit Play. Take #363 USC Trojans over Wisconsin Badgers (7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 24 | NBC)

Both coaches badly need this win, but USC’s offensive talent gives the Trojans the edge. Wisconsin looked lifeless against UCLA last week and now faces a more dangerous quarterback. USC also has a defensive coordinator with a history of success against the Badgers, including the Rose Bowl matchup involving J.J. Watt. With favorable weather expected, the Trojans should have an opportunity to showcase their offense. I expect USC to put points on the board, and I don’t believe Wisconsin can keep pace.

2 Unit Play. Take #356 South Carolina Gamecocks over Tennessee Volunteers (3:30 p.m., Saturday, October 24 | ESPN)

We’ve seen it throughout the SEC this season: a team earns a big win, then struggles to match that intensity the following week. Tennessee looks vulnerable to that pattern here. The oddsmakers have installed 3-3 South Carolina as the favorite over the 6-1 Volunteers, suggesting this matchup is closer than the records indicate. The Gamecocks enter rested after a bye following their win over Florida, while Tennessee faces a potential letdown spot. South Carolina has underachieved for stretches under Shane Beamer, but I give the Gamecocks the edge at quarterback. That advantage, combined with Tennessee starting a young quarterback on the road, makes Carolina the play.

Free Play from Doc’s Sports: Take #387 Michigan State Spartans over UCLA Bruins (3:30 p.m., Saturday, October 24, CBS)

UCLA has been a pleasant surprise in the Big Ten this season, standing as the only unbeaten team in either the Big Ten or SEC. Still, this is a hefty number to lay with a backup quarterback. The Bruins were one-dimensional against Wisconsin, and I expect Michigan State to make running the football difficult again.

The Spartans are rebuilding under a new coach, but they’ve shown they can compete, taking Illinois and Northwestern down to the wire. I expect another competitive effort here, with Michigan State keeping the final margin within 7–10 points.

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