Let’s start off our picks for Jan 16 by heading to Boston in the NHL. The Bruins started off strong this year, ready to rock the NHL and make a run on the Stanley Cup.  November and December were especially good months, and they must have felt like they were riding a wave of success.  Since then, however, the wave has come crashing down and they’re beginning to look more like a hockey version of the Bad News Bears.

Picks Jan 16: Bruins vs Penguins

In their last 20 games, they have only won seven, even chalking up an overtime loss earlier this week against the Philadelphia Flyers.  The Bruins will hope to turn their luck around tonight when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins are showing an incredibly more agile offense as the season wears on, but they need to moderate their speed.  They’re in Boston territory for tonight’s game and, if they can keep up their run, they’ll be able to add their sixth straight win on the road.

Injuries aren’t going to be a problem for the team tonight and, despite being +115 underdogs, Pittsburgh has a solid chance of winning the game.  The Over 5.5 (-134) is a good way to add a little extra to your NHL betting as well, since the Penguins have gone over in their last four games, and four of their last five playing on their opponents’ ice.

Blue Jackets vs Hurricanes

Tonight could see two underdogs take the victory.  The Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Carolina Hurricanes and are looking at +116 for the win.  The team has a lot in its favor, including a nice winning streak and Joonas Korpisalo’s superior goaltending, and the Canes are going to have a difficult time reaching the net.

The Blue Jackets also have a lot of players coming off injured reserve, which is going to boost their options.  Since the new year started, Carolina is only .500 and they just suffered a shutout at the hands of the Washington Capitals.  Columbus has already beaten the team twice this season, and is in a good position to do it again.  Go with the dogs, but don’t expect to see a high-scoring game.  At 5.5 points, this is mostly seen as a Push.

Jazz vs Pelicans

In NBA betting action, the Utah Jazz are taking on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center.  The Pels have found themselves in a lot of trouble lately, having to deal with a growing list of injuries that is keeping them from putting any type of offense or defense together.  There are at least four players already out for tonight, and four more that may not be able to appear.

On the other hand, the Jazz are looking good and are not too concerned with tonight’s contest.  They’re getting -200 for the win, which isn’t worth considering if you need a little action.  The Under 224.5 (+100) is going to have a better return, as the weakened Pelicans aren’t going to be able to make it to the board.

Taking the Phoenix Suns to win over the New York Knicks might make more sense.  At -154, they’re the definite favorites to win, despite being 7-10 on the road, and are ready to bounce back from the loss to the Atlanta Hawks from Tuesday.  They have a better offense against the Knicks, and that will be magnified tonight as New York isn’t sure if several of its starters will be in the game.

The Suns also look good against the spread.  At -3.5, -106, there’s going to be some serious money to be made and, since they already showed their superiority against the Knick earlier this year with a 120-112 win, they’re comfortable with tonight’s contest.  Even the Over at 226.5 (-106) is worth some extra money, as the Suns are going to take advantage of the injured Knicks and run up the score.

In the last of our picks for Jan 16 we move to college hoops, where the Oregon Ducks are going up against the Washington State Cougars.  The PAC 12 showdown is lopsided, as Oregon is looking at -500 odds for the win.  However, against the spread (-9.5, -106), there’s better options since the Ducks have covered in 12 of their last 14 road games.  Both teams are capable of putting up the points, which is why the Over 139.5 (-110) is an extra bonus.