Today in sports: 5 games you should be watching on Tuesday night

The postseason races are heating up across the NBA, NHL, and College Basketball. Tonight’s slate features desperate bubble teams, superstars in new surroundings, and high-stakes conference matchups. Whether you are looking for a sharp edge at your online sportsbook or just a primetime thriller, these are the five games you cannot miss.

NBA

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers

• Matchup: Pelicans vs. Lakers
• Time: 10:30pm ET
• Venue: Crypto.com Arena

Pelicans at Lakers odds:

• Moneyline: Pelicans (+280), Lakers (-335)
• Spread: Lakers -8.5
• Total: 242.5

The spotlight shifts to Los Angeles as the Lakers (36-24) look to cement their top-six standing in the West. This matchup features a transformed Lakers squad led by Luka Doncic, who currently leads the NBA in scoring at 32.6 points per game. Doncic has been a nightmare for the Pelicans this season, and our model projects him for another massive night with 33 points and 9 assists.

The Pelicans (19-43) are struggling at 13th in the West but could receive a major emotional boost tonight. All eyes are on the latest NBA Injury Report, as Zion Williamson (Ankle) is listed as questionable but has indicated a strong desire to return. If Zion plays, New Orleans becomes a much more dangerous cover, especially with Trey Murphy III recently returning to form with 16 points in his last outing.

The pick: While the Lakers have a 75% win probability, the betting value lies in the Under 242.5. New Orleans has struggled with offensive consistency on the road, and the Lakers’ defense has been stout enough at home to keep this from becoming a pure shootout.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers

• Matchup: Spurs vs. 76ers
• Time: 8:00pm ET
• Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena

Spurs at 76ers odds:

• Moneyline: Spurs (-300), 76ers (+265)
• Spread: Spurs -7.5
• Total: 234.5

This is a battle of the "new look" NBA. The Spurs (43-17) have become a juggernaut since pairing Victor Wembanyama with All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox. San Antonio enters as heavy favorites, with Wembanyama projected to dominate the paint to the tune of 25 points and 12 rebounds.

The 76ers (33-27) are fighting to stay out of the play-in tournament. Tyrese Maxey remains one of the league's most explosive scorers, averaging over 29.1 points per game (4th in NBA). While the Spurs are the superior team on paper, Philadelphia has shown resilience at home.

The pick: Our model suggests taking Philadelphia +7.5. Maxey’s ability to score in bunches should keep the Sixers within striking distance, even if they can't quite contain the Wembanyama-Fox pick-and-roll late in the fourth.

CBB

#23 Tennessee vs. South Carolina

• Matchup: Tennessee vs. South Carolina
• Time: 6:00pm ET
• Venue: Colonial Life Arena

Tennessee at South Carolina odds:

• Moneyline: Tennessee (-450), South Carolina (+390)
• Spread: Tennessee -8.5
• Total: 141.5

In the SEC, the #23 Tennessee Volunteers (20-9) are looking to bounce back from a narrow loss to Alabama. Led by Ja’Kobi Gillespie (18.4 PPG), the Vols bring an elite defense that allows just 69.2 points per game. They face a South Carolina (12-17) team that has struggled significantly of late, losing two straight and sliding to 3-13 in conference play.

The pick: Tennessee holds an 81% win probability. However, for bettors, the Over 141.5 is the play. Despite Tennessee’s defensive reputation, South Carolina’s defensive lapses (allowing 76.6 PPG) combined with Gillespie’s scoring should push this total past the century-and-a-half mark.

Kansas vs. Arizona State

• Matchup: Kansas vs. Arizona State
• Time: 9:00pm ET
• Venue: Desert Financial Arena

Kansas at Arizona State odds:

• Moneyline: Kansas (-258), Arizona State (+220)
• Spread: Kansas -6.0
• Total: 151.5

The Kansas Jayhawks (21-8) travel to Tempe for a high-stakes Big 12 showdown. Kansas has been a model of consistency, but they face an Arizona State (15-14) squad that is currently riding a three-game home winning streak. The Sun Devils have been excellent against the spread at home (9-5 ATS), making this a classic "trap" game for the favored Jayhawks.

The pick: While Kansas is projected to win, the smart money is on Arizona State +6.0. The Desert Financial Arena crowd will be electric, and the Sun Devils’ ability to pressure the perimeter should keep this game within two possessions.

NHL

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Minnesota Wild

• Matchup: Lightning vs. Wild
• Time: 9:30pm ET
• Venue: Grand Casino Arena

Lightning at Wild odds:

• Moneyline: Lightning (-132), Wild (+120)
• Spread: Lightning -1.5
• Total: 6.0

A cross-conference clash features two teams sitting at 80 points apiece. The Lightning (38-16-4) are currently atop the Atlantic Division but are bruised, missing forwards Dominic James and Gage Goncalves for this road trip. All eyes remain on Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point, the latter of whom has a 46.6% chance to find the back of the net tonight.

The Wild (35-16-10) are led by superstar Kirill Kaprizov, who historically feasts on Tampa Bay (4 goals in 2 games against them last season). Minnesota is desperate to snap a two-game skid and typically plays tight, low-scoring games at home.

The pick: The Lightning are slight favorites to win, but the value is on the Wild +1.5 (-200). Given Tampa's depth injuries and Minnesota's goaltending, expect a one-goal game. For a player prop, look at Brayden Point as an Anytime Goal Scorer.