Kirk Cousins has a big decision to make, Rudy Gobert is regretting one he made, and Alexander Ovechkin is looking like his old self.
Are You Ready For Some Tampering?
What Happened: With the NFL’s legal tampering period set to open in a few hours, we’ve already seen several big dominoes fall in free agency. Baker Mayfield and Chris Jones opted to stay put, while Russell Wilson has found a new home in Steel City.
Why It Matters: In a quarterback-driven league, Kirk Cousins is fully in the driver’s seat. Cousins is the only surefire starter available, and he was an MVP contender before tearing his Achilles last October. It’s a two-team race, with a return to the Vikings (-200) the betting favorite. But the Falcons (+190) and their cache of playmakers lurk as a strong suitor as well. Cousins’ decision will have major ramifications for the rest of the league.
How We’re Feeling Today
Relieved that our bosses aren’t as sensitive as NBA refs. After Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert made a money gesture at refs following a call he didn’t like, the league slapped the Frenchman with a $100,000 fine. Imagine blowing off some steam at work and getting docked six figures for it? Makes a strong case for the “grin and bear it” attitude in the workplace, that’s for sure.
The Look Ahead
Aaron Gordon POINTS + ASSISTS – Chalk it up to a perk of playing with Nikola Jokic perhaps, but Gordon has been feasting of late. His P+A line for tonight is currently 16.5; Gordon has beaten that total in points alone in five of his last 10 games. The Raptors are a bottom-10 defense by most metrics, so Gordon has a chance for a nice stat line tonight.
Mathew Barzal POINTS – The Islanders are red hot and Barzal is flying high with Brock Nelson joining him on the top line with Bo Horvat. Barzal has a point in seven straight, and back in December, recorded an assist vs. the Kings in an Isles victory. He’ll get the chance again tonight in LA.
Alex Ovechkin POINTS – The Capitals’ Hall of Fame winger slumped hard earlier this season, but he’s looked much better as of late. His chase to catch Wayne Gretzky’s goal mark continues, riding a five-game point streak into tonight. The Jets are stingy on defense, but when Ovi is hot, betting against him feels foolish.
