Hump day parlay: Jump on this hoops-hockey play

It's the first hump day of 2023, and boy do we have a hoops-hockey parlay for you. The Golden State Warriors are on a roll, and even without Steph Curry in the lineup, you'd be making a huge mistake not to ride a red-hot Golden State squad. 

After all, the Warriors are one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. And the Minnesota Wild have won eight of 10, but just to be safe, we're going to take the Wild +1.5 on the spread against a Tampa Bay team that played in Chicago on Tuesday. 

Golden State has quietly won five straight and is an NBA-best 17-2 at home. The Warriors just happen to be at home against the league's worst Detroit Pistons. Talk about perfect timing, assuming you're on board and taking Golden State.

Klay Thompson is coming off a season-high 54 points, and even without Curry, Golden State is getting it done. The Warriors have scored at least 105 points in their last seven games, and Detroit has been brutal defensively all year long. The Pistons allow the most points in the East and second-most in the NBA, and have allowed at least 120 points in 10 of their last 12 games. 

The Pistons are now down Marvin Bagley III and Cade Cunningham, and that's just too much to overcome against a team like Golden State. The Pistons have just 10 wins on the season, and with so much going against them heading into Wednesday's showdown, you'd be a fool to take Detroit. 

As for the final leg of our parlay, take Minnesota (+1.5) at home against Tampa Bay. Yes, Tampa Bay has won four straight, but they played last night, and even if the Lightning do win, don't expect it to be by more than a goal. 

The Wild have won eight of their last 10, and haven't lost at home in nearly a month. The Lightning can certainly score, but again, after playing last night, don't be surprised if Tampa Bay comes out a little flat and struggles offensively. Meanwhile, Minnesota should be fresh considering the Wild haven't played in five days. Minnesota is favored in this one, so don't be surprised if the Wild come out with the win, but we're going to be cautious, and take them +1.5 on the spread. Either way, expect this game to be a one-score contest.

The Parlay: Golden State Warriors over Detroit Pistons AND Minnesota Wild (+1.5) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (-117 odds via BetMGM)

Bet $117 to win 100

In the news ...

Zion out at least 3 weeks with hamstring strain — The New Orleans Pelicans announced on Tuesday that forward Zion Williamson is out at least three weeks due to a right hamstring strain. The Pelicans are currently a game out of first place in the Western Conference and 11/2 to win the Western Conference. 

Panthers, Harbaugh talk head coaching position — Panthers owner David Tepper and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh reportedly talked on Tuesday regarding the opening Carolina will have for its head-coaching position. Carolina was officially eliminated from the playoffs after losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday while Harbaugh and the Wolverines were eliminated from the CFP after losing to TCU in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. 

NCAA committee proposes 90-team hoops tournament — The NCAA transformation committee released a report on Tuesday that recommends the men's and women's college basketball tournament increases from 68 and 65 teams, respectively, to 90. However, if the expansion is approved, it wouldn't be implemented until the 2024-25 academic year. 

Today's Bark Bets is written by Jared Shlensky