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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA and MLB Previews and Odds - 05/21/2024

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

The Tuesday sports card features NBA and MLB action.The National Basketball Association continues the playoff season with Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. The Boston Celtics host the Indiana Pacers on ESPN and ESPN2 at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Celtics won for the seventh time in their last eight games with a 113-98 victory against Cleveland as a 15.5-point favorite last Wednesday in the fifth game of that series. The Pacers won for the fourth time in the last five games with their 130-109 upset victory as a 2.5-point underdog in New York against the Knicks on Sunday in Game 7 of that series. Boston is a 9.5-point favorite with the total set at 221 (all odds from DraftKings).The Tuesday card in Major League Baseball has 1 game on its schedule. The Cleveland Guardians play at home against the New York Mets at 6:10 p.m. ET. The Guardians turn to Carlos Carrasco to take the mound to pitch against the Mets’ Adrian Houser. Cleveland is a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Four more MLB games throw out the first pitch at 6:45 p.m. ET. The San Diego Padres travel to Cincinnati to play the Reds. Joe Musgrove takes the ball for the Padres to face Andrew Abbott for the Reds. San Diego is a -118 money-line road favorite with a total of 9. The San Francisco Giants play in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. The Giants tap Logan Webb to battle against the Pirates’ Martin Perez. San Francisco is a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8. The Philadelphia Phillies are at home against the Texas Rangers. Ranger Suarez takes the hill for the Phillies to go against Jon Gray for the Ranges. Philadelphia is a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The Milwaukee Brewers play in Miami against the Marlins. the Brewers send out Robert Gasser to duel against Trevor Rogers for the Marlins. Milwaukee is a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8. The Minnesota Twins are in Washington to play the Nationals at 6:45 p.m. ET. Joe Ryan gets the start for the Twins to face Patrick Corbin for the Nationals. Minnesota is a -185 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The Tampa Bay Rays host the Boston Red Sox at 6:50 p.m. ET. The Rays tap Zack Littell to battle against Cooper Criswell. Tampa Bay is a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. The New York Yankees play at home against the Seattle Mariners at 7:05 p.m. ET. Clarke Schmidt takes the ball for the Yankees to face Bryan Woo for the Mariners. New York is a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Toronto Blue Jays are at home against the Chicago White Sox at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Blue Jays send out Yusei Kikuchi to face the White Sox’s Garrett Crochet. Toronto is a -180 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Two more MLB games begin at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Kansas City Royals host the Detroit Tigers. Alex Marsh takes the ball for the Royals to go against Casey Mike for the Tigers. Kansas City is a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 9. The Atlanta Braves visit Chicago to play the Cubs on TBS. The Braves send out Charlie Morton to pitch against the Cubs’ Javier Assad. Atlanta is a -125 money-line road favorite. The Baltimore Orioles play in St. Louis against the Cardinals at 7:45 p.m. ET. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles to duel against Lance Lynn for the Cardinals. Baltimore is a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Houston Astros play at home against the Los Angeles Angels at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Astros turn to Cristian Javier to battle against the Angels’ Griffin Canning. Houston is a -218 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Oakland A’s are at home against the Colorado Rockies at 9:40 p.m. ET. Aaron Brooks gets the ball for the A’s to face Cal Quantrill for the Rockies. Oakland is a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Dodgers send out Gavin Stone to face the Diamondbacks’ Brandon Pfaadt. Los Angeles is a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5.

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5 Starting Pitchers Who Should Regress- Sell High?

by Kyle Hunter

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

We are about two months into the season. Now is a good time to look at starting pitchers and who is overachieving based on both expectations and advanced metrics. A deep dive into the profile of these pitchers can give some great perspective. Here are five starters who are likely to struggle to keep on the same path they are on so far this season. Jose Berrios (2.82 ERA, 4.68 FIP, and 4.19 SIERA) Berrios is bottom 15 in the majors in hard hits allowed. His batted ball profiles consistently look poor. Berrios has allowed just a .229 batting average on balls in play so far this season despite giving up a lot of hard hit balls. He has also stranded 88.6% of runners on base thus far this year. Berrios isn’t a new pitcher. He is a veteran who isn’t bad, but he isn’t nearly as good as he looks right now,. Seth Lugo (1.79 ERA, 3.21 FIP, and 3.61 SIERA) Seth Lugo is 34.5 years old. He isn’t some youngster who is breaking out. He is a crafty veteran who has good control and a really good curveball. He has stranded a ridiculous 90.1% runners on base this season. Lugo has pitched really well in his most recent outings, but he has also had the good fortune of going against some of the worst offenses in the majors.  Carlos Rodon (3.27 ERA, 4.48 FIP, and 3.88 SIERA) Rodon is a quality pitcher so I’m not terrible anxious to sell high on him. His advanced metrics definitely suggests his ERA should be going up though. Rodon is stranding 85.9% of runners on base. Rodon is a tricky handicap because he can be absolutely lights out, but he also has the potential to get hit around and give up a big inning at any time.  Jordan Hicks (2.38 ERA, 3.51 FIP, and 4.10 SIERA) Hicks has been one of the best stories in baseball. His transition from the closer role to a very good starter has been a ton of fun. Hicks is one to keep watching closely since he does carry very low home run rates and he has great movement on his pitches. Can he handle the huge jump in workload as we get later in the season though? Trevor Williams (2.35 ERA, 2.83 FIP, and 4.23 SIERA) Williams is 32 years old and he has consistently been an average or below average starting pitcher. The last two years he has allowed 1.20 and 2.12 home runs per nine innings pitched. So far this year he has allowed a mind boggling low 0.20 home runs per nine innings pitched. His BABIP allowed is only .267 too. Williams doesn’t have swing and miss stuff. He is pitching above his head right now, and I think he is a sell high candidate. 

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Early MLB MVP Value - By ASA

by ASA, Inc.

Monday, May 20, 2024

American League Salvador Perez (+6000) .337 avg/ 8HR/ 37RBIEven at the ripe age of 34, Salvador Perez is off to a smoking hot start in 2024. He is 3rd in RBI’s in the AL, and is a huge reason the Royals are well above .500 for the first time in what seems like an eternity. Perez is an everyday player, and in 2021 he led all of MLB in RBIs (121) while hitting 48 homers, missing only one single game that year. The past 3 AL MVP winners have averaged at least .290 and hit in 109 RBIs, leaving plenty of room for the Royals catcher who is on pace to surpass both easily. Perez is lacking in the home run category, but only trails the MLB leader by seven, and has put up massive home run numbers in the past. Kansas City’s veteran could be right in the MVP mix come September and his numbers warrant a small investment. Adolis Garcia (+6500) .251 avg/ 11HR/ 35RBI Adolis Garcia was the star of the postseason last year, putting the Rangers on his back, delivering in every big moment needed. His previous three regular seasons have been extremely consistent, hitting right about .250, 30HRs, and 100RBIs. With his notoriety now through the roof, a slight jump in his fourth year numbers could result in some individual hardwear. If you average Garcia’s 2023 postseason numbers over a year, you get 86 homers and 237 ribbies. Obviously unsustainable during a year but it's a glimpse at his ceiling when playing the best pitchers in the biggest moments. Texas will need all Garcia has to offer to get into the playoffs and defend their Championship.   National League Bryce Harper (+1800) .273 avg/ 10HR/ 35RBIMookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani are rightfully the two heaviest favorites for NL MVP, having won three of the past 6 between them. Yet, the Phillies have 2 time MVP Bryce Harper leading them to the current best record in baseball. Harper's average is down, but his HRs are right on pace (38) to match his two MVP seasons while his RBI pace would smash his MVP seasons. Harper is a huge name, coupled with Philly being the possible top seed in the NL, there is value elsewhere than the Dodgers in the MVP race.    Elly De La Cruz (+3600) .256 avg/ 9HR/ 22RBI Cincinnati is last in the NL Central but Elly De La Cruz is a walking highlight at only 22 years old. His slugging numbers are up from his first action in 2023, almost already surpassing his home run total from 98 games last year. De La Cruz has all the tools needed to be an MVP, it is just a matter of time when he puts it all together. The NL MVP odds are very top heavy and only a big name with superstar potential could get into the conversation down the stretch. The Reds young stud will need to carry the offensive load in order to keep their season alive past summer, and if so, may arrive early to the MLB elites list.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NHL and MLB Previews and Odds - 05/20/2024

by Big Al Staff

Monday, May 20, 2024

The Monday sports card features NHL and MLB action.The National Hockey League playoffs continue with one game on ESPN. The Vancouver Canucks host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of their Western Conference semifinals series on ESPN at 9:10 p.m. ET. The Oilers evened this series at 3-3 with a -1 victory at home on Saturday. Edmonton is a -166 money-line road favorite with the total set at 5.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Monday card in Major League Baseball has 12 games on its schedule. The Atlanta Braves play at home against the San Diego Padres at 12:20 p.m. ET in the opening game of their doubleheader. Roberto Lopez takes the ball for the Braves to pitch against Dylan Cease for the Padres. Atlanta is a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. The Toronto Blue Jays are at home against the Chicago White Sox at 3:07 p.m. ET. The Blue Jays turn to Jose Berrios to face Erick Fedde for the White Sox as a -205 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The Cleveland Guardians host the New York Mets at 6:10 p.m. ET. Ben Lively takes the mound for the Guardians to battle against Trevor Megill for the Mets. Cleveland is a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Atlanta Braves play at home against the San Diego Padres at 6:20 p.m. ET in the second game of their doubleheader. The Braves tap Chris Sale to take the ball to pitch against the Padres' Randy Vasquez. Atlanta is a -225 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Milwaukee Brewers travel to Miami to play the Marlins at 6:40 p.m. ET. Joe Ross takes the hill for the Brewers to face Ryan Weathers for the Marlins. Milwaukee is a -130 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8. The Minnesota Twins play in Washington against the Nationals at 6:45 p.m. ET. The Twins tap Pablo Lopez to take the ball to go against Mitchell Parker for the Nationals. Minnesota is a -166 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. The Tampa Bay Rays are at home against the Boston Red Sox at 6:50 p.m. ET. Taj Bradley takes the mound for the Rays to pitch against Tanner Houck for the Red Sox. Tampa Bay is a -112 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5.The New York Yankees host the Seattle Mariners at 7:05 p.m. ET. The Yankees turn to Marcus Stroman to take the mound to face the Mariners’ Logan Gilbert. New York is a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The Kansas City Royals play at home against the Detroit Tigers on FS1 at 7:40 p.m. ET. Michael Wacha takes the hill for the Royals to face Reese Olson for the Tigers. Kansas City is a -118 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. The St. Louis Cardinals are at home against the Baltimore Orioles at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Cardinals turn to Sonny Gray to battle against the Orioles’ Dean Kremer. St. Louis is a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Houston Astros host the Los Angeles Angels at 8:10 p.m. ET. Framber Valdez takes the mound for the Astros to battle Reid Detmers for the Angels. Houston is a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Los Angeles Dodgers play at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Dodgers turn to Yamamota Yoshinobu to duel against the Diamondbacks’ Slade Cecconi. Los Angeles is a -250 money-line favorite at BetMGM with a total of 8.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, MLB and EPL Previews and Odds - 05/19/2024

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, May 19, 2024

The Sunday sports card features NBA, MLB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association continues the playoff season with two Game 7s in the conference semifinals. The New York Knicks host the Indiana Pacers on ABC at 3:40 p.m. ET in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The Pacers forced this seventh game with a 116-103 victory at home as a 5-point favorite on Friday. New York is a 3-point favorite, with the total set at 207.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on TNT at 8:05 p.m. ET in the seventh game of their Western Conference semifinal series. The Timberwolves won Game 6 by a 115-70 score at home as a 2.5-point favorite on Thursday. Denver is a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 196.5. The Sunday card in Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The St. Louis Cardinals are at home against the Boston Red Sox on Roku at 1:05 p.m. ET as a -105 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. Three more MLB games throw out the first pitch at 1:35 p.m. ET. The New York Yankees host the Chicago White Sox as a -310 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. The Boston Red Sox play at home against the Seattle Mariners as a -150 money-line favorite at BetMGM with a total of 7.5. The Philadelphia Phillies are at home against the Washington Nationals as a -238 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Toronto Blue Jays host the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:37 p.m. ET as a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. Two more MLB games begin at 1:40 p.m. ET. The Minnesota Twins travel to Cleveland to play the Guardians as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The New York Mets play in Miami against the Marlins as a -148 money-line road favor with a total of 7.5. Two MLB games begin at 2:10 p.m. ET. The Houston Astros are at home against the Milwaukee Brewers as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. The Kansas City Royals host the Oakland A’s as a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 9. The Chicago Cubs play at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 2:20 p.m. ET as a -122 money-line favorite. The Texas Rangers are at home against the Los Angeles Angels at 2:35 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The San Francisco Giants host the Colorado Rockies at 4:05 p.m. ET as a -198 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. Two more MLB games start at 4:10 p.m. ET. The Arizona Diamondbacks play at home against the Detroit Tigers as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Los Angeles Dodgers are at home against the Cincinnati Reds. Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN features the Atlanta Braves hosting the San Diego Padres at 7:10 p.m. ET. Matchweek 38 concludes the English Premier League season. The ten matches all start at 11:00 a.m. ET. Arsenal plays at home against Everton on the USA Network as a -2.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Newcastle United plays at Brentford in a pick ‘em match with an over/under of 3.5. Brighton and Hove Albion are at home against Manchester United on CNBC as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Nottingham Forest is at Burnley in a pick ‘em match with an over/under of 3. Chelsea hosts Bournemouth as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 4. Crystal Palace plays at home against Aston Villa as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Fulham visits Luton Town in a pick ‘em match with an over/under of 3.5. Manchester City is at home against West Ham United on NBC as a -2.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 4.5. Tottenham plays at Sheffield United as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 4.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and MLB Previews and Odds - 05/18/2024

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, May 18, 2024

The Saturday sports card features NBA, NHL, and MLB action.The 149th running of the Preakness Stakes headlines the sporting events of the day. The second leg of the Triple Crown is the 13th race at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, with a start time of 7:01 p.m. ET. The National Basketball Association continues the playoff season with one game on ABC. The Dallas Mavericks host the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8:05 p.m. ET in the sixth game of this Western Conference semifinals series. The Mavericks took a 3-2 lead in this series with their 104-92 upset victory as a 4.5-point underdog on Thursday. Dallas is a 4.5-point favorite, with the total set at 208.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The National Hockey League playoffs continue with one game on ESPN. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Vancouver Canucks at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Canucks took a 3-2 series lead after their 3-2 victory at home against the Oilers on Thursday. Edmonton is a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Saturday card in Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The New York Yankees are at home against the Chicago White Sox at 1:05 p.m. ET as a -310 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The Chicago Cubs host the Pittsburgh Pirates at 2:20 p.m. ET as a -205 money-line favorite. The Toronto Blue Jays play at home against the Tampa Bay Rays at 3:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Two MLB games throw out the first pitch at 4:05 p.m. ET. The Baltimore Orioles are at home against the Seattle Mariners on FS1. The San Francisco Giants host the Colorado Rockies as a -198 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The New York Mets travel to Miami to play the Marlins at 4:10 p.m. ET as a -130 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Philadelphia Phillies host the Washington Nationals at 6:05 p.m. ET as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Minnesota Twins play in Cleveland against the Guardians at 6:10 p.m. ET as a -170 money-line road favorite at BetMGM with an over/under of 7.5. Two more MLB games start at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Kansas City Royals play at home against the Oakland A’s as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Houston Astros are at home against the Milwaukee Brewers as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Three MLB games start at 7:15 p.m. ET. The Boston Red Sox are at St. Louis to play the Cardinals as a -120 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. Two more MLB games are featured on Fox’s regional television coverage. The Texas Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. The Atlanta Braves play at home against the San Diego Padres as a -122 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Arizona Diamondbacks are at home against the Detroit Tigers at 8:05 p.m. ET as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Cincinnati Reds at 9:10 p.m. ET as a -225 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and MLB Previews and Odds - 05/17/2024

by Big Al Staff

Friday, May 17, 2024

The Friday sports card features NBA, NHL, and MLB action.The National Basketball Association continues the playoff season with one game on ESPN. The Indiana Pacers host the New York Knicks at 8:35 p.m. ET in the sixth game of their Eastern Conference semifinals series. The Knicks took a 3-2 lead in this series with their 121-91 victory as a 1-point favorite on Tuesday. Indiana is a 6-point favorite, with the total set at 215.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The National Hockey League playoffs continue with two games on TNT and truTV. The Florida Panthers travel to Boston to play the Bruins at 7:10 p.m. ET in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The Bruins pulled within a 3-2 margin in this series with a 2-1 victory on the road on Tuesday. The Panthers had won three games in a row before that loss. Florida is a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The Colorado Avalanche play at home against the Dallas Stars at 10:10 p.m. ET in the sixth game of their Western Conference semifinals series. The Avalanche kept this series alive with their 5-3 victory on the road on Wednesday. The Stars had won three games in a row before that loss and still hold a 3-2 series lead. Colorado is a -120 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Friday card in Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The Pittsburgh Pirates play in Chicago against the Cubs at 2:20 p.m. ET as a -112 money-line road favorite. The Philadelphia Phillies are at home against the Washington Nationals at 6:40 p.m. ET as a -270 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Two MLB games throw out the first pitch at 7:05 p.m. ET. The Seattle Mariners are at Baltimore against the Orioles. The New York Yankees host the Chicago White Sox as a -270 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The Toronto Blue Jays play at home against the Tampa Bay Rays on Apple TV+ at 7:07 p.m. ET. Two more MLB games start at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Guardians are at home against the Minnesota Twins as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. The New York Mets are in Miami to play the Marlins as a -120 money-line road favorite with a total of 7.5. The Atlanta Braves host the San Diego Padres at 7:20 p.m. ET as a -218 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. The Kansas City Royals play at home against the Oakland A’s at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Texas Rangers are at home against the Los Angeles Angels at 8:05 p.m. ET as a -180 money-line favor with an over/under of 9. The Milwaukee Brewers visit to Houston at 8:10 p.m. ET with both teams priced at -110 with a total of 8. The Boston Red Sox play in St. Louis against the Cardinals at 8:15 p.m. ET as a -112 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8. The Detroit Tigers are at Arizona to play the Diamondbacks at 9:40 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Cincinnati Reds at 10:10 p.m. ET as a -218 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. The San Francisco Giants play at home against the Colorado Rockies at 10:15 p.m. ET as a -166 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and MLB Previews and Odds - 05/16/2024

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, May 16, 2024

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, and MLB action.The National Basketball Association continues the playoff season with one game on ESPN. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Denver Nuggets at 8:30 p.m. ET in the sixth game of the Western Conference semifinals series. The Nuggets took a 3-2 series lead with their 112-97 victory at home as a 3.5-point favorite on Tuesday. The Timberwolves are a 2-point favorite, with the total set at 203 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The National Hockey League playoffs continue with two games on TNT and truTV. The Carolina Hurricanes play at home against the New York Rangers at 7:10 p.m. ET in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series. The Hurricanes have won two games in a row to pull within a 3-2 margin of the Rangers after their 4-1 victory on the road on Tuesday. Carolina is a -166 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The Edmonton Oilers travel to Vancouver against the Canucks at 10:10 p.m. ET in the fifth game of their Western Conference semifinals series. The Oilers evened this series at two games apiece with their 3-2 win at home on Tuesday. Edmonton is a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5.The Thursday card in Major League Baseball has six games on its schedule. The Minnesota Twins are at home against the New York Yankees at 1:10 p.m. ET. The Yankees are on a three-game winning streak after their 4-0 victory on the road against the Twins yesterday. The Twins have lost three of their last four games. New York sends out Clarke Schmidt to take the mound to pitch against Minnesota’s Joe Ryan. The Twins are a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.The Philadelphia Phillies host the New York Mets at 6:40 p.m. ET. The Phillies are on a three-game winning streak after their 10-5 victory against the Mets on Wednesday. The Mets have lost five of their last six contests. Taijuan Walker gets the ball for Philadelphia to pitch against Jose Quintana for New York. The Phillies are a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Boston Red Sox play at home against the Tampa Bay Rays at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Red Sox lost for the second time in their last three games after their 4-3 loss at home to the Rays yesterday. Tampa Bay has won two of their last three games. Boston turns to Cooper Criswell to face the Rays’ Zack Littell. The Red Sox are a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Chicago Cubs are at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Cubs ended a two-game losing streak with a 7-1 victory at Atlanta on Wednesday. The Pirates have lost six of their last eight games after a 10-2 setback at Milwaukee yesterday. Justin Steele takes the hill for Chicago to battle against Jared Jones for Pittsburgh. The Cubs are a -142 money-line favorite. The Houston Astros host the Oakland A’s at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Astros have won four in a row and six of their last seven after their 3-0 victory at home against the A’s on Wednesday. Oakland is on a four-game losing streak. The Astros turn to Cristian Javier to duel against the A’s Joey Estes. Houston is a -218 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Los Angeles Dodgers play at home against the Cincinnati Reds at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Dodgers had won two games in a row before a 4-1 loss in San Francisco on Wednesday. The Reds lost for the fourth time in their last five games in a 2-1 loss at Arizona yesterday. Tyler Glasnow gets the ball for Los Angeles to pitch against Brent Suter for Cincinnati. The Dodgers are a -300 money-line favorite at BetMGM with an over/under of 8.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, MLB and EPL Previews and Odds - 05/15/2024

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

The Wednesday sports card features NBA, NHL, MLB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association continues the playoff season with two games on TNT and truTV. The Boston Celtics host the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:05 p.m. ET in the fifth game of their Eastern Conference semifinals series. The Celtics took a 3-1 series lead with their 109-102 win as a 12-point road favorite on Monday. Boston is a 14.5-point favorite with the total set at 204 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Oklahoma City Thunder play a home against the Dallas Mavericks a 9:35 p.m. ET in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinals series. The Thunder evened his this series at 2-2 with a 100-96 upset victory as a 1.5-point underdog on Sunday. Oklahoma City is a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 213.The National Hockey League playoffs continue with one game on ESPN. The Dallas Stars are at home against the Colorado Avalanche at 8:10 p.m. ET in the fifth game of their Western Conference semifinals series. The Stars took a 3-1 series lead with their 5-1 victory on the road on Sunday. Dallas is a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Wednesday card in Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The Baltimore Orioles host the Toronto Blue Jays at 12:35 p.m. ET as a -148 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Two more MLB games throw out the first pitch at 1:10 p.m. ET. The Detroit Tigers play at home against the Miami Marlins as a -166 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The Milwaukee Brewers are at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Chicago White Sox host the Washington Nationals at 2:10 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Arizona Diamondbacks play at home against the Washington Nationals at 3:40 p.m. ET as a -148 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Two more MLB games start at 4:10 p.m. ET. The San Diego Padres are at home against the Colorado Rockies as a -250 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Seattle Mariners host the Kansas City Royals as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Philadelphia Phillies play at home against the New York Mets at 6:40 p.m. ET as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Boston Red Sox are at home against the Tampa Bay Rays at 7:10  p.m. ET as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. The Atlanta Braves host the Chicago Cubs at 7:20 p.m. ET as a -166 money-line favorite at BetMGM with a total of 8.5. The Minnesota Twins play at home against the New York Yankees at 7:40 p.m. ET as a -118 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. The Texas Rangers are at home against the Cleveland Guardians at 8:05 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Houston Astros host the Oakland A’s at 8:10 p.m. ET as a -245 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. The St. Louis Cardinals travel to Los Angeles to play the Angels at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -122 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. The Los Angeles Dodgers play in San Francisco against the Giants at 9:45 p.m. ET. Matchweek 37 in the English Premier League concludes with two matches. Chelsea is at Brighton and Hove Albion at 2:45 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Newcastle United visits Manchester United on the USA Network at 3 p.m. ET in a pick ‘em match with a total of 3.5.

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WNBA GM Survey Poll Provides Insight For Futures Props

by Vegas Writer

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Anyone looking to invest in WNBA futures, perhaps the league's general managers can help provide some insight.Two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces was selected as the player most likely to win the MVP award this upcoming season, per the 2024 GM Survey, which brought together votes from the league's 12 general managers to reveal the league’s best teams, players, coaches, offseason moves, and more in advance of the tip off of the league’s 28th season - in their minds.The 2024 regular season tipped off Tuesday with four games, but there is still time to jump on prop bets for certain awards.The league's GM's responded to 45 questions and were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel. Percentages were based on the pool of respondents to that particular question.Wilson, who led Las Vegas to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, received 67 percent of the MVP votes. The Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas was next with 25 percent and reigning MVP Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty was third with eight percent. Wilson, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year (2022, 2023), was selected as the league’s best defender, receiving 42 percent of the votes to finish ahead of Thomas, who was second with 25 percent.Also as part of the survey, Aces guard Chelsea Gray earned the top spot in six categories voted on by the GMs. The five-time WNBA All-Star and three-time WNBA champion gathered the most votes for best point guard (75 percent), best passer (67 percent), active player who would make the best coach (42 percent), player with the best basketball IQ (36 percent) and best leader (25 percent). Gray also tied with the Dallas Wings’ Arike Ogunbowale as the player GMs would most want to take the shot with the game on the line (each received 25 percent).Stewart, a two-time WNBA champion and five-time all-WNBA First Team selection, received 58 percent of the vote as the most versatile player in the league, finishing ahead of second-place vote-getter Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx (17 percent). Stewart was also picked as the player who forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments (42 percent), while Wilson ranked second (25 percent) and Thomas third (17 percent). GMs also viewed Stewart as the best power forward (42 percent).After selecting Indiana rookie Caitlin Clark with the No.1 pick in the draft, the Fever finished ahead of Seattle as the GM’s pick for most improved team for the upcoming season with 58 percent of the votes to Seattle’s 33 percent. The Storm, which signed a pair of six-time All-WNBA performers in Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith as free agents, was viewed as the team that made the best overall moves this offseason through free agency and trades, receiving 67 percent of the votes.The Storm, based on longshot odds, might be a good bet to win the title, considering the price of the ticket and being able to hedge once they make the playoffs.Seattle’s signing of Ogwumike was voted as the player acquisition that will make the biggest impact in 2024, earning 58 percent of the votes. The Storm’s Jewell Loyd, who last season set the WNBA’s single-season scoring record with 939 points, received 75 percent of the votes as the league’s best shooting guard. Clark received 92 percent of the votes for preseason WNBA Rookie of the Year, with the Los Angeles Sparks’ Cameron Brink, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 Draft, getting the remaining eight percent. Clark also garnered 50 percent of the votes as the player the GMs would select if they were starting a franchise today and had the opportunity to sign any player, ahead of Wilson (42 percent) and 2023 Rookie of the Year and Fever teammate Aliyah Boston (eight percent).For me, I believe that alone could fuel Wilson's quest for an MVP title, considering she's still yapping about getting a fourth-place vote last season.Boston was also named as the player most likely to have a breakout season in 2024, earning 18 percent of the vote, while nine other players each received nine percent.Connecticut’s Thomas was tabbed as the player with the greatest hunger to win a championship this season (40 percent). Seattle’s Diggins-Smith was second (30 percent) and Phoenix’s Natasha Cloud and New York’s Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu all tied for third place (10 percent each).Among the highlights from the 2024 WNBA.com GM Survey were these: - Las Vegas is the team that is the most fun to watch (75 percent) and has the best homecourt advantage (42 percent), so make sure you keep an eye out for value with the Aces at home.- The Aces’ Becky Hammon is the best manager/motivator of people (45 percent) and the overall best head coach (42 percent), a good indicator for Coach of the Year props. - The trade of Kahleah Copper from Chicago to Phoenix was the most surprising move of the offseason (58 percent). - The Mercury’s addition of Rebecca Allen in a sign-and-trade deal with Connecticut was considered the most underrated player acquisition (33 percent).  - Washington’s Brittney Sykes was voted as the best perimeter defender (50 percent). She also was the top vote-getter for most athletic player (50 percent), edging out Copper (42 percent). Without Cloud and Elena Delle Donne, the Mystics will rely on a slower pace and tighter defense, which means potentially lower-scoring games. - Connecticut’s Thomas received the most votes as the league’s most versatile defender (33 percent), so watch for high totals with the Sun. - Angel Reese, selected by Chicago with seventh overall pick of the WNBA Draft 2024, was viewed as the biggest steal in terms of where she was selected in the draft (27 percent). She, too, could be a bargain for Rookie of the Year.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, MLB and EPL Previews and Odds - 05/14/2024

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, MLB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association continues the playoff season with two games on TNT and truTV. The New York Knicks host the Indiana Pacers at 8:05 p.m. ET in the fifth game of their Eastern Conference semifinals series. The Pacers evened this series at 2-2 with a 121-89 victory as a 6-point favorite at home on Sunday. New York is a 2.5-point favorite, with the total set at 215.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 10:35 p.m. ET in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinals series. The Nuggets made this a 2-2 series with their 115-107 upset victory as a 3-point underdog on Sunday. Denver is a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 205. The National Hockey League playoffs continue with two games on ESPN. The Florida Panthers are at home against the Boston Bruins at 7:10 p.m. ET in the fifth game of their Eastern Conference semifinals series. The Panthers have won three straight games to take a 3-1 series lead with their 3-2 victory on the road on Sunday. Florida is a -218 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers host the Vancouver Canucks at 9:40 p.m. ET in Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinals series. The Canucks took a 2-1 series lead after their 4-3 victory on the road on Sunday. The Oilers are a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5.The Tuesday card in Major League Baseball has 16 games on its schedule. The Philadelphia Phillies travel to New York to play the Mets at 1:10 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. The Washington Nationals play in Chicago against the White Sox in the first game of their doubleheader at 4:40 p.m. ET as a -120 money-line road favorite. The Baltimore Orioles play at home against the Toronto Blue Jays at 6:35 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Detroit Tigers are at home against the Miami Marlins at 6:40 p.m. ET as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Boston Red Sox host the Tamp Bay Rays at 7:10 p.m. ET as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. The Atlanta Braves play at home against the Chicago Cubs at 7:20 p.m. ET as a -198 money-line favorite with a total of 8. Three MLB games throw out the first pitch at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Nationals battle the White Sox in the second game of their doubleheader, with both teams priced at -110 with an over/under of 8. The New York Yankees are in Minnesota against the Twins on TBS as a -135 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. The Milwaukee Brewers are at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Texas Rangers host the Cleveland Guardians at 8:05 p.m. ET as a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 9. The Houston Astros play at home against the Oakland A’s at 8:10 p.m. ET as a -198 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The St. Louis Cardinals visit Los Angeles against the Angels at 9:38 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. Three more MLB games start at 9:40 p.m. ET. The Arizona Diamondbacks are at home against the Cincinnati Reds as a -118 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The San Diego Padres host the Colorado Rockies as a -270 money-line favorite with a total of 7. The Seattle Mariners play at home against the Kansas City Royals as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7. The Los Angeles Dodgers play in San Francisco against the Giants at 9:45 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. Matchweek 37 in the English Premier League continues with one match. Manchester City is at Tottenham on the USA Network at 3:00 p.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite at BetMGM with an over/under of 3.5.

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WNBA Futures Wager – Chicago Sky Over 13.5 Wins

by ASA, Inc.

Monday, May 13, 2024

ASA WNBA FUTURE WAGER – OVER 13.5 WINS CHICAGO SKY This gritty Sky team won 18 games a year ago with 11 of those coming on the road. Chicago had the 6th best offensive Net Rating in the league at 101.3 and were 7th in defensive Net Rating at 103.4. They were the 3rd best EFG% team in the league at 50.1%. They were the 8th slowest paced team in the league which kept them competitive in most games with a lower possession rate. Despite their overall losing record they had an acceptable average loss margin of minus -1.6PPG. The Sky made some key additions through the draft with 6’7 Kamilla Cardoso from the National Champions South Carolina. Cardoso will have a huge impact in the WNBA this season, rebounding and as a rim protector. Unfortunately for the Sky she will miss the first few weeks of the season with a shoulder injury. Another top draft pick was Angel Reese, the Bayou Barbie from LSU, who lost in the Final Four this past season, but won a National Championship the year before. Those two players were Superstars in college hoops and will immediately provide the Sky with franchise type players to build a future around.   The Sky brought in an experienced coach in Teresa Weatherspoon who was one of the original WNBA players in 1997 and is currently in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Weatherspoon prides herself on cultivating relationships with her players and bringing energy to the team. She has 17 years of coaching experience, including 3 years on the New Orleans Pelicans staff. There has been some turnover on the roster with key departures of Kahleah Copper and Courtney Williams, but they do get Diamond DeShields back from injury after missing the 2023 season. Dana Evans has been with the Sky since their 2021 Championship season and will provide that veteran leadership the younger players will need at this stage of their careers. With some added depth in Elizabeth Williams and Isabelle Harrison we expect this Chicago Sky team to get to .500 or 20 wins this season. 

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