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College Basketball: 4 Teams to Buy Low ATS

by Kyle Hunter

Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025

March is right around the corner! It’s a great time of the year to be a college basketball bettor as well as a college basketball fan. Let’s take a look at four teams that might be good to buy low on when betting against the number going forward. Seattle Redhawks (9-14-1 ATS) Seattle is the single most unlucky team according to KenPom’s luck factor. Seattle also ranks as very unfortunate in the Shot Quality luck ratings. Seattle has a high upside, but they haven’t played consistently enough. Seattle led Grand Canyon on the road for much of the game before losing by nine. They also beat the Washington Huskies on the road. They dod a good job forcing turnovers, and they are good on the defensive glass. They get home games against Cal Baptist and Grand Canyon in the next week. St. Louis Billikens (9-16 ATS) St. Louis has two elite mid-major players in Robbie Avila and Isaiah Swope. Avila has lower shooting percentages this year than he did a year ago, but I think he can still take over a game with his play making ability. St. Louis is rated as a bit unlucky from the advanced numbers. The Billikens do struggle with turnovers on offense, so I would look to back them primarily against teams who aren’t very good at forcing turnovers. The market is low on this team, and I want to be above the market here. Oregon Ducks (12-15 ATS) Oregon won at Wisconsin this past weekend. The Ducks have been inconsistent this year, but I really like Dana Altman and his ability to have teams playing their best basketball in March. If you filter coaches ATS records to only the last six games of the regular season and then the postseason, Altman ranks among the five most profitable coaches. Altman’s teams have looked far worse than this Oregon team and still been strong ATS late in the season. Oregon has play makers and the Ducks have proven capable of winning. I’m looking for spots to bet on Oregon. Sam Houston State Bearkats (8-17 ATS) Sam Houston is 10th in the nation in 3 point field goal percentage offense. Sam Houston has taken some really unfortunate bounces this year though. They are easily the unluckiest team in the conference. Sam Houston has lost three overtime games in Conference USA action (zero OT wins). The Bearkats showed a lot recently in wins against Jacksonville State (first in the league) and on the road at Western Kentucky. Sam Houston is 4-11 in CUSA action, but all 11 losses have come by single digits. They have been very close, and I like their chances of some positive regression down the stretch. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/25/2025

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. The Boston Celtics travel to Toronto to play the Raptors as an 11-point road favorite with the total set at 226.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Cleveland Cavaliers play at Orlando to challenge the Magic at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 224. Three NBA games tip off at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Memphis Grizzlies host the Phoenix Suns as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 245. The Houston Rockets play at home against the Milwaukee Bucks as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 226. The New Orleans Pelicans are hoåme against the San Antonio Spurs as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 238. Two NBA games start at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Lakers host the Dallas Mavericks as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 231. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 17-point favorite with a total of 222.5. The National Hockey League has 12 games on its slate. Six NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Philadelphia Flyers are home against the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Dallas Stars are at Columbus to face the Blue Jackets as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Boston Celtics as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Washington Capitals are home against the Calgary Flames as a -198 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Buffalo Sabres host the Anaheim Ducks as a -198 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes play in Montreal against the Canadiens as a -205 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Two NHL games start at 7:37 p.m. ET. The Edmonton Oilers are in Tampa Bay to challenge the Lightning as a -112 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The New York Rangers visit the New York Islanders as a -112 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Three NHL games begin at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Florida Panthers play at Nashville against the Predators as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The St. Louis Blues play at home against the Seattle Kraken as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Minnesota Wild are home against the Detroit Red Wings as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Utah Hockey Club hosts the Chicago Blackhawks at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -258 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 35 games between Division I opponents. Six NCAAB games are on major national television. Three NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Marquette plays at home against Providence on FS1 as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 147.5. Cincinnati is home against Baylor on ESPN2 as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 139.5. Duke plays at Miami (FL) on ESPN as a 22.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 157.5. Two NCAAB games on major national television at 9:00 p.m. ET. Illinois hosts Iowa as a 9.5-point favorite on FS1 with a total of 171.5. Alabama plays at home against Mississippi State as a 7.5-point favorite on ESPN2 with an over/under of 170.5. San Diego State is home against New Mexico on FS1 at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Matchweek 27 in the English Premier League starts with four matches. Three EPL matches begin at 2:30 p.m. ET. Brighton and Hove Albion host Bournemouth as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Crystal Palace plays at home against Aston Villa on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Wolverhampton is home against Fulham as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Chelsea hosts Southampton as a -2.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. 

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NBA System of the Week

by Al McMordie

Monday, Feb 24, 2025

The NBA returned from its All-Star Break last week.  And I like using the break as a means to generate some plays.  Indeed, I have several systems that involve situations going into, and coming out of the break.One of my systems plays on teams that get off to a slow start following the long layoff.  What I like to do is play on any NBA team in its 3rd game after the All-Star Break which was off three SU/ATS losses.  These teams have rolled to a 34-19 ATS record since 1990, including 30-12 ATS if they were not favored by more than four points.This season, one team fits the bill, and it's the Philadelphia 76ers, who are favored by four points tonight, at home, vs. the Chicago Bulls.  Philly is currently riding a seven-game SU/ATS losing streak, which commenced five games before the All-Star Break.Consider playing on the 76ers tonight.Good luck, as always...Al McMordie

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What to Consider as the NCAA Basketball Season Winds Down

by Wayne Root

Monday, Feb 24, 2025

Wrapping up the Season It’s that time of the year. The end of the college regular season is upon us and teams have their conference tournament coming up. It is the middle of February. Teams have played close to 25 college basketball games at this point in the season. They need to rest and come in fresh. Other teams need must games to win. There’s a feeling of desperation in the air. Two Big Tournaments Await The NCAA Tournament is still a full month away. Teams are at that stage where they have logged a lot of miles but are not quite at the point where March Madness has arrived. The starters are playing consistently and there is the fear of injuries. They’ve been training and playing since last October. It's a tricky, in-between time for coaches and players in terms of managing their bodies, their workloads, and their emotions. Six Weeks Remain There are huge questions in the coaches offices on how the best road to travel is with six more weeks of competition. Should rotations be expanded so that starters get more rest, or should rotations be shortened so that the best players are on the floor for longer minutes? Each coach, each team, has to figure out the solution which works best for its own situation, and that situation will differ from one team to the next. Add in to the point spread outcomes is that teams might look for blowouts to get the Tournament Committee excited. Teams most definitely will pile up the final scores looking for style points and that must be taken into account.  Your Daily Bets As you plan on your own daily list of potential wagers, it’s important to consider the coaches game plan for each game. There’s an abundance of information awaiting your investigation or you can choose to do that homework for you. It’s at this time, having a professional handicapper at your disposal pinch hitting for you is paramount.  Good Luck on the final six weeks, Wayne

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/24/2025

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Feb 24, 2025

The Monday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. Four NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Brooklyn Nets travel to Washington to face the Wizards as a 2.5-point road favorite, with the total set at 214 (all odds from DraftKings). The Philadelphia 76ers host the Chicago Bulls as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 231.5. The Detroit Pistons play at home against the Los Angeles Clippers as a 1-point favorite with a total of 223.5. The Denver Nuggets play in Indiana against the Pacers as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 246.5. The Miami Heat are in Atlanta to play the Hawks at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 226.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder are home against the Minnesota Timberwolves as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 226. The Portland Trail Blazers visit Utah to play the Jazz at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 236.5. The Sacramento Kings host the Charlotte Hornets at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 231.The National Hockey League has two games on its slate. The Winnipeg Jets play at home against the San Jose Sharks at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -440 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings home against the Vegas Golden Knights at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -112 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 27 games between Division I opponents. Six NCAAB games are on major national television. Three NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Northeastern plays at Monmouth on the CBS Sports Network as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 144.5. Lipscomb is at Austin Peay on ESPNU as an 8.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 142.5. North Carolina travels to Florida State on ESPN. The Tar Heels are on a three-game winning streak after their 81-66 victory as a 10-point favorite on Saturday. The Seminoles lost for the second time in their last three games after an 89-81 loss at Louisville as a 14-point underdog on Saturday. North Carolina is a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 155.5.Nebraska hosts Michigan on FS1 at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 150.5. Houston plays at Texas Tech on ESPN at 9:00 p.m. ET. The Cougars are on a six-game winning streak after their 68-59 victory against Iowa State as an 11.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Red Raiders won for the third time in their last four games in a 73-51 victory against West Virginia as a 9.5-point favorite on Saturday. Houston is a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 132.5. Kansas is at Colorado on ESPN at 11:00 p.m. ET. The Jayhawks ended a two-game losing streak with a 96-64 victory at home against Oklahoma State as a 14.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Buffaloes won for the second time in their last three games with a 76-74 upset victory against Baylor as a 6-point underdog on Saturday. Kansas is a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 140.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/23/2025

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Feb 23, 2025

The Sunday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has 10 games on its docket. The Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks on ABC at 1:10 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with the total set at 231. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Dallas Mavericks on ABC as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Indiana Pacers are home against the Los Angeles Clippers at 5:10 p.m. ET as a 4-point favorite with a total of 230.5. Three NBA games tip off at 6:10 p.m. ET. The Milwaukee Bucks host the Miami Heat as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 221.5. The Orlando Magic play at home against the Washington Wizards as a 12-point favorite with a total of  216.5. The Detroit Pistons travels to Atlanta to face the Hawks as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 237.5. The Toronto Raptors are home against the Phoenix Suns as a 1-point favorite with a total of 227.5. Two NBA games start at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Memphis Grizzlies on ESPN as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 249.5. The New Orleans Pelicans plays at home against San Antonio Spurs as a 1-point favorite with a total of 239.5.  The  Oklahoma City Thunder play in Minnesota against the Timberwolves on ESPN at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 229. The National Hockey League returns with 10 games on its slate. The Edmonton Oilers are in Washington to play the Capitals on TNT at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -125 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The New York Ranges visits the Pittsburgh Penguins on TNT at 3:37 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Four NHL games drop the puck at 6:07 p.m. ET. The Tampa Bay Lightning are home against the Seattle Kraken as a -258 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Detroit Red Wings host the Anaheim Ducks as a -198 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The New Jersey Devils plays at Nashville against the Predators as a -120 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche  are at St. Louis to face the Blues as a -155 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Chicago to challenge the Blackhawks as a -250 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Dallas Stars play in New York against the Islanders as a -130 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Utah Hockey Club plays at home against the Vancouver Canucks as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Calgary Flames are home against the San Jose Sharks  as a -230 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 28 games between Division I opponents. Five NCAAB games are on major national television. St. John’s hosts UConn on Fox at noon ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 138.5. Purdue is at Indiana on CBS at 1:30 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 150.5. Memphis plays at home against Florida Atlantic on ESPN2 as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 159.5. UCLA is home against Ohio State on CBS at 3:45 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5. Drake travels to Northern Iowa on ESPN2 at 4:00 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 126.5. Matchweek 26 in the English Premier League concludes with two matches. Newcastle United hosts Nottingham Forest on the USA Network at 9:00 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Liverpool plays at Manchester City at 11:30 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3.5.

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Hockey Day in America insisde the numbers

by Vegas Writer

Saturday, Feb 22, 2025

As the NHL is set to celebrate Hockey Day in America on Sunday with a blockbuster doubleheader featuring the Oilers visiting the Capitals at Capital One Arena followed by the Penguins hosting the Rangers at PPG Paints Arena, there are numbers to consider for what should be an exciting day of hockey.Edmonton has won five of its last eight meetings with the Capitals, including two of three in D.C.The Rangers come into Pittsburgh on a 6-2 roll against the Penguins, including a perfect 3-0 in Steeltown.The Lightning have won six of seven meetings with the Kraken since they entered the league.The Predators have won eight of their last 10 meetings with New Jersey.Colorado has won seven of the last eight meetings with the Blues, and five straight in St. Louis.Calgary is on an 8-1 run against the Sharks.Looking for a player prop today? Zach Werenski and Quinn Hughes (both with 59) rank tied for the second-most points among defensemen this season.If you're basing your handicapping on goaltending, make note that Connor Hellebuyck (34) and Jake Oettinger (26) rank first and second, respectively, for wins this season.The Capitals are in first place in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind the League-leading Jets (39-14-3, 81 points).

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/22/2025

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Feb 22, 2025

The Saturday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has five games on its docket. The Phoenix Suns travel to Chicago to play the Bulls at 5:10 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with the total set at 238.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Philadelphia 76ers host the Brooklyn Nets at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 213. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on ABC at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with a total of 241.5. The Houston Rockets play in Utah against the Jazz at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 229. The Portland Trail Blazers are home against Charlotte against the Hornets at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 221.5. The National Hockey League returns with 14 games on its slate. The Detroit Red Wings host the Minnesota Wild on ABC at 12:37 p.m. ET as a -112 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers are in Philadelphia to play the Flyers at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -198 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Washington Capitals visit Pittsburgh to play the Penguins as a -166 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The New York Rangers play in Buffalo against the Sabres at 5:37 p.m. ET as a -118 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Three NHL games drop the puck at 6:07 p.m. ET. The Dallas Stars are in New Jersey to face the Devils with both teams priced as a -110 money-line favor with a total of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche travel to Nashville to play the Predators as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Florida Panthers play at home against the Seattle Kraken as a -245 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Five NHL games start at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Boston Bruins are home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Winnipeg Jets play at St. Louis against the Blues as a -125 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Ottawa Senators host the Montreal Canadiens as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Columbus Blue Jackets play at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Carolina Hurricanes are in Toronto to challenge the Maple Leafs as a -122 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings are home against the Utah Hockey Club at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Vegas Golden Knights host the Vancouver Canucks at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -180 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 131 games between Division I opponents. Nine NCAAB games are on major national television. Two NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at noon ET. Texas A&M plays at home against Tennessee on ESPN as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 130.5. Wisconsin is home against Oregon on Fox as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 155.5. Houston hosts Iowa State on ESPN at 2:00 p.m. ET as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 131.5. Two NCAAB games on major national television start at 4:00 p.m. ET. Kansas plays at home against Oklahoma State on CBS as a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 149.5. Auburn is home against Georgia on ESPN as a 16.5-point favorite with a total of 147.5. Alabama hosts Kentucky on ESPN at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 180.5. Two NCAAB games on major national television begin at 8:00 p.m. ET. Missouri visits Arkansas on ESPN as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 149.5. Illinois plays at Duke as an 8.5-point road underdog with an over/under of 155.5. Arizona plays at home against BYU on ESPN at 10:00 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 154.5.  Matchweek 26 in the English Premier League continues with seven matches. Everton is home against Manchester United on the USA Network at 7:30 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Five more EPL matches start at 10:00 a.m. ET. Arsenal hosts West Ham United as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Bournemouth plays at home against Wolverhampton as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Fulham is home against Crystal Palace as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Tottenham plays at Ipswich Town on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Brighton and Hove Albion is at Southampton as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3.5. Chelsea visits Aston Villa on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 3.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/21/2025

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Feb 21, 2025

The Friday sports card features NBA, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. Three NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the New York Knicks on ESPN. The Cavaliers are on a five-game winning streak after their 110-97 victory at Brooklyn as a 13-point favorite last night. The Knicks won for the third straight time last night in a 113-111 victory at home against Chicago as an 11.5-point favorite. Cleveland is an 8.5-point favorite, with the total set at 242 (all odds from DraftKings). The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Washington to play the Wizards as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 230. The Memphis Grizzlies play in Orlando against the Magic as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 222.5. The Miami Heat are in Toronto to play the Raptors at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 219. Two NBA games start at 8:40 p.m. ET. The Dallas Mavericks play at home against the New Orleans Pelicans as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 238. The Detroit Pistons visit the San Antonio Spurs as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 236.5. Two NBA games begin at 9:40 p.m. ET. The Houston Rockets are home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on ESPN. The Rockets had won two games in a row before a 105-98 loss at home against Golden State as a 1-point favorite last Thursday. The Timberwolves ended a two-game losing streak with a 116-101 upset victory against Oklahoma City as a 9.5-point underdog last Thursday. Houston is a 4-point favorite with a total of 218.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder play in Utah against the Jazz as a 15-point road favorite with an over/under of 236. The Golden State Warriors are in Sacramento to play the Kings at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 238.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 20 games between Division I opponents. Seven NCAAB games are on major national television. Toledo hosts Bowling Green on the CBS Sports Network at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 155.5. Three more NCAAB games on major national television begin at 7:00 p.m. ET. Dayton travels to Loyola-Chicago on ESPN2 as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 140.5. Iona plays at home against Manhattan on ESPNU as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 146.5. Marquette plays at Villanova on FS1 as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 142.5. Two NCAAB games on major national television start at 8:00 p.m. ET. Miami (OH) is at home against Kent State on the CBS Sports Network as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Michigan hosts Michigan State on Fox as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 149.5. Youngstown State plays at home against Milwaukee on ESPNU at 9:00 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 152.5. Matchweek 26 in the English Premier League begins with one match on the USA Network. Brentford is at Leicester City at 3:00 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5.

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Spring Training baseball betting tips

by Sean Murphy

Friday, Feb 21, 2025

Spring Training baseball offers a unique opportunity for bettors, but it also presents challenges that differ from betting on regular season MLB games. With players working their way into shape, rosters constantly shifting, and managers prioritizing evaluation over winning, bettors need to adjust their approach. Here are some key tips for successfully betting on Spring Training baseball. 1. Understand the Manager’s Approach Managers have different philosophies when it comes to Spring Training. Some use these games to build team chemistry and aim for competitive play, while others prioritize player evaluations and testing prospects. Researching how a manager historically approaches Spring Training can provide valuable insight into a team's motivation and likelihood of winning. 2. Pay Attention to Lineups Unlike regular-season games, Spring Training lineups fluctuate significantly from day to day. Star players may only see an inning or two of action before being replaced by prospects. Checking lineups before placing a bet is crucial, as it's fairly obvious a team with mostly minor leaguers in the lineup is unlikely to be as competitive as one with veterans playing extended innings. 3. Monitor Starting Pitchers and Their Expected Workload Spring Training games feature pitchers gradually increasing their pitch counts. Early in the schedule, starters may only throw one or two innings before being replaced by relievers and prospects. Understanding how long a pitcher is expected to stay in the game can help determine betting value. A team with an established ace throwing four or five innings has a better chance to win than one relying on a bullpen game. 4. Bet Totals With Caution Spring Training games tend to see higher run totals due to inexperienced pitchers, frequent substitutions, and an emphasis on getting hitters comfortable at the plate. However, some ballparks in Arizona and Florida favor pitchers due to larger dimensions or weather conditions. Reviewing past scoring trends at specific venues can help make more informed Over/Under bets. 5. Consider the Game Location Spring Training is split between the Cactus League (Arizona) and the Grapefruit League (Florida). Arizona’s dry air and smaller ballparks lead to more home runs and higher-scoring games, while Florida’s humidity and larger parks can suppress offense. Factoring in these environmental conditions can be key when betting on totals or run lines. 6. Look for Motivation Factors Some teams and players take Spring Training more seriously than others. Younger teams with players competing for roster spots often bring more intensity compared to veteran-laden squads where results don’t matter as much. If a team is coming off a poor season and looking to establish a winning culture, they may put more effort into Spring Training games. 7. Avoid Heavy Favorites Unlike the regular season, where elite teams often dominate, Spring Training is unpredictable. Starters rarely play full games, and bullpen arms are frequently rotated in and out. Betting on big favorites can be risky, making underdogs a more appealing play in many cases. 8. Watch for Late-Game Edges Spring Training games often come down to which team has better depth in the later innings. Veterans may start the game, but it's the minor leaguers and fringe roster players who decide the final result. Betting on teams with stronger farm systems or more MLB-ready depth can provide an edge in late-game situations.Spring Training baseball is an entirely different betting landscape compared to the regular season. By understanding managerial tendencies, monitoring lineups, and factoring in unique conditions like park effects and late-game depth, bettors can gain an advantage. While unpredictability remains high, those who do their research can find value in an often-overlooked betting market.

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NBA News And Notes

by AAA Sports

Thursday, Feb 20, 2025

Fewer than 30 regular season games remain for every team in the Association. Here’s a look at the way individual awards appear to be shaking down heading into the home stretch:MOST VALUABLE PLAYERShai Gilgeous-Alexander (-500)Nikola Jokic (+350)If not this year for Gilgeous-Alexander, then when? He is the best player on the best team in the best conference, and he can just about do whatever the heck he wants to do on the court. He leads the league in scoring, he’s second in assists, he’s a willing passer and for good measure he blocks shots. And . . .  in an era of load management and teams lying about injuries, he has played in all but one of OKC’s 54 games.Then again, the case for Jokic can easily be made. He’s clearly the best-passing big man in league history. He has won the award three times, including last year, and in just about every statistical category he is exceeding what he did in the years when he did win it (2021, 2022 and 2024). In any other year he would be a unanimous winner, but voters might just be tired of him winning and looking for fresh blood. You can imagine OKC without SGA being a contender, but Denver would be in the lottery with Jokic.ROOKIE OF THE YEARStephon Castle (-160)Kel’el Ware (+600)Castle showed his stuff at All-Star weekend by winning the Rising Stars MVP, and barring injury he will make it back-to-back ROTY winners for the Spurs, after Victor Wembanyama took the trophy last season. Castle benefits from the fact that there is no franchise-changing rookie this year.  The Heat love what they have in Ware, whose emergence has allowed Bam Adebayo to operate a little further away from the rim. But Miami’s slide (and San Antonio’s rise) should give the award to Castle.DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEARJaren Jackson (-105)Evan Mobley (+130)Before Thursday's announcement, it was hard to see anyone else winning this award this year, and for the foreseeable future. Assuming good health, Wembanyama could win this thing plenty of times before the end of his career.  He can do things on the perimeter that smaller players can do, and still protect the rim (four blocks a game). Having said that, he's out for the season and will not be eligible for this years award. Jackson is a solid defender and is the slight favorite now with Mobley on his heels. 6TH  MAN OF THE YEARPayton Pritchard (-150)De’Andre Hunter (+280)Wasn’t that long ago that Pritchard was buried on the Celtics’ bench, out of the rotation and asking for a trade. Dealing Marcus Smart opened the door for more run, and now Pritchard is the solid favorite. He can handle the ball, he can shoot the ball and he defends with intensity. And for good measure he may be the best in the league from beyond halfcourt.MOST IMPROVEDNorman Powell (-110)Cade Cunningham (+100)Cunningham’s rise parallels his team. With Cunningham at the controls, the Pistons have been transformed from one of the worst teams in NBA history to a top-6 team in the East. Powell has done what was thought to be impossible – put up decent numbers in a Clippers backcourt that also includes ball-dominant James Harden. It's going to be exciting to see who wins this award. COACH OF THE YEARKenny Atkinson (-600)Ime Udoka (+1200)JB Bickerstaff (+1500)Atkinson is favored here even if the Cavs take their foot off the accelerator down the stretch. Cleveland will be the No. 1 seed in the East playoffs, mainly because Atkinson has made effective use of his standout backcourt and front line. Udoka’s Rockets were struggling (3-7 in their last 10) heading into the All-Star break. In Detroit, Bickerstaff has made the Pistons relevant again after the 2023-24 nightmare.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NCAAB, and Four Nations Face-Off Previews and Odds - 02/20/2025

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Feb 20, 2025

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NCAAB, and Four Nations Face-Off action.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Memphis Grizzlies travels to Indiana to play the Pacers as a 2.5-point road favorite, with the total set at 250.5. The Boston Celtics play at Philadelphia on TNT against the 76ers. The Celtics won for the seventh time in their last eight games with a 116-103 victory as an 8.5-point favorite last Wednesday. The 76ers return from the All-Star break on a five-game losing streak after a 100-96 upset loss at Brooklyn as a 1-point favorite last Wednesday. Boston is a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 223.5. Three NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Orlando Magic are in Atlanta to face the Hawks as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 223. The Cleveland Cavaliers visit Brooklyn against the Nets as a 13-point road favorite with an over/under of 226. The New York Knicks host the Chicago Bulls as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 243. The Los Angeles Clippers plays at Milwaukee against the Bucks at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 227. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Charlotte Hornets at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 16-point favorite with a total of 228.5. The Phoenix Suns are in San Antonio to play the Spurs on TNT at 9:40 p.m. ET. The Suns return from the break having lost six times in their last seven games after a 119-111 loss at Houston as a 10-point underdog on Wednesday of last week. The Spurs lost for the third time in their last four games in a 116-103 loss at Boston as an 8.5-point underdog on Wednesday. Phoenix is a 2-point road favorite with an over/under of 237. The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Portland to play the Trail Blazers at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 227. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 51 games between Division I opponents. Eight NCAAB games are on major national television. Ohio State is at home against Northwestern on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Two more NCAAB games on major national television start at 7:00 p.m. ET. Radford hosts UNC-Ashevillle on ESPNU as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 146.5. Hofstra plays at home against Monmouth on the CBS Sports Network as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 135.5. Maryland is home against USC on FS1 at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 152.5. Three NCAAB games on major national television at 9:00 p.m. ET. Florida Atlantic hosts Wichita State on ESPN2 as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 153.5. Middle Tennessee plays at home against Louisiana Tech on the CBS Sports Network as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 140.5. Western Kentucky is home against Sam Houston as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 153.5. Santa Clara hosts Loyola-Marymount on ESPN2 at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 146.5. The Four Nations Face-Off in hockey concludes with the championship game on ESPN at 8:20 p.m. ET. Canada challenges the United States at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, as a -112 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. 

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