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A Look at our Local Mountain West Conference

by Wayne Root

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026

We certainly pay close attention to the Mountain West Conference for betting purposes. In this day and age, it makes sense to closely follow or specialize in 2 or 3 teams in the college basketball ranks. This is one conference that we love to bet.  Spotlight on the Mountain West ConferenceCollege basketball is a vibrant and competitive landscape in the United States, featuring diverse conferences that each contribute uniquely to the sport. Among these, the Mountain West Conference (MWC) has emerged as a significant player, showcasing talent and intensity that captivates fans from coast to coast. This article explores the history, development, key teams, and the impact of the Mountain West Conference on college basketball.History of the Mountain West ConferenceEstablished in 1999, the Mountain West Conference was formed when eight institutions split from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The founding members sought to create a more competitive and regionally focused league. Over the years, the Mountain West has expanded and adapted, welcoming new teams while enhancing its reputation in athletic prowess, especially in basketball.The TeamsThe Mountain West currently comprises 11 teams, each contributing to the conference's overall competitiveness. Some of the notable teams include:1. University of Nevada, Reno (Nevada Wolf Pack)Nevada has been a powerhouse in the MWC, gaining national attention with multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. The Wolf Pack's success is driven by a passionate fan base and a strong recruiting strategy.2. San Diego State University (SDSU Aztecs)SDSU is known for its robust defense and consistent performances in the NCAA Tournament. Under head coach Brian Dutcher, the Aztecs have secured numerous conference titles and have become a regular fixture in March Madness.3. University of New Mexico (UNM Lobos)The Lobos are another historically significant team in the conference, with a rich tradition and a fervent fan base. Their home games at the Dreamstyle Arena are known for their electrifying atmosphere.4. University of Utah (Utah Utes)While now a member of the Pac-12, the Utes were a founding member of the MWC, and their influence still resonates. Their historical success in the conference paved the way for regional rivals.Competitive LandscapeThe Mountain West Conference is notorious for its competitive balance. Every season, teams like Utah State and Boise State challenge the traditional powers, making it difficult to predict the conference champion. The MWC has consistently produced standout players who have gone on to have successful careers in the NBA, reinforcing the league's reputation as a breeding ground for talent.NCAA Tournament SuccessSuccess in the NCAA Tournament is a critical measure of a conference's prestige. The Mountain West has had its share of notable NCAA Tournament moments. Fan Engagement and RivalriesThe Mountain West Conference boasts passionate fanbases, creating lively rivalries that enhance the excitement of college basketball. Notable rivalries include:UNM vs. SDSU: A fierce battle characterized by intense games and a history of close contests, engaging fans on and off the court.Nevada vs. UNLV: The "Battle for Nevada" is one of the fiercest rivalries, drawing significant attendance and media attention annually.These rivalries are pivotal for school spirit and local pride, intensifying the overall viewing experience.The Mountain West Conference has firmly established itself within the NCAA landscape, underscored by its competitiveness, passionate fanbases, and a growing reputation for producing NBA talent. As it continues to evolve, the MWC promises to remain a captivating focus for college basketball enthusiasts. The combination of history, rivalries, and the sheer talent on display makes the Mountain West a pivotal chapter in the story of college basketball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, the excitement of MWC basketball is accessible and engaging, promising thrilling moments every season.As of January 21, 2026, here's a look at the Mountain West Conference (MWC) standings:Top Teams:San Diego State: 7-0 in conference play, 13-4 overall Utah State: 6-1 in conference play, 15-2 overall New Mexico: 5-2 in conference play, 14-4 overall Nevada: 5-2 in conference play, 13-5 overall Grand Canyon: 4-2 in conference play, 11-6 overall UNLV: 4-2 in conference play, 9-8 overall Middle of the Pack:Fresno State: 3-4 in conference play, 9-9 overall Colorado State: 2-5 in conference play, 11-7 overall Wyoming: 2-5 in conference play, 11-7 overall Boise State: 2-5 in conference play, 10-8 overall Bottom Teams:San Jose State: 1-6 in conference play, 6-12 overall Air Force: 0-7 in conference play, 3-15 overall Key Points and Recent Updates:Undefeated SDSU: San Diego State is currently the only undefeated team in conference play.NET Rankings: Updated NET rankings as of January 20, 2026, show the Mountain West has strong representation in the top tiers, with several teams in Quad 1 and Quad 2 Fresno State's Improvement: Fresno State has shown significant improvement, making them a team to watch GCU's Progress: Grand Canyon is also improving, demonstrated by their win against Utah State Upcoming Tournament: The Mountain West Tournament is scheduled for March 11-14, 2026, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV. 

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And This Year's Unsung Prop Hero for the Patriots in SB60 Will Be...

by Vegas Writer

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026

Every February, some unsung players bolster someone's prop bets. Usually, sleepers from each team.Guys with a high plus-price next to their props, whom you've barely heard of or underestimate, and they cash at least one ticket for you, ones that helps you cover multiple others.This year, for the New England Patriots, one guy to consider is wide receiver Mack Hollins, who returned to the lineup in the AFC Championship in Denver and made an immediate impact.Hollins, who missed four games on injured reserve (abdomen), played 39 snaps, 61% of the offense’s total snaps. He was responsible for New England’s longest passing plays of the day — a 20-yard reception on a 3rd-and-13 in the second quarter and a 31-yard grab off of a flea flicker at the end of the third.The 32-year-old journeyman who has done his best to normalize walking barefoot during stops in Philadelphia, Miami, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Buffalo, before settling in with the Patriots, played in 15 games for New England, starting 13 of them.He finished the regular season with a modest 550 yards on 46 receptions - an average of 12.0 yards per catch - and had a career-best 66.2% success rate, measuring reception gains of at least 40% of yards required on 1st down, 60% of yards required on 2nd down, and 100% on 3rd or 4th down, with the denominator being targets.His 6-foot-4 frame makes him a viable option for quarterback Drake Maye on deeper pass plays, especially during 1-on-1 coverage. Hollins has a knack for making the tough grab, outleaping a defender, or supplying ESPN with acrobatic highlights for SportsCenter.Per DraftKings, here are the current odds for Hollins with prop bets I'd consider worth a shot:Anytime TD scorer (+370) - When the Patriots get inside the red zone, the Seahawks will need to keep an eye on Hollins, who can disappear on the corners and end up in the back of the end zone.40+ Receiving Yards (+170) - Hollins hauled in two passes against the Broncos for a team-high 51 yards. He conceivably could win this prop with one reception down the sideline in man coverage.Longest Reception 20+ (+145) - This is an awfully high price to take a chance on when it comes to this guy. Again, one shot could take care of this ticket. In fact, Hollins could take care of all three of the tickets mentioned with a 42-yard TD reception, which isn't out of the question if Maye needs to take a shot.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and UCL Previews and Odds - 01/28/26

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026

The Wednesday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and UCL action. The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Los Angeles Lakers on ESPN as a 3.5-point favorite with the total set at 235.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Chicago Bulls travel to Indiana as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 236.5. Three NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Toronto Raptors play at home against the New York Knicks as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 224.5. The Miami Heat are home against the Orlando Magic as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 239.5. The Boston Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 230.5. The Charlotte Hornets play in Memphis against the Grizzlies at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 230.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the road against the Dallas Mavericks at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 231.5. The Golden State Warriors visit the Utah Jazz at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 241.5. The Houston Rockets play at home against the San Antonio Spurs on ESPN at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 228.5.  The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. The New York Islanders are home against the New York Rangers on TNT at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 7:37 p.m. ET. The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Philadelphia Flyers as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche play in Ottawa against the Senators as a -162 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule tips off at 2:00 p.m. ET with 53 games involving Division I opponents. Five of these NCAAB games are on major national television. Cincinnati plays at home against Baylor on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 147.5. Auburn is home against Texas at 7:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 156.5. Georgetown hosts DePaul on FS1 at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 140.5. Houston plays at Utah at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 241.5. San Diego State plays at home against Colorado State on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 138.5.The league phase of the UEFA Champions League concludes with 18 matches for Matchday 8. One UCL match is on major national television. Inter Milan is on the road to play Borussia Dortmund on the CBS Sports Network at 3:00 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. All 18 matches begin at 3:00 p.m. ET and broadcast on Paramount+.

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A Brief History of the Super Bowl Gatorade Bath

by Sean Murphy

Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026

The Gatorade bath is one of those little traditions in football that turned into something huge. It didn’t start on the Super Bowl stage — it began in the mid-1980s when some New York Giants players dumped a cooler of Gatorade on coach Bill Parcells after a regular-season win. Players loved it so much that by the time the Giants won Super Bowl XXI, the ritual had officially made it to the big game. Over the years, that postgame splash has become something fans watch for as closely as the final score. Once people noticed the colors kept changing from year to year, sportsbooks turned it into one of the most popular novelty bets of the season. Orange — Gatorade’s classic theme color — has historically shown up most often, with blue and clear/water not far behind. Yellow-green has become a reliable middle ground, and purple suddenly gained attention with back-to-back appearances in Super Bowls LVII and LVIII when the Chiefs celebrated with that color. Then at Super Bowl LIX in 2025, when the Eagles won, yellow-green was the pour of choice, rewarding bettors who stuck with one of the more dependable options. Red or pink is the unicorn of this market — it’s offered by sportsbooks, but it still hasn’t happened at a Super Bowl, which keeps it as a fun long shot. The randomness of the pick — sometimes swayed by team colors, sometimes by whatever cooler is closest — is exactly why this prop remains so entertaining. This year’s Super Bowl matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots has already generated a lot of betting attention, and the Gatorade color market is no exception. In the game itself, the Seahawks are installed as the favourite, by 4.5 points over the Patriots and around -230 on the moneyline, while New England sits near +190 to win outright at the time of writing. The total currently floats around 46.5 in most markets.  For the Gatorade bath color prop at Super Bowl LX, early odds show a familiar group of contenders (see below). Orange and purple are usually near the top of the board, with yellow/green/lime close behind — all three appealing because of history and team color ties — while blue is a bit longer, and clear/water and red/pink sit as longer shots. These odds can shift as Super Bowl week unfolds, but entering the market now, purple and yellow/green are often the most talked-about options among bettors. At many books, the favorite is currently orange around +215, followed closely by yellow/green/lime at +260 and blue also near +260. Purple sits further down the board at roughly +800, while red/pink is +1100 and clear/water is around +1200. Some books also offer a long-shot “no Gatorade bath” outcome around +5000.  From its humble roots as a sideline joke to a Super Bowl staple and beloved betting novelty, the Gatorade bath adds a little extra color — quite literally — to the biggest game of the year, and this year’s Seahawks-Patriots matchup promises no less excitement both on the field and on the sidelines.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/27/26

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action. The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. The Portland Trail Blazers travel to Washington to play the Wizards at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 233.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The New York Knicks host the Sacramento Kings at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 230.5. Two NBA games tip off at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Oklahoma City Thunder play at home against the New Orleans Pelicans as a 14.5-point favorite with a total of 234.5. The Philadelphia 76ers are at home against the Milwaukee Bucks on NBC as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 220.5. Two NBA games start at 9:10 p.m. ET. The Detroit Pistons play in Denver against the Nuggets at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 218.5. The Phoenix Suns host the Brooklyn Nets as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 212.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are on the road against the Utah Jazz on NBC at 10:10 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point road favorite with a total of 231.5. The National Hockey League has ten games on its slate. Six NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The New Jersey Devils play at home against the Winnipeg Jets as a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Nashville Predators visit Boston to face the Bruins with both teams priced as -110 money-line favorites with a total of 6.5. The Florida Panthers are home against the Utah Mammoth as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Vegas Golden Knights play in Montreal against the Canadiens as a -118 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Detroit Red Wings host the Los Angeles Kings as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs play at home against the Buffalo Sabres as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Two NHL games begin at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Minnesota Wild are home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -245 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Dallas Stars are on the road against the St. Louis Blues as a -162 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Two games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Washington Capitals travel to Seattle to take on the Kraken as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The San Jose Sharks play in Vancouver against the Canucks as a -122 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule tips off at 2:00 p.m. ET with 35 games involving Division I opponents. Seven of these NCAAB games are on major national television. Michigan State is on the road against Rutgers on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 14.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 136.5. Virginia visits Notre Dame on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point road favorite with a total of 141.5. UConn hosts Providence on TNT at 7:30 p.m. ET as a 16.5-point favorite with an over/under of 155.5. West Virginia plays at home against Kansas State on FS1 at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 146.5. Vanderbilt is at home against Kentucky on ESPN at 9:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 160.5. Creighton plays at Marquette on TNT at 9:30 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 155.5. Nevada hosts Grand Canyon on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 141.5. 

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NBA System of the Week - 01/27/26

by Al McMordie

Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026

One of the things I like to do when handicapping pro basketball is focus on the defending NBA champion.  Over the course of the season there will be plays that emanate from how that team performs.  Sometimes, it might be playing with revenge against an opponent, and I might be interested in playing on the defending champ.  Other times, it might be off an upset loss, which could also trigger a play on the defending champ.  But those upset defeats could also trigger a play against the team which pulled the upset.  Let's take a closer look at that scenario.This past Sunday, the Toronto Raptors were an 11-point road underdog at Oklahoma City, and the Raptors upset the defending champs, 103-101.  Toronto will next be at home tomorrow night vs. the New York Knicks, and that will be a critical game for both teams, as the Raptors, Knicks and Celtics are locked in a tight battle for the #2, #3 and #4 Eastern Conference spots.  Indeed, just two games separate the three teams in both the win column and the loss column.I look for the Raptors to have a possible letdown off that huge upset win over the defending champion Thunder.  Since 1990, home teams have gone just 20-41-2 ATS following an upset win as a 9-point (or greater) underdog over the defending champs.  Even better:  if our upsetter owned a win percentage greater than .572, then our 20-41-2 stat devolves to 0-11 ATS!  With the Raptors' win percentage sitting at .604, that additional criterion is satisfied.Consider a play on the New York Knicks on Wednesday.Good luck, as always...Al McMordie

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Super Early Look at Super Bowl Player Props for SB60

by Vegas Writer

Monday, Jan 26, 2026

With Super Bowl 60 set for Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 8, there are incredible storylines and immediate thoughts that emerge with an 11-year-old rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.As we get closer to kickoff, I will have several breakdowns to talk about.But after watching the Patriots (17-3) beat the Denver Broncos 10-7 on Sunday in the AFC championship game to advance to their 12th Super Bowl, and seeing the Seahawks escape with a 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC title game, I do think there are player props you may want to watch for when the massive list emerges.Here are my first four looks at SB60 with Player Props (per early numbers at DraftKings):Drake Maye over rushing yardsI expect the Seahawks to apply plenty of pressure to the young quarterback on every dropback, forcing him to put his legs to work. Maye just rushed for 65 yards against the Denver Broncos, the second time he rushed for 65 or more yards this postseason. Maye averaged 26.5 yards rushing during the regular season and is scrambling for 47.0 in the postseason. There are favorable numbers of 36+ and 40+ for Maye's rushing tally, so I'm definitely jumping in early.Rhamondre Stevenson anytime TD scorerIf there is one person who put his time in with the Patriots, it's Stevenson, now in his fifth season. Stevenson led team in the AFC Divisional round with 70 yards rushing, and again in the AFC Championship with 71 yards on the ground. He'll be looking for his fourth straight game with 70 or more scrimmage yards. Now, considering he had a career-high nine scrimmage TD during the regular season and hasn't scored in the playoffs, I like him to punch one during the Super Bowl. DKS is offering a respectable plus price as an anytime TD scorer, and I'd advise you to jump on that now.Kenneth Walker over rushing yardsAfter turning in 145 scrimmage yards (116 rushing, 29 receiving) and 3 rushing TDs in the NFC Divisional round, Walker answered the bell with 111 scrimmage yards (62 rushing, 49 receiving) in the NFC title game against the Rams. He's stepped up splendidly for the Seahawks, averaging 60.4 yards rushing during the regular season and 89 in the postseason. He's rushed for 4.7 yards per attempt in the playoffs, and we should be looking at a favorable number as long as the books don't get greedy. Right now at DraftKings, I highly recommend getting the plus price for over 80 yards.Sam Darnold under passing yardsOver and over, all I've heard is how "I don't know if we can trust Sam Darnold." Yet here we are set for SB60, and the Minnesota Vikings' cast-off has turned into a gem for the Seahawks. That all being said, I think Seattle has benefited because Darnold doesn't play above himself, has been methodical and doesn't force anything. He has the resources to lean on a balanced offense. And while he may have ranked fifth in the league with 4,048 yards passing during the regular season, that equated to 238.1 yards per game. That number has dipped slightly to 235 per game in the postseason. You can find under 240 yards at DKS for a reasonable price right now.

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NHL Off the Post: January 26th

by Sean Murphy

Monday, Jan 26, 2026

With the Olympic break fast approaching, it's a good time to take stock of some news and notes from around the NHL. Here's a look at five teams to keep an eye on as we head into February.Crowning momentsThe Los Angeles Kings are in the thick of the playoff hunt in the Western Conference but it's been a grind to be sure. Close losses have been the story as the Kings have piled up 12 overtime or shootout defeats on the campaign. The good news is, they've shown signs of turning things around as they enter Monday's action off consecutive one-goal victories over the Rangers and Blues. Those wins are fine but the schedule toughens up this week as their long road trip continues with games against surging opponents in the Blue Jackets, Red Wings and Sabres before closing the jaunt against the Flyers and Hurricanes. Los Angeles will play just one home game between now and the Olympic break and that comes on February 4th against Seattle.Help wantedYou have to figure the Islanders will be 'buyers' leading up to the trade deadline as they sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division but with a number of teams breathing down their neck in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Generating offense has been an issue for the Isles as they've produced just 2.9 goals per game on the season including 2.7 away from home. Lately, their lack of scoring punch has been even more magnified as they've produced two goals or less in four of their last five contests, winning just twice over that stretch. Ilya Sorokin is a world class goaltender but he can only be asked to shoulder so much of the load. Of note, the Isles draw divisional matchups in six of seven games leading up to the Olympic break.Lightning strikeI'm not sure the Lightning are getting the attention they deserve for their current run. They've reeled off 14 wins over their last 16 games, despite missing a number of key contributors. Victor Hedman and Brayden Point are among those currently sidelined but the fact that they continue to pile up victories speaks to the depth that this team has built. Beginning on Monday against Utah, Tampa Bay will play six straight home games that will carry it through the Olympic break. That includes a 'Stadium Series' affair against Boston on February 1st. The Bolts are a modest 13-9 on home ice this season where they've outscored opponents by an average margin of 0.3 goals.Quack attackAnaheim will have its seven-game winning streak tested in a difficult back-to-back spot in Edmonton on Monday. The Ducks struggled mightily to keep the puck out of their net during an extended slide in December and early January but a renewed defensive focus has turned the tide. They've held all seven opponents to three goals or less and five of them to two or fewer over the course of their current winning streak. Unfortunately, the road hasn't been kind to Anaheim as it enters Monday's clash with the Oilers sporting a 13-13-2 record away from home, where it has been outscored by 0.6 goals on average (and has allowed 3.7 goals per contest).Everything must go?The bottom has fallen out for the Rangers as they've mustered just six wins going all the way back to December 6th. An injury to goaltender Igor Shesterkin has left them completely flat-footed as they enter Monday's matchup with the Bruins having allowed a whopping 42 goals over their last eight contests, not coincidentally since the all-world net-minder went down. There's a glimmer of hope as the Blueshirts will have an opportunity to gain ground with each of their next eight games coming against Metropolitan Division opponents. With that being said, they currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference, 11 points back of the Islanders who hold down the final playoff spot in the Metro. They'll play a home-and-home set with the Isles on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 01/26/2026

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Jan 26, 2026

 The Monday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action. The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. The Atlanta Hawks host the Indiana Pacers at 1:40 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with the total set at 232.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Charlotte Hornets play at home against the Philadelphia 76ers as a 3.5-point favorite as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 227.5. The Cleveland Cavaliers are home against the Orlando Magic on Peacock at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cavaliers have won three games in a row after their 115-105 upset victory against the Magic as a 1.5-point underdog on Saturday. Orlando has lost three games in a row. Cleveland is a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 227.5. Three more games tip off at 8:10 p.m. ET. Three more NBA games tip off at 8:10 p.m ET. The Boston Celtics host the Portland Trail Blazers as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 227.5. The Houston Rockets play at home against the Memphis Grizzlies as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 223.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are home against the Golden State Warriors at 9:40 p.m. ET. The Timberwolves had lost two games in a row before their 112-85 upset loss as a 5.5-point favorite against the Warriors on Thursday. The Warriors ended a three-game losing streak with the win. Minnesota is a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 232.5.The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. Three NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Philadelphia Flyers host the New York Islanders as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Boston Bruins play in New York against the Rangers as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Columbus Blue Jackets play at home against the Los Angeles Kings as a -118 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning are home against the Utah Mammoth as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers host the Anaheim Ducks at 8:37 p.m. ET as a -250 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule tips off at 6:00 p.m. ET with 12 games involving Division I opponents. Three of these NCAAB games are on major national television. Ohio State plays at home against Penn State at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 154.5. Duke plays at home against Louisville on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. ET. The  Blue Devils have won seven games in a row after their 90-69 victory against Wake Forest on Saturday. The Cardinals have won two games in a row after their 85-71 win against Virginia Tech as a 7.5-point favorite on Saturday. Duke is a 7-point favorite with a total of 157.5. Arizona plays at BYU on ESPN at 9:00 p.m. ET. The Wildcats remain unbeaten after 20 games after their 88-53 victory against West Virginia on Saturday. The Cougars have won 14 of their last 15 games after their 94-78 victory against Utah on Saturday. Arizona is a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 165.5. Matchweek 23 in the English Premier League concludes with one match.  Everton is home against Leeds United on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5.  

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 01/25/26

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Jan 25, 2026

The Sunday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Football League continues its postseason with its two games in the conference championship playoff round. The New England Patriots travel to Denver to play the Broncos in the AFC championship game on CBS at 3:00 p.m. ET. The Patriots are on a five-game winning streak after their 28-16 victory against Houston as a 3.5-point favorite on Sunday. The Broncos have won three games in a row after a 33-30 victory in overtime against Buffalo as a 1.5-point favorite last Saturday. New England is a 3.5-point road favorite with the total set at 43.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship game on Fox at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Seahawks are on an eight-game winning streak after their 41-6 victory against San Francisco as a 6.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Rams have won three games in a row after their 20-17 win in overtime against Chicago as a 3.5-point favorite on Sunday. Seattle is a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 45.5. The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. The Detroit Pistons play at home against the Sacramento Kings at 3:10 p.m. ET as a 13.5-point favorite with a total of 226.5. The Memphis Grizzlies are home against the Denver Nuggets at 3:40 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 224.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Golden State Warriors at 5:40 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 235.5. Three NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The San Antonio Spurs play at home against the New Orleans Pelicans as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 238.5. The Milwaukee Bucks are home against the Dallas Mavericks as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 219.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Toronto Raptors as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 225.5. The Phoenix Suns play at home against the Miami Heat at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 228.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are home against the Brooklyn Nets at 9:10 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 211.5. The National Hockey League has six games on its slate. The Colorado Avalanche plays in Toronto against the Maple Leafs at 1:37 p.m. ET as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils are on the road to face the Seattle Kraken at 3:07 p.m. ET as a -122 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Vegas Golden Knights visit the Ottawa Senators at 5:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins travel to Vancouver to take on the Canucks at 6:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Florida Panthers play in Chicago against the Blackhawks at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Calgary Flames host the Anaheim Ducks at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule tips off at 1:00 p.m. ET with six games involving Division I opponents. Three of these NCAAB games are on major national television. South Florida plays at home against Florida Atlantic on ESPN2 at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 165.5. Washington is home against Oregon on Peacock at 3:00 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 147.5. Wisconsin hosts USC on Peacock at 4:00 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 159.5. Matchweek 23 in the English Premier League begins with four matches. Three of these EPL matches begin at 9:00 a.m. ET. Brentford plays at home against Nottingham Forest as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Chelsea is on the road at Crystal Palace on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Newcastle United is home against Aston Villa as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Arsenal hosts Manchester United at 11:30 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. 

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Brasileirão Série A Prop Futures (2026 Season)

by Amedeus Mastrangelo

Saturday, Jan 24, 2026

The 2026 season for the Brasileirao Serie A is set to start on Wednesday, January 28. Flamengo is the defending champion from last season and the league has been very competitive in recent years with 3 different champions over the last 3 seasons. There were also 4 teams promoted to Serie A last season and 2 of those clubs managed to stay up for this season as well. There is plenty of value to be found in other areas of the league with different markets, so with the start of the new season just around the corner now, it is time to see where there is value in some other markets.  To Finish Top 4 Cruzeiro -120: Cruzeiro was promoted to Serie A for the 2023 season and they have been a very good team in the league since being promoted. They have managed to stay up for 3 straight seasons, and they have improved in the league table each year as well. They have finished higher and higher in the table each season, and now they are coming off of a season which they finished in 3rd place, 9 points behind the title winners. They have been performing well in every competition they have played in, and they have been spending a lot of money to keep the team competing in the league at a high level. Cruzeiro once again has a lot of quality and depth in their squad this year and they are expected to be a dominant club in the league. They have the potential to compete for the title this season with the quality they have as well, so Cruzeiro should be able to place themselves in the top 4 again this season as they will be one of the better teams in the league. There is value in Cruzeiro at this price to finish in the top 4 this season.  Sao Paulo +600: Sao Paulo is coming into this season off of a year where they finished in 8th place in the league. They have been a middle of the table team over the last few years and do not have any top 4 finishes in that span, but they have still been a very consistent club in the league. They are always in that 6-12 range, and they have also played in Copa Libertadores the last 3 straight seasons, finding ways to qualify each year. They will not be in Copa Libertadores this season though, just missing the playoff spots, so they will be competing in Copa Sudamericana instead. Copa Libertadores is always a competition they are highly focused on, but they are not going to put that same energy into Copa Sudamericana as the lesser competition and they will likely turn their focus back to the league this season for a higher finish. The competition they will be facing in Copa Sudamericana will not be as strong as well, so that will help them with the fatigue of the season. Sao Paulo is also a big club in Brasil with money to spend so they will make big moves in the summer transfer window if they are in a position to compete for the title. There is some good value in Sao Paulo at this price to finish in the top 4 this season.  To Finish Top 6 Botafogo -106: Botafogo is coming into this season off of a year in which they finished in 6th place in the league. They have been a contender in the Brasileirao as well as Copa Libertadores over the last few years and will likely take a step back this year due to the quality they have lost, but they have still been a very consistent team in the league and they are not going to fall off that much. They might not be competing for the title this season, but they have finished in the top 6 for the last 3 straight seasons, including winning the Brasileirao Title just 2 years ago, and they are still going to be competing for those top spots in the league. Other than Flamengo and Palmeiras, it is tough to find a more consistent team in the league over the last 3 seasons, and Botafogo is still a very big club with money to spend so they are going to keep themselves competitive and will make big moves in the summer transfer window as well. Botafogo may not have the quality to compete for a title this year, but they are still one of the better teams in the league and they have a very good chance of being a top 6 team by the end of the season. There is value in Botafogo at this price to finish in the top 6 this season.  Corinthians +225: Corinthians is coming into this season off of a year in which they finished in 13th place in the league. They are one of the biggest clubs in all of Brasil, but recently they have fallen on some hard times. They have been very inconsistent over the last few seasons as they have been alternating between top 7 finishes and top 13 finishes in the league, but the last time they finished this low in the table, they followed up with a much better year. They struggled in the Brasileirao as well as Copa Sudamericana last season, but they were starting to catch fire near the end of the season and even ended the year with the Copa do Brasil. They are going to spend money to improve this team this year and they are not going to have a big focus on Copa Sudamericana either, trying to get themselves back to the top of the table. They have already made some good moves to improve the squad this season as well, so Corinthians is in line to take a big step this year. There is good value in Corinthians at this price to finish in the top 6 this season.  Sao Paulo +275: Sao Paulo was mentioned earlier as a possible team to finish in the top 4 this season so for all of the same reasons, they have some value at this price to finish in the top 6 this season.  To Be Relegated Remo +110: Remo is coming into this season as a newly promoted side after finishing in 4th place in Serie B last season. They just slipped into the final promotion spot 1 point ahead of the 5th place team, but this is also going to be Remo’s 1st ever season in Serie A. They have never made it to this level before and even with the money they have been spending to improve the team, this is still going to be a big step for them and they will not be ready for it. There has been a pattern in the Brasileirao over the last few seasons where the teams that finished 3rd and 4th in Serie B get sent right back down after 1 season while the teams that finish in the top 2 of Serie B manage to stay up at least a year. Remo was the worst team out of the 4 being promoted this season and they do not have the quality to compete with the bigger clubs. There is a very good chance that they will not be able to stay up this season as they are going to struggle in their 1st ever Serie A season. There is some good value in Remo at this price to be relegated this season.  Vitoria +175: Vitoria is coming into this season off of a year in which they finished in 15th place in the league. This is only their 3rd straight season in Serie A since being promoted for the 2024 season and they took a big step back last year. They managed to finish in 11th place in their 1st season up, but now they are coming off of a 15th place finish and were only 2 points above the relegation zone. They had the 3rd worst attack in the league last season with 35 goals scored in their 38 matches and they had the 3rd worst goal differential as well. They have been able to stay up for the last 2 years, but with last season’s relegation, Vitoria is now one of the weakest clubs in the league and they did have a stretch from 2018-2024 where they were not in the league at all. Vitoria’s time in Serie A has come to an end and they will find themselves near the bottom of the table this season. There is good value in Vitoria at this price to be relegated.  Vasco da Gama +275: Vasco da Gama is coming into this season off of a year in which they finished in 14th place in the table. They are one of the bigger clubs in Brasil, but they have been up and down between Serie A and Serie B over the last decade. They were last promoted for the 2023 season and this will be their 4th straight season in the league, but they have been teetering on the relegation line in that span. They took a big step back last season from their top 10 finish the year prior, and they have finished in the bottom 6 of the league in 2 of the last 3 seasons. Their goal differential was not one of the worst in the league at -5, but they did have the 3rd worst defense in the league as they allowed 60 goals in their 38 matches. Vasco da Gama is not a team that has been competing for trophies over the last few seasons and with the addition of Coritiba and Athletico PR to the league, Vasco is going to have a much tougher time keeping themselves afloat this season. There is some good value in Vasco da Gama at this price to be relegated this season.  To Finish Bottom Remo +700: Remo is coming into this season as a newly promoted side after finishing in 4th place of Serie B last season. They were not a dominant team in that league though, finishing 6 points behind the 1st place team and only being 1 point ahead of the 5th place team as well. This is also going to be their 1st ever season playing in Serie A so there is going to be a big step for them to take here and they may not be able to adjust. The Brasileirao has also had a pattern the last few seasons where the top 2 teams from Serie B stay up, but the 3rd and 4th place teams that were promoted get sent back down. Remo falls into this pattern and is also the weakest team of the group being promoted this season. Remo is going to struggle a lot more than the other clubs being promoted as they all have experience playing in Serie A while Remo does not, and they are at a big disadvantage with their quality compared to the rest of the league as well. There is some very good value in Remo at this price to finish at the bottom of the table this season. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 01/24/26

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Jan 24, 2026

The Saturday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. The Charlotte Hornets host the Washington Wizards at 12:10 p.m. ET as a 10.5-point favorite with the total set at 232.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Philadelphia 76ers play at home against the New York Knicks at 3:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 229.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are home against the Golden State Warriors on ABC at 5:40 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 237.5. The Orlando Magic host the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Boston Celtics travel to Chicago to face the Bulls at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 230.5. The Los Angeles Lakers play in Dallas against the Mavericks at 8:40 p.m. ET on ABC as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 233.5. The Miami Heat are on the road against the Utah Jazz at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 245.5. The National Hockey League has nine games on its slate. The New York Islanders play at home against the Buffalo Sabres at 1:07 p.m. ET as a  -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Utah Mammoth visit Nashville to face the Predators at 1:37 p.m. ET as a -118 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Four NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Winnipeg Jets are home against the Detroit Red Wings as a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning play on the road against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -125 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes are on the road against the Ottawa Senators as a -125 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Boston Bruins host the Montreal Canadiens as a -120 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Los Angeles Kings travel to St. Louis to play against the Blues at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Minnesota Wild play at home against the Florida Panthers at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers are home against the Washington Capitals at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule tips off at 11:00 a.m. ET with 135 games involving Division I opponents. Eleven of these NCAAB games are on major national television. Kentucky hosts Mississippi on ESPN at 11:00 a.m. ET as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 144.5. Michigan State plays at home against Maryland on CBS at noon ET as a 19.5-point favorite with an over/under of 140.5. Providence is at home against Georgetown on Fox at 12:30 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 161.5. Two NCAAB games start at 2:00 p.m. ET. Houston plays at Texas Tech on ESPN as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 140.5. Arizona hosts West Virginia on CBS as a 17.5-point favorite with a total of 144.5. Purdue plays at home against Illinois on Fox at 3:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 152.5. San Diego State is at UNLV on CBS at 4:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 149.5. BYU is at home against Utah on Fox at 5:30 p.m. ET as a 19.5-point favorite with an over/under of 167.5. Baylor hosts TCU on ESPN at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 148.5. Kansas travels to Kansas State on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 160.5.  Alabama hosts Tennessee on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 167.5. Matchweek 23 in the English Premier League begins with five matches. West Ham United plays at home against Sunderland on the USA Network at 7:30 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Three EPL matches begin at 10:00 a.m. ET. Tottenham plays at Burnley on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Fulham is at home against Brighton and Hove Albion as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester City hosts Wolverhampton as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Liverpool is on the road against Bournemouth on the USA Network 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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