Expert Sports Picks and Analysis from Al McMordie

MLB 2023: NL East Division Preview

Tuesday, Mar 28, 2023

NL East Division Preview for MLB 2023 Atlanta Braves – Looking very strong again and already their division title possibilities increased with Mets losing closer Edwin Diaz to injury and Phillies losing star first basemen Rhys Hoskins to injury. The Braves have great pitching including Strider and Fried and Wright as starters and a superb bullpen. Very solid lineup too and just such a solid organization from top to bottom and some extra motivation coming into this season after last season’s surprising post-season exit. Miami Marlins – Couple of good starting pitchers but weak lineup and a bullpen that I really can’t trust. The lineup is the biggest concern again in Miami. They do have some great starting pitching and that is what allows them to be as competitive as they are but only a very bad Washington team is insuring they stay out of the basement in this division this year. New York Mets – Tough loss with top reliever Edwin Diaz lost to a season-ending injury. But still this team was already strong and then made some huge offseason acquisitions. You still have to like the Mets chances of challenging the Braves for the top spot in the division. Other bullpen arms can step up and this New York team was different was Showalter was brought in. Can aging arms in the rotation hold u? Definitely a very dangerous lineup that opposing team do not relish facing. Philadelphia Phillies – Another team dealing with a tough injury loss with star first baseman Rhys Hoskins lost to a season-ending injury. The fact Phillies made it to World Series last year was no fluke. However, Bryce Harper also going to miss time to start the season. This Phillies team could struggle until Harper comes back but at least Trea Turner is a huge addition to the lineup. Still plenty of pop on this team and really like the speed of Turner at the top of the lineup also. Plus solid rotation and strong bullpen here in Philly. Definitely should be an intriguing battle between the Phillies, Mets, and Braves for the top spot in the division. Washington Nationals – Going to be a long season in DC. The Nationals have fallen dramatically in the last 3 seasons and have question marks everywhere. Starting pitching, bullpen, lineup, all have concerns. The rebuild is on in DC. They have added some young arms to the pitching staff and look to build for the future but this season when you look at what they have and this rebuilt lineup, this looks like a team that is going to again lose the majority of its games. Will look to fade this team often with run line plays or when we get solid money line value.

NCAA Final Four Breakdown

by ASA, Inc.

Tuesday, Mar 28, 2023

CONNECTICUT – Stats per KenPom Offensive Efficiency – 3rd / Defensive Efficiency – 11th Strength of Schedule – 25thOverall Record – 29-8 SU / 25-11-1 ATSRecord vs Top 100 Teams – 17-8 SUOver/Under Record – 20-17 UCONN BREAKDOWN - Most balanced team remaining ranking into the top 11 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency. No other team remaining ranks in the top 25 in each. Defense has been outstanding in the tourney allowing just 59 PPG thus far. The Huskies have held their 4 NCAA tournament opponents (Iona, St Mary’s, Arkansas, & Gonzaga), a combined 74 points below their season scoring average which equates to 18.5 PPG below their average per team. That includes holding the nation’s top scoring offense, Gonzaga, to just 54 points which is 34 points below their average. The UConn offense has done their part as well scoring at least 82 points in 3 of their 4 tourney games. They are shooting 49.5% in the Big Dance and they have out rebounded their opponents by 49 or +12.25 boards per game. The Huskies do have a few weaknesses to note. They foul too much with 24% of their opponent’s points coming from the FT line (7th most nationally) and they turn the ball over quite a bit (almost 19% TO rate). They have won each of their NCAA tournament games by at least 15 points and their average scoring margin in the Dance is +22.5. FAU – Stats per KenPom Offensive Efficiency – 24th / Defensive Efficiency – 29th Strength of Schedule – 114th Overall Record – 35-3 SU / 24-11-1 ATSRecord vs Top 100 Teams – 9-1 SUOver/Under Record – 18-17-1 FAU BREAKDOWN – The Owls are quite balanced as one of only 2 teams remaining that rank in the top 30 in both offensive and defensive efficiency (UConn is the other). They have had 4 tight games in the tourney with all of their wins coming by single digits. The Owls average scoring margin in the Big Dance is +4.75 and they trailed with under 10 minutes remaining in all 4 of their games. They rely very heavily on shooting the 3 with 37% of their points coming from deep (25th most nationally) and they shoot it well at 36.5% from beyond the arc. FAU is a deep team with 9 players averaging double digit minutes on the season and they have only 1 senior in their regular rotation. Their weaknesses would include not getting to the FT line very often (302nd nationally in points from the charity stripe) and the Owls don’t create many turnovers defensively (181st). Their strength of schedule is the lowest remaining, however Conference USA has proven to be better than most anticipated. As of Monday, CUSA is 15-1 SU and 13-3 ATS in post-season tournament play with FAU, Charlotte, UNT, and UAB all playing in the NCAA, NIT, or CBI. MIAMI FL – Stats per KenPom Offensive Efficiency – 5th / Defensive Efficiency – 104th Strength of Schedule – 65th Overall Record – 29-7 SU / 22-14 ATSRecord vs Top 100 Teams – 17-5 SUOver/Under Record – 17-18-1 MIAMI BREAKDOWN – This is a veteran team that made it to the Elite 8 last season so they know what a deep run in the tourney is all about. Their guard play is among the best in the country with Isaiah Wong (16 PPG) and Nigel Pack (14 PPG) both able to score from deep each hitting over 38% from 3 point land. The Canes had the toughest run through the Sweet 16 / Elite 8 having to take out both Houston (the #2 overall seed in the tournament) and Texas (the #6 overall seed in the tournament). This is a high level offensive team averaging 80 PPG on the season along with being one of the most efficient teams in the country (5th). They have scored at least 85 points in each of their last 3 games vs Indiana, Houston, and Texas with the last 2 opponents each ranking inside the top 15 in defensive efficiency. The obvious weakness for the Canes is on the defensive end. They are the only team remaining that does not rank inside the top 30 in defensive efficiency and the actually fall outside the top 100 in that statistic. Miami isn’t a big team with no starter taller than 6’7 and opponents have been able to score both midrange (277th) and at the rim (96th) on this team. They have been a bit unlucky with opponents making nearly 75% of their FT’s this season. The Hurricanes have been a fantastic underdog going 20-5 ATS in that role the last 2 seasons. SAN DIEGO STATE – Stats per KenPom Offensive Efficiency – 75th / Defensive Efficiency – 4th Strength of Schedule – 35thOverall Record – 31-6 SU / 19-15-2 ATSRecord vs Top 100 Teams – 17-6 SUOver/Under Record – 14-22 SAN DIEGO STATE BREAKDOWN – The Aztecs live and die with their defense which is one of the best in the country ranking 4th in efficiency while allowing 64 PPG. Because of that defense this team has been an Under machine down the stretch with each of their last 12 games going Under the total. The strength of their outstanding defense is at the 3 point line where they hold opponents to just 27% shooting on the season (2nd nationally). SDSU has allowed only 57 PPG in the Big Dance with 3 of their 4 opponents failing to reach 60 points. Their 4 opponents in the NCAA tournament have attempted a combined 94 three pointers and made only 16 of those shots (17%). They’ve held their opponents to just 34% shooting overall in the Big Dance. The Aztecs defense needs to be very good because their offense isn’t great. They rank outside the top 200 nationally in eFG% and they are making less than 42% of their shots in the tourney thus far. SDSU is a deep, veteran team with 9 players averaging more than 10 minutes per game and all are upperclassmen. They play at a slow tempo and really make teams work for good shots with opponents averaging nearly 19 s

MLB 2023: AL East Division Preview

by Scott Rickenbach

Tuesday, Mar 28, 2023

AL East Division Preview for MLB 2023Baltimore Orioles – A lot of people are down on the Orioles and really expecting them to drop this season. While I do have concerns about this pitching staff, if they surprise then the Orioles can again surprise because they have some good young players and also added some veteran pieces. This team strong up the middle including behind the plate which is so important and helps pitchers too. Boston Red Sox – This is a team continuing to trend the wrong direction and it looks like it could get worse before it gets better. For starters, this is a tough division. But then the loss of Bogaerts and the overall roster turnover and it really feels like the Red Sox organization is entering a transitional period. If they get miracle health with their pitching staff they might surprise but I doubt that. Too many question marks with position players and with the pitching staff. This team likely to finish in the cellar and struggle. New York Yankees – The Yankees look stacked. New York looks so strong and there is just not much more to say here. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, they have used their resources to build quite the formidable team now and seem to be set in all the key facets of the game. Their farm system has been pillaged due to trades, etc. but that will affect them a little further down the line. Right now it is a “win now” mentality and that should continue to pay dividends this season. Tampa Bay Rays – The opposite of the Yankees, the small-market Rays continue to get it done and could challenge for the #2 spot in the division behind New York. Tampa Bay has a solid pitching staff and, if healthy, they could be a key catalyst for a rather strong season again more similar to the 2021 and 2020 results than the 2022 season. I am not crazy about their batting lineup but pitching, including bullpen, is a real strength in Tampa with the all-important health factor being a key of course. Glasnow is a top pitcher that is going to be out until sometime in May it appears. That is a key injury issue for sure but as long as it does not go far beyond the current early May projection things should be fine overall for Tampa. Toronto Blue Jays – Blue Jays continue to be so close. Solid club that is just not quite elite yet and you wonder if they can push over the top this season. Maybe is a veteran leadership issue as this team has some young stars but I do expect another solid season for them but just don’t think they are going to be able to unseat the Yankees this season. Pretty solid pitching staff though and a lineup with dangerous sticks again means they challenge the Rays for playing 2nd fiddle to Yankees this season.

Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 03/28/2023

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Mar 28, 2023

The Tuesday sports card features action in the NBA, NHL, and NCAAB.The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. The Boston Celtics travel to play the Washington Wizards at 7:10 PM ET as an 11-point road favorite, with the total set at 227 (all odds from DraftKings). Two more NBA games tip off at 7:40 PM ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers play in Atlanta against the Hawks as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 234. The Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat on TNT as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 219. The NBA games start at 8:10 PM ET. The Memphis Grizzlies play at home against the Orlando Magic as a 7.5-point favorite. The Oklahoma City Thunder are at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 9-point favorite. The Golden State Warriors host the New Orleans Pelicans on TNT at 10:10 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 234.5. The National Hockey League has ten games on its slate. Five NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The New York Rangers play at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -280 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Philadelphia Flyers are at home against the Montreal Canadiens as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Boston Bruins host the Nashville Predators as a -300 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Carolina Hurricanes play at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning as a -140 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Detroit to play the Red Wings as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The St. Louis Blues host the Vancouver Canucks at 8:07 PM ET as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Dallas Stars visit the Chicago Blackhawks at 8:37 PM ET as a -275 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Calgary Flames play at home against the Los Angeles Kings at 9:07 PM ET as a -140 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers battle the Vegas Golden Knights on the road at 10:07 PM ET as a -115 money-line road favorite with a total of 7. The Winnipeg Jets are in San Jose to play the Sharks at 10:37 PM ET as a -180 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has two games in the semifinals of the National Invitational Tournament at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. North Texas faces Wisconsin on ESPN at 7 PM ET. The Mean Green won for the sixth time in their last seven games with their 65-59 upset victory at Oklahoma State as a 4.5-point underdog last Tuesday. The Badgers are on a three-game winning streak after their 61-58 upset win at Oregon as a 1.5-point underdog on Tuesday. North Texas is a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 115.5. UAB goes against Utah Valley State on ESPN2 at 9:30 PM ET. The Blazers won for the 11th time in their last 12 games with their 67-59 victory at Vanderbilt as a 1.5-point favorite on Wednesday. The Wolverines are on a three-game winning streak after their 74-68 victory against Cincinnati as a 2-point favorite on Wednesday. UAB is a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 151.5.

Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA and NHL Previews and Odds - 03/27/2023

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Mar 27, 2023

The Monday sports card features action in the NBA and the NHL.The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Detroit to play the Pistons. The Bucks were on a three-game winning streak before a 129-106 loss at Denver as a 5.5-point underdog on Saturday. The Pistons are on a five-game losing streak with 16 losses in their last 17 games after a 118-97 loss at Toronto as a 14-point underdog on Friday. Milwaukee is a 15.5-point road favorite, with the total set at 232.The Dallas Mavericks play in Indiana against the Pacers. The Mavericks are on a four-game losing streak with seven losses in their last nine games after a 110-104 upset loss to Charlotte as a 12-point road favorite on Sunday. The Pacers lost for the fourth time in their last five games in a 143-130 loss at Atlanta as a 10-point underdog on Saturday. Dallas is a 1-point road favorite. The New York Knicks host the Houston Rockets at 7:40 PM ET. The Knicks are on a three-game losing streak after their 111-106 upset loss at Orlando as a 1-point underdog on Thursday. The Rockets are on a five-game losing streak after a 108-91 loss in Cleveland as a 1-point underdog on Sunday. New York is a 12.5-point favorite. The Phoenix Suns are in Utah to play the Jazz at 9:10 PM ET. The Suns ended a three-game losing streak with a 125-105 victory against Philadelphia as a 2.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Jazz have lost three games in a row, with a 121-113 loss at Sacramento on Saturday. Phoenix is a 6.5-point road favorite. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Philadelphia 76ers at 9:40 PM ET. The Nuggets are on a three-game winning streak after their victory against Milwaukee on Saturday. The 76ers lost their second-straight game in their loss to Phoenix on Saturday. Denver is a 5-point favorite. Two NBA games start at 10:10 PM ET. The Sacramento Kings are at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Kings won for the fifth time in their last seven games with their 121-113 victory against Utah as a 9.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Timberwolves are on a three-game winning streak after their 99-96 upset victory at Golden State as a 5-point underdog on Sunday. Sacramento is a 5.5-point favorite. The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Portland Trail Blazers. The Pelicans are on a four-game winning streak with their 131-110 upset victory in Los Angeles against the Clippers as a 4.5-point underdog on Saturday. The Trail Blazers lost for the eighth time in their last nine games in a 118-112 loss to Oklahoma City as a 9.5-point underdog on Sunday. New Orleans is an 8.5-point road favorite.The Los Angeles Clippers are at home against the Chicago Bulls at 10:40 PM ET. The Clippers lost for the second time in their last three games in a 131-110 upset loss to New Orleans as a 4.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Bulls are on a two-game winning streak after their 118-108 upset win in Los Angeles against the Lakers as a 5-point underdog on Sunday. Los Angeles is a 5-point favorite. The National Hockey League has six games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Florida Panthers travel to Ottawa to play the Senators as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7. The Buffalo Sabres host the Montreal Canadiens as a -215 money-line favorite with a total of 7. The New Jersey Devils play in New York against the Islanders at 7:37 PM ET as a -130 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Minnesota Wild are at home against the Seattle Kraken at 8:07 PM ET as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Two more games complete the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Colorado Avalanche play in Anaheim against the Ducks as a -260 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers are in Arizona to play the Coyotes as a -315 money-line road favorite with a total of 7.

Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 03/26/2023

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Mar 26, 2023

The Sunday sports card features action in the NBA, NHL, and NCAAB.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. The Dallas Mavericks travel to Charlotte to play the Hornets at 1:10 PM ET as a 9.5-point road favorite, with the total set at 228 (all odds from DraftKings). The Los Angeles Lakers host the Chicago Bulls at 3:40 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite. Five NBA games top off at 6:10 PM ET. The Memphis Grizzlies visit Atlanta as a 2-point road favorite. The Boston Celtics host the San Antonio Spurs as a 16-point favorite. The Cleveland Cavaliers play at home against the Houston Rockets as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 223.5. The Orlando Magic are at home against the Brooklyn Nets as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 225.5. The Toronto Raptors host the Washington Wizards as a 6-point favorite. The Oklahoma City Thunder play in Portland against the Trail Blazers at 7:10 PM ET. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8:40 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite. The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. The Colorado Avalanche visits Arizona to play the Coyotes at 3:07 PM ET as a -285 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Boston Bruins play in Carolina to play the Hurricanes at 5:07 PM ET, with both teams priced at -110 with a total of 6. Two NHL games drop the puck at 6:07 PM ET. The Toronto Maple Leafs are in Nashville to play the Predators as a -170 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Vancouver Canucks play in Chicago against the Blackhawks as a -170 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Los Angeles Kings are at home against the St. Louis Blues at 10:37 PM ET as a -200 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has the final two games in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament on CBS. Creighton battles San Diego State at 2:20 PM ET. The Bluejays won for the sixth time in their last seven games with their 86-75 victory against Princeton as a 10-point favorite on Friday. They began the NCAA tournament with a 72-63 win against North Carolina State before beating Princeton, 86-75, to reach the Sweet 16 last week. They have a 24-12 record. The Aztecs are on a seven-game winning streak with their 71-64 upset win against Alabama as a 6.5-point underdog on Friday. They opened the NCAA tournament with a 63-67 victory against the College of Charleston before a 75-52 win against Furman to reach the Sweet 16. Creighton is a 2-point favorite with a total of 135.Texas faces Miami (FL) at 5:05 PM ET. The Longhorns are on a seven-game winning streak after their 83-71 victory against Xavier as a 4-point favorite on Friday. Texas began the NCAA tournament with an 81-61 win against Colgate before beating Penn State, 71-66, to reach the Sweet 16. The Hurricanes have won five of their last six games with an 89-75 upset victory against Houston as an 8-point underdog on Friday. They beat Drake, 63-56, in the first round of the NCAA tournament before outlasting Indiana, 85-69, to reach the Sweet 16. Texas is a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 149.5.

Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 03/25/2023

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Mar 25, 2023

The Saturday sports card features action in the NBA, NHL, and NCAAB.The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. The Atlanta Hawks host the Indiana Pacers at 5:10 PM ET. The Miami Heat play at home against the Brooklyn Nets as a 5.5-point favorite with the total set at 222 (all odds from DraftKings). The Denver Nuggets are at home against the Milwaukee Bucks at 9:10 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite. Two NBA games tip off at 10:10 PM ET. The Philadelphia 76ers travel to Phoenix to play the Suns as a 1-point road favorite. The Sacramento Kings host the Utah Jazz as a 9.5-point favorite. The Los Angeles Clippers play at home against the New Orleans Pelicans at 10:40 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with a total of 224.5.The National Hockey League has 15 games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 1:07 PM ET. The Philadelphia Flyers are at home against the Detroit Red Wings as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Boston Bruins host the Tampa Bay Lightning as a -165 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Seattle Kraken visit Nashville to play the Predators at 2:07 PM ET as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. Two NHL games start at 4:07 PM ET. The Los Angeles Kings play at home against the Winnipeg Jets as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Calgary Flames are at home against the San Jose Sharks as a -300 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Three more NHL games begin at 5:07 PM ET. The Minnesota Wild host the Chicago Blackhawks as a -345 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Florida Panthers play at home against the New York Rangers as a -120 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Islanders are at home against the Buffalo Sabres as a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Four NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Dallas Stars host the Vancouver Canucks as a -195 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Montreal Canadiens play at home against the Columbus Bluejackets as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The New Jersey Devils are at home against the Ottawa Senators as a -180 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Toronto Maple Leafs as a -145 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Pittsburgh Penguins play at home against the Washington Capitals on ABC at 8:07 PM ET as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers are at home against the Vegas Golden Knights at 10:07 PM ET as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The St. Louis Blues travel to Anaheim to play the Ducks at 10:37 PM ET as a -155 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has the first two games in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament on TBS. Kansas State plays Florida Atlantic at 6:09 PM ET at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Wildcats are a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 144.5. Connecticut battles Gonzaga at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 8:49 PM ET. The Huskies are a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 153.5.

Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 03/24/2023

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Mar 24, 2023

The Thursday sports card features action in the NBA, NHL, and NCAAB.The National Basketball Association has ten games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Boston Celtics host the Indiana Pacers as an 11.5-point favorite (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Washington Wizards play at home against the Sacramento Kings as a 7-point favorite. The Toronto Raptors are at home against the Detroit Pistons at 7:40 PM ET as a 12.5-point favorite. The Memphis Grizzlies host the Houston Rockets at 8:10 PM ET as a -12.5-point favorite. The Charlotte Hornets play in Dallas against the Mavericks at 8:40 PM ET.The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Utah to play the Jazz at 9:10 PM ET as an 8.5-point road favorite. Three more NBA games tip off at 10:10 PM ET. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Philadelphia 76ers as a 5-point favorite. The Chicago Bulls are in Portland to play the Trail Blazers as a 2-point road favorite. The Sacramento Kings host the Phoenix Suns as a 4.5-point favorite. The Los Angeles Lakers play at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 10:40 PM ET as a 5.5-point favorite at BetMGM.The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The New York Islanders visit Columbus to play the Bluejackets as a -200 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The New Jersey Devils play in Buffalo against the Sabres as a -175 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7. The Colorado Avalanche are at home against the Arizona Coyotes at 9:07 PM ET as a -405 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has the final four games in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. Alabama goes against San Diego State on TBS at 6:30 PM ET at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The Crimson Tide are on a five-game winning streak after their 73-51 victory against Maryland as an 8.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Aztecs won their sixth straight game with its 75-52 victory against Furman as a 4.5-point favorite on Saturday. Alabama is a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 137. Houston battles Miami (FL) on CBS at 7:15 PM ET at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The Cougars won for the 15th time in their last 16 games with their 81-64 victory against Auburn as a 5.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Hurricanes won for the fourth time in their last five games with an 85-69 upset victory against Indiana as a 1.5-point underdog on Sunday. Houston is a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 138.Creighton plays Princeton at 9 PM ET on TBS in Louisville. The Bluejays won for the fifth time in their last six games with an 85-76 victory against Baylor as a 1-point favorite on Sunday. The Tigers are on a six-game winning streak after their 78-63 upset win against Missouri as a 6.5-pint underdog on Saturday. Creighton is a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 140. Texas faces Xavier on CBS at 9:45 PM ET in Kansas City. The Longhorns are on a six-game winning streak after their 71-66 victory against Penn State as a 5-point favorite on Saturday. The Musketeers won for the seventh time in their last nine games with an 84-73 victory against Pittsburgh as a 5-point favorite on Sunday. Texas is a 4.5-point favorite, with a total of 149.

MLB 2023: AL Central Division Preview

by Scott Rickenbach

Thursday, Mar 23, 2023

AL Central Division Preview for MLB 2023Chicago White Sox – When you look at this roster it looks like one of the strongest ones in the league but yet these team seems to have some internal issues. Clubhouse issues can be tough over the long course of an MLB season and this could ultimately be the downfall of Chicago again this season. Something just seems a bit off with team atmosphere. But decent lineup and solid starting pitching should insure at least a shot at a wild card berth for this team. Cleveland Guardians –This team should top the division and, unlike the White Sox, solid clubhouse atmosphere here overall and that is a difference maker. Cleveland also made a couple of solid off-season adds with Bell and Zunino. The latter is not much of a hitter at all but is solid behind the plate and that can help and already strong pitching rotation be even stronger this season. Detroit Tigers – Two seasons ago in 2021 it looked like the Tigers might be turning things around but then they regressed again. Looking at their lineup and the fact they have some question marks in the starting rotation too, just very hard to trust this team to bounce back this season. They have made some front office changes that should breath new life into the organization but it is still a rebuild project here that is going on this season. Kansas City Royals – Similar to Tigers, Royals had a more respectable season the year before last but, also similar to Detroit, they then regressed again last season. Kansas City just does not quite have enough to make much of a move yet. You look at their lineup and they have too many holes and too few guys like Bobby Witt who they could use more of for sure. Then you look at the rotation and there is just not a lot there to get excited about. They will battle the Tigers to stay out of the division basement. Minnesota Twins – Catcher is a more important position than many realize and the fact is that the addition of Vazquez is significant for this team. To me this is the one team that is a bit of an unknown in this division. If things fall well enough into place and Vazquez helps get the best out of this pitching rotation from his spot behind the plate, this could be big for this team and they could challenge the Guardians and also move in front of the White Sox. Solid rotation, decent lineup, this team will be interesting to watch this season as they could surprise.

MLB Futures Wager: San Diego Padres to Win the 2023 World Series

by Al McMordie

Thursday, Mar 23, 2023

The 2023 Major League Baseball season will start in seven days, so it's time for me to pull out my crystal ball to forecast the World Series Champion seven-and-a-half months from now. After cashing the Houston Astros at 10-1 odds in 2017, the Washington Nationals at 18-1 odds in 2019, and the Los Angeles Dodgers at 4-1 odds in 2020, I misfired the last two seasons with the Twins at 22-1 odds in 2021, and the Blue Jays at 9-1 odds last year. This season, I'm going to go with a franchise which has never hoisted the Commissioner's Trophy - the San Diego Padres. The current, best odds are 10-1, at both FanDuel and Caesars.After years of dominating the NL West, it appears the Dodgers may be taking a breather. For the first time in a while, Los Angeles saved its free agent money and let the likes of Trea Turner, Justin Turner, and Cody Bellinger go elsewhere (not to mention Max Scherzer, who it let walk a year ago). The respite may be no longer than one season however, as rumors have surfaced that the Dodgers are saving up to make a play for Shohei Ohtani, who will be a free agent after this season (and could sign the largest contract in sports history as a result). Enter the Padres, who appear to be perfectly positioned to take advantage of this "Dodger dip." San Diego has assembled a killer lineup which consists of multiple All-Stars, including Juan Soto, Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado (who just signed a new contract which will keep him in mustard and brown for the next 11 years). And superstar infielder Fernando Tatis, Jr. is eligible to return from his suspension on April 20. There may be teams in the league with better pitching (Mets, Braves, etc.). But what the Padres lack with their top three of Darvish, Musgrove and Snell will be more than made up by an offensive line-up which could easily produce a franchise-record number of runs. There appears to be no threat in their division outside of the down-graded Dodgers, so the Padres could have a big lead in the NL West heading into September which could allow them to ration their pitching resources down the stretch. Take the San Diego Padres at 10-1 odds to win the 2023 World Series. As always, good luck,Al McMordie.

Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 03/23/2023

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Mar 23, 2023

The Thursday sports card features action in the NBA, NHL, and NCAAB.The National Basketball Association has four games on its docket. The New York Knicks travel to Orlando to play the Magic at 7:10 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite, with the total set at 229.5. The Cleveland Cavaliers play in Brooklyn against the Nets at 7:40 PM ET as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 218. The New Orleans Pelicans host the Charlotte Hornets at 8:10 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 225.5. The Los Angeles Clippers play at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 10:40 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 232. The National Hockey League has 12 games on its slate. The Minnesota Wild visit Philadelphia to play the Flyers on ESPN at 6:37 PM ET as a -155 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. Six NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Boston Bruins are at home against the Montreal Canadiens as a -410 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes host the New York Rangers as a -145 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Tampa Bay Lighting play in Ottawa against the Senators as a -145 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Detroit Red Wings play at home against the St. Louis Blues as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Washington Capitals are at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -240 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Seattle Kraken travel to Nashville to play the Predators at 8:07 PM ET as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. Two more NHL games start at 9:07 PM ET. The Dallas Stars host the Pittsburgh Penguins on ESPN as a -165 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Calgary Flames play at home against the Vegas Golden Knights as a -140 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Vancouver Canucks are at home against the St. Louis Blues as a -165 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7. The Winnipeg Jets play in Anaheim against the Ducks as a -225 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The college basketball schedule has the first four games in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. Michigan State battles Kansas State on TBS at 6:30 PM ET in Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Spartans are a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 137.5. UConn faces Arkansas on CBS at 7:15 PM ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Huskies are a 4-point favorite with a total of 140. Tennessee plays Florida Atlantic on TBS at 9 PM ET in Madison Square Garden. The Volunteers are a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 129.5. UCLA goes against Gonzaga on CBS at 9:45 PM ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Bruins are a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 145.5.

Sweet 16 & Elite 8 Angles/Systems

by Kyle Hunter

Wednesday, Mar 22, 2023

We’re into the weekend of the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament. The venues have changed, and if you are looking for numbers regarding the venues and totals I recently wrote an article here at the Big Al site which gives detailed information about that. I know many people like to consider systems/angles that have worked in the past for specific rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Let’s take a look at a few that have worked well in the past. Keep in mind that these shouldn’t be just blindly bet across the board as much as it should be one factor in your overall handicap of the game.Sweet 16 Angles*Games With a Spread of 7.5 or larger in the Round of the Sweet 16 have gone under the total to the tune of 23-8-2 in the last 33 contests. If they had a closing total of 135 or higher, under is 18-4 in these contests. *Sweet 16: Teams with an ATS win percentage on the year of 50% or lower against a team with an ATS win percentage of 51% or higher are 41-25 ATS in the last 66 contests. If you are fading teams with a cover rate of higher than 60% this angle jumps to 17-4 ATS.Elite 8 Angles*Underdogs receiving 50% of the spread bets in the game or lower have gone 27-13-2 ATS in the Elite 8 round dating back to 2011. The public favorites have done poorly, and the underdogs who are unloved have been covering the number in a big way.*Totals of less than 145 points on the closing number have gone over the total at a clip of 31-18 in the Elite 8 dating back to 2006. Totals of 137.5 or lower have gone 20-11 to the over in the Elite 8.Before you bet on these big games Thursday-Sunday consider these angles as part of your handicap and see if it can help get you an edge. Every little edge you can find is helpful especially when the lines are as sharp as they this time of the season. Best of luck in the weekend ahead!

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