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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/26/2025

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Feb 26, 2025

The Wednesday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. Four NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Boston Celtics travel to Detroit to face the Pistons as a 4-point road favorite with the total set at 225.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The New York Knicks host the Philadelphia 76ers on ESPN as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 231.5. The Indiana Pacers play at home against the Toronto Raptors as a 10-point favorite with a total of 236.5. The Portland Trail Blazers play at Washington against the Wizards as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 230.5. Two NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Miami Heat are home against the Atlanta Hawks as a 2-point favorite with a total of 229. The Oklahoma City Thunder are at Brooklyn to play the Nets as a 17-point road favorite with an over/under of 217. The Los Angeles Clippers visit Chicago to challenge the Bulls at 8:10 p.m. ET as an 8-point road favorite with a total of 228. The Sacramento Kings play at Utah against the Jazz at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 9-point road favorite with an over/under of 236. The Houston Rockets host the San Antonio Spurs on ESPN at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 9-point favorite with a total of 226.5. The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. The Winnipeg Jets are at Ottawa to battle the Senators at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche play at home against the New Jersey Devils at 9:37 p.m. ET as a -130 money-line favor with a total of 5.5. The Los  Angeles Kings are home against the Vancouver Canucks on TNT at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 54 games between Division I opponents. Thirteen NCAAB games are on major national television. UConn hosts Georgetown on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 140.5. Four more NCAAB games on major national television begin at 7:00 p.m. ET. Saint Joseph’s plays at home against St. Bonaventure on Peacock as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. Syracuse is home against St. Bonaventure on ESPNU as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 143.5. Auburn hosts Mississippi on ESPN2 as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 153.5. Dayton travels to Rhode Island on the CBS Sports Network as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 151.5. Villanova plays at Seton Hall on FS1 at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 130.5. Four more NCAAB games on major national television at 9:00 p.m. ET. Arkansas plays at home against Texas on ESPN2 as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 147.5. Creighton is home against DePaul on Peacock as a 16.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. St. John’s is at Butler on the CBS Sports Network as a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 150.5. Wake Forest hosts Virginia on ESPNU as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 130.5. Boise State plays at home against Utah State on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 150.5. Two more NCAAB games on major national television conclude the college basketball card at 11:00 p.m. ET. SMU visits California on ESPNU as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 153.5. Oregon State is home against San Francisco on the CBS Sports Network as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Matchweek 27 in the English Premier League continues with five matches. Four EPL matches start at 2:30 p.m. ET. Brentford hosts Everton as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester United plays at home against Ipswich Town as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Arsenal plays at Nottingham Forest as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester City is at Tottenham as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3.5. Liverpool is home against Newcastle United on the USA Network at 3:15 p.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. 

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Five Things to Consider Before the MLB Season

by Vegas Writer

Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025

And just like that, football is an instant memory, with Ohio State and the Eagles celebrating championships, and the focus now on March Madness.But I'm thinking about baseball, with the boys of summer reporting for duty. Spring Training is underway, and it got me thinking about some things to consider - five to be exact - heading into the campaign.Figured I'd share.Here are five takeaways heading into the MLB campaign:5. Is it as strange to anyone else as it is to me that two Major League Baseball clubs won't be playing in their stadiums this season?The A's are moving to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento and will be playing on natural grass, rather than synthetic turf, which is a bit interesting, as the franchise prepares to move to Las Vegas, until that stadium is ready.And people I've spoken to seem to forget Tropicana Field was damaged by Hurricane Milton and is out of commission until 2026. Thus, the Rays are moving to Steinbrenner Field, home of the Yankees during Spring Training. Keep that in mind when making total bets and future wagers, as we have two professional baseball teams that won't be in their true home parks this season.These are decent-sized parks, but it's not like they're major-league ballparks. It's an interesting dynamic with scheduling and homefield advantage, or lack thereof, how this will end up presenting itself.4. Can the Yankees be a better team after losing Juan Soto? I know on the surface that sounds crazy, but indulge me, if you may. Soto helped the Yankees reach their first World Series since 2009, yes, but after attempting to re-sign him it didn't work out, he left the Bronx for Queen to play for the Mets.  He promptly smacked a home run in his first exhibition game for the Mets.I get it, you have to look at Soto and recognize the impact he has on your overall offense. And the Yankees' philosophy has always been to mash their way to being a championship contender. Now you lose the best hitter in baseball so it's hard to make a case that you're better with losing a talent like Soto. They made some interesting moves. They added left hander Max Fried. They added Cody Bellinger. They added Paul Goldschmidt from the Cardinals. They brought in closer Devin Williams. I have to wonder if bringing in formidable assets have made the Yankees a more complete and more athletic team by letting Soto go. Could these guys get the Yankees back to the World Series?3. Do the Mets have what it takes to beat the Dodgers and get to the World Series? It didn't work in the NLCS last season, but is this the year? We know Steve Cohen opened the checkbook to land $765 million-dollar man Soto. Fan-favorite Pete Alonso is very important to the organization - the clubhouse in particular - and he is back. I do have questions about the team's depth and its rotation and how it's going to configure this lineup with Soto receiving mail in Queens.Look, for a team that was in the NLCS last year, it seems like they could have enough firepower to advance further this season. They certainly cannot rely on the magic of last season and think it's automatic to return, but Soto will undoubtedly provide a spark. Personally, I can see the Mets needing another starting pitcher, someone front-ending things to lead the rotation. Could we see the return of Jacob deGrom?2. Can the Braves bounce back after falling from their NL East perch? Can they reclaim the division and vie for a shot at the World Series? Plenty will depend on when Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider return to the team.Strider has to make sure he doesn't have any setbacks during his recovery from elbow surgery. It appears he can return to the rotation by the end of April and Acuna's progress is being monitored closely, as he's coming back from a torn right ACL. It looks like he might be sidelined until about May. So, depending on when they come back and how long it takes those two in particular to return, the Braves could certainly be a team to pay attention to.It certainly makes you wonder: do you still lean on the Mets because of Soto, or do you lend credence to a healthy Braves team and what it can do in the division?1. It has to be the defending World Series champion Dodgers. Can any team match their firepower, and are they going to be the first franchise to repeat as champions in 25 years? Everyone's paying attention to them. They're the villains now.First and foremost, I have to wonder about Shohei Otani and if he's going to be as dominant on the mound when he steps to the hill.Personally, I want to see Ohtani pitch as much as possible. But that's whenever he's ready. If he's ready in July, then let his first pitch come in August. Don't push it. You have so much talent on that roster and so much pitching in addition to Ohtani.Let's face it, this is a team much like we talk about the Chiefs and/or Eagles in the NFL, right? Let's get through the regular season and head into the postseason healthy and ready to put everything on the line, and not care about what happens in the summer as much as we should care about winning the World Series. It's about trying to win a championship once you get to the playoffs.The champs went out and acquired more talent this offseason, and it's going to be interesting to see if anyone can keep pace with them, or if the gap is going to continue to widen.

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College Hoops: Four Teams to Sell High ATS

by Kyle Hunter

Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025

March is almost here! 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 sell high on when betting against the number going forward. Clemson Tigers (17-10 ATS) The Clemson Tigers have been absolutely on fire. Why would anyone want to sell them right now? First, the market is extremely high on Clemson based on their recent results. It is hard to continually beat the number when this large of an adjustment is being made. Second, Brad Brownell’s teams have not been good against the number in March. The ACC is much weaker than it was in the past, but Clemson is going to be laying some really big numbers in the next couple weeks. Clemson has a 22-5 record and just winning these games and improving their record should be enough for the Tigers. Shot Quality ranks Clemson as the luckiest team in the ACC so far this season. Middle Tenn State (13-10 ATS) MTSU sits third in the Conference USA standings. They rate 18th in the nation in luck factor according to KenPom. MTSU has a tough road double at New Mexico State and at UTEP in their next couple games. They then must come home to host Liberty, who I believe is the best team in CUSA. MTSU is dead last in Conference USA in defensive rebounding percentage. The Blue Raiders also struggle from the free throw line. They have had loads of close wins in the last couple months. I don’t think they’ll keep getting all the bounces the rest of the way.  Robert Morris Colonials (22-6 ATS) If you’ve been betting Robert Morris all the way through the season, you are rich right now. If you haven’t, I think it is too late to join in the party. A 22-6 ATS record is going to get the attention of oddsmakers and the betting marketplace regardless of what conference you are in, and I’ve started to see these lines being adjusted. Robert Morris only has one regular season game left, but I think fading them ATS in the Horizon League Tournament could be profitable as well. This is clearly a good team, but I don’t think there is a large gap from the top of the Horizon League to teams right in the middle.  4. Michigan State Spartans (17-9-1 ATS) Tom Izzo is a great coach, so it is a little scary fading him going into the late season period. Still, Michigan State has been playing at its peak of late in my opinion. Michigan State doesn’t have outside shooters, and they are reliant on getting to the hoop and getting to the free throw line. The Spartans don’t force many turnovers on defense. Michigan State plays a tough schedule the rest of the regular season. This is probably my least favorite of the fades, but their advanced numbers do suggest regression. 

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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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