Articles

MLB 2021: AL Central Division Preview

by Scott Rickenbach

Thursday, Mar 25, 2021

AL Central Division Preview for MLB 2021Chicago White Sox – The White Sox projected to win about 90 games this season and certainly that is hard to argue with. The additions include Adam Eaton and Lance Lynn. That bolsters the outfield and the starting rotation respectively and you have to like the pitching here. Chicago has Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, and Lynn at the top of the rotation! Cleveland Indians – Projected to play about .500 ball this season but this is a team that has had 8 consecutive winning seasons. That said, it is hard to imagine the Indians not challenging the White Sox and Twins at the top of this division. Cleveland has Bieber and Plesac at the top of the rotation. Also, Quantrill expected to be a starter and he was strong last season out of the pen. With the young, strong arm of McKenzie in the mix, if Civale also steps up this season this is a very tough rotation. The concern will be getting enough out of the hitters for sure. Detroit Tigers – This team will battle with the Royals to stay out of the cellar in the division. Which team will get to 70 wins, if even that, is the question! The Tigers are in a rebuild mode, as per usual. Manager AJ Hinch could certainly get things going in the right direction with this team but they are still lacking talent right now and have to build slowly due to some payroll missteps that have hamstrung them. Casey Mize is a solid young arm in the rotation but Matthew Boyd has greatly regressed. As for the lineup, not nearly enough power with this club. Kansas City Royals – This team will battle with the Tigers to stay out of the cellar in the division. Which team will get to 70 wins, if even that, is the question! This team looks better than Detroit though. Some good team speed, good young players that are already developing, solid defensively, but will they get enough hitting? Also, behind Keller who is solid in the rotation, the Royals will need more from Singer and especially Minor after he regressed. Minnesota Twins – This team could (and should) challenge the White Sox for the top spot in the division. One has to like your chances when your top three in the rotation are Maeda, Berrios, and Pineda. This team also has a lot of pop in its lineup with plenty of longball power. The Twins just need to hit for higher average and do a better job of getting guys on base at the top of the order and they would then definitely be the team to beat in this division. This team has excellent management and I mean from the manager of the team all the way up to the top in the front office and they are going to challenge Chicago this season. Look for at least 90 wins out of the Twins this season and if the pitching holds up they could win this division. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAA Basketball, NHL and NBA Previews and Odds - 03/25/2021

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Mar 25, 2021

The Thursday sports card features action in the NBA, the NHL, and NCAA basketball.The NCAA basketball quarterfinals of the NIT take place with four games. The card tips off at 6 PM ET with Mississippi State playing Richmond. The Bulldogs won their second game in their last three with their 74-68 upset win against Saint Louis as a 4.5-point underdog on Saturday. The Spiders ended a three-game losing streak in the NIT quarterfinals with a 76-66 upset win against Toledo as a 5-point underdog last Wednesday. The Super Pit in Denton, Texas, is the site for this game that is on ESPN2. Mississippi State is a 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 137.5 (all odds from BetOnline). North Carolina State faces Colorado State on ESPN at 7 PM ET. The Wolfpack have won six of their last seven games after their 75-61 victory against Davidson as a 2.5-point favorite last Thursday. The Rams have won two of three games with a 75-73 victory against Buffalo as a 2-point favorite in the quarterfinals on Friday. Comerica Park in Frisco, Texas, is the location. NC State is a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 146.Memphis battles Boise State on ESPN at 9 PM ET. The Tigers have won two of their last three games with their 71-60 win against Dayton as a 5-point favorite on Saturday. The Broncos ended a four-game losing streak in the quarterfinals with their 85-84 win in a pick ‘em matchup with SMU last Thursday. The Super Pit is the neutral court. Memphis is a 4-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Louisiana Tech faces Western Kentucky on ESPN2 at 10 PM ET. The Bulldogs have won seven of their last eight games after a 70-61 upset win against Mississippi as a 3-point underdog on Friday. The Hilltoppers won their fourth game in their last five with their 69-67 upset win against Saint Mary’s as a 2-point underdog in the quarterfinals last Wednesday. Comerica Park is the neutral court. Louisiana Tech is a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 137.Five games are on the NBA docket. A doubleheader on TNT begins at 7:30 PM ET with Portland visiting Miami. The Trail Blazers have lost two in a row with their 116-112 upset loss to Brooklyn as a 2-point favorite on Tuesday. The Heat got upset for the fourth straight time in a 110-100 loss to Phoenix as a 2-point underdog on Tuesday. The nightcap on TNT has Philadelphia visiting the Los Angeles Lakers at 10 PM ET. The 76ers have won nine of their last ten games with their 108-98 victory at Golden State as a 4.5-point favorite on Tuesday. The Lakers have lost three straight games after their 128-111 loss at New Orleans as a 5-point favorite on Tuesday. Philadelphia is a 5-point road favorite with a total of 211.5.Eleven games are on the NHL schedule. Six games begin the card at 7 PM ET. The slate concludes at 9 PM ET with Colorado hosting Vegas as a -160 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. None of the games are on television.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAA Basketball Previews and Odds - 03/24/2021

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Mar 24, 2021

The Wednesday sports card features action in the NBA, the NHL, and college basketball.Eleven games are on the NBA docket. The card tips off at 7 PM ET with Detroit playing at Indiana. Denver visits Toronto at 7:30 PM ET.An NBA doubleheader on ESPN begins at 7:30 PM ET with Boston visiting Milwaukee. The Celtics have lost four of their last five games after their 132-126 loss at Memphis as a 4.5-point favorite on Monday. The Bucks have won seven games in a row with their 140-113 win against Indiana as a 7-point favorite on Monday. At 8 PM ET, Orlando plays at home against Philadelphia. Dallas travels to Minnesota as an 8-point road favorite with an over/under of 230. Chicago hosts Cleveland as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 218. Charlotte travels to Houston. Memphis visits Oklahoma City. At 8:30 PM ET, the Los Angeles Clippers play at San Antonio. At 10 PM ET, Sacramento is at home against Atlanta. The NBA card concludes with the nightcap on ESPN featuring Utah playing at home against Brooklyn at 10 PM ET. The Nets have won seven of their last eight games after their 113-106 win against Washington as a 9-point favorite on Sunday. The Jazz have won three of their last four games after their 120-95 win at Chicago as a 9.5-point favorite on Monday. Six games are the NHL schedule. The slate begins at 5 PM ET with Calgary visiting Ottawa. The Flames are a -170 money line road favorite with the total set at 6 (all odds from BetOnline).A tripleheader on the NBC Sports Network begins at 5:30 PM ET with Minnesota hosting Anaheim. The Wild have won sixth of eight after a 2-1 victory against the Ducks on Monday. The setback was Anaheim's sixth loss in their last seven. Minnesota is a -237 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.Pittsburgh plays at home against Buffalo on the NBC Sports Network at 8 PM ET. The Penguins have lost three of their last four games after a 2-1 loss to New Jersey on Sunday. The Sabres are on a 14-game losing streak after getting beat on the road by the New York Rangers, 5-3, on Monday. Pittsburgh is a -265 money line favorite with a total of 6.The NHL concludes at 10:30 PM ET with San Jose at home against the Los Angeles Kings on the NBC Sports Network. The Sharks ended a four-game losing streak with a 2-1 win against the Kings on Monday. Los Angeles has lost two of their last three games. San Jose is a -188 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.Coastal Carolina battles Pepperdine in the Championship Game in the College Basketball Invitational at 8 PM ET. The Chanticleers advanced to the finals with a 77-72 victory in overtime against Stetson as a 7.5-point favorite on Tuesday. The Waves defeated Bellarmine, 82-71, as a 4.5-point favorite, in the other semifinal game on Tuesday. Pepperdine is a 5-point favorite with a total of 156. The Oceans Center at Daytona Beach is the site for this tournament. This game is not on national television.

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NCAA Basketball: Coastal Carolina/Pepperdine Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/24/2021

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Mar 24, 2021

Coastal Carolina battles Pepperdine in the Championship Game of the College Basketball Invitational. This three-day event has taken place at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach in Florida. The Chanticleers advanced to the finals with their 77-72 victory in overtime against Stetson as a 7.5-point favorite yesterday. Essam Mostafa scored 22 points and added 12 rebounds with 8 of his points in overtime. It was the ninth double-double of the season for the redshirt freshman. He is scoring 12.0 points-per-game and averaging 9.0 rebounds-per-game. Tyrik Dixon scored 8 of his 17 points in overtime, as well. The senior scores 11.4 points-per-game coming off the bench. DeVante Jones leads the team with a 19.8 points-per-game scoring average and a 7.2 rebounds-per-game average. The junior had nine points with five assists on Tuesday. Cliff Ellis’s team ranks 160th at kenpom with an 18-7 record after winning six of the seven games. They lost to Appalachian State in the semifinals of the Sun Belt Conference tournament. The Mountaineers went on to win the Championship Game against Georgia State. The Chanticleers' best victory on their resume was against the Panthers. Coastal Carolina ranks 218th in adjusted offensive efficiency using the metrics at kenpom, and they finished sixth in offensive efficiency in the Sun Belt. They rebound 35.3% of their missed shots which is the 14th best mark in the nation. An area of concern is their ability to control the basketball. They rank 304th nationally with a turnover rate of 21.6%. The Chanticleers rank 123rd nationally and second in the Sun Belt in adjusted defensive efficiency. Their opponents' effective field goal percentage of 46.0%  is 26th in the nation. Their defensive 31.1% percentage from 3-point land and 45.5% mark inside the arc ranks 46th and 29th nationally. Coastal Carolina’s opponents have attempted 46.9% of their shots from 3-point range,  seventh-best in the nation.Pepperdine won their semifinals game with Bellarmine yesterday by an 82-71 score as a 4.5-point favorite. Kessler Edwards led the team with 28 points. The junior is scoring 17.5 points-per-game. Senior Colbey Ross leads the team with a 17.6 points-per-game average after scoring 9 points yesterday. The Wave ranks 105th nationally in the kenpom rankings. They have won four of five games to reach their current 14-12 record. They have qualities victories against BYU and Saint Mary’s. They got few favors in the abbreviated West Coast Conference schedule with two losses to Gonzaga and BYU and a setback to the Gaels. They also lost to UCLA and San Diego State in the non-conference portion of their schedule.Pepperdine ranks 90th in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom while ranking third in the West Coast Conference. They make 52.0% of their 2-point shots, 82nd in the nation. The Wave are 128th in adjusted defensive efficiency using the kenpom numbers, and they finished sixth in the WCC in defense. Their opponents make 28.6% of their 3-pointers, the seventh-best mark nationally. But these opponents shoot 54.6% of their 2-point shots, ranking 315th nationally. BetAnySports lists Pepperdine as a 4.5-point favorite with the total set at 150.5. The CBI tournament is not on national television.Computer prediction: Pepperdine 77 Coastal Carolina 75

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NHL Hockey: Philadelphia Flyers/New Jersey Devils Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/23/2021

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Mar 23, 2021

New Jersey visits Philadelphia on the NBC Sports Network in a battle of two teams currently outside the East Division playoff picture.The Devils are playing better as of late, with three wins in their last four games. They defeated the Penguins on the road in a 2-1 victory in overtime on Sunday. Jesper Bratt scored the game-winner with a wrap-around shot at the 2:50 mark in OT. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 35 of the 36 shots he faced. The three victories that New Jersey has piled up since last Monday surpasses the two wins they have compiled in a 14-game stretch from February 20th to last Monday. The Devils are in seventh place in the East with 26 points. They are ten points behind Boston for the final playoff spot in the division. Daniel Zacha leads the team with 18 points. The center has seven goals and 11 assists. Center Jack Hughes has added seven goals and nine assists. Ty Smith is third on the team with 15 points, with the defenseman scoring two goals while contributing 13 assists. Blackwood will likely make his 17th start of the season tonight. He has posted a 7-8-1 record with a 2.91 goals-against-average and a .908 save percentage in his 16 games. In six starts this month, Blackwood is 2-4-0 with a 3.49 goals-against-average and a .894 save percentage.Philadelphia lost their third game in their last four in a 2-1 loss in overtime against the New York Islanders last night. The Flyers took a 1-0 lead in the second period with a goal by Oskar Lindblom before surrendering the tying goal at the 4:06 mark in the third period. The Islanders scored the game-winner 3:41 minutes into overtime. Philadelphia peppered Islanders’ goalie Ilya Sorokin with 37 shots but could only beat him one time. The Flyers are amidst a slide where they have lost five of their last seven games. With 34 points, they are two points behind the Bruins for fourth place and the final spot in the East Division playoffs. Brian Elliott stopped 18 of the 20 shots he faced last night for Philly. Carter Hart will likely get the start tonight. The 22-year old has an 8-7-3 record in his 18 starts. He has struggled in his 20 games this season with a 3.83 goals-against-average, and a .875 save percentage. Hart was 9-5 in 14 playoff starts last fall with a 2.23 goals-against-average and a .926 save percentage for the Flyers. Hart has a 2-4-0 record this month with a 4.08 goals-against-average and a .821 save percentage in eight games. James van Riemsdyk leads the team with 29 points. The left-winger has 13 goals and 16 assists. Left-winger Joel Farabee has added 13 goals with 12 assists. Center Claude Giroux has seven goals and 17 assists. Philadelphia will next host the New York Rangers in the third game of a four-game homestand. New Jersey travels to Washington on Thursday for the second game of a six-game road trip. BookMaker lists Philadelphia as a -160 money line favorite with the total set at 6.Computer prediction: Philadelphia Flyers 4 New Jersey Devils 2

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA and NHL Previews and Odds - 03/23/2021

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Mar 23, 2021

Six games are on the NBA docket. The card tips off at 7 PM ET with Denver visiting Orlando. The Nuggets had their three-game winning streak end at home against New Orleans, 113-108, as a 6.5-point favorite on Sunday. The Magic have lost ten of eleven games after their 112-96 loss at Boston as a 9-point underdog on Sunday. Denver is a 7.5-point road favorite with the total set at 216.5 (all odds from BetOnline).New York hosts Washington at 7:30 PM ET. The Knicks lost for the third time in four games with a 101-100 loss to Philadelphia as a 1-point underdog on Sunday. The Wizards lost their sixth game in their last seven with a 113-106 loss at Brooklyn as a 9-point underdog on Sunday. New York is a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 225. New Orleans plays at home against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first game in a TNT doubleheader at 7:35 PM ET. The Pelicans have won three of their last five games after upsetting the Nuggets in Denver, 113-108, as a 6.5-point underdog on Sunday. The Lakers have lost two games in a row with LeBron James now on the shelf with Anthony Davis with their 111-94 loss at Phoenix as a 10-point underdog on Sunday. New Orleans is a 6-point favorite with a total of 221.5.Phoenix visits Miami at 8 PM ET. The Suns won their third game in their last four with their 111-94 win against the Lakers on Sunday. The Heat were upset for the third straight game with a 109-106 loss to Indiana as a 3-point favorite on Sunday.Brooklyn travels to Portland at 10 PM ET. The Nets won their seventh game in their last eight with their 113-106 victory against Washington on Sunday. The Trail Blazers had their three-game winning streak snapped with a 132-92 loss to Dallas as a 2-point underdog on Sunday.The nightcap on TNT has Golden State playing at home against Philadelphia. The Warriors had their two-game winning streak end in a 111-103 loss at Memphis as a 6.5-point underdog on Saturday. The 76ers won for the eighth time in their last nine games with their 101-100 victory at New York on Sunday. Five games are on the NHL schedule. Philadelphia is at home against New Jersey on the NBC Sports Network at 7 PM ET. The Flyers have lost four of their last six games after their 2-1 loss in overtime to the New York Islanders on Sunday. The Devils have won three of their last four games with a 2-1 win at Pittsburgh on Sunday. Philadelphia is a -160 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.Florida visits Chicago at 8 PM ET. The Panthers have lost two of three with their 5-3 loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday. The Blackhawks lost their fourth game in a row with their 4-1 defeat at Tampa Bay on Saturday.  Florida is a -140 money line road favorite with the total at 6. Nashville is at home against Detroit at 8 PM ET. The Predators won their third game in their last four games with their 4-3 win at Dallas on Sunday. The Red Wings lost to Dallas on Saturday, 3-0. Nashville is a -150 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Tampa Bay plays at Dallas at 8:30 PM ET. The Lightning won their fourth game in a row with their 5-3 victory against Florida on Sunday. The Stars have lost three of their last four with their 4-3 loss to Nashville. Tampa Bay is a -165 money line road favorite with a total of 5.5.Arizona hosts Colorado at 10 PM ET. The Avalanche defeated the Coyotes on Monday by a 5-1 score. 

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NCAA Basketball: LSU/Michigan Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/22/2021

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Mar 22, 2021

LSU battles Michigan in a heavyweight battle on CBS at 7:10 PM ET. The winner of this East region matchup plays the winner of the Florida State/Colorado contest.LSU flexed their muscles in a 76-61 victory against St. Bonaventure as a 1.5-point favorite on Friday. The Tigers controlled the glass against the Bonnies by outrebounding them by 15 boards. Will Wade had three players register double-doubles. Sophomore Aundre Hyatt scored 13 points with 10 rebounds, sophomore Trendan Watford scored 11 points with 11 rebounds, and junior Darius Davis added 13 points with 11 rebounds. Freshman Cameron Thomas led the team with 27 points after converting 11 of his 13 shots from the charity stripe. Thomas leads the team with a 22.8 points-per-game scoring average. Watford is second with his 16.5 points-per-game clip, and he pulls down 7.5 rebounds-per-game.LSU is peaking just in time for March Madness with five victories in their last six games, including six straight-point spread covers. The Tigers lost by one-point in the SEC Championship Game to Alabama. LSU ranks fifth in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom. They average 81.0 points-per-game. Yet the play on the other end of the court continues to be a weakness for Wade-coached teams. LSU ranks 122nd in adjusted defensive efficiency using the kenpom metrics. Opponents make 50.9% of their shots inside the arc, 223rd in the country. The Tigers let opponents pull down 32.4% of their missed shots, 320th in the nation. LSU ranks 23rd nationally by the kenpom ratings with a 19-9 record. They earned the eighth seed in the East region. They registered five victories against teams who made the NCAA tournament with wins against Arkansas (twice), Missouri, Tennessee, and the Bonnies on Saturday. The Tigers were 11-6 in the SEC with three losses to the Crimson Tide. COVID impacted their season with games postponed and re-arranged due to outbreaks inside and outside their program. Wade did not coach two games given quarantine protocols.Michigan had lost three of their previous five games entering the NCAA tournament before handling Texas Southern, 82-66, as a 28.5-point favorite on Saturday. Point guard Mike Smith led the way with 18 points and five assists. Freshman Hunter Dickinson added 16 points. Sophomore Franz Wagner had 9 points with 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Dickinson leads the team with a 14.3 points-per-game scoring average and a 7.4 rebounds-per-game mark. Wagner contributes 12.7 points-per-game and 6.3 rebounds-per-game. The Wolverines are without Isaiah Livers, whose recent stress fracture in his foot likely has him out for the rest of the season. The senior was scoring 13.1 points-per-game while adding 6.0 rebounds-per-game and 2.0 assists-per-game. Junior Brandon Johns takes his place in the starting lineup. The former blue-chip recruit under John Beilein scored 11 points on Saturday. The Wolverines rank third in the nation at kenpom with a 21-4 record. They won the Big Ten regular-season title with a 14-3 mark. Their recent three losses to Illinois, Michigan State, and Ohio State were all against teams that made the NCAA tournament. Michigan is the only team still standing amongst that group after being tabbed as the top seed in the East region.Michigan ranks eighth in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom. The Wolverines are 22nd with an effective field goal percentage of 54.9%. They are making 38.5% of their 3-point shots, ranking 11th nationally. Michigan will encounter a Tigers’ defense that is 14th in the nation by holding opponents to a 29.6% shooting percentage from 3-point land. The Wolverines are sixth in adjusted defensive efficiency at kenpom. They are sixth in opponent’s effective field goal percentage with a 44.6% mark. They rank third nationally by limiting their opponents to just 42.3% shooting inside the arc. This game will be at Lucas Oil Stadium. BetAnySports lists Michigan as a 5-point favorite with the total set at 148.Computer prediction:  Michigan 77 LSU 72

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NHL, NCAA Basketball and NBA Previews and Odds - 03/22/2021

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Mar 22, 2021

The Monday sports card features action in NCAA basketball, the NBA, and the NHL.The second round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament concludes with eight games. The card tips off at 12:10 PM ET with Iowa facing Oregon on CBS at Bankers Fieldhouse. The Hawkeyes have won five of six after their 86-74 win against Grand Canyon as a 17.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Ducks advanced to the second round on Saturday after VCU pulled out of the tournament after a COVID positive test within their program. Oregon last played on March 12th when they lost in the semifinals of the Pac-12 tournament to Oregon State, 75-64, as an 8-point underdog. Iowa is a 5-point favorite with the total set at 147.5 (all odds from BetOnline).Gonzaga plays Oklahoma on CBS at the Hinkle Fieldhouse at 2:40 PM ET. The Bulldogs remained the last undefeated team in the nation with a 98-55 victory against Norfolk State as a 33-point favorite on Saturday. The Sooners have won two of three games with their 72-68 upset win against Missouri as a 1-point underdog on Saturday. Gonzaga is a 14-point favorite with an over/under of 154.UCLA goes against Abilene Christian on TBS at Banks Fieldhouse at 5:15 PM ET. The Bruins have won two in a row in this tournament with their 72-63 victory against BYU as a -0.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Wildcats won their fifth straight game with their 53-52 upset victory against Texas as an 8.5-point underdog on Saturday. UCLA is a 4.5-point favorite with the total at 133. Creighton battles Ohio on TNT at Hinkle Fieldhouse at 6:10 PM ET. The Bluejays have won four of five after their 63-62 win against UC-Santa Barbara as a 5.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Bobcats won their fourth straight game with their 62-58 upset victory against Virginia as a 7-point underdog on Saturday. Creighton is a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 149.Michigan plays LSU on CBS at Lucas Oil Stadium at 7:10 PM ET. The Wolverines have won two of three after their 82-66 win against Texas Southern as a 28.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Tigers have won five of their last six games with their 75-61 victory against St. Bonaventure as a 1.5-point favorite on Saturday. Michigan is a 5-point favorite with a total of 149.Florida State battles Colorado on TBS at Indiana Farmers Insurance Coliseum at 7:45 PM ET. The Seminoles have won two of three after their 64-54 win against UNC-Greensboro as a 10.5-point favorite on Friday. The Buffaloes have won seven of eight with their 96-73 victory against Georgetown as a 5.5-point favorite on Saturday. Florida State is a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 140.5. Alabama goes against Maryland on TNT at Bankers Fieldhouse at 8:45 PM ET. The Crimson Tide have won seven in a row after their 68-55 victory against Iona as a 17-point favorite on Saturday. The Terrapins upset UConn, 63-54, as a 3.5-point underdog on Saturday. Alabama is a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 136.Kansas faces USC on CBS at Hinkle Fieldhouse at 9:40 PM ET. The Jayhawks have won nine of their last ten games after their 93-84 win against Eastern Washington as a 10.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Trojans have won four of five after their 72-56 win against Drake as an 8.5-point favorite on Saturday. USC is a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5.The College Basketball Invitational tournament begins on Monday with the quarterfinals. All games in the CBI take place at the Ocean Center at Daytona Beach, Florida. Bowling Green plays Stetson at 11:30 AM ET as a 9-point favorite with a total of 151. Coastal Carolina battles Bryant at 2:30 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 147.5. Pepperdine faces Longwood at 5:30 PM ET as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 144. Bellarmine goes against Army at 8:30 PM ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5. None of the CBI quarterfinals games are on national television. Eight games are on the NBA docket. The card begins at 7:40 PM ET, with Sacramento visiting Cleveland as a 4-point favorite with a total of 225. The slate concludes with the Los Angeles Clippers hosting Atlanta as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 222.5. None of the games are on national television. Ten games are on the NHL schedule. Five games begin the slate at 7 PM ET. Minnesota plays at home against Anaheim on the NBC Sports Network at 7:30 PM ET. The Wild have lost two in a row after they were shutout in Colorado against the Avalanche, 6-0, on Saturday. The Ducks come off a 5-1 loss at home to Arizona. Minnesota is a -220 money line favorite with the total set at 5.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: EPL, NBA, NCAA Basketball and NHL Previews and Odds - 03/21/2021

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Mar 21, 2021

The Sunday sports card features action in NCAA basketball, the NBA, the NHL, and the English Premier League.The second round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament begins with eight games. The card tips off at 12:15 PM ET Illinois facing Loyola-Illinois on CBS at Bankers Fieldhouse. The Fighting Illini have won eight in a row after their 78-49 victory against Drexel as a 19.5-point favorite on Friday. The Ramblers won their seventh straight game with their 71-60 win against Georgia Tech as a 5.5-point favorite on Friday. Illinois is a 7-point favorite with the total set at 133 (all odds from BetOnline). Baylor plays Wisconsin on CBS at Hinkle Fieldhouse at 2:40 PM ET. The Bears have won five of six after beating Hartford, 79-55, as a 25.5-point favorite on Friday. The Badgers have won two of three after they upset North Carolina, 85-62, as a 2-point underdog on Friday. The Bears are a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 137.West Virginia faces Syracuse on CBS at Bankers Fieldhouse at 5:15 PM ET. The Mountaineers snapped a two-game losing streak with an 84-67 win against Morehead State as a 13-point favorite on Friday. The Orange have won four of five with their 78-62 victory against San Diego State as a 3-point underdog on Friday. West Virginia is a 3-point favorite with a total of 147.5.Texas Tech battles Arkansas on TNT at Hinkle Fieldhouse at 6:10 PM ET. The Red Raiders have won four of six with their 65-53 victory against Utah State as a 4.5-point favorite on Friday. The Razorbacks have won ten of their last eleven games with their 85-68 victory against Colgate as an 8.5-point favorite on Friday. Texas Tech is a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 140.5.Houston battles Rutgers on TBS at Lucas Oil Stadium at 7:10 PM ET. The Cougars have won eight in a row with their 87-56 win against Cleveland State as a 20.5-point favorite on Friday. The Scarlet Knights have won three of four with their 60-56 win against Clemson as a 2.5-point favorite on Friday. Houston is an 8-point favorite with a total of 132. Florida plays Oral Roberts on truTV at Indiana Farmers Coliseum at 7:45 PM ET. The Gators have won two of three with their 75-70 upset win against Virginia Tech as a 1.5-point underdog on Friday. The Golden Eagles won their sixth straight game in their 75-72 upset victory against Ohio State as a 15-point underdog on Friday. Florida is an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 148.5.Villanova goes against North Texas on TNT at the Bankers Field House at 8:45 PM ET. The Wildcats defeated Winthrop, 73-63, as a 6-point favorite on Friday. The Mean Green won their fifth straight in a 78-69 victory against Purdue as a 7.5-point underdog on Friday. Villanova is a 5.5-point favorite with the total at 127.Oklahoma State battles Oregon State on TBS at Hinkle Fieldhouse at 9:40 PM ET. The Cowboys won their fourth game in their last five with a 69-60 victory against Liberty as a 7-point favorite on Friday. The Beavers won their seventh game in their last eight with their 70-56 upset win against Tennessee as a 9-point underdog on Friday. Oklahoma State is a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 142.Ten games are on the NBA docket. The card tips off at 1 PM ET, with Miami hosting Indiana as a 5-point favorite with a total at 217.5. The slate concludes at 10 PM ET with the Los Angeles Lakers visiting Phoenix and Dallas playing at Portland. None of the games are on national television.Four games are on the NHL schedule. Pittsburgh hosts New Jersey at 1 PM ET as a -213 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Vegas visits the Los Angeles Kings on the NBC Sports Network at 6 PM ET as a -160 money line road favorite with the total at 5.5. The card concludes at 8:30 PM ET with Nashville visiting Dallas. Matchweek 29 of the English Premier League concludes with two matches. Arsenal travels to West Ham United on Peacock at 11 AM ET as a -0.25 goal line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Tottenham visits Aston Villa on the NBC Sports Network at 3:30 PM ET as a -0.25 money line road favorite with the total at 2.5.

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NCAA Basketball: Maryland/Connecticut Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/20/2021

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Mar 20, 2021

Maryland plays UConn in the 7/10 matchup in the East region on CBS at 7:10 PM ET. The winner of this game plays the winner of the Alabama/Iona contest. The Terrapins stumble into the NCAA tournament with three losses in their last four games. They lost in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament to Michigan by a 79-66 score as a 5.5-point underdog last Friday. Eric Ayala scored 19 points in the loss, with the junior leading the team with a 14.0 points-per-game scoring average. Aaron Wiggins adds 14.0 points-per-game after the junior totaled 11 points against the Wolverines. Head coach Mark Turgeon lost his top two players from last year in Anthony Cowan and Jalen Smith from a team that finished 24-7 and was poised to make a final four run in the NCAA Tournament before the season got canceled. Their next top-four scorers from that group form the core of this team led by Ayala and Wiggins. Despite losing nine of their last thirteen games, Maryland made the NCAA tournament with a 16-13 record on the season with a 9-11 mark in the Big Ten. Seven of their wins are against teams who made the NCAA tournament: Illinois, Purdue, Wisconsin, Rutgers, Michigan State (twice), Mount St. Mary’s. Nine of their losses are against teams who made the tournament. They rank 33rd in the kenpom ratings.The Terrapins are 46th in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom. The offense operates at a slow pace while protecting the basketball and taking high percentage shots inside the arc. Maryland plays at the 285th slowest tempo in the nation. They only turn the ball over 16.8% of the time, 69th. They make 52.8% of their 2-pointers, ranking 60th nationally, which boosts their effective field goal percentage to 52.6%, 67th nationally. Turgeon has his team get back on defense instead of going after second-chance scoring opportunities. The Terrapins rebounded only 17.9% of their missed shots in conference play, last in the Big Ten. Their conference opponents grabbed 24.8% of their missed shots, the third-lowest in the Big Ten. Maryland ranks 27th in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency at kenpom. They finished second in the Big Ten by giving up 65.0 points-per-game with an opponent’s field goal percentage of 40.9%.UConn lost in the semifinals of the Big East tournament to Creighton, 59-56, as a 2.5-point favorite on March 12th. James Bouknight only converted 4 of his 14 shots for 14 points. The sophomore averages 19.0 points-per-game with seven games this season where he scored at least 20 points. Bouknight missed a month of the season with an elbow injury. The Huskies have a 15-7 record, but they were 11-3 with Bouknight healthy. UConn ranks 15th in the kenpom ratings with a victory against USC and two wins against Georgetown to represent their triumphs against teams that made the NCAA tournament. Four of their seven losses are against teams that made the tournament. The Huskies are 24th at kenpom in adjusted offensive efficiency. They rebound 36.8% of their missed shots which is the sixth-best mark in the nation. UConn is also 24th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency at kenpom. Isaiah Whaley patrols the middle by averaging 2.6 blocks-per-game. The 6’9 senior helps the Huskies block 14.4% of their opponent’s shots, ranking 11th nationally. UConn is 26th in the nation with an opponent’s effective field goal percentage of 46.2%. They led the Big East by allowing 64.6 points-per-game, and their 41% opponent’s field goal percentage was second-best in the conference.Mackay Arena in West Lafayette is the site of the game. BetAnySports lists UConn as a 3-point favorite with the total set at 129.5.Computer prediction: Connecticut 65 Maryland 64

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, EPL and NCAA Basketball Previews and Odds - 03/20/2021

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Mar 20, 2021

The first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament concludes with 16 games. The card tips off at 12:15 PM ET with Colorado playing Georgetown at the Hinkle Fieldhouse on CBS. The Buffaloes are a 6-point favorite with the total set at 138 (all odds from BetOnline). Florida State goes against UNC-Greensboro on truTV at Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 12:45 PM ET. The Seminoles are a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145. Kansas battles Eastern Washington on TBS at Indiana Farmers Coliseum at 1:15 PM ET. The Jayhawks are a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 147. LSU faces St. Bonaventure on TNT at Assembly Hall at 1:45 PM ET. The Tigers are a 2-point favorite with a total of 144. Michigan faces Texas Southern on CBS at Mackay Arena at 1:45 PM ET. The Wolverines are a 25.5-point favorite with an over/under of 142.5. Creighton plays UC-Santa Barbara on truTV at Lucas Oil Stadium at 3:30 PM ET. The Bluejays are a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 137. Alabama battles Iona on TBS at the Hinkle Fieldhouse at 4 PM ET. The Crimson Tide are a 16.5-point favorite with an over/under of 147.5. USC battles Drake on TNT at Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 4:30 PM ET. The Trojans are 6.5-point favorites with a total of 135.5. Iowa battles Grand Canyon on TBS at Indiana Farmers Coliseum at 6:25 PM ET. The Hawkeyes are a 14-point favorite with an over/under of 145. UConn goes against Maryland on CBS at Mackey Arena at 7:10 PM ET. The Huskies are a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 130. Virginia plays Ohio on truTV at Assembly Hall at 7:15 PM ET. The Cavaliers are a 7-point favorite with a total of 130.5. Oklahoma faces Missouri on TNT at Lucas Oil Stadium at 7:25 PM ET. The Sooners are a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 140. Gonzaga plays Norfolk State on TBS at Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 9:20 PM ET. The Bulldogs are a 33.5-point favorite with a total of 154. BYU goes against UCLA on CBS at Hinkle Fieldhouse at 9:40 PM ET. The Cougars are a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 139. Texas faces Abilene Christian on truTV at Lucas Oil Stadium at 9:50 PM ET. The Longhorns are an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 139.5. Oregon battles VCU on TNT at Indiana Farmers Coliseum at 9:57 PM ET. The Ducks are a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 137.5. The first round of the NIT concludes with two games on ESPN. Memphis plays Dayton in Frisco as a 4.5-point favorite, with the total at 137. Saint Louis goes against Mississippi State in Denton as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 136. Five games are on the NBA docket. The card begins at 3:30 PM ET, with the Los Angeles Lakers hosting Atlanta as a 4.5-point favorite with the total at 224. The slate concludes at 10 PM ET with the Los Angeles Clippers playing at home against Charlotte as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 232.5. None of the games are on national television.Fourteen games are on the NHL schedule. Two games begin the slate at 1 PM ET, with Boston visiting Buffalo and Pittsburgh traveling to New Jersey. The Penguins are a -153 money line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The card concludes at 10 PM ET with Edmonton at home against Winnipeg as a -135 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.Matchweek 29 of the English Premier League continues with one match at 4 PM ET. Brighton and Hove Albion hosts Newcastle United on the NBC Sports Network as a -0.75 money line favorite with the total set at 2.25.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAA Basketball, NBA, EPL and NHL Previews and Odds - 03/19/2021

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Mar 19, 2021

The first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament begins with 16 games. The card tips off at 12:15 PM ET with Virginia Tech playing Florida at the Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on CBS. This game is a pick ‘em matchup with the total set at 135 (all odds from BetOnline). Colgate battles Arkansas on truTV at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis at 12:45 PM ET. The Razorbacks are an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 161.5. Drexel faces Illinois on TBS at the Indiana Farmer’s Coliseum in Indianapolis at 1:15 PM ET. The Fighting Illini are a 22.5-point favorite, with the total at 143.5. Utah State goes against Texas Tech on TNT at Assembly Hall in Bloomington at 1:45 PM ET. The Red Raiders are a 4.5-point favorite, with the over/under at 131.5.Oral Roberts plays Ohio State on CBS at 3 PM ET at Mackay Arena in West Lafayette. The Buckeyes are a 16-point favorite with the total at 156.5. Hartford goes against Baylor on truTV at 3:30 PM ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Bears are a 25.5-point favorite with an over/under of 146.5. Georgia Tech battles Loyola-Chicago on TBS at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis at 4 PM ET. The Ramblers are a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 124.5. Oregon State faces Tennessee on TNT at Banker’s Fieldhouse in Indianapolis at 4:30 PM ET. The Volunteers are an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 131.Liberty battles Oklahoma State on TBS at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis at 6:25 PM ET. The Cowboys are a 7.5-point favorite with the total at 139. Wisconsin plays North Carolina on CBS at Mackay Arena in West Lafayette at 7:10 PM ET. The Tar Heels are a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 137.5. Cleveland State faces Houston on truTV at Assembly Hall in Bloomington at 7:15 PM ET. The Cougars are a 19.5-point favorite with a total of 126.5. North Texas goes against Purdue on TNT at 7:25 PM ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Boilermakers are a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 126.5. Rutgers battles Clemson on TBS at Bankers Field House in Indianapolis at 9:20 PM ET. The Scarlet Knights are a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 126. Syracuse goes against San Diego State on CBS at 9:40 PM ET at the Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Aztecs are a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5. Morehead State faces West Virginia on truTV at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at 9:50 PM ET. The Mountaineers are a 13-point favorite with a total of 137. Winthrop plays Villanova on TNT at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis at 9:57 PM ET. The Wildcats are a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.The first round of the NIT continues with a doubleheader on ESPN2. Colorado State plays Buffalo at 7 PM ET as a 1.5-point favorite with the total at 153. Mississippi faces Louisiana Tech at 9 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 130.Ten games are on the NBA docket. Two games tip-off the card at 7:30 PM ET with San Antonio playing at Cleveland and Boston hosting Sacramento with the Celtics a 7-point favorite with the total set at 235. The slate concludes with Dallas visiting Portland and Minnesota playing at Phoenix at 10 PM ET. None of the games are on national television. The NHL has five games on their schedule. Three games begin the slate at 7 PM ET. The card concludes at 10 PM ET with Vegas traveling to Los Angeles as a -165 money line road favorite with the total at 5.5. None of the games are on national television.Matchweek 29 in the English Premier League begins with Leeds United traveling to Fulham on the NBC Sports Network at 4 PM ET. This match is a pick ‘em matchup with the over/under at 2.5.

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