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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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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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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: 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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NCAA Basketball: Drake/Wichita State Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/18/2021

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Mar 18, 2021

Drake plays Wichita State on TBS with a tip-off time of 6:27 PM ET in the play-in game to inherit the 11 seed in the west region of the NCAA tournament. The winner plays USC on Saturday.Drake earned an at-large bid with their 25-4 record. They have dropped two of their last three games after losing to Loyola-Chicago in the championship game of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament on March 7th.The Bulldogs expect to get their leading scorer, ShanQuan Hemphill, back for this game. The senior forward was averaging 14.1 points-per-game and 6.3 rebounds-per-game before suffering a broken foot on February 10th. Drake went 6-3 in his absence. Sophomore Joseph Yesufu stepped up to average 23.1 points-per-game in his last seven games to fill the scoring gap. The graver concern for head coach Darian DeVries might have been the season-ending leg injury to Roman Penn. The junior point guard was the second-leading scorer at 11.2 points-per-game, and he was averaging 5.5 assists-per-game before his injury on February 22nd.Drake ranks 53rd in the kenpom ratings. Their highest-profile win was against Loyola-Chicago. Their next best accomplishment is three victories against a Missouri State team ranked 88th at kenpom. The Bulldogs lost to Bradley, Valparaiso, and the Ramblers twice. The strength of this team is their shooting. Drake ranks 30th in the nation with an effective field goal percentage of 54.5%. They make 36.6% of their 3-point shots, ranking 53rd nationally, and they convert 54.4% of their shots inside the arc, ranking 29th nationally. The Bulldogs are 11th in the nation in turnover rate. Overall, Drake is 19th in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom. They rank 120th in adjusted defensive efficiency using the kenpom metrics. The Bulldogs hold their opponents to a 30.8% shooting percentage from 3-point range, ranking 35th nationally. They also limit their opponents to rebounding 24.9% of their missed shots, 63rd in the nation. Wichita State earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament with a 16-5 record. Their eight-game winning streak was snapped in the semifinals of the American Athletic Conference in a 60-59 loss upset loss to Cincinnati as a 5.5-point favorite last Saturday. That result was just the second time in 11 games this season that the Shockers lost a game decided by five points or less. This team began learning how to handle adversity in November when Gregg Marshall got dismissed as their head coach amidst accusations of verbal and physical abuse against players and staff members. Isaac Brown was named the interim head coach. Brown inherited a team that experienced six departures in the offseason from a group that finished 23-8. The coaching staff earned the respect of the players that has grown into a tight-knit group. Nine players average at least 12.8 minutes-per-game. Tyson Etienne was named co-American Athletic Conference Player of the Year, with the sophomore averaging 17.0 points-per-game. Graduate transfer Alterique Gilbert from UConn added 10.3 points-per-game, with the point guard averaging 4.1 assists-per-game. Wichita State ranks 74th in the kenpom ratings. They won the American Athletic Conference regular-season title with an 11-2 record. Their most impressive victories are against Houston and Ole Miss. The Shockers' losses were to Missouri, Oklahoma State, Memphis, Cincinnati, and the Cougars. These accomplishments earned Brown a five-year contract as their head coach.The Shockers are 56th in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom. They play fundamental basketball with a turnover rate that is 27th best in the nation and with a free throw rate ranking 30th nationally. Brown’s team struggles with their shooting as they make only 44.7% of their shots inside the arc, ranking 322nd nationally. Wichita State is 103rd in adjusted defensive efficiency using the kenpom numbers. They limit their opponents to making 30.8% of their 3-point shots, ranking 37th nationally. Opponents have success crashing the offensive glass as they pull down 33.4% of their missed shots, ranking 333rd nationally. Mackay Arena in West Lafayette is the site for the game. BookMaker lists Drake as a 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 140.Computer prediction: Drake 71 Wichita State 70

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NHL, NBA and NCAA Basketball Previews and Odds - 03/18/2021

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Mar 18, 2021

The NCAA Tournament begins with the First Four play-in games. Mount St. Mary’s faces Texas Southern on truTV at 5:10 PM ET in the opener. The Mountaineers won the Northeast Conference tournament with their 73-68 upset win at Bryant as a 6.5-point underdog on March 9th. They have won four games in a row to raise their record to 12-10. The Tigers won the Southwest Athletic Conference tournament with an 80-61 upset win against Prairie View as a 1.5-point underdog on Saturday. Texas Southern has won nine in a row to improve to a 16-8 record. Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana, is the site for the game. The winner of this game inherits the 16 seed to play Michigan on Saturday. Mount St. Mary’s is a 1-point favorite with the total set at 133 (all odds from BetOnline). Drake plays Wichita State on TBS at 6:27 PM ET. The Bulldogs lost to Loyola-Chicago in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship Game, 75-65, as a 9-point underdog on March 7th. They have lost two of three games to fall to 25-4. The Shockers were upset by Cincinnati, 60-59, as a 5.5-point favorite in the semifinals of the American Athletic Conference tournament on Saturday. Wichita State is 16-5 after their eight-game winning streak ended against the Bearcats. The winner of this game slides into the 11th seed to play USC on Saturday. Drake is a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 140.5.Norfolk State battles Appalachian State on truTV at 8:40 PM ET. The Spartans won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament with their 71-63 win against Morgan State as a 2.5-point favorite on Saturday. They have won six in a row to raise their record to 16-7. The Mountaineers won the Colonial Athletic Association tournament with their 80-73 upset victory against Georgia State as a 7-point underdog on March 8th. Appalachian State has won four in a row to improve to 17-11. The winner of this game takes the 16th seed to face Gonzaga on Saturday. The Mountaineers are a 3-point favorite with a total of 133.5.UCLA takes on Michigan State on TBS at 9:57 PM ET. The Bruins were upset in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 tournament against Oregon State, 83-79, as a 5-point favorite on March 11th. They have lost four in a row to fall to 17-9 on the season. The Spartans were beaten in the second round of the Big 10 tournament, 68-57,  to Maryland as a 2-point underdog last Thursday. They have lost three of five to drop to 15-12. The winner of this game takes the 11th seed slot to face BYU on Saturday. Michigan State is a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 135.5.The first round of the National Invitational Tournament continues with two games. North Carolina State plays Davidson on ESPN at 7 PM ET. The Wolfpack, 13-10, had their five-game winning streak snapped in the first round of the ACC tournament in an 89-68 loss to Syracuse as a 3-point underdog last Wednesday. The Wildcats, 13-8,  lost to VCU, 64-52, in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament as a 2-point underdog on March 6th. The UNT Coliseum in Denton, Texas, is the game site. Davidson is a 1.5-point favorite with the total at 138.Boise State plays SMU on ESPN at 9 PM ET in the nightcap of the NIT. The Broncos, 17-8, lost their fourth in a row in an 89-82 upset loss to Nevada as a 4-point favorite in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Conference tournament last Thursday. The Mustangs, 11-5, were upset in the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference tournament, 74-71, to Cincinnati as a 5-point favorite last Friday. The Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas, is the site. Boise State is a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.Six games are on the NBA docket. Utah visits Washington to begin the slate at 7 PM ET. The Los Angeles Lakers host Charlotte at 10:30 PM ET to close out the card as an 8-point favorite with a total of 227.5. Ten games are on the NHL slate. Six games begin the card at 7 PM ET. Arizona visits Anaheim at 10 PM ET as a -130 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.

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NCAA Basketball: Saint Mary's/Western Kentucky Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/17/2021

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Mar 17, 2021

The first round of the National Invitational Tournament begins on Wednesday with two games on ESPN2. The nightcap tips off at 9 PM ET with Western Kentucky playing Saint Mary’s at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. The NIT has all their games this year in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in either Frisco or Denton. Western Kentucky got upset in the championship game of the Conference USA tournament, 61-57, in an overtime heartbreaker as a 2.5-point favorite last Saturday. The Hilltoppers got beat in the finals in the last three Conference USA tournaments. They forced overtime by scoring the final seven points in regulation before the Mean Green pulled away in the additional five-minute period. Joel Anderson led the team with 14 points. The senior is scoring 9.2 points-per-game. Junior Charles Bassey had 13 points with 11 rebounds. The 6'11 NBA prospect is averaging 17.7 points-per-game and 11.5 rebounds-per-game. Senior Taveion Hollingsworth adds 13.6 points-per-game. The Hilltoppers enter the NIT with a 20-7 record after an 11-3 regular-season mark in Conference USA. Rick Stansbury oversaw the program’s fourth straight 20-win season. Western Kentucky registered impressive non-conference victories against Alabama and Memphis. The Hilltoppers rank 88th by the kenpom ratings. Western Kentucky ranks 113th in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom. They rebound 32.1% of their missed shots, ranking 53rd nationally. Stansbury’s team is 62nd in free throw rate, which they take full advantage of, with a 79.0% clip at the charity stripe, ninth-best in the nation. The Hilltoppers rank 81st in adjusted defensive efficiency at kenpom and second-best in Conference USA. They hold their opponents to just 45.8% shooting inside the arc, 38th nationally. They have the sixth-best defensive free throw rate. Stansbury will not have Carson Williams tonight, who is out for personal reasons. The senior was averaging 7.5 points-per-game and 5.3 rebounds-per-game in 26.9 minutes-per-game. Saint Mary’s lost to Gonzaga in the semifinals of the West Coast Conference tournament, 78-55, as an 18.5-point underdog on March 8th. The Gaels were led by Logan Johnson’s 15 points. The junior leads the team with a 13.5 points-per-game average. Tommy Kuhse added 13 points, with the lone senior on the roster improving his 12.6 points-per-game average. Randy Bennett’s team is 14-9 and ranks 77th nationally by kenpom. Their 4-6 record in conference play got skewed by COVID cancellations that took away winning opportunities against the bottom-half of the WCC. Seven of their nine losses are against teams ranked 38th or better in the kenpom ratings. Saint Mary’s lost three times to Gonzaga and twice to BYU while also falling to San Diego State and Memphis in non-conference play. But setbacks to Pepperdine and Santa Clara, ranking 112th and 154th at kenpom, are concerning blemishes on their resume. The Gaels’ highest-profile team is against Colorado State, which ranks 63rd at kenpom. Saint Mary’s ranks 198th in adjusted offensive efficiency after losing their top three scorers from last season. After finishing fifth in the nation last year with a 38.7% shooting percentage from 3-point range, the Gaels only made 29.3% of their 3-pointers this season, 328th nationally. Saint Mary’s turned the ball over in only 17.1% of their possessions, ranking 79th nationally. The Gaels are once again an outstanding defensive team under Bennett. They rank ninth nationally at kenpom in adjusted defensive efficiency. Saint Mary’s holds their opponents to 45.9% shooting inside the arc, ranking 42nd nationally. They limit their opponents to rebounding 22.0% of their missed shots, eighth-best in the nation.Saint Mary’s is a two-seed in their side of the bracket, with Western Kentucky a three-seed. BetAnySports lists Saint Mary’s as a 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 125.5.Computer prediction:  Saint Mary's 65 Western Kentucky 63

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAA Basketball, NBA, NHL and UEFA Champions League Previews and Odds - 03/17/2021

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Mar 17, 2021

The Wednesday sports card features action in NCAA basketball, the NBA, the NHL, and the UEFA Champions League.The NIT begins with two first-round games on ESPN2. Toledo plays Richmond at the UNT Coliseum in Denton, Texas, at 7 PM ET. The Rockets, 21-8, were upset in the semifinals of the Mid-American Conference tournament by Ohio, 87-80, as a 3-point favorite on Saturday. The Spiders, 13-8, lost their opening-round game in the Atlantic 10 tournament in a 67-62 upset loss to Duquesne as a 3.5-point favorite on March 4th. Toledo is a 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 154 (all odds from BetOnline). The NIT nightcap on ESPN2 has Western Kentucky facing Saint Mary’s at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas, at 9 PM ET. The Hilltoppers were upset in the Conference USA Championship Game against North Texas, 61-57, as a 2.5-point favorite. The Gaels lost in the semifinals of the West Coast Conference tournament to Gonzaga, 78-55, as an 18.5-point underdog on March 8th. Saint Mary’s is a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 125.5.Seven games are on the NBA docket. An ESPN doubleheader tips off at 7:05 PM ET with Milwaukee playing at Philadelphia. The Bucks have won four straight and nine of ten after their 133-122 win at Washington as an 8.5-point favorite on Monday. The 76ers won their sixth straight game in a 99-96 victory against New York as a 7-point favorite on Tuesday.The Los Angeles Clippers play at Dallas on ESPN at 9:35 PM ET. The Clippers defeated the Mavericks, 109-99, as a 1-point favorite on Monday. Dallas has now lost two of their last three games. Los Angeles is a 3-point road favorite with a total of 227.Six games are on the NHL schedule. A doubleheader on the NBC Sports Network begins at 7:38 PM ET, with Philadelphia playing at New York against the Rangers. The Flyers ended a two-game losing streak with a 5-4 win against the Rangers on Monday. New York has lost four of their last five games. Philadelphia is a -127 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The second game on the NBC Sports Network has Calgary hosting Edmonton at 10:08 PM ET. The Flames have won three in a row after a 4-3 win against the Oilers on Monday. Edmonton was on a four-game winning streak before that loss. Calgary is a -108 money line favorite with a total of 6. The UEFA Champions League has two matches in the final second leg of the Final 16 at 4 PM ET. Bayern Munich plays at home against Lazio as a -1.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. The Bavarians won the first leg on the road, 4-1, on February 23rd. Chelsea hosts Atletico Madrid after winning 1-0, on the road, in the first leg on February 23rd. The Blues are a -0.25 goal line favorite at home at Stamford Bridge, with the total at 2. Both games are available on Paramount, formerly the CBS  All-Access.

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NHL Hockey: Pittsburgh Penguins/Boston Bruins Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/16/2021

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Mar 16, 2021

Tuesday NHL action on the NBC Sports Network features an East Division showdown between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins.Pittsburgh won their sixth game in a row last night in a 4-1 victory against the Bruins. The Penguins fell behind in the game but responded with four unanswered goals to cruise to the commanding victory. Tristan Jarry had 42 saves. The win pulled Pittsburgh within three points of Washington for second place in the East Division with 37 points. The Penguins have dominated both ends of the ice during their six-game winning streak. They have scored 25 times during this run, while allowing only nine goals. The Pens have scored on the power play in three straight games. They have successfully killed 13 of the 16 opponent power plays.Pittsburgh’s improved play has coincided with a shakeup in upper management. Long-time general manager Jim Rutherford resigned in early February. Former Philadelphia Flyers’ GM Ron Hextall got hired as his replacement on February 9th, with veteran general manager Brian Burke (who oversaw Anaheim’s Stanley Cup title in 2007) was brought in as the new President of Hockey Operations. The Penguins have won 13 of their 17 games since the wake-up call. Sidney Crosby leads the team with 11 goals and 18 assists. Jake Guentzel has 11 goals and 15 assists. Evgeni Malin has added 8 goals with 16 assists. Casey DeSmith has been named tonight’s goaltender, with Jarry playing last night. The Pens’ backup is 6-2-0 this season, with a 2.23 goals-against-average and .912 save percentage in nine games (eight starts). In his two starts this month, DeSmith has a 0.50 goals-against-average, with a .979 save percentage and two victories. Boston is moving in the opposite direction with losses in four of their last five games and five in seven contests. The Bruins are 4-7-2 in their last 13 games after last night’s setback. They remain in fourth place in the East with 32 points, five points behind Pittsburgh. A lack of scoring punch is a source of the problem. Boston has scored two goals or less in seven of their last ten games. They have not scored more than one goal in five of seven games, and they have been shutout twice in their last five games. Bruce Cassidy called on his team to get more aggressive after their 4-0 shutout loss at home against the New York Rangers on Saturday. The Bruins produced 20 shots in the first period last night and 43 shots overall, but they only scored the opening goal. The team's big three are doing their part. Brad Marchand has 12 goals and 20 assists. Patrice Bergeron has added 10 goals and 14 assists. David Pastrnak has contributed 12 goals and 11 assists. Daniel Vladar will make his NHL debut in goal tonight for the Bruins after Jaroslav Halak tended the net last night. Tuukka Rask is unavailable with a back injury. Vladar is a former third-round draft pick in 2015. Boston leads the season series after winning the first two encounters between these two teams. Last night’s game got chippy late, which may have foreshadowed some fireworks tonight. BookMaker lists Pittsburgh as a -118 money line favorite with the total set at 5.5.Computer prediction:  Penguins 4 Bruins 3

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