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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/07/2025

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Feb 07, 2025

The Friday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The San Antonio Spurs travel to Charlotte to play the Hornets as an 11.5-point road favorite with the total set at 227 (all odds from DraftKings). The Cleveland Cavaliers play in Washington against the Wizards as a 17.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 235.5. Three NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Miami Heat are in Brooklyn to face the Nets as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 210.5. The Milwaukee Bucks visit Atlanta to play the Hawks as a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 240.5. The Philadelphia 76ers play in Detroit against the Pistons on ESPN at 7:40 p.m. ET. The 76ers lost for the third time in their last four games in a 108-101 setback against Miami as a 1-point underdog on Wednesday. The Pistons are on a two-game losing streak after a 118-115 loss to Cleveland as a 5-point underdog two days ago. Philadelphia is a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 224. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Toronto Raptors at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 19-point favorite with an over/under of 231. The Phoenix Suns play at home against the Utah Jazz at 10:10 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 232. The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. The New York Rangers are home against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -198 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Winnipeg Jets host the New York Islanders at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -198 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Nashville Predators are in Chicago to challenge the Blackhawks at 8:37 p.m. ET as a -205 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Colorado Avalanche at 9:07 p.m. ET as a  -185 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Los  Angeles Clippers are home against the Dallas Stars at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -115 money-line favor with an over/under of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has seven games between Division I opponents. Five NCAAB games are on major national television. Two NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. VCU travels to Dayton on ESPN2 as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 139.5. Purdue hosts USC on FS1 as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. UConn plays at home against St. John’s on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Huskies are on a two-game winning streak after a 77-69 upset victory at Marquette last Friday as a 6-point underdog. The Red Storm are on a nine-game winning streak after a 70-64 victory at home against Marquette as a 2.5-point favorite on Tuesday. UConn is a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 141.5. Two more NCAAB are on major national television at 9:00 p.m. ET. Saint Joseph’s is at home against Saint Louis on ESPNU as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. Boise State hosts San Jose State on FS1 as a 14-point favorite with a total of 141.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/06/2025

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Feb 06, 2025

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. The Boston Celtics host the Dallas Mavericks on TNT at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 10.5-point favorite, with the total set at 230.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Houston Rockets travel to Minnesota to play the Timberwolves at 8:10 p.m. ET as a -1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 214. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Orlando Magic at 9:10 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 221.5. Two NBA games tip off at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Lakers are home against the Golden State Warriors on TNT as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 221.5. The Portland Trail Blazers host the Sacramento Kings as a 1-point favorite with a total of 229.5. The Los Angeles Clippers play at home against the Indiana Pacers at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The National Hockey League has nine games on its slate. Four NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Washington Capitals play in Philadelphia against the Flyers as a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The New Jersey Devils are home against the Vegas Golden Knights as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Ottawa Senators as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Utah Hockey Club is in Columbus to face the Blue Jackets as a -155 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Carolina Hurricanes visit Minnesota to challenge the Wild at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Florida Panthers play in St. Louis against the Blues at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -175 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche are in Calgary to battle the Flames at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5.The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Seattle to go against the Kraken at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Vancouver Canucks play in San Jose against the Sharks at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -185 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 59 games between Division I opponents. Eight NCAAB games are on major national television. Charleston plays at home against North Carolina A&T on the CBS Sports Network at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 20-point favorite with an over/under of 152. Three more NCAAB games tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Ohio State is at home against Maryland on FS1 as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 146.5. Marist is at Fairfield on ESPNU as a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 131. Temple visits South Florida on ESPN2 as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 150.5. Liberty hosts Louisiana Tech on the CBS Sports Network at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 134. Two more NCAAB games on major national television at 9:00 p.m. ET. UNC-Asheville plays at home against Gardner-Webb on ESPNU as a 6-point favorite with a total of 155. Saint Mary’s plays in San Francisco on ESPN2 as a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 132. Oregon State is at home against Washington State on ESPN2 at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with a total of 146.5.

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UCF 312: Preview And Picks

by Will Rogers

Wednesday, Feb 05, 2025

UFC 312 - Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2  Saturday, February 8thQudos Bank Arena - Sydney, AustraliaAll eyes will be on Sydney this Saturday. It'll mark the seventh time that the UFC has visited Australia's largest city, the first since 2023. Overall, this will be the 19th time that Australia has hosted a UFC event.  A few of the many memorable fights down under include Cain Velasquez vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira back in UFC 110 and Islam Makhachev over Alexander Volkanovski in UFC 284. Of course, who could forget Holly Holm's upset over Ronda Rousey in UFC 193. With a pair of titles on the line, Saturday's card is sure to produce more exciting memories. Let's take a closer look at some of the biggest fights.  The Main EventThe headliner features Drikus du Plessis taking on Sean Strickland for the middleweight title. Du Plessis is a -205 favorite. Recall that these fighters had a great battle against each other, a little over a year ago. It was a 5-round war that could have gone either way. Du Plessis won a split decision but a case could have been made for Strickland. Including that victory, the 31-year old South African fighter is now 10-0 his last 10 and 22-2 for his career. The 33-year old Strickland (29-6) followed up the narrow defeat against du Plessis by defeating Paulo Costo. (It was scored a split decision but most agree that Strickland actually won comfortably.) He's 4-1 his last five. Both fighters have a recent win against Israel Adesanya. Speaking of Adesanya, Strickland is looking to join "The Last Stylebender" as the only man to ever hold the middleweight belt more than once.  The winner of Saturday's main event could find himself matched up against Islam Makhachev. Willing to move up in weight, the reigning lightweight champion said this after his last fight: "I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but I told them I’m not [going to] leave this sport without second belt. I need the second belt to be, and after I’ll talk like ‘I’m the greatest’ or something. But right now, my goal is to be double champion. I don’t know if it’s going to be next fight or when, [but] I’m still fighting, still winning. I defend my belt how many times the UFC wants, I will defend. When they give me chance, I want to be double champion.”Prediction: This should be another extremely close fight. With the over 4.5 rounds listed at -200, its likely to again go the distance. That being the case, the value lies with the underdog Strickland.  The Co-Main EventThe women's strawweight title is on the line in the co-main event, as champion Zhang Weili (25-3) defends her belt against undefeated challenger Tatiana Suarez. Off back-to-back title defenses, the 35-year old Weili has won four straight. The only person to beat her over the past decade is Rose Namajunas. Zhang is a warrior with a ton of heart. She's been in some incredible battles. The champ opened as the favorite. Yet, money has come in on the challenger and the 34-year old Suarez is now a slight -120 favorite. That says a lot about the talent which she possesses. (Weile has been the betting favorite in each of her last seven fights.) A former Olympic wrestling hopeful, Suarez long been considered a future champion. Now she finally gets her chance.  Here's what the champ had to say: “I believe I would fight Tatiana sooner or later because she has a great track record, and she’s also very high in the rankings. I think Tatiana is very good at grappling and wrestling, and I’m very happy I can fight with her in Australia. I think Tatiana is the best wrestler and grappler of all the opponents I have faced. But I think all of Tatiana’s strengths have a way to solve it and a way to handle it. I think Tatiana is a fighter who is very persistent. She has faced many adversities in her life so I’m sure she will be very persistent. I don’t think I need to prove people wrong. Tatiana is a good fighter and I understand why people think this is a close fight.” Prediction:  As most of Zhang's fights are, this should be an absolute war. As much as I like and respect Weili, Suarez's wrestling and grappling skills are on a different level. I'm likely not backing either fighter (although I may take a closer look at the over) but I'm sure not going to miss it. This has the potential to be one of the best fights of the year.  Don't BlinkOne fight on Saturday's card which could go either way features Viacheslav "Slava" Borshchev taking on Tom "Big Train" Nolan. Borshchev (8-4-1) is a 33-year old American fighter. Six of his eight victories have come by KO/TKO, three of those occurring in the first round. Hailing from Brisbane, the 24-year old Nolan will have the home crowd on his side. Six of his nine fights have been by KO/TKO. His last fight was a decision but his previous four all ended in the first round. Prediction: Both these guys are looking to knock the other out. I expect a first round stoppage. Play on the under 1.5 rounds. 

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Waste Management Phoenix Open Preview and Picks

by Matt Fargo

Wednesday, Feb 05, 2025

The PGA Tour will officially begin its season this week in the eyes of many as following a pair of destination events in Hawaii and then three straight tournaments with course rotations that also included a pair of pro-am’s, we finally have stability with a full arsenal of data and legitimate course history. While we are coming off a signature event at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am and with another signature event on deck at The Genesis Invitational, this would normally set up to be a lull in the schedule but not at TPC Scottsdale.The Greatest Show on Grass is the perfect middle stop in-between the signature events and in its usual spot on the schedule during Super Bowl week. The Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale has been a fan favorite for years and annually is the most attended event on tour, surpassing 700,000 spectators (they are not called patrons here) each year. Highlighted by The Colosseum, the par three No. 16 hole that accommodates 20,000 fans, this is the ultimate week long Darty.TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course is a 7,261-yard par 71 featuring two-inch fairway rough, 67 bunkers, six holes with water hazards, firm TifEagle Bermudagrass green complexes with Poa Overseed, making this a classic dessert course all around. Scoring is low but this is not a birdie-fest as the winning score was between -16 and -19 from 2017 through 2023 until Nick Taylor and Charley Hoffman went to a playoff last year after finishing -21, eventually won by Taylor on the second playoff hole.Sandwiched around the two signature events hurts the field but there are still plenty of big names and intriguing storylines. Five of the top 15 in the OWGR will be teeing it up, Scottie Scheffler, Hideki Matsuyama, Wyndham Clark, Justin Thomas, and Sahith Theegala, while players that have played well to start the season, Sungjae Im, Sam Burns, Tom Kim and Sepp Straka will also help headline along with past winners Taylor, Rickie Fowler and Gary Woodland.Course fit and history is important to succeed here as TPC Scottsdale is No. 3 on tour in terms of projecting future success, behind only Augusta National and Waialae CC. Last year was the perfect example with Taylor winning after finishing second in 2023 and we can expect contenders this year having had prior experience and success here. A correlation for the players that do well here is THE PLAYERS Championship as four of the top 10 in course history have won at TPC Sawgrass.Another connection in addition to success at TPC Sawgrass is doing well in Majors as nine of the last 11 winners at the WM Phoenix Open have also won either THE PLAYERS or a major championship and that tells us exactly what it takes. It is not one or two strengths that get it done but an all-around complete game that highlights Ball Striking and factors in Scrambling. As mentioned, it is not a birdie fest so hitting greens in regulation is pivotal and while SG: Putting is important everywhere, it is not a top key stat.Top three key categories this week:Strokes Gained: Ball StrikingScramblingPar 4s Gained: 450-500 YardsEach bet is Win/Top Five/Top Ten. The typical recommendation is 50%/25%/25% with odds, payouts and results based on a $1000 unit (easy round number for bookkeeping) on each of the following players. The payouts are listed right below the odds which are all from DraftKings:Sam BurnsOdds: Win 2,500 ~ Top Five 400 ~ Top Ten 210Payout: Win 1,250.00 ~ Top Five 100.00 ~ Top Ten 52.50Burns is off to a solid start this season with a T8 at The Sentry, T29 at the AMEX and a T22 at Pebble Beach which could have gone a lot better but his putter went ice cold on Sunday. He has contended with some elite fields throughout his career and while this one is not totally elite, there are big names and he has had success here of late with a T6 in 2023 and a T3 last year. He can be had for +2,000 in the Without Winner market.Sahith TheegalaOdds: Win 4,000 ~ Top Five 700 ~ Top Ten 330Payout: Win 2,000.00 ~ Top Five 175.00 ~ Top Ten 82.50Conversely, Theegala has not started the season well as a T36 at The Sentry is his best finish through four starts while going the wrong way after each finish but he has not missed a cut and he will be fine coming off a solid fall and he has made the weekend in his last 11 starts. His course fit makes him live here as he was runner-up in 2022 and finished solo fifth last year. The poor results put him in a great buy low spot.Billy HorschelOdds: Win 6,000 ~ Top Five 900 ~ Top Ten 400Payout: Win 3,000.00 ~ Top Five 225.00 ~ Top Ten 100.00Horschel is trending the right way as after a MC at The Sony, he finished T21 at The AMEX and then a Sunday 66 propelled him to a T9 at Pebble Beach. He has been a mainstay here with 12 straight starts, making the cut 11 times including a pair of top ten finishes. He called out the crowds last year so he might get some negative reactions but if there is anyone that feeds off that, he is the one.Maverick McNealyOdds: Win 6,000 ~ Top Five 900 ~ Top Ten 400Payout: Win 3,000.00 ~ Top Five 225.00 ~ Top Ten 100.00We had McNealy last week and he was a big disappointment as he finished No. 7 in SG: Tee-To-Green and he could have fared better if not for a bad week with the putter as he was fifth to last in SG: Putting. That was an anomaly as he has finished positive SG: Putting the last five years and even an average week is fine here. If he hits the ball like he did at Pebble Beach, he can make a run similar to last year as he finished T6.Rickie FowlerOdds: Win 7,000 ~ Top Five 1,100 ~ Top Ten 500Payout: Win 3,500.00 ~ Top Five 275.00 ~ Top Ten 125.00Fowler has our deepest odds this week and he is another buy low candidate with great course history. He is coming off a disappointing T53 at Pebble Beach last week which was just his second start after a T21 at the AMEX. He was average across the board last week but now he hits a place he loves. He won here in 2019, going into Sunday with a four shot lead and he also has a pair of runner-ups and a T10 two years ago.Results through the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am (3 Tournaments):Win: -6,500Top Five: -3,250Top Ten: +600

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/05/2025

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Feb 05, 2025

The Wednesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has 11 games on its docket. Three NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The San Antonio Spurs travel to Atlanta to play the Hawks on ESPN as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 241.5. The Milwaukee Bucks play at Charlotte against the Hornets as a 9-point road favorite with an over/under of 219. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in Detroit to play the Pistons as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 236. Three NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Brooklyn Nets host the Washington Wizards as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 217. The Memphis Grizzlies visit Toronto to play the Raptors as an 8.5-point road favorite with a total of 241.5. The Miami Heat play in Philadelphia against the 76ers as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 215. The Minnesota Timberwolves play at home against the Chicago Bulls at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 226. Two NBA games begin at 9:10 p.m. ET. The Denver Nuggets are home against the New Orleans Pelicans as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 239.5. The Golden State Warriors are in Utah to challenge the Jazz as a 6-point road favorite with a total of 229. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Phoenix Suns on ESPN at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The Sacramento Kings play at home against the Orlando Magic at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 5-point favorite with a total of 217.5. The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. The New York Rangers are home against the Boston Bruins on TNT at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers travel to Chicago to play the Blackhawks on TNT at 9:37 p.m. ET as a -278 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Los Angeles Kings are home against the Montreal Canadiens at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -245 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 55 games between Division I opponents. Ten NCAAB games are on major national television. Butler plays at Seton Hall on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 136. Three more NCAAB games are on major national television at 7:00 p.m. ET. Wofford hosts Chattanooga on ESPNU as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 144. Duke is at Syracuse on ESPN2 as a 17.5-point road favorite with a total of 143.5. Central Florida plays at home against Cincinnati on the CBS Sports Network as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Creighton visits Providence on FS1 at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 143.5. Three more major nationally televised games begin at 9:00 p.m. ET. Villanova plays at DePaul on the CBS Sports Network as a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 142. Texas is home against Arkansas on ESPN2 as a 7-point favorite with a total of 144. Arkansas State is at Marshall on the ESPNU as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 150. New Mexico hosts Colorado State on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 149. Stanford plays at home against Wake Forest on ESPNU as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/04/2024

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Feb 04, 2025

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. The Philadelphia 76ers host the Dallas Mavericks at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite, with the total set at 225. Three more NBA games tip off at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers play at home against the Boston Celtics on TNT as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 237.5. The Houston Rockets travel to Brooklyn to face the Nets as a 9-point road favorite with a total of 208.5. The New York Knicks play at Toronto against the Raptors as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 231.5. The Miami Heat are in Chicago to play the Bulls at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 228.5. Two more games conclude the NBA card at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Clippers are home against the Los Angeles Lakers on TNT as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 220. The Indiana Pacers visit Portland to face the Trail Blazers as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 233.The National Hockey League has 14 games on its slate. Five NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Buffalo Sabres host the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -170 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning play at home against the Ottawa Senators as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The New Jersey Devils play in Pittsburgh against the Penguins as a -155 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Florida Panthers are in Washington to challenge the Capitals as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Boston Bruins are home against the Minnesota Wild as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The Vegas Golden Knights travel to New York to battle the Islanders at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Two more NHL games begin at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Edmonton Oilers play in St. Louis against the Blues as a -185 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes are in Winnipeg to face the Jets as a -122 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Two more NHL games start at 9:07 p.m. ET. The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Calgary to play the Flames as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Utah Hockey Club hosts the Philadelphia Flyers as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Two NHL games begin at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Seattle Kraken play at home against the Detroit Red Wings as a -120 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche play in Vancouver against the Canucks as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Two more games complete the NHL card at 10:37 p.m. ET. The Dallas Stars are in Anaheim against the Ducks as a -230 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Montreal Canadiens visit the San Jose Sharks as a -170 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 34 games between Division I opponents. 14 NCAAB games are on major national television. St. John’s is at home against Marquette on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 146.5. Five more NCAAB games on major national television. Drake plays at Murray State on ESPN2 as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 123. Wichita State is at Charlotte on ESPNU as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Mississippi hosts Kentucky on ESPN as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 157.5. VCU plays at home against LaSalle on the CBS Sports Network as an 18-point favorite with an over/under of 144. Purdue travels to visit Iowa on Peacock as a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 155. Xavier is home against Georgetown on FS1 at 8:30 p.m. ET as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 140.5. Three NCAAB games on major national television. Texas Tech hosts Baylor on ESPN 2 as an 8-point favorite with a total of 141. Wisconsin plays at home against Indiana on Peacock as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 152. Loyola-Chicago is at home against St. Bonaventure on the CBS Sports Network as a 2-point favorite with a total of 131.5. UCLA hosts Michigan State on Peacock at 10:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 139. Two more NCAAB games are on major national television at 11:00 p.m. ET. BYU plays at home against Arizona on ESPN as a 2-point favorite with a total of 152. Boise State plays at UNLV on the CBS Sports Network as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 141.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/03/2025

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Feb 03, 2025

The Monday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has ten games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Detroit Pistons host the Atlanta Hawks as a 4-point favorite with the total set at 234.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Charlotte Hornets play at home against the Washington Wizards as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 217. The New York Knicks are home against the Houston Rockets at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 5-point favorite with a total of 224. Three NBA games start at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Memphis Grizzlies host the San Antonio Spurs as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 242. The Oklahoma City Thunder play at home against the Milwaukee Bucks as a 10-point favorite with a total of 233. The Minnesota Timberwolves are home against the Sacramento Kings as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 221.5. Two NBA games begin at 9:10 p.m. ET. The Denver Nuggets host the New Orleans Pelicans as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 240. The Indiana Pacers travel to Utah to play the Jazz as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 238.5. Two games conclude the NBA card at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Orlando Magic as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 212.5. The Phoenix Suns play at Portland against the Trail Blazers as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 230. The National Hockey League has one game on its slate. The Nashville Predators are home against the Ottawa Senators at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 21 games between Division I opponents. Seven NCAAB games are on major national television. Colgate is at Lehigh on the CBS Sports Network at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 141.5. Two more NCAAB games on major national television start at 7:00 p.m. ET. Pittsburgh hosts Virginia on ESPN as a 12-point favorite with a total of 133. Norfolk State plays at home against North Carolina Central on ESPNU as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 145. Charleston visits William & Mary on the CBS Sports Network at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 165.5. Two more NCAAB games on major national television. Grambling State is home against Alcorn State on ESPNU as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 129.5. UAB hosts North Texas on ESPN2 as a 1-point favorite with a total of 137.5. Kansas plays at home against Iowa State on ESPN as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.Matchweek 24 in the English Premier League continues with one match. Chelsea is home against West Ham United on the USA Network at 2:30 p.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. 

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

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Feb 02, 2025

The Sunday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has five games on its docket. The Detroit Pistons host the Chicago Bulls at 3:10 p.m. ET as a 5-point favorite with the total set at 233 (all odds from DraftKings). Two more NBA games tip off at 3:40 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Clippers travel to Toronto to play the Raptors as a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 220.5. The Cleveland Cavaliers play at home against the Dallas Mavericks as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 237. The Boston Celtics play at Philadelphia against the 76ers on ESPN as an 11-point road favorite with an over/under of 221.5. The Milwaukee Bucks are home against the Memphis Grizzlies on ESPN at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 243.The National Hockey League has nine games on its slate. The New Jersey Devils are in Buffalo to play the Sabres at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche host the Philadelphia Flyers at 3:07 p.m. ET as a -218 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Montreal Canadiens visit Anaheim to play the Ducks at 4:07 p.m. ET as a -125 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Three NHL games drop the puck at 6:07 p.m. ET. The Vegas Golden Knights play in New York against the Rangers as a -135 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Florida Panthers play at home against the New York Islanders as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Dallas Stars are home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -265 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5.The Utah Hockey Club hosts the St. Louis Blues at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Vancouver Canucks play at home against the Detroit Red Wings at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -166 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Seattle Kraken are home against the Calgary Flames at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 19 games between Division I opponents. Six NCAAB games are on major national television. Illinois hosts Ohio State on CBS at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 156. Three more NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 2:00 p.m. ET. East Tennessee State plays at home against Furman on the CBS Sports Network as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 141. Florida Atlantic is home against South Florida on ESPN2 as an 8-point favorite with a total of 152. Tulane hosts Tulsa on ESPNU as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143. St. Thomas plays at home against North Dakota State on ESPN2 at 4:00 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 155.5. DePaul is home against Seton Hall on FS1 at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 135.5.Matchweek 24 in the English Premier League continues with three matches. Two EPL matches start at 9:00 a.m. ET. Brentford hosts Tottenham on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Manchester United plays at home against Crystal Palace as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Arsenal is home against Manchester City at 11:30 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/01/2025

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Feb 01, 2025

The Saturday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 5:10 p.m. ET. The Indiana Pacers host the Atlanta Hawks as an 8-point favorite with the total set at 239.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Orlando Magic travel to Utah to face the Jazz as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 216.5. The Denver Nuggets play in Charlotte against the Hornets as a 14-point road favorite with a total of 222.5. Three more NBA games start at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Houston Rockets play at home against the Brooklyn Nets as a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 213.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are home against the Washington Wizards as a 17.5-point favorite with a total of 223. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Sacramento Kings as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 234.5. Two NBA games start at 8:40 p.m. ET. The New York Knicks play at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on ABC as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 227. The San Antonio Spurs are home against the Miami Heat as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 223.5. The Phoenix Suns are in Portland to play the Trail Blazers at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 228.5.The National Hockey League has nine games on its slate. The Florida Panthers host the Chicago Blackhawks on ABC at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -410 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The New York Rangers visit Boston to face the Bruins on ABC at 3:37 p.m. ET with both teams priced at -110 with a total of 5.5. Six NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Nashville Predators play in Pittsburgh against the Penguins with both teams priced at -110 with an over/under of 6.5. The Ottawa Senators play at home against the Minnesota Wild as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers are home against the Toronto Maple Leafs as a -166 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Los Angeles Kings as a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning play at home against the New York Islanders as a -170 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Washington Capitals are home against the Winnipeg Jets as a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Calgary Flames host the Detroit Red Wings at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 146 games between Division I opponents. Ten NCAAB games are on major national television. Tennessee plays at home against Florida on ESPN at noon ET as a 5-point favorite with a total of 143.5. Two NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 1:00 p.m. ET. Villanova is home against Creighton on Fox as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Arizona is at Arizona State on CBS as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 146.5. Auburn travels to play Mississippi on ESPN at 2:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 149.5. Michigan plays at Rutgers on Fox at 3:30 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 154.5. Baylor hosts Kansas on ESPN at 4:00 p.m. ET as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 142. Duke plays at home against North Carolina on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 13.5-point favorite with a total of 149.5. Marquette is home against UConn on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Kentucky hosts Arkansas on ESPN at 9:00 p.m. ET as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 157.5. Gonzaga is at Saint Mary’s on ESPN at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Matchweek 24 in the English Premier League begins with six matches. Nottingham Forest plays at home against Brighton and Hove Albion on the USA Network at 7:30 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Four EPL matches start at 10:00 a.m. ET. Bournemouth is home against Liverpool on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Everton hosts Leicester City as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Ipswich Town plays at home against Southampton as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Newcastle United is home against Fulham as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Aston Villa visits Wolverhampton on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5.

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More Reckless Play-Calling Slays the Lions in the Playoffs Again

by Hollywood Sports

Friday, Jan 31, 2025

If one could there was one play that defined the Detroit Lions under head coach Dan Campbell, it was during a possession in the fourth quarter that Tom Brady described as their most important of the season. Trailing by a 38-28 score midway through the quarter, the Lions could still pull within a field goal with a touchdown drive and force rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to execute in what would have been a deafening madhouse at Ford Field. Given all the previous mistakes Detroit had made, their prospects looked pretty good after the big hole they dug for themselves. With a veteran quarterback with Super Bowl experience, it was time to get serious and get down to business. Instead, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson could not resist opening up his big book of “Look at Me” trick plays and decided that it was the appropriate time to put the ball in the hands of a wide receiver to throw a pass for yet another Gotcha! gimmick play. Unfortunately, for the Lions’ faithful, Jameson Williams threw an interception that all but sealed their fate in an eventual 45-28 upset loss. Asking a wide receiver who has been suspended twice in his career — one for gambling and one for PEDs — to be the steward of the football in a passing play in the most important drive of the season, what could go wrong?Campbell knew the play was coming. His headset was on. He could have vetoed it. Ultimately, that ill-advised play call was on him. But Campbell didn’t veto the play, because his identity is defined by recklessness disguised as aggressiveness. He let Johnson call gimmick play after gimmick play because he thought it was sending a message. It was sending a message, albeit the wrong one. Johnson spent the entire season calling plays as if he was auditioning for head coaching jobs. That was on full display in the Lions’ game in Chicago when he dialed up the fake fumble trick to great fanfare despite the final score not being in doubt. This is the old Daffy Duck problem when he finally decided to one-up Bugs Bunny by drinking his special TNT cocktail that allowed him to explode on stage and his soul ascent into heaven in front of an amazed crowd: sure, Daffy finally bested Bugs, but as he remarked in his skyward exit, the only problem with the trick is that he could only do it once. Why waste such a sweet trick play in a meaningless moment? I remember Johnson’s trick play using right tackle Penei Sewell as a receiver late in the game against Dallas when the Lions were crushing the Cowboys. Another flashy play from the boy-genius! But besides the problem of wasting trick plays in blowouts, this play was executed in about 15 minutes of real time from the season-ending injury to defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Imagine the impact to the season if asking Sewell to be a wide receiver rather than a tight end ending up in an injury by asking him to execute plays and potentially get hit in the legs by defenders in plays that he is protected from when blocking on the line? Flashy. Reckless. Irresponsible.After Detroit’s loss in the NFC Championship Game against San Francisco, I wrote the following: “I wondered if Campbell’s aggressiveness would end up backfiring for his team. Aggressive play-calling is a way for underdogs to overachieve expectations. It made sense for Campbell to instill confidence in his team by taking these chances. These tactics also helped protect a suspect defense that was giving up plenty of points … The surprise value of the trick has limited returns … The seeds were planted for Detroit’s historic meltdown in the NFC Championship Game … (t)he play-calling got aggressive with a failed long pass to tight end Sam LaPorta setting up a third-and-five. The Lions chose to run the ball — as if it was two-down territory despite them being in field goal range. Then on fourth and a long one-yard, quarterback Jared Goff’s pass to Josh Reynolds was dropped. Granted a 31-10 lead after scoring a potential touchdown might have been the dagger. But neutralizing the Niners' initial field goal in the second half by matching those three points would have made it a 27-10 game with half the third quarter already burned. A three-possession lead would continue to squeeze the life out of a team and a fan base that had little to cheer about. Instead, San Francisco got the stop they needed … In a matter of a few moments, a game that seemed almost out of reach was now tied. And a franchise that had never reached the Super Bowl had suddenly blown a 17-point lead … (l)osing cultures don’t flip simply because someone declares it over. Winning cultures come from winning games — and good head coaches are stewards of their players in managing games to secure victories. In this regard, Campbell failed. His decision-making was, in fact, the act of a loser — one who thought seizing a 21-point lead was necessary. He communicated to his team that taking the easier 17-point lead was not going to be enough.”A year later, the play-calling in their first playoff game since that collapse against the 49ers was just a massive indictment that even my most cynical suspicions would never have suspected. Now both Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have moved on to take head coaching jobs in the league. I’m not sure the loss of Johnson will be that big a deal since he was so anxious to become a head coach — as he did less than 24 hours later after the loss to the Commanders when he accepted Chicago’s offer. Johnson remarked that maximizing efficiency from the quarterback has become more important than limiting turnovers — a fascinating comment from a guy who chose to maximize quarterback efficiency by turning to a wide receiver to throw a critical fourth quarter pass. I’m not sure the offensive coaching staffs of the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs agree: The Eagles have not committed a turnover in five straight games and the Chiefs’ streak of eight straight games without turning the ball over got snapped in the AFC Championship Game with their one giveaway broke that streak. In a world where the final four teams all ranked in the top four in fourth down conversion success rates while being aggressive in their fourth down chances, perhaps turning the ball over is even more damaging since these teams are burning time off the clock which is making overall possessions scarcer and even more valuable. Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore made that exact point before the NFC Championship Game. As for Campbell, it was a season where he seemed to focus on a revenge tour against bad teams (Dallas, San Francisco) who were out of the playoff race and too concerned about putting up regular season banners as if his Lions were a team of destiny. Ask Josh Allen about teams of destiny. Heck, ask Buffalo Bills fans over the last 30 years if teams that get heartbroken in the postseason are promised anything the next season. As I wrote last year at this time, “perhaps Campbell will learn from his mistakes.” In hindsight, he did not successfully prepare his team to play their best football in the postseason. He also did not prepare his coaching staff and himself to coach their best games in the postseason. And now their window of opportunity to reach a Super Bowl may have just passed them by.Best of luck — Frank.   

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Fool's Gold: The Sam Darnold 2024 Season

by Hollywood Sports

Friday, Jan 31, 2025

I was worried about quarterback Sam Darnold going into the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 18 showdown with the Detroit Lions in game that would determine home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. He had been elevated into the MVP conversation that week after completing 33 of 43 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns against the Packers. Darnold and the Vikings got exposed in that game as the Lions held them to only 262 yards of offense despite all their injuries on defense. Detroit won the game by a 31-9 score. There was a stretch in early November when Darnold threw five interceptions in a two-game stretch — but after playing four games in a row, many pundits concluded that this problem of turnover the ball over was mostly over. I wasn’t buying it. He threw only one interception against the Packers — but I saw several more turnover-worthy plays that he got away with in that game. That Week 18 game against the Lions was the biggest showcase in Darnold’s career — and he laid an egg by completing only 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards. He was high on many of the incompletions. He missed open receivers — most notably Jordan Addison who head coach Kevin O’Connell schemed wide open inside the five-yard line in one of the Vikings’ several Red Zone drives that came up empty. I don’t think the problem was that Darnold was simply too amped up for this game. I think he is streaky and inconsistent. When things are going well, he plays with confidence — and acts like he won the Super Bowl afterward like he did in a post-game locker room celebration after the win against Green Bay. But when things go bad as they did in that game at Detroit, he sees ghosts and gets into a funk — and what his midseason slump demonstrated to me is that he cannot simply flip the switch. Instead, he needs steady success to clear his head of the ghosts inside. Darnold also has some technical problems with his game. His down-the-field vision and processing are average, at best. This aspect of his game has improved from his difficult rookie season, but it is still a liability. He holds the ball too long which compounds the problem. His decision-making is a problem as well as he tends to bank on his arm talent too often. It sure helps having a wide receiver as talented as Justin Jefferson with his wide catch radius to bail out his quarterback when the throws are not on the money.Minnesota had a 10-1 record in games decided by one scoring possession this season. They only outgained their opponents by +11.3 net Yards-Per-Game in the regular season. They reminded me of the Vikings team two years ago with Kirk Cousins at quarterback that went 11-0 in one-score games despite being outscored and outgained in the regular season. That team would then get exposed at home against Daniel Jones and a mediocre New York Giants squad in the playoffs. The common denominator in that team and now is head coach Kevin O’Connell who was in his rookie season that year. He is so good — and I have concluded that his game management and play-calling go a long way to explain their great record in close games. But there is only so much he can do — especially against great teams. My concerns about Darnold bore out in the Vikings’ opening-round exit against the Los Angeles Rams in their wildcard playoff game. Minnesota got upset by a 27-9 score. Darnold completed 25 of 40 passes for 245 yards with a touchdown and an interception. His stat line does not do justice to how underwhelming his play was in that game. Per ESPN Research on Twitter/X at halftime of that game: “Sam Darnold has 8 overthrows tonight, the second-most for a game in his career. The only other game with more was in Week 7 of 2019 when he had 12 while with the Jets vs. the Patriots. (You know what game that was.).”The game ESPN was referencing in the parenthetical was the one where Darnold later admitted to seeing “ghosts” in the pocket. I still think Darnold is one of the top 32 quarterbacks in the NFL. Someone will sign him to a contract in free agency. But he cost himself perhaps as high as a $45 million per year contract with how he played in his most important two games of the season. Market demand may help him receive a contract offer similar to the one Baker Mayfield signed with Tampa Bay which got him $30 million per season. But certainly, the wild speculation in December that the Vikings might be willing to trade away rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy for draft capital in order to sign Darnold to a long-term contract was premature and an overreaction to short-term results. Imagine what O’Connell can do with McCarthy — who remains on a rookie deal which gives the team more salary cap flexibility. Minnesota’s signing of Daniel Jones once he was released by the New York Giants gave them some potential insurance at quarterback. Perhaps O’Connell can resurrect Jones’ career as he did Darnold’s. Stockpiling quarterback talent — especially at a low cost — is smart. Creating more viable options is savvy, especially with McCarthy coming off knee surgery. But this is likely McCarthy’s team moving forward.Best of luck — Frank.

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Finding Context in Losing Streaks

by Team Del Genio

Friday, Jan 31, 2025

In handicapping the NHL in the regular season, it is important to appreciate the context that may have played a role in explaining a team’s recent losing streak. This was the case for us on Wednesday when we backed the New Jersey Devils in their home game against Philadelphia. The Devils had the opportunity to avenge a 4-2 loss at Philadelphia against this Flyers team from two days earlier. They had won nine of their last ten games when playing with revenge from a loss on the road to their opponent this season. They had won five of their eight games this year following a loss to a division rival. They had won two games in a row before the loss earlier this week as they were showing some signs of life after a difficult stretch on the road. The Devils went on a six-game road trip from December 28th through January 9th where they won only one time in their six games. They were still in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 62 points. They were coming back home where they were averaging 3.1 goals per game and holding their opponents to 2.5 goals per game. They had won seven of their last ten games on their home ice. They had won three of the four games at home this season when the oddsmakers installed the over/under at 5.5. Injuries have played a role in their recent slide yet Jack Hughes is healthy again. New Jersey was still without injured Nico Hischier on the blue line and goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Backup goaltender Jake Allen has stepped in for Markstrom’s absence. He was a 2-1-0 record in his three starts since that injury although he will have revenge on his mind after Monday’s result when he gave up two first-period goals and stopped 22 of the 25 shots during that game. New Jersey had beaten nine of the fourteen opponents they have played this season with a winning percentage in the 40% to 49% range, and they had won five of those seven games at home.Philadelphia ended a two-game losing streak before their victory on Monday. The Flyers had won only three times in their last eleven games after a win at home in their previous game. With 52 points, they were tied for fifth place in the Metropolitan Division. They hit the road where they are giving up 3.6 goals per game. They had won eight times in their twenty-one games on the road. They had beaten seven of their last twenty-two opponents with winning records this year, and they have only done that three times in their eleven games on the road. Samuel Ersson was their goaltender tonight after stopping 31 of the 33 shots he faced against the Devils on Monday. Yet on the road, he only had a 2.84 goals-against average and a .888 save percentage. Philadelphia was undermanned in this game with defenseman Yegor Zamula doubtful with an undisclosed injury and forward Sean Couturier questionable with an illness. Couturier has scored eight goals and added 16 assists this year. The Flyers needed his offense against a Devils team that only allows 25.6 shots per game. Philadelphia had won two of their last ten games against opponents who only give up 26.5 or fewer shots per game. They had only pulled off twelve upsets in their thirty-four games this year when the oddsmakers installed them as an underdog. In the rematch on Wednesday, neither team scored a goal in the first period. Ondrej Palat scored in the opening minute of the second quarter for the Devils with a power-play goal, and New Jersey went on to score three more goals in that period including a second power-play goal from Nathan Bastian. Hughes added a fifth goal in the third period and the Devils walked away with a 5-0 victory. Allen got the shutout after stopping all 24 shots he faced. Some bettors might have assumed that the Devils' recent losing streak was evidence that they were taking a step back. Yet a look at their recent schedule should have given pause given a challenging road trip accounting for most of their losses. Their recent injuries certainly played a role as well. Wednesday’s opportunity to avenge a recent loss back on their home ice was a good spot for what is still a good New Jersey team. Good luck - TDG.

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