Articles

March Madness Betting Considerations

by Wayne Root

Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025

There are too many ways to start with your handicapping whether it’s for individual games, futures or pools. I like to at least use these 10 things to look for as a start. 1.  First half under bets in first round. These teams will be nervous and playing in huge arenas and site lines will be off. I will bet every first half under on Thursday and Friday games. Since 2011, 58% and a seven year stretch of 69% overall.  2. TV timeouts. Remember that a great experienced coach will know how to make quick sideline adjustments. Huge advantage in these games. I’ve seen as many players blow a game as I have with coaches.  3. Easier to slow a pace than speed them up.  Look for match ups. If a team with a high pace of play is playing a team that plays exceptionally slow, the fast pace team cannot speed up the slower team. Gives the dog an advantage. 4. Throw out home game stats and see what’s left. If a team is 24-8 overall but of those games they’re 1-6 on the road and 0-1 on a neutral court, forget their wins at home and move on. For this tournament, they’re 1-7. 5. When heavy favorites get a big lead, rest is needed more than a blowout. These teams that are 20 point plus favorites will look to close out most games with their starters on the bench resting. That’s is great for a back door cover. They need six wins in total; not a big blowout. Pace and rest. 6. 12 seed vs 5 seed  For some reason the 12 seed is the team to upset and become the March Cinderella. The opposite as a two seed. They have fared poorly in this tournament the last decade.  7. Bet teams that have senior guards.You’ll win many games with great guard play. Especially with those seniors that have the experience to keep their team at calm, focused and at bay. 8. Bet teams that can shoot the 3-pointer.In this day and age, teams must be able to hit 35.5% of the threes for the year. Any less and you’re not winning many games. And the mid-majors that shoot lights out from three are providing the upsets and Cinderella stories. 9. Bet teams that are in the top 20 in offense AND in defense. I don’t mean top 20 in either one but in both categories. Find them and they’ll be in the elite 8 and covering spreads along the way. 10. Bet teams where the higher seed is a favorite to the lower seed. There’s one to start out with but as the tournament progresses, more and more will come out front depending on the matches. Advantage to the better seed getting the role as the underdog. Good LuckWayne

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and MLB Previews and Odds - 03/18/2025

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and MLB action. The National Basketball Association has four games on its docket. The Atlanta Hawks travel to Charlotte to face the Hornets at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with the total set at 237 (all odds from DraftKings). The Boston Celtics host the Brooklyn Nets at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 216. The The Milwaukee Bucks play in Golden State against the Warriors as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 232. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in Los Angeles to play the Clippers at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 231.5. 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 at home against the Detroit Red Wings as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New York Islanders visit Pittsburgh to play the Penguins with both teams priced at -110 with an over/under of 5.5. The Ottawa Senators play in Montreal against the Canadiens as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The New York Rangers are home against the Calgary Flames as a -218 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two NHL games start at 8:07 p.m. ET. The St. Louis Blues are in Nashville to challenge the Predators as a -115 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Dallas Stars host the Anaheim Ducks as a -355 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Seattle Kraken travel to Chicago to battle the Blackhawks at 8:37 p.m. ET as a -155 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against Utah against the Hockey Club on ESPN at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -170 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets play in Vancouver against the Canucks at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has nine games between Division I opponents in postseason tournament action. Five NCAAB games are on major national television. The NCAA Tournament tips off at 6:40 p.m. ET with the initial first four game between Alabama State facing Saint Francis (PA) at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio, on truTV at 6:40 p.m. ET. The Hornets are a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5. Georgia Tech is home against Jacksonville State in the first round of the NIT on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 141.5. Oklahoma State hosts Wichita State in the first round of the NIT on ESPN2 at 9:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 155.5. The NCAA Tournament continues with the second first four game between North Carolina and San Diego State at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio, on truTV at 9:10 p.m. ET. The Tar Heels are a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Stanford plays CS-Northridge in the first round of the NIT on ESPN2 at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 154.5.Major League Baseball throws out the first pitch for its first regular season game in the MLB World Tour in Tokyo, Japan. The Los Angeles Dodgers battle the Chicago Cubs on Fox at 6:10 a.m. ET as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The second game starts on Wednesday at 6:10 a.m. ET on FS1 with the Dodgers priced as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. 

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3 NCAA Tournament Trends/Angles To Watch

by Kyle Hunter

Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025

NCAA Tournament 3 Angles/Trends To WatchThe NCAA Tournament is finally here! As a huge sports fan, I can confidently say this is my favorite sporting event of the year. The first four days of March Madness are as exciting as you get in the world of sports. Today, I want to take a look at three angles/trends I think you should keep in mind when placing your bets during the NCAA Tournament this year. The Mountain West is 26-53 ATS (32.9%) in their last 79 NCAA Tournament games. Mountain West teams are 13-33 ATS in the Round of 64. San Diego State made that long run a couple years ago, but outside of that the Mountain West has absolutely been burning bettors money for many years. The Mountain West is clearly worse this year than it was a year ago. New Mexico takes on Marquette in Cleveland. Marquette certainly has the higher upside, but neither team has been consistent this season. San Diego State takes on North Carolina in the First Four game in Dayton. North Carolina has a massive talent advantage in that one as well. Will the Tar Heels have a chip on their shoulder? Be careful before you trust the MWC in general. NCAA Tournament with a spread of six points or more and a total of 137 or higher are 197-143 to the under (57.9% unders) since 2005. What is the thought process here? These are games that are less likely to go to overtime. They are also less likely to be a fouling fest in the last minute or two. These have done especially well in the early rounds of the tournament. There are going to be a bunch of matches to this angle this season. Importantly, I would definitely never bet an angle like this blindly. If it is a matchup of two teams who are going to push tempo all the way and get a bunch of trips to the line, that is one where I would sit out on following this angle. #11 and #12 Seeds facing an opponent with an ATS Win (Cover) Rate of 55% or higher on the year- these teams are 67-41 ATS (62% ATS). The #11 and #12 seeds have been profitable for bettors in general in the past decade, but when the opposition has been a great cover team through the year this angle has been even better. The middle of the brackets in terms of seeds have been valuable to underdog bettors. There are top teams in the #1 and #2 seeds, but in the #5 and #6 areas we’ve often found some inconsistent teams who aren’t worthy of laying the number of points they are laying.  Remember these angles are just one part of the handicap, but I think all three of these are good to keep in mind when getting set for the NCAA Tournament this year. 

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CBB - March Madness Preview: (By Region)

by William Burns

Monday, Mar 17, 2025

South Region:  Aka. Auburn's region, this region is very intriguing. We've got a brilliant matchup in Louisville/Creighton kicking the 4-day weekend off on Thursday and the best overall team in the field in Auburn. The Tigers are coming into this tournament with (-135) odds to win this region and head to the Final Four. That's not giving much respect to the rest of the teams, who most definitely all have a chance. The first couple of games in the South will actually be played on Tuesday in the First Four. St. Francis takes on Alabama State to get into the tournament. That should be a very close game that comes down to the wire. In the other matchup, we'll see a hungry San Diego State team take on a team that perhaps shouldn't even be here in North Carolina. The rankings were with UNC, but the results were not. I mean, the Tar Heels were 1-12 in Quad-1 games this season. They also have a Quad-3 loss at home to Stanford. Having said that, teams like West Virginia, Indiana & Boise State were left at home not happy whatsoever. But, take nothing away from the Tar Heels. They are in and have as good of a shot as any to go in and win their First-Four matchup and even more. They got a pretty good draw considering all of this. Let's not skip too far down the bracket yet though. Michigan may have just won the Big 10 Tournament. But, it's got a very interesting first round matchup against a UC San Diego team that might just be the worst possible opponent for them. The Tritons force plenty of TO's and Michigan has a TO issue. Upset Alert? Yale upset Auburn last season in the #4/13 matchup. Can the Bulldogs do it again this March? Back to the bottom half of the bracket again, despite the injury from Keshon Gilbert, the Cyclones are still a phenomenal basketball team. They played very well in the Big 12 Tournament vs. BYU without Gibert & Lipsey. Lipsey is expected to be back. Michigan State is also not to be slept on. I mean it's the reigning Big 10 Regular Season champs. East Region:  Aka. Duke's region. Finishing the pre-March Madness season with the best record in College Basketball, the Duke Blue Devils had to finish the season with their best player sitting on the sidelines. Yes, I expect Cooper Flagg to return to the Blue Devils for the entirety of this tournament. This team is as strong as any Duke team that's ever been in this tournament. What a matchup we have in the #8/#9 between Mississippi State & Baylor. If the Bears advance we could see Jeremy Roach against his old team (Duke) - that matchup would be very fun. If Mississippi State wins, it could also cause problems for Duke as the Blue Devils haven't played a team that plays to the style of MSST all season. I'd keep a close eye on this game if it were to happen. Oregon got a favorable draw in Liberty in my opinion. I know that the Flames only lost six games this season. But I also don't think that the CUSA is all that strong this season. I'm not counting Liberty out, Oregon should take it though. Arizona/Akron will be running up and down the court all game long. Bad matchup for Akron? Maybe. But, I could see the Zips making this one closer than people anticipate. BYU/VCU might just be the best game of the first round. Excellent three point shooting against some of the best 3pt defending in the country. Wisconsin was the runner up in the Big 10 Tourney. John Tonje looked like he could've been Big 10 POTY in that tournament. But, Montana shoots very, very well (2nd in the country in FG %.) and if Wisconsin is missing its shots, maybe, just maybe this could be Cinderella. St. Mary's vs. Vandy is expected to be very close as well. I think that the Commodores slightly over performed this season and could disappoint, but that doesn't mean that Jason Edwards isn't a special player and could make something happen. St. Mary's has something to prove this season after the first round exit last year. At the bottom, we've got Alabama taking on Robert Morris. I think this is a good matchup for Bama even if Grant Nelson can't go. His status is something to look for though in games to come. Midwest Region:  Aka. Houston's region, might just be the weakest region. Especially in the bottom half. But, at the top, we've got Houston/SIUE. I simply don't see an upset here whatsoever. I know, I'm boring. But, C'mon. Have you watched Houston this season? The Cougars won't lose to a non-power 4 school yet alone 16 seed in the first round. In the next matchup though, Houston could have something coming for them. Gonzaga might just be the most under seeded team in the entire tournament and Georgia is led by one of the best big men in the country in Asa Newell as just a freshman. Newell was a part of that stacked Monteverde team last season in High School with Cooper Flagg and co. Now, Houston's J'Wan Roberts' status is something to keep an eye on. Upset could be looming if Roberts can't go in round 2. Clemson/McNeese State & Purdue/High Point might be the most exciting #5/#12 , #4/#13 part of this whole bracket. Any one of those four teams could make a run into the Sweet Sixteen and they are all very talented at what they do. I believe that these two games should both come down to the wire. In the bottom half of the bracket, Illinois awaits the winner of Xavier/Texas. Now, both those teams were bubble teams and both didn't know that they would make it. Texas is very hot right now and Xavier has some very good talent on its roster. If Illinois isn't ready, it could be one and done. Kentucky is looking to not repeat the disaster that it had last season in the #3/#14 matchup. If you don't remember Jack Gohlke hitting 10 threes for Oakland and shocking the Wildcats last season, I don't know what you  are doing. Luckily, Troy isn't a great three point shooting team so a repeat of that is unlikely. But, don't count out the Trojans who are great at rebounding and defending. UCLA/Utah State will be slow paced most likely. The Bruins play great defense and Utah State moves the ball around a lot in that offense. I could see a mini upset here, but the Big 10 team might be too strong for Mountain West. Finally, Tennessee/Wofford will close out this region at the bottom. Wofford has a guy by the name of Kyler Filewich who shoots Free Throw's underhanded. Get prepared for madness. That bottom half is scary with the inconsistencies of the lower seeds. Expect the unexpected. West Region:  Aka. Florida's region, this is going to be something special. Not only does the West have FOUR TOP 12 TEAMS in KenPom's overall rankings, but it's also got teams like Memphis, UCONN (B2B defending champs,) Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado State and even Oklahoma. Now, if there was any group to label the group of death, it's most definitely this one in my opinion. Looking at the matchups, Florida should obviously cruise past Norfolk State. UCONN/OU is going to be very good. Although they are still very good, I believe that Vegas is overhyping the Huskies slightly with the current odds in that game (-4.5.) I mean, that games a toss up if you ask me and the Jeremiah Fears/Jalon Moore combo is so fun to watch. Memphis/Colorado. Now, here's something unexpected. The #12 seed is actually favored in this game against the #5. Will Memphis pull off the "upset" as a five seed? That seems very weird to say but I definitely think that this game could also go either way. Maryland/GCU is a battle of two high scoring teams that wanted easier matchups. Grand Canyon beat St. Mary's last season in the tournament so you cannot count the Antelopes out. Maryland could be a Final Four team though. Missouri/Drake. I mean another toss up here. Bennett Striz is a joy to watch, but will him and the rest of his former division two filled roster be enough to crack one a team from the sports' top conference? We'll have to wait and see. We've seen bigger upsets before than a #3/#14, but Texas Tech seems to be much better than UNC Wilmington. I mean the Seahawks got a gift by playing Delaware in the CAA championship game. I don't see them pulling off this upset. John Calipari/Bill Self is next. What a game this should be. Two great coaches and two teams that underperformed this season. Finishing off we've got Omaha looking to upset the Big East Champs in St. John's. Now an upset here, that would be something. But, don't underestimate the team that beats up trash cans after their wins from Omaha. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA and NHL Previews and Odds - 03/17/2025

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Mar 17, 2025

The Monday sports card features NBA and NHL action. The National Basketball Association has ten games on its docket. The New York Knicks host the Miami Heat on ESPN at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Knicks were on a two-game winning streak before a 97-94 loss at Golden State as a 6.5-point underdog on Saturday. Their 42-24 record puts them in second place in the Atlantic Division and third place in the Eastern Conference. The Heat have lost seven games in a row after a 125-91 loss at Memphis as a 6-point underdog on Saturday. Their 29-38 record puts them in third place in the Southeast Division and ninth place in the Eastern Conference. New York is a 7.5-point favorite with the total set at 212.5 (all odds from DraftKings). Three NBA games tip off at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Minnesota Timberwolves play at home against the Indiana Pacers as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 229.5. The Houston Rockets are home against the Philadelphia 76ers as a 15.5-point favorite with a total of 222. The Detroit Pistons travel to New Orleans to play the Pelicans as a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 233.5. The Chicago Bulls play in Utah against the Jazz at 9:10 p.m. ET  as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 239.5. Four NBA games start at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Portland Trail Blazers host the Washington Wizards as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 232. The Sacramento Kings play at home against the Memphis Grizzlies as a 3-point favorite with a total of 240. The Phoenix Suns are home against the Toronto Raptors as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 227.5. The Golden State Warriors host the Denver Nuggets on ESPN. The Warriors have won 13 of their last 14 games after their 97-94 victory against New York as a 6.5-point favorite on Saturday. Their 39-28 record puts them in second place in the Pacific Division and third place in the Western Conference. The Nuggets lost for the second time in three games after a 126-123 upset loss against Washington as a 12-point favorite on Saturday. Their 43-25 record puts them in second place in the Northwest Division and third place in the Western Conference. Golden State is a 5-point favorite with a total of 236.5. The Los Angeles Lakers play at home against the San Antonio Spurs at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 229.The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. Three NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Boston Bruins are home against the Buffalo Sabres as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Philadelphia  Flyers as a -265 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The New Jersey Devils are in Columbus to face the Blue Jackets as a -135 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs play at home against the Calgary Flames at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -218 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings visit the Minnesota Wild at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5.

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NCAA Tournament: Buyer Beware on These Two Higher Seeds

by Vegas Writer

Sunday, Mar 16, 2025

Now that the Selection Committee has done its job, it's time for me to do mine and provide you with a Buyer Beware speech before the dance gets underway this week.While many are on the prowl to identify the right team to invest in, the one with the right odds and that can make a run at the title, I'm alerting you to a couple of higher-seeded teams I see bowing out sooner than expected so you don't make any financial mistakes.AUBURN (No. 1 seed, South Region)Of the No. 1 seeds in this year's event, the Tigers appear to be the most vulnerable, and one I don't think makes it into the national semifinals, let alone the South final. The Tigers bowed out of the SEC Tournament with a 62-57 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers, and come into the tournament losers in three of their last four games.They closed the regular season with consecutive losses to Texas A&M and Alabama, and I have to tell you, I think Bruce Pearl's troops is going to have problems when it gets locked into physical games due to its knack for fouling.Auburn ranks 318th in the nation in committing 18.6 fouls per game, and by putting teams on the line, the Tigers could shoot themselves in the foot as early as the second round against either Louisville or Creighton.PURDUE (No. 4 seed, Midwest Region)I bought into the Boilermakers early on this season, after they bolted out to an 11-2 mark in the Big Ten. But then they lost four in a row, and ended up closing the season, and postseason tournament, with losses in six of their last nine games.The defense scares me, as it went from allowing 69 points per game over its first 24 games but then gave up 78 per contest over the last nine.The other problem with this team is turnovers. Yes, they rank 48th in committing only 10.4 miscues per game, but this team has an upset-minded High Point in the opening round and then could face Clemson and Houston if it gets as far as the regional semifinal. The Boilers would suffocate under Houston's pressure.

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The NBA MVP Race!

by Will Rogers

Sunday, Mar 16, 2025

Doesn’t it seem like the individual battle for the NBA MVP Award has been a two-person deal since the opening day of the season?Three-time (2021, 2022, 2024) winner Nikola Jokic has been battling Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tooth and nail. When Gilgeous-Alexander seems to have the trophy in his back pocket, Jokic does the impossible – putting together the league’s first-ever 30-20-20 triple double. The head-shaker of a game on March 8 was his 29th triple-double of the year and tied his own team record. The SGA, because he’s SGA, follows that with his own dominant performance, carrying the Thunder on his back in a road win in Boston with 34 points that made him one of only four player in league history with at least 20 points in 60 straight games.So where do things stand now in the MVP race with just a few weeks left in the regular season?THE ODDS – Jokic opened the season as a modest favorite, +380 to SGA’s +550. But OKC’s white-hot start and Denver’s sluggish play early were major factors in flipping those numbers.  Oddsmakers now like Gilgeous-Alexander’s chances at -700, while Jokic at +450 still has some heavy lifting to do.WHEN IN DOUBT – Oklahoma City made it known early that it is the best team in the Western Conference, and the Give It to the Best Player on the best team would apply here. And with nine wins in their last 10 games, the Thunder are showing zero interest in resting for the playoffs. The attention they get as the No. 1 seed with possibly the best record in the league gives SGA a boost. With a thinner roster that has little depth, Denver (5-5 in its last 10) is showing signs of fatigue.WHERE WOULD THEY BEWITHOUT? – Huge advantage to Jokic, who is clearly far more indispensable. With Jokic, the Nuggets’ offense would evaporate and Denver would most likely be a Lottery team talking about drafting the “best player available.” With him they can scour the earth for depth pieces and players who can fit in with him. OKC, OTOH, might not be dominant without Gilgeous-Alexander but would probably be in the mix for home advantage in Round 1 of the playoffs. Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins are under-the-radar stars, a healthy Chet Holmgren is finally showing his talent, and Isaiah Hartenstein has solved a Big Man Void that has cost OKC in recent years.THEY BOTH PLAY – Neither Gilgeous-Alexander nor Jokic has shown the slightest interest in playing the Load Management game. SGA played in 64 of his team’s 67 games, and Jokic has been almost as durable – missing only 7 of the Nuggets' 68 games. Both could afford to sit over several games down the stretch and still play in the league-mandated minimum of 65 games to qualify for the award.JOKIC FATIGUE FACTOR – Jokic, the defending MVP, has won the award three times in the last four years. There may sentiment to vote for “somebody else,” especially since SGA finished second in the voting last season and has been dominant. But Jokic backers will point out that the Serbian’s numbers (scoring, assists, free throws and minutes) are all GREATER than in the years that he won the award.BOTTOM LINE – Expect a new MVP. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2024-25 season has just been too steady, too overwhelming and too dominant to overlook. Four times this season he scored 50 or more points in a game, numbers that are Chamberlain-like. He will lead the league in scoring average, and barring a late-season injury will have more points than anyone else. He has the most 20-point games, the most 30-point games, the most 40-point games and the most 50-point games.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL Previews and Odds - 03/16/2025

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Mar 16, 2025

The Sunday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action. The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 1:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Orlando Magic on ABC as a 10.5-point favorite with the total set at 219.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Dallas Mavericks play at home against the Philadelphia 76ers as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 225. The Los Angeles Lakers are home against the Phoenix Suns on ABC as a 4-point favorite with a total of 230. Two NBA games start at 6:10 p.m. ET. The Portland Trail Blazers host the Toronto Raptors as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Atlanta Hawks travel to Brooklyn to face the Nets as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 229. Two NBA games begin at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Clippers play at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 221.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are home against the Utah Jazz as a 13-point favorite with a total of 231.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder play in Milwaukee against the Bucks on ESPN at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 231.5. The National Hockey League has seven games on its slate. The Vegas Golden Knights are in Detroit to play the Red Wings on TNT at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche host the Dallas Stars on TNT at 3:37 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The St. Louis Blues play at home against the Anaheim Ducks at 6:07 p.m. ET as a -170 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers visit the New York Rangers at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Utah Hockey Club plays at Vancouver against the Canucks at 8:07 p.m. ET with both teams priced as a -110 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Winnipeg Jets are in Seattle to face the Kraken at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -175 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has five games between Division I opponents in conference tournament championship game action. Yale challenges Cornell in the Ivy League championship game on ESPN2 at noon ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 158.5.Two more NCAAB games tip off at 1:00 p.m. ET. VCU goes against George Mason in the Atlantic 10 championship game on CBS as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 127.5. Florida battles Tennessee in the finals of the SEC tournament on ESPN as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Memphis takes on UAB in the American Athletic Conference championship game on ESPN at 3:15 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 160.5. Wisconsin challenges Michigan in the Big Ten championship game on CBS at 3:30 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 149.5.Matchweek 29 in the English Premier League concludes with three matches. Two EPL matches begin at 9:30 a.m. ET. Arsenal are home against Chelsea as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Fulham hosts Tottenham on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester United travels to Leicester City on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 03/15/2025

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Mar 15, 2025

The Saturday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action. The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. The Boston Celtics travel to Brooklyn to face the Nets at 6:10 p.m. ET as an 11-point road favorite with the total set at 215 (all odds from DraftKings). The Oklahoma City Thunder play at Detroit against the Pistons at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 234.5. Three more NBA games tip off at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Memphis Grizzlies host the Miami Heat as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 227.5. The Milwaukee Bucks play at home against the Indiana Pacers as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 235. The Houston Rockets are home against the Chicago Bulls as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 232. Two NBA games start at 8:40 p.m. ET. The Golden State Warriors host the New York Knicks on ABC as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 229.5. The New Orleans Pelicans are in San Antonio to face the Spurs as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 237. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Washington Wizards at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 239.The National Hockey League has 11 games on its slate. The Vegas Golden Knights visit Buffalo to play the Sabres at 12:37 p.m. ET. The New Jersey Devils play in Pittsburgh against the Penguins on ABC at 3:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Washington Capitals are in San Jose to challenge the Sharks at 5:07 p.m. ET as a -278 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5.  Five NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Florida Panthers travel to Montreal to face the Canadiens as a -205 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Carolina Hurricanes play in Philadelphia to battle the Flyers as a -175 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The New York Rangers are in Columbus against the Blue Jackets as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs are home against the Ottawa Senators as a -148 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning visit Boston to play the Bruins as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Two NHL games start at 8:07 p.m. ET. The St. Louis Blue plays at Minnesota against the Wild as a -112 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings host the Nashville Predators as a -218 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Vancouver Canucks play at home against the Chicago Blackhawks at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -245 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 22 games between Division I opponents in conference tournament action. Fourteen NCAAB games are on major national television. Bryant hosts Maine in the championship game of the America East tournament on ESPN2 at 11:00 a.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 144.5. Three NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 1:00 p.m. ET. Norfolk State battles South Carolina State in the championship game of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament on ESPN2 as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Auburn plays Tennessee on ESPN as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 139.5. Michigan State goes against Wisconsin on CBS as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Memphis challenges Tulane on ESPN2 at 3:00 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 149.5. Maryland faces Michigan on ESPN2 at 3:30 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 150.5. North Texas goes against UAB on ESPN2 at 5:00 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 135.5. Three NCAAB games on major national television begin at 6:00 p.m. ET. Houston plays Arizona in the championship game of the Big East tournament on ESPN at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. St. John’s challenges Creighton in the Big East Championship Game on Fox as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 140.5. Boise State faces Colorado State in the championship game of the Mountain West Conference on CBS. Akron goes against Miami (OH) in the championship game of the Mid-American Conference on ESPN2 at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 158.5. Duke battles Louisville in the ACC Championship Game on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 144.5. UC-Irvine faces UC-San Diego in the championship game of the Big West tournament on ESPN2 at 9:40 p.m. ET. Grand Canyon plays Utah Valley in the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference tournament on ESPN2 at 11:40 p.m. ET. Matchweek 29 in the English Premier League begins with five matches. Four EPL matches start at 11:00 a.m. ET. Everton is home against West Ham United on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Nottingham Forest is at Ipswich Town as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester City hosts Brighton and Hove Albion as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Wolverhampton plays at home against Southampton as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Bournemouth visits Brentford at 1:30 on the USA Network at 1:30 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 03/14/2025

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Mar 14, 2025

The Friday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action. The National Basketball Association has ten games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Boston Celtics travel to Miami to face the Heat as an 8-point road favorite with the total set at 216.5. The Indiana Pacers play in Philadelphia against the 76ers as an 11.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 232.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are in Atlanta to face the Hawks at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 232.5. Four NBA games start at  8:10 p.m. ET. The Houston Rockets host the Dallas Mavericks as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 224. The Cleveland Cavaliers visit Memphis to play the Grizzlies as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 244.5. The San Antonio Spurs play at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 230. The Minnesota Timberwolves are home against the Orlando Magic as a 10.5-pint favorite with a total of 209. The Utah Jazz host the Toronto Raptors at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 232. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Los Angeles Lakers at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 14-point favorite with a total of 232. The Phoenix Suns are home against the Sacramento Kings at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 233.5.The National Hockey League has six games on its slate. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Detroit Red Wings at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -230 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers play in New York against the Islanders at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets play at home against the  Dallas Stars at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche are in Calgary to challenge the Flames at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -192 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Nashville Predators travel to Anaheim to play the Ducks as a -135 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The  Utah Hockey Club plays in Seattle against the Kraken as a -130 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 37 games between Division I opponents in conference tournament action. Thirteen NCAAB games are on major national television. VCU battles St. Bonaventure on the USA Network at 11:30 a.m. ET is an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 133.5. Two more NCAAB games on major national television begin at 1:00 p.m. ET. Auburn faces Mississippi on ESPN as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 154.5. Memphis plays Wichita State on ESPN2 as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 147.5. Florida Atlantic battles Tulane on ESPN2 at 3:00 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 148.5. Tennessee goes against Texas on ESPN at 3:30 p.m. ET  as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 135.5. George Washington challenges George Mason on the USA Network at 5:00 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 128.5. St. John’s faces Marquette on Fox at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 141.5. Two NCAA-B games on major national television start at 7:00 p.m. ET. Duke plays North Carolina on ESPN as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 155.5. Houston battles BYU on ESPN2 as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 135.5. UConn goes against Creighton on Fox at 9:00 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5. Two more NCAAB games on major national television begin at 9:30 p.m. ET. Clemson takes on Louisville on ESPN as a 1-point favorite with a total of 141.5. Texas Tech challenges Arizona on ESPN2 as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 152.5. UC-Irvine faces Cal-Poly on ESPN2 at 11:30 p.m. ET as a 1-.5-point favorite with a total of 154.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NCAAB and NHL Previews and Odds - 03/13/2025

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Mar 13, 2025

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action. The National Basketball Association has five games on its docket. The Detroit Pistons host the Washington Wizards at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 14.5-point favorite with the total set at 235. The Milwaukee Bucks play at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on TNT at 7:30 p.m. ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 226. Two NBA games tip off at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Orlando Magic travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 217. The Chicago Bulls are home against Brooklyn as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 230. The Golden State Warriors host the Sacramento Kings on TNT at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 233.5. The National Hockey League has nine games on its slate. Five NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Tampa Bay Lightning play in Philadelphia against the Flyers as a -175 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Vegas Golden Knights are in Columbus to play the Blue Jackets as a -166 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The St. Louis Blues visit Pittsburgh to challenge the Penguins as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Florida Panthers play in Toronto against the Maple Leafs as a -118 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Ottawa Senators play at home against the Boston Bruins as a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers are in New Jersey to battle the Devils as a -155 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The New York Rangers travel to Minnesota to go against the Wild at 8:07 p.m. ET with both teams priced as a -110 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:37 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Kings are home to play the Washington Capitals as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Chicago Blackhawks play in San Jose against the Sharks with both teams priced as a -110 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 40 games between Division I opponents in conference tournament action tipping off in the Mid-American Conference at 11:00 a.m. ET. Eleven NCAAB games are on major national television. St. Bonaventure battles Duquesne on the USA Network at 11:30 a.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 129.5. Duke plays Georgia Tech on ESPN at noon ET as a 22.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Iowa State faces BYU on ESPN2 at 12:30 p.m. ET. Saint Louis challenges Davidson on the USA Network at 2:00 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 141.5. Two more NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 3:00 p.m. ET. Houston plays Colorado on ESPN2 as a 17.5-point favorite with an over/under of 127.5. Boise State goes against San Diego State on the CBS Sports Network as a 1-point favorite with a total of 134.5. Three NCAAB games on major national television at 7:00 p.m. ET. Creighton battles DePaul on FS1 as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Texas Tech faces Baylor on ESPN as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 140.5. Saint Joseph’s plays LaSalle on the USA Network as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 145.5. Colorado State challenges Nevada on the CBS Sports Network at 9:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5. Three more NCAAB games on major national television at 9:30 p.m. ET. Arizona faces Kansas on ESPN as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 151.5. Clemson plays SMU on ESPN2 as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. UConn goes against Villanova on FS1 as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 135.5. Utah State battles UNLV on the CBS Sports Network at 11:30 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under 142.5.

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MLB Futures Selection: Los Angeles Dodgers to Win the 2025 World Series

by Al McMordie

Thursday, Mar 13, 2025

For the 2025 Major League Baseball season, our Futures selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the World Series.  Currently, the best odds are at BetRivers, at +260.  Some have called them one of the greatest rosters ever assembled and while that may prove to be a bit of an exaggeration, there's no denying the talent that the Dodgers possess heading into the 2025 season.  Whether or not they prove to be another 1998 New York Yankees, the Dodgers enter the season as strong favorites to win it all.  And it starts with the NL West where the chief competition should once again come from the Padres and Diamondbacks.  But as nice as those teams are, they will likely prove no match for L.A.  If the eventual planned six-man rotation can stay healthy most of the time, then the Dodgers should cruise into the playoffs.   Not only did the Dodgers land the top player from Japan for the second consecutive year -- RHP Roki Sasaki -- but the aforementioned six-man rotation should allow L.A. to reduce the workloads of its other studs, namely Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow, and a now-healthy Gonsolin, while working Kershaw and Ohtani back in as starters, if needed.  But it's not all about starting pitching for the MLB favorites.  The core of a very good veteran offense returns as Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, and Will Smith are still around while HR Derby champ Teoscar Hernandez signed a new three-year deal during the off-season.  They've also added a solid veteran presence in OF Michael Conforto.  If there's a question mark for the Dodgers, it's with the closer role.  But that's something that should be easily addressed as the season goes on with a group of solid veteran arms in the bullpen including Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Blake Treinen.   The D-Backs may have landed Corbin Burnes, and the Padres Nick Pivetta, but it simply isn't enough to overcome the immense talent gap between those teams and the Dodgers.  L.A. should easily capture another division pennant that will allow it to utilize that six-man rotation in September and rest those valuable arms for the playoffs.  As for the other MLB divisions, the biggest challenges will likely come from the Phillies and Mets, but those teams have been known to choke in the post-season on multiple occasions.  And even on their best day they are still a notch below the Dodgers (and a big notch at that).  It should also be mentioned that the early AL favorite -- the Yankees -- have received horrible news this Spring with the losses of Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Giancarlo Stanton.  And in Cole's case, it's surgery and he's done for the season.  Take the Dodgers to win the 2025 World Series at +260.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

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