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NBA Shootaround: February 23rd-26th

by Sean Murphy

Monday, Feb 20, 2023

The NBA resumes regular season action on Thursday following an extended six-day All-Star break. Here's a look at several playoff-hungry teams that are staring down a busy weekend as they begin the stretch run. Sacramento Kings (32-25, third in Western Conference)The Kings dragged their heels prior to the break, dropping two of their last three games including a particularly tough defeat in Phoenix as the Suns pulled within 1.5 games of Sacramento atop the Pacific Division. Now the Kings begin a tricky stretch that will see them play three games in four nights, in three different cities beginning Thursday at home against the Blazers. Sacramento is near the top of my second half fade list as regression is to be expected given it currently leads the league in points per game and offensive rating and stood pat at the trade deadline (save for a minor deal to acquire Kessler Edwards). Golden State Warriors (29-29, ninth in Western Conference)Like the Kings, the Warriors will also tip off the stretch run with a three-in-four situation, starting with a trip to Los Angeles to face the Lakers before hosting a pair of winnable games against the Rockets and Timberwolves on Friday and Sunday, respectively. Golden State limped into the break on the heels of three losses in four games. Note that Friday's game against Houston will mark the beginning of a five-game homestand where the Warriors will look to gain some ground in the Western Conference standings, where they currently sit in ninth place but just a single game back of the sixth-place Mavericks (teams in spots seven through 10 will take part in the play-in tournament).Denver Nuggets (41-18, first in Western Conference)Keeping with the Western Conference theme, the first-place Nuggets will play three games in four nights from Thursday to Sunday and it's a difficult stretch that will take them all over the map. It starts with a trip to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers on Thursday before heading to Memphis on Saturday and back home for a matchup with the Clippers on Sunday. Given their tendency to employ strict 'load management' with their stars over the course of the season, it will be critical to keep an eye on the nightly injury reports. Heading into the break, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon were both dealing with nagging injuries. Newly-acquired Reggie Jackson is likely to make his debut when Denver returns to the court on Thursday. Cleveland Cavaliers (38-23, fourth in Eastern Conference)The Cavs have perhaps the most manageable three-in-four situation of the teams I've mentioned. They'll return to game action on Thursday when they host the Nuggets before making the trek to Atlanta on Friday. Following an off day on Saturday they're back home for a game against the Raptors on Sunday. While the Cavs have gone 13-17 on the road this season, they're an impressive 25-6 at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland will want to make the most of this weekend's proceedings before beginning a stretch that will see it play five of its next seven games on the road. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/20/2023

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Feb 20, 2023

The Monday sports card features action in the NHL and NCAAB. The National Basketball Association continues its All-Star Game break.The National Hockey League has six games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 1:07 PM ET. The Florida Panthers host the Anaheim Ducks. The Panthers lost for the second time in their last three games with a 7-3 loss in New York to the Islanders on Saturday. The Ducks lost their fourth straight game with a 6-3 loss to the Los Anglees Kings on Friday. Florida is a -410 money line favorite, with the total set at 7 (all odds from DraftKings). The Boston Bruins play at home against the Ottawa Senators. The Bruins won their third game in a row with their 6-2 vicorty against the New York Islanders on Saturday. The Senators won for the third time in their last four games with a 7-2 victory agianst St. Louis on Sunday. Boston is a -295 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Seattle Kraken visit San Jose to play the Sharks at 4:07 PM ET. The Kraken won their second-straight game with a 4-2 victory against Detroit on Saturday. The Sharks lost their third straight game in a 4-2 loss to Buffalo on Saturday. Seattle is a -150 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Two NHL games start at 4:07 PM ET. The Calgary Flames are at home against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flames ended a two-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory against the New York Rangers on Saturday. The Flyers are on a four-game losing streak with a 6-2 loss at Vancouver on Saturday. Calgary is a -230 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Two NHL games begin at 7:07 PM ET. The Pittsburgh Penguins host the New York Islanders. The Penguins lost their second-straight game with a 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Saturday. The Islanders lost for the fourth time in their last five games in a 6-2 loss at Boston on Saturday. Pittsburgh is a -135 money line favorite with a total of 6. The New York Rangers play at home agianst the Winnipeg Jets. The Rangers' were on a seven-game winning streak before a 3-2 loss at Calgary on Saturday. The Jets were on a three-game winning streak before a 3-1 loss at Columbus on Thursday. New York is a -170 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. The college basketball schedule has four games on national television. Two NCAAB games on national television tip off at 7 PM ET. West Virginia hosts Oklahoma State on ESPN2. The Mountaineers lost their second-straight game in a 78-72 upset loss to Texas Tech as a 6-point favorite on Saturday. The Cowboys are on a two-game losing streak after a 100-75 loss at TCU as a 6.5-point underdog on Saturday. West Virginia is a 5-point favorite, with the total set at 143. Duke plays at home against Louisville on ESPN. The Blue Devils won for the fifth time in their last seven games with a 77-55 victory at Syracuse as a 1-point favorite on Saturday. The Cardinals ended a four-game losing with an 83-73 upset victory against Clemson as an 11-point underdog on Saturday. Duke is an 18.5-point favorite with an over/under of 137.5. Two NCAAB games on national television start at 9 PM ET. TCU is at home against Kansas on ESPN. The Horned Frogs ended a four-game losing streak with a 100-75 victory against Oklahoma State as a 6.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Jayhawks won for the sixth time in their last seven games with an 87-71 victory against Baylor as a 5-point favorite on Saturday. TCU is a 2-point favorite with a total of 149.5. Alabama A&M hosts Florida A&M on ESPNU. The Bulldogs are on a three-game winning streak after their 90-56 victory against Bethune Cookman as a 5.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Rattlers ended a three-game losing streak with a 60-54 upset win against Alabama State as a 6.5-point underdog on Saturday. Alabama A&M is a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 127.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 01/19/2023

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Feb 19, 2023

The Sunday sports card features action in the NHL, NCAAB, and EPL. The National Basketball Association continues its All-Star Game break.The National Hockey League has six games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 2:07 PM ET. The Minnesota Wild host the Nashville Predators as a -205 money line favorite with the total set at 6 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Ottawa Senators play at home against the St. Louis Blues as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche are at home against the Edmonton Oilers at 3:07 PM ET as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Chicago Blackhawks at 6:07 PM ET as a -295 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils host the Winnipeg Jets at 7:07 PM ET as a -130 money line favorite with a total of 6. The Arizona Coyotes play at home against the Columbus Bluejackets at 8:07 PM ET as a -135 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 13 games on national television. Central Florida is at home against Cincinnati on ESPNU at noon ET as a 4-point favorite with a total of 137.5. Two more NCAAB games on national television tip-off at 1 PM ET. Purdue hosts Ohio State on CBS as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139. North Carolina State plays at home against North Carolina on ESPN as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 152. Three more NCAAB games start at 2 PM ET. Temple is at home against Tulsa on ESPNU as a 14.5-point favorite with a total of 143. Bradley visits Southern Illinois on ESPN2 as a 2-point road favorite with an over/under of 127. St. Bonaventure hosts George Washington on the USA Network as a 5-point favorite with a total of 143.5. Two NCAAB games on national television begin at 3 PM ET. Houston plays at home against Memphis on ESPN as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 141. Butler is at home against Georgetown on FS1 as a 5-point favorite with a total of 138.5. Drake hosts Belmont on the CBS Sports Network at 4 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145. Maryland plays at Nebraska on FS1 at 5 PM ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 134. Furman is at home against East Tennessee State on ESPNU at 6 PM ET as a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Washington State plays at home against Oregon on FS1 at 7 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 134.5. Boise State hosts UNLV on FS1 at 9 PM ET as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 140.Matchweek 24 in the English Premier League concludes with two matches on the USA Network. Manchester United plays at home against Leicester City at 9 AM ET as a -1 goal-line favorite with a total of 3. Tottenham is at home against West Ham United at 11:30 AM ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5.

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The Surprise College Basketball Conference as of February 2023

by Wayne Root

Saturday, Feb 18, 2023

We all know about the Big 12 conference with Kansas and Texas in the top 10. Kansas St, Iowa St and TCU can knock off their share of teams rounding out the Big 12 teams that are ranked in the top 25. This is your Number One ranked conference.  The second rated conference is the SEC. Alabama is the number one team in the nation this week. I say this week because teams continue to knock each other off playing any given solid home game against others within their conference. Tennessee is also in the top 15.  The third ranked conference is the Big 10. Purdue and Indiana leads this conference, however, they have proved they can also lose. They’ve lost 12 games between them. Northwestern, Maryland and Iowa are the other notable teams. But not that strong.  Let’s skip the fourth highest rated conference for a second. And go to the 5th, 6th and 7th. These are perennial highly ranked teams. Meanwhile, who is #4? The fifth highest ranked conference is the Big East. They mesmerized the basketball world for so many years. They have Marquette, Providence, Xavier, Creighton, UConn and The Hall. But yet the Big 10 rated just ahead of them. They may have their rating scrambled with these two conferences. It will play out in March.  The sixth ranked conference is the ACC. Duke and North Carolina lost momentum when the transfer portals opened for other teams to get players. Virginia leads the ACC pack. Miami and NC State are also in the top 25. Duke and North Carolina have 13 loses between them. Why Pittsburgh at 12-3 and Clemson coming in at 11-4 are not ranked is baffling.  The seventh ranked college basketball conference is the PAC 12. With games starting at 11:00 est it’s not hard to figure out why there’s a west coast bias. For those that can’t watch games played between 11:00 pm est and 1:30 am est, not much has changed. UCLA is ranked # 4 in the nation. I predict them to be one of two teamed to be playing Monday, April 3rd. Arizona competes with them at 12-4 and USC has some talent.  Now back to the mystery fourth ranked college basketball conference that is the Mountain West. UNLV is in seventh place at 16-10. San Diego St at 21-5 is on top. Boise is in second at 20-6 along with 20-6 Nevada. Utah St is 20-7 as is New Mexico. Even the Air Force team that doesn’t like tall pilots has 14 wins. And a team that almost never wins games at any sport has a 16-11 record as in San Jose St. Did you know they’re the “Spartans”?  As we get closer to the March Madness tournament, today’s lesson to learn is that the changing of the guard is here. You’ll see Duke and North Carolina over-rated while the Mountain West teams under-valued. The Big 10 might get 7-8 teams in and the public will lay the over-priced lines. The Big 12 is solid so the oddsmakers will play it straight making their lines.  Also worth mentioning is the West Coast Conference (WCC) with St Mary’s and Gonzaga the top two teams with Santa Clara at 20-8 in third.  Lastly are two other teams in the top 25. Are they there because they are good or there because they beat up on the “sisters of the poor” teams within their own conference? Houston Cougars are a good team coming in ranked # 3 in the top 25. Florida-Atlantic is 24-3 and needs to be looked into to see how good they are.  We’re a month away from The Madness. We’ll continue to monitor everything and then some. Stay tuned as more articles will get you prepared for the biggest three week party this Country has. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/18/2023

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Feb 18, 2023

The Saturday sports card features action in the NHL, NCAAB, and EPL. The National Basketball Association continues its All-Star Game break.The National Hockey League has 13 games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 2:07 PM ET. The Colorado Avalanche visit St. Louis to play the Blues as a -165 money line road favorite with the total set at 6 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Florida Panthers play at Nashville against the Predators as a -130 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Boston Bruins host the New York Islanders at 5:07 PM ET as a -240 money line favorite with a total of 6. The New Jersey Devils are in Pittsburgh to play the Penguins at 5:37 PM ET as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Dallas Stars host the Columbus Bluejackets at 6:07 PM ET as a -265 money line favorite with a total of 6. The Toronto Maple Leafs play at home against the Montreal Canadiens at 7:07 PM ET as a -425 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes play the Washington Capitals in the NHL Stadium Series at the Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina on ABC at 8:07 PM ET. The Hurricanes are a -190 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Two NHL games start at 10:07 PM ET. The Vancouver Canucks host the Philadelphia Flyers as a -120 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Calgary Flames play at home against the New York Rangers as a -140 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Four games conclude the NHL card at 10:37 PM ET. The Los Angeles Kings are at home against the Arizona Coyotes as a -230 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Buffalo Sabres travel to San Jose to play the Sharks as a -125 money-line road favorite with a total of 7. The Seattle Kraken host the Detroit Red Wings as a -170 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning are on the road against the Vegas Golden Knights as a -125 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 14 games on major national television. Three NCAAB games on major national television tip off a noon ET. Virginia plays at home against Notre Dame on ESPN2 as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 130. Indiana is at home against Illinois on ESPN as a 6-point favorite with a total of 143. UConn hosts Seton Hall on Fox as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. Tennessee plays at Kentucky on CBS at 1 PM ET as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 135.5.  Kansas State is at home against Iowa State on ESPN as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. Arkansas plays at home against Florida on ESPN2 as a 9-point favorite with a total of 139. Two more NCAAB games begin at 4 PM ET. Kansas hosts Baylor on ESPN as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 148.5. Grambling plays Southern on a neutral court at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on ESPN2 as a 2.5-point favorite at Caesars with a total of 137.5. Villanova travels to Providence on Fox at 4:30 PM ET as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 138. Two NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 6 PM ET. Duke plays at Syracuse on ESPN as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 140.5. Missouri is at home against Texas A&M on ESPN2 as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 152.5. Two more NCAAB games start on national television at 8 PM ET. Arizona hosts Colorado on ESPN2 as a 13-point favorite with a total of 148.5. Michigan plays at home against Michigan State on Fox as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. Saint Mary’s is at home against BYU on ESPN2 at 10 PM ET as a 10-point favorite with a total of 131. Matchweek 24 in the English Premier League begins with eight matches. Arsenal visits Aston Villa on the USA Network at 7:30 AM ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Seven EPL matches start at 10 AM ET. Brentford hosts Crystal Palace as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Fulham plays at Brighton and Hove Albion as a -1 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Chelsea is at home against Southampton as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Leeds United plays at Everton on the USA Network in a pick ‘em matchup with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester City travels to Nottingham Forest as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3. Wolverhampton plays at home against Bournemouth as a -1 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Liverpool is at Newcastle United on NBC at 12:30 PM ET in a pick ‘em match with a total of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/17/2023

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Feb 17, 2023

The Friday sports card features action in the NHL and NCAAB. The National Basketball Association begins its All-Star Game break.The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Ottawa Senators host the Chicago Blackhawks as a -245 money line favorite, with the total set at 6.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The New York Islanders play at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Dallas Stars travel to Minnesota to play the Wild at 8:07 PM ET with both teams priced at -110 with a total of 5.5. Two more games complete the NHL card at 9:07 PM ET. The Edmonton Oilers are at home against the New York Rangers as a -120 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Los Angeles Kings visit Anaheim to play the Ducks on ESPN. The Kings won for the second straight time with a 5-2 victory against Buffalo on Monday. The Ducks have lost three games in a row after their 7-3 loss to Buffalo on Wednesday. Los Angeles is a -230 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has eight games on national television. Kent State hosts Eastern Michigan on the CBS Sports Network at 6 PM ET as a 17-point favorite with an over/under of 147. Three more NCAAB games on national television tip-off at 7 PM ET. Yale plays at Penn on ESPN News as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 144. Dayton is at Loyola-Chicago on ESPN2. The Flyers won for the fourth time in their last five games in a 70-56 victory against St. Louis as a 5-point favorite last Friday. The Ramblers ended a two-game losing streak with a 64-62 upset win at UMass as a 4.5-point underdog on Tuesday. Dayton is a 7.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 131. Cleveland State plays at home against Wright State on ESPNU. The Vikings won their fifth game in their last seven with an 81-78 upset victory against Youngstown State as a 2.5-point underdog on Sunday. The Raiders won for the fifth time in their last six games with an 83-65 victory against Northern Kentucky as a 2.5-point favorite last Friday. Cleveland State is a 2-point favorite with a total of 147.5. Siena is at home against Quinnipiac on ESPNU at 9 PM ET. The Saints won their second straight time with a 73-65 victory against Marist as a 10-point favorite on Sunday. The Bobcats are on a three-game losing streak after their 85-63 upset loss at Canisius as a 5-point favorite on Sunday. Siena is a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 140.Wyoming hosts the Air Force on FS1 at 10 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 133.5. San Jose State plays at home against New Mexico on the CBS Sports Network at 10:30 PM ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145. Grand Canyon is at home against Abilene Christian on ESPNU at 11 PM ET. The Anteaters are on a two-game losing streak after a 77-76 upset loss to UTRGV as a 12-point favorite on Wednesday. The Wildcats’ three-game winning streak ended with a 77-62 loss to Sam Houston State as a 1.5-point underdog on Saturday. Grand Canyon is a 6-point favorite with a total of 143. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/16/2023

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Feb 16, 2023

The Thursday sports card features action in the NBA, NHL, and NCAAB.The National Basketball Association has three games on its docket. The Milwaukee Bucks play in Chicago against the Bulls on TNT at 7:30 PM ET as a 7-point road favorite 5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Washington Wizards at 8:10 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 235.5. The Phoenix Suns are at home against the Los Angeles Clippers on TNT at 10 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 224. The National Hockey League has eight games on its slate. Three NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Florida Panthers travel to Washington to play the Capitals as a -120 money-line road favorite, with the total set at 6. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Montreal Canadiens as a -410 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Winnipeg Jets play in Columbus against the Bluejackets as a -195 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Boston Bruins are in Nashville to play the Predators at 8:07 PM ET as a -180 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two NHL games start at 9:07 PM ET. The New Jersey Devils visit St. Louis to play the Blues as a -150 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Calgary Flames play at home against the Detroit Red Wings as a -245 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Seattle Kraken are at home against the Philadelphia Flyers as a -200 money line favorite with a total of 6. The Vegas Golden Knights host the San Jose Sharks as a -210 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has ten games on national television. Three NCAAB games begin at 7 PM ET. Houston travels to SMU on ESPN as a 15.5-point road favorite with a total of 138.5. Florida Atlantic plays at Middle Tennessee on the CBS Sports Network as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 145. Radford plays at home against UNC-Asheville on ESPNU as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 136.5. Three NCAAB games on national television tip-off at 9 PM ET. Iowa is at home against Ohio State on ESPN2 as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 152.5. BYU hosts Santa Clara on the CBS Sports Network as a 5-point favorite with a total of 148.5. Morehead State plays at home against Tennessee State on ESPNU as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 135. USC is at home against California on FS1 as a 16-point favorite with a total of 131. Three nationally-televised NCAAB games start at 11 PM ET. UCLA hosts Stanford on ESPN2 as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 131. Gonzaga visits Loyola-Marymount on the CBS Sports Network as an 8.5-point road favorite with a total of 154.5. Washington State plays at home against Oregon State on ESPNU as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 123.

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ACC Regular Season Conference Winner Outlook

by AAA Sports

Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023

The ACC has not had conference standings this close-knit halfway thru February for quite a fear years. It is typically Duke, UVA, and UNC who are the top every season. We are a little less than a month till Selection Sunday and there is virtually a two-way tie for first, and 4 teams that are at least 2 games out. Louisville has just one win against the ACC, neither UNC nor Duke are ranked and there's been plenty of upsets amongst Conference foes thus far. This Conference is pretty close in terms of standings and power rankings and it presents a lot of value for the Regular Season Conference Outright Winner futures. The THREE teams that I think present the most value are as follows:Miami FL (+330 : Odds via DraftKings)I think Miami has a really good shot at winning the ACC. They are 12-4 and positioned in third place, just .5 game out due to playing one more Conference game than Pittsburgh (12-3). Miami has the most efficient Conference-only offense as they have an effective FG of 54.3% and are shooting lights out behind the arc at 37.7%. My biggest fear with Miami is that they are sometimes careless with the ball and they turn it over on 16.1% of their possessions. Their weakest link is on defense, however, they guard the 3PT shot just as well as they shoot it and are holding teams below the NCAA Average in effective FG%. They close out the season against Pittsburgh which can very well make for a thriller and the winner becoming the eventual ACC Regular Season Champions. Their next game is Saturday at home against Wake Forest.Clemson (+1200 : Odds via DraftKings)Clemson has had their fair share of time being in the Top 25 however unfortunate losses at inopportune times have taken them out. This does not mean they cannot win the Regular Season Title. Clemson is just 2 games out and has games against 2 of the teams ahead of them to close out the season. Clemson's offense is their weakest link by far. They are shooting with an effective FG of 51.8% and are ranked dead last in the ACC in Offensive Rebound %. They are however the best FT shooting team at 86%. On defense, they are second to Virginia - and not by much. Clemson is holding teams to an effective FG of only 45.9% and teams shoot the 2PT shot at even less than that against them, 44%. Clemson has a shot to win this solely because of how good their defense is and how they can score points in dead time. Their next game is Saturday on the road against Louisville.North Carolina State (+20000 : Odds via DraftKings)This is my dark horse to win the ACC in the Regular Season. Even after NC State’s loss the other night to Syracuse, I think this team is too good to have them at such steep +20000 odds. NC State has flown under the radar in this contested conference and it has had some quality wins against good teams both at home and on the road. NC State does not shoot the ball the greatest as they have an effective FG of just 49.2% however it displays EXCELLENT ball control. It has the lowest turnover percentage in the ACC at only 12.5%. This is due in part to why its averaging 89.7 FGs per 100 trips up court. On defense, NC State takes away as many second chances as possible as they are ranked 1 in offensive rebound % taking away 20% of the opposition’s boards. NC State guards the 3PT shot very well as teams are only shooting 30.5% behind the arc against them. It will not be an easy path for NC State due to that loss against Syracuse, however, this team is battle tested and it presents way too much value with these types of odds in my opinion. Its next game is Sunday at home against UNC.The ACC is wide open with most teams having just 6 games left to play and 5 teams in contention to win the Regular Season Conference Outright. These three teams present the most value given their current place in the standings. The final weekend for ACC play is the weekend of March 4th and it has games including Notre Dame @ Clemson and the biggest one of the season… Pittsburgh @ Miami.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB, EPL and UEFA Champions League Previews and Odds - 02/15/2023

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023

The Wednesday sports card features action in the NBA, NHL, NCAAB, EPL, and UEFA Champions League.The National Basketball Association has ten games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Charlotte Hornets host the San Antonio Spurs as a 6.5-point favorite, with the total set at 239.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Indiana Pacers play at home against the Chicago Bulls as a 2.5-point favorite. Four more NBA games start at 7:40 PM ET. The Philadelphia 76ers are at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on ESPN as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 216.5. The Atlanta Hawks host the New York Knicks as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 233.5. The Boston Celtics play at home against the Detroit Pistons as a 9.5-point favorite. The Miami Heat travel to Brooklyn to play the Nets as a 1-point road favorite. Two NBA games begin at 8:07 PM ET. The Memphis Grizzlies are at home against the Utah Jazz as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 239. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Houston Rockets as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 236. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Dallas Mavericks at 9:07 PM ET as a 7-point favorite. The Los Angeles Lakers are at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on ESPN at 10:07 PM ET as a 3-point favorite. The National Hockey League has six games on its slate. The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Chicago Blackhawks on TNT at 7:07 PM ET as a -475 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning play in Arizona against the Coyotes at 9:07 PM ET as a -240 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Two NHL games drop the puck at 9:37 PM ET. The Edmonton Oilers are at home against the Detroit Red Wings as a -215 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Minnesota Wild host the Colorado Avalanche on TNT as a -140 money line favorite with a total of 6. Two games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Buffalo Sabres visit Anaheim to play the Ducks as a -205 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Rangers are in Vancouver to play the Canucks as a -200 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has nine games on national television. Three NCAAB games on national television tip-off at 7 PM ET. Tennessee plays at home against Alabama on ESPN2 as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Virginia travels to Louisville on ESPNU as a 17-point road favorite with a total of 127.5. Marquette is at home against Xavier on the CBS Sports Network as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 159.5. Three NCAAB games on national television start at 9 PM ET. Iowa State hosts TCU on ESPNU as a 4-point favorite with a total of 134. Texas A&M plays at home against Arkansas on ESPN2 as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 141. Saint Louis is at home against Davidson on the CBS Sports Network as a 6-point favorite with a total of 145. Boise State visits Colorado State on FS1 at 10 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 137.5. Two NCAAB games on national television begin at 11 PM ET. San Diego State plays at Fresno State on the CBS Sports Network as an 8-point road favorite with a total of 128. Oregon is at Washington on ESPNU as an 8.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Matchweek 23 in the English Premier League concludes with one match at 2:30 PM ET. Manchester City plays at Arsenal in a pick ‘em match with a total of 2.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM).The knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League continues with two first-leg matches in the Round of 16 at 3 PM ET. Chelsea travels to Borussia Dortmund on CBS in a pick ‘em match with an over/under of 2.5. Benfica is at Club Brugge as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5.

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NHL's Second-Half 'Buy-Low' Teams

by Sean Murphy

Tuesday, Feb 14, 2023

With the All-Star break in the rear-view mirror and the trade deadline a few weeks away, we're in what some would call the 'dog days' of the NHL season. It's an excellent time to take stock of all 32 teams and determine which ones could make us some serious bank over the remainder of the regular season. Here are three candidates that I believe could offer considerable value in the coming weeks (and months) based not only on recent results but also by factoring in schedule-based projections.New York RangersI said it coming out of the All-Star break and I certainly stand by it after the Blueshirts acquired Vladimir Tarasenko in a blockbuster trade with the Blues last week - New York is a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. While the Rangers still sit in third place in a crowded Metropolitan Division, there's lots of reason for optimism on Broadway as they have gone a perfect 4-0 since the break and have collected at least a point in seven straight contests going back to January 23rd. A very manageable schedule lies ahead with stops in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary later this week followed by a 13-game stretch that won't see New York play outside the Eastern time zone a single time. As we saw this past Saturday in Carolina when they won 6-2 as +190 underdogs, the betting marketplace hasn't caught up to the Rangers just yet. We've seen the Boston Bruins terrorize the league for much of the campaign and I believe the Blueshirts can pull off a similar act in the final two months of the regular season. Seattle KrakenThe Pacific Northwest isn't exactly known as a hockey hotbed but the Kraken have certainly made great strides in winning over fans already this season. Seattle was the talk of the league earlier in the campaign when it went on an incredible run that seemingly came out of nowhere. It did cool off considerably prior to the All-Star break and checks into Tuesday's game in Winnipeg having lost three of its last four games overall. With that said, I believe now is an excellent time to 'buy low' with the Kraken after they showed signs of life in Sunday's 4-3 victory in Philadelphia. It's worth noting that they'll play four of their next six games at home not to mention another stretch in March that will see them play five out of six contests at Climate Pledge Arena, where they're in line for some positive regression (they're a .500 team at home but 17-0 on the road, averaging 4.0 goals per contest in the visitor's role). While most have written the Kraken off as a flash in the pan, they're still in the thick of the Western Conference playoff hunt, currently holding down the third and final postseason spot in the Pacific Division. A savvy move or two prior to the trade deadline might be enough to get Seattle over the hump down the stretch. Colorado AvalancheWhen it comes to the teams on the outside looking in in the Western Conference playoff picture, one of these things is not like the other. That's right, the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche would miss the postseason if the regular season were to end today. Of course, they're only a point back of the second Wild Card spot and few believe they'll end up out of the playoff race come April. While we did successfully fade the Avs in a 5-0 blowout loss in Tampa last week, I liked what I saw as they rebounded with a 5-3 road win over the Panthers two nights later. Defending Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar remains sidelined after suffering a blow to the head from Penguins veteran Jeff Carter last week. While playing without Makar is never a positive, perhaps a few less miles on his tires might not be the worst thing come playoff time. After all, Makar (and the rest of the Avs) have played a ton of hockey going back to last season - as is always the case when it comes to defending Stanley Cup champs. I'm willing to bet we'll see Colorado make a splash at the trade deadline and ultimately go on extended run down the stretch and at the moment, we're able to back them at what I consider to be a discounted price on most nights. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/14/2023

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Feb 14, 2023

The Tuesday sports card features action in the NBA, NHL, and NCAAB.The National Basketball Association has five games on its docket. The Milwaukee Bucks host the Boston Celtics on TNT at 7:30 PM ET as a 10-point favorite, with the total set at 226.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Toronto Raptors play at home against the Orlando Magic at 7:40 PM ET as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 224.5. The Phoenix Suns are at home against the Sacramento Kings at 9:10 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 233.5. The Los Angeles Clippers host the Golden State Warriors on TNT at 10 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 230.5 The Portland Trail Blazers play at home against the Washington Wizards at 10:10 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 230.5. The National Hockey League has nine games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Carolina Hurricanes visit Washington to play the Capitals as a -150 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Montreal Canadiens are at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -145 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Two more NHL games start at 7:37 PM ET. The New Jersey Devils play in Columbus against the Bluejackets as a -215 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Islanders host the Ottawa Senators as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Two NHL games begin at 8:07 PM ET. The Florida Panthers travel to St. Louis to play the Blues as a -125 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets play at home against the Seattle Kraken as a -145 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Boston Bruins are in Dallas to play the Stars at 8:37 PM ET as a -120 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche are at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning at 9:07 PM ET as a -115 money line favorite with a total of 6. The Pittsburgh Penguins play in San Jose against the Sharks at 10:37 PM ET as a -155 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5.The college basketball schedule has 11 games on national television. Seton Hall is at home against Georgetown on the CBS Sports Network at 6 PM ET as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 138.5. Four more NCAAB games on national television tip-off at 7 PM ET. Creighton plays at Providence on FS1 as a 2-point road favorite with an over/under of 141. Duke hosts Notre Dame on ESPN as a 12-point favorite with a total of 141. Illinois is at Penn State on ESPNU as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 142. Auburn plays at home against Missouri on ESPN2 as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 150.5. Villanova is at home against Butler on the CBS Sports Network at 8 PM ET as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 129. Four more NCAAB games on national television start at 9 PM ET. Kansas plays at Oklahoma State on ESPN as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 139.5. Kansas State is at Oklahoma on ESPNU as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 141.5. St. John’s visit DePaul on FS1 as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 154.5. Wisconsin hosts Michigan on ESPN2 as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 131. New Mexico plays at home against Wyoming on the CBS Sports Network at 10 PM ET as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 148.5.

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College Basketball Futures- Three Valuable Futures Buys

by Kyle Hunter

Monday, Feb 13, 2023

The football season is over, and it is time to focus all of our attention on the hardcourt. March Madness is only a month away. I wanted to take a look at three teams I see some value on as futures wagers right now. Building a futures portfolio in mid-late February can be a good move. In general I like to buy low on teams after a bad loss. Everyone has a bad loss at some point in the season.  1. Baylor Bears (+2,200 to win the NCAA Tournament and +500 to Reach the Final 4) I like the Baylor Bears backcourt a lot. A team with veteran guards who take care of the basketball and pass it well is a tough out in March. Cryer and Flagler both shoot better than 40% from three and are veteran leaders for this team. Baylor is first in the nation in offensive efficiency. I really like the +500 price to reach the Final Four. The Big 12 is absolutely loaded, and to say this Baylor team will be battle tested going into the NCAA Tournament is an understatement.  2. Miami Hurricanes (+8,000 to win the NCAA Tournament) I don’t think the Miami Hurricanes will win the NCAA Tournament, but this is a good price. Miami ranks in the top 20 teams in the country in away from home performance. That is something really important to look for when handicapping teams who have a chance. You don’t want to be backing a team that only plays well at home. Wong is a great leader for this Miami team. We also know Jim Larranaga has a history of making runs in the tournament. That’s a good thing to have on your side as well. If they win a couple games in the tournament at this price you can start hedging and make a good profit even if they don’t win it all. 3. Creighton Blue Jays (+750 to Reach the Final 4) The Creighton Blue Jays were hyped very heavily in the preseason. There wasn’t really value on them for a good while. Then Ryan Kalkbrenner their star big man was out for an extended period. Creighton played poorly without their star, and that made people overlook them. He’s back in the fold and the Blue Jays are playing well now. Creighton’s defense is impressing me this season. The Blue Jays are second best in the nation at defending without fouling. They are 17th best in defensive rebounding percentage. Those are the types of things that can win you close games. The Big East is underrated in general in my opinion, and I think Creighton can make a run in March.

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