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College Basketball January Update: Four Teams to Sell High On

by Kyle Hunter

Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024

I like to think of the college basketball betting marketplace like the stock market. You are always wanting to buy low and sell high. It’s the middle of January now, and teams are in the middle of conference season. Let’s take a look at four teams that could be good sell high candidates- and we’ll also look at why they might be a team to sell/fade. BYU Cougars (12-5 ATS) BYU is a good team, but I don’t think they are as good as their ATS record would indicate. BYU is ranked in the KenPom Top 10. This is a team that is holding opponents to 27% shooting from 3 point range. Their defense is improved, but it isn’t this good. BYU has only played three road games so far this season. The Cougars are in a much tougher conference now in the Big 12. There are no weak teams to beat up like BYU saw in the WCC in previous seasons. BYU relies on the three point shot as much as anyone in the country, and those jump shooting teams can struggle on the road in hostile territory. St. Joe’s Hawks (11-6 ATS) It looked like this team had turned a corner in non-conference play, but their inconsistencies are showing up once again in Atlantic 10 play. St. Joe’s went from playing very good defense early in the season to giving up 1.11 points per possession (poor) in A10 play. They have played only the 301st toughest schedule in the country, and now they are about to play quite a few solid teams in conference. The Hawks have great wins over Villanova and Princeton, but they also lost to Texas A&M Commerce and Rhode Island. Radford Highlanders (12-4 ATS) We have to look at under the radar teams as well. The Radford Highlanders are a whopping 12-4 ATS on the season, but I see some concerning signs from them. Radford is allowing 1.131 points per possession in Big South play. This isn’t a conference known for highly efficient offenses either. Radford ranks 340th in the nation in height. The Highlanders rank in the second percentile in the country in quality of shot taken. Radford is unlikely to be able to keep hitting so many tough shots. Radford is also now in a role of laying quite a few points consistently, and I think they could be a good fade moving forward. Minnesota Golden Gophers (14-3 ATS) Back to a big name team for our final look here. The Minnesota Golden Gophers have played the 296th toughest schedule so far this season. I don’t have to tell you that things are about to get a lot tougher for them as they try to navigate through a deep Big Ten Conference. Minnesota has played only three true road games. The Golden Gophers have a great home court advantage, but I don’t trust them to continue to play so well on the road. Minnesota is 11th in the nation in two point field goal percentage offense this season. I don’t think this offense can keep up that level of efficiency. Minnesota is too reliant on Dawson Garcia. Garcia is a good player, but teams in the Big Ten are going to have some better game plans for slowing him down and forcing someone else to beat them. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/17/2024

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024

The Wednesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAA action.The National Basketball Association has ten games on its docket. The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to Detroit to play the Pistons at 7:10 PM ET as an 11.5-point road favorite, with the total set at 222 (all odds from DraftKings). Five more NBA games tip off at 7:40 PM ET. The Atlanta Hawks host the Orlando Magic as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 233. The Boston Celtics play at home against the San Antonio Spurs as a 16-point favorite with a total of 237. The Milwaukee Bucks are in Cleveland to play the Cavaliers on ESPN as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 238. The New York Knicks are at home against the Houston Rockets as a 5-point favorite with a total of 220. The Miami Heat play in Toronto against the Raptors as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 227.5.The New Orleans Pelicans host the Charlotte Hornets at 8:10 PM ET as a 12-point favorite with a total of 229.5. The Los Angeles Lakers play at home against the Dallas Mavericks on ABC at 8:40 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 241. The Utah Jazz are at home against the Golden State Warriors at 9:10 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with a total of 242.5. The Brooklyn Nets visit the Portland Trail Blazers at 10:10 PM ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 224. The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Florida Panthers host the Detroit Red Wings as a -218 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils play at home against the Montreal Canadiens as a -230 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Buffalo Sabres are at home against the Chicago Blackhawks on TNT at 7:37 PM ET as a -28 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5.The college basketball schedule has nine games on national television. Four NCAAB games tip off at 7 PM ET. Connecticut hosts Creighton on FS1 as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 144. Kentucky plays at home against Mississippi State on ESPN2 as a 7-point favorite with a total of 153.5. Virginia is at home against Virginia Tech on ESPNU as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 124.5. Loyola-Chicago hosts Massachusetts on the CBS Sports Network as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 148.Three NCAAB games start at 9 PM ET. Houston plays at home against Texas Tech on ESPNU as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 129.5. Belmont is at home against Northern Iowa on the CBS Sports Network as a 1-point favorite with a total of 150.5. Providence plays at DePaul on FS1 as an 8-point road favorite with an over/under of 139. Arizona hosts USC on ESPN at 10 PM ET as an 18.5-point favorite with a total of 159. San Diego State plays at home against Nevada on the CBS Sports Network at 11 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a 139.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/16/2024

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAA action.The National Basketball Association has three games on its docket. The Philadelphia 76ers host the Denver Nuggets on TNT at 7:40 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite, with the total set at 227 (all odds from DraftKings). The Phoenix Suns play at home against the Sacramento Kings at 9:10 PM ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 242.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder on TNT at 10:10 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 236.5. The National Hockey League has eight games on its slate. Three NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The New York Rangers host the Seattle Kraken as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Colorado Avalanche travel to Ottawa to play the Senators as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 7. The Washington Capitals play at home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. Two NHL games start at 8:07 PM ET. The Dallas Stars are at home against the Los Angeles Kings as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets host the New York Islanders as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Chicago Blackhawks play at home against the San Jose Sharks at 8:37 PM ET as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 6.                     Two more games conclude the NHL card at 9:07 PM ET. The Calgary Flames are at home against the Arizona Coyotes as a -170 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Edmonton Oilers host the Toronto Maple Leafs as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 7.The college basketball schedule has 11 games on national television. Tennessee plays at home against Florida on ESPN as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 159. Western Carolina is at home against Samford on the CBS Sports Network at 6 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 157. Xavier hosts Butler on FS1 at 6:30 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 150.5. Two NCAAB games tip off at 7 PM ET. Purdue visits Indiana on Peacock as a 10-point road favorite with a total of 151.5. Pittsburgh plays at home against Syracuse on ESPN2 as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 146. Dayton is at home against Saint Louis on the CBS Sports Network at 8 PM ET as a 13-point favorite with a total of 142.5. St. John’s plays at Seton Hall on FS1 at 8:30 PM ET as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 147.5. Two NCAAB games begin at 9 PM ET. Kansas travels to Oklahoma State on ESPN as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 138. South Carolina hosts Georgia on ESPNU as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 137. Boise State plays at home against UNLV on the CBS Sports Network at 10 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with a total of 142. New Mexico is at home against Utah State on FS1 at 10:30 PM ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 156.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/15/2024

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Jan 15, 2024

The Monday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, and NCAA action on the Martin Luther King Holiday.The National Football League continues its postseason with the final two games in the wildcard playoff round. The Buffalo Bills host the Pittsburgh Steelers on CBS at 4:30 PM ET after this game got postponed from its initial Sunday schedule due to inclement weather  conditions. The Bills are a 10-point favorit,e with the total set at 38.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Philadelphia Eagles visit Tampa Bay to play the Buccaneers on ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN Manningcast at 8 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 44.The National Basketball Association has 11 games on its docket. The Philadelphia 76ers host the Houston Rockets at 1:10 PM ET as a 7-point favorite, with the total set at 227. The New Orleans Pelicans travel to Dallas to play the Mavericks at 2:40 PM ET as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 235. Two more NBA games tip off at 3:10 PM ET. The New York Knicks play at home against the Orlando Magic as a 7-point favorite with a total of 221.5. The Washington Wizards are at home against the Detroit Pistons as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 241. The Atlanta Hawks host the San Antonio Spurs on TNT at 3:40 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 245.5. The Golden State Warriors play in Memphis against the Grizzlies on TNT at 6:10 PM ET as an 8-point road favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The Cleveland Cavaliers are at home against the Chicago Bulls at 7:10 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 221.0. Two NBA games start at 7:40 PM ET. The Brooklyn Nets host the Miami Heat as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 217.5. The Boston Celtics play in Toronto against the Raptors as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 241.5. The Utah Jazz play at home against the Indiana Pacers as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 248. The Los Angeles Lakers are at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 10:40 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 237.The National Hockey League has ten games on its slate. The Buffalo Sabres host the San Jose Sharks at 12:07 PM ET as a -258 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Four NHL games drop the puck at 1:07 PM ET. The Vancouver Canucks visit the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -225 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Boston Bruins play at home against the New Jersey Devils as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Florida Panthers are at home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -395 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Seattle Kraken as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Carolina Hurricanes play at home against the Los Angeles Kings at 3:07 PM ET as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 6.Two NHL games drop the puck at 6:07 PM ET. The Minnesota Wild are at home against the New York Islanders as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Vegas Golden Knights host the Nashville Predators as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Colorado Avalanche visit the Montreal Canadiens at 7:07 PM ET as a -225 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The St. Louis Blues play at home against the Philadelphia Flyers at 8:07 PM ET as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 6.The college basketball schedule has seven games on national television. Ohio State travel to Michigan on Fox at noon ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 147. George Mason plays at George Washington on the CBS Sports Network at 2 PM ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total 145.5. Marquette is at home against Villanova on Fox-TV at 2:30 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 143. Saint Joseph’s hosts LaSalle on the CBS Sports Network at 4 PM ET as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 149.5. Two more NCAAB games begin at 7 PM ET. Boston College hosts Notre Dame on ESPNU as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 135. American University visits Loyola-Maryland on the CBS Sports Network as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 136.5. Hampton plays at home against North Carolina A&T as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 152.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NHL, NBA, NCAAB, and EPL Previews and Odds - 01/14/2024

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Jan 14, 2024

The Sunday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, and EPL action.The National Football League continues its postseason with two games in the wildcard playoff round. The Dallas Cowboys host the Green Bay Packers on Fox at 4 PM ET. The Cowboys are on a two-game winning streaks with seven victories in their last nine games, with their 38-10 victory at Washington as a 13.5-point favorite last Sunday. The Packers have won three in a row and six of their last eight after their 17-9 victory against Chicago as a 3-point favorite on Sunday. Dallas is a 7-point favorite, with the total set at 50.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise).The Detroit Lions play at home against the Los Angeles Rams on NBC and Peacock at 8 PM ET. The Lions won for the third time in their last four games after their 30-20 victory against Minnesota as a 4-point favorite on Sunday. The Rams have won four in a row and seven of their last eight after their 21-20 upset victory at San Francisco as a 5.5-point underdog on Sunday. Detroit is a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 51.5. The National Basketball Association has five games on its docket. The Denver Nuggets are at home against the Indiana Pacers at 3:30 PM ET as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 238.5. The Miami Heat host the Charlotte Hornets at 6:10 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 222. Two more NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Milwaukee Bucks play at home against the Sacramento Kings as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 248.5. The Los Angeles Clippers travel to Minnesota to play the Timberwolves as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 223. The Phoenix Suns play in Portland against the Trail Blazers at 9:10 PM ET as a 10.5-point road favorite with a total of 231. The National Hockey League has two games on its slate. The New York Rangers are at home against the Washington Capitals at 1:07 PM ET as a -225 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Detroit Red Wings at 7:07 PM ET as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 7.The college basketball schedule has four games on national television. Connecticut plays at home against Georgetown on Fox at noon ET as a 20.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143. Memphis is at Wichita State on ESPN2 at 1 PM ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 155. Louisiana Tech is at home against Liberty on ESPN2 at 3 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 131.5. UNC-Wilmington hosts Delaware on the CBS Sports Network at 4 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with a total of 146. Matchweek 21 in the English Premier League continues with two matches. Aston Villa travels to Everton on the USA Network at 9 AM ET in a pick ‘em match with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester United plays at home against Tottenham at 11:30 AM ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3. 

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The Halfway Mark: NHL By The Numbers

by Vegas Writer

Saturday, Jan 13, 2024

As the NHL reaches a middle point in its season, let's take a look at pertinent numbers you may be able to use in your handicapping, be it sides, totals, puck lines and even player props. The only player with more points than Nathan MacKinnon this season is Nikita Kucherov. Per NHL Edge, though, the only player to cover more distance than Kucherov is MacKinnon. Kucherov is averaging 1.6 points per game, while MacKinnon averages 1.5 goals per game.Connor McDavid returned to the upper echelon of the scoring race while helping resurrect the Oilers' playoff hopes after a dismal start to the season. A coaching change certainly helped. McDavid has only 16 goals this season, but don't be surprised to see a second-half surge this season.Some defensive names to watch for player props include Quinn Hughes, who has 11 goals and 40 assists in 42 games. He holds a three-point edge on Cale Makar (9 goals, 39 assists in 37 games) atop the scoring race among defensemen. Both blueliners are on pace to finish the season with a triple-digit total, which would mark the first season in NHL history to feature multiple defensemen with 100 points.Heads up, nine teams that did not qualify for the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs either occupy or are within three points of a playoff spot. Vancouver (28-11-3, 59 points) leads the Pacific Division, while Philadelphia (21-14-6, 48 points) and Nashville (22-18-1, 45 points) hold Wild Card spots in the Eastern and Western Conference, respectively, after all three clubs missed the playoffs last season. Six other teams that did not reach the postseason last year are within three points of a playoff spot: Pittsburgh, Detroit, Washington, St. Louis, Calgary and Arizona.The top money teams heading into the weekend include: Vancouver (+964), St. Louis (+788), Winnipeg (+659), Rangers (+570), Panthers (+568) and Red Wings (+359). Meanwhile, the Blues and Wild are the only teams to have a four-digit negative profit margin this season. St. Louis bettors have felt a mighty sting to the tune of -1,321, while the Wild are -1,065.Strange but true, the best home investment this season, despite its overall net loss, is St. Louis, which ranks No. 1 in the league at +736 when skating on home ice. The Kings have been the worst home investment (-709). The Canucks have been the road team to play this season, as they're +571 away from Vancouver. Meanwhile, show them the way to San Jose, please, as the Sharks are -1008 on the road this season.More than 4,000 goals have been scored so far this season, with scoring at 6.3 goals-per-game or higher in consecutive seasons for the first time in 30 years (6.4 through 650 GP in 2022-23). Games involving the Devils have certainly helped those numbers, as New Jersey is 23-8 to the over this season. Vancouver has also turned in plenty of high-scoring games, with 23 of 34 landing high. Surprisingly, the normally high-octane Golden Knights take the cake with low-scoring games, as 23 of 36 have stayed low. The Blues (11-22), Sharks (12-22) and Flyers 13-22) are not too far behind.For all of you in-game bettors, nearly half of all games have featured a team overcoming a deficit to win, with the 120 third-period comeback victories tying the most at this stage of a season in NHL history. The 25 third-period multi-goal comeback wins are tied for the third most through 650 games behind 2022-23 (34) and 2019-20 (33). Don't be afraid to invest in a team losing after two periods.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 1/13/2024

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Jan 13, 2024

The Saturday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, and EPL action.The National Football League kicks off its postseason with two games in the wildcard playoff round. The Cleveland Browns visit Houston to play the Texans on NBC and Peacock at 4:30 PM ET as a 2-point road favorite, with the total set at 44.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Kansas City Chiefs host the Miami Dolphins on Peacock at 8 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 43.5. The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. The Boston Celtics play at home against the Houston Rockets at 7:10 PM ET as a 15.5-point favorite with a total of 228. The Atlanta Hawks are at home against the Washington Wizards at 7:40 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 252.Three more NBA games tip off at 8:10 PM ET. The New York Knicks play in Memphis against the Grizzlies as an 8-point road favorite with a total of 223. The Milwaukee Bucks host the Golden State Warriors as an 11-point favorite with an over/under of 246. The Oklahoma City Thunder play at home against the Orlando Magic as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 232. Two NBA games start at 8:40 PM ET. The New Orleans Pelicans are in Dallas to play the Mavericks. The Chicago Bulls travel to San Antonio to play the Spurs as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 225. The Los Angeles Lakers play in Utah against the Jazz at 9:40 PM ET as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 238.The National Hockey League has 16 games on its slate. The New York Rangers are in Washington to play the Capitals on ABC at 1:07 PM ET as a -166 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. Two more NHL games drop the puck at 4:07 PM ET. The Vancouver Canucks travel to Buffalo to play the Sabres as a -155 money-line road favorite with a total of 7. The Ottawa Senators host the San Jose Sharks as a -225 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7. The Florida Panthers play at home against the New Jersey Devils at 6:07 PM ET as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5.Seven NHL games begin at 7:07 PM ET. The Winnipeg Jets are at home against the Philadelphia Flyers as a -185 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Seattle Kraken play in Columbus against the Blue Jackets as a -162 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Los Angeles Kings are in Detroit to play the Red Wings as a -166 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers travel to Montreal to play the Canadiens as a -245 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning play at home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -278 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs are at home against the Colorado Avalanche as a -112 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Four NHL games start at 8:07 PM ET. The Dallas Stars visit Chicago to play the Blackhawks as a -325 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Minnesota Wild host the Arizona Coyotes as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Islanders play in Nashville against the Predators as a -112 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Boston Bruins are in St. Louis to play the Blues as a -180 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Vegas Golden Knights play at home against the Calgary Flames at 10:07 PM ET as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 6.The college basketball schedule has 13 games on major national television. Two NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at noon ET. Tennessee travels to play Georgia on ESPN2 as a 7.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 146.5. North Carolina is at home against Syracuse on ESPN as a 13-point favorite with a total of 155. Creighton hosts St. John’s on Fox at 1 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 153.5. Three NCAAB games on major national television start at 2 PM ET. Texas A&M plays at home against Kentucky on ESPN as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 154.5. New Mexico is at home against San Diego State on the CBS Sports Network as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 151. Wake Forest hosts Virginia on ESPN2 as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 131.5. Two NCAAB games on major national television begin at 4 PM ET.  Texas Tech plays at home against Kansas State on ESPN2 as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 140.5. Florida is at home against Arkansas on ESPN as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 163. Two more NCAAB games are on major national television at 6 PM ET. Houston plays at TCU on ESPN as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 136. North Texas hosts Temple on ESPN2 as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 128.5. Two NCAAB games on major national television start at 8 PM ET. Baylor plays at home against Cincinnati on ESPN as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 151. Drake is at Southern Illinois on ESPN2 as a 2-point road favorite with an over/under of 137. Colorado is at home against USC on ESPN2 at 10 PM ET as a 10-point favorite with a total of 151.5.Matchweek 21 in the English Premier League continues with two matches. Chelsea hosts Fulham on the USA Network at 7:30 AM ET as a -1 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Manchester City travels to Newcastle United on NBC as a -1 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 1/12/2024

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Jan 12, 2024

The Friday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAA, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has ten games on its docket. Three NBA games tip off at 7:40 PM ET. The Atlanta Hawks play at home against the Indiana Pacers as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 252.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Houston Rockets visit Detroit to play the Pistons as a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 227.5. The Philadelphia 76ers host the Sacramento Kings on ESPN. The 76ers are on a three-game losing streak after their 139-130 upset loss at Atlanta as a 1-point favorite on Wednesday. The Kings have won six of their last eight games after their 123-98 victory at Charlotte as an 8.5-point favorite on Wednesday. Philadelphia is a 1-point favorite, with the total set at 242.5. Five NBA games start at 8:10 PM ET. The Miami Heat are at home against the Orlando Magic as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 219. The Chicago Bulls host the Golden State Warriors as a 3-point favorite with a total of 229.5. The Los Angeles Clippers play in Memphis against the Grizzlies as a 7.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are at home against the Portland Trail Blazers as a 14-point favorite with a total of 221.5. The San Antonio Spurs play at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 242.5. The Utah Jazz host the Toronto Raptors at 9:40 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 235.5. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on ESPN at 10:10 PM ET. The Nuggets lost for the second time in their last three games in a 124-111 upset loss at Utah as a 6.5-point road favorite on Wednesday. The Pelicans won for the sixth time in their last seven games in a 141-105 victory at Golden State as a 2-point road favorite on Wednesday. Denver is a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 229.5. The college basketball schedule has six games on national television. Indiana is at home against Minnesota on ESPNU at 6 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 146.5. Two more NCAAB games begin at 7 PM ET. Duquesne hosts Dayton on ESPN2 as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 138.5. Akron plays at home against Buffalo on the CBS Sports Network as a 17.5-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Villanova is at home against DePaul on FS1 at 8:30 PM ET as a 19-point favorite with an over/under of 136.5. Youngstown State hosts Wright State on ESPN2 as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 165. Nevada plays at home against Boise State on FS1 at 10:30 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 140.Matchweek 21 in the English Premier League begins with one match. Burnley is at home against Luton Town on the USA Network at 2:45 PM ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite at BetMGM with a total of 2.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/11/2024

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Jan 11, 2024

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAA action.The National Basketball Association has five games on its docket. The Cleveland Cavaliers battle the Brooklyn Nets at 2:10 PM ET in the NBA Paris Game 2024 at the Accor Arena in Paris, France. The Cavaliers are a 3-point favorite, with the total set at 225 (all odds from DraftKings). The Milwaukee Bucks host the Boston Celtics on TNT at 7:40 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 240. The Oklahoma City Thunder play at home against the Portland Trail Blazers at 8:10 PM ET as a 13.5-point favorite with a total of 233. The New York Knicks travel to Dallas to play the Mavericks at 8:40 PM ET as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 233.5. The Los Angeles Lakers are at home against the Phoenix Suns on TNT at 10:10 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 236.5.The National Hockey League has 13 games on its slate. Nine NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Buffalo Sabres host the Ottawa Senators as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7. The Carolina Hurricanes play at home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -345 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers are in Detroit to play the Red Wings as a -175 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7. The Florida Panthers are at home against the Los Angeles Kings as a -135 money-line favor with a total of 6. The Montreal Canadiens host the San Jose Sharks as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins play at home against the Vancouver Canucks as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning are at home against the New Jersey Devils as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Seattle Kraken travel to Washington to play the Capitals as a -118 money-line road favor with a total of 6. The Toronto Maple Leafs play in New York against the Islanders on ESPN as a -130 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two NHL games start at 8:07 PM ET. The New York Rangers are in St. Louis to play the Blues as a -166 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets host the Chicago Blackhawks as a -140 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Calgary Flames travel to Arizona to play the Coyotes at 9:07 PM ET as a -120 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Boston Bruins play in Las Vegas to face the Golden Knights at 10:07 PM ET as a -130 money-line road favor with an over/under of 6.The college basketball schedule has 12 games on national television. Four NCAAB games tip off at 7 PM ET. Florida Atlantic is at Tulane on ESPN2 as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 162. Hofstra travels to Northeastern on the CBS Sports Network as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 142. Maryland plays at home against Michigan on FS1 as a 6-point favorite with a total of 140. Vermont is at home against UMBC on ESPN U as a 16.5-point favorite with an over/under of 153.5. Four NCAAB games start at 9 PM ET. Illinois hosts Michigan State on FS1 as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 149.5. Utah plays at home against UCLA on ESPN2 as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 137. Longwood is at home against Radford on ESPNU as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 135. Louisiana Tech plays at Middle Tennessee on the CBS Sports Network as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 128.5. Gonzaga is at Santa Clara on ESPN at 9:30 PM ET as a 9-point road favorite with a total of 157.5. Three games conclude the NCAAB card at 11 PM ET. Washington hosts Arizona State on FS1 as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 152. Stanford plays at Oregon State on ESPN2 as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 141.5. Saint Mary’s is at home against Portland on ESPNU as a 20-point favorite with an over/under of 135.

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2024 College Football National Championship Futures Odds with Expert Betting Predictions

by Doc's Sports

Wednesday, Jan 10, 2024

Even though the dust hasn't even begun to settle on Michigan's National Championship win, oddsmakers are looking forward to next season's college football season. This was the final season of the four-team playoff. And while it was an improvement over the original BCS format, this system was still quite flawed, as Florida State can attest to.Unfortunately for the Seminoles and their fans, the expansion is coming one year too late. The 2024 season will be the debut of the 12-team playoff format. The criteria for selecting teams is still being ironed out, but what is expected is to have five conference champions and then seven at-large bids. With the virtual disintegration of the Pac-12, the guaranteed bids for conference champions are being reduced from six to five teams. Which conferences are selected will be determined by ranking the conferences with a system devised by the playoff committee.The other monumental change will be the radical additions to two Power 5 conferences. The Big Ten adds four teams from the former Pac-12: Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington. Those who want a rematch from last night's National Championship Game only have to wait until October 5 when the Wolverines travel to Seattle to play the Huskies. The SEC has been raiding the Big 12 of teams for years, and they finally got the two crown jewels of Oklahoma and Texas to join. As the saying goes, "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer."While it looks as though the possibility of winning a college football National Championship is wider open, what is happening, in reality, is the season and playoffs are between the two mega conferences. For example, of the 12 teams with the lowest odds to win the CFP, only three teams, Clemson, Florida State, and Notre Dame, reside outside the Megas.This doesn't mean that a surprise Miami or Arizona can't sneak in and create havoc, but the teams outside the Megas already have the deck stacked against them. Never mind about the SMUs and James Madisons of the world.I'll admit, after watching the NCAA fumble college sports for decades, I'm slightly prejudiced against them. For the record, I greatly anticipate the expanded playoffs, but I have little faith in the NCAA running it correctly.Doc’s Sports offers college football expert picks for every game on our college football predictions page.Georgia +450: Surprisingly, one of the teams that will benefit from the playoff expansion is the Bulldogs. The two-time defending National Champions were on a 29-game win streak and stumbled against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game by a field goal. The voters deemed that horrible and put two one-loss teams in the playoffs instead of Georgia. The Bulldogs return QB Carson Beck, a veteran offensive line, the #1 recruiting class in the nation, and immediate impact transfers from the portal. They have a demanding schedule and may not be undefeated come playoff time, but I expect them to be playing for all the marbles come next January.Alabama +600: Bama head coach Nick Saban said, "We're not enjoying life after getting beat." Translation: His players are most definitely not enjoying this off-season. After a rocky start, the Crimson Tide righted the ship and were a 4th-and-goal away from playing for their 16th National Championship. They shouldn't have those waves on offense with QB Jalen Milroe entrenched as the starter and two explosive running backs who look to break the 1,000-yard barrier for the first time since Brian Robinson's 1,343 yards in 2021.Ohio State +800: It's unusual to find a coach on the hot seat whose team has the third-best odds to win the CFP, but that's precisely where Buckeye head coach Ryan Day is. With Michigan's victory on Monday night, that seat got even hotter. While the Buckeyes lost their starting QB in the portal, they replaced him with Kansas State's signal caller Will Howard. They also made another huge splash with the recent signing of Ole Miss's running back Quinshon Judkins. This gives them a helluva 1-2 punch in the backfield if TreVeyon Henderson returns for another year.Texas +900: Texas moves to the SEC in 2024, which could be either a blessing or a curse. Their schedule gets much more demanding, but they proved this season they could still overcome a weaker slate to make the playoffs. With QB Quinn Ewers expected back, and a dominating offensive line, the Longhorns shouldn't have to sweat Selection Sunday like they did this season.Michigan +1000: If I were a gambling man (and I am), I would bet Michigan gets stripped of its recent triumph. They have a great foundation, but too many questions need to be answered: Who will be the head coach? Does QB JJ McCarthy return? How many players will enter the draft now that they have a college ring?Ole Miss +1600: Even though the Rebels are losing their star running back, Quinshon Judkins, head coach Lane Kiffin has one of the nation's most experienced QBs in Jaxson Dart and a talented cadre of receivers. Ole Miss is retooling its defense almost exclusively from the portal, nabbing two high-impact players from its fellow SEC brothers. With the playoffs expanding, the Rebels will be a tough out for whomever they play.Here are some other teams who have a realistic chance of making the playoffs:Oregon +1100LSU +1400Florida State +1800Clemson +2000Penn State +2000Notre Dame +2500

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/10/2024

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Jan 10, 2024

The Wednesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has 10 games on its docket. Four NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Boston Celtics host the Minnesota Timberwolves as a 6.5-point favorite, with the total set at 223.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Sacramento Kings travel to Charlotte to play the Hornets as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 223.5. The San Antonio Spurs play in Detroit against the Pistons as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 240.5. The Indiana Pacers are at home against the Washington Wizards as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 251.Two NBA games start at 7:40 PM ET. The Atlanta Hawks play at home against the Philadelphia 76ers as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 245.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder are in Miami to play the Heat as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 234.5. The Chicago Bulls host the Houston Rockets at 8:10 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with a total of 216.5. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on ABC at 8:40 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 233.5. The Denver Nuggets travel to Utah to play the Jazz on ESPN at 10:10 PM ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 238. The Los Angeles Clippers are at home against the Toronto Raptors at 10:40 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 236.The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. The Philadelphia Flyers host the Montreal Canadiens at 7:07 PM ET as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Dallas Stars play at home against the Minnesota Wild on TNT at 7:37 PM ET as a -198 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche are at home against the Vegas Golden Knights on TNT at 10:07 PM ET as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 10 games on national television. St. John’s hosts Providence on FS1 at 6:30 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145. Two more NCAAB games begin at 7 PM ET. Clemson plays at Virginia Tech on ESPN2 as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 144.5. Saint Joseph’s is at Saint Louis on the CBS Sports Network as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 151.5. North Carolina visits North Carolina State on ESPN at 8 PM ET as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 155. Connecticut plays at Xavier on FS1 at 8:30 PM ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 146. Three NCAAB games tip off at 9 PM ET. TCU is at home against Oklahoma on ESPN2 as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 148.5.  Marquette plays at home against Butler on the CBS Sports Network as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 153. Georgia hosts Arkansas on ESPNU as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 153.5. USC plays at home against Washington State on FS1 as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 146. Colorado is at California on ESPNU at 11 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 150.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/09/2024

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Jan 09, 2024

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has five games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Sacramento Kings travel to Detroit to play the Pistons as an 11-point road favorite, with the total set at 240.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves play in Orlando against the Magic as a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 218. The New York Knicks are in Portland to play the Trail Blazers as an 11-point favorite with a total of 226.5. The Dallas Mavericks host the Memphis Grizzlies at 8:40 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 234. The Los Angeles Lakers play at home against the Toronto Raptors as a 5-point favorite with a total of 232.5. The National Hockey League has ten games on its slate. Three NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Buffalo Sabres are at home against the Seattle Kraken as a -112 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Los Angeles Kings visit Tampa Bay to play the Lightning as a -115 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Toronto Maple Leafs host the San Jose Sharks as a -455 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The New York Islanders play at home against the Vancouver Canucks at 7:37 PM ET as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Three NHL games start at 8:07 PM ET. The Nashville Predators are at home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -238 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Florida Panthers play in St. Louis against the Blues as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Winnipeg Jets play at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -250 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers travel to Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 8:07 PM ET as a -425 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Two more NHL games begin at 9:07 PM ET. The Boston Bruins are in Arizona to play the Coyotes as a -155 money-line road favorites with an over/under 6. The Calgary Flames are at home against the Ottawa Senators as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 11 games on national television. Seton Hall visits Georgetown on FS1 at 6:30 PM ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 141.5. Four more NCAAB games tip off at 7 PM ET. Houston plays at Iowa State on ESPN2 as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 131.5. Kentucky hosts Missouri on ESPN as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 161.5. Rutgers plays at home against Indiana on Peacock as a 3-point favorite with a total of 140.5. Yale is at Brown on ESPNU as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 136. Four NCAAB games begin at 9 PM ET. Purdue plays at Nebraska on Peacock as a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 150.5. Duke travels to Pittsburgh on ESPN as a 7.5-point road favorite with an over/under 147. Auburn is at home against Texas A&M on ESPN2 as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 149.5. Creighton visits DePaul on the CBS Sports Network as a 15-point road favorite with an over/under of 142. New Mexico plays at UNLV on FS1 at 10:30 PM ET as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 151. San Diego State is at San Jose State on the CBS Sports Network at 11 PM ET as a 10.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 139.5.

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