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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/27/2024

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Feb 27, 2024

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has 11 games on its docket. Three NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Dallas Stars as a 4-point favorite with the total set at 233 (all odds from DraftKings). The Orlando Magic play at home against the Brooklyn Nets as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 215.5. The Golden State Warriors travel to Washington to play the Wizards as a 10.5-point road favorite with a total of 242. The Boston Celtics are at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on TNT at 7:30 p.m. ET as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 227.5. Two more NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Atlanta Hawks host the Utah Jazz as a 3-point favorite with a total of 237.5.  The New Orleans Pelicans play in New York against the Knicks as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 219.5. Three NBA games begin at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Minnesota Timberwolves play at home against the San Antonio Spurs as a 13.5-point favorite with a total of 224.5. The Chicago Bulls are at home against the Detroit Pistons as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The Milwaukee Bucks host the Charlotte Hornets as a 15-point favorite with a total of 225.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder play at home against the Houston Rockets on TNT at 10 p.m. ET as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 234.5. The Miami Heat are in Portland to play the Trail Blazers at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 214.5.The National Hockey League has 12 games on its slate. Five NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Detroit Red Wings are at home against the Washington Capitals as a -186 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Florida Panthers host the Buffalo Sabres as a -230 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Arizona Coyotes visit Montreal to play the Canadiens as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Tampa Bay Lightning play in Philadelphia against the Flyers as a -122 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs play at home against the Vegas Golden Knights as a -170 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Three NHL games start at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Carolina Hurricanes are in Minnesota to play the Wild as a -155 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Nashville Predators are at home against the Ottawa Senators as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets host the St. Louis Blues as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Calgary Flames play at home against the Los Angeles Kings at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -112 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Colorado Avalanche are at home against the Dallas Stars at 9:37 p.m. ET as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Vancouver Canucks host the Pittsburgh Penguins at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils travel to San Jose to play the Sharks at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -250 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5.The college basketball schedule has 11 games on national television. Villanova plays at home against Georgetown on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 15.5-pint favorite with an over/under of 140. Five NCAAB games are on national television at 7 p.m. ET. Houston is at home against Cincinnati on ESPN2 as a 13.5-point favorite with a total of 132.5. Mississippi State hosts Kentucky on ESPN as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 156. Dayton plays at home against Davidson on the CBS Sports Network as a 10-point favorite with a total of 132.5. Syracuse is at home against Virginia Tech on ESPNU as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 154.5. Wisconsin plays at Indiana on Peacock as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 141.5. Three nationally televised NCAAB games tip off at 9 p.m. ET. Florida State hosts North Carolina State on ESPN2 as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 150.5. Texas Tech plays at home against Texas on ESPN as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 145. UNLV is at Wyoming on the CBS Sports Network as a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Colorado State is at home against Nevada on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with a total of 138. San Diego State hosts San Jose State on the CBS Sports Network at 11 p.m. ET as a 22-point favorite with an over/under of 138.

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2024 March Madness Sleeper Teams to Consider, Part 1

by Wayne Root

Monday, Feb 26, 2024

What’s Ahead in March?In today’s article, it understandable that 80% of the country doesn’t really get a true handle on West Coast college basketball. The games finished between 1-2:00 am. The updates get buried in games you’re looking to bet. Not games that ended in your sleep. I’ll cover some sleeper teams. The three today are from smaller conferences and don’t get much attention from the press. I can assure you the west coast basketball is alive, fast paced and full of three’s. Let’s remember the Final Four of 2023. It consisted of a No. 4 seed, two No. 5 seeds and a No. 9 seed and it is none too early to start trying to figure out which Sleepers to watch out for in the 2024 men's NCAA tournament.Obviously, matchups are everything when it comes to the NCAA tournament, and we have no clue what sort of draw any of these teams will get—if they make the tournament at all. But teams are ranked in ascending order of how confident we are in saying they will win at least one game, regardless of the hand they are dealt by the selection committee.1. St Mary’s  I've been promoting the Gaels as a sleeper team on a darn-near annual basis for the past decade, but they haven't made it to the Sweet 16 since 2010. They’re 23-6 and 14-0 in conference play. The Gaels are a strong team. The defense is great. The rebounding is superb. Their snail-like tempo is impossible to speed up. And they've been almost unbeatable for the past two months, winning 15 of their past 16 games.2. New MexicoWhat we didn't know three months ago was that Donovan Dent would become one of the biggest breakout stars in the country, nearly tripling his scoring average while becoming UNM's primary ball-handler. Or that forward JT Toppin would emerge as arguably one of the 10 best freshmen in the nation. Or that fellow freshman Tru Washington would be so valuable as a sixth man, particularly with his ball-hawking skills on defense. There's no question they have the goods to make a deep run. We already knew about Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn Jr. from last season, when they averaged a combined 36 points per game. We also knew about Nelly Junior Joseph, the big man who transferred from Rick Pitino at Iona to Richard Pitino at New Mexico. That trio alone made the Lobos an intriguing preseason candidate to reach the dance. New Mexico is just loaded with dudes who can ball. You've been warned. Look out for the Lobos.3. Grand Canyon Grand Canyon was the pick to become this year's Cinderella team.And at the time, we had no clue how good Tyon Grant-Foster would be. The former JUCO transfer has been GCU's brightest star, averaging 19.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and better than one assist, steal and block per game. More predictably, returnees Ray Harrison and Gabe McGlothan have also been excellent, combining for close to 30 points and 11 rebounds per game after leading the 'Lopes to a No. 14 seed in last year's dance. The 'Lopes are no joke, undeniably better than they already had been in recent years. If GCU gets a seed in the Nos. 11-13 range, though, it could knock off any team currently in the mix for the Nos. 3-6 seed lines.Be sure to check back for more sleeper teams that will have success and be under the radar. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/26/2024

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Feb 26, 2024

The Monday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has four games on its docket. The Indiana Pacers host the Toronto Raptors at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 6-point favorite, with the total set at 245.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The New York Knicks play at home against the Detroit Pistons as an 11-point favorite with an over/under of 223.5. The Brooklyn Nets travel to Memphis to play the Grizzlies at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 214.5. The Sacramento Kings are home against the Miami Heat at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The National Hockey League has four games on its slate. The Ottawa Senators play in Washington against the Capitals at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -118 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Dallas Stars host the New York Islanders at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Los Angeles Kings at 9:37 p.m. ET as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Boston Bruins are in Seattle to play the Kraken at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The college basketball schedule has five games on national television. Delaware is at home against Drexel on the CBS Sports Network at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 138.Two NCAAB games on national television tip off at 7 p.m. ET. North Carolina hosts Miami (FL) on ESPN. The Tar Heels won their second straight game in a 54-44 victory at Virginia as a 2.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Hurricanes lost their sixth straight game in an 80-76 upset loss at home against Virginia Tech as a 9-point favorite on Saturday. North Carolina is a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 154.5. Kansas State plays at home against West Virginia on ESPN2. The Wildcats ended a three-game losing streak with an 84-74 victory against BYU as a 1.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Mountaineers lost for the fifth time in their last six games in a 71-64 loss at Iowa State as an 18-point underdog. Kansas State is a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 143. UNC-Wilmington visits Campbell on the CBS Sports Network at  8:30 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 143.5.TCU is at home against Baylor on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET. The Horned Frogs are on a three-game winning streak after their 75-57 victory against Cincinnati as a 5.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Bears are on a two-game losing streak after their 82-76 setback against Houston as a 2.5-point underdog on Saturday. TCU is a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 148.Matchweek 26 in the English Premier League concludes with one match. Brentford plays at West Ham United on the USA Network at 3 p.m. ET in a pick ‘em match at BetMGM with an over/under of 2.5.

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NBA System of the Week

by Al McMordie

Monday, Feb 26, 2024

The NBA held its All-Star festivities last weekend, and the 30 teams returned from their extended break last Thursday.  I generally prefer to sit on the sidelines as a bettor in the first game after the All-Star Break since I like to give the teams an opportunity to shake off whatever rust might have developed in their week of rest.  But after that I'm ready to go.  And the All-Star Break can often provide us with some nice betting angles.  I'm going to use one of them here, as our NBA System of the Week.One of the things I like to do is play on teams that get off to bad starts after the All-Star Break.  After a week of rest, all the teams are generally refreshed and energized.  And they don't want to get off on an extended losing streak.  I like playing on NBA teams in the 3rd game after the All-Star Break when they're off back-to-back SU/ATS losses, and especially if our team is not favored by 4+ points.  Over the last 34 seasons, this angle has gone 63-41-1 ATS (60.5%).  This season, we have two plays.  On Monday, February 26, the Brooklyn Nets are a play at Memphis.  And on Tuesday, February 27, the Portland Trail Blazers will be a play at home vs. Miami.  And, though there's nothing wrong with a 63-41 record, we can improve our numbers substantially by focusing on the teams that also lost their last game going into the All-Star Break, SU/ATS.  Those teams riding 3-game (or worse) SU/ATS losing streaks have trotted out to a 28-11 ATS record in their third game after the All-Star Break.  And Both Brooklyn and Portland fall into that 28-11 ATS tightener.Good luck, as always,Al McMordie

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2024 NBA Title Insights

by ASA, Inc.

Sunday, Feb 25, 2024

LA Clippers (+500)The value on the Clippers has dissipated as the once +2300 has dropped to +500. Yet, LAC may still be worth an investment. They have been on a tear since December going 29-8 allowing Kawhi Leonard to sneak into the MVP conversation (+7000). Leonard is having the best shooting season of his career currently at 45% from three and 53% from the field. He ranks 9th in overall player efficiency rating and if the Clippers can capture the one seed in the West, Leonard may have the upper hand on MVP over Jokic (+200) and Gilgeous-Alexander (+350). Kawhi has his own case for MVP, but a main reason the Clippers still have value is the overall team efficiency they are playing with. George, Harden, and Powell are all shooting 40% or better from three. Combined with Russell Westbrook and Terance Mann, LAC seems to have unlimited offensive options. In a seven game series all that firepower will be tough to suppress, the one determining factor may come down to team chemistry and the willingness for the Clippers superstars to make unselfish plays for a chance at the Larry O'Brien trophy. Cleveland Cavaliers (+2500)The Cavs take pride on defense boasting the second best Defensive Rating in the NBA behind the Timberwolves. On offense Donovan Mitchell (+2000) is in the MVP discussion, a true number one scorer carrying Cleveland to second in the East behind Boston. Behind Mitchell is some quality depth with five other players averaging 12+ ppg. Darius Garland (18.3 ppg) and Evan Mobley (15.5 ppg) will be the key to how far Cleveland can go. In a star studded league, Mitchell will need offensive help in order to compete with the likes of Boston and Milwaukee in the East. However, we saw both of those supposed juggernauts lose to the eighth seeded Heat last year showing that neither are world-beaters by any means. If young role players can step up behind their established stud in Mitchell, Cleveland provides some solid value in the less competitive East. Longshot - Miami Heat (+4200)Miami has made the NBA finals two of the past four years. The East is once again wide open and the Heat seem to take the regular season a bit less seriously than other teams. In the past seven years, the number one seed in the East has failed to make the NBA Finals. In fact, only three times since 2003 has the one seed in the East made the Finals. History tells us that Boston is in a precarious situation. Miami ranks seventh in Defensive Rating and neither the Celtics nor Bucks want to see Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler again this spring.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/25/2024

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Feb 25, 2024

The Sunday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has 11 games on its docket. The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Philadelphia to play the 76ers on ABC at 1:10 p.m. ET as a 5-point road favorite with the total set at 232 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Phoenix Suns host the Los Angeles Lakers on ABC at 3:40 p.m. ET as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 237.5. The Dallas Mavericks play at Indiana against the Pacers at 5:10 p.m. ET as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 252. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in Washington to play the Wizards at 6:10 p.m. ET as an 11-point road favorite with an over/under of 232.5. Four NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Orlando Magic visit Atlanta to play the Hawks as a 1-point road favorite, with a total of 226.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder play in Houston to play the Texans as a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 235.5. The New Orleans Pelicans play at home against the Chicago Bulls as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 222.5. The Denver Nuggets are in Golden State to play the Warriors on ESPN as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 232. The Utah Jazz are at home against the San Antonio Spurs at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with a total of 242. The Portland Trail Blazers host the Charlotte Hornets at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 219.5. The Los Angeles Clippers play is at home against the Sacramento Kings on ESPN as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 239.The National Hockey League has seven games on its slate. The New Jersey Devils are at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning on TNT at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Philadelphia Flyers on TNT at 3:37 p.m. ET as a -170 money-line favorite with a total of 6.Four more NHL games drop the puck at 6:07 p.m. ET. The Detroit Red Wings visit Chicago to play the Blackhawks as a -192 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Winnipeg Jets play at home against the Arizona Coyotes as a -238 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Carolina Hurricanes are in Buffalo to play the Sabres as a -155 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The New York Rangers play in Columbus against the Blue Jackets as a -198 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Nashville Predators travel to Anaheim to play the Ducks at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5.The college basketball schedule has 11 games on national television. Four NCAAB games tip-off on national television at noon ET. Creighton plays at St. John’s on CBS as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 152. SMU is at South Florida on ESPN2 as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 147. LaSalle hosts Rhode Island on the USA Network as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 153. Wagner plays at home against Long Island on the CBS Sports Network as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 130.5. Two NCAAB games are on national television at 2 p.m. ET. Purdue visits Michigan on CBS as a 13-point road favorite with a total of 123.5. Florida Atlantic plays at Memphis on ESPN as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 159. Four nationally-televised NCAAB games begin at 4 p.m. ET. Wichita State is at home against Temple on ESPN as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 143. Tulane hosts UAB on ESPN2 as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 161. Michigan State plays at home against Ohio State on CBS as a 10-point favorite with a total of 137.5. VCU is at home against Saint Joseph’s on the CBS Sports Network as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 142. Marquette hosts Xavier on FS1 at 5 p.m. ET as a 10-point favorite with a total of 158.5. Matchweek 26 in the English Premier League continues with one match. Wolverhampton plays at home against Sheffield United on the USA Network at 8:30 a.m. ET. The Wolves are a -1-goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/24/2024

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Feb 24, 2024

The Saturday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has three games on its docket. The Orlando Magic travel to Detroit to play the Pistons at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 7-point road favorite with the total set at 226 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Boston Celtics play in New York against the Knicks at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 223. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Brooklyn Nets at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 216.5. The National Hockey League has 13 games on its slate. The Detroit Red Wings play at home against the St. Louis Blues on ABC at 12:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two more NHL games drop the puck at 2:07 p.m. ET. The New Jersey Devils are at home against the Montreal Canadiens as a -230 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning are in New York to play the Islanders as a -112 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Rangers visit Philadelphia to play the Flyers on ABC at 3:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Florida Panthers host the Washington Capitals at 6:07 p.m. ET as a -218 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Three more NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Vancouver Canucks host the Boston Bruins as a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Colorado Avalanche play at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs as a -120 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Ottawa Senators are at home against the Vegas Golden Knights as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Dallas Stars at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. Three NHL games start at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Seattle Kraken play at home against the Minnesota Wild as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Nashville Predators play at San Jose against the Sharks as a -218 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Edmonton Oilers are at home against the Calgary Flames as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Los Angeles Kings host the Anaheim Ducks at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -270 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.The college basketball schedule has 16 games on major national television. Three NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at noon ET. Houston is at Baylor on CBS as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 136. Syracuse plays at home against Notre Dame on ESPN as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 133. Arkansas is at home against Missouri on ESPN2 as a 4.5-point favorite, with a total of 146. Three NCAAB games on major national television start at 2 p.m. ET. Arizona hosts Washington on CBS as a 15-point favorite with an over/under of 166.5. Iowa State plays at home against West Virginia on ESPN2 as an 18-point favorite with a total of 143.5. Wake Forest is at home against Duke on ESPN as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 150.5. Three major nationally televised games in NCAAB begin at 4 p.m. ET. Kentucky hosts Alabama on CBS as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 174.5. North Carolina visits Virginia on ESPN as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 130. Oklahoma State plays at home against Oklahoma on ESPN2 as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 140. Two more NCAAB games on national television start at 6 p.m. ET. Kansas is at home against Texas on ESPN as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Appalachian State plays at Marshall on ESPN2 as a 6-point road favorite with a total of 147.5. Three NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 8 p.m. ET. Connecticut hosts Villanova on Fox as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 134. Tennessee plays at home against Texas A&M on ESPN as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 145.5. Washington State is at Arizona State on ESPN2 as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 139. Two more major nationally televised games start at 10 p.m. ET. UCLA is at home against USC on ESPN as a 5-point favorite, with a total of 133. Gonzaga hosts Santa Clara on ESPN2 as a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 156.5.Matchweek 26 in the English Premier League begins with six matches. Four matches start at 10 a.m. ET. Aston Villa plays at home against Nottingham Forest on the USA Network as a -1 goal-line favorite with a total of 3 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Brighton and Hove Albion are at home against Everton as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3. Crystal Palace hosts Burnley as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Manchester United plays at home against Fulham as a -1 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3. Manchester City travels to Bournemouth on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3. Arsenal is at home against Newcastle United at 3 p.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.

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NHL Off the Post: February 23rd

by Sean Murphy

Friday, Feb 23, 2024

We're just two weeks away from the NHL Trade Deadline as a number of teams jockey for positioning and decide whether they'll be 'buyers' or 'sellers'. Here's a look at some notes from around the league as we approach the end of February.Cleared for takeoffThe Winnipeg Jets stumbled out of the All-Star break, scoring a grand total of one goal in consecutive losses against the Penguins and Flyers. Since then, they've turned it around, securing four wins in their last five games entering Friday's matchup with the lowly Blackhawks. The good news is, the first-place Vancouver Canucks have stumbled lately, leaving the door open for the Jets to gain ground in the Western Conference standings. Winnipeg currently sits seven points behind Vancouver but has a whopping five games-in-hand. The bad news is, the Jets face a difficult upcoming schedule with 11 of their next 17 games being played on the road. Winnipeg has posted a winning record away from home this season but there is reason for concern as it has averaged just 2.8 goals per game along the way. Seeing StarsIt's been a tough road trip for the Dallas Stars as they've lost all three games on their current jaunt out East. In fact, Dallas has lost four consecutive games overall and draws another difficult matchup in Carolina on Saturday before returning home for one game against the struggling New York Islanders. It seems the Stars nine-goal outburst in Nashville back on February 15th may have led to a bit of complacency as they've produced only eight goals in four games since. Dallas does remain in second-place in the Western Conference standings and continues to lead the Central Division. With that being said, the Colorado Avalanche are nipping at their heels, sitting just a single point back. A showdown with the Avs in Denver awaits on Tuesday night. Red hot BlueshirtsI noted prior to the All-Star break that the then-struggling New York Rangers would be a team we'd be looking to get behind in the coming weeks. Right on schedule, the Rangers have gone on a tear, reeling off nine straight victories culminating with a decisive 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils in Newark on Thursday. The schedule doesn't get much tougher until the start of March as the Blueshirts will close out February with a stop in Philadelphia followed by a home-and-home series with the lowly Blue Jackets. New York's recent surge has strengthened its grip on the Metropolitan Division lead as it currently sits six points ahead of the second-place Carolina Hurricanes. The Rangers and Canes will next meet in Raleigh on March 12th, marking their final matchup of the regular season. Decision timeThe Philadelphia Flyers were an afterthought when it came to preseason playoff prognostication but as we approach the Trade Deadline they find themselves in third-place in the Metropolitan Division, holding a seven-point advantage over the 'first team out' in the Eastern Conference playoff picture (the Washington Capitals). Whether Philadelphia will be buying or selling prior to the deadline remains to be seen. Standing pat is an option as well should the organization decide it is still a year or two away from making legitimate noise come playoff time. A glimpse ahead shows that the Flyers will play 12 of their final 25 regular season games against opponents that are currently outside of the playoff picture. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/23/2024

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Feb 23, 2024

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has 12 games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Atlanta Hawks host the Toronto Raptors as a 6.5-point favorite, with the total set at 245 (all odds from DraftKings). The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Philadelphia to play the 76ers on ESPN. The Cavaliers lost for the second time in their last three games in a 116-109 upset loss at home to Orlando as a 3-point underdog last night. The 76ers lost for the second straight time in a 110-96 home loss home to New York as a 1.5-point favorite last night. Cleveland is a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 228.5. Four NBA games start at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Phoenix Suns play in Houston against the Rockets as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 229.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are in Memphis to play the Grizzlies as a 9.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 223.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Washington Wizards as a 14.5-point favorite with a total of 241.5. The New Orleans Pelicans play at home against the Miami Heat as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 222.5. Three NBA games begin at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Golden State Warriors are at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 13.5-point favorite with a total of 229.5. The Denver Nuggets visit Portland to play the Trail Blazers as a 9.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 217.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Milwaukee Bucks on ESPN. The Timberwolves went into the All-Star break on a four-game winning streak after a 128-91 victory at Portland on February 15th. The Bucks lost for the fifth time in their last seven games after a 113-110 upset loss as a 12-point favorite at Memphis last Thursday. Minnesota is a 5-point favorite with a total of 225. 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 238.5. The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. The Buffalo Sabres play in Columbus against the Blue Jackets at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets are at Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 8:37 p.m. ET as a -270 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers are at home against the Minnesota Wild at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5.The college basketball schedule has five games on national television. Akron hosts Kent State on the CBS Sports Network at 6 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 136.5. Toledo travels to Bowling Green on ESPNU at 7 p.m. ET as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 156.5. Duquesne plays at Fordham on ESPN2 at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 139.5. Quinnipiac plays at home against Fairfield on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 158.5. Nevada is at San Jose State on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 140.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 02/22/2024

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Feb 22, 2024

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The NBA returns from its All-Star break sabbatical with 12 games on its docket. Four NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Orlando Magic as a 6.5-point favorite, with the total set at 215.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Indiana Pacers play at home against the Detroit Pistons as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 247.5. The Philadelphia 76ers are at home against the New York Knicks as a 1-point favorite with a total of 226. The Toronto Raptors host the Brooklyn Nets as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 231.5.          The Dallas Mavericks play at home against the Phoenix Suns on TNT at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 243.5. Three more NBA games start at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Boston Celtics travel to Chicago to play the Bulls as a 7.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 225. The New Orleans Pelicans are at home against the Houston Rockets as a 7-point favorite with a total of 228. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Los Angeles Clippers as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 237.5. Two NBA games begin at 9:10 p.m. ET. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Washington Wizards as a 15-point favorite with a total of 231.5. The Utah Jazz are at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 230.5. Two more games complete the NBA card at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Golden State Warriors host the Los Angeles Lakers on TNT as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 241.5. The Sacramento Kings play at home against the San Antonio Spurs as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 241.5. The National Hockey League has 11 games on its slate. Six NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Carolina Hurricanes are at home against the Florida Panthers as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Colorado Avalanche play in Detroit against the Red Wings as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils host the New York Rangers as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Dallas Stars are in Ottawa to play the Senators as a -155 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins play at home against the Montreal Canadiens as a -225 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning are at home against the Washington Capitals as a -198 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5.The New York Islanders visit St. Louis to play the Blues at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -112 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Boston Bruins play in Calgary against the Flames at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -130 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more NHL games start at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Vancouver Canucks are in Seattle to play the Kraken as a -122 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Vegas Golden Knights host the Toronto Maple Leafs as a -120 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Los Angeles Kings play at home against the Nashville Predators at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 6.The college basketball schedule has 12 games on national television. Four NCAAB games are on national television at 7 p.m. ET. Purdue is at home against Rutgers on FS1 as a 15.5-point favorite with an over/under of 138. Florida Atlantic hosts SMU on ESPN2 as a 7-point favorite with a total of 153.5. Gardner-Webb plays at home against Radford on ESPNU as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Hofstra is at home against Drexel on the CBS Sports Network as a 4-point favorite with a total of 135.5. Four nationally televised NCAAB games tip off at 9 p.m. ET. Washington travels to Arizona State on ESPN2 as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 153.5. Northwestern hosts Michigan on FS1 as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 140. Arkansas State plays at home against Troy on ESPNU as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 154.5. Sam Houston plays at New Mexico State on the CBS Sports Network as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 139.5. Four NCAAB games are on national television at 11 p.m. ET. Arizona is at home against Washington State on FS1 as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 151. Oregon is at Stanford on ESPN2 in a pick ‘em with a total of 150.5. Santa Clara hosts Loyola-Marymount on the CBS Sports Network as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 146.5. UC-Irvine plays at home against UC-Santa Barbara on ESPNU as a 10-point favorite with a total of 142. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NHL, NCAAB, EPL and UEFA Champions League Previews and Odds - 02/21/2024

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Feb 21, 2024

The Wednesday sports card features NHL, NCAAB, EPL, and UEFA Champions League action. The National Basketball Association continues its All-Star Game break until Thursday, February 22nd. The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. The Buffalo Sabres travel to Montreal to play the Canadiens at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -130 money-line road favorite, with the total set at 6.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Philadelphia Flyers play at home against the Chicago Blackhawks on TNT at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -192 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Three more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Anaheim Ducks host the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs are in Arizona to play the Coyotes as a -218 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Boston Bruins on TNT as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 12 games on national television. UNC-Greensboro is at home against Western Carolina on the CBS Sports Network at 6 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139. Four more NCAAB games on national television tip off at 7 p.m. ET.  Duke visits Miami (FL) on ESPN as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 150. Alabama hosts Florida on ESPN2 as an 8-point favorite with a total of 174. Louisville plays at home against Notre Dame on ESPNU as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. St. John’s plays at Georgetown on FS1 as a 9.5-point road favorite with a total of 151. Xavier is at home against Providence on the CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m. ET as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 149.5. Four more nationally televised NCAAB games start at 9 p.m. ET. Marquette hosts DePaul on FS1 as a 25.5-point favorite with a total of 150. Kentucky is at LSU on ESPN as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 164. Wichita State plays at home against Tulsa on ESPNU as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 146. Mississippi State is at home against Mississippi on ESPN2 as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 142.5. New Mexico hosts Colorado State on the CBS Sports Network at 10 p.m. ET as a 6-point favorite with a total of 155. UNLV plays at the Air Force at on FS1 at 11 p.m. ET as a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 133.Matchweek 25 in the English Premier League concludes with one match.  Liverpool is at home against Luton Town on the USA Network at 2:30 p.m. ET as a -2 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). The knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League continues with the final two first-leg matches in the Round of 16 at 3 p.m. ET. Arsenal is at FC Porto as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Barcelona travels to Napoli on CBS in a pick ‘em match with a total of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 02/20/2024

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Feb 20, 2024

The Tuesday sports card features NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action. The National Basketball Association continues its All-Star Game break until Thursday, February 22nd. The National Hockey League has eight games on its slate. Four NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Florida Panthers host the Ottawa Senators as a -238 money-line favorite, with the total set at 6.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The New York Rangers play at home against the Dallas Stars as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins are at home against the New York Islanders as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The New Jersey Devils travel to Washington to play the Capitals as a -170 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets host the Minnesota Wild at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Colorado Avalanche play at home against the Vancouver Canucks at 9:07  p.m. ET as a -148 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Vegas Golden Knights are at home against the Nashville Predators at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Los Angeles Kings host the Columbus Blue Jackets at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -258 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 13 games on national television. Villanova plays at home against Butler on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 6-point favorite, with the total set at 141. Four more NCAAB games on national television tip off at 7 p.m. ET. North Carolina State is at home against Syracuse on ESPN2 as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 151.5. Central Florida plays at West Virginia on ESPNU as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 143. Texas A&M hosts Arkansas on ESPN as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. Massachusetts plays at home against VCU as a 3-point favorite with a total of 144.5. Connecticut plays at Creighton on FS1 at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 145. Four more NCAAB games on national television start at 9 p.m. ET. BYU is at home against Baylor on ESPN as a 4-point favorite with a total of 155. Utah State hosts San Diego State on the CBS Sports Network as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Texas Tech plays at home against TCU on ESPN2 as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 147.5. Wisconsin is at home against Maryland on Peacock as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 130.5. Boise State hosts San Jose State on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. ET as a 15.5-point favorite with a total of 141.5. Two more games on national television conclude the NCAAB card. Saint Mary’s plays at home against San Francisco on ESPN2 as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 133. Nevada is at home against Wyoming on the CBS Sports Network as a 14-point favorite with a total of 144.5. Matchweek 25 in the English Premier League continues with one match. Manchester City hosts Brentford on the USA Network at 2:30 p.m. ET as a -2 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5 (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. PSV Eindhoven plays at home against Borussia Dortmund as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3. Inter Milan is at home against Atletico Madrid on CBS as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. 

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