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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA and NFL Previews and Odds - 12/25/2023

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Dec 25, 2023

The Monday sports card features NFL and NBA action.Week 16 of the NFL regular season concludes with three games. The Kansas City Chiefs host the Las Vegas Raiders on CBS at 1 PM ET. The Chiefs ended a two-game losing streak with their 27-17 victory at New England as a 10.5-point favorite last Sunday. The Raiders ended their three-game losing streak with their 63-21 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers as a 3-point favorite last Saturday. Kansas City is an 11-point favorite, with the total set at 40.5 (all odds from DraftKings).The Philadelphia Eagles play at home against the New York Giants on Fox at 4:30 PM ET. The Eagles lost their third game in a row with their 20-17 upset loss at Seattle as a 5-point favorite on Monday. The Giants were on a two-game winning streak before their 24-6 loss at New Orleans as a 6.5-point underdog on Sunday. Philadelphia is a 14-point favorite with an over/under of 43.5. The San Francisco 49ers are at home against the Baltimore Ravens on ABC at 8:15 PM ET. The 49ers are on a six-game winning streak after their 45-29 victory at Arizona as a 12-point favorite last Sunday. The Ravens are on a four-game winning streak after their 23-7 win at Jacksonville as a 4-point favorite on Sunday. San Francisco is a 6-point favorite, with a total of 46.5. The National Basketball Association has five games on its docket. The Milwaukee Bucks travel to New York to play the Knicks on ESPN at 12:10 PM ET. The Bucks are on a seven-game winning streak after their 130-111 victory in New York against the Knicks as a 2-point favorite on Saturday. The Knicks were on a two-game winning streak before that loss. Milwaukee is a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 242. The Denver Nuggets host the Golden State Warriors on ABC and ESPN at 2:40 PM ET. The Nuggets are on a four-game winning streak after their 102-95 victory at Charlotte as a 10-point favorite on Saturday. The Warriors are on a five-game winning streak after their 126-108 win at home against Portland as an 8-point favorite on Saturday. Denver is a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 233. The Boston Celtics visit Los Angeles to play the Lakers on ABC and ESPN at 5:10 PM ET. The Celtics have won two straight games after their 145-108 victory in Los Angeles against the Clippers as a 4.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Lakers ended a four-game losing streak with a 129-120 upset victory at Oklahoma City as a 3.5-point underdog two days ago. Boston is a 3-point road favorite with a total of 234. The Miami Heat play at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on ESPN at 8:10 PM ET. The Heat won their second straight game with a 122-113 victory at home against Atlanta as a 1-point favorite on Friday. The 76ers are on a two-game winning streak after a 121-111 win at home against Toronto as an 8.5-point favorite on Friday. Miami is a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 225.5. The Phoenix Suns are at home against the Dallas Mavericks on ESPN at 10:40 PM ET. The Suns are on a two-game losing streak after their 120-105 loss at Sacramento as a 3.5-point underdog on Friday. The Mavericks ended their three-game losing streak with a 144-119 victory against San Antonio as an 8-point underdog on Saturday. Phoenix is a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 236.5. 

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The NBA On Christmas Day

by AAA Sports

Sunday, Dec 24, 2023

The NBA already has opened its Christmas present – the In-Season Tournament during which no stars suffered a major injury and the LeBron Lakers raising a trophy on national television – so it’s on to December 25 and the unofficial real start of the season. The 10 teams with the most hoop sex appeal will go at it in a smorgasbord of basketball before the hype machine takes a month off rather than fight the NFL playoffs, then we head into high gear again leading into the All-Star Game.To the Christmas menu:MILWAUKEE (-3.5) at NEW YORK – The Knicks will be trying to hang on while they hope against hope that C Mitchell Robinson will not be done for the season as New York continues to carve out a spot in Tier 2 of the Eastern Conference. The Bucks, meanwhile, are experiencing some major defensive problems after essentially replacing Swiss Army Knife Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard’s offense. Win now and worry about tomorrow tomorrow is Milwaukee’s motto, but when veteran teams start to fade (cough Golden State cough), there aren’t many alternatives.INTERESTING BETTING NOTE: Bucks have been a solid over team this seasonGOLDEN STATE at DENVER (-5.5) – Klay Thompson bristles when asked about the drop in production, and he has been better as of late. It needs to continue, with Draymond Green suspended until who-knows-when and the pressure on Steph Curry building even more. It’s beyond weird to see the Warriors below .500 and staring at a possible re-visit to the lottery, but here we are. The defending-champion Nuggets, meanwhile, appear to have shaken off some early-season issues and a few uneven performances by Nikola Jokic.INTERESTING BETTING NOTE: At home, Denver is 11-2 SU and 7-6 ATSBOSTON (-4.5) at LOS ANGELES LAKERS – LeBron James may take a few games off to rest his 39-year-old legs, but this is not likely one of them. LBJ has had some epic efforts against Boston, and this looks like a message-sending game in case that the two cornerstone franchises meet again in a playoff Finals that would answer a lot of dreams in the NBA offices. The Celtics have stayed at or near the top of the NBA with a powerful Front 6 as they deal with expected injuries to Kristaps Porzingis and Holiday’s slow assimilation. Boston rains 3s – sometimes they fall, occasionally they don’t.INTERESTING BETTING NOTE: Jayson Tatum has only the 6th-best odds (+1600) to win the MVP AwardPHILADELPHIA at MIAMI (-1.5) – After escaping Toronto and getting rid of his James Harden migraine, Sixers HC Nick Nurse must feel like he’s been let out of jail. He has the 76ers on a pace to win 59 games – maybe or maybe not enough to overtake Boston but good footing heading into the playoffs. Casual fans used to seeing the ISO James Harden will be introduced to speedy Tyrese Maxey on Xmas Day. Miami’s modus operandi will remain unchanged – don’t fret too much about the regular season, get healthy for the playoffs and see if Jimmy Butler can carry them to a few series upsets.INTERESTING BETTING NOTE: Jaime Jaquez Jr. is playing huge minutes for the Heat and is behind only favorites Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama in the Rookie of the Year odds. JJJ is at +5000.DALLAS at PHOENIX (-5.5) – When having three veteran stars doesn’t move the needle, what’s the next step? Four?  To be fair to the Suns, because of injuries, we haven’t really seen what the Durant-Booker-Beal Troika can do when firing on all cylinders. But Phoenix’s sluggish start is still a disappointment, and maybe a cautionary tale to teams chasing names. After 25 games this season, Brooklyn (which dumped Durant, Harden and Kyrie Irving) and Phoenix had each won 13. The Mavericks, strangely, have been better on the road than at home.INTERESTING BETTING NOTE: Over players on the Mavericks have been able to cash regularly (18-10)

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAB, and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/24/2023

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Dec 24, 2023

The Sunday sports card features NFL, NCAAB, and EPL action.Week 16 of the NFL regular season continues with ten games. Seven NFL games kick off at 1 PM ET. The Detroit Lions travel to Minnesota to play the Vikings. The Lions won for the fifth time in their last seven games in a 42-17 victory against Denver as a 5.5-point favorite last Sunday. The Vikings lost for the third time in their last four games with their 27-24 loss in overtime at Cincinnati as a 3-point underdog on Sunday. Detroit is a 3-point road favorite, with the total set at 47.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise).The Atlanta Falcons host the Indianapolis Colts. The Falcons have lost two in a row after their 9-7 upset loss at Carolina as a 2.5-point favorite last week. The Colts won for the fifth time in their last six games with their 30-13 victory against Pittsburgh on Sunday. Atlanta is a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 44.5. The Cleveland Browns play in Houston against the Texans. The Browns won for the fifth time in their last seven games with their 20-17 victory as a 2.5-point favorite on Sunday. The Texans won for the fifth time in their last seven games with their 19-16 upset victory in overtime at Tennessee as a 3-point underdog last Sunday. Cleveland is a 3-point road favorite with a total of 40. The Seattle Seahawks are in Tennessee against the Titans. The Seahawks ended their four-game losing streak with a 20-17 upset victory at home against Philadelphia as a 5-point underdog on Monday. The Titans lost for the fifth time in their last seven games with their overtime loss to the Texans. Seattle is a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 41.5.The New York Jets play at home against the Washington Commanders. The Jets lost for the sixth time in their last seven games with their 30-0 loss at Miami as a 7-point underdog on Sunday. The Commanders are on a five-game losing streak after their 28-20 loss in Los Angeles against the Rams as a 6.5-point underdog last Sunday. New York is a 3-point favorite with a total of 37.The Green Bay Packers visit Carolina to play the Panthers. The Packers are on a two-game losing streak after a 34-20 upset loss to Tampa Bay as a 3.5-point favorite last week. The Panthers ended a six-game losing streak with a 9-7 upset victory at home against Atlanta as a 2.5-point underdog on Sunday. Green Bay is a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 38. Jacksonville Jaguars play in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers. The Jaguars are on a three-game losing streak after their 23-7 loss to Baltimore as a 4-point underdog last Sunday. The Buccaneers are on a three-game winning streak after a 34-20 upset victory at Green Bay as a 3.5-point underdog on Sunday. Jacksonville is a 1-point road favorite with a total of 43.5. Two NFL games start at 4:25 PM ET. The Chicago Bears are at home against the Arizona Cardinals. The Bears were on a two-game winning streak before their loss at Cleveland. The Cardinals lost for the third time in their last four games in a 45-29 loss at home to San Francisco as a 12-point underdog on Sunday. Chicago is a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 43.5.The Miami Dolphins host the Dallas Cowboys. The Dolphins won for the fourth time in their last five games with their 30-0 victory against the New York Jets as a 7-point favorite on Sunday. The Cowboys were on a five-game winning streak before a 31-10 loss at Buffalo last week. Miami is a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 49. The Denver Broncos play at home against the New England Patriots on NBC at 8:15 PM ET for Sunday Night Football. The Broncos lost for the second time in their last three games in a 42-17 loss at Detroit as a 5.5-point underdog last week. The Patriots lost for the sixth time in their last seven games in a 27-17 loss at home to Kansas City as a 10.5-point underdog on Sunday. Denver is a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 35.5.The college basketball schedule has four games on national television in the Diamond Head Classic at the at the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Temple faces Portland on ESPN2 at 1:30 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 141. Massachusetts battles Old Dominion on ESPN2 at 3:30 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 155. TCU plays Hawaii on ESPN2 at 6:30 PM ET as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 148.5. Nevada goes against Georgia Tech in the championship game of this tournament on ESPN at 9 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 141.Matchweek 18 in the English Premier League concludes with one match. Chelsea plays at Wolverhampton on the USA Network at 8 AM ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5.

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NFL System of the Week - Dec 23, 2023

by Al McMordie

Saturday, Dec 23, 2023

When it's holiday time, I like to turn to my late season NFL systems.  And there's one I have been using for years to put some gifts under the Christmas tree.  It combines several of my favorite elements into one very dependable system.  Let's take a look.Faithful followers know that one of the things I love to do when betting on NFL games is to take teams off a loss.  The NFL is an up-and-down league, and when you can get a team off a loss rather than a win, you'll give yourself a slight edge (and even better if your team is off a loss, and its opponent is off a win).Another thing I love is playing on home underdogs (or even PK'em teams).  The edge is a slight one -- since 1980, they've cashed 51.7% of the time -- but I'd rather be on the 51.7% side than the 48.3% side!When it comes to betting on the NFL around holiday time, I love the following system:Play on any home underdog (or PK) in the final five weeks of the regular season if it is off a straight-up loss, and it owns a W/L percentage of .450 (or better).Since 1980, our merry little system has rolled to a 112-69-5 ATS record.Of course, there are certain subsets that do better than others.  Some of the ones that stand out include: Underdogs of +4.5 (or more) points have gone 27-12 ATS.Fading opponents off an ATS loss is 55-25-1 ATS.Monday Night Football home teams have gone 11-2 ATS. Last week, we did have the Monday Night Football home underdog in play, as Seattle (+4) upset Philadelphia, 20-17.This week, we don't have any plays from my favored subsets, but we do have two plays from the general 112-69-5 ATS system.One game is Saturday, while the other is Sunday.Play on:  Pittsburgh +3 over Cincinnati, and Minnesota +3 over Detroit.Good luck, as always,Al McMordie

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3 Bowl ATS Angles To Watch

by Kyle Hunter

Saturday, Dec 23, 2023

College football bowl season is in full swing now. There are several angles to keep an eye on that could help you be successful betting college football during this tricky time of the season. Let’s take a look at three of those angles today. Bowl Angle #1- Underdogs Against The Public-  Since 2006 Bowl Underdogs Who Receive 40% or Less of the Bets are 172-127 ATS (57.4%). The public hasn’t done well betting in bowl season. The public generally likes to bet quite a few favorites. In this case, you are simply looking at out of favor underdogs who could hold value because the line has been moved too much in favor of the opposite team.I will note that sometimes the public bet percentages can be a bit shaky. Can you trust that the numbers are perfectly up to date? I’m not so sure. Still, this type of angle is helpful in realizing that heavily public sides have done poorly year after year. Bowl Angle #2- Low ATS Bowl Underdogs. Since 2006 Underdogs who have covered the spread in less than 50% of their regular season games are a whopping 120-88 ATS (57.7% ATS). This angle is all about taking teams that have made it to bowl season, but they aren’t teams who have covered at a high rate throughout the year. The teams with a really high ATS cover rate during the regular season tend to carry a point spread tax on them this time of the year. On the other hand, teams who have covered a small percentage of games, but are still good enough to get into bowl season- these are teams who have carried great value in these postseason contests. I think this is a strong angle that should continue to work in the future.  At the date of this publication on December 23, there are seven games to go:  Northern Illinois (Dec 23), Tulane (Dec 27), USC (Dec 27), Boston College (Dec 28), Memphis (Dec 29), Toledo (Dec 30) and Wisconsin (Jan 1). Bowl Angle #3 Good Defenses in Bowl Games A Team Who Allows 3.6 Yards Per Carry Or Less and a Maximum of 5 Yards Per Play. These strong defensive teams are 319-243 ATS (56.8% ATS) since 2006 in bowl games.Yes offense is more important than it was in the past when the defenses could just dominate, but defense has still been predictive when it comes to covering spreads in bowl season. The best defenses have been great against the number. Inside this angle, the teams listed above with great defenses who are also underdogs are an impressive 155-103 ATS (60% ATS) with an ROI of 16%. Look for underdogs who are excellent on defense and you’ll have a good starting point. At the date of publication the teams that fit this underdog with a strong defense angle are: Northwestern (Dec 23), Bowling Green (Dec 26), Tulane (Dec 27), Oklahoma (Dec 28), Rutgers- depending on the line at your book (Dec 28), Kentucky (Dec 29), Ole Miss (Dec 30), Maryland (Dec 30), Fla St (Dec 30), Toledo (Dec 30), Alabama (Jan 1), and Wisconsin (Jan 1). 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/23/2023

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Dec 23, 2023

The Saturday sports card features NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.Week 16 of the NFL regular season continues with two games. The Cincinnati Bengals travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers on NBC at 4:30 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite with the total set at 38 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Buffalo Bills play in Los Angeles against the Chargers on Peacock at 8 PM ET as a 12.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 44. The college football bowl season continues with seven games. Two NCAAF bowl games kick off at noon ET. Troy battles Duke on ABC in the Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. The Trojans are a 7-point favorite with a total of 44.5. Arkansas State faces Northern Illinois on ESPN in the Camellia Bowl at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. The Red Wolves are a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 54.5. Two NCAAF bowl games start at 3:30 PM ET. James Madison plays Air Force on ABC at the Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. The Dukes are a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 40.5. Utah State goes against Georgia State on ESPN at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The Aggies are a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 59.5. South Alabama battles Eastern Michigan on ESPN at 7 PM ET in the 68 Ventures Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. The Jaguars are a 17-point favorite with a total of 44.5. Utah plays Northwestern on ABC at 7:30 PM ET in the Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Utes are a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 41.5. San Jose State faces Coastal Carolina on ESPN at 10:30 PM ET in the Hawaii Bowl at Clarence T.C. Ching Field in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Spartans are a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 48. The National Basketball Association has 13 games on its docket. The Milwaukee Bucks are in New York to play the Knicks at 12:40 PM ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 241.5. The Boston Celtics visit Los Angeles to play the Clippers at 3:40 PM ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 230. Three NBA games begin at 7:10 PM ET. The Denver Nuggets play in Charlotte against the Hornets as an 8.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The Indiana Pacers host the Orlando Magic as a 2-point favorite with a total of 244. The New Orleans Pelicans play at home against the Houston Rockets as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 223.5. Three NBA games start at 7:40 PM ET. The Memphis Grizzlies are in Atlanta to play the Hawks as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 240.5. The Brooklyn Nets are at home against the Detroit Pistons as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 233. The Toronto Raptors host the Utah Jazz as a 5.5-point favorite, with a total of 229. Four NBA games tip off at 8:10 PM ET. The Chicago Bulls play at home against the Cleveland Guardians as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 220.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder are at home against the Los Angeles Lakers as a 4-point favorite with a total of 238. The Dallas Mavericks host the San Antonio Spurs as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 239. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Portland Trail Blazers as a 9-point favorite with a total of 233. The Sacramento Kings are at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 10:10 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 232.5. The National Hockey League has 14 games on its slate. The Dallas Stars travel to Nashville to play the Predators at 2:07 PM ET as an a-135 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.  The Florida Panthers host the Vegas Golden Knights at 3:07 PM ET as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Five NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Boston Bruins play in Minnesota against the Wild as a -115 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Toronto Maple Leafs are in Columbus to play the Blue Jackets as a -198 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7. The New Jersey Devils play at home against the  Detroit Red Wings as a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins visit Ottawa with both teams priced as a -110 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning play in Washington against the Capitals as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Two NHL games start at 7:37 PM ET. The New York Rangers are at home against Buffalo against the Sabres as a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5 The Carolina Hurricanes host the New York Islanders as a -170 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Two more NHL games start at 8:07 PM ET. The Seattle Kraken are in Anaheim to play the Ducks as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The St. Louis Blues play at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -238 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Colorado Avalanche are at home against the Arizona Coyotes at 9:07 PM ET as a -225 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Los Angeles Kings host the Calgary Flames as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Vancouver Canucks play at home against the San Jose Sharks as a -305 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has six games on national television. Providence is at home against the Butler on FS1 at noon ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 141. Xavier hosts Seton Hall on FS1 at 2 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 147. Arizona goes against Florida Atlantic on Fox at 3 PM ET in the Desert Classic at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. The Wildcats are a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 162. Two NCAAB games begin at 4 PM ET. Memphis plays at home against Vanderbilt on CBS as a 16.5-point favorite with an over/under of 150. Villanova travels to DePaul on FS1 as a 12.5-point road favorite with a total of 135. Connecticut is at home against St. John’s on Fox at 8 PM ET as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 147.5. Matchweek 18 in the English Premier League continues with six matches. Manchester United plays at West Ham United on the USA Network at 7:30 AM ET in a pick ‘em match with a total of 3. Four more EPL matches start at 10 AM ET. Fulham hosts Burnley as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under 2.5. Tottenham plays at home against Everton as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3. Newcastle United is at Luton Town on the USA Network as a -1 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Bournemouth visits Nottingham Forest in a pick ‘em game with a total of 2.5. Arsenal travels to Liverpool on NBC at 12:30 PM ET in a pick ‘em showdown with a total of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/22/2023

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Dec 22, 2023

The Friday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The college football bowl season continues with one game. Central Florida battles Georgia Tech on ESPN at 6:30 PM ET in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Knights won for the third time in their last four games in a 27-13 victory against Houston as a 14-point favorite on November 25th. The Yellow Jackets lost for the second time in their previous three games in a 31-23 loss at home against Georgia as a 24-point underdog on November 25th. Central Florida is a 5-point favorite, with the total set at 66.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. The Philadelphia 76ers host the Toronto Raptors at 7:10 PM ET as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Denver Nuggets travel to Brooklyn to play the Nets at 7:40 PM ET as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 230. Two NBA games tip off at 8:10 PM ET. The Miami Heat play at home against the Atlanta Hawks as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 238.5. The Houston Rockets are at home against the Dallas Mavericks as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 226.5. Two more games conclude the NBA card at 10:10 PM ET. The Sacramento Kings host the Phoenix Suns as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of total of 245.5. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Washington Wizards as a 12-point favorite with a total of 248. The National Hockey League has four games on its slate. The Detroit Red Wings are at home against the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:07 PM ET as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The New York Rangers host the Edmonton Oilers at 7:37 PM ET as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Boston Bruins visit Winnipeg to play the Jets at 8:07 PM ET as a -125 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Chicago Blackhawks play at home against the Montreal Canadiens at 8:37 PM ET as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has seven games on national television. Nevada faces TCU on ESPNU  5 PM ET in the Diamond Head Classic at the at the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. SMU plays at Murray State on the CBS Sports Network at 6 PM ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 140.5. Marquette is at home against Georgetown on FS1 at 7 PM ET as a 17-point favorite with a total of 151. Two NCAAB games start at 9 PM ET. Illinois goes against Missouri on FS1 at 9 PM ET at the Enterprise Center in Saint Louis, Missouri, as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 150.5. UCLA hosts Maryland on ESPN2 as a 3-point favorite, with a total of 129. Georgia Tech plays at Hawaii on ESPN2 at 11 PM ET in the Diamond Head Classic. Massachusetts battles Portland on ESPN2 at 1:30 AM ET in the Diamond Head Classic. Matchweek 18 in the English Premier League continues with one match. Aston Villa plays at home against Sheffield United on the USA Network at 3 PM ET as a -2 goal-line favorite at BetMGM with an over/under of 3.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/21/2023

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

The Thursday sports card features NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.Week 16 of the NFL regular season kicks off with one game. The Los Angeles Rams host the New Orleans Saints on Amazon Prime at 8:15 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with the total set at 46. The college football bowl season continues with one game. Syracuse battles South Florida on ESPN at 8 PM ET in the Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida. The Orange are a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 56. The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. The Utah Jazz travel to Detroit to play the Pistons at 7:10 PM ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 238. The Cleveland Cavaliers play at home against the New Orleans Pelicans at 7:40 PM ET as a -1 point favorite with an over/under of 228.  Four NBA games tip off at 8:10 PM ET. The Chicago Bulls are at home against the San Antonio Spurs as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 230.5. The Memphis Grizzlies host the Indiana Pacers as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 247. The Milwaukee Bucks play at home against the Orlando Magic as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 238.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder are at home against the Los Angeles Clippers as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 224. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Los Angeles Lakers at 9:10 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 224. The Portland Trail Blazers play at home against the Washington Wizards at 10:10 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 240. The National Hockey League has 12 games on its slate. Six NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Philadelphia Flyers are at home against the Nashville Predators as a -122 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Carolina Hurricanes visit Pittsburgh to play the Penguins as a -122 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Vegas Golden Knights as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs play in Buffalo against the Sabres as a -162 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Washington Capitals are in Columbus to play the Blue Jackets as a -120 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Florida Panthers play at home against the St. Louis Blues as a -218 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two NHL games begin at 8:07 PM ET.  The New Jersey Devils are at home against the Vancouver Canucks as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Minnesota Wild host the Montreal Canadiens as a -218 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Colorado Avalanche play at home against the Ottawa Senators at 9:07 PM ET as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5.  The Calgary Flames travel to Anaheim to play the Ducks at 10:07 PM ET as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Arizona Coyotes play in San Jose against the Sharks at 10:37 PM ET as a -155 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The college basketball schedule has seven games on national television. Nevada faces Temple on ESPNU at 3 PM ET in the Diamond Head Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Wolf Pack are an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 147.5. TCU goes against Old Dominion on ESPNU at 5 PM ET in the Diamond Head Classic as a 15-point favorite with a total of 146.5. Kentucky is in Louisville on ESPN at 6 PM ET as a 13.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 155. Penn State is at home against Le Mayne on Peacock at 7 PM ET as a 19-point favorite with a total of 153. Two more NCAAB games tip off at 9 PM ET. San Diego State hosts Stanford on the CBS Sports Network at 9 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 144. Massachusetts plays Georgia Tech on ESPN2 in the Diamond Head Classic as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 150.5. Hawaii is at home against Portland on ESPN2 at 11 PM ET in the Diamond Head Classic as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 149.5. Matchweek 18 in the English Premier League begins with one match. Brighton and Hove Albion play at Crystal Palace on the USA Network at 3 PM ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. 

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Bowl Betting Tips + Free Winner

by Will Rogers

Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023

The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is one of my favorite times of the year. I'm not overly sentimental about the season. Nor do I particularly care for the cold.  All the sports more than make up for it! Hockey and basketball are heating up. International soccer is going strong. NFL divisional races are coming down to the wire. Even with all the opt-outs, the bowls are always exciting. December has been treating me well and I'm hoping to stay hot to close out the year.  Just as the holidays can be overwhelming, so can all the sporting options. It's too much for some. Others are able to effectively take advantage of all the added opportunities. I typically fall in the latter group. Here are a few common sense reminders which have served me well at this time of the year. As my "be cautious" theme may not excite everyone, I've also sprinkled in a complimentary bowl game winner. Thanks for reading and happy holidays to all! Don't Mix Drinking And BettingIt's important not to mix celebrating and sports handicapping. There's nothing wrong with enjoying some holiday cheer. However, it's an easy way to lose our discipline. Months of diligent money management can quickly be thrown out the window if one starts betting after having had too many drinks. There's always tomorrow. My advice is to avoid the sportsbook if you've gotten into drinking. Do your work and place your bets beforehand. Not afterwards.  Don't Play Every GameOne of the biggest advantages at our disposal is that we don't have to play every game. Discipline is more important than ever at this time of the year. Just because there are five bowl games on the first day of bowl season doesn't mean that we need to play all five of them. Of course, there's nothing wrong with doing so either. Just don't force. Play because you feel that you have an edge, not because the game is kicking off on TV in 10 minutes. I personally chose to play one bowl game on Opening Day. The same goes for all the Christmas Day NBA and NFL games. Play only the ones you are really confident in. More on that in a minute.  Be CautiousFor many, the holiday season and New Year’s is a hectic time of year. There are often get-togethers with work, family and friends. It can get us out of our normal routine and can be exhausting. This can eat into our handicapping time. As a professional, I try and keep social engagements to a minimum. That can be easier said than done, I'm a firm believer that there's no substitute for hard work. If you don't have enough time to handicap the games the way you normally would, just take a pass. Don't Be Afraid to Fade The Line MovesThere's been a lot of line movement in the bowls this season. We're seeing more and more important players electing not to play and that causes the odds to shift. Often, there's an over-reaction and the line moves too much. The players replacing the stars can be better than bettors realize. If you like the game, don't be afraid to go against the move. Getting an extra handful of points in exchange for a starter can be well worth it.  Be PatientAs mentioned above, there's a lot of line movement in football games at this time of the year. There are times when it pays to lock in a play early but its also important to exercise patience. It's not a race to get your bet in. Waiting can get you a better number and waiting provides a better chance to see which players are in and which players are out. 68 Ventures Bowl O/U Winner On Saturday, December 23rd, South Alabama will face Eastern Michigan. The game, now known as the 68 Ventures Bowl, will be played at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile Alabama. The Jaguars are substantial favorites. I'm more interested in the total. The O|U line has come down from what it opened at. That's providing value with the over. USA games are averaging nearly 53 points. South Alabama is going to score a lot against a suspect Eastern Michigan defense. That will lead to the final score going over the number. Go with the Over! 

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NFL Futures Pick To Win Super Bowl

by ASA, Inc.

Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023

ASA’s Future Bets to Make - Buffalo Bills +1200 to win Super Bowl We are looking at a pair of AFC teams at longer odds to win it all this season. Granted, we have the 49ers favored over anyone in the league by at least 3-points on a neutral field, but what if the 49ers don’t make it to the Super Bowl and get upset by the Cowboys or Eagles? The favorite in the AFC to win the Super Bowl is the Baltimore Ravens at +450 who will likely be the #1 seed in the American Football Conference. The Ravens have great numbers on the season, but they’ve also played the 16th rated schedule this season. We feel the Ravens can be beaten at home in a single elimination game by the Buffalo Bills if both teams make it to the AFC Championship game. Buffalo is currently playing like the team everyone expected them to be this season. The Bills have a pair of impressive wins over the Chiefs and the Cowboys in the last two games, and lost their previous game in Philadelphia in OT. In the game against the Eagles, the Bills dominated with over +500-total yards of offense compared to the Eagles 380YDS. In our overall season metrics we have the Bills rated with the 2nd best overall offense and the 10th best defense. Buffalo has averaged over 185-rushing yards per game in their last three games and two of those came against top 13 rushing defenses. The Bills defense has shown improvement too allowing 5.0-yards per play in their last three games against the Chiefs, Cowboys and Eagles who all average 5.4YPP or better on the season. The Buffalo Bill have QB Josh Allen and enough offensive weapons to beat anyone on any field on any day and the defense is playing much better. Buffalo closes the season with games against the struggling Chargers and Patriots, then travel to Miami to face the Dolphins. They should win two of those games and potentially all three which would give them a 5-game winning streak and momentum heading into the playoffs. At plus +1200 we like the value with a futures bet on the Buffalo Bills to win it all.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 12/20/2023

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023

The Wednesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has ten games on its docket. Four NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Utah Jazz as a 7-point favorite, with the total set at 227.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Indiana Pacers play at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 249. The Orlando Magic are at home against the Miami Heat as a 5-point favorite with a total of 219. The Philadelphia 76ers host the Minnesota Timberwolves as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 226.5. Two NBA games start at 7:40 PM ET. The New York Knicks travel to Brooklyn to play the Nets as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 233. The Denver Nuggets play in Toronto against the Raptors as a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 228.5.  Two NBA games begin at 8:10 PM ET. The Los Angeles Lakers are in Chicago to play the Bulls as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 224.5. The Houston Rockets play at home against the Atlanta Hawks as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 233.5. The Los Angeles Clippers visit Dallas to play the Mavericks at 8:40 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 238.5. The Sacramento Kings are at home against the Boston Celtics at 10:10 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 235.5. The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:37 PM ET. The Winnipeg Jets host the Detroit Red Wings as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Washington Capitals play at home against the New York Islanders on TNT as a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings are at home against the Seattle Kraken on TNT at 10:07 PM ET as a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The college basketball schedule has seven games on national television. Three NCAAB games tip off at 7 PM ET. Connecticut plays at Seton Hall on the CBS Sports Network as an 8-point road favorite with an over/under of 140.5. Duke goes against Baylor on ESPN in the Garden Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, as a 2-point favorite with a total of 154.5. St. John’s hosts Xavier on FS1 as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 157. Northwestern battles Arizona State on ESPN2 at 8:30 PM ET in the Hall of Fame Series at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 136.5. Two more NCAAB games start at 9 PM ET. North Carolina faces Oklahoma on ESPN at 9 PM ET in the Jumpman Invitational at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 155.5. Creighton is at home against Villanova on FS1 as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 141. Arizona plays Alabama on ESPN at 11 PM ET in the Hall of Fame Series in Phoenix as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 173.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 12/19/2023

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Dec 19, 2023

The Tuesday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The college football bowl season continues with one game. The University of Texas-San Antonio battles Marshall on ESPN at 9 PM ET in the Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The Roadrunners are a 12.5-point road favorite, with the total set at 51.5 (all odds from DraftKings).The National Basketball Association has four games on its docket. The Memphis Grizzlies travel to New Orleans on TNT at 7:40 PM ET as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 232.5. The Milwaukee Bucks host the San Antonio Spurs at 8:10 PM ET as a 16.5-point favorite with a total of 249. Two more games conclude the NBA card at 10:10 PM ET. The Boston Celtics play in Golden State against the Warriors on TNT as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 231.5. The Phoenix Suns are in Portland to play the Trail Blazers as a 7-point road favorite, with a total of 231. The National Hockey League has 11 games on its slate. Six NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Boson Bruins play at home against the Minnesota Wild as a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Buffalo Sabres are at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Vegas Golden Knights as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The New Jersey Devils play at home against the Philadelphia Flyers as a -170 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning are at home against the St. Louis Blues as a -170 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs host the New York Rangers as a -118 money-line favor with a total of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers visit New York to play the Islanders at 7:37 PM ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Nashville Predators play at home against the Vancouver Canucks at 8:07 PM ET as a -112 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Colorado Avalanche are in Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 8:37 PM ET as a -245 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Ottawa Senators play in Arizona to play the Coyotes at 9:07 PM ET as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Los Angeles Kings travel to San Jose to face the Sharks at 10:37 PM ET as a -250 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The college basketball schedule has four games on national television.  Butler is at home against Georgetown on FS1 at 6:30 PM ET as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 150. Two NCAAB games begin at 7 PM ET. Memphis hosts Virginia on ESPN2 at 7 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 131. Florida faces Michigan on ESPN in the Jumpman Invitational at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 157.5. Marquette plays at Providence on FS1 at 8:30 PM ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 145.5.

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