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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 01/31/26

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Jan 31, 2026

The Saturday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action. The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. The San Antonio Spurs travel to Charlotte to play the Hornets on Amazon Prime Video at 12:10 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with the total set at 225.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Atlanta Hawks play in Indiana against the Pacers at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 232.5. The Philadelphia 76ers host the New Orleans Pelicans at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 231.5. Two NBA games tip off at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Miami Heat play at home against the Chicago Bulls as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 235.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 229.5. The Houston Rockets are home against the Dallas Mavericks on ABC at 8:40 p.m. ET as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 220.5. The National Hockey League has 14 games on its slate. The Los Angeles Kings visit Philadelphia to take on the Flyers at 12:37 p.m. ET as a -112 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche play in Detroit against the Red Wings on ABC at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins host the New York Rangers on ABC at 3:37 p.m. ET as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Two NHL games drop the puck at 4:07 p.m. ET. The Florida Panthers play at home against the Winnipeg Jets as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Calgary Flames are home against the San Jose Sharks as a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes are in Washington to face the Capitals at 5:07 p.m. ET as a -175 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Five NHL games start at 7:07 p.m. ET. The New York Islanders host the Nashville Predators as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Ottawa Senators play at home against the New Jersey Devils as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The St. Louis Blues are home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -118 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Vancouver to challenge the Canucks as a -155 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Buffalo Sabres host the Montreal Canadiens as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Utah Mammoth plays at home against the Dallas Stars at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Edmonton Oilers are home against the Minnesota Wild as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Vegas Golden Knights host the Seattle Kraken as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule tips off at noon ET with 138 games involving Division I opponents. Eight of these NCAAB games are on major national television, with two tipping off at noon ET. Duke plays at Virginia Tech on ESPN as an 11.5-point road favorite with a total of 148.5. Houston plays at home against Cincinnati on Fox as a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. Utah State is home against San Diego State on CBS at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 145.5. Two NCAAB games on major national television begin at 2:00 p.m. ET. Wisconsin hosts Ohio State on Fox as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 156.5. Louisville plays at home against SMU on ESPN as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 161.5. Kansas is home against BYU on ESPN at 4:30 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 159.5.UConn is on the road playing Oregon on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 143.5. Gonzaga hosts Saint Mary’s on ESPN at 10:30 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. Matchweek 24 in the English Premier League begins with five matches. Three EPL matches start at 10:00 a.m. ET. Brighton and Hove Albion play at home against Everton as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Arsenal travels to play Leeds United on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Bournemouth plays at Wolverhampton as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Chelsea is at home to battle West Ham United on the USA Network at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Liverpool hosts Newcastle United at 3:00 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5.

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Early Projections -- 3 MLB Win Projections In 2026

by AAA Sports

Friday, Jan 30, 2026

Detroit Tigers OVER 84.5 Wins (-110) -- Last season, Detroit was able to win 87 games and that was with Cleveland winning the division. In 2024, the Tigers were just making a name for themselves again and putting their names on the map with an 86 win performance. As Tarik Skubal has evolved, and the rest of the Tigers have been assembled, Detroit is the favorite to win this season's AL Central at (+130.) Over the L2 seasons, Detroits been one of the youngest teams in each of it's playoff stints. Even though it's had a fair bit of success, gaining those years of experience on the biggest of stages is going to help Detroit even more for this season when everyone's not expecting it. A lot of the big named team went out and added guys to the team in the offseason. The Tigers did go geta bunch of guys to bolster their Minor League teams with potential in-season adds to the 26 man team. We think that even though there are teams with much better overall rosters going into the year, Detroit should be able to at least repeat a performance like we've seen over the last couple of seasons this year. It didn't get any worse, and the bats are only getting stronger. Milwaukee Brewers UNDER 83.5 Wins (-110) -- Milwaukee is a bit of a tricky team to look into this season. It never seems to like paying it's players the biggest of money. Jackson Chourio is probably the biggest name in the organization at the moment and he got paid quite a bit. But, the Brewers haven't been able to spend 100+ million on anyone yet other than Yelich it seems. They just traded their top pitcher from last year -- Freddy Peralta to the Mets. Now, the Brewers did stay relevant even after trading Corbin Burnes a few seasons ago. But, losing another top pitcher like that is going to be really tough. There is definitely a world where Milwaukee can be really good again this season with it's young guys showing out like it did in the second half of last year. But, the Brew Crew also lost a really solid hitter -- Isaac Collins -- to KC and that could hurt. We'll take them to finish under 83 wins. Minnesota Twins UNDER 73.5 Wins (-110) -- At the trade deadline last year, Minnesota completely changed it's roster by moving a lot of it's top players. It was due to the fact that the Twins weren't playing well with the team that they had. But, they didn't necessarily have to do all of that. With that happening though, the Twins aren't really supposed to be too competitive with anyone this season and they will feature a lot of guys with little to no experience. They still have some vets like Pablo López on the team. But, he's not going to be able to carry the Twins rotation along by himself. Minnesota's got a long rebuild ahead of it and we could see it taking at least a few seasons before the Twins become one of the best in the AL Central. The sportsbooks still have Minnesota favored to place fourth ahead of CWS. But, we actually think that the White Sox could be much closer to Minnesota than everyone thinks -- both having lots of trouble this year.  

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Harry's Top 5 Super Bowl Rushing Props

by Harry Gagnon

Friday, Jan 30, 2026

Well everyone we have made it to Santa Clara, California the sight of Super Bowl 60. We have had a successful season and over the next few days I will share with you in 4 different articles what I believe to be my best 5 props in Rushing, Receiving,Passing, and Whatever else comes my way that tickles my fancy !!!! In this article I'll be giving my Top 5 best Rushing props for the SB and why I love them. #1 Seahawks QB Sam Darnold UNDER 6.5 rushing yards -115Running the ball is not what Sam does. He loves to stay in the pocket and throw darts to his receiving crew. He had zero carries against San Francisco in the divisional round and in his last 14 games he's eclipsed 6 yards just 4 times. He also did a ton more running last season in Minnesota than he did this year in Seattle. #2 Patriots QB Drake Maye OVER 13.5 yards longest rush -1110Maye has over 100 carries in the regular season and had 450 yards which is very impressive in just his 2nd season. In the layoffs he has a 28 and a 37 yard gallup against the Chargers and the Broncos. The Patriots have designed running plays for him ulike DSeattle who do not for Darnold.#3 Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed OVER 5 or more rushing yards -115Since he came over to Seattle in a trade with the Saints, Shaheed has helped out in numerous ways. In 11 games with the Seahawks he has had at least 1 rushing attempt in 8 games and he hasd 2 for 27 yards in the divisional round against the 49ers.#4 & # 5 are Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III related#4 Walker. ANYTIME TD -185Walker has been a workhorse for Seattle in the playoffs with 45 touches and 4 TDS in 2 games. He's looked fantastic running the ball and inside the 5 yard line he's a must at letting he bounce to the corners and use his strength and speed to find paydirt (had 3 TDS versus San Francisco).#5 Walker MOST RUSHING YARDS IN GAME -195Now you have to lay a price here but he has 38 carries in 2 playoff games and has 178 rushing yards combined. The Patriots have played 3 playoff games and they like to split up their carries between Stevenson and Henderson, plus Maye is averaging 8 carries a game in the playoffs. It's hard to pass on Walker in this prop because he is healthy and he just gets the ball way more than everyone else.Well, those are my Top 5 Rushing Props for the Super Bowl but check back in on BigAl.com to get more props from me as we get closer to the Big Game !!!!

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Western Conference Top 4 February Schedules

by Nelly's Sports

Friday, Jan 30, 2026

The NBA trade deadline and the All Star Break are ahead in February as teams have recently passed the halfway point in their schedules. February will be a key month of separating the contenders from the rest of the pack in the NBA standings. Here is a look at the schedules in February for the current top four teams in the Western Conference standings. Oklahoma City Thunder: With already six losses in January, the 38-11 defending champions have had some inconsistency in recent weeks, even while still maintaining a healthy lead for the top spot in the Western Conference standings. Growing that lead looks unlikely in February as the Thunder will see their current #27 ranked strength of schedule stiffen considerably. Denver has a gauntlet of difficult games for two weeks before the break, with road games against the Nuggets, Spurs, Lakers and Suns. The Rockets will also look to challenge the great 21-4 home record for the Thunder next weekend. Things aren’t much easier after the break facing a trio of top Eastern Conference teams in succession with games against Cleveland, Toronto, and Detroit, with the second two of that trio being road games. While the Thunder remain the heavy favorites in the West, there may be an opportunity for one of the other contenders to close in on Oklahoma City by the end of the month.  San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs have more top tier wins than any other contender but a recent loss at home to New Orleans illustrates that this team may not be ready to rise to the top of the standings just yet. Early February will provide the final regular season meeting with the Thunder with the Spurs 3-1 head-to-head so far in that series. Overall, the February path is reasonable for San Antonio to maintain a steady pace in the West race, but it will be a road-heavy month with six of the final nine games on the road. After two home games out of the All Star break, the Spurs start a long east coast trip opening in Detroit and Toronto but there are four games in the month vs. losing teams as well. The head-to-head game hosting the Thunder February 4 might be telling whether the Spurs can tighten the race on top of the Western Conference standings.  Denver Nuggets: Even while battling injuries this season, Denver remains within reach of the top of the Western Conference. Nikola Jokic’s return timeline is still unclear while the Nuggets have dealt with Jamal Murray, Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun, and Aaron Gordon missing recent games. With a game to go the Nuggets are 9-6 in January but the run upward in the standings may cease in February. Denver has a very difficult 11-game schedule for the month including facing Oklahoma City home and away, plus road games with Detroit, New York, the Clippers, Blazers, and Warriors. Home games with Cleveland and Boston are also squeezed into the schedule with Denver having two separate three-game road trips going east and west. The Nuggets are third in the tightly packed Western Conference standings but there are several quality teams sitting only a few games back and there is a risk that Denver might not be in the top four of the conference by the end of the month. Houston Rockets: The Rockets started the season 15-5 in the first 20 games but Houston is only 14-12 in the 26 games since. After a rough patch in early January, the Rockets have posted quality recent wins over the Timberwolves, Spurs, and Pistons. The schedule in February is manageable as six of 11 games are at home, and seven of 11 games are against losing teams. That figure is a bit misleading as four of those games are vs. the Hornets and Clippers, losing teams that have been playing like much stronger teams in recent weeks. The Rockets do have home games with the Jazz and Kings for a few favorable late February games while five of six games in the three sets of back-to-back games will be home games. Houston looked like the top threat to the Thunder in the West early in the season and the Rockets could be showing signs of that potential again by the time March starts. 

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Eastern Conference Top 4 February Schedules

by Nelly's Sports

Friday, Jan 30, 2026

The NBA trade deadline and the All Star Break are ahead in February as teams have recently passed the halfway point in their schedules. February will be a key month of separating the contenders from the rest of the pack in the NBA standings. Here is a look at the schedules in February for the current top four teams in the Eastern Conference standings. Detroit Pistons: While it would have been difficult to believe earlier in the season, the Pistons currently have a larger lead in the Eastern Conference standings than the Thunder have in the West, with Detroit up to 34-12 and 5.5 games clear of the second-place Knicks and Celtics heading into January 30. Detroit heads into its final game of the month with a 9-4 record since the calendar turned to 2026 while the schedule ahead of the All Star Break should provide a handful more wins. February starts with four straight home games for the Pistons with two difficult games and two favorable draws. Four road games in two-game pairs will provide a bookend around the All-Star Break including road games with Toronto and New York, chief players in the Eastern Conference picture. The end of February will provide the Pistons with a difficult home stand hosting the Spurs, Thunder, and Cavaliers over five days to close out the month and overall, seven of 11 games in February are vs. winning teams while two of the losing team matchups are Charlotte and Chicago on the road for tougher games than the records suggest. Detroit will have a hard time extending its conference lead in a difficult month of February. New York Knicks: After a disastrous 2-9 run from New Year’s Eve to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Knicks have rebounded to put together four wins in a row to limit the damage in the Eastern Conference race, including picking up nice road wins in Philadelphia and Toronto in the last week. February has the potential to be a difficult month for the Knicks as well however, as only four of 12 games will come against current losing teams. Games with the Lakers, Nuggets, Pistons, and Rockets will come at home but there are also road games in Detroit, Boston, Philadelphia, and Cleveland. The final five games out of the All Star Break will provide a challenging stretch of games hosting the Pistons and Rockets before three straight road games in the Midwest. While the February schedule looks difficult, the start of March is even more treacherous facing some of the top West contenders while on the road in six of the first eight games of March as the Knicks could struggle to hold a top three position in the East this season.  Boston Celtics: The Celtics have moved into a tie for second place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 5-5 run in the past 10 games. Boston isn’t exactly going for it this season, but the Celtics remain talented enough without Jayson Tatum to continue to compete well. Boston does have a few challenging games in February however as the team’s ability to keep pace in the Eastern Conference race may be tested. The Celtics have games with the Rockets, Heat, Knicks, and Bulls, all in succession right before the break and the game in Houston will be the second of back-to-back road games. After the All Star Break the Celtics have four games out west vs. some of the better teams in the Western Conference race while also having a back-to-back road game set in Phoenix and Denver. Only four games in February will be against current losing teams and Boston could be at risk of sliding in the standings in February. Toronto Raptors: The Raptors have been a streaky team this season with a great start to the season followed by a rough December slide. Toronto has been on the upswing lately winning four of five in a west coast road tip in late January including wins over the Warriors and Thunder. February will feature only three road games for the Raptors although Toronto hasn’t offered a great home court edge going 13-11 north of the border. The Timberwolves, Pistons, Thunder, and Spurs are all visiting Toronto in February for several high-profile home games but overall, it is a preferable path compared with most of the other top Eastern Conference teams in the next month. Toronto is in a tight four-team race for the #2-5 spots in the standings and February could provide a springboard for the Raptors to chase the #2 position. Cleveland Cavaliers: With Cleveland now matching Toronto at 29-20 the Cavaliers are also in the top four in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland has won five in a row heading into January 30 and while Cleveland already has more losses than last season’s team that went 64-18 the Cavaliers this season may be peaking at the right time. The recent schedule has been favorable, and February will continue the final four games of a five-game west coast trip that could take a toll on the record before the All-Star Break. The Cavaliers host Washington in the final game before the break and then face Brooklyn in the first game after the break for favorable home games. The end of February will provide a few serious tests, however, with games in Oklahoma City and Detroit, plus a home game with the Knicks. The recent surge for Cleveland is not likely sustainable, though the race is close enough that the recent run has the Cavaliers back in play for any of the 2-5 positions in the East. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/30/26

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Jan 30, 2026

The Friday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action. The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Washington to play the Wizards at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point road favorite with the total of 229.5 (all odds from DraftKings). Four more NBA games tip off at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Orlando Magic host the Toronto Raptors on ESPN as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 220.5. The Boston Celtics play at home against the Sacramento Kings as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 221.5. The New York Knicks are home against the Portland Trail Blazers as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The New Orleans Pelicans host the Memphis Grizzlies as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 233.5. Two NBA games start at 9:10 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Clippers play in Denver against the Nuggets as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 210.5. The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the road against the Phoenix Suns as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 223.5. The Utah Jazz play at home against the Brooklyn Nets at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 227.5. The Detroit Pistons visit Golden State to face the Warriors on ESPN at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 224.5. The National Hockey League has one game on its slate. The Columbus Blue Jackets play in Chicago against the Blackhawks at 8:37 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule tips off at 3:00 p.m. ET with 23 games involving Division I opponents. Eight of these NCAAB games are on major national television. Akron is at home against Kent State on the CBS Sports Network at 6:00 p.m. ET as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 169.5. Villanova hosts Providence on FS1 at 7:00 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 156.5. Three NCAAB games are on major national television at 8:00 p.m. ET. Saint Louis plays at home against Dayton on the CBS Sports Network as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 151.5. Michigan is on the road at Michigan State on Fox as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 146.5. Saint Peter’s is home against Mount St. Mary’s on ESPNU as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 137.5. Two NCAAB games are on major national television at 9:00 p.m. ET. Grand Canyon hosts Boise State on FS1 as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 140.5. VCU plays at home against Loyola-Chicago on ESPN2 as a 20.5-point favorite with a total of 151.5. Nevada is home against UNLV on the CBS Sports Network at 10:00 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 146.5. 

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Oliver Rioux: A Rising Star at 7’9” in College Basketball

by Wayne Root

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026

HE’S 7’9” TALLEarly Life and BackgroundOlivier Rioux was born on March 21, 2004, in Laval, Quebec, Canada. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in basketball, quickly rising through local ranks due to his exceptional height and skills. Standing at an impressive 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 meters), Rioux drew attention for not only his physical attributes but also his impressive agility and ball-handling skills for a player of his stature. His early exposure to the sport, combined with encouragement from family and coaches, paved the way for a promising athletic career.High School CareerRioux attended the famed IMG Academy in Florida, a prestigious institution known for nurturing young athletic talent. Under the guidance of seasoned coaches and surrounded by other elite players, he honed his skills and became a force on the court. During his high school career, he averaged an impressive double-double, showcasing his ability to dominate both ends of the court with rebounding and scoring prowess.His performance at IMG caught the eyes of college scouts from across the nation, particularly from Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools eager to tap into his potential.College Career at FloridaOlivier Rioux committed to the University of Florida, joining the Gators' basketball program. His arrival was met with much anticipation as he was seen as a key addition to the team's roster. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him an immediate asset.Rioux's impact on the court was palpable. Defensively, his height allowed him to protect the rim effectively, averaging several blocks per game. Offensively, he provided a significant scoring threat in the paint, often drawing fouls and capitalizing on his free-throw opportunities. Rioux's ability to stretch the floor also developed over time, allowing him to shoot mid-range jumpers and enhance his versatility.His contributions were crucial during crucial SEC matchups, where he frequently took the lead in scoring and rebounding. His leadership on the court and ability to perform under pressure solidified his role as a team leader.Impact on the SECOlivier Rioux's presence in the SEC has reverberated far beyond the Gators’ locker room. His dominating performances forced opposing teams to alter their game strategies, especially when facing Florida. Coaches had to develop tailored plans to counteract his size and skill set, often deploying double-teams to keep him in check.The SEC is known for its competitiveness; the inclusion of a player like Rioux has only intensified the race for the championship. Teams that previously had a strong interior presence now found themselves challenged when facing Florida, as Rioux often exploited defensive lapses. His efforts have not only uplifted the Gators’ performance but also brought a heightened intensity to SEC matchups.Competition and Future OutlookAs Olivier Rioux continues to develop his game, the question arises: how will other teams measure up? Rivals such as the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers have also invested in high-caliber recruits, creating an intriguing dynamic in the conference.Kentucky, known for its one-and-done philosophy, is always in search of tall, skilled players, while Tennessee has made strides in developing their current roster. Both programs will have to strategize around Rioux as they prepare for future matchups against Florida.Looking ahead, Rioux has the potential to be a game-changer, not just for Florida, but for the entire SEC. Should he continue on his upward trajectory, he may find himself in contention for All-SEC honors and even draft considerations as he transitions into professional basketball.Olivier Rioux is quickly becoming a household name in college basketball. His impressive physical stature and dynamic playing style have made a significant impact on the Florida Gators and the SEC landscape as a whole. As the competition heats up in the coming years, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how other teams adapt and respond to the challenge posed by this remarkable athlete. The future of college basketball in the SEC looks bright, with Rioux leading the charge as one of its standout players.Olivier Rioux's defensive impact in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has been significant, particularly against key rivals. Here’s a breakdown of how his defensive prowess has shaped matchups against specific teams:1. Kentucky WildcatsThe Kentucky Wildcats are traditionally known for their athleticism and ability to drive to the basket. In matchups against Kentucky, Rioux's shot-blocking ability became a focal point for the Gators' defense. His height and timing allowed him to alter shots from players like Oscar Tshiebwe and Cason Wallace, who typically thrive on attacking the rim.Rioux’s presence often led to increased hesitation from Kentucky’s guards, who had to be wary of driving into the paint. This forced Kentucky to rely more on perimeter shooting, where they sometimes struggled, ultimately limiting their offensive effectiveness.2. Tennessee VolunteersThe Tennessee Volunteers are another formidable team in the SEC, known for their aggressive play style. In games against Tennessee, Rioux excelled in contesting shots and grabbing defensive rebounds. This was crucial, especially against post players like Uros Plavsic, who frequently looked to capitalize on interior scoring opportunities.Rioux's ability to switch on defense also allowed Florida to maintain pressure on Tennessee's guards. His lateral movement, combined with his long reach, often disrupted passing lanes and led to turnovers. This defensive strategy forced Tennessee to rethink its offensive sets, adapting to the challenge Rioux presented.3. Auburn TigersThe Auburn Tigers have a quick-paced offense, characterized by fast breaks and perimeter shooting. Rioux's defensive impact against Auburn was twofold: he protected the rim effectively while also providing vital transition defense.In critical moments, Rioux's ability to contest shots not only deterred Auburn’s drives but also influenced their decision-making from the three-point line. His length and mobility allowed Florida to stay competitive defensively, forcing Auburn to take less favorable shots.4. LSU TigersFacing the LSU Tigers presents unique challenges due to their blend of speed and size. In these matchups, Rioux’s defensive awareness became crucial. He often found himself matched against versatile forwards who could both shoot and drive, such as Tari Eason.Rioux’s ability to guard multiple positions helped Florida's defense remain flexible. He effectively switched on screens and contested shots, shutting down key scoring opportunities for LSU. His defensive rebounding prowess also limited LSU’s second-chance points, which are vital in close games.Overall Defensive StrategyRioux’s defensive style is characterized by shot-blocking, rebounding, and effective communication on the court. By anchoring the Florida defense, he allows his teammates to take more aggressive positions, knowing they have a reliable defender behind them.His impact is not just about individual statistics; it creates a ripple effect that elevates the team's overall defensive intensity. His presence often forces opposing teams to rethink their strategies, emphasizing how crucial a player of his caliber is for Florida’s success in the SEC.ConclusionOlivier Rioux’s defensive contributions against SEC rivals have established him as a formidable force on the court. His ability to alter shots, disrupt opposing offenses, and rebound effectively makes him a key player for the Gators and a challenging matchup for their conference opponents. As he continues to develop, there’s little doubt that his defensive impact will shape the SEC landscape in the years to come.

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2026 Los Angeles Dodgers: Can They Go B2B2B?

by William Burns

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026

After surviving an epic showdown in Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Dodgers of Los Angeles were crowned BACK 2 BACK CHAMPS on November 1st. A lot of people have been weighing in on whether the MLB should incorporate a salary cap one of these years. But, as long as it doesn't exist, the Dodgers are going to keep spending as much as they need to win ball games. It's worked over the past two seasons and I wouldn't be shocked if LAD continues to win until teams start matching them.  Who Have The Dodgers Added In The Offseason?  Clayton Kershaw pitched his final game of his HOF career last season and his presence be missed. However, not having him isn't going to hurt the Dodgers as they already have a rotation filled with dominance. I mean, in all honesty, all five pitchers could be aces at another ball club. Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow & Roki Sasaki. Let's also not forget that they have Emmett Sheehan, Gavin Stone & Bobby Miller too.Well, who did Los Angeles add to their stacked roster? Kyle Tucker is probably the biggest name of the bunch, getting a four-year, $240 million deal with the team. Did the Dodgers need Tucker? Absolutely not. But hey, it never hurts to improve, right? Well, the Dodgers also went out and got superstar closer Edwin Diaz from the Mets. Pitching in LA should be kind to the power pitcher from Puerto Rico. Even though he didn't have his best season a year ago, Diaz will be put in positions to succeed here with this group.LAD also signed Miguel Rojas back to the roster as well as some of the other rotational and minor league players.  Regular Season Win Total Expectations:  DraftKings SportsBook currently has Los Angeles' win total sitting at 102.5 for this season. I know that getting to 100 wins is a big accomplishment for any team in baseball. That being said, I don't believe that this total is high enough considering all of the talent on this roster. Assuming the lineup/rotation stays fairly healthy throughout this season, I think that there's no way that this team losses 60 games (winning 102 games would mean losing 60.) On paper, this could turn out to be the best team in MLB history and there's only one way to find out what happens next. Wait and watch the greatness unfold. I'm going to expecting Los Angeles to be in the 105-115 win range this season with the upside of winning close to 120 games. Now, the MLB record is 116 for regular season wins in a season. Is that within reach? Most definitely.  What Burns' Expects: At +230 to win the World Series at the moment, I wouldn't be shocked if this number slowly gets lower and lower (favoring LA to win it.) The Dodgers are in a tough division which makes it a bit harder to predict wins at times. But, with the talent on this roster, I don't believe that we're going to get odds any better than this. I'm expecting at least an NLCS appearance from the B2B champs in 2026 and possibly even more. Philadelphia & NYM are loading up again. But, if healthy, LAD should emerge as the best team in baseball again when it's all said and done. **I would take the +230 at the moment. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/29/26

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action. The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Washington to play the Wizards on Amazon Prime Video as a 2.5-point road favorite with the total set at 224.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Philadelphia 76ers host the Sacramento Kings as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 227.5. Two more NBA games start at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Chicago Bulls play at home against the Miami Heat as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 242.5. The Houston Rockets play in Atlanta against the Hawks as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 226.5.The Charlotte Hornets are on the road against the Dallas Mavericks at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 228.5. Two more NBA games at 9:10 p.m. ET. The Detroit Pistons visit Phoenix to take on the Suns as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 216.5. The Denver Nuggets are at home against the Brooklyn Nets as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 211.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder plays on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves on the Amazon Prime Video at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The National Hockey League has 15 games on its slate. Eight NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Boston Bruins host the Philadelphia Flyers as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New York Islanders are on the road against the New York Rangers as a -130 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning play at home against the Winnipeg Jets as a -205 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins are home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -185 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils host the Nashville Predators as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Carolina Hurricanes play at home against the Utah Mammoth as a -185 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche visit Montreal to face the Canadiens as a -135 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Buffalo Sabres are home against the Los Angeles Kings as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Detroit Red Wings host the Washington Capitals at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -120 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Two more NHL games begin at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Florida Panthers play in St. Louis against the Blues as a -162 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Minnesota Wild play at home against the Calgary Flames as a -205 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers are home against the San Jose Sharks at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -218 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule tips off at 5:00 p.m. ET with 56 games involving Division I opponents. Three of these NCAAB games are on major national television. Iowa State hosts Colorado on FS1 at 7:00 p.m. ET as a 17.5-point favorite with a total of 153.5. Memphis plays at home against the Florida Atlantic on ESPN2 as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 151.5. Illinois is home against Washington on FS1 at 9:00 p.m. ET as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 153.5.

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College Hoops: Five Teams to Sell High

by Kyle Hunter

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026

It’s only seven weeks until Selection Sunday in college hoops. The college football season is over. There is only one NFL game remaining. The focus on college hoops is intense this time of the year. Let’s take a look at five teams I think you should consider selling high on between now and the end of the season.Miami Ohio (13-5 ATS) First, I’m rooting for Miami to keep their unbeaten streak alive. I love a good mid-major story, especially with a team that hasn’t had much success in recent seasons. Miami has played down to opponents several times lately, and I don’t want to lay a bunch of points with this squad. They are 12th at KenPom in luck factor. ShotQuality has them as the second luckiest team in the country. I’ll keep an eye on grabbing a bunch of points against Miami in the next few weeks. Eastern Michigan (14-6 ATS) I promise I won’t only put MAC teams in here. Eastern Michigan’s blowout loss at the hands of lowly Central Michigan on Tuesday night is a concern. Eastern Michigan has been a covering machine this year, but they aren’t nearly as good on offense as most MAC teams. The defense has been somewhat improved, but I’m not convinced they can keep carrying the load. Central Michigan put up 100 points on this team, and the Central Michigan offense is very weak. This is more of a gut feel than anything else.UCF (10-10 ATS) They don’t have a great ATS record, but I think UCF is overachieving right now. They are the 11th luckiest team in the country according to KenPom. They are the 13th luckiest team in the country according to Shot Quality. They host Texas Tech, go to Houston, and then go to Cincinnati in their next three games. I think UCF (who sits 16-4 straight up this year) is due to start losing some games in the near future.DePaul (14-5-1 ATS) DePaul is certainly better this year than they have been. I do think they are overvalued now though. The Big East is much weaker than it has been in recent seasons, but DePaul has a relatively tough upcoming schedule. Chris Holtmann’s team doesn’t have the firepower to play with the better teams in this league. Holtmann’s teams have historically played much worse in February and March too.Northern Arizona (10-8 ATS) Northern Arizona is one of the worst offenses in a league where nearly everyone is excellent on the offensive end. They have been fortunate because a couple recent opponents have been without top players when Northern Arizona has been up against them. Even though they are 10-8 ATS, they have an average ATS margin of -2.8 points per game. This team is likely to be outscored by most of the teams in the Big Sky. I’ll look to fade.

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College Hoops: Five Teams to Buy Low

by Kyle Hunter

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026

It’s only seven weeks until Selection Sunday in college hoops. The college football season is over. There is only one NFL game remaining. The focus on college hoops is intense this time of the year. Let’s take a look at five teams I think you should consider buying low on the rest of the season.Marquette (5-16-1 ATS) Unless you think Marquette has just quit for the season, they are likely a good buy low candidate. They are 5-16-1 ATS on the season. The team has lost a bunch of covers with poor play in the last two or three minutes of games. They rank 341st in luck factor at KenPom. They are at least better than they have shown. I’ll look for spots to grab them as an underdog.Cincinnati (8-12 ATS) The Cincinnati Bearcats are 349th out of 365 teams in luck factor at KenPom. This is a really good defensive team. They are 11th in the nation in defensive efficiency. Bearcats fans are very unhappy with Coach Wes Miller, but I do still think he is a pretty good coach on the whole. The Bearcats play three of their next four games at home, and they are up against some of the weaker teams in the Big 12.Western Carolina (5-12 ATS) Western Carolina is 5-12 ATS, but they are only -0.7 on an average ATS margin for the season. This team is better than they look against the spread. The Catamounts in a SoCon that is much weaker than it has been in recent years. They could easily go on a little run in this conference and it shouldn’t be a big surprise. Tennessee (7-12 ATS) This is a near term buy low potential for me. I don’t want to trust Rick Barnes in March, but the Volunteers have some advantageous spots coming in the next few weeks. This is still a team that plays really good defense and battles all the way to the end. If people want to completely throw them out, I’ll look for near term situational spots where I think they can cover.Bradley (7-14 ATS) Coach Wardle has proven himself as an excellent head coach. The Braves are always going to be a tough out later in the season. This team has underachieved expectations, but I’m trusting the coaching staff to get them playing their best at the most important time of the season. The MVC has no dominant team, and Bradley could make a run.

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A Look at our Local Mountain West Conference

by Wayne Root

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026

We certainly pay close attention to the Mountain West Conference for betting purposes. In this day and age, it makes sense to closely follow or specialize in 2 or 3 teams in the college basketball ranks. This is one conference that we love to bet.  Spotlight on the Mountain West ConferenceCollege basketball is a vibrant and competitive landscape in the United States, featuring diverse conferences that each contribute uniquely to the sport. Among these, the Mountain West Conference (MWC) has emerged as a significant player, showcasing talent and intensity that captivates fans from coast to coast. This article explores the history, development, key teams, and the impact of the Mountain West Conference on college basketball.History of the Mountain West ConferenceEstablished in 1999, the Mountain West Conference was formed when eight institutions split from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The founding members sought to create a more competitive and regionally focused league. Over the years, the Mountain West has expanded and adapted, welcoming new teams while enhancing its reputation in athletic prowess, especially in basketball.The TeamsThe Mountain West currently comprises 11 teams, each contributing to the conference's overall competitiveness. Some of the notable teams include:1. University of Nevada, Reno (Nevada Wolf Pack)Nevada has been a powerhouse in the MWC, gaining national attention with multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. The Wolf Pack's success is driven by a passionate fan base and a strong recruiting strategy.2. San Diego State University (SDSU Aztecs)SDSU is known for its robust defense and consistent performances in the NCAA Tournament. Under head coach Brian Dutcher, the Aztecs have secured numerous conference titles and have become a regular fixture in March Madness.3. University of New Mexico (UNM Lobos)The Lobos are another historically significant team in the conference, with a rich tradition and a fervent fan base. Their home games at the Dreamstyle Arena are known for their electrifying atmosphere.4. University of Utah (Utah Utes)While now a member of the Pac-12, the Utes were a founding member of the MWC, and their influence still resonates. Their historical success in the conference paved the way for regional rivals.Competitive LandscapeThe Mountain West Conference is notorious for its competitive balance. Every season, teams like Utah State and Boise State challenge the traditional powers, making it difficult to predict the conference champion. The MWC has consistently produced standout players who have gone on to have successful careers in the NBA, reinforcing the league's reputation as a breeding ground for talent.NCAA Tournament SuccessSuccess in the NCAA Tournament is a critical measure of a conference's prestige. The Mountain West has had its share of notable NCAA Tournament moments. Fan Engagement and RivalriesThe Mountain West Conference boasts passionate fanbases, creating lively rivalries that enhance the excitement of college basketball. Notable rivalries include:UNM vs. SDSU: A fierce battle characterized by intense games and a history of close contests, engaging fans on and off the court.Nevada vs. UNLV: The "Battle for Nevada" is one of the fiercest rivalries, drawing significant attendance and media attention annually.These rivalries are pivotal for school spirit and local pride, intensifying the overall viewing experience.The Mountain West Conference has firmly established itself within the NCAA landscape, underscored by its competitiveness, passionate fanbases, and a growing reputation for producing NBA talent. As it continues to evolve, the MWC promises to remain a captivating focus for college basketball enthusiasts. The combination of history, rivalries, and the sheer talent on display makes the Mountain West a pivotal chapter in the story of college basketball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, the excitement of MWC basketball is accessible and engaging, promising thrilling moments every season.As of January 21, 2026, here's a look at the Mountain West Conference (MWC) standings:Top Teams:San Diego State: 7-0 in conference play, 13-4 overall Utah State: 6-1 in conference play, 15-2 overall New Mexico: 5-2 in conference play, 14-4 overall Nevada: 5-2 in conference play, 13-5 overall Grand Canyon: 4-2 in conference play, 11-6 overall UNLV: 4-2 in conference play, 9-8 overall Middle of the Pack:Fresno State: 3-4 in conference play, 9-9 overall Colorado State: 2-5 in conference play, 11-7 overall Wyoming: 2-5 in conference play, 11-7 overall Boise State: 2-5 in conference play, 10-8 overall Bottom Teams:San Jose State: 1-6 in conference play, 6-12 overall Air Force: 0-7 in conference play, 3-15 overall Key Points and Recent Updates:Undefeated SDSU: San Diego State is currently the only undefeated team in conference play.NET Rankings: Updated NET rankings as of January 20, 2026, show the Mountain West has strong representation in the top tiers, with several teams in Quad 1 and Quad 2 Fresno State's Improvement: Fresno State has shown significant improvement, making them a team to watch GCU's Progress: Grand Canyon is also improving, demonstrated by their win against Utah State Upcoming Tournament: The Mountain West Tournament is scheduled for March 11-14, 2026, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV. 

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