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Vegas Writer's NHL Morning Skate

by Vegas Writer

Saturday, Dec 21, 2024

Welcome to Saturday's edition of the "Morning Skate." While it's football heaven today with College Football Playoff action and two NFL games on tap, I want to make sure we're all aware there is plenty of NHL action before the league goes on its holiday break.There was an exciting seven-game card last night, including a potential Stanley Cup Final preview in Dallas, where the Rangers stole a 3-1 road win over the Stars.Let's take a look at the main highlights from Saturday: The Utah Hockey Club earned its fourth straight win and tied the fifth-longest point streak by a franchise in its inaugural season with last night's 2-1 win in Minnesota.Dylan Guenther scored twice to extend his point streak to seven games, which was already the longest on his team, to help Utah extend its win streak.Matt Murray made 24 saves to backstop Toronto past Buffalo, 6-3, and earned his first victory since March 23, 2023.After scoring a hat trick of power-play goals Tuesday, Patrik Laine cashed in again on the man advantage to help the Montreal Canadiens skate to their second straight win, a 4-3 win in Detroit.Through the first 74 nights of the season: Favorites are 311-214, including a 286-194 run. Unders are 261-232-32, and is currently on a 187-148-18 roll. We have 11 games on the card tonight, and I'm headed to Montreal for the return engagement between the Canadiens and Red Wings.Tonight's FEATURED GAME (lines courtesy DraftKings):Detroit at Montreal (+100, 6-over, -120)OUTLOOK: With last night's 4-3 win in Detroit, the Canadiens have won two straight and five of eight since Dec.3. In their two-game win streak, the Canadiens outscored Winnipeg and Detroit by a combined final of 10-4. The Red Wings had their two-game win streak snapped last night and have now lost seven of 10 since Nov. 29. I don't like the fact they're doing a one-off road game to complete this home-and-home before returning home for a four-game homestand. Consider the Canadiens to complete the sweep.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, EPL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 12/21/2024

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Dec 21, 2024

The Saturday sports card features NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action. Week 16 in the National Football League continues with two games. The Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans on NBC at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with the total set at 42.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Baltimore Ravens play at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Fox at 4:30 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 44.5. The college football postseason continues with the final three games in the first round of the college football playoffs. Penn State is home against SMU on TNT/TBS/Max at noon ET as an 8-point favorite with a total of 52.5. Texas hosts Clemson on TNT/TBS/Max at 4:00 p.m. ET as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 50.5. Ohio State plays at home against Tennessee on ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with a total of 46. The National Basketball Association has 12 games on its docket. The Sacramento Kings are home against the Los Angeles Lakers at 6:10 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Orlando Magic host the Miami Heat at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 208.5. Two more NBA games tip off at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Brooklyn Nets play at home against the Utah Jazz as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 220.5. The Memphis Grizzlies travel to Atlanta to play the Hawks as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 241.5. Five NBA games start at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Boston Celtics play in Chicago against the Bulls as a 10.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 240. The New York Knicks are in New Orleans to face the Pelicans as an 8.5-point road favorite with a total of 226. The Minnesota Timberwolves are home against the Golden State Warriors as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 214.5. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Philadelphia 76ers as a 12-point favorite with a total of 218.5. The Milwaukee Bucks play at home against the Washington Wizards as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 218.5. Two NBA games begin at 8:40 p.m. ET. The San Antonio Spurs are home against the Portland Trail Blazers as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 227. The Dallas Mavericks host the Los Angeles Clippers as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 222.5. The Phoenix Suns play at home against the Detroit Pistons at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with a total of 225.5. The National Hockey League has 11 games on its slate. The Los Angeles Kings visit Nashville to play the Predators at 1:37 p.m. ET as a -122 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two NHL games drop the puck at 4:07 p.m. ET. The Calgary Flames are home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -166 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers host the San Jose Sharks as a -425 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Six NHL games start at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Philadelphia Flyers play at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils are home against the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -230 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets host the Minnesota Wild as a -166 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Boston Bruins play at home against the Buffalo Sabres as a -180 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs are home against the New York Islanders as a -185 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Detroit Red Wings play in Montreal against the Canadiens as a -118 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. Two games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Vancouver Canucks host the Ottawa Senators as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Vegas Golden Knights play at home against the Seattle Kraken as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 107 games between Division I opponents. Seven games are on major national television, with two of these games tipping off at noon ET. Marquette is at Xavier on Fox as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 154.5. Maryland battles Syracuse on a neutral court at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on ESPN as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 155. Memphis is home against Mississippi State on CBS at 12:30 p.m. ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 152. Clemson hosts Wake Forest on ESPN at 2:00 p.m. ET as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 135.UCLA challenges North Carolina at Madison Square Garden in New York City on CBS as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 150.5. Auburn faces Purdue on a neutral court at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 149.5. Kentucky battles Ohio State on a neutral court at Madison Square Garden on CBS at 5:30 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 160.5. Matchweek 17 in the English Premier League begins with five matches. Manchester City is at Aston Villa on the USA Network at 7:30 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Three more EPL matches start at 10:00 a.m. ET. Brentford plays at home against Nottingham Forest on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Newcastle United visits Ipswich Town as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Brighton and Hove Albion play at West Ham United as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3.5. Arsenal is at Crystal Palace on the USA Network at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NCAAF, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 12/20/2024

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Dec 20, 2024

The Friday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action. The college football postseason continues with three games. Two NCAAF bowl games kick off in the afternoon. Ohio battles Jacksonville State in the Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on ESPN at noon ET. The Bobcats won their sixth straight game with their 38-3 upset win against Miami (OH) as a 1-point underdog in the Mid-American Conference championship game on December 7th. The Gamecocks won for the ninth time in their last ten games in their 52-12 victory at home against Western Kentucky as a 4-point favorite in the Conference USA championship game on December 6th. Ohio is a 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 52 (all odds from DraftKings). Florida challenges Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida, on ESPN2 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Gators are on a three-game winning streak after their 31-11 victory against Florida State as a 16.5-point favorite on November 30th. The Green Wave have lost two games in a row after their 35-14 upset loss at Army as a 5-point road favorite in the American Athletic Conference championship game on December 6th. Florida is an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 50.5. The first round of the college football playoffs begins with one game at 8:00 p.m. ET. Notre Dame hosts Indiana on ABC/ESPN/ESPN2. The Fighting Irish are on a ten-game winning streak after their 49-35 victory at USC as a 7-point favorite on November 30th. The Hoosiers rebounded from their initial loss of the season against Ohio State with a 66-0 victory against Purdue as a 29-point favorite on November 30th. Notre Dame is an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 51.5. The National Basketball Association has three games on its docket. Four NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Detroit Red Wings play at home against the Montreal Canadiens as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Buffalo to play the Sabres as a -162 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Florida Panthers are home against the St. Louis Blues as a -285 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Carolina Hurricanes play in Washington against the Capitals as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.Two NHL games start at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Minnesota Wild host the Utah Hockey Club as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Dallas Stars play at home against the New York Rangers as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Colorado Avalanche are in Anaheim to play the Ducks at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -218 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 16 games between Division I opponents. Four games are on major national television. Grambling State plays Delaware State in the Chris Paul HBCU Challenge at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, at 4:00 p.m. ET. Delaware State faces Alabama State in the Chris Paul HBCA Challenge at 6:30 p.m. ET.St. John’s visits Providence on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 6-point road favorite with a total of 143.5. Cincinnati goes against Dayton at the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on ESPNU at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 12/19/2024

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Dec 19, 2024

The Thursday sports card features NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action. Week 16 in the National Football League kicks off with one game. The Los Angeles Chargers host the Denver Broncos on Amazon Prime Video at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Chargers lost for the third time in their last four games with their 40-17 upset loss against Tampa Bay as a 3-point favorite last Sunday. The Broncos are on a four-game winning streak after their 31-13 win against Indianapolis as a 4.5-point favorite on Sunday. Los Angeles is a 3-point favorite with the total set at 41.5 (all odds from DraftKings).The college football bowl season continues with one game. Georgia Southern battles Sam Houston in the New Orleans Bowl at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Eagles won for the third time in their last four games with a 29-20 win against Appalachian State as a 2.5-point favorite on November 30th. The Bearkats won for the fourth time in their last five games with their 20-18 upset win against Liberty as a 2.5-point underdog on November 29th. Georgia Southern is a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 48.5. The National Basketball Association has 13 games on its docket. Three NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Charlotte Hornets travel to Washington to play the Wizards as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 226.5. The Detroit Pistons play at home against the Utah Jazz as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder plays at Orlando against the Magic on TNT as a 6-point road favorite with a total of 210. Two more NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Boston Celtics are home against the Chicago Bulls as a 15-point favorite with an over/under of 243. The Toronto Raptors host the Brooklyn Nets as a 4-point favorite with a total of 219. Three NBA games begin at 8:10 p.m. ET. The San Antonio Spurs play at home against the Atlanta Hawks as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 233.5. The Memphis Grizzlies are home against the Golden State Warriors as a 3-point favorite with a total of 237. The Houston Rockets host the New Orleans Pelicans as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 217.5. The Dallas Mavericks play at home against the Los Angeles Clippers at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 224.5. The Phoenix Suns are home against the Indiana Pacers at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 236. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the New York Knicks on TNT at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 215.5. Two more games conclude the NBA card at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Denver Nuggets are in Portland to face the Trail Blazers as a 9-point road favorite with an over/under of 234. The Sacramento Kings play at home against the Los Angeles Lakers as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 229.5. The National Hockey League has nine games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Tampa Bay Lightning are home against the St. Louis Blues as a -218 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The New Jersey Devils visit Columbus to play the Blue Jackets as a -218 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Los Angeles Kings play in Philadelphia against the Flyers at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -155 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The Nashville Predators host the Pittsburgh Penguins at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Seattle Kraken are in Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 8:37 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two NHL games begin at 9:07 p.m. ET. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Boston Bruins as a -185 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Ottawa Senators travel to Calgary to play the Flames as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Vegas Golden Knights are home against the Vancouver Canucks at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -166 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Colorado Avalanche play in San Jose against the Sharks at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -265 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 18 games between Division I opponents. One game is on major national television. Grambling State plays Delaware State in the Chris Paul HBCU Challenge at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on ESPNU at 7:30 p.m. ET as a 5-point favorite with a total of 142.

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Vegas Writer's NHL Morning Skate

by Vegas Writer

Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024

Welcome to Wednesday's edition of the "Morning Skate." It's been a minute since I checked in, I know. But so much has been going on for me, especially with the NBA Cup being in town the past week. Add in the Thanksgiving holiday, some heavy UNLV action, plus the Raiders and Golden Knights, and my plate has been full.But let's play catch up after a 10-game card last night, including a pretty good showdown in Calgary, where Boston squeaked by with a 4-3 overtime win.Let's take a look at the main highlights from Tuesday: Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck was one of three 4 Nations Face-Off goaltenders to achieve notable feats while becoming the first netminder to reach 20 wins this season with a 4-3 win in San Jose.Then there was Ottawa's Linus Ullmark, who made 30 saves for his second straight shutout on the road and extended his winning streak to six games in Ottawa's 3-0 win in Seattle.Boston's Jeremy Swayman made 20 saves while David Pastrnak scored his 11th career overtime goal to help Boston secure its NHL-leading third multi-goal, third-period comeback win. Swayman registered his 90th career victory and became the second-fastest American goaltender in NHL history to reach the mark.Patrik Laine registered his 11th career hat trick to lift the Canadiens to a 6-1 win over the struggling Sabres. Laine (6 goals, 1 assist in seven games played) has scored each of his first six goals with the Canadiens on the power play.Three Metropolitan Division clubs picked up wins, with New Jersey (21-10-3, 45 points) overtaking the Capitals (21-8-2, 44 points) for first place thanks to a 4-1 win in St. Louis. At the same time, third-place Carolina (20-10-1, 41) gained ground with it 4-0 shutout of the Islanders, and the Penguins (14-14-5. 33 points) inched closer to a playoff position with their 3-2 win over the Kings. Through the first 71 nights of the season: Favorites are 299-205, including a 274-185 run. Overs are 225-247-32, but the Under is currently on a 178-137-18 roll. We have five games on the card tonight, and I'm headed to the high altitude of Salt Lake City for tonight's game with a potential Stanley Cup Final in St. Paul, Minnesota, where the Wild are hosting the defending champion Florida Panthers.There's also a solid non-conference showdown in Dallas, where the Stars are hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs.But I have my eyes on an entirely different game.Tonight's FEATURED GAME (lines courtesy DraftKings):Vancouver at Utah (-110, 5.5-over, -120)OUTLOOK: The Canucks arrive in Salt Lake City with a 16-9-5 mark for 37 points and slotted No. 1 in the wild-card race, and face the scrappy Utah Hockey Club (14-11-5, 33 points; 3 points back of WC2). With both scrapping in the Western Conference wild-card race, Vancouver is a dangerous team away from home, boasting a 10-2-1 road record with a League-leading .808 points percentage as the visiting team. But Utah has been playing well, having won four of five seven of 11 since Nov. 26. The thing I worry about with the Canucks is the first of a back-to-back, with tomorrow's game in Vegas. They may be looking ahead to the Golden Knights. Consider the home team in this one.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 12/18/2024

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024

The Wednesday sports card features NCAAF, NHL, and NCAAB action. The college football bowl season continues with two games. James Madison battles Western Kentucky in the Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida, on ESPN at 5:30 p.m. ET. The Dukes are on a two-game losing streak after their 35-33 upset loss in overtime against Marshall as a 3.5-favorite on November 30th. The Hilltoppers lost for the third time in their last four games in their 52-12 loss at Jacksonville State as a 4-point underdog in the Conference USA championship game on December 6th. James Madison is a 7.5-point favorite with the total set at 51 (all odds from DraftKings). UNLV challenges California in the LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on ESPN at 9:00 p.m. ET. The Rebels were on a four-game winning streak before losing at Boise State, 21-7, as a 4-point underdog in the Mountain West Conference championship game on December 6th. The Golden Bears lost for the second time in their last three games in a 38-6 loss at SMU as a 12.5-point underdog on November 30th. UNLV is a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 47.5.The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. The Detroit Red Wings host the Philadelphia Flyers on TNT at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Red Wings won for the second time in their last three games in a 4-2 victory against Toronto on Saturday. The Flyers had won two games in a row before their 4-1 loss at Minnesota on Saturday. Detroit is a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Dallas Stars play at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.The Florida Panthers travel to Minnesota to play the Wild on TNT at 9:37 p.m. ET. The Panthers ended a two-game losing streak with a 6-5 victory at Edmonton on Monday. The Wild have lost two of their last three games after a 3-2 loss to Vegas on Sunday. Florida is a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Two more games complete the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Utah Hockey Club is home against the Vancouver Canucks as a -112 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Winnipeg Jets play in Anaheim against the Ducks as a -192 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.The college basketball schedule has 56 games between Division I opponents. Seven of these games are on major national television. Creighton visits Georgetown on the CBS Sports Network at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 146.5. Two more NCAAB games tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Memphis plays at Virginia on ESPN2 as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 131. UConn hosts Xavier on FS1 as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 147. Three NCAAB games on major national television begin at 9:00 p.m. ET. Alabama is at North Dakota on the CBS Sports Network as a 25.5-point road favorite with a total of 167.5. Marquette plays at home against Butler on FS1 as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 150. Michigan faces Oklahoma in the Jumpman Invitational at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on ESPN2 as a 3-point favorite with a total of 151. Washington is home against Washington State on FS1 at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 148.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 12/17/2024

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024

The Tuesday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action. The college football bowl season continues with one game. Memphis battles West Virginia in the Frisco Bowl at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on ESPN at 9:00 p.m. ET. The Tigers won for the seventh time in their last eight games in a 34-24 upset win at Tulane as a 12.5-point underdog on November 28th. The Mountaineers lost for the second time in their last three games in a 52-15 loss at Texas Tech as a 2.5-point underdog on November 30th. Memphis is a 5-point favorite with the total set at 58.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The National Basketball Association has one game on its docket. The Oklahoma City Thunder challenges the Milwaukee Bucks at the T-Mobile Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the finals of the NBA Cup on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Thunder won for the ninth time in their last ten games in a 111-96 victory against Houston as a 5.5-point favorite in their semifinal clash last Saturday. The Bucks won their 10th game in their last 12 games with a 110-102 victory against Atlanta as a 3.5-point favorite in their semifinal contest on Saturday. Oklahoma City is a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 216.5. The National Hockey League has ten games on its slate. Three NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Buffalo Sabres travel to Montreal to play the Canadiens as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Los Angeles Kings play in Pittsburgh against the Penguins as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -258 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes are home against the New York Islanders at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -225 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two NHL games start at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Nashville Predators host the New York Rangers as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The New Jersey Devils are in St. Louis to play the Blues as a -170 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Washington Capitals visit Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 8:37 p.m. ET as a -175 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Boston Bruins play in Calgary against the Flames at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -130 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Ottawa Senators are in Seattle to play the Kraken at 10:07 p.m. ET as a -1115 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Winnipeg Jets travel to San Jose to play the Sharks at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -238 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The college basketball schedule has 41 games between Division I opponents. Two of these games are on major national television at 7:00 p.m. ET. Florida faces North Carolina on a neutral court at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on ESPN as a 4-point favorite with a total of 166.5. Michigan State plays at home against Oakland University on ESPN2 as a 16-point favorite with an over/under of 135.

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Play NBA Knockout Round Games Under

by Al McMordie

Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024

The 2nd Annual NBA Cup concludes tonight with the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The Thunder have been installed as a 5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 216.5 (all odds courtesy of BetAnySports).There have been 133 games (120 Group Play; 13 Knockout Round) played in this in-season tournament , so there's admittedly not yet a ton of data.  When one looks at all 253 games, we get the following:Home Teams:  68-57-3 ATSRoad Teams:  57-68-3 ATSOvers:  65-67-1Unders:  67-65-1Favorites:  65-65-3 ATSUnderdogs:  65-65-3 ATSRevenge-minded Teams:  24-29-1 ATSOff Win (vs Foe off Loss):  37-33-3 ATSOff Upset Loss (vs Foe not off Upset Loss):  23-12-1 ATSOff Upset Win (vs Foe not off Upset Win):  25-22-1 ATSOff SU/ATS Win (vs Foe not off SU/ATS Win):  41-33-3 ATSOff SU/ATS Loss (vs Foe not off SU/ATS Loss):  34-28-3 ATSThere is, however, one trend emerging that bears watching.  And that relates specifically to Knockout Round games.  After the 30 teams participate in the Group Play games, the eight teams with the best records move on to the Knockout Round.  The Knockout Round games are single-elimination games.  In this respect, they're similar to an NBA Playoff game or a Play-in Tournament game, where at least one team faces elimination.Coming into tonight's NBA Cup Championship game, there have been 13 Knockout Round games played.  And 10 of the 13 have gone Under the total, including both games (Bucks/Hawks; Thunder/Rockets) played this past Saturday.  The reason this trend bears watching is that the Under has also cashed in other types of NBA elimination games.  Since the 1990-91 season, NBA Playoff elimination games have gone Under 407-349-13.  And elimination games in the Play-in Tournament have also seen the Under prevail, with a 9-6-1 mark.  Combined, then, with our 10-3 Under record in Knockout Round games, we have an aggregate record of 426-358-14 Under (54.3%) for any type of elimination game.Good luck, as always,Al McMordie

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/16/2024

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Dec 16, 2024

The Monday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action. Week 15 in the NFL concludes with two games. The Minnesota Vikings host the Chicago Bears on ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Vikings are on a six-game winning streak after their 42-21 victory against Atlanta as a 6-point favorite last Sunday. The Bears are on a seven-game losing streak after their 38-13 loss at San Francisco as a 3-point underdog on Sunday. Minnesota is a 7-point favorite with the total set at 44 (all odds from DraftKings). The Atlanta Falcons travel to Las Vegas to play the Raiders on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Falcons have lost four games in a row after their loss against the Vikings last week. The Raiders have lost nine games in a row after their 28-13 loss at Tampa Bay as a 7-point underdog on Sunday. Atlanta is a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 44.5. The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. Two NBA games tipped off at 7:10 p.m. ET.  The Miami Heat play in Detroit against the Pistons as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 218. The Philadelphia 76ers are in Charlotte to play the Hornets as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 214. Two NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers visit Brooklyn to play the Nets as a 9.5-point road favorite with a total of 219. The Toronto Raptors play at home against the Chicago Bulls as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 240. The Denver Nuggets visit the Sacramento Kings at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 1-point road favor with a total of 238.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are home against the Utah Jazz as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 224.5. The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. The Dallas Stars host the Washington Capitals at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Florida Panthers at 8:37 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Colorado Avalanche play at Vancouver against the Canucks at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The college basketball schedule has 12 games between Division I opponents. None of these games are on national television.Matchweek 14 in the English Premier League concludes with one match. Bournemouth is at home against West Ham United on the USA Network at 3:00 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/15/2024

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Dec 15, 2024

The Sunday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action. Week 15 in the NFL continues with 13 games. Seven NFL games kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Cincinnati Bengals travel to Tennessee to play the Titans as a 5.5-point road favorite with the total set at 46.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Kansas City Chiefs play in Cleveland against the Browns as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 41.5. The Baltimore Ravens are in New York to play the Giants as a 16.5-point road favorite with a total of 42.5. The Carolina Panthers host the Dallas Cowboys as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 42.5. The New York Jets visit Jacksonville to play the Jaguars as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 41. The Washington Commanders play in New Orleans against the Saints as a 7.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 43.5. The Houston Texans play at home against the Miami Dolphins as a 3-point favorite with a total of 45.5. Five NFL games start at 4:25 p.m. ET. The Philadelphia Eagles are home against the Pittsburgh Steelers as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 43. The Detroit Lions host the Buffalo Bills as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 54.5. The Denver Broncos play at home against the Indianapolis Colts as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 43.5. The Arizona Cardinals are home against the New England Patriots as a 6-point favorite with a total of 46.5. The Los Angeles Chargers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 45. The Green Bay Packers are in Seattle to play the Seahawks on NBC at 8:20 p.m. ET for Sunday Night Football. The Packers are a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 46.5. The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. The Indiana Pacers play at home against the New Orleans Pacers at 5:10 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 230. Two more NBA games tip off at 6:10 p.m. ET. The New York Knicks travel to Orlando to play the Magic as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 215.5. The Boston Celtics play in Washington against the Wizards as a 16-point road favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are in San Antonio against the Spurs at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 214.5. The Phoenix Suns are home against the Portland Trail Blazers at 8:10 p.m. ET as an 11-point favorite with an over/under of 228. The Dallas Mavericks visit Golden State to play the Warriors at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 231. The Memphis Grizzlies play in Los Angeles against the Lakers at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 232.The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. The New York Islanders are in Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 3:07 p.m. ET as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Two more NHL games drop the puck at 5:07 p.m. ET. The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Buffalo Sabres as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Carolina Hurricanes play at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -340 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 6:07 p.m. ET. The Minnesota Wild are home against the Vegas Golden Knights as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The New York Rangers travel to St. Louis to play the Blues as a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The college basketball schedule has 29 games between Division I opponents. One NCAAB game is on national television. Iowa State hosts Nebraska-Omaha on the CBS Sports Network at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 36.5-point favorite with an over/under of 149.Matchweek 14 in the English Premier League continues with four matches. Brighton and Hove Albion plays at home against Crystal Palace on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Manchester City is home against Manchester United on the USA Network at 11:30 a.m. ET is a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Two more matches complete the EPL card at 2:00 p.m. ET. Chelsea hosts Brentford on the USA Network as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Tottenham plays at Southampton as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 3.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/14/2024

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Dec 14, 2024

The Saturday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.There are two games in college football. Army West Point battles Navy on a neutral field at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, to conclude the NCAAF regular season on CBS at 3:00 p.m. ET. The Black Knights are a 6-point favorite, with the total set at 39.5 (all odds from DraftKings).The NCAAF bowl season kicks off with South Alabama challenging Western Michigan in the Salute to Veterans Bowl at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, on ESPN at 9:00 p.m. ET. The Jaguars are an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 57.5.The National Basketball Association has two games on its docket in the semifinals of the NBA Cup, taking place on a neutral court at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Milwaukee Bucks face the Atlanta Hawks on TNT at 4:30 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 228.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder play the Houston Rockets on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 213.5. The National Hockey League has 15 games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 1:07 p.m. ET. The New Jersey Devils host the Chicago Blackhawks as a -355 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The New York Rangers play at home against the Los Angeles Kings as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Minnesota Wild are home against the Philadelphia Flyers at 2:07 p.m. ET as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers host the Vegas Golden Knights at 4:07 p.m. ET as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.Five NHL games start at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Winnipeg Jets play at home against the Montreal Canadiens as a -258 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Detroit to play the Red Wings as a -180 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Ottawa Senators are home against the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Washington Capitals host the Buffalo Sabres as a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Columbus Blue Jackets play at home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -170 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Dallas Stars are home against the St. Louis Blues at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -238 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Colorado Avalanche host the Nashville Predators at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Four more games complete the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Colorado Avalanche play at home against the Nashville Predators at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -180 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Tampa Bay Lightning play in Calgary against the Flames as a -130 road favorite with a total of 6. The Vancouver Canucks are home against the Boston Bruins as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Utah Hockey Club is in San Jose to play the Sharks as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The college basketball schedule has 84 games between Division I opponents. Eight of these NCAAB games are on major national television. Clemson hosts Memphis on ESPN2 at 11:00 a.m. ET is a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Purdue battles Texas A&M on a neutral court at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on CBS at noon ET. The Boilermakers are a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 143. Auburn faces Ohio State on a neutral court at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on ESPN2 at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Tigers are an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 153.5. Arizona plays UCLA on a neutral court at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on ESPN2 at 3:00 p.m. ET. The Wildcats are a 4-point favorite with a total of 147. Kansas plays at home against North Carolina State on ESPN at 3:15 p.m. ET as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. Kentucky is at home against Louisville on ESPN at 5:15 p.m. ET as an 11-point favorite with a total of 159.5. Tennessee visits Illinois on Fox at 5:30 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 147. Gonzaga challenges UConn on a neutral court at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Bulldogs are a 2-point favorite with a total of 151.5.Matchweek 16 in the English Premier League begins with five matches. Four matches start at 10:00 a.m. ET. Arsenal hosts Everton as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Liverpool plays at home against Fulham as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Newcastle United is home against Leicester City on the USA Network as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Wolverhampton hosts Ipswich Town as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Nottingham Forest plays at home against Aston Villa on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 12/13/2024

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Dec 13, 2024

The Friday 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 Cleveland Cavaliers host the Washington Wizards as a 17-point favorite, with the total set at 232.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Philadelphia 76ers play at home against the Indiana Pacers as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 228. Three NBA games start at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Memphis Grizzlies are home against the Brooklyn Nets as an 11-point favorite with a total of 230. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Los Angeles Lakers as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 214.5. The Chicago Bulls plays at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 232.5. The Denver Nuggets are home against the Los Angeles Clippers as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Phoenix Suns travel to Utah to play the Jazz at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 230.5. The San Antonio Spurs play at Portland against the Trail Blazers at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 223.The National Hockey League has one game on its slate. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Ottawa Senators at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -218 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The college basketball schedule has nine games between Division I opponents. Two NCAAB games tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET. George Washington plays at home against Army West Point as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 148.5. Merrimack is home against Boston University as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 125.5. Louisiana Tech is home against Georgia Southern at 7:30 p.m. ET as an 11-point favorite with a total of 146. Three NCAAB games start at 8:00 p.m. ET. UTSA hosts North Dakota. Northern Iowa plays at home against Nebraska-Omaha as a 15-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5. Nebraska is home against Indiana on Fox. The Cornhuskers were on a three-game winning streak before their 89-52 loss at Michigan State as a 6.5-point underdog last Saturday. They have a 6-2 record. The Hoosiers are on a four-game winning streak after their 82-67 victory against Minnesota as a 9.5-point favorite on Monday. Nebraska is a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 153.Three more games conclude the NCAAB card at 9:00 p.m. ET. St. Thomas hosts Western Michigan as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 147.5. Colorado plays at home against South Dakota State as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 146. Weber State is at Utah Tech as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 142.5.

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