Follow us @bigal_com

Instagram Twitter

Articles

Big Al's Daily Angle: NHL, NBA and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/28/2025

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has four games on its docket. Two games tip off at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Houston Rockets travel to Atlanta to play the Hawks as a 6-point road favorite with the total set at 228.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Los Angeles Lakers play in Philadelphia against the 76ers on TNT as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 218. Two NBA games conclude the card at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Golden State Warriors host the Utah Jazz as an 11-point favorite with a total of 229. The Milwaukee Bucks are in Portland to face the Trail Blazers on TNT as a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 231. The National Hockey League has eight games on its slate. Four NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Tampa Bay Lighting plays at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -345 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes visit New York to play the Rangers as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Boston Bruins plays at Buffalo against the Sabres as a -112 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Winnipeg Jets are in Montreal to play the Canadiens as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche travels to New York to play the Islanders at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Washington Capitals plays at Calgary to challenge the Flames at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two NHL games complete the card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Seattle Kraken are home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Vegas Golden Knights host the Dallas Stars as a -118 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 29 games between Division I opponents. Thirteen NCAAB games are on major national television. St. John’s is at Georgetown on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 140.5. Four NCAAB games on major national television Tennessee plays at home against Kentucky on ESPN as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 148.5. Providence visits Seton Hall on Peacock as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 133. South Florida is at home against Rice on ESPNU as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 141. Ohio hosts Toledo on ESPN2 as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 161.5. Two NCAAB games begin at 8:00 p.m. ET. Michigan State plays at home against Minnesota on Peacock as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139. VCU plays at Saint Louis on the CBS Sports Network as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 142.5. Marquette is at Butler on FS1 at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 147. Two NCAAB games start at 9:00 p.m. ET. Pittsburgh is at home against North Carolina on ESPN as a 4-point favorite with a total of 154. BYU hosts Baylor on ESPN2 as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 142.5. Utah plays at home against Cincinnati on the CBS Sports Network at 10:00 p.m. ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 138.5. San Diego State is at home against San Jose State on FS1 at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 136. Gonzaga hosts Oregon State on ESPN2 at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 14-point favorite with a total of 154.

Read more

Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/27/2025

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Jan 27, 2025

The Monday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has 12 games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Detroit Pistons as a 10-point favorite, with the total set at 234 (all odds from DraftKings). The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Charlotte to play the Hornets as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 222. Five NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Sacramento Kings play in Brooklyn against the Nets as a 10.5-point road favorite with a total of 221.5. The Boston Celtics play at home against the Houston Rockets as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 222. The New York Knicks are home against the Memphis Grizzlies as a 3.5-point favorite, with the total set at 243. The Toronto Raptors host the New Orleans Pelicans as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 232.5. The Orlando Magic are in Miami to play the Heat as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 207. Two NBA games begin at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Denver Nuggets visit Chicago to play the Bulls as a 7.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 244.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves play at home against the Atlanta Hawks as a 10-point favorite with a total of 219. The Dallas Mavericks are home against the Washington Wizards at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 232. The Milwaukee Bucks play in Utah against the Jazz at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 9-point road favorite with a total of 235. The Los Angeles Clippers are in Phoenix to battle the Suns at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 223.5. The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The New Jersey Devils visit Philadelphia to play the Flyers as a -155 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings play in Detroit against the Red Wings as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The St. Louis Blues host the Vancouver Canucks at 7:37 p.m. ET as a 3-118 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Seattle Kraken at 9:37 p.m. ET as a -285 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins are in San Jose to face the Sharks at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -170 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 22 games between Division I opponents. Six NCAAB games are on major national television. Boston University is home against Holy Cross on the CBS Sports Network at 7:00 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 130. Ohio State hosts Iowa on FS1 at 8:00 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 157.5. Duke plays at home against North Carolina State on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET as a 22-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. Northeastern is home against Towson State on the CBS Sports Network at 9:00 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 133. USC hosts UCLA on FS1 at 10:00 p.m. ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 140.5. Iowa State visits Arizona on ESPN at 10:30 p.m. ET as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 152.

Read more

Buy Low, Sell High In The NBA

by AAA Sports

Monday, Jan 27, 2025

Three NBA teams to back and three to fade as the season grinds into February:  TEAMS TO BACK Miami Heat – One way or another, the Jimmy Butler Dilemma will be solved. The Heat (and really we’re talking President Pat Riley here) will not allow Butler to continue the Play-Sulk-Sit-Suspend business model much longer. And when Butler is no longer in uniform, the remaining players will breathe a sigh of relief and move on.  Miami enters the month of February at .500, but would have to be truly dreadful over the next few months to bad enough to enter the lottery. Besides, unlike 9 or 10 teams, they refuse to tank. They’ll at least play hard post-Butler.Orlando Magic – This was supposed to be a breakout year for the young Magic, who last season were only a few good quarters away from finishing in third in the East. Then, injuries. After finishing 12 games over .500 last season, the Magic are now a break-even team. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Sparkplug high-motor Jalen Suggs, who is the key to just about everything Orlando does on offense and defense, has returned to action after missing 10 games with a lower back issue. Franz Wagner is also playing once again. The Magic will move heaven and earth to avoid the Play-In Tournament, and it appears doable.Denver Nuggets – Making up 9 games is the loss column in the Western Conference is obviously a bridge too far, but the Nuggets are now playing like the could make a real run at finishing second in the West, behind the Thunder. The O/U win total for Denver is 51.5, which would require only a 24-13 record the rest of the way. And to motivation, add the fact that Nikola Jokic is in the running for a fourth MVP Award and runningmate Jamal Murray has finally emerged from whatever funk he had been in since last summer’s Olympics, and the immediate future looks good. TEAMS TO FADE New Orleans Pelicans – Any team that loses by 31 points to Charlotte has to think about starting over. The Pelicans’ defense is atrocious (they give up almost 118 a game), Zion Williamson is playing but not in NBA game shape, and there’s snow on Bourbon Street. What else could go wrong? It’s definitely tanking time in the Big Easy, and the thought of Williamson (if he stays) playing alongside Cooper Flagg next season might keep the fan base from a mass exit. Philadelphia 76ers – Can things get any worse in Philly? The team bites, and the only way they can keep their first-round pick next season if they get worse this year (their first-rounder goes to Oklahoma City    if it’s not in the top 6). Now losing games is something the Sixers are actually pretty good at (See: Process). But if they lose intentionally to protect the future, the NBA suits will come down hard on them. It’s ok for small market teams to tank, but not descendants of Chamberlain, Erving and Iverson. Who knows what's going to happen with Philly.Washington Wizards – Before the season, bettors could bet over or under on the Wiz winning 22.5 games. They are now on a pace to win all of 11 games, and if things don’t get better they could challenge the record for the worst mark (9-73) in NBA history, set by the 1972-73 Sixers. Teams this bad don’t have to tank. They can play hard and still lose. And lose they will. Washington is the worst defensive team in the league and loses by an average of nearly 15 points a game. They have given absolutely no indication that things will change much over the rest of the season.

Read more

UFC Fight Night 250: Preview and Picks

by Will Rogers

Sunday, Jan 26, 2025

UFC Fight Night 250 - Adesanya vs. Imavov Saturday, February 1stKingdom Arena - Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaWe've seen some high profile boxing matches there, as well as soccer, tennis, golf and wrestling. On Saturday, the UFC is back in Riyadh. Though there have been 20 events in Abu Dhabi, (UAE) this will mark just the second time that Saudi Arabia will have hosted an event. The headliner features Nassourdine "The Sniper" Imavov squaring off against "The Last Stylebender," Israel Adesanya. Other notable names on the card include Michael Page, Shara Magomedov, Sergei Pavlovich and Said Nurmagomedov. Let's take a closer look at the two biggest fights. The Main EventFormer middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (24-4) is currently laying in the -160 to -170 range, depending on where one plays, against Nassourdine Imavov. The 35-year old Adesanya is off back-to-back losses and has dropped three of his last four.  The 29-year old Imavov (15-4) has won three straight. Next week, at UFC 312 in Sidney, current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis will defend his title in a rematch against Sean Strickland. (Du Plessis and Strickland are the two fighters who just beat Adesanya, while Imavov's last loss came against Strickland.) Both Adesanya and Imavov hope to face the winner of that fight. However, Dana White has already said that number one contender Khamzat Chimaev is probably next in line for a title shot.Whether or not it leads to a title shot, Saturday's match is very important to both fighters. Adesanya can't afford another loss. This will mark the first time since 2019 that he's fighting in a non-title fight. He's not suggesting retirement but another defeat could cause him to reconsider. On the other hand, an impressive win and he's right back in the conversation.Adesanya said this about his current mindset: "Same as I've always had it, I never really chased the belt. I always knew it would come around. I knew what I was going to do in the game, I knew it was going to keep coming around. So again, now I just plan on keep winning and it'll circle back. I'm not chasing the belt, but the belt chases me."Imavov feels that he has a chance to leapfrog Chimaev, if he can deliver an impressive enough victory. “Of course, depending on the performance, I can get the next title shot. It can be Khamzat. The fact that I went for four fights in one year, two top five, two top 10, that’s something very significant." Prediction: Anything could happen but my feeling is that Adesanya isn't done yet. Alexander Volkanovski recently sparred with The Last Stylebender and said he was in top form. "Didn’t even get close to him," said Volkanovski. However, the most likely outcome appears to be a decision. Imavov has seen four of his last five go the distance. Five of Adesanya's last eight fights have also been decided by the judges. The Co-Main EventI had a big play on Shara "Bullet" Magomedov (15-0) in his last fight, an impressive second round spinning back-fist KO of Armen Petrosyan. That was back in UFC 308, at Abu Dhabi. On Saturday, Magomedov puts his undefeated record on the line against English fighter Michael Page. Off a loss in his last fight, the 37-year old Page is now 22-3 for his career. Magomedov, 30 years old, opened as a -160 favorite but the line is now closer to -200. The O/U line for this 3-round middleweight bout is 2.5 over -240. Four of Page's last five fights have gone the distance. Magomedov has won three of his last six fights by decision. Before that, he'd stopped each of his first nine opponents. Magomedov is blind in one eye but that's clearly never been an issue.Convinced that he's the better striker and perhaps trying to goad him into staying on his feet, Page said this about his opponent: “I think he will be a lot more stubborn in believing in his ability. So, I think I’d definitely be landing some crazy shots if he decides to go for a takedown, because like I said, I think he in his mind he believes he’s the best when it comes to the striking game. So, it will take a few knocks before he decides to change that, and maybe it might be too little too late. I think he’ll be very bloodied up if he is going for a takedown.”Bullet countered with: “Michael Page I heard you say that I will bleed in our fight on February 1st. Yes I will bleed, only in yours." Prediction: Though I mentioned that both fighters have had some recent decisions, getting roughly +200 on the under looks like very fair value. If you're looking for a big underdog payout on Saturday, consider the under 2.5 rounds.

Read more

Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NHL, NBA, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds 01/26/2025

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Jan 26, 2025

The Sunday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Football League continues its postseason with its two conference championship games in the playoffs. The Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Commanders in the NFC conference championship game on Fox at 3:00 p.m. ET. The Eagles are on a four-game winning streak after their 28-22 victory against the Los Angeles Rams as a 7.5-point favorite last Sunday. The Commanders are on a seven-game winning streak after their 45-31 upset win at Detroit as an 8-point underdog last Saturday night. Philadelphia is a 6-point favorite with the total set at 47.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Kansas City Chiefs play at home against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC championship game on CBS at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Chiefs won for the seventh time in their last eight games with their 23-14 victory against Houston as a 10-point favorite last Saturday. The Bills won for the fifth time in their last six games after their 27-25 upset victory as a 1-point underdog on Sunday. Kansas City is a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 48.5.The National Basketball Association has one game on its docket. The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Portland to play the Trail Blazers as a 12.5-point road favorite with a total of 225.5. The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. The New York Rangers are at home against the Colorado Avalanche at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Ottawa Senators host the Utah Hockey Club at 5:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Winnipeg Jets play at home against the Calgary Flames at 6:07 p.m. ET as a -230 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Minnesota Wild are in Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -192 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Vegas Golden Knights are home against Florida to face the Panthers as a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 13 games between Division I opponents. Five NCAAB games are on major national television. Two NCAAB games on major national television at noon ET. Maryland visits Indiana on CBS as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 149.5. Duquesne plays at Fordham on the USA Network as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 139. Memphis hosts UAB on ESPN2 at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 151.5. North Texas plays at home against Florida Atlantic on ESPNU at 2:00 p.m. ET as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 137.5. Army is home against Navy on the CBS Sports Network at 3:30 p.m. ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 141.Matchweek 23 in the English Premier League concludes with four matches. Two EPL matches start at 9:00 a.m. ET. Crystal Palace hosts Brentford as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Tottenham plays at home against Leicester City on the USA Network as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Aston Villa is home against West Ham United at 11:30 a.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Fulham hosts Manchester United on the USA Network at 2:00 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5.

Read more

Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 01/25/2025

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Jan 25, 2025

The Saturday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has 14 games on its docket. The Indiana Pacers travel to San Antonio to face the Spurs at 12:10 p.m. ET as a 2-point road favorite with the total set at 232 (all odds from DraftKings). The Denver Nuggets play at Minnesota against the Timberwolves on ABC at 3:10 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 228. The Boston Celtics are in Dallas against the Mavericks on ABC as an 8-point road favorite with a total of 222.5. The Miami Heat visit Brooklyn to play the Nets at 6:10 p.m. ET as a 9-point road favorite with an over/under of 209.5. Two more NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The New Orleans Pelicans play in Charlotte against the Hornets as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 228.5. The Orlando Magic hosts the Detroit Pistons as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 211. Three more NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Atlanta Hawks play at home against the Toronto Raptors as a 4-point favorite with a total of 236. The Cleveland Cavaliers are home against the Houston Rockets as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 227. The New York Knicks are a 6-point favorite with a total of 233.5. Two NBA games begin at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Chicago Bulls host the Philadelphia 76ers as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 231.5. The Memphis Grizzlies play at home against the Utah Jazz as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 246. The Los Angeles Lakers are in Golden State to play the Warriors on ABC at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 219. The Phoenix Suns are home against the Washington Wizards at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 14-point favorite with a total of 231.5. The Los Angeles Clippers host the Milwaukee Bucks at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 224.5. The National Hockey League has 13 games on its slate. The Colorado Avalanche travel to Boston to play the Bruins at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Two more NHL games drop the puck at 4:07 p.m. ET. The Seattle Kraken play at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers are home against the Buffalo Sabres as a -245 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Six NHL games start at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Tampa Bay Lightning play in Detroit against the Red Wings as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils are in Montreal to face the Canadiens as a -175 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Dallas Stars visit St. Louis to challenge the Blues as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings play in Columbus against the Blue Jackets as a -175 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Minnesota Wild host the Calgary Flames as a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs are in Ottawa to battle the Senators as a -118 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Carolina Hurricanes travel to New York to face the Islanders at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Three more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Nashville Predators play in Anaheim against the Ducks as a -192 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Washington Capitals are in Vancouver against the Canucks as a -122 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Florida Panthers visit San Jose to play the Sharks as a -310 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 149 games between Division I opponents. Seven NCAAB games are on major national television. Providence plays at home against Georgetown on Fox at 12:30 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 139.5. Michigan State plays at Rutgers on CBS as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under 149.5. Kentucky is at Vanderbilt on ESPN at 2:30 p.m. ET as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 166. New Mexico visits UNLV on Fox at 3:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point road favorite an over/under of 147.5. Duke plays at Wake Forest on ESPN at 4:30 p.m. ET as an 11-point road favorite with a total of 136. Houston is at Kansas on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 2-point road favorite with an over/under 127.5. Auburn hosts Tennessee at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 141. Matchweek 23 in the English Premier League begins with six matches. Five EPL matches start at 10:00 a.m. ET. Bournemouth hosts Nottingham Forest on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Brighton and Hove Albion plays at home against Everton as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Liverpool is home against Ipswich Town as a -2.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Newcastle United visits Southampton as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3.5. Arsenal plays at Wolverhampton as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester City is home against Chelsea at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5.

Read more

College Hoops Overall Betting- Last 30 Days Trends

by Kyle Hunter

Friday, Jan 24, 2025

College Hoops Overall Betting Last 30 Days TrendsWhat has happened in the last 30 days in college basketball? I’m looking only from a bettors perspective at the whole picture of the college basketball landscape. Let’s see what has gone on and then take a look at whether we can gain any edges going forward. Last 30 Days Betting StatsHome Teams 580-634 ATS (47.8%)Road Teams 634-580 ATS (52.2%) Underdogs 612-606 ATS (50.4%) Home Underdogs 179-201 ATS (47.1%) 612 Overs 606 Unders (50.2%)Overtime Games 67-10 Overs (87% Overs) Non-Overtime Games 596-545 Unders (52.2% Unders)  Let’s start with the totals. It should come as no surprise that games that go to overtime go over the total at a very high rate. If you could predict which games were going over the total, you could be rich! That’s obviously very hard to predict. On the other hand, you can try to predict which games won’t go to overtime and that helps a lot with knowing where there can be opportunities to bet the under. Unders where there is a large point spread have done better than unders in general for many years. That is because there is far less of a chance of a late fouling fest, and a much smaller chance of overtime. I also do consider overs a bit more when the point spread is between 5-8 points because of the increased chances of a late foul fest. On the ATS front, home teams did very poorly in the last 30 days. Is it an aberration? They won’t continue to do this poorly ATS consistently, but road teams have had the edge over home teams in most recent seasons. There is quite a bit of evidence that home court advantage is overvalued by the betting markets. There are obviously exceptions to the rule where some specific home courts are worth a lot, but on the whole home court advantage is being overstated.There are about five weeks left in the regular season. As we grow closer to the end of the season, I would try to keep an eye out for teams who have little to play for and seem to be just going through the motions. The oddsmakers are good at their job, but there are always some edges to be found. 

Read more

Four NCAA BB Teams to Sell High

by Kyle Hunter

Friday, Jan 24, 2025

Four NCAA BB Teams To Sell High Betting on sports can be similar to buying and selling in the stock market. You want to look to buy teams when they are low and sell teams when the market is too high on them. I want to take a look at four teams that have done well for bettors so far this year. These are teams where it might makes sense to try to sell high while you have a chance. UC Davis (10-7-1 ATS) UC Davis is 7th out of 364 teams in the country in KenPom’s luck factor. They are also among the luckiest teams based on Shot Quality’s data. UC Davis ranks 247th in the country in shot selection. They also rank a poor 309th in shot selection allowed. They are very heavily relying on forcing turnovers to keep their defensive efficiency numbers up. UC Davis has had a friendly schedule to this point in the conference too. That will not be the case going forward. UC Davis plays their next four games on the road. UC Riverside and UC Irvine are the next two up on the schedule. I’ll look for spots to fade UC Davis. 2. Middle Tennessee State (11-4-2 ATS) MTSU has been a covering machine this year, but I don’t think that will continue the rest of the way. Middle Tennessee State is 21st in KenPom’s luck factor. The Blue Raiders play four of their next six games on the road. There is definitely some luck involved in 3 point FG percentage defense. MTSU is allowing opponents to shoot just 30.2% (40th best in the country) from long range so far this year. They are 274th in the country in open 3 rate allowed though. MTSU has been poor at defending the 3 point line in recent seasons. I think this number will regress toward the mean. Cleveland State (12-6 ATS) The Cleveland State Vikings have had a really good season. I think this team is well coached and they are improved. I think that the market has gotten a bit high on them though. Cleveland State is 9-1 in a Horizon League that is a bit weaker than it has normally been. Cleveland State relies on turnovers and offensive rebounds to do a lot of their damage. This is a team that has played the #312 strength of schedule so far this season. The road games at Fort Wayne and Northern Kentucky will be good tests for them in the upcoming days. St. Bonaventure (14-5 ATS) The Bonnies are a pretty good team, but there is a point spread tax on them at this point after this kind of covering stretch. DaSante Bowen is still out and Chance Moore missed their last game too. The Bonnies lack the depth necessary to keep playing at such a high level without multiple key starters. They are giving up nearly 1.11 points per possession in A10 play. Their defense that is normally a strength is weaker than average this season. 

Read more

NFL System of the Week

by Al McMordie

Friday, Jan 24, 2025

The NFL Playoffs resume this weekend with two match-ups of teams that already faced one another this season.  And, in the NFC Championship game, it will be the 3rd meeting of the season between NFC East division rivals.As a handicapper, I often look to previous meetings when I handicap a game.  Sometimes, that prior meeting might lead me to take a revenge-minded team.  Other times, I may play on a team because of its dominance in the series.  Here, though, we are going to focus on the Over/Under.The Commanders and Eagles second meeting this season was just five weeks ago, and the Commanders upset the Eagles, 36-33, as a 4.5-point home underdog.  The Over/Under line for that game was 47 points.This Sunday, the Eagles are a 6-point home favorite, with an O/U line of 47.5 points.What may jump out to many is the fact that the most recent meeting was an unusually high-scoring game, with 69 total points.  Some may be inclined to play on this weekend's game Over the total because of that 69-point game.  But be careful, as sporting events tend to not follow a well-worn script.  And our NFL System of the Week does, indeed, forecast a low-scoring game, as it says to play the UNDER in games between two teams whose previous meeting in the same season totaled 68 (or more) points.  Since 1980, there have been 130 such match-ups.  And the UNDER has gone 77-50-3.  Even better:  if the O/U line was greater than 47 points (as it is in this Eagles/Commanders game), then our 77-50-3 stat zooms to 24-10-2 UNDER.Good luck, as always,Al McMordie

Read more

Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/24/2025

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Jan 24, 2025

The Friday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has three games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Charlotte Hornets host the Portland Trail Blazers as a 5-point favorite with the total set at 2205 (all odds from DraftKings). The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Philadelphia to play the 76ers as a 10-point road favorite with an over/under of 227.5. The Memphis Grizzlies play at home against the New Orleans at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 12-point favorite with a total of 242.5. The National Hockey League has four games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:37 p.m. ET. The New York Islanders are home against the Philadelphia Flyers as a -166 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5.The Dallas Stars host the Vegas Golden Knights on ESPN. The Stars lost for the third time in their last four games after a 2-1 loss at home against Carolina on Tuesday. The Golden Knights are on a four-game losing streak after a 5-4 loss against St. Louis on Monday. Dallas is a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.  Two NHL games start at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Tampa Bay Lightning play in Chicago against the Blackhawks as a -230 money-line road favorite with an over/under 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets play at home against the Utah Hockey Club as a -218 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 13 games between Division I opponents. Eight NCAAB games are on major national television. Toledo is at Bowling Green on the CBS Sports Network at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 159.5. Two NCAAB games on major national television at 7:00 p.m. ET. Marquette is home against Villanova on FS1 as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Ohio hosts Kent State on ESPNU as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. Dayton plays at home against Saint Joseph on ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Flyers are on a two-game winning streak after their 82-62 victory as a 3-point favorite on Tuesday. The Hawks are a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 143.5. Purdue is home against Michigan on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 4:00 p.m. ET. The Boilermakers were on a seven-game winning streak before a 73-70 upset loss against Ohio State as a 10-point favorite on Tuesday. The Wolverines won for the sixth time in their last seven times in an 80-76 victory against Northwestern as a 9.5-point favorite on Sunday. Purdue is a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 151. Two more NCAAB games on major national television begin at 9:00 p.m. ET. Iowa hosts Penn State on FS1 as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 168. VCU plays at home against St. Bonaventure on ESPNU as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 135.5. UCLA travels to play Washington on FS1 at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 138.

Read more

NFL Championship Weekend Player Props

by ASA, Inc.

Thursday, Jan 23, 2025

Terry McLaurin Over 64.5 Receiving Yards (-115)McLaurin had 89 receiving yards in the Wild Card round against Tampa and 87 yards last week to knock off the number one seeded Lions. He can take the top off the defense and has the ability to create big plays in the YAC department as he did last week, taking a 58 yard screen pass to the house. Philly is favored (-6) which should give McLaurin a few extra targets, likely playing from behind. Terry is a focal point for the Commanders and has been fantastic all season both as a wide receiver and leader in the locker room. The offensive team captain has surpassed at least 60 receiving yards in 12 of 19 games this season, and he will be relied on again to give the Commanders a shot at the Super Bowl.  Saquon Barkley Over 125.5 Rushing Yards (-115)This rushing line shows how ridiculous Saquon has been in 2024, and his line comes in right on pace with his regular season per game average. He rushed for 146 yards in week 11 and 150 yards in week 16 against the Commanders 30th ranked rushing defense. Washington gave up 138 ypg on the ground during the regular season, and one can expect a massive dose of Barkley on Sunday at the Linc. The Eagles would like nothing more than to allow their elite offensive line to maul Washington, paving the way for Saquon to continue his historic rushing postseason. Josh Allen Over Anytime TD (-105)Big Josh Allen (6’5 235) has been using his legs all year long, punching in 14 rushing touchdowns this season. With the Super Bowl on the line, Allen will be more willing than ever to extend possessions and make every redzone opportunity count. Any plays inside the 10 yard line may be designed QB runs to go along with any goalline plays being possible “tush pushes”. Buffalo should have plenty of scoring opportunities as they bring their 2nd ranked scoring offense into Kansas City. Allen will need to run the ball as much as it takes to finally get over the hump against Mahomes and the Chiefs. James Cook Over 54.5 Rushing Yards (-115)Cook has surpassed his designated rushing mark in both postseason games, averaging 93.5 yards in those two games. He has seen 40 carries total, making it likely he will see another 15 at least in the cold night at Arrowhead. Cook is explosive and efficient, and as long as the Bills remain within striking distance, he will play a huge role for Buffalo. The Bills need to win the line of scrimmage to allow some explosive plays over the top of the Chiefs beatable defense. In a toss up matchup (KC -2), this game will be won on the ground, allowing Cook every chance to go three for three hitting his postseason rushing prop. 

Read more

Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/23/2025

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Jan 23, 2025

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. The Indiana Pacers challenge the San Antonio Spurs at Accor Arena in Paris, France, at 2:10 p.m. ET as a 2-point favorite with the total set at 230 (all odds from DraftKings). The Orlando Magic host the Portland Trail Blazers at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 212. The Milwaukee Bucks play at home against the Miami Heat on TNT at 7:30 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 224. The Atlanta Hawks are home against the Toronto Raptors as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 234.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Dallas Mavericks at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 218.5. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Sacramento Kings at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 239.5. The Boston Celtics travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers at 10:00 p.m. ET on TNT as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 221.5. The Golden State Warriors are home against the Chicago Bulls at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 230.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are home against the Washington Wizards at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 224. The National Hockey League has 11 games on its slate. Four NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Columbus Bluejackets as a -345 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Boston Bruins play at home against the Ottawa Senators as a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Detroit Red Wings host the Montreal Canadiens as a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The New York Rangers play at home against the Philadelphia Flyers as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Two NHL games begin at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Vegas Golden Knights play in St. Louis against the Blues as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Minnesota Wild are home against the Utah Hockey Club as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Four NHL games start at 9:07 p.m. ET. The Calgary Flames host the Buffalo Sabres as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Vancouver Canucks as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Anaheim against the Ducks as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Washington Capitals visit Seattle to play the Kraken as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Nashville Predators play in San Jose against the Sharks at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -238 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 63 games between Division I opponents. Ten NCAAB games are on major national television. William & Mary is home against Hampton on the CBS Sports Network at 5:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 148.5. Three NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Samford is at Chattanooga on ESPNU as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 156.5. Louisiana Tech hosts Western Kentucky on the CBS Sports Network as a 6-point favorite with a total of 148. Memphis plays at home against Wichita State on ESPN2 as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 158. Four NCAAB games on major national television begin at 9:00 p.m. ET. Morehead State travels to Eastern Illinois on ESPNU as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 130.5. Arkansas State is home against Appalachian State on ESPN2 as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 137.5. Saint Mary’s hosts San Francisco on the CBS  Sports Network as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 136.5. Illinois plays at home against Maryland on FS1 as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 158. Two nationally-televised NCAAB games start at 11:00 p.m. ET. Santa Clara is home against Washington on the CBS  Sports Network as a 5-point favorite with a total of 159. Cal-Baptist hosts Utah Valley on ESPNU as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 141.

Read more
« ‹ 1 27 29 333 › »

Follow us @bigal_com

Instagram Twitter

Links

Big Al's Sports Picks Info

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

© 2025 Al McMordie's BigAl.com. All Rights Reserved.