MLB Betting – Marlins Have The Necessary Pieces To Succeed

Welcome to Miami where the heat is on. So are the Marlins, right now, in contention for the division lead, two months in to the regular season. They have a new name, new stadium, new logo, new manager, a ton of new faces, and with all of that the fans in Miami now have a new sense of optimism that it isn’t only their basketball team that will bring home some hardware this season. However, if the Marlins are going to have any chance at making the playoffs as National League East winners, they are going to need to make a few adjustments, particularly on offense where they have struggled to score runs all season. Miami has the players to be successful this season, but if it is going to deliver on its potential the offensive stars will need to match the sports betting production of a pitching staff that has been solid so far.

The Marlins actually lead the majors in quality starts through the first two months with 36, and that has had a positive impact on an entire staff that ranks eighth with a 3.60 ERA. Surprisingly, it is the ace Josh Johnson that has had the toughest time at 3-3, with a 4.83 ERA, the worst mark of Miami’s five starters. Both Anibal Sanchez and Carlos Zambrano have managed to get their ERA no higher than 3.00, and with Mark Buehrle exceeding expectations since being reunited with new manager Ozzie Guillen after their time together with the Chicago White Sox, the Marlins are in excellent shape with their pitching staff, with the bullpen benefiting from not being overexposed as a result of such a strong starting rotation.

If Miami is going to be a true online betting contender for a division title this season, the offense has to increase its production and provide the staff with more support. The Marlins rank 20th in both batting average and runs scored, but could see much better results overall if they can climb in to the top-15 in both of those categories. Even increasing their runs by capitalizing when they have men in scoring position would provide a boost, and there is no denying that Miami has capable hitters on the roster with Jose Reyes added in the offseason to a group that already includes Hanley Ramirez and Giancarlo Stanton. Omar Infante has been a major bright spot with a .317 average, but Stanton is the only hitter on the roster with at least 10 home runs (13), and the Marlins have to be better at consistently putting runs on the board.

As far as the best sportsbook online expectations are concerned, Guillen will acknowledge that his team has played well and appreciate being in contention for a division title. However at the same time, Guillen understands that his team has left wins on the table this season, and will need to do a better job of capitalizing on the chance to improve their record on nights where the starter has been solid but hasn’t gotten the needed run support. With Reyes, Stanton, Ramirez, and Infante among others, the Marlins have the pieces to be successful this season, it’s just a matter of putting those pieces together and capitalizing when the opportunity is there.

MLB Betting – Marlins Have The Necessary Pieces To Succeed

NHL Stanley Cup Overview – Can the Kings Stay On Track?

Sport betting enthusiasts all over the world have been keeping a close eye on the march to the Stanley Cup Finals and the Los Angeles Kings have impressed a lot of people. The Kings could be the first-ever eighth seed to win the Stanley Cup, so long as Los Angeles can keep on putting out efforts like the one it gave in game one of the Cup Finals. The Belmont Stakes betting is huge because it is for the Triple Crown. But the story of the Los Angeles Kings is also catching fire all over the world.

Can the Kings see this through to a successful conclusion? Neither the Kings nor the New Jersey Devils were expected to be in the Stanley Cup Finals this year. The Devils are opportunistic and took advantage of every mistake their opponents made. But New Jersey has a lot of holes in its armor that make it susceptible to being defeated. The Kings proved that in game one. Now the betting sites are curious to see if the Kings can maintain this pace and bring Lord Stanley’s trophy back to Tinseltown.

Offense

The Kings had been dormant on offense all season long. When the playoffs started, it looked like the sleeping Los Angeles offense would never wake up. It seemed like winning the opening round of the playoffs kick-started the Los Angeles offense and it has been hitting on all cylinders ever since.

The Los Angeles offense is aggressive, strong and smart. It is led by captain Dustin Brown who has put his body in harm’s way more than once in this series just to make sure that the Kings advanced to the next round. With Jeff Carter, Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards finally putting the puck into the net, the Kings now have an offensive system that should be strong enough to challenge the New Jersey defense.

Defense

When a team has a goaltender such as Jonathan Quick behind it, the tendency is to bring the defense on the offensive attack and let Quick fend for himself. That worked in game one, but the legal online sports betting sites know that it is not a system that can be used for the entire series.

The Kings need to get a little better at defensive positioning and making sure that the Devils have a difficult time entering the Los Angeles zone. The Devils have not been nearly as prolific at scoring goals in these playoffs as the Kings have, but that does not mean that the Kings should let its guard down. Los Angeles needs to tighten up on defense and make sure that the defensive zone is covered at all times. Remember that the Devils are opportunistic on offense. If the Kings start to leave openings in the defensive zone, then the Devils will exploit them.

Overview
The Kings have the upper hand by winning game one of the Stanley Cup Finals. But the Kings need to stay aggressive and play smart hockey if it wants to walk away with the championship. Los Angeles does have what it takes to be the first number eight seed to win the Cup. It just needs to make sure it does not get complacent as the series goes on.

NHL Stanley Cup Overview – Can the Kings Stay On Track?

UFC Betting – Dos Santos Retains Title At Bloody UFC 146; Lesnar Eyes Potential Return

When an entire Pay Per View features only heavyweight fights, the potential is there for a quick night filled with a ton of knockouts, so it is no surprise that UFC 146 went down exactly the way that it did. With a season’s worth of memorable knockouts, more blood than we have potentially ever seen in a UFC octagon (from one fighter mostly), and a successful championship title defense, UFC 146 was entertaining all the way through. That is why it is such a surprise that what most MMA fans are talking about had nothing to do with the actual fights themselves, but instead the former UFC Heavyweight champion that was on hand at the event, and who could possibly be considering a return to the octagon in the near sportsbook future.

After an interesting round of preliminary fights that included four of the six betting contests ending in the opening round, the stage was set for the five heavyweight tilts that made up the main card, beginning with Stefan “The Skyscraper” Struve against Lavar Johnson. In what was considered a relatively even matchup, Johnson came out throwing some big shots early, and it looked like we would have a close fight. However, Struve played a smart game and used his excellent reach advantage to pull a guard on Johnson, before throwing his legs up for an armbar submission that ended the fight just over a minute in to the first round. After Stipe Miocic beat up Shane Del Rosario in a battle of unbeatens with some solid elbows midway through the second round, we saw another quick fight as Roy “Big Country” Nelson landed one of the biggest haymaker punches ever in the UFC to knock out Dave Herman in the opening round. Nelson’s surprise blow actually forced Herman’s knees to buckle, turning him around as he hit the mat, and there was on doubt he was done. That was nothing though in terms of visuals compared to Cain Valasquez absolutely pummeling a bloody Antonio Silva. A couple of solid elbows opened up a gash between Silva’s eyes so bad that he couldn’t see out of them, and eventually he had nothing left to give and it was called a TKO. Everything in between led to a rather anti-climactic finish with Junior Dos Santos landing a second-round TKO to retain his UFC Heavyweight belt, but it was after that fight that the biggest sports betting news of the night broke.

Brock Lesnar, who was on hand in Las Vegas for the event, is reportedly interested in making a return to the UFC under the right circumstances. When asked if Lesnar’s presence meant anything at the post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White grinned and replied, “yes”. Although he has handled a ton of adversity throughout his career, Lesnar would be a huge Bodog draw if he makes a return, and considering the circumstances around his last loss, which was to the now suspended Alistair Overeem, there is no reason for the former champion not to take another shot if he is healthy. Time will tell whether Lesnar ultimately does return or not, but as far as the UFC and its continuing betting sites popularity is concerned, it can only be a good thing for the promotion.

UFC Betting – Dos Santos Retains Title At Bloody UFC 146; Lesnar Eyes Potential Return

Are The Umpires Held Accountable For Their Actions During MLB Games?

In the world of professional sports, the only men who keep the star athletes in check during a game tend to be the officials. Where the athletes have to talk to the media and explain their actions before and after games, the decisions made by the officials never seem to come into question. But why is that? From a sports betting perspective, officials and in particular umpires should be held accountable for their actions, as much as the athletes. After all, the decisions made by the umpires can affect not only the players in the game, but the bettor at home wagering on the game.

Umpire accountability has been an ongoing issue in the MLB for decades. Over the past month, it seems as though the issue has been raised ten-fold, because of the direct affect the umpire decision has had on a game. For many fans, and athletes alike it appears illogical, as to why the players and coaches are called out on certain plays by the media, yet do the same thing to the umpires and face ridicule from the MLB. Look, we understand that the umpires in every game have the toughest jobs, as they have to make things fair for both teams. However, what we are arguing, is that if an umpire does something blatantly obvious, such as call a ball a strike because they think the player showed them up, or overruled another umpire and allowed a team to rally, they should have to explain their reasoning.

Throughout the years, the issue of umpire accountability has sparked much debate amongst fans and media outlets alike. On the one hand, the aforementioned argument of explaining actions seems justified. Conversely, by holding an umpire accountable, there is a belief that it diminishes the umpire’s role. In other words, if the umpire knows they have to meet with the media after the game, then they may be more inclined to make a bad call, because they feel outside pressure on their job. As a result, the MLB betting online Commissioners office does not require the umpires to talk to the media.

Another issue with umpire accountability is that an automatic fine is charged to any player or coach that criticizes the officials. This isn’t only seen in baseball, as the NBA, NFL, and NHL all have stiff penalties as well for players and coaches that harshly criticize the officials in their leagues. With this being the case, it is rare to see an umpire disciplined for their overreactions but it happens more in baseball then in any of the other sports. For instance, a couple of weeks ago when Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel and home plate umpire Bob Davidson were each suspended by the MLB for their actions in a confrontation during a May 17th game. Davidson became the second umpire in five years to be suspended for actions the MLB felt obstructed the game.

But for the two umpires that received suspensions in the last five years, countless officials have made controversial calls without punishment. In many cases, the calls made by the officials can be reconsidered based on instant replay. Nevertheless, the MLB is as stubborn about replay as it is about umpire conferences with the media. For both scenarios, the umpire wins out, because the media and instant replay would second guess the decisions, whether they are right or wrong.

Are The Umpires Held Accountable For Their Actions During MLB Games?

NHL Preview: Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders

The Florida Panthers and the New York Islanders will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Nassau Coliseum.

Oddsmakers currently have the Islanders listed as 135-moneyline favorites versus the Panthers, while the game's total is sitting at 5.

The Panthers were a 3-1 winner in their most recent outing on the road against the Devils. That made winners of bettors who got Florida at +135 on the moneyline, while the total score (4) was good news for UNDER bettors.

In their last action, New York was a 2-1 winner at home against the Kings. Bettors on New York at +104 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (3) sent UNDER bettors home happy as well.

New York: Team record: 23-23-8 SU, ATS

NY Islanders are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the NY Islanders last 12 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 6 games when playing Florida The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 6 games when playing at home against Florida

When playing on Sunday are 4-6 Before playing New Jersey are 4-6 After playing Los Angeles are 3-3-1 After a win are 4-6

Florida: Team record: 26-17-11 SU, ATS Current streak: won 2 straight games.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games is 14-5 SU in their last 19 games when playing NY Islanders is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 6 games when playing NY Islanders

When playing on Sunday are 7-3 Before playing NY Rangers are 5-5 After playing New Jersey are 4-6 After a win are 3-7

Next up: Florida home to Ottawa, Wednesday, February 15 NY Islanders at Winnipeg, Tuesday, February 14

NHL Preview: Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders

NBA Southern Division Preview: Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Philips Arena.

Oddsmakers currently have the Heat listed as 4-point favorites versus the Hawks, while the game's total is sitting at 190.

In their last action, Miami was a 106-89 winner on the road against the Wizards. They covered the 12-point spread as favorites, while the combined score (195) was profitable news for UNDER bettors.

The Hawks were an 89-87 winner in their most recent outing on the road against the Magic. They covered the 5-point spread as underdogs, while the total score (176) made winners of UNDER bettors.

Miami: Team record: 20-7 SU, 12-15 ATS

is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta

When playing on Sunday are 5-5 Before playing Milwaukee are 8-2 After playing Washington are 4-6 After a win are 7-3

Atlanta: Team record: 18-9 SU, 14-12-1 ATS Current streak: won 2 straight games.

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 7 games The total has gone UNDER in 15 of last 21 games when playing Miami is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home

When playing on Sunday are 5-5 Before playing LA Lakers are 6-4 After playing Orlando are 7-3 After a win are 7-3

Next up: Miami at Milwaukee, Monday, February 13 Atlanta at LA Lakers, Tuesday, February 14

NBA Southern Division Preview: Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks

NBA Preview: Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics

The fans at TD Garden will be treated to a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics when they take their seats on Sunday.

Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.

Chicago won its last outing, a 95-64 result against the Bobcats on February 10. The Bulls covered in that game as a 12.5-point favorite, while the 159 combined points took the game UNDER the total.

Last time out for Boston, they were an 86-74 loser as they battled the Raptors on the road. The Celtics failed to cover in the match as a 4-point favorite, while 160 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Chicago: Team record: 23-6 SU, 18-11 ATS Current streak: won 5 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 8 of last 10 games when playing on the road against Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Boston

When playing on Sunday are 4-6 Before playing Sacramento are 3-7 After playing Charlotte are 6-4 After a win are 7-3

Boston: Team record: 14-12 SU, 12-14 ATS Current streak: lost 2 straight games.

The total has gone OVER in 8 of last 10 games when playing at home against Chicago The total has gone UNDER in 12 of last 15 games at home is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Chicago

When playing on Sunday are 9-1 Before playing Detroit are 5-5 After playing Toronto are 6-4 After a loss are 4-6

Next up: Chicago home to Sacramento, Tuesday, February 14 Boston home to Detroit, Wednesday, February 15

NBA Preview: Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics

PAC 12 Basketball Preview: Washington Huskies vs. Oregon State Beavers

The Washington Huskies and the Oregon State Beavers will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at Gill Coliseum.

Oddsmakers currently have the Beavers listed as 4-point favorites versus the Huskies, while the game's total is sitting at 155.

Washington lost its last outing, an 82-57 result against Oregon on February 9. They failed to cover in that game as a 1-point favorite.

Last time out for Oregon State, they were an 83-73 loser as they battled Washington State at home. They failed to cover in the match as a 10-point favorite.

Washington: Team record: 16-8 SU, 11-11 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 7 games when playing on the road against Oregon State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Oregon State is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road

When playing on Sunday are 7-3 Before playing Arizona State are 8-2 After playing Oregon are 7-3 After a loss are 8-2

Oregon State: Team record: 15-9 SU, 11-8-1 ATS

The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 5 games at home The total has gone OVER in 8 of last 10 games when playing Washington is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home The total has gone OVER in 9 of last 12 games

When playing on Sunday are 4-6 Before playing Stanford are 5-5 After playing State are 2-8 After a loss are 6-4

Next up: Washington home to Arizona State, Thursday, February 16 Oregon State at Stanford, Thursday, February 16

PAC 12 Basketball Preview: Washington Huskies vs. Oregon State Beavers

Big 10 Basketball Preview: Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Michigan Wolverines

The fans at Crisler Arena will be treated to a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines when they take their seats on Sunday.

Oddsmakers currently have the Wolverines listed as 5½-point favorites versus the Fighting Illini, while the game's total is sitting at 118.

Illinois was an 84-71 loser in its last match on the road against Indiana. They failed to cover the 5.5-point spread as underdogs.

Michigan was a 62-46 winner in its last match on the road against Nebraska. They covered the 3-point spread as favorites.

Illinois: Team record: 16-8 SU, 9-13 ATS Current streak: lost 2 straight games.

The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 6 games on the road is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Michigan

When playing on Sunday are 9-1 Before playing Purdue are 6-4 After playing Indiana are 7-3 After a loss are 7-3

Michigan: Team record: 18-7 SU, 12-10 ATS

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 5 games when playing Illinois The total has gone UNDER in 9 of last 10 games

When playing on Sunday are 6-4 Before playing Ohio State are 6-4 After a win are 5-5

Next up: Illinois home to Purdue, Wednesday, February 15 Michigan home to Ohio State, Saturday, February 18

Big 10 Basketball Preview: Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Michigan Wolverines

NBA Preview: New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The fans at Target Center will be treated to a game between the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves when they take their seats on Saturday.

Oddsmakers currently have the Timberwolves listed as 6-point favorites versus the Knicks, while the game's total is sitting at 196.

The Knicks were a 92-85 winner in their most recent outing at home against the Lakers. They covered the 4.5-point spread as underdogs, while the total score (177) made winners of UNDER bettors.

In their last action, Minnesota was a 104-97 loser at home against the Mavericks. They failed to cover the 2-point spread as underdogs, while the combined score (201) was profitable news for OVER bettors.

New York: Team record: 12-15 SU, 12-15 ATS Current streak: won 4 straight games.

The total has gone UNDER in 9 of last 10 games on the road is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota

When playing on Saturday are 4-6 Before playing Toronto are 8-2 After playing LA Lakers are 3-7 After a win are 6-4

Minnesota: Team record: 13-14 SU, 15-12 ATS Current streak: lost 2 straight games.

is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against New York is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing New York The total has gone OVER in 9 of last 13 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 6 games when playing at home against New York

When playing on Saturday are 1-9 Before playing Orlando are 2-8 After playing Dallas are 4-6 After a loss are 6-4

Next up: New York at Toronto, Tuesday, February 14 Minnesota at Orlando, Monday, February 13

NBA Preview: New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

NBA Preview: Denver Nuggets vs. Indiana Pacers

The Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Oddsmakers currently have the Pacers listed as 3-point favorites versus the Nuggets, while the game's total is sitting at 200.

Last time out for Denver, they were a 109-101 loser as they battled the Warriors at home. The Nuggets failed to cover in the match as a 6-point favorite, while 210 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Indiana was a 98-92 loser in its last match on the road against the Grizzlies. They failed to cover the 1.5-point spread as underdogs, while the total score of 190 sent OVER bettors to the payout window.

Denver: Team record: 15-12 SU, 15-12 ATS Current streak: lost 5 straight games.

is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Indiana The total has gone OVER in 7 of last 9 games on the road is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 6 of last 8 games when playing Indiana

When playing on Saturday are 7-3 Before playing Phoenix are 6-4 After playing Golden State are 9-1 After a loss are 4-6

Indiana: Team record: 17-9 SU, 13-13 ATS Current streak: lost 2 straight games.

is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 9 of last 12 games at home The total has gone OVER in 6 of last 8 games when playing Denver is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Denver

When playing on Saturday are 7-3 Before playing Miami are 6-4 After playing Memphis are 4-6 After a loss are 8-2

Next up: Denver home to Phoenix, Tuesday, February 14 Indiana home to Miami, Tuesday, February 14

NBA Preview: Denver Nuggets vs. Indiana Pacers

SEC Basketball Preview: Kentucky Wildcats vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

The Kentucky Wildcats and the Vanderbilt Commodores will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Memorial Gymnasium.

Oddsmakers currently have the Wildcats listed as 5-point favorites versus the Commodores, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Kentucky won its last outing, a 78-58 result against Florida on February 7. They covered in that game as a 9-point favorite.

Vanderbilt was a 76-61 winner in their most recent outing at home against LSU. They covered the 11-point spread as favorites.

Kentucky: Team record: 24-1 SU, 10-14 ATS Current streak: won 16 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 10 of last 11 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 7 games when playing on the road against Vanderbilt is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Vanderbilt

When playing on Saturday are 8-2 Before playing Mississippi are 8-2 After playing Florida are 9-1 After a win are 10-0

Vanderbilt: Team record: 17-7 SU, 10-10 ATS

is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Kentucky The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games at home is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games

When playing on Saturday are 8-2 Before playing Mississippi are 6-4 After playing LSU are 6-4 After a win are 8-2

Next up: Kentucky home to Mississippi, Saturday, February 18 Vanderbilt at Mississippi, Thursday, February 16

SEC Basketball Preview: Kentucky Wildcats vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

Big 10 Basketball Preview: Michigan State Spartans vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Michigan State Spartans and the Ohio State Buckeyes will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Value City Arena.

Oddsmakers currently have the Buckeyes listed as 8½-point favorites versus the Spartans, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Michigan State was a 77-57 winner in their most recent outing at home against Penn State. They covered the 14.5-point spread as favorites.

Ohio State was an 87-84 winner in their most recent outing at home against Purdue. They failed to cover the 14.5-point spread as favorites.

Michigan State: Team record: 19-5 SU, 15-7 ATS Current streak: won 2 straight games.

is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games on the road

When playing on Saturday are 5-5 Before playing Wisconsin are 6-4 After playing Penn State are 8-2 After a win are 8-2

Ohio State: Team record: 21-3 SU, 12-8 ATS Current streak: won 6 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 6 games when playing Michigan State is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Michigan State

When playing on Saturday are 7-3 Before playing Minnesota are 9-1 After playing Purdue are 8-2 After a win are 8-2

Next up: Michigan State home to Wisconsin, Thursday, February 16 Ohio State at Minnesota, Tuesday, February 14

Big 10 Basketball Preview: Michigan State Spartans vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

Big 12 Basketball Preview: Baylor Bears vs. Missouri Tigers

The Baylor Bears and the Missouri Tigers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Mizzou Arena.

Oddsmakers currently have the Tigers listed as 6-point favorites versus the Bears, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Last time out for Baylor, they were a 68-54 loser as they battled Kansas at home. They failed to cover in the match as a 2-point favorite.

In their last action, Missouri was a 71-68 winner on the road against Oklahoma. They failed to cover the 5-point spread as favorites.

Baylor: Team record: 21-3 SU, 7-9-1 ATS

is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 6 games when playing on the road against Missouri is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Missouri

When playing on Saturday are 6-4 Before playing Iowa State are 4-6 After playing Kansas are 4-6 After a loss are 6-4

Missouri: Team record: 22-2 SU, 11-7-1 ATS Current streak: won 4 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home is 22-2 SU in its last 24 games is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Baylor The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 6 games when playing at home against Baylor

When playing on Saturday are 7-3 Before playing Oklahoma State are 8-2 After playing Oklahoma are 3-7 After a win are 8-2

Next up: Baylor home to Iowa State, Monday, February 13 Missouri home to Oklahoma State, Wednesday, February 15

Big 12 Basketball Preview: Baylor Bears vs. Missouri Tigers

NBA Preview: Indiana Pacers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Indiana Pacers and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at FedEx Forum.

Oddsmakers currently have the Grizzlies listed as 1½-point favorites versus the Pacers, while the game's total is sitting at 183.

Last time out for Indiana, they were a 97-87 loser as they battled the Hawks on the road. The Pacers failed to cover in the match as a 3.5-point underdog, while 184 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Last time out for Memphis, they were an 85-80 winner as they battled the Timberwolves at home. The Grizzlies failed to cover in the match as a 7.5-point favorite, while 165 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Indiana: Team record: 17-8 SU, 13-12 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games when playing Memphis is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games The total has gone OVER in 7 of last 10 games when playing on the road against Memphis

When playing on Friday are 4-6 Before playing Denver are 1-9 After playing Atlanta are 5-5 After a loss are 8-2

Memphis: Team record: 13-13 SU, 12-14 ATS

is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Indiana The total has gone UNDER in 9 of last 11 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games when playing Indiana

When playing on Friday are 4-6 Before playing Utah are 4-6 After playing Minnesota are 5-5 After a win are 7-3

Next up: Indiana home to Denver, Saturday, February 11 Memphis home to Utah, Sunday, February 12

NBA Preview: Indiana Pacers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

NBA Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Wells Fargo Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the 76ers listed as 4-point favorites versus the Clippers, while the game's total is sitting at 187.

The Clippers were a 99-92 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Cavaliers. They failed to cover the 6.5-point spread as favorites, while the total score (191) made winners of UNDER bettors.

Philadelphia lost its last outing, a 100-90 result against the Spurs on February 8. The 76ers failed to cover in that game as a 3.5-point favorite, while the 190 combined points took the game OVER the total.

Los Angeles: Team record: 15-8 SU, 13-9-1 ATS

LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Philadelphia LA Clippers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games on the road

When playing on Friday are 4-6 Before playing Charlotte are 5-5 After playing Cleveland are 5-5 After a loss are 7-3

Philadelphia: Team record: 18-8 SU, 18-8 ATS

is 12-2 SU in their last 14 games when playing at home against LA Clippers The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games when playing LA Clippers is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games at home

When playing on Friday are 4-6 Before playing Cleveland are 4-6 After playing San Antonio are 6-4 After a loss are 8-2

Next up: LA Clippers at Charlotte, Saturday, February 11 Philadelphia at Cleveland, Saturday, February 11

NBA Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Philadelphia 76ers

West Coast Conference Basketball Preview: St. Mary\'s Gaels vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs

The St. Mary's Gaels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at McCarthey Athletic Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the Bulldogs listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Gaels, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

In their last action, St. Mary's was an 84-73 winner at home against San Diego. They failed to cover the 19.5-point spread as favorites.

Gonzaga was a 72-60 winner in their most recent outing on the road against Pepperdine. They failed to cover the 12.5-point spread as favorites.

St. Mary's: Team record: 22-2 SU, 10-8 ATS Current streak: won 12 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games when playing on the road against Gonzaga The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 6 games on the road is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Gonzaga

When playing on Thursday are 5-5 Before playing Santa Clara are 10-0 After playing San Diego are 5-5 After a win are 10-0

Gonzaga: Team record: 18-4 SU, 9-13 ATS

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 5 games at home is 22-2 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against St. Mary's is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games

When playing on Thursday are 10-0 Before playing Loyola Marymount are 8-2 After playing Pepperdine are 9-1 After a win are 8-2

Next up: St. Mary's home to Santa Clara, Saturday, February 11 Gonzaga home to Loyola Marymount, Saturday, February 11

West Coast Conference Basketball Preview: St. Mary's Gaels vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs

Big 10 Basketball Preview: Wisconsin Badgers vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Wisconsin Badgers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Williams Arena.

Oddsmakers currently have the Golden Gophers listed as 1-point favorites versus the Badgers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Last time out for Wisconsin, they were a 58-52 loser as they battled Ohio State at home. They failed to cover in the match as a 4-point underdog.

Last time out for Minnesota, they were a 69-61 winner as they battled Nebraska on the road. They covered in the match as a 1-point favorite.

Wisconsin: Team record: 18-6 SU, 12-9 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota

When playing on Thursday are 7-3 Before playing Michigan State are 7-3 After playing Ohio State are 8-2 After a loss are 6-4

Minnesota: Team record: 17-7 SU, 11-10 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 7 games when playing at home against Wisconsin is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games The total has gone UNDER in 7 of last 10 games at home

When playing on Thursday are 6-4 Before playing Ohio State are 3-7 After playing Nebraska are 6-4 After a win are 7-3

Next up: Wisconsin at Michigan State, Thursday, February 16 Minnesota home to Ohio State, Tuesday, February 14

Big 10 Basketball Preview: Wisconsin Badgers vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

NBA Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns

The Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at US Airways Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the Suns listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Rockets, while the game's total is sitting at 198.

Houston won its last outing, a 103-96 result against the Trail Blazers on February 8. The Rockets covered in that game as an 8-point underdog, while the 199 combined points took the game OVER the total.

Last time out for Phoenix, they were a 107-105 winner as they battled the Bucks on the road. The Suns covered in the match as an 8.5-point underdog, while 212 combined points moved the game OVER for totals bettors.

Houston: Team record: 15-11 SU, 15-11 ATS Current streak: won 2 straight games.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games The total has gone UNDER in 7 of last 10 games on the road is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road

When playing on Thursday are 8-2 Before playing Golden State are 5-5 After playing Portland are 6-4 After a win are 7-3

Phoenix: Team record: 11-14 SU, 11-14 ATS Current streak: won 3 straight games.

is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Houston The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 6 games when playing at home against Houston

When playing on Thursday are 8-2 Before playing Sacramento are 5-5 After playing Milwaukee are 3-7 After a win are 4-6

Next up: Houston at Golden State, Sunday, February 12 Phoenix at Sacramento, Saturday, February 11

NBA Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns

NBA Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at TD Garden.

Oddsmakers currently have the Celtics listed as 3-point favorites versus the Lakers, while the game's total is sitting at 175.

In their last action, Los Angeles was a 95-90 loser on the road against the 76ers. They failed to cover the 4.5-point spread as underdogs, while the combined score (185) was profitable news for OVER bettors.

Boston was a 94-84 winner in its last match at home against the Bobcats. They failed to cover the 14-point spread as favorites, while the total score of 178 sent OVER bettors to the payout window.

Los Angeles: Team record: 14-11 SU, 11-14 ATS Current streak: lost 2 straight games.

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games when playing Boston LA Lakers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston LA Lakers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games

When playing on Thursday are 7-3 Before playing New York are 7-3 After playing Philadelphia are 8-2 After a loss are 6-4

Boston: Team record: 14-10 SU, 12-12 ATS Current streak: won 5 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 7 games when playing LA Lakers

When playing on Thursday are 3-7 Before playing Toronto are 4-6 After playing Charlotte are 8-2 After a win are 7-3

Next up: LA Lakers at New York, Friday, February 10 Boston at Toronto, Friday, February 10

NBA Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics