Jim McMahon Teams Up with Bodog For Super Bowl XLV

He's led one of the greatest football teams ever assembled, now he's ready to lead you on Super Bowl Sunday.

Jim McMahon, one of the greatest quarterbacks in Chicago history, teams up with Bodog to ensure you've got all the odds, stats and info you need to make you a winner in the Bodog Sportsbook.

On top of leading the Bears to a Super Bowl in 1985, McMahon used his unparalleled play-action skills to pass for over 18,000 yards. He became beloved in Chicago by playing through numerous injuries throughout his career, and earned respect in a run-heavy Bears offense by making timely throws and perfecting the QB sneak.

But what really put him on the map was his originality and charisma, rare traits in starting QBs. McMahon was always sporting a headband on NFL sidelines, always sporting a cool pair of shades, and was never afraid to speak his mind.

As a former champion he knows what it means to Be a Player.

Banner -Online Sports Bettingat Bodog Sportsbook

BOSTON CELTICS (34-10) at PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (25-21)

BOSTON CELTICS (34-10) at PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (25-21) Sportsbook.com Line/Total: Boston -5 & 183 

The Boston Celtics come into their Thursday battle with the Portland Trail Blazers feeling much more complete having their physical center Kendrick Perkins back. Perkins, who adds a defensive presence that can’t be categorized, had seven points and six rebounds in his first game back Tuesday in a 112-95 win over the Cavaliers. The return of Perkins comes at an ideal time with Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal both still out. To help out the recent thin frontcourt of the Celtics, Luke Harangody chipped in eight points and some much needed energy off the bench Tuesday. Boston has been terrific at TD Garden this year (22-3 SU), but beatable on the road (12-7 SU, 11-8 ATS). Ray Allen who is averaging 17.3 PPG this year, needs to play better this time around against the Blazers. The last meeting on Dec. 1, Allen went 3-for-12, scoring nine points and the C’s were minus-10 when he was on the court. Despite Allen’s poor shooting and a 15-0 run in the fourth by Portland, the Celtics held on and won 99-95.

 

It is hard to remember a team plagued with so many unfortunate injures as the Blazers have suffered this year. They’ve already lost Greg Oden for the season, and star guard Brandon Roy has not seen the court yet this calendar year. To add fuel to the fire, Marcus Camby has been out with a knee injury and LaMarcus Aldridge recently went for an MRI on his right hip. Luckily there was no cartilage damage to Aldridge’s hip and he will be available for Thursday’s contest. With Aldridge not 100 percent and Oden and Camby out, Portland desperately needs help from Joel Przybilla, who has scored a total of 10 points as a starter in the past three games. He didn’t attempt a field goal in 23 minutes in Monday’s embarrassing 96-81 loss to the Kings. Through all the injuries this year, the Blazers have been very solid at home this year (16-6 SU, 12-9 ATS). Portland has found scoring from the terrific second year player Wesley Matthews, who is averaging 22.7 PPG in his past three games. Matthews also scored 23 points, including 5-of-7 shooting from 3-point range in the Dec. 1 matchup against the Celtics.

 

Boston has owned this series recently, going 10-1 SU and 8-3 ATS in the past 11 meetings with Portland. The C’s have outscored the Blazers by 7.8 PPG in the past five meetings at the Rose Garden, with all four wins coming by at least six points, which is greater than Thursday’s spread. Having a healthy Perkins against a banged-up Aldridge may be the downfall for the Blazers. Portland, who has heavily relied on LaMarcus Aldridge (21.1 PPG) this year, needs to find another way to score and the tough defense of Boston (91.8 PPG allowed, second-best in NBA) won’t make that easy. The defending Eastern Conference champions should be able to handle the tough home crowd of Portland and take the victory against the spread.

More...

SAINT MARY’S (CA) GAELS (17-3, 5-0 in WCC) at GONZAGA BULLDOGS (13-7, 3-2 in WCC)

Sportsbook.com Line/Total: Gonzaga -3.5 & 148.5

 

Look out Gonzaga, the Gael force is coming! Just to remind everyone in the West Coast Conference (as well as the rest of college basketball) that last season was not a fluke, the Gaels of Saint Mary’s are back with a vengeance. Following last season’s NCAA Tournament run that ended with a loss in the Sweet 16 round to Baylor, the Gaels have stormed to 17 wins in its first 20 games this year, including a 5-0 mark in the West Coast Conference. Thursday when they invade Gonzaga’s McCarthey Athletic Center, Saint Mary’s will do so with a team that is ranked in the Top 10 nationally in three offensive categories. The Zags rank eighth in scoring (82.5 PPG), third in passing (18.6 APG), and third in shooting (50.6% FG).

 

The Saint Mary’s attack starts with its backcourt of senior Mickey McConnell and sophomore Matthew Dellavedova. McConnell leads the team in points (14.6), assists (6.5) and minutes played (35.5), all while shooting nearly 47% from beyond the arc, and over 51% from the floor, an amazing number for a player who makes his living outside of the paint. McConnell also knows how to protect the basketball, as he sports an assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly 3-to-1. Dellavedova (13.2 PPG, 5.9 APG, 3.7 RPG, 1.2 SPG) is a big guard from down under -- Maryborough, Australia to be exact -- who can do a little bit of everything. At nearly 39%, Dellavedova is almost as proficient from beyond the arc as McConnell. Junior forward Rob Jones (14.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG) leads the team in rebounding. With a team shooting percentage of just about 50%, and a team three-point FG Pct. just below 40%, it’s a pretty safe bet that most of Saint Mary’s rebounds come courtesy of the OTHER team’s missed shots. The Gaels are coming off of an 89-70 non-conference road loss to Vanderbilt last Saturday, and while all of the team’s losses have come to non-league opponents, Saint Mary’s did battle Mountain West-leading BYU (now 20-1 after defeating San Diego State on Wednesday night) before losing by just a point, 74-73.

 

After a rocky beginning that saw them start the season 4-5 and falling out of the Top 25, the Gonzaga Bulldogs had seemed to right the ship, winning nine straight between December 16 and January 15, with big non-conference victories over 2010 NCAA Tournament teams Baylor, Xavier and Oklahoma State. But two disappointing conference road defeats at Santa Clara and San Francisco have knocked the Bulldogs record back to 13-7, and 3-2 in conference play. Simply put, the Bulldogs had better start showing a lot more bark if they hope to make a 13th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The Zags have gotten strong production from senior guard Steven Gray, who is leading the team in scoring (15.2) while shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. Long and lean 7-footer Robert Sacre (13.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.9 BPG) is leading the team in rebounds and blocks, while sophomore forward Elias Harris (12.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG) like Sacre, is shooting over 51% from the field. A loss would put Gonzaga three games out of first place, providing a clear advantage for the Gaels as they look to make it back–to-back WCC Championships, further breaking the stranglehold that Gonzaga has held on the conference for years.

More...

NBA Preview: Boston Celtics vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Boston Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Rose Garden.

Oddsmakers currently have the Celtics listed as 4½-point favorites versus the Trail Blazers, while the game's total is sitting at 183.

Boston won its last outing, a 112-95 result against the Cavaliers on January 25. The Celtics covered in that game as a 16.5-point favorite, while the 207 combined points took the game OVER the total.

Portland was a 96-81 loser in its last match at home against the Kings. They failed to cover the 7.5?point spread as favorites, while the total score of 177 sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.

Boston: Team record: 34-10 SU, 21-21-2 ATS

is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Portland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 6 games on the road is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland

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

Portland: Team record: 25-21 SU, 22-21-3 ATS

is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 7 games when playing at home against Boston is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games

When playing on Thursday are 7-3 Before playing San Antonio are 4-6 After playing Sacramento are 9-1 After a loss are 6-4

Next up: Boston at Phoenix, Friday, January 28 Portland home to San Antonio, Tuesday, February 1

 

Boston vs. Portland

NBA Preview: Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks

The fans at Madison Square Garden will be treated to a game between the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks when they take their seats on Thursday.

Oddsmakers currently have the Heat listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Knicks, while the game's total is sitting at 212.

Miami was a 120-103 winner in its last match at home against the Raptors. They covered the 10?point spread as favorites, while the total score of 223 sent OVER bettors to the payout window.

New York was a 115-106 winner in its last match at home against the Wizards. They covered the 7.5?point spread as favorites, while the total score of 221 sent OVER bettors to the payout window.

Miami: Team record: 31-13 SU, 20-23-1 ATS

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 5 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 7 of last 8 games is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games on the road

When playing on Thursday are 2-8 Before playing Detroit are 4-6 After playing Toronto are 8-2 After a win are 8-2

New York: Team record: 23-21 SU, 27-15-2 ATS

is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 7 of last 10 games The total has gone OVER in 6 of last 9 games when playing at home against Miami The total has gone OVER in 6 of last 9 games when playing Miami

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

Next up: Miami home to Detroit, Friday, January 28 New York at Atlanta, Friday, January 28

 

Heat vs. Knicks

Big East Dominates AP Top 25 Rankings

Of all the competitive conferences in NCAA college basketball this season, the Big East has to be the consensus most feared. As of the Week 12 Associated Press men?s basketball rankings, six of the conference?s 16 teams reside in the nation-wide Top 25.

In addition to the six ranked programs, two more fell out recently after tough losses in the tough division. Such is life in the wildly competitive Big East.

This Saturday the No. 5-ranked Connecticut Huskies will take on the No. 23-ranked Louisville Cardinals. Can the Cardinals bounce back after a disappointing loss to Providence on Jan. 22?

At the same time the No. 7-ranked Villanova Wildcats will host the No. 21-ranked Georgetown Hoyas. The Wildcats took down No. 3-ranked Syracuse last Saturday, will the momentum from the big win carry over into the future? Are the Cats legitimate contenders after the win?

With so much going on in the Big East, and so many programs capable of defeating each other as the season progresses, the fact that they?ve all maintained such esteemed rankings makes them a compelling case when it comes to college basketball betting.

Get all your college basketball odds at Bodog.

Banner -Online Sports Bettingat Bodog Sportsbook

Betting on the Big East: The NCAA's Top Conference

Just how good is the Big East in NCAA college basketball this season? If the most recent installments of the Associated Press? men?s basketball rankings are to be trusted: very.

As a result, betting on college basketball has never been more intriguing.

Currently six teams in the 16-team conference are ranked in the top 25 spots for the entire nation, three of which find themselves in the top seven. In addition to the six contenders (from No. 2-seeded Pittsburgh to No. 23-seeded Louisville), two other programs have spent time in the AP?s Top 25 as recently as last week.

Although West Virginia and Cincinnati have suffered recent backs - Cincinnati?s of course slightly more excusable than WV?s recent loss to unranked Marshall - the conference is still by in large the most competitive of any in the country. Had it not been for recent back-to-back losses against lethal No. 9 Syracuse and No. 15 Notre Dame, the Bearcats would be just as feared as ever.

Instead, however, they find themselves on the outside looking in at the six teams currently jostling for spotlight in the polls.

This Saturday, fans of the Big East and NCAA bettors alike will tune in as pair of games pit some of their top contenders against each other.

At noon on Jan. 29, the No. 5 seed Connecticut Huskies will try their luck against the Louisville Cardinals. The Cards slipped up recently against lowly Providence but will have their shot at redemption. A big time win over a big time program would do wonders for their ranking after slipping four spots from No. 19 last week.

Meanwhile, the No. 8-ranked Villanova Wildcats will host Georgetown as they look to continue building on momentum that they gained taking down Syracuse on Jan. 22. Was the Wildcats win over the Orange a fluke?

With such a variety of contenders vying for position in the conference, it?s hard not to get wrapped up in the intensity of the Big East. The No. 2-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers are the lone undefeated team left in the conference. How will the rest of the pack unfold?

Get all your college basketball odds at Bodog.

 

 

Banner -Online Sports Bettingat Bodog Sportsbook

NCAA Basketball Preview: Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Nevada Wolf Pack

The Fresno State Bulldogs and the Nevada Wolf Pack will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Lawlor Events Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the Wolf Pack listed as 6½-point favorites versus the Bulldogs, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Fresno State won its last outing, an 86-56 result against Seattle on January 24.

Nevada won its last outing, a 66-58 result against Louisiana Tech on January 22. They failed to cover in that game as a 11-point favorite.

Fresno State: Team record: 8-10 SU, 5-8-1 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 7 games when playing on the road against Nevada The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 6 games on the road is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road is 3-16 SU in its last 19 games on the road

When playing on Thursday are 8-2 Before playing San Jose State are 4-6 After playing Seattle are 0-2 After a win are 4-6

Nevada: Team record: 7-13 SU, 8-10 ATS Current streak: won 3 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Fresno State The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 6 games at home is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Fresno State

When playing on Thursday are 5-4 Before playing Utah State are 8-2 After playing Louisiana Tech are 8-2 After a win are 4-6

Next up: Fresno State at San Jose State, Saturday, January 29 Nevada at Utah State, Wednesday, February 2

 

Fresno State vs. Nevada

NCAA Basketball Preview: Boston College Eagles vs. Duke Blue Devils

The Boston College Eagles and the Duke Blue Devils will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Oddsmakers currently have the Blue Devils listed as 16½-point favorites versus the Eagles, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

In their last action, Boston College was a 67-51 loser on the road against Florida State. They failed to cover the 8?point spread as underdogs.

Duke was an 83-59 winner in its last match on the road against Wake Forest. They covered the 22.5?point spread as favorites.

Boston College: Team record: 14-6 SU, 7-7 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 8 games on the road is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games on the road is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Duke

When playing on Thursday are 6-4 Before playing North Carolina are 4-4 After playing Florida State are 2-5 After a loss are 7-3

Duke: Team record: 18-1 SU, 9-8 ATS Current streak: won 3 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston College is 24-1 SU in its last 25 games is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Boston College

When playing on Thursday are 9-1 Before playing St. John's are 6-4 After playing Wake Forest are 8-2 After a win are 9-1

Next up: Boston College home to North Carolina, Tuesday, February 1 Duke at St. John's, Sunday, January 30

 

Boston College vs. Duke

NHL Preview: Nashville Predators vs. Vancouver Canucks

The Nashville Predators and the Vancouver Canucks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Rogers Arena.

Oddsmakers currently have the Canucks listed as 175-moneyline favorites versus the Predators, while the game's total is sitting at 5½.

The Predators were a 3-1 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Flames. That made winners of bettors who got Calgary at -128 on the moneyline, while the total score (4) was good news for UNDER bettors.

Last time out for Vancouver, they were a 7-1 winner as they battled the Stars at home. Moneyline bettors who got the Canucks at -170 were rewarded, while the 8 combined goals moved the game OVER for totals bettors.

Vancouver: Team record: 30-10-9 SU, ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of last 9 games when playing at home against Nashville is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Nashville is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games

When playing on Wednesday are 6-4 Before playing San Jose are 5-5 After playing Dallas are 7-3 After a win are 7-3

Nashville: Team record: 27-16-6 SU, ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of last 9 games when playing on the road against Vancouver is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road is 5-12-1 SU in its last 18 games ,when playing on the road against Vancouver

When playing on Wednesday are 4-6 Before playing Minnesota are 6-4 After playing Calgary are 3-7 After a loss are 5-5

Next up: Nashville home to Calgary, Tuesday, February 1 Vancouver at Dallas, Tuesday, February 1

 

 

Nashville vs. Vancouver