Sports Betting
Thursday’s Best BetMGM Bets: Pens-Lightning, Seahawks-Cowboys, Big East Basketball
We finally broke through with our first 3-0 day! Both UC Irvine and the Orlando Magic were able to cover in their respective games while the total flew Under 6 in the Capitals/Kings game, with the Capitals winning 2-1. We now stand 21-19 on the season.
Though I will not be giving an NBA pick today, I want to explore the fascinating two horse race for the NBA Rookie of the Year. Right now, Thunder Power Forward Chet Holmgren and Spurs Center Victor Wembanyama are neck and neck for the award with Scoot Henderson having the next closest odds at 80/1 according to Bet MGM.
On Bet MGM right now, Holmgren is -125 while Wembanyama is -110. Holmgren, who was drafted last season but was out for the year with a foot injury, is averaging close to 18 points a game and 8 rebounds. Wembanyama, who is considered to be the best NBA prospect since Lebron James, is averaging a little over 19 points a game and 9.5 rebounds.
For my money, I would take Wembanyama at his price right now. The French Superstar is still developing his form while showing flashes of being the next great NBA player. By mid-season, he should be averaging over 20 points a game and potentially a double-double with rebounds. Take Wembanyana to win NBA Rookie of the Year.
Now time for the picks!
Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning (-135) O/U 6.5 7:00 PM on SportsNet Pittsburgh
The Penguins were able to help us cash our Under 6.5 bet in Nashville on Tuesday night, losing 3-2 in OT. That was the first overtime loss of the season for the Pens, which only took 21 games to happen. I never understood why the Predators are in the Western Conference, it would’ve made more sense to keep Detroit in the West and add the Predators to the East. But that’s the NHL for you.
This season the Penguins have played really well against some of the top teams in the league while looking lethargic against the bottom feeders. Tonight they get Tampa Bay, which should have their full attention given their recent track record vs the Lightning.
The Pens have won 4 straight vs Tampa and even with Andre Vasilevskiy back in net, I like the Penguins to get the win as an underdog tonight.
Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line +110, Pittsburgh Penguins 4 Tampa Bay Lightning 3
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys (-9) O/U 47.5 8:15 PM on Amazon Prime
How bout them Cowboys? Dallas comes into this matchup with the Seahawks on one of their most impressive streaks since the 90’s dynasty. The Cowboys have not lost a game at home since their Week 1 opener with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. That’s a 14-game win streak!
On top of that, the Cowboys are 8-3 ATS this season and should be licking their chops when they match up against what has become a one-dimensional offense for Seattle. The Seahawks have managed only 3 offensive touchdowns in the last 4 games and will be without Kenneth Walker again tonight who is doubtful.
Look for another touchdown by the Dallas defense and for Dak Prescott to run one in myself. Dak is making his case for MVP, thanks in large part to Ceedee Lamb. Look into Lamb’s receiving props tonight, both catches and yards.
Take the Cowboys to get another big win at home and cover.
Dallas Cowboys Cover -9, Seattle Seahawks 17 Dallas Cowboys 34
Creighton Bluejays (-7.5) at Oklahoma St Cowboys O/U 142.5 9:00 PM on ESPN2
After losing for the first time this season in a blowout loss to Colorado St, the Creighton Bluejays will be looking to get back on track and build their resume in Stillwater Thursday night.
Last season, Creighton made a nice run in the NCAA Tournament but issues with their depth led to their exit. This season, they have one of the deeper teams in the Big East and are a legit national title contender this year.
Oklahoma St has dropped games to the likes of Abilene Christian, St. Bonaventure and Notre Dame, who are in a rebuilding year. I believe the Creighton offense will be too much for the Cowboys and they won’t be able to keep up with the Bluejays.
Creighton Bluejays Cover -7.5, Creighton Bluejays 79 Oklahoma St Cowboys 65
