Sports Betting
Thursday’s Best ESPN BET Bets: Minnesota-Michigan St, Kraken-Oilers, Grizzlies-Timberwolves
For the third time in as many weeks, the Winning Picks went 3-0 for the third straight day! Despite heading to overtime, we were able to cash the under in the Red Wings/Panthers game. The Knicks were able to cruise past the Rockets and cover the spread and Oklahoma survived a first half fury by WVU and get the cover in Norman. We move to 108-77-3 on the year, a 57% win percentage.
Since we have not even mentioned them remotely yet in the Winning Picks, I want to briefly talk about the Pittsburgh Pirates odds for the 2024 season. The Pirates were able to smash their projected win total in 2023, cashing it by several games in the 76 win season. As it stands now, the Bucs are set at a 72.5 win total over/under for 2024.
While I do believe they can hit that total as long as the starting pitching and bullpen can hold up, a more interesting line might be their odds to make the playoffs and win the division. Right now, the Pirates to make the playoffs is +600 on some sportsbooks. It is even higher to win the NL Central, which is 20/1 on ESPN Bet. A $10 wager on the Pirates to win the division could win you $200!
The make the playoffs bet does have some value to it. If you really think the Pirates pitching and offense can take that next big step, they should be in contention for a playoff spot in 2024. Let’s hope the Pirates can at least get over .500 first.
Now time for the Winning Picks!
LA, TN, CO, AZ, IA, IL, IN, MI, OH
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Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan St Spartans (-11.5) O/U 140.5 6:30 PM on FS1
A team with one of the best against the spread records rolls into East Lansing, Michigan as the Minnesota Golden Gophers face the Michigan St Spartans. The Gophers are an incredible 14-3 against the spread including 8-2 in their 10 games. Those two losses actually occurred in their past two games to Indiana and Iowa.
Michigan St has been up and down all season. They stumbled out of the gate to begin the year by losing to James Madison in overtime. This Spartan squad has the same vibe as North Carolina did last season, a team that ended up missing the tournament.
This is a must win game for the Spartans. A loss here puts them at 8 losses in a very tough Big Ten conference with games still left against the likes of Purdue. I believe Michigan St will win tonight, but the Gophers get the cover.
Minnesota Covers +11.5, Minnesota Golden Gophers 64 Michigan St Spartans 72
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Seattle Kraken at Edmonton Oilers (-225) O/U 6.5 9:00 PM on ESPN+
The Seattle Kraken finish off the last leg of their long road trip as they head to Edmonton to face the Oilers and Connor McDavid. The Kraken are looking to end their road trip on a winning note. They won the first 3 games of their road trip before dropping their last two to the Penguins and Rangers.
You could see some tired legs from the Kraken as they play their 6th game in less than 10 days. But can the Oilers capitalize? Edmonton has been winning some very low scoring games since the beginning of the new year, with the under going 4-1 in Oiler games since January 1st.
That being said, I really like the under tonight in this game. Look for it to be a struggle by both the Kraken and Oilers to find the back of the net.
Under 6.5 Covers, Seattle Kraken 2 Edmonton Oilers 3
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Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves (-12.5) O/U 214.5 10:00 PM on TNT
Over the last several seasons, the Memphis Grizzlies versus Minnesota Timberwolves has turned into a bit of a rivalry. These two have battled it out in the playoffs, matching up two of the brightest young stars in the NBA in Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards. However, the Grizzlies won’t have Morant for this game or the rest of the season.
Morant had Memphis playing well following his return from suspension and looked like he had the team back on track after a poor start without him. But a shoulder injury will sideline the former Rookie of the Year winner for the remainder of the year.
This is the perfect spot for this very surprising and good Timberwolves team to beat up on a team that has emerged as a fierce rival. Look for Minnesota to pour it on the Grizzlies tonight and cover the double digit spread.
Timberwolves Cover -12.5, Memphis Grizzlies 95 Minnesota Timberwolves 116
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