Sports Betting
Saturday’s Best ESPN BET Bets: Saint Joseph’s-Duquesne, Panthers-Lightning, Louisville-Pitt
Even on vacation, the Winning Picks stay winning, going 3-0 Friday night. As I predicted, Villanova started slow but eventually pulled away and covered against Georgetown. Our unders in both Hurricanes/Coyotes and New Mexico/San Diego St covered, even if it was by the skin of our teeth. We moved to 156-114-3 on the year.
Tonight, we get the annual NBA All Star game festivities including the NBA Slam Dunk contest. G League star Mac McClung is back to defend his title from last year after one of the highest scores in recent Dunk Contest history. McClung is currently -275 to win the contest, but buyer beware, it might not be the lock that it seems.
No individual has ever won the Dunk Contest in back-to-back years. We have had multiple winners in the past, but ever back-to-back years. For my money’s worth Jaylen Brown (+450) and Jacob Toppin (+675), brother of 2022 winner Obi Toppin, have great value given their odds. Jaime Jaquez Jr is at +800, but he struggled in his dunk attempts during the Rising Star challenge last night.
Now onto the Winning Picks!
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Saint Joseph’s Hawks at Duquesne Dukes (-2.5) O/U 146.5 2:30 PM on USA Network
The Hawks of Saint Joseph’s flap their way into Pittsburgh to face the Dukes at Cooper Fieldhouse. I feel like a broken record saying this, but Duquesne is once again trying to salvage what is left of what was supposed to be their best season in decades.
Now, they will need to win the A-10 conference tournament in order to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977. As for today, though it has failed to cash in the last two Saturday games, I am going back to the well and taking the under. I believe Duquesne can do just enough to limit the scoring of the Hawks and cash the under.
Under 146.5 Covers, St. Joseph’s Hawks 68 Duquesne Dukes 70
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Florida Panthers (-130) at Tampa Bay Lightning O/U 6.5 5:00 PM on ESPN
Being on the gulf side of Florida, the Panthers and Lightning will play just an hour from where I am staying. Both of these Florida based teams are playing their best hockey of the season, with the Panthers looking like a true Stanley Cup contender.
Florida played great in their win over the Penguins on Valentine’s Day, peppering the Pens for 4 goals in the 2nd period. Though I don’t believe they will have a dominant showing like they did against Pittsburgh, I like the Panthers to take out the Lightning in Tampa.
Panthers Moneyline -130, Florida Panthers 3 Tampa Bay Lightning 2
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Louisville Cardinals at Pittsburgh Panthers (-12.5) O/U 149.5 6:30 PM on ACC Network
Pitt faces the trap game of all trap games as they host Louisville at the Petersen Events Center tonight. This game against the Cardinals is sandwiched between the Virginia game, one of the biggest road wins of the season, and their rematch with Wake Forest in Winston Salem on Tuesday. Could the Panthers be looking ahead today?
Louisville used to be my ultimate fade team this year until they actually started covering. The Cardinals are 7-3 in their last 10 games ATS and 10-7 as an underdog this year. As a favorite, Pitt has been an impressive 11-4-1 ATS, which includes covering on the road at Louisville. Though I can see the Panthers sleep walking thru the first part of the game with all the pundits kissing their butts after beating Virginia, I do like Pitt to cover in the end over the Cardinals.
Pitt Covers -12.5, Louisville Cardinals 61 Pittsburgh Panthers 75
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