Andrew Ortenberg
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March Madness is in full swing, and we also have NBA and NHL action to look forward to. It’s a lot, and we’re grateful for it. There are some big contests coming up, which always create some big public sides. Let’s take a look at where the public money is going as bettors once again try to beat the ‘books, with Michigan leading the way on Thursday.
NCAAM: Duke +1 vs Texas Tech
The Sweet 16 will officially get underway on Thursday, and the betting volume will be off the charts. We’ve got four great matchups to look forward to, and there are a couple of public sides brewing. Of all the point spreads, Duke is getting the highest amount of tickets. A total of 65 percent of the bets and 61 percent of the public money are on the Blue Devils as the shortest of underdogs for their game against Texas Tech, per DraftKings’ internal numbers shared with us.
Clearly bettors aren’t expecting Thursday night to be Coach K’s last game. Texas Tech just survived a close call against Notre Dame, and that so-so effort could be contributing to these splits. Be sure to keep an eye on our March Madness hub for all the content we have to get you prepared.
NCAAM: Michigan @ Villanova Over 135.5
There’s nothing the public loves more than a good over. Bettors often gravitate toward the over for big games that are nationally televised, and the Sweet 16 certainly qualifies. Accordingly, 80 percent of the bets and 66 percent of the public money are on the over 135.5 here for Michigan/Villanova.
It’s not too surprising that bettors want to root for points and excitement in this highly anticipated showdown. Villanova’s offense has really been clicking as well. Head over to our full game preview for Michigan vs Villanova to see if our expert agrees.
NBA: Bulls +1.5 @ Pelicans
Turning our attention from college hoops to pro hoops now. We’ve got a small NBA slate on Thursday with only four games, but there are still a couple of big public sides. The biggest is the Bulls as they prepare to take on the Pelicans. A total of 80 percent of the bets and 73 percent of the public money are on Chicago +1.5 tonight.
The Bulls have lost four of their past five games and are coming off a 28-point loss to the Bucks, but nobody seems too concerned. Usually the public likes to chase momentum, but obviously not here. We’ve got this game as part of our Thursday NBA mega parlay, which has odds of +1015!
NHL: Lightning @ Bruins Over 5.5
We are wrapping things up with some hockey. See what I mean about the public and their overs? There are 10 NHL games on Thursday night, and the majority of bets have come in on the over in 9 of them — none heavier than this Eastern Conference showdown between the Lightning and Bruins; 78 percent of the bets and 78 percent of the money are going on the over.
Tampa’s offense has slumped a bit recently and there have been more than 5 goals scored in only one of their past six contests, but that isn’t going to be enough to scare anybody into hammering an under apparently. You’ll want to check out our free picks on the side and total for all NHL games tonight before making your wagers.
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