Andrew Ortenberg
Show Bio
It’s that special time of year when most of the major sports are in action. It’s a lot, and we’re grateful for it. There are plenty of crucial contests coming up, which always attract 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 the Lakers leading the way on Friday.
NBA: Lakers -5.5 @ Magic
Bettors just can’t seem to quit the Lakers. No matter how low Los Angeles sinks, the public is still going to ride them when they face these bottom-feeding teams. Even in the wake of their embarrassing home loss to the Pacers where Russell Westbrook was unceremoniously benched in the fourth quarter.
Despite all their shortcomings, 83 percent of the bets and 90 percent of the public money are laying the points with the Lakers once again, per DraftKings’ internal numbers shared with us. Will the team rally with their backs up against the wall in the face of an onslaught of media criticism? Check out our full game preview for Lakers vs Magic to see what our expert thinks.
NBA: Jazz -13.5 vs Pistons
Speaking of fading bottom-feeding teams, bettors are also lining up to fade the Pistons on Friday. The Jazz have been playing far from their best basketball lately, but when they’re playing Detroit it doesn’t matter. A total of 78 percent of the bets and a whopping 92 percent of the public money are laying double-digits with the Jazz.
Utah is just 1-6 in their last seven games, so this one is interesting to see. But as we just saw with the Lakers, bettors are still going to flock to the big brands over the bottom of standings teams no matter what. That’s probably not the best long-term strategy, and we’re fading the public and taking the points.
NCAAB: #14 Michigan State @ #8 Wisconsin over 140
Nothing the public loves more than a good over. Especially when it’s a marquee matchup, the public is almost always going to root for more points. The clear top game of Friday’s college basketball slate is this Big Ten showdown between two highly ranked teams, and naturally bettors are pounding the over. Seventy-two percent of the bets are on the over 140.
However, only 62 percent of the handle is on the over, meaning that some of the larger volume bets have been on the under. Wisconsin’s offense has been humming lately and they’ve scored at least 70 points in seven straight games, which helps explain this. The Badgers are playing at a significantly faster tempo than they usually do, so we’re riding with the public and backing the over.
NHL: Wild @ Blackhawks over 6.0
Wrapping things up with some hockey now. See what I mean about the public and their overs? Bettors almost always seem to lean over for NHL games, and that’s certainly the case for this matchup between the Wild and Blackhawks. A total of 97 percent of the bets and a near unanimous 98 percent of the public money are on the over here.
This is a big game, being televised by NHL Network, which could also help explain the excitement. Chicago has scored at least three goals in five of their last seven, while Minnesota has scored at least three goals in six straight. Be sure to check out our free picks on the side and total for all eight NHL games on Friday!
Pickswise is the home of free NFL predictions, NBA predictions , NHL predictions, and college basketball predictions.
