Daily public money update: Bettors like LeBron and company

Week 18 (yes, Week 18) in the NFL is still a day away and the College Football Playoff National Championship between Alabama and Georgia is three days out. But there is plenty of other action on Friday. We have nine games in the NBA, a pair in the NHL, and a couple of Big East battles on the college basketball court.

Let’s take a look at where the public money has gone so far on Friday.

NBA: Dallas Mavericks -2 over Houston Rockets

One of bettors’ favorite plays on the NBA slate is on Dallas to cover a modest -2 spread at Houston. The Mavericks are bringing in 98 percent of the handle and also 98 percent of the bets. They are also getting hammered on the -135 money line, with 84 percent of the handle going in the visitors’ direction.

Check out all of our NBA previews for Friday

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers ML over Atlanta Hawks

Punters are also getting behind the Lakers in their home game against the Hawks. In fact, they are wildly enthused about both the money line and the spread. Los Angeles is being backed by 96 percent of the handle and 82 percent of the bets to win outright on the -140 ML. The public will happily give the 2.5 points, as well; LeBron James and company are inspiring 98 percent of the money and 87 percent of the ATS wagers.

Check out our full game preview for Atlanta Hawks vs Los Angeles Lakers

NHL: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 over Calgary Flames

Bettors’ favorite NHL play is on the Hurricanes on the -1.5 puck line in their home date with the Flames. Carolina is being supported by 87 percent of the money and 82 percent of the wagers to win by multiple goals. The public is also happy to incur the -165 juice and bet on the ‘Canes to win straight up. They are drawing 97 percent of the handle and 87 percent of the money line bets.

Check out all of our NHL previews for Friday

NHL: Washington Capitals vs St. Louis Blues Over 6

Punters are also putting their faith in the Capitals and Blues to pour in goals. There is nothing the public loves more than a good over, and that’s certainly what they are expecting in this showdown in St. Louis. With 86 percent of the wagers backing Over 6, a total of 95 percent of the money is going in the same direction. Bettors are much more conflicted on the side for this game, but Washington is bringing in 58 percent of the ML (-105) handle and 65 percent of the PL (+1.5) bets.

Check out our full game preview for Washington Capitals vs St. Louis Blues

NCAAB: Xavier Musketeers -4.5 over Butler Bulldogs

There is a small slate of college basketball on Friday, which means a lot of attention is going to be placed on Xavier vs Butler. The Musketeers are the team that is catching people’s eye, as they are inspiring 88 percent of the money and 86 percent of the wagers to cover a -4.5 spread in this Big East battle. Even though the Bulldogs are playing at home and are +170 underdogs, they are still getting just 30 percent of the handle and 16 percent of the money line bets. Yes, the public could really use a Xavier win on Friday night.

Check out our full game preview for Xavier Musketeers vs Butler Bulldogs

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