Andrew Ortenberg
Show Bio
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 Saint Peter’s leading the way on Sunday.
NCAAM: Saint Peter’s +8.5 vs North Carolina
Now here’s something we don’t usually see. A public underdog. But this is March Madness after all, meaning it’s the one time of year where the public really likes to grab the points. And that’s what they’re doing here with this Cinderella Saint Peter’s team. A total of 71 percent of the bets are coming in on the Peacocks +8.5, per DraftKings’ internal numbers shared with us.
However only 59 percent of the public money is on Saint Peter’s, meaning some of the larger volume bets have been on the Tar Heels. Can Doug Edert and the boys pull off one more improbable upset and clinch a Final Four berth? Be sure to keep an eye on our March Madness hub for all the content we have to get you prepared.
NBA: 76ers @ Suns Over 229
Turning our attention from college hoops to pro hoops now. There’s nothing the public loves more than a good over, especially in big games. When it’s a highly anticipated showdown between two top teams, bettors are almost always going to gravitate toward the over. And we’ve got one of the best teams in the West vs one of the best teams in the East here.
Accordingly, 65 percent of the bets and 83 percent of the public money are on the over 229. In any game with a lot of starpower (and we’ve got Nikola Jokic, James Harden and Joel Embiid), recreational bettors are going to want to root for lots of points and excitement. Head over to our full game preview for 76ers vs Suns to see if our expert agrees.
NBA: Timberwolves @ Celtics over 228.5
See what I mean about the public and their overs? This game isn’t nearly as high profile, but bettors are also moving toward the over here in Boston. 69 percent of the bets and 76 percent of the public money are on the over 228.5 for this matchup between the Timberwolves and Celtics on Sunday.
Minnesota’s offense has been truly dynamic recently, so this one isn’t too surprising even if the Celtics are very strong on defense. The T-Wolves have scored at least 124 points in nine of their past 14 games. I have a play from this game as one of my first basket scorer best bets for Sunday!
NHL: Avalanche -130 @ Wild
We are wrapping things up with some hockey. There are eight NHL games on Sunday, and a couple of big public sides. Oddsmakers have this Western Conference matchup between the Avalanche and Wild as pretty close to even, but bettors certainly don’t see it that way. A total of 66 percent of the bets and 84 percent of the public money are on Colorado as a modest road favorite here.
The Avalanche had a brief rough patch two weeks ago when they lost four of five, but the public has a short memory. They’ve since won five of six, and bettors are ready to jump back on the bandwagon. 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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