Ricky Dimon
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March Madness is here, with the First Four tipping off the NCAA Tournament on Thursday evening. It is an all-around huge day in the sports world, with plenty of action on offer also in the NBA and NHL. We have a six-game slate on the hardwood, while a total of 20 teams are taking the ice.
Let’s take a look at where the public money has gone so far.
NBA: Phoenix Suns -10 over Minnesota Timberwolves
Per Draft Kings, bettors are all over the Phoenix Suns as they prepare to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. A whopping 82 percent of the money is coming in on the Suns -10, although a more modest 65 percent of the bets are going that same way. Despite the money line offering little value at -560, 88 percent of the handle and 80 percent of the wagers are tipping Phoenix to win straight up.
NBA: Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Over 226
Punters are also hammering the over in this contest between the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers. With 78 percent of the bets taking Over 226, 79 percent of the money is going in the same direction.
We agree with the public on both of these games. The Suns are looking like a legitimate threat in the Western Conference and the Timberwolves have been missing Karl-Anthony Towns. As for the Hornets-Lakers game, Charlotte just gave up 129 points to Denver on Wednesday and this a back-to-back situation. Tired legs will probably mean more bad defense. Fortunately for the visitors, LaMelo Ball has been hot on the other end of the floor.
NHL: Carolina Hurricanes ML over Columbus Blue Jackets
Bettors’ favorite NHL play of the day is the Carolina Hurricanes against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The money line (-190) on Carolina is drawing 96 percent of the handle and 82 percent of the bets. As for the -1.5 puck line, most bettors are also willing to give the goals. A total of 78 percent of the money and 54 percent of the bets are on the favorites.
NHL: Boston Bruins -1.5 over Buffalo Sabres
In the eyes of the public, perhaps the next-best play is on the Boston Bruins against the Buffalo Sabres. An overwhelming 94 percent of the handle in addition to 83 percent of the wagers are coming in on Boston’s -1.5 puck line. They also love the money line (-264), with 90 percent of the money and 93 percent of the wagers backing the Bruins to win straight up.
We are certainly behind the public with these two NHL plays. Carolina on the money line is one of our best bets of the day and we also have a confident play on Boston -1.5.
NCAAB: Michigan State Spartans -2.5 over UCLA Bruins
The public has been hammering Michigan State ever since this First Four matchup was set on Selection Sunday, and nothing has changed. The line has climbed slightly to Michigan State -2.5, but that isn’t scaring off anyone. The Spartans are still getting 90 percent of the ATS money and 87 percent of the bets. When it comes to the money line (-148), 89 percent of the handle and 87 percent of the wagers are on MSU.
There is no disagreement here. Michigan State is our lock of the day across all sports on Thursday.
Today’s #MarchMadness #PickswiseLock is LIVE
The Pick 👉 Michigan State Spartans (-2.0) ATS
– UCLA has not won a game since February 25th
– MSU have wins over Michigan, Ohio State, and Illinois.
– Bruins are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 NCAA Tournament games as an underdog.— Pickswise (@Pickswise) March 18, 2021
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