Ricky Dimon
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We have another busy Saturday in the sports world on our hands even though the NBA is in the midst of its all-star break and is only showcasing all-star festivities on Sunday this time around. The final weekend of the college basketball regular season is upon us as March Madness quickly approaches. In the NHL there is a 12-game slate on offer. And in the UFC ring, Israel Adesanya—one of the biggest stars in the sport—is the headliner.
Let’s take a look at where the public money is going so far.
NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs ML over Vancouver Canucks
Per PointsBet, one of bettors’ favorite NHL plays of the day is the Toronto Maple Leafs paying a visit to the Vancouver Canucks. A whopping 93 percent of the handle and 85 percent of the wagers are taking Toronto on the money line (-200).
NHL: Colorado Avalanche ML over Anaheim Ducks
A similarly confident play is on the Colorado Avalanche, who host the Anaheim Ducks. The public is all over the money line in this one, as 93 percent of the money and 88 percent of the bets are going in that direction. Punters also like the over for this matchup, with 85 percent of the handle and 83 percent of the wagers backing Over 5.5 goals.
We are backing the Maple Leafs and Avalanche, as well. In fact, we would even suggest taking Colorado on the -1.5 puck line to get a better payout on what should still be a safe play.
NCAAB: Butler Bulldogs +12.5 vs. Creighton Bluejays
Bettors’ favorite college basketball play on Saturday is Butler +12.5 against Creighton. An overwhelming 90 percent of the handle and 83 percent of the bets are behind the Bulldogs.
We are also on Butler. After all, Creighton is dealing with some turmoil at the worst possible time. On the court, the Bluejays have lost their last two games and did not look very good while losing by 12 points at Villanova earlier this week. Off the court, they have suspended coach Doug McDermott for his recent controversial comments.
NCAAB: Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Over 150.5
According to the public, you would do well to round out your Saturday NCAAB betting slip by taking the over in this Big Ten showdown between Illinois and Ohio State. A total of 89 percent of the money and 81 percent of the wagers are picking Over 150.5. Punters are much more conflicted with the Ohio State -2 spread. The Buckeyes are getting 68 percent of the handle, but the Fighting Illini are inspiring 57 percent of the bets.
A word of caution regarding the over: Illinois just held Michigan to 53 points and the Illini are without Ayo Dosumnu. They may want to slow this game down and turn it into a defensive-minded struggle.
UFC: Israel Adesanya ML vs. Jan Blachowicz
We checked in on this matchup on Friday, when Adesanya (-230) was getting 68 percent of the handle and 64 percent of the bets. Adesanya is still -230 (he opened at -270) and at PointsBet he is drawing a bloated 89 percent of the bet count.
We are right behind the public on this UFC play. Even though this will be a step up in weight for Adesanya, he is far too good to doubt. His quickness might even be better and his striking is going to be the real difference in this one. Even at a relatively steep price, there is value.
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