Ricky Dimon
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It is not the busiest of Fridays in the sports world, as the NBA is beginning its week-long all-star break. Only one Top 25 team is taking the court in college basketball (Loyola-Chicago) as March Madness approaches. The NHL, however, is picking up the slack with a six-game slate. Let’s take a look at where the betting money has gone so far.
NHL: Vegas Golden Knights ML over San Jose Sharks
Bettors’ favorite NHL play of the day is the Vegas Golden Knights paying a visit to the San Jose Sharks. A whopping 94 percent of the handle and 93 percent of the wagers are taking Vegas on the money line (-205). Punters are happily giving the -1.5 goals, as well; 97 percent of the money and 84 percent of the bets are on Vegas’ puck line.
There is no reason why anyone should disagree with this play. The Golden Knights sit first in the West Division and have won four in a row heading into Friday’s contest. The Knights sit top 10 in goals scored per game at 3.21 and are also outstanding on defense (second-lowest goals-against average at 2.11). Veteran goalie Marc-Andre Fleury boasts an 11-3 record.
NHL: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 over Anaheim Ducks
A similarly confident play is on the Colorado Avalanche, who host the Anaheim Ducks. The public is all over the puck line in this one, as 97 percent of the handle and 87 percent of the bets are coming in on Colorado -1.5. Bettors also like the money line even though there is not a ton of value with the Avalanche being massive -250 favorites. A total of 90 percent of the money and 92 percent of the wagers are going that way.
Both the Avalanche and the Golden Knights are part of our Friday NHL parlay, so it goes without saying that we agree with the public and like both of those team’s chances. Anaheim is on a ridiculous eight-game losing streak, and it will most likely continue against a stellar opponent in Colorado–probably by multiple goals, too.
NHL: Minnesota Wild -1.5 vs. Arizona Coyotes
According to the public, you would do well to round out your Friday NHL betting slip with a puck line play on the Minnesota Wild, who are visiting the Arizona Coyotes. Although only 47 percent of the bets are taking Minnesota -1.5, it is obvious that some huge wagers have been made because 95 percent of the handle is going in the same direction. There is more balance on the money line, with 79 percent of the money and 74 percent of the bets are behind the Wild at -141.
We’ll make it a clean sweep of agreeing with the bettors, although we’re advocating the money line instead of the puck line for this game. Minnesota isn’t terrible and the Wild are coming off two straight losses. However, those setbacks came against none other than the Golden Knights, so there is no shame in that. Plus, Minnesota had won six in a row prior to the two recent losses.
UFC: Israel Adesanya ML vs. Jan Blachowicz
As of Friday afternoon, 68 percent of the handle and 64 percent of the best are coming in on Adesanya (-230). We will revisit this tomorrow in advance of the main event.
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