Ricky Dimon
Show Bio
The weekend is coming to a close and even though the NHL is on its all-star break we have plenty of action across the NBA, college basketball, and even in the NFL. Yes, with the Super Bowl exactly one week away the Pro Bowl will be showcased this afternoon. We have enough to work with to concoct a cross-sport parlay as we look to build on Wednesday’s successful parlay at 10/1 odds! We have two picks each from the NBA, one on college basketball, and one for the Pro Bowl. The four-leg parlay returns +1176 odds with FanDuel Sportsbook.
Let’s break down each of these plays.
NFL: AFC ML (-120) over NFC, 3:00 pm ET
If you are watching Sunday’s game and want to spice it up a bit with some small-stakes betting action, then go with the AFC. Despite going off at -120 while an NFC win would pay out at +100, the AFC is the recommended side. I think offense is more important than defense in the Pro Bowl because defense probably comes down to nothing more than effort. Anyone can play defense in this glorified exhibition, but few actually choose to do so. With that said, quarterback play could be the difference. The AFC is loaded with Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson. The NFC is missing Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady, leaving it with Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson, and Kirk Cousins. Plus it’s worth noting that on the other side of the ball the AFC features TJ Watt, Myles Garrett, and Maxx Crosby.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Pro Bowl
NBA: Boston Celtics -8.5 (-110) over Orlando Magic, 6:00 pm ET
The Celtics are looking to build on a 4-game win streak as they head to Orlando. They have already beaten the Magic twice this season and in their last 8 meetings overall. In their last 7 visits to Orlando they have covered the spread 6 times, so things are looking bright for Boston. During this streak the Celtics have beaten teams by an average of 13.7 points and they are doing it defensively, holding opponents to under 100 points in 3 of the 4 games. Jayson Tatum’s play has also been great. He is averaging 27.4 points per game over his last 10 and will be in Cleveland for the All-Star game next weekend. Orlando won’t have anyone in the All-Star Game this year; it is dead last in the East with a 12-42 record following last night’s 135-115 home defeat against the Grizzlies.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic
NBA: Milwaukee Bucks -5 (-110) over Los Angeles Clippers, 9:00 pm ET
The Clippers just pulled off a sizable trade, adding Norman Powell and Robert Covington — which is an upgrade over the outgoing Eric Bledsoe. Neither player is on the injury report and they could be set to make their LA debuts in this game. Considering they have not spent log with the team, chemistry could be an issue — especially on the defensive end. The Clippers are just 17th in defensive rating over the last 10 games and may have trouble reaching that standard. After all, Bledsoe was one of the best defenders on their roster this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo will be a matchup nightmare for the Clippers.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Clippers
NCAAB: Houston Cougars -5.5 (-110) over Cincinnati Bearcats, 6:00 pm ET
Houston is one of the best teams in America. The Cougars are known for being a great defensive team, and they are, ranking 10th in defensive efficiency. They are 12th in offensive efficiency for that matter, too. Big man Josh Carlton has really come on as the season has progressed. In November he scored 10+ points once in 7 games. Since then he has been over that mark in 11 of 14, all while being one of the best interior defenders and rebounders in the AAC. With Memphis imploding, the AAC might be a one-bid league in the NCAA Tournament this season. Cincinnati is one of a handful of teams that could make a move and this is its best chance to beat a high-quality opponent. New head coach Wes Miller has got the defense right in his first season, but the offense has been a struggle. They are one of the worst shooting teams in college basketball. The talent just isn’t there. Houston is a perfect 8-0 in the AAC and should make it 9-0.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Houston Cougars vs Cincinnati Bearcats
Pickswise is the home of free sports picks, news, and best bets. Check out our expert NFL picks, NBA picks, college basketball picks, NHL picks, and Soccer picks for the latest game picks.
