Media by Associated Press – Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
With basketball and hockey both deep into their seasons at the professional and college level, there is a lot on the schedule to like when it comes to betting. While it can be overwhelming when looking at the long list of games, there are always ways to try and weed things out.
Here’s a look at a multi-sport parlay worth betting for Thursday night.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan State Spartans (-2.5)
The Spartans nearly sprang a big upset over top-five Purdue Monday night before folding down the stretch. Michigan State has played a difficult schedule against a lot of the top competition in Division I and won’t want to lose steam against a strong Rutgers team. Michigan State is 10-8 against the spread this season, including a 5-1 record over their past six games.
Rutgers has shown that it is more than a competent contender in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights are 13-5 overall and have the same record against the spread.
Rutgers was able to stun Purdue on the road and is capable of springing an upset. However, the Spartans have been playing strong basketball and should be able to win at home.
Golden State Warriors at Boston Celtics (-250)
The Golden State Warriors have been treading water as they try to navigate through a number of injuries and other issues. Boston looks much like the team that made the NBA Finals last season and will be looking to exact some revenge against Golden State. The Celtics have won seven straight games, including the last three on the road.
Golden State won the first meeting between the two teams, 123-110, in December. The Warriors, however, have been a different team away from home. Golden State is only 5-17 on the road.
The Warriors will be missing forward Andre Iguodala, center James Wiseman, forward JaMychal Green, and power forward Jonathan Kuminga will be out due to injuries. Boston should be able to win at home.
Minnesota Wild at Carolina Hurricanes (-165, including OT and shootout)
The Wild have won three straight games and are heading east to take on the Hurricanes with some momentum. Carolina, meanwhile, is 5-3-2 over its past ten games and is in first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Hurricanes are an excellent defensive team.
Carolina ranks eighth in the league by allowing 2.7 goals per game. The Hurricanes also only allow 26.2 shots per game, which is the best in the league.
Carolina needs to keep building up points in order to stay in a narrow-division race. The Wild are 18th in the league in scoring by contributing 3.1 points per game.
The Wild also have a strong scoring defense. Minnesota only allows 2.8 goals per game and 29.8 shots on net per game. Minnesota won’t have the punch on the road to topple Carolina.
Parlay Pick: +331
You can find more NCAA basketball picks here.