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)
There will be a lot of betting action this weekend when the NFL playoffs get underway and with the return of UFC from its year-end break. But there are still plenty of games going on in other leagues worth keeping an eye on. Here’s a parlay from Thursday’s action to keep people occupied.
Colorado Buffaloes at USC Trojans (-3.5)
The Trojans need to right their ship in Pac-12 play. USC is finally returning back to Los Angeles following a three-game road swing where the Trojans lost two straight games to Washington State and UCLA. USC, which is 8-8 against the spread, has covered four of the past five games gains the spread.
Colorado is having a hard time with being consistent. The Buffaloes started the season 4-5 with a bizarre loss to UMass. Colorado is 11-6 this season and is off to a 3-3 start in conference play. The Buffaloes have been hot recently through, winning seven of their past eight games.
USC will feel better being at home and should be able to give the Buffaloe’s problems. Colorado scores 74.8 points per game, which ranks 127th nationally. The Buffaloes’ have limited their opponents to 66.6 points per game, which ranks 111th nationally.
Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets (+123)
The Celtics and Nets are sitting atop the Eastern Conference and are playing good basketball. Boston has won four straight games and won eight of their past ten games. Brooklyn has won two straight games and won nine of their past ten games.
The Celtics are 22-19-1 against the spread this season and have been solid away from home. Boston is 13-7 straight up on the road this season. The Celtics have done a good job of getting good looks at the basket. Boston ranks second in the league in scoring at 118.6 points per game and is eighth in 3-point field goal percentage at 37 percent.
Brooklyn is an efficient shooting team. The Nets shoot 52.1 percent from the field, which ranks first in the league. Brooklyn is also a solid defensive team.
Seattle Kraken at Boston Bruins (-235)
The Kraken and Bruins have both seen their profile rise over the past few weeks. Boston has won four straight games and is 8-0-2 over their past ten games. The Bruins have outscored their opponents by 68 goals this season.
Seattle has made a major leap during their second year in the NHL. The Kraken, who have won six straight games, have climbed to third place in the Pacific Division. Seattle is better away from home than at home, compiling a 14-4-2 record away from home. However, the Bruins are on a different level and are a legitimate Eastern Conference title contender.
Parlay Odds
- +326 (USC -3.5, Brooklyn +123, Bruins -235)
Make sure to stay tuned for more betting picks and previews!