Anyone searching for betting action Thursday night can find plenty of it on the schedule. This is a busy night with many college basketball, NBA, and NHL on the schedule. Here’s a look at a parlay worth putting together.
Iowa Hawkeyes at Michigan State (-2.5)
The Hawkeyes are a tough team to judge. They are capable of putting up big points against nearly any opponent. Iowa, which is 11-8 against the spread this season, has been just so-so in true road games. The Hawkeyes are 2-3 on the road and took a puzzling 93-77 loss to Ohio State in its last game.
Iowa’s offense ranks 19th nationally by scoring 81.7 points per game. Michigan State, which is 7-3 against the spread in its last ten games, has persevered through a tough schedule and injuries this season. Despite playing at a deliberate pace, the Spartans are 226th nationally in scoring by putting in 69.7 points per game. Michigan State has been effective defensively.
The Spartans only allow 65.9 points per game. Opponents only shoot 40.5 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from the perimeter. Michigan State will slow this game down and pick up a crucial home win over Iowa.
Dallas Mavericks (+100) at Phoenix Suns
The Mavericks have been regressing to the mean since the New Year started. Dallas has gone 3-8 over its last 11 games to fall to only one game above .500. Phoenix is readying for the fifth game of a very successful homestand.
The Suns have won four straight to move to 25-24. Phoenix is 26-23 against the spread. The Suns are 18-7 at home this season and are 6-4 against the spread in their past ten games. Dallas is 3-7 over its past ten games.
The Mavericks have been involved in a lot of high-scoring games recently. Dallas has seen the total go over six of its past ten games. The Mavericks need to find a way to score more efficiently. Dallas is 20th in the league in scoring, putting up 112.9 points per game. The Mavericks shoot 3-pointers at a 36.1 percent clip, which is 14th, but they will need to do more than that to challenge for a title.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals (-115)
The Capitals may be catching the Penguins at the right time. Pittsburgh has struggled since netminder Tristan Jarre went down with an upper-body injury. Jarre likely won’t be back until after the All-Star break.
Washington will need the opportunity to try and take a few points away from the Penguins at home. The Capitals, who have lost two straight, are tied with Pittsburgh in the standings, but the Penguins have three games in hand. Washington’s defense has helped keep the Capitals in playoff contention.
Washington only allows 2.8 points per game, which ranks ninth in the league. The Capitals are only 4-6 in their past ten games.