Media by Associated Press – Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, shoots as Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Everyone in the winter sports realm is starting to feel the heat. The NHL is already past its All-Star break, the NBA is getting ready for its mid-season pause, and college basketball teams are trying to see how their resumes stack up for March Madness. Here’s a look at some different options to bet on games for Thursday night.
Colorado Buffaloes at Arizona State Sun Devils (-2.5)
The Sun Devils have won two straight games, but after needing overtime to dispatch California last Saturday, it’s hard to say they are building momentum. Arizona State is 2-8 against the spread over the past ten games but will have extra motivation to win Thursday night. The Sun Devils are only two wins from the 20-win plateau and can’t afford to take any dings on their resume at home.
Colorado is 3-6-1 against the spread over its past ten games. The Buffaloes are also 4-6 straight up. Colorado would love to steal one on the road to move closer to being .500 in conference play. The Buffaloes have struggled to be efficient on offense. Colorado only makes 43.9 percent of its shots from the field and 31.8 percent of its 3-point attempts.
While Arizona State could be a better offensive team, the Sun Devils make life tough for opponents on offense. Arizona State holds opponents to 38.8 percent shooting from the field, which ranks fifth nationally.
Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns (-1.5)
While the Suns won’t see their newest acquisition, Kevin Durant, until after the All-Star break this weekend, Phoenix will have plenty of business to handle against the Los Angels Clippers. The Clippers, who will be missing small forward Normal Powell, will have plenty of talented players in the lineup.
The Suns are 6-4 in their past ten games straight up. Phoenix has one of the NBA’s best defenses, ranking fifth in points allowed and eighth in field goal percentage defense, allowing opponents to shoot 46.7 percent from the field, which is eighth in the league.
The Clippers have lost two of their past three games but are 6-4 over their past ten games over the spread. Los Angeles is a solid defensive team, limiting opponents to 111.2 points per game, which is fourth-best in the league.
Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals (+100)
The Capitals have lost two straight and need a boost at home against the Florida Panthers. Washington will need to lean on its defense, which only allows 2.8 goals per game, to hold down the dangerous Panthers.
While Florida isn’t quite the team that won the Presidents’ Trophy last season, the Panthers are still averaging 3.4 goals per game. Florida has gone 5-5 over its past ten games. The Panthers did collect four of those victories on home ice.
Florida’s lone road win during that stretch was a shootout win over Minnesota Monday night. The Panthers will fall short against Washington.
- Parlay Pick: +622 (Arizona State -2.5/Phoenix Suns -1.5/Washington Capitals +100)
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