Best Bets of the Day (March 19th)

I didn’t put out an article yesterday, but to be fair, there really wasn’t a lot to bet on yesterday. Today, we don’t have that excuse, so I think I have 3 good bets for you today. A full slate of NHL, a decent NBA choice of games, and we have two play-in games for the NCAA Tournament. I have a good NHL/NCAA mix for you today, so let’s dive in.

AP

-       NCAA Tournament First Four

Howard vs. Wagner: Over 128 (-110)

The O/U line has moved down 1 point since this morning, so that will work in our favor for this bet. This seems like a pretty risky play, but I think the over will hit here. The outcome of this bet will be contingent on who dictates the pace. If Howard controls the pace, I think the Over will hit, no doubt. If Wagner controls the tempo, that may be a different story. Wagner plays at one of the slowest paces in college basketball, but Howard has a decent offense. If Howard is hitting their shots early and often, look for the over to hit. For our sake, let’s hope that will be the case.

Getty

-       NHL Regular Season

Carolina Hurricanes (-1.5) (+164) vs. New York Islanders

Vancouver Canucks (-1.5) (+124) vs. Buffalo Sabres

The Canes are the better of the two teams against Islanders, but the Islanders home ice is pushing the Canes puck line into underdog status. The Isles have only had 8 regulation losses at home, but they racked up 10 OT losses. After getting red-hot at the trade deadline, New York has cooled off. Sorokin has had his struggles as of late and their head coach has publicly said that he is disappointed in his play. It sounds like a bit of trouble in paradise. I think the Canes win tonight with a cushion on the road. It is another risky play due to the fact that each of their meetings this season have been a 1 goal decision and 2 of them have gone to OT, but I like how the Canes are playing right now.

The only thing that I am really concerned about with this matchup is the fact that Thatcher Demko isn't starting for the Canucks. I think DeSmith will be fine, but I would have felt a lot safer with Demko in front of the net. With that being said, The Canucks should have no issue against the Sabres at home. Buffalo has a rookie goalie starting today and while I think he’s good, he is going up against a potent attack. The Sabres have had some firepower on the attack as of late, but the Canucks have had the firepower all season long. I think the Sabres meet their match tonight in Vancouver.

Howard/Wagner Over 128; CAR (-1.5) (+164); VAN (-1.5) (+124)

3-Bet Parlay: +1028

This parlay is a juicy one today, but I think it has a good shot of hitting. It has its risks, but all parlays do. I am most worried about the Howard/Wagner bet, even though history has proven that CAR/NYI always have fierce battles. The Howard/Wagner game is all about controlling tempo and it is a mystery as to which team will control it. Let’s hope this heavy 3-bet parlay hits tonight.

Yacs