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<p>Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Golden Eagles versus the Hoyas? Tip off is at at 2:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on FS1. The game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Marquette come into this Big East conference matchup as the -12 favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 152.5 points.</p><h3>MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES VS GEORGETOWN HOYAS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Georgetown Hoyas +12</p><p>This game will be played at Capital One Arena at 2:00 ET on Saturday, February 3rd.</p><h3>WHY BET THE GEORGETOWN HOYAS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-68 in favor of the Hoyas.</li><li>Not only will Georgetown pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +12.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 152.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 143 points.</li></ul><h3>Do the Golden Eagles Stand a Chance in Washington?</h3><p>Marquette enters today's game with a 16-5 record, including a 7-3 mark in Big East play. The Golden Eagles have won five straight games and are 12-4 when favored this season.</p>

<p>On the road, Marquette is 4-3 this year, and they have gone 7-3 in their last 10 games away from home. Their average margin of victory on the road is -0.4, and they have won three straight road games.</p><p>Marquette's ATS record this season is 11-9-1, and they are 7-9 vs. the spread when favored. Over their last 10 games as the favorite, the Golden Eagles have gone just 4-6 vs. the spread. On the road, Marquette is 3-4 vs. the spread this year and 6-4 in their last 10 road games. Their ATS mark over their last 3 road games is 2-1.</p><p>Today's over/under line of 152.5 is higher than the average over/under line in Marquette's games this season (148.1). So far, 13 of their games have finished with less points than today's OU line. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 152 points, which is similar to the season-long average scoring total of 146 points per game. On the year, their over/under record is 8-13.</p><p>Coming off their recent game, the Marquette offense tallied 85 points in a matchup against Villanova. Their field goal percentage for the game was 50%, and they made 10 threes. Tyler Kolek is leading the team in scoring at 15 points per contest. Oso Ighodaro has also been a key contributor with a PPG average of 14.6 going into the game.</p><p>The Golden Eagles' defense is presently ranked 89th nationally, allowing an average of 68.2 points per contest. In terms of field goal percentage allowed, Marquette's defense has allowed opponents to shoot 42.7% from the field, including a three-point shooting percentage allowed of 33.1% this season.</p><h3>Will Georgetown Find a Way to Win at Home?</h3><p>Georgetown will be looking to snap a five-game losing streak when they take on Marquette. The Hoyas are 8-12 overall, including a 1-8 mark in Big East play. At home, Georgetown is 7-6 this season.</p>

<p>So far, the Hoyas have been the underdog in 12 of their 20 games, going just 1-11 in those contests. Their average scoring margin at home is +1.8, and they are coming off an 84-76 loss to Providence.</p><p>As the underdog, Georgetown has gone 7-5 vs. the spread this season. At home, their ATS mark is just 4-9, and over their last 10 home games, they are just 2-8 vs. the spread. However, they have gone 6-4 in their last 10 games as the underdog.</p><p>Today's over/under line of 152.5 is higher than the average over/under line in Georgetown's games this season (143.8). So far, 13 of their games have finished with fewer points than today's line. The over/under record for the Hoyas this season is 11-9.</p><p>Coming off their recent game, the Georgetown offense tallied 76 points in a matchup against Providence. Their field goal percentage for the game was 43.5%, and they made 9 threes. Offensively, the Hoyas have a season long field goal percentage of 42%, which is 340th in the nation. In terms of three-pointers, they are 163rd in percentage and 93rd in three-pointers made.</p><p>At this time, the Hoyas' defense is positioned 231st in the country, permitting 75.1 points per game. In terms of field goal percentage allowed, Georgetown's defense has allowed opponents to shoot 47.6% from the field, including a three-point shooting percentage allowed of 32.6% this season.</p>

Marquette Golden Eagles vs Georgetown Hoyas Betting Pick & Prediction 2/3/24

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<p>Don't miss out on the NHL showdown between the Kings and Predators. The game is starting at 1:30 ET on NHLN, and it's hosted by the Predators at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. Get ready to place your bets! The Kings are favored by -1.5 in this Western conference contest against the Predators. The game's over/under currently sits at 5.5 goals.</p><h3>LOS ANGELES KINGS VS NASHVILLE PREDATORS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Nashville Predators +1.5</p><p>This game will be played at Bridgestone Arena at 1:30 ET on Saturday, December 21st.</p><h3>WHY BET THE NASHVILLE PREDATORS:</h3><ul><li>Even though they are considered 1.5-goal underdogs, our projection points to a 4-2 win for the Predators.</li><li>We like the Predators on the moneyline (+103)</li><li>The Predators are also our pick on the spread at +1.5</li></ul><h3>Is A Road Victory Likely for Favored Los Angeles?</h3><p>After a 4-3 loss to the Blackhawks, the Kings now sit at 19-9-4. Los Angeles had a 3-2 lead in the third period, but Chicago tied it up with just 31 seconds left in regulation.</p> 

<p>The Kings were -1.5 goal favorites, and the total was set at 6 goals. The combined 7 goals pushed the game over the total.</p><p>Alex Laferriere scored twice for the Kings, including his 7th goal on a power play and his 8th goal later in the 2nd period. Phillip Danault added his 1st goal of the season at 8:12 in the 3rd period.</p> <p>Kevin Fiala contributed two assists, bringing his season total to 5. The Kings fired 40 shots on goal and had 13 giveaways.</p><p>Defensively, the Kings will be looking to bounce back after giving up three goals in the 3rd period of their previous game against the Blackhawks, including the game-tying goal with just 31 seconds left in regulation. Goalie Darcy Kuemper made 18 saves and posted a save percentage of 85.7%.</p><h3>Does Nashville Have What it Takes at Home?</h3><p>Nashville improved to 9-18-7 with a 5-2 win over the Avalanche. The Predators covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 7 goals went over the 6.5 goal line.</p> 

<p>After falling behind 1-0 in the second period, Nashville responded with five unanswered goals. All five of the Predators’ goals came from different players.</p><p>Nashville’s offense was held scoreless in the first period before Steven Stamkos netted his second goal of the season on a power play in the second. Colton Sissons followed with his first goal of the year. Roman Josi added his first goal of the season on another power play in the third period.</p> <p>Filip Forsberg scored his seventh goal of the season on an empty net, and Gustav Nyquist added his fourth, also on an empty net. The Predators took 25 shots on goal and recorded 15 giveaways.</p><p>Nashville's defense gave up the first goal 2:54 into the 2nd period and another at 17:43 in the 3rd, but they held strong otherwise, leading to a 5-2 win. Juuse Saros made 29 saves with a 93.5% save percentage, while the defense added 4 takeaways and 23 hits.</p>

Los Angeles Kings vs Nashville Predators Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24

<p>Planning on watching today's Runnin' Bulldogs and Eagles game? Catch the action at W. S. Hanner Fieldhouse in Statesboro, GA, as the Eagles hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 151.5 points, and Georgia Southern is favored by -3 at home against Gardner-Webb.</p><h3>GARDNER-WEBB RUNNIN' BULLDOGS VS GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs +3</p><p>This game will be played at W. S. Hanner Fieldhouse at 7:00 ET on Tuesday, December 17th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE GARDNER-WEBB RUNNIN' BULLDOGS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-74 in favor of the Eagles.</li><li>Even though we have Georgia Southern winning straight-up, we like Gardner-Webb at +3.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 151.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 149 points.</li></ul><h3>Will the Runnin' Bulldogs Defense Show Up on the Road?</h3><p>Gardner-Webb’s season continued to be a struggle as they fell to 4-7 after an 85-83 home loss to Queens (NC) on Saturday. The Runnin' Bulldogs, who were -5.5 favorites, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread.</p> <p>After trailing 44-36 at halftime, Gardner-Webb put up 47 points in the second half but allowed 41, ultimately falling short. The game’s total points of 168 exceeded the O/U line of 155.5.</p><p>Gardner-Webb's offense was firing on all cylinders in their latest game, putting up 83 points while shooting 61.5% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 69.2%, thanks in part to their 72.7% shooting on two-pointers and 42.1% from beyond the arc.</p> <p>Leo Colimerio led the way with 27 points, hitting 3 of 5 from three-point range, while Darryl Simmons II added 23 points, connecting on 3 of 6 from deep. Jamaine Mann was nearly perfect, shooting 7 of 8 from the field, and Malcolm Wilson contributed 11 points on 5 of 6 shooting.</p><p>Gardner-Webb's defense struggled in their last game, allowing 85 points on 61% shooting from the field. The opposing team was especially effective inside, hitting 72% of their two-point attempts (24/33).</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Gardner-Webb allowed 8 threes on 19 attempts, a 42% clip. They also sent their opponents to the line 22 times, where they converted 11 free throws. Gardner-Webb gave up 9 offensive rebounds.</p><h3>Can the Eagles Secure a Win at Home?</h3><p>Georgia Southern dropped to 5-5 on the season after a 77-63 road loss to Louisiana Tech on Friday. The Eagles entered the game as +11.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 140, just under the O/U line of 144.5.</p> <p>Georgia Southern led 35-33 at halftime but struggled in the second half, scoring only 28 points while allowing 44 to the Bulldogs.</p><p>In their last game, Georgia Southern's offense struggled, shooting just 38.1% from the field, with an effective field goal percentage of 47.6%. They made 11 of 31 three-point attempts, hitting 35.5% from deep, while connecting on 40.6% of their two-point shots. At the free-throw line, they went 4 for 6, shooting 66.7%.</p> <p>The Eagles grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and dished out 14 assists. Kaden Cooper led the way with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, shooting 66.7% overall and 60% from three. Daniel Batcho added 22 points and 8 rebounds, hitting 9 of 10 shots from the field.</p><p>Georgia Southern struggled defensively, giving up 77 points on 53% shooting from the field. They allowed their opponent to hit 31 of 58 shots.</p> <p>Inside the arc, Georgia Southern allowed 61% shooting, with their opponent going 22/36 on two-point attempts. From three-point range, they gave up 9/22 shooting, or 40%.</p>

Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs vs Georgia Southern Eagles NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/17/24

<p>Wednesday's Orioles vs. Mariners game has a first pitch set for 10:10 PM ET from T-Mobile Park in Seattle. The Orioles are 54-31 and they are starting Dean Kremer. The Mariners are 47-40 and will send Logan Gilbert to the mound. Seattle is favored on the money line, with the odds sitting at -122 compared to the Orioles at +103. The over/under line is currently at 7 runs.</p>

<p>RSNW will be televising this AL matchup, and the Mariners will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak. They are currently first in the AL West, while the Orioles are first in the AL East.</p><h3>BALTIMORE ORIOLES VS SEATTLE MARINERS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Baltimore Orioles Moneyline +103</p><p>This game will be played at T-Mobile Park at 10:10 ET on Wednesday, July 3rd.</p><h3>HOW TO BET THE ORIOLES VS MARINERS:</h3><ul><li>We have the Orioles winning by a score of 5 to 4</li><li>If you're looking for a run line pick, we also like the Orioles to cover</li><li>As for an over/under pick, we have this game finishing with 9 runs and like the over</li></ul><p>Baltimore picked up a 2-0 win over the Mariners in the most recent game of this series. The Orioles had a one-run lead heading into the 7th inning and added an insurance run in the top of the 9th. As for the Mariners, they had their best scoring chance in the 7th, loading the bases with no outs, but could only muster one run.</p>

<p>Grayson Rodriguez started for the Orioles and picked up the win, going 6 1/3 innings and not giving up a run. He finished the game with eight strikeouts but issued four walks. As for the Mariners, George Kirby got the start and took the loss, giving up two earned runs in 6 1/3 innings of work.</p>

<p>Anthony Santander and Ryan O'Hearn each had two hits and an RBI for the Orioles' offense. Colton Cowser also had a two-hit game and scored a run. Josh Rojas did the most damage for the Mariners, going 2/2 with a walk.</p><h3>Orioles Records & Stats</h3><p>With an overall record of 54-31, the Orioles lead the AL East by one game over the Yankees. So far, they have been excellent against other teams in their division, going 19-7. Baltimore has been good both at home (29-17) and on the road (25-14) this season.</p>

<p>Baltimore has gone 44-25 as the favorite this year and 10-6 as the underdog. As for their overall series record, the Orioles are 18-6-3 this year. They took the first game of this series vs. the Mariners and are 5-5 over their last 10 games.</p><p>The Orioles have been a solid run line bet on the road this season, going 25-14. They have an average run margin of 1.3 runs per game overall, and that number is slightly higher on the road at 1.5 runs per game. Baltimore has been favored in 69 games this season, and they have gone 37-32 against the run line in those contests.</p><p>With an average combined run average of 9.0 runs per game, the Orioles have seen an over/under record of 43-32 this season. The over/under line for today's game against the Mariners is set at 7 runs, and when the line has been set at 7 runs this season, the Orioles have a record of 4-3-4. In 87.1% of their games this season, the over/under line has been set higher than 7 runs.</p><p>Right-hander Dean Kremer is starting for the Orioles today as he faces the Mariners on the road. He has made nine starts this season and has a record of 3-4 with an ERA of 4.32. Kremer's WHIP for the season is currently 1.12. In his last outing, he took the loss, giving up five earned runs in four innings of work. Before that, he had won two straight starts. Kremer has allowed a total of 10 home runs this season. Looking at his ERA splits, Kremer has an ERA of 3.88 on the road compared to 6.47 at home.</p><p>As a team, the Orioles are the top-scoring offense in the league, averaging 5.2 runs per game. They have been even better on the road, putting up 5.4 runs per contest. Baltimore's offense has also been the best home run hitting team in the league this season. Overall, they are batting .255, which is the 6th best mark in the MLB right now.</p>

<p>Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman have been the Orioles' top power threats this season, with Henderson leading the team with 26 homers, and Rutschman is right behind him with 15. Rutschman also comes into the game with a team-best batting average of .291. Henderson has driven in 58 runs this season, which is the best mark in the league. Over his last four games, Heston Kjerstad has gone 5/12 with two homers and eight RBIs.</p><h3>Mariners Records & Stats</h3><p>Seattle is currently 47-40 overall, putting them three games ahead of the Astros for the AL West lead. The Mariners have dropped three straight games, and they lost the first game of this series vs. the Orioles. So far, they have been really good against other teams in the AL West, putting up a record of 17-5.</p>

<p>At home, the Mariners are 28-15 this year, but they have dropped three straight at home. On the road, Seattle is 19-25. As the favorite, the Mariners are 30-21 this year and 17-19 as the underdog. Seattle's overall series record is 13-12-2, but they have dropped four straight series.</p><p>Seattle has been a .500 team against the run line this season, with a 40-47 record. They have been slightly better at home, going 21-22, compared to 19-25 on the road. As the favorite, they have been a poor bet, going 21-30, while they have been profitable as the underdog, going 19-17. Their average run differential in winning games is +3.0, while it is -3.4 in losing games.</p><p>Seattle has played in 59 games this season with over/under lines set higher than 7 runs, which accounts for 67.8% of their games. Their games have averaged 7.6 runs per game, and their over/under record is 35-47 on the season. When the line is set at 7 runs, their over/under record is 7-12-4. The average over/under line for their games this season is set at 8 runs.</p><p>Seattle is sending right-hander Logan Gilbert to the mound today vs. the Orioles. He has made 17 starts this season and has a record of 5-4 with a 2.72 ERA. Gilbert's WHIP for the season is .88, and opponents are batting .190 off him this season. Gilbert has made 14 quality starts this season and is coming off an outing in which he gave up two earned runs in six innings of work. He didn't give up a homer in that outing, but he had given up a homer in three straight starts before that.</p><p>Cal Raleigh and Mitch Garver have been the Mariners' top home run hitters this season, but both players have struggled in terms of batting average. Raleigh is hitting just .200, and Garver is even worse at .172. Garver has also gone just 3/19 in his last six games, with two home runs. Julio Rodriguez is batting .244 for the season and has seven homers, which is 5th in the league right now.</p>

<p>As a team, the Mariners are batting just .217, which is the worst mark in the league. They are also last in the league in strikeouts and are averaging just 3.8 runs per game. Seattle is also near the bottom of the league in on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS.</p>

Baltimore Orioles vs Seattle Mariners Betting Pick & Prediction 7/3/24

<p>Betting on today's Nittany Lions and Dragons game? Catch the action at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA, as the Dragons hosts this showdown at 12:00 ET on ESPN+. Penn State is favored by -16.5 in this non-conference showdown. The game's over/under is currently at 147.5 points.</p><h3>PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS VS DREXEL DRAGONS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Drexel Dragons +16.5</p><p>This game will be played at Wells Fargo Center at 12:00 ET on Saturday, December 21st.</p><h3>WHY BET THE DREXEL DRAGONS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Dragons.</li><li>Not only will Drexel pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +16.5.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 147.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.</li></ul><h3>Are Penn State Ready for a Road Win?</h3><p>Penn State improved to 9-2 on the season with a dominant 99-51 win over Coppin State on Saturday. The Nittany Lions were heavy favorites at -36.5 and covered the spread, while the combined points of 150 went over the pre-game line of 145.</p> <p>Penn State took control early, leading 52-21 at halftime. They kept up the pressure in the second half, scoring 47 points and allowing just 30.</p><p>Penn State's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 99 points with a field goal percentage of 56.7%. Their effective field goal percentage was even more impressive at 65.7%, thanks in large part to their 81.8% shooting from two-point range, hitting 27 of 33 attempts.</p> <p>The Nittany Lions also connected on 11 threes, shooting 32.4% from beyond the arc, and went 12 for 16 from the free-throw line. Ace Baldwin Jr. dished out 16 assists, contributing to the team's total of 31, while Nick Kern Jr. was perfect from the field, hitting all 4 of his shots.</p><p>Despite giving up 51 points, Penn State's defense struggled, allowing the opposing team to shoot 56% from the field, including 81% on two-point attempts (27/33). They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 16 times, where they converted 12 free throws.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, the opposing team shot 32%, making 11 of their 34 three-point attempts. Penn State also gave up 10 offensive rebounds in the game.</p><h3>Can The Dragons Secure a Home Victory?</h3><p>The Dragons improved to 7-4 on the season with a 68-65 win over Howard on Tuesday. Drexel entered the game as slight favorites and covered the spread with the win.</p> <p>Drexel led 36-34 at halftime and edged out Howard by a point in the second half, scoring 32 points while allowing 31. The total points for the game were 133, falling short of the 143.5 O/U line.</p><p>Drexel's offense put up 68 points in their last game, shooting 40.3% from the field. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 25% of their threes (7/28), but were more efficient inside, connecting on 52.9% of their two-point attempts (18/34).</p> <p>At the free-throw line, the Dragons were nearly perfect, making 11 of 12 attempts (91.7%). Jason Drake led the team with 21 points, while Yame Butler added 16, hitting 3 of 7 from deep. Marcus Dockery contributed 14 points, and Blake Harper chipped in 11, despite shooting just 23.5% overall.</p><p>Drexel's defense held their opponent to 65 points on 39% shooting from the field, including 43% from two-point range with 19 made baskets out of 44 attempts.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Drexel limited their opponent to 6 threes on 20 attempts, a 30% shooting rate. They also sent them to the free-throw line 10 times, where they converted 9 free throws, shooting 90%.</p>

Penn State Nittany Lions vs Drexel Dragons NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24

<p>The Ultimate Fighting Championship is gearing up for massive 2024, and it has built up a perfect trilogy that will begin this weekend. Fans in Anaheim, California are going to be treated to a huge fight card this weekend, and there are some great betting options available as well.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the final event of this trilogy will draw the most attention in April, things are starting off in a big way this weekend. Things will start off with a title fight in the featherweight division this weekend, and that’s a main event that most fans are looking forward to.</p>



<p>Here is a look at some of the top fights this weekend, and the <a href="/s/betdsi/">betting options at BetDSI</a> that stand out more than others. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-look-at-the-main-event">A Look at the Main Event</h2>



<p>The main event to finish off the night on Saturday will be a matchup between Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski is the current champion in this weight class, but there will be a massive challenge from Topuria in this matchup.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is going to be an interesting fight for Volkanovski as he has been trying to have some success in the lightweight division, but he just wasn’t able to get that done. Topuria has been focused on becoming the champion in the featherweight division, and that has taken away some of the distractions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While Volkanovski hasn’t been beaten in this weight class in years, all good things are going to come to an end. Take the valuable odds in this one and get behind Topuria at +113 as he will come away with an impressive win.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-wait-for-middleweight-clash">Long Wait For Middleweight Clash</h2>



<p>The UFC has been trying to get Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa in the Octagon against one another for years, and it’s finally going to happen this weekend. These two fighters always seemed to have something come up when they were scheduled to square off, but the big matchup will be taking place on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whittaker is a big betting favorite at -225 in this bout, while Costa currently has betting odds set at +190. Costa is certainly good enough to come away with a win in this event, but it will be Whittaker that takes control of this fight.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Bet on the favorite in this clash as Whittaker is going to get back on track by coming up with a huge win.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-big-winners">Other Big Winners</h2>



<p>This entire fight card is tremendous, and that includes both the preliminary card and the main card. While there aren’t going to be a ton of belts handed out this weekend, some of the biggest challengers in specific weight classes will be in the Octagon.</p>



<p>The UFC has proven to be unpredictable throughout history, and there will be some upsets that take place this weekend. When betting on UFC 298, it’s going to be more important to find betting value then to try to find the guaranteed winners.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Betting on Mackenzie Dern is one of the best bets to make this weekend as she has odds set at +115 in her matchup with Amanda Lemos. That’s not a huge upset if that is the end result, but it’s one that will give you a nice payout.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When looking for one of the biggest upsets in the night, it might come from the preliminary card, and very early in the day. Josh Quinlan has odds set at +158 in his matchup with Danny Barlow, and that is going to be a matchup to keep an eye on.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Both of those challengers are going to be looking to fight hard, and grabbing Quinlan at +158 (<strong><a href="/s/betdsi">at BetDSI</a></strong>) is an offer to choose. </p>

Preview of UFC 298

College Football

South Florida Bulls vs San Jose State Spartans Betting Pick & Prediction HawaiÊ»i Bowl

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs UTSA Roadrunners Betting Pick & Prediction Myrtle Beach Bowl

Northern Illinois Huskies vs Fresno State Bulldogs Betting Pick & Prediction Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Tennessee Volunteers vs Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Pick & Prediction College Football Playoff First Round Game

Clemson Tigers vs Texas Longhorns Betting Pick & Prediction College Football Playoff First Round Game

SMU Mustangs vs Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Pick & Prediction College Football Playoff First Round Game

Tulane Green Wave vs Florida Gators Betting Pick & Prediction Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl

Ohio Bobcats vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Pick & Prediction StaffDNA Cure Bowl

Georgia Southern Eagles vs Sam Houston Bearkats Betting Pick & Prediction R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

California Golden Bears vs UNLV Rebels Betting Pick & Prediction Art of Sport LA Bowl

<p>Planning on watching today's Blue Jackets and Flyers game? Catch the action at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA, as the Flyers hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on NBCS. The over/under for this game is set at 6.5 goals, and the Flyers are favored by -1.5 against the Blue Jackets in a Metropolitan division matchup.</p><h3>COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS VS PHILADELPHIA FLYERS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Philadelphia Flyers -1.5</p><p>This game will be played at Wells Fargo Center at 7:00 ET on Saturday, December 21st.</p><h3>WHY BET THE PHILADELPHIA FLYERS:</h3><ul><li>With a 1.5-goal advantage on the spread, our projections favor the Flyers to secure a 4-3 victory.</li><li>Take the Flyers on the moneyline</li><li>On the spread, we like Blue Jackets (+1.5)</li></ul><h3>Can the Blue Jackets Pull the Upset on the Road?</h3><p>Columbus fell to 13-15-5 after a 7-2 loss to the Capitals. The Blue Jackets were underdogs on the puck line, and the total of 9 goals surpassed the pre-game line of 6.5.</p> <p>Defensively, Columbus struggled from the start, allowing 5 goals in the first period. Damon Severson and Kevin Labanc each scored for the Blue Jackets, but the game was never close.</p><p>Columbus fired 36 shots on goal but could only find the net twice in their 7-2 loss to Washington. Damon Severson scored his 4th goal of the season, while Kevin Labanc added his 2nd. The Blue Jackets were held scoreless in the first period before Severson got them on the board 49 seconds into the second.</p> <p>Columbus recorded 13 giveaways and failed to convert on any power play opportunities. Sean Monahan picked up his 5th assist of the season, and Zach Aston-Reese added his 2nd. The Blue Jackets have now lost two straight games.</p><p>Defensively, the Blue Jackets will be looking for a better start after giving up the first five goals in their previous game against Washington. Columbus allowed the first goal just 56 seconds into the 1st period and another four by the 5:02 mark. Daniil Tarasov made 15 saves but finished with a 68.2% save percentage.</p><h3>Can Philadelphia Pull Out the Win as Home Favorites?</h3><p>Philadelphia dropped to 14-15-4 after a 3-0 loss to the Bruins. The Flyers entered as underdogs on the puck line, and the total of 3 goals fell short of the 6.5 set before the game.</p> 

<p>The Flyers’ offense struggled, managing only 20 shots on goal. They also had 15 giveaways, contributing to the loss.</p><p>Philadelphia's offense was held scoreless in their 3-0 loss to Boston. The Flyers managed 20 shots on goal but were unable to find the back of the net. They recorded 15 giveaways in the game.</p> <p>Philadelphia failed to score in any period, including on their power play. This shutout marks the first time this season the Flyers have been held without a goal.</p><p>Defensively, the Flyers gave up the first goal at 13:28 in the first period and another at 11:23 in the second. They also allowed an empty-netter at 16:21 in the third. Samuel Ersson made 8 saves with a 100% save percentage, while the Flyers' defense had 5 takeaways and 30 hits.</p>

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Philadelphia Flyers Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24

Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

New York Giants vs Atlanta Falcons Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24

Houston Texans vs Kansas City Chiefs Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24

Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers Betting Pick & Prediction 12/19/24

Atlanta Falcons vs Las Vegas Raiders Betting Pick & Prediction 12/16/24

Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings Betting Pick & Prediction 12/16/24

Green Bay Packers vs Seattle Seahawks Betting Pick & Prediction 12/15/24

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Philadelphia Eagles Betting Pick & Prediction 12/15/24

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Los Angeles Chargers Betting Pick & Prediction 12/15/24

<p>At 7:00 ET, the Pacers will travel to San Antonio to take on the Spurs in a non-conference matchup. The Pacers are favored by 6.5 points and are -253 on the moneyline.</p>

<p>Indiana comes in at 34-27 and is currently 8th in the Eastern Conference. San Antonio is just 12-48 and sits in last place in the Western Conference.</p><h3>INDIANA PACERS VS SAN ANTONIO SPURS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Indiana Pacers -6.5</p><p>This game will be played at Frost Bank Center at 7:00 ET on Sunday, March 3rd.</p><h3>WHY BET THE INDIANA PACERS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 135-111 in favor of the Pacers.</li><li>Our projections have Pascal Siakam finishing with Pascal Siakam points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.</li><li>From the field, we have the Pacers finishing with a field goal percentage of 51.0% and knocking down 13 threes.</li></ul><h3>Does Indiana Have What it Takes on the Road?</h3><p>Overall, the Pacers have a record of 34-27 and are currently in 8th place in the Eastern Conference. Within the Central Division, they are in 3rd place.</p>

<p>On the road, Indiana is 14-15 straight-up and 15-13 against the spread. Their ATS record on the road is currently at 15-13, and they have dropped three straight games ATS on the road.</p>

<p>This season, the Pacers have gone 29-32 as the favorite and are favored by 6.5 points today. As the favorite, they have an ATS record of 14-15 and have gone 18-11 straight-up.</p>

<p>In their last game, the Pacers lost to the Pelicans by a score of 129-102. The O/U line for that game was 239 points, and Indiana was getting 5.5 points going into the game.</p>

<p>For the season, Indiana has an O/U record of 33-28, and the under has hit in their last two games. On average, their games have finished with 245.6 points, which is higher than today's O/U line of 244.5.</p><p>This season, the Pacers have been the top-scoring team in the NBA, averaging 123.6 points per game. However, their scoring has been slightly lower on the road, where they are averaging 120.6 points per game.</p>

<p>Indiana has outscored the NBA scoring average in 70.5% of their games this season. They are also the top-ranked team in field goal percentage (50%) and have the third-best true shooting percentage.</p>

<p>When it comes to three-point shooting, the Pacers are hitting 37% of their attempts, which is 6th in the league. Overall, they are 2nd in pace at 101.7 possessions per game.</p><p>The Pacers' defense is presently ranked 28th in the league, allowing an average of 122.1 points per contest. Indiana's defense is currently forcing 12.8 turnovers per game, which is 18th in the league. Additionally, they enter the game ranked 8th in blocked shots, with an average of 5.8 rejections per game.</p><h3>Can San Antonio Pull Off a Home Win?</h3><p>Today, the Spurs are 6.5-point underdogs at home against the Pacers. San Antonio has been the underdog in 55 of their 60 games this season.</p>

<p>On average, the Spurs' games have finished with 232.8 points this season, which is lower than today's O/U line of 244.5. San Antonio has a season-long O/U record of 31-28-1.</p>

<p>San Antonio's ATS record for the season is 29-31, and they have covered the spread in their last two games. At home, the Spurs are 13-14 ATS, while going 16-17 ATS on the road.</p>

<p>In their last game, the Spurs beat the Thunder by a score of 132-118. They were 11-point underdogs going into the game and easily covered the spread. The O/U line for that game was 238.5.</p>

<p>Overall, the Spurs are 12-48 this season, which is 15th in the Western Conference. Against other Western Conference teams, they are 8-26 and 1-9 against teams in their division.</p><p>The Spurs are one of the top teams in the league when it comes to pace, ranking 3rd in the NBA at 101.4 possessions per game. However, their scoring has been below the league average in 56.7% of their games this season.</p>

<p>At home, the Spurs are averaging 115.1 points per game, which is 17th in the NBA. Overall, they are 23rd in scoring at 112.3 points per game.</p>

<p>When it comes to shooting, San Antonio is 25th in field goal percentage at 46%. They are also one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league, hitting just 34% of their attempts (30th).</p><p>Currently, the Spurs' defense holds the 26th rank in the NBA, allowing 120.6 points per game. On two point field goal attempts, the Spurs' defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 56.0% and allowing 38.5% from beyond the arc.</p>

Indiana Pacers vs San Antonio Spurs Betting Pick & Prediction 3/3/24

<p>Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Bulldogs versus the Tigers? Tip off is at at 12:30 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on CBS. The game will be played at FedExForum in Memphis, TN. The odds for this non-conference game currently have Memphis as the -1 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 152.5 points.</p><h3>MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS VS MEMPHIS TIGERS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Memphis Tigers -1</p><p>This game will be played at FedExForum at 12:30 ET on Saturday, December 21st.</p><h3>WHY BET THE MEMPHIS TIGERS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 81-66 in favor of the Tigers.</li><li>Not only will Memphis pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 152.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.</li></ul><h3>Does Mississippi State Stand a Chance on the Road?</h3><p>Mississippi State improved to 10-1 on the season with an 83-59 win over Central Michigan on Tuesday. The Bulldogs, playing at home, were -20.5 point favorites and covered the spread. The game’s total points reached 142, falling short of the 148.5 O/U line.</p> <p>After leading 32-25 at halftime, Mississippi State’s offense exploded in the 2nd half, scoring 51 points while holding Central Michigan to 34 points.</p><p>Mississippi State put up 83 points in their last game, shooting 49.3% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 56.3%. They connected on 57.1% of their two-point attempts and 37.9% from beyond the arc, hitting 11 threes. However, their free-throw shooting was a struggle, as they went just 2-for-7 (28.6%).</p> <p>The Bulldogs dished out 24 assists and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds. Claudell Harris Jr. hit 5 threes, shooting 62.5% from deep and finishing with 19 points. Michael Nwoko also added 18 points, shooting 66.7% from the field in just 18 minutes of play.</p><p>Even though Mississippi State gave up 59 points, they allowed their opponent to shoot 49% from the field, with 35 made baskets on 71 attempts. Inside the arc, the Bulldogs' defense struggled, as they allowed 57% shooting on 24/42 from two-point range.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Mississippi State's opponent hit 11 threes on 29 attempts, good for 37%. The Bulldogs did catch a break at the free-throw line, where their opponent shot just 28%, making only 2 of 7 attempts. However, Mississippi State gave up 15 offensive rebounds.</p><h3>Can the Tigers Please their Home Crowd?</h3><p>Memphis moved to 9-2 on the season with a 64-62 win over Virginia on Wednesday. The Tigers were -3.5 favorites going into the game but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 126, falling short of the O/U line of 130.5.</p> <p>Memphis trailed 30-21 at halftime but turned things around in the second half, outscoring Virginia 43-32 to secure the win.</p><p>Memphis struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 64 points while shooting 37.5% from the field. They hit only 21.7% from beyond the arc, making 5 of 23 attempts, though they were solid at the free-throw line, converting 81% of their shots.</p> <p>PJ Haggerty led the way with 27 points and 5 assists, shooting 53.3% overall. Elijah Saunders added 15 points, hitting 3 of 4 from deep, while Dain Dainja contributed 11 rebounds.</p><p>Memphis held their opponent to 62 points, with a defensive effort that limited them to 39% shooting from the field. The Tigers gave up 21 field goals on 53 attempts.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Memphis allowed 6 threes on 19 attempts, a 31% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the line 18 times, where they made 14 free throws.</p>

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Memphis Tigers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24

<p>The Texans are favored on the road with a money line of -133 as they take on the Chiefs at 1:00 ET on Saturday, December 21st. This week 16 AFC matchup is being televised on NBC, and the Texans are -2 point favorites. The over/under line is currently at 40 points. The Chiefs are the underdog with a +111 money line.</p><h3>HOUSTON TEXANS VS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Houston Texans -2</p><p>This game will be played at Arrowhead Stadium at 1:00 ET on Saturday, December 21st.</p><h3>WHY BET THE HOUSTON TEXANS:</h3><ul><li>We have the Texans winning this one by a score of 26 to 21</li><li>Not only do we have the Texans winning straight-up, we have them covering the spread at -2</li><li>Look for this game to go over the line of 40 points</li></ul><h3>Will The Texans Pick Up A Win On The Road?</h3><p>With a 9-5 record, the Texans sit atop the AFC South, and they have a 100% chance of winning the division and making the playoffs. Houston ranks 11th in our power rankings heading into week 16, and they are on a two-game winning streak, including a 20-12 win over the Dolphins in week 15. The Texans were 2.5-point favorites in that game and covered the spread, but the 32 combined points fell short of the 46.5-point O/U line.</p> <p>Houston has a +2 scoring margin this season and is 6-7-1 against the spread. They are 4-6-1 as favorites and 2-1 as underdogs. Their O/U record is 4-9-1, with the under hitting in two straight games.</p><p>Heading into week 16, the Texans rank 20th in our offensive power rankings. They are 11th in the NFL in scoring, averaging 23.4 points per game, and they have been strong in the 1st quarter, ranking 5th in the league. Houston is 18th in the NFL in 3rd-down conversions with a 37.2% success rate, and they are 19th in passing yards per game (212.8) despite ranking 9th in pass attempts per game.</p> <p>C.J. Stroud threw for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns on 18/26 passing in week 15 against the Dolphins. Joe Mixon led the team in receiving with 5 catches for 33 yards, and Dare Ogunbowale had a 35-yard run. Houston scored all 20 of their points in the first 3 quarters, failing to score in the 4th quarter.</p><p>The Texans' defense came up with three interceptions and held Miami to just 30.8% on third down in their 20-12 win over the Dolphins. Despite allowing 172 passing yards, Houston defended the pass well, giving up only 4.3 yards per attempt. Miami finished with just 52 yards rushing on 19 attempts.</p><p></p><p>Overall, the Texans allowed only 224 total yards and 72.5% completions. They gave up one passing touchdown but made up for it with three key interceptions.</p><h3>Will The Chiefs Win At Home Over The Texans?</h3><p>With a 13-1 record, the Chiefs sit atop the AFC standings and have a 100% chance of winning the AFC West. They rank 12th in our power rankings and have a +5 scoring margin this season. Against the spread, Kansas City is 5-8-1, including a 4-7-1 mark as favorites. Their O/U record is 6-8, with the under hitting in three straight games.</p> <p>After a week 11 loss to the Bills, the Chiefs have won four in a row, including a 21-7 victory over the Browns in week 15. They narrowly beat the Chargers and Raiders in weeks 14 and 13, respectively, and edged out the Panthers 30-27 in week 12.</p><p>Heading into week 16, the Chiefs rank 9th in our offensive power rankings and 10th in the NFL in scoring, averaging 23.5 points per game. They are 14th in passing yards per game (224.1) and 15th in rushing yards (112.1), with 36 passing attempts per game (5th) and 27.9 rushing attempts (9th). Despite ranking 22nd in red zone conversion percentage, Kansas City leads the league in 3rd-down conversions and ranks 4th in red zone attempts.</p> <p>Patrick Mahomes has been dealing with an ankle injury but has avoided interceptions in his last three games. In week 15, he threw for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Browns. Xavier Worthy led the team with 46 receiving yards, and Kareem Hunt had 45 rushing yards. Kansas City scored all 21 points in the first three quarters before being shut out in the 4th.</p><p>Despite giving up 139 rushing yards on just 21 attempts, the Chiefs' defense played well in their most recent game, coming away with four interceptions and allowing just 127 passing yards. They picked up a 21-7 win over the Browns, holding Cleveland to just 7 points. Kansas City's defense also had five sacks in the game.</p>
<p>The Chiefs' defense limited the Browns to a 33.3% conversion rate on third down and won the tackles for loss battle. Even though they gave up a high 6.6 yards per attempt in the running game, the big plays in the passing game helped them secure the win.</p>

<p>Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Mocs versus the Hoosiers? Tip off is at at 12:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on BTN. The game will be played at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, IN. The odds for this non-conference game currently have Indiana as the -14.5 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 154.5 points.</p><h3>CHATTANOOGA MOCS VS INDIANA HOOSIERS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Chattanooga Mocs +14.5</p><p>This game will be played at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall at 12:00 ET on Saturday, December 21st.</p><h3>WHY BET THE CHATTANOOGA MOCS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 79-68 in favor of the Hoosiers.</li><li>Even though we have Indiana winning straight-up, we like Chattanooga at +14.5.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 154.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.</li></ul><h3>Does Chattanooga Have a Shot at a Road Win?</h3><p>Chattanooga improved to 6-4 on the season with an 85-63 home win over Alabama A&M on Sunday. The Mocs entered the game as -16.5 point favorites and covered the spread, while the total points of 148 fell just under the 151 O/U line.</p> <p>Chattanooga took control early, leading 40-26 at halftime, and continued their strong play in the second half, outscoring the Bulldogs 45-37.</p><p>Chattanooga's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 85 points with a field goal percentage of 51%. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 65.3%, thanks in part to hitting 14 of 32 from beyond the arc, shooting 43.8% from three-point range. They also excelled at the free-throw line, making 21 of 24 attempts for an 87.5% success rate.</p> <p>Honor Huff led the way with 24 points, knocking down 6 threes at a 54.5% clip. Trey Bonham added 21 points, shooting 66.7% overall and 50% from deep. AC Bryant contributed 19 points, hitting 4 of 6 from three-point range, while Darius Ford connected on 3 of 4 threes, finishing with 11 points.</p><p>Chattanooga's defense gave up 63 points, allowing their opponent to shoot 51% from the field. They struggled to contain the two-point shots, with the opposing team hitting 64% on 11/17 shooting.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Chattanooga's defense allowed 14 threes on 32 attempts, a 43% success rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 24 times, where they converted 21 free throws at an 87% clip. Chattanooga gave up 9 offensive rebounds.</p><h3>Will the Hoosiers Pull Through as the Favored Home Team?</h3><p>Indiana's season record dropped to 8-3 after an 85-68 loss to Nebraska on Friday. The Hoosiers went into the game as +4.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 153, just under the O/U line of 156.5.</p> <p>Indiana trailed 44-41 at halftime but struggled in the 2nd half, scoring only 27 points while allowing 41.</p><p>In their last game, the Hoosiers managed just 68 points, shooting 35.4% from the field. They hit only 22.9% of their threes, going 8-for-35, while their effective field goal percentage was 41.5%.</p> <p>Brice Williams led the way with 30 points, shooting 66.7% overall and from three-point range. Myles Rice added 20 points, hitting 61.5% of his shots, though he struggled from deep, making just 1 of 4 attempts.</p><p>Indiana's defense struggled, giving up 85 points on 61% shooting from the field. They allowed 22 two-point baskets on 35 attempts, a 62% success rate for their opponent.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Indiana's opponent shot 57%, hitting 8 of 14 threes. They also sent them to the line 26 times, where they made 17 free throws.</p>

Chattanooga Mocs vs Indiana Hoosiers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24

<p>Remember sitting around the TV with your family during the holidays, everyone cheering for their favorite football team? Those memorable moments of sports and family time are getting a new twist these days. More and more families are adding friendly <strong>betting pools</strong> to their holiday traditions, making every touchdown and field goal even more exciting.</p>



<p>In recent years, as <strong>sports betting has become legal</strong> in many states, family gatherings have started to look a little different. Instead of just wearing team jerseys and sharing snacks, relatives are now creating fun prediction games and friendly wagers around the big holiday games. Whether it's picking winners for the New Years bowl matchups or guessing which basketball team will score first on Christmas Day, these activities are adding extra spark to family celebrations.</p>



<p>These new betting traditions aren't just about winning or losing – they're changing how families experience sports together. From grandparents sharing their sports knowledge with grandkids to siblings competing for yearly bragging rights, <strong>holiday betting pools</strong> are creating fresh ways for families to bond over their favorite games. Let's explore how these modern traditions are bringing new excitement to holiday sports gatherings while keeping the spirit of family togetherness alive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The History of Sports and Family Holiday Traditions</h2>



<p>Sports have been bringing families together during the holidays for generations. Since the first Thanksgiving NFL game in 1934, when the Detroit Lions played the Chicago Bears, watching football has been as much a part of Turkey Day as stuffing and cranberry sauce. The same goes for New Year's Day, where families have gathered around the TV for decades to watch <a href="https://bangthebook.com/college-football">college football</a> bowl games while recovering from their midnight celebrations.</p>



<p>Long before smartphones and betting apps, families found creative ways to make holiday games more interesting. Uncle Bob might have run the <strong>family football pool</strong>, where everyone put in a dollar to guess the final score. Cousins would compete in season-long fantasy football leagues, leading to heated holiday dinner discussions about who made the better trades. These friendly competitions weren't really about money – they were about having fun and staying connected with family members, even those who lived far away.</p>



<p>These casual games and family pools laid the foundation for what we see today. While past generations might have used paper grids for <a href="https://www.nfl.com/super-bowl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl</a> squares or shared fantasy league updates through phone calls, these same activities have evolved with technology. The spirit of friendly competition that started with notebook paper and cash in envelopes has grown into something bigger, as more families embrace legal sports betting platforms to keep their holiday traditions alive – just with a modern twist.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.bangthebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/betting-pools-timeline-1024x441.png" alt="" class="wp-image-53599"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Rise of Holiday Betting Pools</h2>



<p><strong>Family betting pools</strong> changed dramatically when sports betting became legal in many states. What used to be informal wagers written on napkins during holiday dinners has evolved into organized family competitions that everyone can enjoy safely and legally. Many families now create their own holiday betting leagues with clear rules and reasonable limits, making sure the focus stays on fun rather than serious gambling.</p>



<p>The holiday <a href="https://knupsports.com/calendars/sports-betting-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports calendar</a> provides perfect opportunities for family betting pools. Thanksgiving brings three NFL games that span the entire day, giving families plenty of chances to predict scores, guess which player will score first, or create prop bets like...</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p><em>Will grandpa fall asleep before halftime?</em></p>
</blockquote>



<p>The NBA's Christmas Day games have become another holiday betting tradition, with five exciting matchups that keep families engaged from morning until night. New Year's Day rounds out the holiday season with college football bowl games that let families start the year with friendly competition.</p>



<p>Modern technology has made it easier than ever for families to keep their betting pools going, even when everyone can't be in the same room. Popular sports betting apps allow families to create private groups where they can set up pools, track everyone's picks, and watch the results unfold in real-time.</p>



<p>Cousins who moved across the country can still join in the family's Thanksgiving pool, and grandparents can participate in <strong>Christmas Day basketball predictions</strong> from their winter home in Florida. Some families even use video calls to announce their picks together, making distance feel a little less distant.</p>



<p>These new digital tools have also made it simpler to keep betting pools organized and fair. Instead of arguing over who actually picked which team or trying to remember everyone's predictions, apps keep perfect records of all bets and automatically calculate winners.</p>



<p>Many families use this technology to create season-long competitions, where holiday games count for extra points in their ongoing family standings. The person with the most points at the end of the year might win a special trophy or the honor of hosting next year's holiday gathering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Betting Pools are Becoming a Holiday Staple?</h2>



<p>Holiday betting pools have caught on because they give everyone a way to join in the fun, whether they know everything about sports or just show up for the snacks. Grandma might not know the quarterback's stats, but she can still win the family pool by picking teams based on her favorite uniform colors.</p>



<p>Kids too young for real betting can participate with monopoly money or points, learning about sports while joining in the family excitement. These pools create a level playing field where sports knowledge isn't the only path to victory.</p>



<p>The friendly competition of holiday betting pools does something special – it gives family members new ways to connect and share experiences. Instead of everyone staring at their phones during holiday gatherings, they're comparing picks, <strong>playfully trash-talking</strong>, and celebrating or groaning together as games unfold. Some families have started traditions like having the previous year's winner create special categories for the next holiday's pool, or letting the kids invent silly prop bets like <em>"how many times will dad check his phone during the game?"</em></p>



<p>Even the most boring game becomes thrilling when family members have predictions riding on it. A fourth-quarter field goal in a blowout game suddenly becomes the most exciting moment of the day when it determines whether Aunt Sarah or Uncle Mike wins the family pool.</p>



<p>These shared moments of suspense create memories that families talk about for years to come. Stories like <em>"Remember when Junior won the Thanksgiving pool because he was the only one who picked the Lions?"</em> become part of family lore, retold every holiday season.</p>



<p>The beauty of these pools is that they add excitement without overshadowing what really matters – spending time together as a family. While everyone wants to win, the real victory is in the laughs shared, the traditions created, and the bonds strengthened.</p>



<p>Whether it's teaching younger generations about sports, giving far-flung family members a reason to stay connected throughout the holiday, or simply making that post-turkey football game a little more interesting, betting pools are adding a new dimension to family holiday traditions.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.bangthebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/holiday-betting-pools-1024x585.webp" alt="Holiday Betting Pools" class="wp-image-53598"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Challenges and Controversies</h2>



<p>Not every family jumps at the idea of adding betting pools to their holiday traditions. Some parents worry that even friendly wagers might send the wrong message to kids about gambling, while grandparents might remember the days when betting was strictly taboo.</p>



<p>These concerns often come from a good place – wanting to protect family members and keep holiday gatherings focused on togetherness rather than winning and losing. Some families also worry that betting pools, even small ones, might be a problem for relatives who have struggled with gambling in the past.</p>



<p>The good news is that many families have found ways to enjoy betting pools while keeping things safe and comfortable for everyone. The key is setting clear ground rules from the start. Successful family pools often stick to small stakes – maybe $1 per game or using point systems instead of money.</p>



<p>Some families create <em>"fun currencies"</em> like holiday tokens or special family monopoly money, keeping the excitement of competition while avoiding real gambling. They also make sure everyone knows it's perfectly fine to watch and cheer without placing bets, ensuring no one feels pressured to participate. </p>



<p>When families focus on making memories rather than making money, holiday betting pools can be a positive addition to their traditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tips for Starting a Holiday Betting Pool</h2>



<p>Want to start a holiday betting pool with your family? Here's how to create a fun and stress-free experience that everyone can enjoy.</p>



<p>Start with Something Simple Pick contests that don't require deep sports knowledge to participate. A straightforward <em>"pick the winner"</em> format for Thanksgiving football games lets everyone join in, even if they don't know a touchdown from a field goal. Create fun categories like "Which team's mascot would win in a dance contest?" or "Who will score first?" to keep things light and entertaining.</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Set Family-Friendly Rules Keep stakes low</strong> -- maybe $5 for the whole day of games, or use a point system instead of money. Create clear age guidelines, like having kids under 18 use a points-only system while adults can opt for small-dollar bets. Write down all the rules and share them before the holiday so everyone knows what to expect. Remember to include a "no pressure" rule – anyone can watch and cheer without betting.</li>



<li><strong>Make Technology Your Friend</strong> -- Take advantage of free apps and websites that handle all the tricky parts of running a pool. Apps like <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBS Sports</a>, <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yahoo Sports</a>, or ESPN offer easy-to-use pool features where family members can make picks right from their phones. For a more personal touch, create a family group chat where everyone can share their picks and react to the games together.</li>



<li><strong>Add Special Family Twists Create categories unique to your family</strong> -- maybe "Dad's Bold Prediction" or "Grandma's Gut Feeling" that earn bonus points. Consider making a special trophy or crown that gets passed around each holiday to the winner. Take plenty of pictures of the winner each year to create a fun family betting hall of fame.</li>



<li><strong>Plan for Remote Relatives</strong> -- Include family members who can't be there in person by setting up video calls during key moments or creating a shared online space where everyone can post reactions. Make sure to pick apps or websites that work well for less tech-savvy relatives so nobody feels left out.</li>



<li><strong>Keep Score in Style</strong> -- Create a fun way to track everyone's progress throughout the day. Maybe use a big poster board with everyone's names and picks, or create a digital scoreboard that you can share on the TV screen. Consider giving out small prizes for different categories like "Best Comeback" or "Most Creative Pick" to keep everyone engaged even if they're not winning overall.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Predictions for the Future of Holiday Sports Betting Traditions</h2>



<p>The future of family holiday betting pools looks as high-tech as a new smartphone and as comfortable as your favorite holiday sweater. As artificial intelligence and apps get smarter, family pools might soon include features like automatic odds adjustments based on who's playing, or personalized prop bets created just for your family's interests.</p>



<p>Imagine an app that knows Uncle Steve always picks the underdog, or that Cousin Maria has a perfect record when it comes to predicting overtime games. These smart systems could make pools even more entertaining by creating custom categories that match each family's <strong>unique betting style</strong>.</p>



<p>Holiday betting pools are already breaking free from just sports predictions. Families are creating pools around everything from guessing which Thanksgiving dish will run out first to betting on how many times grandpa will tell his favorite holiday story.</p>



<p>Some families are running Oscar prediction pools during holiday gatherings, while others are making friendly wagers on holiday baking competitions or seasonal reality TV shows. This trend suggests that the future of <strong>holiday betting pools</strong> isn't just about touchdowns and three-pointers – it's about finding new ways to make any family activity more engaging.</p>



<p>Looking ahead, putting together the family betting pool might become as natural as hanging stockings or lighting the menorah. As younger generations who grew up with fantasy sports and betting apps become parents and grandparents themselves, these tech-savvy traditions will likely become even more ingrained in holiday celebrations.</p>



<p>But unlike many modern traditions that keep people glued to their phones, these betting pools seem to be doing something special – they're using technology to bring families closer together, creating shared experiences that bridge generational gaps and keep far-flung relatives connected during the holidays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion to Holiday Betting Pools</h2>



<p>Holiday traditions are like family recipes – they get better when you add your own special ingredients to the mix. Sports betting pools are becoming that extra dash of spice in many family gatherings, creating exciting new ways to enjoy time-honored traditions. <strong>From Thanksgiving football to Christmas Basketball to New Year's Day bowl games</strong>, these friendly competitions are writing a new chapter in the story of how families celebrate together.</p>



<p>The key to success isn't about how much money is won or lost – it's about creating moments that bring smiles to faces and give everyone something to look forward to each holiday season. Whether your family sticks to simple pick'em contests or creates elaborate prediction games, the real victory comes from the shared excitement, the playful trash talk, and the stories you'll tell for years to come.</p>



<p>The best holiday betting pools are like the best family traditions: they welcome everyone, create lasting memories, and give people reasons to stay connected, even when they're miles apart.</p>



<p><strong>Do you participate in holiday betting pools?</strong> Whether you're a seasoned pool organizer or thinking about starting your first family competition, there's always room for new ideas and traditions. Share your experiences with other families – maybe your creative betting categories or fun twist on classic games will inspire others to start their own holiday traditions. After all, the best part about family traditions is that they're always growing and changing, just like families themselves.</p>

How Holiday Betting Pools Are Changing Family Sports Traditions

<p>Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Crimson Tide and Flames. The game is starting at 2:00 ET on SEC, and it's hosted by the Flames at Liberty Arena in Lynchburg, VA. Get ready to place your bets! The Crimson Tide are the favored team in this non-conference contest against the Flames. The game's over/under currently sits at 153.5 points.</p><h3>ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE VS LIBERTY FLAMES BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Liberty Flames +9.5</p><p>This game will be played at Liberty Arena at 2:00 ET on Saturday, December 30th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE LIBERTY FLAMES:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-65 in favor of the Flames.</li><li>Not only will Liberty pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +9.5.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 153.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 143 points.</li></ul><h3>Will Alabama Make it Happen on the Road?</h3><p>Alabama comes into today's game with an overall record of 7-5. In their previous ten road games, which includes last year, Alabama went 4-6. Alabama's ATS record heading into today's game is 6-6, while their performance in their previous five games shows a 2-3 record vs. the spread.</p><p>After 12 games, Alabama has an over/under record of 9-3-0, with their games averaging a combined 169.7 points per game so far. In the Crimson Tide's last five games, the combined scoring average stands at 167 points per game, accompanied by an over/under record of 3-2.</p><p>Alabama is coming off a good offensive performance, putting up 111 points vs. Eastern Kentucky. This figure is more than their season average of 92.2 points per game. On the offensive front, the Crimson Tide have a season-long field goal percentage of 48%, ranking 57th nationally. When it comes to three-point shooting, they are ranked 51st in terms of percentage and 4th in three-pointers made.</p><p>Currently, the Crimson Tide's defense holds the 241st rank in the nation, allowing 77.5 points per game. In terms of field goal percentage allowed, Alabama's defense has allowed opponents to shoot 44.4% from the field, including a three-point shooting percentage allowed of 33.3% this season.</p><h3>Can the Flames Please their Home Crowd?</h3><p>The Flames come into today's game against Alabama with a 10-3 record. On the road, they are 1-1 and overall they are 7-2. As of today's game, Liberty holds an 8-3 ATS record. Examining their performance in the last five games, they have gone 3-1 vs. the spread.</p><p>In 13 games, Liberty comes in with an over/under mark of 4-6-1, with their games averaging 139.3 points per game. When looking at the Flames' last three games, their over/under record is 1-1, with their games averaging 131 points per game.</p><p>Liberty's offense is coming off a strong performance vs. Utah Valley, finishing the game with a total of 79 points. Their season average is now 79.2 points per game. Kyle Rode is currently the leading scorer for the team, entering today's matchup with an average of 13.5. Meanwhile, Kaden Metheny also brings a PPG average of 11.7 into the game.</p><p>Currently, the Flames' defense holds the 8th rank in the nation, allowing 59.5 points per game. So far, the Liberty defense is giving up an average of 7.3 offensive rebounds per game and are turning teams over 8.6 times per game (329th).</p>

Alabama Crimson Tide vs Liberty Flames Betting Pick & Prediction 12/30/23

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