Newsletter

There is a very good reason pitching coaches have clickers to count pitches. And now, even most broadcasts have the pitch count embedded on the screen. In the age of routine and specialization, pitch count is huge. Often times we'll fade starters that have an excessive pitch count in their next game. Wade Miley through 119 pitches in his game against Washington the other night, and that's too many for almost anyone. We've talked about doing the work in advance, and I can tell you with 95% certainty that we well be fading Miley in his next outing. That should be at Detroit next Tuesday. 

The worst case scenario there is that there are injuries between now and then to the Tigers, in which case the "over" may well be in play simply because Detroit has a bad bullpen and Baltimore's is struggling.

The case for just how closely the numbers are watched came into play last night in Tampa Bay. Chris Archer had only allowed eight hits an no runs through eight inning, yet Cash sat him for the ninth with 101 pitches thrown. 

The question then becomes how many is too many? Of course, it depends. Someone like Max Scherzer routinely throws 110 pitches, so that's just not a lot. For him. But not all elite pitchers have the same standards. For someone like Jake Arietta, even 100 is a lot. In fact, this season he threw 100 pitches only ones, and in his next outing was promptly shelled by the Red Sox. 

It is all about routine and consistency. These guys throw every five days and have a very specific set of drills they do in the interim, and disruptions matter. 

So, just as we look at bullpen usage on a daily basis, "starter usage" is almost more important, because if you can't get TO the bullpen it really doesn't matter. What we might not have shared is where we find the bullpen usage information, and for me that's at: baseballpress.com

Looking for pitch counts is just about that easy. ESPN.com. Find the player, click the game log, and bingo, there it is. You can easily see what is "normal" for any particular pitcher. 

Dave Essler is a handicapper at Pregame, featured on ESPN, CNN, Fox Sports, and many more.

Pitch Counts - Very Important

BetDSI

Bookmaker

Bet US

BetOnline

Bovada

<p>The Houston Rockets (-121) are favored by 1.5 points on the road against the Denver Nuggets (+100) in a Western Conference matchup. The over/under line is set at 231.5 points.</p>

<p>This game will tip-off at 9:00 ET and can be seen on SCHN. The Rockets (26-12) have won four straight and are 2nd in the Western Conference. The Nuggets (24-15) have also won four straight and are 4th in the West.</p><h3>HOUSTON ROCKETS VS DENVER NUGGETS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Denver Nuggets +1.5</p><p>This game will be played at Ball Arena at 9:00 ET on Wednesday, January 15th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE DENVER NUGGETS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 129-115 in favor of the Nuggets.</li><li>Our projections have Nikola Jokic finishing with 29 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists.</li><li>From the field, we have the Nuggets finishing with a field goal percentage of 49.5% and knocking down 12 threes.</li></ul><h3>Can the Rockets Offense Score Enough in Denver?</h3><p>The Rockets improved to 26-12 on the season with a 120-118 win over the Grizzlies on Monday. Houston, playing at home, didn’t cover the spread as -2.5 favorites, winning by just two points. The total score of 238 points went over the pre-game line of 233.5.</p> <p>Houston’s 10-0 run was a key moment in the game, as they turned an 18-14 deficit into a 24-18 lead. After falling behind 92-87 going into the 4th quarter, the Rockets outscored the Grizzlies 33-26 in the final period to secure the win.</p><p>Jalen Green's 42-point performance, shooting 72.2% from the field and 83.3% from deep, led the Rockets to a win over the Grizzlies. Green hit 5 threes, scoring 11 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters, and added 10 points in each of the final two periods.</p> <p>The Rockets connected on 16 threes at a 51.6% clip, finishing with a 50.6% overall shooting percentage. Amen Thompson contributed 12 of his 19 points in the 4th quarter, while Cam Whitmore added 10 of his 16 points in the 2nd quarter.</p><p>Despite giving up 118 points, the Rockets' defense tightened up in the 4th quarter, allowing just 26 points to help secure the win. Overall, they allowed 30 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters and 32 in the 3rd. The Grizzlies shot 53% from the field.</p> <p>Houston also struggled to defend the three, with Memphis hitting 14 threes at a 43% clip. The Rockets sent the Grizzlies to the line 21 times, where they made 14 free throws. Defensively, the Rockets recorded 13 steals and 8 blocks.</p><h3>Will Denver Come Through as Home Underdogs?</h3><p>The Nuggets improved to 24-15 on the season with a 118-99 win over the Mavericks on Tuesday. Denver, favored by 2.5 points, covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game were 217, falling short of the 235-point over/under line.</p> <p>Denver set the tone early, jumping out to a 36-21 lead after the 1st quarter and extending it to 71-45 by halftime. A 12-0 run helped the Mavericks close the gap, but the Nuggets’ 91-67 lead heading into the 4th quarter was too much for Dallas to overcome.</p><p>Jamal Murray's 45-point performance, shooting 69.2% from the field and hitting 5 threes at 55.6%, led the Nuggets to a win over the Mavericks. Murray scored 19 points in the 1st quarter and added 13 more in the 2nd.</p> <p>As a team, Denver shot 51.8% from the field and made 13 threes at a 44.8% clip. Michael Porter Jr. contributed 13 points, hitting 3 threes at 75%, while Nikola Jokic added a 10-point, 14-rebound, 10-assist triple-double.</p><p>Defensively, the Nuggets were solid throughout the game, holding the Mavericks to just 99 points. They gave up 21 points in the 1st quarter, 24 in the 2nd, and 22 in the 3rd, before allowing 32 in the 4th.</p> <p>Denver limited Dallas to 42% shooting, including 28% from three-point range, with the Mavericks making just 9 threes. The Nuggets also sent Dallas to the line 22 times, where they made 14 free throws. Denver finished with 40 defensive rebounds, gave up 8 offensive boards, and recorded 9 steals and 7 blocks.</p>

Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets Betting Pick & Prediction 1/15/25

<p>Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Pride and Tigers. The game is starting at 7:00 ET on CBSS, and it's hosted by the Tigers at TU Arena in Towson, MD. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this Coastal Athletic Association conference contest is set at 123.5 points, with Towson being favored by -4 at home against Hofstra.</p><h3>HOFSTRA PRIDE VS TOWSON TIGERS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Towson Tigers -4</p><p>This game will be played at TU Arena at 7:00 ET on Thursday, January 16th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE TOWSON TIGERS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Tigers.</li><li>Not only will Towson pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -4.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 123.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.</li></ul><h3>Can the Pride Pull Off a Road Win?</h3><h3>Hofstra Pride Recent Game/Games</h3> 

<p>The Pride improved to 8-7 on the season with a 66-63 win over UNCW on Saturday, January 11th. Hofstra, playing at home, entered the game as -2.5 point favorites and covered the spread with the win.</p> 

<p>Hofstra led 29-24 at halftime, and while they allowed 39 points in the 2nd half, they scored 37 of their own to secure the win. The total points for the game were 129, just under the O/U line of 132.5.</p><p>Hofstra's offense put up 66 points in their last game, shooting 45.1% from the field. They connected on 42.9% of their threes, hitting 12 of 28 attempts, and had an effective field goal percentage of 56.9%.</p> <p>Donovan Newby led the way with 30 points, knocking down 8 of 14 threes at 57.1%. Jean Aranguren added 20 points, shooting 5 of 9 from deep. Michael Graham was perfect from the field, hitting all 5 of his shots and grabbing 11 rebounds.</p><p>Hofstra's defense gave up 63 points, with the opposing team shooting 45% from the field on 23 of 51 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 11 of 23 shooting for 47%.</p> <p>From three-point range, Hofstra's opponents hit 12 of 28 shots, good for 42%. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 14 times, where they made 8 for 57%. Hofstra gave up 10 offensive rebounds.</p><h3>Will the Tigers Live Up to Expectations at Home?</h3><h3>Towson Tigers Recent Game/Games</h3> 

<p>The Tigers improved to 7-9 on the season with a 93-82 road win over Drexel on Saturday. Towson entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs and covered the spread with the victory.</p> 

<p>After a 32-32 tie at halftime, Towson scored 44 points in the 2nd half while allowing 44 points. The game’s total points of 175 went well over the O/U line of 126.5.</p><p>The Tigers put up 93 points in their last game, shooting 54.7% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 62.5%. They connected on 45% of their threes (9/20) and hit 59.1% of their two-point attempts (26/44).</p> <p>Nendah Tarke and Dylan Williamson led the way, with Tarke scoring 27 points on 9/14 shooting, including 4/6 from three. Williamson added 26 points, hitting 10/15 from the field and 3/4 from deep, while also dishing out 7 assists.</p><p>Towson's defense struggled, giving up 82 points on 47% shooting from the field. They allowed 26 two-point baskets on 53 attempts, a 49% success rate for their opponent.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Towson's defense gave up 5 threes on 12 attempts, with their opponent shooting 41%. They also sent them to the line 27 times, where they hit 15 free throws, shooting 55%.</p>

Hofstra Pride vs Towson Tigers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

<p>Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Mountaineers versus the Monarchs? Tip off is at at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Chartway Arena in Norfolk, VA. Appalachian State come into this Sun Belt conference matchup as the -3 favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 133.5 points.</p><h3>APPALACHIAN STATE MOUNTAINEERS VS OLD DOMINION MONARCHS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Old Dominion Monarchs +3</p><p>This game will be played at Chartway Arena at 7:00 ET on Thursday, January 16th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE OLD DOMINION MONARCHS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 79-67 in favor of the Monarchs.</li><li>Not only will Old Dominion pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +3.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 133.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.</li></ul><h3>Can The Mountaineers Secure a Win at Norfolk?</h3><h3>Appalachian State Mountaineers Recent Game/Games</h3> 

<p>The Mountaineers evened their season record at 7-7 with an 86-66 home win over James Madison on Saturday, January 11th. Appalachian State, who were -1 favorites going into the game, covered the spread with the win.</p> 

<p>Appalachian State took control early, leading 49-30 at the half. They scored 37 points in the 2nd half while allowing 36. The game’s total points of 152 exceeded the over/under line of 133.5.</p><p>Appalachian State's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 86 points while shooting 53.8% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 63.5%, thanks in large part to their 58.8% shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of 17 attempts.</p> <p>CJ Huntley and Myles Tate both scored 21 points, with Huntley connecting on 4 of 6 threes. Tate also contributed 7 assists. Elijah Hutchins-Everett added 19 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 61.5% from the field.</p><p>Appalachian State's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 66 points while allowing the opposition to shoot 53% from the field. They conceded 18 two-point baskets on 35 attempts, a 51% shooting rate.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Appalachian State allowed 10 three-pointers on 17 attempts, a 58% success rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 28 times, where they converted 20 shots, or 71%. The Mountaineers gave up 6 offensive rebounds.</p><h3>Can Old Dominion Grab a Win at Home?</h3><h3>Old Dominion Monarchs Recent Game/Games</h3> 

<p>Old Dominion improved to 6-9 on the season with a 71-63 win over South Alabama on Saturday. The Monarchs were +14.5 point underdogs heading into the game but not only covered the spread, they pulled off the upset.</p> 

<p>After trailing 39-33 at halftime, Old Dominion tightened up defensively, allowing just 24 points in the 2nd half while scoring 30. The total points for the game ended at 134, just under the 134.5 O/U line.</p><p>Old Dominion put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 42.9% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 50.8%, with two-point shooting at 52.9% (18/34) and three-point shooting at 31% (9/29). They also hit 61.5% of their free throws, going 8/13 from the line.</p> <p>Sean Durugordon led the way with 27 points and 18 rebounds, shooting 61.1% overall. Robert Davis Jr. added 25 points, hitting 8 threes on 20 attempts. The Monarchs grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and dished out 17 assists in the game.</p><p>Old Dominion's defense held their opponent to 63 points on 35% shooting from the field, including 42% from two-point range (17/40).</p> <p>From beyond the arc, they limited their opponent to 6 made threes on 24 attempts (25%). They also sent them to the line 18 times, where they shot 61% (11/18). Old Dominion gave up 11 offensive rebounds.</p>

Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Old Dominion Monarchs NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

Major League Baseball (MLB) might not be the most popular sport in the world to wager on, but it still presents a really good betting option. MLB betting comes in many different forms, and this is a season that presents plenty of betting opportunities as well.

Major League Baseball was founded all the way back in 1876, but the league has obviously gone through some major changes since that time. Most of the major rules are still in place, but the way that the game is played is now much different.

There are currently 30 teams in MLB, and every team plays 162 games during the regular season. MLB games typically start at the end of March, or early April, and the World Series wraps up during the first week of November.

MLB teams are split up into leagues and divisions, but there is now more crossover games than ever before. The American League and National League now operate under the same basic rules, and that keeps things similar regardless of what league you are looking at.

Knowing the best MLB betting sites &amp; sportsbooks is also important if you plan to bet on MLB, and this article will explore that as well. By the time you are done reading this article, you should be ready to bet on baseball.
<h2 id="h-where-to-bet-on-major-league-baseball" class="wp-block-heading">WHERE TO BET ON MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL</h2>
Here is a look at some of the best MLB sportsbooks that are out there in the industry:

Best MLB Betting Sites & Sportsbooks

Los Angeles Dodgers vs New York Yankees Betting Pick & Prediction 10/30/24

Los Angeles Dodgers vs New York Yankees Betting Pick & Prediction 10/28/24

New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Pick & Prediction 10/26/24

New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Pick & Prediction 10/25/24

Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers Betting Pick & Prediction 10/27/24

New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Pick & Prediction 10/20/24

New York Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Betting Pick & Prediction 10/19/24

New York Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Betting Pick & Prediction 10/18/24

Los Angeles Dodgers vs New York Mets Betting Pick & Prediction 10/18/24

College basketball is one of the most popular sports to wager on, especially during one particular month of the year. College basketball betting presents many great opportunities to wager, and bettors tend to do pretty well when wagering on the sport.

There are a handful of different levels when it comes to college basketball, but it is Division 1 that tends to get all of the focus. The NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament takes place during the month of March, and that is one event that always attracts plenty of wagers.

College basketball starts to get things going in November each year, and then a champion is crowned in April. Teams compete in nonconference games to begin the year, but the best time to bet is during conference action later in the year.

Knowing how to bet college basketball is extremely important, and this article will help you out with that. You are also going to find some of the best college basketball betting sites &amp; sportsbooks in the industry, and that is where you will want to do your betting.
<h2 id="h-best-college-basketball-sportsbooks" class="wp-block-heading">BEST COLLEGE BASKETBALL SPORTSBOOKS</h2>
Before you even start to look for college basketball betting odds, you have to know where to go. There are some terrific college basketball sportsbooks out there, and those are who you should trust when doing your betting.

Here are some of the best college basketball sportsbooks that you should be using.

Best College Basketball Betting Sites & Sportsbooks

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

College Basketball

Memphis Tigers vs Temple Owls NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

Michigan Wolverines vs Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Nebraska Cornhuskers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

Maryland Terrapins vs Northwestern Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

Bryant Bulldogs vs Albany Great Danes NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

Maine Black Bears vs NJIT Highlanders NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

New Hampshire Wildcats vs UMBC Retrievers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

Montana State Bobcats vs Idaho State Bengals NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

Montana Grizzlies vs Weber State Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

Northeastern Huskies vs UNCW Seahawks NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25

<p>Planning on watching today's Hurricanes and Rangers game? Catch the action at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY, as the Rangers hosts this showdown at 4:00 ET on ESPN. The Hurricanes are the -1.5 goal favorites in this Metropolitan division matchup against the Rangers. The over/under for the game is set at 5.5 goals.</p><h3>CAROLINA HURRICANES VS NEW YORK RANGERS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: New York Rangers +1.5</p><p>This game will be played at Madison Square Garden at 4:00 ET on Sunday, May 5th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE NEW YORK RANGERS:</h3><ul><li>Coming in as 1.5 goal favorites, our projections have the Hurricanes picking up a  4-3 win.</li><li>Take the Hurricanes on the moneyline</li><li>On the puck line, we like Rangers (+1.5)</li></ul><h3>Can the Hurricanes Offense Score Enough on the Road?</h3><p><p>Carolina heads into this game with an overall record of 52-23-7, which has them in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference and 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division. Over their last ten games, the Hurricanes have gone 8-2, and they have gone 4-1 over their last five games. On the road this season, Carolina has gone 25-13-3, and they have been favored in 75 of their 82 games, going 49-19-7 in those games.</p>

<p>Over their last three games, the Hurricanes have gone 2-1, and for the season, they have gone 35-15 against Eastern Conference opponents. On the puck line, Carolina comes in at -1.5, and the over/under is set at 5.5.</p></p><p>Carolina has an average scoring differential of +.8 goals per game this season, and they have 35 wins by more than one goal. So far, the team's puck line record is 37-45, including going 33-42 when favored.</p>

<p>On the road, the Hurricanes have gone 19-22 against the puck line this season, and their average scoring margin away from home is +.7 goals per game. In their last ten road games, Carolina's puck line record is 5-5.</p> <p>This season, Carolina's games are averaging 6 goals per game. Their average over/under line is 6.2. The Hurricanes currently have an over/under record of 33-47-2.</p><p>Through their last three road games, Carolina has an puck line record of just 0-3. However, their overall record was 1-2 while averaging 2 goals per game.</p><p>In terms of their offensive performance, the Hurricanes are averaging 3.4 goals per game this season, putting them in the 7th spot in the NHL. When it comes to shots on goal per game, they are ranked 3rd in the league. In terms of power play goals, the Hurricanes offense is 3rd in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they are 4th in the NHL.</p><p>Carolina's leading scorer is Sebastian Aho. So far, he has 36 goals which is 22nd in the NHL. Aho also comes into the game with 53 assists.</p><p>In terms of defense, the Rangers head into the game ranked 22nd in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 29.3 shots per game against New York. So far, they are 14th in shutouts, achieving 5 shutouts.</p><p>Heading into this matchup vs. New York, goalie Frederik Andersen has started 16 games in this season. His current record is 13-2, and his save percentage stands at 0.397%.</p><h3>Can the Rangers Offense Score Enough at Home?</h3><p><p>As the top team in the Eastern Conference, the New York Rangers have been favored in 79% of their games this season. They have gone 43-19-2 as the favorite and are on a two-game win streak when favored.</p>

<p>At home this year, the Rangers are 29-11-0, and they have won two straight games at Madison Square Garden. In their last ten games, New York has gone 8-2, and they have won their last three games.</p></p><p>At home, the Rangers have gone 18-22 vs. the puck line this season, and they have a puck line mark of 40-41 overall. So far, New York has 31 wins by multiple goals and has gone 25-39 vs. the puck line when favored.</p>

<p>Overall, the team's average scoring margin is at +.6 goals per game, and they have gone 23-15 vs. the puck line as the underdog. Their average scoring margin at home is at +.7 goals per game, and their puck line mark at home is at 3-7 over their last ten games.</p> <p>This season, New York's games have an average of 6.3 goals per game. The average over/under number for the season is 6.1. The Rangers come in with an over/under performance of 44-34-3.</p><p>Across their three previous road games, Carolina has an puck line mark of 0-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 1-2 while averaging 2 goals per game.</p><p>On offense, the Rangers are averaging 3.4 goals per game which is 9th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 14th in the league. This season, the Rangers have a 33-15 record in games where they outshoot their opponent. In games with fewer shots on goal, they hold a 20-7 record.</p><p>New York's current leading scorer is Artemi Panarin. This season, he has 49 goals, which puts him 5th in the NHL. In addition to his goal scoring, Panarin has 69 assists this season.</p><p>New York defense takes on the Hurricanes ranked 22nd in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 29.3 shots per game against New York. They also are 14th in shutouts, with 5 shutouts.</p><p>Goalie Igor Shesterkin gets the start and has made 54 starts this season. His record at this point is 35-17, and his save percentage is 0.94%.</p>

Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers Betting Pick & Prediction 5/5/24