NBA Road 'Dog Alert: Bulls (+4.5) at Raptors

It's the Bulls vs. Raptors (-4.5) in a key Eastern Conference matchup tonight at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. 

The Bulls (28-33), on a modest two-game winning streak after dropping six in a row earlier in February, are starting to click on defense, especially with the addition of Patrick Beverley, who was signed during the All-Star break. With Beverley, Chicago has allowed a combined 170 points in wins over Brooklyn and Washington, after giving up 100 or more points in seven of eight games before the break.

The Bulls, currently 11th in the Eastern Conference and 1.5 games behind Toronto in the standings, are starting to roundup as a solid defensive squad. DeMar DeRozan, who scored 29 points on 11-of-15 from the floor vs. Washington, also continues to find his spots on the floor. 

While just 10-20 on the road, Chicago, 4-6 straight up in their last 10 games, will be playing their third game in five nights, but with the 7-10 seeds in each conference making the play-in tournament, this is a good spot for the Bulls to make up ground. 

Toronto (30-32), coming off a road loss at Cleveland, will be in action for the third time in four nights. The Raptors are 7-3 in their last 10 games, but six of those wins came against Houston, San Antonio, Orlando, New Orleans and Detroit. 

The Raptors are 19-13 at home, including a win over the Bulls inside Scotiabank Arena.  

But that was in early-November on the front-end of a home-and-home vs. Chicago. While the season series sits at 1-1, it's been over three months since these two teams have met on the basketball court.

However, even with the Raptors recent success, I feel the Bulls are starting to turn the corner at just the right time. The addition of Beverley also gives Chicago a different feel on defense, which will force the Raptors into plenty of tough shots, if not create easy buckets on the opposite end. While not entirely sold on the Raptors, I'm definitely buying what the Bulls are doing right now.

My Bet: Bulls +4.5 

On a roll: The Bulls (+4.5), on a two-game winning streak since the All-Star break, are a live 'dog at Toronto on Tuesday night. Photo: Getty 📸

Trophy case, MLB longshots: Flier bets on Manaea (80-1, NL Cy Young Award), Devers (20-1, AL MVP Award) worth a look before start of 2023 season

Sean Manaea, who signed a two-year, $25 million deal with the San Francisco Giants this offseason, is 80-1 at BetMGM to win the 2023 National League Cy Young Award. Red Sox star Rafael Devers is a 'modest' 20-1 to win the 2023 American League MVP Award.

I think both of them are worth longshot bets. Here's why. (Please bet responsibly and do it with a legitimate and licensed operator. Check out your favorite sportsbook for updated odds, etc.)

SEAN MANAEA (80-1 @ BetMGM) to win 2023 National League Cy Young Award 

I think the 2023 San Francisco Giants will not only hang tight with the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, but make the playoffs this season. 

My long-term projection also includes left-handed starter Sean Manaea, a 80-1 longshot at BetMGM to win the 2023 National League Cy Young Award, emerging as a top-tier contributor in the Giants' pitching rotation. 

With a 58-50 record and 4.06 ERA in seven MLB seasons, the 31-year-old Manaea, signed to a two-year, $25 million this offseason, and currently slotted behind Logan Webb and Alex Cobb, has proven to be durable and effective throughout his career.

Despite logging over 820 big league innings, Manaea, who made 30 appearances for the Padres last season, has already shown an increase in velocity, including getting to 93-96 mph while striking out two over two innings in his spring debut vs. the Reds.

While he still goes to his fastball a high percentage of the time, which could be a cause for concern for a pitcher advancing in age, Manaea also features a devastating changeup, which could come in quite handy when facing the likes of the Dodgers and Padres lineups - both very patient at the plate. 

I also like that Manaea is fresh off an extended look of the NL West after his time with the Padres, in addition to Cobb being often injured. 

All considered, Manaea is my pick (bet) to win the 2023 National League Cy Young Award.

RAFAEL DEVERS (20-1 @ BetMGM) to win 2023 American League MVP Award 

With plenty of betting love at various sportsbooks going to favorites such as Aaron Judge, Mike Trout and Shohei Otani, Boston Red Sox' 3B Rafael Devers definitely offers plenty of value as a potential 2023 American League MVP Award winner.

Fresh off signing an 11-year, $313.5 million deal in January, Devers, 26, could be in prime position to challenge Judge, Otani and Trout, after a Top-15 finish for the same award in 2022. 

While not much is expected of the Red Sox this season, I expect Boston to contend all summer and Devers to carry much of the load on a team with plenty of questions. 

I'm also not convinced Judge, who also signed a huge contract this offseason, can repeat what he did in 2022. After I bet Otani and Trout, both with a history of elongated injuries, will cancel each other out. 

Even, if both stay healthy and the Angels contend. 

So, go get a hefty price right now on Rafael Devers to win the 2023 American League MVP Award. 

(Note: Shop around for better odds!) 

Big swing: Winning a bet on Red Sox 3B Rafael Devers at 20/25-1 to win the 2023 American League MVP Award would return a hefty profit for any bettor .

Bet on it: Heat vs. Bucks, Under 221.5 Points

With Miami a difficult watch on offense, no matter how many points Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro score on any given night, and Milwaukee dealing with Giannis' wrist injury, 'Under 221.5 Points' looks too good to pass up with Heat vs. Bucks. 

Here's why: 

For the Heat (32-27), in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference and betting on the recently signed Kevin Love for a much needed offensive boost, it's always a struggle to put the ball in the net. 

Only Bam Adebayo (4), Tyler Herro (3) and Jimmy Butler (5) have posted high-scorer tabs over the team's last 12 games. 

In fact, you have to go back to January 20 at Dallas (Victor Oladipo, 20 points) to find a  high-scorer for the Heat other than Adebayo, Butler or Herro. Oladipo has pretty much been a non-factor since. 

While the Heat scored 105 points or more in four of their last five games heading into the all-star break, Miami was a modest 3-2 straight up and, other than in their OT win at Orlando, most of those points came in (very clear) garbage time.

Plain and simple, the Heat just struggle to find a rhythm on offense on most nights.

And I'm betting on that not changing. No matter, what Adebayo, Butler or Herro bring to the scorer's table.

Milwaukee, currently on a 12-game win streak, is a modest 6-5 without Giannis in the lineup this season, including 2-4 in their last six games in said spot. The two wins came against Toronto and Indiana.

The Bucks have other options to carry the load on offense. However, they also give up a lot of points -- with or without Giannis. 

But the offensively inept Heat, which at times plays at a very slow pace, is unlikely to take advantage in this spot.

It's also the first game back for both teams after the all-star break.

My Pick: Under 221.5 points 

Betting Against Heart Disease: 4 Ways To A Healthy Heart

It's still American Heart Month and no matter what game is keeping you on the edge on your seat, a strong heart is important for your long-term health.

With one out of four deaths in America is caused by heart disease, according to the American Heart Association, having a healthy heart is always a smart bet. 

Here are 4 ways you can keep a healthy heart. 

Watch Your Weight 

Watching your weight is crucial in having a healthy heart. 

Being overweight can cause high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, making it difficult for your heart to pump blood throughout your body, and building up excess fat in your arteries. 

Eat Healthy Foods 

Everyone is different, so a balanced eating pattern that may work for one person may not work for another. Yet, everyone can benefit from eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, and plenty of lean meats.

A nutritious eating pattern, with foods filled of nutrients like antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and potassium, will also help you keep a healthy heart.

Smart move: Eating a banana is a good idea after a nice walk or run to start your day.

Exercise On A Regular Basis 

Keeping a regular exercising routine will help you balance your weight, manage your stress and strengthen your heart. 

Exercise can also help you manage chronic diseases and decrease your risk of having a stroke. 

Going for a walk each day, if you're a beginner and not already jogging, cycling and/or doing any sports, will help you stay active and keep a healthy heart.  

Avoid Smoking 

Smoking causes serious damage to your lungs and heart. Smoking also increases the chances of you developing heart disease. 

Looking to quit smoking, even if you've been a smoker for years? Quiting smoking also will decrease your blood pressure and slow your heart to a normal rate. 

The longer you go without smoking - after quitting smoking - will allow you to enjoy the healthy benefits of a non-smoker, including keeping a healthy heart.

  

Field of 'Longshot' Dreams At PGA National; Horschel (30-1), Kuchar (25-1) entice as bet picks to win 2023 Honda Classic

Just three top-20 players - Sungjae Im, Shane Lowry and Billy Horschel - will be taking aim at PGA National (Champion Course), when the 2023 Honda Classic tees off on Thursday morning in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. 

The first of four tournaments on the 'Florida Swing', the 2023 Honda Classic, in the final year under it's longtime title sponsor, in addition to a reduced prize money total for the winner, has lacked big name power in recent years. 

A lot of the top golfers in the world choose to skip the 2023 Honda Classic, rather than bet on tackling a difficult course featuring plenty of water hazards, tight landing areas (from the tee) and fast greens. All, in addition to the occasional windy conditions this time of year. 

Oddly, though the Honda Classic has been kind to bettors betting pre-tourny, longshots since 2019, including Sepp Straka, a 125-1 bet option before bagging the 2022 title. 

Straka joined Matt Jones (2021, 80-1), Sungjae Im (2020, 30-1) and Keith Mitchell (2019, 250-1) as recent longshot winners at the Honda Classic. So, with longshots turning into legit contenders in recent years at the Honda Classic, plenty of golf bettors might even be seeing a trend which is too good to pass up. 

And, this year's Honda Classic betting board, again, offers several longshots you should be keeping a betting eye on. 

Here are 5 golfers worth a bet to win the 2023 Honda Classic:

Billy Horschel (30-1)

Horschel, who most recently missed the cut at the Genesis Invitational after finishing 32nd at the Phoenix Open, hasn't exactly been a safe bet on any golf course, lately.  

However, Horschel, born and raised about 90 miles from PGA National in Brevard County, is still the second highest ranked player in the field. That alone makes him a valuable betting option in this spot.

Horschel, a seven-time PGA Tour champ, has two top-10 finishes (2016, 2017) at the Honda Classic, in addition to Top-20 checks in 2019 and 2022. 

Despite missing the cut in three of his first four starts on the Champion Course, Horschel tends to play well in Florida.

I also like a good storyline and Horschel winning here would definitely fit the bill.

Matt Kuchar (25-1)

Kuchar, another Florida-born pro who does good work when close to home, has three top 10 finishes in eight starts this year, including an 8th place finish at the Genesis Invitational. 

While Kuchar, who hasn't competed at the Honda Classic since 2011, might be short on experience at PGA National, his ability to scramble and save par, while playing mistake-free golf, makes him a smart bet to deal with all the water hazards this week. 

Smart bet: Matt Kuchar, coming off a top 10 finish at the Genesis Invitational, offers plenty of value at 25-1 to win the 2023 Honda Classic. Photo Courtesy: Getty 📸 

Harris English (40-1)

It's been either up or down for English, injured for much of 2022, before returning to missed results. 

Yet, English, who carded a 65 on Sunday on his way to a top 15 finish at Riviera Beach, has fared well at the Honda Classic, with top 20 finishes in 2019 and 2020. 

While it's his first time back at the Honda Classic since 2020, the price is too good here not to bet on English to carry some of the momentum into Palm Beach Gardens.

Shane Lowry (14-1)

Lowry, who let a big lead slip away at last year's Honda Classic, has missed three cuts and carded two top-25 finishes in his last eight worldwide tournaments. However, Lowry is still a major champion and worth a sprinkle at this price or something similar.

Webb Simpson (90-1)

Here is your super longshot, my golf betting friends. If this were a while back, Simpson, who has fallen on hard times on the golf course, would be one of the favorites heading into the 2023 Honda Classic.

Unfortunately, it's been a struggle for the seven-time PGA Tour champ. Still, Simpson, who has won a PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass, knows how to handle himself around difficult conditions, which the water- happy PGA National will definitely present.

(Note: Please bet responsibly and check your favorite sportsbook for updated odds on the 2023 Honda Classic.) 

Bet On It: Rules Of Proper Etiquette For Spectators To Follow When At A Golf Tournament

Never been to a golf tournament, but planning to attend the Honda Classic this weekend at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida? 

Here is a rundown of golf etiquette rules, you better bet on following on the course:

⛳ Quiet Please ..

You try hitting a golf ball surrounded by thousands of spectators watching every move you make? Exactly! Please remain quiet while a player is hitting a shot.

⛳ Look The Part 

Wear your favorite golf attire (shirt, shorts, polos, khakis, etc) to the tournament. Just leave the denim, tank tops and short-shorts at home. A comfortable pair of shoes is also strongly recommend. (You might also want to grab a hat, shades and some sun lotion.)

⛳ Drop Your Phone

Talking on your phone on the golf course is not permitted. Your phone should be turned off or set to vibrate. As you probably know, but just an added reminder, you wouldn't be able to ask Sepp Straka about his plans for the evening. Communication between spectators and players is prohibited.

Silent mode: Talking on the phone on a golf course is not permitted, especially when a player such as Shane Lowry is lining up his next shot. Photo Courtesy: Getty 📸

⛳ Don't Ask For Autographs 

Avoid asking for your favorite golf player's autograph. Unless, your favorite golf player hasn't reached the practice area of the golf course or has already signed their scorecard and left the scorer's area. 

⛳ Watch Where You Stand 

A lot of times the gallery at a golf tournament is large and crowded. So, it's a good idea to be mindful of the spectators behind you. You might also want to keep your umbrella out of the way. If you bring one to the golf tournament. ⛳ ⛳ ⛳ ⛳

School Of Betting College Basketball 101: How-to, Tips, Samples On Hoops (Moneyline, Point Spread) Bets

Early-March in college basketball means conference tournament time, so the betting action on the hardwood is about to hit another gear. No matter the conference, there will also be plenty of games to bet on.

Would you consider making a point spread bet on Auburn in the SEC Tournament this week, after watching the Tigers cover as home favs vs. the Tennessee Volunteers over the weekend? Here is a rundown of the bets you can make on college basketball games, including the still-popular point spread bets. 

(Always check sportsbooks/operators for updated college basketball point spreads, lines and odds. Please bet responsibly. I would be happy to answers any of your questions, including anything on here.)

College basketball Point Spread Bet

A college basketball point spread is set by oddsmakers in hopes of generating an equal amount of money bet on both teams. One of those teams is set as the favorite; the other is made the underdog. For example: Tennessee (+3) @ Auburn (-3); In this game, Auburn would have to win by 4 points or more to cover the spread and make sure you won your bet on the home favorites. If Tennessee won or loss by 2 points or less, all bettors on the road underdogs would win their bets.

(The favorite is listed with a minus ➖ sign before the point spread, while the underdog has a plus + sign next to it. A vig (juice) you pay to make a point spread bet is determined by your sportsbook of choice.)

Slam dunk: Betting on college basketball moneyline underdogs, including during conference tournament action, could be profitable, if you do your homework on and off the court.  📸: Fernie Ruano 

College Basketball Moneyline Bet

Think you can figure out who is going to win the Tennessee (+160) vs. Auburn (-160) college basketball game, and want to make a moneyline bet? A moneyline bet, which does not include a point spread, but changes the odds on each teams, just requires the team you bet on wins the game straight up.

It also comes with an aforementioned moneyline. So, if you bet Auburn (-160), at the price used in this example, let's say, you would have to risk +160 for a return of $100.

If you bet the Vols (+160), you have to risk $100 for a return of +160. (Per $100 example)

College Basketball Over/Under Total Bet

The over/under (total) bet, a combined total of points projected to be scored by both teams, set by oddsmakers at a given sportsbook, is also a popular bet with the general public when betting on college basketball games. If the over/under total for Duke @ North Carolina is 129, bettors can bet whether the final score will be over or under 129 points. 

Do Your College Basketball Homework

It's March, which means you will probably be hearing from plenty of your favorite college basketball analysts, whenever you turn on your computer, phone, TV or radio. But at the end of the day, it's 'your' college hoops bet. So, please put in the work in reviewing college basketball point spreads, lines, team power rankings, player profiles, and everything else you can lay eyes on.

In the long-run, all the time and work will make you a sharper college hoops bettor.

(Have a question or comment? In the market for any of the services mentioned on my blog? Please get in touch right here and come follow me on Twitter @bet_on305fernie )

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