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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Wins Stock: 2023 MLB Over/Under Totals (Ranking) For All 30 Teams

MLB Opening Day 2023 is on Thursday and with 4,860 games, potentially, on the schedule, there are plenty of opportunities for baseball bettors. I also want to educate and motivate you to make better decisions when it comes to betting on MLB action. With the start of the season just days away, here are revisited my Over/Under Win Totals rankings for all 30 teams.

(Note: Please check out your favorite sportsbook for updated MLB Win Totals and odds. While open to partnerships with sports/sports betting partners, I have no affiliation with BetMGM.)

30.) Oakland A's: Sadly, getting a reasonable price to bet on/against the A's (59.5) will be impossible in 2023. Although, Kyle Muller might be worth a few sprinkles on occasion - including on Opening Day. But wake me up when the A's, who still believe in looking sharp, especially when they cover up in lots of green and gold, start trying to make us a little money. 

29.) Colorado Rockies: Even, bets on  over run totals involving the punch less Rockies (67.5) might be a thing of the past. At least, you can bet on Kris Bryant being around, in case you need cash. Or a new humidor.

28.) Washington Nationals: If you can name two Nationals players in less than a minute, you deserve to win all your bets on Washington (60.5) anytime this year.

27.) Pittsburgh Pirates: Do you trust any team betting on Rich Hill's left arm to go over a win total of (67.5)? I thought so.

26.) Cincinnati Reds: I'm betting the Reds (64.5) are going to get 10 wins apiece from Hunter Green and Nick Lodolo. But I'm not running to the betting window, just yet.

25.) Detroit Tigers: Austin Meadows, and Spencer Torkelson are solid bets to delay trips to the bathrooms at Comerica Park. However, the Tigers (69.5) pitching staff is also a solid bet to make you sick.

24.) Kansas City Royals: The game of baseball requires a pitching mound, so not even an endless supply of Kansas City barbecue might be able to get the Royals (68.5) near their over/under wins total. But young players such as Bobby Witt and MJ Melendez intrigue, if not make you think hard about betting Royals to go 'Over'.

23.) Arizona Diamondbacks: Get your bets in now on Zac Gallon making a serious run for the 2023 Cy Young Award. After you think about betting on the D'Backs (75.5) to go way 'Over'.

22.) Seattle Mariners: Hooray.We know all about Luis Castillo, Robbie Ray, Logan Gilbert and George Kirby. But the M's (88.5), feeling like a stretch to reach 89 wins, tend to go hitless in Seattle for long stretches. (Note: ✓ the 2022 MLB Playoffs)

 

21.) Cleveland Guardians: Is Jose Ramirez and an okay pitching staff enough to convince you the Guardians (87.5) are going over their current wins total? No.

20.) Milwaukee Brewers: Take advantage of the Brewers (87.5) quality pitching staff and track those game run totals, whenever you see a solid chance to profit. Milwaukee did little to improve their offense. Otherwise, I'm not betting on the Brewers to shake up the NL Central. Or Corbin Burnes for some more money.  

19.) Tampa Bay Rays: I bet the Rays (88.5) small market narrative, which they've squeezed everything out of in recent years, finally implodes. With or without, Wander Franco. 

18.) Atlanta Braves: Despite spending millions of dollars to keep their core players together, I'm betting too many things have to go right for the Braves (95.5), already dealing with key injuries (*K. Wright), to win the NL East, again. I'm not betting on it to happen.

17.) St. Louis Cardinals: Last I saw, the Cardinals (89.5) offense, still big on Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, was getting 00000000 by the Phillies. Use caution if betting on the Cardinals, even with all those young pitching arms.

16.) Minnesota Twins: The Twins (82.5) 

doubled down on Carlos Correa. I'm doubling/betting on Pablo Lopez, traded to Minnesota from Miami in the off-season, never shaving his beard, again. Stay warm, Pablo. 

15.) Baltimore Orioles: No, I didn't crash into a bird on my run. If top prospects Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall rattle the starting rotation, the O's (76.5) are a smart bet to pick up where they left off a year ago and cover the o/u total here. 

14.) Boston Red Sox: Alex Cora might opt for a Dunkin Donuts diet, after taking a real good look at the Red Sox (77.5) 2023 Opening Day lineup. I'm betting you should lockdown your favorite trash can.

13.) Miami Marlins: A sucker for nostalgia, I'm betting Jazz Chisholm Jr., now a video game cover boy and a center fielder no longer begging for All-Star Game votes from the shortstop position, and the rest of the Marlins (74.5), celebrating their 30th year anniversary, are about to cook up something fresh en La Pequeña Havana.

Looks 'Over': RHP Sandy Alcántara, the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner, makes the Miami Marlins a smart bet to shake up the NL East in 2023. Photo: Getty  📸

The Marlins pitching staff, led by Sandy Alcántara & Friends (Johnny Cueto, Edward Cabrera, Sixto Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo and Trevor Rogers), is also going to stuff the NL East with Cuban sandwiches. The Marlins, underpriced in my opinion, are a live 'dog to win the NL East. Especially, with the Braves, Mets and Phillies all nursing significant injuries to start the season. 

(I'm also all on select "Flashback Fridays", when the Marlins will wear pinstripe teal uniforms as a throwback to 1997.)

 

12.) Los Angeles Dodgers: Are you betting on the Dodgers (96.5), a very proud franchise currently counting on a bunch of faceless players, to muster up enough offense and revive Clayton Kershaw in order to outlast the Padres in the NL West? 

We're not betting it, here.

11.) Chicago Cubs: I bet you didn't know Dansby Swanson is the Cubs (77.5) new shortstop. I'm betting Swanson and a very under-the-radar pitching staff are about to make Wrigley Field a lot of fun, again. 

10.) San Francisco Giants: I like teams such as the Giants (80.5), counting on leftovers (Michael Conforto, Mitch Haniger) after swinging and missing on a pair of big fish (Carlos Correa and Aaron Judge). The Giants, betting on plenty of pitching depth behind Logan Webb, will be a serious problem, if Conforto and Haniger stay out of the trainer's room.

9.) Chicago White Sox: Not having Tony La Russa around anymore, in addition to playing in a weak division, make the Sox (84.5) a solid bet to win at least 85 games, and hang in the American League Central. 

(Bet Tip: The White Sox, always good for a Cuban connection, have one in 2023.)

8.) New York Yankees: Same old story with the Yankees (95.5), but does resigning Judge, Anthony Rizzo and adding Carlos Rodon (to a pitching staff already out Nestor Torres and Frankie Montas) make them legit World Series contenders? I'm betting there's a chance this Yankees experiment goes sideways.

7.) San Diego Padres: Adding Michael Wacha, who apparently will work anywhere, and is coming off a career rebirth in Boston, was an off-the-radar move. 

It also makes the Padres (93.5), serious World Series contenders, even better. No matter, what the Dodgers do.

6.) Los Angeles Angels: If not now, then when will Otani, Mike Trout and the rest of the Angels (80.5) put it all together? 

5.) Texas Rangers: Watching Greg Maddox sitting on a golf cart, while trying to teach anything to Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray is enough to make you want to bet the Rangers (82.5) to win a lot of baseball games this season. Unless, all this goes bad.

4.) New York Mets: The Mets (95.5) are betting on Justin Verlander to carry a pitching staff with plenty of depth questions, and more of the same from Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso and Starling Marte. Don't bet it.

3.) Philadelphia Phillies: Can the Phillies (88.5), out Harper to start the season and Hoskins for all of 2023, bet on Nola and Wheeler to carry them deep into the summer? Make your bets cautiously.

2.) Houston Astros: Too many things need to go right, including a repeat performance from Jeremy Peña. I'm betting the Astros (96.5) will not win the World Series for a second straight year.

1.) Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays (92.5) are so young and talented, even the real Jose Berrios might decide to join them soon, and help you cash a lot of betting tickets this season. I'm also betting, you didn't know Don Mattingly has a grudge against the Yankees.

Swinging by the Palm Beaches: Everything you need to know about The Honda Classic at PGA National

The Honda Classic, taking place February 23-26 at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, features some of the world's top golfers swinging away at one of the most grueling golf courses on tour - amid the scenic and inviting backdrop of the Palm Beaches. 

A favorite stop on the PGA Tour, The Honda Classic also attracts golf fans from over the world, all ready to tee off on everything the tournament offers from start to finish, at PGA National.

Need to buy tickets for The Honda Classic? Don't know how to get to PGA National? Need a primer on what to wear to The Honda Classic? Here is everything you need to know about attending The Honda Classic at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida: 

Where is The Honda Classic taking place

The Honda Classic will be held at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Located at 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33418, PGA National can be assessed by taking I-95 to PGA Blvd. (westbound exit).

Go west on PGA Blvd. to Avenue of the Champions and make a left (south), before following the signs for parking. (Exit at PGA Blvd., if using the Florida Turnpike.)

Where are my Honda Classic tickets 

Need to purchase tickets to The Honda Classic? Weekly Grounds Tickets ($195), Daily Grounds Passes ($75), among other ticket packages, are available to purchase now at www.Hondaclassic.com or by calling 1-844-846-6328. (Kids under 15 get in free with the purchase of an adult ticket.)

How much is parking at The Honda Classic 

General Parking is $10. However, if you 

drive a Honda or Accord, Parking at The Honda Classic is .. free. (Note: With the tournament losing Honda as it's title sponsor, this is the last time you will be able to take advantage of this sweet golf deal.)

Ballenisles Parking is $25 and accessible adjacent to the entrance of Ballenisles Country Club (eastbound side of PGA Boulevard).

PGA of America Parking (Lot) is $50 (Saturday and Sunday only) and is located on Avenue of the Champions (just south of PGA Boulevard). 

Shuttle service will be available from all parking lots to the main entrance of The Honda Classic. 

How Do I Pay At The Honda Classic 

The Honda Classic is a cashless golf tournament. So, be prepared to have your favorite credit card or debit card when paying for parking, tickets and concessions.

What should I wear to The Honda Classic 

It's typically warm and windy this time of year at The Honda Classic. 

A pair of sneakers, a hat, some cool shades and plenty of sunscreen will make you feel like you just hit your best golf shot. And looking cool with all your golf buddies.

What will I be able to enjoy at The Honda Classic It's okay if that wasn't you making Tiger Woods sweat during the last round of the 2002 Masters. You don't have to exactly be a golf pro or golf enthusiast to enjoy The Honda Classic, always filled of fun hostility tents guaranteed to keep you entertained. 

Not enough? The Honda Classic will also will have you choosing from their many food and drink options throughout PGA National.

What can I do in the Palm Beaches while also enjoying The Honda Classic 

The Palm Beaches, it's pleasant and inviting weather, offers endless miles of sandy beaches, top-tier restaurants and diverse entertainment - all within a short drive from PGA National, so it's a guarantee you won't miss any of the action at The Honda Classic. 

Sizing up the course: Sepp Straka lines up a shot at the 2022 Honda Classic in route to his first career PGA Tour win.

What can you bring to The Honda Classic 

Bags must be 6 inches by inches or smaller.

All mobile phones must be on silent mode.

Binoculars without cases.

Seat cushions without carrying case.

Umbrellas without sleeves.

Collapsible chairs without chair bags.

All sound devices (with headsets).

Do I get anymore tips before making plans to attend The Honda Classic

A.) Avoid all the parking stuff by setting up a ride (on your favorite app) to The Honda Classic. 

B.) Golfers rarely sign autographs on the golf course. So, leave your Rickie Fowler bobblehead doll behind.

C.) Stay still and be quiet when you see a marshall hold up a sign. It means a golfer is nearby trying to concentrate on hitting a golf ball.

D.) Plan on drinking plenty of water. It can get hot and you need to stay hydrated while chasing your favorite golfer at The Honda Classic.