NHL Odds: Stars Come Home as Dallas Visits Minnesota

The Dallas Stars need a miracle if they’re going to make the playoffs. They might not get the points they desperately need this Thursday when they return to their old stomping grounds to face the Minnesota Wild, who are hanging tough in third place in the Central Division. Game time is 8 PM ET on NBCSN.


The Stars (38-30-8), who began life in 1967 as the Minnesota North Stars, find themselves nine points behind the Wild (42-24-9) in the Central standings, and five points back in the Wild Card race with just six games left to play. Dallas is also on an untimely nine-game winless streak. No. 1 netminder Ben Bishop (.916 save percentage) is out with a knee injury, and back-up Kari Lehtonen (.911 SV%) has struggled to replace him.

Minnesota has kept pace in the Central at 6-2-2 in their last 10 games, but they’ll be missing one of their best blueliners after Jared Spurgeon (37 points in 61 games) suffered a partially torn right hamstring two weeks ago. Spurgeon isn’t expected to return until the playoffs; the eight-year veteran has been a regular fixture in the Wild’s top defensive tandem alongside Ryan Suter.

NHL Odds: Last Chance for Stars in Minnesota

The Dallas Stars (38-30-8) are winless in their last nine games, and their playoff hopes are fading fast as they prepare for a home-and-home series with the Minnesota Wild (42-24-9). They’ll play the front end in St. Paul this Thursday; NBCSN has the coverage beginning at 8 PM ET.

The Wild have gone 6-2-2 in their last 10 games to hang on to third place in the Central Division standings, nine points ahead of Dallas with a game in hand. However, top defenseman Jared Spurgeon (hamstring) is expected to miss the rest of the regular season.

NHL Odds: Kings Continue Playoff Push Versus Coyotes

The Los Angeles Kings (42-28-7) are on the cusp of making the playoffs. The Arizona Coyotes (26-39-11) are near the bottom of the NHL standings. They’ll meet Thursday night at Staples Center with two very different agendas; the puck drops at 10:30 PM ET, with regional coverage on Fox Sports.


This is obviously an important game for the Kings, who will play Arizona on two days of rest. LA is fighting with the Anaheim Ducks for third in the Pacific Division, and they’re in the thick of the heated Wild Card race in the Western Conference. But Thursday’s result also matters to the Coyotes. They’re second-last in the standings, perhaps with an eye on improving their lottery prospects at the 2018 NHL Draft.

Arizona will have to face the Kings immediately after visiting the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. For now, Antti Raanta (.927 save percentage) is projected to start both games for the ‘Yotes, while Jonathan Quick (.923 SV%) is penciled in for Los Angeles. There’s only one man down for the Kings: No. 2 blueliner Jake Muzzin (eight goals, 34 assists) is listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury that he sustained on Monday.

NHL Odds: Coyotes-Kings at Staples Center

The Los Angeles Kings (42-28-7) will continue their playoff push this Thursday when they host the Arizona Coyotes (26-39-11), who have nothing left to play for except pride – and lottery position at the NHL Draft. Game time is 10:30 PM ET on regional Fox Sports affiliates.


This will be the second of back-to-back games for Arizona, while the Kings will be playing on two days of rest. Antti Raanta (.927 save percentage) is projected to start for the Coyotes opposite Jonathan Quick (.923 SV%); defenseman Jake Muzzin (eight goals, 34 assists) is week-to-week for LA with an upper-body injury.

Kentucky Derby Odds: Bolt d’Oro Stays on Top

The field for the 2018 Kentucky Derby is starting to take shape. With just over a month before the big race at Churchill Downs on May 5, Bolt d’Oro has grabbed the early lead at +700 on the Kentucky Derby futures market. Audible and McKinzie are tied for second at +1000.


Bolt d’Oro, a dark bay trained by Mick Ruis and ridden by Javier Castellano, was on top of the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings after taking down the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 10 – although he won after McKinzie was penalized for drifting into Bolt d’Oro’s path. However, it’s Noble Indy (+2000) with the points lead at press time, following his victory at the G1 Louisiana Derby on March 24.

There are seven more prep races on the “main” road to the Derby, plus the Burradon Stakes at Newcastle Racecourse in England, so there’s ample time for other horses to punch their tickets for Louisville. That includes Good Magic (+1400), the reigning Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion. The Chad Brown-trained chestnut colt had to settle for third place behind Promises Fulfilled (+1600) and Strike Power (+2000) at the G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes on March 3.
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Kentucky Derby Odds: Bolt d’Oro the Early Favorite

Following his exciting and controversial win at the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, Bolt d’Oro is the early +700 favorite to win the 2018 Kentucky Derby on May 5 at Churchill Downs. The horse he defeated, McKinizie, is tied for second at +1000 with Audible.

At the San Felipe Stakes, McKinize crossed the finish line in front of Bolt d’Oro by a head, but was penalized for drifting and relegated to second place. They’re expected to do battle again at the G1 Santa Anita Derby on April 7; Audible is pointed at the G1 Florida Derby on March 31.

NBA Odds: Trail Blazers Head to New Orleans on Tuesday

After the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors, the Western Conference playoff race is a tight one. Two teams involved in that race, the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Pelicans, will meet in New Orleans on Tuesday. Tip-off is at 8 PM ET.


The Trail Blazers went into Oklahoma City and beat the Thunder 108-105 on Sunday in a key matchup of two teams battling for the No. 3 seed in the West. Going into that game, the Trail Blazers had lost two games in a row, which broke a 13-game winning streak. Portland is now just 2.5 games up on New Orleans, so this game is important for playoff positioning.

The Pelicans are 43-31 following a 114-91 loss in Houston on Saturday, a game in which New Orleans was down by 27 points at halftime and couldn’t recover. PF Anthony Davis led the way with 25 points and eight rebounds for the Pelicans, who had won four in a row going into that game.

The Pelicans are 6-4 SU and ATS in their 10 meetings with the Trail Blazers, who have lost both meetings with New Orleans this season. Six of the meetings have gone over the posted total.

NBA Odds: Trail Blazers Try for First Win Over Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have won both meetings with the Portland Trail Blazers this season. The two go head-to-head Tuesday night in Portland, starting at 8 PM ET.


The Pelicans won 123-116 in Portland on December 2, with the now-injured C DeMarcus Cousins putting up 38 points. PG Damian Lillard powered the Trail Blazers with 29 points. New Orleans then won 119-113 at home on January 12. Anthony Davis, who missed the first meeting, had 36 points while Lillard and SG CJ McCollum each had 23 points for the Trail Blazers. Cousins also put up 24 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists in that game for the Pelicans.

Kentucky Derby Odds: Bolt d’Oro Takes Early Lead

The 144th Kentucky Derby will be run on Saturday, May 5 at Churchill Downs, and there isn’t one particular horse standing out from the crowd this year. At press time, Bolt d’Oro is a slim 7/1 favorite on the horse racing futures market, just ahead of Audible at 8/1 and McKinzie at 10/1.


Bolt d’Oro also has a one-point lead on the 2018 Road to the Kentucky Derby. The dark bay took over top spot with a win at the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 10; McKinzie crossed the finish line first by a head after a heated battle, but was relegated to second for drifting into Bolt d’Oro’s path. That decision handed McKinzie his first loss in four career races, after victories at the G1 Los Alamitos Futurity and the G3 Sham Stakes.

Of all the contenders on the Triple Crown trail, Good Magic (14/1) may be the most noteworthy. The chestnut colt made history when he broke his maiden by winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year, with Bolt d’Oro coming in third. Good Magic has raced just once this year, finishing third at the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes on March 3.

Kentucky Derby Odds: Is Bolt d’Oro the Real Thing?

With six weeks left before the 2018 Kentucky Derby on May 5, Bolt d’Oro (7/1) has taken a slim lead over Audible (8/1) and McKinzie (10/1) on the horse racing futures market. The dark bay is also on top of the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings by a single point.


Bolt d’Oro got there by winning the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, but it was McKinzie crossing the line first by a head; he was penalized for drifting and had to settle for second place. They should meet again at the G1 Santa Anita Derby on April 7.

After winning the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes in somewhat controversial fashion, Bolt d’Oro finds himself atop the Kentucky Derby odds list at 7/1. The dark bay will be one of up to 20 horses in the field at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 5.

NHL Odds: Resurgent Caps Visit Red Wings on NBCSN

The Washington Capitals (41-24-7) are in first place in the Metropolitan Division. They’ve also made a healthy profit of 6.73 units against the puck line at 41-31 ATS. But don’t be fooled – the Capitals have not played anywhere close to the same level they did last season. At least they won’t have to worry too much about Thursday’s opponents; Washington will visit the Detroit Red Wings (26-35-11), who haven’t won a game since February 25. NBCSN has the coverage beginning at 7:30 PM ET.


Most of Washington’s profits this year have been made in the last two weeks, with Philipp Grubauer (.922 save percentage) taking over between the pipes for No. 1 netminder Braden Holtby (.906 SV%). Grubauer has played five of the last six games for the Capitals and is 7-2 in his last nine starts overall. Whether he’ll continue to carry the load for Washington remains to be seen.
The Red Wings, meanwhile, are in the tank after shipping LW Tomas Tatar to the Vegas Golden Knights at the trade deadline. Starting goalie Jimmy Howard (.909 SV%) has also played worse than back-up Petr Mrazek (.910 SV%), who was dealt to the Philadelphia Flyers on February 19.

NHL Odds: Different Goalies, Different Results for Caps, Wings

The Washington Capitals (41-24-7) have picked up the pace since handing the reins to No. 2 netminder Philipp Grubauer. The Detroit Red Wings (26-35-11) haven’t had the same success since turning to former starter Jimmy Howard. They’ll meet this Thursday at 7:30 PM ET on NBCSN.

Washington could choose to start Braden Holtby on Thursday instead of Grubauer, but whoever’s between the pipes, they’ll get to play a Detroit team that hasn’t won in nearly a month. The Red Wings are playing out the string after unloading several players ahead of the NHL trade deadline on February 26.

NHL Odds: PK and the Predators Play Host to the Maple Leafs

With less than 10 games remaining in the regular season, both the Nashville Predators and Toronto Maple Leafs sit comfortably in playoff positions. The Preds were the first team in the NHL to secure a playoff spot, but if Toronto hopes to establish itself as a Stanley Cup contender, they’ll need to find a way to beat the best team in NHL.


The Nashville Predators (48-14-10) lead the NHL in points and have run away with the Western Conference’s Central Division. They’ve won 12 of their last 13 games and seem to be piquing at the right time of year in the lead up to the playoffs. Led by PK Subban on the backend, the Predators present a wicked combination of defensive prowess (first in the league in goals against) and offensive punch (seventh in the league in goals for). They’ll look to extend that streak this Thursday at home.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (43-23-7) have been struggling to get healthy in recent weeks. Their star, Auston Matthews, has been sidelined for 10 games with a shoulder injury, and over that period, the Leafs have won just 5 out of 10 games. Matthews will be critical for the Leafs’ success heading into the playoffs, as they prepare to make a long run to the Stanley Cup.

NHL Odds: Toronto Heads to Music City to Take on the Preds

The Toronto Maple Leafs hope to get their ailing superstar, Auston Matthews, back this Thursday as the team gets ready to face the top squad in the NHL. The Leafs have struggled without the 20-year-old, going 5-3-2 over that period. If he can return this Thursday, the dynamics of this matchup will shift significantly.


At the other end of the ice, the Nashville Predators are in cruise control. They’ve won 12 of their last 13 games and have all but clinched the Western Conference crown. Their starting goaltender, Pekka Rinne, is coming off of a 4-0 shutout and will look to continue that streak against the Leafs. Game time is 8 PM ET.

NBA Odds: Raptors Seek Statement Win in Cleveland

The Toronto Raptors (52-18 SU, 40-30 ATS) have the best record in the Eastern Conference, but the Cleveland Cavaliers (40-29 SU, 22-46-1 ATS) are +125 favorites at press time to win the East and return to a fourth-straight NBA Finals. They’ll meet Wednesday night in Cleveland at 7 PM ET on ESPN.

This is a rare opportunity for the Raptors to show their stuff to a national US audience, but the situation isn’t ideal. Although the Cavaliers are just 6-7 SU and 4-9 ATS since the All-Star break, they’ll have a day of rest before Wednesday’s game, while Toronto will visit the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

The Cavs are a more talented team than they were before shuffling their roster at the NBA trade deadline, but they’re still not getting the results they need from PG George Hill and SG Rodney Hood. They’re also having some serious injury problems right now, with six players listed as out or day-to-day – including the best of their newcomers, PF Larry Nance Jr., who has missed the last two games with a tight right hamstring. PF Kevin Love (broken hand) isn’t expected to return until the following game on Friday against the Phoenix Suns.

NBA Odds: Raptors Visit Short-Handed Cavs on ESPN

The Cleveland Cavaliers (40-29 SU, 22-46-1 ATS) will be missing a few good men for Wednesday’s game against the East-leading Toronto Raptors (52-18 SU, 40-30 ATS), tipping off at 7 PM ET on ESPN. Six of the Cavs are listed as out or questionable at press time.

The Raptors are healthy for the most part, but they’ll be playing Wednesday’s game on zero days of rest after visiting the Orlando Magic, while Cleveland has Tuesday off. Toronto also had its 11-game win streak snapped Sunday afternoon by the Oklahoma City Thunder (+6 away) in a controversial 132-125 final.

NBA Odds: Trail Blazers Aim to Take Down Rockets on Tuesday

The Houston Rockets look to be rolling towards the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, winning 26 of their last 28 games. On Tuesday, they’ll visit the Portland Trail Blazers, who have won 13 straight games.


On Sunday, the Rockets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 129-120 to move to 56-14 on the season. James Harden put up 34 points, 12 assists and four rebounds for the Rockets. He probably has the MVP award clinched after coming so close over the last two seasons. The Rockets now hold a three-game lead over the Golden State Warriors for the top spot in the West.

Also on Sunday, the Trail Blazers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 122-109 on the road. They’re now 44-26 after 13 straight wins. Trail Blazers PG Damian Lillard had 23 points and two assists, and SG CJ McCollum had 21 points and three assists.

The Rockets are 6-4 SU and 4-6 ATS in their last 10 meetings with the Trail Blazers, who are 0-2 SU and 1-1 ATS this season against Houston. Both meetings have gone over the posted total. Tip-off is 10:30 PM ET.

NBA Odds: Rockets Aim for Third Straight Win Over Trail Blazers

The Houston Rockets have won both meetings with the Portland Trail Blazers this season. The two go head-to-head Tuesday night in Portland.


The Rockets won 124-117 in Portland on December 9. PG James Harden poured on a game-high 48 points. They then beat the Trail Blazers again at home on January 10 by a score of 121-112, PG Chris Paul led the way with 37 points and 11 assists. Both teams are red-hot right now, with the Trail Blazers winning 13 straight games, while the Rockets have won 22 of their last 23 games.

UFC Odds: Werdum-Volkov at Fight Night 127

Two massive Heavyweights will meet in the Octagon this Saturday when former UFC champion Fabricio Werdum faces former Bellator and M-1 Global champ Alexander Volkov at the O2 Arena in London. Werdum (23-7-1 lifetime, 11-4 UFC) is the –190 favorite at press time after opening at –225; Volkov (29-6 lifetime, 3-0 UFC) has improved from +175 to +155 in early betting.

Werdum has accomplished everything there is in mixed martial arts. Since making his official debut in 2002, the 40-year-old Brazilian veteran has beaten the likes of Fedor Emelianenko, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Alistair Overeem and Antonio Silva. He took the Heavyweight strap off Cain Velasquez in 2015, but dropped it to Stipe Miocic one year later. Since then, Werdum is 3-1 in the Octagon, most recently defeating Marcin Tybura by unanimous decision last November in Sydney.

Volkov, a 29-year-old Moscow native, joined the pro ranks with M-1 Global in 2009, then fought for Bellator in 2012-15 before returning home to M-1 in 2016. Volkov is three inches taller and 20 pounds heavier than Werdum, but despite three straight UFC victories, Volkov remains outside the Top-10 Heavyweights according to Sherdog, while Werdum checks in at No. 4.

UFC Odds: Werdum, Volkov Clash in London

Former UFC Heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum (23-7-1 lifetime, 11-4 UFC) will take on former Bellator and M-1 Global champion Alexander Volkov (29-6 lifetime, 3-0 UFC) this Saturday at Fight Night 127 in London. Werdum is the –190 favorite at press time, down from –225 at the open.


Volkov has a number of advantages in this fight. He’s 11 years younger than Werdum at age 29 and three inches taller at 6-foot-7, and he’s undefeated since joining the UFC in 2016. Werdum is 3-1 in the Octagon since losing the Heavyweight title to Stipe Miocic, also in 2016.

NHL Odds: Columbus Heads to Philadelphia in a Clash Between Division Rivals

It’s crunch time for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers. While they both occupy a playoff spot at press time, those spots are far from secure. Thursday’s matchup will be pivotal, as only two points separate the Metropolitan Division clubs.


The Philadelphia Flyers (35-24-11) were the hottest team in the NHL for nearly a month, as they went 10-1-2 in February and tallied six straight wins during that period. Since the calendar turned to March, February’s good fortune has turned for the Flyers. They’ve won just one game in seven this month and are in jeopardy of falling to the first Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference at the hands of the Blue Jackets this Thursday (7:00 PM ET).

Columbus, meanwhile, seems to have picked up where Philly left off. They’ve won five straight contests and have reinserted themselves into the playoff picture. The team’s recent play has been supported by some fantastic offensive output from their star defenseman, Seth Jones. Jones has scored three goals and four assists in his last three games, but he left Monday’s game against the Canadiens early due to injury. The defenseman’s status is unknown for Thursday’s matchup.

NHL Odds: Giroux Looks to Right the Flyers’ Ship Against Columbus

The Philadelphia Flyers welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets to town this Thursday (7:00 PM ET) in an important game that has significant playoff implications. The Flyers have won just one game in their last seven, and team captain, Claude Giroux (25 goals, 57 assists), will be relied upon heavily to turn Philadelphia’s recent skid around.

Columbus enters Philadelphia as a confident team. They’ve won five straight games and see an opportunity to leapfrog the Flyers for the final divisional spot in the Metropolitan. Seth Jones has been the team’s catalyst of late, but his status is unknown heading into Thursday’s contest after he left Monday’s game with an upper body injury. Stay tuned.

NHL Odds: Bruins Continue Playoff March in Florida

It doesn’t look like the Boston Bruins (43-16-8) are about to slow down anytime soon. The Bruins have won six of their last seven games to take over second place in the Eastern Conference standings, but this Thursday, they’ll have to contend with an even hotter team: the Florida Panthers (34-26-7), who have re-joined the playoff hunt by winning eight of their last ten. NESN has the coverage from BB&T Center beginning at 7:30 PM ET.


The Bruins have been on a tear since mid-November, getting quality goaltending from both Tuukka Rask and Anton Khudobin, who are tied with a .918 save percentage. Boston’s puck possession stats are strong, and they’re winning 50.9% of their face-offs, but they might have to do without their top skater. LW Brad Marchand (29 goals, 40 assists) is day-to-day with an undisclosed upper-body injury that he picked up over the weekend.

Florida’s renaissance can be traced to one man: goalie Roberto Luongo (.926 SV%). He came off the injured list in mid-February and has won eight of his 11 starts since then, allowing two goals or fewer on six occasions. The Panthers are now completely healthy for their Wild-Card chase in the East.

NHL Odds: Bruins-Panthers in Battle of Streaking Teams

The Boston Bruins (43-16-8) have won six of their last seven games. The Florida Panthers (34-26-7) have won eight of 10. They’ll meet this Thursday at the BB&T Center, starting at 7:30 PM ET on NESN. LW Brad Marchand (upper-body injury, day-to-day) could sit for the Bruins.


Boston has been on fire since mid-November, storming into second place in the Eastern Conference and fourth overall in the NHL standings. Florida’s success has been more recent; they’ve moved into Wild Card position in the East since top netminder Roberto Luongo (.926 save percentage) returned to active duty last month.

NBA Odds: Wizards-Celtics in Eastern Showdown

If the Boston Celtics want to grab that No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference Finals, they’ve got some work to do. Boston (46-21 SU, 40-25-2 ATS) find themselves 3.5 games back in the Eastern standings, and they’ve got a difficult matchup this Wednesday against the No. 5 Washington Wizards (38-29 SU, 32-34-1 ATS), tipping off from the TD Garden at 8 PM ET on ESPN.


The Celtics have done their best to keep up with the first-place Toronto Raptors, winning six of their last eight games straight up and against the spread, but they’re still losing ground in the East. They could also be without their best player on Wednesday; point guard Kyrie Irving missed the second half of Sunday’s 99-97 loss to the Indiana Pacers (+5 away) with a sore left knee that’s been bothering him for a while.

Washington has been without their superstar point guard for over six weeks, also because of a left knee injury. John Wall hasn’t played since January 25 after undergoing surgery, although he could return any time now; the Wizards are 12-7 SU and 12-6-1 ATS since Wall went under the knife, but only 2-4 SU and 2-3-1 ATS in their past six games.

NBA Odds: Will Irving Play for Boston Against the Wiz?

The Boston Celtics (46-21 SU, 40-25-2 ATS) have fallen 3.5 games out of first in the Eastern Conference, and they might not have Kyrie Irving in the lineup for Wednesday’s home game against the No. 5 Washington Wizards (38-29 SU, 32-34-1 ATS). ESPN has the coverage at 8 PM ET.

Irving has been bothered by a sore left knee, and he was taken out of Sunday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers during the first half. His status for Wednesday is unknown at press time; John Wall (knee) is also uncertain for Washington after missing over six weeks of action.

NBA Odds: Pacers, 76ers Prepare for Battle on Tuesday

The Indiana Pacers and the Philadelphia 76ers are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Currently, the Pacers are third, and the 76ers are sixth, so this could very well end up being a first-round playoff series preview.

After beating the Boston Celtics on Sunday, the Pacers are 39-28 SU and 38-29 ATS. The 99-97 victory was powered by Victor Oladipo, who had 27 points. With nine wins in their last 12 games, the Pacers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now.

The 76ers aren’t too far behind. Following a win in Brooklyn on Sunday, they’re 36-29 SU and 36-27-2 ATS. With 11 wins in their last 15 games, they’ve been one of the better teams in the East of late. They’ve been particularly dominant at home, where they’ve won 11 straight games.

The Pacers are 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings with the 76ers, who have split a pair of games with Indiana this season. On November 3, the 76ers won 121-110 at home, while the Pacers returned the favor with a 100-92 victory at home on February 3.

NBA Odds: 76ers Look to Close Gap on Pacers

Following Sunday’s win over the Boston Celtics, the Indiana Pacers are in third place in the Eastern Conference. On Tuesday, they’ll visit the Philadelphia 76ers, a team they could end up facing in the first round of the playoffs this postseason.

These two teams have met twice this season, with the home team winning on each occasion. The 76ers won 121-110 on November 3 behind a triple-double from Ben Simmons and 31 points from JJ Redick. Meanwhile, the Pacers won 100-92 on February 3, with Victor Oladipo and Bojan Bogdanovic both putting up 19 points to lead the way.

Boxing Odds: Oscar Valdez vs. Scott Quigg

Boxing’s mini-renaissance continues this Saturday (10:30 PM ET, ESPN) with yet another major title fight: WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez will put his belt on the line against Scott Quigg at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. Valdez is the –450 favorite at press time; Quigg is available at +325.

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It could be a closer fight than the odds suggest. Valdez (23-0, 19 KOs) has yet to lose as a pro, successfully defending his title three times since winning it in 2016. However, Quigg (34-1-2, 25 KOs) was the WBA super-bantamweight champion for four years before dropping the strap to Carl Frampton by split decision, also in 2016 – the only loss on Quigg’s otherwise impressive resume.
As far as the rankings are concerned, The Ring has Valdez rated No. 6 in the world at 126 pounds, just two spots ahead of Quigg. BoxRec prefers the underdog at No. 6, with Valdez next in seventh place; on their pound-for-pound rankings, Quigg checks in at No. 53, 11 spots clear of Valdez at No. 63. This is an early Fight of the Year candidate, so don’t miss out – Bovada will have an updated list of boxing props as bell time approaches.
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Boxing Odds: Valdez-Quigg Could Be Fight of the Year

Expect plenty of fireworks this Saturday (10:30 PM ET, ESPN) when Scott Quigg challenges Oscar Valdez for the WBO featherweight title in Carson, California. Valdez is a –450 favorite, but Quigg (+325) is more than capable of taking the belt.

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Although Valdez (23-0, 19 KOs) is undefeated as a pro, Quigg (34-1-2, 25 KOs) was the WBA super-bantamweight champion for four years before losing to Carl Frampton via split decision in 2016. Quigg is also 2.5 inches taller than Valdez at 5-foot-8 and is easily the toughest test Valdez has ever faced inside the squared circle.

NHL Odds: Blues Take on Sharks in Critical Western Conference Matchup

With just 16 games remaining in each of their schedules, every game and every point counts for the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks. The playoffs are approaching, and this game will feel every bit like a playoff matchup.

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The St. Louis Blues are in a tailspin. They’ve won just two out of their last 10 games and sit two points out of a playoff spot. That recent play caused Blues’ management to send veteran Paul Stastny to the Winnipeg Jets for picks and a prospect. St. Louis is still within striking distance of a playoff spot, however, and they’ve tallied points in two of out of the last three games. The Blues will need to continue turning things around on Thursday, as they’ll be up against a team that they’re chasing in the standings.

While San Jose sits in the second spot in the Pacific Division, they only have a three-point cushion over the Colorado Avalanche, which currently sits in the ninth spot in the West. In the final stretch of the season, the Sharks will need more from their offense, which has scored just 2.91 goals per game. Look for a breakout game from the likes of Pavelski and Burns in this important matchup.

NHL Odds: Pavelski and Schenn go Head to Head in San Jose

This Thursday (10:30 PM ET), the San Jose Sharks will look to continue the St. Louis Blues’ recent struggles. Joe Pavelski and the Sharks will attempt to defend their playoff spot, which is currently a miniscule three-point lead over the Colorado Avalanche. They’ll need to beat teams like St. Louis if they hope to secure a playoff berth.

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At the opposite end of the ice, the St. Louis Blues have fallen out of a playoff spot due to recent play that has resulted in them winning just two of their last 10 games. They’ll look to team-leading scorer Brayden Schenn to drive this team back to a playoff spot starting with a victory over the Sharks.

NHL Odds: Rangers, Lightning Reunite Post-Trade

It was just over a week ago that the Tampa Bay Lightning (45-17-4) and the New York Rangers (30-30-6) pulled off the biggest blockbuster at the NHL trade deadline. They’ll do business again this Thursday at Amalie Arena, starting at 7:30 PM ET.

The deal in question saw the Lightning acquire defenseman Ryan McDonagh and LW JT Miller from New York, in exchange for forward Vladislav Namestnikov, two prospects and two draft picks. Tampa Bay is 2-0-1 since the trade, although McDonagh has yet to make his debut because of an upper-body injury; that debut will happen this Thursday if all goes according to plan.
The Rangers, meanwhile, have won three straight games since the deadline, giving them a faint glimmer of playoff hope in the weak Metropolitan Division. Namestnikov had a goal and an assist in those three games, centering New York’s top line, and he won over 55% of his face-offs. The Blueshirts have also enjoyed strong early returns from forward Ryan Spooner, who came over from the Boston Bruins in the big Rick Nash trade. Spooner has one goal and six assists in four games playing left wing on their second unit.

NHL Odds: New Look Rangers, Lightning Collide in Tampa

In their first meeting since the trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Lightning (45-17-4) will host the New York Rangers (30-30-6) this Thursday at 7:30 PM ET. Both teams have enjoyed success since their blockbuster trade; the Lightning are 2-0-1, while the Rangers have won three straight.

The February 26 deal saw New York send defenseman Ryan McDonagh and LW JT Miller to the Bolts in exchange for forward Vladislav Namestnikov, two prospects and two draft picks. While McDonagh (upper body injury) hopes to make his Lightning debut Thursday, Miller has a goal and two assists since landing in Tampa Bay.

NBA Odds: Cavaliers Visit Millsap, Nuggets

The Cleveland Cavaliers looked like they had things figured out at the trade deadline. But the remodeled Cavs have gone 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS since the All-Star break, and they’ve got a tough road game coming up this Wednesday (10:30 PM ET, ESPN) against the Denver Nuggets, who have just welcomed arguably their most important player back into the lineup.


The Nuggets (35-28 SU, 29-31-3 ATS) already own one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA, playing in the thin air at the Pepsi Center. Now they’ve got PF Paul Millsap in uniform after a three-month absence following surgery on his left wrist. Millsap was Denver’s key offseason acquisition in free agency; the Nuggets have won back-to-back games since he returned to the starting rotation.

That includes Saturday’s 126-117 victory over the Cavaliers (36-26 SU, 19-42-1 ATS) as 5-point road dogs on the NBA betting lines. Cleveland didn’t have nearly the same offensive flow as the Nuggets, serving up 25 assists to Denver’s 35, and while the quality of their bench has improved since the deadline, depth will be an ongoing concern until PF Kevin Love (broken hand) returns from the injured list later this month.

NBA Odds: Millsap, Nuggets Host Reeling Cavaliers

The Denver Nuggets (35-28 SU, 29-31-3 ATS) are ready for their playoff push after welcoming Paul Millsap back from a three-month absence. They’ll host the stumbling Cleveland Cavaliers (36-26 SU, 19-42-1 ATS) this Wednesday at 10:30 PM ET on ESPN.


Denver has won back-to-back games since Millsap returned from his wrist injury, including Saturday’s 126-117 victory over Cleveland (–5 at home). The Cavaliers are 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS since the All-Star break; so far, Larry Nance Jr. is their only trade-deadline acquisition who’s delivered positive results, while George Hill and Rodney Hood both struggle to fit in.

NBA Odds: Rockets, Thunder Clash on Tuesday

The Houston Rockets are trying to hold on to the top seed in the Western Conference, while the Oklahoma City Thunder are just aiming to stay in the top eight. The two teams meet in Oklahoma City on Tuesday. Tip-off is at 8 PM ET.


The Rockets are 49-13 SU (32-29-1 ATS) after a 123-120 win over the Boston Celtics at home Saturday night. James Harden led the way with 26 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and five steals, while Eric Gordon added 29 points off the bench for Houston. The Rockets have now won 15 games in a row as they try to stay in front of Golden State for the No. 1 seed in the West. This game kicks off a four-game road trip for Houston.

The Thunder, meanwhile, are 37-28 SU (26-39 ATS) after a 108-100 loss in Portland on Saturday. Russell Westbrook had 30 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Paul George chipped in with 21 points and seven rebounds, although he missed all seven of his three-point attempts. The Thunder will be starting a four-game homestand here.

The Rockets are 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS in their last 10 meetings with the Thunder, who won 112-107 at home over Houston on Christmas Day. Six of those games have gone under the posted total.

NBA Odds: Harden, Westbrook Go Head-To-Head in Oklahoma City

James Harden of the Houston Rockets has been having an MVP season while the reigning MVP, Russell Westbrook, has been trying to carry the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs. The two meet on Tuesday in Oklahoma City.

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Harden has been averaging 31.2 points, 8.9 assists and 5.2 rebounds for the Rockets. His recent play has propelled the team to a 15-game winning streak. Westbrook has countered with 25.3 points, 10.2 assists and 9.7 rebounds for the Thunder, who have been wildly inconsistent this season. They are 7-8 in their last 15 games. The Thunder beat the Rockets 112-107 on Christmas Day, but the Rockets were without Chris Paul for that game.

Entertainment Odds: Three Billboards Favored at Oscars

The 90th Academy Awards are this Sunday (8 PM ET, ABC) at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, and at press time, it’s a close race for the Best Picture Oscar between Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (–115) and The Shape of Water (+140). Get Out is a distant third-favorite at +550.

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The other major Oscar races are far less competitive. Guillermo Del Toro (The Shape of Water) is a heavy –1000 favorite to win Best Director; Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour) and Frances McDormand (Three Billboards) are even heavier at –2500 to win Best Actor and Best Actress. Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards) is –800 to win Best Supporting Actor, while Allison Janney (I, Tonya) is –600 in the Best Supporting Actress category.

While The Shape of Water leads the pack with 13 Oscar nominations, it appears Three Billboards has the inside track for Best Picture, after winning at the Golden Globes, the SAG Awards, and two weeks ago at the BAFTAs. The Shape of Water swept the guild awards for producers, directors and editors. Of the remaining seven nominees, Lady Bird is a compelling dark horse at +1400, taking down Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes.

Entertainment Odds: Will The Shape of Water Dominate the Oscars?

The Shape of Water leads Sunday’s 90th Academy Awards (8 PM ET, ABC) with 13 Oscar nominations, but when it comes to Best Picture, this highly-acclaimed film is a +140 second-favorite behind Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri at –115.

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If The Shape of Water falls short, Guillermo Del Toro is a near-lock at –1000 to win Best Director for his work. Three Billboards is also likely to scoop the Oscars for Best Actress (Frances McDormand, –2500) and Best Supporting Actor (Sam Rockwell, –800). Gary Oldman is –2500 to win Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.

NHL Odds: Penguins Face Bruins in Boston this Thursday

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins have been two of the three hottest teams in the NHL since January 1. Following an eventual trade deadline, the squads face off on Thursday (7 PM ET) for a preview of a likely Eastern Conference playoff matchup.


The Boston Bruins made one of the biggest splashes this trade deadline, picking up the former 40-goal scorer, Rick Nash from the New York Rangers. With 84 points on the season and 21 games still to play, the Bruins look poised to give Tampa Bay a run for their money for top spot in the East. They’ll be without the best all-round player on their team for an indefinite period, however, as Patrice Bergeron suffered a fractured foot while blocking a shot on Saturday.

Pittsburgh, too, was active over the trade deadline, picking up Derek Brassard from the Ottawa Senators. Brassard is set to slot in as the team’s third line centre behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and will give the Penguins arguably the best top three centre combination in the NHL. The Pens also suffered injury news this this week, however, as Matt Murray was diagnosed with a concussion and will be out indefinitely.

NHL Odds: Nash and the Bruins take on Sid and the Pens

In just his third game in a Bruins uniform, Rick Nash has come as advertised. He potted a goal on Tuesday against the Hurricanes, and appears dangerous every shift he’s on the ice. He’ll look to take advantage of Pittsburgh’s backup netminder on Thursday (7 PM ET).


With the unfortunate injury to Matt Murray, the Penguins will look to rookie Casey DeSmith to carry the load. They’ll put even more pressure on the offensively-gifted Pens to find the back of the net, as the rookie can’t be expected to shut down the door every night. Look for a high-scoring affair out of this matchup.

NHL Odds: Sharks Buy, Hawks Sell Before Thursday Matchup

Have the Chicago Blackhawks (27-28-8) pulled the plug on their playoff hopes? The last-place team in the Central Division was a seller at Monday’s NHL trade deadline. The San Jose Sharks (33-21-9), on the other hand, are second in the Pacific, and they’ve bolstered their lineup ahead of Thursday’s matchup with the visiting Hawks, beginning at 10:30 PM ET on WGN and NBCSN.

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Chicago did quite well at the deadline sending RW Ryan Hartman (eight goals, 17 assists in 53 games) to the Nashville Predators and getting a first-round pick as part of the exchange. The Hawks also shipped RW Tommy Wingels (seven goals, five assists in 57 games) to the Boston Bruins for a fifth-round pick, and they waived LW Lance Bouma (three goals, six assists), so depth might be an issue this Thursday.

The Sharks, meanwhile, sent a conditional first-round pick to the Buffalo Sabres as part of the deal for top-line LW Evander Kane (20 goals, 20 assists). It was a small price to pay, but Kane is in a prolonged slump, scoring just five goals and an assist since January 1. He’ll also be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

NHL Odds: Kane Joins Sharks to Face Stripped-Down Hawks

The San Jose Sharks (33-21-9) will have a new top line this Thursday when they host the Chicago Blackhawks (27-28-8), starting at 10:30 PM ET on WGN and NBCSN. The Sharks acquired LW Evander Kane from Buffalo before Monday’s trade deadline; he’s expected to man the first unit alongside center Logan Couture and RW Joe Pavelski.

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With the playoffs a distant possibility, Chicago was a seller at the trade deadline, sending RW Ryan Hartman to Nashville for a package including a first-round pick. Hartman played on the third line for the Hawks, and led the team in plus-minus at plus-5.