Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson famously said a team must win 40 games before losing 20 to be con...

<p>Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson famously said a team must win 40 games before losing 20 to be considered a true contender.</p><p>His theory has held up: Over 90% of all NBA champions attained 40 victories before reaching the 20-loss mark. There are exceptions, of course - the 2004 <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/8">Pistons</a> and 2006 <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/13">Heat</a> are the latest examples, excluding shortened seasons.</p><p>The only teams who have or will reach 40 wins before 20 losses are the <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/28">Thunder</a> (44-10), <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/7">Cavaliers</a> (44-10), and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/1">Celtics</a> (39-16). Three other teams have a chance: the <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/3">Knicks</a> (36-18), <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/23">Grizzlies</a> (36-18), and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/26">Nuggets</a> (36-19).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With that in mind, let's examine the latest championship odds, using Jackson's theory to distinguish contenders from pretenders.</p><h3>NBA championship odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>+220</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>+230</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>+750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>+1300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Clippers</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Grizzlies</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mavericks</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Teams greater than 40-1 not listed</em></p><h3>Contenders</h3><p><strong>Celtics (+220)</strong></p><p>After a 6-6 stretch in January, Boston won seven of its next eight games before the break, including wins over the Knicks and Cavs.</p><p><a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> has struggled with efficiency: His 55% true shooting percentage is his worst in seven seasons. Team injuries and inconsistencies have played a part, sure, but he needs to step up.</p><p>This group lost 18 games last season and already has 16 losses this campaign. The Celtics are still the favorites, but it won't be a seamless path to the Finals against a more competitive East.</p><p><strong>Thunder (+230)</strong></p><p>Oklahoma City has the league's best net rating and its smothering defense also ranks first in the NBA. The Thunder value possessions more than anyone, leading the league in turnover and opponent turnover percentage. Rebounding is still an issue, largely because <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102801">Chet Holmgren</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60051">Isaiah Hartenstein</a> have only played three games together. Still, the Thunder are 19-1 against the East.</p><p>Oh, and Oklahoma City boasts MVP favorite <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai-Gilgeous Alexander</a> as well as a deep bench of reliable defenders and solid scorers. It'd be a surprise if the Thunder aren't playing in June.</p><p><strong>Cavaliers (+750)</strong></p><p>Kenny Atkinson's pace-and-space approach has led the Cavs' to the NBA's best offensive rating and helped them to a tie for the league's best overall record. With <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53393">Jarrett Allen</a>, Cleveland always has a dangerous guard-big combo on the floor. The Cavs surrounded them with lethal shooting wings, including deadline acquisition <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a>. </p><p>Mobley's leap as a dominant driver, enhanced decision-maker, and improved and willing 3-point shooter allowed the Cavs to take another step. Cleveland should enter the playoffs as the East's top seed with a chance to dethrone Boston.</p><p><strong>Nuggets (+1400)</strong></p><p><a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> is arguably the NBA's best player, and the Nuggets always have a chance with him on the floor.</p><p>But Denver will go as far as <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> takes it. Murray was brilliant during the Nuggets' championship run two seasons ago but, partly due to injuries, was a shell of himself for the next 18 months. However, he's looked healthy and explosive of late: Murray's averaging 25 points on 42% 3-point shooting in February, his highest monthly average since the 2022-23 season. The Nuggets are 20-7 in contests the 27-year-old has played in since Dec. 23rd. With this revived version of Murray unlocked, the Nuggets deserve contender status.</p><h3>Pretenders</h3><p><strong>Rockets (+4000)</strong></p><p>There's no precedent for teams without playoff experience making a deep run. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/16">Warriors</a>' core suffered early playoff exits before it broke through in the mid-2010s. The Grizzlies burst onto the scene with a young group during the 2020-21 season but have won just one playoff series since. The Thunder missed the playoffs two seasons ago and made it last campaign as the No. 1 seed before losing in the second round to the Mavs.</p><p>The <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/22">Rockets</a> are following a similar road map. They missed the playoffs last season, then skyrocketed to the No. 4 seed in the West behind the league's fourth-best defense. <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96116">Jalen Green</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102778">Jabari Smith Jr.</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110271">Amen Thompson</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102780">Tari Eason</a> have zero playoff experience. </p><p>The Warriors, Grizzlies, and Thunder all had reliable No. 1 scoring options and still couldn't get over the hump in their initial playoff run. The Rockets' ascension has been similar, but they lack a dependable scoring option in tight games. </p><p><strong>Lakers (+1600)</strong></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/18" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/18">Lakers</a>' roster has serious size and defensive limitations with minimal center options. They'll be forced to play small with leaky perimeter resistance defensively.</p><p>While their offense should be exceptional - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> rotate between on-ball and off-ball roles - teams rarely add stars halfway through a campaign and embark on a championship run. The counterpoint, of course, is no team has ever acquired a star as gifted as Doncic midseason. Still, Los Angeles may need some time to get in the groove. </p><p><strong>Mavericks (+4000)</strong></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/21">Mavs</a> traded one of the NBA's best players in Doncic, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110268">Dereck Lively</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60087">Daniel Gafford</a> are now out with injuries. Even with a sturdy defense when healthy, they're limited offensively - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> is their only scoring threat on the perimeter.</p><p>Dallas' current worry is how to control its understandably unruly fans who are furious with the organization after the disastrous Doncic deal.</p><p><strong>Bucks (+3300)</strong></p><p>Labeling <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and the <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/10">Bucks</a> a contender when they've been average is difficult. Milwaukee's net rating is outside the top 10. It's 5.2 when the superstar is on the floor, still trailing the Celtics, Cavs, and Knicks in the East.</p><p>Trading for <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37799">Kyle Kuzma</a> helps with frontcourt size and durability. It also allows the Bucks to play smaller lineups with Antetokounmpo at the five. However, the Greek Freak and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> still lack enough reliable help to compete with the myriad of weapons on the Celtics, Cavs, and Knicks.</p><p><strong>Clippers (+3300)</strong></p><p>The <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/17">Clippers</a>' chances depend on whether <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> can regain his All-NBA form. So far, it doesn't look like it: He's averaging 16.3 points on 46% shooting from the field, his lowest mark in a decade. In his 15 outings since returning from a knee injury, Leonard has averaged 26 minutes per night, but he's struggling to create space and get downhill. He's also attempting 2.1 free throws per game, his fewest since 2013-14.</p><p><a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12144">Norman Powell</a> are having terrific seasons, and the Clippers' second-best defense has led them to the sixth seed. But Los Angeles isn't going anywhere unless Leonard flips a switch.</p><h3>Maybe contenders, Maybe pretenders</h3><p><strong>Knicks (+1300)</strong></p><p>New York can compete with anyone thanks to superstar <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> and the lethal offense surrounding him. The Knicks have the second-best offensive rating and its starting unit leads the league in scoring. However, they lack depth - their bench is last in scoring - and their defense isn't good enough to win four playoff series. </p><p>While <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> is an offensive juggernaut, he's not a reliable rim protector and is frequently hunted in the pick-and-roll. <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37879">Mikal Bridges</a> has been disappointing defensively as a supposed wing-stopper. <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62053">Mitchell Robinson</a>, who has been out for the entire season with an injury, could solve defense and depth concerns when he returns to the lineup.</p><p><strong>Grizzlies (+3300)</strong></p><p>We can't discount the Grizzlies - they've reached 36 wins by the All-Star break, but they're closer to pretenders than contenders. <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62077">Ja Morant</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62285">Jaren Jackson Jr.</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93901">Desmond Bane</a> have made plenty of trips to the postseason together, but Memphis relies on many players who haven't.</p><p>The Grizzlies lead the league in bench scoring, a luxury that leads to regular-season victories. However, the bench matters less with shortened rotations in the playoffs. The Grizzlies rely on <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121734">Jaylen Wells</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121683">Zach Edey</a> - both rookies - and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96118">Santi Aldama</a> to play over 20 minutes per game.</p><p><strong>Warriors (+3300)</strong></p><p>Golden State is 3-1 since landing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a>, who looks reinvigorated and perfectly fits the Warriors' system. </p><p>Butler has averaged 21 points, seven rebounds, and 5.3 assists in San Francisco. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> is scoring 31 points per contest since Butler's arrival after failing to average more than 24 points in any month this season.</p><p>As the 10th seed, the Warriors still face an uphill battle to make the playoffs. Golden State likely doesn't own enough complementary pieces to make it far but deserves the benefit of the doubt until we see more of Butler's impact.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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NBA Bet or Bail: Separating contenders from pretenders

Selection Sunday is less than a month away. Football season is over, and the NBA is on break, so ...

<p>Selection Sunday is less than a month away. Football season is over, and the NBA is on break, so it's the perfect time to catch up on college basketball's happenings. Certain preseason favorites like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/41" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/41">Alabama</a> have remained atop the oddsboard, while others like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/524" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/524">Kansas</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/280" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/280">UConn</a> have taken a tumble.</p><p>Below, we dive into the contenders with the best odds and some sleepers to look out for when March rolls around.</p><h3>National title odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Duke</td>
<td>+400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Houston</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Iowa State</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tennessee</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kentucky</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Purdue</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>St. John's</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas Tech</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UConn</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kansas</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas A&amp;M</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gonzaga</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marquette</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Missouri</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Creighton</td>
<td>+6600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Clemson</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maryland</td>
<td>+8000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Contenders</h3><p><strong>Auburn (+350)</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a>'s dominance in a historically difficult conference has solidified the team as the nation's best. It opened at +2500 to win the national title but is now down to +350.</p><p>Bruce Pearl's squad has been No. 1 in the AP Poll for over a month and No. 1 on <a href="https://kenpom.com/">KenPom</a> for most of the season. The Tigers have 14 Quad 1 wins, six more than the next best team. They're 11-1 in the SEC, a conference expected to earn at least 12 NCAA Tournament bids.</p><p>Auburn leads the country in offensive efficiency, according to KenPom. Naismith College Player of the Year candidate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87250" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87250">Johni Broome</a> headlines Auburn's unstoppable inside-out offensive approach. Six Tigers players are averaging double figures. Auburn reloaded after last year's disappointing first-round upset loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1254" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1254">Yale</a> in the tourney and could steamroll its way to a Final Four (-120) and championship.</p><p><strong>Duke (+400)</strong></p><p>Duke was the favorite (+900) entering the season and has lived up to expectations. Although behind Auburn, the Blue Devils' odds have shortened dramatically since the preseason. Their freshman class, particularly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a>, is as advertised and has carried Duke to a 23-3 overall record and a 15-1 ACC mark.</p><p>Flagg is averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and four assists while leaving no doubt he'll be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. He's the favorite (-150) to win Player of the Year, but Duke isn't a one-man show. Fellow freshmen <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162168" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162168">Kon Knueppel</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162172" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162172">Khaman Maluach</a> have blossomed in their respective roles. It's hard to win primarily with freshmen, but Duke's first-year players have the maturity of upperclassmen. Plus, the group is filled with veteran contributors like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103281" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103281">Tyrese Proctor</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/89009" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/89009">Sion James</a>.</p><p>The ACC is a remarkably weak conference, so Duke isn't consistently tested like contenders in the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12. However, the Blue Devils played a difficult nonconference schedule and proved they have the talent to compete with anyone.</p><p><strong>Florida (+900)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a>'s offense operates like a symphony. Co-conductors <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96362" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96362">Walter Clayton Jr</a>. and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85616" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85616">Alijah Martin</a> orchestrate a connected group that feeds off spacing and ball movement. The Gators have the perfect blend of scoring guards and physical bigs. They're eighth in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage, creating extra possessions because of their relentlessness on the glass.</p><p>Florida has a top-10 offense and defense, and it's won four straight - including a win at Auburn - and seven of its last eight.</p><p><strong>Alabama (+1000)</strong></p><p>Despite falling to Auburn over the weekend, Alabama is still 21-4 overall and 10-2 in the SEC. The Crimson Tide won seven straight before losing to the Tigers.</p><p>Alabama has the nation's third-most efficient offense, according to KenPom. The Tide's identity is playing fast and shooting threes early and often, attempting the most 3-pointers in the SEC by a wide margin. Alabama has a reliable and deep bench with seven active players averaging at least seven points. Alabama depends on many offensive weapons, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87489" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87489">Grant Nelson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/93780" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/93780">Mark Sears</a> are the engines.</p><p>The defense remains a concern but has improved since Alabama's Final Four run last year.</p><p>Alabama's biggest problem: It has the SEC's worst turnover margin. Turnovers result from playing at a high pace, but Alabama must take better care of the ball. However, of all the contenders, I'm most confident in Alabama cutting down the nets.</p><p><strong>Houston (+1000)</strong></p><p>It's no secret that a Kelvin Sampson-coached squad will always be one of the country's best defensive teams - third in KenPom's defensive rating this season - but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/22" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/22">Houston</a> is also top 10 in offensive rating.</p><p>The Cougars have just one loss in the Big 12 and are primed to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season. They lost to Duke in last year's Sweet 16 but are better equipped offensively to make a run next month. Houston has a balanced scoring attack with four guys averaging double figures, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/84316" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/84316">L.J. Cryer</a> contributing 14.3 points per game.</p><p>Houston has a difficult schedule to close the season with four of its final six games against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/501" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/501">Iowa State</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1079" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1079">Texas Tech</a>, Kansas, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/109" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/109">Baylor</a>. We'll learn more about this group over the next few weeks.</p><h2>Sleepers </h2><p><strong>St. John's (+3000)</strong></p><p>It's probably unfair to list a team atop the Big East standings as a sleeper, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1011" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1011">St. John's</a> is still something of a long shot at 30-1.</p><p>Rick Pitino revitalized a dying program and made it nationally relevant. St. John's is 13-2 in the Big East with wins over UConn, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/287" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/287">Creighton</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/620" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/620">Marquette</a> and is on its way to a first tournament appearance in six years.</p><p>The Red Storm are a physical, gritty group with the nation's second-best defensive rating, according to KenPom. They're a nightmare for opposing offenses who can't handle ball pressure and physicality on the glass.</p><p>St. John's main issue is that it's shooting 29% from three, the 13th-worst mark among 364 Division I schools. The Red Storm often dominate inside and have enough reliable late-game scorers, starting with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103426" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103426">RJ Luis Jr.</a></p><p>Their defense and toughness earn them a spot on the list, but it'll be challenging to go on a deep tournament run with serious shooting woes.</p><p><strong>Michigan (+5000)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/659" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/659">Michigan</a> sits atop the Big Ten in Dusty May's first season in Ann Arbor.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/104554" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/104554"> Danny Wolf</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/88860" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/88860">Vladislav Goldin</a> form an unstoppable pairing in the pick-and-roll. Wolf is a towering presence with tremendous ball-handling and driving skills, while Goldin is a traditional big who perfectly complements his fellow 7-footer. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102981" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102981">Tre Donaldson</a> is also one of the better scoring guards in the conference.</p><p>The Wolverines lost four of their first six games that were decided by four points or fewer, but they've turned those late-game struggles around. Michigan has won its last six games by four points or fewer. That might be unsustainable, but Michigan is hitting its stride in late February and has the veteran-heavy roster to do damage in March.</p><p><strong>Creighton (+6600)</strong></p><p>Creighton is on a two-game skid after losses to UConn and St. John's but remains one of the nation's most underrated teams.</p><p>This isn't a typical high-powered Creighton offense. However, when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85101" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85101">Ryan Kalkbrenner</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/89116" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/89116">Steven Ashworth</a> - who both average at least 16 points - are playing well, the unit dominates. It's propelled the team to a second-place standing in the Big East.</p><p>The Bluejays' 3-point shooting numbers are down from the last two seasons, hurting their offensive efficiency. However, they still have nights where they're hot from deep. All it takes is a solid three-week stretch to make a run.</p><p><strong>Maryland (+8000)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/627" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/627">Maryland</a> is one of six teams with a top-20 offensive and defensive rating on KenPom. Kevin Willard consistently produces elite defenses, but this Maryland offense is even more efficient. The Terps have won nine of their last 11 games and deserve more recognition as a legitimate Final Four threat.</p><p>Projected lottery pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121822" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121822">Derik Queen</a> and veteran big <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95513" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95513">Julian Reese</a> form one of the country's best frontcourt duos. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102898" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102898">Ja'Kobi Gillespie</a> is a dynamic scoring guard, and Maryland has the perfect complementary pieces in the opening unit. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103348" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103348">Rodney Rice</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/86342" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/86342">Selton Miguel</a> complete the best starting five in the Big Ten. The Terps' biggest issue is non-existent bench production, but rotations are always shortened in March.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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CBB championship odds: Auburn, Duke lead pack, plus 4 sleepers to watch

All-Star Weekend in San Francisco is upon us.   As the league celebrates the game's best, let's l...

<p>All-Star Weekend in San Francisco is upon us. </p><p>As the league celebrates the game's best, let's look at the odds for noteworthy events and give out picks for the Three-Point Contest, Slam Dunk contest, and All-Star Game MVP.</p><h3>Three-Point Contest odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Damian Lillard</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Buddy Hield</td>
<td>+400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Norman Powell</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Darius Garland</td>
<td>+625</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Herro</td>
<td>+625</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Johnson</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cade Cunningham</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> is justifiably the favorite as the back-to-back 3-point champion. He's a sniper with unlimited range. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24735" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Buddy </a><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left"><a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Hield</a>, meanwhile, is</span> having a down shooting season (36.7% from three), but his experience has him listed as one of the favorites. This is Hield's fourth time in the contest, and he won it in 2020.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12144" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12144">Norman Powell</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37658" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37658">Cam Johnson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96056" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96056">Cade Cunningham</a> are newbies to the competition, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> participated last year but came up short, and<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69689" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69689"> Tyler Herro</a> was in it two years ago.</p><p>Although shooting balls off racks isn't quite the same as a catch-and-shoot shot, looking at players' catch-and-shoot statistics can provide a glimpse into their potential performance.</p><p>Powell is the best catch-and-shoot shooter of the group, as he drills 46% of his looks. Garland trails slightly as a 45% catch-and-shoot shooter. Brunson has the third-best percentage at 43%.</p><p>There's value on Brunson, who will be out for redemption after a disappointing showing last year. He failed to advance past the first round despite being two makes shy of the first-round leader. That's likely why he has the second-worst odds, but the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/3">Knicks</a> superstar is undoubtedly one of the best shooters in the league.</p><p><strong>Pick</strong>: Jalen Brunson +800</p><h3>Slam Dunk contest odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Mac McClung</td>
<td>-160</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andre Jackson Jr.</td>
<td>+450</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matas Buzelis</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephon Castle</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Slam Dunk contest isn't the marquee event it used to be, but it's still a fun competition with entertaining dunks from high fliers.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96103" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96103">Mac McClung</a> returns as the back-to-back champion and is looking to earn a three-peat. He's the overwhelming favorite after wowing judges the last two years. The 6-foot-2 guard looks like he's jumping off a springboard when he leaps and has the highest vertical of the group. But he's up against worthy competition.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110242" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110242">Andre Jackson Jr. </a>is a ferocious dunker with elite hops and a vertical of over 40 inches. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/10">Bucks</a>' second-year starter has a chance if he showcases his vicious dunks while using his peers as props.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121704" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121704">Matas Buzelis</a> is the tallest of the group. At 6-foot-10, the Bulls rookie has posterized many defenders, and his guard skills allow him to explode to the rim.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121685" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a> is tied with Buzelis for the worst odds, but he's my sleeper to take home the hardware. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/25">Spurs</a> guard has elevated over taller defenders all season, often posterizing big men who dare to jump. His athleticism lets him take off from outside the lane, and the basketball world will discover his dunking prowess Saturday night.</p><p><strong>Pick: </strong>Stephon Castle +550</p><h3>All-Star Game odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team Shaq (+110)</th>
<th>Team Chuck (+190)</th>
<th>Team Kenny (+450)</th>
<th>Team Candace (+900)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James<br>Steph Curry<br>Jayson Tatum<br>Kevin Durant<br>Damian Lillard<br>James Harden<br>Jaylen Brown<br>Kyrie Irving</td>
<td>Nikola Jokic<br>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<br>Victor Wemanyama<br>Pascal Siakam<br>Alperen Sengun<br>Karl-Anthony Towns<br>Donovan Mitchell<br>Trae Young</td>
<td>Anthony Edwards<br>Jalen Brunson<br>Jaren Jackson Jr.<br>Jalen Williams<br>Darius Garland<br>Evan Mobley<br>Cade Cunningham<br>Tyler Herro</td>
<td>TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Adam Silver was so fed up with the lack of effort in the All-Star Game that he completely revamped the format, creating four teams that will compete in a mini-tournament. Three teams are comprised of the 24 All-Stars (eight per team), and the fourth team is Team Candace, the winner of Friday night's Rising Stars Game.</p><p>Handicapping the All-Star Game is difficult without knowing the players' effort levels. Will anyone show enthusiasm with this new format after almost nobody exhibited an ounce of effort in the last few years? Based on the rosters, Team Shaq has the best squad. Perimeter players and great shooters typically win these exhibition games as players are reluctant to drive to the rim, and Team Shaq has the most perimeter threats. But it's anyone's guess who will win a meaningless game the players don't care about.</p><h3>All-Star Game MVP</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Steph Curry</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</td>
<td>+750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Victor Wembanyama</td>
<td>+750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Edwards</td>
<td>+1100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Damian Lillard</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donovan Mitchell</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jayson Tatum</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karl-Anthony Towns</td>
<td>+1700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Players longer than 18-1 not listed</em></p><p>The MVP must play in the championship game, and Team Kenny has the worst squad, so it's wise to stay away from players on his team. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Steph Curry</a> is the favorite as the hometown star in the Bay Area - players playing in front of the home crowd typically try harder to put on a show - but let's go slightly down the board and target a first-time All-Star.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> has made it clear he's in the All-Star Game to compete. He's cut from a different cloth than many of his All-Star counterparts, and he'll surely bring his competitive drive to the game.</p><p><strong>Pick: </strong>Victor Wembanyama +750</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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NBA All-Star Weekend betting: 3-point shootout, Slam Dunk contest, MVP

As the league enters the All-Star break following Thursday's action, teams will have roughly 25 g...

<p>As the league enters the All-Star break following Thursday's action, teams will have roughly 25 games remaining in the regular season. With the campaign winding down and entering a hiatus, let's dive into each conference's standings and playoff races.</p><h3>East standings, playoff odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Standings (record)</th>
<th>Playoff odds</th>
<th>East champion odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. Cavaliers (44-10)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
<td>-110</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2. Celtics (39-16)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
<td>+280</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3. Knicks (36-18)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4. Pacers (30-23)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5. Bucks (29-24)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6. Pistons (29-26)</td>
<td>-350</td>
<td>+25000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7. Magic (27-29)</td>
<td>-750</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8. Heat (25-27)</td>
<td>-400</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9. Hawks (26-29)</td>
<td>+135</td>
<td>+30000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10. Bulls (22-33)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
<td>+50000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11. Sixers (20-34)</td>
<td>+290</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12. Nets (20-34)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
<td>+50000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Teams with more than 35 losses not listed</em></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/7" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/7">Cavaliers</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/1">Celtics</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/3">Knicks</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/9" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/9">Pacers</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/10">Bucks</a> are considered locks to make the playoffs, which explains why postseason odds aren't available.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>That leaves seven teams fighting for three spots. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/8">Pistons</a> currently hold the coveted 6-seed. Teams placing between seventh and 10th will compete in the play-in tournament to determine the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds.</p><p>Detroit, which had the NBA's worst record last season, has already doubled last year's win total. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96056" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96056">Cade Cunningham</a> has emerged as an All-Star, averaging a career-high 25.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 9.4 assists. His playmaking has dramatically improved, and the Pistons have added the right blend of veteran wings to surround him, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6332" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6332">Tobias Harris</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44947" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44947">Malik Beasley</a>. Even without backcourt partner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102756" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102756">Jaden Ivey</a> - the Pistons' second-leading scorer who's out indefinitely with a leg injury - Detroit is staying afloat in the East playoff picture.</p><p>The Pistons' offense often falls apart without Cunningham on the floor. However, their recent acquisition of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30613" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30613">Dennis Schroder</a> should help in non-Cunningham minutes and keep Detroit in a playoff spot.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/13">Heat</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/11">Hawks</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/14" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/14">Magic</a> are only separated by one game. Miami is finally past the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> saga and obtained <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31937" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31937">Andrew Wiggins</a> at the deadline, a quality starter who'll help bolster the Heat's top-10 defense. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69689" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69689">Tyler Herro</a> is enjoying a career-best season and was rewarded with a first All-Star selection. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53731" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53731">Bam Adebayo</a> has disappointed as his points, field-goal percentage, and rebounding numbers are down. However, if he, and Miami's young core, can finish the campaign strong, the team will be in a good spot when the play-in tournament begins.</p><p>The Hawks are the worst team among the three, leading to a 42% implied probability of making the playoffs. Although <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a> is having an All-Star season and leads the NBA in assists, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96072" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96072">Jalen Johnson</a>, Atlanta's second-best player, is out for the remainder of the campaign with a torn labrum. The Hawks were sellers at the deadline, shipping off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53037" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a> - their second-leading scorer - for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24860" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24860">Caris LeVert</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24291" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24291">Georges Niang</a>. Before its recent stretch of four wins in six games, Atlanta lost eight straight and tumbled down the standings. It has the seventh-worst offensive rating over the last 15 contests.</p><p>Making matters worse for Atlanta, the Magic should move up the standings. Injuries have decimated Orlando this season, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102767" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102767">Paolo Banchero</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96086" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96086">Franz Wagner</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96087" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96087">Jalen Suggs</a> - the Magic's three leading scorers - have played six games together. Banchero and Wagner are back, but Suggs has missed the last nine contests with a quad injury. The Magic are 4-7 since Banchero and Wagner returned.</p><p>Orlando has the league's third-best defense but owns the second-worst offense. The offense should improve once the team's stars return to form after the All-Star break amid the NBA's fifth-easiest remaining schedule, per <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/remaining_schedule_strength">tankathon.com</a>.</p><p>And then there are the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/4" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/4">Sixers</a>, who oddsmakers aren't completely giving up on with a 25% implied probability of qualifying. Philadelphia was one of the preseason favorites to win the East, but injuries derailed its campaign. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> has played in just 17 of the Sixers' 54 games. Even with Philly's Big Three of Embiid, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a> on the court together, the Sixers lost to the Cunningham-less Pistons, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>-less Bucks, and the 17-38 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/5">Raptors</a> in the last week.</p><p>The Sixers could still make the play-in now that the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/6">Bulls</a> have entered a full-blown tank mode by trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach LaVine</a>, but Philadelphia's ugly season is on life support. It might be better to pull the plug and rest Embiid for the rest of the year.</p><h3>West standings, playoff odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Standings (record)</th>
<th>Playoff odds</th>
<th>West champion odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. Thunder (44-9)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
<td>-110</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2. Grizzlies (36-18)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
<td>+1100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3. Nuggets (36-19)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
<td>+575</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4. Rockets (34-20)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5. Lakers (32-20) </td>
<td>-3000</td>
<td>+700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6. Clippers (30-23)</td>
<td>-280</td>
<td>+1700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7. Timberwolves (30-25)</td>
<td>-400</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8. Mavericks (29-26)</td>
<td>+105</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9. Kings (28-26)</td>
<td>+200</td>
<td>+6600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10. Warriors (27-27)</td>
<td>+100</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11. Suns (26-28)</td>
<td>+340</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12. Spurs (23-29)</td>
<td>+500</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Teams with more than 30 losses not listed</em></p><p>Twelve of the West's 15 teams have a legitimate chance of making the playoffs. Last year, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/22" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/22">Rockets</a> finished 11th at 42-42, the best record for an 11-seed in history, showcasing how deep the West is.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/28">Thunder</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/26">Nuggets</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/23" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/23">Grizzlies</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/22" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/22">Rockets</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/18" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/18">Lakers</a> are almost guaranteed a playoff spot barring injuries or an epic late-season collapse. The trade deadline had a massive impact on other bubble teams' chances.</p><p>Trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> certainly hurt the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/21">Mavericks</a>' odds, but the situation worsened for the disparaged franchise when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> re-injured his adductor in his debut, and he's now out for at least the next few weeks. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60087" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60087">Daniel Gafford</a> will miss the next two weeks, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110268" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110268">Dereck Lively</a> won't return from an ankle injury for at least a couple more weeks. Without a center, the Mavs should fall in the standings. However, they could still earn a spot in the postseason if they're healthy by the play-in, which has led to a 48% implied probability.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/17">Clippers</a>' second-best defense has brought Los Angeles to the 6-seed. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12144" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12144">Norman Powell</a>'s breakout season and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a>'s steady scoring carried the offensive load as they waited for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a>'s return. Leonard hasn't looked like himself since returning from a knee injury in January. His scoring and efficiency are down, and his free-throw attempts have dried up as he struggles to explode to the rim.</p><p>Only 2.5 games separate seventh through 10th. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/20">Kings</a> damaged their chances when they traded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a>, even though they acquired LaVine. Sacramento is 5-6 in its last 11 games and has the league's fifth-worst defense during that span. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/27">Timberwolves</a> are on a two-game skid amid a disappointing season, but their talent should carry them to the playoffs.</p><p>Despite being the 10-seed, Butler's arrival has given the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/16">Warriors</a> better odds of making the playoffs than teams ahead of them. Golden State is 2-1 since Butler debuted, and he'll clearly fit in the Warriors' system as a secondary creator alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Steph Curry</a>. If there was a time to bet on the Warriors, it's now.</p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">The <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/19">Suns</a>, who have the toughest remaining schedule in the NBA, are a mess and can't defend a high school team. They've lost seven of their last nine games as everything falls apart after openly trying to trade <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11887">Bradley Beal</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a>.</span></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/25">Spurs</a> are sleepers to make the playoffs. They're three games back of the 10-seed, so they have an uphill battle. However, the Spurs were winners at the trade deadline, trading for Fox without giving up members of their young core. San Antonio needs frontcourt depth, especially defensively, for when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> is on the bench. However, as the Fox-Wembanyama pairing blossoms, so should the Spurs' standing in the West.</p><p>The play-in tournament has created a thrilling final few months of the season. Odds will continue to shift, but the All-Star break provides the perfect opportunity to bet on teams to emerge motivated.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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NBA playoff race: Which teams are favored to make the postseason?

With the Super Bowl in the rearview, the football world can officially turn its attention to the ...

<p>With the Super Bowl in the rearview, the football world can officially turn its attention to the offseason. Free agency is the first chance for organizations to bolster their rosters. Then, the NFL draft, the premier offseason spectacle, will allow teams to lock down their futures.</p><p>The 2025 NFL Draft features a lot of unpredictability at the top. The No. 1 pick odds have already moved drastically since the market opened and will move even more before April's draft.</p><p>With no clear-cut top prospect and a down draft for quarterbacks, it's anyone's guess who the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/14" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/14">Titans</a> will select first overall. Who do the oddsmakers believe will hear their name called first in Green Bay?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>No. 1 pick odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>Draft Order</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cameron Ward</td>
<td>-115</td>
<td>1. Titans</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Abdul Carter</td>
<td>+185</td>
<td>2. Browns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Travis Hunter</td>
<td>+350</td>
<td>3. Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shedeur Sanders</td>
<td>+525</td>
<td>4. Patriots</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaxson Dart</td>
<td>+4000</td>
<td>5. Jaguars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mason Graham</td>
<td>+6000</td>
<td>6. Raiders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Campbell</td>
<td>+7000</td>
<td>7. Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kelvin Banks Jr.</td>
<td>+8000</td>
<td>8. Panthers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quinn Ewers</td>
<td>+9000</td>
<td>9. Saints</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/164" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/164">Colorado</a> quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/160938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/160938">Shedeur Sanders</a> opened as the favorite at +200 but slipped down the board. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami</a> quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/152938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/152938">Cam Ward</a> was originally +1000 in December but has solidified his mark as the favorite in recent months.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/521" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/521">Penn State</a> defensive end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171484" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171484">Abdul Carter</a> has seen the biggest movement. He opened at +5000 to go No. 1 but has since jumped to the second-best odds at +185. Carter is regarded as the draft's top defensive prospect. A defensive end isn't as valuable as a quarterback, but it's still a premier position - just look at the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a>' pass rush in the Super Bowl.</p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">The <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/14">Titans</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/10">Browns</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/18">Giants</a> desperately need a quarterback to turn their franchises' fortunes around. The problem is there isn't an obvious choice like last year when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> were no-brainers at first and second overall.</span></p><p>Ward and Sanders are the top two quarterbacks in this draft. One, if not both, will likely go in the top three. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/3">Patriots</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/16">Jaguars</a> are the only two teams drafting in the top nine with comfortable quarterback situations. Every other team will do its due diligence on the top passers. However, smart teams won't reach, especially with a potentially loaded 2026 quarterback draft class.</p><p>Ward was a Heisman finalist and had a case as the best quarterback in the country last fall. He led the nation with 39 passing touchdowns and only threw seven interceptions. Ward also accumulated 4,313 passing yards, the second most behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/161696" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/161696">Kyle McCord</a>. Miami finished 10-3 despite a porous defense.</p><p>Sanders is also in the mix for the top pick. He threw the second-most touchdown passes (37) and ranked fourth in passing yards (4,134). Sanders was constantly scrambling with a weak offensive line protecting him but still recorded monstrous numbers and led the Buffaloes to a 9-4 mark.</p><p>Ole Miss quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/162552" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/162552">Jaxson Dart</a> is considered a tier below Sanders and Ward. He's a long shot to go first overall despite ranking third in passing yards last season and throwing just six interceptions.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/179519" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a> is another player to watch as the top pick. The cornerback and wide receiver won the Heisman Trophy for his remarkable play on both sides of the ball. He's a freak athlete who excels as a pass-catcher and lockdown corner. However, it's unclear if whoever selects him would use him on offense and defense, or which position he'd play.</p><p>Ward has garnered 43% of the handle (money wagered) to go No. 1, more than double any other prospect. However, Hunter has received a leading 22% of the bets, while Carter has the second most at 18%. Slightly under 17% of the bets are on Ward, with Sanders trailing at 15%.</p><p>Tennessee needs a quarterback, and the first pick is usually reserved for a signal-caller - six of the last seven top picks were quarterbacks. But Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker said they won't pass up on a "generational talent." If there's one in this draft, he's likely on defense.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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NFL draft No. 1 pick odds: Who will the Titans select?

The Mavericks' first game in Dallas since trading Luka Doncic wasn't exactly a festive environmen...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/21">Mavericks</a>' first game in Dallas since trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Donci</a>c wasn't exactly a festive environment. Protests and angry chants directed at the front office and ownership overshadowed the product on the court.</p><p>But it should be a different atmosphere when Doncic, who's been sidelined with a calf injury since Christmas Day, makes his Lakers debut.</p><p>Los Angeles is a 12.5-point favorite for Monday night's home matchup against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/30" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/30">Jazz</a>. Doncic's point total is 27.5 on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, while his assist and rebound totals are both 7.5. Those numbers are on par with his season averages of 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. Doncic is such an exceptional scorer that he can explode at any moment, but the Lakers will likely be cautious with his minutes as he works himself back from injury. Also, Doncic might operate more as a passer as he feels out playing with his new teammates.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The big question, of course, is how Doncic will fit alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>.</p><p>Both superstars are ball-dominant, high-usage players. The offense will likely revolve around Doncic as James plays more off the ball, and both can operate as the ball-handler and the screener in what should be a deadly pick-and-roll combo. However, they'll need time to learn each other's tendencies, and the Lakers' thinness at center complicates matters.</p><p>The Lakers thought they were acquiring frontcourt reinforcements when they agreed to a trade with the Hornets for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102765" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102765">Mark Williams</a>, but the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical. </p><p>There are also questions about what the Lakers sacrificed on the defensive end. They ranked in the bottom half of the league in defense before the trade, and they'll slip even more with Doncic.</p><p>But there's no denying the Lakers are ultimately better now than they were before the trade deadline. Their odds to win the title before the Doncic trade were +3300. They're now +1800, sixth best behind the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/28">Thunder</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/1">Celtics</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/7" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/7">Cavaliers</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/3">Knicks</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/26">Nuggets</a>.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p><p> </p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30198470/related

What to expect in Luka's Lakers debut

As the dust settles on the wildest NBA trade deadline in NBA history, we have a clearer picture o...

<p>As the dust settles on the wildest NBA trade deadline in NBA history, we have a clearer picture of who leaped into contender status and who tanked their title chances. Nine players with at least one All-Star appearance switched teams, leading to some drastic movement in championship odds.</p><h3>Luka Doncic (and Mark Williams) to Lakers, Anthony Davis to Mavericks</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>Title odds pre-trade</th>
<th>Title odds post-trade</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>+3300</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mavericks</td>
<td>+2500</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Don't buy the spin that the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/21">Mavericks</a> are somehow better after the most shocking trade in league history. On the heels of an NBA Finals appearance, they ruined their short-term and long-term future and diminished their chances of winning a championship. There's no basketball justification for Dallas making this trade. Although Mavs general manager Nico Harrison said the deal will help them compete for a championship immediately, the odds suggest otherwise.</p><p>Dallas will have a sturdy defensive frontcourt. However, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a>, who has never successfully led a team, is the only perimeter offensive creator. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> is a dominant two-way player, but the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/18" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/18">Lakers</a> couldn't finish above the 7-seed with him mostly healthy the last four years. His impact is vastly overrated, and the Mavs don't have the surrounding pieces to contend.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Meanwhile, the Lakers' odds shifted more than any other team involved in a trade. That happens when you acquire a top-three player and one of the few guys who immediately elevates a team's ceiling to championship contention. The Lakers weren't done making moves following the Doncic deal: They traded away a future first-round draft pick and rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121679" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121679">Dalton Knecht</a> (among other pieces) for center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102765" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102765">Mark Williams</a>, the perfect athletic big to pair with Doncic.</p><p>Williams averages 15.6 points and 9.6 boards and is a terrific finisher. He's a ferocious offensive rebounder - top 10 in the league in offensive rebounds per game - and a lob threat. He's also a daunting defensive presence at times. Williams is part of the Lakers' long-term plans, but he's a risk due to availability issues; he's missed more than half of his games with various injuries in his first three NBA seasons.</p><p>The Lakers are tied with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/26">Nuggets</a> for the fifth-best title odds - behind the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/1">Celtics</a> (+220), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/28">Thunder</a> (+230), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/7" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/7">Cavaliers</a> (+700), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/3">Knicks</a> (+1400). Despite some perimeter defense concerns, they have the pieces alongside Doncic and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> to contend for a championship. However, there's no precedent for major stars joining forces midseason and winning the Finals. Building chemistry takes longer than a few months down the stretch of a season. But perhaps the Lakers can take advantage of the lifeline the Mavs gifted them in Year 1.</p><h3>Jimmy Butler to Warriors</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>Title odds pre-trade</th>
<th>Title odds post-trade</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>+4000</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Heat granted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a>'s wish and shipped him to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/16">Warriors</a>. Golden State was one of the few teams desperate enough to take a gamble on the time bomb that is Butler. However, the Warriors didn't give up many impactful players - they traded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31937" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31937">Andrew Wiggins</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30613" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30613">Dennis Schroder</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24784" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24784">Kyle Anderson</a> - so it was worth the gamble.</p><p>Butler is undoubtedly an upgrade over all the departing pieces, and his arrival boosted the Warriors' title odds. They're tied for the ninth-best odds to win the championship, but they still have work to do to qualify for the playoffs. Golden State is out of the play-in picture as the 11th seed at 25-26. The Warriors are +175 to make the playoffs and -220 to miss it.</p><p>Forget Butler's character issues and the contract extension for an aging star - the player fits the system. First, Butler can provide relief for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Steph Curry</a> as a secondary creator, which the Warriors desperately needed. Although his availability is a concern, Butler's still an All-Star-level player who can create shots for himself and others and assume ball-handling responsibilities.</p><p>Plus, Butler can excel off the ball. He's not a high-volume 3-point shooter, but he drilled 41% of his threes on 2.4 attempts per game last season. More importantly, Butler is a skilled cutter, screener, and slipper, all essential skills in the Warriors' system.</p><p>Golden State elevated its ceiling by adding star power. However, with 31 games remaining, it might be too little, too late.</p><h3>Kyle Kuzma to Bucks, Khris Middleton to Wizards</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>Title odds pre-trade</th>
<th>Title odds post-trade</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>+2800</td>
<td>+2800</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Many NBA fans scratched their heads at the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/10">Bucks</a>' decision to swap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a> for<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37799"> Kyle Kuzma</a>. Middleton had been a franchise cornerstone for the last 12 years and helped the Bucks win a championship, but he'd become a greatly diminished version of himself. Milwaukee couldn't contend with an unreliable third option who only played 111 games in the last three seasons.</p><p>Oddsmakers don't see this trade as impacting the Bucks' chances. Their championship odds remain in the same spot, tied for seventh, with the fourth-best odds to come out of the East.</p><p>The issue for many Bucks fans is the return. Kuzma has been atrocious this season, averaging 15 points per game on 42% shooting from the field and 28% from three. It gets worse: Among 248 players who average at least 20 minutes, Kuzma's 46.9 effective field goal-percentage is the 17th worst.</p><p>Kuzma was underqualified for his primary role on an atrocious <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/15" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/15">Wizards</a> squad actively trying to tank. Playing alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> in a winning environment should boost his performance as those stars create looks for him. However, Kuzma needs to knock down threes at a higher rate. He shot 36% from long range with the Lakers in 2020-21, one season after winning a championship with Los Angeles. His defensive versatility is an asset, and if he can get back to a respectable 3-point percentage, this is an upgrade for Milwaukee.</p><h3>De'Aaron Fox to Spurs, Zach LaVine to Kings </h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>Title odds pre-trade</th>
<th>Title odds post-trade</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Spurs</td>
<td>+20000</td>
<td>+15000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kings</td>
<td>+30000</td>
<td>+30000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a>'s arrival in San Antonio immediately boosted its odds to win the West and make the playoffs, as I wrote <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3208178" href="https://thescore.com/news/3208178">earlier this week</a>. We witnessed his impact in his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/25">Spurs</a> debut. He scored 24 points, dished out 13 assists, and grabbed five boards in a one-point win over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/11">Hawks</a>. </p><p>The Spurs' game-winning play featured a two-man action between Fox and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a>, who has never played with a dynamic point guard like Fox. San Antonio was +700 to make the playoffs before the trade and is +360 now. The Spurs are 12th in the West at 22-26, but they're a team to watch in the season's final months.</p><p>Although the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/20">Kings</a>' odds didn't change, they're worse without Fox. They subsequently added <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach LaVine</a> in a three-team deal that included the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/6">Bulls</a>. LaVine is having a great season, but he doesn't shift Sacramento's outlook. The Kings are the 10th seed at 25-26 and are +360 to make the playoffs. They could end up watching the Spurs leap them in the standings.</p><h3>Cavaliers acquire De'Andre Hunter</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>Title odds pre-trade</th>
<th>Title odds post-trade</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>+750</td>
<td>+700</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Cavaliers already had the third-best odds to win the NBA Finals and second-best odds to win the East (+280), but they improved at the deadline, leading to slightly more favorable odds.</p><p>Cleveland exchanged depth for a boost to its starting lineup by trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24860" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24860">Caris LeVert</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24291" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24291">Georges Niang</a> to the Hawks for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53037" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a>, who's averaging a career-high 19 points per game on 39% shooting from three. He'll fit perfectly alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44998" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> as a spot-up shooter and big wing. It's not a drastic move, but the team with the best record in the East got better.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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NBA post-deadline odds movement: Did Warriors, Lakers, or Spurs improve?

After making our picks for player props and extracurricular markets for the Big Game, it's time t...

<p>After making our picks for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3204989" href="https://thescore.com/news/3204989">player props</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3205804" href="https://thescore.com/news/3205804">extracurricular markets</a> for the Big Game, it's time to predict who will win the Super Bowl.</p><p>Our two betting writers, Sam Oshtry and Eric Patterson, couldn't agree on who will hoist the Lombardi Trophy. So they went head-to-head, laying out the case for both the Eagles and the Chiefs. And since the point spread is down to Chiefs -1, we're tossing it away and making these picks straight-up.</p><p>Who are you siding with?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Case for Eagles</h3><p>The only reasonable argument for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> is they have the NFL's best quarterback who's in contention as the greatest signal-caller ever. Granted, that's a good reason to pick the Chiefs as they attempt to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls. Kansas City has won an NFL record 17 consecutive one-score games this season, which certainly requires some luck - and a quarterback as talented as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a>.</p><p>Eventually, though, someone has to dethrone the Chiefs, and this <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> team is built for the task. Philadelphia has an edge at every position other than quarterback and kicker.</p><p>Two years ago, the Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII. However, this Eagles team is much different - and better - than the 2022 squad. First, Philadelphia's run game is on another level thanks to free-agent acquisition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>, who runs behind an unstoppable and physically dominant offensive line.</p><p>The Eagles are a run-first club with Barkley in the backfield and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> under center, but their passing game has also produced when needed. Hurts has an elite wide receiver duo on the outside in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown</a> and<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161668" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161668"> DeVonta Smith</a>, and he has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82025" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82025">Dallas Goedert</a> at tight end.</p><p>Defenses rarely implement a two-high safety scheme against Philly because of its dangerous rushing attack, which opens up receivers. The Chiefs play primarily man-to-man coverage. Hurts, who threw for over 300 passing yards and had four total touchdowns in the last Super Bowl against K.C., should exploit the Chiefs' coverage through the air. Steve Spagnuolo is an accomplished and brilliant defensive coordinator, but Kansas City doesn't have the defensive personnel to stop the Eagles' offense.</p><p>Philadelphia's defense has also significantly improved since Super Bowl LVII - eight of its starters are new, including dominant defensive lineman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188180" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188180">Jalen Carter</a>, linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98213" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98213">Zack Baun</a>, and rookie cornerbacks <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199758" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199758">Quinyon Mitchell</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199825" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199825">Cooper DeJean</a>. The Eagles hold opponents to 18.3 points per game, the league's second-best mark. The Chiefs' offense, meanwhile, struggled against solid defensive units like those of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Broncos</a> (16 points scored) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Texans</a> (23 points scored in the divisional round).</p><p>Historically, teams that have won the turnover battle in the Super Bowl are 38-7. Neither offense has turned the ball over in the playoffs, but Philly's defense has 10 takeaways this postseason and was plus-11 in turnover margin in the regular season. Meanwhile, K.C.'s defense hasn't forced a turnover in the playoffs and only had a plus-6 turnover margin over the 2024 campaign. </p><p>Another trend to watch is that the team that ran for the most yards is 43-15 in the Big Game. The Eagles didn't establish their run game the last time these teams played, but that won't be the case Sunday. Philadelphia has outgained their opponents on the ground in 17 of the last 18 games its starters played.</p><p>Mahomes is remarkable and, if the Chiefs' offense is driving in a tight game as the clock winds down, Eagles fans should be worried. However, this Philly squad has the rushing attack, offensive weapons, and defense to dethrone Kansas City.</p><p><em>- Sam Oshtry</em></p><h3>Case for Chiefs</h3><p>I'll start by conceding that the Eagles have more talent on offense except at quarterback I'm also going to include tight ends, though. Barkley outclasses the duo of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/75836" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/75836">Kareem Hunt</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174108" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174108">Isiah Pacheco</a>, and Brown and Smith are better than the large rotation of wideouts the Chiefs deploy. But, even at 35, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a> remains one of the best tight ends in football.</p><p>However, the differences between the rest of the personnel on both sides of the ball aren't drastic enough to be heavily considered when handicapping the game.</p><p>The Eagles' offensive line has been one of the best units in the game for a while. But the Chiefs roster two first-team All-Pros in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161823" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161823">Creed Humphrey</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/52828" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/52828">Joe Thuney</a>, so you could argue Kansas City's is equally as strong.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53977" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53977">Chris Jones</a>, meanwhile, is the best defender in the game and is a big reason the Chiefs were fifth in pressure rate (26.1%) and sixth in hurry rate (9.0%) during the regular season. The Eagles were 28th and last in those two categories, respectively.</p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Kansas City's defense features <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173980">George Karlaftis</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161822">Nick Bolton</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173979">Trent McDuffie</a>, all of whom have been to the Big Game before. All-Pro linebacker Baun and rookie corners Mitchell and DeJean will make their first Super Bowl appearances for Philadelphia. It's hard to overstate the importance of experience on the game's biggest stage. </span></p><p>And the Chiefs make up for whatever talent they may lack by trotting out the league's best quarterback. It's a movie we've seen before - Kansas City may not look like the better team on paper, but people seem to forget the magic of Mahomes, who's had the best first seven seasons of any signal-caller the NFL has ever seen.</p><p>On top of all that, Mahomes has Andy Reid on his sideline, so we have to give the Chiefs the coaching advantage in a game that - if closely contested - could come down to a decision made by the head coach. </p><p>It may sound simplistic, but sometimes backing an all-time great is the only play to make. Mahomes and the Chiefs will make history Sunday by becoming the first team to achieve a Super Bowl three-peat - whether you like it or not.</p><p><em>- Eric Patterson</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30141136/related

Super Bowl picks: Making a case for each team

Trends are a casual bettor's best friend and many use them if they are predictive or not. Whether...

<p>Trends are a casual bettor's best friend and many use them if they are predictive or not. Whether that's a smart approach is a different story. Professional bettors often dismiss historic trends as having no impact on the upcoming outcome. That's certainly the case for some trends, but others provide glimpses of a player's and team's past performances in similar environments.</p><p>We broke down eight Super Bowl trends and decided whether you should buy (they deliver useful information that can inform a bet) or sell (a pure coincidence that will have nothing to do with the outcome). And if you want to bet based on a fluky trend, by all means go for it. Nobody's stopping you.</p><p><strong>Trend 1</strong>: The outright winner is 48-7-3 against the spread (87.3%) in the previous 58 Super Bowls.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: Buy</p><p>This trend tells us the spread is essentially useless in the Super Bowl. While the spread is so tight in this game that it would be foolish to take the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> with the points instead of the moneyline, it's a noticeable trend that whoever wins the Big Game also covers the number. This could relate to a trend discussed later about underdogs' recent Super Bowl success.</p><p>Nevertheless, the Super Bowl has the best against-the-spread win percentage for the outright winner of any other NFL playoff round.</p><p><strong>Trend 2: </strong>Teams wearing white jerseys have won 16 of the past 20 Super Bowls.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: Sell</p><p>This fun trend circulates when the jersey colors are announced for each team. It's pretty wild that the team in white usually wins, but it has no bearing on this matchup or any future matchup. Look good, feel good, play good, I guess? But I hate to break it to the jersey truthers; the color of the jersey has no impact on the outcome. So, please, don't waste any real money because of this trend.</p><p><strong>Trend 3</strong>: Teams that played on Wild Card Weekend are 13-1-1 ATS in the past 15 Super Bowl games against teams with a first-round bye.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: Buy</p><p>This is difficult to decipher. Is there something to having to play an extra postseason game, gaining that experience in must-win contests, and building momentum toward the Super Bowl, or is this complete randomness? I'm going to say it's the former.</p><p>It speaks volumes that wild-card teams consistently perform well in this game. A playoff run offers an advantage in terms of experience, momentum, and confidence.</p><p>Common sense would suggest any team that played fewer games should be well-rested, but the two-week bye leading up to the Super Bowl mostly negates that advantage.</p><p><strong>Trend 4</strong>: Teams that rush for more yards are 43-15 straight up.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: Buy</p><p>While you can't win the Super Bowl without a quarterback who can make clutch plays, running the ball in the Big Game is instrumental to having your team's confetti fall.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> outgained their opponents on the ground in the past two Super Bowls, including against the Eagles two seasons ago. However, Kansas City failed to win the rushing battle in its Super Bowl win over the 49ers in 2020. Still, running effectively - and thus controlling time of possession - is critical.</p><p>Based on this trend, the Eagles have a huge advantage. They have the NFL's best rushing attack led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> running behind the league's most dominant offensive line. One of the biggest differences between the Eagles this season compared with 2022 is their explosive running game that's seemingly unstoppable.</p><p><strong>Trend 5</strong>: The team with the better record has lost 12 of the past 14 Super Bowls and is 2-19-1 ATS in the past 29 Super Bowls.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: Sell</p><p>Who cares who has the better record? Many variables go into a regular season record - conference strength, division strength, and early-season injuries that heal by year's end.</p><p>It's certainly interesting that the team with a worse record has won at a higher rate recently, which favors the Eagles. However, records are worthless in this game. More often than not, Super Bowl teams will have similar records separated by one or two wins, so it's irrelevant when picking a winner.</p><p><strong>Trend 6</strong>: Super Bowl favorites are 9-18-2 against the spread in the past 29 Super Bowls, and underdogs have won outright in 10 of the past 17.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: Sell</p><p>Overall, Super Bowl favorites are 35-22 straight up, but underdogs have recently reigned supreme in the Big Game. No rational explanations can be made for the phenomenon other than recent Super Bowl opponents have been evenly matched, and it's becoming increasingly harder for oddsmakers to assign a favorite.</p><p>The underdog has won three of the past four years, including the past two when the Chiefs were underdogs. In hindsight, assigning <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> as an underdog is laughable. However, oddsmakers learned their lesson and Mahomes is now a slight favorite. Perhaps teams rally behind the underdog label and use it as extra motivation.</p><p>But there's no true underdog when the spread is as tight as it is for Sunday's game. Sure, the Eagles are technically the underdog and will count toward the trend if they win, but this trend is only useful when the spread is greater than 1.5. </p><p><strong>Trend 7</strong>: Teams that won the turnover battle are 38-7 straight up (only including Super Bowls that had a turnover advantage).</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: Buy</p><p>From Pop Warner to the NFL, football coaches preach that whoever wins the turnover margin will win. As this trend explains, that's no different on the sport's biggest stage. Nothing is more important than protecting the football.</p><p>If one team commits more turnovers than the other, it's almost certain it will lose. After all, the difference in the Eagles' 3-point Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs was Jalen Hurts' fumble late in the second quarter. Kansas City didn't commit a turnover in that game. Teams with a turnover advantage in this year's playoffs are 8-0 straight up.</p><p>Now, who does this trend favor on Sunday? Both offensive units are exceptional at protecting the football as neither group has committed a single turnover in the playoffs. However, the Eagles' defense has 10 takeaways this postseason while the Chiefs' defense hasn't forced a takeaway. In the regular season, Kansas City's turnover differential was six while Philadelphia's was 11.</p><p><strong>Trend 8</strong>: The under has hit in five of the past six Super Bowls.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: Buy</p><p>Recent Super Bowls have had a surge of unders with five of the past six falling below the total, including last year's game that fell under by a half-point. Furthermore, the under hit in seven of the past nine Super Bowls when the total closed in the 40s. The over/under for Super Bowl LIX opened at 49.5, but fell to 48.5, indicating bettors piled in on the under.</p><p>The only Super Bowl that exceeded the total in the past six games was the 38-35 thriller between the Eagles and Chiefs. But the Eagles' defense is revamped for this rematch, holding opponents to 18.3 points per game, the league's second-best mark.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30136865/related

Super Bowl betting trends: Deciding which to buy or sell

The Super Bowl MVP market isn't simply about picking the best player in the game. It's about sele...

<p>The Super Bowl MVP market isn't simply about picking the best player in the game. It's about selecting the best player on the team you believe will lift the Lombardi Trophy.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> is the overwhelming favorite with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> slightly favored. It's rare for a running back to sit near the top of the oddsboard in this market, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>'s historic season earned him the second-best odds as he goes for the single-season rushing record in the Big Game.</p><p>But is Barkley the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> player to bet on or should you target someone else? And how can you find value on a Chiefs player other than Mahomes?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Super Bowl MVP odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Mahomes</td>
<td>+105</td>
<td>9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saquon Barkley</td>
<td>+275</td>
<td>24%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Hurts</td>
<td>+350</td>
<td>11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Travis Kelce</td>
<td>+1800</td>
<td>8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xavier Worthy</td>
<td>+2500</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A.J. Brown</td>
<td>+3000</td>
<td>4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DeVonta Smith</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kareem Hunt</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Jones</td>
<td>+6000</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Carter</td>
<td>+6000</td>
<td>5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marquise Brown</td>
<td>+6000</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dallas Goedert</td>
<td>+7500</td>
<td>2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zack Baun</td>
<td>+7500</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deandre Hopkins</td>
<td>+10000</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Karlaftis</td>
<td>+10000</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Jalen Hurts (+350)</h3><p>The Eagles' running game got them this far, but their passing game will finish the task. Although Philadelphia's rushing attack is borderline unstoppable, the team came out passing aggressively against the Commanders in the NFC championship. Even after Barkley broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run on his first touch, the Eagles stayed aggressive, passing on nine of their first 14 plays and throwing the ball more than running it in the first half. Expect a similar game plan in the Super Bowl.</p><p>Philly's offense rarely faces a two-high safety scheme because teams are worried about Barkley in the backfield, and the Chiefs play primarily man-to-man defense. That should allow <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts </a>to cook in the passing game with incredible offensive playmakers on the outside. </p><p>If the Eagles win, Hurts could still have a difficult task jumping Barkley for MVP despite the fact 13 of the last 18 Super Bowl MVPs were quarterbacks. The national media has discredited Hurts all season because he's surrounded by elite talent and because the Eagles rely on their extraordinary running game (which Hurts is involved in). Those same media members are the ones voting on the award, which is why Barkley is ahead of Hurts on the oddsboard.</p><p>But Hurts has shown he can use his arm to make plays and step up in crucial moments. There are few quarterbacks as clutch as Hurts that consistently meet the moment. He'll have to produce a monstrous performance in a win to earn the honor, but he threw for over 300 passing yards and had four total touchdowns in the last Super Bowl against Kansas City two years ago. </p><h3>Chris Jones (+6000)</h3><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Okay, so you think the Chiefs will win, but you want to capitalize on a scenario in which <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514" target="_blank">Patrick Mahomes</a> doesn't win MVP. The odds suggest there's roughly a 51% chance Mahomes doesn't win the award for a fourth time. </span></p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left"><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a> or another offensive weapon could be a contender, but it's hard to envision an offensive player on the Chiefs having a big game without Mahomes turning in an MVP-caliber performance. </span></p><p>That leaves us looking at the defensive side of the ball, and the more you analyze the options at some big numbers, the more intriguing betting on a defensive player gets. </p><p>Both teams field very stingy defenses, and it wouldn't be shocking to see either team struggle to score points. The game's total is 48.5, but the odds of the game going under 38.5 are only +300. If this game becomes a defensive battle, then someone like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53977" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53977">Chris Jones</a> has a far greater chance of winning MVP than +6000 would suggest. </p><p>The Eagles' offense depends on the run, and Jones is one of the league's best run-stoppers. If he can get into the backfield to disrupt <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>, and perhaps log a handful of tackles for a loss or multiple sacks, then Jones will receive MVP consideration, which is all you can ask for at +6000.</p><h3>George Karlaftis (+10000)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173980" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173980">George Karlaftis</a> is the second Chiefs defender to target who can disrupt the Eagles' offense. Karlaftis led the Chiefs in sacks during the regular season and already has three in this postseason to go along with three tackles for a loss. </p><p>With Jones clogging up the middle, the Eagles may be more inclined to run the ball to the outside. Karlaftis should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays behind the line of scrimmage, and one strip-sack with a few tackles for a loss could be enough to get him into the MVP conversation.</p>

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Super Bowl MVP bets: Will someone end Mahomes' run?

We already outlined some safer bets to make for the Big Game, dishing out eight hopeful winners i...

<p>We already outlined some safer bets to make for the Big Game, dishing out eight hopeful winners in our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3204989" href="https://thescore.com/news/3204989">player props article</a>. But those are mundane props that will see plenty of action from bettors.</p><p>Now, we're diving into some unique props that require some digging. A few have reasonable odds and others are long shots. Whether it's exact outcomes, player combos, or betting on overtime, we chose our six favorite distinctive props in order of the shortest odds (most likely to hit) to the longest odds (least likely to hit).</p><h3>Race to 10 points - Eagles (-105)</h3><p>In the Chiefs' last three Super Bowls, their opponent reached 10 points before Kansas City. Mahomes' squad doesn't get off to fast starts in the Big Game, although they did mount double-digit comebacks in the last two Super Bowls.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Two seasons ago, Philadelphia raced out to a 14-7 lead and led by 10 at halftime. Of course, we know how that game ended. But the Eagles have scored on their opening drive and beaten their opponents to 10 points in every playoff game. The Bills beat the Chiefs to 10 points in the AFC championship. Kansas City's offense may be brilliant, but history tells us it takes time to start humming on the biggest stage.</p><h3>Lowest-scoring quarter - 1st quarter (+175)</h3><p>While the Eagles have started fast in the playoffs and still seem likely to score 10 points first, we're leaning into the idea that teams can start slow in Super Bowls as they get a feel for the game and their opponent. This theory has held true more often than the +175 odds indicate; since 2000, the first quarter's been the lowest-scoring quarter in 11 of the 24 Super Bowls. That's a 45.8% rate, and +175 odds imply a probability of 36.4%.</p><h3>1st Eagles offensive drive exact outcome - Rushing touchdown (+500)</h3><p>It's worth exploring the Eagles to score a rushing touchdown on their opening drive based on similar logic as picking them to put up 10 points first.</p><p>Philadelphia's slow starts were a concern earlier this season, as the team built an extended streak of failing to score in the opening quarter. But the Eagles scored on the opening drive in all three playoff games, and they did so with rushing touchdowns in the divisional round and NFC championship.</p><p>The Eagles will use a healthy balance of passes and runs to march downfield. But once they enter the red zone, Philly turns to its prolific ground game and dials up plays for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> to score.</p><h3>1st Eagles drive - Successful 4th-down conversion - Yes (+800)</h3><p>The importance of scoring first in the Super Bowl - especially against the Chiefs - cannot be understated. The team that scores first has won 65.5% of Super Bowls (38 of 58), and the Eagles will want to set the tempo early. They have a cheat code with the Tush Push, and if they get to a fourth-and-1 situation around midfield, head coach Nick Sirianni will be aggressive.</p><p>This bet still plays if the Chiefs score on their first drive. It's tough to win games against the Chiefs if you're punting, and the Eagles know it.</p><h3>Will there be overtime? - Yes (+1100)</h3><p>Why not take a flier on overtime? The Chiefs' last two Super Bowl appearances came down to the closing seconds, including last year's overtime win versus the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/23" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/23">49ers</a>. Maybe the NFL script calls for back-to-back Super Bowls ending in overtime.</p><p>The last Super Bowl between the Eagles and Chiefs was decided by three points, and so was last week's AFC championship. The Eagles and Chiefs are evenly matched, and oddsmakers anticipate a close finish given the spread. The Chiefs' recent marquee postseason games have been so close that it's worth sprinkling on overtime at a +1100 price.</p><h3>Gatorade color dumped on winning coach - Clear/water (+1100)</h3><p>It's the Super Bowl - why not have some fun?</p><p>Let's be transparent: This is purely a guess. However, since 2001, clear/water has been the color of choice <a href="https://x.com/Nick_Friar/status/1886803143167762534">16.7% of the time</a> for teams dousing their head coaches. Clear/water is the longest shot in this market, and odds of +1100 imply a probability of 8.3%.</p><p>This prop is also independent of the winning team. The Eagles poured yellow Gatorade on Sirianni after winning the NFC championship, and in their previous three Super Bowl victories, the Chiefs poured purple Gatorade on Andy Reid twice and orange once.</p><p>Both teams will have water on the sideline, so take the only valuable number on the board with a small wager for the end-of-game shenanigans. </p>

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Deep dive into unique Super Bowl props

Opening a sportsbook app can be overwhelming for many bettors. The offerings feel endless, especi...

<p>Opening a sportsbook app can be overwhelming for many bettors. The offerings feel endless, especially when you wade into the waters of player props.</p><p>But if you don't have an opinion on who will win the Big Game, betting on player props can keep you engaged while you devour chicken wings and nachos. Below, we've identified eight player props we think have a better chance of hitting than their odds suggest.</p><h3>Jalen Hurts - Over 199.5 passing yards (-140)</h3><p>While much has been made of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a>' role in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a>' run-heavy offense, Philadelphia came out with a clear plan against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a>. Sure, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run on his first carry, but the Eagles passed the ball on nine of their first 14 plays. Even with a lead, Philly stayed aggressive, running more pass plays than run plays in the first half.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>That's different from the approach the Eagles displayed much of the season. It's important to earn and maintain a lead in the Super Bowl, and the fastest way to get ahead is through the passing game. Expect the Eagles to follow a similar script to the NFC championship - staying aggressive with their passing while also establishing the run.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a>' defensive strength is stopping the run; their pass defense falls behind. Hurts totaled 550 passing yards, eight total touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the two most important games of his career thus far: Super Bowl LVII and last week's NFC title game. You can count on Hurts to make plays in the biggest moments, and the Eagles will need that to get their revenge.</p><h3>Jalen Hurts - Anytime TD scorer (-115)</h3><p>Are we missing something here? Maybe, but at these odds, backing Hurts to find the end zone is a no-brainer. The Eagles call Hurts' number near the goal line all the time, and their Tush Push is the most successful one in the league.</p><p>Hurts has scored 18 rushing touchdowns this season and only failed to cross the goal line in six of 18 games. The -110 odds imply a probability of 52.4%, but he's scored in 66.7% of them. Take that value and run.</p><h3>Patrick Mahomes - Over 35.5 passing attempts (-130)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a>' last two Super Bowl wins followed similar scripts: The Chiefs trailed and relied on Mahomes' greatness to will them back to a win. That usually requires Mahomes to throw the ball frequently to get back in the game. He averages 40.7 pass attempts per game across his previous four Super Bowl appearances.</p><p>Kansas City's offense is pass-heavy - understandably so with Mahomes behind center. He recorded fewer than 30 passing attempts in the Chiefs' two playoff wins, but he threw at least 36 passes in the last six regular-season games and 11 of the final 14 regular-season games.</p><h3>A.J. Brown - Longest reception over 24.5 yards (-110)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown</a> is Hurts' top target. He had a down season and still led the Eagles in targets and receiving yards. Philadelphia relies on its running game to move the chains, but its passing game needs to come alive for the Eagles to compete with Mahomes. If Hurts is cooking, it's likely because he's consistently throwing to Brown.</p><p>Brown is unstoppable on slants and often breaks free for massive gains. Wagering on Brown's longest reception prop is worth a bet if you - like me - believe Brown will be targeted often.</p><p>Brown's over 5.5 receptions could also be worth a look. If he records at least five catches, he'll surely have one for at least 25 yards. Brown's longest reception exceeded 25 yards in nine of the 11 games he had at least five catches.</p><h3>Dallas Goedert - Under 4.5 receptions (+107)</h3><p>When everyone zigs, it can be good to zag. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82025" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82025">Dallas Goedert</a> has been a popular Hurts target throughout their playoff run, so bettors are eager to place wagers on Goedert's over props.</p><p>While Goedert is exceptional at gaining extra yards after the catch, he doesn't rack up receptions at a high rate. This is a good fade spot as the market overreacts to Goedert's impressive postseason run. He's recorded less than five catches in eight of his 12 games this year, and he only had four catches in two of the three playoff games.</p><h3>Xavier Worthy - Over 6.5 rushing yards (-115)</h3><p>Kansas City isn't afraid to involve dynamic receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199737" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199737">Xavier Worthy</a> in the running game. He's handled 11 carries - some of which are passes from Mahomes that count as laterals - in the last five games and surpassed 6.5 rushing yards in four of those. The Chiefs often give Worthy plenty of action around the line of scrimmage with screens or jet sweeps, and you have to imagine Andy Reid will find creative ways to get the speedster involved.</p><h3>Xavier Worthy - Anytime TD scorer (+150)</h3><p>Worthy found the end zone in three of his last four games as his role in the Chiefs' offense grows. He's clearly their best wide receiver, but the betting market isn't treating him as such.</p><h3>Noah Gray - Under 1.5 receptions (-145)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161969" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161969">Noah Gray</a> hasn't been involved in the Chiefs' offense lately. He's caught one pass at most in four of his past five games, including a zero-catch effort against the Bills in the AFC Championship Game when he ran only seven routes.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a> is hogging tight end snaps, keeping Gray on the sideline. There's no reason to expect the Chiefs will change that game plan, especially with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/114847" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/114847">Hollywood Brown</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87570" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87570">JuJu Smith-Schuster</a> making bigger contributions.</p>

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Super Bowl player props: Will Hurts exceed expectations again on the big stage?

A wild weekend in the NBA continued Sunday night when the Spurs acquired De'Aaron Fox from the Ki...

<p>A wild weekend in the NBA continued Sunday night when the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/25">Spurs</a> acquired <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a> from the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/20">Kings</a>. Fox established San Antonio as his preferred landing spot last week, and the Spurs made it happen without giving up their young core in a three-team trade.</p><p>The details of the deal are as follows:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="De'Aaron Fox trade" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BwoUI" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BwoUI/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="412" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();</figure><p>The Spurs now pair Fox with second-year sensation <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a>, who earned an All-Star selection in his sophomore season and is the overwhelming favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year. Fox is averaging 25 points, 6.1 assists, and five rebounds.</p><p>San Antonio pulled off a heist by acquiring an All-Star-level talent without losing key young pieces such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121685" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93907" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93907">Devin Vassell</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69690" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69690">Keldon Johnson</a>, or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102789">Jeremy Sochan</a>. That's a win for their outlook this season and beyond, as Fox is expected to sign a long-term extension.</p><p>However, the Spurs still face a challenging path to the postseason: They sit 12th in the West at 21-15. They're two games out of the play-in and 5.5 games back of the 6-seed, but oddsmakers give them a better chance with Fox. The Spurs' odds of making the postseason went from +700 to +380, increasing their implied probability of qualifying from 12% to 20%.</p><p>Their odds of winning the West shortened from +12500 to +10000 and their championship odds moved from +20000 to +15000. Those will continue shrinking as Fox and Wembanyama build chemistry and the Spurs add complementary pieces in the upcoming years.</p><p>Players don't typically request to play in San Antonio, but Wembanyama himself is a destination. Fox and Wembanyama should be a dominant pick-and-roll duo. The point guard is by far the most talented player Wembanyama has played with in his young career; he's never had an explosive downhill scorer who can create for himself. The Spurs rank 19th in clutch offense. Fox won Clutch Player of the Year in 2023, which should help in that department.</p><p>Although the one-time All-Star isn't a franchise-altering sensation, he's one of the league's 25 best players. Playing alongside Wemby will elevate Fox's game, and Fox will have a similar effect on his teammate. One of the Spurs' problems is the way they implode when their French phenom is on the bench. San Antonio is 12.3 points per 100 possessions worse when Wembanyama is off the floor. The Spurs can now implement Fox in non-Wemby lineups, which should help keep them afloat when the big man sits.</p><p>The Kings' chances of competing, meanwhile, took a hit when they traded away Fox. They were already long shots to win the West before the trade but moved from +6000 to +6600. As the 10th seed in the West at 24-24, Sacramento was +210 to make the postseason before the trade and is now +300.</p><p>Sacramento landed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach LaVine</a> from the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/6">Bulls</a> in the deal, and he's having a solid season, averaging 24 points per game on 44% shooting from three. However, the Kings have a ton of guards, and Chicago already rolled out the LaVine and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/470" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/470">DeMar DeRozan</a> pairing without much success.</p><p>Championship odds among Western Conference teams have been jumbled in the last two days following the<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3207682" href="https://thescore.com/news/3207682"> Luka Doncic trade</a> and the Fox deal. With the trade deadline days away, the oddsboard could keep shuffling.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p></script></figure><p>The Spurs now pair Fox with second-year sensation <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a>, who earned an All-Star selection in his sophomore season and is the overwhelming favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year. Fox is averaging 25 points, 6.1 assists, and five rebounds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>San Antonio pulled off a heist by acquiring an All-Star-level talent without losing key young pieces such as <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93907">Devin Vassell</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69690">Keldon Johnson</a>, or <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102789">Jeremy Sochan</a>. That's a win for their outlook this season and beyond, as Fox is expected to sign a long-term extension.</p><p>However, the Spurs still face a challenging path to the postseason: They sit 12th in the West at 21-15. They're two games out of the play-in and 5.5 games back of the 6-seed, but oddsmakers give them a better chance with Fox. The Spurs' odds of making the postseason went from +700 to +380, increasing their implied probability of qualifying from 12% to 20%.</p><p>Their odds of winning the West shortened from +12500 to +10000 and their championship odds moved from +20000 to +15000. Those will continue shrinking as Fox and Wembanyama build chemistry and the Spurs add complementary pieces in the upcoming years.</p><p>Players don't typically request to play in San Antonio, but Wembanyama himself is a destination. Fox and Wembanyama should be a dominant pick-and-roll duo. The point guard is by far the most talented player Wembanyama has played with in his young career; he's never had an explosive downhill scorer who can create for himself. The Spurs rank 19th in clutch offense. Fox won Clutch Player of the Year in 2023, which should help in that department.</p><p>Although the one-time All-Star isn't a franchise-altering sensation, he's one of the league's 25 best players. Playing alongside Wemby will elevate Fox's game, and Fox will have a similar effect on his teammate. One of the Spurs' problems is the way they implode when their French phenom is on the bench. San Antonio is 12.3 points per 100 possessions worse when Wembanyama is off the floor. The Spurs can now implement Fox in non-Wemby lineups, which should help keep them afloat when the big man sits.</p><p>The Kings' chances of competing, meanwhile, took a hit when they traded away Fox. They were already long shots to win the West before the trade but moved from +6000 to +6600. As the 10th seed in the West at 24-24, Sacramento was +210 to make the postseason before the trade and is now +300.</p><p>Sacramento landed <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach LaVine</a> from the <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/6">Bulls</a> in the deal, and he's having a solid season, averaging 24 points per game on 44% shooting from three. However, the Kings have a ton of guards, and Chicago already rolled out the LaVine and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/470">DeMar DeRozan</a> pairing without much success.</p><p>Championship odds among Western Conference teams have been jumbled in the last two days following the<a href="https://thescore.com/news/3207682"> Luka Doncic trade</a> and the Fox deal. With the trade deadline days away, the oddsboard could keep shuffling.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Adding Fox boosts Spurs' playoff, championship odds

As the sports world processed one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, oddsmakers quickly ...

<p>As the sports world processed one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, oddsmakers quickly reacted.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/21">Mavericks</a> traded superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic </a>to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/18" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/18">Lakers</a> for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a>. The three-team trade included other players, draft picks, and the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/30" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/30">Jazz</a>, but the headline is two All-NBA players exchanging teams.</p><p>Trading an indisputable top-five player who just brought the Mavs to the NBA Finals last season is a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3207654" href="https://thescore.com/news/3207654">baffling move</a> that will likely have a detrimental impact on Dallas for years to come. The odds shift illustrates how much this hurts the Mavs' championship chances.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dallas moved from +900 to win the West to +1600 and from +2500 to win the NBA Finals to +3300 on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. The Mavs are 26-23 and the eighth seed because Doncic played just 22 games this season as he rehabs a calf strain. He's expected to return in February.</p><p>The Lakers, meanwhile, boosted their championship odds. Los Angeles has won eight of its past 10 games and moved to the fifth seed in the West. Before the trade, the Lakers were +3300 to win the Finals and +2500 to win the conference. They've since shifted to +1600 to win the Finals and +850 to prevail in the West, behind only the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/28">Thunder</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/26">Nuggets</a>.</p><p>Despite Dallas' apparent concerns about his conditioning and health - and possibly his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3207692" href="https://thescore.com/news/3207692">upcoming contract situation</a> - trading a player of Doncic's caliber at 25 years old is unprecedented. Although Davis is a dominant big and won a championship in Los Angeles with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>, this was a no-brainer deal for the Lakers.</p><p>The Mavs gifted the Lakers the ideal post-James succession plan by handing them perennial MVP candidate Doncic, one of the few players who immediately elevates a team's ceiling to championship contention. Doncic is eligible for an extension this summer because his contract expires in 2026. The Lakers believe their history and location should persuade Doncic to re-sign with Los Angeles.</p><p>Playing alongside Doncic could extend James' career while his responsibility shrinks, allowing him to play more away from the ball as Doncic carries the scoring and playmaking duties. But this trade was about the future more than the present.</p><p>While the Lakers could contend when Doncic returns, a lineup featuring James, Doncic, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> will struggle defensively. Los Angeles already has a bottom-tier defense, and this move won't help. Plus, the Lakers lost their center and defensive anchor. It's fair to expect Los Angeles to add a center before Thursday's trade deadline. </p><p>When a team offers Doncic in a trade, any organization should say yes and figure out the rest later. Assuming the Lakers convince Doncic to stay in Los Angeles, the Purple and Gold will be atop the championship oddsboard for the next decade.</p><p>The Mavs still have a playoff-worthy roster, but their future looks bleak with Davis joining aging stars <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving </a>and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5334" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5334">Klay Thompson</a> and few top-quality young pieces to build around. Somehow, they received only one first-round pick in the trade. Dallas' ceiling went from a championship to a first- or second-round playoff exit.</p><p>Time will tell if this was a colossally bad trade or secretly genius. The NBA world weighing in seems quite certain it's the former. At least for this season's outlook, oddsmakers agree.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Lakers' title odds skyrocket, Mavs' plummet after Doncic-Davis trade

After winning the NFC championship Sunday to bring the Eagles to their second Super Bowls in thre...

<p>After winning the NFC championship Sunday to bring the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> to their second Super Bowls in three seasons, head coach Nick Sirianni sent out a four-word message to silence anyone doubting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a>.</p><p>"How 'bout our quarterback," Sirianni screeched.</p><p>Doubters have levied a lot of criticism toward Hurts throughout the season. Sure, Hurts' counting statistics are down - his 246-yard performance Sunday was only the second time in his last 12 full games that he eclipsed 240 passing yards. His statistical output is also not on par with top quarterbacks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, Hurts still had a good season. And if wins are a quarterback stat, then few passers have accomplished as much as Hurts over the last three seasons. As Sirianni constantly preaches, Hurts is a winner.</p><p>There's not a quarterback in the league who wins as much as Hurts and receives as much criticism locally and nationally. He's a remarkable 42-11 in games he's started and finished over the last three seasons. Yet the conversation surrounding the Eagles constantly revolves around whether they can win despite Hurts' deficiencies. It's time to change the dialogue. Philadelphia wins because of Hurts.</p><p>All great players have great talent around them. Hurts is penalized for it more than anyone else.</p><p>Yes, the league's best rushing attack, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> running behind a dominant offensive line, has brought the Eagles this far, but Hurts is a part of that. He's not the passer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> are, but his rushing ability adds a unique dynamic to the offense. The threat of him running - and utilizing run-pass-option plays - opens up the offense and makes Barkley's job easier.</p><p>Just because Hurts hasn't needed to showcase his arm talent, doesn't mean he can't. He posted a 110 passer rating in the championship game as his team scored 55 against the Washington Commanders.</p><p>Most impressively, Hurts hasn't turned the ball over since Nov. 10. He only threw five interceptions this season. However, protecting the football isn't as flashy as no-look passes or gigantic box scores.</p><p>Oddsmakers have posted Hurts' passing yards prop at 199.5 on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, a fair line since he's averaged 200 passing yards per game (playoffs included) and has gone over 199.5 in nine of 17 contests. His rushing total is 39.5, and he's -115 to find the end zone. Hurts, who scored the first touchdown in the Super Bowl two years ago, is +650 to be the first player to cross the pylon.</p><p>Surprisingly, bettors believe in Hurts in the big game. Roughly 75% of the bets and 55% of the money wagered is on Hurts to exceed his passing prop. The 2022 MVP finalist is +360 to win the Super Bowl MVP behind Mahomes (+105) and Barkley (+275).</p><p>Hurts has totaled 550 passing yards, 86 rushing yards, eight total touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the two most important games of his career thus far: Super Bowl LVII<strong> </strong>and last week's NFC Championship Game. He's also recorded a plus-70% completion percentage and an average passer rating greater than 105. Do those seem like good numbers? There's no reason to expect anything less in the next biggest game of his career Feb. 9.</p><p>The Eagles won't abandon their running game on the brightest stage, but Hurts will have to make plays through the air to compete with Mahomes' greatness, especially if the Chiefs take an early lead. Plus, Kansas City's pass defense is weaker than its rushing defense. </p><p>As electric and essential as Barkley has been to Philadelphia's operation, if the Eagles hoist the trophy in New Orleans, it'll be because of that quarterback Sirianni keeps screaming about.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Is Hurts finally getting the respect he deserves?

The Eagles and Chiefs will meet in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9, a rematch of Super Bowl LVII two sea...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> will meet in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9, a rematch of Super Bowl LVII two seasons ago. In one of the most thrilling Super Bowls in recent memory, Kansas City mounted a second-half comeback to defeat Philadelphia 38-35.</p><p>The Eagles entered the game as 1.5-point favorites after finishing 14-3 in the regular season and steamrolling weak NFC playoff opponents. Over 60% of the bets were on the Eagles to cover, but more money was on the Chiefs.</p><p>Philadelphia's 2022 offense had similar personnel to this year's group except for one key piece: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>. While the Eagles had a top-five rushing attack in 2022 led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/109486" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/109486">Miles Sanders</a>, their run game with Barkley is the NFL's best and significantly more explosive. Barkley is 30 yards away from breaking Terrell Davis' 1998 single-season rushing record (playoffs included) of 2,476. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Eagles rushed for 115 yards in Super Bowl LVII, but quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> accounted for 70. No running back carried the ball more than eight times or rushed for over 22 yards. That won't be the case in the rematch, as Philadelphia has leaned on its unstoppable run game throughout the campaign. Barkley is averaging 147 rushing yards on 22 carries per contest this postseason.</p><p>Philly's 17-point second quarter helped give them a 10-point lead at halftime in Super Bowl LVII. The Chiefs, slight -105 underdogs pregame, climbed as high as +380 on the live moneyline following <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/75742" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/75742">Jake Elliott</a>'s field goal before halftime to put the Eagles up 24-14. But as almost every Chiefs playoff opponent has discovered, no lead is safe against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a>.</p><p>Kansas City's star quarterback orchestrated a 12-play drive with five minutes remaining and the contest knotted at 35, eventually resulting in a game-clinching field goal to crown the Chiefs Super Bowl champs and gift Mahomes the second ring of his career.</p><p>Mahomes opened at +140 to win Super Bowl MVP, but that soared to as high as +500 when the Chiefs trailed. Despite throwing for only 182 yards and falling short of his 252.5 passing prop, Mahomes won the individual honor. Hurts played one of the best games of his career on the brightest stage. He cleared his 238.5 passing prop, throwing for 304 yards and totaling four touchdowns - three rushing and one passing.</p><p>The Eagles' top weapons all had big games. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161668" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161668">DeVonta Smith</a> caught seven passes for 100 yards, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown </a>caught six passes for 96 yards, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82025" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82025">Dallas Goedert </a>had seven receptions for 60 yards. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a> was Kansas City's leading receiver with six catches for 81 yards.</p><p>The game soared past the 50.5 total as both offenses exploded, which most bettors predicted. Over 60% of the tickets and 75% of the money was on the over. </p><p>The following season went differently for each squad. The Eagles started 10-1 before losing six of their last seven and bowing out in the first round following an epic end-of-season collapse. Meanwhile, the Chiefs struggled throughout the regular season but kicked in another gear for the postseason. They were underdogs in the Super Bowl against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/23" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/23">49ers</a>. And again, Kansas City clawed back from a halftime deficit to defeat San Francisco in overtime, capturing its second straight Super Bowl and Mahomes' third overall.</p><p>Two years later, the spread has flipped as the Chiefs are slight 1.5-point favorites over the Eagles. After Kansas City won the last two Super Bowls as underdogs, oddsmakers wouldn't dare assign Mahomes the 'dog label in the Big Game. Mahomes has a remarkable 17-3 playoff record, is 4-0 as an underdog, and has covered 15 of his 20 postseason games. However, underdogs have won three of the last four Super Bowls and 10 of the past 17.</p><p>The total is 49.5, one point off of Super Bowl LVII. While the Chiefs personnel is largely the same, the Eagles have revamped their defense, trading in aging veterans for a youthful presence. Philadelphia has eight new defensive starters from two seasons ago, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, a finalist for Assistant Coach of the Year, is in his first season with the Eagles.</p><p>Most of the early money and bets are on Philadelphia to cover, but 66% of the handle (money wagered) is on the Chiefs' moneyline. The over has garnered a whopping 90% of bets.</p><p>Kansas City's last two Super Bowls have come down to the final minutes, resulting in three-point wins. The Chiefs have needed Mahomes' magic and some good fortune to capture the titles. If the line is any indication, next Sunday's contest will be just as riveting as the Chiefs attempt to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls while the Eagles look to avoid becoming a footnote in Kansas City's dynasty.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Super Bowl rewind: Chiefs come back as 'dogs to defeat Eagles in SB LVII

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is having a historic season, forcing oddsmakers to post unprec...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> running back<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272"> Saquon Barkley</a> is having a historic season, forcing oddsmakers to post unprecedented rushing lines to keep up with the MVP candidate's production.</p><p>Barkley's 124.5-yard rushing prop for Sunday's NFC championship against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a> is the highest rushing total in the last three seasons at theScore Bet and ESPN Bet.</p><p>The former Giant soared over his rushing prop last week against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a>. He accumulated 205 yards on the ground as snow piled up, rushing for the fifth-most yards in a game in playoff history. He also cleared his rushing prop against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/27">Packers</a> in the wild-card round.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sportsbooks can't keep pace with Barkley, who's exceeded his rushing total in 15 of 18 games this season. Bettors are taking notice. Over 80% of the bets on this prop and over 90% of the handle (money wagered) back Barkley to rush for at least 125 yards this weekend. He's also a popular bet to score a touchdown. Barkley has the shortest odds to reach the goal line at -250, but he's still garnered 34% of bets and 42% of the handle in the anytime touchdown market.</p><p>He's scored touchdowns in nine of the 18 games he's played. In the nine games he reached the end zone, Barkley scored multiple touchdowns in six of them. He's +200 to score two touchdowns Sunday.</p><p>The favorite to win Offensive Player of the Year ran for 2,005 yards during the regular season, becoming the ninth player in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards. He averaged 125 rushing yards per game.</p><p>Philly continuously feeds Barkley regardless of whether opposing defenses stack the box or play a normal four-man front. Barkley finds holes behind the NFL's best offensive line and uses his extraordinary lateral movement to create space. He's also showcased his breakout speed with six touchdown runs of at least 60 yards, including two against the Rams in the divisional round.</p><p>Expect the Eagles to stick with their run-first approach against a Washington team that allowed the seventh-most rushing yards per game this season. Barkley averaged 148 rushing yards in two previous meetings against the Commanders. He carried the ball at least 26 times in both matchups.</p><p>The Commanders lack the defensive personnel to contend with Philadelphia's offensive line or rushing attack, which explains why the Eagles are 6-point home favorites.</p><p>While Barkley didn't break the single-season rushing record because he sat in Week 18, he's on pace to break Terrell Davis' 1998 overall rushing record (including playoffs) of 2,476 yards. Barkley has run for 2,329 yards, so he's 148 short. If the Eagles advance to the Super Bowl, Barkley's almost guaranteed to smash Davis' mark.</p><p>How high is too high for Barkley's rushing props? Oddsmakers are trying to answer that question. If Barkley surpasses his prop again this Sunday and the Eagles advance, his Super Bowl line could be colossal.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Barkley betting: Historic season leading to all-time high rushing props

Bet or Bail explores players, teams, storylines, and markets throughout the NBA landscape every w...

<p><em>Bet or Bail explores players, teams, storylines, and markets throughout the NBA landscape every week.</em></p><h3>Kings cruising since Brown's departure</h3><p>Steve Kerr said he was "disappointed" when the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/20">Kings</a> fired Mike Brown. Michael Malone called it "classless" and Rick Carlisle said he was "shocked."</p><p>Various coaches defended one of their fraternity members when Sacramento let Brown go in late December. The 2022-23 Coach of the Year was granted an extension last summer but the Kings started the season 13-18 and were out of the playoff picture after acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/470" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/470">DeMar DeRozan</a> in the offseason.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Since Brown's firing, Sacramento's been one of the league's best teams. It's won 10 of 12 games under interim coach Doug Christie and is three games over .500 as the West's No. 7 seed.</p><p>The Kings were +280 (26% implied probability) to make the playoffs when Brown was fired Dec. 27. After their recent stretch, they're -140 (58% implied probability) to make the postseason.</p><p>The Kings' turnaround can't be entirely attributed to Brown's firing. Players often feel an increased sense of responsibility when a coach is fired midseason, leading to some reflection regarding their role in what went wrong.</p><p>Sacramento has a top-five offense and a top-10 defense in January. A big part of the Kings' turnaround: Their secondary players are playing better. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38429" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38429">Domantas Sabonis</a>, and DeRozan all average at least 20 points. Fox and Sabonis have played at an All-Star level most of the season, but their role players let them down.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53736" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53736">Malik Monk</a> became a full-time starter in December, but the final month of 2024 looked very different than the opening month of 2025. He's averaging 23.2 points in January compared to 16.5 in December. Monk's taken on more responsibility as a lead scorer and ball-handler. He's playing a career-high 31 minutes per night and attempting a career-high 14 shots per game. With his on-ball duties heightened, Monk's unlocked his playmaking with a career-high 5.6 assists per game. He's dishing 7.7 dimes per game in January.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102776" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102776">Keegan Murray</a> was in a shooting slump to start the season. He never shot below 35% from three in his first two seasons but was shooting worse than 30% from deep in the campaign's first two months. Murray's back to shooting 40% from three in January and averaging 13 points per game, on par with his career average. Sacramento's been a bottom-tier 3-point shooting team, so the Kings need Murray to remain consistent from deep.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102739" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102739">Keon Ellis</a> was the biggest beneficiary of Brown's firing. Christie's unlocked the third-year guard's game by granting him more opportunities. Ellis only played 16 minutes per game in December but is now up to 27 in January. He's averaging nearly 11.4 points per game this month, shooting an outstanding 49% from three on 5.3 attempts. He's also a tenacious defender who's helped the Kings' point-of-attack defense. Ellis stole <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52793" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52793">Kevin Huerter</a>'s minutes, with the latter playing 14 minutes per game in January after playing 23 a game in December. Huerter's having an awful shooting season, connecting on a career-low 30% of his long-range shots.</p><p>The Kings' biggest improvement from their early woes is their clutch performance. Fox and DeRozan are two of the league's most clutch players - Fox won Clutch Player of the Year two seasons ago, and DeRozan was a finalist in the last two campaigns. However, Sacramento started the season 6-13 in clutch games (contests within five points in the final five minutes). It's 6-0 in its last six clutch games.</p><p>Sacramento's size issues and defensive concerns - like rim protection - will likely prevent it from being a contender, which is why it still has the 11th-best odds to win the West (+3300). However, the Kings unlocked something when Brown walked out the door and are worth a bet to return to the playoffs.</p><h3>Bail on Minnesota's Randle experiment</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748541/cropped_GettyImages-2175604385.jpg?ts=1728102098" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748541/w220xh124_GettyImages-2175604385.jpg?ts=1728102098 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748541/w320xh180_GettyImages-2175604385.jpg?ts=1728102098 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748541/w640xh360_GettyImages-2175604385.jpg?ts=1728102098 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748541/w768xh432_GettyImages-2175604385.jpg?ts=1728102098 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/748541/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2175604385.jpg?ts=1728102098 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Sherman / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31118" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31118">Julius Randle</a> was the centerpiece of a trade that sent him and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45225" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45225">Donte DiVincenzo</a> from New York to Minnesota in exchange for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a>.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/27">Timberwolves</a> finished third in the West last season, their best finish since 2004, and made the conference finals. So, Randle had hefty shoes to fill. Granted, trading Towns was a financial move more than a basketball move, as Minnesota wanted to stay below the second apron and had to get rid of KAT's exorbitant salary.</p><p>Yet Minnesota today finds itself 23-21 and in eighth in the West - not where it expected to be in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a>' fifth season.</p><p>The Wolves were -1000 (90% implied probability) to make the postseason before the season and +475 to win the West. They're still favored to make the postseason, but the odds are down to -260, and they now have the eighth-best odds to win the West (+2000).</p><p>While the Wolves' decline directly results from the trade, it's unfair to blame Randle for everything. The two-time All-NBAer isn't having a tremendous season, but he's been solid and decently efficient. </p><p>The issue is that Randle isn't a complementary player. He's an isolation-heavy ball-stopper, a forceful, physical driver. He has the lowest usage rate of his career since he was a Laker in 2017-18.</p><p>The real challenge for the Wolves is that Randle's a below-average 3-point shooter (career 33%) who replaced a terrific 3-point shooter in Towns (career 40%). That completely alters Minnesota's spacing and makes it difficult for Edwards to get downhill. Edwards leads the NBA in 3-point attempts and shoots 9.8 per game, three more than last season, and while he's drilling a career-high 42% of them, he's getting to the foul line less.</p><p>The two-time All-Star's intentionally prioritized threes, but it's also harder for him to find driving lanes with Randle on the court. Randle isn't a serious threat from deep, so the defense sinks in and shrinks the paint when Randle's on the perimeter:</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766870/cropped_Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.38.49_AM.jpg?ts=1737649291" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766870/w220xh124_Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.38.49_AM.jpg?ts=1737649291 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766870/w320xh180_Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.38.49_AM.jpg?ts=1737649291 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766870/w640xh360_Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.38.49_AM.jpg?ts=1737649291 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766870/w768xh432_Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.38.49_AM.jpg?ts=1737649291 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766870/w1080xh607_Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.38.49_AM.jpg?ts=1737649291 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">ESPN</span></figcaption></figure><p>Defenders played closer to Towns on the perimeter because he got more respect as a 3-point shooter, creating driving opportunities for guards. Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69736" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69736">Naz Reid</a> is a better 3-point shooter than Randle, but Reid plays significantly fewer minutes. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a>, although limited offensively, is such a dominant force defensively that it's hard to sit him for long stretches.</p><p>As a result, Minnesota's offense ranks in the league's bottom half and its clutch offense is the NBA's third worst. The Wolves are scoring three points fewer per game than last season.</p><p>Wolves coach Chris Finch inserted DiVincenzo into the starting lineup earlier this month. DiVincenzo had been playing fewer minutes and shooting the ball uncharacteristically poorly to start the season. His minutes increased to 30 per game as his 3-point percentage rose to 41% in January. He averaged 17.5 points and 4.7 assists in six games as a starter - the Wolves went 4-2 - before spraining his big toe. He's out indefinitely, a major blow after he started to become the impactful player Minnesota hoped.</p><p>But there's another major reason why the Wolves have fallen off a cliff: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/227" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/227">Mike Conley</a>'s swift decline. The 37-year-old guard was the perfect ball-handler and creator alongside Edwards, but he can't create separation or make plays for his teammates like he did before. He's simply old.</p><p>Conley's averaging 8.1<strong> </strong>points per game in 24 minutes, the lowest scoring average of his 19-year career. His usage rate is also the lowest of his career, and he's averaging 4.3 assists, almost two fewer than last season. Conley's lack of creation has hurt teammates like Gobert, who has the lowest usage rate of his career and is averaging his fewest points since 2015-16.</p><p>Finch removed Conley from the starting lineup for DiVincenzo, who served as a secondary ball-handler and is an underrated distributor. But Conley's back in the starting unit with DiVincenzo hurt, and the club doesn't have enough guard depth to deal with the fallout. </p><p>Everything's crashing in Minnesota and there's no easy fix. It's rarely obvious in the first season after a big trade, but the Wolves and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/3">Knicks</a>' preseason exchange has a clear winner and loser.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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NBA Bet or Bail: Kings cruising, T-Wolves' failed Randle experiment

Ohio State steamrolled through the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff to capture its nint...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a> steamrolled through the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff to capture its ninth national title in program history. The Buckeyes won the first four-team playoff in 2014 and prevailed in the first season of the 12-team playoff. As the celebration roars on in Columbus, it's never too early for the rest of the college football world to start thinking about next season.</p><p>Forecasting college football's future is as difficult as ever in this rapidly changing era of college athletics. The transfer portal and NIL have created more roster turnover than in any previous period.</p><p>Without having an idea of how teams will take form through the transfer portal, oddsmakers have released a look at who should be in contention for next year's crown. Spoiler alert: the schools leading the charge are unsurprising.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>2025 national champion odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Texas</td>
<td>+450</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Georgia</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td>+750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td>+750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td>+1300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Notre Dame</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tennessee</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LSU</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Clemson</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ohio State has the second-best odds of repeating, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/634" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/634">Texas</a> is the favorite. While it was a down season for elite quarterbacks, signal-callers are still essential to a winning operation. Teams without a reliable, top-tier QB won't compete for titles. That's why Texas is the favorite.</p><p>The Longhorns are as secure at quarterback as any team in the country. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/184393" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/184393">Arch Manning</a> will move into a starting role after serving as the backup for the past two seasons. He was featured plenty in Texas' offense this past campaign, however, including starting multiple games when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/166550" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/166550">Quinn Ewers</a> was injured.</p><p>It's rare for a highly recruited quarterback to accept a backup role for multiple seasons without transferring, but Manning stayed patient and waited for his moment. That'll come next season when the newest Manning in a long lineage of great ones takes the reins of Texas' offense. He's a presumed top pick in the NFL draft whenever he declares. Texas will also certainly have a loaded roster filled with NFL-caliber talent.</p><p>The 2024 finalists Ohio State and<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501"> Notre Dame</a> have some uncertainty at quarterback next season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/148298" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/148298">Will Howard</a> and<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/163464" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/163464"> Riley Leonard</a> are (presumably) moving onto the NFL, so the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish must find signal-callers. Each program is rich with resources, so enticing a quarterback shouldn't be an issue. Plus, Ohio State has so much receiver talent that even an average quarterback could look adequate in that offense.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/521" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/521">Penn State</a> also has an assured quarterback situation. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171465" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171465">Drew Allar</a> is coming back for another year. Despite his awful decisions in the semifinal against Notre Dame, Allar took a huge step forward this season. He'll have Penn State in a position to return to the playoff.</p><p>Beyond Texas and Ohio State, the teams atop the oddsboard are high-level programs consistently considered contenders. Even without knowing the exact personnel, the teams leading the Big Ten and SEC have the resources to attract the best talent through the transfer portal and out of high school while properly developing their players.</p><p>It's a safe bet to assume one of the teams listed above will celebrate a championship a year from now.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29925251/related

2025 national champion odds: Texas favored to win 1st title in 20 years

The Eagles are favored to win the Super Bowl for the first time this season following a thrilling...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> are favored to win the Super Bowl for the first time this season following a thrilling, snowy divisional win over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a>. </p><p>Entering the playoffs, Philadelphia trailed the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a> on the Super Bowl oddsboard. But the Lions, who were the Super Bowl favorites heading into the weekend and garnered the second-most bets to win the Big Game on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, suffered a shocking loss to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a> on Saturday.</p><p>Here are the updated Super Bowl odds with four teams remaining.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>Implied Probability</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Eagles</td>
<td>+175</td>
<td>36.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bills</td>
<td>+225</td>
<td>30.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td>+225</td>
<td>30.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commanders</td>
<td>+700</td>
<td>12.5%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Eagles leapfrogged the Bills and Chiefs because of their easier upcoming conference championship matchup. Philadelphia will play the Commanders at home as a 5.5-point favorite. Washington just defeated the NFC's No. 1 seed, but the line indicates - as do previous matchups - that the Eagles are the significantly better team.</p><p>The Chiefs are slight 1.5-point home favorites over the Bills in a contest between two heavyweights. A Kansas City three-peat would be the worst outcome for sportsbooks, as it has garnered a leading 36% of bets and 41% of money on the Super Bowl market. </p><p>Although it's more about their opponent, the Eagles are deservedly Super Bowl favorites after being disrespected by oddsmakers for much of the campaign. Philadelphia finished 14-3 with impressive regular-season wins over the Ravens, Rams, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a>, and Commanders. Despite having the NFL's most complete roster, the Eagles were never the favorites to win the NFC or Super Bowl.</p><p>At +175, this is the Eagles' shortest price to win the Super Bowl. Their shortest regular-season price was +400 in mid-December, and they were +375 before the divisional round.</p><p>Philadelphia relies on its dominant offensive line and explosive running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> to power its offense. It averaged the second-most rushing yards per game during the regular season. The Eagles' defense allowed the second-fewest points per contest. Although there are concerns regarding the passing game, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> is a competent, turnover-free quarterback with elite receivers. There are no holes on the roster.</p><p>The Bills are a more popular betting team than the Eagles with 30% of bets and 28% of the money on Buffalo and 23% of the bets and money on Philly among the remaining four teams. Less than 10% of bets and money are on the Commanders.</p><p>If Philadelphia escapes Washington, it'll likely be a slight Super Bowl underdog against the Bills or Chiefs. But first, the Eagles must defeat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a>, who's playing as well as any remaining quarterback. The Commanders' defense struggles against prolific rushing attacks.</p><p>The Eagles rushed for 228 yards in their first meeting against their division rival. In the second meeting, they led 21-7 in the first half before Hurts was ruled out with a concussion. Washington ultimately came back to win against a backup quarterback.</p><p>In the other conference, the Bills looked impressive in a divisional win over the Ravens. They now face another battle against their biggest playoff foes. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> and the Chiefs have eliminated <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> and Co. from the postseason three of the last four years. The Bills have another chance at redemption as road underdogs.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29911688/related

Eagles are Super Bowl favorites for 1st time after Lions' shocking exit

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/sam-oshtry/content_cards

Sam Oshtry

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/eric-patterson/content_cards