Why might the Canada-USA turn out differently this time?
A key USA player will be missing from the 4 Nations Face-Off final: defenseman Charlie McAvoy, out with an injury and an infection in his shoulder.
Writes VSiN hockey analyst Jonathan Davis:
Don’t underestimate the loss of McAvoy, whose five hits included a couple of jarring body checks on Connor McDavid. McAvoy’s five hits were as many hits as the other five blueliners combined.
JD offers five prop bets for tonight’s game (8 p.m. ET, ESPN):
Let’s start with two prop bets that are a combined 12-0 in the tournament. We had a goal scored in the first 10 minutes and at least two goals scored in all six games. I see no reason that the two trends come to a halt in the Championship game. I also like both teams to score in the first period. It happened in their first meeting on Thursday and all three USA games have seen both teams score in the opening 20 minutes.
>More wagers from your consideration from JD.
As of early this morning, Circa was at -105 on both sides. DraftKings Sportsbook had Canada -108 and USA -112.
Play (preseason) Ball
The first preseason MLB game is today with the Cubs (+170) vs. the Dodgers (-205) (Noon ET).
Now I know what you are thinking: Who cares?
But there are some bettors who actually like wagering on exhibition baseball.
If you are so inclined, we actually have betting splits on preseason MLB.
FYI: The VSiN MLB Betting Guide will be out Feb. 27.
Today in College Basketball
Greg Peterson has posted his Best Bets for today’s menu.
Adam Burke will post his top plays later this morning. So will Tyler Shoemaker.
As well as Josh Appelbaum‘s Sharp Report.
>Makinen’s power ratings with estimated scores
>DraftKIngs/Circa Betting Splits.
Listen now: Greg’s daily podcast handicapping every game on the menu every day.
Quick Hits
NBA: Zach Cohen will post his top plays for today’s nine-game menu later this morning.
Golf: ICYMI – Wes Reynolds has Best Bets for the Mexico Open. Check the VSiN Golf Picks page for the 38 picks made by hosts and guests. (8:30 a.m. ET first tee.)
Horse Racing: 1/ST BET handicapper Jeremy Plonk weighs in with his picks for today’s Gulfstream card. 1/ST Bet offers wagering on hundreds of races every day from across the country and around the world. Sign up at 1STBET.COM with promo code VSIN200 to claim a 20% rebate for your first 60 days, up to $200.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Thursday, February 20. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.