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The Utah Jazz (40-29) are 17.5-point favorites as they host the Portland Trail Blazers at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City on Wednesday. The Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last five contests against the Blazers and 5-1 SU in their last six outings against Portland. See more picks, and predictions in FBR’s NBA Predictions series.

BEST ODDS TO BET ON:

  • Underdogs: Blazers +17.5 (-110)
  • Jazz vs. Blazers Over/Under: 221.5 points

For the best odds for today’s games, check out 888Starz!

Portland is 25-39 ATS but is 0-5 SU in its last five games, 2-6 ATS in its last eight matches on the road and 1-4 SU in its last five contests when playing on the road against Utah. The Blazers are also 0-5 SU in their last five matches against an opponent in the Western Conference.

The Jazz are 4-2 in their last six games but have lost two of their last three, including a 103-111 setback to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. Utah will be led by Donovan Mitchell, who averages 26.4 points, 4/4 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game, followed by big man Rudy Gobert (14.3ppg), who leads the team in rebounds at 13.5 per game.

The Blazers remain undermanned with injuries to Damian Lillard (abdominal), Jusuf Nurkic (foot), Eric Bledsoe (Achilles), Justice WInslow (Achilles), Anfernee Simmons (quad) and Joe Ingles (knee). But Portland remains in contention for the No10 position and a place in the play-in tournament, trailing New Orleans (27-37).

Final Predictions and Picks:

  • Spread —122 Utah Jazz – 105 Portland Trail Blazers
  • Over/Under — OVER 221.5 points

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The Milwaukee Bucks (40-25) continue their push for the No2 seed in the Eastern Conference as they host the Atlanta Hawks (31-33) at the Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin on Wednesday. In today’s game, the Bucks are -5.5 point favorites vs. the Hawks. See more picks, and predictions in FBR’s NBA Predictions series.

BEST ODDS TO BET ON:

  • Underdogs: Hawks +5.5 (-110)
  • Hawks vs. Bucks Over/Under: 236.5 points

For the best odds for today’s games, check out 888Starz!

The Hawks are 28-36 ATS, but failed to cover the spread in even of their last eight games played on the road. Atlanta has a 35-29 over/under record but are 26-17 over when the total is greater or equal to 220.

Milwaukee is on a roll after winning its last four games after going 2-3 in its previous five contests. The Bucks are coming off a 132-122 win over the league-leading Phoenix Suns on Sunday where Khris Middleton went off for 44 points on 16-of-27 shooting along with eight rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes.

Atlanta won its two previous contests before dropping a 110-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday where Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 22 points on 8-of-19 shooting along with six assists in 39 minutes. The Hawks will again be led by All-Star point guard Trae Young, who averages 27.8 points and 9.4 assists per game, along with center Clint Capella, who leads the team with 12.1 rebounds per contest.

Final Predictions and Picks:

  • Spread —115 Milwaukee Bucks – 107 Atlanta Hawks
  • Over/Under — OVER 236.5 points

BetObet is an upstart sportsbook whose website opened in May 2020 and initially offered more than 25 sports in its pre-gaming section. The company operated by Counder BV holds a license from the Government of Curacao, while its sportsbook is powered by Delasport.

New punters can look forward to BetObet’s EUR100 Sports Welcome Bonus which many users find as competitive compared to other bookmakers despite starting out less than two years ago.

All new players who wish to be a part of the platform are urged to register at BetObet, where its initial bonus package allows all new players to place a minimum deposit of EUR10 to avail of the 100% matched deposit bonus up to EUR100. Don’t forget to use the SPORT100 code upon registration to take advantage of the bonus.

The welcome bonus, which will run from January 1, 2021, up to December 31 this year only upon a customer’s first-ever deposit on the website, will be eligible for single bets on odds 1.50 or higher and Combo bets on 2.50 or higher.

But bettors are also reminded that one of the requirements to avail of the packager is that the bonus is only available on handicap, over/under, and moneyline markets.

BetObet’s welcome offer also comes with a 10x wagering requirement wherein players have to roll over the bonus and deposit amount ten times, and after doing it, they will be asked to withdraw their winnings.

The rollover must be completed by bettors in only 21 days.

If a customer deposits EUR10 and receives an automatic EUR10 bonus, for example, they must meet a rollover of EUR200 = 10 x (EUR10 = EUR10) for them to withdraw the amount.

Players must also bear in mind that refunded, tie, canceled, or denied bets are not counted towards the rollover requirements for the bonus. Interested users can get more information by going through the BetObet website promotions link at https://betobet.com/promotions/welcome100.

Sportsbooks thread a line whether refunds should be given to bettors who deserve it because they were short changed or there were quirks in their system that merits a rte turn of funds to their players.

But bettors should also be smart enough to know the limits of their rights if they, indeed, should get their money back if they got the raw end of the deal and have evidence to back them up or bookies neglect their responsibility to their users.

So how to draw a line if bettors can demand for a refund and if bookmakers set the standards as to how far they can get back to their aggrieved customers. It pays for bettors to be smart and be mindful of the rules of sportsbooks they intend to enter, and for the bookies to draw the line and spot abusive customers.

BETTORS SHOULD WELCOME ‘NO ACTION BETS’

“No action” in sports betting is described as the bets a player placed that gets refunded to their account. This can also mean that all bets on a particular liner were canceled by the bookie, resulting in no losses from any bettor.

A last-minute report of a marquee player skipping a crucial match can also force bookmakers to place the bet as no action, along with other weather-related conditions usually seen in outdoor sports like the NFL and MLB.

In tennis, weather factors in as well since most matches are played outdoors but this is not just the only reason for a no action bet. Long matches at a major tournament like Wimbledon and the French Open also disrupts tight schedules that should fit at daytime. In these instances, bookies tag it as no action if the match is suspended or if a player has to retire due to the wear and tear of a long match.

TRANSFER LOST BETS THROUGH CASHBACKS, PROMOS

It is typical for bettors to lose it all if they bet on a particular team or a prop bet before learning that their bets were not declared as the winner. But punters should have a keen eye on bookmakers’ policies where they don’t totally end up losing their bets.

The purpose of cashback or moneyback offers do not just pop up on your desktops, laptops or mobile phones just to annoy jaded bettors from placing their money on their favorite sports. Take time to read them carefully and, if possible, avail them to protect your bets just in case you lose.

There are terms and conditions sportsbooks always remind their users before asking them to use these offers or promos. Take note that not these offers or promos are not applicable to all sports or bets so be diligent enough to study them before making your next move.

REFUNDS DRAW PUBLICITY, LURE MORE PLAYERS

Operating a sportsbook is like running any other kind of business, and some of them are unmindful of losing money now before getting it back in the long-term.

Basically, bookmakers offer refunds on losing spread and money line bets to draw further attention from the rest of the sports betting industry. New bettors and seasoned punters get word of mouth from what that bookie offers then quickly transfer their money to them to place their bets in a flash.

There are also instances where a freak accident or event happens, which a bookmaker sees as an opportunity to be generous to its users and offer refunds or cashbacks. From young NBA star Zion Williamson losing his shoe after it exploded in his game against UNC in college to lots of bettors losing due to bad beats in marquee games like a heartbreaking buzzer-beater, bookies reward losing punters to give them hope and stay with their services with the chance to bounce back for future winning bets.

PLAYING SAFE WITH RISK-FREE BETS

Some bookies focus on a large chunk of newbie bettors they convinced to open an account for them by coming up with risk-free promotions to ensure that their young sports betting experiences goes off to a pleasant start.

There are some specific sports that bookmakers can adjust to offer these risk-free bets, which assures that a bettor receives money whether he wins or loses the bet. But new bettors should understand that these offers have set odds and limited deposit methods before taking advantage of them.

These risk-free bets are also offered by sportsbooks to lure more bettors to try out other sports that are new teams, meaning beyond the major leagues like the NFL, MLB, NB and European football leagues.

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The Philadelphia 76ers (39-24) begin their goal of catching up with the Miami Heat (43-22) for the No1 seed in the Eastern Conference as they host the Chicago Bulls (39-25) at the Wells Fargo Center in Pennsylvania on Monday. The 76ers, who hold a 3-0 lead in their head-to-head series over the Bulls this season, are also trying to get back on track after coming off an 82-99 loss to the Heat on Friday.

BEST ODDS TO BET ON:

  • Underdogs: Bulls +6.5 (-108)
  • 76ers vs. Cavaliers Over/Under: 229 points

For the best odds for today’s games, check out sportmarket!

Chicago has lost its last four games after winning its previous six contests to barely stay at fourth place behind the Boston Celtics (39-27). The Bulls are 36-27-1 AT but are 3-9 SU in their last 12 games on the road and are 0-6 ATS in their last six outings against the 76ers.

Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last six games, 7-0 SU in its last seven contests when playing at home against Chicago but is 1-4 ATS in its last five outings in the last five games played this month. The 76ers, who are six-point favorites to win, are expected to get back newly acquired guard James Harden, who was held back at sat in Philadelphia’s last game.

The Bulls are expected to be led by All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan, who is averaging 28.1 points and 5.1 assists per game. Big man Nikola Vucevic is listed as questionable for this game, as Chicago hopes to see him on the court and sustain his averages of 17.9 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, while Zach Lavine will provide the outside shooting for Chicago with almost three tries per game.

Final Predictions and Picks:

  • Spread — 112 Philadelphia 76ers – 107 Chicago Bulls
  • Over/Under — UNDER 229 points

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The Denver Nuggets (37-26) attempt to sustain their winning ways when they host the struggling Golden State Warriors (43-21) at the Ball Arena in Colorado on Monday. The Nuggets have won seven of their last eight games, including a 116-101 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday, as they try to chase the Dallas Mavericks (39-25) for the No5 seed in the Western Conference.

BEST ODDS TO BET ON:

  • Underdogs: Warriors +9 (-108)
  • Warriors vs. Nuggets Over/Under: 222.5 points

For the best odds for today’s games, check out sportmarket!

The Warriors, despite barely holding on to the No2 spot in the West over the Memphis Grizzlies (44-22), have lost their last four games, including a 116-124 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday. Golden State is just 30-30-1 ATS, 1-6 SU in their last seven games, and are 1-8 ATS in their last nine contests against an opponent in the Western Conference.

Denver, which is a 9.5-point favorite to win, carries a 30-33 ATS record, is 10-2 SU in their last 12 matches this season, and is 5- ATS in its last seven games against an opponent in the Western Conference. The Nuggets will be led by All-Star center Nikola Jokic, who averages 25.4 points and 13.8 rebounds,while Will Barton will provide another scoring punch with 15 points along with 4.9 boards per game.

Golden State will be severely undermanned for this game as starters Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson are not joining the team to Denver, while Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala and Gary Payton II remain out with injuries. Guard Jordan Poole is expected to step up and raise his 16.3-points per game average to give the Warriors a chance to pull off an upset.

Final Predictions and Picks:

  • Spread — 115 Denver Nuggets – 107 Golden State Warriors
  • Over/Under — OVER 222.5 points

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The Brooklyn Nets (32-21) hope to bounce back from consecutive losses as they seek to welcome the comebacking Kevin Durant when they host the Miami Heat (41-22) at the Barclays Center in New York on Thursday. The Nets are coming off defeats to the Toronto Raptors twice (97-133, 108-109) but are expected to get a boost with the return of forward, the All-Star forward who averaged 29.3 points per game before he was sidelined with a knee injury.

BEST ODDS TO BET ON:

  • Underdogs: Nets +3.5 (-110)
  • Heat vs. Nets Over/Under: 221 points

For the best odds for today’s games, check out MELBET!

The Heat won eight of their last nine games, including four straight, before yielding a 119-120 setback to the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Miami is 36-26-1 ATS, 9-2 SU in their last 11 games, and 4-2 SU in their last six games against Brooklyn.

Brooklyn is 24-37-2 ATS, 3-15 SU in its last 18 contests, and 2-13 ATS in its last 15 games at home but that could all change with the return of Durant, the Nets leading scorer whose status is probable in some sportsbooks while others don’t have his name on the team’s injury report.

Miami started as an 8.5-point favorite coming into the match before the line shrunk and made them just a 3.5-point favorite in the next 11 hours, Action Network reported. Jimmy Adebayo is expected to lead the way with 21.7 points while center Bam Adebayo looks to control the boards with 10.2 rebounds per game, as they are expected to take turns guarding Durant if and when the All Star forward officially makes his return to the court.

Final Predictions and Picks:

  • Spread — 98 Brooklyn Nets – 94 Miami Heat
  • Over/Under — OVER 221 points

A look at Wednesday’s predictions

Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks Odds and Picks

Giannis Antetokounmpo came through with 28 points, 17 rebounds and five assists, while Jrue Holiday scored the game-winning layup with 1.9 seconds left to help the Milwaukee Bucks rally from a 14-point deficit and pull off a 120-119 win over the Miami Heat and give coach Mike Buldenhozer his 200th victory with the team.

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns Odds and Picks

Cameron Johnson scored 20 points off the bench while DeAndre Ayton had 18 points and eight rebounds as the Phoenix Suns disposed of the Portland Trail Blazers, 120-90, despite playing without All Stars Chris Paul and Devin Booker.

For more predictions, check out our predictions series where FBR covers the biggest games of major sports!

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The Golden State Warriors (43-19) may be coming off two-straight losses but they remain as the slight favorites as they visit the Mavericks (37-25) at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Thursday. The Dubs earlier lost to the Mavericks, 101-107, last Sunday before yielding a 114-129 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.

BEST ODDS TO BET ON:

  • Underdogs: Mavericks +2 (-108)
  • Moneyline: Warriors (-134)

For the best odds for today’s games, check out MELBET!

Dallas has won four of its last five games, including a 109-104 decision over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. The Mavs are 35-26-1 ATS, 8-2 SU in their last 10 games, and 5-1 ATS in their last six games against an opponent in the Western Conference.

The Warriors remain as 3-point favorites despite losing their last two contests, with All Star guard Stephen Curry leading the way with 25.8 points per game. Golden State is 30-28-4 ATS, 4-1 SU in their last four games against an opponent in the Western Conference but is 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games against Dallas.

The Mavericks will be led by All Star guard Luka Doncic, who averages 27.5 points per game. But Dallas will have to win without key players Tim Hardaway (foot), Trey Burke (shoulder) and Marquese Chriss (knee). Golden State will continue to miss forward Draymond Green (calf), Andre Iguodala (back) and guard Klay Thompson (illness). However, Thompson’s status changed to probable coming into Thursday’s game against the Mavs.

Final Predictions and Picks:

  • Spread — 109 Golden State Warriors – 108 Dallas Mavericks
  • Moneyline — Warriors WIN

A look at Wednesday’s predictions

Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks Odds and Picks

Giannis Antetokounmpo came through with 28 points, 17 rebounds and five assists, while Jrue Holiday scored the game-winning layup with 1.9 seconds left to help the Milwaukee Bucks rally from a 14-point deficit and pull off a 120-119 win over the Miami Heat and give coach Mike Buldenhozer his 200th victory with the team.

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns Odds and Picks

Cameron Johnson scored 20 points off the bench while DeAndre Ayton had 18 points and eight rebounds as the Phoenix Suns disposed of the Portland Trail Blazers, 120-90, despite playing without All Stars Chris Paul and Devin Booker.

For more predictions, check out our predictions series where FBR covers the biggest games of major sports!

The half-point of a non-whole number spread in sports betting is called the hook. The hook can be added to a handicap, spread betting, and over/under markets, and its objective is to ensure that there’s a winner in each bet.

The concept of the hook existed to the benefit of sportsbooks, which doesn’t want to refund stakes as much as possible. Bookmakers would rather price a market that lures fair betting on both sides, so it profits from the event regardless of the result, and a refunded stake equals no profit.

With the presence of the hook, the over/under three goals market in soccer is replaced by over/under 2.5 goals, which now makes it impossible for the stake to be refunded.

HOOK POPULAR IN NBA, NFL GAMES

It is, in the US-spread betting where the hook originated, while UK bettors know it as handicap betting. Marquee matches between popular teams in the NFL and the NBA where a favorite is picked often have hooks in spread betting.

For example, sportsbooks will give a handicap to Golden State should the Warriors play the Los Angeles Lakers, as most bookies will find it difficult to attract interest with the Lakers since the Warriors are most likely to win due to their more consistent play and winning record. Sportsbooks will then give a head start to the Lakers.

With the Lakers given a 14-point head start based on the previous example, bettors can now take a risk on LA, while stakes are refunded if the Warriors win by 14 points exactly. The hook has since been introduced with this situation, making the new market look like this:

*Golden State Warriors (-14.5%) @1.95
*Los Angeles Lakers (+14.5)@1.95

MOVE THE LINE TO GET MONEY BACK

In bets involving NFL matches, bettors buy the hook to get their money back. A punter who wants to bet on the Miami Dolphins +3.5 against the New York Jets will move the line to +3 to get assurance that he gets his money back even if the Dolphins lose by three points (or by a field goal.).

Another example would be if a bettor placed his money on the New England Patriots -7.5, or seven and a hook, against the Buffalo Bills, he would buy the half-point and turn that into -7. If a punter takes the Patriots bet at -7.5 and they win by seven points, he’s out of luck.

Buying a hook can be an effective strategy in NFL matches, where spreads are near the common numbers like 3,7, 10, 13, or 14. A bettor buying the hook raises their chances of getting their money back despite the reduction of the payout.

BRACE FOR RISKS WHEN BUYING THE HOOK

High rollers are often going to buy the hook because they are capable of dealing with the risks of losing money, as they must be ready to pay a premium price to get a better line.

This strategy is not advisable to upcoming punters, who might not afford to waste some money in their bankroll if they lose by the hook. Risk-taking bettors must pick their spots wisely and shop around before making a commitment to buying the hook.

Creative bettors can also create accounts on three of the top five sportsbooks of their choice before finding the best numbers to place their money on. It may be a tedious process, but there’s less risk for conservative bettors compared to buying the hook on almost every game with fewer guarantees of winning.

Bettors who are into low-scoring sports like soccer and hockey should be patient enough when they place their money on spread betting as landing goals may come in few and far between.

This is the reason why the most common wager is punters betting on the moneyline compared to the spread. But punters who still place their money on betting the spread in hockey are called betting on the puck line.

For new bettors who are inclined to make a habit of placing their money in hockey matches in the NHL, they should be on the lookout beyond the stats and data about the top teams but also be mindful of the puck line. Check out the ways bettors can get the better of winning puck line bets and remain patient when the big payouts that can come their way.

PICK PUCK LINE, TOTAL OR MONEY LINE

A puck line is basically the spread betting option in hockey, where the favorite is marked witH A -1.5 goals puck line and +1.5 for the underdog in every match. A team (underdog) will have 1.5 goals added to one team’s total, while the other team (favorite) will have 1.5 goals taken away.

Punters who place their money on how many goals they think will be scored in a game are those who engage in “total” bets. If the line was set at 6.5 goals in a match featuring two high-scoring teams, bettors are urged to bet on the “Over.”

Bettors who are placing money on who they believe will win the game straight up are betting on the money line.

FINDING WAYS TO THRIVE ON PUCK LINE

Bettors should lay -1.5 goals at a more reasonable price point instead of laying -200 or -250 on a strong favorite, as laying larger prices with the top NHL teams often turn off most casual punters.

Punters can place their money on an underdog if they are getting a +1.5 goal head start instead of them betting on a +200 underdog which is likely to lose the match 60% of the time.

Far better odds are offered in the puck line along with a higher potential payout that gives value for bettors compared to the moneyline.

PERIOD, REVERSE, ALTERNATE PUCK LINES EXPLAINED

Period puck lines allow bettors to place their money on individual periods in a hockey match. A -0.5/+0.5 is displayed on a period puck line, with punters who bet on the favorite needing their teams to outscore their opponent in that period,

The favorite will get a +1.5 head start while an underdog gets the -1.5 role under the reverse puck lines. This lures bettors who look at an underdog that they think will win by 2+ goals at a very juicy price.

The point spread gets bumped from 1.5 to 2.5 goals under the alternate puck line. With this kind of bet, the favorite needs to win the match by three or more goals, while the underdog may lose the game by two goals but bettors can still cash a bet based on the alternate puck line.

STATS, GOALTENDING, TRAVEL SKEDS ARE VITAL METRICS

Any bettor who is determined to win puck line bets should be mindful of the coaching strategies of teams he is betting on, as well as goaltending and injury updates. These factors, along with key statistics such as quality of chance, possession, and shot totals can be used as vital metrics to determine the right puck lines.

A home team usually becomes the favorite to win a match over a visiting squad despite a better record by the latter. But bettors should also take note if the hosts are coming off a tight schedule where they played four games in five nights or if the road team is weary from a double-overtime match and will come off a long trip from the East Coast to the West Coast.

There are also teams that thrive in the spotlight despite having a bad record. If there’s a Monday Night Football in the NFL, there’s a “Hockey Night in Canada” where the Toronto Maple Leafs come to life and play like the defending champions to benefit Canada’s sports betting regulars back in the mid-2000s and the early 2010s.