Sports Betting Futures Odds: NHL Stretch Run Begins as Trades Come to an End

by Ricky Dimon - 2/27/2019

Whereas the NBA could have seen more action at its trade deadline, all of the top players on the NHL market were on the move earlier this week. Now it's time to settle things on the ice as the regular season winds down. Meanwhile, it's never too early to look ahead toward the 2019-20 NBA campaign-of which Duke's current freshman trio will be a part.

All odds provided by MyBookie.ag.

Stanley Cup

Tampa Bay Lightning (+220) - The Lighting are getting Duke Blue Devils treatment from the oddsmakers. And why not? They are an overwhelming favorite to lift the Stanley Cup thanks to an incredible 48-11-4 record that already has them at 100 points-at least 13 clear of every other team and 17 ahead in the Eastern Conference.

Calgary Flames (+1000) - Calgary's 87 points would be good for the top seed in the Western Conference if the regular season ended today. The Flames have won six in a row to take complete control of the Pacific Division. Forward Johnny Gaudreau leads in goals (30) and assists (50) for a team that ranks second in the league in scoring.

Winnipeg Jets (+1100) - The Jets bolstered their roster prior to Monday's trade deadline by acquiring center Kevin Hayes from the Rangers. Hayes, 26, has 14 goals and 28 assists through 52 games during this 2018-19 campaign. He is a luxury for Winnipeg, which was already rolling along nicely without him (78 points).

Nashville Predators (+1100) - With 79 points, Nashville is duking it out with the Jets atop the Central Division. The Predators made their move by snagging forward Wayne Simmonds (16 goals, 11 assists) from Philadelphia just prior to the trade deadline. They are needing a jolt, with six losses in their last 10 games. San Jose is also +1100.

Robert Kraft

To be fined by the NFL (-400) - In case you have been living under a rock for the past week, the biggest story in an otherwise slow period in sports is the Patriots' owner being linked along with more than 100 others in a human sex trafficking bust in central Florida. There are more questions than answers in the early stages, so stay tuned.

To be suspended for any games in 2019 (-180) - It remains to be seen what the legal process reveals about this scandal, which will obviously impact how the NFL acts. Kraft and commissioner Roger Goodell have always enjoyed a good relationship, so the 77-year-old may escape with nothing more than a fine (or nothing at all).

To be forced to sell the Patriots (+1000) - It's too early to get carried away and suggest that Kraft's frequenting the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Fla. will ultimately result in his demise with the Patriots. He has owned what is currently the best franchise in football since 1994; the run most likely won't end like this.

To plead guilty to soliciting a prostitute (-120) - Kraft is alleged to have received oral and manual sex during a massage on the morning of the AFC Championship Game. He may not want to, but pleading guilty would likely allow him to avoid serious punishment. There are plenty of other prop bets regarding this situation that are worth checking out.

2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year

Zion Williamson (+300) - To heck with this season (Luka Doncic probably has Rookie of the Year on lockdown); we're already thinking about 2019-20 when it comes to the NBA! Both Zion and the association have been in the news of late because of the knee injury he sustained against North Carolina. Without him, Duke has struggled mightily.

R.J. Barrett (+600) - Speaking of locks, Zion is almost certain to be the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft barring any additional injury issues. Fellow Blue Devil freshman R.J. Barrett may go second. Barrett is averaging 23.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season. Zion, meanwhile, has delivered 21.6 ppg and 8.8 rpg.

Ja Morant (+600) - Morant may have been slept on for a while since he plays for mid-major program Murray State, but the secret is now out. This kid is the real deal-and an athletic freak. The sophomore guard is lighting up the stat sheet to the tune of 24.4 ppg, 10.3 apg, 5.3 rpg, and 2.0 spg while leading the Racers to a 23-4 record.

Cam Reddish (+700) - Reddish doesn't put up the numbers that Zion and Barrett pour in on a consistent basis, but he tips the scales at 6'8'' and 218 pounds. Regardless of his stats (14.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.8 spg), the freshman is an intriguing NBA prospect. Gonzaga's Rui Hachimura is also a +700 fourth choice.

Honda Classic

Justin Thomas (+500) - In seven starts this season, Thomas boasts five top-10 performances but has not yet found the winners' circle. This week could be the charm. After all, the third-ranked American captured the title at last year's Honda Classic so he knows what he's doing around this Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. course.

Rickie Fowler (+1000) - These two great friends-Thomas and Fowler-have split the last two Honda Classic titles, as Fowler triumphed in 2017. The ninth-ranked American dominated that event by four strokes before missing the curt this past season. He should contend this time, having recently picked up a win in Phoenix.

Brooks Koepka (+1200) - Koepka has been a machine at majors over the past few seasons, but not much has been heard from him in 2019. The fourth-ranked American has played only two PGA tournaments, finishing T24 (Kapalua) and T27 (last week in Mexico). Koepka missed the 2018 Honda Classic due to injury.

Sergio Garcia (+1600) - Sergio has spent much of his time this year destroying greens and going crazy in bunkers. But leaving Saudi Arabia to play on the PGA Tour this past week appears to have been just what the doctor ordered. The Spaniard finished sixth in Mexico to restore his confidence. Adam Scott is also a +1600 fourth choice.

Start:	November 23, 2024 @ 2:30 PM
Expert:	Tony George
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Sports Betting Futures Odds: NHL Stretch Run Begins as Trades Come to an End

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