BetMGM: Michigan basketball has second-best 2021-22 odds

Oddsmakers are really high on what Michigan basketball brings to the table in 2021-22.

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While the 2020-21 basketball season didn’t end up being quite as magical as it seemed like it could have been earlier in the year, a run to the Elite Eight without Isaiah Livers still cemented the season as a great success.

Though it’s unknown who all will stay or go as only Mike Smith has declared that he’s departing for the NBA at this juncture, the oddsmakers are confident that the Wolverines will end up in a similar place next year, perhaps making it all the way to the end.

According to the latest BetMGM futures, despite Baylor having just won the national championship over Gonzaga on Monday, the Bears aren’t the top choice, via betting odds, to win it again in 2021-22. That distinction goes to the Zags at +600. But the Wolverines come in right behind with the second-best odds at +800.

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At the moment, Franz Wagner is getting mocked in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft by most prognosticators, but with a lengthy recovery process for his broken foot, Isaiah Livers could potentially consider to come back another year — especially considering what happened after his former teammate Charles Matthews had an offseason injury which kept him out of the NBA draft. The other X-factors include Eli Brooks, Chaundee Brown and Hunter Dickinson, as any of the aforementioned could opt to either move on or return.

Regardless, the maize and blue will be bringing in the top-rated recruiting class in 2021, with two five-stars, three four-stars and one three-star — while also returning those who developed for a year in the 2020 class.

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BetMGM still thinks Ohio State will be really good next year, has a shot at the national title.

Despite losing a lot of talent to graduation and the NFL, BetMGM has Ohio State with great odds to win national title in 2021.

Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State. If you are making a shortlist of teams that have been the best in the College Football Playoff era, those three stand out. Oklahoma has also been a staple of all the fun too, but the Sooners need to win a game during the festivities first before they are mentioned in the same breath as the Tide, Tigers, and Buckeyes.

And so we fast forward to expectations for the 2021 season, and not much has changed when it comes to the odds of being a part of all the playoff shenanigans again.

In fact, the same three teams have the best odds yet again according to the popular online BetMGM Sportsbook. And in the case of Ohio State, it’s despite losing some significant talent to graduation and the NFL. All told, OSU has fourteen players eligible for the 2021 NFL draft, and the majority of those will most likely get a call during all the hoopla in Cleveland.

But where is Ohio State when it comes to odds to win the 2022 national title? According to BetMGM, the Buckeyes have the third-best odds at +500. Just ahead of OSU are the usual suspects, Clemson at +350, and Alabama at +300.

Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.

Wondering which other teams are up there? Here is a look at the top ten according to BetMGM:

  1. Alabama +300
  2. Clemson +350
  3. Ohio State +500
  4. Oklahoma +700
  5. Georgia +800
  6. Texas A&M +2500
  7. Wisconsin +3500
  8. LSU +3500
  9. Florida +4000
  10. Notre Dame +4000

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Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

6 tips for how to start saving more money in 2021

Many people live paycheck-to-paycheck. Find out how to start saving in 2021.

Many people live paycheck-to-paycheck. This is a fact, not a judgment. Sometimes there is a good reason for doing so. For example, you have kids, and your job pays you just enough to meet all of your needs but leaves very little for you to save. In cases such as these, there is nothing irresponsible about living paycheck-to-paycheck. However, the unfortunate fact is that doing so is a great cause of stress and should, whenever possible, be avoided—when you are thinking about personal finances, you want to save not only for your future but also in case of emergencies. The only way to do that is by being conscious and careful about your spending. 

5 reasons why crystals are making a comeback

Crystals are making a comeback among Millennials and Gen Z. Find out why.

Why certain raw materials are valuable while others are not is, at least in part, mysterious. Some would say that humans naturally tended to value the more beautiful stones more than they did duller, more common stones. This certainly helps explain why gold is more valuable than slate or silver to slate. 

But what about crystals? They comprise, perhaps, the most beautiful, intricate, and eye-catching stones in the world. And yet, they don’t break the bank. Who is to say? As far as crystal brands like Conscious Items are concerned, though, it certainly makes sense that crystals are making a comeback as more and more consumers realize the value in their incredible beauty both as possessions and as moderately priced but hugely impactful gifts. Here are five reasons why crystals are making a comeback among Millennials and Gen Z.

Lakers at Heat: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

Our prediction and best bet for Thursday’s Lakers-Heat game.

The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Miami Heat on Thursday night for a 2020 NBA Finals rematch, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

The game tips off at 7:30 and can be seen on TNT.

Anthony Davis and LeBron James are both out for the Lakers, but Andre Drummond and Kyle Kuzma are both listed as probable. Tyler Herro is also expected to play for the Heat.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Heat -8.5
  • Money line: Heat -375 / Lakers +290
  • Over-under: 204.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in VA, CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

Advice and prediction

The Heat won the first meeting this season 96-94, but both team’s rosters will be looking very different on Thursday. The Heat have two new starters in Victor Oladipo and Trevor Ariza, and the Lakers will be hoping Drummond can remain healthy and productive as the team awaits the return of its two superstars.

The Heat are coming off a 12-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, so this spread seems fairly large, but the Lakers have struggled offensively with their current lineup. The Heat could very well blow out LA tonight, but I’m instead looking at a bet on the over 204.5. Yes, the Lakers are the best under team in the league for bettors, and yes, it’s not a guarantee they reach 100 points – but Miami has easily hit the over in each of its last three games, and the Lakers have hit over 204.5 in three of their last four games. Take the over 204.5.

Prediction: Miami 112, Lakers 101

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Top reasons why subscription-based gifts are the best

See why it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Whether you are gifting a wine subscription, a clothing subscription, or a candle subscription, products that arrive again and again represent the ultimate in gift-giving. Sure, everyone may have sent that favorite friend or family member gifts on Christmas – but who’s thinking about them in February? How about in August? YOU ARE! And that’s the beauty of subscription-based buying: It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Knicks at Celtics: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

Our prediction and best bet for Wednesday’s Knicks-Celtics game.

Julius Randle and the New York Knicks visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

The game tips off at 7:30 and can be seen on NBC Sports Boston and MSG Network.

The Celtics (25-26) are currently the 8-seed in the Eastern Conference, and are playing the second half of a back-to-back following a loss to the 76ers on Tuesday. The Knicks (25-26) have an identical record after losing four of their last five games.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Celtics -3
  • Money line: Celtics -150 / Knicks +125
  • Over-under: 209.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in VA, CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

Advice and prediction

Kemba Walker is out for the Celtics as expected, and Evan Fournier will also miss Wednesday’s game due to health and safety protocols.

With the Celtics feeling weary and missing two key players, this line is certainly attractive for Knicks bettors. New York just pushed the Brooklyn Nets to a two-point game, and Julius Randle has been impressive for the Knicks, following up a 29-point outing in a blowout win with a triple-double against Brooklyn. In their first meeting early this season, the Knicks destroyed the Celtics 105-75, though Boston was missing Jayson Tatum in that game. Still, the Knicks will likely keep this game close and low-scoring. I’m taking the points, New York +3.

Prediction: Knicks 106, Celtics 103

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Hornets vs. Thunder: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

After a pair of off days, the Hornets (25-24) have a chance to bounce back against the Thunder (20-30).

After a pair of off days, the Hornets (25-24) have a chance to bounce back against the Thunder (20-30), and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

Charlotte suffered back-to-back injuries that left them depleted, resulting in a blowout loss to the Celtics. With two days off to reset, the Hornets get a tanking Oklahoma City team that should offer them a chance to get back on the winning side.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Hornets -5.5
  • Moneyline: Hornets -225 / Hornets +180
  • Over-under: 213.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

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Advice and prediction

The 14.5-point swing in bettling lines between Sunday’s game against the Celtics and Wednesday’s game against the Thunder indicates the drastic difference in competition the Hornets will be facing. Oklahoma City are not going to roll over, but they’re also without a number of their best players, through choice or injury.

Charlotte has largely taken care of the teams they should beat, particularly in recent weeks and months. Take Charlotte minus-5.5.

Prediction: Hornets 107, Thunder 98

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Pelicans vs. Nets: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

The wavering Pelicans (22-28) have a stiff challenge against the Brooklyn Nets (35-16) in the second night of a back-to-back.

The wavering Pelicans (22-28) have a stiff challenge against the Brooklyn Nets (35-16) in the second night of a back-to-back, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

New Orleans fell on Tuesday to a hot-shooting Atlanta team and must immediately turn around and play one of the Eastern Conference’s elites that are gaining back a premier weapon. After missing two months with a hamstring injury, Kevin Durant will make his return on Wednesday, joining Kyrie Irving in the starting lineup.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Pelicans +9
  • Moneyline: Pelicans +333/ Nets -450
  • Over-under: 234.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

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Advice and prediction

The Pelicans’ lack of bodies caught up with them on Tuesday and likely will continue to be the case on Wednesday. Brandon Ingram and Kira Lewis are considered questionable and would be huge boosts just in having players available.

Even if Ingram and/or Lewis are available, though, Durant and Irving are a different beast. Take Nets minus-9 as the Pelicans continue to struggle with injuries.

Prediction: Nets 122, Pelicans 105

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Pelicans at Nets: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

Our prediction and best bet for Wednesday’s Pelicans-Nets game.

The Brooklyn Nets play the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Nets -9
  • Money line: Nets -400 / Pelicans +310
  • Over-under: 232.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in VA, CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

Advice and prediction

Considering this is expected to be the Kevin Durant return game, there will be a different energy for the Nets this game. A type of energy that has been lacking for a while since the wear and tear of the season is starting to toll on the players. The player touched on this a couple weeks ago. Getting a player like Durant back not only puts fear into opposing teams, but it also gives the players on Brooklyn something to look forward to and that can change a lot. It also will help players like Joe Harris get more open shots because of how much attention the all-time great demands when he is in the game. KD is just a walking bucket. Take the Nets -9.

Prediction: Nets 111, Pelicans 96

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.