Best Sleepers & Underdog Bets for Thursday, Feb. 23
See which betting favorites our experts think could be on upset alert tonight
Best Bets: Sleepers & Underdogs
Before you bet on that heavy favorite, check out which underdogs our experts think could be the best bets to pull an upset tonight across the sports-betting landscape. Despite their long betting odds, these plus-money sleepers represent some of the best bets in terms of value for sports bettors, so don't miss out or you'll be upset too! Also be sure to shop around for the best betting odds and welcome offers from our sportsbook partners below.
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Kate Constable: USC ML at Colorado (+125, PointsBet)
USC is in search of its program-best fourth consecutive 20-win season and a win on the road at Colorado tonight would give it just that. The Trojans are the slight 2.5-point underdog in this game, but I’ll take them to win outright at +125 at PointsBet. Their offense has put up at least 80 points in four of the last six games and ranks second in the Pac-12 in efficiency. While its struggled a bit more away from home, USC should be able to outscore Colorado’s poor offense. The Trojans also beat the Buffaloes earlier this season despite shooting just 25% from deep and getting out-rebounded by 15.
Brad Pinkerton: Northwestern ML at Illinois (+215, BetRivers)
I don't see many true upset opportunities that I like tonight, but there are plenty of reasons to think Northwestern (20-7) can knock off Illinois (18-9) on the road. First of all, the Wildcats beat the Illini, 73-60, at home in early January. Second, Northwestern is on a five-game winning streak with impressive wins over Wisconsin (on the road), Ohio State (road), Purdue, Indiana and Iowa. Meanwhile, Illinois has dropped two of its last three, though we have to acknowledge its four-game home winning streak. Still, Northwestern has what it takes to win this game and +215 at BetRivers is the best value you'll find.
Dan Karpuc: Spurs +765 at Mavericks
Do I want to get some action on this since the Spurs are one of the longest underdogs of the entire NBA season? Yes. Do I think San Antonio can actually win this game? Also yes. It’s clear that Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are going to need to figure out how to play together and their supporting cast will also have to figure out how to blend in. Dallas has gone 2-2 SU in four games with Irving and has struggled massively on the defensive end of the floor. I get that the Spurs stink, but this is the NBA. Keldon Johnson could drop 35 points and San Antonio could have a huge day from beyond the arc to beat the inconsistent Mavs. While Dallas could develop into a powerhouse heading into the playoffs, the Mavs certainly have more questions than answers at the moment and they are a perfect team to fade for now. Don’t bet a full unit on this, but I’m definitely going to give it a nice sprinkle; WynnBet has the Spurs for an astounding +765!
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Lucy Burdge: Nuggets ML at Cavaliers (+122, Caesars)
The Nuggets finished the first half of the season on a three-game winning streak, so they have some positive momentum heading into the second half. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, are coming off of a loss. Plus, Denver has won three of the last five meetings with the Cavaliers, including a 121-108 win over them in January. So I think the Nuggets can get the victory over the Cavaliers once again here and you can get their moneyline at +122 at Caesars along with a great welcome offer below!
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Matt Horner: Flames ML at Golden Knights (+118, FanDuel)
We are getting +118 odds right now at Caesar's on Calgary to win this game, and I think that is good value. Both teams are very good, in my opinion, but the Golden Knights have had much more luck this year. Plus, the Golden Knights had a winning streak snapped in their last contest against the lowly Blackhawks. Calgary, meanwhile, is scoring 3.17 goals per game and allowing 3.03, while also outshooting opponents by a massive 35.7 to 27.1 margin on average, one of the largest shot differentials in the league. When you look at the shot differential of the Flames, it's astounding their record isn't better than it is. I believe positive progression is in their future and will take the value on them tonight at FanDuel.
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