While we wait for the Big Game next weekend over in Glendale, Meche and I put together some of our best bets for this weekend, including the Pels, Cajuns, Tigers, and more.
LSU vs Alabama
Matt: Alabama Moneyline (-720)
There’s no way LSU can win this game. The way the Tigers have played during this nine-game skid gives me pause about their abilities right now, and add in the fact that the Tide are ROLLING into Baton Rouge makes for a rough Saturday.
James: Alabama -11.5 (-110)
I have no confidence the Tigers can overcome this obstacle and even make this game close. The Crimson Tide is number four in the country as they’ve blown out many opponents, including LSU by 40 a couple of weeks ago.
NASCAR Clash at the Coliseum
Matt: Chase Elliot (+800)
Look, Chase is my favorite driver, he had a great 2022, and he’s the preseason betting favorite to win the title in 2023. I think he starts off hot in 2023 and picks up an early win in LA. Not to mention, +800 is a great play.
James: Chase Elliot (+800)
In this exhibition race, I’ll go with Elliott since he had a nice 2022 season and could start off the new season in a revved-up way.
Pels vs Lakers
Matt: Lebron James over 27.5 pts (-120)
Lebron is destined to break Kareem’s scoring record, but I don’t think it’ll be tonight in the Blender. He has a good night, but not otherwordly.
James: Lakers +1 (-110)
New Orleans is in an absolute funk right now and shows next to no signs of getting back in the win column. The Lakers have gotten better over the season and would probably already be ahead of the Pels in the standings if it weren’t for so many controversial calls going against Los Angeles lately.
Pels vs Kings
Matt: Pelicans Moneyline (odds TBA)
The Kings are having a great season, but this will be the game that CJ McCollum bounces back in a big way and leads New Orleans to a win.
James: Jonas Valanciunas 8+ rebounds (-280)
Valanciunas has been someone who can get boards on both ends of the court while the Sacramento Kings rank 23rd in the NBA in rebounds per game.
Louisiana vs Marshall
Matt: Over 158.5 (-110)
Both teams are averaging a combined 162 points a game, so I feel safe saying they hit the over inside the Cajundome tonight. Look for a great matchup between two of the top players in the Sun Belt.
James: Louisiana -0.5 (-118)
Ever since Sun Belt play started, the Cajuns are undefeated at home. This one will be a tough matchup as the Thundering Herd are third in the conference and just one game out, but the return of the Fabulous Cajun Chicken may help Louisiana squeak out another home win Saturday night.
Odds via Fanduel Sportsbook