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North Carolina Hosts Duke in Saturday ESPN Rivalry Showdown

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

The North Carolina vs. Duke college basketball rivalry, often called the Battle of the Blues or Tobacco Road rivalry, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most intense in all of sports. To illuminate, it is frequently ranked among the top rivalries in college basketball. Additionally, it ranks among the top North American sports overall. In fact, ESPN has called it one of the fiercest ever.

The two schools?the University of North Carolina (UNC Tar Heels) in Chapel Hill and Duke University (Blue Devils) in Durham?are just about 8 miles apart. Hence, that proximity fuels a deep, passionate feud that extends beyond the court into academics, recruiting battles, and fan culture. It's not just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon in North Carolina. Specifically, there is massive statewide attention, packed arenas, and national TV audiences every time they meet.

Duke is rolling: 20-1 overall, 9-0 in ACC, ranked No. 4 nationally, on a 9-game win streak, and clear ACC favorites under coach Jon Scheyer (who's 5-2 vs. UNC in his tenure so far). By contrast, North Carolina is competitive but looking to upset its hated rival. UNC is ranked around No. 14-18 in recent polls and is coming off a big recent win over Syracuse on Feb. 2.

Get the latest College Basketball news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

Duke Blue Devils at North Carolina Tar Heels Odds at Bookmaker

Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC, will host the ACC rivalry matchup between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Tipoff time is at 6:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

This is the first matchup of the season in this rivalry. Duke has won the last three meetings (including a 74-71 win in March 2025, likely the ACC tournament), and is 6-4 in the past 10. In turn, UNC's last home win over Duke was a couple of years back, but the Dean Dome crowd could flip the momentum.

Both teams enter relatively healthy, compared to past rivalry games, with only nagging issues. Duke's health edge (minimal absences beyond the known season-ender) aligns with their dominance. In like manner, UNC does not have any major injuries either.

Duke Blue Devils

The Duke Blue Devils are 20-1 straight up, 13-8 against the spread, and 7-14 over/under the total. Late on, Duke has covered six out of their last seven games. At the same time, the Blue Devils have gone under the total in four of their previous five matchups.

Duke has NCAABB metrics of 13th in scoring offense, 19th in field goal percentage, 188th in 3-point field goal percentage, 204th in free throw percentage, and 7th in offensive rebounding.

The Tar Heels have NCAABB metrics of 35th in scoring defense, 11th in field goal percentage allowed, 63rd in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 33rd in defensive rebounding.

North Carolina Tar Heels

The North Carolina Tar Heels are 18-4 straight up, 12-10 against the spread, and 11-11 over/under the total. Late on, North Carolina has covered three out of their last four games. At the same time, the Tar Heels have gone over the total in nine of their previous ten matchups.

North Carolina has NCAABB metrics of 77th for scoring offense, 46th for field goal percentage, 165th for 3-point field goal percentage, 312th for free throw percentage, and 39th for offensive rebounding.

North Carolina has NCAABB metrics of 77th for scoring defense, 30th for field goal percentage permitted, 211th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 70th for defensive rebounding.

Duke at North Carolina Betting Trends

Duke has covered three of its last four away games against North Carolina.

The Tar Heels and Blue Devils went over the total in four of their last six meetings at North Carolina.

Duke got the cash in 16 of their last 19 away games.

North Carolina failed to cover two of its most recent three home games.

Duke at North Carolina Bookmaker Best Bets

Duke is in good recent form and has been the more profitable team this year. Additionally, Duke is the stronger and deeper team. Finally, the Blue Devils print cash on the road.

Main Pick: Duke Blue Devils

Over/Under Pick: Under the Total

Player Prop Picks: Cameron Boozer Over the Total Points Total

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Michigan State Hosts Michigan in Friday FOX Rivalry Showdown

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

On Friday night, one of the best coaching matchups in any sport will take place on the hardwood of Michigan State?s Breslin Center.

The Michigan State Spartans will host the Michigan Wolverines in a game that has everything.

The Spartans are led by the venerable Tom Izzo, a Hall of Fame coach who was written off as past his prime just a couple of years ago. Instead, Izzo is enjoying a career renaissance and is priming his team for a deep March Madness run.

Dusty May led Florida Atlantic to the 2023 Final Four, which he later parlayed into the Michigan Wolverines head coaching position two years ago. May has wasted no time putting Michigan back on the national map.

The Spartans and Wolverines are bitter ancient rivals and ranked in the Top 10 nationally.

Friday night?s game on FOX is a guaranteed ratings winner and certain to draw heavy betting traffic.

Get the latest College Basketball news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

Michigan Wolverines at Michigan State Spartans Odds at Bookmaker

The Breslin Center in East Lansing, MI, will host the matchup between the Michigan State Spartans and the visiting Michigan Wolverines on Friday, January 30, 2026. Tipoff time is at 8 p.m. ET with television coverage on FOX.

Michigan will get a more favorable price than usual because it is playing on the road against a team of a similar rating.

Michigan State may be overvalued in this spot, playing at home against what could be the best team in the country.

The Spartans face a potentially higher price than warranted as the power home team.

Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines are 19-1 straight up, 9-11 against the spread, and 7-13 over/under the total. Michigan has covered one out of its last eight games. The Wolverines have gone under the total in seven of their previous eight matchups.

Michigan ranks 11th in scoring offense, 5th in field goal percentage, 128th in 3-point field goal percentage, 198th in free throw percentage, and 10th in offensive rebounding.

On defense, the Wolverines rank 39th in scoring defense, 2nd in field goal percentage allowed, 42nd in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 29th in defensive rebounding.

Michigan State Spartans

The Michigan State Spartans are 19-2 straight up, 12-9 against the spread, and 6-15 over/under the total. Michigan State has covered six out of its last eight games. The Spartans have gone under the total in seven of their previous eight matchups.

Michigan State ranks 173rd in scoring offense, 55th in field goal percentage, 89th in 3-point field goal percentage, 160th in free throw percentage, and 22nd in offensive rebounding.

On defense, the Spartans rank 4th in scoring defense, 11th in field goal percentage allowed, 24th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 1st in defensive rebounding.

Michigan at Michigan State Betting Trends

Michigan has splashed gamblers with red ink in road games with a mark of 5-15 against the spread. The Wolverines went under the total in eight of their last ten away tilts.

Michigan State lost only one of its last seven home games against the spread. The Spartans went under the total in 15 of their last 19 home games.

Michigan State has bossed the payout window against Michigan with a mark of 7-2 against the spread. The last four meetings between Michigan and Michigan State went under the total.

Michigan State has dominated Michigan at the Breslin Center with a mark of 13-5 against the spread. The Wolverines and Spartans went under the total in 13 of their last 20 games at the Breslin Center.

Michigan at Michigan State Bookmaker Best Bets

Despite many favorable trends in this matchup for Michigan State, this is a bad spot for the Spartans.

The Wolverines are coming off a major victory over Nebraska, giving them a much-needed shot in the arm and a reboot of momentum.

Michigan will be more than ready for this rivalry road matchup. The Wolverines will not overlook a quality Spartan team.

Gamblers have been annoyed by Michigan recently, which will lower the resurgent Wolverines? price and elevate their value.

Main Pick: Michigan Wolverines

Over/Under Pick: Over the Total

Player Prop Picks: Yazel Lendeborg Over the Points and Rebounds Total

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ESPN Wednesday ? Thunder at Spurs Odds

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Wednesday night on ESPN, the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs will clash in a potential playoff preview. It is a matchup of two of the best teams in the NBA. Therefore, there will be strong interest in the matchup.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the dominant force in the NBA. Concurrently, they are holding the league's best record. OKC leads the Western Conference and is the heavy favorite to repeat as NBA champions.

Oklahoma City boasts the top-ranked defense in the NBA and the highest point differential. Earlier this season, they achieved one of the best starts for a defending champion in history, beginning the year 23?1. Of course, the Thunder are led by MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is currently second in the league in scoring.

Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs are enjoying a breakout 2025?26 season, currently holding the 3rd seed in the Western Conference. Under the leadership of Victor Wembanyama and newly acquired star De'Aaron Fox, the team has transformed into a legitimate contender.

Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs Betting at Bookmaker

Frost Bank Center is the venue for the matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Tipoff time is at 9:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

Oklahoma City is dealing with a significant injury report. Namely, Jalen Williams (thigh) and Nikola Topic (groin) are ruled out. Alex Caruso (adductor) and Cason Wallace (hip) are listed as Day-to-Day.

The Spurs' primary concern is the absence of forward Jeremy Sochan, who is day-to-day. Despite various minor scares earlier in the season (calf and knee issues), Wembanyama is healthy and fully available.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 38-11 straight up, 23-26 against the spread, and 25-24 over/under the total.

Late on, Oklahoma City has covered two out of their last seven games. While the Thunder have gone over the total in five of its previous seven matchups.

Oklahoma City is 1st in the Western Conference playoff standings. Denver is five games behind the Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race.

Oklahoma City ranks 1st in scoring offense, 3rd in field goal percentage, 15th in 3-point field goal percentage, 2nd in free throw percentage, and 17th in offensive rebounding.

The Thunder rank 1st in scoring defense, 1st in field goal percentage allowed, 27th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 25th in defensive rebounding.

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are 32-16 straight up, 24-23 against the spread, and 17-31 over/under the total.

Late on, San Antonio has covered three of their last ten games. The Spurs have gone under the total in nine of their previous 10 matchups.

San Antonio is 3rd in the Western Conference playoff standings. San Antonio is 5.5 games behind the Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race.

San Antonio ranks 11th in scoring offense, 11th in field goal percentage, 22nd in 3-point field goal percentage, 14th in free throw percentage, and 4th in offensive rebounding.

The Spurs rank 6th in scoring defense, 4th in field goal percentage allowed, 16th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 12th in defensive rebounding.

Thunder at Spurs Betting Trends

In the series between the Thunder and Spurs, Oklahoma City has had the advantage. To illustrate, the Spurs covered the spread in only seven of the last 20 meetings with the Thunder. Only seven of those 20 games between Oklahoma City and San Antonio went over the total.

Specifically in San Antonio, the Thunder have been the better value. Oklahoma City covered the spread in six of its most recent ten games at San Antonio. The Spurs and Thunder went over the total in four of their last five meetings at San Antonio.

Thunder at Spurs Bookmaker Best Bets

In this situation, the defending NBA champion Thunder offers strong value as the power road team up against a quality host. OKC will rarely get a price this advantageous.

Main Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder

Over/Under Pick: Over the Total

Player Prop Picks: Victor Wembanyama Under the Points and Rebound Totals

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Rockets Host Spurs in Wednesday ESPN Rivalry Showdown

Moay, January 26, 2026

Two of the most improved teams in the NBA will clash on Wednesday night in the renewal of an intrastate rivalry showdown when the San Antonio Spurs host the Houston Rockets on ESPN.

San Antonio is finally starting to take off with their young superstar, Victor Wembanyama, the first overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. Wembanyama arrived with a hero?s welcome and immediately became the face of the franchise. While improvement took longer than expected, the Spurs are emerging as a Western Conference power and are fighting the Denver Nuggets for second place.

The Houston Rockets became a serious contender again when they acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns this past offseason. Durant is a 2-time NBA Finals MVP, and that championship pedigree was considered essential for a franchise renaissance.

Interest and betting traffic will be unusually high for a matchup that is one of the best national TV offerings of the season.

Get the latest NBA news, check out the current betting lines for the games, and don?t miss the basketball action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!

San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets Betting at Bookmaker

Toyota Center in Houston, TX, hosts the matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Tipoff time is at 9:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

Oddsmakers will open with a relatively honest line as both teams are respected, and Houston, while not quite as good as the Spurs this season, is the home team, which will draw casuals.

Both teams have plenty of star power, with veteran Kevin Durant the marquee man for the Rockets and emerging superstar Victor Wembanyama the main man for the Spurs.

With Houston at home, this matchup looks even to squares, and the betting line will attract money evenly on both sides and from casuals and squares alike.

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are 31-15 straight up, 23-22-1 against the spread, and 17-29 over/under the total.

Late on, San Antonio has covered one out of their last five games. At the same time, the Spurs have gone under the total in nine of their previous ten matchups.

San Antonio is 2nd in the Western Conference playoff standings. San Antonio is 5.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race.

San Antonio ranks 8th in scoring offense, 12th in field goal percentage, 23rd in 3-point field goal percentage, 12th in free throw percentage, and 8th in offensive rebounding.

The Spurs rank 7th in scoring defense, 4th in field goal percentage allowed, 10th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 6th in defensive rebounding.

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are 27-16 straight up, 21-22 against the spread, and 20-23 over/under the total.

Houston has covered three of its last 10 games. At the same time, the Rockets have gone under the total in eight of its previous ten matchups.

Houston is 4th in the Western Conference playoff standings. Houston is eight games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race.

Houston ranks 13th in scoring offense, 6th in field goal percentage, 6th in 3-point field goal percentage, 27th in free throw percentage, and 1st in offensive rebounding.

The Rockets rank 4th in scoring defense, 9th in field goal percentage allowed, 7th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 1st in defensive rebounding.

Spurs at Rockets Betting Trends

San Antonio covered the spread in eight of their last 13 away games. The Spurs went under the total in 11 of their last 12 away games.

Houston failed to cover five of their last seven home games. The Rockets went under the total in nine of their last 12 home tilts.

Specifically in Houston, the Spurs covered the spread in eight of their last 19 decisions against the Rockets. The Rockets and Spurs went under the total in four of their last five games at the Toyota Center.

Spurs at Rockets Bookmaker Best Bets

In this situation, San Antonio offers more value as the quality road team getting the more favorable price. Houston is spilling too much red ink at home while the Spurs have shown reliable profitability on the road.

Main Pick: San Antonio Spurs

Over/Under Pick: Under the Total

Player Prop Picks: Kevin Durant under the Scoring Total

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Basketball Betting ? FIBA Odds Analysis

Moay, Augu 5, 2019

The United States has won the last two titles at the FIBA World Cup of Basketball, but the international gap is closing. And the U.S. has seen a number of its best players decline an invitation to the 2019 FIBA World Cup. The country that invented the game still has the biggest talent pool to pick from and thus the U.S. is a negative odds favorite at online sportsbooks to add to its record number of gold medals at the games.

A record 32 countries will participate in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China, which starts on Saturday, August 31, with pool play and concludes on Sunday, September 15, with the gold and bronze medal games. The favorite to win a third straight gold medal, Team USA isn?t the can?t-miss pick it often is in international tournaments.

With 92 games played over 16 days, the FIBA World Cup offers plenty of betting options. And BookMaker.eu has you covered when you?re ready to make that wager.

2019 FIBA World Cup Odds at BookMaker.eu

USA -255

Serbia +325

Spain +1802

Greece +1802

France +3005

Australia +3858

Canada +5000

Lithuania +6000

Argentina +8000

Russia +10000

Italy +12500

Turkey +15000

Germany +15000

Brazil +15000

Poland +20000

Puerto Rico +25000

Montenegro +25000

New Zealand +30000

Czech Republic +40000

China +50000

Nigeria +50000

Dominican Republic +50000

Philippines +75000

Jordan +75000

South Korea +75000

Venezuela +75000

Japan +75000

Angola +75000

Iran +75000

Tunisia +75000

Ivory Coast +85000

Senegal +85000

Team USA -255

Let?s face it the guys make too much money playing in the NBA to risk injury in a tournament that?s not very highly regarded by U.S. standards. In addition to a number of NBA starts declining an invitation, the team recently saw James Harden, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal withdraw their names. This isn?t the star-studded group we?ve seen in past competitions and the odds are likely to increase over the coming weeks as roster movement is fluid.

Of the players currently on the roster, only one ? Kemba Walker ? was an All-NBA pick last season. Walker and Khris Middleton were the only All-Stars, and only Walker, Julius Randle and Donovan Mitchell scored more than 20 points per game last NBA season. One area this group can be special is on defense. With Gregg Popovich coaching, you know Team USA is going to be strong, but can it topple the field for a third straight time?

Serbia +325

They are the second favorite for a reason. With an abundance of NBA talent and fiery national team stars, the Serbs might have the best chance of upsetting the Americans if and when they play. Nikola Jokic is the centerpiece of the squad, but Bogdan Bogdanovich, Nemanja Bjelica and Milos Teodosic can all fill it up. Playing in a group with Angola, the Phillippines and Italy, shouldn?t offer much resistance, but there are few easy outs in this tournament.

Spain +1802

The Spaniards aren?t as deep as Team USA and Serbia, but they have a strong cast of starters. Pau Gasol, a mainstay on the national team, is out with an injury, but toss in his brother Marc, Ricky Rubio and the Hernangomez brothers, and you have a potent group. A few big names won?t be playing when Serge Ibaka and Nikola Mirotic backed out of the games, and that?s a huge loss for a team without much depth.

France +3005

Much like Spain, France has a definite NBA feel at the top of the roster but lacks depth the deeper you go. Rudy Gobert is the biggest name on the national team and he?s been the team?s ambassador leading up to the games. Gobert made a name for himself at the last FIBA World Cup with his defensive prowess helping France win its only medal in the history of the tournament. Now an established NBA veteran, he?ll be flanked by Nicolas Batum and Evan Fournier to give the French balance in the starting five.

Greece +1802

Basketball is a team sport, but it certainly helps when the best player in the NBA is on your side. If you?re looking for a team to back why not throw down on Greece, which has the best all-around player in the tournament on its side. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to the best record in the NBA last season, claiming league MVP honors along the way. They were stopped short of a Finals appearance making this another chance for Antetokounmpo to come out a winner. The hill is much tougher to climb than Spain or France, but this is a rare opportunity for
Giannis to play with his brothers Thanasis and Kostas, and that?s pretty frightening.

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