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Saturday Statement Game - Arizona Takes Aim at Kansas

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

One of the biggest games of the college basketball regular season takes place on Saturday when the Arizona Wildcats seek revenge at home against the Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 showdown of Final Four contenders.

On February 9, 2026, Kansas upset then-No. 1 and undefeated Arizona 82-78 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS. That win handed the Wildcats their first loss after a 23-0 start (and a program-record 23-game win streak). In turn, it was boosting Kansas to contender status.

Following its loss to Kansas, Arizona bounced back, but it faces a tough remaining schedule. Brayden Burries led them with 25 points in the earlier game against KU. Tommy Lloyd's team has been explosive offensively and deep. But the defeat in Lawrence exposed some vulnerabilities in closing out tight road games against elite competition.

The Kansas Jayhawks have shown strong form at times, especially defensively and at home, but they've had some road struggles. Previously, the upset over the Arizona Wildcats was a signature win. Flory Bidunga posted a double-double, and players like Melvin Council Jr. contributed heavily.

Kansas ranks well in rebounding in the Big 12 and has leaned on interior play and clutch execution. Bill Self's squad extended his impressive leadership with that win over Arizona. However, recent results (including a loss to Cincinnati) suggest they're fighting for positioning in a loaded conference rather than dominating the title race.

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Kansas Jayhawks at Arizona Wildcats Odds at Bookmaker

McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, AZ, will host the matchup between the Arizona Wildcats and the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Tipoff time is at 4 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

This rematch could be pivotal for the Big 12 standings and NCAA Tournament seeding. Consider that Arizona gets home-court advantage at raucous McKale Center, where they've historically performed well. However, Kansas proved they can beat the Wildcats this year?with strong rebounding, interior defense (Bidunga was key last time), and timely stops.

Kansas Jayhawks

The Kansas Jayhawks are 21-7 straight up, 18-10 against the spread, and 9-19 over/under the total. Late on, Kansas has covered seven out of its last ten games. While the Jayhawks have gone under the total in five of their previous seven matchups.

Kansas has national rankings of 190th in scoring offense, 80th in field goal percentage, 104th in 3-point field goal percentage, 33rd in free throw percentage, and 53rd in offensive rebounding. In comparison, the Jayhawks rank 41st for scoring defense, 6th for field goal percentage permitted, 19th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 247th for defensive rebounding.

Arizona Wildcats

The Arizona Wildcats are 26-2 straight up, 16-12 against the spread, and 14-14 over/under the total. Late on, Arizona has covered one out of their last five games. While the Wildcats have gone under the total in five of their previous seven matchups.

Arizona has national rankings of 5th in scoring offense, 12th in field goal percentage, 108th in 3-point field goal percentage, 178th in free throw percentage, and 2nd in offensive rebounding. In comparison, the Wildcats rank 81st for scoring defense, 7th for field goal percentage permitted, 59th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 38th for defensive rebounding.

Kansas at Arizona Betting Trends

Arizona covered the spread in five of its last seven games against Kansas. Additionally, Kansas and Arizona went over the total in their last five meetings. Specifically in Arizona, the Wildcats covered their last game against the Jayhawks. That game went over the total.

Kansas at Arizona Bookmaker Best Bets

Arizona's home dominance at McKale (a raucous crowd and a strong defensive identity under Tommy Lloyd) makes them a clear betting favorite.

Kansas proved they can win here with rebounding edge (Flory Bidunga impact), perimeter defense, and clutch play?but road games in Tucson are tough.

Following the shocking loss in Lawrence, expect motivation. Arizona's offense (led by scorers like Brayden Burries) and depth shine at home. Specifically, home favorites in Big 12 rematches like this often cover or win outright.

Main Pick: Arizona Wildcats

Over/Under Pick: Over the Total

Player Prop Picks: Motiejus Krivas Over the Points and Rebounding Totals

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Illinois Hosts Michigan in Friday FOX Rivalry Showdown

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Big Ten basketball at its best will take place on FOX Friday night when the Fighting Illini of Illinois host the Michigan Wolverines. Certainly, this is a high-stakes late-season Big Ten matchup pitting the conference's top team against a strong home contender. Michigan has dominated the league and is ranked No. 1 in recent AP polls.

Illinois, coming off a recent tough overtime buzzer-beater loss to UCLA (95-94). Now it returns home for a sold-out atmosphere and aims extend its recent series dominance against Michigan (including a 93-73 road win in March 2025).

The Michigan Wolverines are elite defensively (allowing around 68-69 PPG). Additionally, they bring a high-powered offense (averaging near 90 PPG in recent stretches). They've been on a tear, with strong rebounding (around 38-41 RPG) and assist numbers. Michigan is projected as a No. 1 NCAA seed with national title aspirations. Analysts note their defense as a key, although some highlight potential vulnerabilities in certain matchups.

In comparison, the Illinois Fighting Illini are loaded offensively (averaging high points, with recent games in the 80s and 90s) under coach Brad Underwood. They're strong at home and have been "red-hot" in stretches. The Illini defense has been solid but tested recently. In turn, Illinois is viewed as a potential Final Four contender by some analysts. They force turnovers and score efficiently.

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Michigan Wolverines at Illinois Fighting Illini Odds at Bookmaker

State Farm Center in Champaign, IL, is the venue for the matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines on Friday, February 27, 2026. Tipoff time is at 8 p.m. ET with television coverage on FOX.

Key matchups include how Illinois handles Michigan's interior presence and perimeter shooting, and how the Wolverines contain Illinois' hot scorers.

Gamblers expect a physical, high-intensity Big Ten battle with NCAA Tournament implications?Michigan looks to solidify its top seed push, while Illinois aims for a signature win.

Public money will flood Michigan due to its No. 1 ranking, elite defense, and status as a national title favorite. As a result, this creates potential fade value on Illinois if the line moves too. Sharp money could come in on Illinois to cover as home dogs with crowd energy.

Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines are 25-2 straight up, 14-13 against the spread, and 11-16 over/under the total. Late on, Michigan has covered five out of its last seven games. The Wolverines have gone over the total in four of their previous seven matchups.

Michigan has national rankings of 9th in scoring offense, 8th in field goal percentage, 80th in 3-point field goal percentage, 150th in free throw percentage, and 15th in offensive rebounding. The Wolverines rank 42nd for scoring defense, 2nd for field goal percentage permitted, 10th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 14th for defensive rebounding.

Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illinois Fighting Illini are 22-6 straight up, 16-12 against the spread, and 11-17 over/under the total. Late on, Illinois has covered six out of its last ten games. The Fighting Illini have gone over the total in four of their previous five matchups.

Illinois ranks 38th in scoring offense, 94th in field goal percentage, 72nd in 3-point field goal percentage, 5th in free throw percentage, and 12th in offensive rebounding. The Fighting Illini rank 34th in scoring defense, 26th in field-goal percentage allowed, 88th in 3-point field-goal percentage allowed, and 20th in defensive rebounding.

Michigan at Illinois Betting Trends

Illinois covered the spread in eight of its last nine games with Michigan. The Fighting Illini and Wolverines went over the total in 13 of their last 20 meetings.

Specifically, at Illinois, the Fighting Illini covered three of their last four games against the Wolverines. Five of the last seven games between the Fighting Illini and Wolverines at Illinois went over the total.

Michigan at Illinois Bookmaker Best Bets

Wise guys expect a home underdog to bounce. Illinois has historical edges in recent head-to-heads.

The crowd at the sold-out State Farm Center and offensive talent could keep it competitive early.

Finally, public over-betting No. 1 Michigan often inflates the chalk for contrarian value on Illinois.

Main Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini

Over/Under Pick: Over the Total

Player Prop Picks: Yaxel Lendeborg Under the Points and Rebounding Totals

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ESPN Wednesday ? Celtics at Nuggets Odds

Moay, February 23, 2026

The Boston Celtics at Denver Nuggets matchup on February 25, 2026, is a high-stakes, nationally televised clash on ESPN. It's the finale of Boston's grueling post-All-Star break Western road trip (following stops like Golden State, Lakers, Suns), pitting two top contenders.

This game carries playoff seeding implications in a tight conference race, with both teams showcasing elite talent and depth. Analysts highlight it as a tactical showdown: Jaylen Brown's MVP-caliber carry job vs. Nikola Jokic's orchestration in Denver's altitude-heavy environment.

The Celtics have been on a hot streak post-break, including a solid road win at Golden State. Elite defense anchors them, while balanced offense supports them.

Jaylen Brown has been the engine with recent triple-doubles and high FG efficiency. Derrick White provides steady assists, Payton Pritchard explodes off the bench, and Nikola Vucevic (trade deadline add) bolsters rebounding. They're resilient without Jayson Tatum, but they face fatigue from the road swing and the altitude adjustment.

Denver is a solid home team, driven by Jokic (MVP-level). Jamal Murray adds scoring punch, with depth from Peyton Watson (breakout defender/scorer) and others. Denver's offense flows through Jokic's playmaking, and their defense tightens at Ball Arena. They're contending strongly in the West despite some minor inconsistencies.

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!

Boston Celtics at Denver Nuggets Betting at Bookmaker

Ball Arena in Denver, CO, will host the matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, February 26, 2026. Tipoff time is at 10 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

For Denver, Aaron Gordon (PF, projected starter) is out (Right hamstring strain). Gordon has been sidelined since late January (initial 4-6 week timeline), with no firm return date. Additionally, Peyton Watson (SF/PF, key rotation/starter-level minutes) is out (Right hamstring strain). Specifically, Watson went down around early February (Grade 2 strain reported in spots) and is expected out until early/mid-March.

There are no reported key injuries to Boston for this game.

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are 36-19 straight up, 31-23-1 against the spread, and 21-34 over/under the total.

Late on, Boston has covered six out of their last eight games. At the same time, the Celtics have gone under the total in eight of their previous ten matchups.

Boston ranks 18th in scoring offense, 17th in field goal percentage, 9th in 3-point field goal percentage, 11th in free throw percentage, and 8th in offensive rebounding.

The Celtics rank 2nd in scoring defense, 3rd in field goal percentage allowed, 16th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 7th in defensive rebounding.

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are 36-21 straight up, 35-25 against the spread, and 36-21 over/under the total.

Late on, Denver covered two out of their last six games. At the same time, the Nuggets have gone over the total in eight of their previous ten matchups.

Denver has NBA metrics of 1st in scoring offense, 2nd in field goal percentage, 1st in 3-point field goal percentage, 5th in free throw percentage, and 22nd in offensive rebounding.

The Nuggets rank 18th in scoring defense, 13th in field goal percentage allowed, 8th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 8th in defensive rebounding.

Celtics at Nuggets Betting Trends

Overall, Boston covered 15 of its last 20 away games. Six of their last nine away games went under the total.

Denver covered only two of its last nine home games. Only two of their last six home games went under the total.

In sum, Denver covered four of its last six games against Boston. Only one of the last six games between the Celtics and Nuggets went over the total.

Specifically in Denver, Boston has won four of its last six games against the Nuggets. Only two of the last six games between the Nuggets and Celtics at Denver went over the total.

Celtics at Nuggets Bookmaker Best Bets

Boston draws sharp money as a motivated underdog with defensive upside. Boston offers proven road value and is elite at forcing turnovers/disrupting flow. Wise Guys fade home favorites in these spots and see value.

Main Pick: Boston Celtics

Over/Under Pick: Under the Total

Player Prop Picks: Nikola Jokic Over the Points/rebounds/assists lines

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Celtics at Lakers Odds ? NBC Sunday

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Despite significant roster turnover and playing much of the season without star forward Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics remain a top contender, trailing only the Detroit Pistons in the standings.

Jaylen Brown has emerged as a top MVP candidate this season, averaging 29.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 4.7 APG. He served as a starter for Team USA Stripes in the new 2026 All-Star round-robin format, leading them to two narrow wins before falling to Team Stars in the final.

Under second-year head coach JJ Redick, the Los Angeles Lakers have leaned into a high-powered offense featuring the superstar trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. However, injuries have limited the three to appearing in only 10 games together this season.

An NBC prime-time matchup between two of the greatest legacy franchises in the NBA means a stampede of betting activity and viewership.

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Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers Betting at Bookmaker

Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, will host the Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers matchup on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Tipoff time is at 6:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on NBC.

The Lakers expect to be fully healthy for the first time this season once play resumes. Luka Doncic is expected to return for the Feb 20 game against the Clippers after missing four straight games with a right hamstring strain.

LeBron James is dealing with left foot arthritis, but is no longer on the injury report and played in the 2026 All-Star Game. Deandre Ayton is projected to return around Feb 20 from a knee problem.

For Boston, Jaylen Brown dealt with left hamstring tightness and right knee soreness in early February, causing him to miss a matchup against the Rockets. However, he returned to the lineup before the break.

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are 35-19 straight up, 30-23-1 against the spread, and 20-34 over-under the total. Late on, Boston has covered five out of their last seven games. The Celtics have gone under the total in nine of their previous 10 matchups.

Boston is 2nd in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Boston is 5.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Boston ranks 17th in scoring offense, 17th in field goal percentage, 11th in 3-point field goal percentage, 11th in free throw percentage, and 8th in offensive rebounding.

The Celtics rank 2nd in scoring defense, 3rd in field goal percentage allowed, 17th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 7th in defensive rebounding.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are 33-21 straight up, 29-24-1 against the spread, and 30-24 over-under the total. Late on, Los Angeles has covered four of its last six games. At the same time, the Lakers have gone under the total in three of their previous five matchups.

Los Angeles is 5th in the Western Conference playoff standings. Los Angeles is eight games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race.

Los Angeles ranks 14th in scoring offense, 1st in field goal percentage, 20th in 3-point field goal percentage, 24th in free throw percentage, and 28th in offensive rebounding.

The Lakers rank 18th in scoring defense, 27th in field goal percentage allowed, 21st in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 3rd in defensive rebounding.

Celtics at Lakers Betting Trends

Boston covered the spread in their last two meetings with the Lakers. Additionally, Los Angeles got the money in only four of its last 14 games with the Celtics. Three of the last four games between the Celtics and Lakers went under the total.

Specifically in Los Angeles, the Lakers covered the spread in only two of their last seven games with the Celtics. Six of the last eight games between the Celtics and Lakers in Los Angeles went over the total.

Celtics at Lakers Bookmaker Best Bets

The best value is Boston with its balanced, adaptable roster. Both teams play methodically (Boston controls the pace, LA grinds when shorthanded), limiting scoring chances on both sides.

Main Pick: Boston Celtics

Over/Under Pick: Under the Total

Player Prop Picks: Jaylen Brown Over the Points 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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