On a lighter sports slate for Monday, December 16, underdog bettors have a couple of intriguing options with solid potential for value. The Washington Capitals, at +128, are worth a look against the Dallas Stars, while the Wofford Terriers, at +240, offer a compelling moneyline play against Charleston. While both matchups have their risks, the odds present strong value for those looking to take a chance on the underdogs today. Let’s break down why these plays stand out and why they could deliver for bettors.
NHL - Capitals (21-6-2) ML at Stars (18-11): +128, BetRivers
Whenever we can get some good plus money on the Capitals, I think it is worth taking a shot on for at least a half unit wager. Washington has been even better than I thought they would be, and that is coming from someone who bet them at huge odds to win the Metro Division. They have been incredible, scoring 3.97 goals per game and allowing just 2.66 themselves. That kind of pace is probably impossible to keep up for an entire season, but still, this is a very good hockey team.
Dallas has lost three of their last five games, but we all have to realize that this is still an elite hockey team that is extremely dangerous at home. They can absolutely win this game, I am just enticed by plus money whenever the Caps are getting some. The Stars are scoring 3.24 goals per game and allowing an incredibly low 2.55, one of the best figures in hockey. Netminder Jake Oettinger has been brilliant for the most part, with a 2.39 GA/G and .911 SV%.
I could see this game going either way, and because of that, the +128 feels valuable with Washington. I’ll be playing this one for a half unit tonight, nothing crazy here.
NCAAB - Wofford (4-6) ML at Charleston (7-2): +240, DraftKings
A pretty terrible college basketball slate today, but since it is a random Monday in December, that isn’t very shocking to see. It can be hard to pick winners in this sport on days like this, as there aren’t many games that are going to attract a lot of attention or handle. I always preach about finding lines that don’t make sense, but you also have to remember that the bigger the game, the higher the handle. That also means the bigger liability for the bookmakers. Smaller games don’t have the same impact.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren't some fishing lines in the water for squares, and sharps for that matter. Wofford is coming off a blowout loss to Elon, and no, not that Elon. They got embarrassed in that game, and are just 4-6 on the season. Charleston has won three of their last five games, are sitting at 7-2 on the season, and coming off a huge upset win over Saint Joes as a +7.5 underdog. This line seems a bit short to be at -6.5 for them against Wofford at home.
Would I rather have the points? Of course, but I wouldn’t be entirely shocked if they won this game outright. Again, don’t go crazy today with this slate being so volatile. I’d play this for a half or quarter unit.
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