Super Bowl XLIV will garner all the attention on Sunday but gamblers do have a couple options before the big game kicks off, including a pair in the NBA. If neither of the two contests catches your eye, then be sure to check out the 11 cross-sport proposition wagers offered up at Sportsbook.com.
Let’s take a closer look!
Sacramento (16-33 SU, 25-22 ATS) at Toronto (27-23 SU, 25-25 ATS)
On paper, this afternoon matinee looks like a lopsided matchup and the oddsmakers agree. Toronto has been installed as an 8 ½-point home favorite for Sunday’s non-conference battle and it’s hard to argue against the home team. The Raptors have gone 18-6 SU and 14-10 ATS in Canada this year, and they’ve been tough outs in Sunday affairs too.
Sacramento owns a dismal 3-21 SU record on the road this year. Surprisingly, they managed to post a 13-10 ATS ledger over this span. Even though the Kings have dropped five straight entering today’s battle, they did play well in losses at Utah (94-101) and at Denver (109-112) during this skid.
The Raptors swept the season series against the Kings last year, which included a 16-point victory (113-97) at Air Canada Centre. The ‘over’ cashed in both affairs and is on a 3-1 run in the last four encounters between the two.
With the Super Bowl being played, all of the times have been pushed up and most would believe that will affect Sacramento in this spot, especially with a 12:00 p.m. EST tip, which is 9:00 a.m. PST time for the Kings.
Plus, Toronto should be rested for this contest, having four days off since its last game. And, the team is expected to get Hedo Turkoglu (eye) and rookie DeMar DeRozan (ankle) back in the lineup on Sunday.
Orlando (33-17 SU, 22-23 ATS) at Boston (32-16 SU, 19-29 ATS)
The fourth and final regular season battle between the Magic and Celtics takes place Sunday from TD Garden. Orlando captured two of the three first meetings, including a 96-94 victory on Jan. 28 at home. Boston managed to cover as a 3 ½-point underdog and the combined 190 points barely squeaked ‘over’ the closing total of 189 ½. Even though this ‘over’ cashed, the ‘under’ was on a 6-0 run in this series.
Orlando was on a bit of a roll, winning seven of eight, but the club was caught looking ahead on Friday as it fell to Washington (91-92) at home. The ‘under’ has gone 7-2 in the Magic’s last nine games and all nine opponents haven’t been able to crack the century mark during this stretch.
Boston has ripped off three straight victories albeit against the Wizards, Heat and Nets. Still, the three victories were preceded by three consecutive losses. Doc Rivers’ team hasn’t found their groove yet this season and gamblers have watched them go 3-8 ATS in their last 11. At home, the Celtics have gone 15-8 SU but they’re just 6-17 ATS. The ‘under’ has gone 12-10.
Super Bowl XLIV Props vs. NBA from Sportsbook.com
Who Will Have More?
1) Tyreke Evans (Kings) Points +3.5 (-115)
vs.
Drew Brees (Saints) Completions -3.5 (-115)
2) Chris Bosh (Raptors) Points+Rebounds +0.5 (-115)
vs.
Peyton Manning (Colts) Pass Attempts -0.5 (-115)
3) Chris Bosh (Raptors) Free Throws Made 0 (-115)
vs.
Saints/Colts Total Touchdowns 0 (-115)
4) Kings/Raptors 1st Quarter Points +3.5 (-115)
vs.
Pierre Garcon (Colts) Receiving Yards -3.5 (-115)
5) Dwight Howard (Magic) Points +8.5 (-115)
vs.
Saints Points -8.5 (-115)
6) Dwight Howard (Magic) Points +14.5 (-115)
vs.
Colts Points -14.5 (-115)
7) Dwight Howard (Magic) Free Throws Attempted 0 (-115)
vs.
Saints/Colts 1st Quarter Points 0 (-115)
8) Paul Pierce (Celtics) Points -6.5 (-135)
vs.
Saints+Colts Margin of Victory in Super Bowl XLIV +6.5 (+105)
9) Kendrick Perkins (Celtics) Points -2.5 (-115)
vs.
Matt Stover (Colts) Total Points +2.5 (-115)
10) Ray Allen (Celtics) Free Throws Made -0.5 (even)
vs.
Peyton Manning (Colts) TD Passes +0.5 (-130)
11) Rajon Rondo (Celtics) Points=Rebounds+Assists -1.5 (-115)
vs.
Saints Points +1.5 (-115)