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A big weekend in many sports, but the most important is that the Sweet 16 have now been confirmed, minus Villanova after they lost to NC State over the weekend. Well done if you took NC State in your pick ’em – it was an outstanding, unrelenting performance from the Wolfpack. A 16-game winning streak for the Wildcats ended, which also ended their championship chances in the first weekend, yet again.
Elsewhere, we saw Steven Gerrard last just over 40 seconds against Manchester United before being sent-off in his side’s 2-1 defeat. Chelsea managed to pull off the late, late show against Hull to win 3-2, in what was a horror show for the Chelsea defence. QPR’s relegation worries were compounded by Everton, losing out 2-1. The Atlanta Hawks’ downward spiral continued against the Spurs, and Steve Nash finally announced what we all knew was coming – his retirement. We don’t have to tell you just how awesome Nash was, not just in his prime, but towards the tail end of his career. He’s been a huge loss to the game while he’s been out, and there’s a part of us all in the office that are disappointed with the news, even though we all knew it was coming.
Let’s get to the free sports betting tips for March 23rd, 2015.
NBA Betting Tips for 23rd March
Memphis vs New York
It isn’t getting any better for the Knicks, and Sunday’s loss to Toronto has more or less consigned them to their franchise worst record, unless they can go 9-3 or better. No-one, not even the most die-hard Knicks fan, can see that happening, surely. The injuries continue to mount up, and they’re hosting the Division-chasing Grizzlies, who will want to increase that gap to second (and to third in the Conference) with a dominant win tonight. Memphis had Sunday off to travel to New York, while New York will be run ragged after their 17 point defeat in Toronto. That extra day should be a huge plus for Memphis, while New York having to travel back home from Toronto (yes, it’s not a long trip, but it’s still a trip), isn’t going to help them at all. Memphis -13.5 points looks a lot, but there’s only one winner here, and it’s the confident Grizzlies. The Knicks have all but given up the ghost, while Memphis has everything to play for. Look for a big, big win here for the Grizzlies.
Minnesota vs Utah
We’re all about the Utah defense here. They’re been on fire this month, keeping every team but Golden State under 90 points in their last 12 games. Minnesota look like another team that are going to struggle against this miserly D. However, is Utah able to put a real beating on the Timberwolves? On paper, it doesn’t look like it. Even though the defense has been tight, the offense hasn’t bee lighting the league up. They did beat Chatrlotte by 28, but it was a 7 point win over the Lakers and 3 over the Pistons. The problem we see is that the line is 12 points, and that’s big for a team like Utah. We can see them winning, but 12 points looks a little tough. There’s value in Minnesota here, so take Minnesota +12 and look for a 6-9 point win for the Jazz.
NHL Betting Tips for March 23rd, 2015
Chicago vs Carolina
There’s really only going to be one winner here, and it’s the Blackhawks. The 4-0 loss to Dallas on Saturday wasn’t pleasant, but apart from that they’ve been simply dominant of late, looking try and snatch back the Division lead from St Louis. It’s games like this that they have to win. Luckily, the Hurricanes have been poor of late, and have nothing but pride to play for. The Hurricanes need a miracle, really, to claim the Wild Card berth, so it’s curtains for their season, essentially. It might not be a blow-out, but Chicago to win in regulation looks the best value bet of the game.
Buffalo vs Dallas
The games just don’t get easier for Buffalo, do they? The league-worst team head to Dallas, with the Stars needing big wins to keep their play-off hopes alive. The Stars are playing great hockey right now, going through a 5-1-0 stretch, capped off with a fantastic 4-0 win over Chicago on Saturday. It’s great form, which should be more than enough to dismantle this poor, poor Sabres outfit. Dallas -1.5 is our play every time here, as Dallas continue to build momentum into the crucial part of the season.
