Friday night features a load of NBA betting affairs on the docket, but that's just the beginning of what promises to be a fantastic day of sports betting action! Here's what Cappers Mall has its watchful eye on heading into the weekend.
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Washington Capitals 7:00 ET: Any time you can see Alexander Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk on the ice at the same time, it's a matchup worth watching. That duo has combined to score 67 goals and 68 assists on the season, and both will clearly be the focal point for their squads on Friday night. The Caps are coasting towards the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, but Atlanta is still in a dogfight for the final playoff slots in the conference. There's a nasty history between these Southeast Division foes as well, as the Caps crushed the Thrashers 8-1 in Atlanta back on January 9th, and the visitors will surely be out for some retribution.
Iona Gaels vs. Siena Saints 7:00 ET: Friday night is normally a down night in the college basketball betting world, but both the Gaels and Saints think that they have a legitimate chance to be a part of March Madness. Iona has won eight straight CBB betting affairs in the MAAC, going 7-1 ATS in those eight tries. Siena has yet to be beating in conference play though, and its 13-game winning streak has to put the thought into the heads of the people on the Selection Committee that perhaps the Saints should be marching into the NCAA Tournament even if they don't win the Metro Atlantic. Siena smacked the Gaels 73-60 in New Rochelle back on December 7th and have won eight straight overall in this series.
Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies 8:00 ET: If the playoffs started today, neither the Rockets nor Grizzles would be in the tournament, but both can take a major step in the right direction on Friday night when the two square off. The Grizz are a very strong 18-6 SU and 15-8-1 ATS at home this year, and they'll look to take advantage of Houston's grim 1-7 ATS mark in their L/8 NBA gambling battles. You can find the hosts at -5 on the overnight lines at 5Dimes.com.
Phoenix Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks 8:30 ET: Both the Coyotes and Blackhawks are in fine shaping heading towards the NHL's break for the Winter Olympics, but both will be hoping to hold their respective positions when they face off in the Windy City for a Friday night fight. The Hawks are on a bit of a dive right now, as they've lost back to back games as hefty favorites (-163 @ Carolina & -236 vs. St. Louis). Meanwhile, Phoenix has cashed in with five straight victories, three of which have occurred in overtime or a shootout. Chicago has one of the best road records in the Western Conference (21-6-1), and it's showing on the NHL betting odds. The Blackhawks are -185 hockey wagering favorites at The Greek.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 10:30 ET: Your NBA betting slate is finished off with a fantastic clash between the Nuggets and Lakers on Friday night. Once again, the status of F Carmelo Anthony appears to be up in the air, as he was listed as doubtful overnight with an ankle injury for Denver. Los Angeles has its own injury worries of note, as G Kobe Bryant is considered questionable with a bum ankle as well. Bryant hasn't missed any time, but he did only score five points and shot 2/12 from the floor in LA's 99-97 win against Charlotte on Wednesday night.
