Friday's slate showcases just two games worth keeping an eye on for bettors. With the conclusion of the NBA and NHL regular seasons drawing near, teams are giving it their all to ensure they click on all cylinders and secure their desired seeding in time for the postseason. In the collegiate landscape, March Madness has just begun as men's and women's basketball programs across the country will jockey for the ultimate prize--a national championship. Here are tonight's best bets brought to you by BetOnline.org. Click here to join. All new players get a 50% welcome bonus and up to $250 in free bets.
First Pick: Under 6.5 Goals
Rundown: The Anaheim Ducks (37-27-4) head back on the road to take on the Utah Mammoth (36-27-6) at Delta Center.
Anaheim comes into the game holding a slim lead in the Pacific Division with 78 points, besting the Edmonton Oilers' 77. On the other hand, Utah ranks fourth in the Central Division despite matching the Ducks' total point value. The Ducks will hope to bounce back from a close 3-2 home loss to Philadelphia while Utah will look to remain hot after their 4-0 shutout victory over Las Vegas in which goalie Karel Vejmelka tallied 28 saves. Right winger Clayton Keller and left winger Cutter Gauthier are key players to watch in tonight's contest, leading their respective squads with 67 and 61 points apiece.
With both teams being similarly constructed, expect this one to be a tight battle.
Second Pick: UCLA Bruins -5.5
Rundown: UCLA men's basketball (23-11) will host the University of Central Florida (21-11) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Questions loomed regarding the statuses of UCLA standouts Donovan Dent and Tyler Bilodeau and whether the pair would get the green light to play in Friday's matchup against UCF amid injury concerns. However, both players are expected to make their return to the court per the New York Post.
Bilodeau's anticipated return brings a crucial spark to UCLA's offensive attack with his team-high 17.6 ppg on 51.8% shooting from the field. Bilodeau has also effectively controlled the glass with 174 rebounds. Meanwhile, Dent has been just as impactful for the Bruins with his 13.5 ppg and team-leading 52 steals.
On the Knights' end, Jordan Burks and Jamichael Stillwell's respective 34 and 33 steals can pose a formidable challenge to the Bruins' offense. Riley Kugel has been another bright spot for UCF with his 14.4 ppg and 41.8% field goal shooting.
With UCLA having both their main contributors back, expect them to be hungrier than ever and have their sights set on earning their first national title since 1995.