Blogs: Talking Points - Las Vegas Sun News

Oddsmakers like Orb’s Triple Crown chances; Vegas picks for the Preakness

By Case Keefer · May 18, 2013 · 2 AM

Orb’s nose had barely crossed the finish line in the Kentucky Derby and the goop from the sloppy Churchill Downs track was still pelting the 19 horses and jockeys in the field when everyone started asking the perennial question.

NBA Playoffs in Las Vegas: Odds, picks and perspective from the sports book

By Case Keefer · May 10, 2013 · 2 AM

Anyone who’s gambled on the Golden State Warriors throughout the 2013 NBA Playoffs might not be able to make it to the betting window before the team’s game against the San Antonio Spurs tonight. That’s because they’re likely drowning underneath a bathtub-sized mound of cash. Golden State has gone a perfect 8-0 against the spread in the postseason thus far.

Vegas odds and perspective on opening round of the NBA playoffs

By Case Keefer · April 20, 2013 · 2 AM

The NBA Playoffs aren’t as bereft of upsets as some have come to believe. The first round, which starts at noon today in New York, has played out with particular parity in recent years. At least two underdogs prevailed in the perceived nonvolatile best-of-seven series in each of the past four years.

NCAA Tournament by the odds: Vegas picks and preview of championship game

By Case Keefer · April 8, 2013 · 2 AM

The favorites have more than risen to the occasion for college basketball’s ultimate prize. The team laying points in the final game has won eight of the past nine NCAA Tournaments straight-up and gone 7-2 against the spread.

NCAA Tournament by the odds: Vegas picks and props for the Final Four

By Case Keefer · April 6, 2013 · 2 AM

No matter the participants, this year’s National Championship game will be one of the most evenly matched in recent memory. For only the second time in the past five years, Monday’s final college basketball contest of the season is expected to feature a favorite of less than six points.

NCAA Tournament by the odds: Vegas picks and preview of Sunday’s games

By Case Keefer · March 30, 2013 · 8 PM

If someone spent $100 parlaying Wichita State and Syracuse to make the Final Four, they would have earned a payout of $30,500.

NCAA Tournament by the odds: Vegas picks and preview of Saturday’s games

By Case Keefer · March 29, 2013 · 10:06 PM

Underdogs were the talk of the last two days, as they went 6-2 against the spread in this year’s Sweet 16. The only two favorites to cover were Duke at minus-2 over Michigan State and Wichita State at minus-4 against La Salle.

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NCAA Tournament by the odds: Vegas picks and preview of the Sweet 16

By Case Keefer · March 28, 2013 · 2 AM

It’s time for the Sweet 16 in Las Vegas. Sports books have cleaned out bettors to this point of the NCAA Tournament, including anyone unfortunate enough to tail the picks on this blog.

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Las Vegas sports book facts on the Miami Heat’s historic winning streak

By Case Keefer · March 27, 2013 · 1:30 PM

Oddsmakers give the Miami Heat a 25 percent chance of winning seven more straight games to break the NBA record for the longest winning streak. Find out what else Las Vegas makes of the Heat’s historic run.

NCAA Tournament by the odds: Vegas picks and preview of Sunday’s games

By Case Keefer · March 23, 2013 · 10 PM

And the beatings continued, until a couple of Bulldogs intervened. The unexpected happened early Saturday in the NCAA Tournament. The reign of favorites and blowouts extended for another six hours.