FEBRUARY 2019
ULTIMATE SUPER BOWL PREVIEW & ANALYSIS
SPORTS BETTING TRACKER
LAbron NBA REPORT CARDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE
10 Letter from the Editor 12 Masthead 52 Industry Insider:
Legal Sports Betting in America
IN FOCUS
14 18 28 44
NFL: Ultimate Supe Bowl Guide NFL Super Bowl Showdown The Lebron James Effect Scorecast
SPORTS
28 14 42 54 56 60
NBA NFL MLB EPL Golf Horse Racing
M ANLINESS
64 65 66 68
Tailgate Essentials Griller’s Corner Grooming Guide Fashion - Winter Coat
TRAVEL
48 Paradise Found SLS Baha Mar
HEALTH & FITNESS
67 Hottest Fitness Trend for 2019
BE T TING
44 Scorecast 51 Free Bets 53 Best Bets
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
EDITOR’S LETTER It is with a true passion that I bring to you the first issue of SportsBet Magazine for 2019.
MICK MCCABE
editor-in-chief CONTACT EMAIL: MICHAEL@ SPORTSBETMAGAZINE.COM @SPORTSBETMAG @SPORTSBETMAGAZINE
2018 was an iconic year for the American Sports Betting Market with PASPA deemed unconstitutional paving the way for a legal regulated market. There is a lot of confusion among the general public on what exactly PASPA means for Sports Betting and what the legal market looks like. We have simplified our Sports Betting Tracker in this issue, so you can easily follow the progress state by state throughout the year. Many challenges still lay ahead for a legal and regulated Sports betting market, one of which is very close to our staff at SportsBet Magazine “We must eliminate the illegal market”. In most states within the United States it is still illegal to place a Sportsbet, only 8 states are currently offering a legal regulated Sportsbook. Eliminating the illegal market is crucial to enhancing the Sports Betting experience and industry as a whole. Through league partnerships comes better and faster data, which generates more in play features and betting options. Better data means better form analysis, after all the more educated we are on the sport the more likely we are to win and place a bet. Ensuring the success of regulated Sports Book operators is pivotal to the growth of the industry within the United States. So next time you place a Sportsbet, it’s time to ask yourself “is this legal”? The Sportsbet Magazine staff and editors have been dedicated to providing the Sports Betting community the service it deserves and were very proud to announce the launch our latest Scores and Statistics feed powered by Gracenote. In partnership with Gracenote we have taken the guesswork away to provide the most Sports Betting relevant statistics for every daily Matchup. Everything in one place, at the click of a button, this is the most powerful FREE Sports Betting analytical tool on the web. With Daily Previews, Matchups & our Score prediction tool Scorecast we aim to keep you in the winning column this season! Scorecast enjoyed an exceptional NFL playoff run, correctly picking all 10 winners and going 9 for 10 at the spread. As always we have covered every major Sporting event for the month event, highlighted by Tom Brady’s iconic return to the Super Bowl and Lebron James move to Los Angeles. We hope you enjoy the issue and SportsBet Magazine will continue to be your ultimate resource for always coming out on top. Welcome to the issue and to SportsBet Magazine.
MASTHEAD
PUBLISHER Michael McCabe
EXECUTIVE M AN AGING EDITOR Ian Wilson
FOLLOW US THE SOCIAL MEDIA YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS For all the latest sporting news, injury updates and betting trends, follow SportsBet Magazine.
M AN AGING EDITOR Mark Nicholas
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS James Howard Adam Charles
ART DIRECTOR Alexandrea Achacoso
MULTI- MEDI A DIGITAL DIRECTOR Shannon Dannetelle
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PUBLIC REL ATIONS M AN AGER Jill Winkler
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THE ULTIMATE
GUIDE TO
SUPER
BOWL
LIII WHO: PATRIOTS VS. THE RAMS DATE: SUNDAY, FEB. 3 KICKOFF TIME: 6:30 P.M. T V: CBS LOCATION: MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM, ATL ANTA HOME TEAM: LOS ANGELES RAMS AWAY TEAM: NEW ENGL AND PATRIOTS H ALF TIME ENTERTAINERS: M AROON 5, TRAVIS SCOT T, BIG BOI N ATION AL ANTHEM: GL ADYS KNIGHT
THE ROAD TO THE SUPER BOWL AFC CH AMPION The Patriots went 11-5 to capture the AFC East title and the No. 2 seed, earning a bye. After defeating the Los Angeles Chargers, 41-28, in a divisional playoff, New England defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game, 37-31, in overtime.
NFC CH AMPION Los Angeles Rams: The Rams went 13-3 to capture the NFC West title and the No. 2 seed, earning a bye. After defeating the Dallas Cowboys, 30-22, in a divisional playoff, the Rams knocked off the No. 1 seed New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship game, 26-23 in overtime.
KEY NOTES • The Rams are in the Super Bowl in just their third season back in Los Angeles. • Shortly after capturing the NFC title, the Rams announced they will wear throwback uniforms in Atlanta, similar to what they wore in Super Bowl XIV. • Sean McVay, 32, will be the youngest head coach in Super Bowl history. • Jared Goff, 24, became the youngest quarterback to win an NFC Championship game. • This will be Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick’s ninth Super Bowl appearance, and the franchise’s 11th, the most in league history. • Brady and Belichick will be going for their sixth Lombardi Trophy. • Brady will extend his record as the oldest quarterback to start a Super Bowl.
• The Patriots are tied with Dallas and San Francisco with five Super Bowl wins, and could tie the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most in NFL history with six.
SUPER BOWL LIII OFFICI ALS Referee John Parry (third Super Bowl), line judge Jeff Bergman (second), field judge Steve Zimmer (second), back judge Terrence Miles (second), umpire Fred Bryan (first), down judge Edgar Camp (first), side judge Eugene Hall (first).
L AST SUPER BOWL APPEARANCE AND RECORDS
NFC CH AMPIONS This is the the Rams’ fourth Super Bowl appearance. The franchise won Super Bowl XXXIV and lost XXXVI (to the Patriots) and XIV. AFC CH AMPIONS This is New England’s 11th Super Bowl appearance. The franchise has won five.
EVENTS AT SUPER BOWL LIII
SUPER BOWL OPENING NIGHT Formerly known as media day, this features player and coach press conferences and will be held Monday, Jan. 28. The NFC team begins its session at 7 p.m., followed by the AFC team at 9 p.m. SUPER BOWL LIVE A free-to-the-public fan village that highlights the culture and music of Atlanta, including concerts produced by Grammy winner Jermaine Dupri. Open from Jan. 26-Feb. 2 at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. SUPER BOWL EXPERIENCE An interactive theme park. Open from Jan. 26-Feb.2 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
PL AYER AND COACH MEDI A SCHEDULE
SUNDAY AND/OR MONDAY, JAN. 27-28 Photo opportunity at airport upon arrival MONDAY, JAN. 28 7:10 P.M. AND 9 P.M. Super Bowl Opening Night TUESDAY, JAN. 29 11 A.M. AND 12:30 P.M Team hotels WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30: 8 A.M. 10:15 A.M., OR 4:00 P.M. Team hotels THURSDAY, JAN. 31 8 A.M., 10:15 A.M., OR 4:00 P.M. team hotels SUNDAY, FEB. 3 Super Bowl LIII MONDAY, FEB. 4, 8:30 A.M. (WINNING COACH, MVP) Super Bowl Media Center
ABOUT THE LOMBARDI TROPHY From the NFL: The winning team receives permanent possession of the Vince Lombardi Trophy, a sterling silver trophy created by Tiffany & Co. and presented annually to the winner of the Super Bowl. The trophy was named for the late Vince Lombardi before Super Bowl V. The trophy is a regulation-size silver football mounted in a kicking position on a pyramid-like stand of three concave sides. The trophy stands 20.75 inches tall, weighs 107.3 ounces, and is valued in excess of $25,000. The words Vince Lombardi and Super Bowl LIII are engraved on the base along with the NFL shield.
OLDEST WINNING COACHES IN THE SUPER BOWL Belichick, 66, would become the oldest coach to win if the Patriots are victorious.
COACH
TEAM
SUPER BOWL
YEARS
DAYS
TOM COUGHLIN
NEW YORK GIANTS
XLVI
65
158
BILL BELICHICK
NEW ENGL AND
LI
64
295
DICK VERMEIL
ST. LOUIS
XXXIV
63
92
PE TE CARROLL
SEAT TLE
XLVIII
62
140
WEEB EWBANK
NEW YORK JE TS
III
61
251
OLDEST TO PL AY IN THE SUPER BOWL Brady, 41, would climb the list.
PL AYER
TEAM
SUPER BOWL
YEARS
DAYS
M AT T STOVER
INDIANAPOLIS
XLIV
42
11
JEFF FEAGLES
NEW YORK GI ANTS
XLII
41
333
M AT T BRYANT
ATL ANTA
LI
41
252
MIKE HORAN
ST. LOUIS
XXXIV
40
363
TOM BRADY
NEW ENGL AND
LII
40
185
The New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams have more in common than the fact they’re the last two teams standing from a grueling NFL season. For starters, both teams impressively won overtime road battles in their respective conference finals just to get to the Super Bowl. Secondly, each franchise has a solid history with host city Atlanta. The Rams’ last Super Bowl win was in the Georgia capital back in 2000, when the Kurt Warner-led team defeated the Tennessee Titans. The Patriots, on the other hand, upended the Atlanta Falcons in Houston’s Super Bowl LI two years ago. Still, perhaps the coolest fact surrounding the February 3 game is that both teams’ starting running backs, the Pats’ Sony Michel and the Rams’ Todd Gurley, attended the University of Georgia, a school sitting just over 70 miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. We’d guess that either
athlete could play the role of Atlanta tour guide for teammates while they’re in town. Luckily, you won’t need to be in their entourage to get around the ATL over these next two weeks. Follow this game plan and you’ll hit all the right Super Bowl functions, taste some of the city’s top cuisine and even experience a bit of non-football action that Pats and Rams fans will find pretty awesome. We only wish we could help you tackle the local traffic.
THE BIG GAME When we last checked online, Super Bowl tickets were selling for more than $3,000 just to get inside the venue. If you can’t score a ticket, rest easy knowing that the biggest annual sporting event in the United States presents plenty of other opportunities to get into the game. The go-to play for fans is the Super Bowl Experience (January 26 to
February 3), a pigskin paradise that lets you feel like a part of the squad through various skill challenges (three-cone drills, 40-yard dash), exhibits (trophy displays, Super Bowl rings) and even a mobile outpost of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With popular shows like ESPN’s First Take setting up temporary studios in the Georgia World Congress Center, too, you’re bound to have a few celebrity sightings as well. But, if for some reason you don’t catch a glimpse of a famous face at the Experience, there are so many concerts on the schedule that it’s starting to feel like Coachella East. The brightest stage will be the three-day Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest (January 31 to February 2), where the likes of Ludacris, Aerosmith, Post Malone, Bruno Mars and Cardi B will take over the newly renovated State Farm Arena.
Across the street at Centennial Olympic Park, the Jermaine Dupricurated Super Bowl Live promises six days of sonic gratification in genres ranging from hip-hop (Goodie Mob, January 28) and country (Craig Campbell, January 31) to EDM (ATLiens, February 1) and R&B (Monica, February 2). And to make things sound even better, the whole celebration is free to the public. No matter where you look around the city — including Midtown (Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, January 29), downtown (World of Coca-Cola’s Championship Chat with Mean Joe Greene and Desmond Howard, February 1) and Marietta (Shaq’s Fun House with Migos and Diplo, February 1) — there is some excitement sure to be found nearby.
FOOD AND DRINKS If you’re still looking for overnight accommodations around town, well, good luck. Your name would have to be Gisele Bündchen to find a respectable room at this point. Winning properties such as Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta were sold out before the AFC Championship game even kicked off. But fret not. Many of the city’s top properties still have plenty of fun cooked up for you over the next few weeks. The Four-Star Loews Atlanta Hotel, for example, will serve an elevated tailgate menu at its Saltwood lobby bar on February 1 to 3 highlighted by Thai-curry-rubbed chicken wings, crab cake sliders and a colorful cocktail lineup. And don’t worry about missing plays between bites — the Super Bowl will be shown on multiple big screens. Over at Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta, executive chef Gilles Schreiber will offer his take on game-day gastronomy through a sophisticated menu at AG centered around Osetra caviar, black truffles,
Spanish turbot and a 36-ounce porterhouse. Across the city, The St. Regis Atlanta isn’t rolling out anything special from the kitchen for Super Bowl weekend. But seeing as how the Four-Star hotel is in the midst of a property-wide renovation — we’re pretty sure Maroon 5’s halftime show is going to look great on the St. Regis Bar’s new 85-inch TV — it doesn’t really need to. The hotel’s refreshed rooms, overhauled terrace and new three-story event facility essentially sell themselves. And speaking of new, call it a tasty coincidence that so many restaurants have debuted around the city over the past few months. Sear, just reopened in December, promises fire-inspired steak and seafood to guests at Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Mission + Market, with
its black leather, teal accents and globally influenced menu, is a buzzy spot to gather in Buckhead pre- or post-game. Finally, if you’re looking to nosh with famous names, make your way to the Cobb Galleria Center’s Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose, the league’s annual culinary gathering that teams former players with chefs who represent every NFL city in a strolling epicurean event that’s as much about bragging rights as it is about fundraising the fight against hunger. Celebrity ambassadors include Alyssa Milano, Jeff Bridges and Bobby Flay. Atlanta’s Kevin Rathbun will serve as the night’s chef host. ESPN’s Suzy Kolber will be on hand to take photographs and sign autographs. Country star Martina McBride will provide the tunes to go with all of the tasting.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
At the center of the offense for much of an MVP-caliber season, Todd Gurley was curiously limited in the Rams' NFC Championship win over the Saints, taking just four carries and spending almost the entire third quarter on the sideline. That was despite a 115-yard outing in the Divisional Round. Even so, quarterback Jared Goff probably remains the most vital to Sean McVay's offense, overcoming a shaky start to lead L.A. back in the Superdome and outplay Drew Brees down the stretch. In addition to Goff and Gurley, here's the rest of the Rams' starting lineup on both sides of the ball, as well as key backups and other players who have seen action in the postseason:
OFFENSIVE STARTERS QB: Jared Goff RB: Todd Gurley WR: Brandin Cooks WR: Robert Woods WR: Josh Reynolds TE: Tyler Higbee LT: Andrew Whitworth LG: Rodger Saffold C: John Sullivan RG: Austin Blythe RT: Rob Havenstein
SPECI ALISTS K: Greg Zuerlein P: Johnny Hekker KR: JoJo Natson PR: JoJo Natson
DEFENSIVE STARTERS LE: Michael Brockers NT: Ndamukong Suh RE: Aaron Donald OLB: Samson Ebukam ILB: Mark Barron ILB: Cory Littleton CB: Marcus Peters CB: Aqib Talib CB: Nickell Robey-Coleman FS: Lamarcus Joyner SS: John Johnson III
KEY DEFENSIVE RESERVES DE: John Franklin-Myers, Tanzel Smart DT: Ethan Westbrooks, Sebastian Joseph-Day LB: Dante Fowler Jr., Ramik Wilson, Matt Longacre CB: Sam Shields
KEY OFFENSIVE RESERVES QB: Sean Mannion RB: C.J. Anderson TE: Gerald Everett OL: Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen
NEW ENGL AND PATRIOTS
There’s no one more famous or polarizing than the Patriots’ signal-caller, Tom Brady. Controversies have kept the Patriots’ critics alive for years, but that hasn’t stopped the 41-year-old all-star from racking up title after title. Going for ring No. 6 after a runner-up finish against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, Brady has already rewritten the record books and enters this year’s culminating showcase with a familiar supporting cast, one that’s starred Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski for years. Here’s the rest of the Patriots’ starting lineup on both sides of the ball, as well as key backups and other players who have seen action in the postseason:
OFFENSIVE STARTERS QB: Tom Brady RB: Sony Michel WR: Julian Edelman WR: Chris Hogan WR: Phillip Dorsett TE: Rob Gronkowski LT: Trent Brown LG: Joe Thuney C: David Andrews RG: Shaq Mason RT: Marcus Cannon DEFENSIVE STARTERS LE: Trey Flowers DT: Lawrence Guy DT: Malcom Brown RE: Deatrich Wise Jr. OLB: Kyle Van Noy MLB: Elandon Roberts OLB: Dont’a Hightower CB: Jason McCourty CB: Stephon Gilmore FS: Devin McCourty SS: Patrick Chung
SPECI ALISTS K: Stephen Gostkowski P: Ryan Allen KR: Cordarrelle Patterson PR: Julian Edelman KEY OFFENSIVE RESERVES QB: Brian Hoyer RB: James White, Rex Burkhead, James Develin WR: Cordarrelle Patterson, Matthew Slater TE: Dwayne Allen OL: LaAdrian Waddle, Ted Karras KEY DEFENSIVE RESERVES DE: Adrian Clayborn, Keionta Davis DT: Danny Shelton LB: Brandon King, John Simon, Nicholas Grigsby CB: Jonathan Jones, J.C. Jackson S: Duron Harmon
LOS ANGELES RAMS
NEW ENGL AND PATRIOTS
BREAKING DOWN THE WINNER Brady era began in 2000, they are 11-0 in the postseason when a player rushes for 100 yards, and 51-1 in the regular season. The revived running game led by Sony Michel and James White has helped settle things for the offense down the stretch, making life easier for Brady. Keeping running plays in the back pocket for the playoffs has been a signature move for Belichick throughout his career.
NEW ENGL AND PATRIOTS MONEY LINE -150 - ATS -2.5 ADVANTAGE PATRIOTS Simply put, the Patriots have Brady and Belichick leading the way. This is their ninth appearance in the Super Bowl together, so they know the drill more than any quarterbackcoach combination in NFL history. That alone makes the Patriots a dangerous team in the higheststakes game. To put into context Tom Brady has played 10 Thursday Night Football games and this will be his 9th Super Bowl appearance.
position, and he could make life difficult for Brady. The Patriots are strong on the interior of their offensive line with left guard Joe Thuney, center David Andrews and right guard Shaq Mason, so it will be interesting to see how much attention the Patriots devote to Donald, who led the league with 20.5 sacks. And then there's Ndamukong Suh to deal with as well. So far throughout the Playoffs the Patriots power has been their offensive line which has led to time of possession in the Patriots favor, if Donald and Suh can pressure Brady it's a game changer.
M AJOR CONCERNS Aaron Donald. The Rams' defensive tackle is the best in the NFL at the
HOW THE PATRIOTS CAN WIN They have a player rush for more than 100 yards. Since the Belichick-
X FACTOR White, who is going to get carries in the Super Bowl out of the Patriots' one- and two-back personnel groupings. His impact as a receiver changes the game for defenses. White caught 87 passes during the regular season, added a whopping 15 receptions in the divisional playoff win over the Chargers, then tacked on another four grabs in the AFC Championship Game win. His ability to work the flat, produce in the screen game and create matchups underneath against linebackers is crucial to the Patriots' passing attack, especially on third downs. KEY STATISTIC The Patriots ran man coverage 59.8 percent of the time in the regular season, the highest rate in NFL. Their corners will have to deal with the speed and talent of Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods on the outside of the Rams' high-octane offense in Atlanta. Is that sustainable against this Rams offense?
LOS ANGELES RAMS MONEY LINE +130 - ATS +2.5 ADVANTAGE RAMS Sean McVay. The second-year coach never has coached on a stage of this magnitude, but over two seasons the offensive wunderkind has proved his innate leadership ability and willingness to evolve as a play caller. McVay's offense is full of weapons, including a much-improved quarterback in Goff, a dynamic duo in Todd Gurley and C.J. Anderson, and two 1,000-plus-yard receivers in Cooks and Woods. And recently, he has found a way to keep defenses on edge in utilizing every single one of them. Goff was 7-of-7 for 107 yards when targeting Cooks in the NFC Championship Game. M AJOR CONCERNS Experience. There's no telling how a team of young playmakers will react when they take the field for the biggest game of their careers. They showed their poise in a divisional-round win and in the NFC Championship Game, but Cooks and cornerback Aqib Talib are the only offensive and defensive starters with Super Bowl experience.
HOW THE RAMS CAN WIN Avoid turnovers. A common denominator in all three of the Rams' regular-season losses were turnovers by Goff, he threw an interception against the Saints, threw four against the Bears and was responsible for two turnovers in a loss to the Eagles. If Goff can take care of the football, the Rams can win the Super Bowl. X FACTOR Woods caught 86 passes for 1,219 yards during the regular season. He also added six scores in a system that fits his skill set. Look for Woods to show up running intermediate cuts off the Rams' early-down playaction concepts, while also creating separation on deep crossing routes. And when Goff can throw in rhythm, Woods will find the open voids in the coverage to move the sticks. He's a slick route runner with the toughness to make plays inside the numbers versus both zone and man coverage. KEY STATISTIC Goff entered Sunday's NFC title game with the most play-action pass attempts this season. He went 10-of-12 for 108 yards and a touchdown off play-action in the win over the Saints.
SCORECAST PREDICTIONS The data is in! Our Computer simulated genius. 4 years in the making, testing, twisting and perfecting it is with great pride and confidence we introduce you to our Scorecast Super Bowl picks. Much like our newborn baby, she’s been spoon fed every possible piece of statistical data imaginable. Tried and tested algorithms and the most in depth weekly filters leaves nothing to chance. Human emotion eliminated, prepare to test drive the best data driven analysis in sports betting! BEST BE T -AT THE SPREAD Patriots -2.5 -110 BEST BE T - MONEY LINE Patriots -150 BEST BE T - OVER/UNDER Over 57 -110 BEST PROP BE T Rob Gronkowski 1st TD Scorer +1500 FIN AL SCORE Patriots 31 - Rams 26
THE LATEST 2019 SUPER BOWL ODDS HAVE THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT -2.5 AGAINST THE LOS ANGELES RAMS, WHILE THE OVERUNDER IS SET AT 57.5. IF YOU'RE LAYING A BET ON THE MONEY LINE, THE RAMS ARE AT +130, MEANING A $100 BET ON LOS ANGELES TO WIN OUTRIGHT WOULD RETURN $130. THIS FEB. 3 MATCHUP IN ATLANTA IS ONE OF THE MOST-ANTICIPATED GAMES IN RECENT HISTORY AS A PROVEN DYNASTY IN NEW ENGLAND LOOKS TO ADD ANOTHER TITLE, WHILE SEAN MCVAY AND THE RAMS LOOK TO PROVE THEY ARE THE LEAGUE'S NEW TOP POWER. THE MATCHUP STARTED AT EVEN ODDS, WITH ONE WAY BETTING ALL ON TOM BRADY AND THE PATRIOTS TO WIN. SPORTSBOOKS ALREADY WILL LOSE PLENTY IF TIMELESS TOM DOES IT AGAIN.
SUPER BOWL 53 MOST VALUABLE PL AYER ODDS
TOM BRADY +110 JARED GOFF +225 TODD GURLEY +1100 SONY MICHEL +1500 AARON DON ALD +1800 JAMES WHITE +2000 C.J. ANDERSON +2500 JULI AN EDELM AN +2500 ROB GRONKOWSKI +3300 BRANDIN COOKS +4000 ROBERT WOODS +5000 REX BURKHEAD +6600 DANTE FOWLER JR. +7500 NDAMUKONG SUH +7500 AQIB TALIB +8000 JOSH REYNOLDS +8000 M ARCUS PE TERS +10000
FIRST TOUCHDOWN SCORER
SONY MICHEL (NE) +500 TODD GURLEY (LA) +600 C.J. ANDERSON (LA) +700 BRANDIN COOKS (LA) +750 ROBERT WOODS (LA) +750 JAMES WHITE (NE) +900 JULIAN EDELMAN (NE) +900 CHRIS HOGAN (NE) +900 JOSH REYNOLDS (LA) +1000 REX BURKHEAD (NE) +1000
ROB GRONKOWSKI (NE) +1500 TYLER HIGBEE (LA) +2000 PHILLIP DORSETT (NE) +2000 GERALD EVERETT (LA) +2500 CORDARRELLE PATTERSON (NE) +4000 JARED GOFF (LA) +5000 JAMES DEVELIN (NE) +5000 TOM BRADY (NE) +5000 JOHN KELLY (LA) +10000 JOHNNY MUNDT (LA) +10000 ANY OTHER TOUCHDOWN SCORER +700 NO TOUCHDOWN SCORER +10000
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS
OVER 5.5 -230 UNDER 5.5 +190 OVER 6.5 -135 UNDER 6.5 +105 OVER 7.5 +155 UNDER 7.5 -190
TOTAL PASSING YARDS FOR TOM BRADY
OVER 300.5 -120 UNDER 300.5 -110
TOTAL PASSING YARDS FOR JARED GOFF
OVER 289.5 -115 UNDER 289.5 -115
SUPER BOWL ODDS TOTAL RUSHING YARDS FOR SONY MICHEL
NEW ENGL AND PATRIOTS MONEY LINE -150 ATS -2.5 LOS ANGELES RAMS MONEY LINE +130 ATS +2.5
TOTAL RECEIVING YARDS FOR BRANDIN COOKS
OVER/UNDER 57.5 -110
TOTAL RECEIVING YARDS FOR JULI AN EDELM AN
OVER 80.5 -115 UNDER 80.5 -115
OVER 70.5 -115 UNDER 70.5 -115
OVER 84.5 -115 UNDER 84.5 -115
TOTAL RUSHING YARDS FOR REX BURKHEAD
TOTAL RECEIVING YARDS FOR JOSH REYNOLDS
WILL A SPECI AL TEAMS OR DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWN BE SCORED?
OVER 22.5 -115 UNDER 22.5 -115
OVER 49.5 -115 UNDER 49.5 -115
TOTAL RUSHING YARDS FOR JAMES WHITE
TOTAL RECEIVING YARDS FOR ROBERT WOODS
OVER 19.5 -115 UNDER 19.5 -115
OVER 74.5 -115 UNDER 74.5 -115
TOTAL RUSHING YARDS FOR TODD GURLEY
TOTAL RECEIVING YARDS FOR ROB GRONKOWSKI
OVER 72.5 -115 UNDER 72.5 -115
OVER 54.5 -115 UNDER 54.5 -115
TOTAL RUSHING YARDS FOR C.J. ANDERSON
TOTAL RECEIVING YARDS FOR JAMES WHITE
OVER 49.5 -115 UNDER 49.5 -115
OVER 55.5 -115 UNDER 55.5 -115
YES +155 NO -190
TOTAL SUCCESSFUL FIELD GOALS
OVER 2.5 -290 UNDER 2.5 +230 OVER 3.5 -110 UNDER 3.5 -120 OVER 4.5 +230 UNDER 4.5 -290
TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS
OVER 5.5 -230 UNDER 5.5 +190 OVER 6.5 -135 UNDER 6.5 +105 OVER 7.5 +155 UNDER 7.5 -190
LeBron James’ decision to leave Cleveland for Los Angeles is less of a sting to Cavaliers fans than the time he opted to take his talents to South Beach and team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. While that choice and his latest move to the Lakers are no doubt based on basketball decisions, James is at a point in his career when he has to consider what life will be like post-NBA. Similarly, the Cavs must now reconcile with not only the loss of one of the greatest players ever, but also a homegrown natural resource who many have come to rely on economically. Regardless of where you stand on the MJ versus ’Bron basketball debate, it’s hard to deny that Jordan and James share a similar impact on everything they touch off-court. Whatever they turn their hands to usually flourishes, and what they leave behind often suffers as a result of their absence. What exactly is “The LeBron Effect,” though, and is it something that can be tracked and evaluated? Let’s dive in.
PERSON AL INCOME James’ four-year, $154 million contract with the Lakers certainly makes for excitable headlines and pushes him into territory no NBA player has ever seen before. He will make $35.6 million next season, with his salary rising annually to $41 million in the 2021-22 season in the final year of his contract. In terms of pure NBA earnings, James’ 19 seasons as a professional until the end of this latest contract will have earned him a record-breaking $387.2 million. For context, Kobe Bryant earned $323.3 million in his 20 seasons and Michael Jordan earned $89.8 million over 15 seasons.
Due to the timing of when he joined the league and his on-court success, James’ record might never be broken regardless of inflation.
AT TENDANCE In an era of bloated, guaranteed contracts for athletes who rarely live up to expectations, the Cavs, Miami Heat, and now the Lakers might actually have copped a bargain when you consider what James is really worth. The year before Cleveland drafted James, they were dead last in terms of average home attendance, some 9,000 fans off top team Detroit. Four years later, they were in the top three, having gained those extra 9,000 home attendees. When he was with the Heat, the often-mocked South Beach fans were always top five in average home attendance. Upon James’ return to Cleveland, the Cavs sat second, just behind the Chicago Bulls, during the entirety of James’ second spell. Whereas the Bulls’ reign as attendance kings since 2009-10 suggests a dedicated fan base, it’s clear James’ own brand of excellence can drastically change ticketing supply and demand. Last year, the Lakers were 10th in attendance, with a home average of 18,934 fans, not far off the Staples Center’s 18,997 capacity for Lakers games. If you multiply last season’s $299 median ticket price for Lakers games by last season’s average home attendance, the Lakers earned approximately $232,111,906 from their 41 regular season home games last season. But if prices for the home opener were to become the norm, and we assume that the Lakers will have a 100 percent home attendance this season, that figure could go beyond $424,487,965.
SEASON TICKE T SALES During the Showtime era of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the reign of the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant, Lakers’ courtside seats were as hard a ticket to come by as any in professional sports. And although the price tag never dipped ridiculously low in subsequent years, this is Los Angeles after all, fans were able to get a better deal than ever before. With James’ arrival, the impact on ticket sales has been almost immediate. Last season, StubHub tickets for the Lakers’ home opener could be bought for as low as $60. Now, they start at $545 on StubHub. That’s roughly an 800 percent increase. As for season tickets, before the James announcement, prices on StubHub started at $3,499 each. Twenty minutes after the announcement, those same seats were $5,800 each. According to data tracker TicketIQ, the average resell ticket for James’ Lakers debut costs $1,761, making it the fourth most expensive game in the last eight years behind the 2010 NBA Finals game seven ($1,811), game six of the Finals in the same year ($1,912), and Kobe Bryant’s last game in 2016 ($2,003). Conversely, it’s expected that Cavs tickets will be worth 60 percent less than what they were valued at last season.
JERSEY SALES Even without an established star, the Lakers still sold the fourth most jerseys during the regular season last term. Upon James’ announcement, jersey retailer Fanatics saw a 600 percent increase in sales during a three-hour period (versus the same period when he
announced his return to Cleveland) for a player who already had the second most popular individual jersey last season. Los Angeles has a population of four million people, while Cleveland has less than 400,000. If just 5 percent of LA residents pick up a new jersey, it would equate to $14 million in sales. Fanatics has said that James’ signing announcement marked its single largest day in jersey sales ever for a player venturing to a new team via free agency or trade.
WISH The introduction of brand sponsorships on NBA jerseys was a game-changer. The real estate on the iconic Lakers purple and gold ultimately went to shopping app Wish, which spent a reported $36 million to $42 million for a three-year partnership with the Lake Show. Unsurprisingly, Goodyear’s threeyear, $10 million per season deal with the Cavs was deemed the most valuable in terms of brand exposure, bringing in $21 million in earned media for the tire maker last season after a King James-inspired Cleveland made the NBA Finals for the fourth year on the bounce. Even with the Lakers’ abysmal on-court record, missing out on the playoffs, finishing fifth-bottom in the Western Conference the Wish partnership was still the fourth most valuable sponsorship last season with an estimated $5 million in social media impressions. While it remains to be seen what impact James’ presence has on Wish, it’s likely it will have an effect in the Chinese market, where the majority of the shopping app’s 600,000 merchants are.
ENDORSEMENTS Estimates suggest that James has already made $765 million when
you combine his NBA salary with endorsement deals, including a supposed $1 billion lifetime deal with Nike spurred by the brand selling more than $300 million worth of his signature sneakers in 2012, as well as Sprite, Intel, Kia Motors, Verizon, and Beats by Dre. In 2017, he made $52 million from endorsements alone. James doesn’t only rely on bluechip partners either. He was an early investor in Blaze Pizza, with the franchise becoming the fastest-growing restaurant chain ever after blooming from two stores in Southern California to 200 franchises in only four years. But it wasn’t without risk. James had to walk away from a lucrative $15 million in annual endorsement
money from McDonald’s to do so. James owns an estimated 10 percent stake in the company, and Blaze Pizza CEO Jim Mizes has targeted a $1 billion valuation for the company by 2022, which would net James a cool $100 million. James has said of Blaze, “We get to build this. If it doesn’t become successful, I can only blame myself.”
VALUE TO THE CIT Y According to Forbes, when James left Cleveland for Miami in 2010, the value of the franchise dropped from $476 million to $355 million in a single year. While this was a major blow to Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, he himself was still a billionaire businessman in charge of an NBA franchise. The impact was felt much
percent more handle,” South Point oddsmaker Jimmy Vaccaro told Sportsbet Magazine, referring to a term used by bookmakers to describe the total number of wagers made. In a town that will let you bet on almost anything, LeBron James made bookmakers question if the house could actually lose.
CH ARIT Y Through his LeBron James Family Foundation, James has committed to a number of philanthropic ventures such as donating $2.5 million to the Muhammad Ali exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, sending proceeds from his infamous The Decision TV special to the Boys & Girls Club of America, and contributing to the Children’s Defense Fund.
more by those on the periphery, such as the bar owners and other small businesses within a mile of the Quicken Loans Arena. Research indicates that James’ presence impacted employment by about 23.5 percent in that area. The number of establishments near the Cavs’ home fell from more than 190 during James’s first go-round to less than 170 after he left, resulting in a loss of $48 million in annual revenue and then went back up to more than 210 upon his return. Economist LeRoy Brooks estimated James’ return to Cleveland was worth $500 million to the local economy.
BE T TING IMPACT Prior to the announcement of James’ LA move, the Westgate Las
Vegas SuperBook halted betting on who’d win the 2018-19 NBA title, MGM sportsbooks planned to close their NBA odds the following night, and the Golden Nugget refused to open betting on the NBA title due to the sheer risk involved without knowing where James would be the next season. “This is The LeBron Effect, and it’s the third time it’s happened,” Westgate NBA oddsmaker Jeff Sherman said. “Most anyone but him, we’re not concerned about. Nobody can impact the odds the way he can do it.” After the dust had settled, the Lakers’ chances improved to 7/2 (second best) while the Cavs fell to 500/1. “[LeBron] means about 25
Perhaps James’ biggest contribution comes from his “I PROMISE” program, which will cover tuition and general service fees for up to 2,300 kids attending the University of Akron in James’ hometown from 2021. At the school’s current tuitionplus-fees rate of $11,466 a year, this could cost up to $105 million.
LIVERPOOL FC As valuable as James is to his teams and various sponsors, he’s also reaped the financial benefits of others’ success. In 2011, he received a $6.5 million, 2-percent stake in EPL soccer giant Liverpool as part of a marketing arrangement with Reds majority owner Fenway Sports Group. Based on the English club’s current $1.6 billion valuation, buoyed by its $100 million award for advancing to the final of last season’s Champions League, James’ small piece of the Reds is now worth $32 million. For Liverpool fans they will always remember the day Lebron signed with the Lakers, as Liverpool’s very own Egyptian King Mo Salah was given
a record contract the very next day. Coincidence...
HOLLY WOOD Through his SpringHill Entertainment banner, James has already proven himself a seasoned player in Hollywood thanks to the four-season run of his Starz series Survivor’s Remorse, the 2016 CNBC reality show Cleveland Hustles, and game show The Wall. And that’s without mentioning his own role in Judd Apatow’s 2015 comedy Trainwreck and forthcoming projects such as a documentary on Muhammad Ali, a reboot of House Party and sequel to Space Jam, an adaptation of UK crime drama Top Boy with Drake for Netflix, and a three-part documentary for Showtime looking at the cultural impact of the modern NBA. One of James’ biggest investments came from Warner Bros., which stumped up nearly $16 million to help with his Uninterrupted project, a multimedia platform for athletes that could be considered a videobased take on The Players’ Tribune.
REAL ESTATE There’s the belief that James’ move to Los Angeles was inevitable once he’d bought not one but two homes in the city’s Brentwood neighborhood. The first was purchased for $21 million in 2015 and boasts six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and nearly 9,500 square feet of living space. The second, purchased for $23 million late last year, is 15,846 square feet and has city-to-ocean views, eight bedrooms, nine and a half bathrooms, a home theater, a cigar room, wine cellar, pool, sauna, and a barbecue area with beer taps. James’ closest confidants, agent Rich Paul and business partner Maverick Carter, respectively shelled out $3 million and $3.5 million for homes in nearby Beverly Grove and the Hollywood Hills.
WH AT IT ALL MEANS Had James opted to stay in Cleveland, or ventured to any of the other cities he was linked to, such as Philadelphia or Houston, those places would have reaped the benefits financially in food, entertainment, and apparel sales,
which all rank in the top seven of what Americans spend their money on. But in the City of Angels, where everything is larger than life, The LeBron Effect will be magnified. Nearly 50 LA neighborhoods have a median income of at least $90,000, with Bel Air at the top pushing $208,000. Conversely, Cleveland’s richest neighborhood, Kamm’s Corner, has a median household income of $55,300. It stands to reason that the recipe of a Jamesfuelled and much-improved Lakers mixed with a wealthier fan base will boost the star’s brand further. But just how much is LeBron James worth to the city of Los Angeles? Using the same methodology that measured James’ impact on the area around Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena, and cross-referencing that with similar establishments near the Lakers’ Staples Center, it’s estimated that James will bring in 2,989 new jobs and have a five-year local economic impact amounting to $396,985,680. Those are numbers befitting a king.
NBA MID TERM REPORT CARDS
The reality of the 2018/19 has started to set in and at the mid way mark of the season the data is reliable to forecast trends and adequate grades for this year’s matchups. Whether it be legitimate poor performance, injuries or just flat out locker room drama the midterms are in and we have taken it all into account! Grade’s are based on a team’s performance relevant to its ceiling and forecast potential. Some teams have completely exceeded our expectations whilst others continue to disappoint, let the below trends and grades guide you through the final half of the NBA season and keep you in the profit column.
DALLAS MAVERICKS GRADE: C+
When you think of the Mavericks, it starts and ends with rookie sensation Luka Doncic, who has taken the league by storm and is easily the front-runner for the Rookie of the Year Award. However, this is a group with some aging veterans like Dirk Nowitzki and Wesley Matthews, and now it appears that Dennis Smith Jr. could be on the move. The team is still hovering around the .500 mark and it's not impossible to see them sneak into the postseason as the eighth seed. They don't have a legitimate star and desperately need one, Doncic rookie of the year could be what attracts a big free agent. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: Luka Doncic is averaging 20 points per game in his rookie season.
DENVER NUGGETS GRADE: A+
The Denver Nuggets are among the top teams in the Western Conference. While many people don't buy them as a serious threat in the postseason against teams such as the Thunder and Warriors, the bottom line is this team is going to enter as one of the top three seeds in the West if not the No. 1 seed. That is a major accomplishment for a franchise that has barely missed the postseason the past two years and hasn't made it since the 2012-13 season. Nikola Jokic is no joke and teams hate travelling to mile high Denver. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: Nikola Jokic is averaging 19.6 (points), 7.7 (assists) and 10 (rebounds) a night.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS GRADE: B+
The Warriors haven't felt like the runaway best team in the league that many people still think they actually are, but let's keep it in perspective: They're the current No. 1 seed in an absolutely loaded Western Conference and have the secondbest net rating in the league. How much can you really ask of them? That said, they are having a harder time pulling away from teams even when they play well. It's fair to say it was feeling like the league as a whole had closed the gap on Golden State, and then we were reminded: Oh yeah, they have DeMarcus Cousins, who was spectacular in his Golden State debut. The Warriors are just fine with the way things have gone as they are getting hot at the right time. No concerns here. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: The Warriors rank 1st in points per game with 118.72 and no surprise that leads to them leading in assists with 29.06
HOUSTON ROCKETS GRADE: B
The Rockets spent the early portion of the season barely keeping their heads above water, and serious questions were asked if they had run there race. However, despite losing Chris Paul, this is a team that still has shown it can be a major force in the Western Conference. It also hasn't hurt that James Harden is playing out of his mind and riding an insane scoring streak. When healthy, the Rockets proved just how dangerous they are during the postseason in 2018 and a similar run could be in the cards once again with a healthy Capela and Paul IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: James Harden is averaging 35.7 points per game.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS GRADE: B
The Clippers have fallen off after getting out to a red-hot start, but all things considered, they've still had a terrific start and been better than most anticipated. It will be interesting whether they look to move anyone at the trade deadline, perhaps freeing up even more money for next summer when they will have a ton of cap space and figure to be one of the biggest players on the free-agent market. Tobias Harris has played like an All-Star and Montrezl Harrell might be the most improved player in the league. If the Clippers make the playoffs, in this Western Conference, with this roster, all while really keeping their eye more on the upcoming summer, it will be great business for next season. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: The Clippers Rank 4th in three point percentage with .387
LOS ANGELES LAKERS GRADE: B-
When LeBron James went down with a groin injury on Christmas Day, the Lakers were 20-14 and looking like a top-four team in the Western Conference as they went on to beat Golden State in Oakland. For a team that won 35 games in 2017-18, that says a lot particularly about LeBron's MVP status. However, to think that James, in his 16th season, was going to play anywhere near 82 games, as he did last season was unrealistic, and the bottom line is the Lakers haven't played well enough in his absence to grade much higher than this. Kyle Kuzma is looking like the best player of the young core four. Lonzo Ball is too often irrelevant for a guy that can be so tantalizingly good when he's being aggressive and his jumper is falling at an even halfway respectable rate. Brandon Ingram has had stretches where he has looked as advertised, but not
consistently enough. Without James, this team hasn't really improved that much since last season. But they have James, and that's really all there is to note and how he come’s back from his groin injury will determine there ceiling. Explosiveness is the key for Lebron, and i'm slightly concerned about this groin injury being the longest of his career in the first of a 4 year contract STATISTICAL ISSUE: Shooting - The Lakers ranked 30th in free throw percentage (.687) and 29th in three point percentage (.335)
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES GRADE: D
The Grizzlies found themselves picking in the top five of the lottery last season after firing David Fizdale during the regular season. However, Memphis did finally get a healthy Mike Conley back on the roster this season, which has led to more victories. The team has definitely been inconsistent as of late and that could lead the team to be a seller at the Feb. 7 trade deadline. The record isn't as bad as it looks, they just lost momentum and are still a tough matchup at home. STATISTICAL ISSUE: The Grizzlies rank 30th in points per game with just 100.64.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES GRADE: F
Just a year ago this was considered to be a championship-contending team for the next several seasons. Fast forward a year after acquiring Jimmy Butler and the whole operation has been blown up. Butler is gone, head coach Tom Thibodeau has been fired, and while this team is still decent, it's unclear what the future holds for the Wolves despite having two "franchise" stars in Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. They continue to let you down just when you gather some confidence. They cannot be trusted.
IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: Derrick Rose is averaging 20 points per game off the bench and rejuvenated his career.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS GRADE: C-
Easily one of the most polarizing NBA storylines this season has been what is going to happen to Anthony Davis. He's eligible for a supermax contract extension with the Pelicans this summer, but the prominent theory is that he'll turn it down and could be dealt elsewhere down the road. In terms of this year's team, New Orleans finds itself below .500 and currently in 12th place in the Western Conference. The team does have a very talented front court with Julius Randle and Nikola Mirotic in addition to Davis, but the back court leaves a lot to be desired aside from Jrue Holiday. They post big numbers and give up big numbers. Desperate for structure. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: The Pelicans rank third in the NBA with 115.15 points per game.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER GRADE: A-
The Oklahoma City Thunder have exceeded expectations. They've been one of the top three teams in the Western Conference for most of the season despite starting out 0-4. Russell Westbrook has figured out that this team excels when Paul George is the main scoring option and not him. Although Westbrook has struggled with his shooting efficiency, his rebounds and assists per game remain in double digits and his usage rate has declined. The one thing that is holding this team back is the lack of a 3-point shooter something that they will have to address at the trade deadline if they want to win the title this season. The offense is a little too one dimensional to take the next step, hence they have lost some close games down the stretch. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: The Thunder ranked first in offensive rebounds 12.52 per game, a big reason they get away with that poor three point percentage at .336.
PHOENIX SUNS GRADE: D-
The only reason I'm not giving them an "F" is Deandre Ayton has looked pretty decent even if it looks worse every day that the Suns, like the Kings, passed on Doncic. Devin Booker looks like pretty much the same player, which isn't a knock he is really good, he just can't elevate them to great especially with this roster. Josh Jackson is, for the most part, brutally bad. They made a decent trade in dealing Trevor Ariza to Washington, if only to get a look at Kelly Oubre Jr. before making a decision on him in restricted free agency. Phoenix could have close to a max slot available this summer, and joining Booker and Ayton isn't the worst selling point. But in this season, right now, the Suns are indeed a disaster. STATISTICAL ISSUE: The Suns turn the ball over to often and to easily, ranking 29th with 15.88 turnovers per game.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS GRADE: B
The Portland Trail Blazers are a solid team that looks like it won't do any damage in the postseason, again. The Blazers have the misfortune of playing in the same division as two of the best teams in the West, and the fact that they still overly rely upon both Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum for their offense isn't ideal. Despite Lillard and McCollum's continued dominance on offense, and the improved play of Nurkic the Blazers don't have enough quality depth to truly compete against the big guns. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: Since the introduction of Jusuf Nurkic, the Blazers are now ranked 3rd in rebounds per game.
SACRAMENTO KINGS GRADE: A
If anyone tells you they had the Kings as a playoff team in the Western Conference for much of the season, they're lying. But here they are. De'Aaron Fox has turned into a star. Buddy Hield isn't far behind. Bogdan Bogdanovic is fun as well. The Kings are doing what teams trying to jump from bad to competitive have to do: They're winning close games (16-10 in clutch games, defined as a game
that was within five points within five or fewer minutes to play), and they're making hay against the bad teams 16-5 vs. below-.500 squads. They just need a legitimate All Star to band it all together. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: The Kings are ranked 3rd in three point percentage .389
SAN ANTONIO SPURS GRADE: B+
The Spurs made a franchise-changing move this past offseason when they decided to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. Ok, so it wasn't by choice but it was still difficult for the fan base to see the team part ways with its superstar. However DeMar DeRozan was quite the return for San Antonio. The Spurs have been led by DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge in addition to a very talented veteran group. While they're in sixth place in the West, this is a team that is much more prepared than a season ago and a Gregg Popovich-led team can never be bet against. DeRozan improved all round performance is a credit to Coach Popovich and his ability to get the best out of his team. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC Demar DeRozan is averaging 21.4 points and 6.4 assists whilst the Spurs lead the league in three point percentage .404
UTAH JAZZ GRADE: C
The Jazz have bounced back as of late, showing off their dominant defensive identity since early December. However, this team is still fighting for a top eight seed at this point in the season and will be clawing just to make it back to the postseason a year after clinching as the fourth seed. The lack of offensive firepower outside of Donovan Mitchell continues to be a real problem as they look one dimensional on the offensive side of the floor. Joe Ingles has been good, but they need more help and Kyle Korver could be the answer. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC The Jazz defense is ranked third only allowing 105.31 points per game
ATLANTA HAWKS GRADE: C
It's tough to appropriately grade the Hawks this season since it’s all about breeding new talent and the future. In the present they're average at best, but in Trae Young and John Collins they seem to have identified a couple of important pieces moving forward and enough to give the home fans something to watch. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: The Hawks Rank 4th in the NBA for Offensive Rebounds with 11.43 per game.
BOSTON CELTICS GRADE: C
The Celtics on paper were always a title contender, and every time it seems like they are turning the corner, it gets off track. The overall numbers aren't that bad, the Celtics have the third-best net rating in the league with plenty of upside. Gordon Hayward is a shell of himself and the consistency from the likes of Tatum and Brown hasn't shown up. They still have time to click and are only two game’s back from second in the East. Winning despite form is always a sign of a solid foundation IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: The Celtics average 13.43 turnovers per game, ranking 4th in the NBA.
BROOKLYN NETS GRADE: A-
The Nets blew a 23-point lead against the Thunder at home on Dec. 5, their eighth loss in a row, and that could have been there season over. They were 2-10 in the three weeks since their best player, Caris LeVert, got injured, and the word "tanking" was being thrown around. Instead of
splintering, they held a players-only film session and won seven straight. Brooklyn is now 15-5 since that OKC game, and there are positive vibes all around. D'Angelo Russell posted back to back 35 point games and this team is winning in tight spots. STATISTICAL ISSUE: The Nets are defensively allowing 22.94 assists per game, ranking 26th.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS GRADE: C
The Hornets find themselves in that tricky position in the NBA, they are just mediocre and not good enough to truly contend, but not bad enough to land at the top of the lottery. Charlotte has been stuck in this cycle for years, and the '18-19 season appears no different. It is clear that the Hornets don't have enough talent as currently constructed to compete with the top dogs in the East, yet the play of Kemba Walker keeps them from sinking too far toward the bottom of the standings. Ultimately, the Hornets will either need to surround Walker with more All-Star talent, or start over. Batum has not taken the next step and the injury to Cody Zeller has really hurt them around the boards. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: The Hornets have great ball control, only allowing 12.98 turnovers per game. The second fewest in the NBA.
CHICAGO BULLS GRADE: F
Everyone knew the Bulls were going to be bad this season, but they get a "E" for how they've handled things more so than their record. They abruptly fired Fred Hoiberg, replaced
him with Jim Boylen and gave him a raise and contract extension despite the fact that he has done nothing to deserve such a thing. STATISTICAL ISSUE: The Bulls rank 29th in scoring averaging just 101.06ppg
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS GRADE: D-
The Cavaliers have been worse than probably everyone expected, but they get a pass in large part due to Kevin Love's injury and their fairly early decision to pack things in and prepare for the future. They let Ty Lue go, traded Kyle Korver to the Jazz and put J.R. Smith on leave. Still, while it's better for the long run that they're going to get a high draft pick this summer, there aren't many signs of hope in Cleveland right now. They are all in on the tank to get Zion Williamson, AKA the next Lebron James. STATISTICAL ISSUE: Jordan Clarkson averages the most points per game at 16.8, hence they are 28th in scoring with 102.48ppg
DETROIT PISTONS GRADE: D-
What a disaster for the Pistons this season. They brought in Dwane Casey, had a full summer to prepare with Blake Griffin and had real hopes of getting back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. And they still might get there due to how awful the bottom of the East is, but this has been an awful season in Detroit for the level of talent they have on their roster. STATISTICAL ISSUE: They can't shoot, rank 29th (.434) in field goal percentage and 30th (.332) in three point percentage
INDIANA PACERS GRADE: A
The Pacers burst onto the scene last season and made a run at the Cavaliers in the postseason, and have proved in this campaign that was no fluke. They have an excellent defense, Victor Oladipo is a star and Domantas Sabonis is the leading candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. It will be interesting to see what kind of noise they make in the playoffs, but the first half of the season has been everything the Pacers could have hoped for with a win percentage of .674. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: The Pacers rank 3rd in field goal percentage (.481)
MIAMI HEAT GRADE: C
Despite hovering around .500 midway through the season, the Heat still lead the Southeast Division, thanks to some solid contributions from a plethora of players like Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow, and, of course, Dwyane Wade. If nothing else, the Heat appear poised for another playoff appearance, and are giving Wade an appropriate sendoff in his final season. So, while in the long run the season might prove forgettable for the Heat, at least they're keeping it interesting on a nightly basis. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: The Heat rank 3rd in offensive rebounds, giving there shooters second chance opportunities has been key in close games.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS GRADE: A+
Even the Bucks probably didn't expect things to go quite this well in the first season under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. The revamped offense has turned them into a 3-point machine and opened up room for Giannis Antetokounmpo to operate, which has helped turn him into an MVP candidate. Halfway through the season they've established themselves as one of the league's best teams, and
are fighting with the Raptors for home court in the East. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: The Bucks rank second in points per game (117.59) and 4th (49.07)in total rebounds per game.
NEW YORK KNICKS GRADE: D+
The Knicks don't use the word "tanking" they prefer to talk about "development" but it is clear they are an awful team to trust and wins and losses don't matter much right now. You can credit them for getting Kevin Knox to a place where he could win Rookie of the Month and allowing Noah Vonleh to show what he can do. You can note that young players generally rave about coach David Fizdale. You can remain skeptical, however, about New York changing its reputation and attracting a top-tier star to partner alongside Porzingis for the future. STATISTICAL ISSUE: The Knicks rank 30th in assists (19.89) per game and 30th in field goal percentage (.432).
ORLANDO MAGIC GRADE: C
The Magic are in the midst of another forgettable season as they continue to develop some of the young talent that they have acquired. In addition to the fact that they are out of the playoff picture, the team has to be a little concerned about the lack of production from 2018 lottery pick Mo Bamba, who looks to be every bit the project that he was projected to be. Nikola Vucevic is the bright spot and is quietly becoming a star on a bad team averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds on a nightly basis. STATISTICAL ISSUE: They are ranked 27th in points per game with just 104.30
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS GRADE: B+
It feels weird to grade the 76ers now, given that they're about to start what
could be a season-defining stretch. They should be pleased with their healthy starting five's plus net rating and overall record, but it has been a thoroughly weird three months, full of drama and disappointing road losses. Let's see how they do against the Pacers, Thunder, Rockets, Spurs, Nuggets, Lakers, Warriors, Kings, Raptors, Nuggets (again), Lakers (again) and Celtics in the upcoming weeks. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: With Ben Simmons playing well the 76ers are ranked 3rd in the NBA in assists with 27.35.
TORONTO RAPTORS GRADE: A+
The big-picture stuff is extremely encouraging: Kawhi Leonard has been just as efficient as he was before his quad injury, Danny Green has fit in better than anyone could have hoped and Pascal Siakam has sparked joy all over Toronto. There are issues Kyle Lowry's scoring dip, the non-dominant bench, but they are relatively minor for a team with the league's best record. The Raptors' ceiling is significantly higher than ever before and Kawhi Leonard is a force come playoff time. IMPRESSIVE STATISTIC: Kawhi Leonard is averaging a career high 27.6 points per game.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS GRADE: F
Things couldn't have gone much worse than they have for the Wizards. They entered the season as a contender in the East, but almost immediately fell out of the playoff picture due to injuries and other internal issues. The team reportedly planned to shop its two best players, one of which John Wall is now out for the season. At this point, the Wizards would probably like a do-over on the entire season. Dwight Howard and Markieff Morris add to the injury woes. STATISTICAL ISSUE: The Wizards cannot rebound, although injury plays a part they rank 28th in total rebounds with just 41.20
Fantasy Sports
NBA DFS TIPS 5 EXPERT TIPS TO BUILDING A WINNING DAILY FANTASY BASKE TBALL LINEUP DAILY FANTASY BASKE TBALL IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING TRENDS IN THE FANTASY SPORTS WORLD, PAYING OUT MILLIONS IN PRIZES EACH NIGHT. IT'S FUN, ADDICTIVE BUT REALLY REALLY H ARD! THE AVERAGE PL AYER WHO M AY DRAF T HIS LINEUP ON HIS LUNCH BREAK, OR IN THE LINE AT THE BANK DOESN'T H AVE THE TIME OR THE RESOURCES OF THE PROFESSION AL PL AYER. HERE'S OUR EXPERT TOP 5 TIPS TO CASH IN ON TH AT WINNING LINEUP AND TURN TH AT LUCK AROUND.
#1) DEFENSE VS. POSITION STATS DvP stats are the easiest way to get a quick understanding of matchups. DraftKings actually shows defense vs. position figures next to a player’s name in the draft lobby, but there are a number of places where you can find these stats. Essentially, defense vs. position stats show you the stats allowed by each team against one of the five positions on the floor (PG, SG, SF, PF, C). DvP stats allow you to identify which teams struggle against each position, and from there you can try to exploit the matchups to find both value and studs to target. The important thing to realize with DvP stats is that they don’t necessarily make a bad player better, but they can push a mediocre player into an above-average game and they can really help star players post high-ceiling games.
#2) PACE OF PL AY You can use sites like NBA.com to find
#5) FOLLOW WWW. SPORTSBE TM AGAZINE.COM
each team’s pace, which is the number of offensive possessions a team averages per 48 minutes of play. Essentially, the higher a team’s pace is, the better they tend to be for daily fantasy purposes. The theory behind it is simple; higher paced teams have more offensive possessions thus more opportunities for fantasy points.
#3) VEGAS LINES Vegas Lines for over/unders are usually going to tell you some stats very similar to pace of play, but you can also use the spread for insight into your daily fantasy basketball play. Games with double digit spreads tend to be a bit riskier, since the chance of a blowout could leave one of your players on the bench for the majority of the 4th quarter. Playing time is crucial in daily fantasy basketball and you don’t want to get two-thirds of a game out of one of your top players. On the same note, games that are really
close on the spread are expected to be more back-and-forth and that could lead to a player getting more time on the court than his typical allotment.
#4) MINUTES Minutes are king in daily fantasy basketball, don’t ever ignore that. Sometimes it’s difficult to target a bad player in line to see a lot of minutes, but what you have to remember is that playing time in basketball leads to constant opportunities for rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. It seems almost too simple, but you want to try and find guys who will be over that 30 minutes played mark at all costs. If you’re just starting out, look at player game logs in the draft lobbies and check recent minutes. If a guy looks to be getting ample playing time, he’s usually a solid daily fantasy hoops option when you combine some of the other factors discussed above.
DENVER NUGGE TS DEFENSIVE STATS
With live data feeds and up to the minute statistics there is no better free tool available than Sportsbet Magazine. Check out our team statistics page to see who defends the 3 point line the best, who averages the most second chance points and who has the best defense at each position. We have it all! Don’t select your lineup on salary, select in on true statistics available and updated to the minute for free. See samples of how easy it is below.
GAME EXAMPLE - DENVER NUGGE TS VS GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS Take the game example to the right, Denver ranks 6th in points allowed per game so you’re probably thinking Golden State won’t have one of there record nights. However a deeper look tells us Denver rank 27th at defending the 3 ball in a matchup against the Warriors who rank 2nd in 3 point percentage. Im automatically starting Klay Thompson or Stephen Curry in this matchup.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS OFFENSIVE STATS
MLB FREE AGENT INGREDIENTS BEST OF THE REST AND IMPACT SKILLSET’S THAT COULD CHANGE YOUR FRANCHISE
With less than a month remaining before Spring Training gets underway, many free agents have already found homes for the 2019 season. Among the names already off the board are starting pitchers Patrick Corbin, Nathan Eovaldi, J.A. Happ and Yusei Kikuchi; relievers Zach Britton, Jeurys Familia, Andrew Miller and Adam Ottavino; and hitters Nelson Cruz, Josh Donaldson, Yasmani Grandal and Andrew McCutchen. That still leaves plenty of talented players available, and clubs looking to add certain ingredients to their rosters before Opening Day will have no shortage of options. Here is a look at the remaining free agents on the market who possess the top skills at their position and look to have the biggest impact on our Scorecast moving forward.
POSITION PL AYERS H ARDEST HIT TER: M ANNY M ACH ADO Scorecast classifies batted balls with at least a 95-mph exit velocity as hard-hit, and in each of the past
two seasons, nobody has produced more of those than Machado. He put a hard-hit ball in play 257 times in 2018, 28 more than anyone else (MLB batters as a group hit .524 and slugged 1.047 on hard-hit balls last season). On a rate basis, Machado made hard contact on 48.2 percent of his batted balls, a figure that ranked 15th out of 228 players (minimum 250 batted balls). As a 26-year-old shortstop/third baseman with a good glove, Machado’s appeal should go far beyond this, but his ability to consistently square up pitches is fundamental to his status as a top free agent.
MOST VERSATILIT Y: M ARWIN GONZ ALEZ Gonzalez is the only player who spent at least 20 games apiece last season at first base, second base, shortstop and left field. He and Sean Rodriguez are the only two active players with at least 90 career games at those four positions, plus third base. Gonzalez doesn’t just have a lot of gloves, he is adept at using them, posting roughly average or better Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) scores at each spot. With a 111 OPS+ over the past five seasons, Gonzalez has a good enough bat to play just about every day, even if he’s constantly moving around the field.
MOST POWER: BRYCE H ARPER The other big name at the head of this class is closing in on 200 career home runs (184 to date), as Harper enters his age-26 season having smacked 34 last year while slugging .496. He was well above average in 2018 at both making solid contact (45.1 percent hard-hit rate), and getting the ball in the air (53.6 percent line drive/fly ball rate). As a result, Harper tied for 25th in MLB by connecting for 45 barrels, balls with an ideal combination of exit velocity and launch angle, which usually turn into extra-base hits.
BEST OUTFIELD DEFENSE: A.J. POLLOCK Given that Pollock recently turned 31 and has a rather extensive injury history, teams might be somewhat skeptical of his ability to continue chasing down fly balls in the years to come. But there’s no doubt that his track record in that area is strong. Despite all of his missed time, Pollock is tied for 14th among MLB outfielders with plus-51 DRS since 2013. Just last year he was plus-6 in both DRS and Scorecasts rangebased Outs Above Average metric.
BEST INFIELD DEFENSE: A DEINY HECH AVARRI A There are several options here, including Freddy Galvis, Josh Harrison and Jose Iglesias. But Hechavarria has been worth plus17 DRS as a shortstop over the past three seasons, ranking sixth at the position despite averaging 114 games. That being said, Hechavarria’s paltry .246/.283/.347 line over that span could make him more of a backup and late-game defensive replacement in 2019. BEST CATCHER DEFENSE: M ARTIN M ALDON ADO Between the Angels and Astros last season, Maldonado stopped 17 of 35 base-stealing attempts, leading the Majors with a 48.6 percent rate. How? Among 36 catchers who faced at least 20 attempts at second base, Maldonado averaged the thirdhardest throw velocity (87.5 mph) and eighth-fastest pop time (1.97 seconds). The eight-year veteran doesn’t contribute much at the plate but has consistently rated well as a pitch framer, in addition to his control of the running game. MOST SPEED: CAMERON M AYBIN Fellow veterans such as Craig Gentry, JB Shuck and Eric Young Jr. may bring a bit more speed, but Maybin is probably more likely to land at least a semi-regular role, having averaged 120 games per season since 2015. The 31-year-old did drop from 33 stolen bases in 2017 to 10 last year for the Marlins and Mariners, but saw virtually no change in his average sprint speed (28.6 feet per second), which ranked in the top 20 percent of MLB.
PITCHERS MOST SWING-AND-MISS ABILIT Y: CRAIG KIMBREL One of the game’s elite closers over the past eight seasons, Kimbrel would also lead this remaining class of free-agent pitchers in fastball
velocity (97.1 mph) albeit down from 98.3 mph in 2017, and best secondary pitch. Working off that heater, Kimbrel threw his curveball about 35 percent of the time last season, and batters went 5-for-61 (.082) against it, with one extra-base hit and 33 strikeouts. Between those two pitches, the righty racks up lots of strikeouts. Batters missed on 40 percent of their swings against him in 2018, the third-highest rate out of 499 pitchers (minimum 200 swings). BEST GROUND-BALL ARTIST: DALL AS KEUCHEL For a team that plays in a home run-friendly ballpark, Keuchel would have obvious appeal. The lefty threw his sinker more than 40 percent of the time last season, and generated a grounder on roughly 55 percent of balls put in play against him. While that represented a drop from his 68 percent mark in 2017, it still ranked among the best in MLB, and Keuchel has finished well above 50 percent in every season of his career. BEST AT LIMITING QUALIT Y OF CONTACT: WADE MILEY The veteran lefty made some real changes between 2017 (5.61 ERA for Baltimore) and ‘18 (2.57 for Milwaukee), including making a cutter his go-to weapon. Opponents struggled mightily to square up the pitch, and Miley kept them off balance with an assortment of other offerings. Of the 169 pitchers who generated at least 250 balls in play last season, Miley produced the
eighth-lowest hard-hit rate (28.5 percent) and second-lowest barrel rate (3.5 percent), trailing only Noah Syndergaard in the latter category. MOST EFFECTIVE FASTBALL: NICK VINCENT This might seem like an odd choice, given that Vincent is a 32-year-old right-hander whose four-seamer averages less than 90 mph. But while velocity obviously helps, it isn’t everything. Vincent, with a 3.62 ERA over 191 appearances for Seattle since 2016, gets a lot of spin on his fastball and attacks up in the zone with it. The results are striking. On four-seamers over the past three seasons, Vincent’s 30.8 percent strikeout rate is higher than Aroldis Chapman, and his .230 expected wOBA -- which factors in quality of contact, strikeouts and walks -- is the lowest in the Majors. BEST SPECI ALIST: OLIVER PEREZ It’s nice to be left-handed. Perez, a 37-year-old who worked as a starter for much of the previous decade, has found a second life coming out of the bullpen. The Indians used him with extreme care last season, as Perez faced less than 2.5 batters per appearance -- about 54 percent of them lefties. The results were terrific in that limited role. Perez posted a 1.39 ERA and 35.8 percent strikeout rate while allowing just a .417 OPS. While it’s a small sample, Perez’s .216 xwOBA allowed trailed only Sean Doolittle, Jose Leclerc and Edwin Diaz.
MLB SCORECAST PROJECTED STANDINGS 2019 Our Computer simulated genius. 4 years in the making, testing, twisting and perfecting it is with great pride and confidence we introduce you to Scorecast. Much like our newborn baby, she’s been spoon fed every possible piece of statistical data imaginable. Tried and tested algorithms and the most in depth weekly filters leaves nothing to chance. Human emotion eliminated, prepare to test drive the best data driven analysis in sports betting! The highly anticipated 2019 MLB season is fast approaching and we have run our latest Scorecast simulations for the season, with yet to factor in Spring training, injuries and free agents as rosters stand at the end of January 2019 the data is in for our win/loss predictions. Future Market Value waiting to be taken.
SCORECAST SPORTSBET EXCLUSIVE! GE T DAILY SCORE SIMUL ATIONS FROM OUR EXPERTS SENT TO YOUR INBOX DAILY FREE TO SIGN UP WWW.SPORTSBE TM AGAZINE.COM
INTRODUCING – SCORECAST POWERED BY AWS
AMERICAN LEAGUE AL EAST TEAM
WINS
LOSSES
WIN %
NEW YORK YANKEES
95
67
0.586
BOSTON RED SOX
92
70
0.568
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
83
79
0.512
TAMPA BAY RAYS
78
84
0.481
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
76
86
0.469
AL CENTRAL TEAM
WINS
LOSSES
WIN %
CLEVEL AND INDI ANS
97
65
0.599
MINNESOTA T WINS
83
79
0.512
KANSAS CIT Y ROYALS
69
93
0.426
DE TROIT TIGERS
68
94
0.420
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
68
94
0.420
AL WEST TEAM
WINS
LOSSES
WIN %
HOUSTON ASTROS
98
64
0.605
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
82
80
0.506
SEAT TLE M ARINERS
81
81
0.500
TEXAS RANGERS
79
83
0.488
OAKL AND ATHLE TICS
77
85
0.475
N AT I O N A L L E A G U E NL EAST TEAM
WINS
LOSSES
WIN %
WASHINGTON N ATION ALS
90
72
0.556
NEW YORK ME TS
80
82
0.494
PHIL ADELPHI A PHILLIES
79
83
0.488
ATL ANTA BRAVES
73
89
0.451
MI AMI M ARLINS
64
98
0.395
NL CENTRAL TEAM
WINS
LOSSES
WIN %
CHICAGO CUBS
94
68
0.580
ST. LOUIS CARDIN ALS
86
76
0.531
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
83
79
0.512
PIT TSBURGH PIRATES
76
86
0.469
CINCINN ATI REDS
72
90
0.444
NL WEST TEAM
WINS
LOSSES
WIN %
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
95
67
0.586
ARIZON A DI AMONDBACKS
84
78
0.519
COLORADO ROCKIES
81
81
0.500
SAN FRANCISCO GI ANTS
81
81
0.500
SAN DIEGO PADRES
68
94
0.20
FUTURE ODDS MLB WORLD SERIES WINNER BOSTON RED SOX
6/1
HOUSTON ASTROS
7/1
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
7/1
NEW YORK YANKEES
7/1
CHICAGO CUBS
12/1
CLEVEL AND INDI ANS
12/1
ST. LOUIS CARDIN ALS
12/1
ATL ANTA BRAVES
14/1
WASHINGTON N ATION ALS
16/1
PHIL ADELPHI A PHILLIES
18/1
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
25/1
NEW YORK ME TS
30/1
OAKL AND ATHLE TICS
30/1
TAMPA BAY RAYS
35/1
COLORADO ROCKIES
35/1
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
50/1
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
50/1
CINCINN ATI REDS
100/1
MINNESOTA T WINS
100/1
PIT TSBURGH PIRATES
100/1
SAN FRANCISCO GI ANTS
100/1
SAN DIEGO PADRES
120/1
TEXAS RANGERS
200/1
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
200/1
ARIZON A DI AMONDBACKS
500/1
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
500/1
DE TROIT TIGERS
500/1
KANSAS CIT Y ROYALS
500/1
MI AMI M ARLINS
500/1
SEAT TLE M ARINERS
500/1
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INDUSTRY INSIDER
LEGAL SPORTS BETTING IN AMERICA 2018 was an iconic year for the American Sports Betting Market with PASPA deemed unconstitutional paving the way for a legal regulated market. There is many conflicting headlines available on what is legal and what’s not, so we have simplified the below to help explain what exactly PASPA is, where we can now bet legally and the challenges that lay ahead for the regulated market in 2019.
PASPA In 1992, PASPA essentially made Nevada the only state allowed to offer legal sports betting. The law marked an effort by the federal government to end gambling-related corruption in sports. Now, with PASPA deemed unconstitutional, states can decide whether they want to offer sports wagering. Additionally, Congress now has the option to draft and pass a law legalizing sports betting at the federal level.
LEGAL M ARKE T I pay a premium through the vig, but I get all of these advantages: *My bet is insured *I have access to greater data through league partnerships *Therefore I’m more likely to be educated, I have more of an advantage to win. *With advanced data from major Leagues, I have a wider variety of betting options *I support an industry as a whole,
this creates economic growth and employment STATES WITH LEGAL SPORTS BE T TING Seven states have legal, state-regulated sports betting industries. • Nevada sports betting • Delaware sports betting • New Jersey sports betting • Mississippi sports betting • West Virginia sports betting • Pennsylvania sports betting • Rhode Island sports betting
SPORTS BETTING TRACKER
THE CH ALLENGE AHEAD W E M U S T E L I M I N AT E T H E I L L E G A L MARKET Eliminating the illegal Sports Betting market is ultimately up to us, Sports Bettors. If we want more betting options, better data, advanced technology we must support the efforts and abide by the law. It’s been an incredible journey to get to here, one with great commitment and sacrifice. Against all odds it’s now on the doorstep, if it’s not yet available in your State it soon will be. We must as a collective industry take the power away from illegal Bookmakers. The illegal market might be able to offer you better odds in the short term, but in the long term it only hurts us. ILLEGAL M ARKE T Have the ability to offer me better odds Why? They don’t pay taxes or fees.
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PHIL ADELPHI A 76ERS (NBA)
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VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS (NHL)
WILLI AM HILL
NEW JERSEY DEVILS (NHL)
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DALL AS COWBOYS (NFL)
WINSTAR CASINO
BALTIMORE RAVENS (NFL)
HORSESHOE BALTIMORE (CAESARS)
EPL TITLE RACE
WILL JURGEN KLOPP OR PEP GUARDIOLA STEER THEIR SIDE TO GLORY? Liverpool and Manchester City are divided
Current leaders Liverpool still have to play
play a huge role in the run home, we can only
by just four points, but which team will go
Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea
hope both teams stay healthy and we are in
on to win the Premier League? Defending
while Manchester City have to play all three
for some fantastic football.
champions Manchester City turned up the
plus Arsenal.
heat on league leaders Liverpool with a 2-1
4 MOMENTS TH AT COULD DEFINE THE TITLE RACE
win over their title rivals at the start of
Jurgen Klopp’s side’s final six games of the
January, reducing the Reds' lead at the top
season are against Southampton (16th),
STURRIDGE RESCUES LIVERPOOL AT CHELSEA
to just four points. With 15 games to go, that
Chelsea (4th), Cardiff (17th), Huddersfield
Liverpool's win over Spurs meant that, for
margin remains in place after Liverpool beat
(20th), Newcastle (18th) and Wolves (11th).
the first time since 1990, they had won their
Crystal Palace 4-3 at Anfield last Saturday
On paper, there are plenty of winnable games
opening five league games to a season. But
and City cruised to a 3-0 win at rock-bottom
against relegation threatened sides but there
they were not alone, with Chelsea enjoying a
Huddersfield. Do City have what it takes
is potential to slip up against easy opponents.
perfect start under Maurizio Sarri. Arsenal
to overhaul the remaining gap and claim
were one of the sides beaten by the Blues,
their fourth Premier League crown? Or will
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side faces Cardiff
while Man City had been held at Wolves.
Liverpool hold on to their advantage and end
(17th), Crystal Palace (14th), Tottenham
Chelsea's draw at West Ham meant they
their long wait for the title? Let’s take a look
(3rd), Burnley (15th), Leicester (8th) and
went into their home clash with Liverpool on
at the run home and who holds the slight
Brighton (13th) in their final six games.
September 29 two points behind Klopp's side.
advantage heading into February.
According to Scorecast, City’s opponents for
THE ROAD HOME It is sure to go down to the wire and the
their final 16 games have a points per game
Eden Hazard's strike looked to have won it for
average of 1.40 while Liverpool’s opponents
Chelsea, and the Belgian wasted a glorious
have a points per game average of 1.34.
chance to put the game to bed as Alisson
run-in for both teams will be vital as we get to the business end of the season. The
VERDICT
difficulty of opponent could play a factor in
Liverpool’s run-in seems the slightly easier of
who lifts the trophy in May. Both are still in
the two. Their opponents have a lower points
the Champions League, but City remain in
per game average and they have nine of their
the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, so have the
16 at home whereas City only have seven.
potential for a greater fixture pile-up in the
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s participation in
final weeks.
both domestic cup competition could increase the likeliness of a fixture pile-up. Injuries will
denied him when through on goal. The miss proved costly as Daniel Sturridge emerged from the substitutes' bench and scored three minutes later to earn an invaluable point. Sarri admitted afterwards that he felt Liverpool and now leaders Manchester City
were "one step ahead" of his side, but also
4-0 win at Bournemouth meant a change at
that he was "starting to think" he could bridge
the top.
favorites in mid-November, but a couple
the gap in one season. M AHREZ BLOW’S IT In what is proving a more costly miss with each passing week, City had the chance to open up a three-point lead on Liverpool when they were awarded an 85th-minute penalty as the two teams came face-to-face at Anfield on October 7. Virgil van Dijk was penalised for a foul on Leroy Sane inside the box, but after consultation with team-mate Gabriel Jesus over who should be the taker, Riyad Mahrez's penalty cleared the crossbar and the points were shared.
• Manchester City were massive -350 shock losses in December made the title
But a first league defeat of the season also came with the additional blow of a hamstring injury to David Silva, and it's not just in the creative department where City have suffered. The loss of Fernandinho with a
race very interesting. • Liverpool were +400 in the preseason and +425 in November, but are now the odds-on favorites (-125) to win the title. • Liverpool did reach as high as -175
thigh strain, heading into the festive period,
before losing at Manchester City, 2-1,
has underlined just why Guardiola was keen
on January 3rd. That loss dropped
to sign another defensive midfielder in the
Liverpool’s odds from -175 to -125 as they
summer. City's title bid was further hit by
could have gone 10 points clear at the top
defeats to Crystal Palace and Leicester either
of the league table.
side of Christmas in Fernandinho's absence, allowing Liverpool to open up a considerable
SEASON TRENDS • Road teams have been hot since the
lead at the top.
beginning of December and are now It stretched City's wait for a win at Anfield to 18 games, while Liverpool's unbeaten start remained intact. At the time, it still felt like a good point for City, and Fernandinho's man-of-the-match performance underlined his importance to the side. But losing a game so late in the day could have represented a huge psychological blow to Klopp's side. ORIGI SENDS THE CIT Y RED With City beating Bournemouth in routine fashion on the Saturday to open up a fivepoint lead, the pressure was on Liverpool to keep on their coat-tails when they hosted their Merseyside rivals Everton on December 2. But they were thankful for a brilliant reaction save from Alisson to deny Andre Gomes during an open first half in which Xherdan Shaqiri and Sadio Mane both went
BE T TING THE PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE ODDS
Marco Silva's side looked to have earned Everton a point, but substitute Divock Origi pounced on a mistake by Jordan Pickford in the 96th minute to clinch a vital three points for the Reds. It was a bizarre winner, after Virgil van Dijk's sliced shot had bounced back into play off the crossbar, with Origi on hand to nod in his first Liverpool goal since May 2017. INJURIES MOUNT FOR CIT Y Despite a fresh setback for Kevin de Bruyne in November, City had looked omnipotent until they travelled to Chelsea on December 8, where a 2-0 defeat, coupled with Liverpool's
loss of 51.73 units.
TEAM
ODDS
LIVERPOOL
-125
M ANCHESTER CIT Y
+145
TOT TENH AM
+2500
CHELSEA
+8000
M ANCHESTER UNITED
+35000
Crystal Palace +11.84 units
ARSEN AL
+50000
Fulham -13.89 units
EVERTON
+150000
WOLVES
+150000
LEICESTER
+150000
WEST H AM
+200000
BOURNEMOUTH
+200000
• Home teams have won 93 of 210 matches for -9.64 units overall. • In 2017-18, home teams earned +12 units while road teams were historically bad (-60 units).
MOST/LEAST PROFITABLE CLUBS Leicester City +18.12 units Tottenham +8.6 units Huddersfield -11.15 units Southampton -10.50 units • Leicester City and Crystal Palace have both picked up multiple victories as big
close at the other end. A more defensive second-half display from
+7.58 units on the season. • Betting on every draw has resulted in a
WATFORD
+200000
BRIGHTON
+450000
NEWCASTLE
+450000
SOUTH AMPTON
+450000
BURNLEY
+450000
CRYSTAL PAL ACE
+450000
FULH AM
+450000
HUDDERSFIELD
+450000
CARDIFF
+450000
underdogs to skew these results. • Tottenham are almost always favored so their units earned will naturally be smaller. • Fulham, Huddersfield and Southampton have combined to lose bettors more than 35 units on the season (8 wins in 63 matches).
GOLF
PGA PGA SCHEDULE SCHEDULE & & BETTING BETTING PROSPECTS PROSPECTS FOR FOR 2019 2019
The 2019 PGA Tour promises to be one of the most exciting ones in recent history. With players like Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth leading the way, the Tour is star-packed from top to bottom. But, besides the big names, there are also several players you should keep your eye on this year. In this article, we’ll do a different take on the subject, and instead of analysing the favourites, we’ll take a look at the 5 up-and-coming players on the Tour that could make the headlines in 2019 that we can look to take advantage in future betting value.
THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING THE SCHEDULE: The PGA tour schedule has been up for a couple of months on the official PGA Tour website, where you can check the full rundown of the 2019 PGA Tour events and dates. Keep in mind that there are some changes compared to the previous years. Some events have been pushed to later dates, with the 2018/2019 season FedExCup Playoffs closing in August. Knowing the exact dates of each course and location on the tour can help you keep track of the players more easily, as there are a total of 46 events throughout the year. See the upcoming Schedule on the next page.
5 PLAYERS TO WATCH CLOSELY IN THE 2019 PGA TOUR FROM A BETTING VALUE Out of all of the players taking part in this years’ Tour, narrowing down the top five was a challenging task. But here are some of our top choices from a betting aspect who could provide potential value and profit throughout the PGA season. XANDER SCH AUFFELE Xander Schauffele is just 25-yearsold and has won three PGA Tour titles in his first two seasons,
including the 2018 WGC-HSBC Champions. In hindsight, Schauffele was probably overlooked by Jim Furyk for a Ryder Cup wildcard pick but he looks likely to make the team in 2020. The 25-year-old was the 2017 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year and has already reached a career-high of 10th in the world, perhaps he can crack the top five in 2019? SUNG-JAE IM Sung-Jae Im is one of the youngest players on the Tour, at only 20 years of age. Although Sung-Jae does attract big media hype around his performances, it’s still safe to say that he is fairly underrated, especially if you keep in mind his dominant performances in the Web. com Tour just a year before. SungJae is looking for his big break and this year’s Tour might just be it. FRANCESCO MOLIN ARI In a sport increasingly dominated by young players, the 36-year old Italian is a true underdog story. After 120 PGA Tours without a single win, Molinari managed to capture two Tour wins in 2018. He participated as a member of team Europe and help them win at Le Golf National, and will surely be looking to extend this fantastic year into 2019 as well. BRYSON DECH AMBEAU Speaking of the world’s top five, the Golfing Scientist will occupy the 5th spot heading into 2019. DeChambeau was one of the best players in the world this year, winning four times on the PGA Tour including two FedEx Cup Playoff events in a row. The 2015 US Amateur champion now has six wins since turning pro after the 2016 Masters where he was low amateur.
Where does he go from here? Perhaps 2019 could be the year he wins a Major. PHIL MICKELSON Last, but definitely not least, the savvy veteran Phil Mickelson should look to make the best of this year. The 43-time Tour winner still has some gas in the tank, and although he’ll probably play a limited selection of events on the Tour, he is an experienced player who will know to seize an opportunity if it arises.
BE T TING
2019 M ASTERS TOURN AMENT ODDS The 2019 Masters Tournament will be the 83rd edition of the Masters Tournament and the first of golf’s four major championships to be held in 2019. It will be held from April 11–14 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. • Jordan Spieth +1000 • Tiger Woods +1000 • Dustin Johnson +1100 • Rory McIlroy +1100 • Justin Thomas +1200 • Brooks Koepka +1400 • Justin Rose +1400 • Rickie Fowler +1600 • Jon Rahm +1800 • Bryson DeChambeau +2200 • Bubba Watson +2200 • Jason Day +2200 • Patrick Reed +2800 • Cameron Champ +3300 • Hideki Matsuyama +3300 • Tommy Fleetwood +3300 • Tony Finau +3300 • Xander Schauffele +3300 • Gary Woodland +4000 • Henrik Stenson +4000 • Paul Casey +4000 • Phil Mickelson +4000
2018 - 2019 PGA JAN 31 - 3 FEB 7 - 10
WASTE M AN AGEMENT PHOENI X OPEN AT&T PEBBLE BEACH PRO-AM
FEB 14 - 17
GENESIS OPEN
FEB 21 - 24
PUERTO RICO OPEN
FEB 21 - 24
WORLD GOLF CH AMPIONSHIPSMEXICO CH AMPIONSHIP THE HONDA CL ASSIC
FEB 28 - 3 M AR 7 - 10 M AR 14 - 17
ARNOLD PALMER INVITATION AL PRESENTED BY M ASTERCARD THE PL AYERS CH AMPIONSHIP
M AR 21 - 24
VALSPAR CH AMPIONSHIP
M AR 27 - 31 M AR 28 - 31 APR 4 - 7
TPC SCOT TSDALE
SCOT TSDALE, AZ USA PEBBLE BEACH GOLF PEBBLE BEACH, CA LINKS USA RIVIERA CC PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - USA COCO BEACH GOLF RIO GRANDE - PRI AND COUNTRY CLUB CLUB DE GOLF N AUCALPAN DE CH APULTEPEC JUAREZ - MEX PGA N ATION AL PALM BEACH CH AMPION COURSE GARDENS, FL - USA BAY HILL CLUB & ORL ANDO, FL - USA LODGE TPC SAWGRASS PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - USA INNISBROOK RESORT PALM H ARBOR, FL - COPPERHEAD USA AUSTIN COUNTRY AUSTIN, TX - USA CLUB
WORLD GOLF CH AMPIONSHIPSDELL TECHNOLOGIES M ATCH PL AY CORALES PUNTACAN A RESORT & CORALES GOLF CLUB CLUB CH AMPIONSHIP VALERO TEXAS OPEN TPC SAN ANTONIO
APR 11 - 14
M ASTERS TOURN AMENT
APR 18 - 21
RBC HERITAGE
APR 25 - 28 M AY 2 - 5
ZURICH CL ASSIC OF NEW ORLEANS WELLS FARGO CH AMPIONSHIP
M AY 9 - 12
AT&T BYRON NELSON
AUGUSTA N ATION AL GOLF CLUB H ARBOUR TOWN GOLF LINKS TPC LOUISI AN A QUAIL HOLLOW CLUB TRINIT Y FOREST GOLF CLUB
PUNTA CAN A - DOM SAN ANTONIO, TX USA AUGUSTA, GA - USA HILTON HEAD, SC USA NEW ORLEANS, L A USA CH ARLOT TE, NC USA DALL AS, TX - USA
TOUR SCHEDULE M AY 16- 19
PGA CH AMPIONSHIP
M AY 23 - 26
CH ARLES SCHWAB CH ALLENGE
BE THPAGE STATE PARK, BL ACK COURSE COLONI AL CC
FARMINGDALE, NY USA
M AY 30 - 2 JUN 6 - 9
THE MEMORI AL TOURN AMENT PRESENTED BY N ATIONWIDE RBC CAN ADI AN OPEN
MUIRFIELD VILL AGE GC H AMILTON G&CC
JUN 13 - 16
U.S. OPEN
JUN 20 - 23
TRAVELERS CH AMPIONSHIP
JUN 27 - 30
ROCKE T MORTGAGE CL ASSIC
JUL 4 - 7
3M OPEN
TPC T WIN CITIES
BL AINE, MN - USA
JUL 11 - 14
JOHN DEERE CL ASSIC
TPC DEERE RUN
SILVIS, IL - USA
JUL 18 - 21
THE OPEN CH AMPIONSHIP
PORTRUSH - GBR
JUL 18 - 21
BARBASOL CH AMPIONSHIP
JUL 25 - 28 JUL 25 - 28
WORLD GOLF CH AMPIONSHIPSFEDEX ST. JUDE INVITATION AL RENO-TAHOE TOURN AMENT
ROYAL PORTRUSH GOLF CLUB KEENE TRACE GOLF CLUB TPC SOUTHWIND
AUG 1 - 4
WYNDH AM CH AMPIONSHIP
AUG 8 -11
THE NORTHERN TRUST
AUG 15 - 18
BMW CH AMPIONSHIP
AUG 22 - 25
TOUR CH AMPIONSHIP
FORT WORTH, TX USA DUBLIN, OH - USA H AMILTON, ON - CAN
PEBBLE BEACH GOLF PEBBLE BEACH, CA LINKS USA TPC RIVER CROMWELL, CT - USA HIGHL ANDS DE TROIT GOLF CLUB DE TROIT, MI - USA
MONTREUX GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB SEDGEFIELD COUNTRY CLUB LIBERT Y N ATION AL GOLF COURSE MEDIN AH COUNTRY CLUB EAST L AKE GC
NICHOL ASVILLE, KY - USA MEMPHIS, TN - USA RENO, NV - USA GREENSBORO, NC USA JERSEY CIT Y, NJ USA MEDIN AH, IL - USA ATL ANTA, GA - USA
2019 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY INSIDE THE NUMBERS
We’re just over 100 days from the first Saturday in May, and the road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is in full swing. Spanning three continents, eight months, and dozens of races, the road is long and winding but the end result will be worth it for those lucky enough to make the starting gate at Churchill Downs. Read on for the scoop on this year’s Kentucky Derby points races by the numbers.
2 - The number of Kentucky Derby spots reserved for the top points earners from the European Road to the Kentucky Derby and the Japan Road. Each gets one spot, if they choose to run.
20 - The maximum number of horses that will enter the Kentucky Derby starting gate.
Stakes on Sept. 15, 2018, through the Lexington Stakes and Arkansas Derby on April 13, 2019.
23 - The total number of cities that host
2,193 - The total number of Derby
a race on the 2019 Road to the Derby, including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles in the U.S. and Tokyo, London, and Dubai abroad.
qualifying points available via the main 2019 Road to the Kentucky Derby.
29 - The minimum number of points required to run in last year’s Derby. Instilled Regard was the final qualifier, with 29. In 2017 the minimum was a similar 30 points.
35 - Number of races on the traditional
points system has decided the horses in the Kentucky Derby.
Road to the Kentucky Derby this year. The European Road has seven additional points races, while the Japan Road has four more.
15 - The number of tracks holding a prep
80 - Total number of horses who earned
race for the 2019 Kentucky Derby on the traditional Road to the Derby, including 14 in the U.S. and one in the United Arab Emirates. Seven more tracks host races on the European Road and three host on the Japan Road to the Derby.
points on the 2018 Road to the Kentucky Derby.
7 - 2019 is the seventh year that a
210 - The 2019 Kentucky Derby prep races span 210 days from the Iroquois
22,500 - This year’s Derby hopefuls were among approximately 22,500 foals born in North America in 2016. Just 20 can run in the Kentucky Derby.
117,792 - Total fans in attendance at three of last year’s 100-point races: the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, and Arkansas Derby.
$125,784,383 - Total dollars bet on five of the seven major Derby prep race cards in 2018: the Xpressbet Florida Derby, Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets, Blue Grass, Santa Anita Derby, and Arkansas Derby.
WIN X, CRACKSM AN SH ARE HONOR AS 2018 LONGINES WORLD’S BEST RACEHORSE Australian superstar Winx and European standout Cracksman were earlier this month crowned the 2018 Longines World’s Best Racehorses with an equal rating of 130. It marked only the second time since the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Award was created in 2013 that there was a tie at the top. In the award’s inaugural year, France’s Treve and Australia’s Black Caviar were joint winners. Swiss watchmaker Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) honored the winners during a ceremony at The Landmark hotel in London. Winx has been in the Top 10 of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings since 2015, and she has been the highest rated filly/mare in the world since 2016. In 2018, she claimed overall top honors during a season that
culminated in her becoming the only horse in history to win the Ladbrokes Cox Plate four times. Cracksman secured a signature victory in the QIPCO Champion Stakes on British Champions Day at Ascot. Based in England, Cracksman was campaigned by the same connections as Golden Horn, the 2015 highest rated turf horse in the world. Cracksman’s jockey in 2018 was Frankie Dettori, who was named Longines World’s Best Jockey in 2018 as well as in 2015. Winx and Cracksman edged U.S. star Accelerate, who ranked third with a rating of 128 and thus was the highestrated dirt horse in the world. Accelerate turned in a powerhouse performance in the $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic Stakes, which he won by 12 ½ lengths to earn his 128 rating. Accelerate capped his season with a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November and will close his career in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 26.
LONGINES WORLD’S BEST RACEHORSE RANKINGS RANK
HORSE
RATING
TRAINED
1
CRACKSM AN (GB)
130
GB
1
WIN X (AUS)
130
AUS
3
ACCELERATE (USA)
128
USA
4
BEAUT Y GENERATION (NZ)
127
HK
4
GUN RUNNER (USA)
127
USA
4
ROARING LION (USA)
127
GB
7
POE T’S WORD (IRE)
126
GB
8
CRYSTAL OCEAN (GB)
125
GB
8
EN ABLE (GB)
125
GB
8
JUSTIFY (USA)
125
USA
Rating
KENTUCKY DERBY ODDS 2019 GAME WINNER 7/2 GUN IT 5/1 IMPROBABLE 5/1 GUNME TAL GRAY 13/2 COLISEUM 7/1 BULLE TIN 8/1 DUNPH 8/1 MUCH BE T TER 10/1 PLUS QUE PARFAIT 10/1 COMPLEXIT Y 11/1 ROADSTER 12/1 M AXIMUS MISCHIEF 13/1 INSTAGRAND 14/1 FROSTED ICE 15/1 LUTSKY 15/1 M AGIC ON TAP 15/1 MY SI XTH SENSE 15/1 SH ARED LEGACY 15/1 VEKOM A 16/1 CODE OF HONOR 20/1 SIGN ALM AN 20/1 WAR OF WILL 20/1 LIMONITE 25/1 MUCHO GUSTO 25/1 SEISMIC JOLT 25/1
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GRILLERS' Corner GAME DAY GRILLING TIPS
Grab your team’s jersey and fire up the grill—it’s football season, and no game day is complete without a full spread of grilled meat and vegetables. Whether you’re rusty on your grill skills or looking to impress your buddies with some new tricks, our grill hacks will punch up your game day experience by saving you time and effort while punching up the flavor of your favorite game day foods.
HOT DOGS
Spiral cut your hot dogs using a skewer and a knife so that they grill evenly throughout. And rather than have a slew of condiments scattered across your tailgate table, use a muffin tin to separate and place condiments. Bonus – this also cuts down on the number of dishes you have to clean and the amount of waste from your tailgate. Got an empty six-pack? (Sure you do) Use this to hold and carry condiment bottles, napkins, and other essentials. Don’t forget the bottle opener.
RIBS
Turn your grill into a smoker by placing a tin foil pouch filled with wood chips on top of one of your burners. Spraying apple juice on your meat as it grills or smokes
will enhance the flavor appearance, and tenderness of the finished product.
BURGERS
For those of you who don’t use pre-formed patties for burger, A) good for you, and B) hiding a single ice cube in the patty is a great way to ensure that the inside of the burger stays moist while cooking. This trick works best if you are forming the patties immediately before placing them on the grill—that way, the ice cube doesn’t melt and soak the whole burger. To retain that moisture as well as heat, allow the meat to rest for ten minutes under a loose tent of aluminum foil.
POST-GAME CLEANUP
While your grill is still hot, scrub it with the cut side of a freshly halved onion. Not only will the oils in the onion get rid of most of the residue left over on the grill, but they’ll also season the grill and add flavor for the next time it’s used. Using these grill hacks, your tailgate or game-viewing party will crush the opposition and be a success— whether or not your team actually wins you’ll still be talk of the town.
GROOMING GUIDE: MANSCAPING With the advances of the 20-inch back shaver and the painstakingly waxed leading men of Hollywood, you’d think we were in the midst of an all-out war on body hair. Not the case. What we have entered is an age in which men want to avoid looking like Chewbacca in the bedroom and at the beach. And while we applaud your efforts (indeed, much manscaping is being done right), there’s still a great deal of don’ts out there. We’re here to set the record straight.
M ANSCAPING DO’S
BUY THE RIGHT TOOLS A disposable razor and some shaving cream won’t cut it. The truth is, if you’re really covered in a carpet, you shouldn’t be shaving anyway. Instead, grab an electric trimmer with a guard that has adjustable settings for length. The big brands have recently repackaged these gadgets specifically for manscaping activities, but they’re really just their tried-and-true best beard trimmers with a different image on the box. That’s what you want. TRIM YOUR CHEST No one needs to see a tuft of tresses creeping over your shirt collar, or worse, a complete carpet at the beach. Use that electric trimmer to thin things down to a fairly uniform density. How low you go is a personal preference, but avoid pruning yourself into massive five o’clock shadow. CLEAN UP YOUR UNDERARMS There should be some hair there, but a full-on forest isn’t recommended. Groom the grass down to a length slightly longer than the surrounding countryside. Ultimately, they should look like pits without looking like the pits. WAX YOUR BACK AND SHOULDERS There are places that should glide like
a Slip ‘n Slide — namely, your back and shoulders. Get them waxed by a professional every six weeks or so. If you’re a member of the more hirsute set or prone to breakouts, look into laser hair removal. MOW DOWN THE BUSH You need to maintain your manhood, too. A little less lawn makes the tree appear taller. Make it look natural. Your manscaping efforts shouldn’t look manufactured. Trimming your pubic hair into a triangle, for example, is a definite no-no. Bottom line: If it’s too perfect, we’d file that as a fail.
M ANSCAPING DON’TS USE AT-HOME WAXES OR SPRAYS DIY is fine for arts and crafts or caulking a tub. But when it comes to removing body hair with a drugstore depilatory, taking matters into your own hands will likely end in blood, sweat and a nasty rash. CLEAN-SHAVE YOUR CHEST, ARMS OR LEGS Attempting to clear cut what God gave you isn’t just wholly unnatural, but it can be incredibly uncomfortable and unsightly (think prickly patches with a healthy dose of razor burn). If you’ve been blessed with body hair, you should
own it along with that electric trimmer we told you to buy. LEAVE ANY DEFINED LINES An artificial boundary of where hair ends and smooth skin begins isn’t exactly attractive. This typically happens when one has elected to partake in an unapproved method of manscaping, like, say, clean-shaving a body part with a razor. Stick with a trimmer, and you’ll never have to worry about doing this don’t. FORGE T ABOUT YOUR BACKSIDE Most men’s rears aren’t exactly follicle free. Since we’re serious supporters of a waxed back, you’ll need to make sure (with the help of a mirror, yoga classes and that handy trimmer) that there isn’t a heap of hair waiting below the waistline. GO BARE DOWN THERE You’re a man, right? Feel free to tidy up the place (in fact, we highly recommend it), but please don’t turn yourself into a prepubescent boy. Sorting out your manscaping strategy shouldn’t include a whole host of tools or an unhealthy desire to look like a second-rate stripper. All you really need is a basic beard trimmer and enough sense to know that hairless legs are for swimmers and 6-year-olds.
HEALTH is your
WEALTH HOTTEST FITNESS TREND IN 2019 IMMERSION FITNESS AT HOME You know the whole gym experience? Well, that is nothing compared with the kind of immersive fitness experiences you’re set to be having in your own front room. Peloton has been an innovator in this area bringing a boutique gym feeling to the home with spinning bikes and treadmills that allow users to take part in love classes streamed from their NYC studio. Live streamed classes from the amazing new FIIT TV now allow users to join a class in real time and features the hottest Instagram trainers as teachers. A chest strap comes with the FIIT console that has a built-in heart rate monitor and accelerometer which tracks your progress during the class with live metrics being tracked on the dashboard on screen. Fiit goes beyond simply tracking heart rate and calories, and uses
age, height, weight and current fitness level to accurately calculate metrics like Fiit Points and reps, and to recommend the best classes to suit individual goals. Each of the three studios — Cardio, Strength and Rebalance — has its own look and feel and the user dashboard shows real time performance metrics such as reps, calories, heart rate and Fiit Points to motivate members to rethink
their potential. MyFiit also captures class history, stats and personal bests, as well as recommends weekly training plans so you can track your progress. Some like new ClassPass Live also allow users to see their performance on a leaderboard against other people’s. Genius. No more Gym fees or waiting for your go to equipment!
FASHION
WINTER
COATS
With Winter in Full swing it's important to dial in the seasons most important garment, the Coat. Whether your in the market for a storm ready parka or a topcoat to the office its vital to keep the cold out this winter. We have taken the honor of bringing you the ten best Coats to wear all winter long.
1) THE DUFFLE COAT The classic duffle coat is a mainstay in menswear. The toggles give it a more relaxed feel than buttons might, but it's easy silhouette still makes it contemporary. Plus, if it was good enough for sailors navigating icy waters, it's good enough for your commute. BORG LINED DUFFLE COAT ($180) BY TOPM AN
2) THE CAMEL COAT If you want your winter coat to make a bigger statement than a traditional black, navy, or gray overcoat, do as the Italians do and go camel. Not only will a camel coat contrast perfectly with a dark suit, it will also add elegance to pretty much anything you wear under it— even casual gear. SINGLE-BREASTED COAT ($2,892) BY PRADA
3) THE SLIM PUFFER A slim puffer is a must in every man's coat closet. Wear this alone for walking the dog, or do as the pros do and layer it beneath a suit jacket for warmth and unexpected visual texture. DOWN SHIRT ($199) BY PATAGONI A
4) THE TECHNICAL JACKE T For those days when Mother Nature unleashes everything she's got, you need a technical jacket that can handle it all. This one is seam sealed and waterproof to keep the rain out, insulated to keep the cold out, and finished with an adjustable hood to make sure everything is covered. It's the Swiss Army knife of winter coats. CRYOS GTX TRICLIM ATE ($800) BY THE NORTH FACE
5)THE PARKA The hooded parka never really goes away, but it's having a moment right now. Once relegated to weekends, designers and fashion fans have started pairing this rugged stalwart with suits and tailoring, a striking juxtaposition that recalls classic mod style. CHENEGA PARKA ($450) BY TRIPLE FAT GOOSE
6) THE OVERSIZED OVERCOAT The new oversized overcoat is just like your classic overcoat, but more so. A longer, looser silhouette lends the style an air of mystery that will only elevate your dressed-up and dressed-down looks this winter. Lucky for you, the extra length also equals extra warmth. VIRGIN WOOL BLEND OVERCOAT ($745) BY THEORY
7) THE OFFICER'S COAT Who knows how to fend off the cold better than the military? No one. Thick wool and a storm-proof front make this the perfect style of coat for those bitter winter days. And the best part is you don't have to suffer the trenches of Bastogne to get one. RUNWAY GABARDINE TRIMMED DOUBLE FACED CASHMERE JACKE T ($1,536) BY BURBERRY
8) THE CL ASSIC TOPCOAT For those days when the temperatures don't stray too far southward, sharpen up your look with a simple, elegant top coat. It will dress up everything, from a suit to sneakers and a pair of joggers. ITALI AN WOOL TOPCOAT ($201) BY ABERCROMBIE
9) THE SHEARLING COAT Shearling started to reemerge on runways a few seasons ago, but now it's really saturating the market. That's a good thing, because updated manufacturing techniques mean these luxe bad boys bring plenty '70s flair to any look, without being as bulky as their predecessors. Plus, they'll last forever. Really—forever ever. THE SHEARLING LEATHER BOMBER JACKE T ($1,200) BY BONOBOS
10) THE PEACOAT The fact that it's been keeping sailors warm in the brutal North Atlantic for over 150 years should tell you something. With its thick wool and high collar, it's hard to beat the classic peacoat as your winter go-to. STRIPE-TRIMMED WOOL PEACOAT($2,405) BY GUCCI
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