Wednesday’s Most Popular Public Bets

With the Cavs and Blazers both on their second of back-to-back games, today's public bets look a lot like yesterday's. But tonight, in addition to the NBA, bettors have taken a liking to a particular hockey team.

Here are the three most popular public bets tonight, with games starting at 7 and 8 p.m. ET.

Cleveland Cavaliers (+2) at Charlotte Hornets

7 p.m. ET

This is both the second-most heavily bet and second-most lopsided game in the NBA tonight. Sixty-nine percent of spread bettors have taken the Cavs tonight, but Cleveland has actually gone from a one-point favorite to a two-point dog.

Part of the movement, though, is certainly due to Kevin Love's injury. At the beginning of the season, he was determined to be worth about one point to the spread.

Why the public loves Cleveland: Even without Love, LeBron and Co. will almost always have the public behind them, especially when they're playing a 10th place team and getting two free points. To be honest, I'm shocked this one isn't more lopsided.

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Portland Trail Blazers (-6.5) at Memphis Grizzlies

8 p.m. ET

By far the most popular betting play across all sports tonight, the Trail Blazers opened as a 5-point favorite tonight in Memphis. With 84% of bettors taking Portland, that number is now up to 6.5 around most of the market, and even up to 7.

Why the public loves Portland: Despite Damien Lillard's absence tonight, Portland continues to be a recent public favorite, as bettors try to jump on to their ridiculous ATS run. They're now 12-1-1 against the spread in their last 14 games.

Washington Capitals (-240) vs. New York Rangers

8 p.m. ET

It's not quite the most heavily bet game in the NHL tonight, but those who are betting it are all over Washington. The Caps have received 76% of bets and 89% of dollars wagered on this matchup. Despite that, they've actually seen their steep price fall a bit from -260 to -240.

Why the public loves Washington: To a casual sports fan that may not follow hockey very closely, the Capitals' roster has some pretty recognizable names, so they tend to attract the public more often than not. They're also on a streak of 12 straight wins in games in which they're favored.

Photo: Evan Turner (1) and Dillon Brooks (24)

Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports