Apparently, sharps really missed basketball. One day after slamming five games on the first big slate of the year, they've made moves on another one on tonight's three-game set.
Last year's Eastern Conference runners-up, the Bucks, will travel to Houston in what will be the opening game of each team's season. And as is the case with the other games on tonight's slate, oddsmakers are projecting a near toss-up, with the Rockets favored by 1.5 points on their home court.
While a sprinkle of sharp action might've nudged that down a bit from its opening number (Houston -2), the heavy dose of pro money on this game is coming by way of the total.
Odds as of Thursday at 2 p.m. ET and via PointsBet, where Action Network users can access an exclusive promotion to get a 200% deposit match (deposit $50, bet with $150).
Bucks vs. Rockets Sharp Report
8 p.m. ET | TNT
This matchup opened with the highest total on tonight's slate, and while it still holds that title, the number has come down a bit from its opener. In fact, the move from 232 to 230 has come despite just 45% of bettors taking the under.
But while they are in the minority, those bettors have made up the majority of money being wagered on this total. To be exact, they've generated 66% of actual dollars, meaning they're making significantly bigger bets — ones more likely to be made by sharps — than those on the over.
Sports Insights' Bet Signals, which are triggered by market-wide line moves that stem from sharp action, have revealed three moves on this under, confirming that wiseguys are among the minority expecting a lower-scoring game.
We've yet to see any sign of professional action hit this over.
Sharp angle: Under (moved from 232 to 230) [In New Jersey? Bet now at PointsBet]