NFL, NBA, Bowl Games: These Are A Few Of Our Favorite Bets For Christmas Week

Could you please provide me with a rewritten version of this statement?

Almost everyone has a Christmas wish they hope will come true this week. Naturally, the top desire is for the pandemic to finally end. Additionally, some wish for the Lions to hire a specific person (excluding another individual) as their head coach. A few of my personal wishes include the availability of a couple of sports betting apps. However, it is highly likely that other Michigan sports bettors are also longing for the introduction of legal online gambling.

Despite the obstacles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan Gaming Control Board persisted in their efforts to make our wish of online sports betting becoming available by the end of 2020 a reality.

Mary Kay Bean, a spokesperson for the MGCB, has recently projected a mid-January launch for the latest developments. Over the past few weeks, the board has provisionally licensed 15 operators for sports betting and internet gaming. Moreover, interim approvals have been granted to various vendors and suppliers.

I can’t wait for January to arrive for numerous reasons. However, it’s disappointing that those 15 apps won’t be ready in time for a busy week of basketball, football, and even college bowl betting while staying at home.

After a month-long closure due to the pandemic, Detroit casinos were finally granted permission to reopen last week, bringing some much-needed holiday cheer. It is worth mentioning that several tribal casinos with sportsbooks had remained open during this period as well.

Even if you can’t bet online, there are alternative methods available this week to place your bets. Let’s take a look at the exciting sports events and opportunities for sports betting.

NBA tipoff offers up betting treats

Every year during the holiday season, one of the most anticipated events is the highly-anticipated NBA games played on Christmas Day.

Historically, the NBA season has often been perceived to truly commence on Christmas. And this year, that statement holds a lot of truth.

The 2020-21 NBA season is commencing late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the 2019-20 season to be modified.

The official start of the season kicks off on Tuesday with only two games, however, Christmas Day brings an exciting lineup of five matchups.

Included in this year’s holiday festivities are:

• The game between New Orleans and Miami will take place at noon, and it will be broadcasted on ESPN.
• The game between Golden State and Milwaukee will kick off at 2:30 p.m. and will be televised on ABC.
• The game between Brooklyn and Boston is scheduled for 5 p.m. and will be broadcasted on ABC.
• The game between Dallas and the L.A. Lakers will be held at 8 p.m. and will be broadcasted on ABC/ESPN.
• The Los Angeles Clippers will be playing against the Denver team tonight at 10:30 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN.

All the top-rated players will participate in the upcoming games, including Kevin Durant, who is making a comeback after sitting out the entire previous season due to an Achilles heel injury.

As of Monday, both the Brooklyn and L.A. Clippers games have a 1-point spread, making Friday a potentially favorable day for a parlay. It is worth noting that during last year’s Christmas Day NBA games, four underdogs emerged as outright winners.

NFL to light up the nights with playoff races

The NFL never fails to keep football betting at the forefront, especially during the holiday season.

This week, the league rescheduled their typical Thursday Night Football game to Friday. The New Orleans Saints will be hosting the Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m., which will be broadcasted on Fox/NFL Network.

In the NFC South division race, the Saints (10-4) hold a one-game lead and are currently tied for second place in the NFC playoff standings. If Minnesota (6-8) wants to secure a Wild Card playoff spot, they must win all of their remaining games.

As of Monday, DraftKings Sportsbook designates the Saints as a 7.5-point favorite for their home game.

On Saturday, the Detroit Lions will kick off their 3-game NFL schedule by hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 1 p.m. This game will be televised on the NFL Network.

Following a 46-25 defeat to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Detroit (5-9) has been eliminated from the playoff contention. In the NFC playoffs, the Bucs (9-5) are currently in a tie with the Los Angeles Rams for the fifth seed. Oddsmakers have designated the Bucs as a 7.5-point favorite on the road.

MSU, U-M hit the hardwood on Christmas Day

If the NBA or NFL fails to ignite your holiday interest, maybe college basketball is the right choice for you.

On Christmas Day, both Michigan State and Michigan will have games taking place within their localities.

At noon on Fox, the Spartans are set to host Wisconsin in a crucial Big Ten Conference game.

After suffering their inaugural loss of the season on Sunday evening, MSU returns from a 79-65 defeat against Northwestern in their conference opener.

At 6 p.m. (Big Ten Network), the Wolverines will be competing against Nebraska as they hit the road. Michigan has begun the season with a flawless 6-0 record, securing a 62-58 victory over Penn State in their conference opener on Dec. 13.

College bowl games are still an option

Admit it, the 2020 college football season has been quite chaotic, but worry not, as you can still indulge in some Christmas spirit with exciting bowl games.

Buffalo is set to take on Marshall in the Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama on Christmas Day at 2:30 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN. According to DraftKings, Buffalo is favored by 3.5 points.

On Saturday, there will be four bowl games scheduled throughout the day (all times in EST).

• The Coastal Carolina vs. Liberty game is scheduled for noon on ESPN, as part of the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl. Coastal Carolina is favored by 6.5 points.
• The UAB vs. South Carolina matchup for the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl will take place at noon on ABC, with UAB being favored by 3.5 points.
• The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl will feature Louisiana, with a 13.5-point advantage, going against UTSA. The game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcasted on ABC.
• The LendingTree Bowl matchup between Georgia State and Western Kentucky will kick off at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN, with Georgia State as the favored team with a 4.5-point spread.

Can you please rewrite the following sentence for me?