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STN Sports Weekly Rundown

March 1, 2023

Book Gears Up For Vegas NASCAR Race + March Hoops

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines — things are revving up at the Station Casinos’ Race and Sports Book. With the Super Bowl nothing but a distant memory, guests have begun to look toward March Madness, NHL and NBA stretch runs and, oh yeah, that NASCAR race in Vegas this weekend.
The Station Casinos’Race and Sports Books are like Wayne Newton’s face… the work is never done. With all that in mind, let’s quickly look back at the past week in sports and look at what’s ahead on the STN Sports App and at the Station Casinos Race and Sports Books…

LeBron’s Impact on L.A.

Just when you thought the Los Angeles Lakers were about to make a run… Although only a few games separate the Lakers from a possible first round home court advantage, their road got much tougher with LeBron James’ foot injury. It was announced on Tuesday that the NBA’s all time leading scorer will be sidelined for a few weeks, so he’ll be shut down like the Strip during the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon. Although the Lakers’ future book numbers didn’t change as result of the injury, the day-to-day spreads will.

In fact, LeBron’s availably is worth upwards of five points to every Lakers game day spread. Few players carrying so much weight. “The public has already been backing the Lakers all year, so we have significant liability on them, but that happens every year,” said Chuck Esposito, Station Casinos’ Race and Sports Book Director. “The Lakers are always a popular team for bettors.”

Trading Places

Like a California fault line, the NHL trade period is shaking up the league. One could argue that the two most significant trades involved the Sharks dealing Timo Meier to the Devils, and the Blackhawks shipping Patrick Kane to Rangers (a team that already got Vladimir Tarasenko).

“The Timo Meier trade really stood out for me. He helps that team a lot,” Esposito said. “The Devils are really pushing all their chips in the middle of the table.” Still, Station’s top oddsmaker is keeping an eye on the Rangers, believing they could be a team worthy of making a run at the Cup, especially with Kane in the fold.

“I know he hasn’t played great, but Igor Shesterkin is a goaltender that easily could stand on his head during the postseason. I think the Rangers are kind of a sleepy good team.” Over in the West, there’s only a cadre of teams that seem interested in pulling away from the pack. The conferences are more unbalanced than Homer Simpson’s diet.

Having said that, Esposito thinks Edmonton is a team to pay attention to. “I still think once the postseason rolls around that they’re a scary good team, he said. “I’m not really sold on anybody out in the West.”

Staying On Track

Get ready to go ‘round and ‘round — no, we’re not talking about an adult dancer at 3 a.m. NASCAR returns to Vegas this weekend, and the handle is expected to be huge. “The Daytona 500 is the kind of the Super Bowl of NASCAR and an extremely popular race, but we typically see more action on the Vegas race. It’s close in terms of handle between the two, but Vegas usually sees a little more action,” Esposito said.

The odds on favorite to win this Sunday’s race is hometown boy Kyle Busch. “It’s probably a good educated guess that he will be one of the top two or three ticket getters,” Esposito said. Others expected to garner high ticket counts include Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick, all of whom have won this race before. “You always look for guys that have had some success at a certain track,” Esposito said. “I think Harvick possesses a little bit of value out here at the Las Vegas Speedway.”

Last Man Standing Returns

It’s that time of year again. Guests can now sign up for the Men’s Last Man Standing competition for NCAA Basketball Tournament! For the low, low price of $25, players can purchase an entry into the winner-take-all competition in person at any Station Casinos property or Station-run sports books.

Bettors can increase their chances of winning by purchasing multiple entries. Any contestant who purchases four entries will receive a fifth entry complimentary. The last man (or woman) standing will win a guaranteed prized of $50,000. The pot will be split if there are multiple winners. Lasting long is important in the bedroom and in the Last Man Standing contest.

Bets To Know

With both Boston teams among the best in their respective sports, the Book has developed a chowda-inspired prop bet. How many championships will those two Boston teams win? The overwhelming favorite is that neither team will take home the titles, but confident Bostonians can get 14-to-1 odds on both teams hoisting trophies.

“The Bruins are the best team in the NHL, but I think the Celtics probably have a better chance,” Esposito said. “The NHL playoffs are grueling, and the Eastern Conference is just loaded.”

Weekly Winners

Respect to this college and pro basketball 8-team parlay which hit February 28. $25.55 ticket, $2,449.73 score!

– IOWA +5.5

– VILLANOVA -1 -120 B(+1/2)

– VCU -5 -130 B(+1)

– VIRGINIA -5.5 -130 B (+1)

– MARQUETTE -7.5 -130 B(+1)

– NC STATE +6.5 -110

– BUCKS -4 -150 B(+2)

– MICH ST -4 -120 B(+1/2)