Sports Betting This Weekend: Cowboys-Dolphins, Celtics-Clippers, Golden Knights-Panthers

The Christmas weekend sports schedule rarely disappoints, and this year’s schedule is no exception. 

Even during the holidays, the BetMGM online sportsbook has exciting opportunities to get involved with your favorite games. 

NBA

Celtics at Clippers

Saturday, Dec. 23  |  3:30 p.m. ET

Usually, it’s the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule that features the most attractive matchups. But the party starts early this year, with NBA odds favorite Boston heading west to take on the red-hot Clippers in a major daytime showdown. 

At BetMGM, Boston is currently +375 to win it all this season, which tops the current NBA championship odds table. They have led the table throughout the season. 

But the Clippers aren’t far behind, having made big leaps up the table in December. On Nov. 29, they were +2200; on Thursday, they were fifth in the table (third in the West) at +1200.

At the time of this writing, Los Angeles has won nine in a row and hasn’t lost since November. Kawhi Leonard is averaging 29.3 points per game on 61% shooting and looks fully healthy.

Boston is just 7-6 in road contests, and Jayson Tatum has been battling an ankle injury this week. But the Celtics are still playing some of the best defense in the NBA – their 7.9 blocks per game this month ranks No. 1 among all teams.

NHL

Golden Knights at Panthers 

Saturday, Dec. 23  |  3 p.m. ET  |  ESPN Plus

Las Vegas won its first Stanley Cup last season, and the Golden Knights appear to have picked up right where they left off in this new season of NHL odds. Their 47 points lead all NHL teams. Goalie Adin Hill’s 1.93 GAA leads all players.

But a quick holiday swing through the east coast might be the biggest challenge the Knights face all season. Hill has dealt with a variety of injuries already this season, and an undisclosed malady has him on the mend until at least next week. In his absence, Logan Thompson and Jiri Patera are minding the net. 

Vegas played at Carolina on Tuesday, losing 6-3 to an experienced Hurricanes squad. And after a quick trip to Tampa, the Golden Knights will be back in Carolina for another road game against the Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon. 

The Hurricanes, who are mired in the middle of the Metropolitan pack, could use some more momentum.

Las Vegas, meanwhile, wants to stay ahead of Vancouver, which is nipping at its heels with 46 points. 

NFL

Cowboys at Dolphins

Sunday, Dec. 24  |  4:25 p.m. ET  |  FOX

Strap in for a fascinating afternoon game on Christmas Eve, as both the Cowboys and Dolphins have plenty to play for in tight, competitive division races. 

This season, both teams also have a reputation for scalding the bad teams on their schedule while struggling to beat the good ones. But they can’t both lose this game, now can they?

According to PFF, Miami is the No. 2 team in the NFL and the No. 1 team in the AFC. The Cowboys check in at No. 4, trailing only No. 1 San Francisco in the NFC. (Philadelphia is No. 7.)

The NFL betting market seems to agree that this game will be tight, as BetMGM currently prices the Dolphins as just a small 1.5-point favorite. The Cowboys are +100 in the moneyline market. 

Thus, bettors are essentially picking a winner here, and that could be a tough handicap. Dallas looked hungover after the Eagles win last weekend as they were bullied in Buffalo, while the Dolphins are just 1-3 against teams that are .500 or better.