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Phil Naessens

Phil Naessens - Contributor at Covers.com

Phil Naessens

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Contributor Article Icon139 Articles
Contributor
Article Icon139 Articles Covers Email Icon Twitter Icon

Phil Naessens spent 38 years as a high performance international tennis coach and has been handicapping sports since he was a kid. He published his first tennis article in 2005 and has been writing ever since at places like SB Nation, Winners & Whiners, Stat Salt, Sharp App as well as many others. Phil has published four sports betting books and hosts podcasts This Week in Tennis, The Phil Naessens Show, and Line Grinders Betting Podcast.

Favorites
Team: New York Rangers
Sport to bet on: NFL
Sports movie: Remember the Titans
Sports snack: Ice cream
Covers feature: Scores & Matchups
I hit a 23-1 long shot betting on a horse while waiting to pick up my grandmother from bingo at the Showboat in Vegas. What makes it memorable is I wanted to bet just 10, but mistakenly handed the ticket writer $100. Pride made me roll with it and needless to say, I paid for supper that night. Horse name: No Commitment, first race, Santa Anita, October 18, 1992.
Best Betting Memory Icon Best Betting Memory
2013 Wimbledon First Round. I was the resident pro at the Corfu Holiday Palace in Corfu, Greece, it was raining, so I stopped in the bar for a beverage. The bartender starts asking me about tennis matches, and little did I know he was filling out a parlay ticket. We hit 16 out of 17 and our only loss was when Rafael Nadal was upset in the first round by Steve Darcis. UGH
Best Betting Memory Icon Worst Beat

Iowa vs Iowa State Odds, Picks and Predictions: Cy-Hawk Supremacy On the Line

Dec 7, 2023 • 10:22 AM ET

Cross-state rivals clash tonight as the Iowa Hawkeyes visit the Iowa State Cyclones as 7-point underdogs. This matchup has had its share of blowouts over the years and our betting picks look into whether or not another can be expected.

Nebraska vs Minnesota Odds, Picks and Predictions: Fading the Cornhuskers in First True Road Test

Dec 6, 2023 • 10:15 AM ET

While Nebraska has been beating up on cupcake opponents to start the season, Minnesota has competed hard against several top teams. As we break down below, we think the Golden Gophers are better suited to get a win tonight — especially at home.

Florida Atlantic vs Illinois Odds, Picks and Predictions: Can Defense-Minded Illini Overcome the Owls?

Dec 5, 2023 • 4:50 PM ET

The name of Illinois' game is defense. That's how the Fighting Illini win since their offense is so underwhelming. Our betting picks look into that dynamic and whether or not FAU can get anything going against such a tough opponent.

Arkansas State vs Alabama Odds, Picks and Predictions: The Rising Crimson Tide

Dec 4, 2023 • 9:45 AM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide lost to the Clemson Tigers last week and look to bounce back in a big way against the defensively deficient Arkansas State Red Wolves. Our betting picks are eyeing the game total. See which way you should lean.

Michigan vs. Iowa Player Props Big Ten Championship: Corum Kept Quiet by Stout Iowa Stoppers

Dec 2, 2023 • 4:01 PM ET

The Big Ten title game figures to be low-scoring, yet our college football betting picks have identified a pair of playable Overs in the Michigan vs. Iowa player props. But topping Phil Naessens' card is a bearish bet on Blake Corum.

Appalachian State vs Troy Odds, Picks, and Predictions: Sun Belt Championship

Dec 2, 2023 • 12:05 PM ET

Appalachian State enters the Sun Belt Championship game on a five-game winning streak, yet are being spotted almost a touchdown vs. Troy, winners of nine straight. Our college football betting picks believe the Mountaineers are being undervalued.

Michigan vs Oregon Odds, Picks and Predictions: Wolverines Go Duck Hunting

Dec 1, 2023 • 8:18 PM ET

It's an intriguing clash between Michigan and Oregon, two teams who hope to be dancing come March. While it's been a rather inconsistent start for both sides, our college basketball betting picks believe the visitors have the edge here today.

Texas Tech vs Butler Odds, Picks and Predictions: Back Bulldogs Against Slim Spread

Nov 30, 2023 • 10:36 AM ET

Texas Tech made a nice run at the Battle for Atlantis 4 tournament but things will get tougher in a hostile environment against a strong Butler squad. Find out where the betting value lies in our NCAAB betting picks below.

Texas A&M vs Virginia Odds, Picks and Predictions: Aggies Lock Down Cavaliers

Nov 29, 2023 • 9:22 AM ET

Texas A&M will square off against Virginia in tournament play, with these sides being evenly matched. However, our college basketball picks give the edge to the Aggies difference, and we think that'll be the difference maker.

Bucks vs Heat Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Bam's (Probably) Back in Action

Nov 28, 2023 • 2:20 PM ET

Both the Heat and Bucks are banged up but Miami should have Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler in the lineup. Even without Tyler Herro, that could be enough for the home underdogs to topple Milwaukee, especially if Khris Middleton misses another game.

Bears vs Vikings MNF Prop Bets: Dobbs Causes Problems for Chicago

Nov 27, 2023 • 6:00 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings will host the Chicago Bears for the newest edition of MNF, with Josh Dobbs looking to continue to shine. Chicago's secondary is in shambles, and our NFL picks are loving the Minnesota QB to heat up.

Penn State vs Michigan State Odds, Picks, and Predictions: Nittany Lions Looking at New Year's Day

Nov 24, 2023 • 4:17 PM ET

The Penn State Nittany Lions have a strong defense and can clinch a spot on New Year's Day with a win over the struggling Michigan State Spartans. But which market offers the most value? Our betting picks investigate.

Pelicans vs Clippers Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Harden Comes Up Clutch

Nov 24, 2023 • 12:02 PM ET

The Clippers are catching fire at just the right time for this important In-Season Tournament date with the Pelicans. Our NBA betting picks are centering on the newest member of L.A., James Harden, and one of his plus-money player props.

Miami vs Boston College Odds, Picks, and Predictions: All of the Points

Nov 24, 2023 • 10:47 AM ET

It's the regular season finale for Miami and BC and having clinched their bowl spot, there's very little left to play for. That doesn't mean both teams will just mail this one in. Our college football betting picks see two offenses who can put up points.

Arkansas vs Memphis Odds, Picks and Predictions: Fast Tempo, Wonky Shooting

Nov 23, 2023 • 9:23 AM ET

These teams will play at a solid pace but neither may see a ton of shots fall. Arkansas vs. Memphis should be a physical, contentious affair and our betting picks are looking for the right angle to tail below.

Bowling Green vs Western Michigan Odds, Picks, and Predictions: Falcons Too Much for Broncos

Nov 21, 2023 • 4:46 PM ET

Midweek MACtion is coming to a close, but we can still capitalize in this Bowling Green vs. Western Michigan Matchup. The Falcons have a stout defense, and our college football picks love them to pull out the road win.

Houston vs Dayton Odds, Picks and Predictions: Contrasting Styles Clash in Charleston

Nov 19, 2023 • 10:22 AM ET

Despite Houston being a double-digit favorite against Dayton in the Charleston Classic Final, this game might be even more of a grind than the 131.5-point total suggests. Find out how to take advantage in our NCAAB betting picks below.

Nebraska vs Wisconsin Odds, Picks, and Predictions: Old School Football

Nov 18, 2023 • 3:55 PM ET

If you are looking for a high-scoring football game, you've come to the wrong place. This Big Ten clash between Nebraska and Wisconsin figures to take football back about three decades to a time when running the football was the bee's knees.

Saint Mary's vs San Diego State Odds, Picks and Predictions: LeDee & Co. Prevail in West Coast Duel

Nov 17, 2023 • 9:04 AM ET

With a Sin City showdown taking place on Friday night between the Gaels and Aztecs, Phil Naessens breaks down why Jaedon LeDee and SDSU have value at plus-money odds. Read more in our Saint Mary's vs. San Diego State betting picks.

Western Michigan vs Northern Illinois Odds, Picks, and Predictions: Broncos Stay Close in Tight Contest

Nov 14, 2023 • 4:52 PM ET

MACtion continues into Week 12 and we have ourselves a battle of 4-6 teams going head-to-head. Northern Illinois' defense makes up for its sus offense, and our college football picks think this game won't see many trips to the end zone.

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