Get over the hump with this pro/college parlay

Wednesday features a ton of college and NBA games, but instead of trying to decide which ones to bet on, do yourself a favor and combine these two into a parlay. The odds are good, but not great at -102. However, with the Pelicans cruising as of late and UNLV 11-1 to start the season, including both in a parlay is a must. 

The T'wolves are still down Karl-Anthony Towns, and until the All-Star big man is back, you should continue to bet against Minnesota. Minnesota has dropped three straight and New Orleans has won three in a row. Zion Williamson is likely going to play on Wednesday night, and the Pelicans are a much better team with the former No. 1 overall pick in the lineup. 

New Orleans is quietly a game behind Denver for the top spot in the Western Conference, and even more impressive, the Pelicans are 14-4 at home. Taking the Pelicans (-7) on the spread certainly isn't a bad bet, but for the sake of the parlay, just take them on the moneyline. 

As for the final leg of our teaser, take 11-1 UNLV over San Jose State. Outside of a really bad loss to San Francisco over a week ago, the Rebels have cruised past just about everyone. UNLV has a long way to go before entering the Top 25 conversation, but one thing is certain, this team can lock up on defense. 

The Rebels are allowing less than 63 points a night, and haven't allowed more than 78 points in a game all season. San Jose State is no slouch at 9-4, but the Sharks have played a pretty soft schedule so far this season, and have yet to play a West Coast team as good as UNLV. Expect a low-scoring game, but for UNLV to come away with the win in the first conference game of the year for both squads. 

The Teaser: New Orleans Pelicans over Minnesota Timberwolves AND UNLV over San Jose State (-103 odds via Barstool)

Bet $103 to win $100

In the news ...

J.J. Watt to retire at end of season — Future Hall of Fame defensive lineman J.J. Watt announced on Tuesday that the 2022 season will be his last. The 12-year veteran is just one of three players to ever win Defensive Player of the Year three times and is the only player to ever record 20-plus sacks in multiple seasons. 

Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed named head coach at Bethune-Cookman — Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed was named the head coach at HBCU Bethune-Cookman on Tuesday. Reed has spent the past three seasons in a support role at his alma mater, the University of Miami, and inherits a program that is coming off a 2-9 season. 

Veteran Eovaldi signs with Rangers — Veteran pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers agreed to a two-year, $34-million deal on Tuesday. The 11-year pro went 6-3 with a 3.87 ERA in 20 starts last season, and has experience as both a starter and reliever. The Rangers have now signed four starting pitchers — Eovaldi, Jacob deGrom, Martin Perez, and Andrew Heaney — this offseason, and are 18/1 to win the AL pennant and 35/1 to win the World Series. 

Today's Bark Bets is written by Jared Shlensky