The leading sports-tech entertainment company, FanDuel Group, announced the launch of two new features, strengthening significantly its basketball offerings. The company said Thursday that it introduced its new product innovation called “The Pulse” along with a new feature called NBA League Pass.

The new NBA League Pass feature builds upon FanDuel’s successful partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA). Previously, the sportsbook was named the official sports betting partner of the Association. Ultimately, the new features seek to elevate the experiences for basketball fans and bettors alike, offering options for wagering on out-of-market games as well as betting on key moments in real-time.

Between October 19 and October 26, new users will be able to access three complimentary months of NBA League Pass as well as $200 in Bonus Bets as long as they register and place a $5 wager. NBA League Pass can also be accessed by existing customers of the sportsbook that wager $5 on the NBA. Basketball fans who are currently a part of the NBA’s global membership program, NBA ID, can tap into exciting unique benefits, FanDuel explained. The latest announcement designated FanDuel as the only US betting operator that offers NBA League Pass.

The Sportsbook Is Committed to Offering Unrivaled Experiences

In addition to NBA League Pass, the betting operator uncovered details regarding its new curated experience, The Pulse. According to FanDuel, the new feature is available via its homepage icon Live Now for some of the most popular basketball games. “As the action unfolds, new bets will be added to the feed in a narrative-driven format, offering fans a simple and streamlined path to discover what is happening in a game in real-time,” reveals FanDuel. This innovative feature is expected to further propel the experiences for basketball fans and bettors alike, granting them more betting options.

“FanDuel is committed to offering the top sportsbook product on the market and elevating the entertainment experience for fans this NBA season.“

Mike Raffensperger, chief commercial officer at FanDuel

Mike Raffensperger, FanDuel’s chief commercial officer, explained that the company remains committed to offering unrivaled experiences thanks to its new products for fans of basketball. He explained that FanDuel is thrilled to leverage its successful partnership with the NBA and deliver unique moments and entertaining experiences for basketball fans.

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Milwaukee’s superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was struggling with injury, which is why he missed two of the playoff games. He made his comeback on Monday with a decent performance, but that didn’t help the Bucks avoid losing. Now, he needs to do even better to help his team stay in the playoffs. So, can they beat the Heat on Wednesday evening?

Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds

*Odds taken from bet365 on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Date: Wednesday, April 26, 2023
• Time: 9:30 PM ET
• How to Watch: NBA TV

The Heat Might Not Be Too Great Away from Home

The Miami Heat are 3-1 in the playoffs, with two of those wins happening in Florida. Now, they’re traveling to Wisconsin, which is where they won one game of the series. It happened last week, and it was their first win at Fiserv Forum since October 2019.

In fact, the Heat aren’t famous as a team that usually does well on the road. In the regular season, for example, they went 17-24 in away games. In comparison, their home record was 27-14.

Giannis Is Back!

Giannis Antetokounmpo is back after missing two games. On his comeback, the Greek Freak scored 26 points, while also recording 10 rebounds and 13 assists. It wasn’t enough to save his team from losing – the Heat beat them 119-114.

Giannis did well, but he wasn’t the Bucks’ top scorer that day. Instead, it was center Brook Lopez who scored 36 points. Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton also did okay, but they will need to up their form even more in order to get a win on Wednesday.

Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction

The Milwaukee Bucks have no other option but to give their utmost on Wednesday. And when give their maximum, they usually win. That said, we expect them to blow out the Heat, covering the spread along the way.

Pick: Milwaukee Bucks to win and cover the spread.

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The Phoenix Suns made it to the West Semifinals after beating the Los Angeles Clippers 4-1 in the series. The Denver Nuggets got there by doing the same to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now, it’s time for the sixth Suns vs Nuggets clash of the season, which is going to be their first meeting in the postseason since 2021, when Phoenix won the series 4-0. Is it time for Denver’s revenge?

Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Odds

*Odds taken from bet365 on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado
• Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023
• Time: TBA
• How to Watch: TNT

Phoenix Suns Have Great History Against Denver Nuggets

In the 2022-23 season, the Suns played against the Nuggets on five occasions, winning two of those. It doesn’t seem too impressive, but both of those wins happened relatively recently – in their last two meetings. One happened on the last day of March (100-93), while the other was on April 6 (119-115).

What’s interesting is that both of those victories happened in Phoenix. In fact, this team has a great record against the Nuggets in games played at Footprint Center. On the road, however, it’s a bit different story.

In fact, the Suns lost each of their three previous games played in Denver. Plus, they did not do too great against other opponents on the road as well. In the regular season, their away record was 17-24. In comparison, their home record was 28-13.

Still, we did see them put on two brilliant performances on the road in the playoffs. They destroyed the Los Angeles Clippers in both of the games played in California.

Another Great Offensive Display Expected from Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets got to the West Semis after beating the Timberwolves 3-1 in the series. The only loss they suffered happened after overtime. In that game, we saw the Nuggets score just 96 points in regulation. Actually, they’ve been scoring modestly since the start of the postseason, with their best performance being 122 points in Game 2.

The reason behind this isn’t that they’ve suddenly become bad in the offense. It’s just that they were playing against one of the best defensive teams in the league. But this time, it’s going to be different. Against the Nets, they’re bound to do much, much better scoring-wise.

It’s not just because the boys from Arizona tend to concede a relatively high number of points, but also because Denver’s key men have entered a beast mode. The reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has been sensational, and so has Jamal Murray.

Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Prediction

At home, the Nuggets look capable of beating any other team. We think they’re going to beat the Suns. And we think it’s going to be a big one. We’re probably going to witness a lot of points on both ends, with the Nuggets scoring just enough to cover the spread.

Pick: Denver Nuggets to win and cover the spread; points “over” to hit

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The New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers is one of the most interesting matchups of the first day of the NBA Playoff action. Both teams got to the Playoffs directly. The Knicks ended in the No. 5 spot; the Cavaliers ended the regular season one spot above them in the Eastern Conference.

Knicks at Cavaliers Odds

*Odds taken from bet365 on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio
• Date: Saturday, April 15, 2023
• Time: 6:00 PM ET
• How to Watch: ESPN

The Knicks Looking for Their Fourth Straight Win Over the Cavs

Even though they finished lower in the Eastern Conference standings than the Cavaliers, the Knicks did do great against this opponent in the regular season. They defeated the boys from Ohio in three of their four duels in the 2022-23 season.

The last time they met was in Cleveland and the visitors won 130-116. It happened on the last day of March when we saw Jalen Brunson score 48 points. It was his best performance of the season, during which he’s been struggling with all sorts of injuries. In fact, he still remains doubtful for Saturday’s game. He might play, but he probably won’t stay on the court for too long.

The Cavaliers Ready to Show How Good They Are Defensively

Even if Brunson plays for the Knicks on Saturday, this team is bound to struggle to score a lot of points. It’s because their opponents are terrific in defense.

In fact, Cleveland is the team that’s conceded the fewest number of points in the regular season. The Cavaliers were conceding just 106.9 points per game on average. In comparison, the Knicks were allowing 113.1 PPG.

The Cavs haven’t been too impressive scoring-wise, but they do have some amazing players on the roster. Donovan Mitchell looks like someone who can easily score 40 in a game (actually, he did do that a couple of times this season), but unfortunately, he’s struggling with a hand injury.

New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction

One thing is certain, this is going to be a low-scoring game. But which team will win this encounter? Our vote goes to the Cavaliers. They’re the ones with a better roster, not to mention that the first game of the series is played on their turf.

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers to win; under to hit

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FanDuel is employing increasingly creative methods to stand ahead of the competition and resonate with customers. The unique marketing campaign puts the leading sportsbook and fantasy sports operator at the forefront, appealing to generations of NBA fans. FanDuel has recently doubled up on such initiatives, fighting to increase engagement and brand awareness with frequent collaborations and special events.

Attracting a high-profile NBA personality like Charles Barkley is a natural move for FanDuel, relying on the star’s candid and entertaining personality to reach new audiences. Barkley is a beloved basketball world figure, known for his on-court performances and role as a television analyst for TNT’s NBA coverage.

The “Think Like a Player” campaign will utilize deepfake technology to generate a version of Barkley from the 1990s called Young Chuck. The NBA legend will interact with his younger self, helping fans use FanDuel’s Same Game Parlay offerings. FanDuel EVP of marketing Andrew Sneyd was excited to launch the initiative and tap into Barkley’s substantial fanbase.

This campaign will… give us the opportunity to flex our creative muscle and demonstrate how we’re reaching our target audience in unique ways.

Andrew Sneyd, FanDuel EVP of marketing

In addition to relying on Barkley’s popularity, FanDuel will entice new customers with a limited-time signup offer, giving them $150 in site credit just for making a first bet of $5. The operator also hinted at more bonus offerings coming throughout the postseason. Such aggressive marketing is becoming increasingly common as companies seek to increase their exposure in the dynamic US sports betting market.

FanDuel Doubles Down on Flashy Marketing Campaigns

The collaboration with Barkley is part of FanDuel’s broader media strategy. At the beginning of April, the operator expanded its partnership with The Ringer, a digital media company known for its sports coverage and analysis. Its audience predominantly consists of sports fans interested in daily fantasy sports and online sports betting, making the collaboration a natural fit.

The two companies will collaborate to create new sports shows and adapt several popular video podcasts for FanDuel TV. Their partnership should provide valuable exposure and engagement for both parties. The enhanced platform will also be the perfect place to showcase the “Think Like a Player” campaign airing throughout the play-in tournament.

FanDuel’s continued reliance on flashy, impressive promotional campaigns goes against industry trends but has so far netted mixed results. The operator’s Super Bowl LVII ad largely failed to justify the $7 million investment, garnering conflicting opinions from fans. However, FanDuel appears confident in such an approach and is seeking increasingly more creative ways to reach out and attract new users.

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This has not changed, but the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has been reportedly altered to allow players to invest in sportsbooks and cannabis production companies if they choose to.

NBA to Let Players Invest in Sportsbook and Cannabis Companies

This is a dramatic change from the previous CBA which explicitly prohibited athletes to take part in such organizations. The victory can be attributed to the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), a trade body that has been actively advocating for the interests of players.

The original reporting was done by The Athletic which says that no specific details are available immediately, as the agreement has not been finalized. Before a new CBA may enter into effect, it will similarly need to be ratified by both players and owners. However, the changes in how players may structure their investment portfolios do not mean that they can break the existing ethical guidelines of the NBA.

Players are still prohibited to use opioids and drugs, as they are prohibited from placing wagers on the outcomes of events. Some though fear that players may run into even more trouble with fans, as many are beginning to blame players for underperforming and “costing them money” on a wager.

But the new CBA probably reflects a growing momentum within the player base to have the freedom to invest in something that hits close to home – sports betting may be one of those. Even though players would not be able to bet themselves, they would still probably be allowed to promote the betting companies they invest in.

Players May Choose to Launch Sportsbook All on Their Own

This is not exactly surprising, as many sports personalities have already been promoting various sportsbooks actively. In the meantime, some NBA players could be preparing to go ahead and launch their own sports betting companies – this would not be too crazy as an idea.

Kevin Duran, Giannis Antetokounmpo and others have already patents of names that they may use to launch their sports betting operations. But launching a betting operation in a hurry does not always pay off. Even Maxim, a popular lifestyle brand, struggled to maintain operational momentum.

Betr, a company promoted by Jack Paul, is also not doing so hot, even though its CEO Joey Levy assures us otherwise.

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Sports data and tech company Genius Sports has, through its Second Spectrum subsidiary, extended its partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA). Under the multi-year deal expansion, Second Spectrum will be named as the official NBA league pass augmentation provider. The deal will also see the brand as the association’s official basketball analytics provider.

As agreed by the entities involved, Second Spectrum will work with the NBA on researching and developing a next-gen tech platform called Dragon. The latter solution will track “mesh” data, helping the NBA synthesize million of on-court basketball data points.

Second Spectrum Will Bolster NBA Data

The official announcement reads that the NBA will use Second Spectrum’s augmentation tech to develop automated and enhanced graphics based on optical on-court basketball data. The data will power alternate telecasts appearing on NBA League Pass. As a result, the telecasts will be able to include reliable team and player statistical insights incorporated right into the stream.

By leveraging these enhanced data, the NBA will be able to greatly improve viewers’ experience. Fervent sports fans and bettors who desire detailed analytics will be able to further immerse themselves in the game.

In addition, Genius Sports announced that all official NBA tracking data will continue to be integrated into its top-notch basketball insight and analytics engine. In return, the sports data specialist will continue to provide its services to all 30 NBA teams. All franchises currently rely on Second Spectrum’s cutting-edge machine learning to better understand the game and make important decisions.

CEO Locke Is Happy to Continue Supporting the League

Mark Locke, the chief executive officer of Genius Sports, commented on the extended agreement between Second Spectrum and the NBA. He lauded the association as one of the most technologically advanced leagues in global sports. Because of that, its teams, fans, broadcasters and media partners are always seeking best-in-class innovations. And Genius Sports is will continue to supply exactly that.

Locke added that he is happy to continue working with the NBA and is glad that the league trusts in the potential of the upcoming Dragon platform.

We’re thrilled to expand our long-term partnership with the NBA. We are proud that the NBA shares our vision that Dragon can solve the technology challenges of the future.

Mark Locke, CEO, Genius Sports

Genius Sports was recently selected as the official F2P partner of XFL. A few days ago, the sports specialist expanded its team with the appointment of new independent directors.

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