What Causes Early Line Moves and How to Tell if They’re Sharp

What Causes Early Line Moves and How to Tell if They're Sharp
Opening move

The first move is often loudest before anyone is supposed to be listening.

A bettor checks a Sunday night opener, hesitates, and by Monday morning the price is gone: -2.5 has become -3.5, or a total has jumped before injury shows and betting podcasts even wake up. That kind of move feels important because early markets are thinner, limits are lower, and a few respected accounts can push a number fast.

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