The wait is almost over.
The Stanley Cup Final starts tonight with the NBA Finals tomorrow.
VSiN hockey analyst Jonathan Davis came up with numbers that might give you some betting ideas. Here are a few for your consideration:
- 7 – All seven Panthers defensemen have scored a goal in the playoffs
- 12 – The Oilers are 12-4 to the 3rd Period Over 1.5 goals in the playoffs
- 12 – Florida Panthers are 12-5 to the full game going Over the total
- 62 – Percentage of games won by the favorite in the playoffs
- 71 – Percentage of games that favorites have won and covered the puck line (-1.5 goals)
>>More numbers, analysis and Best Bets from JD.
I was intrigued by Stormy Buonantony’s longshot ideas for most points scored in the Final.
The Oilers are favored in the series (-129/+109 at Circa) and Game 1 (-124/+111), 8 ET, TNT.
>Steve Makinen’s estimated scores.
>Pro picks from VSiN hosts and guests.
Who’s Got Next in NY?
The Knicks made stunning news while we were waiting for the Pacers-Thunder series, firing coach Tom Thibodeau.
DraftKings Sportsbook posted the odds for the candidates to become the next Knicks coach:
- Mike Malone +125
- Johnny Bryant 4-1
- Jay Wright +1500
- Mike Budenholzer +1500
- Rick Brunson +1500
- Monty Williams +2000
- Taylor Jenkins +2000
- John Calipari +2000
- Dan Hurley +2000
- Jeff Van Gundy +2500
As for the Finals, the KillerSports NBA Playoff Challenge will resume with the 15 contestants making just three picks in this round.
Las Vegas pro bettor and frequent VSiN guest Steve Fezzik has a one-point lead over VSiN’s Zach Cohen. >>Standings.
I asked Steve how he is feeling heading into the stretch run for the $3,000 first prize, courtesy of KillerSports.com.
I’m a math geek. I plug it into a binomial calculator and tack on a little extra for my good game theory. And I’ll make me a favorite versus the field, but not by much. I’m certainly still vulnerable.
As for Zach:
I’m a little nervous. I feel like I need to go 3-0 to win (or even tie) and I hate laying close to 10 points. So I feel like it’ll be Pacers and totals for me, and I don’t have a good read on how the pace will be in the series.
MLB Today
Greg Peterson has posted his top plays for today.
Josh Appelbaum and Steve Makinen will post their Best Bet contributions later this morning.
Saratoga opens for week
The five-day Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Racing Festival starts today as we head toward Saturday’s race.
New on the Belmont: Ed’s takes on the field and Mike Somich‘s early thoughts on the race pace.
Don’t forget that entries open Thursday for the 1/ST BET + VSiN Belmont Stakes Pick’Em Challenge.
This contest is free to play and all you have to do is handicap the four Grade 1 stakes on Saturday’s Belmont card. Top finishers can win up to a $500 1/ST BET wagering voucher.
>>Go here for more information.
Quick Hits
Golf: VSiN golf analyst Wes Reynolds handicaps the Scottie Scheffler-less Canadian Open and joins co-hosts Kelley Bydlon and Matt Brown on the Long Shots golf betting podcast. >>Watch. >>Listen.
Tennis: Zach Cohen has filed French Open quarterfinal Best Bets on our tennis page. He and Gill Alexander have their plays on the tennis picks page.
College Baseball: The NCAA Super Regionals Betting Guide, produced by Matt Grissom and College Baseball Insiders, will be posted here on our CWS hub late in the day.
The Industry: Circa owner Derek Stevens discussed the ramifications of a new sports betting tax in Illinois during his regular appearance with Follow The Money hosts Mitch Moss and Pauly Howard. Matt Brown, filling in for Gill on A Numbers Game, doesn’t even own a sportsbook (to my knowledge) and also had a strong reaction.
Want to win a free Circa contest entry? Winners Circle Proxy is giving away one Circa Survivor and one Circa Million VII entry—with proxy service included. Each winner will be paired with a VSiN host for expert strategy advice. Sign up today for your chance to win! No purchase necessary. New to the Circa Million and Circa Survivor? More details here.
