Thursday Best Bet Results
Thursday was very interesting on the sports betting beat as we were following the opening lines as the NFL schedule was gradually leaked out and then the whole thing was released at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
For my “takes” on the Week 1 opening line moves, check out my NFL Schedule Release 2023 Week 1 story on VSiN.com. It continues to amaze me how the NFL continues to dominate the news cycle during its offseason with the Draft and the simple release of its schedule, even while the NBA and NHL playoffs are in progress.
As for my actual bets on the day, I went 0-2 on the NHL’s Devils +115 at the Hurricanes as they lost 3-2 in overtime after leading 1-0 and 2-1 and the Twins First 5 +104 vs. the Padres as they trailed 3-2 after 5 innings, though they did go on to win 5-3 for those playing my picks that way. Unfortunately, this has happened a couple of times lately, after we had been pretty good (lucky?) the first month of the MLB season with limiting our plays to First 5 innings and not having to handicap the bullpens as much. We’ll continue to monitor this.
Regardless, we’re still 15-10-5 (60%) so far in May for a net profit of $646.21 based on $100 flat bets, according to the VSiN PRO Picks page.
Let’s look for more Best Bets on Friday’s schedule. We’re again passing in the NBA. It’s tempting to take the Knicks and/or Warriors plus the points as they try to avoid elimination, but the Heat and Lakers are in the “zig-zag” (aka “loser of the last”) role.
NHL Friday Best Bet
Golden Knights +115 vs. Oilers: The whole world seems to be on the Oilers’ bandwagon, and I get it. However, let’s not forget that this series has already zig-zagged back and forth with the teams alternating wins. The Golden Knights have shown they can play with the Oilers if they keep out of the penalty box. We’re counting on them to do that again (like they did in the Game 1 win at home – and unlike the 3 power-play goals they allowed in the Game 2 loss at home). Even though the zig-zag didn’t work last night as the Devils lost 3-2 to the Hurricanes in OT, it’s still 9-5 in this round and 33-23 overall, according to my ATS Report at VSiN.com.
MLB Friday Best Bet
Nationals First 5 Innings +105 vs. Mets: I’ve been looking for a spot to back MacKenzie Gore (3-2, 3.65 ERA) as he’s about the only Washington starter I trust. Gore has 5 quality starts in his 7 games pitched so far this season, so he usually keeps the Nats in the game. Conversely, the Mets’ Tylor Megill (3-2, 4.33 ERA). Despite their 16-21 record (not much worse than the Mets’ 18-20), the Nationals are 7-3 in their last 10 games and have a 3-game home winning streak. They also ranked No. 8 in the major with a team batting average of .259, so we’re counting on them to do enough if Gore can hold down the Mets.
