Sports Betting
Friday’s Best Draftkings Bets: Pirates-Phillies, Bucks-Thunder, Coyotes-Oilers
A positive Friday for the Winning Picks finishing 2-1. The Penguins were able to pick up a win in overtime over the Red Wings to put themselves into a playoff spot. The Knicks avoided the season sweep by the Celtics and were able to win and cover in Boston. The Pirates could not get it done against the Phillies. We moved to 244-186-3 on the year.
Speaking of those Pens, a lot has changed in terms of odds for them to make the playoffs over not only the past week but the past month. After the Jake Guentzel trade, the odds for the Penguins to make the playoffs was as high as +600 on some sportsbooks. At the beginning of the week, they were down to +145. Now, they are not plus money to make the playoffs for possibly the first time all season, if not a long time.
On Draftkings right now, the Pens are now -150 to make the playoffs. The team with the next closest odds happens to be the team they beat last night in the Detroit Red Wings, who sit at +250 to make it. If the Penguins can hold onto the final Wild Card spot or even get third place in the Metro, it will be one of the most improbable runs in franchise history.
Now time for the Winning Picks!
States: OH, MA, MD, AZ, PA, NC, KY, KS, NJ, NY, WY, LA, IL, IN, IA, CO, WV, VA, TN, MI. 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
GET THE APPPittsburgh Pirates at Philadelphia Phillies (-162) O/U 9 6:40 PM on SportsNet Pittsburgh
It was good and bad for Pirates starter Jared Jones last night. He did strike out 8 but gave up two more home runs. If you can cut down the homers, he is going to be great. Another pitcher who looked great in his last start was Bailey Falter, who allowed only 1 hit in 6 innings versus Baltimore on Saturday. He will face his former team tonight which could spell trouble for the lefty.
He will oppose another left in Cristopher Sanchez. The Pirates have been hitting lefties pretty good to start the season. I believe that will continue tonight as the over will cover in this game.
Over 9 Covers, Pittsburgh Pirates 4 Philadelphia Phillies 6
States: OH, MA, MD, AZ, PA, NC, KY, KS, NJ, NY, WY, LA, IL, IN, IA, CO, WV, VA, TN, MI. 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
GET THE APPMilwaukee Bucks at Oklahoma City Thunder (-16) O/U 223.5 8:00 PM on NBA TV
You are probably surprised to see a line like this between two of the top teams in the NBA but there is a method to this madness. The Bucks will be without both Giannis Antetokounmpa and Damian Lilard for this game. As for the Thunder, a win keeps them alive for the #1 seed in the West.
First off, I almost convinced myself that Milwaukee at this number would be a great spot to bet them on the spread. But thinking further, the under looks very promising for this game. I like this to be a lower scoring game with the Bucks missing their two leading scorers.
Under 223.5 Covers, Milwaukee Bucks 91 Oklahoma City Thunder 109
States: OH, MA, MD, AZ, PA, NC, KY, KS, NJ, NY, WY, LA, IL, IN, IA, CO, WV, VA, TN, MI. 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
GET THE APPArizona Coyotes at Edmonton Oilers (-258) O/U 6.5 9:00 PM on ESPN+
Speaking of stars missing, Oilers superstar Connor McDavid could miss his second game in a row tonight after sitting out Wednesday’s game against the Golden Knights. But as I said in the write up to Vegas/Edmonton on Wednesday, they don’t need McDavid to play tonight, especially versus the lowly Coyotes.
Arizona is just glad the season is almost over. Hence why they are such big underdogs tonight. With no McDavid and lack of effort by the Coyotes, I like the under to cover in Edmonton tonight.
Under 6.5 Covers, Arizona Coyotes 1 Edmonton Oilers 3
States: OH, MA, MD, AZ, PA, NC, KY, KS, NJ, NY, WY, LA, IL, IN, IA, CO, WV, VA, TN, MI. 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
