Sports Betting
Saturday’s Best Draftkings Bets: Pirates-Phillies, Showboats-Stallions, Bruins-Penguins
The Winning Picks were able to salvage a victory at the end of the night, finishing 1-2. The under was able to cover in Coyotes/Oilers just hours after it was announced Arizona would move to Salt Lake City. Hockey could just never click in the desert. The over could not cover in the Pirates game despite an early effort from them that helped them to a win. The under could also not cover in Bucks/Thunder. We moved to 245-188-3 on the year.
With their win last night, the Pirates are tied for first in the NL Central with the Brewers. But on most sportsbooks, the Bucs remain the longest odds to win the division. On DraftKings right now, the Pirates are listed as +550 to win the Central. However, when you look closer at the whole division, no team is under +200.
The Cubs, who began the season around +160 to win the division, have dropped to +230 followed by the Cardinals at +290. Rounding on are the Brewers at +330 (they began the season at +600) and the Reds at +500. With how competitive the other divisions in the National League are, more than likely the NL Central winner will make the playoffs again. Value is there even if you don’t wanna take the Pirates.
Now onto the Winning Picks!
States: OH, MA, MD, AZ, PA, 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 (-155) O/U 8.5 4:05 on SportsNet Pittsburgh
When Marco Gonzales was traded to the Pirates for practically nothing by the Braves, the Pittsburgh sports media rolled their eyes at the move. I believe Gonzales to at least be a decent lefty starter, but when he was shelled in a Spring Training game against the Yankees, doubts also emerged with me. But in his first two starts of the season, he is proving everyone.
The veteran lefty has surrendered only 3 runs across 11 innings this season with both ending in no decisions. Phillies starter today, Spencer Turnbull, has also looked great in his first two starts despite struggling in his previous seasons with Detroit. With two out pitchers on the mound, I like the under to cover in Philly today.
Under 8.5 Covers, Pittsburgh Pirates 2 Philadelphia Phillies 3
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GET THE APPMemphis Showboats at Birmingham Stallions (-7.5) O/U 40.5 7:00 PM on FOX
If you haven’t tuned into any UFL games this season, you are missing out on some crazy games. In their last game, Memphis held a 19-8 lead with under 2 minutes to go. Safe lead, right? Wrong. San Antonio was able to score and then convert a 4th and 12 (UFL’s version of an onside kick), which led to the go-ahead touchdown. I even turned the game off and missed this 20-19 thrilling victory for the Brahmas over the Showboats.
Now Memphis will have to reset quickly as they have a date with the 2-time defending USFL Champs Birmingham Stallions in their home opener. The Stallions have been going back and forth between Matt Corral and Adrian Martinez, but I believe they have settled with Corral who has played the best between the two. Both of these teams can move the ball and Birmingham is excited to be finally back in front of their home fans. I like the over to cover in this game.
Over 40.5 Covers, Memphis Showboats 20 Birmingham Stallions 26
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GET THE APPBoston Bruins (-122) at Pittsburgh Penguins O/U 6 8:00 PM on ABC
For the first time in a long time, the Penguins will enter a game in a playoff spot. What a run it has been for them. With three games remaining, they have a chance to make the playoffs despite trading off one of their best players. But the player they got in that trade, Michael Bunting, has been one of the main reasons why they are in the position they are in. This team needed a pest and they found one in the most unlikely way.
Bunting’s first game with the Pens was actually the last time these teams met, a 5-1 loss in Boston. The Bruins still have a lot to play for as they are trying to catch the Rangers for the top overall seed while fending off a surging Panthers squad. I am not going to pick a side here but I do really like the over in this game. These teams always score a ton against each other, and it continues tonight in prime time.
Over 6 Covers, Boston Bruins 4 Pittsburgh Penguins 5
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