MLB Odds: Red Sox, Yankees Renew Eternal Rivalry

There are baseball rivalries, and then there’s the Boston Red Sox versus the New York Yankees. These ancient American League foes will do battle once again this Sunday at Yankee Stadium, as they fight over first place in the AL East; naturally, this marquee matchup will be on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball at 8 PM ET.


This is an especially important game for the Red Sox (54-27, plus-12.66 betting units). They’re sending David Price to the mound, and after starting the season off slowly while dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome, Price (3.66 ERA) has led Boston to nine wins in 10 games since coming off the disabled list. That leaves the Red Sox up 4.90 units at 11-5 with Price this year – but will his tender left arm hold up much longer?

The Yankees (52-26, plus-9.58 units) respond with their new ace, Luis Severino. The 24-year-old righty is pitching lights-out baseball, rocketing to the top of the money list at 11.35 betting units with a stingy 2.10 ERA and a team record of 15-2. But against the Red Sox, Severino is 1-1 at minus-0.21 units, giving up seven earned runs in 11 innings while splitting the pair.

MLB Odds: Red Sox, Yankees Battle for AL East Supremacy

Two familiar foes will meet on Sunday Night Baseball when the New York Yankees (52-26, plus-9.58 betting units) host the Boston Red Sox (54-27, plus-12.66 units), beginning at 8 PM ET on ESPN. Luis Severino is expected to start for New York opposite David Price.

Both of these pitchers are on fire right now. Severino (2.10 ERA) tops the majors with 11.35 betting units on a team record of 15-2, while Price (3.66 ERA) has the Red Sox at 9-1 since coming off the DL in mid-May, improving to 11-5 and plus-4.90 units on the season.

MLB Odds: Rockies, Giants in NL West Battle

The National League West is open for business. With the Los Angeles Dodgers riddled by injuries, both the San Francisco Giants (40-39, plus-6.47 betting units) and the Colorado Rockies (38-40, minus-4.95 units) have a chance to steal the division this year. They’ll meet Thursday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at AT&T Park, beginning at 3:45 PM ET.


The pitching matchup for Thursday looks good for San Francisco. Chris Stratton (4.14 ERA) is due up for the Giants; he’s sixth overall on the money charts at press time with 8.48 units in earnings on a team record of 11-5. The Rockies will respond with Jon Gray (5.52 ERA), who’s 3.85 units in the hole after leading Colorado to seven wins in 16 starts, with the Over checking in at 9-5-2.
The Giants are also the hotter team of the two after winning five of their last six outings. Colorado comes into this series after dropping two of three to the Miami Marlins, who sit in last place in the NL standings. A rash of bullpen injuries has the Rockies scrambling to close out games; their relievers rank dead-last in the majors with a combined 5.56 ERA.

MLB Odds: Surging Giants Welcome Rockies to San Fran

The San Francisco Giants (40-39, plus-6.47 betting units) are back on the good foot. They’ve won five of six games out on the Left Coast, and they’ll host the Colorado Rockies (38-40, minus-4.95 units) this Wednesday afternoon in Game 3 of a three-game set. First pitch is at 3:45 PM ET.


Two right-handers will take the mound when Chris Stratton (4.14 ERA) throws for the Giants opposite Jon Gray (5.52 ERA). Stratton is up 8.48 betting units on a team record of 11-5, while Gray is 3.85 units in the red after leading Colorado to a 7-9 record.

MLB Odds: Jays Face World Series Champs in Houston

Can the Toronto Blue Jays (36-41, minus-5.45 betting units) climb back into playoff contention? This week’s series against the defending World Series champions will speak volumes about how Toronto stacks up. They’ll visit the Houston Astros (52-27, plus-6.16 units) for a three-game set; Game 3 is Wednesday afternoon at 2:10 PM ET on Sportsnet.


A fresh batch of injuries has rattled Toronto’s pitching rotation, but it looks like Marco Estrada (4.48 ERA) will make his scheduled start on Wednesday. The Jays are 7-8 behind Estrada this year for 0.92 units in earnings, and he’s given up just five earned runs in his last four games combined; current Astros have a combined .698 lifetime OPS off Estrada, well below their .771 average on the season.


Pitching opposite Estrada is two-time All-Star and former AL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel (3.90 ERA). This hasn’t been Keuchel’s finest hour; Houston is 3.08 units in the red with their star lefty on the mound, going 7-8 while providing 4.75 runs per game in support, down from 5.10 runs overall. But it looks like Keuchel may have ironed out the bugs, pitching six scoreless innings in each of his last two starts.

MLB Odds: Jays-Astros at the Juice Box

The Toronto Blue Jays (36-41, minus-5.45 betting units) will be tested this Wednesday afternoon when they visit the defending champion Houston Astros (52-27, plus-6.16 units) in the third of a three-game set at Minute Maid Park. Sportsnet has the coverage beginning at 2:10 PM ET.



Marco Estrada (4.48 ERA) is scheduled to take the hill for Toronto opposite former AL Cy Young southpaw Dallas Keuchel (3.90 ERA). The Jays are up 0.92 units behind Estrada on a team record of 7-8; Houston is also 7-8 for Keuchel, but that’s only good for a loss of 3.08 units.

MLB Odds: Yankees Visit Phillies Tuesday Night

The New York Yankees are World Series contenders, and the Philadelphia Phillies aren’t far from that level. They’ll host the Yankees Tuesday night in the second of a three-game series. First pitch is at 7:05 PM ET.


Luis Severino (11-2, 2.24 ERA) got the win in a 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners at home in his last start. Over 5.2 innings, he allowed three runs on eight hits, striking out five and walking one. The 24-year-old righthander has never faced the Phillies before. He’s 4-2 in seven road starts this season with a 2.76 ERA.

Jake Arrieta (5-5, 3.42 ERA) took a no-decision in a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in his last outing. Over six innings, he gave up three runs on four hits along with five strikeouts and a pair of walks. The 32-year-old righty is 3-1 in eight games (seven starts) against the Yankees in his career with a 3.83 ERA. The 2015 National League Cy Young winner is also 3-1 in seven home starts with a 2.08 ERA.

Heading into this series, the two teams have split their last 10 meetings. Eight of those meetings have gone over the posted total. This is their first meeting since 2015.

MLB Odds: Arrieta, Phillies Host Severino, Yankees

The Philadelphia Phillies will have a tough task Tuesday night at home. They will try to slow down the New York Yankees, starting at 7:05 PM ET.


The Phillies will go with Jake Arrieta, who won the 2015 Cy Young with the Chicago Cubs. He’s 0-3 in his last four starts, giving up 16 earned runs and five homers during that time. Meanwhile, the Yankees will have Luis Severino on the mound. Severino is tied for the American League lead in wins going into the weekend. The last time the Yankees and Phillies met was 2015.

MLB Odds: Nats Seek Redemption Versus Phillies

The Washington Nationals were supposed to own the NL East this year. Instead, they find themselves tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for second place at 39-33, 3.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves. The Nats will try to eat into that lead when they host Philadelphia for a three-game series; the finale will air on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball at 8 PM ET.

While the two teams in question share the same record, Washington are 7.75 betting units in the red after dropping five of their last six games. The Phillies, once again competitive after six years without a winning record, are ahead six units on the season, and have won seven of their last 10.
The Nationals have yet to pencil in a starter at press time, as they deal with multiple injuries to their starting rotation. Nick Pivetta (4.08 ERA), a 25-year-old northpaw from Victoria, British Columbia, is due up for the Phillies. They’re 9-6 in Pivetta’s 15 starts thus far for 2.63 units in earnings, driving the Under to a 9-5-1 record. Washington has the Under at 42-28-2; both teams are loaded with quality pitching, but they don’t have much pop at the plate.

MLB Odds: Phillies-Nationals in DC

After losing five of their last six games, the Washington Nationals (39-33, minus-7.75 betting units) find themselves tied with the Philadelphia Phillies (39-33, plus-6.00 units) for second place in the NL West. They’ll meet Sunday night in the finale of a three-game set at Nationals Park, beginning at 8 PM ET on ESPN.

Injuries to the rotation haven’t helped Washington’s cause; they have yet to name a starter for Sunday, while Nick Pivetta (4.08 ERA), the pride of Victoria, BC, is pencilled in for Philadelphia. Pivetta is up 2.63 units this year on a team record of 9-6.

MLB Odds: Blue Jays Fly to LA to take on Angels

The Toronto Blue Jays are trying to turn their season around and will be in a good position to continue that effort when they take on the Los Angeles Angels this Thursday. LA has been hampered by injuries of late, including an elbow injury to two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani. They’ll need to rebound quickly if they hope to avoid losing further ground to the AL West-leading Astros.

Aaron Sanchez (3-5) will be on the mound for the Jays Thursday night. He’s been much better of late, posting three consecutive quality starts with a 2.95 ERA over that stretch. Pitching has been Toronto’s Achilles heel all season, but if Sanchez can continue this recent run, the Jays will be better off going forward.

Los Angeles has struggled with consistency through the first half of the regular season. At press time, they sit just three games above .500 and have lost 7 of their last 10 games. They rank in the top 10 in most offensive categories and in the top half of the league in pitching, so it comes as a surprise that the Angels have struggled to keep their heads above water. Mike Trout and the Angels’ bats will look to capitalize on a vulnerable Jays pitching staff, so don’t miss what should be a series filled with offensive firepower.

MLB Odds: Angels and Jays Clash on Thursday

This Thursday the Toronto Blue Jays get set for the first of a four-game set against the Los Angeles Angels. The Jays have been heating up of late, coming off of a sweep of the Washington Nationals and a two-game mini-series against the Atlanta Braves. Aaron Sanchez will get the ball and look to continue the Jays’ recent hot streak.

Los Angeles has been scuffling of late and will be without two-way standout Shohei Ohtani for the foreseeable future. The Angels’ ace and designated hitter will be out for a couple more weeks after suffering an elbow injury to his pitching arm. The Jays will look to capitalize with Ohtani out of the lineup.

MLB Odds: Red Sox Can Pad Their Record in Minnesota

The Boston Red Sox (49-24, plus-12.95 betting units) have been one of the best teams in Major League Baseball this year – and one of the most profitable. They can add to their record this Thursday when they visit the Minnesota Twins (31-37, minus-7.85 units) in the finale of a three-game set at Target Field, beginning at 1:10 PM ET on NESN and the MLB Network.

Rick Porcello (3.70 ERA) is projected to pitch for Boston opposite Kyle Gibson (3.27 ERA) in a battle of veteran northpaws. Porcello has led the Red Sox to 1.79 units in earnings on a team record 9-6, with the Over at 8-5-1; Gibson is down 0.27 units on a record of 7-7, with the Under at 8-6.

While the two pitchers in question have performed at roughly the same level, Porcello has received 5.67 runs per game in support from one of the best batting orders in baseball. The light-hitting Twins have provided Gibson just four runs per game. Eight of his 14 trips to the mound have resulted in a “no decision” for Gibson, who allowed just eight earned runs combined over his last five starts – Minnesota lost three of those games.

MLB Odds: Red Sox-Twins at the Tar-Zhay

Two quality right-handers will do battle Thursday afternoon when Rick Porcello (3.70 ERA) and the 49-24 Boston Red Sox visit Kyle Gibson (3.27 ERA) and the 31-37 Minnesota Twins. NESN and the MLB Network have the coverage at 1:10 PM ET.

The Red Sox (.779 team OPS) have hit much better than the Twins this year, racking up 12.95 betting units in profit, including 1.79 units with Porcello on the mound. Minnesota (.716 OPS) is down 7.85 units overall, dropping 0.27 units behind Gibson and giving him just four runs per game in support, compared to 5.67 runs for Porcello.

MLB Odds: Red-Hot Verlander, Astros Host Rays on Tuesday

Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros is off to one of his best starts ever. He’ll lead the Astros Tuesday night at home against the Tampa Bay Rays, starting at 8:10 PM ET. It will be the second of a three-game series.


Blake Snell (8-4, 2.58 ERA) took the loss in his last start, which was a 4-3 loss to the Yankees in New York. Snell allowed four runs on five hits over five innings, striking out eight and walking four. The 25-year-old southpaw is 0-1 in three career starts against the Astros, posting a 7.50 ERA. He is also 4-3 in nine road starts with a 3.78 ERA.

Meanwhile, Verlander (9-2, 1.61 ERA) picked up a win in a 7-3 victory in Oakland in his latest outing, giving up three runs on five hits over seven innings. Verlander struck out seven and allowed no walks on the day. The 35-year-old former MVP/Cy Young winner is 8-3 in 16 meetings with the Rays throughout his career. He is also 2-1 in seven home starts with a 1.93 ERA.

The Astros and the Rays have split their last 10 meetings. Eight of the games have come in over the posted total. This will be their first series of the year.

MLB Odds: Rays Aim to Slow Down Verlander, Astros

The Houston Astros are the defending World Series champions and Justin Verlander is leading their charge right now. The Tampa Bay Rays will look to give Verlander a loss when they meet in Houston for the second of three games.


Verlander leads the American League in ERA and WHIP, and he’s third in innings pitched. He also hasn’t lost since May 11.  In a span of six starts, he’s gone 5-0. The Rays will counter with Blake Snell, who has eight wins, which is just one fewer than Verlander. Snell is fifth in the American League in ERA and ninth in strikeouts.

MLB Odds: Jays Face Interleague Test From Atlanta

The Toronto Blue Jays (33-38, minus-5.90 betting units) just swept one National League East team. They’ll try to do it again this week when they host the Atlanta Braves (42-29, plus-16.19 units); Game 2 of this brief two-game series at Rogers Centre is Wednesday at 12:37 PM Eastern, and will be shown on Facebook Watch.


JA Happ (3.48 ERA) is in line to pitch for the Blue Jays, who are coming off a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals. Happ threw five scoreless innings of one-hit ball in his last start against the Tampa Bay Rays, but Toronto lost 1-0, leaving them at 9-5 and plus-2.32 units this year with Happ on the hill.
The Braves are 3.5 games ahead of Washington for first place in the NL East after taking three of four from the San Diego Padres. Alberta native Michael Soroka (2.57 ERA) is projected to start for Atlanta; the 20-year-old rookie northpaw has led the Braves to three wins in his first four MLB appearances, allowing just six earned runs in 21 innings of work. Soroka was Atlanta’s first-round pick (No. 28 overall) in the 2015 draft out of Bishop Carroll High School in Calgary.

MLB Odds: Jays Face Canadian Content Versus Braves

The Toronto Blue Jays (33-38, minus-5.90 betting units) face a hot Canadian prospect this Wednesday when Michael Soroka and the Atlanta Braves (42-29, plus-16.19 units) come to town for the second of back-to-back games at Rogers Centre. First pitch is at 12:37 PM ET on Facebook Watch.


JA Happ (3.48 ERA) is due to pitch for Toronto opposite Soroka (2.57 ERA), a 20-year-old Calgary native who has led the Braves to three wins and 2.39 units of profit in his first four MLB starts. The Jays are up 2.32 units behind Happ on a team record of 9-5.

MLB Odds: Cubs-Cardinals on Sunday Night Baseball

The Route 66 Rivalry resumes this Sunday when the Chicago Cubs visit the St. Louis Cardinals in the finale of a three-game set at Busch Stadium. ESPN has the coverage beginning at 8 PM ET, with southpaw Jose Quintana (4.09 ERA) taking the mound for the Cubs opposite rookie right-hander Jack Flaherty (2.96 ERA).

It’s been a good start to the 2018 campaign for both the Cubs (38-27, minus-2.88 betting units) and the Cardinals (36-29, minus-1.98 units), although they find themselves in the red at press time, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central. The Cubs have the best hitting in baseball thus far, but their pitching has been substandard; St. Louis is less polarized, with decent results on both sides of the equation.
Quintana has definitely gotten by with a little help from his friends. The North Siders are 9-4 in his 13 starts for 1.97 units in profit, but only because they’ve given him 6.31 runs of support per game. The Cards, on the other hand, are 4-4 behind Flaherty for a loss of 1.20 units, providing just 4.25 runs per game and driving the Under to a 5-2-1 record.

MLB Odds: Cubs Visit Cardinals in Route 66 Reunion

The Chicago Cubs (38-27, minus-2.88 betting units) visit the St. Louis Cardinals (36-29, minus-1.98 units) this week for a three-game series between these familiar NL Central rivals. ESPN will show the finale on Sunday Night Baseball beginning at 8 PM ET.


Jose Quintana (4.09 ERA) is expected to start for Chicago, while rookie right-hander Jack Flaherty (2.96 ERA) is due up for St. Louis. Despite the difference in ERA, the big-hitting Cubs are 9-4 behind Quintana for 1.97 units in earnings, while the Cards are 4-4 and 1.20 units in the red with Flaherty on the mound.

MLB Odds: Washington Visits Toronto for Interleague Series Opener

Following three consecutive series against American League East teams, the Toronto Blue Jays welcome the National League East-leading Washington Nationals to town this Friday. Both clubs have been inundated by injuries and have struggled with consistency of late, and both will look to get back on track during interleague play.

Toronto has struggled to find any kind of consistency over the past month and a half. While they started the season well, they’ve slumped to several games below .500 and sit 15.5 games behind the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox at press time. Those struggles have been largely due to an ineffective and beat-up pitching staff. Toronto ranks 23rd in team ERA, and their starters rank last in registering quality starts (20). No team will win consistently with numbers like that.

Washington, on the other hand, has an embarrassment of riches at the pitching position, led by starter Max Scherzer. The defending National League Cy Young winner leads the league in strikeouts (142) and ranks fourth in ERA (2.00). He’s the clear Ace of a Nationals’ staff that ranks third in the Majors in ERA, but the Nats may open the series without Stephen Strasburg, who is currently on the 10-day DL with shoulder inflammation. First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 PM ET.

MLB Odds: Nats Face Jays in Interleague Play

The Toronto Blue Jays will look to get back in the win column against the visiting Washington Nationals during the first game of a three-game set in Rogers Centre. Toronto may be gaining a key piece to their team ahead of the series, with Josh Donaldson (calf) expected back. He’ll be a welcome addition both on the field and in the clubhouse.

Washington is in the midst of an AL East interleague swing which sees them visit the Yankees, Jays and host the Orioles in succession. They’ll look to prey on the injury-riddled Jays and continue to build their lead in the NL East. Friday’s opener kicks off at 7:07 PM ET.

MLB Odds: Astros, A’s in All-AL West Affair

The Houston Astros (41-25, plus-0.78 betting units) are off to a flying start in their first-ever World Series defense. But the Astros find themselves in a dogfight for the AL West division, where four of the five teams have winning records as we near the halfway point of the regular season. That includes the Oakland Athletics (33-32, plus-1.39 units), who welcome Houston to the Coliseum for a three-game set wrapping up this Thursday afternoon; first pitch is 3:35 PM ET on the MLB Network.


Postseason hero Justin Verlander (1.45 ERA) is pitching the best baseball of his 14-year career, and he’s pencilled in to start Thursday’s finale. But heavy expectations have Verlander 2.30 units in the red on a team record of 9-5. The 2011 AL MVP has received just 3.93 runs per game in support, driving the Under to a 10-4 record. Houston’s average this year is 4.97 runs per game.

First-year starter Frankie Montas (1.25 ERA) is projected to throw for Oakland. The Dominican northpaw has pitched very well since getting called up from AAA-Nashville, winning all three of his starts for 3.10 units in profit while allowing just three earned runs in 21.2 innings of work.

MLB Odds: A’s a Tough Out Versus Astros

The Houston Astros (41-25, plus-0.78 betting units) continue their World Series defense this week with a three-game road series versus the Oakland Athletics (33-32, plus-1.39 units). Thursday’s finale begins at 3:35 PM ET on the MLB Network.


Justin Verlander (1.45 ERA) is scheduled to pitch for the Astros opposite rookie northpaw Frankie Montas (1.25 ERA), who has won all three of his starts for Oakland since getting the call from AAA-Nashville. Houston is 9-5 behind Verlander thus far for a deficit of 2.30 units; they’ve given him just 3.93 runs per game in support, down from 4.97 runs overall.

MLB Odds: Jays on the Rebound in Tampa

Injuries have spoiled a strong start to the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays campaign. But they’ve won four games in a row to improve their record to 30-35 (minus-6.95 betting units), a half-game better than the team they’ll face on Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Rays (29-35, minus-5.82 units). First pitch at the Trop is 1:10 PM ET on Sportsnet.


Toronto’s projected starter, JA Happ (3.71 ERA), has been one of the brighter spots for the Jays this year. They’re 9-4 in his 13 starts thus far, collecting 3.67 units while driving the Over to a 7-4-2 record. Happ has benefitted from 6.46 runs per game in support, but he’s also pitched four quality starts in his last five outings, including seven innings of two-hit ball in Friday’s 5-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles (+166 away).

The Rays, who have lost nine of their last 10 heading into this three-game series, have yet to pencil in a starter at press time. They’re relying on a patchwork rotation after recent injuries to Chris Archer (abdomen) and Jake Faria (oblique); Tampa is also thin at shortstop with Adeiny Hechavarria and Daniel Robertson both suffering hamstring injuries.

MLB Odds: Happ on the Mound Versus Rays

The Toronto Blue Jays (30-35, minus-6.95 betting units) take a four-game winning streak into this week’s series against the Tampa Bay Rays (29-35, minus-5.82 units), who have lost nine of their last 10. Wednesday’s finale begins at 1:10 PM ET on Sportsnet.


JA Happ (3.71 ERA) is expected to start for Toronto, and he’s pitched very well this year, earning Toronto 3.67 units on a team record of 9-4 while receiving 6.46 runs per game in support. The Rays, who have suffered multiple injuries to their rotation, have yet to name a starter for Wednesday’s game.

MLB Odds: Yankees Host Nationals on Tuesday in the Big Apple

Tuesday night in New York, two potential World Series contenders will meet for the first game of a quick two-game series. The New York Yankees (+500 World Series favorites) and the Washington Nationals (+800) get underway at 7:05 PM ET.

Washington pitcher Tanner Roark (3-6, 3.56 ERA) picked up the win in an 11-2 rout of Tampa Bay at home in his last start. Roark allowed a pair of runs on six hits over six innings, striking out four and walking one. It was the first win since April 30 for Roark, who will face the Yankees for the first time. The 31-year-old righthander is 1-3 in seven home games (six starts) with a 3.29 ERA.

New York pitcher CC Sabathia (3-1, 3.59 ERA) took the win in a 7-2 romp in Toronto in his latest outing, scattering two runs on three hits over seven innings. Sabathia also struck out six and walked one. Despite his strong performance, he did allow two homeruns. The 37-year-old southpaw is 2-1 in three starts against the Nationals in his career with an ERA of 2.25. Sabathia is also 1-0 in six home starts in 2018 with a 3.07 ERA.

The two teams have split their last 10 meetings, the last of which came back in June 2015. Six of the games have come in Under the posted total.

MLB Odds: Yankees Host Nationals for Two-Game Set

The Washington Nationals got off to a slow start this season, but they’ve picked up their game as of late. They will head to the Big Apple Tuesday night to kick off a two-game series with the New York Yankees.


The Nationals will have Tanner Roark on the mound. He just picked up his first win since April 30. The Yankees will counter with CC Sabathia, who has won two of his three career starts against the Nationals. Meanwhile, this is the first time ever that Roark will face the Yankees. These two teams last met in June 2015.

Belmont Stakes Odds: More Mud for Justify?

With the 10-horse field set for Saturday’s running of the 2018 Belmont Stakes, Triple Crown contender Justify is holding firm atop the horse racing futures market as the 4/5 favorite. Hofburg remains the second favorite at 9/2, just as he was on the Morning Line, while Bravazo has improved from 8/1 to 15/2. NBC will be at Belmont Park starting at 4 p.m. Eastern; post time is scheduled for 6:37 p.m.


Justify might get some help from above in his quest to complete the Triple Crown. The Bob Baffert-trained chestnut colt has already taken down the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes in sloppy conditions, and Saturday’s Belmont forecast at press time is looking more and more like rain. Justify will also break from post No. 1, which has produced more Belmont champions by far – 23 of them – than any other post position.


Among the other notable contenders for Saturday’s race: Vino Rosso, who has slipped from 8/1 on the Morning Line to 9/1; Tenfold, now available at 10/1 after opening at 12/1, and Blended Citizen, down from 15/1 to 20/1. Gronkowski (25/1), Noble Indy (33/1), Restoring Hope (33/1) and Free Drop Billy (66/1) round out the field.

Belmont Stakes Odds: Justify Chasing Triple Crown Glory

Will this be the soggiest Triple Crown in thoroughbred racing history? With rain increasingly likely for Saturday’s Belmont Stakes, Justify is in fine shape as the 4/5 favorite, after taking down both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness on muddy tracks. Hofburg is next at 9/2.


Justify also drew the inside rail on Tuesday, which is actually a plus in this 1.5-mile race. More Belmont champions (23 in all) have broken from post No. 1 than any other position. NBC’s extended Belmont coverage begins at 4 p.m. Eastern, with post time scheduled for 6:37 p.m.

NHL Odds: Golden Knights at Brink in Game 5 of Stanley Cup Finals

The Vegas Golden Knights were on a run for the ages at the outset of the Stanley Cup Finals, but four games into the series, and the NHL’s Cinderella team is now faced with elimination for the first time in the playoffs. Will they rebound or succumb to the powers of Ovi and the Capitals?

It seems as though all of Vegas’ magic has dried up. Through four games against the Washington Capitals, the Golden Knights haven’t had a bit of puck luck. They’ve hit countless posts, missed wide open goals and the likely playoff MVP, Marc-Andre Fleury has looked pedestrian at best. But this is a team that has surprised the hockey world all season; maybe this is another surprise in the making.

The Capitals would disagree. They’ve been every bit the complete team that the hockey world has been waiting for. Team Captain, Alex Ovechkin, has never looked better. He’s played a defensively-responsible game all series, while continuing to score clutch goals. He leads the team in goals with 14 to go along with 12 assists. With Ovi and Caps’ goaltender, Braden Holtby, at the top of their games, it appears as though Washington has solved the mystery of the Vegas Golden Knights. Game 5 is this Thursday at 8 PM ET and Lord Stanley’s Cup will be in attendance.

NHL Odds: Kuznetsov Carries the Caps

After suffering an apparent arm injury that resulted in Evgeny Kuznetsov leaving Game 2, the alarm bells rang in Washington. But the team’s leading point producer returned for Game 3 and showed everyone he was just fine, scoring a goal and an assist. The first line center has elevated his game at the most important time of the year and has his club one win away from the Cup.

The Golden Knights haven’t been able to respond to the play of Capitals’ first line. The once lethal combination of Jonathan Marchessault, Reilly Smith and William Karlsson have been invisible against the Caps. If Vegas has any hope of extending this series, that trio will need to come to play on Thursday.

NHL Odds: Capitals One Win From the Cup

The Washington Capitals have yet to win the Stanley Cup since joining the NHL in 1974, but they can change all that on Thursday when they visit the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Cup Final, starting at 8 PM ET on NBC. The Capitals take a 3-1 lead into T-Mobile Arena after beating Vegas 6-2 Monday night as –120 home favorites.


After starting the year as +20000 outsiders on the Stanley Cup futures market, the expansion Golden Knights were –130 favorites to beat Washington in this series, and they appeared well on their way after taking Game 1. But the Caps have been the better team ever since. Braden Holtby has allowed just five goals during this three-game winning streak, after getting shelled 6-4 in the opener.

Marc-Andre Fleury hasn’t necessarily fallen apart for Vegas, who gave up three power play goals in Monday’s loss. However, Fleury isn’t playing at nearly the same high level he was earlier in the postseason. He was the –135 favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy before Game 1, but has seen his playoff save percentage plummet from .947 during the first three rounds to .845 against the Capitals.

NHL Odds: Capitals Put Vegas on the Brink

We knew someone was going to win the Stanley Cup for the first time. Will that someone be the Washington Capitals? They’ll take a 3-1 series lead into Thursday’s Game 5 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final versus the Vegas Golden Knights; NBC’s broadcast from T-Mobile Arena begins at 8 PM ET.


The Capitals put Vegas on the brink of elimination Monday night with a convincing 6-2 victory in Game 4, cashing in as –120 home favorites. Marc-Andre Fleury has a .845 save percentage over these past four games after opening the Final as the –135 Conn Smythe favorite.

Belmont Stakes Odds: Justify Still Favoured Over the Field

Will Justify complete the Triple Crown this Saturday? He remains the 4/5 favourite at press time to win the 2018 Belmont Stakes; Hofburg is holding steady at 4/1, while Bravazo has improved from 8/1 to 7/1. Post time at Belmont Park is 6:37 PM ET, with NBC providing extended coverage beginning at 4 PM.


After winning both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes in wet conditions, it looks like Justify will get his day in the sun. The rain at Belmont Park is expected to end sometime after Tuesday’s post position draw (5:30 PM ET) and not return for a couple of weeks. Justify has been working out at Churchill Downs, where the weather is hot and sunny at press time. He’s scheduled to leave for New York on Wednesday.

Rounding out the Belmont Stakes futures market are Vino Rosso (9/1), Tenfold (10/1), Blended Citizen (12/1), Gronkowski (25/1), Noble Indy (33/1) and Free Drop Billy (50/1). Restoring Hope and Seahenge are also expected to be in the field when the draw is made on Tuesday. Restoring Hope and Justify are both trained by Bob Baffert, who led American Pharoah to Triple Crown glory in 2015.

Belmont Stakes Odds: Justify Holding Strong

As he prepares to travel to New York on Wednesday, Justify remains the 4/5 favourite to win Saturday’s running of the Belmont Stakes – and complete the 13th Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing. Hofburg (4/1) and Bravazo (7/1) are his closest competitors.

This year’s Belmont Stakes post position draw will be held on Tuesday (5:30 PM ET) instead of the usual Wednesday. NBC will cover Saturday’s race starting at 4 PM ET, with post time scheduled for 6:37 PM. While up to 16 horses are allowed to compete, only 11 are expected to compete this year.

NBA Odds: Cavaliers Face Must-Win in Game 3

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost a close contest in Game 1 and then were blown out in Game 2. If they have any hopes of getting back into this series, they’ll have to win Game 3 at home and get on the board. Game time is 9 PM ET.


The Cavs blew a great opportunity to win Game 1 at the end and then couldn’t find a way to get a grip of Game 2. Although they were competitive – cutting the lead down to five points in the third quarter – they trailed by double digits for most of the fourth and rested their starters by the end.

For the Warriors, they had no problems at the offensive end, scoring 122 points while shooting 57.3% from the field. They were outrebounded, coughed up more turnovers and shot worse from the free throw line, yet won by 19. That’s a scary thought. The Cavs’ defense needs to step up, as life was too easy for guys like Kevin Durant (10-of-14), JaVale McGee (six-of-six), Shaun Livingston (five-of-five) and Klay Thompson (eight-of-13). And Steph Curry hit an NBA Finals record nine three-pointers. If the Cavs don’t find any answers defensively, this could be a quick series.

NBA Odds: Cavaliers Defense Must Step Up in Game 3

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ defense was strong in Game 1, holding the Golden State Warriors to 29 points or fewer in all four quarters. That defense was much worse in Game 2, giving up at least 31 in three of the four quarters.


The Cavs must be better as the series now shifts to Cleveland. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant combined for 79 points on 55% shooting from the field. The good news for the Cavaliers is that they’re 8-1 at home this postseason, so they’ll have a good shot at turning things around.

Belmont Stakes Odds: Justify Improves as Field Narrows

As expected, Justify’s road to the Triple Crown has gotten that much easier. With Audible, Good Magic and My Boy Jack all out of the running, Justify has improved from even money to 4/5 on the Belmont Stakes futures market at press time. Hofburg is the new second favorite, moving up from 7/1 to 4/1.


Justify has yet to lose a race in his short career, running his record to 5-0 with victories at the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. And his chances of completing the Triple Crown only got better when Audible (third in the Derby), Good Magic (second in the Derby, fourth at the Preakness) and My Boy Jack (fifth at the Derby) were all taken out of Belmont contention. Audible and My Boy Jack, both of whom share co-owners with Justify, were originally pointed at Belmont Park after skipping the Preakness.
Given the many parallels between Justify and American Pharoah, the previous Triple Crown winner from 2015, we could easily see history made again at the Run for the Carnations. The post position draw is June 6, with the race itself on June 9. NBC has extended television coverage beginning at 4 PM ET.

Belmont Stakes Odds: Is Justify the Next American Pharoah?

With the potential field around him narrowing, Justify has moved from even money to 4/5 on the 2018 Belmont Stakes futures market. Hofburg is second at 4/1 after Audible, Good Magic and My Boy Jack were officially pulled from contention.

Justify will try to duplicate American Pharoah’s 2015 Triple Crown sweep for trainer Bob Baffert; the two horses looked remarkably similar in their pre-Belmont workouts at Churchill Downs. NBC has the coverage on Saturday, June 9 starting early at 4 PM ET. The post position draw is June 6, with up to 16 horses allowed in the field.

NHL Odds: Caps-Knights in Game 2

Game 2 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final between the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights is this Wednesday at 8 PM ET on NBCSN. The Golden Knights came back on two separate occasions to win Monday’s opener 6-4 as –155 home favorites, easily going Over the posted total of 5.5 goals (Over +100). Odds for Wednesday’s game have another 5.5-goal total.


It looked like Washington was going to get the last laugh Monday night after Golden Knights netminder Marc-Andre Fleury put the puck into his own net to give the Caps a 4-3 lead early in the third period. But Ryan Reaves quickly scored the equalizer, and Tomas Nosek put the Knights ahead for good with the game-winner and an empty-netter.
Both teams should be relatively healthy for Game 2. Washington had defenseman Brooks Orpik and RW Devante Smith-Pelly in the lineup on Monday after they were injured in Game 7 of the Eastern final against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Golden Knights were –130 favorites to win this series heading into the opener; after starting their inaugural 2017-18 campaign as +20000 long shots, Vegas is now three wins away from making Stanley Cup history.

NHL Odds: Capitals-Lightning in Eastern Final Game 7

The Vegas Golden Knights have drawn first blood in the Stanley Cup Final. They’ll take a 1-0 series lead into Wednesday’s game against the visiting Washington Capitals, starting at 8 PM ET on NBCSN. Vegas is a 1.5-goal favourite on the spread and —155 on the moneyline after winning the opener 6-4 as –155 favorites.


Both sides appear to be healthy after a wild and wooly Game 1 that saw the lead change hands four different times. Defenseman Brooks Orpik and RW Devante Smith-Pelly were both able to suit up for Washington despite getting hurt in Game 7 of their Eastern final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

MLB Odds: Red Sox Visit Astros in Houston

The two top teams in the American League will go head-to-head in the first game of a four-game set this Thursday when the Boston Red Sox arrive in Texas to take on the Houston Astros. Both clubs have been stupendous through the first 50 games of the MLB schedule, so this early season matchup should prove to be a measuring stick for these World Series favourites.


Coming off of the franchise’s first World Series victory, the Houston Astros picked up where they left off. They sit at the top of the AL West and have proven that they can win against any opponent. That success has been predicated on the Astros’ top pitching rotation, which leads the Majors in ERA (2.58) and Quality Starts (40). Lance McCullers Jr. is set to take the mound for the Astros in the opening game against the Sox.

As great as the Astros have been to open the season, Boston has been even better. They own the best record in the MLB and have been lethal on the road (19-9). Despite being up against the defending champs, Boston will look to flex their muscles and challenge the Astros at home. First pitch is set for 8:10 PM ET, so don’t miss this exciting matchup.

MLB Odds: Betts and the Sox Take on the Defending Champs

Mookie Betts and the red-hot Boston Red Sox head to Houston this Thursday looking to continue their winning ways against their closest competitors in the American League. The two-time All-Star has been tearing the cover off of the ball this season and pitchers have seemingly had no answer for Betts. The Astros’ starters better be ready for this dynamo.


Lance McCullers Jr. is slated to start the opener against the Red Sox, and he’s riding a strong start to his season, going 6-3 with a 3.98 ERA and 68 strikeouts. In just his third year, McCullers has positioned himself well in an Astros’ rotation that’s filled with All-Stars. Thursday’s matchup should be an interesting one between the Red Sox’s dynamic offense and Houston’s dominant pitching.