This much we know: NHL and NBA champions will be crowned in the next seven days.
But who?
VSiN.com senior editor Zach Cohen sets the stage for tonight’s Pacers-Thunder game (8:30 ET, ABC). With the series tied at 2, host OKC is a 9.5-point favorite at Circa.
It just feels like Indiana is the team with the clearer identity in this series, and the team’s ability to play fast and play several bench guys is getting to Oklahoma City. The Pacers are wearing the Thunder out. That’s why it’s hard not to like Indiana to keep this game somewhat close, and I’m also playing a little Pacers moneyline. I just don’t think the gap between these teams is that wide now that we have seen them play four times.
>>Zach’s analysis and Best Bets.
Do your own research with VSiN’s NBA prop analyzer.
As for the NHL, the Panthers are a -350 favorites to win the Cup with a potential Game 6 clincher vs. the Oilers (+280) on Tuesday in Sunrise.
Speaking of championships
J.J. Spaun, a pre-tournament 150-1 shot, clinched the U.S. Open title in spectacular fashion — with a 64-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole. Spaun was the only player to complete Oakmont under par (-1) and finished two strokes ahead of Robert MacIntyre. Fourth-round leader Sam Burns (+4) imploded in the stormy conditions.
Devers sent to SF; Ohtani to pitch
A newsy Sunday night in MLB:
>The Red Sox, after sweeping the Yankees, traded three-time All-Star Rafael Devers to the Giants. At BetMGM, San Francisco’s odds to win the World Series moved from +3000 to +2500.
>The Dodgers announced that Shohei Ohtani will be the starting pitcher for tonight’s game vs. the Padres. Ohtani hasn’t pitched for 21 months since arm surgery.
The Dodgers-Padres game isn’t one of Greg Peterson‘s Best Bets for today, so I asked him what he made of the Ohtani announcement.
I have the Dodgers on the moneyline listed at -159. It was originally -116 when I thought it was going to be a full bullpen game. I expect Ohtani to be a glorified opener, throwing like two or so innings. But with the injuries to the Dodgers bullpen, it is still a nice upgrade.
Josh Appelbaum and Steve Makinen will file later this morning.
Quick Hits
College Baseball: Arizona was the first team eliminated from the College World Series as Louisville rallied to win 8-3. Coastal Carolina remained undefeated with a 6-2 victory over Oregon State. In today’s games, Arkansas is a -500 favorite vs. Murray State. LSU, the tourney favorite at +120, will meet UCLA. >>Betting splits.
Tennis: With Wimbledon a few weeks away, Zach Cohen has some picks and futures for the grass season.
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