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Today is a huge day in the sports world as the NBA kicks off their season and the World Series kicks off on the same night.
The World Series is a good one as we have two of the best starting pitching staffs in baseball facing off this year. So many times in year’s past have we seen bullpens start to dominate the postseason, but this is definitely an old school series in regards to it being all about the starters. Tonight’s match-up is a fantastic one as Max Scherzer of the Nationals faces Gerrit Cole of the Astros. A battle of Cy Young winners that are among the very best pitchers in the game.
In the NBA, we were robbed of seeing Zion Williamson making his season debut against the Raptors tonight, but we will see LeBron James and the Lakers taking on Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers. These are two teams with title aspirations and tonight should be the beginning of a season-long feud between the two.
MLB Betting Tips:
Washington Nationals at Houston Astros: The line on this one is big as the Astros are a huge favorite here at -200. That’s pretty crazy when you consider they are facing the best pitcher in baseball, but the bullpen and offensive difference between these teams is rather large. On the season, the Astros had a 124 wRC+ against right handed pitchers while the Nationals only had a 98 wRC.
The Nationals were a better team in the second half, but even taking that into account the Astros are just better. My system sees them as a big favorite here, not quite this big, but big enough where it is not worth it to be contrarian here.
The total on this game is minuscule though at just 6.5 runs. Both of these teams have gone under more than they’ve gone over in the playoffs which is why I think this one is set so low. There are nerves that go into game of the World Series and I can see either Scherzer or Cole having sub-6 inning start here. That means bullpen and hopefully, that means runs. It’ll be close, but I am taking the over here.
Bet Nationals/Astros Over 6.5 Runs
NBA Betting Tips:
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers are starting the season without Paul George which is making this line a bit different than I’d expect it to be. The Lakers are a -3.5 favorite here against the new look Clippers as they will have both Anthony Davis and LeBron James healthy.
I get it, but it’s completely wrong. Kawhi Leonard might be the best player in this league and the Lakers can’t match the depth that the Clippers have. They are a strong defensive team that can shoot the lights out, they have a better coach, and I see them getting the win here. Plus, the Lakers played in China this offseason and, even ignoring all the drama that caused, we’ve seen in the past that the fatigue from that trip can mess with teams early in the season. I think everything is coming up Clippers here and you should grab them here as this is one of the few times all season they will be getting points.
