The weekend is nearly upon us but until then we have a stacked Friday betting menu filled to choose from, including 9 NBA games, 9 MLB games and 7 NHL games.
A handful of MLB games receiving notable sharp action today…
3:10 p.m. ET: New York Yankees (3-3) at Tampa Bay Rays (2-4)
Both of these AL East rivals are looking to bounce back from losses and get back in the win column. The Yankees just lost to the Orioles 4-3 in 11-innings, losing outright as -190 home favorites. Meanwhile, the Rays raced out to 2-0 start but have since lost four straight, including getting swept by the Red Sox in their last series. In today’s opener, the Yankees start veteran Corey Kluber (0-0, 2.25 ERA) and the Rays send out veteran lefty Rich Hill (0-0, 9.00 ERA). This line opened with the Yankees listed as -140 road favorites. The public is all over the Bronx Bombers, yet we’ve seen New York fall from -140 to -130. This signals sharp reverse line movement on the Rays, with pros buying low on plus-money Tampa at home (+ 130 to + 120). The Rays have value as a divisional dog with a high total and a dog with a line move in their favor (20-15, 57% this season). The total is 8.5. The Yankees are 5-1 to the under. The Rays are 5-1 to the over.
4:10 p.m. ET: Washington Nationals (1-2) at Los Angeles Dodgers (5-2)
This matchup marks the first road game of the season for the Nats and the home opener for the Dodgers. The Nats just lost both games of a double-header against the Braves while the Dodgers lost to the Athletics 4-3 in 10-innings, which snapped a five-game win streak. In this afternoon’s series opener, the Nats give the ball to Joe Ross (0-0, 0.00 ERA) while the Dodgers send out young stud Walker Buehler (0-0, 3.00 ERA). This line opened with Los Angeles listed as a hefty -250 favorite. Sharps aren’t scared off by the big number. We’ve seen respected money hammer the Dodgers, driving this line up to -275 or even -290 at some shops. Teams with a line move of 20-cents or more in their favor are 9-5 (64%) this season. Big favorites -200 or more are 10-2 (83%). The total is 8.5 with some over liability (-115). The forecast calls for high 70s and winds blowing out to right center at 10 MPH. The Dodgers are hitting .310 this season, 2nd-best in MLB. The Nats are hitting .250.
9:40 p.m. ET: Cincinnati Reds (5-1) vs Arizona Diamondbacks (2-5)
These non-division NL foes are off to polar opposite starts this season. After losing on Opening Day, the Reds have won five straight games against the Cardinals and Pirates. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have dropped two straight and lost both of their first two series against the Padres and Rockies. In tonight’s series opener, the Reds send out veteran Tyler Mahle (1-0, 3.60 ERA) while the Diamondbacks counter with Taylor Widener (1-0, 0.00 ERA), who will be making his second career start. This line opened with Cincinnati listed as a short -120 road favorite. Sharps have rushed to the window to lay the chalk with the Reds, driving Cincinnati up to -130 or even -135 at some shops. Teams with big steam of 10-cents or more in their direction are 30-19 (61%) this season. The Reds also enjoy a one-day rest advantage, having last played on Wednesday while Arizona played on Thursday. The difference maker in this matchup could come on offense. The Reds are hitting a white-hot .316 on the season, number one in all of MLB. The Diamondbacks are hitting .216, which ranks 19th. Cincinnati’s team ERA in 3.83. Arizona’s ERA is 5.17. The Snakes will be missing star infielder Ketel Marte, who was just placed on the Injured List. We could also be looking at a higher scoring game as the total is 9 with heavy over juice at -120. The Reds are 5-1 to the over this season. Arizona is 5-2 to the under.
