The NBA and NHL Finals have finally gotten underway, as the Mavericks and the Hurricanes have taken an early lead in their respective championships. The Yankees are back on top of the AL East and the Astros resigned Roger Clemens in hopes of another World Series visit. Also, beginning in Germany this weekend is the world?s biggest sporting event, the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
TRIVIA:
How many countries participated in the first World Cup?
A. 16
B. 8
C. 24
D. 13
* ANSWER AT BOTTOM
NBA:
SUNDAY:
HEAT @ MAVERICKS
9:00 PM ET ABC
The Heat and the Mavs meet in Dallas on Sunday for Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Miami tries to even up the series at 1 game a piece while the Mavs attempt to keep their home court advantage.
After their 10 point win in game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Mavs are 13-5 ATS in the 2006 playoffs. Dallas is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games against Miami. Miami hasn?t beaten Dallas since March 2004, and in 3 games this season the Mavs have outscored the Heat by a combined 59 points.
betED Line: Heat -5 Total: 189 Total: Bet it Now!
NHL:
SATURDAY:
HURRRICANES @ OILERS
8:05 PM ET
Since falling behind 3-0 early in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Hurricanes have outscored the Oilers 10-1 while taking the first 2 games in Carolina. The Oilers lost Dwayne Roloson for the rest of the year, and now must rely on seldom goalie Jussi Markkanen, for the remainder of the Finals.
The Hurricanes are 26-23 ATS on the road while the Oilers are 26-23 ATS at home this season. After a loss, Edmonton is 7-3 in their last 10 games. The Oilers are 3-1 in their last 4 games in Edmonton. The ?Canes are 1-2 in their last 3 road games.
betED Line: Oilers -1.5 (+210)Total: 6 Bet this game!
MLB:
FRIDAY:
ATHLETICS (29-31) @ YANKEES (35-23):
7:05 PM ET
The floundering A?s come to New York for a 3 game series with the mighty Yankees. The Yanks are 6-4 in their last 10 against the A?S. Fireballers, Dan Haren and Randy Johnson will start, but this one could turn into a run fest. The last time these two pitchers matched up, the Yankees won 6-4.
Dan Haren, the A?s starter, hasn?t lost a game to the Yankees in 3 seasons, and hasn?t allowed more than 4 earned runs in the last month. Randy Johnson has given up less than 4 earned runs only 3 times since April 18th. The Yankees are the highest scoring team in the league, meanwhile the A?s are 3rd worst in that department.
betED Line: Yankees -1.5 (+135) Total: 9 Bet this game!
FRIDAY:
BRAVES (29-32) @ ASTROS (30-31):
8:05 PM ET
Last years? playoff meeting between the Braves and Astros seems like ancient history as both teams have struggled to compete with the top teams in their respective divisions. The first game of this series went to Andy Pettitte and the ?Stros, but don?t count out the Braves.
After going 13-3 last season, Braves? pitcher Jorge Sosa has limped to a 1-7 record this year. His only victory came against the hapless Marlins. Fernando Nieve hasn?t faired much better on the mound. He?s 1-3 and hasn?t won a game in over a month. In their last 10 games after a victory, the ?Stros are 3-7. Houston is 20-13 at home.
betED Line: -1.5 Braves (+155) Total 9.5 Bet this game!
FRIDAY:
INDIANS (29-30) @ WHITE SOX (36-23):
8:35 PM ET
In the AL Central, where the Indians and White Sox were supposed to battle for the top spot, both teams find themselves looking up at Detroit. The Indians have struggled to get over the hump, but a sweep of the White Sox, and they?d be right back in it.
The Indians score the 2nd most runs per game while the White Sox have the 2nd stingiest D, allowing only 4.5 runs per contest. The Indians are 6-4 in their last 10 against the Sox. Vasquez has won 7 of his last 10, allowing less than 3 runs five times. Cliff Lee is 2-5 in his last 8, allowing 4 or more runs in five of those contests.
betED Line: -1.5 White Sox (+140) Total 10 Bet this game!
WORLD CUP:
The World Cup begins this weekend in Germany. With big games this weekend, make sure to get your bets in early. This weekend?s action showcases powerhouses England and Argentina as well as big underdogs like Iran and Ivory Coast. Get ready!
For all the action, check out our future props below!
SATURDAY:
ENGLAND @ PARAGUAY
9:00 AM ET ABC
England is a heavy favorite to win their group and many predict a strong showing from them throughout this entire tournament. Paraguay is no walk in the park, but the talented Englishmen should come out of their first game unscathed and undefeated.
England is a -150 favorite to win group B, and +400 to win the whole thing. Paraguay is a huge underdog in this game, and the World Cup, as they?ve never had more than 1 victory in any of their 7 World Cup appearances. For betting odds, check out the Hot Props section below!
TRINIDAD and TOBAGO @ SWEDEN
12:00 PM ET ABC
Sweden is the lone team in Group B expected to give England a game. T&T is a huge underdog to make it out of this group, but this is the World Cup.
ARGENTINA @ IVORY COAST
3:00 PM ET ESPN2
In quite possibly the most balanced group in the World Cup, Group C?s slight favorite, Argentina, takes on the Ivory Coast Saturday afternoon in Hamburg, Germany.
SUNDAY:
SERBIA and MONTENEGRO @ NETHERLANDS
9:00 AM ET ESPN2
Serbia and Montenegro takes on one of the Cup?s strongest clubs on Sunday when they play the Netherlands. The Netherlands will take a run at Argentina for the Group C title.
MEXICO @ IRAN
12:00 PM ET ABC
Mexico and Iran square off on ABC this Sunday. Many have predicted Mexico to make it out of Group D, but Iran won?t give them this game. Mexico has the talent but Iran?s toughness will show.
ANGOLA @ PORTUGAL
3:00 PM ET ESPN2
Portugal is Group D?s strongest team, while Angola will make their first appearance in the World Cup. With Angola playing for pride, Portugal should come out victorious in this contest.
For all the action, check out our future props below!
HOT PROPS:
This year, Germany plays host to the 2006 Fifa World Cup. In the 17 times this event has taken place, the home team has taken home the championship 6 times. The Brazilians are favored but Germany holds home field advantage.
Odds to win 2006 WORLD CUP
1. Brazil +135
2. Argentina +300
3. Germany +300
4. England +400
5. Italy +500
6. Portugal +600
7. Netherlands +700
8. France +750
9. Spain +1250
10. Czech Republic +1500
11. Sweden +3250
12. Ukraine +3250
13. Mexico +3750
14. Croatia +4000
15. USA +5500
16. Serbia & Montenegro +6000
17. Ivory Coast +7500
18. Poland +8500
19. Paraguay +12500
20. Japan +12500
21. Ghana +18500
22. Ecuador +16500
23. Switzerland +7500
24. Tunisia +25000
25. Togo +25000
26. Australia +12500
27. Angola +25000
28. Costa Rica +25000
29. Iran +25000
30. Saudi Arabia +25000
31. Trinidad & Tobago +25000
32. Korea Republic +25000
Bet these Props Now!
TRIVIA ANSWER:
D. 13
Thirteen teams took part in the soccer?s first World Cup in Uruguay. Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, France, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Romania, the Unites States, Uruguay and Yugoslavia all participated, with the hosts, Uruguay, beating Argentina 4-2 to become the first World Cup champions.
TRIVIA:
How many countries participated in the first World Cup?
A. 16
B. 8
C. 24
D. 13
* ANSWER AT BOTTOM
NBA:
SUNDAY:
HEAT @ MAVERICKS
9:00 PM ET ABC
The Heat and the Mavs meet in Dallas on Sunday for Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Miami tries to even up the series at 1 game a piece while the Mavs attempt to keep their home court advantage.
After their 10 point win in game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Mavs are 13-5 ATS in the 2006 playoffs. Dallas is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games against Miami. Miami hasn?t beaten Dallas since March 2004, and in 3 games this season the Mavs have outscored the Heat by a combined 59 points.
betED Line: Heat -5 Total: 189 Total: Bet it Now!
NHL:
SATURDAY:
HURRRICANES @ OILERS
8:05 PM ET
Since falling behind 3-0 early in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Hurricanes have outscored the Oilers 10-1 while taking the first 2 games in Carolina. The Oilers lost Dwayne Roloson for the rest of the year, and now must rely on seldom goalie Jussi Markkanen, for the remainder of the Finals.
The Hurricanes are 26-23 ATS on the road while the Oilers are 26-23 ATS at home this season. After a loss, Edmonton is 7-3 in their last 10 games. The Oilers are 3-1 in their last 4 games in Edmonton. The ?Canes are 1-2 in their last 3 road games.
betED Line: Oilers -1.5 (+210)Total: 6 Bet this game!
MLB:
FRIDAY:
ATHLETICS (29-31) @ YANKEES (35-23):
7:05 PM ET
The floundering A?s come to New York for a 3 game series with the mighty Yankees. The Yanks are 6-4 in their last 10 against the A?S. Fireballers, Dan Haren and Randy Johnson will start, but this one could turn into a run fest. The last time these two pitchers matched up, the Yankees won 6-4.
Dan Haren, the A?s starter, hasn?t lost a game to the Yankees in 3 seasons, and hasn?t allowed more than 4 earned runs in the last month. Randy Johnson has given up less than 4 earned runs only 3 times since April 18th. The Yankees are the highest scoring team in the league, meanwhile the A?s are 3rd worst in that department.
betED Line: Yankees -1.5 (+135) Total: 9 Bet this game!
FRIDAY:
BRAVES (29-32) @ ASTROS (30-31):
8:05 PM ET
Last years? playoff meeting between the Braves and Astros seems like ancient history as both teams have struggled to compete with the top teams in their respective divisions. The first game of this series went to Andy Pettitte and the ?Stros, but don?t count out the Braves.
After going 13-3 last season, Braves? pitcher Jorge Sosa has limped to a 1-7 record this year. His only victory came against the hapless Marlins. Fernando Nieve hasn?t faired much better on the mound. He?s 1-3 and hasn?t won a game in over a month. In their last 10 games after a victory, the ?Stros are 3-7. Houston is 20-13 at home.
betED Line: -1.5 Braves (+155) Total 9.5 Bet this game!
FRIDAY:
INDIANS (29-30) @ WHITE SOX (36-23):
8:35 PM ET
In the AL Central, where the Indians and White Sox were supposed to battle for the top spot, both teams find themselves looking up at Detroit. The Indians have struggled to get over the hump, but a sweep of the White Sox, and they?d be right back in it.
The Indians score the 2nd most runs per game while the White Sox have the 2nd stingiest D, allowing only 4.5 runs per contest. The Indians are 6-4 in their last 10 against the Sox. Vasquez has won 7 of his last 10, allowing less than 3 runs five times. Cliff Lee is 2-5 in his last 8, allowing 4 or more runs in five of those contests.
betED Line: -1.5 White Sox (+140) Total 10 Bet this game!
WORLD CUP:
The World Cup begins this weekend in Germany. With big games this weekend, make sure to get your bets in early. This weekend?s action showcases powerhouses England and Argentina as well as big underdogs like Iran and Ivory Coast. Get ready!
For all the action, check out our future props below!
SATURDAY:
ENGLAND @ PARAGUAY
9:00 AM ET ABC
England is a heavy favorite to win their group and many predict a strong showing from them throughout this entire tournament. Paraguay is no walk in the park, but the talented Englishmen should come out of their first game unscathed and undefeated.
England is a -150 favorite to win group B, and +400 to win the whole thing. Paraguay is a huge underdog in this game, and the World Cup, as they?ve never had more than 1 victory in any of their 7 World Cup appearances. For betting odds, check out the Hot Props section below!
TRINIDAD and TOBAGO @ SWEDEN
12:00 PM ET ABC
Sweden is the lone team in Group B expected to give England a game. T&T is a huge underdog to make it out of this group, but this is the World Cup.
ARGENTINA @ IVORY COAST
3:00 PM ET ESPN2
In quite possibly the most balanced group in the World Cup, Group C?s slight favorite, Argentina, takes on the Ivory Coast Saturday afternoon in Hamburg, Germany.
SUNDAY:
SERBIA and MONTENEGRO @ NETHERLANDS
9:00 AM ET ESPN2
Serbia and Montenegro takes on one of the Cup?s strongest clubs on Sunday when they play the Netherlands. The Netherlands will take a run at Argentina for the Group C title.
MEXICO @ IRAN
12:00 PM ET ABC
Mexico and Iran square off on ABC this Sunday. Many have predicted Mexico to make it out of Group D, but Iran won?t give them this game. Mexico has the talent but Iran?s toughness will show.
ANGOLA @ PORTUGAL
3:00 PM ET ESPN2
Portugal is Group D?s strongest team, while Angola will make their first appearance in the World Cup. With Angola playing for pride, Portugal should come out victorious in this contest.
For all the action, check out our future props below!
HOT PROPS:
This year, Germany plays host to the 2006 Fifa World Cup. In the 17 times this event has taken place, the home team has taken home the championship 6 times. The Brazilians are favored but Germany holds home field advantage.
Odds to win 2006 WORLD CUP
1. Brazil +135
2. Argentina +300
3. Germany +300
4. England +400
5. Italy +500
6. Portugal +600
7. Netherlands +700
8. France +750
9. Spain +1250
10. Czech Republic +1500
11. Sweden +3250
12. Ukraine +3250
13. Mexico +3750
14. Croatia +4000
15. USA +5500
16. Serbia & Montenegro +6000
17. Ivory Coast +7500
18. Poland +8500
19. Paraguay +12500
20. Japan +12500
21. Ghana +18500
22. Ecuador +16500
23. Switzerland +7500
24. Tunisia +25000
25. Togo +25000
26. Australia +12500
27. Angola +25000
28. Costa Rica +25000
29. Iran +25000
30. Saudi Arabia +25000
31. Trinidad & Tobago +25000
32. Korea Republic +25000
Bet these Props Now!
TRIVIA ANSWER:
D. 13
Thirteen teams took part in the soccer?s first World Cup in Uruguay. Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, France, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Romania, the Unites States, Uruguay and Yugoslavia all participated, with the hosts, Uruguay, beating Argentina 4-2 to become the first World Cup champions.
