Andrew Ortenberg
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We’ve got some nice NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs, and MLB action to report on Friday, so it’s a full day. There are a lot of big games, which always attract some big public sides. Let’s take a look at where the public money is going as bettors once again try to beat the books, with the over in Clippers/Suns leading the way.
NBA: Clippers @ Suns over 224.5
Nothing the public loves more than a good over, especially in a big game. Bettors saw the total soar over in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, and they’re going right back to the well. 71 percent of the bets and 79 percent of the money are on the over 224.5 in Clippers/Suns Game 2.
That’s despite the total already being raised three points from when it was 221.5 for Game 1. Both teams played well offensively on Sunday, and there ended up being 234 total points. The public isn’t scared away by the absences of Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul. We aren’t either, we’re backing the over in this spot as well and hoping for a shootout.
MLB: White Sox -1.5 @ Pirates
Looking at the baseball slate now, bettors are lining up to fade the Pirates. 89 percent of the bets and 93 percent of the money are on Chicago -1.5 here. Additionally, 89 percent of the bets and a near-unanimous 99 percent of the money are on their money line at -190.
Given how the Pirates have looked this season, it’s hard to argue too much. Pittsburgh will start the mediocre Tyler Anderson, who has a 4.89 ERA. Further, the White Sox are 32-5 in their last 37 games against left-handed starters. As such, we’re expecting Chicago to roll as well.
MLB: Giants at Angels over 8.5
Unsurprisingly, all the big MLB total sides are overs. See what I mean about the public and their overs? Another big side is brewing here in Los Angeles, as 81 percent of the bets and 96 percent of the money are on the over 8.5 here. Both teams have been playing in some high-scoring games recently, so this isn’t too hard to understand.
There have been at least 10 runs scored in nine of the Angels’ last 10 games. The Giants have been just as explosive offensively, and have scored at least nine runs in four of their past six. They could easily send this one over by themselves. Angels starter Andrew Heaney is about as middling as it gets, so we’re taking the over here as well.
NHL: Golden Knights -1.5 vs. Canadiens
Finishing things up with some playoff hockey. In this pivotal Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the public likes Vegas to take a 3-2 lead. 60 percent of the bets and 73 percent of the money are on the Golden Knights -1.5 over the Canadiens on Tuesday night.
That relatively large split in the two percentages indicates the larger volume wagers have been on Vegas as well. 75 percent of the bets and 74 percent of the money are on their money line at -245. The Golden Knights were dominant at home this season, while Montreal was weak on the road. Although the series is knotted at 2-2, Vegas leads in shots and goals, so we’re taking them too.
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