Each week, our “What’s on Tap” series previews the week ahead in the world of sports betting. Come here for a summary of upcoming financial happenings, legislative and regulatory meetings, industry conferences, top games scheduled for the week, and much more. Also, check out our weekly review “Get a Grip” for a look back at last week’s notable news.
Monday, June 20
Lightning look for first win in Stanley Cup Finals
On Saturday night, the Colorado Avalanche took control of the Stanley Cup Finals with a 7-0 thrashing of the Tampa Bay Lightning. With the victory, the Avs took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.
The series resumes on Monday night in Tampa with the defending champion Lightning in desperation mode. The Lightning will need to create more offense in Monday’s Game 3. Tampa Bay mustered only 16 shots on goal in Saturday’s Game 2, its fewest in the playoffs since a second-round series last year against Carolina.
Following the win, the Avalanche moved to overwhelming -600 favorites at FanDuel to win the Stanley Cup. Tampa Bay, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, now has odds of +500 to repeat. Colorado has moneyline odds of -114 to win Game 3.
No. 2 Stanford faces elimination in College World Series
The opening weekend of the College World Series featured four upsets in the first four games, with No. 2 Stanford suffering a 17-2 drubbing at the hands of Arkansas. The Cardinal need a win against No. 14 Auburn on Monday to keep their season alive. In the winner’s bracket nightcap, the Razorbacks will take on SEC rival Ole Miss.
Oklahoma, a 6-2 winner over Notre Dame on Sunday, has emerged as the favorite at Barstool Sportsbook to win the College World Series. As of Monday morning, the Sooners had odds of +160 to win the national title, just ahead of the Razorbacks and Rebels (both at +300). Texas A&M, which has odds of +1000 to capture the title, eliminated Texas on Sunday.
Thursday, June 23
Auburn’s Smith favored to be taken with No. 1 overall pick
In the run-up to Thursday’s NBA Draft, three forwards — Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero, and Chet Holmgren — have separated themselves from the pack. Smith, a 6’10” forward from Auburn, had a stellar freshman season, when he averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
Smith has odds of -250 at BetMGM to be taken with the first overall selection in the draft. Orlando, which currently owns the top pick, could bolster its frontcourt by adding Smith to complement Wendell Carter Jr. and Jonathan Isaac. Holmgren, a forward from Gonzaga, has odds of +170 to go No. 1 overall. The Thunder and the Rockets round out the Top 3.
Latest NBA Mock Draft 👀
1. Jabari Smith Jr. ➡ Orlando Magic 2. Chet Holmgren ➡ OKC Thunder 3. Paolo Banchero ➡ Houston Rockets 4. TRADE (❗️)
— NBA Analysis Network (@HoopAnalysisNet) June 19, 2022
Last week, the Rockets traded forward Christian Wood to the Mavericks, opening space in the frontcourt to select Banchero. Besides Banchero, four other Duke players could be taken in the first round on Thursday night, with forwards A.J. Griffin and Mark Williams also projected to go early.
Friday, June 24
Verlander takes on red-hot Yankees
While the Yankees had a nine-game winning streak snapped on Sunday, the Bronx Bombers are still firmly atop the American League East standings with an 11-game lead on second-place Toronto. At 49-17, the Yankees are on pace to win an astounding 120 games in the regular season.
The Yankees welcome the Astros to town for a four-game weekend series. The matchup between division leaders could be a preview for the American League Championship Series. Justin Verlander, a two-time AL Cy Young winner, missed the entire 2021 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. On Friday, Verlander, who’s 8-3 with a 2.30 ERA this season, will be on the hill to face Yankees counterpart Luis Severino.
Despite the hot start, the Yankees are not the top choice at PointsBet to win the 2022 World Series. The Yankees have odds of +500 to win the Fall Classic, just behind the Dodgers, the favorite at +425. The Astros are the third choice at +700.
Saturday, June 25
Stallions, Generals earn top seeds in the USFL Playoffs
On Saturday, the New Jersey Generals defeated the Philadelphia Stars 26-23 for their league-leading ninth straight victory. Generals quarterback Luis Perez completed 14-of-18 passes for 138 yards and three touchdowns.
The teams will meet again Saturday in the North Division finals. The Generals will look to tilt the field with punter Brock Miller, who booted an 85-yard bomb in the win over Philly.
In the other matchup, the Birmingham Stallions will take on the New Orleans Breakers in the South Division finals. Birmingham (9-1) capped the regular season on Saturday with a 21-18 win over Tampa Bay, and Stallions wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. has a league-high 1,209 all-purpose yards.
At DraftKings, the Stallions have odds of +175 to win the USFL Championship. The Generals are the second choice at +200, followed by the Breakers and the Stars at +380 and +400, respectively.
Sunday, June 26
Scheffler, English highlight field for Travelers Championship
Scottie Scheffler nearly pulled off a rare Masters-U.S. Open double on Sunday when he finished one shot behind U.S. Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick. In this week’s Travelers Championship, Scheffler heads a packed field that also includes Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas. The three golfers are the tri-favorites at FanDuel with odds of +1000.
Defending champion Harris English captured The Travelers Championship last June when he defeated Kramer Hickok on the eighth playoff hole. The extra session tied for the second-longest playoff round in PGA Tour history. English has pre-tournament odds of +9500 to repeat at TPC River Highlands.
Matt is a veteran writer with a specific focus on the emerging sports gambling market. During Matt's two decade career in journalism, he has written for the New York Times, Forbes, The Guardian, Reuters and CBSSports.com among others. In his spare time, Matt is an avid reader, a weekend tennis player and a frequent embarrassment to the sport of running. Contact Matt at matt@usbets.com.
