MLB Betting – Marlins Have The Necessary Pieces To Succeed

Welcome to Miami where the heat is on. So are the Marlins, right now, in contention for the division lead, two months in to the regular season. They have a new name, new stadium, new logo, new manager, a ton of new faces, and with all of that the fans in Miami now have a new sense of optimism that it isn’t only their basketball team that will bring home some hardware this season. However, if the Marlins are going to have any chance at making the playoffs as National League East winners, they are going to need to make a few adjustments, particularly on offense where they have struggled to score runs all season. Miami has the players to be successful this season, but if it is going to deliver on its potential the offensive stars will need to match the sports betting production of a pitching staff that has been solid so far.

The Marlins actually lead the majors in quality starts through the first two months with 36, and that has had a positive impact on an entire staff that ranks eighth with a 3.60 ERA. Surprisingly, it is the ace Josh Johnson that has had the toughest time at 3-3, with a 4.83 ERA, the worst mark of Miami’s five starters. Both Anibal Sanchez and Carlos Zambrano have managed to get their ERA no higher than 3.00, and with Mark Buehrle exceeding expectations since being reunited with new manager Ozzie Guillen after their time together with the Chicago White Sox, the Marlins are in excellent shape with their pitching staff, with the bullpen benefiting from not being overexposed as a result of such a strong starting rotation.

If Miami is going to be a true online betting contender for a division title this season, the offense has to increase its production and provide the staff with more support. The Marlins rank 20th in both batting average and runs scored, but could see much better results overall if they can climb in to the top-15 in both of those categories. Even increasing their runs by capitalizing when they have men in scoring position would provide a boost, and there is no denying that Miami has capable hitters on the roster with Jose Reyes added in the offseason to a group that already includes Hanley Ramirez and Giancarlo Stanton. Omar Infante has been a major bright spot with a .317 average, but Stanton is the only hitter on the roster with at least 10 home runs (13), and the Marlins have to be better at consistently putting runs on the board.

As far as the best sportsbook online expectations are concerned, Guillen will acknowledge that his team has played well and appreciate being in contention for a division title. However at the same time, Guillen understands that his team has left wins on the table this season, and will need to do a better job of capitalizing on the chance to improve their record on nights where the starter has been solid but hasn’t gotten the needed run support. With Reyes, Stanton, Ramirez, and Infante among others, the Marlins have the pieces to be successful this season, it’s just a matter of putting those pieces together and capitalizing when the opportunity is there.

MLB Betting – Marlins Have The Necessary Pieces To Succeed

NHL Stanley Cup Overview – Can the Kings Stay On Track?

Sport betting enthusiasts all over the world have been keeping a close eye on the march to the Stanley Cup Finals and the Los Angeles Kings have impressed a lot of people. The Kings could be the first-ever eighth seed to win the Stanley Cup, so long as Los Angeles can keep on putting out efforts like the one it gave in game one of the Cup Finals. The Belmont Stakes betting is huge because it is for the Triple Crown. But the story of the Los Angeles Kings is also catching fire all over the world.

Can the Kings see this through to a successful conclusion? Neither the Kings nor the New Jersey Devils were expected to be in the Stanley Cup Finals this year. The Devils are opportunistic and took advantage of every mistake their opponents made. But New Jersey has a lot of holes in its armor that make it susceptible to being defeated. The Kings proved that in game one. Now the betting sites are curious to see if the Kings can maintain this pace and bring Lord Stanley’s trophy back to Tinseltown.

Offense

The Kings had been dormant on offense all season long. When the playoffs started, it looked like the sleeping Los Angeles offense would never wake up. It seemed like winning the opening round of the playoffs kick-started the Los Angeles offense and it has been hitting on all cylinders ever since.

The Los Angeles offense is aggressive, strong and smart. It is led by captain Dustin Brown who has put his body in harm’s way more than once in this series just to make sure that the Kings advanced to the next round. With Jeff Carter, Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards finally putting the puck into the net, the Kings now have an offensive system that should be strong enough to challenge the New Jersey defense.

Defense

When a team has a goaltender such as Jonathan Quick behind it, the tendency is to bring the defense on the offensive attack and let Quick fend for himself. That worked in game one, but the legal online sports betting sites know that it is not a system that can be used for the entire series.

The Kings need to get a little better at defensive positioning and making sure that the Devils have a difficult time entering the Los Angeles zone. The Devils have not been nearly as prolific at scoring goals in these playoffs as the Kings have, but that does not mean that the Kings should let its guard down. Los Angeles needs to tighten up on defense and make sure that the defensive zone is covered at all times. Remember that the Devils are opportunistic on offense. If the Kings start to leave openings in the defensive zone, then the Devils will exploit them.

Overview
The Kings have the upper hand by winning game one of the Stanley Cup Finals. But the Kings need to stay aggressive and play smart hockey if it wants to walk away with the championship. Los Angeles does have what it takes to be the first number eight seed to win the Cup. It just needs to make sure it does not get complacent as the series goes on.

NHL Stanley Cup Overview – Can the Kings Stay On Track?

UFC Betting – Dos Santos Retains Title At Bloody UFC 146; Lesnar Eyes Potential Return

When an entire Pay Per View features only heavyweight fights, the potential is there for a quick night filled with a ton of knockouts, so it is no surprise that UFC 146 went down exactly the way that it did. With a season’s worth of memorable knockouts, more blood than we have potentially ever seen in a UFC octagon (from one fighter mostly), and a successful championship title defense, UFC 146 was entertaining all the way through. That is why it is such a surprise that what most MMA fans are talking about had nothing to do with the actual fights themselves, but instead the former UFC Heavyweight champion that was on hand at the event, and who could possibly be considering a return to the octagon in the near sportsbook future.

After an interesting round of preliminary fights that included four of the six betting contests ending in the opening round, the stage was set for the five heavyweight tilts that made up the main card, beginning with Stefan “The Skyscraper” Struve against Lavar Johnson. In what was considered a relatively even matchup, Johnson came out throwing some big shots early, and it looked like we would have a close fight. However, Struve played a smart game and used his excellent reach advantage to pull a guard on Johnson, before throwing his legs up for an armbar submission that ended the fight just over a minute in to the first round. After Stipe Miocic beat up Shane Del Rosario in a battle of unbeatens with some solid elbows midway through the second round, we saw another quick fight as Roy “Big Country” Nelson landed one of the biggest haymaker punches ever in the UFC to knock out Dave Herman in the opening round. Nelson’s surprise blow actually forced Herman’s knees to buckle, turning him around as he hit the mat, and there was on doubt he was done. That was nothing though in terms of visuals compared to Cain Valasquez absolutely pummeling a bloody Antonio Silva. A couple of solid elbows opened up a gash between Silva’s eyes so bad that he couldn’t see out of them, and eventually he had nothing left to give and it was called a TKO. Everything in between led to a rather anti-climactic finish with Junior Dos Santos landing a second-round TKO to retain his UFC Heavyweight belt, but it was after that fight that the biggest sports betting news of the night broke.

Brock Lesnar, who was on hand in Las Vegas for the event, is reportedly interested in making a return to the UFC under the right circumstances. When asked if Lesnar’s presence meant anything at the post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White grinned and replied, “yes”. Although he has handled a ton of adversity throughout his career, Lesnar would be a huge Bodog draw if he makes a return, and considering the circumstances around his last loss, which was to the now suspended Alistair Overeem, there is no reason for the former champion not to take another shot if he is healthy. Time will tell whether Lesnar ultimately does return or not, but as far as the UFC and its continuing betting sites popularity is concerned, it can only be a good thing for the promotion.

UFC Betting – Dos Santos Retains Title At Bloody UFC 146; Lesnar Eyes Potential Return

Are The Umpires Held Accountable For Their Actions During MLB Games?

In the world of professional sports, the only men who keep the star athletes in check during a game tend to be the officials. Where the athletes have to talk to the media and explain their actions before and after games, the decisions made by the officials never seem to come into question. But why is that? From a sports betting perspective, officials and in particular umpires should be held accountable for their actions, as much as the athletes. After all, the decisions made by the umpires can affect not only the players in the game, but the bettor at home wagering on the game.

Umpire accountability has been an ongoing issue in the MLB for decades. Over the past month, it seems as though the issue has been raised ten-fold, because of the direct affect the umpire decision has had on a game. For many fans, and athletes alike it appears illogical, as to why the players and coaches are called out on certain plays by the media, yet do the same thing to the umpires and face ridicule from the MLB. Look, we understand that the umpires in every game have the toughest jobs, as they have to make things fair for both teams. However, what we are arguing, is that if an umpire does something blatantly obvious, such as call a ball a strike because they think the player showed them up, or overruled another umpire and allowed a team to rally, they should have to explain their reasoning.

Throughout the years, the issue of umpire accountability has sparked much debate amongst fans and media outlets alike. On the one hand, the aforementioned argument of explaining actions seems justified. Conversely, by holding an umpire accountable, there is a belief that it diminishes the umpire’s role. In other words, if the umpire knows they have to meet with the media after the game, then they may be more inclined to make a bad call, because they feel outside pressure on their job. As a result, the MLB betting online Commissioners office does not require the umpires to talk to the media.

Another issue with umpire accountability is that an automatic fine is charged to any player or coach that criticizes the officials. This isn’t only seen in baseball, as the NBA, NFL, and NHL all have stiff penalties as well for players and coaches that harshly criticize the officials in their leagues. With this being the case, it is rare to see an umpire disciplined for their overreactions but it happens more in baseball then in any of the other sports. For instance, a couple of weeks ago when Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel and home plate umpire Bob Davidson were each suspended by the MLB for their actions in a confrontation during a May 17th game. Davidson became the second umpire in five years to be suspended for actions the MLB felt obstructed the game.

But for the two umpires that received suspensions in the last five years, countless officials have made controversial calls without punishment. In many cases, the calls made by the officials can be reconsidered based on instant replay. Nevertheless, the MLB is as stubborn about replay as it is about umpire conferences with the media. For both scenarios, the umpire wins out, because the media and instant replay would second guess the decisions, whether they are right or wrong.

Are The Umpires Held Accountable For Their Actions During MLB Games?

Sunday Night Baseball Preview: Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers

The Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Rangers Ballpark.

The Angels will give the ball to starter Jered Weaver in this one. Righthander Weaver is 5-0 this season with a 1.60 ERA.

It'll be Neftali Feliz toeing the rubber for the Rangers in this contest. Righthander Feliz is 2-1 with a 3.19 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Rangers listed as 124-moneyline favorites versus the Angels, while the game's total is sitting at 8½.

The Angels were a 4-2 winner in their most recent outing on the road against the Rangers. That made winners of bettors who got Los Angeles at +142 on the moneyline, while the total score (6) was good news for UNDER bettors.

Team records:
Los Angeles: 15-19 SU
Texas: 22-12 SU

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Oakland are 3-7
After playing Texas are 4-6
After a win are 5-5

Texas most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Kansas City are 6-4
After playing LA Angels are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of LA Angels's last 23 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of LA Angels's last 11 games on the road
LA Angels are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games
Texas is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Texas's last 16 games at home

Next up:
LA Angels home to Oakland, Monday, May 14
Texas home to Kansas City, Monday, May 14

Get all Your MLB Lines and Future Bets at Justbet Online Sportsbook.

Sunday Night Baseball Preview: Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers

National League Preview: Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals

The fans at Busch Stadium will be treated to a game between the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals when they take their seats on Sunday.

The Braves will give the ball to starter Tommy Hanson in this one. Righthander Hanson is 3-3 this season with a 3.63 ERA.

Meanwhile, it'll be Lance Lynn who starts for the Cardinals. Righthander Lynn is 6-0 with a 1.40 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Cardinals listed as 142-moneyline favorites versus the Braves, while the game's total is sitting at 7.

The Braves were a 7-2 winner in their most recent outing on the road against the Cardinals. That made winners of bettors who got Atlanta at +126 on the moneyline, while the total score (9) was good news for OVER bettors.

Current streak:
Atlanta has won 2 straight games.
St. Louis has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Atlanta: 21-13 SU
St. Louis: 20-13 SU

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Cincinnati are 6-4
After playing St. Louis are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Chi Cubs are 3-7
After playing Atlanta are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Atlanta is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Atlanta's last 13 games when playing St. Louis
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against
Atlanta The total has gone OVER in 10 of St. Louis's last 13 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 8 of St. Louis's last 11 games

Next up:
Atlanta home to Cincinnati, Monday, May 14
St. Louis home to Chi Cubs, Monday, May 14

Get all your MLB Betting lines at Justbet Online Sportsbook.

National League Preview: Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Banged Up Clippers Take on the Grizzlies in Game 7 in Memphis

The Los Angeles Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at FedExForum.

Oddsmakers currently have the Grizzlies listed as 7½-point favorites versus the Clippers, while the game's total is sitting at 176½.

The Grizzlies were a 90-88 winner in their most recent outing on the road against the Clippers. They failed to cover the 2.5-point spread as favorites, while the total score (178) made winners of UNDER bettors.

Los Angeles:
Team record: 40-26 SU, 33-32-1 ATS

The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the LA Clippers last 13 games when playing Memphis
LA Clippers are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis

When playing on Sunday are 2-8
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

Memphis:
Team record: 41-25 SU, 29-37 ATS

is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games at home
is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of last 13 games when playing LA Clippers

When playing on Sunday are 4-6
After playing LA Clippers are 7-3
After a win are 6-4

Get All you NBA Playoff Odds at Justbet Online Sportsbook.

Banged Up Clippers Take on the Grizzlies in Game 7 in Memphis

NASCAR Sprint Cup Bojangles' Southern 500 Preview

The drivers of the Sprint Cup Series will return to the track on Saturday night in the Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

Brad Keselowski held off Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth last time out en route to taking the checkered flag in the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway.

Kasey Kahne and Greg Biffle rounded out the top five drivers at Talladega, with Clint Bowyer, David Ragan, Trevor Bayne, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Jeff Burton making up the rest of the Top 10 in the Aaron's 499.

After 10 races Biffle now holds a seven-point lead on Kenseth and a nine-point advantage on Earnhardt Jr. in the driver standings. Denny Hamlin, who ended up 23rd at Talladega, is fourth in the current standings.

Regan Smith won the Southern 500 last season, while Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with seven career Cup wins on the track.

Biffle, Burton, Jimmie Johnson, and Mark Martin each have two Cup wins at Darlington, and Hamlin and Busch have both won there once.

After competing at Darlington this weekend the drivers of the Sprint Cup Series will move on to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the circuit's annual All-Star Race on May 19.

Get All Your NASCAR Sprint Cup Betting Odds at EZStreetSports.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Bojangles' Southern 500 Preview

76ers and Celtics Open Their 2nd Round NBA Playoff Series in Boston

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at TD Garden.

Oddsmakers currently have the Celtics listed as 5-point favorites versus the 76ers, while the game's total is sitting at 170.

Philadelphia:
Team record: 35-31 SU, 34-32 ATS

is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 6 games when playing Boston

When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Boston are 1-9
After playing Chicago are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

Boston:
Team record: 39-27 SU, 34-31-1 ATS

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 8 games

When playing on Saturday are 9-1
Before playing are 9-1
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a win are 5-5

Next up:
Philadelphia at Boston, Monday, May 14
Boston home to Philadelphia, Monday, May 14

Get All Your NBA Playoff Odds and Futures Bets at EZStreetSports.

76ers and Celtics Open Their 2nd Round NBA Playoff Series in Boston

Nuggets and Lakers Battle in Pivotal Game 7 at Staples Arena

The Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at STAPLES Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the Lakers listed as 5½-point favorites versus the Nuggets, while the game's total is sitting at 195.

Los Angeles lost its last outing, a 113-96 result against the Nuggets on May 10. The Lakers failed to cover in that game as a 2.5-point underdog, while the 209 combined points took the game OVER the total.

Denver:
Team record: 38-28 SU, 36-30 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 9 of last 12 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of last 11 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games

When playing on Saturday are 8-2
After playing LA Lakers are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

Los Angeles:
Team record: 41-25 SU, 27-39 ATS

The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games at home
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
LA Lakers are 19-6 SU in their last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the LA Lakers last 12 games when playing Denver

When playing on Saturday are 8-2
After playing are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2

All Your NBA Betting needs can be met at EZStreetSports.

Nuggets and Lakers Battle in Pivotal Game 7 at Staples Arena