Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Game 7: Important Miami Spread

Exactly a week ago on Monday morning, it seemed as if the NBA Finals were practically set. The Heat had just demolished the Celtics on Sunday evening to claim a 3-0 series lead in the East and the Nuggets were hours away from sweeping the Lakers in the West. Seven days later, Denver still awaits its Finals foe. Game 7 between Miami and Boston is tonight. The stars will be out in full force: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jimmy Butler, etc.

It seems fitting that we should talk about the spread. That was a contentious point in an Odds and Bets column on the morning of Game 1. The Heat was a +8.0 underdog despite their thrilling playoff run. Heading into this ultimate Eastern Conference contest, they sit at +7.0. Again, that doesn’t seem quite right. Yes, Miami has relinquished a 3-0 series lead. Yes, the game is in Boston. Yes, the Celtics have momentum. But if there is one thing that hasn’t been very smart in these playoffs, it’s betting so assuredly against the Heat. Maybe Boston will win tonight, but +7.0 seems exaggerated.

Best Bet: Miami Heat +7.0

Vegas Golden Knights vs Dallas Stars Game 6: Rope Hintz Breakout

Could another club wearing green accomplish the same feat as the Celtics? The Dallas Stars trailed their Western Conference Finals 3-0 just days ago after getting blown out in Game 3 at home. They even lost their captain Jamie Benn for two games due to a dirty hit on Vegas’ Mark Stone. But a thrilling overtime win at home in Game 4 gave Dallas the breath of life. They weathered an early storm back in Vegas in Game 5 and ultimately came through with a 4-2 victory.

Suddenly what seemed like an insurmountable 3-0 deficit is a more palatable 3-2 hurdle with the next game at home. The Stars also get their captain back, and Benn will surely want to make up for his earlier mistake. Look out for Dallas’ Roope Hintz. He leads the league in points in these playoffs yet has only tallied in one of the last three games with a couple of assists in the imperative Game 4 victory. Given the relative lack of product since Game 1, tonight seems like as good a night as ever to get back on the saddle.

Best Bet: Roope Hintz over 0.5 points

Los Angeles Angels vs Chicago White Sox: Shohei Showtime

A little bit of baseball to finish off today’s Odds and Bets. Superstar Shohei Ohtani is on a bit of a cold streak. Granted, a lot more is asked of his abilities than literally any other player in the majors, but his one hit in 12 at-bats over the weekend against the Marlins still stands out. In Sunday’s 2-0 defeat, he struck out three times in four visits to the plate.

Chicago is sending the capable if unspectacular Michael Kopech to the mound. His 60 strikeouts are impressive, but his 4.24 ERA less so. This feels like a good opportunity for Ohtani to start a new week on the right foot.

Best Bet: Shohei Ohtani over 0.5 hits