Odds and Bets: Connor McDavid Scores for the Oilers

Golden Knights vs Oilers Game 3: Connor McDavid Scores

The Edmonton Oilers pounded the Golden Knights into submission in the first period of Game 2. The final score was 5-1, but it was already 4-0 for the visitors after 20 minutes. Their series is now tied at 1-1 with Games 3 and 4 north of the border, starting Monday night.

Much ink has been written about Leon Draisaitl in these playoffs. He’s scored a stunning 13 goals thus far through eight games. For all we know, he’ll score a bunch more, but one would think that sooner or later he’ll have a slow day at the office. His scoring pace is utter madness. On the other hand, Connor McDavid, the team’s goal and points leader during the regular season, has put the puck in the net at a much slower pace than his teammate. He netted two Saturday to boost his tally to five, and heading back home, we think he’s a giant that has just woken from its slumber.

Best Bet: Connor McDavid Score a goal in Game 3

Warriors vs Lakers: Klay Thompson scores over 22.5 points

There are two things we know indisputably about the Golden State Warriors. First, with their core nucleus of players and head coach they possess the heart of a champion. They know how to win when it matters most, even if they sometimes stumble along the way. Second, being down early in a playoff series doesn’t faze them. If anything, one can predict almost without fault bounce-back performances.

Speaking of bouncing back, Klay Thompson, a stone-cold shooter when he’s on his game, wasn’t much of a factor in Game 3 versus the Lakers. 5-for-14 from the field and 3-for-9 from long range resulted in a forgettable 15-point night. Just like he did in Game 2 at home (30 points), Klay Thompson has it in him to get back on the horse and shoot the lights out in Game 4. The points over-under is 22.5, which is far too tempting.

Best Bet: Klay Thompson scores over 22.5

Rays vs Orioles: Shane McClanahan Gets the Win

Not to belittle other MLB series that commence on Monday, but the hottest one on the schedule sees the Tampa Bay Rays (28-7) taking their game on the road to the surprisingly good Baltimore Orioles (22-12). It’s far too early to talk about AL East supremacy or other such lofty notions, but let’s call it like it is; a really good test for two divisional rivals that have started their 2023 seasons brilliantly.

The hosts are sending Kyle Gibson to the mound (4-1, 4.61 ERA), whereas Tampa will go with ace Shane McClanahan (6-0, 2.03 ERA). Baltimore is proving to be a tough customer this season, and they may very well take at least one of the three bouts. Who knows, maybe they’ll win the series 2-1, but a win probably won’t happen tonight. McClanahan is practically unhittable this season and the Orioles don’t rank that highly in any major offensive statistical category.

Best Bet: Tampa Bay Rays on the moneyline