The Knicks did it. Once, anyway. For our purposes, that might be enough.
Cleveland at New York (AL)
We’re big-time Guardians respecters, but Carlos Rodón’s been good since returning, and Slade Cecconi is hit or miss. The Guardians have also used three good bullpen arms on back-to-back days, which could make them more inclined to punt.
Pick: New York to win –163. 8.65 units to win 5.31.
ALCS
Are the A’s going to stay in this? Even with a rougher stretch lately, they’re a game under .500 in the AL, where FanGraphs only projects four teams as currently likelier than not to finish above .500. The A’s are the sixth-likeliest playoff team in the American League. We’ll add a little more here.
Pick: Sacramento to win +2800. 2.00 units to win 56.00.
NLCS
We’re also adding more on Atlanta. The Phillies are playing a lot better, but the Braves are going to be hard to catch.
Pick: Atlanta to win +475. 2.00 units to win 9.50.
NBA Finals
It’s very possible the Spurs will come back and win Game 2, and if that happens, there’s a good chance we’ll hedge. But with our NHL portfolio in trouble if the Hurricanes lose tonight, we’re going to keep pushing the Knicks, at least for the time being. If they win Game 2, they’re going to be a huge favorite. And there’s about a decent chance they win Game 2.
Pick: New York to win –123. 2.00 units to win 1.63.
Stanley Cup
Fingers crossed.
Pick: Carolina to win +130. 2.00 units to win 2.60.
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These numbers are for the 2025–26 effort, which is currently scheduled to end at the end of the NBA Finals or Stanley Cup Final (whichever comes second). We’ll track the 2026–27 campaign in more detail when it’s fully underway (it’s partly underway right now with our MLB futures portfolio).
2025–26: –699.16 units (started with 1,000-unit bankroll)
2025–26: –7% average ROI (weighted by unit; sample size: 1,167 single-game markets plus seven completed futures portfolios and two partly completed futures portfolios)
Pre-2025: 0% average ROI (worse when limited to only sports)
Units taken from best odds we can find at major sportsbooks available to most Americans.
These bets are not investment advice. If you’re worried you or someone you know might have a gambling addiction, call 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential help.
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