Thunder vs. Pacers Game 6 Prediction & Betting Picks (June 19, 2025)

One more win. That’s all it’ll take for the Oklahoma City Thunder to be crowned the NBA champs for the first time since the franchise moved to OKC. And it’s because of Jalen Williams. More on that in a bit.

The Thunder beat the Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 and are now ahead 3-2 in the series. The Pacers 

Back to Jalen. The third-year forward scored a playoff career-high 40 points, carrying Oklahoma City to another Finals win. He’s now put up at least 26 three games in a row. His scoring explosion stalled multiple Indiana surges with baskets that stopped the Pacers from getting any real traction.

But none loomed larger than his three-pointer with 8:06 left in the fourth. Seconds earlier, Pascal Siakam had cut down Oklahoma City’s lead to 95–93, which gave flashbacks of the Thunder’s Game 1 meltdown that handed Indiana a series opener win.

Siakam drove hard to the rim but couldn’t finish through traffic. Wallace grabbed the rebound and kicked it back out. The ball found Williams on the right wing, and he buried it. Then he drilled a 3, which pushed their lead another 5 points, and a steal and layup from Cason Wallace made it 100-97. 

From that point on? Indiana never got back in range. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was slowed down by a calf injury, finished with only 10 points and couldn’t play the way the Pacers needed him to.

Game 6 is up next, and the Pacers will be on home court. If they don’t win this one, it’s all over for Indy. We’ve got all you need to know about the do-or-die game: betting odds, our best bets, and who we think will win!

Game Details & Stakes

• Matchup: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers
• Series Status: OKC Leads 3-2
• Date & Time: Thursday, June 19, 8:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
• Where to Watch (U.S.): ABC (national broadcast); Stream on ABC app or ABC.com, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV STREAM, and TNT Sports / Discovery+

Key Storylines

Below is what’s front and center going into Game 6, and why Indiana’s in deep you-know-what.

• Tyrese Haliburton’s Health: Haliburton can’t move the way that he needs to. He scored 4 points and didn’t attempt a single shot in the fourth quarter. Every possession started with him giving the ball up early, avoiding contact, and drifting through sets. If it’s pain from his calf, stiffness, or both, he’s not putting any pressure on the defense, and that takes the entire heart out of Indiana’s halfcourt game.
• OKC’s Defensive Dominance: The Thunder have forced 20 turnovers in the series by attacking passing lanes, crowding the paint, and switching across four spots. Lu Dort has made Haliburton super uncomfortable, Wallace has been glued to Indiana’s shooters, and Caruso’s timing on help defense has killed multiple possessions before they could get going.
• Depth and Role Players: The Thunder’s bench is holding its ground and changing swinging quarters. In Game 5, Wallace grabbed a contested rebound, hit a corner three, and came up with a steal; all in one run. Wiggins fought through contact on both ends and blew up two Pacers’ actions. Indiana’s bench has been limited to McConnell keeping pace in transition, and Mathurin hitting contested looks that haven’t changed much.

OKC is getting more stops, winning the second-chance battles, and forcing Indiana into making less-than-stellar shots. Unless Haliburton changes how he’s playing in the first quarter (yes, the first, not the fourth), this ends in six.

Matchup Spotlight

We’re watching three things in Game 6 that have shaped the series so far. And if the Pacers can’t change any of them? They’re homeward bound.

Betting Odds (Updated June 19)

Time to talk numbers! If you’re planning to bet on this one, here are the latest odds and lines via FanDuel, along with betting trends!

Betting Trends

• Oklahoma City is 5–2 ATS vs. Indiana this season
• The Thunder have had a really hard time with ATS on the road during the playoffs
• Pacers have covered 3 straight elimination games
• 4 out of 5 Finals games have gone Under the posted total

Best Bets & Confidence Levels

Where do we think the value is in Game 6? Look below for our three best bets plus a prop that’s worth a look before the lines change!

Pacers’ Last Stand or Thunder’s Coronation?

Oklahoma City has outplayed Indiana in back-to-back games. They’ve defended better, gotten more out of their bench, and forced the Pacers into rushed decisions on most possessions. Jalen Williams has been the MVP; he’s scoring every which way and taking over when the offense slows down.

SGA hasn’t had to carry the whole load, and that’s the point! OKC’s rotation has held up across six or seven players, and they’ve been really organized at both ends. Indiana hasn’t had solutions. Haliburton looks limited, and outside of a few solid stretches from Siakam and McConnell, the offense hasn’t held up.

Unless Haliburton can get back to breaking down defenders off the dribble and forcing help, the Pacers are dunzo. Right now, too many of their possessions end without pressure on the defense. The Thunder don’t need to play a perfect game to close this out. All they have to do is play like they have in the last two.

Final Score Prediction: Thunder 119, Pacers 110

We think OKC wins this series 4–2 and become the 2025 NBA champs.

Ready to put our top bets to the test? Head over to one of our best rated betting sites to find the most competitive odds and quick payouts on your winnings.

Arkansas vs. LSU Prediction & Top Bets (June 18, 2025) – MCWS

Two of the SEC’s best meet in Omaha tonight with a Bracket 2 final berth up for grabs. Arkansas and LSU both notched 50+ wins this season and are playing an elimination game at the Men’s College World Series. Florida is waiting for one of them in the bracket final, so this one has big postseason consequences for two rosters that are teeming with MLB-caliber talent.

Arkansas is coming off a 19-strikeout no-hitter by Gage Wood, one of the best performances ever at the CWS. The Razorbacks couldn’t generate enough run support in their earlier 4–1 loss to LSU, but Wood’s insane showing kept their season going and gave the bullpen a full day off.

LSU has looked better and better with each game. They’ve bounced back with two straight wins, a balanced 6–3 effort with good defense and productive at-bats up and down the lineup. All they need is one more solid outing to keep their run going!

We’ve got all you need to know about tonight’s game! Keep scrolling for a breakdown, the latest betting odds, and our picks for the best bets!

Game Overview

• Matchup: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. LSU Tigers
• Date & Time: Wednesday, June 18, 7:00 pm ET
• Location: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha
• Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+ 

What’s on the Line

• Double-elimination format: Arkansas faces elimination; LSU would force a Thursday rematch with a loss.
• Arkansas (50–14) is coming off a 6–0 loss and trying to regroup.
• LSU (50–15) has won two in a row and will stay in the bracket, win or lose.

Recent Form & Storylines

Arkansas and LSU are both sitting on 50-win seasons, but how they got to Omaha is not the same.

Head-to-Head Advantage

• Arkansas leads in team batting average and limits any free passes at the plate and on the mound.
• LSU racks up strikeouts and has postseason-tested depth throughout the roster.
• Starting pitchers Zach Root and Kade Anderson are expected to go head-to-head—both have gone at least five innings in recent outings without surrendering any big innings.

Betting Lines

Here are the latest odds and lines via ESPN BET if you’re betting on this one:

Best Bets

We’ve looked at it all, and below are what we think are the three best bets!

Closing Prediction: Razorbacks or Tigers?

Final Score Prediction: Arkansas 5 – LSU 3

Arkansas has been the better team on the mound and the more productive with runners on base in their last two games. LSU does have the big-game pedigree, but their pitching hasn’t always been able to contain lineups that work counts and take advantage of mistakes.

We’re siding with Arkansas based on their recent performance; fewer walk issues, better execution in scoring spots, and a better defense. The under 10.5 is the smartest angle; both starting pitchers are capable of controlling contact and limiting extra-base hits!

We think the game will be close into the later innings, but the Razorbacks are better equipped to hold leads and finish without giving up big innings.

How to Spot Value in Early Lines Before the Public Jumps In

It’s the Monday morning after an NFL Sunday bloodbath. You’ve forgotten about the coffee in front of you because you’re in shock, scrolling through the wreckage of your parlay. 

And as you try to process your loss, somewhere else a sharp bettor is already placing wagers for next Sunday. They aren’t doing it because they’re obsessed with sports betting, no, no, no. They know something that most others don’t, and that’s that the real money isn’t made when the game starts. Nope,  it’s made when the lines first open.

These are the early lines, which are like a sportsbook’s “first draft:” their purest, most analytical take on a matchup, based on complex algorithms, power ratings, and matchup analysis, before the tsunami of public opinion, media hype, and emotional betting hits the beach.

Once the public jumps in? The value evaporates. That initial number gets pushed, pulled, and stretched thin by the sheer volume of casual money betting on big names, recent blowouts, or whatever ESPN is yelling about that day. What started out as a golden opportunity becomes just plain ol’ odds. The window is really small, but the possible payoff? That’s where the sharps live.

Our guide doesn’t require a PhD in math, but you will have to do the work and train your eyes to see the genuine value that’s hiding in plain sight within those early numbers. We’ll crack open how lines shift, why the public is usually dead wrong (and how books exploit that), the exact signs that say, “Bet me now!”, the tools the pros use to track it all, and most importantly, when to pull the trigger before the chance vamooses.

What Are Early Lines and Why Do They Shift?

Walking into a store the second that it opens versus right before it closes is not the same experience. The selection and maybe the prices? Totally different. And betting lines work the same way. How? Keep scrolling to find out!

• Early Lines: These are the first odds released by the sportsbook, often days (NFL, College Football) or even hours (NBA, MLB after pitching confirmations) before the game. This is the book’s “vanilla” assessment. It’s based heavily on statistical models, historical performance, key matchup data, and initial injury reports. It’s the baseline.
• Closing Lines: These are the odds you see seconds before kickoff or tip-off. This is the number shaped by everything, like sharp action, public betting floods, late-breaking news, weather updates, you name it. It’s the market’s final consensus.

Why the heck do they move? Because two big  forces collide:

• The “Sharps” (The Smart Money): These are the pros, the syndicates, and the bettors with proven long-term winning records. They have sophisticated models, deep info networks, and serious bankrolls. When they see an early line that they believe is fundamentally wrong? They’re on it. They bet big, and they bet fast. Sportsbooks pay really close attention to the “respected money.” If a ton of sharp cash hits one side, the book will move the line to balance their own risk and discourage further bets on that now “cheap” side. This is called “reverse line movement,” which we’ll get into further down.
• The Public (The “Square” Money): This is the majority of bettors; the passionate fans who are betting with their hearts are influenced by headlines, star players, recent wins/losses (good or bad!), and basic popularity. As game time nears, the flood of public money hits. If 80% of the cash is going to Team A, the sportsbook moves the line to make Team A less attractive (worse odds, higher spread) and Team B more attractive (better odds, lower spread). This protects the book. They don’t care who wins; they just want the action to be balanced. The public’s emotional betting forces the line away from its “true” early value.

This happens constantly—it’s not a one-off or a rare occasion. Significant movement is the rule, not the exception, particularly in the most popular markets. Studies and analysts have proven this. 

In the NFL, it’s not unusual for key spreads to move 1.5 to 2 points between open and close, like after major news or heavy sharp action. Moneyline underdogs can see their odds shrink dramatically (from +250 to +180) if sharps believe in them early. 

Betting analysts highlight that identifying why a line moves is usually more valuable than predicting the winner. The early line is where that story begins.

The Psychology of Public Betting and Line Movement

There’s more to sportsbooks than just math; there are also psychological aspects. They don’t set the most accurate line; they set the line that will best balance the betting action based on how they predict the public will act. They know that the public is super predictable, usually irrational, and easily swayed. Here’s how they exploit it, and how you can exploit their exploitation:

The Signs a Line Offers Early Value

Sure, theory is good, but how do you see this value in the wild? You have to be able to recognize specific, actionable signals in the early numbers. The following is how to do this:

Tools and Resources for Spotting Early Value

You don’t need to own a supercomputer, but you do need to have the right intel. Don’t just check a single betting site. Below are the tools that you can use to track the market and spot those early value signals!

CTA: “Explore our recommended betting tools [link to resources/tools page]”

Timing Is Everything: When to Lock In Your Bets

Finding a sweet spot early line is only part of it! Timing your bet is the other part of this equation, and it’s just as important. Bet too early? You might miss valuable info. Bet too late? The value is gone. Below are the best times to lock in your bets!

• NFL Sundays (Look Early Week): The absolute king. Lines for next week open Sunday night or Monday morning. This is the peak value window. Sharps are on the prowl, and books are setting initial lines that are based purely on analysis before the week’s narrative takes over.
• College Football Openers (Sunday Night/Monday): Similar to the NFL with huge markets, and the public loves favorites. Early lines drop after the weekend’s games. Value can be big before the campus hype builds.
• NBA Back-to-Backs (B2Bs): Lines for the second game of a B2B usually open before the first game is played. If you have a strong read on a team’s B2B performance tendencies or potential rest situations, you can find value before the market adjusts post-Game 1.
• Immediately After Major News: As discussed, if you get injury/transaction/news fast and confirm it’s impactful, acting before the line fully adjusts (sometimes just minutes) is critical. Have your sportsbook account funded and ready to go!
• Before Public Betting Triggers: Anticipate when the public floodgates open. For the NFL, this is Thursday-Saturday. For big college games, it’s Friday/Saturday morning. Bet before this surge.

Mistakes to Avoid When Betting Early

Early value is a strong lure, but if you rush in without knowing what you’re doing? All you’ll accomplish is blowing your bankroll. Below are the most common mistakes and how to sidestep them!

Conclusion: The Art of Beating the Market

The sports betting market is a living, breathing entity, which means that it is constantly shifting and reacting. The early lines represent a fleeting moment of relative purity; the sportsbook’s best analytical guess before it gets twisted by the predictable, and usually irrational, flood of public money. The window is where the smartest bettors regularly find their advantage.

Look below for a recap of the basics of spotting early lines:

• Early Bird Gets the Worm: The best opportunities are in the initial hours or days after lines open (Sunday/Monday AM for NFL), before public perception distorts the odds.
• Mind the Gap: Your advantage comes from spotting discrepancies, like between the early line and your own fair value assessment, between the line and any recent impactful news, or between predictable public bias and the initial price.
• Follow the Smart Money: Learn how to recognize the signals, especially Reverse Line Movement (RLM), where the line moves against the tide of betting tickets, indicating respected money sees value on the unpopular side. Then use tools to confirm it.
• Arm Yourself: You need more than a feeling. Line trackers, betting splits, news alerts, and sharp indicators are your most important tools for negotiating the early market.
• Timing is Everything: Know when to strike and when to hold back. Set alerts, stay ready, and be patient.
• Stay Humble, Stay Disciplined: Avoid the traps of betting on unknowns, misreading line moves, overestimating your models, or chasing lost value.

Final Tip: Make it a ritual! Set your alarm for Monday mornings during football season. Fire up your Keurig, open your line tracking tools, and scour the freshly opened NFL lines. This is one of the highest-probability value windows in sports betting. 

The public is still recovering from the weekend, but the sharps? They’re already on it. Be like them! Watch the lines, spot the discrepancies, confirm the news, and lock in your bets before the Monday morning hype shows and the lines solidify. This kind of discipline, more than any one pick, is the hallmark of a bettor transforming from a square to a sharp!

Louisville vs. Coastal Carolina Prediction (June 18, 2025) – College World Series

In case you weren’t aware, the College World Series is happening right now! Baseball’s collegiate best are slugging it out to see who will be the top dog. This is another elimination game, so let’s get into it!

Louisville has already survived two elimination games this week. And Coastal Carolina hasn’t lost a game since May 14. One team has fought through the bracket game by game. The other has made it look like beating each of its opponents was easy.

The Cardinals stayed in it with a six-run eighth inning against Arizona, using pressure on the bases and a perfectly-timed pinch hit to turn a deficit into a multi-run lead. Now they face a Coastal Carolina team that’s held opponents to three runs or less in seven of its last eight and has played solid defense throughout the tourney.

If Louisville doesn’t produce in the first three innings? Coastal’s starter has a really good chance to settle in. He’s worked through full lineups without giving up much contact, and if he hands off a lead, the bullpen has been untouched since the Super Regionals.

Who do we have for this game? Look below for team profiles, betting odds, what to watch for, and our best bets!

Game Details & Stakes

• Matchup Louisville vs. Coastal Carolina
• Date & Time: Wednesday, June 18 at 2:00 p.m. ET
• Venue: Charles Schwab Field Omaha (TD Ameritrade Park), Omaha, NE
• Tournament Format: Men’s College World Series, Bracket 1 — double-elimination structure
• How to Watch (US): Live on ESPN
• What’s on the Line: – The winner advances to the Bracket 1 final; the loser is out of the tournament

Louisville Profile

Louisville’s offense forces action with speed, contact, and early-count swings. The staff is built around a high-strikeout starter, and the bullpen has evened out going into their third elimination game in five days.

Coastal Carolina Profile

Coastal Carolina has 25 straight wins, really strong pitching from top to bottom, and a first-year head coach who is building on the program’s national title legacy.

Betting Odds & Trends

Got a betting itch to scratch? Here are the latest odds and lines according to DraftKings:

• Moneyline: Louisville (+190), Coastal Carolina (–250)
• Run Line: Louisville +2.5 (–135), Coastal Carolina –2.5 (+105)
• Total: 11 (Over –115, Under –115)

Trends

Coastal is the heavy favorite at –250, similar to their previous matchup, but Louisville’s price has grown, and that suggests lower confidence from the market after recent results.

In-Play Factors

• Running Game Impact: Louisville’s stolen base pressure forces defenders to make quick decisions, so expect Coastal’s catcher and middle infield to be way more active.
• Bullpen Workload: Coastal’s relievers have been stretched across multiple appearances this week, and that could affect command in the later innings.
• Pitching Matchup: Forbes and Flukey have both struck out 9 in earlier starts. Whoever handles lineup adjustments better after the third or fourth inning? They will likely give their team the upper hand.

Best Bets for Louisville vs. Coastal Carolina

This is gonna be a heck of a baseball game, but we have some thoughts about where the value sits! Here are our three picks for best bets:

X-Factors / Things to Watch

There are a few things to watch that could change up how both teams play!

• Louisville’s stolen base threat could force rushed throws and decision-making from Coastal’s infield.
• Flukey threw 104 pitches in his last outing; if his pitch count climbs again by the fifth or sixth, Coastal might need multiple relievers to cover the final innings.
• Mid-afternoon wind blowing in from the left could suppress fly balls to that side of the park, which will change how the lineups approach certain matchups.

Prediction Recap: Will the Streak Continue?

Coastal Carolina has won 25 straight because they don’t give opponents much to work with; low walk rates, quick innings, and got hits when they needed them to keep their lead intact. They haven’t needed any huge innings because of steady execution and good matchups.

Louisville’s best shot comes from turning this into a sprint, forcing extra pitches by the fourth or fifth, stealing bases, and creating traffic that Coastal hasn’t dealt with in Omaha yet. If they fall into a back-and-forth game of uneventful innings, they’re at a disadvantage.

Coastal’s pitching and lineup balance make them the safer side. Unless Louisville throws something unexpected at them? The streak will hit 24!

We think it’ll be a close game in the early innings,  but Coastal will get the lead and never look back.

Final Score Prediction: Coastal Carolina 5, Louisville 2

The Chanticleers get to the Bracket 1 final by suppressing contact and generating just enough run support!

Please remember to bet responsibly and within your means. Odds can change as it gets closer to the first pitch so be sure to keep an eye on it with one of our recommended sports betting sites.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction (June 17, 2025)

The Brewers open a three-game set at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, and they are trailing the Cubs by one game in the NL Central. Chicago has been on point when they play at home; they’ve won 20 of 31. Milwaukee is coming off a division series win over St. Louis, and the starting pitching has been *chef’s kiss*.

The teams have split their previous 26 matchups, and their records through the first half show how close the race has been. Both clubs are sending out their regular starters and want to break the deadlock, so this opener matters in the standings and for the Brewers/Cubs rivalry!

We’ve got all the info you need about this game below: stats, pitchers, the latest betting odds, and our picks for the best bets! Batter up, play ball, and so on.

Game Details

• Matchup: Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs
• Date & Time: Tuesday, June 17, 8:20 pm ET (7:20 pm CDT)
• Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
• Broadcast: MLB.tv, Marquee Sports Network, Bally Sports Wisconsin
• Weather Forecast: Mostly clear skies with temperatures around 75°F

Current Form & Stats

The NL Central race has been super close, and both baseball clubs bring solid pitching into the opener. Chicago has controlled games at home, and Milwaukee’s rotation has kept them competitive despite a few inconsistencies from its bullpen. Look below for the current form and stats!

Pitching Matchup

Ok, here’s how the pitchers compare. Chad Patrick has pitched into the sixth in six of his last seven starts and has held opponents to three runs or fewer. Ben Brown has shown he has a strikeout upside, but has allowed frequent contact and hasn’t been able to work deep into games in any consistent way. Look below for the specifics:

Patrick has been more stable from start to start, limiting walks and keeping his pitch count manageable. Brown has the strikeout totals, but hasn’t held the zone well into the later frames. If both rotations hand things over by the middle innings, bullpen command and matchup usage will probably tip the game!

Betting Odds & Analysis

Next up? The betting odds! Here are the latest lines and props courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook:

• Moneyline | Cubs –148, Brewers +126: Chicago’s home record and bullpen give them the advantage here.
• Run Line – Brewers +1.5 (–156): Milwaukee offers value with a strong strikeout number, six, and Patrick’s upside.
• Total Runs – 9.5 (O/U –110): Both rotations have limited scoring in recent outings; the weather looks neutral with low wind and typical June temps.

Player Props

• Chad Patrick Over 5 Strikeouts: The rookie has averaged nearly one K per inning.
• Pete Crow‑Armstrong Over .235 AVG: He’s hitting above .270 this season with extra-base power and Wrigley home field advantage

Our Best Bets

Time for our best bets! This one looks like it’ll be a close finish, and the market shows that. Chicago’s bullpen and home form give them an advantage, but Milwaukee has value on the run line with Chad Patrick on the hill. Below is how we’re playing it.

Brewers vs. Cubs – Wrapping It Up

The Cubs have done well in close games at home and have been the more reliable club out of the bullpen. And that gives them a slight advantage on the moneyline, even though there’s some uncertainty around Ben Brown’s command.

Milwaukee offers value with +1.5. Why? Because Chad Patrick has allowed three runs or less in six of his last seven starts and has worked through at least five innings each time. That gives the Brewers enough stability early to stay within range.

As for prop bets, Pete Crow-Armstrong to record a hit is a good option. He’s produced really well against right-handed pitching and has been making consistent contact. Patrick’s strikeout total also has potential, although his pitch count and a weather delay could limit his chances. Check local radar and lineups before you place your bets!

Final Score Prediction: Chicago Cubs 5, Milwaukee Brewers 4

You can count on lead changes through the middle innings; both starters will give way by the sixth. The Cubs pulled ahead in the seventh after capitalizing on a matchup change out of Milwaukee’s bullpen. Chicago holds the lead from that point on, but the Brewers keep it close enough to cover the +1.5 in a 4–3 final!

2025 Royal Ascot Betting Picks – Best Bets for the Top 3 Races

Royal Ascot isn’t merely a pageant of fascinator hats and crystal champagne flutes; it’s one of the most competitive betting stages in all of global racing. Beneath the pomp and ceremony is a slate of high-stakes races that bring in serious punters, syndicates, and anyone who knows the difference between a sprinter and a stayer.

This year’s card features three races with real implications for status, for profit, and for those with the nerve to bet on form over fanfare. We’ve narrowed in on the races that matter and the bets that hold up under scrutiny.

Choose your horses carefully; the tailoring may be immaculate, but the racing is grimy and ruthless.

Keep scrolling for our expert picks for the top three races, our best bets for each one, and what sportsbooks offer the best betting value!

Race Details

• Dates: June 17–21
• Location: Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, England
• Top Races Covered: Queen Anne Stakes (Tuesday); Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Wednesday); Gold Cup (Thursday)
• How to Watch in the U.S.: FanDuel TV / NBC Sports

About Royal Ascot 2025

Dating back to 1711, Royal Ascot is still one of the most anticipated fixtures in flat racing! It combines historic prestige with top-tier competition. Every day features seven races with world-class runners, huge betting pools, and viewership that stretches far beyond Berkshire.

Wagering exceeds £200 million during the week, and a lot of it comes from online punters. If you’re betting on a sportsbook, treat it like a proper meet! Set your stakes before the first post, track line movement across markets, and don’t adjust midstream just because the first race didn’t go your way. Structured and disciplined bets always fare better than impulsive ones!

Race #1: Queen Anne Stakes – Tuesday, June 17

The Queen Anne kicks off Royal Ascot with a mile-long Group 1 that’s anything but a warm-up. Open to horses aged four and up, the race regularly draws serious talent, usually returning champions or top milers coming off big runs in the Breeders’ Cup.

• Race Type: Group 1 flat
• Distance: 1 mile (1,600 meters)
• Eligibility: Horses aged 4 years and up
• Post Time: Tuesday, June 17 at 2:30 p.m. BST / 9:30 a.m. ET (U.S.)

Top Contenders

These are the projected top contenders; 

• Charyn: solid prep season, sharp miler form
• Big Rock: front-runner with serious pace from France
• Facteur Cheval: Breeders’ Cup Mile runner-up, handles firm turf
• Maljoom: lightly raced, big upside if fit and firing
  

Note: Inspiral has not yet been confirmed in the final field, but if she lines up? She’ll likely go off as the favorite. Her 2024 return was solid, and she’s already a multiple Group 1 winner over this distance.

Race #2: Prince of Wales’s Stakes – Wednesday, June 18

A middle-distance Group 1 showdown over 1 mile 2 furlongs that showcases elite four-year-olds and up.

• Group: 1
• Distance: 1 m 2 f (≈2,004 m)
• Eligibility: 4-year-olds and up
• Post Time: Wednesday, June 18 at 4:20 p.m. BST / 11:20 a.m. ET (U.S.) 

Top Contenders

• Auguste Rodin: The defending champion (2024 winner) with Ascot experience and top-tier form. 
• King of Steel: Big-framed runner with proven stamina; won the G2 King Edward VII and handles Ascot’s demands.
• Al Riffa: Emerging talent; was recently successful over 12f and could spring a surprise if conditions suit!

Race #3: Ascot Gold Cup – Thursday, June 19

The Gold Cup is Royal Ascot’s longest and most grueling test: 2 miles and 4 furlongs of sustained pace, endurance, and tactical patience. It’s the crown jewel for stayers and takes more than raw speed; it calls for stamina, positioning, and timing over a brutal distance!

• Group: 1
• Distance: 2 m 4 f (4,014 meters)
• Eligibility: 4-year-olds and up
• Post Time: Thursday, June 19 at 4:20 p.m. BST / 11:20 a.m. ET (U.S.)

Top Contenders

• Illinois: Aidan O’Brien’s rising stayer, coming off a strong win in the Ormonde Stakes. Lightly raced at this trip, but looks bred for it.
• Coltrane: Veteran stayer who finished 2nd in last year’s Gold Cup. Reliable over this distance and has run well at Ascot in every major staying race.
• Gregory: Unexposed but bred for this kind of distance. Showed staying potential as a 3-year-old and could improve with a more patient ride.

Best Overall Bets for Royal Ascot 2025

The Royal Ascot card is deep, but not all plays are deserving of your bankroll! We’ve narrowed it down to the bets that hold value, and here are the ones that we trust the most.

• Top Value Bet – Maljoom (Queen Anne Stakes, each-way) | Recently highlighted at ~10/1 as a solid each-way selection: well supported in ante-post markets and worth backing for value.
• Most Confident Pick – Illinois (Gold Cup, Win) | With Kyprios retired, Illinois has trotted into the favorite’s role at ~11/8 for the Gold Cup, picked up by multiple sportsbooks after strong staying form and an Ormonde Stakes win.
• Best Exotic Play – Prince of Wales’s Stakes Trifecta | Forecasting Auguste Rodin – King of Steel – Al Riffa reflects top-tier class, stamina, and potential upside. Routes like this usually favor that precise order in a middle-distance Group‑1 race.
• Dark Horse of the Week – Gregory (Gold Cup, Place) | Listed at ~50/1 in pre-race Gold Cup betting, Gregory is bred for the staying trip and profiling as a sleeper, so this is an ideal value on the tote!

Where to Bet on Royal Ascot in the U.S.

You don’t have to be trackside to bet on the races! Below is where U.S. players can wager on Royal Ascot; all have full markets and live coverage.

• FanDuel: Solid odds and a user-friendly setup make it a really easy go-to for bettors.
• TwinSpires: Best option for live streaming and building out exotic bets.
• TVG / Bet365: Reliable platforms with regular promos during big races.

Royal Ascot Betting Tips for 2025

Betting on Royal Ascot isn’t like betting at the local track. Field depth, turf variability, and international form all matter. Below is what you need to factor in before you bet!

Final Thoughts & Predictions Recap

We have pinpointed the races that have structure behind them; all are backed up by form, pace, and pricing that hold up!

• Queen Anne: If Inspiral doesn’t run, Facteur Cheval is the clear play. Maljoom holds each-way value.
• Prince of Wales’s: Auguste Rodin has the tools to control this race. King of Steel and Al Riffa fill out the trifecta.
• Gold Cup: With Kyprios out, Illinois has moved to the top of the conversation. Coltrane holds as a reliable second, and Gregory is a place-play sleeper.

Oregon State vs. Louisville Prediction (June 17, 2025) – CWS Elimination Game

It’s win or go home in Omaha. Oregon State and Louisville meet again on the ball field after a 4–3 game earlier in the tourney; the Beavers scored late and broke the tie to win. But this is an elimination game, so whoever loses this one packs their bags and goes home. A coveted spot in Omaha is on the line, so the margin for error in this rematch is basically nonexistent.

Louisville didn’t play their best in the last game against Oregon; they left too many runners on, missed a key relay, and couldn’t close the ninth. Oregon State didn’t overpower them by any means, but they came through when it counted. That’s been their style of play during the tournament: take what’s given to them, and not give anything back. The Cardinals have better hitters, but control issues and some defensive lapses have made things a lot harder than they should be.

Who’s pitching? What’s the bullpen setup like?  Who should you bet on, and what are our best bets that have the most value for the CWS elimination game? We’ll answer all of that and more below!

Game Details

• Matchup: Oregon State vs. Louisville
• Date & Time: Tuesday, June 17, at 2 p.m. ET
• Location: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha
• Broadcast: Live on ESPN
• Stakes: Win-and-you’re-in elimination at the Men’s College World Series

Form & Momentum

With elimination hanging over their ball caps, neither team can afford to have another flat outing. Oregon State and Louisville have both shown moments of greatness, but inconsistency on the mound and missed chances at the plate have put them here. The game will hinge on bullpen execution and which lineup handles high-pressure situations better.

Main Matchups to Watch

The game will turn on which starter can hold it together once the lineups turn over, and which middle-of-the-order hitters come through when the bases aren’t empty.

Pitching Duel

• Oregon State – Dax Whitney: Freshman right-hander with a 3.66 ERA, 111 strikeouts to 36 walks; attacks the zone and limits hard contact
• Louisville – Patrick Forbes: First-round talent with a power fastball; has tightened up his command and gone deeper into games in recent starts

Offensive X-Factors

• Oregon State: Aiva Arquette (.354, 18 HR) and Gavin Turley (.346, 19 HR) are two reliable power threats with really strong at-bat discipline
• Louisville: Eddie King Jr. (.362, 17 HR), backed by a lineup that can pressure defenses with speed and early-count swings

Betting Angles & Latest Odds

If you’re betting on this one, here are the betting angles and latest odds and lines via DraftKings:

Moneyline Edge

• Oregon State ~66% implied chance (–200 on DK; +145 Louisville underdog)
• Best bet: Oregon State ML (–200) — backed by better pitching, stronger late-game options, and the benefit of having already beaten Louisville once in this bracket.

Player Props

• Dax Whitney strikeouts: Facing Louisville’s aggressive hitters, his K projection is really strong.
• Eddie King Jr. prop: With a .362 average and 17 HRs, he’s a candidate for a long ball or multi-hit game.

Best Bets for Oregon State vs. Louisville

Hmmm, what are we looking at in terms of value? We landed on the following four best bets for this game!

Prediction Recap: Who Moves On in Omaha?

We think this’ll be an almost identical game as their first meeting, aka low scoring, long at-bats, and not much room for mistakes. Dax Whitney held it together longer than Forbes in their last matchup, and Oregon State has been stronger on the mound throughout the tournament.

Final Score Prediction: Oregon State 5 – Louisville 3

Their bullpen has done a better job handling traffic; there were no free passes in the late innings, and they’ve been able to finish them without letting rallies build up. Louisville hasn’t managed that same control under pressure.

If Oregon State gets a good hit from Arquette or Turley with runners on, that could be the turning point. They have better pitching and arms behind Whitney, so they’re in a really good position to advance.

Oilers vs. Panthers Game 6 Prediction & Top Bets (June 17, 2025)

We’ve got NHL Finals whiplash. After the stunner that was Game 4, where the Oilers came back to even up the series to 2-2, we were pretty sure that the Oilers would win Game 5. So was everyone else.

Wrong! The Panthers whooped Edmonton 5-2, they’re up 3-2, and are now only one game away from winning the Stanley Cup back-to-back. Game 6 is do-or-die for the Oilers, or it’s all over for them.

The next one goes back to Sunrise, Florida. Will the Cats take Game 6 for a Cup repeat? Or will the Oilers force a Game 7 back in Edmonton? They resurrected in Game 4, so it’s not out of the question by any means. Either way, our necks hurt from all the back-and-forth. But we are here for it; this is some great playoff hockey!

Game Details

• Matchup Stanley Cup Final — Edmonton Oilers at Florida Panthers, Game 6
• When: Tuesday, June 17 at 8:00 p.m. ET 
• Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Florida 
• How to Watch (US): Nationally televised on TNT, and simulcast on truTV and Max 
• Series Status: – FLA leads 3 – 2

Series So Far: Stick Styles

Florida is now ahead in the series 3–2 and is back in control after a convincing 5–2 win in Game 5. The Panthers showed off a potent combo of tight structure, physical play, and aggressive offensive bursts and followed up with disciplined shutdown minutes.

Brad Marchand tallied a two-goal night (making his series goal total six), and Sam Bennett added his playoff-leading 15th goal. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 19 shots, handling everything that came at him before the Panthers built their cushion.

Edmonton did manage a goal from Connor McDavid, which was his first of the series, but the Oilers never got enough momentum. Their power play was cold (0-for-3), and a few sloppy neutral-zone turnovers turned into goals for the Panthers. Coach Knoblauch and the Oilers said it was a good first shift, but said they missed chances and just couldn’t recover.

Scoreline Summary

• Game 3: Panthers win 6–1
• Game 4: Oilers squeak out a win 5–4 in OT
• Game 5: Panthers take it 5–2 

Main Matchups to Watch

There is a lot to watch on the ice, but this is who and what we are laser-focused on in Game 6:

Tactical Talk

We don’t think that this will be a run-and-gun finish. Game 6 is going to get real messy in the corners, tight around the crease, and tense when the refs blow their little whistles.

Florida’s Five-Man Wall

In Game 5, Bobrovsky only had to make 19 saves. The Panthers were closing off lanes, eating pucks, and clearing rebounds before Edmonton could reload. They didn’t give up the slot and didn’t let plays happen.

Power Plays

Five-on-five play has been close all series long, and most of the separation has come when one side goes to the box. Florida’s capitalized on it, and Edmonton hasn’t. If Game 6 has more penalties, and it probably will, this part of the game takes on a lot more weight.

Physical Edge

It’s gotten nastier every game; the numbers back this, and so do our eyes. Game 5 saw over 60 combined penalty minutes. And it’s not just about the physicality! If someone gets baited into the extra call? One bad retaliation could change the outcome.

Latest Betting Odds & Lines

We are gonna bet on this one even if we flubbed it last game. We aren’t quitters! If you are, too, here are the latest odds and lines via BetMGM:

Our Best Bets for Game 6

We have looked at all of the angles for Game 6, and below are the three best bets and a bonus lean that we think have the most value!

Game 6 Gut Check: Here’s How We See It Playing Out

Florida plays cleaner and more structured hockey. They manage the puck, make less mistakes, and rely on Bobrovsky to cover what little does manage to break through. On home ice, they’ve looked way more composed and in sync than Edmonton.

The Oilers do have a lot of talent, but the same issues keep coming up: thin scoring beyond the top line, wobbly defensive coverage, and a goalie who hasn’t met the moment.

Game 6 will probably lean tight, with less chances and more post-whistle standoffs than odd-man rushes. We’re backing Florida to shut it down and end it without needing to schlep back to Alberta. And we won’t need neck braces for our whiplash!

Final Score Prediction: Florida Panthers 3, Edmonton Oilers 2

Florida finishes it off with an empty-netter late in the third period and wins it 3–2!

Remember: If you are going to bet on this game, be sure to gamble responsibly and bet within your means.

How to Tell If You’re Betting Emotionally—And Fix It Fast

You think you’re betting with logic—checking stats, picking your spots, staying disciplined. Then you have a loss or two or three, and all of a sudden, you’re chasing the next win like it’s a bus you’ve missed and you need to get on that bus! It’s not uncommon, and if you aren’t careful? It can spin out of control before you even know that it’s happening.

It’s not like emotional betting will tap you on the shoulder or announce itself. One minute you’re on your game and sticking to your plan, and the next? You’re reacting instead. And it’s normal to want to win back what you lost. It’s not something that only happens to inexperienced bettors, either. There are people with decades of betting experience under their belts who can slip into emotional betting.

We want to help you be aware of what betting emotionally entails, how you can catch yourself doing it, and how to nip it in the bud. Then you’ll know what emotional betting looks like, why your brain tends to go down that path, and what you can do to stop it. The end game is less knee-jerk bets, fewer blown bankrolls, and a lot more control!

What Is Emotional Betting?

Emotional betting is what happens when your decisions at the sportsbook aren’t based on any kind of logic, research, or a plan; they’re based on your feelings. Anger after a loss. Excitement after a win. Impatience. Hope. Desperation. Basically, anything that would make you say “Eff it” and hit confirm before you’ve thought it through.

It’s not a momentary mood swing, either. It’s a change in how you’re making bets. Rather than doing your due diligence by looking at stats or running through your usual filters, you start reacting. You see your balance drop, and you immediately go searching for the next pick in the hopes of winning it back. You see your favorite team in a must-win game, and you bet on them because you want them to win, not because they’re the best team to pick.

And the problem isn’t only that it throws off your strategy, it’s worse than that. You will make bets that you wouldn’t normally make, and it’s with money that you didn’t plan to bet with. That can delete your bankroll, your ego, and your ability to be and stay consistent.

The following are a few of the most common reasons that emotional betting occurs:

• You’re coming off a loss: You missed a parlay by one leg. You lost in overtime on a bad call. And now you’re tilted. Instead of taking a break, you chase it, thinking that you’re due for a rebound, even though nothing in the matchup shows that.
• You’re attached to certain teams or players: Maybe you’re a die-hard Knicks fan, or you always bet SGA props no matter the number. But betting based on loyalty alone isn’t the same as betting with an advantage; it’s personal bias on a betting slip.
• You’re chasing the “rush”: Sometimes it’s not even about the money. You want the action. You want to feel something, anything,  when you watch a game. But betting for an adrenaline rush is the fastest way to lose both discipline and your money.

The biggest issue with emotional betting is that it turns your bankroll into a yo-yo. You’re constantly reacting instead of planning, and the more it happens? The harder it gets to break the pattern.

7 Signs You’re Betting Emotionally

You won’t always know you’re doing it in the moment. Emotional betting doesn’t come with a “DANGER” sign; it sneaks in with little things. If you recognize any of the patterns below, your decisions are probably being influenced more by emotion than logic.

Why It Happens—The Psychology Behind It

You’re not weak. You’re not undisciplined. Your gray matter is hard-wired to make bad decisions under pressure, and sportsbooks know it. There’s science to back up emotional betting, and once you understand it, the patterns will make a lot more sense.

Let’s break down what’s going on under the hood!

5 Fast Fixes to Stop Emotional Betting

Acknowledging that you are emotionally betting is one thing, but stopping it? That’s another kettle of fish. It takes structure, but some fixes and habits can pull you out of reactive mode and back into making informed bets!

Build a Rational Betting Routine

Quick fixes do help, but if you want long-term success, you need to have a system in place. A routine that’s built on logic, not on impulse, makes it so much easier to be and remain disciplined, even when the pressure mounts.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Feelings Bust Your Bankroll

Most people don’t realize they’re betting emotionally until the damage is already done. The account is drained, the bets are bigger, and the decisions don’t even make sense in hindsight. By then, you’re not just losing money—you’re losing control.

But you don’t have to keep going down that dangerous road! If you are able to recognize the signs early on and start building a routine that relies on structure instead of spur-of-the-moment decisions, you’ll avoid the worst of it.

You’re not trying to win every bet, because you won’t. You’re trying to last. You’re trying to bet without regret, and that takes real discipline.

Here’s a brief recap about emotional betting:

• Emotional betting is way more common than most people admit.
• It usually rears its head after losses, in impulsive bets, or through chasing.
• Recognizing it is the first step, and a routine and structured betting stops it from getting out of hand.
• Long-term success in betting comes from logic, not emotion.
  

San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction (June 16, 2025)

The NL West spotlight is headed to Chavez Ravine on Monday night as the Padres and Dodgers meet on the field in a high-leverage showdown. There are standings on the line, people! Only one game separates the two long-time rivals, and the outcome of this series? It could shift the summer.

All eyes will be on the mound; Dylan Cease is expected to start for San Diego, but there was big news announced last night—Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani is set to make his return to the hill!

This marks Ohtani’s first pitching appearance in 22 months following his elbow surgery, and it’s his first start as a pitcher in a Dodgers uniform. Sorry, Ben Casparius! You’ve been benched for this one.

We’re excited to see what Ohtani brings to LA, and it should be a pretty good show! Keep scrolling to read all about this matchup, the latest betting odds, and, of course, our picks for the best bets for the opener!

Game Overview

• Matchup: San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers
• Date & Time: Monday, June 16, 10:10 pm ET (7:10 pm local PT)
• Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles. The Dodgers are 24–12 at home this season, and the Padres are 18–19 on the road
• Broadcast: MLBN (MLB Network)
• Weather Forecast: Around 77°F and clear evening skies in Los Angeles

Starting Pitchers Breakdown

There are two really high-profile arms throwing, but only one has logged innings this season. Cease is coming off his best start of the year. Ohtani hasn’t thrown a pitch in a game since 2023.

Recent Form & Key Trends

The Padres broke out of a slump with a win in Arizona, and the Dodgers keep masking rotation holes with big hitters and bullpen coverage. Both teams have their flaws, but they’re coming in off wins.

Head-to-Head Series

• The Dodgers won the opener 8–7 in 10 innings
• Padres followed with an 11–1 rout behind Cease
• The Dodgers took the third game 5–2 to claim the series
• LA has a 2–1 advantage  in the season matchup
• Tensions are still there from the 2024 NLDS; San Diego eliminated Los Angeles

Latest Betting Odds

Here are the most recent betting odds and lines via  ESPN BET:

The Dodgers are favored due to Ohtani returning to pitch. The total is sitting at 8.5, with slight juice on the over. San Diego gets the run-line cushion at a steep price, and LA backers get plus money on a multi-run win!

Betting Angle & Best Bets

And now for our picks! Look below for what we think are the two best bets for this opener.

Padres vs. Dodgers – Our Prediction

Final Score Prediction: Padres 4 – Dodgers 2

San Diego finally got production from their entire lineup in the win over Arizona, and they’ll have their best available starter pitching. Cease easily handled the Dodgers last week and comes into the game on full rest.

Ohtani’s return comes with a lot of “what if’s.” He hasn’t pitched since 2023, so the Dodgers are expected to limit his workload. And that puts extra pressure on a bullpen that’s already been logging heavy innings.

The Padres have the better starting option, the more stable pitching setup, and the hitters that can take advantage once LA goes to relief. This is a game that they can take on the road!