Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces Prediction & Preview (July 22, 2025)

The Aces are back on home court following the All-Star game and will be facing off against the Dream.

Both Vegas (11-11) and Atlanta (13-9) want to get a better foothold in a close playoff fight, and it all goes down at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Nevada at 10 pm ET.

Two of the league’s top scorers, A’ja Wilson (22.3 PPG, 2nd in the WNBA) and Allisha Gray (18.4 PPG, 8th), will hit the floor Tuesday night, and you can watch it on ESPN.

Las Vegas is coming off a 90–86 road win over Dallas, backed by Wilson’s 37 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks on 60% shooting. Jewell Loyd added 14 points and 8 boards on 45.5% from the field.

Atlanta’s last outing was a blowout 86–49 win in Chicago; Brittney Griner led with 15 points and 2 blocks on 75% shooting, and Gray posted 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, even though she was shooting only 2-for-8 from beyond the arc.

Keep scrolling to see a breakdown of this WNBA game; we’ve got the latest betting odds, team forms, what to watch for, and our picks for the three best bets! 

Game Details

• Matchup: Atlanta Dream (13-9, 5-6 away) at the Las Vegas Aces (11-11, 6-4 home)
• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 22, 10 pm ET
• Venue: Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, NV
• How to Watch: ESPN
• Records vs. Spread: Dream 11-11 ATS | Aces 8-14 ATS

Latest Betting Odds

If you wanna bet on the Aces vs. the Dream, ESPN BET has the latest odds and lines!

Remember that odds and lines can change, so always check your sportsbook for any updates! 

Current Form & What to Watch (Post-All-Star Break)

Las Vegas Aces: Dropped three straight before the break, then pulled out a 90–86 win over Dallas. A’ja Wilson led with 37 points and is averaging 32.3 over her last three. The team is 11–11 and still adjusting to changes in rotation and shot distribution.

Atlanta Dream: Have won 3 of their last 5 but remain inconsistent on the road (5–6 record). They rely on interior scoring and physical defense around the rim, with limited outside shooting.

What to Watch

Now that the All-Star Game is done and dusted, regular games are resuming. What are we watching for in this particular matchup? The following:

• Can Atlanta slow down Wilson without bringing a second defender and leaving shooters open? When teams double her on the catch or bring help from the wing, she passes out quickly, and opponents have created open looks by swinging the ball into space. The Dream hasn’t rotated really well in those kinds of spots.
• Will the Aces improve their perimeter looks? They’re hitting 31.8% from three, and way too many of those are coming off forced possessions or without movement beforehand.
• Atlanta holds teams to 6.8 made threes per game, so if Vegas doesn’t get better spacing, they’ll need to rely on post entries, short midrange shots, or trips to the line, and none of that is guaranteed when you’re up against a crowded interior.

Our Best Bets

It’s about that time again! We handpicked the three best bets if you’re into this action.

Our Final Thoughts

Final Score Prediction:  Aces 82, Dream 75

The Aces cover –1.5, and the game stays under the 160.5 total

A’ja Wilson is an absolutely relentless presence in the paint. She draws the defenders in, forces defensive rotations, and keeps a ton of pressure on opposing frontcourts from tip-off until the final buzzer.

Atlanta’s biggest challenge? That’s managing the interior workload without opening up the perimeter. If they can protect the arc and keep Vegas from getting extra possessions, they could have a chance. But Vegas has the experience, an advantage on the glass, and a super reliable scoring anchor in Wilson, so we are firmly backing the Aces.

Best Bets Recap

• Aces –1.5 spread: ★★★★☆
• Under 160.5 total points: ★★★☆☆
• A’ja Wilson 30+ points: ★★★★☆

Yankees vs. Blue Jays Prediction & Top Betting Picks (July 21, 2025)

The Yankees are heading north to Toronto, and hoo boy, they need to win this. The Blue Jays (58-42) passed NY (55-44) in the AL East standings, so this series gives the Yanks a chance to catch up. The playoff race is tightening up, and all of these head-to-head games count!

Carlos Rodón will start for New York after giving up 11 earned runs in his last two starts. Kevin Gausman goes out to the mound for Toronto, and he’s fared better, holding opponents to under three runs in three of his last four outings.

Both clubs are on the hunt for the playoffs; the Jays have a 70-80% chance to make the postseason. And the Yankees? They’re currently in the first Wild Card spot!

Who’s gonna win this one? Keep scrolling to see the latest betting odds, a complete matchup breakdown, our picks for the four best bets, and some prop bet recs!

Game Details

• Matchup: New York Yankees (55-44) at the Toronto Blue Jays (58-41)
• Date & Time: Monday, July 21, at 7:07 pm ET (Rogers Centre local time)
• Location: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
• Weather Forecast: Mostly sunny, highs in the low 70s°F, with temps dropping into the 60s
• How to Watch: Sportsnet (Canada), YES Network (Yankees region), or streaming on MLB.tv
• Starting Pitchers: Yankees: Carlos Rodón (10–6, 3.08 ERA); Blue Jays: Kevin Gausman (6–7, 4.19 ERA).

Betting Odds & Market Insight

Feel like betting on this ballgame? Below are the current odds and lines that DraftKings Sportsbook has posted:

Matchup Breakdown

The Yankees and Blue Jays are in the middle of the AL playoff race. Rodón gets the ball for New York, and Toronto is going with Gausman at home. What else matters besides the starters? The bullpen, offense, and recent trends!

Pitching match-up

Bullpen & Depth

• Yankees:
  • Bullpen is thin and banged up: lefty Ryan Yarbrough (signed for depth) is on the 15‑day IL with an oblique strain, still throwing off flat ground.
  • Other arms like Mark Leiter Jr., Fernando Cruz, and Yerry De los Santos are also on IL, limiting depth.
  • Internal options (Allan Winans, Ian Hamilton, Scott Effross) show flashes but remain inconsistent and unproven for high-leverage situations.
• Blue Jays:
  • Strong relief core: 6th‑best bullpen ERA in MLB at ~3.55, with 30 saves and a 1.20 WHIP
  • Key arms: Chad Green (setup), Jeff Hoffman (23 saves), and Brendon Little, all reliable in mid‑high leverage.
  • Depth extends beyond the back end – several arms have stepped up across midsummer innings..

Offense & Trends

• Blue Jays: Toronto is 12–3 this month and averaging 5.8 runs per game. Guerrero Jr. has four home runs in his last seven, and Springer’s OBP is finally headed up.
• Yankees: New York has won five of their last seven against Toronto. Judge has gone yard twice in his last five.

Our Best Bets

Ready for some best bets? We picked out the four best angles based on stats and models!

Game Strategy & Prop Recs

Rodón and Gausman are both projected to stay under 3.5 earned runs through five, which puts early-inning unders and First 5 markets in play.

If you’re targeting bullpen props? Look at Jonathan Loáisiga for 3+ strikeouts or a hold if he enters with a lead; he’s logged at least 2 innings in 3 of his last 4 outings. Chad Green has picked up two holds in his last five appearances and could be a candidate again if Toronto is ahead late.

For hitters, you could think about late-game RBI props for lefties like Daulton Varsho, but only if Rodón is out by the sixth inning and the Yankees turn to a righty-heavy bullpen.

What to Watch Live

If you’re doing a little live betting, here’s what you should keep an eye on!

• Rodón’s pitch sequencing when Guerrero Jr. and Bichette are up with runners! Can he keep them from driving rallies?
• Gausman’s control during the first two times through the order. Why? Because he’s had some issues when the 4th and 5th innings roll around.
• Bullpen decisions around the sixth and seventh; Loáisiga and Green are always the likeliest candidates to handle pressure spots if either starter exits early.

Closing Line: Where to Place Your Bets

Final Score Prediction: Blue Jays 4, Yankees 2

Look, Toronto’s just been playing smarter baseball, plain and simple. They’re not making a lot of mistakes and getting more traffic on base. Gausman’s numbers at Rogers Centre are better than his road starts are, and the bullpen has held its own this month. Yes, Rodón’s been serviceable, but the Yankees’ lineup hasn’t clapped back in this matchup. The Jays have the advantage here, and we’re backing Toronto. Sorry, NY; it’s nothing personal!

Best Bets Recap

• Blue Jays Moneyline (–115): ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
• Under 8 Total Runs: ⭐⭐⭐☆
• First 5 Innings: Blue Jays –0.5: ⭐⭐⭐☆
• Bo Bichette Over 1.5 Total Bases: ⭐⭐⭐☆
  

If you’re going with Toronto, hop on the number early! Home field advantage and their current form are baked into the price, but movement is always possible.

The Fastest Growing Online Casino Games in the U.S.

If you’ve played on a casino app in the last year and felt like half of the games look like slot machines on Monster energy drinks or blackjack with a TikTok filter slapped over it, you aren’t hallucinating. Online gambling in the U.S. has gone full-on warp speed ahead. Why? People got bored. So, gambling sites are cleaning up their acts in order to target different players than they used to.

The old-school stuff is still there, and it won’t be going away, but it is fading into the background. What’s getting the most attention are the game formats that have been built for mobile use, short sessions, and people who aren’t interested in the casino floor nostalgia. They may have never even seen a casino IRL. We’re seeing branded slots that feel like movie trailers, roulette with lightning bolts, and crash games that look like arcade games.

We aren’t doing a trend report; we are just taking note of the games that are pulling in the most players on a weekly basis, and how casino platforms are trying to meet the demand for these games!

Why Online Casino Games Are Booming

We can’t act like online casino games are catching on because of a trend. There are obvious reasons why they’re growing, and they have less to do with “technology” and more to do with what players want. And that’s real access, real rewards, and platforms that respect their time. It’s not a mystery! It’s a reaction to years of bad casino UX and limited access finally getting fixed.

From state-by-state legalization to faster mobile apps and better loyalty systems, below is what’s driving the boom.

Top 5 Fastest-Growing Online Casino Games in the U.S.

Not all casino games are pulling equal weight. Some are just sitting there, recycled and forgotten. But others? They’re driving the traffic, eating up mobile session time, and showing up in bonus promos because the casinos know that people keep coming back to them.

The following five formats aren’t only pulling ahead, they’re changing what online casino apps prioritize, how they market, and who they’re trying to reach. Read on for a breakdown of what’s growing right now and why!

1- Online Slots (Branded & Megaways)

You’ve seen them all over the place: slots that are based on TV shows, game shows, or blockbuster franchises, and they’re all packed with features and huge reels. Branded slots rely on familiar characters and logos, and Megaways titles are built with dynamic reel systems that create thousands of ways to win with every spin. They aren’t one-line cherry games; they’re loaded with animations, sound design, and bonus rounds that are designed to hold players’ attention.

Why They’re Growing

Three reasons: faster rounds, bigger payout ceilings, and recognizable themes. Players aren’t only looking for reels; they’re looking for engagement, and branded slots like Wheel of Fortune Megaways, Rick and Morty Megaways, or Buffalo Blitz Megaways deliver exactly that.

Plus, Megaways mechanics have something that traditional slots don’t, and that’s random reel expansion. The unpredictability keeps players playing when it’s combined with stacked multipliers or cascading wins. Add in autoplay features, fast re-spin triggers, and progressive jackpots, and it’s easy to see why these titles outperform the more static options.

Themed content makes a difference, too! A player who’s never touched a slot before might play because they recognize the brand. Once the bonus rounds hit? They stick around.

Where to Play

• BetMGM Casino: Offers Buffalo Blitz Megaways, Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin, and a rotating library of branded exclusives.
• FanDuel Casino: Strong Megaways library with featured slots in daily promos.
• DraftKings Casino: Known for proprietary versions of big-name Megaways titles.

Live Dealer Blackjack

Live dealer blackjack puts you at a real table, with a real human dealer streaming cards in real time. It’s not a simulator, it’s not RNG-driven; it’s blackjack happening right in front of you. You place your bets through the interface, watch the cards being dealt, and make your moves just like you would in person. Except you’re playing from your couch or on your phone whenever you are.

It’s the closest thing to a casino floor without the drive or the dress code!

Why It’s Growing

Simple: people trust it more. Digital blackjack is fine, but for newer players, like those who grew up around sports betting apps or crypto trading, watching real cards hit the felt helps to alleviate any doubts they might have. It feels more transparent, more interactive, and less like you’re playing against a robot.

The games are fast, social, and available 24/7, 365. You can chat with dealers, tip, watch other hands play out, and jump between tables without waiting. Casual players love the human element. More experienced players like being able to scale bets and track patterns over time.

It also bridges a gap: people who like table games but hate crowded pits finally get a way in. And casinos are really leaning into it by adding side bets, offering low-limit tables, and promoting blackjack lobbies front and center in their apps.

Where to Play

• Caesars Palace Online Casino: Excellent live table setup with real-time dealer interaction and branded tables.
• BetRivers Casino: Good range of table limits and live blackjack promos tied to loyalty rewards.
• BetMGM Casino: Big selection of live blackjack variations, including Infinite Blackjack and Party Blackjack.
• FanDuel Casino: Clean interface and fast-loading tables with early payout options.
• DraftKings Casino: Offers exclusive tables and frequent promos for live dealer games.

Online Roulette (Lightning Roulette & Variants)

Online roulette has been around forever, but it didn’t really start getting the attention of younger audiences until games like Lightning Roulette hit the casino scene. The newer versions keep the traditional setup (a spinning wheel and numbered board) but add randomized multipliers, faster pacing, and great studio production that looks more like a game show than a casino pit.

You’re still picking numbers, splits, or sections. But now, on top of the regular payouts, random numbers get zapped with bonus multipliers that are worth 50x to 500x. That single twist has changed how, and how long, people play!

Why It’s Growing

Classic roulette always had loyal fans, but it wasn’t really built for mobile sessions or modern attention spans. Variants like Lightning Roulette, Instant Roulette, and Double Ball Roulette fixed that. They move faster, look cleaner, and give players more reasons to stay engaged without changing the core game too much.

It also helps that these versions run much smoother on mobile than a lot of legacy table games. You don’t have to pan around a 3D wheel or wait for animations to drag. Just tap your picks, watch the spin, and check if you landed a boost. It’s roulette, trimmed down and built for speed, and it’s super appealing for players who don’t want to babysit a game for 10 minutes just to see if red 24 hits.

The multiplier formats also attract slots players who want a bigger upside without switching categories. If you’re used to going after big payouts? This makes sense.

Where to Play

• Borgata Casino: Features Lightning Roulette and other variants powered by Evolution Gaming.
• Caesars Palace Online Casino: Hosts high-quality roulette streams with multiplier support.
• FanDuel Casino: Strong roulette game variety with sleek mobile performance.
• DraftKings Casino: Offers Lightning Roulette plus low-limit tables for casual players.
• BetMGM Casino: Features both standard and enhanced roulette titles, including speed variants.

Crash Games / Instant Win Games

Crash games are fast-paced, minimalist-style bets where you watch a multiplier go up in real time and decide when to cash out before it crashes. That’s it. No reels, no cards, no boards. Just a curve climbing upward, promising bigger payouts the longer you wait until it cuts off with no warning. If you bail too late? You lose everything.

Popular titles like Aviator, JetX, and Spaceman have helped mold this category, but more casinos are now launching their own versions under different names.

Why They’re Growing

These games are built for mobile-first gamblers, and by that, we mean Gen Z and after. There aren’t any drawn-out rules, and no prior experience needed, just one basic question: do you take the money now, or risk a little longer for more of a payout?

That simple format is all part of the attraction. You can play multiple rounds in a minute, watch others make moves in real time, and talk sh*t in the group chat, and you don’t need a huge bankroll or a strategy chart. It’s quick-hit gambling that is more like timing than luck, even though the outcome is still unpredictable.

Crash games also lean heavily into social-style features: leaderboards, live stats, multipliers that update on the fly, and group chats built into the game screen. It’s a sense of shared timing where everyone is watching the same curve and deciding if they should cash out that makes it more communal than most casino formats.

And from the operator’s side? These games are cheap to run, fast to scale, and keep players spinning through bets at a rapid pace.

Where to Play

• BetRivers Casino: Offers exclusive instant win crash games under “Fast Games” category.
• FanDuel Casino: Aviator and similar real-time cash-out games are included in promo rotations.
• DraftKings Casino: Includes custom-branded versions of crash games with leaderboard rewards.
• Caesars Palace Online Casino: Expanding instant win game offerings with crash-style mechanics.
• BetMGM Casino: Hosts Spaceman and other crash-style games, which are occasionally tied to deposit bonuses.

Online Poker (Rebounding via Cross-Platform Play)

Online poker took a serious hit after its early boom in the 2000s, but it’s made its way back. And this time, it’s built into casino apps that are way slicker than the clunky clients from a decade ago. Traditional Texas Hold’em, fast-fold tables, sit-and-go tournaments, and heads-up cash games are making poker once again a real draw in regulated U.S. markets.

Today’s platforms let players hop into games across devices, join pools with multiple states, and switch between poker and casino games within the same app. That hybrid setup has made it so much easier to stay engaged!

Why It’s Growing

Two things are driving this comeback: better infrastructure and smarter integration. Multi-state pooling lets platforms combine traffic from states like New Jersey and Michigan, meaning tables fill faster and tournament prizes scale higher. That wasn’t possible a few years ago, and it’s a big reason poker feels like it’s alive and well again in U.S. markets.

Second, casino operators have realized poker doesn’t need to stand alone anymore. Most sportsbooks and casino apps build poker into the same interface, so bettors who come in to place a parlay end up sitting at a poker table a few taps later. That cross-traffic matters, and it’s turning casual players into regulars.

Add in quick-seat features, lower buy-ins, and timed tournaments that run throughout the day, and online poker now works better for modern gamblers than it did during its original peak. You don’t need hours; all you need are a few minutes and a bankroll that doesn’t hurt to lose.

Where to Play

• BetMGM Casino / BetMGM Poker: One of the top U.S. poker operators, with cross-state pools and regular MTTs.
• Borgata Casino / Borgata Poker: Offers linked player pools and shares a network with BetMGM.
• Caesars Palace Online Casino / WSOP: Through WSOP, Caesars delivers the largest live-linked tournament platform in the U.S.
• BetRivers Casino: Expanding poker features with low-stakes tables and social integrations.
• DraftKings Casino: While it concentrates more on casino and sports, they’ve begun testing timed poker events within the app.

What’s Fueling These Trends?

It’s anything but random that certain games are trending upward! The rise in traffic across slots, crash games, live tables, and poker has less to do with marketing and has to do with how (and who) is playing. There are younger users with different expectations and platforms that reward repeat play with better promos and tech upgrades—the entire environment has changed.

Younger Players Are Changing the Market

The current surge is mainly coming from users in their 20s and 30s who’ve grown up with mobile-first gaming, fast feedback loops, and a way lower tolerance for slow interfaces or glitchy gameplay.

They’re not looking for the casino version of a retirement cruise. They want instant gratification, transparency, and variety. The change in the player base is why crash games, Megaways slots, and speed-table variants are doing so well, because they play more like apps than legacy casino titles.

Creators Are Turning Games into Content

Streamers and gambling influencers on platforms like Twitch, Kick, and YouTube have done a ton to get certain casino formats into the spotlight. They’re playing, and while they do it, they’re narrating, reacting, and building an audience around what hits and what flops.

When a crash game hits during a stream or someone gets a monster bonus on a branded slot, it creates a ripple. Players go looking for the same experience. And when casinos see what drives traffic, they start featuring those games higher on the app.

Even poker is getting a lift from this due to vloggers running tournament diaries and sharing cash game strategy from mobile setups. The visibility turns into curiosity from viewers, and that leads to play.

Bonuses Are Built Around What’s Popular

There’s a reason you see bonus spins offered on branded slots but not on obscure 3-reel games from 2016. Platforms want to steer players toward what performs, and all promos reflect that. The fastest-growing games right now are the ones most often included in welcome bonuses, reloads, and loyalty rewards.

Slots like Buffalo Blitz Megaways or Wheel of Fortune regularly come with deposit matches and spin offers. Crash games are used for leaderboard competitions or timed rewards. And live tables and roulette variants have begun showing up in cashback deals and “win streak” promos.

The goal is a basic one—to give players a reason to test-drive the games that already work!

Where to Play the Hottest Casino Games in 2025

You don’t have to search or scroll through tons of sketchy sites or hunt down offshore platforms to find the games we are talking about! The best-performing titles (slots, crash games, live tables, and poker) are all available on licensed, regulated U.S. platforms with real money payouts, reliable apps, and promo support to help you stretch out your first few sessions.

Below is where to find them all:

Tips for Playing Fast-Growing Games Wisely

We love all of these games, but you might not agree! Not all headliner games are worth your time and money. Follow the tips below to protect your bankroll if you’re gonna test out what’s trending!

• Set a Budget before You Play: Popular games can ramp up really quickly, so decide on how much you’re comfortable spending and don’t move from that number.
• Use Demo Modes to Learn the Game: If a casino app offers a demo, play it! It’s the fastest (and freest) way to see how the mechanics work without losing any actual money.
• Claim Promos and Bonus Spins First: New-user bonuses and free rounds are tied to top-performing games. Use them to test the games.
• Avoid High-Variance Titles if You Hate Long Lulls: If you’d rather see steady outcomes, gravitate toward low- or mid-volatility games instead of the ones built around big ups and downs.

Conclusion: Trending Now, But for How Long?

Casino games come and go, but the ones that are trending now have blown up for good reason. They don’t drag, they don’t waste your time, and they’re fun. The formats are winning because they meet players where they are, and that’s on their phones.

Here’s a brief recap of what we covered:

• U.S. casino platforms are doubling and tripling down on the game types that work on mobile and have fewer barriers for younger players.
• Branded slots, live blackjack, fast roulette variants, crash games, and poker are at the front of the pack.
• The formats all deliver faster decisions, clearer outcomes, and more control over gaming sessions.

Our final bit of advice is to always play on a licensed and legit gambling site, and to always gamble responsibly!

Check out our curated list of the best online casinos to play the fastest-growing games games!

Los Angeles Angels vs. Philadelphia Phillies Prediction & Best Bets (July 20, 2025)

The Phillies and Angels will wrap up their series Sunday at Citizens Bank Park, and both teams look to take the series after the Phil’s evened it up on Saturday. Ranger Suárez gets the ball for the home side, and he’s got a sub-2.00 ERA and one of the lowest hard-hit rates among qualified starters. The Angels are sending out José Soriano, who’s turned in some solid outings but keeps putting runners on at a high rate and has been super vulnerable against patient, top-heavy lineups.

Philadelphia is still in control of the NL East and doesn’t want to gift another game to a team that’s sitting below .500. The final score of this one will depend on pitching durability, bullpen stability, and how well the Angels’ offense defends itself against a lefty who’s been pretty close to untouchable at Citizen’s Park!

Keep scrolling to see the game details, starting pitcher stats, the latest betting odds, what we’re watching storyline-wise, and our picks for the four best bets!

Game Details

• Matchup: Los Angeles Angels at Philadelphia Phillies
• Date & Time: Sunday, July 20, 5:35 pm ET
• Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
• How to Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, MLB.tv
• Starting Pitchers: Phillies: Ranger Suárez – 7–3, ~1.94 ERA; Angels: José Soriano – 6–7, ~3.90 ERA

Pitcher Stats

The Phils will start out with lefty Ranger Suárez on the mound, and LA is countering with right-hander José Soriano. Look below for both of their stats!

Ranger Suárez (PHI)

• Record & ERA: 7–3, 2.15 ERA
• WHIP & Innings: 1.06 WHIP in 83 ⅔ innings
• Strikeouts: 78 Ks, averaging 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings
• Home Performance: Undefeated (3–0) at Citizens Bank Park with a 3.12 ERA
• Pitching Profile: Suárez consistently keeps hitters off-balance using precise location, producing ground-ball outs and limiting solid contact.

José Soriano (LAA)

• Record & ERA: 6–7, 3.90 ERA
• WHIP & Innings: High 1.45 WHIP over 113 innings, indicating frequent traffic on bases
• Strikeouts: 98 Ks, averaging 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings
• Recent Starts: Allowed five runs (one earned) against Arizona in his last outing (July 13)
• Pitching Profile: Soriano throws hard and can strike out batters, but he gets into trouble after the fourth or fifth inning because of inconsistent location and rising pitch counts.

Betting Odds

Who you got? The Phils or the Angels? If you’re betting, here are the latest odds via FanDuel:

Storylines to Watch

Who (and what) do we have our eye on for this ballgame? The following factors:

• Suárez vs. Contact: Suárez has allowed only one home run since the middle of June and holds opponents under a .210 average. The Angels don’t draw a lot of walks, and that puts them right into his strategy: early contact, weak grounders, and short innings.
• Phillies Want Revenge: Philly lost Game 1, but they won’t want to leave this one up to their bullpen again. Soriano has a high baserunner rate and goes long innings, so this will lean toward a front-loaded scoring window for the Phillies.
• Runline Says More Than the Moneyline: The Angels are +110 to win outright but only –176 to cover +1.5. That price gap? It tells you that oddsmakers are expecting a close game, but it’s one where L.A. loses but keeps it within 2 runs.
• Defensive Separation: The Phillies rank top-5 in double plays turned and bottom-5 in errors. The Angels aren’t far off in miscues, and in a low-total game, one bad throw or a missed stop will matter, so that’s another nod toward the under.

Our Best Bets

How are we gonna play this one? We’ve got three solid angles and one middle-of-the-road play if you’re betting!

Who Wins this One: East Coast or West?

Suárez gives the Phillies a solid five innings before the bullpen takes over with a one-run lead. Philadelphia picks up just enough off Soriano, and it’ll most likely be in the second or third trip through the order, and the Angels will chip away with a scattered offense, mostly in the middle frames. The ninth could get a lil dicey, but the Phillies will hold the line and take the series.

Best Bets Recap

• Phillies Moneyline (–130): ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
• Angels +1.5 Runline (–176): ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
• Under 9.5 Total (–106): ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
• Mike Trout Anytime HR (+250): ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Final Score Prediction: Phillies 5, Angels 4

A 5–4 finish lines up with our card! The Phillies ML hits, Angels +1.5 covers, and it stays just below the total. And if Trout homers? You’ve got yourself a clean sweep!

Team Clark vs. Team Collier Preview & Prediction (July 19, 2025)

The star-studded showdown will take place without Caitlin Clark’s sensational presence on the court. It would be a big miss, as Caitlin Clark won’t come up against Team Collider in their WNBA All-Star clash, especially when the match is going down in front of her home crowd in Indiana. Her absence has hit her team hard, as the team has slipped even lower as the underdogs in the match. But there is still no lack of star power to bring us an epic showdown.

Last year, the WNBA vs. Team USA gave us a thriller that went as high as 226. For the regular WNBA game, 190 to 200 is considered high. As such, projections put this clash at over 250, even with Caitlin Clark on the sidelines. Team Collier has a stacked roster that would certainly give us a high-scoring match with plenty of rookie-veteran play dynamics to watch out for.

Betting-wise, the market might gravitate towards an under against the 250 mark. We expect the match to start in a relaxed manner before gaining momentum in the later rounds.

We’ll dig deeper into the team dynamics and give you a head-to-head comparison of the clash.

Game Details

• Matchup: Team Clark vs. Team Collier
• Date & Time: Saturday, July 19, 8:30 pm ET
• Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
• How to Watch: ABC, WNBA League Pass
• Key Player Replacements: Brittney Sykes for injured Caitlin Clark and Brionna Jones for injured Satou Sabally (all in Team Clark)

Team Form and Momentum

Each of the two teams offer something very different. Check out their current form below.

Team Clark

As mentioned earlier, Team Clark isn’t lacking in star power even with Caitlin Clark’s absence. The team still boasts offensive firepower with A’ja Wilson as the leading scorer. A’ja Wilson has stellar stats for 2025, returning with 34 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks to help the Aces beat the Valkyries. This game happened after she left Tuesday’s game because of a wrist injury and missed Thursday’s match against Washington as well.

Sabrina Ionescu is currently seventh on the preseason rankings with an average career-high 19.4 points per game. She made 34 points back-to-back in June and, for the all-star clash, remains a threat. The WNBA star’s intensity and efficiency have been crucial in keeping New York on track so far.

Then, we have rookies like Angel Reese, who remain a threat to Team Collier despite their experience level. 

Team Collier

Team Collier has the edge in terms of experience. The team boasts stars like Napheesa Collier herself and Breanna Stewart. 

Collier currently leads the WNBA in scoring. She leads by more than three points per game and is on the way to grabbing the Defensive Player of the Year award, as she averages a combined 3.2 steals and blocks per game as well. Since losing the MVP to A’ja Wilson, the star has established herself as the league’s best player and kept her team, the Lynx, as the league’s best team.

Breanna Stewart brings scoring power to Team Collier and will be one of the biggest threats on the court. You also have versatility from Paige Bueckers, who has been nothing short of stellar in her debut season in Dallas. She is the clear rookie favorite for the year and also ranks among the top 10 in scoring. Even better, she is one of the three players to average five assists in a game.

With Breanna Stewart on the scoring side and Napheesa Collier as one of the primary defensive anchors, Team Clark has their work cut out for them. Team Collier brings both experience and the edge in rebounding. Still, both sides are capable of hitting 100+ PPG in an all-star setting.

Head-to-Head & Trends

Due to its uniquely drafted format, there are no direct H2H results for the teams as you would get in regular WNBA games. Instead, we have to fall back on past All-Star games. These games have reached an average of over 180 points, with overs hitting more frequently than unders.

When it comes to the trends, past All-Star games typically went over. The key reason for that is the minimal defense from the teams, as they typically focus on scoring and creating an entertaining game.

The 2024 game saw Team WNBA upset Team USA 117-109. We expect a similar scoreline for Team Clark vs. Team Collier.

The Players to Watch Out For

Here are the key players to keep an eye out for in the game:

Betting Odds

Below are the latest betting odds for this matchup, courtesy of ESPN BET:

Best Bets

Team Clark or Team Collier? Here’s Our Pick

Team Collier has a balanced roster that is not only fun but also high-scoring. Our pick for the match is Team Collier wins 98-92.

Even so, we pick Sabrina Ionescu to earn the MVP honors for Team Clark.

Holloway vs. Poirier Prediction & Betting Preview: UFC 318

Poirier Will come into this fight against Holloway as the winner of their last two encounters. He won one match (on February 4, 2012) by submission and the other (on April 13, 2019) by decision. However, Holloway goes into the fight as the clear favorite. He is the current BMF titleholder and will be looking to retain his title and grab a win against Poirier in what would be their last match.

For Poirier, a win at UFC 318 will be a perfect three-win record against long-time opponent Holloway. He brings knockout power, slick submissions, and veteran guile. But will those be strong enough to checkmate Holloway’s relentless volume striking and unbreakable cardio?

While the odds change, the current figures put Holloway as the betting favorite while Poirier is the underdog. We’ll review each fighter’s profile and make our tactical breakdown. Then, we’ll recommend bets based on what we think will most likely happen.

Fight Overview

• Matchup: Max Holloway (26-8-0) vs. Dustin Poirier (30-9-0, 1 NC)
• Event: UFC 318
• Date: Saturday, July 19
• How to Watch: ESPN+ PPV
• Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
• Start Time (Main Card): 10:00 PM ET (Prelims at 8:00 PM ET, Early Prelims at 6:00 PM ET)
• Weight Class: Lightweight (155 lbs)
• Title on the Line: UFC BMF
• See the full UFC 318 card

Fighter Profiles

Max Holloway

Max Holloway is not the same fighter who faced Poirier a few years back. He has grown, amassing an impressive record of 26-8-0. While that is still shy of Poirier’s record, Holloway has made a mark for himself when it comes to unbreakable pace and UFC-record significant strikes.

In the UFC 300 lightweight fight on April 14, 2024, Max Holloway proved his evolution both in strikes and pace. He also got himself a knockout win against Justin Gaethje, who also has an impressive record of 26 wins.

Max Holloway’s transition to lightweight full-time has also had a significant impact on his strength, pace, and agility.

Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier won’t go down easily, as his past performances are even more stellar than Max Holloway’s. The veteran holds UFC records for knockouts in lightweight and fan-favorite wars. On March 10, 2024, Poirier took the win in his match against Benoît Saint-Denis. He won the latter via knockout.

Max Holloway currently sits below Dustin Poirier when it comes to the number of fights won. Dustin Poirier has won 30 fights, while Max Holloway has won 26 fights.

While Max Holloway embraces the hype surrounding the fight, Dustin Poirier remains unfazed by the hype. As a veteran, Poirier would rather focus on guillotine subs and left hooks. And let’s not forget that he will take on Holloway on home turf. The home crowd’s cheers in Louisiana are certain to add an emotional edge to this encounter.

When it comes to being a threat in the ring, Poirier has a well-rounded attack structure. The veteran is experienced in submissions and power strikes and will likely bring these into the fight.

Tactical Breakdown

Holloway won’t be so easy to take down, as the fighter currently boasts a strong takedown defense of 71%. But, we won’t count so much on his get-up game, as he isn’t renowned for his wrestling or grappling escapes. We expect him to rely more on his strikes and movements to avoid being taken down or to recover quickly.

Poirier has the takedown experience on his side and holds the submission edge with his guillotine and BJJ. While he may excel early in the fight, he is more likely to fade due to his age and mileage. If that happens, then Holloway’s superior endurance will most likely give the fighter the edge he needs to win the fight.

When it comes to the psyche and momentum, Holloway is in for revenge against Poirier for the past two losses. To him, it will be a moment to regain the narrative and keep his lightweight title.

For Poirier, a fight at home is enough for mental fortitude. We also expect him to be more tucked into the fight as he looks to make the most of his last chance at capturing a title and becoming the BMF champion before retirement.

If Poirier uses the guillotine choke to push Holloway into submission, then that will be the perfect storybook ending to an adventurous career. But to pull that off, he has to find a loophole in Holloway’s takedown defense.

Betting Outlook and Odds

• Current odds: Holloway -140, Poirier +115 (via BetMGM)
• Implied probability: Holloway (58.33%), Poirier (46.51%)

Betting Corner: Our Top Bets

Holloway vs. Poirier: Who Has the Final Edge?

To Poirier, the fight is a chance to grab a title before hanging up his gloves. For Holloway, it is an opportunity to get back at Poirier for the two previous fights and also retain his BMF title. His recent form and pace have a high potential of offsetting Poirier, especially in the later rounds. However, Poirier’s experience in wars and dominance is not to be swept under the carpet.

The different approaches between the two experienced fighters bring opportunities in the method of victory prop bets. You will also find valuable odds in over-round prop bets.

Do you think this fight will be the perfect retirement gift for Poirier? Share your predictions and picks with the community in the comment section, as we’d like to hear your thoughts as well.

Our Final Prediction: Max Holloway wins via unanimous decision.

Poirier will likely put up a good fight in the early rounds. And he is less likely to catch Holloway at this stage for a choke. Holloway’s superior cardio, volume, and motivation will likely keep him in the game long enough for Poirier to edge out.

Ready to put your picks to the test? Check out the top UFC betting apps to place your wagers at and ensure fast payouts on your winnings.

The Secret to Successful Parlays: Strategic Bet Building

Parlays are like catnip to bettors. Why? Because they have big odds, small stakes, and they promise to turn $10 into $500. And that’s a super easy sell.

Sportsbooks know this, and that’s why they market these bets so aggressively. The truth is that most bettors lose. It’s not because they’re clueless; it’s because by their very nature, parlays are built to wreck you for just one bad read.

But they’re not unwinnable. All you have to do is stop building them like they’re a lottery ticket and start to think like a trader. With some smarter construction, like using correlated outcomes, market awareness, and basic restraint, parlays can go from reckless to strategic.

You are never guaranteed anything in sports betting (or life), but that doesn’t mean you have to keep torching your bankroll on bad parlays!

Keep reading if you want to find out how parlays can work with smart construction tactics; we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

What Is a Parlay Bet?

A parlay bet is one wager that links together two or more individual bets (called legs) into one combined stake. To win a parlay, every leg has to win; if any one leg loses, the entire parlay loses.

Because the odds of each leg multiply, parlays offer way bigger payouts than single bets, but they are also a lot riskier! Three standard point-spread bets at -110 odds (implied ~52.4% each) can be parlayed together by converting to decimal odds (1.91 each) and multiplying:

Example of a 3-leg parlay: Three -110 spreads → decimal 1.91 × 1.91 × 1.91 ≈ 6.97. A $10 bet multiplies to $69.70, yielding +597 or about a 6-to-1 payout.

The above example shows how the odds compound: a two-team -110 parlay (~3.65 decimal) pays roughly +265, whereas a three-team parlay (~6.97 decimal) pays nearly +600. The draw is obvious; for small stakes, you could see a huge potential return.

But, and this is a big “but,” parlays also increase the risk. Each added leg multiplies the house’s edge and slashes the true win probability. The gambler has to cheer for every pick: one missed game? That means a $0 payoff. Investopedia says that parlays “Are riskier since they comprise many individual chances but give a bigger payout if all individual wagers win.” They are an all-or-nothing gamble.

Why Parlays Usually Fail

Sure, parlays are really tempting, and that’s understandable, but the odds are heavily stacked against bettors. The math works against you: Each bet is usually priced with a built-in bookmaker margin (the “vig”). When you combine bets, you not only multiply the positive outcomes but also multiply the vig.

In addition to that face, only one loss in a parlay wipes out the whole bet. You can get almost every leg correct, and if you miss one? Busted. And because each leg carries the book’s margin, the effective house edge on a multi-leg parlay is enormous; it’s much higher than any single bet’s 4–5%. If you treat a 3-leg parlay as a single bet, the house edge can be seen as ~12.5% from the bettor’s stake perspective, and this makes parlays long shots, not fair wagers.

Common Mistakes Bettors Make

Given the steep odds we talked about? It’s really easy to make common mistakes like the following:

Smart Parlay Construction Tactics

So, we’ve established that parlays are really hard to win. Got it? Good. But intelligent parlay design can tilt the odds slightly in your favor. The goal is to preserve upside but minimize your risk. What are the smartest parlay construction tactics that informed bettors use? The following ones!

1. Limit the Number of Legs

Keep parlays short. Industry analyses and sharps recommend sticking to 2–3 legs max. With three -110 lines, your win chance is already only ~12.5%; with four legs, it drops to ~6%.  Most professional bettors avoid parlays altogether or cap them at three picks. Fewer legs means a higher probability of hitting, so it’s a safer balance of risk and reward.

2. Stay Within a Single Sport or Market

Limiting to one sport (or even one game) helps leverage your expertise and decreases the unpredictable variables. Sticking to a familiar league means that you can apply specific knowledge (injuries, weather, matchup history, etc.) across all legs. Parlaying across different sports or random games adds unnecessary uncertainty. When you concentrate on a single sport or theme, you also avoid schedule misalignment and guarantee that your insights mean something.

3. Use Correlated Outcomes (When Allowed)

Look for legs that logically reinforce each other! When one outcome happens, it increases the chance of another; you’re finding a positive correlation. In an NFL game, you could pair Team A to win + QB passing yards over. If Team A wins, it usually means that their offense performed well, making a big QB stat more likely. If a running back’s rushing yards over tend to align with that team’s moneyline? The linked bets work in tandem.

Warning: Always check sportsbook rules! Some “obvious” correlations are disallowed. If a team’s moneyline and its point-spread bet are effectively guaranteed to correlate (if the team wins outright, they likely cover even a small spread), most sportsbooks won’t let you parlay those. 

4. Shop for Best Odds on Each Leg

Always compare prices across sportsbooks, as even small differences in individual odds multiply in a parlay! The same 5-team parlay could pay out +6531 at one book but only +4000 at another. On a $5 bet? That’s a $200 payout versus $326, which is a big gap. A tiny edge in each leg can translate to big gains on the ticket. Use line-shopping tools or multiple accounts to snag the best line for every pick, and a sportsbook-specific parlay calculator will also highlight which sportsbook site is offering the highest payout for your combo!

5. Avoid Heavy Favorites Just to ‘Boost’ Payout

You might feel like it’s a good idea to pad a parlay with an extremely likely outcome (like a –500 favorite) to bump the total odds as a near-certain add-on, but it’s NOT. The heavy favorites almost always carry extra risk (upsets can and do happen), and they don’t move the needle on payout as much as you’d hope. 

We actually advise avoiding massive favorites on parlay tickets. The teams with large expected leads usually ease off late, which makes big favorites less sure. Plus, steep favorites have low true plus-odds; adding one leg at –500 might only raise your parlay odds modestly while adding a considerable chance of ruin. Only parlay picks that you really believe in; don’t slip a presumed “can’t lose” pick onto the slip just for a little increased payout.

6. Use Bankroll-Protecting Strategies

Keep each parlay wager small (just a few percent of your bankroll). Always look at parlays (and all gambling) as entertainment, aka a chance at a big score, and not as a main strategy. We advise treating parlays like scratch-off lotto tickets. They’re cheap, fun, and easy to control, and you should never build your betting bankroll strategy around them.

The smartest approach? Mix parlays with regular straight bets: save the parlays for when you have really strong convictions on multiple legs, and otherwise place normal bets where the house edge is lower. Never chase a parlay; if you lose one, stick to your plan and do not double down.

Advanced Tips from Pros

We like to think of ourselves as pros, so we put together some more advanced tips for all of you parlayers!

Using Round Robins for Safety Nets

A round-robin is like buying partial insurance on a multi-leg parlay. Instead of one big parlay, you make several smaller parlays covering all combos of your selections.

If there are three teams, A, B, C, instead of one 3-team parlay, a round robin would place three separate 2-team parlays (AB, AC, BC). This way, if one team loses? You can still win one of the two-team tickets. You are sacrificing some of the maximum upside for a higher chance of a partial payout. A round robin requires more total stake (you’re placing multiple bets), but it decreases the chance of a complete loss. For bettors who are worried about a single upset wrecking the whole ticket, small round robins can be a really useful tactic. 

FYI: Bigger round robins get expensive: a 5-team “full cover” round robin has 26 bets, so use them judiciously!

Building Same-Game Parlays Strategically

Same-game parlays (SGPs) let you combine multiple bets from one game. Pros use SGPs to exploit game-specific insights. If you foresee a high-scoring NFL game, you could parlay Team A moneyline + over X points total + a player prop (like QB over yards) in that same game. 

The key here is logical consistency: your chosen bets should fit a coherent game narrative. Allowed combos include “team to win” with that team scoring over 110 points, since one doesn’t guarantee the other. Another expert tip? Focus on positive correlations, like if you bet on a team covering a big spread, it usually makes sense to include the over on total points, as high-scoring wins tend to cover spreads in blowouts. And parlaying player props with relevant game outcomes (like a star’s points over with the over on the game total) are better for coherence. Again, make sure that a sportsbook allows the combination!

Parlaying Props vs. Spreads/Totals

Props (player statistics and special bets) can add a lot of value if used carefully and correctly. Props usually have less efficient pricing, so sometimes value does exist. But props can also be highly correlated, like if a quarterback’s passing yards directly tie to his team’s success.

If you use props in parlays, treat them like you would any leg: make sure that they mesh logically with the others. Don’t parlay an NBA player’s rebound prop with an unrelated football game! If you like a soccer game’s over, you could parlay it with a relevant player’s goal prop. Traditional bets (spreads/totals) are straightforward but usually just stack the normal -110 vig multiple times. Props do allow for some nuance, but also come with a higher vig or are more complicated. You should only mix them when a solid reasoning connects the two.

Real Examples: Smart vs. Dumb Parlay Construction

We wouldn’t talk endlessly about parlay construction without giving you examples! Below are two; one is smart and one is straight up dumb.

When (and When Not) to Use Parlays

Okay, so when should you use parlays? And when should you not? Look below for our basic guidelines!

Conclusion: Turning Risks Into Smart Strategies

Parlays aren’t broken; they’re just badly built! We have seen way too many bettors throw five random legs together and hope for a miracle, and then rinse and repeat when it falls apart. 

That’s not a strategy; at that point, you are donating your money to sportsbooks, and you can’t even use it as a tax write-off! 

If you’re going to bet parlays, treat them like you would any high-risk trade: minimal exposure, smart combos, and absolutely no filler. You’re not in any way gaming the system by stacking bets; what you’re doing is multiplying every flaw in your process. But when the construction’s solid, the math checks out, and the risk is managed? That’s when parlays can start to make sense. But only as an occasional treat, not as a daily one!

Here’s a brief refresher on parlays and how to build (and not build) them:

• Parlays do indeed offer big payouts but have really low win probabilities, and every added leg cuts your chances and multiplies the risk.
• Most bettors lose parlays due to compounding house edge and an unrealistic construction.
• Shorter parlays (2–3 legs) are always smarter. Anything longer usually turns into a losing ticket.
• Stick to one sport or game when possible, as it keeps your edge tighter and the unknown variables lower.
• Use correlated outcomes strategically (when allowed) to raise the probability of multiple legs hitting.
• Don’t pad parlays with heavy favorites; they usually add risk without adding any meaningful value.
  Line shop every leg—even small odds differences can make a big payout difference.
• Use parlays as an occasional tool, not a daily habit. Keep your bet size low and avoid chasing losses.
• Round robins and same-game parlays can offer a better structure for risk-conscious bettors.
  

Want to test out some parlay strategies? You can take advantage of our free Parlay Calculator when you are building!

Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction & Top Bets (July 18, 2025)

The Tampa Bay Rays are welcoming the Baltimore Orioles (AL East rivals) to Tropicana Field (officially called the George M. Steinbrenner Field) for a three-game series that kicks off on Friday, July 18. The first pitch will be thrown at 7:35 p.m. ET!

Charlie Morton is slated to start for Baltimore, and Taj Bradley will get the ball for Tampa Bay.

The Rays are back from a break and trying to stop a four-game slide. They’ll open the second half with these three games at home against the Orioles, and that’ll be followed by another series against the White Sox.

Baltimore went 4–3 against Tampa Bay in the first half, splitting a four-game set and then taking two of three. The Orioles dropped their last two games before the break, but they won three in a row before that, which ended a disappointing first half.

Who’s got the advantage in this ballgame? Keep reading to find out the game details, the latest betting odds, starting pitcher stats, matchups to watch, and our handpicked three best bets!

Game Details

• Matchup: Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays
• Date & Time: Friday, July 18, at 7:35 p.m. ET
• Venue: George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa; the Rays are playing their home games there this season due to Tropicana Field damage
• How to Watch: MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network (CHC region), NESN (BOS region), MLB.tv
• Starting Pitchers: TV coverage on MASN2 (Orioles) and FanDuel Sports Network Sun (formerly Bally Sports Sun) for Rays games; streaming available on MLB.TV

Betting Odds

Ready to put some money down on this game? Here are the current betting odds and lines courtesy of DraftKings:

Starting Pitchers Breakdown

Who’s on the hill for the Orioles and the Rays? Here’s who’s starting:

Betting Trends & Insights

• The Orioles are 7–3 against the spread in their last 10 as underdogs.
• The Rays are 4–6 ATS in their last 10 games.
• The under has hit in 7 of the Orioles’ last 10 games.
• Baltimore’s bullpen has really improved with some midseason moves.
• Tampa Bay has a .701 OPS vs. right-handed pitching.

Player Matchups to Watch

Who should you be watching in this game? These three matchups!

• Gunnar Henderson vs. Taj Bradley: Henderson has already homered off Bradley once this season; he hits velocity really well and hunts early-count fastballs.
• Yandy Díaz vs. Morton: Díaz has a career .300 hitter off righties this year; he has low whiff rates and good numbers at this ballpark.
• Jorge Mateo on the bases: He’s a constant baserunning factor against Tampa. Mateo already has multiple steals in this matchup and has pushed throws out of position with really aggressive jumps. When he’s active, the infield and pitcher both speed up, trying to contain him.

Our Best Bets

How are we playing this one? Look below for our three best bets!

Back the Birds: Why the Odds Favor Baltimore

Final Score Prediction: Orioles 5, Rays 4

The game will be close, but the Orioles’ bullpen will work their magic in the later innings!

The Orioles are getting overlooked here. They’ve been the more reliable team coming out of the break, and Charlie Morton’s recent outings show real signs of improvement. Tampa Bay hasn’t been covering the run line at home, and Bradley’s outings have been short when he can’t stay ahead or manage contact. The total also leans toward the under based on how these two teams have been scoring (or not scoring) in the past few weeks!

Best Bets Recap

• Orioles Moneyline (+100)  ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆: The Birds have better form, more momentum, and a starter who’s trending up.
• Rays +1.5 Run Line (-193) ⭐⭐⭐☆☆: There’s an added margin in a close game with extra value if it’s low-scoring.
• Under 9 Total Runs (-110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆: Both teams have been leaning under as of late, and the pitching matchup supports it!

Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago Cubs Betting Preview & Prediction (July 18, 2025)

It’s the Red Sox vs. Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago for a matinee game. What’s on deck for the teams? Only playoff standing!

Boston is at 53–45, only 1.5 games out of the AL East lead. And the Cubs are 57–39, two games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central.

Lucas Giolito is getting the ball for the Red Sox, and he’s had back-to-back wins where he went 6+ innings with only two runs allowed in each, and he’s only given up one homer in his last four. Colin Rea counters for the Cubs, and even though his ERA is under 4.00 at home, he’s been tagged for 17 hits in his last two starts at Wrigley.

Will it be Boston or Chicago? Keep scrolling to see the game details, betting odds, main storylines, and our three best bets!

Game Details

• Matchup: Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago Cubs
• Date & Time: Friday, July 18, 2:20 pm ET
• Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
• How to Watch: MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network (CHC region), NESN (BOS region), MLB.tv
• Starting Pitchers: Lucas Giolito (BOS) – 6‑1, ERA 3.36; Colin Rea (CHC) – 7‑3, ERA 3.91

Betting Odds

Feeling out how to play this one? Here are the current odds and lines via FanDuel:

Storylines to Watch

Here’s what we’ll be watching for in this midday ballgame:

• Giolito trending up, Rea struggling by the 3rd: In his last two starts, Lucas Giolito has gone 7 innings twice, giving up only 1 earned run in each and posting 17 strikeouts. Colin Rea has been tagged for 9 runs across his last 8.2 innings and was yanked before the 5th inning in his last two outings for allowing 3+ runs by the end of the 3rd in both.
• Head-to-head: Boston is 5–2 in their last seven meetings with the Cubs and has won 3 of their last 4 at Wrigley. And in those three Wrigley wins? They outscored Chicago 21–10.
• Momentum: Despite three sellouts, Chicago’s offense has scored only 8 total runs during their last four games at Wrigley, and they lost three of them. The top of the order has gone 7-for-41 in that stretch.
• Weather & Ballpark: The first pitch forecast shows 10–12 mph wind blowing in from right-center. That’s not great news for lefties like Devers and Bellinger, who are two of the main HR props on the board.

Our Best Bets

Okay, for this matchup? We like the following three angles!

How to Bet Red Sox vs. Cubs

Boston has the advantage on the hill with Giolito, and their recent success at Wrigley gives this angle real value. Offensively, both clubs have enough pop to push this total higher because of suspect middle innings that we expect to see on both ends.

Best Bets Recap

• Red Sox ML (+108) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
• Over 8.5 Runs (+100) – ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
• Red Sox +1.5 Run Line (–192) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Boston is worth backing outright or with the cushion. The total leans high if either starter gets yanked in early innings and the matchups line up as expected, so lock in your bets before weather impact and line moves come into play!

Final Score Prediction: Red Sox 6, Cubs 4

Giolito gives up two runs over five. Boston scores three in the sixth off Rea, then adds another run in the seventh. The Cubs get one back in the eighth, but the Sox bullpen covers the final four innings and hangs onto the lead.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios WBC Welterweight Title Fight on July 19, 2025

When you think of boxing legends, a name that’s sure to pop into your mind is Manny Pacquiao. The “PacMan” is one of the most iconic boxers of the past 30 years, and on July 10? He’s back, baby!

And who is he ending his three-year retirement against when he bobs and weaves his way back into the ring at the MGM Grand in Vegas? Mario Barrios. The 46-year-old PacMan will take on Mario Barrios, the 30-year-old champion, for the WBC welterweight title.

Pacquiao hasn’t fought since his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas, and that bout ended his run with the WBA belt. He wants to make history again by breaking his own record as the oldest man to win a welterweight crown, one that he set when he claimed a belt at the age of 40.

Boxing fans, rejoice! You’ll be able to watch this fight and bet on all kinds of outcomes. Keep reading to see stats, betting odds, a tactical breakdown, expert analysis, our picks for the four best bets, prop and alt bets, and pairing recommendations!

Match Details

• What:Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios – WBC Welterweight Title Fight
• When: Saturday, July 19; Main card starts at 6:00 p.m. ET; Pacquiao vs. Barrios ringwalks expected to start around 11:00 p.m. ET
• Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
• How To Watch: Pay-Per-View on Prime Video PPV ($79.99 in the U.S.); Also available on PPV.com; Prelims for Prime members begin at 5:30 p.m. ET

The Stakes

What’s on the line? Oh, only both fighters’ reps and egos.

• Barrios is defending the WBC welterweight title for the first time.
• Pacquiao is going right into a title fight after almost three years out of the ring.
• A win would make Pacquiao the oldest welterweight champion in history, breaking his own record.
• If Barrios wins, he takes out a global icon and adds a marquee scalp to his record.
• If Pacquiao pulls it off? He resets the age ceiling and walks away with another belt at 46 years old.

Tale of the Tape

• Pacquiao (46): PacMan’s fight record is 72–8–2, with 39 KOs; he’s a legendary southpaw, stands 5′5½″, and has a 67″ reach
• Barrios (30): Barrios’s fight record is 29–2–1, with 18 KOs; he’s 6 feet tall, has an Orthodox stance and a 70″ reach; he’s been the WBC title holder since 2024

What the Experts Are Saying

Bernard Hopkins, the oldest man to ever win a world title at 49, believes that Manny Pacquiao still has enough in the tank to beat Barrios if it goes the distance. “Manny’s got the speed, he’s got the experience… Manny could beat him by decision,” Hopkins told talkSPORT. 

He doesn’t think a knockout is likely, but he’s not ruling out a smart, technical win from the veteran lefty.

Chris Algieri, who fought Pacquiao in 2014, sees a possible path for the 46-year-old, but only if his legs don’t give out. In a CBS Sports feature, Algieri said, “If Manny still has that first step, if he can still fire one of those left straights… we’ve got ourselves a fight.” 

Still, he flagged conditioning as being the biggest concern if the fight goes past the midpoint.

And then there’s Sugar Ray Leonard, who knows a thing or two about late-career comebacks, and he stressed the mental side of the equation. “If he concentrates on his mental strength… that’s going to be the difference,” Leonard said in a talkSPORT interview. He feels that the biggest hurdle for Pacquiao isn’t physical, it’s psychological.

Latest Betting Odds

Putting some money on this pummeling? Here are the latest odds and lines courtesy of ESPN BET:

• Moneyline – Mario Barrios: –275 (favorite)
• Moneyline – Manny Pacquiao: +210 (underdog)
• Over/Under 10.5 Rounds – Over: –135

Tactical Breakdown

Our Best Bet Picks

Okay, we’ve crunched the numbers and stats, and we’ve narrowed it down to the following four best bets!

Five Prop Bets & Alt Markets

Strategic Bet Pairing Recs

Wanna build a bet stack? You should match your main play with correlated props that align with how you see the fight playing out! Look at the table to see how to line it up based on your reading:

Will the Legend Rise or Fall? Our Prediction

The PacMan doesn’t need to prove anything, but he clearly wants to get back in the ring. But he’s 46 years old, hasn’t fought in close to three years, and was clearly outpointed by Yordenis Ugas the last time we saw him fight. Since then, Barrios has been active and had a convincing win over that same opponent. He’s younger, taller, and hasn’t been on an extended break.

Pacquiao may very well still have the timing to steal a few early rounds, but this fight favors Barrios in every physical category. He doesn’t need a knockout; just sustained output and control. If Pacquiao loses steam by Round 6 or 7, Barrios wins it.

Best Bets Recap

• Barrios Moneyline (–275): ★★★★☆
• Over 10.5 Rounds (–135): ★★★☆☆
• Barrios by Decision (+220): ★★★★☆
• Barrios to Win Rounds 9–12 (+400): ★★☆☆☆

This fight will likely go the full 12 rounds, and Barrios by decision is the most realistic outcome, with round totals and knockdown props offering extra value if you expect a methodical, one-sided scorecard. Pacquiao would need to have a near-perfect early execution to change this, and that’s hard to trust when your opponent is 16 years your junior.

Our Final Prediction

Mario Barrios def. Manny Pacquiao via Unanimous Decision (Scores: 117–111, 116–112, 118–110)

Barrios will control the range, win the majority of rounds, and there won’t be any big exchanges.

We’ll see a few bursts of the Pacquiao we know, but he’ll gas out in late rounds and have a hard time maintaining an output of shots.

Looking to enjoy this fight by placing a few wagers? Head over to one of the top boxing betting apps to be able to bet at any time and from anywhere on this matchup.