2024 Women's Wimbledon Odds: Aryna Sabalenka Favored to Win First Grass Grand Slam
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

2024 Women’s Wimbledon Odds: Aryna Sabalenka Favored to Win First Grass Grand Slam

Following the 2024 French Open, we turn our attention to the grass swing of the WTA season.

With Wimbledon fast approaching, Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 tennis player in the World, will start grass play as the favorite to win her first title at the All England Club, which begins on July 1st and runs through July 14th.

Sabalenka hasn't advanced past the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, but her potent first serve and ability to dictate quick points has oddsmakers installing her as the favorite early on, with surprising 2023 champion Markéta Vondroušová further down the board at +1600.

Here's the full odds for 2024 Wimbledon in the wake of the 2024 French Open.

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Sablenka is favored over No. 1 Iga Świątek, who also hasn't captured much glory at Wimbledon, also failing to make it past the quarterfinals in this Grand Slam.

While last year's champion Vondroušová enters as a credible threat this season, she was a longshot heading into the 2023 edition, and another longshot could take control again with grass proving to be difficult to navigate for some of the top women.

The name that has been most consistently at the top has been Ons Jabeur, who was the runner up in each of the past two Grand Slam's at the All England Club. She enters +1400. The woman she lost to in 2022, Elena Rybakina, is the third choice to win a second Grand Slam here after making the quarterfinals in the French Open.

Meanwhile, Coco Gauff will hope for a better run this year after losing in the first round in 2023.

Wimbledon has been as chaotic as any of the Grand Slams, and without a clear cut favorite, we may be in for more surprises in 2024.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

2024 Wimbledon, 2024 Wimbledon Odds, Aryna Sabalenka, Barbora Krejcikova, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Caroline Garcia, Coco Gauff, Danielle Collins, Daria Kasatkina, Dayana Yastremska, Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina, Iga Swiatek, Jeļena Ostapenko, Jessiva Pegula, Karolina Muchova, Karolina Pliskova, Leylah Fernandez, Madison Keys, Maria Sakkari, Marketa Vondrou, Mirra Andreeva, Naomi Osaka, Qinwen Zheng, Simona Halep, Tennis Betting Odds, Veronika Kudermetova, Victoria Azarenka, Wimbledon, WTA Tennis
0
New Report Reveals Why Fever Star Caitlin Clark Was Left Off Team USA
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

New Report Reveals Why Fever Star Caitlin Clark Was Left Off Team USA

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark's omission from the Team USA basketball roster for the 2024 summer Olympics in Paris left fans outraged and many questioning the reason why she was snubbed.

According to a report from Christine Brennan of USA TODAY, there were concerns within Team USA of how Clark's millions of fans would "react to what would likely be limited playing time on a stacked roster."

The Team USA roster is loaded without a doubt, but Clark's presence, even on the end of the bench, would certainly drive marketing around the premier worldwide sporting event,

Instead, Clark will be at home this summer, enjoying a mid-season Olympic break from the WNBA to rest up and root for the players who did make the roster.

Clark tied a career-high with 30 points in Friday night's victory over the win-less Washington Mystics. In her first WNBA season, she is averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists on 37.3% shooting from the floor.

The Fever take the court again on Monday against the Connecticut Sun, looking to capture their fourth win of the season.

Caitlin Clark, Olympics, Team USA, WNBA
0
Alexander Zverev vs. Carlos Alcaraz Odds and Pick for French Open Finals
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Alexander Zverev vs. Carlos Alcaraz Odds and Pick for French Open Finals

A new French Open champion will be crowned on Sunday with Alexander Zverev gunning for his first Grand Slam title against two-time Grand Slam champ Carlos Alcaraz. 

Alcaraz, the heavy favorite to claim his first title at Roland-Garros, is off a five set thriller against soon-to-be-named No. 1 player in the world Jannik Sinner, while Zverev finally breakthrough after making three consecutive semifinals in the French Open, beating Casper Ruud in four sets. 

Zverev has had a grueling journey to his second ever Grand Slam title, starting by beating the best clay court player in Rafael Nadal, playing two five set matches, and now facing arguably the future of the sport in Alcaraz. 

The Spaniard is the heavy favorite, here’s our full betting preview for the French Open Finals. 

Spread

Moneyline

Total: 38.5 (Over -112/Under -118)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook 

The question surrounding this one will be if Zverev can finally get the monkey off his back and win a Grand Slam title. 

Despite some long matches, Zverev has been at the top of his game in 2024, one set away from advancing to the Australian Open Finals and 12 straight wins on this surface that includes a title in Rome. However, this will be by far his stiffest test against the phenom that is Alcaraz.

Fitness concerns have plagued Alcaraz for much of this year, but there has been no denying his excellence at Roland-Garros. Last year, as the tournament favorite, Alcaraz lost to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, cramping up in the middle of the match. Can he avenge his own loss? 

There is no denying Alcaraz is the better player, and that’s indicated in the odds, but Zverev has proven to be capable of neutralizing some of the Spainard’s physical success on the court, sporting an elite backhand. 

It’s worth noting that Zverev leads the head-to-head between the two 5-4, winning two of three on this surface, including a four set victory at the 2022 French Open. 

Alcaraz has the firepower to win this match in straight sets, but Zverev has improved on his service games to drag matches into tiebreakers and extend the match. 

An upset could be brewing at Roland-Garros, but I believe it will take a while. I’ll go for the over games as my preferred bet in the French Open Finals. 

PICK: OVER 38.5 Games (-112)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, French Open, French Open Betting Preview, french open picks, French Open Predictions, Tennis Picks
0
Basketball Fans Question Caitlin Clark's Team USA Snub for 2024 Summer Olympics
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Basketball Fans Question Caitlin Clark’s Team USA Snub for 2024 Summer Olympics

Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, who starred at Iowa and is a key reason for the boom in popularity of women's basketball over the last couple of years, was reportedly left off Team USA's roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

There's an argument to be made that Clark would be at the end of the bench if she did make Team USA this summer, but it's still a curious decision to leave her off the roster given her draw in media.

While Clark has been up-and-down in her first season as a professional, she brings eyeballs to the television and the arena, as exhibited by the sellout crowd of 20,333 in attendance to see Clark and the Fever take on the Washington Mystics on Friday night at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The sellout crowd was the largest WNBA crowd in 17 years.

Clark had her best game of her rookie season in front of that crowd, scoring 30 points on seven made threes, while adding eight rebounds, six assists and four steals.

Clark joins Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale as notable snubs for the summer Olympics roster. Here's who Team USA will be bringing instead, which is undoubtedly a loaded group.

On television draw alone, many expected Clark to make the roster. Now that she hasn't, basketball fans across social media are outraged.

Caitlin Clark, Olympics, Team USA
0
PGA Tour Says 'Progress Was Made' in Latest Talks With PIF
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

PGA Tour Says ‘Progress Was Made’ in Latest Talks With PIF

 DUBLIN, Ohio – The PGA Tour said in a statement Saturday morning that its meeting with representatives of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia on Friday was a continuation of “accelerated’’ talks “where more progress was made.’’

A year ago this week, the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and PIF entered into a “framework agreement’’ that has yet to be consummated as a way to bring unity to the men’s professional game.

The PGA Tour and LIV Golf League—which is funded by the PIF—are both playing events this weekend, the PGA Tour at the Memorial Tournament and LIV Golf in Houston.

Last month Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott were named to a “transaction committee’’ that is to deal directly with the PIF as part of a plan to get investment in the new PGA Enterprises.

The others on the committee are PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan;  former Tour player and board liaison Joe Ogilvie; Joe Gorder, who is an executive with Valero and the chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises; and John Henry, a principal with Fenway Sports Group and part of the Strategic Sports Group, which earlier this year invested $1.5 billion in PGA Tour Enterprises.

The group met in New York on Friday with representatives of the PIF, including its governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan. McIlroy, who is playing in the Memorial Tournament, participated via video conference.

“I certainly don’t see in the next couple of years LIV slowing down,’’ McIlroy said during an interview Thursday. “They’re buying office space in New York. They have over 200 employees. I don’t see a world where—and I haven’t heard any of those guys say that they don’t want to play over there either, right? You’ve got guys who are on contracts until 2028, 2029.

“Looking a few years down the line, LIV is going to continue to sort of keep going down its path. But hopefully with maybe more of a collaboration or an understanding between the tours. Maybe there is some cross pollenization there where players can start to play on both. I guess that will all be talked about it in the coming weeks.’’

McIlroy said the transaction committee has met a few times amongst themselves and every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with representatives of the PIF for the last few weeks.

It’s been a year since the “framework agreement’ was announced, with no deal made and plenty of conjecture back and forth. The SSG commitment stalled talks with the PIF, but seemingly have resumed with plenty of ground to cover. This was the first time the transaction committee met in person with Al-Rumayyan.

“Representatives from the PGA Tour Enterprises Transaction Subcommittee and the PIF have been meeting multiple times weekly to work through potential deal terms and come to a shared vision on the future of professional golf,’’ the Tour said in a statement Saturday. “On Friday evening, an in-person session in New York City included the entire Transaction Subcommittee and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and his team, where more progress was made.

“We remain committed to these negotiations, which require working through complex considerations to best position golf for global growth. We want to get this right, and we are approaching discussions with careful consideration for our players, our fans, our partners and the game’s future.’’

Golf, LIV, McIlroy, PGA Tour, PIF
0
Caitlin Clark Had Such a Perfect Answer When Asked If She Watched Game 1 of NBA Finals
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Caitlin Clark Had Such a Perfect Answer When Asked If She Watched Game 1 of NBA Finals

Caitlin Clark is a supporter of all women's sports, not just the WNBA.

Prior to Clark's game with the Indiana Fever on Friday night, an 85-83 Fever win over the winless Washington Mystics, the rookie was asked if she had tuned into Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks, which had tipped off Thursday night.

Clark's response was perfect.

"To be honest, I had the women’s college softball world series on instead," Clark said. "It was a little bit better of a game, but when I flipped back to the NBA... Yeah I was flipping back and forth."

"There’s a girl that pitches for Texas who’s a freshman that actually lived a couple streets over from me growing up, so I was rooting for the Texas Longhorns, unfortunately, they couldn't get it done. I think that's even just a great display of women's sports and where it's going. I've always been a big fan of women's softball and women's sports across the board, so I was moreso watching that."

Clark did acknowledge that she's watching the finals, though she also admitted that the Indiana Pacers, who lost to the Boston Celtics in the conference finals, not making it affected her interest levels a bit.

But the bigger point here is Clark's unwavering support for women's sports across the board. As arguably the biggest driver of interest in the WNBA at the moment, Clark has the ability to help lift up nearly any other women's sport she supports or has an interest in.

Clark was doing just that by bringing attention to the women's college softball world series.

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever, NBA Finals, WNBA
0
MLB Best Bets Today, June 8th (Fade Kyle Bradish and Orioles?)
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

MLB Best Bets Today, June 8th (Fade Kyle Bradish and Orioles?)

Who wants winners on Saturday?

With 15 Major League Baseball games on the docket Saturday, I'm going across the bigs to find three best bets on the card, including how to bet the Orioles vs. Rays game on Saturday, which features one of the hottest pitchers in baseball in Kyle Bradish.

Can Bradish keep it up, or will he come back down to Earth?

Here's my bet for that game, as well as the Nationals vs. Braves matchup and the Reds vs. Cubs matchup in a division-filled best bets slate on Saturday.

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Braves vs. Nationals Prediction and Pick

MacKenzie Gore has been outstanding this season, striking out a career best 27.3% of batters with a career low 3.57 ERA. 

The former Padres prized prospect is starting to see perform like it and now draws a Braves team that is struggling without Ronald Acuna Jr, who tore his ACL and is out for the year. Atlanta is hitting only .211 in June. 

Atlanta's lineup is struggling and Charlie Morton may not be able to give enough help on the mound. He has a 3.88 ERA with a 3.94 xERA, but has a walk rate of nearly 11%. There are simply too many free bases given out in what may be a low scoring affiar.

Atlanta keeps getting priced like the team will stop its slide, but I'm going to take advantage and go against it.

Rays vs. Orioles Prediction and Pick

Both starters have missed time this season, with different results, but I’m betting on it going in a different direction on Saturday. 

Kyle Bradish of the Orioles has made six starts and has been pitching the best baseball of his career. He is striking out 32% of batters, way above his career average, while allowing a hard-hit percentage of only 25%, 99th percentile in the big leagues. 

While it’s a fantastic start for a league average pitcher, regression will come for him soon. 

I’ll try here, on the road against a Rays team that has pop in the lineup and a pitcher who has a high ceiling in Taj Bradley. The hard throwing right hander hasn’t had good results this season, his xERA is hovering around 7.00, but i believe he can outperform expectations given the Orioles have the third fewest walks on the year. 

Cubs vs. Reds Prediction and Pick

The Cubs’ skid has continued while the Reds have won six straight, so I’ll side with the hot home team. 

It helps that Chicago is bottom 10 in OPS against left handers this season as the team faces Reds’ starter Andrew Abbott. 

Cincinnati is playing its best ball now, second in the big leagues in OPS over the last 13 games and play in the hitter friendly Great American Ball Park. I don't see the difference between the two teams at the moment being neglible, like this line indicates, and I expect Cincy to win with ease at home for a seventh straight game.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

atlanta braves, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, MLB best bets, MLB Betting Preview, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals
0
Iga Świątek Continues Clay Reign With French Open Three-Peat
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Iga Świątek Continues Clay Reign With French Open Three-Peat

If indeed this 2024 vintage of the French Open marked the last time that 14-time champ Rafael Nadal played this event, be assured there is an heir apparent. An heiress apparent, anyway. Saturday on Court Philippe Chatrier, Iga Swiatek, 23, won the French Open women’s singles title for the third straight time and fourth time in the last five years. In this afternoon’s final, in what was less a tennis match than a tennis demonstration, she swept aside Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6–2, 6–1 in 68 minutes.

Recalling Nadal, Swiatek sometimes appeared to play tennis. Other times she was playing an elevated, clay-specific version of the sport. She guided her heavy, spin-drizzled whipping groundstrokes with power and precision. She served capably. She transitioned from impenetrable defense to potent offense. She hugged the baseline between unbeatable and unplayable.

Many of Swiatek’s talents and skills are obvious to the naked eye. Others, less so. In the second round, she was a point from losing to Naomi Osaka, who entered the tournament tied with Swiatek with four majors. Swiatek took a risk on a return. She won the point. And the game. And soon thereafter the match.

Her campaign salvaged, she was never threatened again, dropping just 17 games in her next five matches, adding to her tally of 21 straight wins at Roland Garros. Confidence begetting confidence, on the rare occasion she is made to fight, Swiatek does so.

The comparisons to Nadal—who won only 64% of his majors here, as opposed to Swiatek’s current ratio of 80—are apt. So, too are the comparisons to Steffi Graf, who married skill and athleticism with unflappability. One stat that tells a rich story: this was Swiatek’s 22nd overall pro title. She has played in 26 finals.

Do spare a thought for Paolini, the delightful and winsome 28-year-old, who has emerged as both a lead figure of the Italian tennis invasion and a new star on the WTA Tour. Mid-career, her gifts are finally coalescing. If she is modest in stature, she is overflowing with energy and confidence. She leaves this event embedded in the top 10 and is still alive to play the women's doubles final tomorrow with partner Sara Errani.

But today she had few answers for Swiatek and her battery of skills, which gives her something in common with 126 other players in the draw. This was Swiatek’s day. At her event. During her era.

For two decades, the Big Three was a sort of rhythm section to men’s tennis. Women’s tennis now has a-the-big one.

Clay, French Open, IgaŚwiątek, Roland garros
0
Painting Corners: Best MLB Prop Bets Today (How to Bet on Freddy Peralta)
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Painting Corners: Best MLB Prop Bets Today (How to Bet on Freddy Peralta)

Saturday's MLB slate features plenty of intriguing matchups, setting up for different opportuinites in the player prop market.

Freddy Peralta has been pitching like an All-Star this season for the dominant Brewers, who top the NL Central, and I'm looking to back him in the player prop market on Saturday against the limited Tigers lineup.

The Nationals-Braves matchup on Saturday also sets up well for the rising star of the Washington rotation, MacKenzie Gore, who will look to keep rolling against a struggling Braves lineup.

Lastly, keep an eye on Tyler Anderson, who is likely due for a drop in production after a stellar, yet somewhat unsustainable, start to the year.

Best MLB Prop Bets for Saturday, June 8th

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

MacKenzie Gore OVER 16.5 Outs Recorded

Gore has only cleared this mark in five of 12 starts this season, but that number has climbed up to three-of-six since the start of May. He is striking out a career best 27% of batters and has showcased improved command across his pitch arsenal.

He faces a Braves team that is out of sorts at the plate, hitting only .211 in the month of June, as the team struggles to adjust to life without Ronald Acuna Jr.

Gore is pitching at a high level, I'll buy into the ceiling on Saturday.

Freddy Peralta OVER 6.5 Strikeouts

Peralta has gone over this mark in nine of 12 starts this season, so this is far from a tough hill to climb.

It helps that Peralta is facing a Tigers team that strikes out nearly 29% against right handed pitching this season and is bottom 10 in OPS as a whole.

Detroit won't provide much resistance against Peralta, who won't have any issues getting to his season long qutoa.

Tyler Anderson UNDER 3.5 Strikeouts

Anderson has gone over this mark in nine of 13 starts this season, so why am I going under?

This is strictly matchup based as the Astros tee off against left handed pitching, 11th in OPS, and have the fourth fewest strikeouts against southpaws despite ranking ninth in total at bats.

Anderson is a prime regression candidate, his 2.37 ERA is supported by a 4.49 xERA and he only strikes out 16% of batters he faces.

Houston may be set for a big night at the plate, and the team's sound plate discipline makes me bullish the team can keep Anderson under his season long mark.

,

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Freddy Peralta, MacKenzie Gore, MLB Player Props, MLB Prop Bets, Tyler Anderson
0
Belmont Stakes 2024: Full List of Competitors, Odds, Post Time, How to Watch
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Belmont Stakes 2024: Full List of Competitors, Odds, Post Time, How to Watch

The 156th running of the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the 2024 Triple Crown, will take place on Saturday afternoon in Saratoga Springs, NY.

The race will certainly feel a little different this year in Saratoga rather than Belmont Park, as the race has temporarily moved due to a $455 million renovation to the Belmont track.

Saturday's race will have a different feel not only in location, but in distance. Since the race will take place at Saratoga Race Course, it will be a much shorter running than the usual 1.5 mile sprint.

Instead of being the longest race of the Triple Crown, it will be 1.25 miles this year, which is the same distance as the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Now that we got the background of this year's unique Belmont Stakes out of the way, here's some additional pertinent information about Saturday's race itself.

This year's Belmont will feature both the winner of the Kentucky Derby, Mystik Dan, as well as the winner of the Preakness Stakes, Seize The Grey.

However, the morning line favorite at the Belmont Stakes is neither of the two previous Triple Crown race winners. Instead, it's Sierra Leone, who is a 9-5 betting favorite.

Below is a list of all the horses competing in the 2024 Belmont Stakes, along with their morning line odds, courtesy of the Belmont Stakes' official website.

Seize The Grey: 8-1

Resilience: 10-1

Mystik Dan: 5-1

The Wine Steward: 15-1

Antiquarian: 12-1

Dornoch: 15-1

Protective: 20-1

Honor Marie: 12-1

Sierra Leone: 9-5

Mindframe: 7-2

Saturday's post time for the 156th Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course is at 6:41 p.m. ET.

The 2024 Belmont Stakes will be nationally televised live on Fox.

Belmont Stakes, Horse Racing, Triple Crown
0