In the high-altitude environment of Denver, two notable occurrences took place during the game: firstly, the predicted spread at -9 proved accurate, and secondly, the Miami Heat set a new NBA Finals record by attempting the fewest number of free throws in a single game…with only two attempted free throws.

Two is also the fewest free throw attempts by a Denver Nuggets opponent EVER, regular season or postseason, including their time in the ABA. Yikes.

Lately, our discussions have centered around the NBA, and while we will continue to dive into Game 2 this weekend, there are a few other opportunities to find money this weekend 😏

Stanley Cup Odds and Predictions 🏒

Instagram post by @sports

The moment of truth has arrived. The 2023 Stanley Cup Final is upon us, featuring a thrilling showdown between the Vegas Golden Knights, the champions of the Western Conference, and the Florida Panthers, who, similar to the Miami Heat, have made an impressive Cinderella run while sustaining last place coming into the Playoffs.

Game 1

Saturday, June 3rd @ 8 p.m. ET in Vegas

Golden Knights are favored at -130 per Caesars Sportsbook (risk $130 to win $100)

Florida Panthers are underdogs, set at +110 per Caesars Sportsbook (risk $100 to win $110)

Over/under for total goals scored set at 5.5. Per FanDuel Sportsbook

Why the Golden Knights can WIN 💲

Knights lead the playoffs with 62 goals in 17 games, averaging 4 goals in almost every win

William Karlsson’s 10 goals tie him for second in the league and two points shy of his playoff career high

Jack Eichel is tied for fourth in the NHL with 18 points and has been consistent with 12 points in 17 games

Captain Mark Stone shines at home, contributing 15 of his total 17 points at T-Mobile Arena

Why the Florida Panthers can WIN 💲

Florida Panthers THRIVE in close games, winning 7 out of their last 8 one-goal contests

Matthew Tkachuk’s 21 points and 4 game-winning goals, including 3 in overtime, lead the team

Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky boasts an 11-2 record and impressive stats since taking over as the starter

NCAA Tournament Top 3 Teams ⚾

The NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament bracket is set, with regional games starting TODAY. The apex of the journey arrives in Omaha on June 16, as the Men’s College World Series commences with eight teams vying for the championship.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST TEAMS TO LOOK OUT FOR 💸

WAKE FOREST (+550 per DraftKings Sportsbook)

They lead the nation in wins and have not lost consecutive games

They’ve had nine shutouts with Rhett Lowder being ACC pitcher of the year

They average of 8.9 runs per game

LSU (+800 per DraftKings Sportsbook)

With Dylan Crews, likely to be the No. 1 pick, emerged as early favorites for the national title

Arkansas (+900 per DraftKings Sportsbook)

Arkansas has won 8 of its last 12 games

Arkansas’ 20 league wins matched that of Florida, giving the Razorbacks the best record in the SEC West at 20-10

Game 2 Player Props 🏀

Instagram post by @playmakerhoops

The Heat’s performance in Game 1 left much to be desired. Their field-goal percentage of 40.6% was disappointing, and their lack of discipline led to 15 fouls, allowing the Nuggets to convert 16-of-20 free throws.

Adding to their struggles, Jimmy Butler, expected to be their key player, only scored 13 points on 42.9% shooting.

And worse of all, the Nuggets’ dominant performance in Game 1 showcased the Heat’s inability to contain Jokic, leading to a clear advantage for Denver.

GAME 2 POPULAR PLAYER PROP

Nikola Jokic to Record 12+ Assists (+115) via PrizePicks

Jokic is averaging 12.6 assists per game

He had 14 assists in Game 1

The Heat struggle to contain him suggests another dazzling performance is likely

PLAYMAKER’S CREATOR PICKS

(TAIL AT YOUR OWN RISK) 😉

Can the Miami Heat cover the 8.5-point spread in Game 2?

Playmaker Garf’s Pick (@playmakergarf):

Nope. Nuggets in 5 or 6

Playmaker Cambo’s Pick (@playmakercambo):

Yes yes and yes

Playmaker Cool’s Pick (@playmakercool):

I don’t think so 🙅

Playmaker Nyrie’s Pick (Pretty Big Plays):

50/50 shot. Either yes or no, so I’m going with sure.

Playmaker Hailey’s Pick (@playmakerhailey):

No chance. Here comes the sweep 🧹

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