Ross Benjamin

Braves (Fried) @ Dodgers (Undecided) 8:08 ET

Game# 811-812

Play On: Braves +130 (5*)

The Dodgers have yet to name a starting pitcher in this matchup as of 1:45 PM ET. My educated guess is they’re going to do this by bullpen committee or ask one of their starting pitchers to go on short rest. Either was it’s not an ideal situation for the defending world champions. Especially considering they’ll be facing the Braves ace Max Fried. The Atlanta lefthander has been good all season long. However, over his last 5 starts he’s been overpoweringly dominant while posting an 0.77 ERA and averaged 7.0 innings pitched per outing. Fried has made 3 starts versus the Dodgers this season and compiled a brilliant 2.50 ERA. With an exception of Game 2 in this series, the Braves bullpen has been superb during postseason action. Atlanta has pounded out 10 hits or more in each of the previous 3 games. Bet the Braves as a money line underdog.

San Jose State @ UNLV 11:00 PM ET

Game# 411-412

Play On: UNLV +4.0 (5*)

San Jose State is 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS on the road this season and averaged just 10.0 points scored per game. As a matter of fact, the Spartans have scored 17 points or fewer in 5 of their 6 games versus FBS opponents this season.

UNLV is 0-6 thus far. However, they’ve shown vast improvement over their last 3 games. They lost all 3 of those contests by 8 points or fewer and against respectable opponents (Fresno State, UTSA, and Utah State). UNLV has played a far more difficult schedule than the one San Jose State has faced. This is the week the Rebels get over the hump. Bet UNLV plus the points.

Dallas @ Atlanta 7:40 PM ET

Game# 527-528

Play On: Atlanta -2.5 (5*)

Atlanta carries a ton of momentum into this season after last year’s surprisingly successful campaign. The Hawks ascended as last season progressed and that was especially apparent at home. The Hawks went 19-2 SU in their final 21 regular season home games. That includes winning their last 11 regular season home games in which they covered 10 of those contests.

Any NBA Game 1 home team (Atlanta) that won 50 or more games a season ago, and they’re facing an opponent (Dallas) also playing in their season opener and who won 50 games or less the season before, and has won 27 or more of its past 82 away games, resulted in those home teams going a terrific 48-3 SU (94.1%) since 1995. Considering the small number we are being asked to cover, this powerful NBA straight up betting angle takes on added significance. Bet Atlanta minus the small number.