As the weekend approaches, we’ve lined up four of the most intriguing value bets across major sports — from the clay courts of Paris to the final leg of the Triple Crown.
This edition of the Weekly Betting Primer covers key picks in tennis, horse racing, the NBA Finals, and PGA Tour golf. Each bet comes from a trusted, regulated sportsbook like DraftKings, FanDuel, or Caesars, with full context, odds, and where to watch included.
French Open Finals Picks
The semifinals of the French Open are set, and both Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz are just two wins away from lifting the Roland-Garros trophy. DraftKings is currently offering +225 on Gauff to win her first French Open title and -120 on Alcaraz to repeat his Grand Slam success. We think both bets represent solid value in their respective fields.
Bets:
Coco Gauff to win the Women’s Singles (+225) — DraftKings
Carlos Alcaraz to win the Men’s Singles (-120) — DraftKings
Where to Watch: NBC, Peacock, Tennis Channel
Why we like Coco Gauff (+225):
This price has held firm even after Gauff’s quarterfinal dismantling of Madison Keys. What stands out most is her improved shot selection and mental toughness during big moments — something that cost her in earlier Slam finals. She’s serving more effectively than ever, and her movement on clay has been elite throughout the fortnight. Her ability to hit deep, high topspin returns on this surface makes her a nightmare to play against.
The biggest test will come in the semis against Swiatek or Sabalenka. But at +225, you’re being paid to take the upside on a rising American star who looks ready to break through.
Why we like Carlos Alcaraz (-120):
While you won’t get plus money on Alcaraz, the implied probability of this line is actually reasonable, given the tournament draw and current form. He’s coming off a straight-sets win over Tommy Paul in the quarters, and he remains the most athletic, versatile player on clay.
Alcaraz has a solid track record against Djokovic in recent years, adding confidence that he can handle the veterans. He’s been hitting his backhand with more confidence and has barely been tested in his last few matches. Given his fitness and clay-court comfort, we’re backing him to close out a second Roland-Garros title at a fair number.
DraftKings remains one of the most competitive sportsbooks for tennis odds, particularly in futures and live betting. They also allow for parlays across tournaments and offer match-level prop bets — making it a strong home for Grand Slam bettors.
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Belmont Stakes – Journalism to Win (8-5)
The 157th Belmont Stakes heads to Saratoga once again, and FanDuel has Journalism as the 8-5 morning-line favorite. This horse enters the final leg of the Triple Crown after a decisive Preakness win and now faces a rematch with Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty.
Bet: Journalism to Win — FanDuel
Where to Watch: ABC, Saturday 7:04 p.m. ET
Why we like Journalism (8-5):
While this price won’t blow you away, we see real value in backing the horse that has looked the sharpest over the last month. Journalism had Sovereignty chasing him in the Derby, and though he came up short there, he returned with a vengeance at Pimlico. That Preakness performance showed that he can lead from the front, respond to pressure, and close with power.
Now, with a favorable No. 7 post draw and a tactical edge, Journalism is well positioned to stalk the early pace and make a move late. Sovereignty may have the pedigree, but Journalism has the momentum, and at 8-5, this is a bet we feel confident in given the setup.
FanDuel stands out in horse racing markets due to its strong interface and seamless integration with TVG. Bettors can view past performances, jockey statistics, and track conditions all within the app. It’s also one of the few legal platforms offering both fixed odds and pari-mutuel betting, giving you flexibility on how you play the Belmont.
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NBA Finals Total Games Played — 6 Games (+270)
The 2025 NBA Finals pit the Indiana Pacers against the Oklahoma City Thunder — two teams that took drastically different paths to get here but now meet with history on the line. Caesars has the series to go exactly six games at +270, and we like this middle-ground wager for several reasons.
Bet: NBA Finals to go 6 games — Caesars Sportsbook
Where to Watch: ABC (Game 1: Thursday, June 5, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Why we like 6 games played (+270):
This number accounts for the possibility that OKC, the clear favorite, eventually wears down the Pacers’ resistance, but not without a fight. Oklahoma City has blitzed its opponents throughout the postseason, but it had to battle through Denver in seven games, and Indiana has shown the ability to steal games on the road or rally back late.
The Pacers’ unique pace, multiple scorers, and zone-breaking offense give them enough variability to win at least two games — likely one at home and potentially a surprise early game. That’s the sweet spot. Four games might be optimistic for Indiana, but five games seems short given their late-game resilience. Six is the number that provides value without needing an outright upset.
Caesars Sportsbook regularly provides alternative series markets — including total games, exact outcomes, and combo prop bets like “Team X wins in 6 + MVP Y.” With one of the most extensive futures menus and daily boosts, Caesars is a strong choice for playoff betting and hedging futures mid-series.
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RBC Canadian Open – American Winner (+150)
This weekend’s RBC Canadian Open returns to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley — a first for the course — and it should favor strong ball-strikers and approach players. With +150 odds at DraftKings for any American to win, we’re playing the numbers in our favor.
Bet: Any American to Win — DraftKings Sportsbook
Where to Watch: CBS, Golf Channel, ESPN+
Why we like an American winner (+150):
The field is stacked with high-upside U.S. players like Max Homa, Sam Burns, and Cameron Young — all of whom have proven capable of going low. With Rory McIlroy the only international superstar in peak form, the Americans have a numbers advantage.
Add to that the recent momentum from U.S. players on Tour — they’ve won 7 of the last 10 PGA events — and this turns into a positive expected value play. The North Course is long and plays firm, which suits players like Homa and Young, who can control their spin and shape shots.
DraftKings is one of the best in the industry for finishing position markets, nationality props, and round-by-round matchups. They also offer live shot-by-shot coverage via PGA Tour Live integration, enhancing the in-play experience for golf bettors.
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