Here’s your Weekly Betting Primer, expanded to offer deeper insights into our top betting picks across four major sports — each sourced from trusted, regulated sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM.
We’re looking at series, futures, and placement bets with clear value heading into a busy weekend in sports.
NBA Finals Betting Pick
Bet: Indiana Pacers +2.5 Games (+115)
Operator: DraftKings Sportsbook
Watch: ESPN & ABC
The Indiana Pacers have shocked much of the basketball world with their gritty playoff performances, and DraftKings is currently offering a compelling line for those expecting them to stay competitive in the NBA Finals. At +2.5 games, you’re not betting on the Pacers to win the series — you’re simply asking them to avoid losing in four or five games. With a price of +115, the value makes this a sharp play.
The Pacers are powered by Tyrese Haliburton’s tempo-setting, the underrated two-way play of Andrew Nembhard, and a surprisingly effective frontcourt. They’ve gone toe-to-toe with higher seeds and have covered this spread in every series so far. They’re also 6-1 at home this postseason and boast one of the fastest-paced and most efficient offenses remaining.
DraftKings remains a go-to destination for series spreads and alternate lines, providing bettors with flexibility and often the earliest odds on series markets. Their easy-to-use app layout and fast live betting features make it a favorite among NBA bettors.
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PGA Tour: The Memorial Tournament
Bet: Collin Morikawa Top-10 Finish (+150)
Operator: FanDuel Sportsbook
Watch: Golf Channel, CBS, ESPN+
Few players on tour are as surgical as Collin Morikawa when his irons are firing — and that’s exactly what we’ve seen over his last three starts. At FanDuel, you can grab +150 on Morikawa to finish inside the Top 10 at the Memorial Tournament, a course that rewards precision over power.
Muirfield Village, known as “Jack’s Place,” is one of the most demanding tests of ball-striking on the PGA Tour. Morikawa already has an elite history here — he won the Workday Charity Open on this same course in 2020 and added a T2 in 2021. He’s also in strong form, with a Top-50 at the PGA Championship and another Top-20 finish the week prior.
FanDuel Sportsbook stands out for its golf-specific markets, such as round leader bets, finishing position props, and custom parlays. Their odds often trend toward player-friendly pricing compared to other books, especially in the finishing position markets.
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MLB Futures: Most Team Wins in Regular Season
Bet: Detroit Tigers to Finish with Most Wins in MLB (+1200)
Operator: Caesars Sportsbook
Watch: MLB.TV, Bally Sports Detroit
It might sound bold, but Detroit at +1200 to lead the MLB in wins is one of the better longshot futures on the board. Caesars Sportsbook gives you a healthy payout for a team that’s flying under the radar — and there’s a path for it.
Detroit’s rotation has blossomed into one of the deepest and most consistent in Major League Baseball. Tarik Skubal has pitched like a Cy Young contender, Jack Flaherty has rebounded nicely, and the bullpen ranks in the top third in WHIP and strikeout rate. On offense, Riley Greene is taking the next step as a franchise cornerstone, and Kerry Carpenter and Gleyber Torres have provided key veteran depth.
The AL Central is a solid division, and Detroit’s schedule includes a run of intra-divisional games in the second half, but the Tigers have played well against good teams this season. Should their bats warm up, the Tigers have the arms and path to rack up 95+ wins, which may be enough.
Caesars Sportsbook is a go-to for futures betting, offering aggressive pricing and deep player/team props in-season. They also routinely offer odds boosts on longshot futures, giving extra value for those hunting plus-money payouts.
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French Open Futures Bet
Bet: Carlos Alcaraz to Win Outright (-118)
Operator: BetMGM
Watch: Tennis Channel, Peacock, NBC
With Novak Djokovic’s health in question and Rafael Nadal no longer in the field at Roland-Garros, Carlos Alcaraz enters as the tournament favorite — and for good reason. BetMGM’s current odds of -118 may not scream value at first glance, but considering the context of the field, it’s actually one of the best chalk bets of the week.
Alcaraz went 15-1 on clay in 2024, is playing well entering the tournament, and holds wins over every major contender, including Jannik Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas. His all-court game, explosiveness on clay, and growing confidence make him the clear successor to Nadal’s reign in Paris.
As the defending champ at Roland Garros, Alcaraz is the man to beat. He is healthy and still improving. Alcarazaz is arguably the most complete player in the field, and at just 22 years old, he already has the Grand Slam mindset and experience.
BetMGM stands out for its international sports markets and deeper prop markets in events like tennis. You’ll find futures, head-to-head player props, and even set betting with market-leading liquidity and odds integrity. For tennis fans, BetMGM is a reliable home for futures and live wagering.
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Need More Action?
If you’re looking to add more action this weekend, many of our trusted sportsbooks are offering parlay insurance, daily odds boosts, and profit boosts for these events. For example:
- DraftKings often has boosted series lines or same-game parlays for the NBA playoffs.
- FanDuel offers “No Sweat” golf bets and top-20 finish boosts for tournaments like the Memorial.
- Caesars runs longshot MLB futures promotions weekly — keep an eye on the app.
- BetMGM has clay-court combo parlays and live betting deals specifically for the French Open.
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