

What’s On Tap: NBA Finals, Stanley Cup, And Copa America Begins
Each week, our “What’s on Tap” series previews the week ahead in the world of sports betting. Come here for a summary of upcoming financial happenings, legislative and regulatory meetings, industry conferences, top games scheduled for the week, and much more.
The Dallas Mavericks staved off elimination by crushing the Celtics in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Spurred by Luka Doncic’s 29-point night, the Mavs crushed Boston, 122-84, to remain alive in the Finals. The series returns to Boston on Monday night, where the Celtics can win their first title in more than a decade.
Despite the loss, the Celtics are still heavy favorites to win the title. The Celtics have odds of -1800 at DraftKings to prevail over the Mavs (+1000) in the series. Jaylen Brown remains the favorite to win Finals MVP, with odds of -235. Jayson Tatum is next at +255, followed by Doncic at +1100.
The odds also moved considerably in Doncic’ favor at BetMGM over the weekend. Following the win, his odds moved from +3000 to +1300 on the MVP market.
Before Game 4
▪️ Jaylen Brown -350
▪️ Jayson Tatum +290
▪️ Luka Doncic +3000
After
▪️ Jaylen Brown -225
▪️ Jayson Tatum +220
▪️ Luka Doncic +1300 pic.twitter.com/kFN3JbrCTE
— John Ewing (@johnewing) June 15, 2024
The Oilers avoided elimination on Saturday night in a blowout victory over the Panthers. The win forced the series back to South Florida, where the Panthers can win their first-ever Stanley Cup title. Despite the victory, the Oilers still trail 3-1 in the series heading into Tuesday’s Game 5.
At FanDuel, the Panthers have odds of -1200 to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup. The Oilers, meanwhile, have odds of +720 to pull off the improbable upset. Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky remains the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Award, given annually to the series’ most valuable player. As of Monday morning, Bobrovsky had odds of -115 at FanDuel.
Both Spain and Italy notched victories over the weekend at Euro 2024 in the tournament’s first weekend of play. With the victories, the nations are in a comfortable spot to advance from Group B to the knockout stage. On Thursday night, the group will receive additional clarity after the powers square off in Gelsenkirchen.
Spain has odds of +115 to defeat Italy at ESPN BET. Spain must win outright in regulation for the bet to cash. As of Monday, Spain remained the co-fourth choice at bet365 to win the tournament. Spain has odds of +650 to lift the trophy, the same odds given to rival Portugal. Two other powers, England and France, are the co-favorites at +400.
Last month, a host of operators rankled the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) when the companies abruptly pulled out of a meeting on sports betting limits. The topic on limits is controversial. While bettors become frustrated on having in-game wagers limited to low dollar amounts, operators are hesitant to share corporate secrets in a public forum. The MGC will seek clarity at Thursday’s closely-watched hearing.
— Sports Handle (@sports_handle) June 3, 2024
No. 1 Tennessee moved to 2-0 in the College World Series on Sunday with a 6-1 win over North Carolina. It came two days after the Vols outlasted Florida State, 12-11, in a thrilling opener. Tennessee second baseman Christian Moore hit for the cycle against the Seminoles, becoming the first player to achieve the improbable feat since 1956.
But his parents, Lazette and Charles, are not surprised by their son's success. They saw his talent, and passion for the game early on. #Vols pic.twitter.com/TRgnZ5biJs
— Sam Rothman (@samrothman_) June 15, 2024
The Vols need just one more victory to earn a spot in the CWS finals. On the other side of the bracket, Kentucky and Texas A&M are still undefeated.
The Vols (-106) are a decisive favorite at BetRivers to win the national championship. The Aggies are next at +250, followed by the Wildcats at +375.
The U.S. is not entering the Copa America in top form. Although the men’s national soccer team salvaged a 1-1 tie to Brazil last week, it was preceded by a 5-1 drubbing to Colombia.
On Sunday evening, the U.S. begins Group C play against Bolivia. The Americans have odds of +1200 at bet365 to win the tournament. Argentina is the favorite at +175, followed by Brazil at +225.
Argentina is the defending champion.