Last season was a perfect example of how adjusting to the changing track conditions throughout the night can ultimately decide the race. Greg Biffle dominated the early stages, leading a race-high 204 of the 400 laps. However, Kasey Kahne and the Joe Gibbs Racing duo of Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin began to gain ground as darkness fell, and when the closing laps rolled around, all three drivers managed to overtake Biffle. In the end, Kahne proved to have the best car when it mattered most as he led 96 laps on his way to a comfortable win ahead of Hamlin and Busch.

2013 Coca-Cola 600 Odds, Free Picks and Predictions

The Favorites

While he hasn’t been as dominant at Charlotte in recent years as he was early in his career, Jimmie Johnson is still one of the best in the business at the 1.5-mile oval. After all, he is a six-time winner at the track, and at one time, he went four years without finishing worse than third. Last year, Johnson finished third at the track in the fall, and last weekend, he won the Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte. By the way, Johnson has a 4.7 average finish in the Coca-Cola 600 the three previous years he won the All-Star Race so history says he should be in for a great run at one of his best tracks.

Defending race winner Kasey Kahne is no stranger to victory lane at Charlotte, especially in May. His four wins at the track since the start of the 2006 season are the most in the series, and three of those victories have come in the Coca-Cola 600. Overall, Kahne has a 12.4 average finish at Charlotte, including an impressive 4.3 average in his last three starts. His driving style and love of the high line seems to allow him to excel at the 600-mile event, and a fourth-career win in NASCAR’s longest event is a definite possibility this weekend.

The Dark Horses

Although he has never won at Charlotte in the Cup Series, Kyle Busch has been a fixture at the front of the field. He has finished eighth or better in 10 of his last 11 starts at the track, compiling a 6.5 average finish during the stretch. More importantly, Busch has eighth top-five finishes in those 11 starts, including three straight. It seems like only a matter of time before he finally gets to victory lane at Charlotte.

He has been inching closer and closer to a win at Charlotte recently, and Denny Hamlin has been as strong as any driver in the last five races at the 1.5-mile track. He has five top-10 finishes during stretch to go along with a 5.4 average finish. Throw in the fact that Hamlin finished second in both races at the track last year, and it is easy to see why bettors should be optimistic about his chances of picking up his first career Charlotte win this weekend.

While his 18.7 average finish at Charlotte isn’t spectacular, Martin Truex Jr. has been a different driver at 1.5-mile tracks the past couple of years. In addition to finishing 12th and 10th in two starts at Charlotte in 2012, he leads all drivers with nine top-10s and total points scored in the last 10 races at tracks with a 1.5-mile layout. No driver has been more consistent during the stretch, and if Truex is ever going to snap his winless drought, it figures to be at a track like Charlotte.

Sleeper Special

His last four starts at Charlotte haven’t ended well, but Jamie McMurray is a two-time winner at the track. His most-recent victory came in the fall of 2010, and the Coca-Cola 600 that same season, he finished second. Throw in the fact that McMurray won the Sprint Showdown and finished in the top 10 in the All-Star Race at Charlotte last weekend, and it isn’t out of the question that he delivers a surprise win at one of only two tracks where he has won multiple races.

Big Name to Avoid

His season-long slump is reason enough to avoid Tony Stewart this weekend, and it doesn’t help that he has been shaky at Charlotte lately. Since winning at the track in the fall of 2003, he hasn’t been back in the top five. Heck, he has only managed to crack the top 10 once in his last 10 starts at Charlotte, logging an unimpressive 16.0 average finish during the stretch. Those aren’t exactly typical numbers for the three-time series champ.

Be sure to check the NSAwins.com Betting Daily Blog all week for updated 2013 Coca-Cola 600 odds, free tips, free picks, predictions and articles from NASCAR expert tipster Brian Polking. NSAwins.com is your home for 2013 Coca-Cola 600 Betting Odds and Handicapping coverage!

Odds to win the 2013 Coca-Cola 600
101 Jimmie Johnson +600
102 Kyle Busch +600
103 Matt Kenseth +700
104 Kasey Kahne +900
105 Denny Hamlin +900
106 Carl Edwards +1200
107 Brad Keselowski +1200
108 Greg Biffle +1400
109 Jeff Gordon +1400
110 Clint Bowyer +1600
111 Martin Truex Jr +1600
112 Dale Earnhardt Jr +1600
113 Kevin Harvick +1800
114 Tony Stewart +2500
115 Kurt Busch +3000
116 Joey Logano +3000
117 Mark Martin +5000
118 Ryan Newman +6000
119 Jamie McMurray +6000
120 Ricky Stenhouse +6000
121 Juan Montoya +6000
122 Field +2500

Check the latest NASCAR Odds and Betting Lines from BOVADA below:

2013 Coca-Cola 600 Odds, Free Picks and Predictions – Jimmie Johnson the Favorite originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 22, 2013.

1.      Paul Goldschmidt, First Baseman, Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks are currently tied with the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants atop the NL West, and Goldschmidt’s emergence as a star has been a big reason why. He currently ranks in the top three in all Triple Crown categories, boasting a .338 average to go along with 12 homers and 35 RBIs. Goldschmidt has also scored 29 runs and his 1.077 OPS is currently tops in the majors. An already retooled offense suffered another blow when Aaron Hill went down with an injury early in the year, but thanks to Goldschmidt, Arizona looks like a contender in the National League in 2013.

2.      Justin Upton, Outfielder, Atlanta Braves

Atlanta went out and acquired both Upton brothers in the offseason, and while B.J. has been a colossal bust, Justin has been terrorizing opposing pitchers. He currently leads the majors with 14 homers and average homer distance, and he also scored 32 runs and driven in 28. Meanwhile, his 1.042 OPS is the second best in the National League, and the Braves are currently leading the East Division. Upton has been the all-around offensive weapon Atlanta was hoping he would be, and he has put himself in prime position to contend for the NL MVP Award in 2013.

3.      Troy Tulowitzki, Shortstop, Colorado Rockies

After injuries robbed him of most of last season, Tulowitzki is reminding everyone why he is the best player at one of baseball’s premier position. He is hitting .323 with eight home runs thus far, and his 33 RBIs are the third most in the NL. By the way, he does all the damage at the plate while playing excellent defense, and Tulowitzki has made just one error all year. Perhaps most importantly, the Rockies are two games over .500 after finishing in the cellar of the NL West last season. It is no coincidence that Colorado is once again competitive now that Tulowitzki’s bat and glove are back in the mix.

4.      Shin-Soo Choo, Outfielder, Cincinnati Reds

While a lot of the familiar faces in Cincinnati have struggled a bit out of the gate, Choo has been everything the Reds hoped for when they traded for him in the offseason. He is hitting a respectable .314 this season, and his .462 on-base percentage in the past in the National League. Choo is also second with 34 runs scored, and his 1.030 OPS is third. The nine home runs he has belted are a bonus, and Choo’s steady bat at the top of the Cincinnati lineup has the Reds sitting with the second-best record in the NL despite many of the team’s power hitters scuffling.

5.      Bryce Harper, Outfielder, Washington Nationals

Whether you love him or hate him, it is hard to dispute Harper’s talent and his importance to the Nationals. After all, we are talking about a Washington team that has the third-worst team average in the majors and has scored the fourth-fewest runs yet is just a ½ game back of the top spot in the NL East. Meanwhile, Harper leads the team with a .297 batting average, 11 home runs, 22 RBIs and 26 runs scored. He is also fourth in the NL with a 1.011 OPS. Basically, he has been the only dependable offensive weapon for the pitching-heavy Nationals, and without his production, they would probably be the worst offensive team in baseball.

Get updated 2013 World Series Odds extra FREE MLB Picks and Tips daily from expert handicappers and tipsters on NSAwins.com’s MLB Baseball Tips and Predictions page.

2013 MLB Picks and Predictions: Top 5 National League MVP Candidates originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 22, 2013.

1.      Miguel Cabrera, Third Baseman, Detroit Tigers

Apparently winning the MVP Award last year didn’t satisfy Cabrera because he has already established himself as the frontrunner for the same honor in 2013. He currently leads the AL with a .376 batting average and 42 RBIs, and he also owns the league’s top on-base percentage and has the most hits. By the way, Cabrera has helped slug the Tigers to the top of the Central Division so he gets check marks in both the individual and team success categories. Plain and simple, he has established himself as the best all-around hitter in baseball, and Cabrera is looking very tough to dethrone as AL MVP at this point.

2.      Chris Davis, First Baseman, Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles are again in the thick of things in the American League East, and the hot bat of Davis has had a lot to do with the team’s strong start. He currently ranks tied for first in the AL with 11 home runs, and his 39 RBIs are the second most. His .317 batting average isn’t too shabby either, and Davis leads the AL with a .662 slugging percentage and a 1.072 OPS. He has always had the power to hit home runs, but he has emerged a legitimate run producer in the middle of Baltimore’s lineup thus far. If he continues to drive in runs and the Orioles continue to win, Davis’ MVP push is only going to gain steam.

3.      Ian Kinsler, Second Baseman, Texas Rangers

When the Rangers lost slugger Josh Hamilton in free agency, it seemed like the powerful offense that has made them a perennial playoff contender would be in jeopardy of dissolving. Instead, Texas has the best record in the American League and a huge lead in the West. Kinsler’s versatile and steady offensive production of the lineup has made life easier for the rest of the team at the plate. He is hitting .302 with seven homers, 20 RBIs and 24 runs scored to go along with a .869 OPS, and while there have been years when Kinsler has shown more power or stolen more bases, he couldn’t have picked a better time to have his most consistent year at the plate. His ability to be a tablesetter has the Rangers rolling, and if his individual numbers continue to mirror the team’s success, he could grab himself the MVP Award when all is said and done.

4.      Robinson Cano, Second Baseman, New York Yankees

With injuries to Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and Curtis Granderson, the Yankees’ offense was supposed to struggle, and the team’s stranglehold in the AL East was supposed to be in jeopardy. Well, New York is leading their division and is seventh in the majors in home runs so far, and Cano’s bat is a big reason for both. A recent slump has dropped his average to a still-respectable .292, but his 10 homers are just one off the total of the current league leaders, and he leads the Yankees with 27 RBIs. With all their other offensive stars out, Cano got off to a much-needed strong start for New York. He will have to continue to put up big numbers if he wants to win the MVP, but Cano has put himself on the early list of contenders.

5.      Mike Napoli, First Baseman/Catcher, Boston Red Sox

After the disaster that was the 2012 season, the Red Sox were supposed to be in rebuilding mode this season. Thanks to a surprisingly hot start, Boston is just a game out of the top spot in the AL East, and the addition of Napoli in the offseason has been a big reason for the turnaround. His .256 batting average and 57 strikeouts aren’t pretty, but there is no denying his ability to drive in runs. Napoli’s 34 RBIs are the third most in the AL, and his 18 doubles lead the league. His RBI production has been even more valuable considering David Ortiz was sidelined to start the year, and while Napoli’s average probably has to improve for him to earn MVP honors, his timely hitting could do the trick if it continues.

Get updated 2013 World Series Odds extra FREE MLB Picks and Tips daily from expert handicappers and tipsters on NSAwins.com’s MLB Baseball Tips and Predictions page.

2013 MLB Picks and Predictions: Top 5 American League MVP Candidates originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 22, 2013.

Last season, Rafael Nadal had no issues handling the clay as he won the French Open for the third year in a row and the seventh time in his career. He was basically in control of things throughout the tournament, running his streak of consecutive matches won at Roland Garros to 21 following his victory in the finals. Speaking of the finals, Nadal faced his nemesis Novak Djokivic, but even the one player that has had his number was no match for Nadal on the clay as he dispatched “The Joker” in four sets.

The Favorite

While four players have separated themselves from the pack in men’s tennis, nobody is on the same level as Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros. He is the three-time defending winner of the French Open, and he has won the tournament seven times in eight years. Overall, he has a 52-1 record in matches at Roland Garros and has won 21 straight. Heck, we are talking about a player that rarely loses sets at the French Open, let alone matches. Nadal’s hard-nosed style and seemingly relentless ability to extend points are a perfect fit of the clay, and his 41 career titles on the surface to prove it. Throw in the fact that he has looked great since returning from a knee injury, and this tournament is Nadal’s to lose yet again.

The Dark Horses

He enters the French Open as the top-ranked player in the world, but a title at Roland Garros remains the lone Grand Slam missing from Novak Djokovic’s resume. Of course, he has been inching closer, reaching the semifinals for the third time in 2011 and reaching the championship match last year. However, the aforementioned Rafael Nadal handled him easily in the title match, and while Djokovic has had Nadal’s number on just about every surface, the red clay has remained an exception so far in large part because Djokovic’s punishing strokes from the baseline are somewhat neutralized by the slow speeds that the clay surface produces.

His 17 major title are the most in history, but the French Open is the only Grand Slam that Roger Federer hasn’t won multiple times. Granted, he has reached the championship match five times, but he has just a 1-4 record in those appearances with all four losses coming at the hands of Rafael Nadal. Aside from the fact that Federer never dominated on clay even in his prime, he recent decline is even more concerning. Yes, he won Wimbledon last year, but since the start of the 2010 season, he has reached the finals in just three of the 13 major tournaments and has been bounced before the semifinals four times during the stretch. Federer can never be counted out completely, but he is facing an uphill fight.

The Sleepers

While David Ferrer isn’t a clay specialist or anything, there is no denying that he has been playing his best tennis the past couple of years. He has reached at least the quarterfinals in five straight major tournaments, reaching the semifinals three times during the stretch. One of Ferrer’s appearances in the semis came in last year’s French Open, and while he has yet to proof he can consistently take down the elite players, he is quickly establishing himself as the best of the rest.

Bettors looking for serious longshot may want to consider Ernests Gulbis. Yes, the guy is basically an unknown and totally unproven, but he has been rocketing up the rankings thanks to strong play in 2013. More importantly, he has played well on clay surfaces and has pushed Rafael Nadal to the brink in two separate meetings. Since Gulbis has held his own with Nadal on clay, he at least has a puncher’s chance of making a surprise run in the French Open.

2013 French Open Odds, Free Picks and Predictions: Roland Garros Favorites and Sleepers originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 22, 2013.

The key to Indiana’s success this year has been its defense, and the Pacers are in the conference finals despite shooting just 42.0 percent as a team and averaging just 92.0 points. Plain and simple, Indiana is not a great offensive team, but they more than make up for it with a defense that led the NBA in efficiency during the regular season and continues to make life tough on opponents in the postseason. The Pacers support their defense with a deliberate pace on offense, and big men Roy Hibbert and David West are a focal point of the attack. The duo is averaging 25.5 points and 16.4 rebounds combined during the playoffs, and Hibbert is also averaging 2.5 blocks. When Indiana does need someone to create offense, Paul George and George Hill are the most-likely candidates. George has emerged as one of the best two-way players in the game and is averaging 19.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists in the playoffs while Hill is second on the team in scoring and is hitting a team-high 2.0 3-pointers per game. That being said, the Pacers are a defensive-minded team at their core, and a hot shooting night is juts icing on the cake for this team.

While a brutally physical series with Chicago took a toll on their overall numbers, the Heat are still an offensive powerhouse at their core. LeBron James is the engine that makes Miami run, and in addition to averaging 24.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists, he has been closing out close games with his expanded offensive game. Granted, a knee injury to Dwyane Wade has him playing at less than full strength, but Chris Bosh has been playing well thus far, and Ray Allen is just one of several perimeter shooters that capitalize on all the attention James, Wade and Bosh receive. Throw in a very underrated half-court defense, and despite a lack of size and occasional issues on the boards, the Heat are every bit as talented this year as the team that won the title last year.

The Pacers Win If:

If the Pacers are going to pull off the upset, they need to make sure they impose a grindingly slow pace on both ends of the court. On the offensive end, it starts with pounding the ball inside to Hibbert and West, but both players have to be able to convert the opportunities and get to the foul line for the strategy to be effective. If the Pacers can score consistently on offense, it will allow them to set up their defense in the half court and limit Miami’s transition scoring chances. When Indiana does get its defense set, Hibbert and the other big men have to at least challenge James, Wade and the other Heat scorers at the rim so that the Pacers’ perimeter defenders can stay at home on Miami’s arsenal of perimeter shooters. A big series from George, particularly down the stretch of games, will certainly help the cause, but Indiana’s chances of winning the series ultimately depend on the team’s ability to make the Heat a half-court team on offense and to dominate the paint and glass on both ends.

The Heat Win If:

If the defending champs are going to march back to the NBA Finals, they will need to turn Indiana’s size advantage into a disadvantage. While Hibbert and West have size and strength, they don’t have the speed and athleticism to keep up with Miami’s stars. If the Heat, can establish a faster pace, especially early in games, they are going to be in the driver’s seat. For the Heat, creating a faster pace and transition opportunities starts on the defensive end, and if they can force the Pacers into taking contested jumpers, James and company should have plenty of chances to get out and run. When Miami does get stuck in half-court sets, Bosh has to draw Indiana’s big men away from the basket into order to create driving lanes for his fellow stars and open perimeter looks for the role players. Indiana simply doesn’t have enough offensive firepower to catch back up if they fall behind.

Bottom Line:

For Miami, this series is going to be a lot like their semifinal matchup with Chicago. Like the Bulls, the Pacers are an excellent defensive team that often has issues scoring points. In addition, they also have a major size advantage in the frontcourt. However, James and the Heat were able to overcome the Bulls last round, and they are going to be able to do the same to the Pacers. Granted, Indiana has a lot more players healthy and available than the Bulls did, but the Pacers don’t have the same nasty determination and pure hatred for Miami that Chicago does. The Bulls didn’t have enough offensive firepower to bully their way by the defending champs, and the Pacers don’t have enough toughness to stand up to them on this big of a stage. Indiana’s legit defense and strong home-court advantage will allow them to win a game or two, but over the course of the series, the Pacers just don’t have a player that can close out close games the way James and Wade can for the Heat.

Prediction: Miami Heat Win in 6 Games

Indiana Pacers vs Miami Heat Series Odds
Indiana Pacers +500
Miami Heat -700

Get the 2013 NBA vegas odds on NSAwins.com plus visit for 2013 NBA expert picks and updated 2013 NBA Finals Futures Odds.

2013 NBA Playoff Eastern Conference Finals Odds and Picks: Indiana Pacers vs Miami Heat Predictions originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 21, 2013.

Last year, Dario Franchitti survived an eventful last-lap battle for the lead to win the Indy 500 for the third time in his career. Franchitti’s lead over Takuma Sato was shrinking over the final laps, and Sato made a move to the inside on the last lap. However, Franchitti pinched Sato down to the bottom of the track, and in order to avoid making contact, Sato spun his car out and slammed into the outside wall as Franchitti coasted to the checkered flag.

The Favorites

Since winning the Indianapolis 500 in his first two attempts, Helio Castroneves hasn’t really slowed down much. He is a three-time winner of the race overall, tying him for the most wins of any driver in the field this weekend. Meanwhile, his 7.6 average finish in the race is also tied for the best among active drivers, and he leads all drivers with six top-five finishes and 10 top-10s. Castroneves has only finished outside the top 10 in two of his 12 starts in the Indy 500, making him all but a lock to be in contention for another victory this weekend.

Defending race winner Dario Franchitti has been dominant at Indianapolis recently. He has won the Indy 500 in three of the last five years and has finished seventh or better in six of his last eight starts in the event. His three victories tie him for the most among active drivers, and his 7.6 average finish is also tied for the best. Throw in the fact that Franchitti also leads all drivers in laps led per start in the Indy 500, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him go back to Victory Lane for the fourth time in six years on Sunday.

The Dark Horses

His lone Indianapolis 500 victory to date came in 2008, but Scott Dixon could add to that total at any moment. After all, his 7.6 average finish in the event is tied for the best among active drivers, and in 10 starts, he has eight top-10 finishes. More importantly, Dixon has finished sixth or better in seven straight Indy 500 starts, and in four of the last five races, he has led more than 50 laps. In fact, no driver in the field this weekend has more laps than Dixon’s 349. If anything, it is a bit of a surprise that he hasn’t won this race more than once.

No driver in the field this weekend has accomplished more at Indianapolis without winning than Tony Kanaan. In 11 starts in the event, he has five top-five finishes, six top-10s and has led 221 laps, and all three totals are the most of any driver in the field without a victory. Kanaan’s best finish to date came in 2004 when he ended up second, but he has been inching closer to that elusive win in recent years, finishing fourth in 2011 and third in 2012. History says that Kanaan will be in the mix, and there is a chance that he could finally seal the deal Sunday.

Success has come quickly for Marco Andretti, but like many of his family members, a win has been elusive. Since finishing second by a matter of inches in his Indy 500 debut, he has gone on to log four top-10s in seven starts, including three finishes of third or better. Andretti is starting third Sunday, and as fast as he has been at the track throughout his career, he may just be able to break the “Andretti Curse” that has been haunting his family for decades.

Sleeper Special

Although he has only made four starts in the Indianapolis 500, Oriol Servia has showed signs of a future winner. He has finished 11th or better in three of his four starts, and more importantly, he has been improving. Servia finished sixth in the 2011 Indy 500, and last year, he finished fourth. He may not be the biggest name in the IndyCar Series, but Servia is on the verge of making a name for himself at the sport’s biggest race.

Although he has never made an IndyCar Series start at Indianapolis, A.J. Allmendinger isn’t a newcomer to the track. He made four starts at the track in the Sprint Cup Series, finishing a career-best sixth in the Brickyard 400 just last year. Granted, a stock car and an open-wheel car are very different, but Allmendinger has looked comfortable so far and is starting fifth Sunday. Throw in the fact that his car owner Roger Penske is no stranger to success in the Indy 500, and Allmendinger could surprise in his first IndyCar Series start at Indianapolis.

Big Name to Avoid

He is the defending IndyCar Series champ and has already visited Victory Lane in 2013, but Ryan Hunter-Reay has never had a lot of success at Indianapolis. He has a 21.2 average finish in five career starts and has yet to lead a single lap. Worse yet, he has finished outside the top 15 in his last four starts in the Indy 500, including back-to-back finishes outside the top 20.

2013 Indianapolis 500 Odds – May 26th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Driver Odds to Win the 2013 Indy 500
Driver to win the Indy Indianapolis 500
301 Scott Dixon +700
302 Dario Franchitti +800
303 Helio Castroneves +800
304 James Hinchcliffe +900
305 Ryan Briscoe +2000
306 Ryan Hunter Reay +1000
307 Tony Kanaan +1500
308 Marco Andretti +700
309 Will Power +1200
310 Graham Rahal +2000
311 AJ Allmendinger +1200
312 Takuma Sato +3000
313 Oriol Servia +2500
314 Alex Tagliani +5000
315 Justin Wilson +4000
316 Ed Carpenter +900
317 Field +700

Check the latest NASCAR Odds and Betting Lines and updated 2013 Indy 500 Odds from BOVADA below:

2013 Indianapolis 500 Odds, Free Picks and Predictions – Favorites and Sleepers to Win Indy 500 originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 21, 2013.

Odds to win the 2013 Crowne Plaza Invitational
401 Zach Johnson +1015
402 Charl Schwartzel +1215
403 Matt Kuchar +1815
404 Jim Furyk +2050
405 Jason Dufner +1815
406 Rickie Fowler +2550
407 Kevin Streelman +2050
408 Bo Van Pelt +3050
409 Martin Laird +3050
410 Hunter Mahan +3050
411 Marc Leishman +3550
412 Henrik Stenson +3550
413 Charley Hoffman +3550
414 Ryan Palmer +4050
415 Tim Clark +4050
416 Ben Crane +4050
417 Harris English +4550
418 Chris Kirk +4550
419 Freddie Jacobson +4550
420 Ryan Moore +4550
421 John Huh +4550
422 DA Points +5050
423 Sang Moon Bae +4550
424 Scott Piercy +5250
425 Kyle Stanley +6050
426 Graham Delaet +6550
427 Brendon de Jonge +6550
428 Jeff Overton +6550
429 David Toms +7050
430 Angel Cabrera +7050

2013 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Odds, Predictions and Free Picks – Zach Johnson the Vegas Favorite originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 20, 2013.

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SportsBetting Sportsbook – SportsBetting is licensed out of Antigua and is another safe online sportsbook for USA players to deposit and play with. SportsBetting has been in business for over 15 years now and has earned a solid reputation for giving it’s players many sports betting options and completely secure deposit and fast withdrawal methods. SportsBetting.ag offers a generous $900 in BONUSES on ALL deposits(initial and reloads) for ALL players for LIFE.

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Sportbet Sportsbook – Sportbet offers an exceptional online wagering experience for all bettors worldwide and especially USA citizens. Sportbet Sportsbook is legally licensed out of San Jose, Costa Rica and offers a 50% BONUS upto $520 to ALL new players. Your money is very safe with Sportbet Sportsbook as they have been in business for well over a decade and are owned by the 5Dimes Group who own world class A+ sportsbook 5Dimes.

Intertops Sportsbook – The oldest sportsbook online since 1984 and one of the best! Another excellent sportsbook, casino and poker option for USA Players. Rock solid. UPDATE JUNE 2012: As of June 21st, Intertops NO LONGER accepts NEW USA Players. Current USA Players with an account can still play at Intertops and most non-USA citizens internationally can. However, NO NEW USA PLAYERS are being allowed to register.

AVOID – SCAMS – BLACKLISTED SPORTSBOOKS that ALL USA Players Should AVOID and NOT PLAY AT!

BetUS Sportsbook – One of the biggest scam operations taking bets from USA players online. These rip-off artists from Costa Rica have been stiffing USA players, selling their account information to the “BLACK MARKET”, running fraudulent credit card transactions and flat out stealing money from players and affiliates for years now. They have a nice looking website and slick talking customer service people that are able to sucker USA players in with HUGE BONUS offers, but in the end they simply will screw you and steal your money plus sell your credit card information and personal info to the BLACK MARKET. AVOID at all costs and if you already have an account with them make sure you CLOSE IT ASAP and get your money(if you can!) out of there. Don’t be another one of their laundry list of victims.

BookMaker and Diamond Sportsbook - Both of these sportsbooks are owned by the same parent company and should be AVOIDED at all costs. They have extremely rude customer service with players and marketing partners, in addition to making up rules and changing rules on the fly and refusing to payout in a timely manner. Many marketing partners have been stiffed on agreed upon payments and some players who have won big have not been paid at all. They have a slick marketing program that floods the internet with bogus review sites that give them great reviews and grades in addition to strategically buying their way to the top of so-called independent review sites that are basically nothing more than a sham at the expense of gullible players. The bottom line is there are much better options and trustworthy companies for USA players to sink their hard earned cash and trust into so STAY AWAY from CROOKS like BookMaker.eu and BetDSI.com/BetDSI.eu.

Other Sportsbooks and USA betting sites taking USA Players that YOU SHOULD AVOID and are BLACKLISTED by NSAwins.com for conducting themselves in a FRAUDULENT manner and for stealing money from USA players are OddsMaker Sportsbook, Linesmaker Sportsbook and WSEX Sportsbook among many, many more.

Check out our official list of online sportsbooks to play with including sportsbooks that do NOT accept USA players but are great bookmakers and bookies for international players.

Disclaimer: NSAwins.com’s content is provided for users located world-wide. There are hundreds of jurisdictions in the world with Internet access and hundreds of different games and gambling opportunities available on the Internet. YOU are responsible for determining if it is legal for YOU to play any particular games or place any particular wager.

USA Sportsbooks and USA Betting Sites – Sportsbooks Accepting US Players for Sports Betting Online for USA Citizens originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 20, 2013.

Of all the teams in the NBA, Memphis might just have the clearest identity. The Grizzlies pound the ball inside to Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol on the offensive end in order to control the pace of the game and wear down opponents, and they play stifling defense led by the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year Gasol and All-Defensive team selection Tony Allen. The end result is a team that doesn’t score a ton of points but that frustrates and disrupts anything and everything its opponent wants to do on offense. Considering Memphis allowed the fewest points in the NBA during the regular season and has since shutdown the highlight-reel offense of the Los Angeles Clippers and high-powered offense of Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder during the postseason, it is safe to say that the Grizzlies have a winning formula on their hands.

While the deep playoff run is nothing new for San Antonio, the team hasn’t been able to get over the hump and return to the NBA Finals since winning the title in 2007 and have lost in the conference finals twice during the stretch, including last year. The core of the Spurs remains Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, but role players Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard and Tiago Splitter have added some youth and depth to the veteran-laden bunch. Perhaps more importantly, the Spurs seem to make adjustments and play a variety of styles depending on the opponent. Already in the postseason, San Antonio attacked a weak Los Angeles Lakers’ defense with a potent offense and then switched gears to slow down a hot shooting Golden State Warriors’ offense with a physical defensive effort. Whatever the Spurs lack in speed and athleticism these days, they seem to more than make up for it with guile, savvy and poise.

The Grizzlies Win If:

One of the keys to Memphis’ success this postseason has been the play of point guard Mike Conley Jr., and if the Grizzlies are going to get by San Antonio, they will need him to at least hold his own with Tony Parker, especially on the defense end. Parker gets into the middle of the paint and breaks down defenses as well as any guard in the NBA, but if Conley can keep Parker in front of him, it will allow Memphis’ big men to stay at home and protect the rim and control the glass. On the offensive end, the Grizzlies need to try to take advantage of a relatively thin San Antonio frontcourt. Yes, Duncan is lurking in the post, but with Splitter and Boris Diaw as the other two big men, either Gasol or Randolph should have a favorable matchup every time down the court. If the Grizzlies can do what they have tried to do all year and consistently score in the post while forcing San Antonio to take mainly contested jumpers, they should wear down the Spurs and grind their way to the NBA Finals.

The Spurs Win If:

If Green, Leonard, Ginobili and even Matt Bonner all happen to be hitting from beyond the arc, the Grizzlies really don’t have the offensive firepower to keep pace, but for the most part, the matchup against the Grizzlies puts a lot of pressure on Parker and Duncan. Parker has to outplay Conley and consistently force Memphis’ stingy half-court defense to adjust and loosen up by penetrating into the lane and creating havoc. Meanwhile, Duncan has to control one of the Grizzlies’ two big men on a regular basis and keep Memphis from getting to the offensive glass. If Parker is getting anything he wants on the offensive end and Duncan at least levels the playing field to a degree in the post, the Spurs’ superior group of offensive role players should put more pressure on the Grizzlies’ offense to score than it can handle.

Bottom Line:

San Antonio was in the same position a year ago, and after jumping out to a 2-0 series lead against Oklahoma City, the Thunder roared back on won the next four games and advance to the NBA Finals. Duncan and company know that the window of opportunity as far as championships are concerned is closing fast, and while they face another young, hungry team in Memphis, the Spurs are as healthy as they have been this late in the playoffs in recent memory. San Antonio also has more offensive weapons to work with than Memphis does, especially on the perimeter. Yes, Memphis was able to get by Oklahoma City team with plenty of firepower in the last round, but thanks to an injury to Russell Westbrook, the Grizzlies were able to focus solely on shutting down Durant down the stretch of close games throughout the series. With Ginobili, Parker and Duncan all able to take and make a variety of shots, Memphis isn’t going to be able to gear its defense towards a single player. Don’t get me wrong. The Grizzlies are going to pound away at the Spurs in the post and make this a lengthy series, but in the end, the battle-tested Spurs will pull out one more tight win and advance.

Prediction: San Antonio Spurs Win in 7 Games

Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs Series Odds
Memphis Grizzlies +120
San Antonio Spurs -140

Get the 2013 NBA vegas odds on NSAwins.com plus visit for 2013 NBA expert picks and updated 2013 NBA Finals Futures Odds.

2013 NBA Western Conference Finals Odds and Picks: Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs Predictions originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 19, 2013.

Winner: Orb (10/11)

As if the five-race winning streak, the dialed in jockey, and the Kentucky Derby win weren’t enough, Orb has been wowing anyone and everyone during his workouts for the Preakness. There have definitely been situations when a trainer or the media have hyped up a horse and have set bettors up for a major letdown, but with basically every other trainer, owner and jockey praising Orb, this doesn’t seem like one of those times. This is a horse that has been unbeatable for a while now, and there is a reason oddsmakers have made him such an overwhelming favorite. Not to mention the fact that while no horse has won the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978, 13 have won the first two legs of the Triple Crown since then. Backing Orb may not be a recipe for a huge payout, but it is the smart strategy. In a nine-horse field, Orb should have little trouble winning the Preakness and keeping his hopes for a Triple Crown alive.

Place: Goldencents (8/1)

I bought into Goldencents prior to the Kentucky Derby and it burned me as the horse coasted to a 17th-place finish. Now, I am buying into the fact that the disappointing performance was a direct result of the horse’s inability to deal with the sloppy track conditions. Keep in mind that the Santa Anita Derby winner was practicing well at Churchill Downs prior to Mother Nature stepping in, and with a small field and clear skies on tap at Pimlico this weekend, the horse’s true speed should have a chance to shine through. I’m not sure that Goldencents or any other horse has the stamina and higher gear to overcome Orb down the stretch, but in terms of raw speed, I believe Goldencents is at least close. I’m expecting a major rebound.

Show: Govenor Charlie (10/1)

With only three starts to his credit, this horse doesn’t have a big sample size to judge him on. However, he does have two wins and second-place finish in his three starts, and while none of the races featured a huge field or a ton of top competition, it’s not like the Preakness field is the most intimidating ever assembled. Govenor Charlie has received solid reviews during his workouts this week, and the horse has gotten to job done on race day, albeit in limited action. Although he skipped the Kentucky Derby, I expect Govenor Charlie to be one of the bigger surprises of the Preakness.

2013 Preakness Odds and Picks: Win, Place and Show Predictions originally appeared on NSAwins "Betting Daily" Sports Betting Blog on May 17, 2013.