Author: Mat Daily

Analysis of the 2026 Preakness Jockeys

The 151^st Preakness Stakes goes on Saturday at around 6:50pmET from Laurel Park. The Preakness was moved from “Old Hilltop” in Pimlico (Baltimore) to about 30 miles away in Laurel, Maryland, due to renovations of the Pimlico Race Course. Let’s take a look at the jockeys in this race, where two riders will make their Preakness debuts, and five have Preakness wins on their resumes.

(by alphabetical order).

1)Alex Achard (Great White)

Originally from: France

Age: 34

First ride in the Preakness

Outlook: Archard was going to ride on Great White in the Derby on May 2 and then the horse unseated Archard and flipped over, losing its mind in front of the 150,000 fans at Churchill Downs. He has ridden Great White in all four of his career races and his horse shouldn’t be afraid of the 4,800 at Laurel Park. Great White has two firsts in four races.

2)Junior Alvarado (Crupper)

Originally from: Venezuela

Age: 39

Third ride in the Preakness

Outlook: Alvardo rode Chief Wallabee to a fourth-place finish at the Derby. In 2025, he had Belmont and Kentucky Derby wins with Sovereignty. Alvarado guided Crupper to a win in the Bathhouse Row Stakes, clinching a berth in the Preakness.

3)Rafael Bejarano (Robusta)

Originally from Peru

Age: 43

Fourth ride in the Preakness

Outlook: Bejarano is one of those solid jockey, who has spent moves to the 2010s in California and makes his first appearance in the Preakness in 17 years. He’ll take the reins on Robusta, who finished 14^th in the Derby two weeks ago. His best finish in the Preakness was with Sun Kin in 2005 (4^th).

4)Tyler Gaffalione (Ocelli)

Originally from: Florida

Age: 31

Fourth ride in the Preakness

Outlook: Gaffalione rode Ocelli to third place in the Derby two weeks ago. The horse came into the Derby as a maiden (without a career win). There hasn’t been a maiden to win the Preakness since 1888. Gaffalione has the experience (even though it’s at Pimlico), winning with War of Will in the 2019 Preakness.

5)Micah Husbands (Bull by the Horns)

Originally from: Barbados

Age: 23

First ride in the Preakness

Outlook: Husbands is the nephew of Patrick Husbands, who recently retired. Micha Husbands won 12 times at Gulfstream in the winter of 2025-26. Won the G1 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park. He will make his Preakness debut on Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained Bull by the Horns, who won the Rushaway Stakes on March 21 at Turfway Park.

6)Paco Lopez (Napoleon Solo)

Originally from: Mexico

Age: 40

Second ride in the Preakness

Outlook: Lopez is one of the leading jockeys on the East Coast, but somehow has just one Preakness mount. He’s on Napolean Solo, who finished fifth in the Wood Memorial after setting the early pace. Lopez is known for being an aggressive jockey. Solo also won the G1 Champagne Stakes in October and might be the fastest of the early speed horses.

7)Irad Ortiz Jr. (Talkin)

Originally from: Puerto Rico

Age: 33

Eighth ride in the Preakness

Outlook: Ortiz Jr. is a five-time Eclipse Award winner as the outstanding jockey. He just missed at the Derby as Renegade railed furiously from near the back of the field just to lose to Golden Tempo, ridden by Jose Ortiz, Irad’s brother. Irad rode Blazing Sevens by a head three years ago in the Preakness to National Treasure. Talkin hasn’t won since his debut last August.

8)Jose Ortiz (Chip Honcho)

Originally from: Puerto Rico

Age: 32

Seventh Preakness ride

Outlook: Jose Ortiz won the Eclipse Award in 2017, has a Kentucky Oaks win and a Kentucky Derby win two weeks ago. Golden Tempo won the Derby but is bypassing the Preakness. So Ortiz, who is looking for his second Preakness win with Steve Asmussen-trained Chip Honcho. This horse beat Golden Tempo at the Risen Star Stakes. Asumussen usually knows what he’s doing. He skipped the Derby for the lower-key atmosphere and small crowd at Laurel.

9)Flavien Prat (Iron Honor)

Originally from: France

Age: 33

Fourth ride at the Preakness

Outlook: Prat has won the last two Eclipse Awards. He won aboard Rombauer in the Preakness and then finished third and fourth over the past two years. He will ride one of the favorites in Iron Honor, who won the Gotham Stakes, before finishing seventh in the Wood Memorial. Chad Brown decided to skip the Kentucky Derby and wait for the Preakness. The biggest question is whether he’s favored due to his trainer and jockey or due to his resume’.

10)Sheldon Russell (Taj Mahal)

Originally from: Louisiana

Age: 38

Fourth ride in the Preakness

Outlook: Russell has won six riding titles at this track in Laurel. He was born in Louisiana and raised in England as the son of Dean Russell, who rode overseas. His wife, Brittany, trains most of his horses, including Taj Mahal, who started his career with two stakes wins and 3-for-3, all at Laurel. He won the Tesio, which is the annual prep at Laurel Park.

11)Luis Saez (The Hell We Did)

Originally from: Panama

Age: 33

Fifth ride in the Preakness

Outlook: Saez is making his fifth start in the Preakness, after nearly pulling off an upset win last year with Gosger. He took a five-length lead in the home stretch but yielded in the final strides to Journalism. In 2018, Saez also finished second to Justify in the Preakness aboard Bravazo. The Hell We Did was runner-up in the Lexington Stakes last month at Keeneland. He’ll have a shot with one of the best jockeys in North America.

12)Ricardo Santana (Pretty Bo Miah)

Originally from: Panama

Age: 33

Fourth Preakness ride

Outlook: Santana returns to the Preakness after a five-year absence. Santana will ride an improving horse in Pretty Boy Miah, who has only run at Aqueduct. Santana will have his work cut out for him, but he’s earned eight riding titles at Oaklawn Park during the 2010s and early 2020s.

13)Jamie Torres (Incredibolt)

Originally from: Puerto Rico

Age: 27

Second ride in the Preakness

Outlook: Torres won with Seize the Grey in 2024 at Pimlico for the last great Hall of Fame trainer, D. Wayne Lukas. Incredibolt was a late entry, who finished sixth at the Derby. The Riley Mott-trained horse had two wins as a 2-year-old and won at the Virginia Derby. But he also finished last at the Holy Bull Stakes on Jan. 31.

14)John Velázquez (Corona de Oro)

Originally from: Puerto Rico

Age: 54

15^th Preakness ride

Outlook: The legendary jockey has finished third or betting in four of his last five Preakness starts. That was topped by National Treasure’s win three years ago. Velázquez is one of the best jockeys of all time, having captured three Kentucky Derby wins and two Belmonts. Corona de Oro is coming in after finishing third in the Lexington Stakes. With Dallas Stewart as the trainer and Velazquez as the jockey, you can’t count him out.

_________________________________________________________________________ 

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  Big UFC card from the APEX in Vegas this Saturday!

• ATS has won 5 of the last 7 weeks. *ALLEN VS COSTA
  
  One of the better analytical points from early-week MMA betting coverage is that UFC markets are still less efficient than NFL/NBA markets because of information asymmetry and recency bias.
  The common public mistakes this week:
  *Overvaluing recognizable UFC veterans
  *Overreacting to recent knockout wins
  *Ignoring grappling advantages
  *Betting favorites too early before line movement settles

2026 Preakness Stakes Probables with Odds

The Preakness Stakes goes on Saturday, May 16 from Laurel Park, in Laurel, Maryland at approximately 6:50pmET. For the first time in 118 years, the Preakness will be held outside of Pimlico Race Course in 2026, due to renovations. The only three horses to join the field from the Kentucky Derby are Robusta, Incredibolt and Ocelli.

Let’s take a look at the 14 horses in this race, which will not include 23-1 longshot Golden Tempo, who won the Kentucky Derby but will bypass the Preakness Stakes for the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course.

Post Positions, Odds, Horses, Jockeys, Trainers

1)Taj Mahal (5-1). Jockey: Sheldon Russell, Trainer: Brittany Russell. Last race: Finished first in the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park.  Analysis: Taj Mahal is 3-0 at Laurel Park and is sired by Kentucky Derby champion Nyquist.

2)Ocelli (6-1). Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione, Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman. Last race: Finished third in the Kentucky Derby. Analysis: He was the 70-1 third-place finisher (maiden) at the Derby behind Golden Tempo and Renegade. He also finished third in the Wood Memorial.

3)Crupper (30-1). Jockey: Junior Alvarado, Trainer: Donnie Von Hemmel. Last Race: Won the Bathhouse Row Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Analysis: Crupper needed four starts to get his first win after setting an easy pace to win the Bathhouse Row Stakes.

4)Robusta (30-1). Jockey: Rafael Bejarano, Trainer: Doug O’Neill. Last Race: Finished 7^th in the Santa Anita Derby. Analysis: He was runner-up in the San Felipe Stakes, but was not competitive in the Santa Anita Derby. He finished 14^th of 18 starters in the Kentucky Derby.

5)Talkin (20-1). Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer: Danny Gargan. Last race: 3^rd in the Blue Grass Stakes. Analysis: Talkin has been rough in all four stakes tries. His most recent finish was at the Blue Grass, where he ran 12 ¾ lengths behind Further Ado.

6)Chip Honcho (5-1). Jockey: Jose Ortiz. Trainer Steve Asmussen. Last race: 5^th in the Louisiana Derby. Analysis: One of the favorites, he won the Gun Runner Stakes, placed fourth in the Lecomte Stakes, and also finished a runner-up to Paladin in the Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes. His last effort was a disappointing fifth in the Louisiana Derby.

7)The Hell We Did (15-1). Jockey: Luis Saez. Trainer: Todd Fincher. Last race: 2^nd in Lexington at Keeneland. Analysis: He was runner-up at the 1 1/16 mile Lexington Stakes in mid-April at Keeneland. Did have three starts on the Southwest racing circuit, winning at Remington Park and Sunland Park, and also finished 2^nd in a stakes at Zia Park.

8)Bull by the Horns (30-1). Jockey: Micah Husbands. Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr. Last race: Won the Rushaway Stakes in March at Florence, KY. Analysis: He was withdrawn from the Peter Pan Stakes on May 9 to run in the Preakness instead. He finished  7^th in the Fountain of Youth Stakes in late February. Did win at the Rushaway Stakes on March 21 at Turfway Park, held on an all-weather surface. Also has a win on dirt, a 6 ½ length win in a one-turn mile maiden race at Gulfstream Park last fall.

9)Iron Honor (9-2). Jockey: Flavien Pratt. Trainer: Chad Brown. Last race: 7^th at the Wood Memorial. Analysis:  Had a disappointing finish at the Wood at Aqueduct in April. Before that, he was undefeated in two starts. He won the Gotham Stakes by a length. His trainer Chad Brown has two Preakness wins on his resume’.

10) Napoleon Solo (8-1). Jockey: Paco Lopez. Trainer: Chad Summer. Last race: 5^th in the Wood Memorial. Analysis: Won the Champagne Stakes last year in October, but has not done well since. He ran well in the Wood, setting an early pace and tired to finish 2 ¾ lengths behind winner Albus and 1 ½ lengths behind Ocelli.

11)Corona de Oro (30-1). Jockey: John Velázquez. Trainer: Dallas Stewart. Last race: 3^rd in the Lexington Stakes. Analysis: He just missed making the field at the Kentucky Derby. He has steadily improved in three starts at age 3. He made his first two starts at Fair Grounds, which included a 1 1/16 mile maiden race and a 4 ½ length. He contested the pace in the Lexington Stakes, but tired down the stretch, finishing three lengths behind the winner, Trendsetter.

12)Incredibolt (5-1). Jockey: Jamie Torres. Trainer: Riley Mott. Last race: 6^th in the Kentucky Derby. He was a late entry, who ran well in the Derby, rallying wide and recovering from a bump in the midstretch by runner-up Renegade. He won the 1 1/8 miler Virginia Derby in March at Colonial Downs.

13)Great White (15-1). Jockey: Alex Achard. Trainer: John Ennis. Last race: 5^th in Blue Grass Stakes. Analysis: This was the horse that flipped just before entering the gate for the Kentucky Derby, unseating jockey Alex Achard in front of 150,000 fans. The good news is that Laurel Park has fewer than 5,000 fans, so he shouldn’t be as upset. Had a fifth-place finish in the 1 1/8 mile Blue Grass Stakes held in April, getting beaten by 22 ¼ lengths after setting an early pace. Before the Blue Grass, he won twice in three starts.

14)Pretty Boy Miah (15-1). Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr. Trainer: Jermiah Englehart. Last race: Won claiming race on April 25 at Aqueduct. Analysis: Had four starts at Aqueduct this year. Will make his stakes debut in this race. Does have a 6 ½ length win at the Beau Liam in late March. This is a jump in class and a stretch out in distance.

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Baseball is one of the most profitable sports at ATS. Won for the week and is up again! Get 2-3 games every single day through October.  We project average bettors to win over $31,000 in the first half.

• Join our Baseball Financial Program for $399 and get the Basketball Financial Program for FREE.  Contact us below for special deals so you can start winning today.
  
  ______________________________________________________________________________

  Hoops Financial Program is Rolling

  There are five weeks left in the NBA season. The ATS Basketball Financial Program has won 11 of 13 weeks, and average bettors are up nearly $5,000 in that span. Join our Basketball Financial Program for just $199 and get the rest of the regular season and playoffs through mid-June.

  __________________________________________________________________
  
  Big UFC card from the APEX in Vegas this Saturday!
• ATS has won 5 of the last 7 weeks. *ALLEN VS COSTA
  
  One of the better analytical points from early-week MMA betting coverage is that UFC markets are still less efficient than NFL/NBA markets because of information asymmetry and recency bias.
  The common public mistakes this week:
  *Overvaluing recognizable UFC veterans
  *Overreacting to recent knockout wins
  *Ignoring grappling advantages
  *Betting favorites too early before line movement settles

Differences between this year’s Preakness and the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the first jewel of the Triple Crown and is a 1 ¼ mile race run at Churchill every year. The Preakness is the second leg, held two weeks later (on May 16^th) and is shorter at 1 3/16 miles.

But there is a different twist to the Preakness this year. The race is being moved to Laurel Park due to renovations at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The Preakness Stakes have been held at “Old Hilltop” in Baltimore since 1909. It was originally held there in 1873, but had stops at New York City before returning 35 years later.

Laurel, Maryland, is about 30 miles south of Pimlico Race Course, which is expected to be rebuilt in 2027.

One of the main differences is the size of the tracks.  Laurel Park is wider, bigger, and configured in a way that could alter bias tendencies and alter pace dynamics.

Laurel Park’s track circumference is 1 1/8 miles, while Pimlico is one mile. The turn configuration features wider, more sweeping turns at Laurel Park, while Pimlico features tighter and shorter turns. The running style that is favored is tactical speed and closers at Laurel, while Pimlico is more about tactical speed.

Laurel is also much wider at 95 feet, while the Pimlico track is 70 feet wide. The track at Laurel gives horses more room to maneuver out of the turns.

The stretch run to the finish of this year’s race will be 1,089 feet, which is 63 feet shorter than the classic’s stretch run at Pimlico.

Now, when you look at the Derby, the race offers 20 horses in the field, while the Preakness offers a cap at 14 runners.  

Another difference is the crowd. The 2026 Preakness will be capped at 4,800 with no fans allowed in the infield. At this year’s Kentucky Derby, there were over 150,000 fans. Attendance at the Preakness had decreased for various reasons over the years, but they were still around 10 times what Laurel is expected to draw.

How does all of this impact handicapping the Preakness? Experience at this track could matter. Laurel hosts regular Maryland stakes races, including the Federico Tesio Stakes. 

The fact that there will be no more than 14 horses and that Laurel Park is wider than Pimlico means less congestion than the Kentucky Derby Field at Churchill. This usually benefits horses with tactical speed and riders who want to secure position early.

Overall, the temporary move to Laurel probably increases the importance of:

1)Tactical speed
2)Local familiarity
3)Clean positioning
4)Adaptability to a different dirt surface.

______________________________________________________________________________

Hoops Financial Program is Rolling

There are five weeks left in the NBA season. The ATS Basketball Financial Program has won 11 of 13 weeks, and average bettors are up nearly $5,000 in that span. Join our Basketball Financial Program for just $199 and get the rest of the regular season and playoffs through mid-June.

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Baseball is one of the most profitable sports at ATS. Won for the week and is up again! Get 2-3 games every single day through October.  We project average bettors to win over $31,000 in the first half.

• Join our Baseball Financial Program for $399 and get the Basketball Financial Program for FREE.  Contact us below for special deals so you can start winning today.
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The NBA Lottery was held on Sunday in Chicago and Washington (17-65) won the lottery, while Utah will pick second, Memphis third and the Bulls will pick fourth. The Wizards most likely will pick A.J. Dybantsa (-400) from BYU or Darryn Peterson (+330) from Kansas.  Cam Boozer from Duke is a longshot for the first pick at +1600 according to Draft Kings. Let’s take a look at an early Mock NBA draft (draft is held June 23) with the order now established. This is also considered one of the best freshman drafts in years.

1)Washington: A.J. Dybantsa, 6-9, 215, BYU. Dybantsa is one of those players who really doesn’t have a position. Even though he shot just 33.1% from three-point range, he was a pure scorer at BYU in the Big 12, averaging 25.5 points. For all his length, he’s not a great defender, but he has all the tools. He creates for others as well and is not just a scorer.

2)Utah: Darryn Peterson, 6-6, 205, Kansas. There is speculation already that Utah would trade up to get Dybantsa because he played at BYU and didn’t look thrilled at going to D.C. Peterson was considered the top pick going into this season and was great (20.2ppg, 38.2% 3pt) when he was on the floor. He had cramping issues all season that limited his playing time and that’s why he may not go as the top pick. Either way, this should be a no-brainer.

3)Memphis: Cam Boozer, 6-9, 250, Duke. Boozer was arguably the best player in college, but do his average athletic skills translate to the NBA? He averaged 22.5ppg, 10.2rpg and 4.1apg, while shooting 39.1% from three-point range. His basketball IQ is elite but his defense will need some work. This pick could also be Caleb Wilson, considering Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded to Utah last season.

4)Chicago: Caleb Wilson, 6-10, 215, North Carolina. Wilson has the upside in the draft. He averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds with UNC last season. He still has to fill out some forms and has missed time due to injuries to both hands. His athleticism and potential on both ends are incredibly intriguing.

5)LA Clippers: Kingston Flemings, 6-4, 190, Houston. This is where things get interesting. The top four should be Boozer, Wilson, Dybantsa and Peterson in some order. Flemings is an explosive athlete, who averaged 5.2 assists and shot 38.7% from three-point range. Four point guards could be taken here. Flemings can also play defense and that’s a must at Houston. He also has solid upside.

6)Brooklyn: Darius Acuff Jr, 6-3, 190, Arkansas. The Nets tanked to get the first or second pick and wound up with the sixth. But Acuff, Flemings or Keaton Wagler are a nice consolation prize. Acuff averaged 23.5 points per game and 6.4 assists, while shooting 44% from beyond the arc. He doesn’t have great size, but that didn’t hurt Tyrese Maxey.

7)Sacramento: Keaton Wagler, 6-6,185, Illinois. The Kings also could have used a higher pick, but once again, this is a deep draft. Wagler has the size that teams love, but at times, his shot selections is questionable. Yet he was able to lead Illinois to a Final Four as a freshman point guard. He does need to add strength. Averaged 17.9ppg, 5.1rpg and 4.2apg, while shooting 39.7% from the 3-point line.

8)Atlanta: Mikel Brown Jr, 6-5, 190, Louisville. They traded away last year’s pick for New Orleans (who took Deriq Queen). Averaged 18.2 points and shot 34.4% from beyond the arc. Has good size and is an excellent passer. However, a back injury during the season is a concern and could keep him from going top five and might drop him from this spot if medicals are not strong.

9)Dallas: Bradyen Burries, 6-4, 205, Arizona. Burries averaged 16.1 points and shot 39.1% from three-point range. He’s more of a combo guard than a point guard. Dallas can’t complain about luck since they got the first pick last year and wound up with Cooper Flagg, who lived up to expectations. Burries is the type of shooter who can help right away.

10)Milwaukee: Yaxel Lendeborg, 6-9, 240, Michigan. This is where it gets intriguing because the Bucks need to either keep Giannis Antetokounmpo or trade him before or during draft night. Lendeborg is 24, but he also has a Giannis-like 7-foot-4 wingspan. He can also play just about any position on the floor, has a great BB IQ and shot 37% from 3-point range last season. If not for the age, he’s a top-six pick.

11)Golden State: Nate Ament, 6-10, 207, Tennessee. The Warriors can use young talent and they finally get a lottery pick. Another long wing who can play several positions. Has to work on his shot (33.3% 3pt) and his body. Has a strong upside.

12)Oklahoma City: Karim Lopez, 6-8, 224, New Zealand Breakers. Lopez is from Mexico and is a physical player who can handle the ball and is solid on defense. The question is whether he can improve his shooting (32.2% 3pt) and limit the turnovers at the next level.

13)Miami: Labaron Philon Jr., 6-3, 175, Alabama. A high-scoring guard from a high-scoring up-tempo Alabama team. Philon averaged 22 points and 5.0 assists, while shooting 39.9% from 3-point range. Is a modern-day point guard/lead guard who can score, defend pretty well, but is not very big.

14)Charlotte: Aday Mara, 7-3, 255, Michigan. Mara would be a solid pick for a Hornets team that could use a big man with scoring ability. Mara didn’t need to score much at Michigan (12.1ppg, 6.8rpg), but has good hands and, more importantly for an NBA big man, can protect the rim.

15)Chicago: Koa Peat, 6-8, 235, Arizona. Peat averaged 14.1 points at Arizona, while shooting 35% from beyond the arc. In some ways, he’s an old-school power forward who needs to be more consistent as a perimeter shooter. He has the strength and defensive ability to contribute right away as a rotation player.

16)Memphis: Bennett Stiritz, 6-4, 190, Iowa. Stiritz can flat-out shoot it and can play some point guard with Ja Morant also handling the ball. He averaged 19.8 points and 4.4 assists, while shooting 35.8% from beyond the arc. But he’s not just a perimeter shooter, as he has the BB IQ to be creative on screens.

17)Oklahoma City: Hannes Steinbach, 6-11, 230, Washington. Steinbach posted a 14.3 offensive rebound rate and a 25 percent defensive rebound rate. He runs the floor well and is a very good finisher on the pick-and-roll with excellent hands. Just need to make progress as a shooter, though the lack of length hinders him in rim protection.

18)Charlotte: Cameron Carr, 6-5, 190, Baylor. Carr averaged 18.9 points and shot 37.4% from beyond the arc. A late bloomer who began his career at Tennessee, playing just 18 games in two seasons. Very athletic shot-maker, who showed he’s also a strong shooter with 49/37/80 in shooting splits at Baylor.

19)Toronto: Christian Anderson, 6-3, 178, Texas Tech. This is such a good point guard draft. Anderson averaged 18.5 points and 7.4 assists, while shooting 41.5% from 3-point range at Texas Tech. Not very big and that could be a concern on defense.

20)San Antonio: Chris Cenac Jr, 6-11, 240, Houston. Cenac has the size and athleticism to be more than just a rebounder (7.9 LY). Some big men develop later on and Cenac Jr. is one of those players who can learn to come of the bench and start slowly on the Spurs.

21)Detroit: Morez Johnson, 6-9, 250, Michigan, Yes, Michigan was very talented up front. Johnson is a rugged big man with a decent shot and he produced 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds. A perfect fit in the Motor City for a team that needs depth up front, especially at power forward.

22)Philadelphia: Allen Graves, 6-9, 225, Santa Clara. Philly is not likely to get Joel Embiid’s replacement this late in the draft. Graves is not that, but has a nice touch as a stretch four (41.3% 3pt) and is a skilled player on both ends of the floor.

23)Atlanta: Isaiah Evans, 6-6, 180, Duke. Atlanta could use some physical players, but they can use free agency for that. Evans is a lanky shooter who can defend and shot 36% from three-point range. He has pretty good upside and size.

24)New York: Dailyn Swain, 6-8, 230, Texas. The big wing from Texas can do a lot of things well, but was erratic from the three-point line (34.8%). Handles the ball well enough to be a point forward-type, who averaged 3.6 assists, 7.5 rebounds and 17.3 points.

25)LA Lakers: Henri Veesaar, 7-0, 225, North Carolina. Shot 42.6% from beyond the arc, and the Lakers could certainly use help in the middle or at power forward. He’s more of a floor spacer than a big man who will produce in the paint.

26)Denver: Ebuka Okorie, 6-2, 185, Stanford. Denver needs a spark off the bench. Okorie averaged 23.2 points and 3.6 assists, while shooting 35.4% from beyond the arc. His strength is his speed and his shooting improved as the season went on.

27)Boston: Amari Allen, 6-8, 205, Alabama. Allen could return to school, which nowadays is a strong possibility considering the money being thrown out in college. He showed flashes at  Alabama as a playmaker (3.1apg) and rebounder (6.9rpg).

28)Minnesota: Reuben Chinyelu, 6-10, 265, Florida. A big man who has a tremendous wingspan (7-8) and is a tremendous rebounder (11.2prg). He’s worth taking a shot this late in the draft.

29)Cleveland: Meleek Thomas, 6-5, 185, Arkansas. Thomas is another big scorer who made 41.6% of his three-pointers last season. The Cavs can always use help at guard off the bench and James Harden won’t be there forever.

30)Dallas: Joshua Jefferson, 6-9, 240, Iowa State. If not for an ankle injury, Iowa State might have made the Final Four last season. He’s not a great 3-point shooter (34.5%), but averaged 16.4ppg, 7.4rpg and 4.8apg. Does a lot of things well.

______________________________________________________________________________

Hoops Financial Program is Rolling

There are five weeks left in the NBA season. The ATS Basketball Financial Program has won 11 of 13 weeks, and average bettors are up nearly $5,000 in that span. Join our Basketball Financial Program for just $199 and get the rest of the regular season and playoffs through mid-June.

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Baseball is one of the most profitable sports at ATS. Won for the week and is up again! Get 2-3 games every single day through October.  We project average bettors to win over $31,000 in the first half.

• Join our Baseball Financial Program for $399 and get the Basketball Financial Program for FREE.  Contact us below for special deals so you can start winning today.
  __________________________________________________

2026 WNBA Preview

The WNBA begins its 30^th season on Friday and the league is stronger than ever, thanks to two expansion teams in the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo. They also reached a new CBA in the offseason where players will now make competitive salaries with 12 player rosters in this 15-team league. The NY Liberty (+220) are the favorites to win the WNBA title, while Portland (+40000) and Toronto (+20000) come in after an expansion draft, but they aren’t in the bottom of the picks according to Draft Kings. That would be the Connecticut Sun (+50000).

Let’s start with a short preview of each team with last year’s record and their odds to win the title

Atlanta Dream (31-16 SU, 29-17-1 ATS, 21-24-2 O/U in 2025). Odds to win WNBA: +850

The Dream add 6-3 forward Angel Reese, but lost Briona Jones to knee surgery to the early part of the season. Reese has to finish better around the rim, as she made just 42% from the field in her first two seasons. She’s the best rebounder in the league, averaging 12.6 last season. Jones averaged 12.8ppg and 7.3rpg last season.

Chicago Sky (10-34 SU, 21-23 ATS, 21-22-1 O/U in 2025). Odds to win WNBA: +10000

This squad is a mess right now after going 0-2 in the preseason and with Skylar Diggins, Rikea Jackson, and rookie Gabriela Jaquez getting playing time. Tyler Marsh takes over for Teresa Weatherspoon as head coach.  Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, and Jacy Sheldon arrive along with Natasha Cloud. Diggins and Cloud give the team two veteran point guards who can also play defense. They also may lose an edge on the boards with Angel Reese traded to Atlanta.

Connecticut Sun (11-33 SU, 23-21 ATS, 21-21-2 O/U in 2025). Odds to win WNBA: +50000

The Sun add 6-8 Brittney Griner but lost star Marina Mabrey in the expansion draft. They added Diamond Miller via trade, which should help. This team is still about their young stars: Saniya Rivers, Aneesha Morrow, Leila Lacan and Aaliyah Edwards. They also just picked up Hailey Van Lith, who was picked up off waivers because Chicago waived her to make room for Natasha Cloud. Could be another long season for the Sun.

Dallas Wings (10-34 SU, 20-24 ATS, 24-20 O/U in 2025). Odds to win WNBA: +3000

Dallas, just like the Mavs, had the first pick of the draft and they took Azzi Fudd from UConn to join former teammates Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale in the starting lineup. First-year coach Jose Fernandez will have a lot of talent to deal with, adding Jessica Shepard and Alana Smith from Minnesota to add to the frontcourt. This should be a team to watch.

Golden State Valkyries (23-23 SU, 28-17-1 ATS, 17-29 O/U in 2025). WNBA Odds: +4500

The Valkryies are in their second season after making the playoffs in their first year (a first in the W). They landed Gabby Williams in free agency, which should improve one of the best defenses in the league. He led the league with 2.3 steals per game. The biggest concern is up front, where they lost Monique Billings and Temi Fagbenle.

Indiana Fever (28-24 SU, 27-25 ATS, 24-28 O/U in 2025). WNBA Odds: +450

Caitlin Clark returns from an injury-prone season, but they had a chance to go to the Final if star Kelsey Mitchell hadn’t gotten injured. Clark and Mitchell are the best backcourt in the game right now. They add Raven Johnson, Monique Billings and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough to improve a defense that ranked eight in points allowed per game and ninth in field goal percentage defense (44.9).

Las Vegas Aces (37-17, 28-25-1 ATS, 27-27 O/U in 2025). WNBA Odds: +390

The Aces have the best player in the game in A’ja Wilson, the 6-6 center, who won her third championship trophy and second WNBA Finals MVP award. The Aces also have Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, who are great players in their own right. That’s not to forget Jewell Lloyd, a six-time All-Star and three-time all-WNBA player. They will be tough to beat again.

Los Angeles Sparks (21-23 SU, 18-25-1ATS, 27-16-1 O/U in 2025). WNBA Odds: +1400

The Spark were 2-0 in the preseason, but didn’t really play anybody. At least they played better defense, which was a problem last season as they ranked last in allowing 88.2 points. The good news is that 6-4 center Cameron Brink is back to help with the rim protection. They also add Ariel Atkins and Nneka Ogwumike to improve their D.

Minnesota Lynx (37-13 SU, 27-22-1 ATS, 25-23-2 O/U in 2025). WNBA Odds: +800

The Lynx had a rough offseason, losing starters Bridget Carleton to the expansion draft and Alanna Smith to free agency. They also lost star Napheesa Collier until June due to ankle surgery. Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams are back, and they have an elite coaching staff led by Cheryl Reeve.

NY Liberty (28-19 SU, 16-29-2 ATS, 18-28-1 O/U in 2025). WNBA Odds: +220

If anybody can challenge Las Vegas, it’s the Liberty. Breanna Stewart is back after knee issues hampered her. New coach Chris DeMarco will also have Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu. They also get Betnijah Laney-Hamilton back from missing 2025 due to injury.

Phoenix Mercury (32-21 SU, 27-25-1 ATS, 23-28-2 O/U). WNBA Odds: +3000

Phoenix needed to get young after losing Diana Taurasi (retired) and Brittney Griner, who left in free agency. Veteran forward Alyssa Thomas arrives to join Kahleah Cooper, who averaged 18 points in 18.7 minutes per game in the preseason. If she can stay healthy, this will be a very dangerous team.

Portland Fire (Expansion team). WNBA Odds: +40000

Not a lot of expectations here for the Fire in their first season. They struggled in the preseason but that’s to be expected. Bridget Carleton was their first pick in the expansion draft and they also signed veteran guard Karlie Samuelson in free agency.

Seattle Storm (24-23 SU, 19-28 ATS, 25-22 O/U in 2025). WNBA Odds: +25000

Seattle brings in No. 3 pick Awa Fam to join last year’s No. 2 pick Dominique Malonga in what basically is a rebuild. That’s because they lost their top five scorers in free agency (82.2% of their scoring from last season). Guard Fla’jae Johnson arrives from LSU as a high-scoring guard, and she showed promise in preseason by scoring 20 points in her second game.

Toronto Tempo (Expansion team). WNBA Odds: +4000

Toronto has a chance to be better than Portland because they have a solid backcourt led by Brittney Sykes, Marina Mabrey and Kia Nurse. They also selected Kiki Rice of UCLA with the sixth pick. With former New York coach Sandy Brondello at the helm, they could surprise some.

Washington Mystics (16-28 SU, 21-23 ATS, 19-24-1 O/U). WNBA Odds: +15000

Washington, like the Wizards, has been stuck in a long rebuild. They are run by Wizards Team President Michael Winger, who took over for Mike and Eric Thibault. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen had an outstanding rookie season and will be joined by 6-5 center Shakira Austin. They also added 6-7 center Lauren Betts with the No. 4 pick and 6-4 Angela Dugalic with the No. 9 pick, so this will be a very big team.

Picks:

NY Liberty over Las Vegas Aces in the Finals. 

______________________________________________________________________________

Hoops Financial Program is Rolling

There are six weeks left in the NBA season. The ATS Basketball Financial Program has won 10 of 12 weeks, and average bettors are up nearly $5,000 in that span. Join our Basketball Financial Program for just $199 and get the rest of the regular season and playoffs through mid-June.

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Baseball is one of the most profitable sports at ATS. Won for the week and is up again! Get 2-3 games every single day through October.  We project average bettors to win over $31,000 in the first half. Don’t miss our big weekend starting on Friday with a huge game on Saturday! The pitching matchups are set for a big score.

• Join our Baseball Financial Program for $399 and get the Basketball Financial Program for FREE.  Contact us below for special deals so you can start winning today.
  __________________________________________________

Top NBA and Baseball Prop Bets for Thursday

When looking at prop bets, it’s best to look at superstars and not try to find an obscure player with huge odds. Let’s take a look at some basic prop bet picks for tonight (from DK).

NBA Props

Donovan Mitchell: Over 3+ Threes (-112). Mitchell made four in his last game and has made 15 over his last five games. 

Cade Cunningham over points+rebounds+assists 45+ (+104).  Had just 23 points,  seven assists and three rebounds in his last game for 33. However, he’s averaged over 36 points in his previous three. He had 45 combined in his previous two and 54 on April 29. 

Cunningham Over 30+ (+128). Take that prop for a good value and consider he is averaging 31.3 points per game in the playoffs. 

LeBron James Over 25+ (+146). At 41, he’s still one of the best players in the game and the Lakers need him to get 30 for them to have a shot. 

James + Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Combined Total Points Over  56+ (+145). SGA is coming off his worst game of the season with 18 points and 7 turnovers. 

MLB Prop bets

Home Runs

Oneil Cruz 1+ (+385)

Pete Alonso 1+ (+489)

Total Bases

Bryce Harper Over 2+ (+113)

______________________________________________________________________________

Hoops Financial Program is Rolling

There are six weeks left in the NBA season. The ATS Basketball Financial Program has won 10 of 12 weeks, and average bettors are up nearly $5,000 in that span. Join our Basketball Financial Program for just $199 and get the rest of the regular season and playoffs through mid-June.

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Baseball is one of the most profitable sports at ATS. Won for the week and is up again! Get 2-3 games every single day through October.  We project average bettors to win over $31,000 in the first half. Don’t miss our big weekend with a huge game on Saturday! The pitching matchups are set for a big score.

• Join our Baseball Financial Program for $399 and get the Basketball Financial Program for FREE.  Contact us below for special deals so you can start winning today.
  __________________________________________________

There are so many variables when it comes to betting on baseball. If you are a casual or even sharp bettor, how many times have you bet on the starting pitcher who went six of seven innings, allowing less than three runs and you’re leading 4-2 going into the eighth? What happens? You lose 5-4, because the setup man and/or closer blows the game. One way of avoiding bullpens blowing the game in later innings is to pick the first 5 innings line. You do have to be careful with big lines because the Dodgers could be a -250 favorite on the full game and first 5 games.

The key to analyzing each game is to not only know the performances of the starters and the team’s performance, but also the bullpens. Some say that the best strategy is to fade a team with bullpen ratings, going against a team that is on a winning streak of three or more games (assuming you get good value).

Let’s take a look at the top bullpens in 2026 thus far as of May 5, 2026:

BPE (Bullpen era) (stats from insidethepen.com)

Top 10

1)Texas:  2.93 BPE, 107.2 IP, Closer by committee: Jakob Junis & Chris Martin

2)San Francisco: 2.96 BPE, 118.2 IP, Closer by committee: Blade Tidwell & Erik Miller

3)Seattle: 3.12 BPE, 115.1 IP, Closer: Andres Munoz (5.79 ERA)

4)Atlanta Braves: 3.31 BPE, 98 IP. Closer. Raisel Iglesias (0.00 ERA)

5)NY Yankees: 3.44 BPE, 115 IP. Closer: David Bednar (3.29 ERA)

6)Boston: 3.54 BPE, 132.1 IP. Closer: Aroldis Chapman (0.77 ERA)

7)LA Dodgers: 3.55 BPE, 99 IP. Closer: Edwin Diaz on IL. Closer by committee: Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen.

8)Milwaukee: 3.60 BPE, 132.1 IP. Closer: Trevor MeGill (6.00 ERA)

9)Miami: 3.77 BPE, 117 IP. Closer: TBD Pete Fairbanks was placed on the IL.

10)Pittsburgh: 3.80 BPE, 139.2 IP. Closer: Dennis Santana (3.07 ERA)

Bottom 10

30)Houston: 5.60 BPE, 143 IP. Closer: Bryan Abreua (9.49 ERA), Josh Hader is on the 60-day IL.

29)LA Angels: 5.36 BPE, 151 IP. Closer: Jordan Romano (10.13 ERA), regular closer Kirby Yates is on the IL.

28)Kansas City: 5.23 BPE, 117 IP. Closer: Lucas Erceg (3.77 ERA).

27)Athletics: 5.17 BPE, 135.2 IP. Closer: Joel Kuhnel & Mark Leiter Jr.

26)Chicago White Sox: 5.10 BPE, 134 IP. Closer: Seranthony Dominguez (3.95 ERA).

25)Minnesota: 5.09 BPE, 120.1 IP. Closer: Justin Topa & Cole Sands.

24)St. Louis: 4.92 BPE, 133.2 IP. Closer: Riley O’Brien (2.12 ERA).

23)Baltimore: 4.79 BPE, 129.2 IP. Closer: TBD. Closer by committee.

22)Arizona: 4.78 BPE, 139.1 IP. Closer: Paul Sewald (3.86 ERA).

21)Washington: 4.55 BP, 150.1 IP. Closer: Gus Varland & Clayton Beeter.

______________________________________________________________________________

Hoops Financial Program is Rolling

There are six weeks left in the NBA season. The ATS Basketball Financial Program has won 10 of 12 weeks, and average bettors are up nearly $4,000 in that span. Join our Basketball Financial Program for just $199 and get the rest of the regular season and playoffs through mid-June.

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Baseball is one of the most profitable sports at ATS. Won for the week! Get 2-3 games every single day through October.  We project average bettors to win over $31,000 in the first half.

• Join our Baseball Financial Program for $399 and get the Basketball Financial Program for FREE.  Contact us below for special deals so you can start winning today.
  __________________________________________________

Bettors use ATS-type trends to spot when teams are consistently overperforming or underperforming expectations. When baseball teams are rolling, you can usually go against them on the money line and run line. However, if there is a mismatch, stay away from the overinflated lines (-170 or more). Here are some of the hottest and coldest teams in the league in run lines, money lines and totals. 

Top Five Money Line teams

1)St. Louis: $1054, Home: $261, Road: $793

2)Tampa Bay:  $863, Home: $660. Road: $203

3)Atlanta: $696, Home: $215, Road: $481

4)Chicago Cubs: $633, Home: $516, Road: $117.

5)Cincinnati: $504, Home: $76. Road: $428.

Bottom Five Money Line Teams

1)NY Mets: $-1222, Home: -789, Road: -433.

2)Philadelphia: $-967, Home: -512, Road: -455

3)Boston: $-926, Home: -552, Road: -374

4)Houston: $-819, Home: -240, Road: -579

5)Baltimore $-776, Home: -187, Road: -589

Top Over/Under Teams

Top five overs

1)Houston 24-11-1 O/U

1)Baltimore 24-11-1 O/U

3)Chicago Cubs 22-12-1 O/U

3)Washington 21-12-2 O/U

5)Arizona 20-12-1 O/U

5)Cincinnati 21-13-1 O/U

Top five unders

1)Kansas City 14-21 Under

2)Texas 13-19-2 Under

2)NY Mets 13-19-3 Under

4)San Francisco 14-18-3 Under

4)Colorado 16-20 Under

Run Line

Top 10

1)Atlanta $1705

2)NY Yankees  $1202

3)Tampa Bay $986

4)San Diego $590

5)Pittsburgh $575

6)Milwaukee $488

7)Cincinnati $361

8)St. Louis $252

9)Colorado $246

10)Arizona $235

______________________________________________________________________________

Hoops Financial Program is Rolling

There are six weeks left in the NBA season. The ATS Basketball Financial Program has won 10 of 12 weeks, and average bettors are up nearly $4,000 in that span. Join our Basketball Financial Program for just $199 and get the rest of the regular season and playoffs through mid-June.

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Baseball is one of the most profitable sports at ATS. Won for the week! Get 2-3 games every single day through October.  We project average bettors to win over $31,000 in the first half.

• Join our Baseball Financial Program for $399 and get the Basketball Financial Program for FREE.  Contact us below for special deals so you can start winning today.
  __________________________________________________

Second Round NBA Playoffs Preview

We’re now in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, after a wild first round that saw three series go seven games. Injuries to key players have also had impacts with Kevin Durant (Houston), Franz Wagner (Orlando), Jayson Tatum (Boston), Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Ayou Dosunmo (Minnesota), Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic (LA Lakers), Aaron Gordon missing time, just to name in the first round.

On Monday, we have two games in both conferences. I’ll preview the series, not the games, with *series prices (seven games) given along with stats and analysis.

*-series prices from DraftKings.

7)Philadelphia (50-40, 47-40-3 ATS, 41-49 O/U) vs. 3)NY Knicks (58-31, 47-41-1 ATS, 41-48 O/U).

Series Prices: NY Knicks (-270)/Philadelphia +220.

Head-to-Head matchups: 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS. (Knicks won last two, including on Feb. 11, 138-89).

Key Injuries: none.

Analysis: When it comes to Philadelphia, everything revolves around Joel Embiid. The former MVP center appears to be back to his old self, though he appeared to bang knees late in their win over Boston on Saturday night. However, he’s listed as probable for Game 1. Their series win over Boston (without Tatum on Saturday), was their first playoff series win over the Celtics since 1982. They also became the first No. 7 seed to beat No. 2 since the first round became a best-of-seven format. Boston couldn’t handle Embiid, who missed the first three games recovering from an appendectomy.  Boston was up 3-1 and looked like they were going to cruise, but the 76ers outscored them 328-290 in the final three games. Philly shot 47% from the field in their last three games, but it was their defense, led by Paul George and Kelly Oubre, that limited the Celtics to just 40.7% shooting. But this series is about Tyrese Maxey (26.9ppg in first round, Brunson averaged 26.3ppg).

The Knicks, just like Philly, won their last three games, but in a more dominant fashion. They beat Atlanta in six games and were down 2-1 in the first three games before going on a historic run, beating the Hawks 114-98, 126-97, and an unreal 140-89 on the road on Thursday. In that game, the Celtics opened up a 47-point halftime lead and led by as many as 61 points in the third quarter. The Knicks were led by more than Brunson as OG Anunoby had an excellent series with 21.5 points and 8.7 rebounds, while shooting 61.1% from the field. New York just bullied the younger and smaller Hawks in the last three games. Can they do the same thing against the Sixers?

Series Pick: Philadelphia +220 in 6/ Exact Game prop +250 (6 games)

6)Minnesota (53-35, 41-47 ATS, 39-49 O/U) vs. 2)San Antonio (66-22, 49-37-2 ATS, 37-51 O/U)

*Series Prices: San Antonio -1200/Minnesota +700

Head-to-Head matchups: T-Wolves win two of three games SU and ATS. The last game took place on Jan. 17 at San Antonio with the Spurs winning 126-123.

Key Injuries: Minnesota: G Anthony Edwards (knee) is questionable for Game 1. DiVincenzo (Achilles) is out. A. Dosunmo (calf) is out at least in Game 1.

Minnesota pulled off a miraculous first-round win over No. 4  Denver, winning in six, including a 110-98 victory at home on Thursday. Edwards (knee) missed the final two games, while Ayo Dosunmo (calf) missed Game 6 and DiVincenzo missed the final two games. Yet, Terrence Shannon Jr. came off the bench with a career-playoff high 24 points and Jaden McDaniels (17.8ppg, 6.8rpg first round) was outstanding on both ends in the first round. Dosunmu (21.8ppg playoffs) has been great, but he’s not Anthony Edwards (18.5pp playoffs, 28.8ppg reg season). Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid will have their hands full with Victor Wembanyama, but they did a great job on Nikola Jokic in the first round, holding him to 44.6% shooting from the field and 19.4% from 3-point range.

Wemby and the Spurs come into this series allowing 44.8% from the field (4^th) overall, but when he’s on the floor, nobody impacts the defense more than he does, which is why he was named Defensive Player of the Year. The Spurs were shocked in Game 2 against Portland at home and then won three straight to take the series in five. They won the last three games by a combined 52 points. This is more than a one-man team. De’Aaron Fox (20.2ppg, 6.8apg in playoffs) has been rejuvenated with this team, while Stephon Castle (19.8ppg, 6apg, 40.7% 3pt), Devin Vassell (12.6ppg, 5.8rpg) and Julian Champagie (10.2ppg, 61.9% 3pt) have been more than just role players in the playoffs and all season long. This is a very deep team, but the key is Wembanyama (21ppg, 8.8rpg, 4bpg) and his ability to stay healthy.

Series Picks: Spurs 4-1 +225.

Tuesday, May 5

4)LA Lakers (57-31, 49-38-1 ATS, 44-44 O/U) vs. 1)Oklahoma City (68-18, 41-44-1 ATS, 47-39 O/U)

Series Prices:  Lakers +900/OKC -1600

Head-to-Head matchups: OKC 4-0 SU and 4-0 ATS.

Key Injuries: Lakers: Luka Doncic (hamstring) is expected to miss the first two games, at least. OKC: SF Jalen Williams (hamstring) is out for the first game.

The Lakers won the first three games against Houston and then lost the next two before winning Game 6 with ease on Friday, winning easily by 20 against a team that was playing without Kevin Durant. LeBron James had to carry the team at 41 for most of the series, but the Lakers did get Austin Reaves back from injury. He averaged 18.5 points on 37% shooting (16.7% 3pt) in two games. He’ll need to get back to his regular-season form, when he averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists. James averaged 20.9 points and 7.2 assists in the regular season, but he turned it up in the playoffs, averaging 23.2 points, 8.3 assists and 7.2 rebounds. The big key is the health of Luka Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in the regular season. It doesn’t look like he’ll return in this series, or at least in the early part, which is not a good thing.

OKC is also dealing with a player who has a hamstring injury in Jalen Williams. He’s arguably the second-best or third-best player on the team, but has played in just 33 games this season, averaging 17.1 points and 5.5 assists (20.5ppg in 2 playoff games). But when you have great depth, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, you can overcome certain injuries, at least now. SGA has been fantastic as always, averaging 33.8 points and 8.0 assists in four games as they are coming off dominating Phoenix in four games, covering two of the games. Holmgren adds 17.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in the four playoff games. With Williams likely out, they need more offensively from a handful of guards led by Ajay Mitchell (15ppg), Alex Caruso, Isiah Joe, Lu Dort and Cason Wallace. The Thunder are a handful on offense, but it’s their defense that will be a key as they rank first in the NBA in field goal defense (43.8%), but just 24^th in three-point defense (38.8%). The other question is whether they put Dort (6-4, 220) or Holmgren (7-1, 210) on James.

Series Picks: OKC 4-0 +120.

4)Cleveland (57-33, 37-52-1 ATS, 45-43 O/U) vs. 1)Detroit (64-25, 47-41-1 ATS, 41-48O/U)

Series Prices: Detroit -120/Cleveland +100

Head-to-Head matchups:   Detroit was 2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS

Key Injuries:  Detroit: G Kevin Herter (thigh) is out at least Tuesday.

These are two pretty grind-it-out teams that both needed seven games to get by the first round. Cleveland won Game 7 against a feisty Toronto team that was missing their leading scorer, Brandon Ingram. Detroit won in seven games over Orlando, which was leading the series 3-1 at one point, and blew a 24-point lead in the third quarter in Game 6. They were also playing without their second-leading scorer, Franz Wagner.

The Cavs struggled against the No 5 seeded Raptors, which was understandable. But they blew them away in Game 7 as they rely on Donovan Mitchell to score (23.3ppg in the playoffs), but he hasn’t shot the ball well (43.7% in six games, 35.3% 3pt). But when you have James Harden (21ppg) and Evan Mobley (19ppg, 8.8rpg), you don’t need 40 from Mitchell every night. What they do need in this series is situational players like Max Strus (41% 3pt), Dennis Schroder (42.4% FG), Sam Merrill (36.4% 3pt) and Jaylon Tyson (41.2% FG) to come up large against a big, physical Pistons team.

Detroit had its own struggles against the Magic, but found a way to win its final three games. At times, they’ve been too reliant on Cade Cunningham, who averaged 32.5 points per game in the playoffs. Tobias Harris (20.2ppg, 7rpg) did give the Pistons a lift when they needed it. But Jalen Duren, who averaged 19.5ppg and 10.5 rebounds in an All-Star effort as a 22-year-old, was averaging under 10 points per game until Game 7, when he produced 15 points and 15 rebounds. The Pistons didn’t look like a No. 1 seed against a talented but erratic Magic team. However, this is a franchise led by a 24-year old Cunningham and a 22-year old Duren. Ausar Thompson, who averaged 9.9 points and 5.7 rebounds with two steals per game in the regular season, is just 23. They also just won their first playoff series in 18 years.

Series Pick: Cleveland +100 and Cleveland 4-2 +380

______________________________________________________________________________

Hoops Financial Program is Rolling

There are nearly two months left in the NBA season. The ATS Basketball Financial Program has won 10 of 12 weeks, and average bettors are up nearly $4,000 in that span. Join our Basketball Financial Program for just $199 and get the rest of the regular season and playoffs through mid-June.

_________________________________________________________________________ 

Baseball is one of the most profitable sports at ATS. Won for the week! Get 2-3 games every single day through October.  We project average bettors to win over $31,000 in the first half.

• Join our Baseball Financial Program for $399 and get the Basketball Financial Program for FREE.  Contact us below for special deals so you can start winning today.
  __________________________________________________

The 152^nd running of the Kentucky Derby goes on Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs. The favorite is Renegade at 4-1, and he’ll be at the Post 1. Last year’s winner was Sovereignty, ridden by Jose Alvarado and trained by Bill Mott.

Let’s take a look at the 20 horses in the field

1)Renegade (4-1). Sire: Into Mischief. Trainer: Todd Plecher. Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.  Won his last start in the 2026 Arkansas Derby. Analysis:  Renegade won at the G1 Arkansas Derby by four lengths and also in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa. He is in a tough post where no horse has won at the inside post in 40 years. 

2)Albus (30-1). Sire: Yaupon. Trainer: Riley Mott. Jockey: Manuel Franco. 1^st Wood Memorial. Analysis: This is one of the Riley Mott horses, who scratched out of several prep races. but he won the G2 Memorial to put him into the field. Has flashed some upside in two wins but is a longshot with the added distance. 

3)Intrepido (50-1). Sire: Maximus Mischief. Trainer: Jeff Mullins. Jockey: Hector I. Berrios. 4^th Santa Anita Derby. Analysis:  Had a win as a two-year-old in the American Pharoah. Intrepido amassed 38 points, which allowed him to barely qualify. He faded in the stretch in his last time at the Santa Anita Derby to finish fourth by 10. 

4)Litmas Test (30-1). Sire: Nyquist. Trainer: Bob Baffert.  Jockey: Martin Garcia. 7^th in the Arkansas Derby. Analysis: Baffert has a horse in the Derby that won the Los Alamitos Futurity in December, but struggled in the races in 2026. He should set the pace for the others who prefer a late finish.

5)Right to Party (30-1). Sire: Constitution. Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek. Jockey: Christopher Elliott. 2^nd Wood Memorial. Analysis: Another legendary trainer with a horse, McPeek has a deep closer who should start well off the pace. He finished 2nd in the Wood and third in the Goltham Stakes in a field of 8. 

6)Commandment (6-1). Sire: Into Mischief. Trainer: Brad H. Cox. Jockey: Luis Saez. 1^st Florida Derby. Analysis: Won all three stakes races at Gulfstream, including the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby. A solid and consistent horse, but will need to adjust to added distance. 

7)Danon Bourbon (20-1). Sire: Maxfield. Trainer: Manabu Ikezoe. Jockey: Astuya Nishimura. 1^st Fukuryu Stakes (LS). Analysis: Won Japan’s Fukuryu Stakes to qualify. Forever Young did finish third in the Derby two years ago, so it’s possible that a Japanese horse can make things interesting. 

8)So Happy (15-1). Sire: Runhappy.  Trainer: Mark Glatt. Jockey: Mike E.Smith. 1^st Santa Anita Derby. Analysis: Legendary jockey Mike E. Smith rides a horse that won the seven-furlong San Vincente in January in just his second start. But was caught in the San Felipe and couldn’t hold up in the added distance. But then he entered the Santa Anita and So Happy sal slightly off the leaders and won the race despite adding another sixteenth. 

9)The Puma (10-1). Sire: Essential Quality. Trainer: Gustavo Delgado. Jockey: Javier J. Castellano. 2^nd Florida Derby. Analysis: The Puma came in second in the Florida Derby and then came in second in the Sam F. Davis, losing to Renegade. But then won the Tampa Derby, going from last to first by beating Further Ado.

10)Wonder Dean (30-1). Sire: Dee Majesty. Trainer: Daisuke Takayanagi. Jockey: Ryusei Sakai. 1^st UAE Erby. Analysis: Wonder Dean finished fourth in the Saudi Derby in February and then won the UAE Derby by besting Six Speed. 

11)Incredibolt (20-1). Sire: Bold d’Oro. Trainer: Riley Mott. Jockey: Jaime Torres. 1^st Virginia Derby. Analysis: Another Riley Mott horse, Incredibolt won the Street Sense, coming from last to first. But he never factored in the Holy Bull from Gulfstream. He did have a strong closing kick in the Virginia Derby, winning that race. Distance doesn’t appear to be an issue for the son of Bolt d’Oro, with two wins on this track. 

12)Chief Wallabee (13-1). Sire:  Constitution. Trainer: Bill Mott. Jockey: Junior Alvarado. 3^rd in Florida Derby. Analysis: He’s one of the lightest raced horses here with three tries at Golfstream. Lost in the Fountain of Youth to Commandment and finished third in the Florida Derby by a half-length. 

14)Potente (26-1). Sire: Into Mischief. Trainer: Bob Baffert. Jockey: Juan Hernandez. 2^nd in Santa Anita Derby. Analysis: He won two of his three starts, including the San Felipe. But in the Santa Anita Derby, he was unable to hold onto the lead. Another Baffert horse that could factor if he brings his best.

15)Emerging Market (12-1). Sire: Candy Ride. Trainer: Chad Brown. Jockey: Flavien Prat. 1^st Louisiana Derby. Analysis: He won his debut at Tampa Downs by 3/4 of a length and then won at the Louisiana Derby. No horse has won the Derby since 1883, with just two starts under its belt. However, Flavien Prat has a Derby win, and he has been fourth or better in seven of eight previous Derby outings. 

16)Pavlovian (50-1). Sire: Pavel. Trainer: Edwin Maldonado. Jockey: Doug O’Neill. 2^nd in Louisiana Derby. Analysis: Here is a heavily-raced runner in the field with eight starts. Doug O’Nell’s horse has been erratic. He did win the Sunland Park Derby and then finished second in the Louisiana Derby, which shows he has potential.

17)Six Speed (45-1). Sire: Not This Time. Trainer: Bhupat Seemar. Jockey. Brian Hernandez Jr. 2^nd in UAE Derby. Analysis: He won the UAE Two Thousand Guineas and went further at the UAC Derby but couldn’t catch Wonder Dean and ran out of juice in mid-stretch. He’s also in the winless post at 17. 

18)Further Ado (6-1). Sire: Gun Runner. Trainer: Brad Cox. Jockey: John Velazquez. 1^st in Blue Grass. Analysis: He won the Blue Grass by 11 lengths. Before that, he couldn’t pass The Puma late. He has a tough outside post but a new jockey in John Velazquez. Needs to avoid a wide trip. 

19)Golden Tempo (43-1). Sire: Curlin. Trainer: Cherie DeVaux. Jockey: Jose Ortiz. 3^rd in Louisiana Derby. Analysis: Had a strong scene in the Lecomte and third-place finish at the Risen Star. Has run all four races at Fair Grounds. Also ran third at the Louisiana Derby.

21)Great White (40-1). Sire: Volatile. Trainer: John Ennis. Jockey: Alex Achard. 5^th in Blue Grass. Analysis: He’s running after the scratch of Silent Tactic. He’s a longshot but did win the John Battaglia and finished 5th in the Blue Grass. Has 2 wins, 0 seconds, and 0 thirds in four starts. 

22)Ocelli (99-1). Sire: Connect. Trainer: Whit Beckman. Jockey: Joe Ramos. 3^rd in Wood Memorial. Analysis: Moves in for the scratched Full Effort. Ended up third in the Wood, just missing out on qualifying by a nose. Has no wins, one second and three 3rd in six starts. 

Scratched: 13)Silent Tactic, 20)Full Effort.

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