Contributing Writer

Champions League quarterfinal picks and predictions: Take Barcelona to win, the under in Aston Villa vs. PSG

There are two spots in the Champions League semifinal on the line Tuesday. I’ve got picks for both games.

The pregame narrative: It’s the second leg of the quarterfinal, and my best bet is on Barcelona to win. I also like the under on the game total at plus money in Aston Villa vs. PSG.

Check out the best Champions League predictions for the quarterfinal second leg.

Champions League predictions

Go to full Champions League betting markets.

Best Bet: Barcelona to win (-118)

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Borussia Dortmund is at home and has everything to play for but I can’t get behind the squad with how this season went.

The German side is usually at the top of the Bundesliga leaderboard … not this year.

Dortmund sits in ninth place and is in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for next year.

The side squeaked through the Round of 16 with a 2-1 win (on aggregate) over the French side LOSC Lille.

Barcelona is on a different tier, and that showed in the first leg. The Spanish giant dominated from start to finish and won 4-0 off the back of two goals from Robert Lewandowski.

It’s also worth noting that Barca is first in La Liga and is undefeated in 2025.

Key stat: During that time, Barcelona had a record of 19-4-0, winning 16 of those games by multiple goals.

Quick pick

Aston Villa/PSG under 2.5 goals (+130): Whichever way this match goes, I like the under.

PSG can lose this match, 1-0 or 2-0 and still advance on aggregate. That makes me believe the French side will come out with a safe defensive strategy.

That will allow Les Parisiens to control the pace, which would, more importantly, keep Aston Villa away from its goal.

My prediction is that PSG wins this game, holding strongly until the final whistle. But, if Aston Villa comes out hungry to score, it will be on the Ligue 1 champs to limit chances and control the possession.

PSG should take minimal risks here looking for offence, and that has me very interested in the under at this price.

Champions League predictions made at 12:48 p.m. on 04/12/25.

Best MLB prop bets April 12: Back Bobby Wit Jr. to score a run, Alex Bregman to stay hot

A pair of star players are featured in my MLB prop bets for Saturday’s action.

The pregame narrative: Bobby Witt Jr. is one of the best in the majors at getting on base and I expect him to score a run tonight. After that, take a look at my best bet on Alex Bregman.

Check out the best MLB prop bets for April 12.

MLB prop bets

Best Bet: Witt over 0.5 runs (+105)

The shortstop isn’t on pace to put up the otherworldly numbers from last season, but he’s still having a great season.

Witt doesn’t have the best stats against Cleveland Guardians’ Luis Ortiz (1-for-5). That only includes one strikeout, however, which shows Witt’s ability to at least put his bat to the ball.

Plus, Ortiz is off to a horrendous start to 2025. He had a 10.13 ERA in spring training and followed that up with these stats in his first two starts of the season:

10.2 innings pitched
16 hits allowed
10 earned runs
8.44 ERA

He’s definitely capable of turning things around, but I’m willing to bet against that after a long string of poor performances.

Additionally, Witt is one of the best in MLB at getting on base and coming around to score.

Key stat: The 24-year-old is batting .308, has scored nine runs in 14 games this season and finished third in the majors with 125 runs scored in 2024.

Best MLB picks

Bregman over 1.5 bases (+120): No other hitter today has seen their opposition’s starter as much as Bregman has seen Martin Perez.

He has 48 career plate appearances against the lefty with some pretty good results.

10-for-39 (.256)
Seven walks
Four Ks

That isn’t the best average by any means, but I’m really intrigued by the small number of strikeouts in almost 50 career meetings,

Bregman has consistently put the ball in play and has fallen victim to some bad luck.

Perez has been excellent so far, allowing only one run across his first two starts. But, Bregman’s been on a tear, too, tallying 30 total bases in 15 games.

He knows Perez well and has an excellent opportunity to get on a pitch or two today. I like the value on his bases prop at plus money.

MLB prop picks made at 11:44 a.m. ET on 04/12/2025.

Best MLB prop bets April 12: Back Bobby Wit Jr. to score a run, Alex Bregman to stay hot

A pair of star players are featured in my MLB prop bets for Saturday’s action.

The pregame narrative: Bobby Witt Jr. is one of the best in the majors at getting on base and I expect him to score a run tonight. After that, take a look at my best bet on Alex Bregman.

Check out the best MLB prop bets for April 12.

MLB prop bets

Best Bet: Witt over 0.5 runs (+112)

Embed: #112421

The shortstop isn’t on pace to put up the otherworldly numbers from last season, but he’s still having a great season.

Witt doesn’t have the best stats against Cleveland Guardians’ Luis Ortiz (1-for-5). That only includes one strikeout, however, which shows Witt’s ability to at least put his bat to the ball.

Plus, Ortiz is off to a horrendous start to 2025. He had a 10.13 ERA in spring training and followed that up with these stats in his first two starts of the season:

10.2 innings pitched
16 hits allowed
10 earned runs
8.44 ERA

He’s definitely capable of turning things around, but I’m willing to bet against that after a long string of poor performances.

Additionally, Witt is one of the best in MLB at getting on base and coming around to score.

Key stat: The 24-year-old is batting .308, has scored nine runs in 14 games this season and finished third in the majors with 125 runs scored in 2024.

Best MLB picks

Bregman over 1.5 bases (+112): No other hitter today has seen their opposition’s starter as much as Bregman has seen Martin Perez.

He has 48 career plate appearances against the lefty with some pretty good results.

10-for-39 (.256)
Seven walks
Four Ks

That isn’t the best average by any means, but I’m really intrigued by the small number of strikeouts in almost 50 career meetings,

Bregman has consistently put the ball in play and has fallen victim to some bad luck.

Perez has been excellent so far, allowing only one run across his first two starts. But, Bregman’s been on a tear, too, tallying 30 total bases in 15 games.

He knows Perez well and has an excellent opportunity to get on a pitch or two today. I like the value on his bases prop at plus money.

MLB prop picks made at 9:55 a.m. ET on 04/12/2025.

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Arsenal vs. Real Madrid Champions League quarterfinal SGP predictions April 8: Tail Bukayo Saka and Vinicius Junior at +310

The Champions League kicks off quarterfinal action on Tuesday with the first leg between Arsenal and Real Madrid.

The pregame narrative: These teams have a ton of combined firepower, so I’ll back both to score in this +310 SGP, which also includes picks on Bukayo Saka and Vinicius Junior.

Check out my Arsenal vs. Real Madrid SGP predictions for April 8.

Arsenal/Real Madrid boost: Bet on +226 offer featuring Kylian Mbappe

Arsenal vs. Real Madrid predictions

Go to full Champions League betting markets

Parlay: Both teams to score | Saka over 1.5 shots | Vinicius over 0.5 SOT (+310)

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Both teams to score (-105): Real Madrid’s squad is brimming with talent, especially on the offensive end.

Take a look at their offensive stats in the Champions League, per FotMob:

2nd in xG (26.7)
3rd in chances (46)
3rd in shots on target (6.8/match)

Despite all that, it’s actually Arsenal who scores more goals per game (2.5). That ranks second behind Barcelona.

This bet has cashed in 12 of Los Blancos’ last 15 matches. During that time, their games have finished with an average of 3.33 goals.

Real Madrid also conceded in 14 of those contests.

On the other side, Arsenal has Saka back, which is a huge plus for their offence. The side has scored three goals in total in the two games since his return. This bet cashed in both contests.

Champions League SGP legs

Saka over 1.5 shots (-286): Speaking of Saka, the Englishman was very reliable against this line before getting injured.

The last time he played a full 90 minutes was Dec. 14. Before that, the winger had cleared this line in 19 of 25 matches across all competitions this season.

This past weekend, he played a full half against Everton and cleared this line with two shots in his limited minutes.

Manager Mikel Arteta said Saka is in a “much better place” after back-to-back stints of increased playing time.

The hope is that Arsenal’s best player worked his way back into the starting lineup on Tuesday. At the very least, Saka will have a half or more of soccer to clear this modest total.

Vinicius over 0.5 SOT (-137): This line doesn’t make much sense to me.

Vinicius has appeared in two matches so far in April, totalling 12 shot attempts (seven on target).

Overall, he’s cleared this total in 14 of his last 20 matches.

As mentioned earlier, Real Madrid ranks third in shots on target, and Vinicius joins Kylian Mbappe to make up arguably the most threatening forward partnership in the sport.

Mbappe carries a -315 price tag to record a shot on target. I’d rather go with the Brazilian at a much more reasonable price.

Arsenal vs. Real Madrid predictions made at 10:26 a.m. on 04/07/25.

UFC 314 fight card and betting odds: Volkanovski looks to reclaim title vs. Lopes

Ilia Topuria has vacated the featherweight title, leaving Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes fighting for undisputed gold.

The pre-fight narrative: The two featherweights are as exciting to watch as they are skilled. Volkanovski is currently a slight favourite to win back his belt over a tough challenger. On the undercard, Paddy Pimblett is favoured to remain undefeated in the UFC.

Check out my UFC 314 odds and the fight card for the April 8 event in Miami.

UFC 314 odds

Click link to add selection to betslip. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.

Fighter	Odds	Weight class	Odds	Fighter
Alexander Volkanovski (1)	-138	Featherweight	+105	Diego Lopes (3)
Michael Chandler (7)	+125	Lightweight	-163	Paddy Pimblett (12)
Yair Rodriguez (5)	-209	Featherweight	+155	Patricio Pitbull
Bryce Mitchell (13)	+220	Featherweight	-300	Jean Silva
Nikita Krylov (8)	-209	Light heavyweight	+155	Dominick Reyes (11)

UFC 314 odds as of 4:29 p.m. on 04/07/25.

See all UFC 314 fights and betting lines

Volkanovski vs. Lopes main event

Topuria makes the move to lightweight, freeing up a division that was presumably going to be run by the Georgian for years to come.

Volkanovski is the former “boogey man” of this division and has the chance to reclaim his title against a promising young foe.

Lopes enters this bout with a 5-1 UFC record. He most recently beat perennial contender Brian Ortega in a dominant decision.

Before Topuria, no one in the weight class came close to matching Volkanovski’s skill. Is he still elite, or is he past his prime at 36 years old?

The Australian lost his last two fights by knockout, leaving questions about his durability. His chin will be tested in a five-round fight with the intense hard hard-hitting Lopes.

UFC 314 Chandler vs. Pimblett odds

Chandler is always exciting to watch but lacks results in the UFC. He has a 2-3 record and is known to make questionable decisions during fights to appease the fans. It’s a great way to become a crowd favourite, but is holding back “Iron Mike” from his ultimate goal of becoming champion.

“Paddy the Baddy” is on a meteoric rise in the UFC. He has quickly put together a 5-0 record with three finishes. That includes his most recent (and most impressive) win over King Green at 304 by triangle choke in the first round.

The X factor in all of Pimblett’s fights is his grappling and overall power. But on Saturday, he faces the one lightweight fighter who may have him topped in both categories. Either way this goes, I can guarantee a banger.

Rodriguez vs. Pitbull odds

Rodriguez remains the dark horse in this featherweight division. He is immensely skilled in all areas but falls short in the big fights. This was on display in his last fight against Ortega, where he knocked his opponent down in the first round and failed to secure the finish. He ended up losing by submission in the third round.

If you are only a fan of the UFC, the name Patricio “Pitbull” may mean nothing to you, but this is one of the best featherweights of the past decade. He was a force in another big promotion, Bellator, where he even had a first-round knockout over Chandler.

Is it too late for Pitbull? He is now 38 years old and 1-2 in his last three bouts. He will be tested against Rodriguez, who has been in the UFC for 10+ years and is still in his prime at 32 years old.

Mitchell vs. Silva odds

Mitchell is known more for his antics outside the octagon recently, however, don’t forget he was one of the biggest prospects in the sport just a few years ago. His wrestling and jiu-jitsu are elite, but he doesn’t have the best striking. He’s 2-2 in his last four but lost to top-level competition (Topuira, Josh Emmett).

Siva might just be “top-level”, though. He’s been in the UFC for just over a year and has already accumulated a 4-0 record, with all four wins coming inside the distance. He is an incredible striker with the ground game to match. He deserves his distinction as a large favourite.

Krylov vs. Reyes odds

Reyes is having a bit of a career resurgence. He took a 12-0 record into his title fight with Jon Jones in 2020 and should’ve won on the scorecards, according to most fans. He went on to lose his next three fights by KO but bounced back to win his last two fights before the final bell.

Krylov is on a three-fight winning streak of his own. He can get it done in every area, winning one of those fights by TKO, one by submission and the other by decision. This will be a technical battle between two of the most skilled in the division.

UFC 314 fight card and betting odds: Volkanovski looks to reclaim title vs. Lopes

Ilia Topuria has vacated the featherweight title, leaving Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes fighting for undisputed gold.

The pre-fight narrative: The two featherweights are as exciting to watch as they are skilled. Volkanovski is currently a slight favourite to win back his belt over a tough challenger. On the undercard, Paddy Pimblett is favoured to remain undefeated in the UFC.

Check out my UFC 314 odds and the fight card for the April 8 event in Miami.

UFC 314 odds

Click link to add selection to betslip. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.

Fighter	Odds	Weight class	Odds	Fighter
Alexander Volkanovski (1)	-148	Featherweight	+118	Diego Lopes (3)
Michael Chandler (7)	+125	Lightweight	-155	Paddy Pimblett (12)
Yair Rodriguez (5)	-200	Featherweight	+160	Patricio Pitbull
Bryce Mitchell (13)	+230	Featherweight	-305	Jean Silva
Nikita Krylov (8)	-195	Light heavyweight	+155	Dominick Reyes (11)

UFC 314 odds as of 4:29 p.m. on 04/07/25.

See all UFC 314 fights and betting lines

Volkanovski vs. Lopes main event

Topuria makes the move to lightweight, freeing up a division that was presumably going to be run by the Georgian for years to come.

Volkanovski is the former “boogey man” of this division and has the chance to reclaim his title against a promising young foe.

Lopes enters this bout with a 5-1 UFC record. He most recently beat perennial contender Brian Ortega in a dominant decision.

Before Topuria, no one in the weight class came close to matching Volkanovski’s skill. Is he still elite, or is he past his prime at 36 years old?

The Australian lost his last two fights by knockout, leaving questions about his durability. His chin will be tested in a five-round fight with the intense hard hard-hitting Lopes.

UFC 314 Chandler vs. Pimblett odds

Chandler is always exciting to watch but lacks results in the UFC. He has a 2-3 record and is known to make questionable decisions during fights to appease the fans. It’s a great way to become a crowd favourite, but is holding back “Iron Mike” from his ultimate goal of becoming champion.

“Paddy the Baddy” is on a meteoric rise in the UFC. He has quickly put together a 5-0 record with three finishes. That includes his most recent (and most impressive) win over King Green at 304 by triangle choke in the first round.

The X factor in all of Pimblett’s fights is his grappling and overall power. But on Saturday, he faces the one lightweight fighter who may have him topped in both categories. Either way this goes, I can guarantee a banger.

Rodriguez vs. Pitbull odds

Rodriguez remains the dark horse in this featherweight division. He is immensely skilled in all areas but falls short in the big fights. This was on display in his last fight against Ortega, where he knocked his opponent down in the first round and failed to secure the finish. He ended up losing by submission in the third round.

If you are only a fan of the UFC, the name Patricio “Pitbull” may mean nothing to you, but this is one of the best featherweights of the past decade. He was a force in another big promotion, Bellator, where he even had a first-round knockout over Chandler.

Is it too late for Pitbull? He is now 38 years old and 1-2 in his last three bouts. He will be tested against Rodriguez, who has been in the UFC for 10+ years and is still in his prime at 32 years old.

Mitchell vs. Silva odds

Mitchell is known more for his antics outside the octagon recently, however, don’t forget he was one of the biggest prospects in the sport just a few years ago. His wrestling and jiu-jitsu are elite, but he doesn’t have the best striking. He’s 2-2 in his last four but lost to top-level competition (Topuira, Josh Emmett).

Siva might just be “top-level”, though. He’s been in the UFC for just over a year and has already accumulated a 4-0 record, with all four wins coming inside the distance. He is an incredible striker with the ground game to match. He deserves his distinction as a large favourite.

Krylov vs. Reyes odds

Reyes is having a bit of a career resurgence. He took a 12-0 record into his title fight with Jon Jones in 2020 and should’ve won on the scorecards, according to most fans. He went on to lose his next three fights by KO but bounced back to win his last two fights before the final bell.

Krylov is on a three-fight winning streak of his own. He can get it done in every area, winning one of those fights by TKO, one by submission and the other by decision. This will be a technical battle between two of the most skilled in the division.

Best NBA prop bets April 7: Back LaVine to stay hot on Monday

There are only two games on tap in the NBA on Monday, but I’ve got a pick for both of them.

The pregame narrative: Zach LaVine is starting to heat up for the Sacramento Kings and I like the value on his 3s prop. Elsewhere, expect Quentin Grimes to continue carrying the Philadelphia 76ers’ offence.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for April 7.

NBA prop bets

Best Bet: LaVine over 2.5 threes (-104)

Embed: #112210

LaVine is finding his shooting touch for his new team. He’s coming off an impressive 7-for-11 three-point performance in an upset win over the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.

When at his best, he’s one of the top volume shooters in the NBA.

LaVine is averaging 3.1 three-point makes on 7.1 attempts per game this season (43.9%). That percentage ranks second in the league.

He’s hit four or more 3s in three of the past four games. LaVine always takes his fair share of shots, and he’s currently on a heater.

This game has a high projected point total (230.5), equalling more potential shots for the Kings’ sharpshooting guard.

Key stat: LaVine played against the Detroit Pistons once this season when he was still a member of the Chicago Bulls. He dropped 25 points on 7-of-14 from 3-point range.

Best NBA picks

Grimes over 22.5 points (-120): Grimes is far and away the best player on the injury-riddled 76ers right now.

Since the start of March, Grimes has been averaging 26.5 points on 50.0% from the field (40.6% from 3).
He’s 13-4 against this number during that time.

Additionally, Grimes has attempted 14-plus shots in 12 straight games.

He fell short on this mark on March 29 vs. Miami, finishing with 15 points on a below-average shooting performance (6-for-14).

I believe Grimes can reach this total this time around with a few more attempts and better efficiency. Enough volume should be available for a Sixers team that lacks offensive options.

NBA prop picks made at 1:40 p.m. ET on 04/07/2025.

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Best NBA prop bets April 7: Back LaVine to stay hot, Grimes to be productive

There are only two games on tap in the NBA on Monday, but I’ve got a pick for both of them.

The pregame narrative: Zach LaVine is starting to heat up for the Sacramento Kings and I like the value on his 3s prop. Elsewhere, expect Quentin Grimes to continue carrying the Philadelphia 76ers’ offence.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for April 7.

NBA prop bets

Best Bet: LaVine over 2.5 threes (-125)

LaVine is finding his shooting touch for his new team. He’s coming off an impressive 7-for-11 three-point performance in an upset win over the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.

When at his best, he’s one of the top volume shooters in the NBA.

LaVine is averaging 3.1 three-point makes on 7.1 attempts per game this season (43.9%). That percentage ranks second in the league.

He’s hit four or more 3s in three of the past four games. LaVine always takes his fair share of shots, and he’s currently on a heater.

This game has a high projected point total (230.5), equalling more potential shots for the Kings’ sharpshooting guard.

Key stat: LaVine played against the Detroit Pistons once this season when he was still a member of the Chicago Bulls. He dropped 25 points on 7-of-14 from 3-point range.

Best NBA picks

Grimes over 23.5 points (-110): Grimes is far and away the best player on the injury-riddled 76ers right now.

Since the start of March, Grimes has been averaging 26.5 points on 50.0% from the field (40.6% from 3).

He’s 13-4 against this number during that time.

Additionally, Grimes has attempted 14-plus shots in 12 straight games.

He fell short on this mark on March 29 vs. Miami, finishing with 15 points on a below-average shooting performance (6-for-14).

I believe Grimes can reach this total this time around with a few more attempts and better efficiency. Enough volume should be available for a Sixers team that lacks offensive options.

NBA prop picks made at 1:40 p.m. ET on 04/07/2025.

Champions League quarterfinal picks and predictions: Take PSG to win comfortably, the over in Arsenal vs. Real Madrid

The Champions League is down to eight teams, and there are some exciting matchups.

The pregame narrative: On Tuesday, back the over in the Arsenal and Real Madrid match at plus money. Later in the week, take PSG to win dominantly at home over Aston Villa.

Check out the best Champions League predictions for the quarterfinal first leg.

Champions League predictions

Go to full Champions League betting markets.

Best Bet: PSG halftime/full time (-106)

For anyone who doesn’t know how this works, PSG needs to be leading at halftime and the final whistle for this bet to cash.

It’s a good way to find some value on the -250 favourites.

Aston Villa has had a great run at this competition, but unfortunately its luck is running out with this draw to face PSG.

PSG most recently beat EPL leader Liverpool on penalties in the second leg of their UCL match. After dropping the first matchup, 1-0, PSG scored early in the second leg to level the match on aggregate before winning in penalties.
PSG has the highest average FotMob rating (7.26) of any team that participated in the Champions League.

Aston Villa ranks 10th with an average rating of 7.01, the lowest of the eight remaining teams.

The English side is on track to miss qualifying for the Champions League next season, sitting sixth in the Premier League.

I expect the Ligue 1 champs to take advantage of playing the first leg at home.

Key stat: PSG has cashed this wager in five of its past seven Champions League games.

Quick pick

Arsenal/Read Madrid over 2.5 goals (+110): I really like the value here at plus money.

Real Madrid is a force on offence but can be vulnerable on the defensive side of the ball.

Across all competitions, seven of its past eight matches have gone over 2.5 goals. Los Blancos conceded in seven of those matches as well.

That includes a recent 4-4 draw in the Copa del Rey against Real Sociedad, which exemplifies the scoring potential any time Real Madrid takes the pitch.

Arsenal has conceded at least a goal in five of its last six games, and three of those matches went over this total.

In my opinion, this has the most scoring potential of any quarterfinal first leg and I want to take advantage.

Champions League predictions made at 12:56 p.m. on 04/07/25.

Champions League quarterfinal picks and predictions: Take PSG to win comfortably, the over in Arsenal vs. Real Madrid

The Champions League is down to eight teams, and there are some exciting matchups.

The pregame narrative: On Tuesday, back the over in the Arsenal and Real Madrid match at plus money. Later in the week, take PSG to win dominantly at home over Aston Villa.

Check out the best Champions League predictions for the quarterfinal first leg.

Champions League predictions

Go to full Champions League betting markets.

Best Bet: PSG halftime/full time (-108)

Embed: #112192

For anyone who doesn’t know how this works, PSG needs to be leading at halftime and the final whistle for this bet to cash.

It’s a good way to find some value on the -240 favourites.

Aston Villa has had a great run at this competition, but unfortunately its luck is running out with this draw to face PSG.

PSG most recently beat EPL leader Liverpool on penalties in the second leg of their UCL match. After dropping the first matchup, 1-0, PSG scored early in the second leg to level the match on aggregate before winning in penalties.
PSG has the highest average FotMob rating (7.26) of any team that participated in the Champions League.

Aston Villa ranks 10th with an average rating of 7.01, the lowest of the eight remaining teams.

The English side is on track to miss qualifying for the Champions League next season, sitting sixth in the Premier League.

I expect the Ligue 1 champs to take advantage of playing the first leg at home.

Key stat: PSG has cashed this wager in five of its past seven Champions League games.

Quick pick

Arsenal/Read Madrid over 2.5 goals (+132): I really like the value here at plus money.

Real Madrid is a force on offence but can be vulnerable on the defensive side of the ball.

Across all competitions, seven of its past eight matches have gone over 2.5 goals. Los Blancos conceded in seven of those matches as well.

That includes a recent 4-4 draw in the Copa del Rey against Real Sociedad, which exemplifies the scoring potential any time Real Madrid takes the pitch.

Arsenal has conceded at least a goal in five of its last six games, and three of those matches went over this total.

In my opinion, this has the most scoring potential of any quarterfinal first leg and I want to take advantage.

Champions League predictions made at 2:48 p.m. on 04/06/25.