The Masters is behind us, but the PGA TOUR is back in action this week with a signature event. Th...

<p>The Masters is behind us, but the PGA TOUR is back in action this week with a signature event. The RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links will host an 82-man field with no cut for the season's fourth such event.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> is taking the week off after winning the green jacket Sunday. That puts <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> alone atop the oddsboard as the +375 favorite on <a href="http://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Frbc-heritage&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3523005">theScore Bet</a>.</p><p>Let's take a look at the oddsboard and get to our three picks to win the tartan jacket.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Frbc-heritage&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3523005">Tournament winner odds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+375</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cameron Young</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Fitzpatrick</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Henley</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collin Morikawa</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cantlay</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jordan Spieth</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maverick McNealy</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Si Woo Kim</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert MacIntyre</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Knapp</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Burns</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Viktor Hovland</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>⛳️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Frbc-heritage&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3523005"><strong>Bet on the RBC Heritage with theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=d36a6f79-9297-427a-806d-a3c4cd92b646&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=15&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Frbc-heritage&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3523005">Bet: Xander Schauffele (+1400)</a></h3><p>I'm a tad nervous to go to the top of the board with Scheffler or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5830" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5830">Cameron Young</a>, who had stressful weekends at Augusta National. It would be completely understandable if both of them experienced a bit of a letdown here.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a>, meanwhile, was never really in contention at the Masters despite finishing in a tie for ninth. He ranked second in strokes gained: approach and fifth off the tee. Plus, his ball-striking is on point, which should help him navigate the Pete Dye layout on Hilton Head Island.</p><p>Schauffele has competed at the RBC Heritage six times, and he hasn't finished outside the top 20 since it became a signature event, with his best result (fourth place) coming in 2023. It feels like the 32-year-old is on the cusp of winning the tournament, and he's in a strong position to do so this week.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=c61d7278-0776-48f8-b30c-dcb94564fa2c&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=61&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Frbc-heritage&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3523005">Bet: Brian Harman to win (+6000)</a></h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1171" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1171">Brian Harman</a> had an interesting Masters. He was 10-over through 13 holes before rattling off seven birdies to get inside the cut. After shooting 67 on Saturday, he's sure to be confident heading to a course that suits his game perfectly.</p><p>The 2023 Open champion has played the RBC Heritage 16 times dating back to 2004, when he took part as an amateur. The 39-year-old has recorded three straight top-12 finishes at the tournament, including a T3 last year, and possesses more course knowledge than nearly everyone else in the field.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=2c3c4f45-b60e-4476-8aee-5adf66a9647e&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=101&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Frbc-heritage&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3523005">Bet: Sungjae Im to win (+10000)</a></h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5171" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5171">Sungjae Im</a> hasn't performed at the high level we've seen from him in recent years due to a wrist injury that kept him out to start the season. However, he showed flashes of quality play at the Masters and popped at the Valspar Championship with a T4 finish. That gives me enough confidence to back him at very long odds.</p><p>Im has gained strokes tee to green in six of his last 12 rounds, including the third round at Augusta when he gained 4.7 strokes tee to green, thanks to impressive approach play. Next, he'll take on a course where he's placed inside the top 25 each of the last five years, a run that includes four top-13 finishes.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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RBC Heritage bets: Who can rebound quickest after Masters?

The Toronto Maple Leafs have an important question to answer in the near future: Who will be thei...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs have an important question to answer in the near future: Who will be their general manager?</p><p>After firing Brad Treliving two weeks ago, the Leafs hired an outside talent firm to help build their new front office. Whether that leads to the team hiring both a president of hockey operations and a new general manager remains to be seen. Regardless, finding a replacement for Treliving will become critical as the offseason nears, especially with the possibility of Toronto holding a top-five draft pick.</p><p>MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3511980" href="https://thescore.com/news/3511980">said</a> the team's next GM must be "data-centric," which narrows down the list of potential candidates. Sunny Mehta, the assistant GM and head of analytics for the Florida Panthers, is the betting favorite to succeed Treliving on theScore Bet with -160 odds, an implied probability of 61.5%.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fhockey%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnhl&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3522168">Leafs' next GM odds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Candidate</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sunny Mehta</td>
<td>-160</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevyn Adams</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Gillis</td>
<td>+700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bill Scott</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Hunter</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Pridham</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Pronger</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hayley Wickenheiser</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rob Blake</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Doug Armstrong</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason Spezza</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fhockey%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnhl&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3522168">Bet on who will be the Leafs' next GM with theScore here (market subject to availability)</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>Mehta checks the box for being "data-centric," and the Panthers already granted him permission to interview with the Leafs and the New Jersey Devils for their general manager vacancies.</p><p>The former professional poker player has a deep background in data science, which helped him land his first NHL role with the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2010-11 campaign. Mehta's been working for and consulting NHL and MLB front offices ever since. The Panthers hired him as vice president of hockey strategy and intelligence in 2020.</p><p>Kevyn Adams is the second favorite at +500. He's a former player who had a brief tenure with Toronto in the late 1990s. His only front-office experience is a stint as the Buffalo Sabres' general manager from 2020-25, a stretch in which he traded away notable players, such as Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart. The Sabres failed to make the playoffs in each of their five full seasons with Adams as GM.</p><p>Chris Pronger is considered a candidate to one day become a team's president of hockey operations. In a recent interview with <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/q-and-a-with-chris-pronger-talking-life-limits-and-the-maple-leafs-gm-job/">Sportsnet's Paul Grant</a>, Pronger said he's "interested in having a conversation" with the Leafs' management about their openings. He also <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xns0LrdeBLc">said</a> that he would "take it to the studs" when asked about Toronto's needs around the trade deadline.</p><p>Jason Spezza is another an intriguing option. He spent time in Toronto's front office alongside former general manager Kyle Dubas, whom he followed to Pittsburgh after the Leafs cleaned house in 2023. However, Spezza has only worked in management for three years, and Toronto may opt for someone with more experience.</p><p>Whatever direction the Maple Leafs decide to go, it will likely impact the franchise for the next decade. Calling this a significant hire would be an understatement.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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Decision time: Who's most likely to be Leafs' next GM?

Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young shared a one-shot lead entering the final round at Augusta Nationa...

<p><em>Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young shared a one-shot lead entering the final round at Augusta National. We followed along with live coverage and analysis of Masters Sunday all the way until McIlroy's major-clinching putt. </em></p><p><strong>It's never easy</strong></p><p>It's never easy with McIlroy. He created suspense on 18 by blasting his tee shot way right, but he had a gap to get his second shot close to the green. His two-putt for bogey sealed his second straight Masters title by one shot over Scottie Scheffler, making him only the fourth player to defend the green jacket.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>One more hole</strong></p><p>McIlroy can make a bogey on the final hole to secure history. He'd become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters while adding a sixth major championship title to his incredible resume.</p><p><strong>Scheffler in the clubhouse lead</strong></p><p>Scottie Scheffler is the clubhouse leader at 11-under par, setting the mark McIlroy must clear to defend his green jacket successfully. McIlroy converted a tricky up-and-down on the par-3 16th and will take his two-shot lead to the 17th tee.</p><p><strong>Rory's to lose</strong></p><p>Rory McIlroy leads by two with four to play, including the par-5 15th, which is playing 0.32 strokes under par on the day. Scottie Scheffler is two back of McIlroy but only has two holes remaining. </p><p>Cameron Young would need to pull off something extremely special in the final four holes to erase the three-shot deficit he faces. </p><p><strong>Time to make a move</strong></p><p>The final pairing heads to the 13th hole with McIlroy holding a two-shot lead. Nos. 13 through 16 are all playing under par on Sunday, so if Young or any of the other chasers are going to make a move, now is the time to act.</p><p><strong>McIlroy takes lead ... again</strong></p><p>Justin Rose bogeyed back-to-back holes through Amen Corner and heads to No. 13 trailing McIlroy by one.</p><p>McIlroy is once again the betting favorite to win the green jacket at +170 on theScore Bet. Rose is +225, while Cameron Young is +325.</p><p><strong>The Masters begins</strong></p><p>You've heard it 100 times - the Masters doesn't start until the back nine on Sunday. Here we are. </p><p>Justin Rose holds a one-shot lead over McIlroy and a two-shot edge over Young with nine holes to play. Tyrrell Hatton is about to take the clubhouse lead at 10-under par, so there won't be much breathing room for those still on the course battling for the green jacket.</p><p>Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley have completed 12 holes and are at 9-under as time begins to run out. </p><blockquote><p><strong>⛳️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3509136">Bet on the final round of Masters with theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><p><strong>Rose on top</strong></p><p>Justin Rose is your new leader. The 45-year-old closed his front nine with three straight birdies to get to 12-under for the tournament. Meanwhile, Young dropped back-to-back shots after briefly reaching 12-under.</p><p>Young bogeyed No. 7 - the easiest par 4 on the course - while McIlroy birdied it, creating a two-shot swing between the final pairing. Russell Henley is also at 10-under par as he takes on Amen Corner.</p><p><strong>The chase is on</strong></p><p>Russell Henley recorded four birdies in his first eight holes to soar up the leaderboard and grab a share of second place. Then, Justin Rose hit a miraculous shot out of the trees on No. 7, his ball ripping across the green before settling within a foot of the cup. Rose calmly tapped in for a birdie, cutting into Young's lead.</p><p>Young is the betting favorite at +150 on theScore Bet after he missed a short par putt on No. 6, with Rose next at +300. McIlroy also bogeyed No. 6 to fall to 2-over on the day and two back of his playing partner. The final pairing will have back-to-back birdie opportunities waiting for them on Nos. 7 and 8 - the two easiest holes on the front nine. </p><p>Henley, Rose, Scottie Scheffler, and McIlroy are all within two of Young's lead.</p><p><strong>Off and running</strong></p><p>Young took the solo lead with a birdie on No. 2, but McIlroy answered on the next hole to tie things at 12-under par. The duo had a three-shot gap over the chasers, a pack led by Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, before McIlroy three-putted from 10 feet to card a double-bogey on No. 4. </p><p>Scheffler birdied two of his first three holes to get within reach of the leaders. If he can head to No. 7 at 2-under for the round, he'll be in a great position to track down Young and McIlroy.</p><p>Sam Burns held a temporary share of the lead after birdieing the first hole, but he carded a double bogey on No. 2 and dropped another shot on No. 3 to fall four off the pace.</p><p><strong>Low scores are out there</strong></p><p>Some players are making final-round scoring look easy. Keegan Bradley and Gary Woodland have already signed for 6-under 66s, and Jon Rahm posted a 68. Viktor Hovland was 7-under through 13 holes before a surprising double-bogey on the par-5 15th. </p><p>Augusta National should get tougher as the day progresses, but there are birdies to be made, which is great news for anyone chasing the co-leaders. The pressure will be on McIlroy and Young to get off to hot starts, or else they could find themselves trailing by the time they reach the fourth hole.</p><p><strong>What's at stake</strong></p><p>Even though he got the monkey off his back last year at Augusta, Rory McIlroy by far has the most at stake Sunday. A win would make him only the fourth player in Masters history to defend the green jacket and bring his career major total to six, a milestone reached by only 14 golfers. McIlroy would join Phil Mickelson and Lee Trevino with six major wins and tie Nick Faldo for the most ever by a European-born player.</p><p>Meanwhile, Young and Sam Burns are looking for their first major championship titles. Young would cement himself as the second-best American player in the world behind Scottie Scheffler with a win, adding to an impressive season that already has a Players Championship title. Burns, who's one back of the lead, would also leap up the golf ranks, as he looks to secure only his third top-10 finish in a major and first top-25 result at the Masters.</p><p>Justin Rose (8-under) is also in the mix at yet another Masters. The 45-year-old is a three-time runner-up at Augusta, with two of those finishes coming after playoff heartbreaks. A second major victory would add to Rose's 2013 U.S. Open title and boost a resume that feels more deserving of just a single major championship crown.</p><p>Scottie Scheffler (7-under) trails by four shots of the lead, a margin he can overcome if he plays as well as he did Saturday. Coming off a third-round 65, Scheffler has a chance to become the ninth player to win at least three green jackets, joining Mickelson, Faldo, Gary Player, Sam Snead, and Jimmy Demaret. He'd also join McIlroy and Brooks Koepka as the only players of the current era with five majors.</p><p><strong>What to watch for</strong></p><p>It's still early, but Augusta National appears to be playing slightly harder than Saturday but not as difficult as the opening two rounds. </p><p>There are plenty of accessible pin locations, including on No. 7, which has already yielded 12 birdies and an eagle with only 24 players having finished the hole. Nos. 2, 7, 8, and 9 are all playing under par in the early stages of the final round, and it's expected that Nos. 13 and 15 on the back nine are also birdie opportunities. The pin position on 16 is in its iconic location at the bottom of a bowl in the back left portion of the green - the same pin position as Tiger Woods' famous chip-in back in 2005 - which heightens the possibility of a hole-in-one.</p><p>On the first few holes of the front nine, making a birdie on No. 2 and reaching the sixth tee at 1-under for the day should be considered a win. No. 4 has a 28% bogey rate, while No. 5 has a 27% bogey rate in the day's early stages. As Augusta continues to dry up ahead of the leaders' tee times, those holes will only get tougher.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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Masters Sunday running analysis: McIlroy defends his green jacket

Rory McIlroy entered the third round of the Masters with a six-shot advantage, the largest in tou...

<p><em>Rory McIlroy entered the third round of the Masters with a six-shot advantage, the largest in tournament history. We followed along with live updates and analysis of Round 3 at Augusta National. </em></p><p><strong>The stage is set</strong></p><p>For those who were worried the Masters could be an anticlimactic runaway victory for McIlroy, worry no more.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While many chasers took advantage of Augusta National's easier scoring conditions, the 36-hole leader shot a 1-over 73 in Round 3 and saw his historic six-shot edge slip away. He now co-leads with Cameron Young, who fired a 7-under 65 on Saturday to sit at 11-under for the tournament.</p><p>Before Saturday's round, only five players were within seven shots of McIlroy's lead. With 18 holes left to play, that's ballooned to 18, and nine golfers are within five shots. McIlroy proved that no lead is safe at Augusta, and anyone in the last five pairings Sunday should feel like they have a chance to claim the green jacket.</p><p>If you made plans Sunday expecting the golf to be uneventful, cancel them. The final round is shaping up to be an all-time finale.</p><blockquote><p>⛳️ <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3509135">Bet on the Masters with theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><p><strong>Young takes clubhouse lead</strong></p><p>Cameron Young matched Scottie Scheffler's low round of the day with a 65, good enough to take the clubhouse lead at 11-under par. Young sat atop the leaderboard for a few holes before McIlroy poured in birdies on 14 and 15 to get back to even for the day and 12-under for the tournament.</p><p>McIlroy is +140 (41.7% implied probability) on theScore Bet to defend his green jacket, while Young is +225. A tournament that looked like it was firmly in McIlroy's hands has slipped away.</p><p><strong>McIlroy makes costly mistake</strong></p><p>McIlroy's six-shot lead vanished in 12 holes. The 36-hole pacesetter double-bogeyed the 11th, then made a bogey on No. 12 to fall back to 10-under for the tournament. While Amen Corner was getting the best of McIlroy, Cameron Young recorded a bounce-back birdie on the par-3 16th hole to jump in front at 11-under par.</p><p>McIlroy still has two par 5s to play, but some of the negative thoughts that used to haunt him at Augusta National could be creeping into his mind.</p><p><strong>Scheffler makes his move</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830318/cropped_GettyImages-2270901710.jpg?ts=1775940511" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830318/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270901710.jpg?ts=1775940511 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830318/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270901710.jpg?ts=1775940511 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830318/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270901710.jpg?ts=1775940511 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830318/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270901710.jpg?ts=1775940511 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830318/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270901710.jpg?ts=1775940511 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew Redington / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Scottie Scheffler carded a third-round 65 to match the lowest round of the week at Augusta. The world No. 1 was nine shots better than his score from Friday and secured the early clubhouse lead as the final groups began their back nine. </p><p>Cameron Young birdied seven of his 14 holes played to sit alone in second at 11-under par, one back of McIlroy, who finished his front nine at even for the day. </p><p>The leader hit just three of seven fairways and five of nine greens in regulation. McIlroy made his lone birdie on the third hole, and he failed to convert on either par 5 on the opening side. He'll need to navigate No. 11 - which is playing as the hardest hole on the course - before getting two cracks at par 5s on the back nine.</p><p><strong>Fireworks everywhere</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830311/cropped_GettyImages-2270895417.jpg?ts=1775937351" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830311/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270895417.jpg?ts=1775937351 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830311/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270895417.jpg?ts=1775937351 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830311/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270895417.jpg?ts=1775937351 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830311/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270895417.jpg?ts=1775937351 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830311/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270895417.jpg?ts=1775937351 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Hector Vivas / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Shane Lowry made an ace on the par-3 sixth to get within four shots of McIlroy's lead. The Irishman is 3-under through seven, adding to the long list of players going low on the front nine at Augusta.</p><p>Haotong Li eagled No. 8 to move into second alone at 9-under par. Cameron Young shot 4-under on his first nine and is now 12-under since making the turn during Thursday's opening round. </p><p>Meanwhile, McIlroy steadied the ship with a birdie on No. 3 to get back the shot he dropped on his first hole.</p><p>Augusta's current conditions are the friendliest of the week by far. Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley already posted rounds of 66, and Scottie Scheffler is trending toward an even lower score. That does not bode well for McIlroy's chances of sustaining his big lead. He was the only one to conquer the firm and fast conditions in the tournament's first two rounds, but now, chasers will be able to apply pressure with birdies instead of battling to make pars.</p><p><strong>Rory's lead dwindles</strong></p><p>McIlroy got off to a nervy start, bogeying the first hole and making par on the par-5 second. He missed his first two fairways of the day as he continues to struggle with his driving accuracy. Meanwhile, Patrick Reed birdied his first three holes, trimming McIlroy's lead to two shots less than 30 minutes into the leader's round.</p><p>McIlroy is now only a -140 favorite on theScore Bet to win the green jacket after starting the day at -275, an implied probability change of 15%. </p><p>Sam Burns (-8), Cameron Young (-7), and Haotong Li (-7) are all within four of McIlroy, with Scottie Scheffler and Justin Rose five back.</p><p><strong>Augusta yielding low scores</strong></p><p>Plenty of players are already going low on moving day, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. The two-time Masters champ made the turn at 5-under for the day, sparked by an eagle on No. 2.</p><p>Hideki Matsuyama, Chris Gotterup, Max Homa, Jake Knapp, and Matt Fitzpatrick are all at least 2-under after the opening few holes of their third round. The front nine at Augusta is playing nearly a full stroke under par, with 28 players having completed the outward nine. That should give the McIlroy chasers some hope as they begin their rounds. The final pairing tees off at 2:50 p.m. ET. </p><p>Conditions will get tougher as the day goes on, but Brian Harman's signed for a 5-under 67 to post the lowest round so far.</p><p><strong>Rory's to lose</strong></p><p>McIlroy blitzed the back nine during his second round to create his record-breaking six-shot lead at the halfway point. He birdied six of his final seven holes to pull away from an otherwise crowded leaderboard full of major champions.</p><p>The defending champion is -275 on theScore Bet (73.3% implied probability) to become only the fourth player in Masters history to win back-to-back green jackets. He would join Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods if he can pull off the feat. Given how difficult Augusta National has played so far, McIlroy can likely shoot even par over two days and still have a really good chance at victory.</p><p>However, keep an eye on McIlroy's driving accuracy. He ranked 90th of 91 players in the field in fairways hit through two rounds. Errant drives haven't slowed him down yet, but if he continues to put himself out of position off the tee, he may wind up scrambling to make par more often than he'd like. If he misses a couple of makeable par putts early and his six-shot lead shrinks, the pressure will intensify.</p><p><strong>Who can close the gap?</strong></p><p>McIlroy's implied win probability suggests there's roughly a 25% chance that someone catches the 36-hole leader by Sunday's final putt. While it may feel like the tournament is over, that's far from the case. Trouble lurks around many holes at Augusta National, and things could flip for McIlroy with one bad shot.</p><p>Patrick Reed and Sam Burns are the two golfers tied six back of McIlroy. Reed has only made three bogeys through 36 holes thanks to his exceptional short game and putting ability. He probably doesn't have enough firepower to track McIlroy down without the leader falling back to the pack, but he can apply continuous pressure simply by hanging around.</p><p>Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose could make some noise. Rose gained nearly five strokes on approach shots in Round 2 and was a few short putts away from being four back of McIlroy instead of seven. Fleetwood can get hotter than most with his irons and is fourth in the field in strokes gained: putting. He shot 7-under at Shinnecock Hills under brutal scoring conditions at the 2018 U.S. Open and would likely need to replicate that round to have any chance Sunday.</p><p>If McIlroy stumbles out of the gates Saturday and a couple of chasers are under par early, the feeling that this tournament is over will quickly evaporate, and you'll be on the edge of your couch.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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Masters Saturday running analysis: McIlroy lets big lead slip away

Round 2 of the Masters Tournament is in the books at Augusta National Golf Club. Most of the atte...

<p><em>Round 2 of the Masters Tournament is in the books at Augusta National Golf Club. Most of the attention for Friday's round was be on those battling to make the weekend, until Rory McIlroy's incredible round set a new Masters record for largest 36-hole lead ever.</em></p><p><em>Let's break down what's already transpired at Augusta on Day 2.</em></p><h3>McIlroy's magical day</h3><p>If yesterday's 5-under round was a dream start for the defending champion, it's hard to put words to Rory McIlroy's Friday performance. He birdied three of his first four holes to get to 8-under for the tournament and quickly became the heavy favorite to win the green jacket at +170. Consider yourself lucky if you grabbed that number, because it didn't last long once McIlroy hit the second nine. The 36-year-old hit the gas with a display for the ages, birdieing six of his final seven holes - highlighted by an epic hole-out birdie on the 17th - to take an enormous six-shot lead to the weekend. That number breaks the Masters record for biggest 36-hole lead and puts him in prime position to claim his second straight green jacket. Oh, and if you still want in on the Rory action, he's now -275 to win the event.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Rose returns</h3><p>Stop me if you've heard this before, but McIlroy's incredible close took some shine off Justin Rose at Augusta. The Englishman is a three-time runner-up at the Masters, including last year's playoff loss to McIlroy, and is once again in the mix. He gained over five strokes on approach shots in Round 2, but gave one back on the greens. His 3-under day could have been a lot better - something to keep in mind ahead of the weekend.</p><h3>Scottie stalls</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830253/cropped_GettyImages-2270744714.jpg?ts=1775863748" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830253/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270744714.jpg?ts=1775863748 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830253/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270744714.jpg?ts=1775863748 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830253/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270744714.jpg?ts=1775863748 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830253/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270744714.jpg?ts=1775863748 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830253/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270744714.jpg?ts=1775863748 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Scottie Scheffler had a great opportunity to put a ton of pressure on the rest of the leaders with a low score while Augusta is playing its easiest Friday, but he failed to do so. The world No. 1 scraped together a 2-over 74 in Round 2, and sits 12 shots behind McIlroy's clubhouse lead. The poor Friday round also snaps an incredible streak for Scheffler at Augusta.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Scottie Scheffler has been in the top-10 following each of the last 10 Masters rounds played going back to 2023.<br><br>The last time a player had a longer streak: Jordan Spieth, 11 straight, from 2014-16.</p>— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinRayGolf/status/2042625263268184204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>DeChambeau ejects on 18</h3><p>Bryson DeChambeau shot 4-over Thursday, then hit nearly 200 range balls trying to figure out whatever it was causing him issues in Round 1. It appeared he had righted the ship enough to at least see the weekend ... and then the 18th hole happened. DeChambeau needed just a bogey to make the cut, but ejected from the event in explosive fashion with a triple-bogey 7 on the finisher. He needed two shots to get out of the greenside bunker, and left himself a bogey chip that he had to hole. Not only would he fail to sink that shot, but he missed the ensuing putt to miss the weekend by two strokes. It's his first missed cut at Augusta in three years after finishing inside the top 6 the last two starts.</p><h3>Rahm sneaks in on the number</h3><p>Jon Rahm had a forgettable 6-over opening round, putting him behind the eight ball when it comes to making the weekend. He rebounded with a 2-under score on Friday to sit at 4-over, which was just enough to make the cut. Rahm was one of the big favorites ahead of the week, but struggled immensely for the second time in his last three Masters. While he won't contend for the green jacket, Rahm can use the weekend to try and sort out his putting as he sits 80th of 91 players on the greens through two rounds.</p><h3>Brooks is here</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830201/cropped_GettyImages-2270732894.jpg?ts=1775840218" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830201/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270732894.jpg?ts=1775840218 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830201/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270732894.jpg?ts=1775840218 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830201/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270732894.jpg?ts=1775840218 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830201/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270732894.jpg?ts=1775840218 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830201/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270732894.jpg?ts=1775840218 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Hector Vivas / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Brooks Koepka was fourth in the field in strokes gained: approach Thursday, signing for a solid even-par round of 72. He carried his strong form into Friday, recording six birdies to finish at 3-under through 36 holes. If there's anybody who can put some fear in McIlroy from the chase pack, it might just be the five-time major champion.</p><h3>History for Hatton</h3><p>Tyrrell Hatton became only the third player in the last 30 years to hit all 18 greens in regulation at the Masters Friday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Players to hit all 18 greens in regulation in a Masters round, last 30 years:<br><br>2009 Jim Furyk<br>2020 Kevin Na<br>2026 Tyrrell Hatton</p>— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinRayGolf/status/2042672606357180568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Hatton bogeyed his final hole to shoot a 6-under 66, the second-lowest round of the day and his best at Augusta National.</p>

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Masters Round 2 takeaways: Rory in Masters dreamland

The Masters Tournament is underway at Augusta National Golf Club. The action from Thursday's roun...

<p><em>The Masters Tournament is underway at Augusta National Golf Club. The action from Thursday's round did not disappointed, with the cream of the crop rising to the top of the leaderboard.</em></p><p><em>Let's break down what's already transpired at Augusta on Day 1.</em></p><h3>Rory's dream start</h3><p>Defending the green jacket isn't easy, which is why only three players in the tournament's history have ever done it. But Rory McIlroy took the first step toward becoming the fourth to do it with a fantastic 5-under 67. The round marks McIlroy's first score under 70 on a Thursday at Augusta since 2018. It's a major improvement on last year's opener when he was seven off the pace. You'd have to think McIlroy couldn't have drawn up a better start to his title defense, and is feeling confident in his ability to repeat.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Scheffler quickly erases concerns</h3><p>Scottie Scheffler made doubters look foolish on Thursday, as he eagled the second hole and made the turn at 3-under. The two-time Masters champ has not played since The Players Championship, and has not been living up to extremely high expectations this year. However, Scheffler is the +325 favorite on theScore Bet to win the Masters, narrowly ahead of McIlroy. Scheffler finished with a 2-under 70 to sit tied for sixth after 18 holes. It's the fifth year in a row that he's been sixth or better after Day at at Augusta.</p><h3>What's up with Rahm?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830126/cropped_GettyImages-2270604468.jpg?ts=1775769834" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830126/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270604468.jpg?ts=1775769834 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830126/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270604468.jpg?ts=1775769834 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830126/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270604468.jpg?ts=1775769834 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830126/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270604468.jpg?ts=1775769834 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830126/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270604468.jpg?ts=1775769834 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Hector Vivas / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Jon Rahm entered as the second favorite to win the green jacket behind Scheffler, but is putting together one of the most disappointing rounds of the day. The 2023 Masters champ failed to make a birdie and posted a 6-over 78 for the tournament. The biggest issue for Rahm was on the greens, as he ranked 89th of 91 players in the field in putting.</p><h3>Reed's early run</h3><p>Patrick Reed came out of the gates firing with a birdie-eagle start, and then added his second eagle of the round on No. 8 to claim the early lead. He became just the second man ever to card two eagles over his first nine holes of a Masters in the process. After finishing the round at 3-under, two back of McIlroy's co-lead, the 2018 champion appears to be a serious contender this week, despite being one of the few players in the field who isn't playing a full PGA TOUR or LIV Golf schedule. There's still a long way to go, but Reed's early-season dominance on the DP World Tour, where he sits first in the Race to Dubai, has carried into the season's first major and has immediately put him into contention.</p><h3>Strong starts</h3><p>Jason Day, Xander Schauffele and Tommy Fleetwood posted respectable rounds of 69, 70 and 71, respectively. Carding early under-par rounds is crucial for keeping yourself in the tournament, as the adage goes: Tournaments are not won on Thursdays, but they can be lost. The scoring average for Round 1 is 2.64 strokes over par. </p><h3>Disappointing DeChambeau</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830084/cropped_GettyImages-2270576853.jpg?ts=1775756740" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830084/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270576853.jpg?ts=1775756740 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830084/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270576853.jpg?ts=1775756740 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830084/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270576853.jpg?ts=1775756740 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830084/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270576853.jpg?ts=1775756740 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830084/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270576853.jpg?ts=1775756740 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew Redington / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Bryson DeChambeau was among the favorites entering the week, but did not get off to a good start. He bogeyed the par-5 second, a hole on which he should have routine birdie putts given his length. He made a single front-nine birdie and was hit with disaster on No. 11. DeChambeau took three to get out of the greenside bunker, eventually setting for a sloppy triple-bogey. The two-time U.S. Open champion bogeyed two of his final three holes, leading to a 4-over 76 and a battle with the cutline coming on Friday. </p><h3>Young's struggles</h3><p>While many of the pre-tournament favorites enjoyed strong opening rounds, Cameron Young did not. The reigning Players champion, and a popular pick to win the Masters, made four bogeys and zero birdies on his front nine to plummet down the leaderboard. He rebounded with a clean 3-birdie closing nine to finish at 1-over. He also has his right wrist taped, which he did not have when he won at TPC Sawgrass, adding health concerns and potentially contributing to his mediocre play.</p><h3>A win for the olds</h3><p>Augusta is truly a one-of-a-kind venue, one that allows a player like Jose Maria Olazabal, who ranks at the bottom of the field with a 272-yard average off the tee, to beat someone 39 years younger than him by 10 shots.</p><p>The two-time Masters winner played alongside the long-hitting Aldrich Potgieter and took the 21-year-old to school. Olazabal shot a respectable 74 to Potgieter's 84, despite hitting the ball 60 yards shorter on average than his playing partner. This pair's scores highlight one of the most fascinating aspects about Augusta National, in which course experience and patience will always trump brute force. </p>

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Masters Round 1 takeaways: Rory's dream start, Scheffler lurking

The Masters is a tradition unlike any other, and so is betting on it. The season's first major is...

<p>The Masters is a tradition unlike any other, and so is betting on it. The season's first major is the most bet on tournament by a wide margin, and we have you covered if you're looking to get in on the action.</p><p>Though two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler is the favorite at +600 on theScore Bet, there are questions about this game. Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau - two LIV golfers who have yet to play a competitive tournament in the United States this year - are the next two on the betting board. Defending champion Rory McIlroy sits as the fourth favorite, but no one has won back-to-back green jackets since Tiger Woods in 2002.</p><p>Simply put, this is the most wide-open Masters Tournament in recent memory, which creates betting opportunities when trying to find a winner. Let's get to it. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Jump to:</strong> <a href="#favorites">The favorites</a> | <a href="#bets">Outright bets</a> | <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3516923" href="https://thescore.com/news/3516923">Prop bets</a></p><h2>🏆 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516262">Tournament winner odds</a>
</h2><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Golfer</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Rahm</td>
<td>+950</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cameron Young</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Fitzpatrick</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hideki Matsuyama</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collin Morikawa</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Rose</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert MacIntyre</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Min Woo Lee</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brooks Koepka</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jordan Spieth</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Reed</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Akshay Bhatia</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Gotterup</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Henley</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Si Woo Kim</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Viktor Hovland</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>⛳️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516262"><strong>Bet on the Masters Tournament with theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><h2>🏌️ <a id="favorites" name="favorites">The favorites</a>
</h2><p>Breaking down the favorites is a crucial step before getting to our picks. Determining if we're betting or fading the top dogs at their prices helps build a betting card with the most upside.</p><p>First, Scheffler's odds have moved from the +300 range to +600 due to his recent struggles (by his standards) and time off for the birth of his second child. Scheffler ranks 82nd on the PGA TOUR in strokes gained: approach, a stat he's dominated for the last three years. He also hasn't played since The Players in mid-March, and spending time at home welcoming a new child isn't the ideal way to sharpen an area that needs work. This version of Scheffler isn't the same as the one who deserved to be priced below +400 for most of the season, and I'm not sure his odds have drifted enough to factor in the uncertainties.</p><p>I'll group Rahm and DeChambeau since my stance toward them is the same. I don't believe LIV Golf's world schedule best prepares its players for the Masters, and given this will be Rahm's and DeChambeau's first start of the season in the U.S., they become riskier options at their prices. One of them could win, but I'd rather see them get some pressure-packed reps in marquee events before backing either in a major.</p><p>Finally, McIlroy needed 16 attempts to claim his first green jacket, so I'm not eager to back him to win two straight. Defending the Masters is very difficult with all the added attention, pressure, and commitments the reigning champ navigates during the week, part of the reason only three players in the event's history have successfully defended their title. McIlroy also isn't in ideal lead-in form, with a withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational and a T46 at The Players in his last two starts.</p><h2>💵 <a id="bets" name="bets">The bets</a>
</h2><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=88cfc9f3-8fa8-4ffb-9903-e141793862e0&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=21&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516262">Bet: Matt Fitzpatrick to win (+2000)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827618/cropped_GettyImages-2267885440.jpg?ts=1774221777" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827618/w220xh124_GettyImages-2267885440.jpg?ts=1774221777 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827618/w320xh180_GettyImages-2267885440.jpg?ts=1774221777 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827618/w640xh360_GettyImages-2267885440.jpg?ts=1774221777 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827618/w768xh432_GettyImages-2267885440.jpg?ts=1774221777 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827618/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2267885440.jpg?ts=1774221777 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sam Navarro / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There's no better metric than recent form when picking a Masters winner. The last four champions each ranked No. 1 in the FedEx Cup standings before winning the green jacket. While Jacob Bridgeman currently leads the points list, he's making his first Masters start, and debutants rarely win.</p><p>Instead, I'm targeting the next two on the FedEx Cup list who recently battled at The Players. Matthew Fitzpatrick may not have won at TPC Sawgrass, but he took down the Valspar Championship the next week with another exceptional four-day stretch of tee-to-green play. The Englishman ranks second in strokes gained: tee-to-green for the season, backed by a wicked short game that'll come in handy at Augusta.</p><p>Fitzpatrick is a former U.S. Open winner, which will only help him handle the pressure of closing a major on a Sunday. He's played the Masters 11 times in his career, with one missed cut and two top-10 finishes.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=12e1d0b0-e436-4fca-aa96-1a6b41d6eb4c&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=19&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516262">Bet: Cameron Young to win (+1800)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829645/cropped_GettyImages-2269535657.jpg?ts=1775505840" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829645/w220xh124_GettyImages-2269535657.jpg?ts=1775505840 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829645/w320xh180_GettyImages-2269535657.jpg?ts=1775505840 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829645/w640xh360_GettyImages-2269535657.jpg?ts=1775505840 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829645/w768xh432_GettyImages-2269535657.jpg?ts=1775505840 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829645/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2269535657.jpg?ts=1775505840 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Augusta National / Masters Historic Imagery / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Young beat Fitzpatrick in a playoff at The Players, capping a three-tournament stretch that vaulted him to third on the FedEx Cup points list. With a driver that's among the world's best and long-iron play that gives him a huge edge, Young has the ball-striking ability you'd expect from a Masters champion.</p><p>The 28-year-old has played in four Masters in his career, recording two top-10 finishes to go along with two missed cuts. Young failed to make the weekend in his first start at Augusta, and he had four missed cuts in his six lead-in events last year, so he wasn't in nearly as good a form as he's in now.</p><p>Young proved himself in the best field of the season at TPC Sawgrass, winning by far the biggest tournament of his career (notably, the last two Masters winners won The Players that same year). A major championship feels inevitable for him, and this week would be striking while the iron's hot.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=9f7cdfd3-d357-4853-a59a-71239771787b&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=36&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516262">Bet: Min Woo Lee to win (+3500)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829646/cropped_GettyImages-2270073168.jpg?ts=1775505952" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829646/w220xh124_GettyImages-2270073168.jpg?ts=1775505952 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829646/w320xh180_GettyImages-2270073168.jpg?ts=1775505952 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829646/w640xh360_GettyImages-2270073168.jpg?ts=1775505952 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829646/w768xh432_GettyImages-2270073168.jpg?ts=1775505952 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829646/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2270073168.jpg?ts=1775505952 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>I would've liked Min Woo Lee's odds to be a tad longer, but odds don't impact a player's ability to win. Although Lee hasn't secured a victory this year, he's playing well and trending toward his first major win.</p><p>The Aussie ranks fifth on the PGA TOUR in strokes gained: total this season, bolstered by three top-six results in his last five tournaments. Two of those performances came at signature events, where Lee gained over four strokes through approach shots. While he's never been known for elite iron play, his recent results suggest he's figured something out in that area.</p><p>There also aren't any concerns with Lee's off-the-tee game or chipping, and he's gained strokes putting in five straight events. Lee's played the Masters four times in his career, finishing 14th in his debut and placing T22 two years ago. Australians have also found success at the iconic Georgia layout, with Adam Scott, Jason Day, and Cameron Smith all contending - or winning - at some point in their careers.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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Masters bets: Targeting 3 players searching for their 1st green jacket

We already covered our favorite bets to win the green jacket in our tournament preview, so now it...

<p>We already covered our favorite bets to win the green jacket in our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3516262" href="https://thescore.com/news/3516262">tournament preview</a>, so now it's time to sprinkle wagers across some other markets.</p><p>The Masters is the most watched - and bet on - tournament of the season. It provides an opportunity to bet on markets that typically aren't available for regular PGA TOUR events. We'll hit on a couple of them, as well as our favorite props, to round out the week's betting card.</p><p>Let's get to it.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><blockquote><p>⛳️ <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516923">Bet on the Masters Tournament with theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=2744d004-66b7-45d7-99a9-8539763884fb&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=29&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=10&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516923">Bet: Cameron Young - Top-10 finish (+190)</a></h3><p>Spoiler: Cameron Young is one of our picks to win the Masters, but he's also worth a bet in the top-10 market. He's competed in the tournament four times and finished among the top 10 twice. Young missed the cut in his first start, which is forgivable, and did so again last year, though he wasn't playing nearly as well as he is now. I trust the winner of The Players to record his seventh top-10 showing in a major.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=ef9df0c3-767e-47fb-b990-02b03c67d7f5&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=3&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516923">Bet: Jacob Bridgeman - Top-20 finish (+200)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823231/cropped_GettyImages-2263018048.jpg?ts=1771796461" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823231/w220xh124_GettyImages-2263018048.jpg?ts=1771796461 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823231/w320xh180_GettyImages-2263018048.jpg?ts=1771796461 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823231/w640xh360_GettyImages-2263018048.jpg?ts=1771796461 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823231/w768xh432_GettyImages-2263018048.jpg?ts=1771796461 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823231/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2263018048.jpg?ts=1771796461 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Mulholland / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The last four Masters winners were each No. 1 in the FedEx Cup standings ahead of the tournament, which is the position Jacob Bridgeman currently holds. He's burst onto the scene this year by recording eight straight top-20 finishes on the PGA TOUR and winning the Genesis Invitational in February. Bridgeman is making his first start at the Masters, which is why he's +7500 to win on theScore Bet, but he's worth a shot in the top-20 market.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=083bab36-b01d-4d40-9144-915d487806a4&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=14&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=9&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516923">Bet: Tournament matchup - Tommy Fleetwood (-180) over Collin Morikawa</a></h3><p>Collin Morikawa withdrew from The Players and the Valero Texas Open with a back injury, but he'll take the course this week at Augusta. However, his preparation seems to be limited to chipping and putting besides a few full-driver swings on the range. Regardless of Morikawa's status, Tommy Fleetwood is a good bet to beat him. The Englishman is in some of the best form of his career and primed to contend this week.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=0136839d-9b56-40be-a606-4d5ee8f95da5&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=43&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=23&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516923">Bet: Tournament matchup - Zach Johnson (-115) over Bubba Watson</a></h3><p>Zach Johnson made back-to-back cuts on the PGA TOUR before turning 50 and taking his game to the PGA TOUR Champions circuit. He then won in his debut on the senior tour and hasn't finished worse than a T3 in his last three starts. Meanwhile, Bubba Watson has managed only one top-35 finish during the LIV Golf season and hasn't played in nearly a month.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=6ccd6331-f416-4fbb-abc6-275390019260&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=43&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=23&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516923">Bet: Top senior - Zack Johnson (-115)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825347/cropped_GettyImages-2265480685.jpg?ts=1773016419" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825347/w220xh124_GettyImages-2265480685.jpg?ts=1773016419 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825347/w320xh180_GettyImages-2265480685.jpg?ts=1773016419 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825347/w640xh360_GettyImages-2265480685.jpg?ts=1773016419 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825347/w768xh432_GettyImages-2265480685.jpg?ts=1773016419 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825347/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2265480685.jpg?ts=1773016419 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Raj Mehta / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Maybe it's crazy to double down on Johnson, but the competition in the senior division is weak. He's a year removed from placing tied for eighth at Augusta, and he's playing well this season. Angel Cabrera, Fred Couples, Vijay Singh, Mike Weir, and Jose Maria Olazabal shouldn't give Johnson much of a run this week.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=00620393-0bc0-49fe-85ee-d28f66d3de6c&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=17&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516923">Bet: Top debutant - Casey Jarvis (+1600)</a></h3><p>While Chris Gotterup and Bridgeman are the two best debutants, Casey Jarvis provides the best value at +1600. The 22-year-old South African sits third in the Race to Dubai standings, thanks to back-to-back wins on the DP World Tour in late February. He's not the longest player off the tee, but he makes up for it with strong iron play while getting hot with his putter. South Africans have historically been successful at Augusta, especially if the course plays firm and fast, as the forecast indicates it should this week.</p><blockquote><p>⛳️ <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516923">Bet on the Masters Tournament with theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=eecc0237-4f66-4f15-aca0-31bcc99db304&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=43&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=20&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516923">Bet: Top left-handed golfer - Robert MacIntyre (+115)</a></h3><p>Robert MacIntyre is a threat to win the green jacket, so picking him to win in the left-hander market is a solid bet. His stiffest competition is Akshay Bhatia, who's still trying to find his footing in major championships. MacIntyre has enough experience to give him the necessary edge.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament%2Fsection%2Fgolfer-props&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516923">Bet: Adam Scott, Justin Rose, and Patrick Reed all to make the cut (+110)</a></h3><p>Experience matters at Augusta National, and few have taken as many laps around the historic venue as this trio. Adam Scott and Patrick Reed are past champions, while Justin Rose is a three-time runner-up. Reed's won twice on the DP World Tour this year, Rose won the Farmers Insurance Open, and Scott has made seven straight cuts, with a T4 at the Genesis Invitational being his best result.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=a37653bf-6886-4b27-998c-9d76b6f1aa1d&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=12&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=7&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3516923">Bet: Tournament hole-in-one - Yes (-140)</a></h3><p>There hasn't been a hole-in-one at the Masters since 2022, so it feels like we're due. The ace is most likely to happen at the famous funnel pin on the 16th hole (the pin position for Tiger Woods' iconic chip-in back in 2005), but it could also occur on any of the par 3s. Plus, who doesn't want to root for a hole-in-one?</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35157717/related

Masters bets: 9 props to pick, from low senior to low lefty

Masters week is here. It's a glorious time for golf fans as the world's best descend on the iconi...

<p>Masters week is here. It's a glorious time for golf fans as the world's best descend on the iconic Augusta National Golf Club with the coveted green jacket at stake.</p><p>The year's first major is overflowing with narratives, many involving the game's top players and the tournament favorites. These are the seven storylines that will shape the 2026 Masters Tournament.</p><h3>Uncertainty surrounds Scheffler</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829559/cropped_GettyImages-2265843610.jpg?ts=1775487306" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829559/w220xh124_GettyImages-2265843610.jpg?ts=1775487306 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829559/w320xh180_GettyImages-2265843610.jpg?ts=1775487306 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829559/w640xh360_GettyImages-2265843610.jpg?ts=1775487306 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829559/w768xh432_GettyImages-2265843610.jpg?ts=1775487306 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829559/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2265843610.jpg?ts=1775487306 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Cannon / David Cannon Collection / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Months ago, it would have been inconceivable to predict world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler would head into this year's Masters surrounded by question marks, but that's where we are.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Scheffler's having a bizarre season. He won his first start at The American Express, then followed it up with two tournaments where he was derailed by horrible opening rounds. He hasn't looked like the same golfer when it comes to his iron play - he ranks 80th on the PGA TOUR in strokes gained: approach for the season, a stat he's led the last three years.</p><p>The two-time Masters champ then withdrew from the Houston Open as he and his wife, Meredith, prepared for the birth of their second child. That will make it a month off between starts for Scheffler, with his T22 showing at The Players Championship serving as his final tuneup for Augusta National.</p><p>Scheffler is obviously talented enough to overcome the lack of preparation, but his recent form is not what we've become accustomed to seeing during his run of dominance. His opening round will be extremely telling in terms of his chances at claiming a third career green jacket.</p><h3>Bad backs</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829558/cropped_GettyImages-2196598386.jpg?ts=1775487140" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829558/w220xh124_GettyImages-2196598386.jpg?ts=1775487140 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829558/w320xh180_GettyImages-2196598386.jpg?ts=1775487140 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829558/w640xh360_GettyImages-2196598386.jpg?ts=1775487140 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829558/w768xh432_GettyImages-2196598386.jpg?ts=1775487140 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829558/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2196598386.jpg?ts=1775487140 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ben Jared / PGA TOUR / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Two of the Masters favorites enter with injury concerns. Rory McIlroy withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a back ailment, then underwhelmed with a T46 result in his title defense at The Players Championship. Collin Morikawa withdrew from The Players after one hole when he tweaked something in his back and hasn't played since.</p><p>It's been a month since McIlroy's back gave him trouble in Orlando, so he may be fully healthy. However, he hasn't played since TPC Sawgrass, so rust could be a factor. Morikawa's back is a bigger worry: He was in the field for last week's Valero Texas Open but withdrew Tuesday due to lingering issues.</p><p>McIlroy also has the added pressure of trying to defend his green jacket, which no one has done successfully since Tiger Woods in 2002. The uncertainty surrounding Scheffler, McIlroy, and Morikawa makes this Masters feel as wide-open as any in recent years.</p><blockquote><p><strong>⛳️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fmajors%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3509130">Bet on the Masters with theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3>Bryson's redemption</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817500/cropped_GettyImages-2232372052.jpg?ts=1768338910" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817500/w220xh124_GettyImages-2232372052.jpg?ts=1768338910 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817500/w320xh180_GettyImages-2232372052.jpg?ts=1768338910 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817500/w640xh360_GettyImages-2232372052.jpg?ts=1768338910 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817500/w768xh432_GettyImages-2232372052.jpg?ts=1768338910 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817500/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2232372052.jpg?ts=1768338910 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Miller/ISI Photos / ISI Photos / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>You may not even remember that Bryson DeChambeau played in the final pairing alongside McIlroy at last year's Masters. The two-time U.S. Open champion posted a 3-over 75 to finish in a tie for fifth, so he wasn't particularly relevant on the back nine, but it marked DeChambeau's second straight top-six finish at Augusta. It seems he's finally figured out the iconic layout he once called a par 67.</p><p>DeChambeau has won back-to-back LIV starts, one of those coming in a playoff over Jon Rahm. He appears to be playing some very good golf and is consequently a top-five favorite in the Masters betting market. This may be DeChambeau's best opportunity to back up his "par 67" claim and secure the green jacket.</p><h3>Time to prove it, Rahm</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804910/cropped_GettyImages-2240102117.jpg?ts=1760030437" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804910/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240102117.jpg?ts=1760030437 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804910/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240102117.jpg?ts=1760030437 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804910/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240102117.jpg?ts=1760030437 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804910/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240102117.jpg?ts=1760030437 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804910/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240102117.jpg?ts=1760030437 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ion Alcoba Beitia / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Jon Rahm won the 2023 Masters and then defected to LIV Golf in early 2024. Since then, he hasn't been competitive at Augusta and has really only had one shot to win a major: last year's PGA Championship. He finished T45 and T14 in his last two appearances at the Masters.</p><p>It's time for Rahm to prove that moving to LIV hasn't affected his play in the sport's biggest tournaments. Rahm should be a threat at every Masters since Augusta fits his game perfectly. He also appears to be in form after a recent LIV win that snapped a year-long drought and three runner-up results. There will be no excuses for the Spaniard if he doesn't have a late tee time Sunday.</p><h3>Which Koepka will show up?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816996/cropped_GettyImages-2238713670.jpg?ts=1767995575" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816996/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238713670.jpg?ts=1767995575 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816996/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238713670.jpg?ts=1767995575 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816996/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238713670.jpg?ts=1767995575 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816996/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238713670.jpg?ts=1767995575 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816996/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238713670.jpg?ts=1767995575 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Warren Little / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Brooks Koepka decided this offseason to leave LIV Golf and return to the PGA TOUR, becoming the first defector to jump back to the USA-based circuit. By no means has he lit it up in his six starts this year, but he's shown flashes suggesting he could still win more majors. Koepka finished T13 at The Players, where he gained over eight strokes tee-to-green and was fourth in the field in strokes gained: approach.</p><p>The five-time major winner has two runner-up showings at the Masters in his career, but he missed the cut in three of his last four appearances. However, health was a significant factor in those missed cuts, and Koepka seems as healthy as he can be heading into this week. Which Koepka shows up this week: the dominant major winner, or the golfer whose best days are behind him? The answer will shape the tournament's outcome.</p><h3>1st major wins</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829569/cropped_GettyImages-2231369042.jpg?ts=1775488991" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829569/w220xh124_GettyImages-2231369042.jpg?ts=1775488991 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829569/w320xh180_GettyImages-2231369042.jpg?ts=1775488991 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829569/w640xh360_GettyImages-2231369042.jpg?ts=1775488991 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829569/w768xh432_GettyImages-2231369042.jpg?ts=1775488991 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829569/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2231369042.jpg?ts=1775488991 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Four top-10 talents without a major championship are all playing exceptionally well heading into the Masters: Tommy Fleetwood, Cameron Young, Ludvig Aberg, and Chris Gotterup.</p><p>Fleetwood is the reigning FedEx Cup champion and finally got off the schneid last year, capturing his first PGA TOUR win at the Tour Championship. He's finished inside the top 10 in four of five TOUR starts this year and currently ranks No. 4 in the world.</p><p>Young won The Players Championship and is the world No. 3. He already has two top-10s at Augusta in four starts.</p><p>Aberg was in command of The Players before crumbling Sunday, but his collapse doesn't negate his status as a serious contender at the Masters. He's played the tournament twice in his young career, finishing as the runner-up in his debut and placing T7 last year. Aberg has already figured out Augusta, so his chances Sunday should come down to whether he can manage his nerves.</p><p>Finally, Gotterup is a two-time winner on the PGA TOUR this season and will make his Masters debut this week. Historically, debutants haven't found much success at Augusta - the last first-timer to win was Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 - but that trend seems to be shifting with the recent success of Aberg and Will Zalatoris in their first starts. Gotterup has all the tools to perform well at Augusta.</p><h3>Reed's resurgence</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821088/cropped_GettyImages-2260009213.jpg?ts=1770570075" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821088/w220xh124_GettyImages-2260009213.jpg?ts=1770570075 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821088/w320xh180_GettyImages-2260009213.jpg?ts=1770570075 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821088/w640xh360_GettyImages-2260009213.jpg?ts=1770570075 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821088/w768xh432_GettyImages-2260009213.jpg?ts=1770570075 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821088/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2260009213.jpg?ts=1770570075 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Like Koepka, Patrick Reed left LIV Golf, accepted the PGA TOUR's terms to return to the circuit, and is now playing a full-time DP World Tour schedule. And he's dominating.</p><p>Reed leads the Race to Dubai, having already secured two wins in six starts. The former Masters champ finished third last year and has five top-12 showings in seven starts at Augusta since his 2018 victory. Although he hasn't played since the middle of March, Reed must be considered a contender given his current form and his history at the tournament. Could golf's ultimate heel steal another green jacket?</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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7 storylines that will shape the Masters

As the NHL regular season winds down, the race between Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov and Nathan...

<p>As the NHL regular season winds down, the race between Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon for the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer couldn't be any tighter.</p><p>Notching 10 points over his last five games, McDavid's recent flurry has put him atop the points list with 125. The Oilers captain is now the favorite on <a href="http://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fhockey%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnhl%2Fsection%2Fawards&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3512680">theScore Bet</a> to win his sixth Art Ross at -130 (56.5% implied probability).</p><p>Kucherov, who has won the points race in back-to-back seasons and three total in his career, trails McDavid by four points with a game in hand. The Lightning star is +185 to surpass McDavid after scoring just three points in his last four contests.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In eight of the past nine seasons, either McDavid or Kucherov has finished as the league's top scorer, with Leon Draisaitl interrupting the streak in 2020.</p><p>Mackinnon cannot be counted out, either. He is tied with Kucherov at 121 points and also has a game in hand over McDavid. MacKinnon leads the NHL in goals with 50 - reaching the milestone Wednesday - and is the favorite to win the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP. However, oddsmakers don't like his chances to catch McDavid nearly as much as Kucherov's, pricing MacKinnon at +425 to win the Art Ross.</p><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fhockey%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnhl%2Fsection%2Fawards&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3512680"><strong>Bet on the Art Ross race with theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><h3>Remaining schedules</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Oilers</th>
<th>Lightning</th>
<th>Avalanche</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Blackhawks</td>
<td>Penguins</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
<td>Bruins</td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mammoth</td>
<td>Sabres</td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sharks</td>
<td>Senators</td>
<td>Flames</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kings</td>
<td>Canadiens</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Avalanche</td>
<td>Bruins</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canucks</td>
<td>Red Wings</td>
<td>Flames</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Rangers</td>
<td>Kraken</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>On paper, McDavid's remaining schedule appears the easiest, with favorable matchups against the Blackhawks, Sharks, Kings, and Canucks still to come. Meanwhile, seven of the Lightning's final eight games are against teams either holding a playoff spot or in the thick of a postseason race.</p><p>The Avalanche's road to the playoffs isn't as easy as the Oilers', but they face the Flames and Blues twice, plus the Kraken, all teams sitting outside of a playoff spot.</p><p>There is also a chance MacKinnon sits out a couple of his remaining games. Colorado is eight points clear of the Stars for the top seed in the Western Conference, and making sure MacKinnon stays healthy for the postseason should be a priority for the Avs. </p><p>Regardless of how the race finishes after 82 games, watching these three battle for the top spot on the points list will be compelling drama as the regular season comes to a close.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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3-horse race: Which superstar will lead the NHL in points?

The Final Four is set. Michigan, Arizona, Illinois, and UConn punched their tickets to the NCAA T...

<p>The Final Four is set. Michigan, Arizona, Illinois, and UConn punched their tickets to the NCAA Tournament's semifinals over the weekend and will head to Indianapolis with hopes of being crowned national champions.</p><p>The Wolverines remain the favorite to cut down the net on April 6. Michigan is +165 to win it all on <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab%2Fsection%2Ffutures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3511162">theScore Bet</a>, just ahead of its semifinal opponent, Arizona, at +175.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab%2Fsection%2Ffutures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3511162">National championship odds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds (Implied Prob.)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td>+165 (37.7%)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td>+175 (36.4%)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td>+450 (18.2%)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UConn</td>
<td>+550 (15.4%)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab%2Fsection%2Ffutures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3511162"><strong>Click here to bet on the Final Four with theScore Bet</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>Michigan is a small 1.5-point favorite over Arizona in what some may argue is a meeting between the best teams in college basketball. The Wolverines are also -120 on the moneyline. According to oddsmakers, these two squads account for nearly 75% of the tournament's win equity, meaning the winner is expected to be a significant favorite in the championship game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Additionally, Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg is the frontrunner to win the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award at +190. The 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 25 points and over eight rebounds in roughly 34 minutes per contest across the Wolverines' last three games.</p><p>However, Arizona also has two MOP contenders, with Brayden Burries (+400) and Jaden Bradley (+750) inside the top four on the oddsboard.</p><p>The last player to win MOP without being on the national championship team was Hakeem Olajuwon in 1983.</p><p>Illinois is a 2.5-point favorite over UConn in the other Final Four matchup. The Fighting Illini handled Iowa in the Elite Eight to set up a meeting with the Huskies, who won in the dying seconds over Duke in a game they trailed by as many as 19 points.</p><p>The Final Four appearance will be Illinois' first since 2005 and only the program's third since 1952. The Illini lost in the 2005 national championship to North Carolina. </p><p>Despite being an underdog in the betting market, UConn has the edge in experience. Head coach Dan Hurley is making his third Final Four appearance in the last four years, leading the program to back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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Final Four odds: Michigan, Illinois favored to meet in national championship

The Toronto Blue Jays captured the hearts of an entire nation during last year's World Series run...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays captured the hearts of an entire nation during last year's World Series run, getting within two outs from being crowned champions before disaster struck.</p><p>While disappointment may still linger for Blue Jays fans, it's time to turn the page to a new season full of hope, especially knowing Toronto has a solid shot at making another deep postseason run.</p><p>At +1400 (6.7% implied probability), the Blue Jays are tied for the fifth-shortest odds to win the World Series. They also hold the third-shortest odds to claim the American League pennant at +600, behind the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbaseball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fmlb%2Fsection%2F2026-futures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3504076">World Series odds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Dodgers</td>
<td>+225</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yankees</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mets</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mariners</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Phillies</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Braves</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Red Sox</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tigers</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cubs</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Orioles</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Astros</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p><strong>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbaseball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fmlb%2Fsection%2F2026-futures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3504076">Click here to bet on the World Series with theScore Bet</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>Additionally, Toronto is -220 (68.8% implied probability) to make the playoffs, suggesting fans can expect more meaningful baseball at Rogers Centre late into the season.</p><p>Though the roster that nearly delivered the franchise's first World Series title since 1993 is mostly returning, shortstop Bo Bichette's departure to the New York Mets in free agency leaves a sizable hole at the top of the lineup.</p><p>To fill the void, Toronto landed Kazuma Okamoto, a six-time All-Star and three-time home run leader in Japan. Okamoto is among the favorites to win the American League Rookie of the Year award at +500.</p><p>Toronto still has Vladimir Guerrero, who's fifth on the oddsboard at +1400 to win the American League MVP, George Springer, and Alejandro Kirk to power its lineup.</p><p>The Blue Jays also made a huge splash by signing Dylan Cease, one of the premier free-agent pitchers, to create a top rotation in baseball. Alongside Cease, the Jays' deep pitching staff boasts Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage (he'll start the year on the injured list), and Cody Ponce, signed from the Korean league. Toronto also has José Berríos and Max Scherzer as starting options.</p><p>However, as Blue Jays fans are far too familiar with, Toronto will have to battle a loaded AL East to make another run.</p><p>The Yankees, Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles all have odds of +2000 or shorter to win the World Series, making the AL East by far the strongest division in baseball. The Orioles are -110 to reach the postseason (52.4% implied probability), while even the Tampa Bay Rays, who are expected to be the division's worst team, are +300 (25% implied probability) to get to the playoffs.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbaseball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fmlb%2Fsection%2Falds&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3504076">AL East odds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division odds</th>
<th>Team Total</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Yankees</td>
<td>+185</td>
<td>90.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
<td>+260</td>
<td>88.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Red Sox</td>
<td>+325</td>
<td>87.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Orioles</td>
<td>+400</td>
<td>85.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rays</td>
<td>+2500</td>
<td>77.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p><strong>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbaseball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fmlb%2Fsection%2Falds&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3504076">Think the Blue Jays can win the AL East? Bet on it with theScore Bet</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>The Blue Jays won 94 games last season and will almost certainly need 90-plus victories this year to take the division. Not counting the campaign affected by the pandemic, the last time an AL East champion had fewer than 90 wins was the 1995 Red Sox.</p><p>Toronto's win total for 2026 is set at 88.5, with the under a slight -120 favorite. That total projects as the eighth-highest in the majors and the third-highest in the American League.</p><p>If betting odds and projected team totals mean anything, Blue Jays fans should be in for another exciting season, even with much higher expectations than last year.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35001690/related

Running it back: What are the odds Blue Jays recreate last year's magic?

Round 1 of the NFL draft is exactly four weeks away, and the projected order of the top-10 picks ...

<p>Round 1 of the NFL draft is exactly four weeks away, and the projected order of the top-10 picks could not be less clear.</p><p>Fernando Mendoza is all but guaranteed to hear his name called first by the Las Vegas Raiders, but nothing is set in stone after that. Although defensive players dominate the top of the draft class, a few offensive prospects appear to be climbing draft boards - most notably, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.</p><p>Love will almost certainly be selected inside the top 10, with the Tennessee Titans the favorites to make him the first skill-position player off the board at No. 4.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Titans are -150 (60% implied probability) to pick Love on <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnfl-draft%2Fsection%2Fteam-to-draft-player&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3507815">theScore Bet</a>. The Washington Commanders, who hold the seventh pick, are second on the oddsboard at +300.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnfl-draft%2Fsection%2Fteam-to-draft-player&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3507815">Team to draft Love odds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Titans</td>
<td>-150</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commanders</td>
<td>+300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giants</td>
<td>+400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cardinals</td>
<td>+850</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vikings</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rams</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bears</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jets</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bengals</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saints</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnfl-draft%2Fsection%2Fteam-to-draft-player&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3507815"><strong>Bet on the 2026 NFL Draft with theScore Bet here (market subject to availability)</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>Love profiles to be an explosive all-purpose back worthy of a high selection, bucking the trend that teams should avoid using premium picks on one of the least valuable positions. For years, it was widely considered a faux pas to take a running back in the top 10 because of injury risk, their shorter average career length, and the relative ease of finding capable replacements.</p><p>However, the early success of Bijan Robinson (No. 8 overall) and Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 12 overall) may have made teams more willing to reach on a running back, especially if they're comfortable with the rest of their roster.</p><p>The Titans were very active in the early stages of free agency, mainly focusing on revamping their defense. They traded for pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson II and signed John Franklin-Myers, adding to a defensive line that already featured Jeffery Simmons. Providing second-year quarterback Cam Ward with offensive weapons should be next on their agenda. Selecting Love to take over a backfield previously led by an aging Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears seems like a no-brainer.</p><p>But Tennessee brought in defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh, who may push to take one of the top edge rushers in the draft - David Bailey, Rueben Bain Jr., or Arvell Reese - with the fourth pick. If the Titans opt to go that route, they may have one of the most dangerous pass rushes in the NFL.</p><p>The Commanders are in a similar position to the Titans, and NFL insider Adam Schefter recently tied Love to Washington. </p><p>"I do not see (Love) going to Tennessee," Schefter said on the <a href="https://x.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/2036139917479121255?s=20">"The Pat McAfee Show."</a> "I do not see him going to the Giants at No. 5. ... To me, a place that makes sense, today, a month out, would be the Washington Commanders."</p><p>The Commanders spent big in free agency on defensive players, addressing their nonexistent pass rush with Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson. They also signed linebacker Leo Chenal, safety Nick Cross, and cornerback Amik Robertson, filling holes all over their defense. That sets up their potential selection of Love, who would form a dynamic duo with quarterback Jayden Daniels.</p><p>The Giants have the third-shortest odds and hold the fifth pick in the draft. They're expected to use the pick on a defensive player, with linebacker Sonny Styles the +200 favorite to be taken fifth overall. New York may be a bit more hesitant to use a high pick on a running back than other teams. The franchise drafted Saquon Barkley second overall in 2018 but couldn't reach an agreement on a contract extension after his rookie deal and ultimately let him walk for nothing in free agency.</p><p>The Cardinals hold the third pick and are +850 to draft Love. But Arizona has glaring weaknesses up and down its roster, so it wouldn't make much sense for the franchise to take a running back instead of addressing more important needs.</p><p>Before free agency started, many mock drafts had Love falling to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 9. However, the Chiefs seemed to realize Love likely wouldn't be available when they were on the clock, so they signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III instead.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35011397/related

NFL draft: Which team is most likely to pick Jeremiyah Love?

The PGA TOUR wrapped up the Florida swing last week and now heads to Texas for two events before ...

<p>The PGA TOUR wrapped up the Florida swing last week and now heads to Texas for two events before the Masters. This week, Memorial Park will host the Houston Open, a field that Scottie Scheffler was set to headline until he withdrew following the birth of his second child.</p><p>With Scheffler out, defending champion Min Woo Lee is the betting favorite at +1400 on theScore Bet. Brooks Koepka, Chris Gotterup, Sam Burns, and Rickie Fowler are among the other notable players in the 135-man field. </p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fhouston-open&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3507012">Tournament winner odds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Min Woo Lee</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Gotterup</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Knapp</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brooks Koepka</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kurt Kitayama</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marco Penge</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Thorbjornsen</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nicolai Hojgaard</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Burns</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rickie Fowler</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sahith Theegala</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ben Griffin</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Harris English</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Gerard</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>⛳️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fhouston-open&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3507012"><strong>Bet on the Houston Open with theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><h2>Jake Knapp</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793825/cropped_GettyImages-2224498766.jpg?ts=1752175629" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793825/w220xh124_GettyImages-2224498766.jpg?ts=1752175629 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793825/w320xh180_GettyImages-2224498766.jpg?ts=1752175629 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793825/w640xh360_GettyImages-2224498766.jpg?ts=1752175629 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793825/w768xh432_GettyImages-2224498766.jpg?ts=1752175629 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793825/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2224498766.jpg?ts=1752175629 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew Redington / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=2ea90ec7-a011-4b28-9dcb-2c9dde2dc929&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=19&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fhouston-open&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3507012">Bet: To win outright (+1800)</a>
</h3><p>Memorial Park rewards distance off the tee, which is why Lee, Tony Finau, Stephen Jaeger, and Jason Kokrak are all past winners. Driving distance and strokes gained: off the tee will be vital this week, making Knapp a wise pick.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite missing the cut at The Players Championship and withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to illness earlier in March, Knapp started the year with five consecutive top-11 finishes, including in two signature events. Had he not hit that small bump in the road, he'd likely have been the betting favorite this week.</p><p>Knapp ranks second in strokes gained: total this year and eighth in driving distance. A win for Knapp is coming soon, and this is the perfect course for him to break through.</p><h2>Michael Thorbjornsen</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820293/cropped_GettyImages-2259413555.jpg?ts=1770135857" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820293/w220xh124_GettyImages-2259413555.jpg?ts=1770135857 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820293/w320xh180_GettyImages-2259413555.jpg?ts=1770135857 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820293/w640xh360_GettyImages-2259413555.jpg?ts=1770135857 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820293/w768xh432_GettyImages-2259413555.jpg?ts=1770135857 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820293/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2259413555.jpg?ts=1770135857 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=0d7817b2-0675-4d6d-ba82-a0298b2fa23d&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=26&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fhouston-open&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3507012">Bet: To win outright (+2500)</a>
</h3><p>Thorbjornsen played in the final pairing at The Players, an extremely difficult spot for anyone debuting at a marquee event. He played well enough to get that late tee time, but a forgettable Sunday dropped him down the leaderboard.</p><p>Still, Thorbjornsen is a fantastic fit for Memorial Park. He sits second on TOUR in total driving (distance plus accuracy) and 31st in strokes gained: around the green. If he can make a few putts, Thorbjornsen should be in contention and producing his best finish of the season - a T3 at the Phoenix Open.</p><h2>Sahith Theegala</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497152/cropped_GettyImages-1238387770.jpg?ts=1644631579" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497152/w220xh124_GettyImages-1238387770.jpg?ts=1644631579 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497152/w320xh180_GettyImages-1238387770.jpg?ts=1644631579 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497152/w640xh360_GettyImages-1238387770.jpg?ts=1644631579 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497152/w768xh432_GettyImages-1238387770.jpg?ts=1644631579 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497152/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1238387770.jpg?ts=1644631579 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Tracy Wilcox / PGA TOUR / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=166675b2-ecf4-4a2f-baec-4e5586d4638e&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=31&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fhouston-open&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3507012">Bet: To win outright (+3000)</a>
</h3><p>I was on Theegala last week at the Valpsar Championship, blinded by his strong strokes gained: approach numbers while overlooking his erratic driver. However, Memorial Park doesn't penalize errant drives and rewards what Theegala does well. If the 28-year-old can carry his iron play from Bay Hill and TPC Sawgrass to Houston, his strong short game and putting should make him a threat.</p><h2>Pierceson Coody</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819335/cropped_GettyImages-2256676426.jpg?ts=1769534010" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819335/w220xh124_GettyImages-2256676426.jpg?ts=1769534010 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819335/w320xh180_GettyImages-2256676426.jpg?ts=1769534010 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819335/w640xh360_GettyImages-2256676426.jpg?ts=1769534010 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819335/w768xh432_GettyImages-2256676426.jpg?ts=1769534010 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819335/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2256676426.jpg?ts=1769534010 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cliff Hawkins / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=17e42671-1730-4630-9bb8-bd3448111c6c&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=41&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fhouston-open&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3507012">Bet: To win outright (+4000)</a>
</h3><p>Coody has been a favorite of mine all season in the top-20 market, and this is a good time to back him to win his first PGA TOUR event. Ranking ninth in driving distance, he was gaining a ton of strokes tee-to-green before the circuit moved to Florida. As a Texas native, returning to his home state should also help. Coody will now get to launch drives all over Memorial Park and rely heavily on the skills that led him to five top-20 finishes in the first six starts of this season.</p><h2>Michael Brennan</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807340/cropped_GettyImages-2243197282.jpg?ts=1761526803" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807340/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243197282.jpg?ts=1761526803 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807340/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243197282.jpg?ts=1761526803 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807340/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243197282.jpg?ts=1761526803 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807340/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243197282.jpg?ts=1761526803 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807340/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243197282.jpg?ts=1761526803 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Tracy Wilcox / PGA TOUR / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=e85ad4c6-9e76-41c5-977a-4ff121377dc3&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=101&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fhouston-open&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3507012">Bet: To win outright (+10000)</a>
</h3><p>If we're targeting elite drivers, Brennan has to be included in our bets. The 24-year-old is sixth on TOUR in strokes gained: off the tee and third in driving distance. He also won the Bank of Utah Championship in his first PGA TOUR start, excelling on another course that rewards exceptional distance.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35000550/related

Houston Open bets: Targeting 5 long hitters who can overpower Memorial Park

With just hours until the opening tipoff to March Madness, plenty of people have already filled o...

<p>With just hours until the opening tipoff to March Madness, plenty of people have already filled out their brackets and made their picks to win the national championship.</p><p>Duke, the tournament's top seed, is drawing the most bets to cut down the nets in Indianapolis on theScore Bet. The Blue Devils are listed at +320 to be crowned champions and have amassed a whopping 18.29% of the handle (money wagered) and 12.39% of the total bets.</p><h3>Championship winner betting splits</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team (Seed)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Duke (1)</td>
<td>+320</td>
<td>18.29%</td>
<td>12.39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan (1)</td>
<td>+375</td>
<td>14.19%</td>
<td>11.39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arizona (1)</td>
<td>+390</td>
<td>12.66%</td>
<td>10.55%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UConn (2)</td>
<td>+2200</td>
<td>7.53%</td>
<td>7.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florida (1)</td>
<td>+750</td>
<td>7.41%</td>
<td>7.68%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Houston (2)</td>
<td>+1200</td>
<td>7.30%</td>
<td>7.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Purdue (2)</td>
<td>+2200</td>
<td>5.04%</td>
<td>4.09%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kansas (4)</td>
<td>+6600</td>
<td>2.91%</td>
<td>3.10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan St. (3)</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>2.09%</td>
<td>3.31%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3502712"><strong>Bet on the NCAA tournament with theScore here</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>The top three schools - Duke, Michigan, and Arizona - account for 45.14% of all money wagered on the championship winner market. Both bettors and oddsmakers agree that those programs are the clear favorites to win it all.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite being tied for seventh on the oddsboard, UConn has garnered the fifth-most handle at +2200. Competing in the East Region with the Blue Devils, the Huskies would have to pull off the upset should the two teams meet in the Elite Eight.</p><p>Defending champion Florida has the longest odds of all the 1-seeds and is being treated as such by bettors. Only 7.41% of the handle and 7.68% of all bets placed are backing the Gators to repeat.</p><h3>East Region betting splits</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team (Seed)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
<th>% of Bets</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Duke (1)</td>
<td>-125</td>
<td>57.12%</td>
<td>65.49%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kansas (4)</td>
<td>+1500</td>
<td>12.24%</td>
<td>2.82%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>St. John's (5)</td>
<td>+900</td>
<td>7.95%</td>
<td>8.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan St. (3)</td>
<td>+700</td>
<td>6.29%</td>
<td>9.73%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ohio St. (8)</td>
<td>+2500</td>
<td>6.28%</td>
<td>0.63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UConn (2)</td>
<td>+550</td>
<td>5.47%</td>
<td>9.52%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Duke is the -125 favorite to win the East Region. The Blue Devils have received 57.12% of the handle to advance out of the region, closely aligning with their 55.6% implied probability.</p><p>UConn is the fourth-most-bet team to win the tournament, yet bettors are showing far less confidence in the Huskies' chances to make it out of the East, with only 5.47% of the handle backing them.</p><p>Ohio State has brought in 6.28% of the handle but only 0.63% of the total bets, indicating that a handful of very large wagers on the Buckeyes at +2500 to win the region are skewing the numbers.</p><h3>South Region betting splits</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team (Seed)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
<th>% of Bets</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Florida (1)</td>
<td>+170</td>
<td>43.03%</td>
<td>51.13%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Houston (2)</td>
<td>+250</td>
<td>31.43%</td>
<td>31.44%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vanderbilt (5)</td>
<td>+1200</td>
<td>12.71%</td>
<td>4.76%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Illinois (3)</td>
<td>+325</td>
<td>8.00%</td>
<td>7.14%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3502712"><strong>Bet on the NCAA tournament with theScore here</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>There's a clear top four picks to win the South Region, with the Gators leading the way.</p><p>Illinois, sharing the same odds as UConn (+2200) to win the tournament, may be flying under the radar. The Fighting Illini weren't among the top nine in championship bets and aren't getting much respect in their own region. Although they sit seventh in <a href="https://kenpom.com/index.php">KenPom's rankings</a>, the betting market remains unconvinced.</p><h3>West Region betting splits</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team (Seed)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
<th>% of Bets</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Arizona (1)</td>
<td>-120</td>
<td>79.15%</td>
<td>67.53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arkansas (4)</td>
<td>+1000</td>
<td>8.48%</td>
<td>10.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Purdue (2)</td>
<td>+370</td>
<td>6.32%</td>
<td>12.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BYU (6)</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>2.32%</td>
<td>2.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wisconsin (5)</td>
<td>+1500</td>
<td>1.45%</td>
<td>2.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gonzaga (3)</td>
<td>+600</td>
<td>1.34%</td>
<td>3.45%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Arizona has accounted for 79.15% of the handle wagered on the West Region winner, surpassing its -120 odds (54.5% implied probability). That signals that the Wildcats are an extremely popular pick among bettors, while the sharps are either backing other teams or completely avoiding this market.</p><h3>Midwest Region betting splits</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team (Seed)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
<th>% of Bets</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Michigan (1)</td>
<td>-120</td>
<td>56.83%</td>
<td>62.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Iowa St. (2)</td>
<td>+300</td>
<td>14.48%</td>
<td>21.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Virginia (3)</td>
<td>+1100</td>
<td>9.99%</td>
<td>6.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alabama (4)</td>
<td>+1400</td>
<td>9.02%</td>
<td>3.53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kentucky (7)</td>
<td>+4000</td>
<td>4.31%</td>
<td>1.09%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Michigan is the favorite to claim the Midwest Region. The Wolverines are seeing similar support to reach the Final Four as Duke, but much less love than Arizona.</p><p>Iowa State is bettors' second option in this region, with the odds suggesting that one of the top two seeds will be the winner. Virginia, meanwhile, has the third-shortest odds at +1100, making it the longest shot among the 3-seeds in all four regions.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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March Madness insights: Duke most popular pick to win national championship

March Madness is here! It's one of the greatest events on the sports calendar, especially if you'...

<p>March Madness is here! It's one of the greatest events on the sports calendar, especially if you're building a bracket and competing against your friends or colleagues.</p><p>Many of us haven't been locked into college basketball for months like some die-hard fans, but you can still put together a bracket with winning upside despite not knowing the best players from High Point or McNeese State.</p><p>If you're just beginning your March Madness research, the best place to start is with betting odds. Millions of dollars will be wagered on the NCAA Tournament, and sharp money within that sum helps create efficient lines that project outcomes more accurately than any other resource.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Let's break down how to create a bracket with winning potential using betting odds.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab%2Fsection%2Ffutures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3501354">Championship winner odds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>Implied probability</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Duke</td>
<td>+320</td>
<td>23.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td>+375</td>
<td>21.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td>+390</td>
<td>20.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>+750</td>
<td>11.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Houston</td>
<td>+1200</td>
<td>7.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Iowa State</td>
<td>+1800</td>
<td>5.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Connecticut</td>
<td>+2200</td>
<td>4.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td>+2200</td>
<td>4.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Purdue</td>
<td>+2200</td>
<td>4.3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab%2Fsection%2Ffutures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3501354"><strong>Bet on the national champion with theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>First things first: The goal when building a bracket is to have the best one in your pool, not a perfect one. If you become too fixated on perfection, you'll make choices that lead to your bracket's demise.</p><p>The nine teams listed above are soaking up all the win equity, meaning the betting market is extremely confident that the national champion will be one of them. Venturing outside of this group to find your winner isn't advised.</p><p>The top three teams - Duke, Michigan, and Arizona - have a combined implied win probability of 65.3%.</p><p>However, those three will likely be the most popular selections in your pool. That's where expected value comes into play, as picking the champion correctly is the most important piece of a winning bracket.</p><p>If Duke has an implied win probability of 23.8% but 40% of your pool chooses the Blue Devils to win, they become a bad pick in terms of expected value. Not only would you need them to win the title at +320 odds, you'd also have to construct a better bracket than every other entry that selected them.</p><p>While you won't know which teams your peers pick until the games begin, you can get a sense as tipoff nears. If you suspect that Duke is popular among your pool and Arizona is being overlooked, going with the Wildcats is the better option, especially if you think the percentage of those picking them is lower than the team's implied win probability of 20.4%. For example, if you and two other people choose Arizona in your 20-person pool (15%), you gain leverage over your competition and sit in great position to take home the top prize if the Wildcats win.</p><p>Then again, there's a 34.7% chance that <em>none</em> of the top three teams win the tournament, so there's also reason to look elsewhere. If you're likely the only one in your 20-person pool taking Florida or Houston, you'd be better off going that route.</p><p>The same logic - selecting teams that help you gain leverage over your competitors - applies to picking Elite Eight and Final Four teams using quarterfinal and region winner odds.</p><blockquote><p><strong>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab%2Fsection%2Fregion-winner&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3501354">See all region winner odds on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab%2Fsection%2Fteam-specials&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3501354">Odds to reach Sweet 16</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>East</th>
<th>South</th>
<th>West</th>
<th>Midwest</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Duke (-600)</td>
<td>Florida (-450)</td>
<td>Arizona (-700)</td>
<td>Michigan (-900)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>UConn (-200)</td>
<td>Houston (-275)</td>
<td>Purdue (-350)</td>
<td>Iowa St. (-400)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Michigan St. (-130)</td>
<td>Illinois (-400)</td>
<td>Gonzaga (-250)</td>
<td>Virginia (-135)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Kansas (+125)</td>
<td>Nebraska (-105)</td>
<td>Arkansas (-155)</td>
<td>Alabama (-130)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>St. John's (-105)</td>
<td>Vanderbilt (-110)</td>
<td>Wisconsin (+110)</td>
<td>Texas Tech (+105)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Louisville (+150)</td>
<td>North Carolina (+600)</td>
<td>BYU (+425)</td>
<td>Tennessee (+130)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>UCLA (+200)</td>
<td>Saint Mary's (+375)</td>
<td>Miami (FL) (+400)</td>
<td>Kentucky (+550)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Ohio St. (+550)</td>
<td>Clemson (+750)</td>
<td>Villanova (+1000)</td>
<td>Georgia (+900)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>TCU (+1600)</td>
<td>Iowa (+700)</td>
<td>Utah St. (+1000)</td>
<td>Saint Louis (+1500)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>UCF (+1400)</td>
<td>Texas A&amp;M (+900)</td>
<td>Missouri (+1000)</td>
<td>Santa Clara (+800)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>USF (+1200)</td>
<td>VCU (+750)</td>
<td>Texas / NC St. (+1200)</td>
<td>SMU (+1000) / Miami (OH) (+6600)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>N. Iowa (+1200)</td>
<td>McNeese St. (+1800)</td>
<td>High Point (+2500)</td>
<td>Akron (+2000)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p><strong>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab%2Fsection%2Fteam-specials&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3501354">Click here to see more odds on theScore Bet</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>Getting to the second weekend of the tournament with your bracket intact is crucial to winning your pool, and using Sweet 16 odds will put you in the best position to do so.</p><p>Cinderella teams make the tourney fun, but picking the wrong ones can ruin your chances of having a competitive bracket. You might think Missouri has a good opportunity to reach the Sweet 16, but the betting market is only giving them a 9.1% chance to do so. Is it really worth the risk of ruining your bracket for such an unlikely event? Probably not.</p><p>You could easily build out your Sweet 16 teams by looking solely at the odds. Each region has at least two heavy favorites. Then it comes down to being on the right side of coin flips while avoiding the long shots whom many will back but likely get wrong.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3501354">Opening-round lines</a></h3><p>Using the first-round spreads is also beneficial in making your picks. Some people blindly choose upsets because they believe that they should select a certain number of underdogs. But taking 20-point underdogs, such as Kennesaw State over Gonzaga or Penn over Illinois, burns you far more frequently than it pays off.</p><p>Spreads are particularly helpful when the betting market disagrees with a team's seeding. For example, North Carolina is a 6-seed but only a 2.5-point favorite over 11-seed VCU. The market indicates that the game is closer to a coin flip than the seeding suggests, which means taking the Rams could provide leverage over your pool if the majority of others pick the Tar Heels.</p><p>Additionally, Utah State and Iowa are 9-seeds, but both are 2.5-point favorites over Villanova and Clemson, respectively. Picking the lower seed may look like an upset on paper, but in reality, you're siding with the betting market and possibly the better team.</p><p>Be sure to study all the spreads from the Round of 64 - and the entire lineup of futures markets - before filling out your bracket. If you do, you'll have a considerable leg up on the competition.</p><blockquote><p><strong>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbasketball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fncaab&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3501354">Click here to see opening-round lines on theScore Bet</a></strong></p></blockquote><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34905181/related

March Madness: How betting odds can help build winning brackets

We did it! Cameron Young came through for us at The Players Championship, marking our second outr...

<p>We did it! Cameron Young came through for us at The Players Championship, marking our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3496286" href="https://thescore.com/news/3496286">second outright victory</a> of the season - and it's not even April.</p><p>For a while, it looked as though Ludvig Aberg was going to be our golden ticket, but, in the end, it was the American who cashed at +3500.</p><p>It's time to turn the page to the Valspar Championship at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort near Tampa. The field is stacked even though The Players ended just a few days ago. Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, and defending champion Viktor Hovland headline the 135-man field.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fvalspar-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3502028">Tournament winner odds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>+1100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Fitzpatrick</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Viktor Hovland</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Thomas</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jacob Bridgeman</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brooks Koepka</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cantlay</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jordan Spieth</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryo Hisatsune</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J.J. Spaun</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ben Griffin</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nicolai Hojgaard</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sahith Theegala</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>⛳️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fvalspar-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3502028"><strong>Bet on the Valspar Championship on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>Here are five players to bet on for this week's PGA TOUR action. </p><h2>Justin Thomas</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796267/cropped_GettyImages-2214559103.jpg?ts=1753986269" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796267/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214559103.jpg?ts=1753986269 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796267/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214559103.jpg?ts=1753986269 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796267/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214559103.jpg?ts=1753986269 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796267/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214559103.jpg?ts=1753986269 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796267/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214559103.jpg?ts=1753986269 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew Redington / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=3cf2fc1c-f89b-4cac-bc53-8e0daa52af46&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=23&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fvalspar-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3502028">Bet: To win outright (+1800)</a>
</h3><p>Thomas missed the first portion of the season recovering from back surgery and returned at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. That didn't go great - he shot 79-79 to miss the cut - but Bay Hill is a very difficult course, and he was clearly rusty.</p><p>His performance at The Players was extremely encouraging. He gained 4.26 strokes on approach and another four with his putter to come in a tie for eighth. Most importantly, his measured clubhead speed was the same as the last two seasons (117 mph), indicating he's fully healthy. </p><p>Thomas has played the Valspar Championship eight times. He was the runner-up last year and has four additional finishes of T13 or better. He's never lost strokes tee-to-green at this venue, and he should be energized while the rest of the field may be fatigued after a busy few months to start the season.</p><h2>Ryo Hisatsune </h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826885/cropped_GettyImages-2266646602.jpg?ts=1773779309" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826885/w220xh124_GettyImages-2266646602.jpg?ts=1773779309 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826885/w320xh180_GettyImages-2266646602.jpg?ts=1773779309 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826885/w640xh360_GettyImages-2266646602.jpg?ts=1773779309 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826885/w768xh432_GettyImages-2266646602.jpg?ts=1773779309 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826885/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2266646602.jpg?ts=1773779309 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=60fccb72-7bb1-45b8-9adf-ba66dbf86012&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=31&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fvalspar-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3502028">Bet: To win outright (+3000)</a>
</h3><p>These odds are a tad shorter than I'd like, but I still feel comfortable backing an emerging talent who's in form at a course where he's found success before.</p><p>Hisatsune cashed a +400 top-20 ticket for us last week at The Players, finishing in a tie for 13th. He was third in the field in strokes gained: tee to green and seventh in strokes gained: approach. He was a runner-up at the Farmers Insurance Open and has two other top-10 showings under his belt.</p><p>The 23-year-old has played the Valspar Championship twice, placing T33 in his debut before finishing tied for fourth last year.</p><h2>Sahith Theegala </h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743341/cropped_GettyImages-2169653249.jpg?ts=1725150839" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743341/w220xh124_GettyImages-2169653249.jpg?ts=1725150839 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743341/w320xh180_GettyImages-2169653249.jpg?ts=1725150839 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743341/w640xh360_GettyImages-2169653249.jpg?ts=1725150839 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743341/w768xh432_GettyImages-2169653249.jpg?ts=1725150839 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743341/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2169653249.jpg?ts=1725150839 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Tracy Wilcox / PGA TOUR / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=6407c140-4dc3-4476-b8b9-9de75b4fd683&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=36&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fvalspar-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3502028">Bet: To win outright (+3500)</a>
</h3><p>Theegala has three top-10 finishes this year and is in the midst of one of the best stretches of iron play of his career. He's gained four strokes on approach shots in back-to-back events and has gained at least two in five of his past six starts. His short game remains world-class, and he's putting the ball beautifully.</p><p>He's played Copperhead twice, placing T7 in his debut and T36 last year when a poor week of approach play ruined his chances. It feels like Theegala is on the verge of putting everything together for a victory.</p><h2>Zach Bauchou</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826887/cropped_GettyImages-2266207155.jpg?ts=1773779462" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826887/w220xh124_GettyImages-2266207155.jpg?ts=1773779462 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826887/w320xh180_GettyImages-2266207155.jpg?ts=1773779462 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826887/w640xh360_GettyImages-2266207155.jpg?ts=1773779462 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826887/w768xh432_GettyImages-2266207155.jpg?ts=1773779462 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826887/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2266207155.jpg?ts=1773779462 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">James Gilbert / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=c42069da-ddf4-4ba4-96aa-c556f7c33ec1&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=201&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fvalspar-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3502028">Bet: To win outright (+20000)</a>
</h3><p>I have two long shots to round out this week's five-pack, starting with Bauchou at +20000 (bet $1 to win $200). </p><p>The 30-year-old hasn't contended this season, but he placed T13 at The American Express, T23 at the Cognizant Classic, and T21 in Puerto Rico. He's hitting his irons well, and his solid short game should help him around a tough Copperhead course. He had 17 opportunities inside 10 feet last week at The Players Championship and 31 chances inside 20 feet, the same number as Ludvig Aberg and one more than winner Cameron Young.</p><p>If Bauchou can get the putter going in Tampa, he could surprise with a high finish that would make backing him at +20000 very worth it.</p><h2>Patton Kizzire</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745178/cropped_GettyImages-2172039043.jpg?ts=1726366772" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745178/w220xh124_GettyImages-2172039043.jpg?ts=1726366772 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745178/w320xh180_GettyImages-2172039043.jpg?ts=1726366772 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745178/w640xh360_GettyImages-2172039043.jpg?ts=1726366772 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745178/w768xh432_GettyImages-2172039043.jpg?ts=1726366772 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745178/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2172039043.jpg?ts=1726366772 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Eakin Howard / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=d5a12712-f051-40a1-b3d7-8e6d0b7de008&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=601&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fvalspar-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3502028">Bet: To win outright (+50000)</a>
</h3><p>Rarely will you see me back a golfer at +50000 (bet $1 to win $500), but these odds on Kizzire don't make sense.</p><p>He's a three-time PGA TOUR winner and most recently won in September 2024, which still counts toward his Official World Golf Ranking. He has two top-25 finishes this season, most recently a T13 at the Cognizant Classic where he gained five strokes on approach.</p><p>Kizzire finished tied for 10th at the Valspar Championship two seasons ago and has only missed one cut in six appearances. If he can keep the ball in play off the tee and let his strong approach play carry him, he's got a much better chance to be in the mix Sunday than his extremely long odds <a href="https://sportsbook.thescore.bet/sport/basketball/organization/united-states/competition/nba#lines">indicate</a>.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34912165/related

Valspar Championship betting: Is it time to trust JT in Tampa?

The countdown to the Masters is on! We are less than 25 days away from the opening tee shot at Au...

<p>The countdown to the Masters is on! We are less than 25 days away from the opening tee shot at Augusta National, where Rory McIlroy will attempt to defend his green jacket.</p><p>Plenty of meaningful golf has already been played this season, with only three events remaining until the Masters. Stay with us for analysis of all the notable happenings in the world of golf leading into the season's first major championship.</p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong> <a href="#scottie">Scottie's struggles</a> | <a href="#rory">Is Rory hurt?</a> | <a href="#Young's%20big%20win">Young's big win</a> | <a href="#morikawa">Concern for Morikawa</a> | <a href="#Aberg's%20collapse">Aberg's collapse</a> | <a href="#Gotter">Gotterup's emergence</a> | <a href="#Quick">Quick hits</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="scottie" name="scottie">Scottie's struggles</a></h3><p>Scottie Scheffler won his first start of the new season at The American Express, but the narrative around his year has shifted. He's struggled in opening rounds and hasn't recorded a top-20 finish in back-to-back starts. </p><p>In his three events following his victory, Scheffler was 5-over relative to par on Thursdays, losing an average of three shots to the field each opening day. However, he was a combined 51-under during the remaining three rounds, which is why his worst finish during that stretch was a T12 at the Genesis Invitational. Had he shot even-par in Round 1 at both the WM Phoenix Open and Pebble Beach Pro-Am, he'd have three victories this season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Interesting new strategy Scottie Scheffler has been implementing lately 👀<br><br>Last 3 Thursdays: -8.97 Strokes Gained<br>Last 3 Sundays: +15.84 Strokes Gained<br>That’s a 24.81 SG swing 🤯<br>Over 8 shots per round better by Sunday.<br><br>Spots the field a massive head start…<br>then remembers he’s… <a href="https://t.co/4heEAA4vhB">pic.twitter.com/4heEAA4vhB</a></p>— David Bieleski (@deepdivegolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepdivegolf/status/2025343851838537940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><blockquote><p>⛳️ <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Ffutures%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3484698">Bet on the 2026 Masters on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>The world No. 1 is not hitting his irons nearly as well as he was last season. He currently ranks 78th on TOUR in strokes gained: approach, a stat he's finished first in over the past three seasons. </p><p>Scheffler will likely play the Houston Open as his final tune-up for the Masters. He's finished T2 in Houston the past two years, so his performance there will give us a good glimpse at how his game is ahead of Augusta. </p><h3><a id="rory" name="rory">Is Rory hurt?</a></h3><p>McIlroy was trending toward a victory until he was forced to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a back injury. He was coming off a T2 at the Genesis Invitational, so the ailment could not have come at a worse time. </p><p>He managed to tee it up at The Players, but finished in a tie for 46th. However, he lost over five strokes putting while gaining nearly five shots off the tee, which indicates his back is OK. All eyes will be on McIlroy in his next start, which will likely be in Texas if he's feeling healthy enough, before he heads to Augusta to defend his Masters title.</p><p>The last person to successfully defend the green jacket was Tiger Woods in the early 2000s. It took McIlroy over a decade to break his cursed Augusta track record, but now that he's broken through, perhaps he can become the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters.</p><h3><a id="Young's big win" name="Young's%20big%20win">Young's big win</a></h3><p>It was only a matter of time before Cameron Young won a big-time tournament, doing so with some clutch shots on Sunday at The Players Championship. </p><p>Young has performed exceptionally well in majors during his short career. He has six top-10s in 16 starts, two of those coming at the Masters. He plays some of his best golf in the strongest fields on the toughest courses. </p><p>The big-hitting American has made drastic improvements to his putting and approach play, which has elevated his floor and made him far more consistent over the past two years. His ability to get hot with the flatstick is what can vault him into contention any given week. </p><p>Do not be shocked to see Young's strong play continue at Augusta. The previous two Players champions (McIlroy and Scheffler) both won the green jacket in the same year.</p><h3><a id="morikawa" name="morikawa">Concern for Morikawa</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825987/cropped_GettyImages-2266119878.jpg?ts=1773325957" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825987/w220xh124_GettyImages-2266119878.jpg?ts=1773325957 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825987/w320xh180_GettyImages-2266119878.jpg?ts=1773325957 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825987/w640xh360_GettyImages-2266119878.jpg?ts=1773325957 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825987/w768xh432_GettyImages-2266119878.jpg?ts=1773325957 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825987/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2266119878.jpg?ts=1773325957 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Collin Morikawa ended a winless streak that dated back to October 2023 with a victory at Pebble Beach earlier in February, but withdrew from The Players with what appeared to be either a back or oblique injury. </p><p>The injury may have derailed all of the momentum Morikawa had built in the early part of the season. He was a favorite to win at TPC Sawgrass, and now, he may not be 100% for the Masters. Morikawa is not playing this week in Tampa, and it's unknown if he will make another start before Augusta.</p><h3><a id="Aberg's collapse" name="Aberg's%20collapse">Aberg's collapse</a></h3><p>Ludvig Aberg had The Players Championship firmly in his grasp before finding the water on Nos. 11 and 12, crushing his chances with two bad swings.</p><p>Winning on the PGA TOUR is extremely difficult, especially when you carry a lead for multiple days. Aberg's demise marked the third tournament in a row in which a player choked away a sizable advantage. Daniel Berger led by as many as four on Sunday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and Shane Lowry blew a four-shot lead with three holes remaining at PGA National. </p><p>Hopefully, Aberg learns a ton from the mistakes he made on the weekend at TPC Sawgrass and will be better prepared for when he puts himself in a similar position at another marquee event. He's made two starts at the Masters and finished second and seventh, so perhaps he'll have a shot at redemption very soon. </p><blockquote><p>⛳️ <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Ffutures%2Fcompetition%2Fmasters-tournament&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3484698">Bet on the 2026 Masters on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3><a id="Gotter" name="Gotter">Gotterup's emergence</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821159/cropped_GettyImages-2260104319.jpg?ts=1770599452" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821159/w220xh124_GettyImages-2260104319.jpg?ts=1770599452 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821159/w320xh180_GettyImages-2260104319.jpg?ts=1770599452 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821159/w640xh360_GettyImages-2260104319.jpg?ts=1770599452 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821159/w768xh432_GettyImages-2260104319.jpg?ts=1770599452 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821159/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2260104319.jpg?ts=1770599452 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Chris Gotterup is the only multi-time winner on the PGA TOUR this season, claiming the Sony Open and WM Phoenix Open to assert himself into the conversation as one of the best young players in golf. His two victories also prove that outdueling McIlroy at the Scottish Open last year wasn't a fluke.</p><p>The 26-year-old has never played in the Masters and has competed in only two Players Championships, making this a huge season for him to establish himself on the game's biggest stages. Last year, Gotterup placed third at the Open Championship just a week after winning in Scotland, and he's continued to raise his profile with two impressive titles this year.</p><h3><a id="Quick" name="Quick">Quick hits</a></h3><p><strong>Matthew Fitzpatrick</strong></p><p>The Englishman is playing fantastic golf, ranking seventh on the PGA TOUR in strokes gained: tee to green. He nearly won The Players and has a good chance of winning this week's Valspar Championship. He has two top-10s in his career at the Masters, and could easily add a third if this form keeps up. </p><p><strong>Brooks Koepka</strong></p><p>Koepka turned in his second-best Players finish last week, finishing in a tie for 13th. He was fifth in the field in strokes gained: approach and was ninth tee to green, which are both huge positives ahead of major season. If Koepka can get the putter heating up ahead of the Masters, he'll be among the favorites to claim the green jacket.</p><p><strong>Justin Thomas </strong></p><p>Thomas returned from back surgery at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, but missed the cut with two rounds of 79. However, he rebounded well at The Players, finishing in a tie for eighth thanks to some impressive iron play. We'll have to see how he plays at the Valspar Championship, but another high finish should indicate he's 100% healthy and ready to make a run for his first green jacket. </p><p><strong>Xander Schauffele</strong></p><p>After winning two majors in 2024, Schauffele had a quiet 2025 until he earned a victory in Japan to close his season. That winning form appears to have carried over into the new year, recording two top-20 results in signature events and a third-place showing at TPC Sawgrass. He has five top-10s in eight Masters starts, so you have to like his chances as the season's first major. </p><p><strong>Patrick Reed</strong></p><p>Reed left LIV Golf but can't return to the PGA TOUR until the current season is over. In the meantime, Reed is asserting his dominance on the DP World Tour with two victories and a runner-up showing in his first four starts. He's climbed from 44th in the world to 17th, and he'll be one to track ahead of the Masters, a tournament he won in 2018. Finishing third at Augusta last year, Reed could be in some of his best form in a long time ahead of the 2026 edition.</p><p><strong>Justin Rose</strong></p><p>Rose picked up a trophy at the Farmers Insurance Open, proving his days of winning are far from over. The Englishman lost in a playoff to McIlroy at last year's Masters and has come close at Augusta on several occasions. Even at 45 years old, you can't count Rose out of claiming his second career major.</p><p><strong>Jacob Bridgeman</strong></p><p>Winning a signature event at Riviera is no easy task, but doing so alongside McIlroy in the final pairing for your first PGA TOUR victory makes it that much more impressive. Bridgeman has been extremely steady this season and could be in the midst of a breakthrough, similar to Ben Griffin's last year, which earned him a spot on the American Ryder Cup team.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34611018/related

Road to the Masters: Latest analysis heading toward Augusta

As the World Baseball Classic enters the quarterfinal stage Friday, there's been movement atop th...

<p>As the World Baseball Classic enters the quarterfinal stage Friday, there's been movement atop the oddsboard.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/teams/513" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/teams/513">United States</a> remains the favorite at +140, but the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/teams/509" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/teams/509">Dominican Republic</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/teams/505" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/teams/505">Japan</a> have narrowed the gap after both teams went 4-0 in the group stage. The Americans finished second in their pool, with a loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/teams/512" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/teams/512">Italy</a> costing them the top spot.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbaseball%2Forganization%2Fglobal%2Fcompetition%2Fworld-baseball-classic%2Fsection%2Ffutures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3498013">Odds to win WBC</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Current odds</th>
<th>Pre-tournament odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>United States</td>
<td>+140</td>
<td>-110</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dominican Republic</td>
<td>+225</td>
<td>+450</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Japan</td>
<td>+350</td>
<td>+375</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Venezuela</td>
<td>+900</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Puerto Rico</td>
<td>+1600</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Italy</td>
<td>+2000</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canada</td>
<td>+4000</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Korea</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbaseball%2Forganization%2Fglobal%2Fcompetition%2Fworld-baseball-classic%2Fsection%2Ffutures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3498013"><strong>Bet on the World Baseball Classic on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>The Dominicans were electric during the group stage, leading the tournament in home runs (13), runs (41), and batting average (.313). Their lineup is loaded with sluggers, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16275" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16275">Junior Caminero</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8286" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8286">Fernando Tatis Jr.</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>. They'll face <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/teams/501" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/teams/501">Korea</a> on Friday with a berth in the semifinals on the line.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Americans will play <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/teams/510" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/teams/510">Canada</a> in the quarters, and they're a heavy favorite (-800) to advance past their northern rivals. Before falling to Italy in its final game of the group stage, the U.S. largely handled its other opponents - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/teams/1310" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/teams/1310">Brazil</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/teams/1250" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/teams/1250">Great Britain</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/teams/511" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/teams/511">Mexico</a> - with ease.</p><p>Japan swept its pool, which met in Tokyo, and will now travel to Miami for the elimination stage. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> and Co. will take on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/teams/516" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/teams/516">Venezuela</a> on Saturday.</p><p>Speaking of Ohtani, he's the current favorite to win WBC MVP. He's hit .556 in three games at the plate along with two homers and six RBIs. However, he's not expected to pitch in the tournament, which would significantly boost his candidacy.</p><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbaseball%2Forganization%2Fglobal%2Fcompetition%2Fworld-baseball-classic%2Fsection%2Ffutures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3498013">MVP odds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shohei Ohtani</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Judge</td>
<td>+650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fernando Tatis Jr.</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Juan Soto</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bobby Witt Jr.</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Junior Caminero</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyle Schwarber</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roman Anthony</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ronald Acuña</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryce Harper</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Julio Rodríguez</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Skenes</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbaseball%2Forganization%2Fglobal%2Fcompetition%2Fworld-baseball-classic%2Fsection%2Ffutures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3498013"><strong>Check out all of the World Baseball Classic odds available on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>Multiple Dominicans have contributed to the team's strong offensive output, leaving them without a clear favorite in the MVP market. However, the honor may likely go to someone on the winning team, so if you're picking them to win the tournament, players such as Caminero and Guerrero are solid options to back.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> is the only pitcher with MVP odds of +3000 or shorter, highlighting the domination that hitters have produced throughout the tournament.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34842136/related

WBC odds: Dominican Republic closes in on favorite U.S. ahead of quarterfinals

It's Players Championship week, one of the highlights of the annual golf calendar.  The best fiel...

<p>It's Players Championship week, one of the highlights of the annual golf calendar.</p><p>The best field the PGA TOUR can offer heads to TPC Sawgrass to compete for the circuit's most prestigious title, which comes with a whopping $4.5-million winner's check.</p><p>Scottie Scheffler is a two-time Players champion and the heavy favorite at theScore Bet. Scheffler is +400 to win his third title in the last five years ahead of reigning champion Rory McIlroy, who's at +1400 due to concerns about a back injury that forced him to withdraw last week.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fthe-players-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3496286">Tournament winner odds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collin Morikawa</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Si Woo Kim</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cameron Young</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Henley</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hideki Matsuyama</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Min Woo Lee</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Akshay Bhatia</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Gotterup</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Knapp</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Fitzpatrick</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sepp Straka</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Viktor Hovland</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><blockquote><p>⛳️ <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fthe-players-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3496286"><strong>See all of the Players Championship markets available at theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><h2>Ludvig Aberg</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825547/cropped_GettyImages-2265497513.jpg?ts=1773149012" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825547/w220xh124_GettyImages-2265497513.jpg?ts=1773149012 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825547/w320xh180_GettyImages-2265497513.jpg?ts=1773149012 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825547/w640xh360_GettyImages-2265497513.jpg?ts=1773149012 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825547/w768xh432_GettyImages-2265497513.jpg?ts=1773149012 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825547/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2265497513.jpg?ts=1773149012 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Cannon / David Cannon Collection / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=9862f6e7-cdf4-4ce7-b972-dd5809668ad6&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=23&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fthe-players-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3496286">Bet: To win outright (+2200)</a>
</h3><p>I'm passing on Scheffler and McIlroy at their prices and starting my betting card with Aberg, who is fresh off his best result of the season at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. I backed him last week at Bay Hill, and he finished in a tie for third thanks to ranking second in the field in strokes gained: tee to green while posting the second-lowest score Sunday.</p><p>Aberg is trending toward a victory, and the Players Championship feels like the perfect breakout spot for a younger golfer who's yet to win a tournament of this caliber. He placed eighth in his tournament debut two years ago, which addresses any concerns about course fit.</p><h2>Cameron Young</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812714/cropped_GettyImages-2250218566.jpg?ts=1764973476" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812714/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250218566.jpg?ts=1764973476 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812714/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250218566.jpg?ts=1764973476 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812714/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250218566.jpg?ts=1764973476 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812714/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250218566.jpg?ts=1764973476 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812714/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250218566.jpg?ts=1764973476 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=4ed614aa-3290-4def-b330-8bf233824852&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=31&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fthe-players-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3496286">Bet: To win outright (+3000)</a>
</h3><p>Young continually shows up in the strongest tournaments at the toughest courses. That's exactly what's on deck this week, and he's in great form.</p><p>You could argue Young was the best player on the American Ryder Cup team last September, and he just tied for third at Bay Hill, where he gained 7.6 strokes off the tee. Before that, he placed T7 at the Genesis Invitational. Hitting it long and straight is a huge advantage at TPC Sawgrass - once viewed as a short-hitter's course, it's been lengthened to give the longer hitters an edge. Young is one of the best ball-strikers in the field and, like Aberg, is due to win a big one.</p><h2>Daniel Berger</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824825/cropped_GettyImages-2264986727.jpg?ts=1772747193" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824825/w220xh124_GettyImages-2264986727.jpg?ts=1772747193 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824825/w320xh180_GettyImages-2264986727.jpg?ts=1772747193 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824825/w640xh360_GettyImages-2264986727.jpg?ts=1772747193 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824825/w768xh432_GettyImages-2264986727.jpg?ts=1772747193 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824825/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2264986727.jpg?ts=1772747193 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Cannon / David Cannon Collection / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=53994e89-1653-4653-9cef-289faa05734f&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=51&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fthe-players-championship&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3496286">Bet: To win outright (+5000)</a>
</h3><p>Berger suffered a crushing loss to Akshay Bhatia in a playoff last week, but he was too good for 72 holes to ignore at this price. He led the field in strokes gained: tee to green at Bay Hill and didn't even play poorly in the final round. Berger is as fiery a competitor as you'll find on the PGA TOUR, and I expect him to rebound well at a course that he likes.</p><p>He's played in eight Players Championships in his career, recording two top-10 finishes and three consecutive top-20 results. His finishes at the event have drastically improved since the tournament moved from May to March.</p><h2>Ryo Hisatsune</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821844/cropped_GettyImages-2261326529.jpg?ts=1773149139" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821844/w220xh124_GettyImages-2261326529.jpg?ts=1773149139 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821844/w320xh180_GettyImages-2261326529.jpg?ts=1773149139 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821844/w640xh360_GettyImages-2261326529.jpg?ts=1773149139 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821844/w768xh432_GettyImages-2261326529.jpg?ts=1773149139 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821844/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2261326529.jpg?ts=1773149139 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=c03740f6-6b93-41d1-96c4-355219e8219d&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=5&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fthe-players-championship%2Fsection%2Ftournament_props&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3496286">Bet: Top-20 finish (+400)</a>
</h3><p>Hisatsune has quietly been one of the better players on the PGA TOUR this season. He's 23rd in strokes gained: total, he was a runner-up at the Farmers Insurance Open, and he's got two other top-10s this season. The 23-year-old has gained strokes tee to green in every start this year but still isn't getting respect in the betting market. His +400 price to finish inside the top 20 is a steal.</p><h2>Nico Echavarria </h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754351/cropped_GettyImages-2183748605.jpg?ts=1731118690" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754351/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183748605.jpg?ts=1731118690 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754351/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183748605.jpg?ts=1731118690 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754351/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183748605.jpg?ts=1731118690 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754351/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183748605.jpg?ts=1731118690 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754351/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183748605.jpg?ts=1731118690 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Hector Vivas / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>🏌 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=7535a8e3-b60b-48d1-a6c0-9c4d0431439f&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=5&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fgolf%2Forganization%2Fpga-tour%2Fcompetition%2Fthe-players-championship%2Fsection%2Ftournament_props&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3496286">Bet: Top-20 finish (+400)</a>
</h3><p>Echavarria won two weeks ago at a very demanding Florida course with a lot of water on the closing holes. Sound familiar? The Colombian may not have the best track record at TPC Sawgrass, but he's never played it with the kind of confidence he has right now. Many worse golfers than Echavarria have the same odds, making him a valuable bet to have a solid showing at +400.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34812249/related

Players Championship: 5 bets for PGA TOUR's flagship event

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/eric-patterson/content_cards