NBA Finals Picks Analysis :Indiana has some bulk in the paint with big men Roy Hibbert, David West who will be able to extend the series to 6 games. Miami is not the unstoppable force that they are when Dwayne Wade is at 100% health but a host of interject-able pieces at Head Coach Erik Spolestra’s disposal will be enough to win a tougher than expected series. LeBron James was held to a season low 13 points to the Pacers during the regular season and the Heat dropped two games to Indiana during the regular season. The Pacers being listed at +750 moneyline is curiously high considering that Miami dropped two out of three games during the regular season.

Miami is an overlay at 9 to 1 Betting Odds but opting to take the prop bet on the Heat to win the series in 6 games at +350 moneyline is a great buy. The Pacers could catch Miami cold in game 1 and Indiana at home was one of the best bets on the hardwood this year. Miami is 45-3 straight up over their last 48 games and LeBron James w ill find a way to overpower impressive Pacers defender Paul George. Experience will also play a factor with Indiana’s postseason experience paling in comparison to Miami’s.

NBA Finals Picks: Miami Heat Win Series 4-2 +350 ( Wager $3000 to win $10,050)

Fight Picks Analysis: Both of these guys are in their respective primes and the aggressive styles of both fighters should produce a war. Matthysse will try to impose his will with his heavy bodypunches and home run swings but the durable Peterson will be able to stand and trade toe-to-toe with success. Mattysse’s wide punches will be countered by Peterson who should score at least one knockdown in this bout despite being regarded as only a decent banger. Matthysse will have success of his own with punches around Peterson’s peek-a-boo guard but he will not be able to crack the D.C. toughman’s chin. Lucas Matthysse vs Lamont Peterson Fight Odds Total is at 9.5 Rounds with the OVER at -160.

Peterson has the better boxing skills and he has proven himself capable of withstanding bombs from big punchers. Peterson will also be the bigger man and without any testing for P.E.D.’s he could also have his “testosterone” helper with him. Lucas Matthysse can punch with both hands but he is slow and usually takes a few rounds to get warmed up. Peterson should be able to build an early lead and hold on for a close decision win.

Fight Picks Play: Lamont Peterson +180

1.  +100 Orb – This guy has the right pilot in Joel Rosario and  the necessary gas tank to outclass this group but the odds are slim. While our Preakness Stakes Picks staff likes this horse we do not view this guy as invincible by any stretch of the imagination. Having to rely on a perfect close coming from behind the pack is a tough way to earn a living and some of the front-runners could be hard to catch.

2. +500 Mylute – No reason why this horse really should be given such a small number even against a field of 9. Female Jockey  Josie Napravnik has been drawing some “public” action and an uninspiring 5th place finish in the Derby did nothing to think that Mylute can upset Orb.

3. +600 Departing – We like this horse and not only because the “wiseguys” do.  On fresh legs with a favourable pace Departing should be able to show it’s blue-chip  clas, Departinhg has an underrated jockey in who will provide the type of ride that this stallion didn’t get in the Louisiana Derby from C-level jockey  B.J. Hernandez.

4. +800 Goldencents – This guy has the one of the shadiest trainer in the game in Doug O’Neil, a character who probably shouldn’t be allowed near a racehorse. Nonetheless, this horse is being given a favorable price tag and shouldn’t be overlooked despite an awful showing at the Derby.

Bermane Stiverne: The well-muscled Canadian of Haitian descent goes 6’2″ 240 Lbs. with a long 80″ inch reach. Stiverne, 34, is a huge puncher that also eats his own share of leather.  Stiverne throws punches with bad intentions and is a strong bodypuncher with a deadly hook. Despite his defensive shortcomings “B-Ware” has improved under the tuteledge of trainer Don House and has picked up some technical science. Stiverne has only logged 67 rounds as a pro and his heart, stamina and chin are somewhat unproven. Bermane Stiverne vs Chris Arreola Betting Odds have Arreola at -400 Moneyline

Chris Arreola: Chris Arreola, is a portly 6’3″ heavyweight that goes 230-240 Lbs. with a 76″ inch reach. Arreola is an aggressive  and heavy-handed Boxer/Puncher with good technical skills. Arreola is tough and durable with a good chin and above-average stamina. The Mexican-American punches well too the body and is deceivingly fast with his crisp combination punching. Arreola has good balance but he has slow feet and he can be tagged with his ordinary head movement.

Fight Picks Play: Bermane Stiverne +325 Moneyline

Austin Trout: Trout, 27, is an athletic southpaw that likes to box on the outside behind a sharp jab that he shoots from the hip in a Zab Judah sort of way. The 5’9″ Trout stays busy throwing punches at a healthy clip but he is more of a triples hitter than a home run slugger. Although Trout does most of his work on the move with his fast wheels he can also hold his own and bang in the trenches, especially with the left uppercut. Trout expends alot of energy fighting on the move but he has yet to be dropped and is used to having fights go to the cards. The New Mexico native had an extended amateur background but as a pro he arrived to the world class level only a few fights ago and is still developing.

Canelo Alvarez: The 22-year old Alvarez is an intelligent boxer/puncher that throws precise combinations to the head and body with textbook technique.  The 5’8″Canelo has good power in both hands, excellent ring vision and an underrated defense. Canelo has been dropped in his career before but he has strong jaw, big gas tank and plenty of heart. Canelo isn’t the fastest fighter but he is one of the best boxers in the division with his smooth footwork, stiff jab and razor sharp counterpunches. Canelo  Alvarez vs Austin Trout betting odds have the Over/Under at 9.5 Rounds with the Over at -310. 

Canelo will have 40,000+ fans screaming Canelo and his more aggressive style will appeal to the judges much more than Trout’s hit and run approach. Trout looked sharp against a plodding Cotto but the plodding Puerto Rican’s style was tailor made for him. Alvarez is a “special” pug with a good chin which makes him an attractive play against practically anyone. Add into the cocktail the public’s thirst for a Mayweather vs Alvarez bout and you have a recipe for a Canelo win, most likely on the scorecards in what should be a classy boxing affair.

Fight Picks Play: Canelo Alvarez -210