Daily tips for June 9

NRL (R13) for June 9

Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks, AAMI Park, Melbourne, Sunday, June 9, 7.30pm

What a shame NSW captain Paul Gallen isn’t available for Round 2 against Melbourne’s Queensland connection in this Sunday night thriller at AAMI Park. After Gallen’s Blues went one-up in this year’s State of Origin series on Wednesday night, it would have been riveting to see not only how Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater responded but also whether or not Gallen himself could lift to make it two from two against his old rivals.

As it stands, the inspirational Sharks leader has been suspended for a week for his one-two punch on Maroons enforcer Nate Myles although the Origin sideshow still has some legs with Luke Lewis and Andrew Fifita no doubt keen to cap a tremendous week. The real questions though will centre on Smith, Slater and Cronk. Although Smith and Slater in particular were two of Queensland’s better players, the past month or so as a whole hasn’t been their greatest with Melbourne still trying to claw their way out of a minor slump.

A last-start win over the Roosters was promising but before that they had suffered consecutive losses to Canberra and Penrith and played out a 10-all draw with Manly. The Raiders and Sea Eagles games were even on home soil. This game will be about building on the giant strides the Sharks have made of late. They've found a way to deal with the distractions having lifted themselves off the canvas with four wins in a row including a stunning upset of competition leaders South Sydney last start. – Preview with thanks to Ben Blaschke, NRL.com

Suggested bet: Sharks +9.5 (two units) LOSE (38-6)

Other tips

NZ Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles -2 LOSE (18-16)

Panthers -10.5 v Wests Tigers LOSE (18-20)

AFL (R11) for June 9

St Kilda v West Coast, Etihad Stadium, Sunday, June 9, 4.40pm

It’s hard to make a case that West Coast is top eight quality at this point of the season but they’ll be out to make a statement of intent against a St Kilda side that’s almost conceded the remainder of 2013 to “rebuilding”. Richmond humbled the Eagles last Monday, negating their height advantage with fierce pressure across the back of the centre square.

However, it’s hard to see the Saints being able to implement a similar style here, and the visitors’ star quality should shine through. West Coast will be without skipper Darren Glass but Nick Riewoldt won’t be able to win this one off his own boot. If the Eagles can convert their centre square dominance into goal scoring opportunities, this could a blowout.

Suggested bet: West Coast -18.5 (two units) LOSE, game total -189.5 WIN (80-84)

MLB for June 9

Philadelphia Phillies (31-31, 15-16 away) @ Milwaukee Brewers (23-37, 14-20 home), Miller Park Milwaukee, WI, Sunday, June 9, 9.15am

The Milwaukee Brewers may be sitting at the bottom of the NL Central but we fancy they’ve turned the corner and will build on a stirring comeback victory over the Philadelphia Phillies as the teams meet at Miller Park. Milwaukee (23-37) has dropped 26 of 35 to fall into last place. After losing 5-1 to Philadelphia (31-31) in the opener of this four-game set Thursday, the Brewers appeared headed for a similar fate yesterday only to win 5-4.

The Phillies, who had a season-high five-game winning streak snapped, will send Kyle Kendrick (6-3, 3.12 ERA) to the mound. The right-hander has won his last two starts, yielding four runs in 15 innings. Kendrick, 1-2 with a 3.52 ERA in four career starts versus Milwaukee, yielded three hits in eight innings of an 8-0 road victory on August 19 in the most recent one.

Milwaukee’s Tom Gorzelanny (1-0, 2.01) is scheduled to start in place of Marco Estrada, who is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury. Gorzelanny is a former starter, but he's made one start in 69 games over the last two seasons with Washington and Milwaukee. All 24 of the left-hander's appearances in 2013 have been in relief, and he hasn't thrown more than 30 pitches in any of them.

Suggested bet: Brewers WIN (two units @ $2.16) WIN, game total -8.5 (two units @ $1.83) WIN (3-4)

Pirates WIN @ Cubs WIN (6-2)
Rangers @ Blue Jays WIN WIN (3-4)
Indians @ Tigers +9.5 WIN (4-6)
Angels @ Red Sox (1) +10.5 WIN (9-5)
Angels @ Red Sox (2) WIN WIN (2-7)
Orioles @ Rays -8.5 WIN (0-8)
Marlins +1.5 @ Mets (1) WIN (2-1)
Athletics @ White Sox WIN WIN (1-4)
Astros @ Royals WIN WIN (2-7)
Padres @ Rockies -10.5 WIN (4-2)
Yankees -1.5 @ Mariners WIN (3-1)
Braves WIN @ Dodgers WIN (2-1)

NHL playoffs for June 9

Western Conference finals, game 5: LA Kings @ Chicago Blackhawks, Staples Center, United Center, Chicago, IL, Sunday, June 5, 11.10am (Blackhawks lead 3-1)

When the Chicago Blackhawks were in deep trouble in the second round of the playoffs, they used desperation to their advantage and pulled off a big comeback in an already impressive season. After the Blackhawks lost top defenseman Duncan Keith to a suspension before Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, Chicago didn't let the Los Angeles Kings get even, despite their dominant home record.

Now that the top-seeded Blackhawks are just one win away from reaching the Stanley Cup finals, they want to play with the same sense of urgency when they hit the ice at home for Game 5. Toews and company returned to Chicago on Friday after snapping Los Angeles' 15-game home winning streak with a 3-2 victory on Thursday night that gave them a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series against the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Chicago dropped three of the first four games in the second round against Detroit, then returned home and beat the Red Wings 4-1 in Game 5. The momentum shifted to the Blackhawks, who earned two more victories to advance. This is the 12th time the Kings have opened a playoff series with three losses in four games. The only time they advanced was in 1989 against Edmonton. Only 25 NHL teams have accomplished the feat.

Suggested bet: Blackhawks WIN (four units @ $1.55) WIN (3-4)

NBA Finals for June 10

Game 2: San Antonio Spurs @ Miami Heat, AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL, Sunday, June 9, 10.10am

Down 1-0 after a record regular season that goes for naught without another title, the Heat can turn their moods around with a victory over San Antonio in Game 2. Back in the finals for a third straight year, the Heat have lost some of the ability to enjoy the ride. With exorbitant expectations, all that matters is the destination.

But San Antonio, absent from this stage for six years, is soaking up what could be its last shot for Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Despite the notion they’re old, the Spurs are actually overall the younger, less-experienced team in these finals. Miami has nine players in their 30s to the six on the Spurs, and their Big Three and Bonner are the only Spurs to have played in the NBA Finals.

James and the Heat at least got some with two days off following the Spurs’ 92-88 victory in Game 1. Both James and Wade had mentioned fatigue when talking about Miami's poor fourth-quarter performance, just three nights after the end of a difficult, seven-game series against Indiana to decide the Eastern Conference championship.

We’re going with Miami here – they are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS loss; 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a S.U. loss; 4-1 ATS in their last 5 NBA Championship games; and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games playing on two days rest.

Suggested bet: Heat -6 (three units @ $1.91) WIN, game total -187.5 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (84-103)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

Daily tips for June 8

Cricket (Champions Trophy) for June 8

Group A: England v Australia, Edgbaston, Birmingham, Saturday, June 8, 7.45pm

Australia’s summer of cricket in England kicks-off in earnest tonight with the opening game of their Champions Trophy campaign. This is the final edition of this once prestigious tournament, but that hasn’t stopped the ICC tweaking with the rules. Two new balls, which can pose a wicket-taking threat at the beginning of an innings, only remain harder and more hittable towards the end, when only four men can now mark the fence.

Sides may opt to shelve some of their aggression at the top, and man the middle order with attacking batsmen. High-quality strike bowlers may be at an even higher premium, and the Powerplay – now routinely taken at 35 overs – has the potential to define matches, as momentum earned by the batting side in those five overs might be difficult to arrest in the last 10, given the limited options available to the fielding captain.

Meanwhile to this game, where England will be out to continue an impressive run of 13 wins in 15 starts when they take on fellow Group A favourites Australia. We’ll be watching with interest, but suggest a bet on the in-form Jonathan Trott to be the top scorer in this game, and the tournament overall. He’s in solid form coming off scores of 37 (top team score), 109 (top team score) and 37.

Trott averages 52.29 in ODIs (putting him in the top five batsman in the world), 88.50 in 2013, 57.78 against Australia (including two centuries, one at Edgbaston) and 48.82 in England. As England should make the Final, they should play the maximum number of games strengthening the case for Trott.

Suggested bet: Most runs for England v Australia – Jonathan Trott (one unit @ $4.25) LOSE; most tournament runs – Jonathan Trott (0.25 units @ $25)

Racing for June 8

Horse racing: Flemington (Vic), Randwick (NSW), Eagle Farm (Qld), Morphettville (SA), Belmont (WA), Swan Hill (Vic), Gold Coast (Qld), Kembla Grange (NSW), Tamworth (NSW), Rockhampton (Qld), Toowoomba (Qld), Darwin (NT). Harness racing: Bathurst (NSW), Menangle (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Bendigo (Vic), Globe Derby (SA), Dubbo (NSW), Bunbury (WA). Greyhound racing: The Gardens (NSW), Traralgon (Vic), Richmond (NSW), The Meadows (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW), Cannington (WA).

After a chilly morning, it looks set to be a fine and mild winter’s day in Melbourne as the Queen’s Birthday long weekend kicks-off with a big 10-race program at Flemington. #1 General Truce was one of the first best bets of the day we posted back in April when this blog started, and we’re back on the 5yo gelding for the fifth heat of the All-Victorian Sprint Series (race 7). A track specialist, especially on the famous Flemington straight six, he rates well here despite hauling 62kg (down to 60kg thanks to Thomas Sadler’s claim). Despite finishing ninth in the G1 Goodwood at Morphettville four weeks ago, he was just 2.2L behind Platelet, which reads solid form for this. The each-way quote of $6 looks mighty tasty.

• It’s the final day of G1 racing for the season with the running of the JJ Atkins (1600m), Queensland Derby (2400m) and the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm. Our best of the day at Eagle Farm is R2 #3 Transporter.

Suggested bet: Flemington R7 #1 General Truce E/W 1x4 (two units) LOSE (U/P)

Other tips

Flemington R3 #13 Cooldini (E/W) 1st ($3.00/$1.70)

Flemington R5 #5 Vain Attraction (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Flemington R6 #14 Star Rolling (E/W) 1st ($6.60/$2.60)

Flemington R8 #6 That’s The One (win) 1st ($2.60)

Randwick R2 #2 Trick Shot (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Randwick R3 #9 Smart Moochi (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Randwick R6 #1 Neeson (E/W) 2nd ($5.00)

Randwick R8 #5 Pipette (win) LOSE (U/P)

Eagle Farm R2 #3 Transporter (E/W) 2nd ($1.70)

Eagle Farm R3 #1 Academus (win) 1st ($2.75)
Eagle Farm R5 #12 Fire Up Fifi (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Morphettville R1 #4-#1 Exacta WIN ($1.90)
Morphettville R3 #1 Road Warrior (win) LOSE (4th)

Morphettville R4 #5 Golden Dane (E/W) 1st ($3.60/$1.60)

Harness racing tip: Globe Derby R8 #2 Classic Chaos (win) 1st ($1.20)

Greyhound racing tip: The Meadows R5 #1 Blaster (win) 1st ($1.60)

AFL (R11) for June 8

Greater Western Sydney v Geelong, Skoda Stadium, Saturday, June 8, 1.40pm

Tested for the first half in last week’s historic first game under lights at Simmonds Stadium, the Cats were still able to steady and run out 52-point winners over Gold Coast. Despite resting Harry Taylor, the Cats have James Podsiadly back for the trip to Sydney where they’ve won four of their past five (including a stunning upset of Sydney in round four). With the Giants showing few signs of reversing their disappointing form, the line of 83.5 looks a soda for the Cats, while the score should also sail over the total on offer.

• For a special, consider a small play on GWS not to win a game this season, which is being offered by our sports betting partner Centrebet. Their clash against Melbourne looks the only realistic hope of victory, and the Giants will still be outsiders in that game. With $2.60 on offer for GWS to go winless in 2013, it’s worth a unit at least.

Suggested bets: Game total +208.5 WIN, Geelong -83.5 LOSE (98-157)

Adelaide v Sydney, AAMI Stadium, Saturday, June 8, 4.40pm

The Crows’ 5-5 record isn’t indicative of their competitiveness this season, evidenced again by last week’s narrow loss to Fremantle. It doesn’t get any easier for Brenton Sanderson’s side here as they host a red-hot Sydney chasing a seventh win at this venue in just 10 games. In trying conditions at the SCG last Saturday night, the Swans were sublime at times as they cast aside Essendon’s challenge with ease. Matches between these sides have certainly trended towards the ‘under’ game total and we're entering a specific phase of the season where defensive structures start to catch up with the opposition attack. Adelaide’s best chance here is to keep the score low, and that's where we’ll be directing our betting dollar.

Suggested bets: Game total -174.5 LOSE, Adelaide +9.5 LOSE (50-127)

Gold Coast v Nth Melbourne, Metricon Stadium, Saturday, June 8, 7.40pm

Gold Coast went within seven points of a stunning upset in this fixture last year and will fancy their chances of going one better when they host the Kangaroos to Metricon Stadium in Saturday night’s only game. Both sides may hold a 4-6 record and have clear deficiencies compared to the competition’s elite but it’s hard to go past North here. Gold Coast were gallant against the Cats last week but were easily dispatched in the final quarter to end up losing by nine goals. Meanwhile the Roos exorcised the demons of four narrow losses with a pummelling of St Kilda last week and should have too many forward weapons for the Suns defence to counter but we have a lean to the home side covering here.

Suggested bets: Game total -174.5 WIN, Gold Coast +19.5 WIN (66-51)

MLB for June 8

Houston Astros (22-39, 12-16 away) @ Kansas City Royals (25-32, 12-15 home), Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MS, Saturday, June 8, 10.10am

We thought the books had made a mistake when they put up KC as a $1.44 ML favourite against the Astros but we’ll take it! Jordan Lyles has been one of the most reliable current starters for Houston and will try to lead the Astros to their longest road-winning streak in 12 seasons (stretching back to June-July 2001) when they open a three-game series against the Royals here.

The Astros (22-39), who just dropped two of three at home to Baltimore, swept a six-game trip through Colorado and Anaheim before that set. Lyles (3-1, 4.30 ERA) has posted a 2-0 record and 1.90 ERA in his past four starts. The right-hander has also pitched well versus the Royals (25-32), allowing three runs over 13 innings while splitting two career starts against them.

Since losing a team-worst 11 straight at home, Kansas City has won two in a row there. They had averaged 2.2 runs over their previous 14 games before breaking through with 11 hits in a 7-3 victory over Minnesota on Thursday. Their starter James Shields (2-6, 2.83) has gone 0-4 in his last six starts despite a 2.66 ERA, receiving nine runs of support over that span. Shields allowed two runs over seven innings against Houston on May 22 but was outpitched by Lyles, who yielded one run over six for a 3-1 victory.

Suggested bet: Astros +1.5 (two units @ $1.87) LOSE, game total -7.5 (two units @ $1.83) WIN (2-4)

Other tips

Rangers @ Blue Jays WIN WIN (1-6)

Angels @ Red Sox -1.5 POSTPONED

Cardinals @ Reds WIN LOSE (9-2)

Orioles @ Rays +8.5 LOSE (1-2)

Marlins +1.5 @ Mets POSTPONED

Athletics @ White Sox -7.5 WIN (4-3)

Phillies WIN @ Brewers LOSE (4-5)

Padres @ Rockies +9.5 WIN (9-10)

Yankees WIN @ Mariners LOSE (1-4)

Braves @ Dodgers WIN WIN (1-2)

NHL playoffs for June 8

Eastern Conference finals, game 4: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Boston Bruins, TD Garden, Boston, MA, Saturday, June 8, 10.10am (Bruins lead 3-0)

The Penguins are improving at putting more shots on net. They just need to put more into the net. And they’re running out of time. Pittsburgh forced Boston goalie Tuukka Rask to make 53 saves, but the Bruins won 2-1 in double overtime on Wednesday night for a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

It would be a shocking end to a season in which the Penguins led the NHL in scoring, and averaged 4.27 goals per game in their first two playoff series, but have been outscored 11-2 in the three losses to the Bruins. Only three teams have overcome 3-0 playoff deficits. The last team to lose a series after going up 3-0 was the Bruins in the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Flyers in 2010.

This year, Boston led Toronto 3-1 in the first round then lost the next two games and trailed 4-1 with 11 minutes left in the third period of Game 7 before winning 5-4 in overtime. In the next round, the Bruins led the New York Rangers 3-0, lost Game 4, then won Game 5. And the Bruins don’t want to go back to Pittsburgh for Game 5 on Monday.

The Penguins have been scoreless on the power play in the series. One of the Bruins’ top penalty killers, center Gregory Campbell, is sidelined for the playoffs after breaking his right leg when he dove and blocked a shot by Malkin in the second period on Thursday. However, we think it’s a case of too little, too late for the Pens as the Bruins complete the sweep here.

Suggested bet: Bruins WIN (two units @ $1.87) WIN, game total -5.5 (two units @ $1.74) WIN (0-1)

Note: Game 2 of the NBA Finals will be played on Monday (AEST)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

Daily tips for June 7

AFL (R11) for June 7

Essendon v Carlton, MCG, Friday, June 7, 7.50pm

It’s the first of the three bye rounds, with each side scheduled to play only twice over the next three weeks. Port Adelaide, Brisbane, Richmond, Fremantle, Footscray and Hawthorn have the week off. But the bye is furthest thing from the minds of the Essendon and Carlton players ahead of this Friday night classic at a slippery MCG to kick-off the round featuring the sides holding fifth and sixth on the ladder in the latest chapter of a rivalry that stretches back to the 19th century.

Since a draw in 2011, the smallest margin has been five goals (Carlton’s last four wins over Essendon have all been by more than 10 goals). Michael Hurley returns for the Bombers while exciting youngster Joe Daniher will make his debut. The Blues have Eddie Betts and Kane Lucas back but there are question marks over the fitness of Chris Judd and Andrew Walker. Carlton may have won six of their past seven, but the record flatters and this looms as their first genuine test in several weeks.

Suggested bet: Essendon WIN (1.5 units @ $1.85) WIN, game total -189.5 (2.5 units @ $1.91) WIN (77-72)

Racing for June 7

Horse racing: Swan Hill (Vic), Grafton (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Canberra (ACT). Harness racing: Melton (Vic), Newcastle (NSW), Redcliffe (Qld), Wagga (NSW), Port Pirie (SA), Gloucester Park (WA). Greyhound racing: Casino (NSW), Mt Gambier (SA), Bendigo (Vic), The Gardens (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Geelong (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW), Mandurah (WA), Winnellie Park (NT)

After a week of rain-affected tracks, it’s good to see a dead (4) on offer for today’s meeting at Grafton in northern NSW with a big 10-race card being run by the Clarence River Jockey Club. We like the look of the top weight and top rater in race 6, the Ace Glass & Aluminium Open Hcp over 1120m. Trained by Jim Delaney at Taree, #1 Floral Insight will jump from barrier 5 hauling 62kg, and that’s after Kasie Stanley’s two-kilogram claim! However, this 5yo gelding has carried big weights to victory in two of his last four starts, including a metro win at Warwick Farm on April 25 when Sam Clipperton carried 59kg. He should dispatch this bunch with ease.

Suggested bet: Grafton R6 #1 Floral Insight WIN (three units) 1st ($3.10)

Other tips

Grafton R1 #5 Starlist (place) 2nd ($2.60)

Ipswich R1 #7 Country Charm (win) LOSE (2nd)

Swan Hill R3 #12 Oceanographer (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Swan Hill R7 #5 Five O’Clock (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Canberra R6 #9 Rose of Falvelon (E/W) 1st ($2.30/$1.50)

Singapore R7 #2 Goal Keeper (win)

Harness racing tip: Melton R12 #6 Jilliby Ling (win) 1st ($1.60)

Greyhound racing tip: Mandurah R8 #6 Sveta Monelli (win) 1st ($2.30)

MLB for June 7

Atlanta Braves (37-22, 16-15 away) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (25-33, 16-16 home), Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, Friday, June 7, 12.10pm

Based on the way the Atlanta Braves have played of late, Los Angeles’ Zack Greinke could have a hard time trying to end his recent struggles overall and against the NL East leaders. The right-hander looks to avoid a fourth consecutive rough outing and help the Dodgers prevent the visiting Braves from a sixth straight victory.

Greinke (2-1, 4.80), who is 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA in two starts against the Braves, has his work cut out for him in the opener. He allowed a home run through 5 1/3 innings of a 3-1 victory over Washington on May 15 in his return from missing more than a month with a broken collarbone. Since then, Greinke is 0-1 with an 8.78 ERA in three starts, allowing 28 hits and walking seven.

After losing two of three to open an eight-game run at home, Atlanta (37-22) won the last five, capped with a 5-0 victory over Pittsburgh. Atlanta homered 29 times and posted a 2.48 ERA during that span. With a three-game home sweep of Los Angeles (25-33) last month, Atlanta has won six of eight against the Dodgers.

Veteran Atlanta starter Tim Hudson (4-4, 4.80) is 0-3 with a 6.33 ERA in five starts since beating the New York Mets on May 5, but he allowed an unearned run and three hits in 7 1/3 innings of a 2-1, 10-inning victory over Washington on Sunday. The Braves hope the recent stride Hudson made will help improve his performance on the road, where he is 1-4 with a 7.67 ERA in six starts. He’s 1-2 with a 5.03 ERA in seven at Dodger Stadium.

Suggested bet: Braves WIN (1.5 units @ $1.93) LOSE, game total -7 (2.5 units @ $1.91) WIN (0-5)

Other tips

Rays @ Tigers WIN WIN (2-5)
Orioles -1.5 @ Astros WIN (3-1)
Rangers @ Red Sox -8.5 LOSE (3-6)
Diamondbacks @ Cardinals WIN WIN (8-12)
Twins WIN @ Royals LOSE (3-7)
Phillies @ Brewers +9 LOSE (5-1)
Athletics WIN @ White Sox WIN (5-4)
Padres @ Rockies +9.5 WIN (6-5)
Yankees WIN @ Mariners WIN (6-1)
Mets @ Nationals +7 POSTPONED

NHL playoffs for June 7

Western Conference finals, game 4: Chicago Blackhawks @ Los Angeles Kings, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, Friday, June 5, 11.10am (Blackhawks lead 2-1)

If the Chicago Blackhawks are going to end the Los Angeles Kings’ perfect post-season on home ice in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, they’ll have to do it without their top defenseman. Duncan Keith will sit out this game under a one-game suspension for high-sticking Los Angeles' Jeff Carter. Keith hit Carter with a one-handed blow in the second period of the Kings’ 3-1 victory in Game 3, opening a 20-stitch gash on the star forward’s face and cracking three of his teeth. Chicago has a 2-1 series lead and could take control with a win in Game 4, but the uncertainty of Keith’s fate hung over both teams’ practices. He is enormously important to the powerful Blackhawks, easily leading the club in ice time and ranking third in playoff scoring with 10 points.

The Blackhawks realise Keith’s absence won't matter if they can't figure out how to crack the Kings’ incredible home-ice advantage. Los Angeles hasn't lost at Staples Center since March 23, and the Kings have won nine straight playoff games in their downtown building dating to last season’s Stanley Cup clincher. Low scores are no surprise in a tense playoff series between two elite teams with strong defences, but Chicago forward Patrick Kane’s struggles are increasingly inexplicable. The six-time 20-goal scorer hasn't found the net in seven games, and he’s scored just two in the post-season after netting 23 in the lockout-shortened regular season.

Suggested bet: Kings WIN (two units @ $1.80) LOSE, game total +4.5 (two units @ $1.80) WIN (3-2)

NBA playoffs for June 7

NBA Finals game 1: San Antonio Spurs @ Miami Heat, AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL, Friday, June 7, 11.10am

The Spurs have been resting up since finishing a sweep of Memphis in the Western Conference finals more than a week ago while the Heat were forced to overcome a rugged Indiana team and the struggles of Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in a seven-game series that wrapped up on Sunday. That set up a finals showdown between teams built in decidedly different ways but with mutual respect. This series also gives LeBron James a chance to pay the Spurs back for their 2007 romp, when they forced his then-Cavaliers into the worst offensive performance in finals history.

The numbers favour the Heat here. In NBA Finals history, the home team is 50-16 in Game 1 (75.8 per cent). The Spurs are 1-4 against the Heat since 2010, their worst record against any team. And, San Antonio has been outscored by 9.4 points per 100 possessions by Miami, their worst net rating against any team in that span. The last time the Heat and Spurs squared off with James/Wade/Bosh and Duncan/Parker/Ginobili all active was March 14, 2011. The Heat ‘big 3’ have outscored the Spurs ‘big 3’ by more than 18 PPG.

In contrast, teams that played in at least one Game 7 prior to the NBA Finals are just 23-25 in the Finals and the Spurs have been outstanding during these playoffs. They have the best straight up record of any NBA team this postseason, and during their 14-playoff games they have gone 12-2 SU and 10-4 ATS. San Antonio has been equally impressive on the road in these playoffs. The Spurs are 6-1 both SU and ATS during the playoffs when playing away from Texas, their only loss coming at Golden State in Game 4 of that series.

Suggested bet: Spurs +5 (two units @ $1.87) WIN, game total -190.5 (two units @ $1.91) WIN (92-88)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

Daily tips for June 6

Racing for June 6

Horse racing: Geelong (Vic), Gosford (NSW), Rockhampton (Qld), Tatura (Vic), Pinjarra (WA). Harness racing: Yarra Valley (Vic), Newcastle (NSW), Gold Coast (Qld), Ballarat (Vic), Penrith (NSW), Northam (WA). Greyhound racing: Warragul (Vic), Dubbo (NSW), Geelong (Vic), Maitland (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Sandown Park (Vic), Angle Park (SA), Hobart (Tas), Dapto (NSW), Mandurah (WA).

Today’s NSW meeting is being hosted by the Gosford Racing Club, where an eight-race card will be held on a track rated a slow (6). There are no shortage of scratchings, which have helped open up the EGroup Carpark Management BM65 Hcp over 2100 metres (race 5). This loomed as a contest between Tamariz for Gai Waterhouse and the Guy Walter trained Knead the Dough but with both horses scratched, #5 Diamond Tiara looks the next logical pick. Trained by Gary Portelli at Warwick Farm and wearing the Gerry Harvey colours, this 3yo filly has won one of eight and her last two runs at Gosford have shown merit. Courtney Van Der Werf’s two-kilogram claim means she’ll carry just 52kg, and should be good enough to account for this middling bunch.

Suggested bet: Gosford R5 #5 Diamond Tiara E/W (two units) LOSE (4th)

Other tips

Gosford R2 #2 Redhawks (E/W) 3rd ($1.50)

Gosford R3 #2 Barachello (win) 1st ($1.80)

Geelong R2 #9 Romancingthestone (win) 1st ($2.00)

Geelong R3 #7 Meilucca (E/W) SCRATCHED

Geelong R7 #7 Mahjong (E/W) LOSE (4TH)

Rockhampton R7 #2 Sporting Page (E/W) SCRATCHED

Harness racing tip: Ballarat R5 #1 Miss Precious Mach (win) 1st ($2.20)

Greyhound racing tip: Dapto R8 #2 Mystic Fancy (E/W) 1st ($1.90)

MLB for June 6

San Diego Padres (26-32, 10-18 away) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (25-32, 16-15 home), Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, Thursday, June 6, 12.10pm

The Los Angeles Dodgers turned to top prospect Yasiel Puig to provide a spark for the struggling club – so far, so good. With two very good performances under his belt, Puig looks to help LA earn a three-game sweep of the San Diego Padres as Clayton Kershaw takes the mound here. The Dodgers (25-32) had lost four of five and decided to give Puig a crack at the big leagues after a solid stretch in the minors. Batting lead-off on Tuesday, Puig went 2 for 4 then hit two HRs for five RBIs on Wednesday.

Los Angeles, which hasn't won three straight since sweeping Pittsburgh from April 5-7, will look to Kershaw (5-3, 1.85 ERA) to help keep the team rolling. Kershaw's ERA is third-best in baseball, though he hasn't been at his best over his last two outings and struggled the last time he faced San Diego, too. But he was 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA over his previous seven starts versus the Padres, who will look to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat.

San Diego looks to get back on track with help from Jason Marquis, who hasn't lost in seven outings. Marquis (6-2, 3.82) had won five straight starts while posting a 2.27 ERA, though he's struggled while not getting a decision in his last two. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 2.41 ERA in his last three starts versus the Dodgers, including allowing one run in 7 2/3 innings of a 9-2 road win April 16.

Suggested bet: Dodgers -1.5 (1.5 units @ $1.95) LOSE, game total +6.5 (2.5 units @ $1.80) WIN (6-2)

Other tips

Indians @ Yankees +8 WIN (4-6)

Rays WIN @ Tigers WIN (3-0)

Rockies @ Reds WIN LOSE (12-4)

Pirates @ Braves WIN WIN (0-5)

Rangers @ Red Sox -9 WIN (3-2)

Athletics WIN @ Brewers WIN (6-1)

Orioles -1.5 @ Astros LOSE (7-11)

White Sox @ Mariners -7 LOSE (7-5)

Twins @ Royals -8.5 WIN (1-4)

Marlins @ Phillies WIN WIN (1-6)

NHL playoffs for June 6

Eastern Conference finals, game 3: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Boston Bruins, TD Garden, Boston, MA, Tuesday, June 2, 10.10am

This series has the scent of a sweep after the Bruins went 2-0 in Pittsburgh, and return to the TD Garden with the Eastern Conference title firmly in their sights. Pittsburgh led the NHL in scoring in the regular season. It averaged 4.27 goals per game in the first two rounds of the playoffs. It poured in 13 goals in the last two games of the Eastern Conference semi-finals but managed just one goal in two losses on their home ice to Boston.

The Bruins won the opener 3-0 but led just 1-0 after two periods. The second game was much different. They rolled to a 4-1 lead after one period and remained aggressive in finishing off their 6-1 rout. The Penguins’ effort waned as the game went on. Combine that with the Bruins' high level of play – disciplined on defence, organised on offense – and the pre-series chatter about the Penguins being favourites seems like so much nonsense.

Winning the first two games is a good start but doesn't always lead to a good finish. Both teams have overcome 2-0 deficits and gone on to win Stanley Cups. In 2009, the Penguins dropped two games at Detroit by a combined score of 6-2 then took four out of five to clinch their first championship since 1992. In 2011, the Bruins lost two games of the opening round at home against Montreal then won the next two on the road and captured the series on an overtime goal in Game 7.

Suggested bet: Bruins WIN (one unit @ $1.91) WIN, game total -5.5 (two units @ $1.80) WIN (1-2)

Note: NBA Finals series starts tomorrow

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication