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Braves' bats are hot, so why not ride them?
Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports

Braves' bats are hot, so why not ride them?

The NBA and NHL playoffs have hogged all the betting action for weeks but we're not going to allow it to happen to us. With that in mind, we've got two plays for you. 

Atlanta Braves (-1, +108)

Atlanta has played Miami five times and has won four of them. Best of all, all four of those wins have been by multiple runs. We know it's early, but the Braves are looking like the best team in the National League. So, why not continue to ride them?

And even though Braves starter Kyle Wright still isn't quite stretched out, Atlanta's offense is scorching hot. Ronald Acuna Jr. is playing like the best player in baseball and his supporting cast has done more than just hold their own. We're well aware the Marlins have won four of five, but Atlanta has Miami's number so far this year.

Baltimore Orioles (-1.5, +105)

The A's might be the worst team in baseball, but the Royals aren't that far behind. Not only has KC dropped five of six, but each of its last five losses has also been by multiple runs. 

Meanwhile, Baltimore has won four of its last five and have had no problem scoring runs. And considering Zack Greinke has really struggled this season (0-4, 6.10 ERA), don't be surprised if the O's get to the veteran right-hander early. And Kyle Gibson has been solid all season, making it that much more likely Baltimore cruises to a multi-run win.


In the news ...

Embiid's hot second half leads center to first MVP honor Joel Embiid beat out former league MVPs Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo on Tuesday to win his first MVP honor. The nine-year veteran averaged a league-best 33.1 points per game on 54.8% shooting along with 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. Embiid is the fifth 76er to be named NBA MVP and the first since Allen Iverson won it back in 2001. 

Knicks rally in second half to beat Heat in Game 2, even series — Already trailing 1-0 in Eastern Conference semifinals to Miami, the New York Knicks knew Game 2 was a must-win game, especially with Heat superstar Jimmy Butler out due to a sprained ankle. It took a second-half rally to get the job done, but the Knicks did what they needed to do to beat the Heat 111-105 on Tuesday to even the series at 1-1.

Lakers hold off Warriors late fourth quarter rally, come away with Game 1 road win — Golden State went on a 14-0 run midway through the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the reigning champs, 117-112, in Game 1 on Tuesday night. LeBron James and Anthony Davis each recorded double-doubles while the Warriors have now lost back-to-back home games in the postseason for the first time since the 2016 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 


Today's Bark Bets is written by Jared Shlensky

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