Weekly Q&A with Doc's Sports Expert Handicapper Raphael Esparza

Doc's Sports expert handicapper Raphael Esparza prides himself on diversity when it comes to the wide array of betting events that are a big part of his weekly selection packages. If you can bet on it, he has probably handicapped it or even helped set the odds in conjunction with some of the biggest online sportsbooks in business today. We will run the gambit of events in this week's discussion from the 2018 World Cup to betting props for Thursday night's NBA Draft.

Raphael rose through the ranks to become one of the best sports handicappers in the nation at the same time he was putting together a very successful career in the Las Vegas sportsbook industry. The former Vegas Sports Informer once held the prestigious position as the Director of the Race and Sports Book for MGM Grand's Aria until his retirement from that role in 2013. He currently devotes all of his time to running a successful and diverse sports investment service from his home base in Las Vegas as well as from the Big Easy in New Orleans. The following is this week's Q&A with one of Doc's most interesting handicappers.

Doc's Sports: Mexico's stunning opening-round upset against Germany in the 2018 World Cup along with unexpected draws involving some of the other favorites has gotten this tournament off to an interesting start. Looking ahead to some of the upcoming matches this week, are there any teams that you would put on upset alert?

RE: I would think that all of the top teams need to be careful moving forward. Eventually the cream will rise to the top with countries such as Germany, Brazil and to a lessor extent Spain and France leading the way. However, there are any number of hungry teams looking to extend their World Cup past group play. As far as the next round of matches, keep an eye on Croatia as an underdog in Thursday's match against Argentina.

Doc's Sports: Another big event on your betting radar right now is the College World Series. Texas Tech faces Arkansas on Tuesday night fresh off the Red Raiders' 6-3 upset against the Florida Gators on Sunday. The Razorbacks also looked impressive in Sunday's 11-5 victory against Texas, so which team do you like in Tuesday's Big 12 vs. SEC tilt?

RE: The Razorbacks have looked impressive in their last three games in this tournament. The key to beating Texas Tech is getting on the scoreboard early. Arkansas is favored in this matchup, and I would tend to agree that the Razorbacks should keep things rolling with a win against the Red Raiders.

Doc's Sports: Turning to betting action in the WNBA, it is no surprise that the Los Angeles Sparks are at the top of the Western Conference at 8-2, but Minnesota continues to struggle at 4-6. You also have Phoenix (10-3) and Seattle (8-3) in the mix. When it comes to betting on which team ends up on top in the WNBA West, which way are you leaning?

RE: The Sparks remain the team to beat in the WNBA West with Minnesota looking a bit tired and worn out in its surprisingly slow start. I have been impressed with the offensive depth on Phoenix and Seattle's roister so far. Each team has also played extremely well on their home court, which could keep things interesting in this conference title race.

Doc's Sports: The 2018 NBA Draft is on tap for Thursday night. Are there any betting props for this event that have caught your eye?

RE: My top prop pick for the NBA Draft is the "under" 6.5 on Michael Porter Jr's draft position at -150 betting odds. Health still remains an issue given his past track record with injuries, but his overall talent could make him the top steal in this draft.

Doc's Sports: While we have been all over the betting board in this week's chat, I am sure we missed some other betting opportunity that has also been showing up on your betting radar. What else are you working on right now?

RE: I am still really dialed in on the World Cup and the College World Series as things continue to progress in each tournament. The world of boxing and MMA fighting have been rather quiet the past few weeks, but things should heat up this Saturday with UFC Fight Night in Singapore. I am also looking forward to Week 2 in the CFL after getting a good look at most of the teams in their season openers.