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


by Docsports.com - 4/9/2019

Vegas Golden Knights Winger Tomas Nosek

There is nothing more exciting than playoff hockey in the NHL. Doc's Sports Service offers a number of different selection packages covering all the games, including betting picks from Raphael Esparza as one of the best sports handicappers in the nation. He worked his way to the top of that list during a long and successful run in the Las Vegas sportsbook industry that included the prestigious position of Director of the Race and Sports Book for MGM Resorts' Aria until his retirement in 2013.

Once known as the Vegas Sports Informer, Raphael continues to run a very successful sports investment business from his home base in Las Vegas as well as from the Big Easy in New Orleans. Whether you are looking for some winning picks for the upcoming NHL playoffs or prop bet options outside the realm of sports, this Las Vegas handicapper covers it all. Each week, Doc's has the chance to gain his valuable insight into some the hottest trending betting topics on the board.

Doc's: The opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs features a very intriguing matchup in the Pacific Division between the Vegas Golden Knights and the San Jose Sharks. These two teams are evenly matched according to the series price odds, so how do you see things playing out in this best-of-seven tilt?

RE: Neither team has looked all that good over the final month of the regular season. However, if Vegas has to rely on Malcolm Subban in goal over nicked-up Marc-Andre Fleury, all the betting value shifts to San Jose.

Doc's: The Tampa Bay Lightning has clearly been the best team in the NHL all season long. Still listed at plus-money to win it all on most NHL futures boards, would they be your top play to win the 2019 Stanley Cup heading into the postseason?

RE: Tampa Bay should go all the way on paper given the incredible way it played all season long. However, an early test could come against Boston in the second round. Playoff hockey is a whole other ball game that has a way of equalizing favorites and underdogs.

Doc's: The NBA's regular season schedule comes to an end this Wednesday night. In what appears to be another 'Golden State against the field' betting situation, is there any team out there with a fighter's chance to beat the Warriors in a best-of-seven series?

RE: I would have to agree that Golden State should be the favorite to win, but the Warriors have not been nearly as dominant as they have been in some of their previous title runs. Houston is still waiting in the wings in the West. And if the Milwaukee Bucks can stay healthy during the early rounds of the playoffs, they can also present a legitimate obstacle for Golden State.

Doc's: Professional golf's first Major gets underway on Thursday with the opening round of this year's Masters at Augusta National. Can you give us one or two golfers that you might be looking to bet on when it comes to a few head-to-head matchups?

RE: I am flipping the switch on this question with a pair of golfers to go against in a few head-to-head matchups. Reining champions have a tendency to struggle the following year to put Patrick Reed on the list. I would also add Jordan Spieth as another good choice to fade given his current playing form.

Doc's: Along with all the major sports betting events on this week's slate, we are sure that you have a few more options on your expanded betting radar. What else are you working on in advance of this weekend?

RE: This is a really big weekend across the board with the start of the NHL and NBA playoffs as well as the Masters. I would add Saturday's UFC 236 from Atlanta to the list with two belts up for grabs. You also have the running of the Arkansas Derby from Oaklawn Park this Saturday as the last big prep race ahead of next month's Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Click here to visit Raphael Esparza's Insider's Page at Doc's Sports for more information on his amazingly-profitable sports handicapping picks. Also, get $60 worth of Esparza's member's picks absolutely free-no obligation, no sales people - you do not even have to enter credit card information. You can use this $60 credit for any sports Esparza handicaps. Click here for $60 worth of free picks from Raphael Esparza.

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