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


by Docsports.com - 2/19/2019

Zion Williamson Duke Blue Devils

A big reason why Doc's Sports Service has earned the reputation as a recognized leader and trusted name in the sports handicapping industry since 1971 are longstanding relationships with some of the top expert sports handicappers in the nation. A prominent name on that list is Raphael Esparza. Known as the Vegas Sports Informer during a long and successful career in the Las Vegas sportsbook industry, that run culminated with him holding the prestigious title of Director of the Race and Sports Book for MGM Resorts' Aria until his retirement in 2013.

Since then, he has been running a 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 a big unit play in the NBA or some insider information on what's hot in Las Vegas, Esparza is the source to turn to for a wide array of sports betting options. Each week, we have the opportunity gain his insight into some the hottest trending topics in the world of sports.

Doc's: The big matchup in college basketball this week is the first meeting this season between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils in a classic ACC rivalry. Duke plays host to the Tar Heels on Wednesday night in a 9 p.m. (ET) tip on ESPN, so how do you see this one playing out?

RE: As I said before, Duke has been able to establish itself as the top seed for this year's NCAA Tournament to date. The Blue Devils could still slip up along the way starting this Wednesday night as a probable three-point home favorite, but I would not bet on it.

Doc's: The NBA returns to action on Thursday night following the annual All-Star break. Golden State has just two straight-up losses in its last 18 games, but do you have the Warriors covering a heavy 13.5-point spread at home against Sacramento after going just 1-6 against the closing number in their last seven games?

RE: I actually had that game circled when that spread was first released. This would be a watch and see situation leading up to Thursday's tip. However, if the spread happens to reach 14 or higher, I would go with the Kings.

Doc's: The Rising Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course in Louisiana has always been your starting point for covering the Kentucky Derby Trail. Any early thoughts on trainer Mark Casse's War of Will after winning this past Saturday's $400,000 Risen Star at one of your favorite tracks?

RE: That race kind of snuck up on me with an earlier start in February this Kentucky Derby prep season. War of Will is an interesting contender, but he is also the type of horse that needs everything to break just right. He could get caught up in too fast of a pace in some of the longer races he will have to run.

Doc's: This Saturday's UFC Fight Night is actually a morning event on ESPN2 from the Czech Republic. Any early thoughts on that race card?

RE: The morning start does throw me off, but I am looking forward to watching Petr Yan as a heavy -275 favorite against John Dodson. As an upset special, take a closer look at Gian Villante at +170 over Michal Oleksiejczuk as another one of the top fights on this card.

Doc's: We know that you are a huge movie buff and an avid fan of the Academy Awards. Do you have any bold predictions for this Sunday's Oscars?

RE: I want to start things off with a Razzies pick by going with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly at +225 odds for Worst Screen Combo. My first bold Oscars' prediction is Christian Bale at +270 for Best Actor in Vice. I am also going with Black Panther at longer +225 odds to win Best Original Score.

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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