Best Bets
Former world number six Gaël Monfils takes on 2018 Sofia champion Mirza Basic in the first round of the ATP event in Munich. While the Frenchman hasn’t been on court since pulling of the third round of Indian Wells, he has some good memories of this tournament. Monfils is appearing for the fourth time at the tournament in Germany and has made the round of 16 at the same event last year. I’m tipping Monfils to have an impact at the tournament with the French open around the corner and he should progress to the second round in straight sets.
The Celtics renew one of the oldest rivalries in the NBA when they take on the 76ers in the first game of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Celtics are without some of their marquee signings but found a way to sneak past the Bucks in seven games. The 76ers are the flavour of the month and boast the likes of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid in a line-up that is set to dominate the playoffs for years to come. The Celtics are coming off the back of a long series with the Bucks and the 76ers will be confident of scoring a big win in their opening game. Philadelphia are a city of winners at the moment and you have to back Ben Simmons to do some damage and lead Philly to a win in Game One.
The Mumbai Indians have struggled to replicate their success from last season and are anchored to the bottom of the IPL standings. Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma has struggled to replicate his international form at domestic level. The Challengers have one of the most dynamic batting line-ups in the IPL and are led by superstar Virat Kohli. AB de Villiers has started to find the middle of the bat and should be able to help the Challengers keep the Indians at the bottom of the ladder.
The Red Sox snapped a two-game losing streak by grinding out a 4-3 victory in the final game of their regular series against the Royals. Boston may have lost four of their last seven games but they have managed to become only the fifth side since 1913 to notch twenty victories by May. Kansas may be coming off consecutive victories, but they have only managed seven wins for the season and I’m getting backing the Red Sox to sweep to get their series against the Royals started with a win.