Betting advice for weekend action, including the start of EURO 2020

Though not technically summer, it sure feels like it. The sports world continues to roll on with the 2021 NBA and NHL playoffs. The NHL could have a weekend off if Vegas beats Colorado on Thursday night.

Baseball continues its march toward a July midpoint. There could be some value for bettors in a series that could be a yawner for fans.

Finally, the Euro 2020 that was postponed by the coronavirus gets underway on Friday, June 11. A few weekend matches should prove interesting.

Here’s a look at the hot betting events for the weekend of June 12-13.

WHY ARE SPORTS SO HARD TO PREDICT

NBA Playoffs: Jazz @ Clippers Game 3

Utah got off to a great start with a 112-109 win over the Clippers in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal on Tuesday night. The two teams will play on Thursday in Utah before heading to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Saturday night.

Game 1 saw the total go Over - just barely - and Game 2 might do the same with a total set at 221. Donovan Mitchell went off for 45 points in the series opener and he wasn’t himself for about a half. The Clippers don’t want to fall behind 2-0 before heading home so both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be on point.

That leaves Game 3 on Saturday. Should Utah go up 2-0, take a look at betting the first half of Game 3. Typically, home teams down two games tend to play very well early on in Game 3. In fact, in the past three seasons, such teams are 29-6 against the first half spread.

If the teams are tied 1-1, take a good look at the Game 3 total. If it stays above 220, look at playing the Under.

In four of the Clippers last five games, the total has gone Under.

In case you missed it, click to check out last week’s hot betting events.

MLB: Angels @ Diamondbacks

In baseball, the three-game weekend series between the Los Angeles Angels and Arizona Diamondbacks probably won't generate much interest. The Angels are fourth in the AL West and struggling without Mike Trout. The D-Backs are the worst team in the National League.

However, bettors will take note of three games that could all go Over the posted total. Pay specific attention to Saturday's matchup. Arizona's Merrill Kelly has one of the worst ERAs among starting pitchers in the majors - 5.12. He will face the Angels' Alex Cobb who is 4-2 overall, but has an ERA of 4.24. In his last appearance, Cobb gave up five earned runs . . . and won!

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NHL Game 7: Vegas vs. Colorado (If Necessary)

The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs could have a weekend break if Vegas beats Colorado in Game 6 on Thursday night. If there is a deciding Game 7, it will be played Saturday in Denver.

The Avalanche won Games 1 and 2 at home before the Golden Knights also won two at home and then stole a game from Colorado in Game 5.

Euro 2020

England (-215) is a huge favorite to win Group D in Euro 2020 play. The Brits take on Croatia in their first match in the group stage. They should have no trouble dispatching their first opponent as a -143 favorite.

The same holds for the Netherlands, which is the favorite in Group C. They are a -148 favorite in their first match with Ukraine.