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March 31, 2025

Giants at Astros Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for March 31

Its Monday, March 31 and the San Francisco Giants (2-1) are in Houston, TX to take on the Astros (2-1) in Game 1 of this series.

Jordan Hicks is slated to take the mound for San Francisco against Ronel Blanco for Houston.

The Astros took two of three at home against the Mets to open the season while the Giants took two of three in Cincinnati against the Reds.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Giants at Astros

Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
Time: 8:10PM EST
Site: Daikin Park
City: Houston, TX
Network/Streaming: NBCSBA, SCHN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Giants at the Astros

The latest odds as of Monday:

Moneyline: San Francisco Giants (+105), Houston Astros (-125)
Spread: Astros -1.5
Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Giants at Astros

Pitching matchup for March 31, 2025: Jordan Hicks vs. Ronel Blanco
- Giants: Jordan Hicks (0-0)
  2024 - 29GP, 109.2 IP, 4-7, 4.10 ERA, 96 Ks
- Astros: Ronel Blanco (0-0)
  2024 - 30GP, 167.1 IP, 13-6, 2.80 ERA, 166 Ks

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Giants at Astros

The Giants are hitting just .214 this season
The Astros are hitting just .176 this season
The Giants have clubbed 5 HRs while the Astros have smacked just 1 HR this season
San Francisco's Team ERA is 3.46 in 2025
Houston's Team ERA is 1.33 in 2025
Houston is 1-2 on the Run Line this season
San Francisco is 3-0 on the Run Line this season

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Giants and the Astros

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Monday's game between the Giants and the Astros:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the San Francisco Giants at +1.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

March 31, 2025

'You want your chance to win one.' New Dodgers feel World Series hunger during celebrations

Los Angeles, CA - March 28: Actor Anthony Anderson, left, takes his own photo with the World Championship Dodgers players and team personnel as they pose for a photo with their rings during a ring ceremony before the Dodgers game with the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles Friday, March 28, 2025. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) — Dodgers players, staff and ownership pose for a photo after receiving their World Series rings in a pregame ceremony Friday at Dodger Stadium. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

As Evan Phillips stood in front of his locker before the Dodgers’ home opener Thursday, answering questions about the team’s upcoming World Series celebration that night and the gold jersey they would wear to mark the occasion, his new neighbor in the Dodgers clubhouse interjected from one stall over.

“What’d you say to Tanner before the game?” first-year Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott, a longtime personal friend of Phillips’ in the game, implored his new teammate to share with a reporter.

Phillips laughed.

“I was surprised they gave 66 over here a little bit of gold on his jersey,” Phillips joked, referring to Scott’s uniform number — and the fact he wasn't part of the club's title-winning roster last year.

“That’s some bull, right?” Scott responded with a playful shake of his head.

“It’s just foreshadowing," Phillips insisted, "what’s to come for him."

Such was life for new Dodgers players this past weekend, with a group of six offseason acquisitions populating the team’s opening day roster.

All series long, they were present for the nightly pregame ceremonies honoring last year’s World Series. They wore the same gold-accented uniforms, and the same 2024 title sleeve patches, as the rest of their reigning-champion teammates.

But for them, the proceedings provided a different kind of perspective.

They weren’t in any of the scoreboard highlight reels honoring last year’s team. They didn’t have the same emotional attachment to watching a World Series banner get raised in center field. And when the team’s championship rings were presented to players and coaches Friday, they all stayed back in the dugout, serving as mere spectators while being reminded of what their previous teams failed to accomplish last season.

“There’s a lot of people in that room who enjoyed it,” manager Dave Roberts said of his clubhouse’s reaction to the weekend-long celebration. “And also, there’s new guys that didn’t partake. And I want them to want that next year.”

So too, of course, do the new players themselves — almost all of whom offered the same reason for wanting to sign with the Dodgers this offseason.

“I went to a World Series as a rookie. Now I'm almost 10 years removed from that, and I want to go back,” veteran outfielder Michael Conforto, a member of the New York Mets’ 2015 pennant winner, said at the club’s preseason fan fest event after signing a one-year, $17-million deal in December.

“I wanted to go to a team that's going to compete. That was the first thing that I told my agent, that it has to be a team that's competitive. So I think it was a no-brainer when the Dodgers called. … We want to win games and have a chance to get a ring.”

Scott echoed similar sentiments at his introductory press conference in January, fresh off inking a four-year, $72-million contract.

“They’re not a fun team to face,” he said then, just months removed from being eliminated by the Dodgers in the playoffs as a member of the San Diego Padres. “We’re ready to win another one. And I’ll be a part of this one.”

Veteran reliever Kirby Yates, signed to a one-year, $13-million deal a week after Scott, referenced the same championship aspirations when he was introduced at Dodger Stadium for the first time.

“The older you get," said Yates, who has appeared in just one playoff game over his 11-year MLB career, "that starts being more important."

For Yates, a spectacle like this weekend’s was nothing new.

In 2022, he watched the Atlanta Braves receive their World Series rings after signing with the club in the wake of their 2021 championship. Last season, he went through it again as the newly signed closer of the Texas Rangers’ defending-title squad.

"This is my third time signing with the reigning World Series champions," he said. "I'm looking forward to finally trying to make that run and be able to pitch in the postseason."

The Dodgers' Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts show off their World Series rings. — There was plenty to celebrate last weekend for players who were on the Dodgers in 2024, including, from left, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Last year's Rangers celebration, Yates recalled this weekend, was a bittersweet experience — the 38-year-old right-hander still reeling at the time from the 104-win Braves’ division series knockout the prior October.

“I think everybody on that Atlanta team felt like we had a really good chance of winning that World Series, and it didn’t happen,” Yates said. “So watching that ring ceremony ... you’re excited for [your new team] and you’re happy for them. But on a personal level, you want your chance to win one, too.”

This weekend, however, Yates had a more auspicious feeling during the Dodgers' World Series festivities.

Here, he saw a team uniquely poised to repeat as champions; one that already had a star-studded core, then aggressively pursued additional depth and talent during a half-billion-dollar offseason spending spree.

Yates’ signing itself, after all, represented one of their most luxurious splurges — likely to effectively cost more than double its $13 million price tag when accounting for luxury tax penalties and the Dodgers’ need to cut former reliever Ryan Brasier and his $4-million salary in a corresponding move.

“The idea was to have as many good pitchers and as many good players as they possibly could have,” Yates said, “to basically help [distribute] the load for the entire season, including October.”

Having been part of two previous failed title defenses, Yates’ hope is that such roster construction will allow the Dodgers to overcome what he believes to be the biggest obstacle for any defending champion: health.

“Playing that long into October, it takes its toll on everybody’s body,” Yates said. “But I think the difference here, and what they’ve done, is how many people they’ve added; the depth that you have to be able to make that run.”

The Dodgers, meanwhile, are hoping the hunger of their new additions will serve as a different kind of catalyst in their 2025 quest.

None of their new players — from Yates to Scott to Conforto to Blake Snell — has won a World Series. And this weekend, they had the feeling of a title dangled in front of them, getting a fleeting preview of how a long-sought championship might taste.

“I don’t think any of the new guys really need any more motivation to go out and win,” Yates said. “But watching how cool that is, watching everybody go get their rings, yeah, you definitely want your chance to be a part of that.”

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

March 31, 2025

Orioles’ Colton Cowser goes on the IL with a broken thumb and is expected to miss at least 6 weeks

BALTIMORE — Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser is expected to miss at least six weeks with a broken left thumb.

Baltimore put Cowser on the 10-day injured list before its home opener against Boston. The Orioles recalled outfielder Dylan Carlson from Triple-A Norfolk.

Cowser wasn’t able to hit in the ninth inning of a loss at Toronto after he slid headfirst into first base in the seventh. He finished a close second in last year’s Rookie of the Year vote after hitting 24 home runs.

“It’s probably six to eight weeks minimum,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “It’s not going to be the last injury we have this season. We’re going to have things pop up. That’s why you create depth, and it gives other guys opportunities, but it’s a blow.”

Hyde did say he’s hopeful right-hander Albert Suarez (shoulder inflammation) won’t have to miss much time after going on the IL over the weekend.

March 31, 2025

Powerful starts for last year’s pennant winners as the Yankees and Dodgers stay unbeaten

In the spirit of this year’s NCAA basketball tournaments — where Goliath has defeated David at almost every opportunity — the baseball season began with its own version of chalk supremacy.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, last year’s pennant winners, are a combined 8-0. The Dodgers followed up their two-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs in Japan by taking three in a row from Detroit. The Yankees bashed their way to three straight wins over Milwaukee, scoring 36 runs and hitting 15 homers against the defending NL Central champs.

New York’s start was particularly encouraging after the Yankees lost Juan Soto in the offseason and then had Gerrit Cole go down to a season-ending arm problem. So far their offense has looked so good, the torpedo-shaped bats — with wood lower down the barrel — has become a significant story.

Four Yankees already have multiple home runs — Aaron Judge with four, Jazz Chisholm with three, and Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe with two apiece.

It’s been a similar power show for the Dodgers, who are hitting just .224 as a team but have 12 homers — three in each of the past four games.

BetMGM is offering 5-1 odds on the Dodgers to break the major league record by winning at least 117 games in the regular season.

Top challengers?

Two teams that could push Los Angeles at the top of the National League — Atlanta and San Diego — played a four-game series, and the Padres swept it. The Braves went 1 for 22 with runners in scoring position, and they didn’t have a single opportunity with RISP in the finale, managing just one hit against Nick Pivetta and two relievers.

Fernando Tatis Jr. went 7 for 15 with a homer and three stolen bases for the Padres in the series.

Welcome back

Mike Trout returned for the Los Angeles Angels after his 2024 season ended early because of a knee injury. Trout singled for his first hit of the season.

Orioles closer Felix Bautista threw a scoreless inning after he missed all of last year because of Tommy John surgery. Miami ace Sandy Alcantara also missed all of 2024 thanks to Tommy John surgery. He threw 4 2/3 innings in a 5-4 win over Pittsburgh.

Jacob deGrom actually came back from his Tommy John surgery late last season, but any time he’s on the mound it feels like a moment to savor given his health issues. He threw five scoreless frames for Texas in a 3-2 win over Boston.

It was deGrom’s 10th start since the beginning of the 2023 season, and he hasn’t thrown more than 92 innings since 2019, his second straight Cy Young campaign for the New York Mets.

Trivia time

Baltimore beat Toronto 12-2, scoring double-digit runs on opening day for a third straight year. Who were the winning pitchers in those games?

Line of the week

Judge hit three of New York’s nine home runs in a 20-9 win over the Brewers. One of his homers was a grand slam, and he finished with eight RBIs. The Yankees’ power display — which included homers on Milwaukee starter Nestor Cortes’ first three pitches — helped overshadow five New York errors in the field.

The Yankees fell just short of the major league record for homers in a game. The Toronto Blue Jays hit 10 in an 18-3 win over Baltimore in 1987.

Comeback of the week

Down by four, the Arizona Diamondbacks scored eight runs on their way to a 10-6 win over the Cubs. Arizona’s win probability was down to 3.3% in the eighth, according to Baseball Savant.

The decisive rally included an RBI single by pitcher Ryne Nelson, who was batting because designated hitter Ketel Marte had moved to second base, forcing Arizona’s lineup to include the pitcher’s spot. With no full-time hitters left on the bench, the Diamondbacks sent Nelson up to pinch-hit for reliever Justin Martinez.

Trivia answer

Kyle Gibson, Corbin Burnes and Zach Eflin.

March 31, 2025

Flagg, Broome, Clayton are among the Final Four players to watch in a showdown between No. 1 seeds

Fittingly for an NCAA Tournament in which big schools from big conferences took record numbers of spots in the first week, then hogged them all for the Sweet 16, the last week will bring a collection of all four teams seeded No. 1 to the sport’s biggest stage to play for the title.

March 31, 2025

Final Four teams have been locked in on defense all season

This year’s Final Four in San Antonio will be the second since seeding began in 1979 to have all four No. 1 seeds, joining the 2008 bracket.

March 31, 2025

3 questions Knicks face down the stretch with 2025 NBA playoffs on the horizon

The 2024-25 season has been a success for the Knicks. After a 110-93 win on Sunday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, the 47-27 Knicks are in third place in the Eastern Conference with eight games remaining in the regular season. New York is on pace to finish with its most wins in a season in 12 years.

However, there are some questions the club faces as the playoffs rapidly approach such as its defense and depth. Let’s look at three questions for the Knicks right now.

Will the defense hold up?

A top-five ranked offense has largely been the reason for New York’s success this season. Defense has been a lot more inconsistent. New York is currently 13th in defensive efficiency, giving up 113.4 points per 100 possessions.

It’s notable that since point guard Jalen Brunson has been out with an ankle injury, New York is ranked seventh in defensive efficiency. Brunson and center Karl-Anthony Towns give the Knicks two pressure points that opposing offenses can attack. In the regular season, several teams such as the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder relentlessly hunted both stars.

It’s very hard when your two best offensive players are your weakest defenders. Teams will go after both players in the playoffs. New York will need both Brunson and Towns on the floor to create for the offense, but defense will loom large if the Knicks are going to make a deep playoff run.

Can Anunoby and Bridges step up?

Brunson’s injury has caused Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby to step into larger roles. On Sunday night, both wings guided the Knicks to a win against Portland with 28 points apiece. In 12 games without Brunson, Anunoby is averaging 22.8 points and 5.3 reboundswhile Bridges is putting up 22.2 points and 5.2 assists.

Anunoby and Bridges have experienced ups and downs this season, but both are playing their best basketball at the right time. The Knicks traded five first-round picks for Bridges and re-signed Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million contract last offseason. Those deals came with the thought that both players would be able to help elevate the team in high leverage situations.

If the Knicks are going to make noise in the postseason, both Bridges and Anunoby will have to make significant contributions. Both players will be tasked with guarding the top offensive options of opponents. But they will also need to provide some scoring to ease the heavy offensive burden that sits with Brunson and Towns. This recent stretch is a step in the right direction.

Do the Knicks have enough depth?

The Knicks have been last in the NBA in bench points throughout this entire season. Even with the return of Mitchell Robinson from injury and increased minutes for Landry Shamet, New York’s depth has been shaky.

This issue could be mitigated by the playoff environment. The postseason usually sees coaches cut rotations and increase minutes for core players. Last season, Josh Hart played at least 48 minutes on four occasions in the playoffs and Brunson saw the floor for at least 40 minutes in seven of 13 games.

New York head coach Tom Thibodeau is likely to rely heavily on its starting five. Also, expect Miles McBride and Robinson to figure into significant roles with Cam Payne and Shamet taking up the rest of available minutes at the start of the playoffs. An injury to any of the team’s starters would be a cause for concern.

March 31, 2025

Kings vs. Pacers Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 31

It’s Monday, March 31, and the Sacramento Kings (36-38) and Indiana Pacers (43-31) are all set to square off from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The Kings are currently 17-19 on the road with a point differential of 0, while the Pacers have an 8-2 record in their last ten games at home. The Pacers won the only meeting versus the Kings this season, 122-95 on December 22.

Sacramento and Indiana are both coming off blowout losses of 20 points or more. The Kings are 1-5 over the last six games, while the Pacers are 8-3 in the previous 11 contests and 6-2 over the past eight.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Kings vs. Pacers live today

Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
Time: 7:00PM EST
Site: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
City: Indianapolis, IN
Network/Streaming:

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Kings vs. Pacers

The latest odds as of Monday:

Odds: Kings (+184), Pacers (-223)
Spread: Pacers -5.5
Over/Under: 235 points

That gives the Kings an implied team point total of 116.53, and the Pacers 119.4.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday’s Kings vs. Pacers game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans Tyrese Haliburton to go Under 32.5 PRA:

"Tyrese Haliburton's streak of 12 straight double-doubles was snapped over the last two contests and he's averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds against the Wizards and Thunder (31.0 PRA). While Indiana is back at home, they are coming off a two-game road trip and a 21-point loss. The Kings are in the final play-in spot for the West, so there is likely urgency on that side and a plan for Haliburton after following up a 20-point loss. I lean the Kings and Haliburton to go Under 32.5 PRA."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Kings & Pacers game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Indiana Pacers on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Sacramento Kings at +5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 235.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Kings vs. Pacers on Monday

The Pacers are 8-2 in their last 10 home games
The Over is 39-35 in Kings' games this season
The Pacers have covered in 8 of their 9 matchups against Western Conference Pacific Division teams this season
The Pacers have won 4 of their last 5 games

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

March 31, 2025

A quarter-century after his lone national title, Tom Izzo comes up short again in March Madness

The cold-shooting Spartans fell behind by 15 points in the opening minutes and never could fight all the way back against the top overall seed in the tournament.

March 31, 2025

The Maven Argues With Rangers Fans Who Have Quit On Their Team

It's one thing for Islanders fans, Devils fans – any NHL fans for that matter -- to put down the Rangers. In a sense, that's what rootring is all about. Root for your team but not the Blueshirts. It's the norm.

But something rare has happened this season. It began during the horrendous autumn slump suffered by the Blueshirts and grew from there.

Egad! What a cad! We have Rangers fans putting the rap on the team in unprecedented numbers and with the utmost intensity.

Insults such as "Fat Cats," "Quitters," ":Lazy" and – well, you get the point – have gone over the internet and under the table.

One of the most interesting examples of despair came by way of an email to The Maven from a lifetime Blueshirt supporter, author and – while he's at it – Ranger fan.

Having known Patrick Hoffman for years, I can vouch for his integrity and insights, not to mention his passion for the men skating in Blue.

That's why The Maven was taken aback when Hoffman wrote that his favorite team "does not deserve to make the postseason."

That utterance alone caused me to do a double-take but Pal Patrick was not kidding around. He supported his blasphemous remark this way.

"For starters, the effort has not been there on a nightly basis. Secondly, not enough players have stepped up for the team this season. Alexis Lafrenière's play this year has been particularly worrisome."

Then, he gave Mika Zibanejad a third-degree burn: "No one is quite sure what to make of him."

Nor did mistake-prone K'Andre Miller escape Hoffman's scythe. "He often looks lost in his own zone and no longer looks like an NHL-calibre defenseman."

Hoffman details the negatives as easy as he inhales and – no surprise – the blame for "poor defensive play" has to stop at coach Peter Laviolette's desk.

"Lastly," Hoffman concludes, "the team does not seem to want to make the playoffs."

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware that The Maven is not disputing Patrick's point. What I do challenge is his statement that the Rangers DO NOT DESERVE TO MAKE THE POSTSEASON.

How dare he utter a seditious statement such as that?

Checking through the NHL's Constitution, I find no clause devoted to whether or not a team "deserves" to get into the postseason

The Rangers either will get in or not get in based on their won-lost record from here to April 17th. "Deserving" is not the issue here. No way!

Here's my clincher. As a passionate Maple Leafs fan during the 1948-49 season, I was sad that the defending Champs barely squeezed into the playoffs with an UNDER.500 RECORD.

But they made it to the postseason and nobody – certainly not I was running around saying, "The Leafs don't deserve getting into the playoffs. The point is that Toronto got in and the city was glad.

Like others, I hoped for the best when the playoffs – the brand, new season – began.

Well, guess what? My Leafs knocked off the Bruins in a five-game semi-final and then humiliated the first-place Red Wings with a four-game sweep.

Just like today's Rangers, those Leafs were assailed by doubters. After sipping champagne following the clincher, Leafs right wing explained:

"Anybody who knew us knew the Leafs were much better than we showed in the regular season. We weren't a below .500 club really. Anybody who considered us that way was way out of their minds"

Yeah, Patrick, Meeker and his fellow Leafs deserved to make the postseason and win their third straight Stanley Cup as well.

Give it a little thought, Pal, and after your Beloved Blueshirts beat Minnesota on Wednesday night, lemme know if you change your mind.

That is, about this "deserving" business!

March 31, 2025

Predators Injury Update: Colton Sissons, Jonathan Marchessault Sidelined

The Nashville Predators announced Monday morning that they will be without two key members of their veteran forward group for that evening's road game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Per the team, Colton Sissons is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury, while Jonathan Marchessault is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The update on Sissons is not surprising, considering the 31-year-old exited during the first period of Saturday's loss to the Vegas Golden Knights after sustaining what appeared to be a gruesome leg injury.

Jonathan Marchessault, Nashville Predators

The cause and severity of Marchessault's injury remain unknown, and it is unclear whether he will play for the Predators in Tuesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Marchessault has struggled offensively of late, recording just one assist in his last 10 outings. He has 19 goals, 49 points and 76 hits in 73 games this season.

With Marchessault Sissons unavailable Monday in Philadelphia, it's likely we could see Jakub Vrana and Matthew Wood draw into the lineup for Nashville. Vrana has one goal in five games for the Predators since being claimed off waivers from the Washington Capitals on March 6 and hasn't appeared in a game since Nashville's March 20 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

Wood, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Predators over the weekend after his junior collegiate season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers came to an end with a loss to UMass Amherst in the NCAA Tournament. The injuries to Sissons and Marchessault could cause Wood to make his NHL debut sooner than anticipated, unless the Predators decide to go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen Monday in Philadelphia.

March 31, 2025

Sporting KC, coach Peter Vermes part ways after more than 15 seasons

Vermes had the world’s fourth-longest managerial tenure
KC failed to make playoffs in two of last three seasons

Sporting Kansas City and longtime coach Peter Vermes have mutually parted ways, the team announced on Monday.

Vermes, 58, was the longest-tenured skipper in MLS, having originally taken over as interim coach in 2009. He also owned the fourth-longest active managerial tenure in the world before his firing. His 15 year, seven month, 24 day tenure stands as the 38th-longest tenure by any soccer manager in the world since the second world war.

March 31, 2025

Cubs at Athletics prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for March 31

Its Monday, March 31 and the Chicago Cubs (2-4) are in Sacramento, CA to take on the Oakland Athletics (2-2) in Game 1 of their series.

Ben Brown is slated to take the mound for Chicago against Joey Estes for Oakland.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Cubs at Athletics

Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
Time: 10:05PM EST
Site: Sutter Health Park
City: Sacramento, CA
Network/Streaming: FDSN, NBCSCA

Odds for the Cubs at the Athletics

The latest odds as of Monday:

Moneyline: Chicago Cubs (-128), Oakland Athletics (+109)
Spread: Cubs -1.5
Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Cubs at Athletics

Pitching matchup for March 31, 2025: Ben Brown vs. Joey Estes
- Cubs: Ben Brown (0-1)
  Last Start: 3/18 vs. LA Dodgers (LOST 4-1), 2.2 IP, 4 Hits, 2 earned runs, 5 Ks
- Athletics: Joey Estes (0-0)
  2024 - 25GP, 127.2 IP, 7-9, 5.01 ERA, 92 Ks

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Cubs at Athletics

The A's are 3-1 on the Run Line this season (ATS)
Athletics' Game Totals are 0-3-1 (O/U) this season
The Cubs are 2-4 on the Run Line (ATS) this season

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Cubs and the Athletics

Rotoworld Best Bet

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Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Monday's game between the Cubs and the Athletics:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Chicago Cubs on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Cubs at -1.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

March 31, 2025

Jazz vs. Hornets Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 31

It’s Monday, March 31, and the Utah Jazz (16-59) and Charlotte Hornets (18-56) are all set to square off from Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

The Jazz are currently 7-29 on the road with a point differential of -9, while the Hornets have a 3-7 record in their last ten games at home. Charlotte won the only meeting of the season versus Utah, 117-112, on January 15.

Utah has lost the past five games and 15 of the previous 16 contests. Charlotte also dropped the past five games and seven of the last eight outings.

Game details & how to watch Jazz vs. Hornets live today

Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
Time: 7:00PM EST
Site: Spectrum Center
City: Charlotte, NC
Network/Streaming:

Game odds for Jazz vs. Hornets

The latest odds as of Monday:

Odds: Jazz (-115), Hornets (-104)
Spread: Jazz -1
Over/Under: 219 points

That gives the Jazz an implied team point total of 109.77, and the Hornets 109.25.

Expert picks & predictions for Monday’s Jazz vs. Hornets game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Under between the Jazz and Hornets:

"Utah has the rest advantage here with two days of rest compared to Charlotte who lost last night to the Pelicans (98-94). Charlotte rested its starters over the final eight minutes of a close contest with New Orleans last night, signaling the tank is on. It's hard to trust either team, I'd lean toward the Jazz if I had to pick a winner, but Under is likely the best bet in an ugly contest."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Jazz & Hornets game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Charlotte Hornets on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Charlotte Hornets at +1.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 219.

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Jazz vs. Hornets on Monday

The Jazz have won 5 of their last 6 games at the Hornets
7 of the Hornets' last 9 home matchups with the Jazz have gone over the Total
The Hornets have failed to cover in their last 5 games
The Jazz have won 5 of their last 6 games at the Hornets

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

March 31, 2025

Rockets vs. Lakers Odds, predictions, recent stats, trends and Best bets for March 31

Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview

The Houston Rockets (49-26) and Los Angeles Lakers (45-29) are all set to square off from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The Houston Rockets played last night. They embarrassed the Phoenix Suns 148-109. Now they travel to LA to take on the Lakers. The Rockets are 7-9 with no rest this season.

The Lakers could use a win tonight. They picked up a win against the Grizzlies, but haven’t been great recently.

The Rockets are currently 22-14 on the road with a point differential of 5, while the Lakers have a 8-2 record in their last ten games at home.

Game details & how to watch Rockets vs. Lakers live today

Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
Time: 10:00PM EST
Site: Crypto.com Arena
City: Los Angeles, CA
Network/Streaming:

Odds: Rockets (+157), Lakers (-189)
Spread: Lakers -5
Over/Under: 226 points

That gives the Rockets an implied team point total of 112.03, and the Lakers 114.63.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Rockets vs. Lakers game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Lakers -4…

Thomas: “The Rockets are on the second half of a back-to-back. I don’t love how the Lakers have been playing, but this is a game they have to take advantage of.

Unfortunately, they are only 8-10 ATS with a rest advantage this season. However, now with Doncic and James side by side, they should be able to better that number tonight.”

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Rockets & Lakers game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Los Angeles Lakers on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Houston Rockets at +5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 226.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Rockets vs. Lakers on Monday

The Lakers are on an 8-game win streak at home to the Rockets
The Lakers' last 3 matchups against Western Conference teams have gone over the Total
The Rockets have covered in 25 of their 45 matchups against Western Conference teams this season
The Rockets have covered in 21 of their 37 road games this season

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)