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STN Sports Weekly Rundown
May 8, 2024
VGK Loss ‘Bittersweet,’ Timberwolves Causing Pain
After seven grueling games, the Vegas Golden Knights were vanquished from the NHL playoffs. On Cinco De Mayo, the Dallas Stars gave Mark Stone’s squad the old adios, which means the Las Vegas valley will be without its golden ambassadors through the rest of the NHL playoffs. The silver lining? There’s still plenty of NHL!
With all that in mind, let’s quickly look back at the past week in sports and peek at what’s ahead on the STN Sports app and at the STN Sports Books…
Golden Knights’ Exit
Although the STN Sports Books did well with Dallas’ victories over the Golden Knights, the VGK being tossed like a Jamal Murray heating pad is bittersweet.
“We definitely found ourselves as always rooting for the Stars, but from the fan side of it and quasi-business — you still would have increased handle on all the Knights games and a different atmosphere — we’re sorry to see them go,” said Chuck Esposito, Station Casinos’ Race and Sports Book Director. To little surprise, guests were backing the Knights with their hearts and pocketbooks, so oddsmakers needed the Stars in every game and in the series.
“Even though from the business side of it we were Stars fans, we still would’ve preferred to have the Knights continue to move on,” Esposito said. “It’s just really, really tough to repeat as champions in that league.” While the Knights are still most definitely in win-now mode, they have some key free agent situations to address, starting with Conn Smythe Trophy winner and original Misfit Jonathan Marchessault. Chandler Stephenson, William Carrier, and Michael Amadio might also have new area codes next season. Alec Martinez is an unrestricted free agent but retirement seems to be his most likely path.
“I don’t think they have to do a whole lot, but they’re going to have some difficult decisions to make,” Esposito said.
The focus now turns to the rest of the NHL, and it seems that bettors are eyeing an Avalanche/Oilers Western Conference Final. “The Stars are very good. I mean, they’re good at goaltending and defense. They really shut down the center of the ice against VGK and there’s a reason they had the second most points in the league and the most points in the Western Conference,” Esposito said. “The number has gone up a bit in the Oilers Canucks, so we’re seeing some money Edmonton money there.”
NBA Playoffs
The Minnesota Timberwolves were far from scary at the beginning of the season, but they are now terrifying the Sports Books. “We definitely have the most liability on them to win the NBA championship,” Esposito said. In June 2023, the Wolves were a 60-to-1 long shot to win the title, meaning books will be roasted more than a Tom Brady Netflix special if they prevail. Fortunately for those who saw the future, the Wolves are surging like a Vegas condo price.
“We saw some sharp play on them as we got closer to the playoffs, and there’s been play on them in the playoffs, too. The public is also starting to back them a little bit,” Esposito noted. “In terms of liability, we’re in really good shape on the Thunder, Celtics, Cavs. We’re in pretty good shape on almost all the other teams. The only team with really any serious liability is the Timberwolves.”
Fight Night
Canelo Alvarez laid a beatdown on fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia at The Fortress over the weekend, as the crowd was treated to more punches than Hi-C. Similar to the Ryan Garcia/Devin Haney fight from a few weeks ago, an onslaught of underdog money came over the counter and bet via the STN Sports App. In the Garcia fight, the book got body slammed like an Allegiant-bound Wrestlemania superstar. This time, though, guests weren’t so lucky.
“We were clearly Canelo fans and needed the fight to go the distance. That was the best case scenario for us and both happened,” Esposito said. “A lot was bet against Canelo. But we’re seeing a lot more play on a lot of dogs in boxing. You look at the value of the price and knowing that one punch could change the outcome, I think that’s why.”
The Derby
The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby had a more exciting ending than the Lovers and Friends festival. Mystik Dan, who entered with 18-to-1 odds, won the race in a photo finish, edging out Sierra Leone and Forever Young, both much larger favorites than the eventual winner. “There was standing room only crowds at our books, wall-to-wall people, and the atmosphere and handle were incredible,” Esposito said.
Bets To Know
Our Match of the Day continues to be popular with guests, giving them a 10% odds boost on the moneyline of a key game per day. Be on the lookout for NBA, NHL, and even UEFA Champions League as the MOTD as we head into the summer.
Weekly Winners
A 7-teamer for the win! This STN Sports bettor placed the below parlay on Tuesday for $200 to collect $9,759.
– Celtics -12.5 over Cavs 110
– Yankees ML over Astros -123
– Braves ML over Red Sox -187
– Angels ML over Pirates +122
– Dodgers ML over Marlins -319
– Dodgers/Marlins over 7.5 runs -105
– Cubs ML over Padres -163