Sports Handicapper Tom Macrina's Picks & Predictions

We have two good pitchers, in a divisional matchup, in a pitcher friendly park. This total has dropped from 7.5. I agree with the market.

Take Los Angeles Angels vs Seattle Mariners Under 7 (+100)

Norway enters this one fully recharged after resting key starters in their last match. Their attack is relentless in volume and quality, led by the Ødegaard-Haaland connection that can unlock even the best defenses. Norway have scored in 22 straight competitive matches, showing they can create chances consistently.

However, their defensive issues remain a glaring concern. This is a leaky backline that has conceded heavily in xG terms and earned just one clean sheet in their last nine games. That vulnerability gives opponents real opportunities on the counter and in transition.

Ivory Coast is well-equipped to exploit it. Their midfield is built to control tempo and disrupt Norway’s rhythm, while their fluid transition threats have the pace and movement to punish an open defensive shape. The Ivorians should be able to dominate stretches of the game and stay competitive from minute one to 90.

While Norway’s star power should eventually find a way through late, I expect Ivory Coast to make this a proper battle throughout.

Recommended Play: Ivory Coast +0.5 (-130)

Let's cash some tickets!

Ecuador’s counterattacking threat is real and can punish you in transition, but the atmosphere at Estadio Azteca is a force multiplier like few others in world football. That cauldron of noise and pressure levels the playing field and often tilts it heavily in Mexico’s favor.
The most bankable part of this matchup is Mexico’s defensive structure under Aguirre. They’ve been rock-solid at home in this tournament, outscoring opponents 6-0 on home soil. That level of control and clean-sheet mentality gives them a massive edge in a tight, high-stakes environment.
Getting plus-money on a team that has dominated at home like this is outstanding value.
We’re taking Mexico +123

This matchup has all the makings of a classic playoff-style battle. Two teams that know each other extremely well, loaded with elite defensive talent, playing for high stakes with a championship and bonus money on the line. Expect physical, half-court basketball where every possession matters and defensive intensity stays dialed up from start to finish.
Key Under Trends (Since 2025 Season Unless Noted):

New York home games after failing to cover 4-5 of their last 6 against the spread: 13-0 (100%) to the under. Average total: 166.7. Avg score: Liberty 78.1 – Opponent 75.4. (+13.0 units, 90.9% ROI)
New York home games after failing to cover 5-6 of their last 7 ATS: 10-0 (100%) to the under. Average total: 165.6. Avg score: Liberty 79.6 – Opponent 73.7. (+10.0 units, 90.9% ROI)
New York games after losing 4-5 of their last 6: 12-1 (92%) to the under. Average total: 167.8. Avg score: Liberty 81.7 – Opponent 76.5. (+10.9 units, 76.2% ROI)
New York games after losing 3 of their last 4: 12-1 (92%) to the under. Average total: 168.2. Avg score: Liberty 77.9 – Opponent 77.7. (+10.9 units, 76.2% ROI)

Las Vegas side trends:

Aces away/neutral in revenge spots where the opponent scored 85+ in the previous meeting: 8-0 (100%) to the under since 2025. Average total: 168.1. Avg score: Aces 75.4 – Opponent 77.3. (+8.0 units, 90.9% ROI)
Aces games vs poor-pressure defenses (opponents forcing ≤12 turnovers per game): 12-0 (100%) to the under since 2024. Average total: 168.6. Avg score: Aces 81.5 – Opponent 72.9. (+12.0 units, 90.9% ROI)

Championship games like this rarely turn into track meets. The pace should slow down significantly, with both sides emphasizing execution and physical defense over up-and-down play. Unless one team gets white-hot from beyond the arc, this projects as a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair that stays comfortably under the total.
Take: Aces/Liberty Under 176