MLS Picks: LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers preview, odds and best bets

Previewing Monday’s LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

LA Galaxy (0 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw) locks horns with the Portland Timbers (1-1-0) Monday at 10:30 p.m. ET in each club’s first game of the MLS is Back Tournament in the bubble at the Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We analyze the Los Angeles-Portland sports betting odds and lines at BetMGM, while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup.

LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers: Key injuries

LA Galaxy

  • MF Joe Corona (suspension) out
  • MF Jonathan dos Santos (hernia) out

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LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 8 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Portland 1, Los Angeles 0

Moneyline (ML)

PORTLAND (+150) is a solid play here. The Timbers have already tasted victory once this season, and they’ve yet to experience a setback, going 1-0-1. LA Galaxy (+165) managed to find the back of the net just once in the first two matches of the regular season, and the long layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic is unlikely to do them any favors. Rust won’t be a friend to their offense.

A $10 wager on Portland (+150) to win outright nets a profit of $15. A $10 wager on LA (+165) to win would net a profit of $16.50, while a Draw or Tie (+270) would fetch a $27 profit.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 3.5 (-162) is a slam-dunk play here. Both teams had trouble penetrating the net of the opponent in their first two matches, with Los Angeles accounting for just one goal, and Portland posting just two total goals. Both sides played pretty strong defense in the first two matches, too. While we have seen 2.5 or more goals in each of the past three in this series, lean Under and lean hard.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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MLS Picks: Los Angeles FC vs. Houston Dynamo preview, odds and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Los Angeles FC at Houston Dynamo sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

Los Angeles FC (1 win, 0 losses, 1 draw) will tangle with the Houston Dynamo (0-1-1) Monday at 8 p.m. ET in each club’s first game of the MLS is Back Tournament in the bubble at the Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We analyze the LAFC-Houston sports betting odds and lines at BetMGM, while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup.

LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo: Key injuries

LAFC

  • W Carlos Vela (personal) out

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LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

LAFC 3, Houston Dynamo 1

Moneyline (ML)

LAFC (-143) will be without star forward Vela for this one, as he elected to skip the tournament to be at home with his pregnant girlfriend, also avoiding a potential COVID-19 situation. Missing the El Tri star and reigning league MVP is a big deal, but Los Angeles still has Brian Rodriguez and Diego Rossi to pace the attack against a Houston defense which coughed up four goals last time out against Sporting Kansas City.

Unless Dynamo head coach Tab Ramos magically found some defense during the hiatus, it’s going to be another long match for his group.

A $10 wager on LAFC (-143) to win outright nets a profit of $7. A $10 wager on Houston Dynamo (+340) to pull the upset would fetch a profit of $34, while a Draw or Tie (+325) would mean a $32.50 profit.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 3.5 (-105) is worth a small-unit bet, as Rodriguez and Rossi are two talented strikers who could help LAFC to the over all on their own if they’re hitting on all cylinders. Yes, we’ve had a long layoff, but Houston’s defense looked that bad before the break.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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MLS Picks: Sporting Kansas City vs. Minnesota United FC preview, odds and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Sporting Kansas City vs. Minnesota United FC sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

Sporting Kansas City (2 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws) and Minnesota United FC (2-0-0) lock horns Sunday at 8 p.m. ET in each club’s first game of the MLS is Back Tournament in the bubble at the Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We analyze the Kansas City-Minnesota sports betting odds and lines at BetMGM, while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Sporting Kansas City vs. Minnesota United FC: Key injuries

Kansas City

  • D Andreu Fontas (Achilles) out
  • MF Felipe Gutierrez (knee) out

Minnesota

  • D Brent Kallman (suspension) out
  • D Ike Opara (undisclosed) out

Place legal sports bets on MLS action in CO, IN, NJ and WV through BetMGM. Sign up and bet at BetMGM now!

Sporting Kansas City vs. Minnesota United FC: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Sporting Kansas City 2, Minnesota United FC 1

Moneyline (ML)

SPORTING KC (+135) sat atop the table after two matches before the pause button was pressed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They looked like a juggernaut early on, posting a 4-0 win over a beleaguered Houston side after an impressive 3-1 win over Vancouver in the March 1 opener. That’s good for a plus-6 goal differential after just two matches.

Right on their heels was Minnesota (+180), who has a healthy plus-5 goal differential, second only to KC. There are some concerns for Minnesota United, as Opara opted out of the tournament due to an unspecified injury, although it has been confirmed he did not test positive for coronavirus.

Add in the fact Kallman still has seven more games to serve out of his 10-game suspension, and the underdogs are a bit light in the defensive department. That’s not good against a blitzkrieg offense like KC.

A winning $10 wager on Sporting KC (+135) fetches a return of $13.50. A $10 play on Minnesota United FC (+180) would net a profit of $18, while a draw (+270) would return a $27 profit on a $10 wager.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 2.5 (-162) is a bit costly, but the way both of these teams scored goals in the early going of the season, it should be possible. Yes, we have had a long layoff, but just look to Saturday’s 4-0 drumming by Columbus against Cincinnati.

Even after a long layoff, some teams are picking up right where they left off. It won’t be a shootout, but three goals should be easily attainable.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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MLS Picks: FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew SC odds and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew SC sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

FC Cincinnati (0 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws) tangle with their Buckeye state rivals the Columbus Crew (1-0-1) Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET in each club’s first game of the MLS is Back Tournament in the bubble at the Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We analyze the Cincinnati-Columbus sports betting odds and lines at BetMGM, while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup.

FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew: Key injuries

Cincinnati

  • F Jurgen Locadia (thigh) out

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FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at noon ET.

Prediction

Columbus 2, Cincinnati 0

Moneyline (ML)

COLUMBUS (-110) is the more well-rounded club, and it will show in this one. It also helps that the Crew are completely healthy, while Locadia is a big loss for Cincinnati (+290), and it need all hands on deck since the defense was absolutely atrocious through the first two matches. Cincinnati allowed five goals in two outings, tied for the worst defense in the Eastern Conference.

A winning $10 wager on Columbus (-110) nets a profit of $9.10. A $10 wager on Cincinnati (+290) would net a $29 profit if it were to pull off the upset.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 (-121) is the way to be, as the Under is 3-1 through the first four matches of the MLS is Back Tournament, and it would be a perfect 4-0 if not for Orlando City SC’s game-winning tally at 90’+7 against Miami the other night. Cincinnati is rather punchless on offense, and you can expect some heavy legs and bit of a feeling out process for most of this battle.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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MLS Picks: Atlanta United FC vs. New York Red Bulls preview, odds and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Atlanta United FC vs. New York Red Bulls sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

Atlanta United FC (2 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws) square off with the New York Red Bulls (1-0-1) Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in each club’s first game of the MLS is Back Tournament in the bubble at the Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We analyze the Atlanta-New York sports betting odds and lines at BetMGM, while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Atlanta United FC vs. New York Red Bulls: Key injuries

Atlanta

  • F Josef Martinez (knee) out

New York

  • D Aaron Long (hamstring) available
  • GK Ryan Meara (knee) available

Place legal sports bets on MLS action in CO, IN, NJ and WV through BetMGM. Sign up and bet at BetMGM now!

Atlanta United FC vs. New York Red Bulls: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Atlanta 2, New York 1

Moneyline (ML)

ATLANTA (+115) was playing better than anyone in the Eastern Conference before the pause in early March. While it’s difficult to glean much from a two-match sample size, Atlanta United consistently finds the back of the net, even without their star striker Martinez.

They were tied for the most goals in the Eastern Conference through two matches, and they’ll do enough against a defensively-challenged Red Bulls (+225) side to come away with the victory.

A winning $10 wager on Atlanta (+115) nets a profit of $11.50. A $10 wager on New York (+225) would fetch a $22.50 profit if the Red Bulls were able to come through with a win.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 2.5 (-154) is a bit on the costly side, but it will be worth it in the end. Both of these clubs were averaging 2.0 goals per game before the pause, and the Red Bulls yielded three markers early on. While these teams will be building up their stamina again as they get into the swing of things, a total of three goals shouldn’t be too difficult to achieve. Also, playing YES (-176) ON BOTH TEAMS WILL SCORE is a good wager, too.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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MLS: Montreal vs. New England odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Montreal Impact vs. New England Revolution sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Montreal Impact (1 win, 0 losses, 1 draw) takes on the New England Revolution (0-1-1) Thursday at 8 p.m. ET in each club’s first game of the “MLS is Back Tournament” in the bubble at the Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. We analyze the Montreal-New England sports betting odds and lines, while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup from BetMGM sportsbook.

Montreal vs. New England: Key injuries

Montreal

  • MF Steeven Saba (foot) doubtful

New England

  • MF Luis Caicedo (knee) out
  • D Andrew Farrell (left quad) questionable

Place legal sports bets on MLS action in CO, IN, NJ and WV through BetMGM. Sign up and bet at BetMGM now!


Montreal vs. New England: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Montreal 2, New England 2

Moneyline (ML)

Montreal (+250) edged New England (+100) by a 2-1 count Feb. 29 before the pause button was pressed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic situation. Now, they’ll square off in the bubble in Orlando. The difference here is that the Revolution will have a full cadre of DPs with F Gustavo Bou, F Adam Buksa and MF Carles Gil available for the first time. That will tip the scales more in their favor in a match which should see plenty of action. TIE (+275) IS THE BEST BET. Also, if this match were to end up 2-2, betting that for the “Correct Score” returns a healthy +1150.

A winning $10 wager on Montreal and New England settling for a draw nets a profit of $27.50. A $10 wager on the Correct Score ending up 2-2 nets a profit of $111.50 – basically, every $1 wager that wins will profit $11.50.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 3.5 (+150) could be quite the value here. The Impact were averaging 2.0 goals per match before the pause, while allowing 1.5 goals per match. The Revs netted two total goals while also allowing 1.5 goals per match. While I expect some clubs to start slow in the bubble, these sides are relatively healthy and could get off to a quick start. Over 2.5 (-162) is a safer play, and will cost you a lot more juice, but should be a slam-dunk play as well.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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MLS: New York City FC vs. Philadelphia Union odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s New York City FC vs. Philadelphia Union sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

New York City FC (0 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws) takes on Philadelphia Union (0-1-1) Thursday at 9 a.m. ET in the “MLS is Back Tournament” in the bubble at the Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. We analyze the New York City FC-Philadelphia Union sports betting odds and lines, while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup from BetMGM sportsbook.

New York City FC vs. Philadelphia Union: Key injuries

New York City FC

  • MF Nicolas Acevedo (coronavirus travel restrictions) available

Philadelphia Union

  • F Cory Burke (travel restrictions) out

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New York City FC vs. Philadelphia Union: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 4:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Philadelphia Union 2, New York City FC 1

Moneyline (ML)

New York City FC (+135) was dropped 1-0 in each of its first two matches, showing off a lack of offense but tremendous defense and goalkeeping. PHILADELPHIA UNION (+180) is the better value here, as it found the back of the net three times in the first two games of the regular season while allowing five goals. Union’s lack of defense shouldn’t be an issue here against a New York side which is still looking for its first goal of 2020. A “Double Chance” bet taking Philadelphia or Tie (-176) might also be worth a small-unit wager if you’re just looking to dip your toe into the MLS betting pool and not get crazy until you get a bit of a preview.

A winning $10 wager on Philadelphia (+180) fetches a profit of $18.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 3.5 (-167) will cost you a bit of a pretty penny, and in normal times it might be a bit worrisome considering Philly’s lack of defense in the first two matches. However, we have a 9 a.m. ET start, as MLS scheduled games in the early morning or evening in Orlando to limit the exposure to the scorching hot Central Florida sun and weather issues. But teams might be a bit sluggish offensively, rolling out of bed and playing meaningful games. Look for a slow offensive start for both ends.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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MLS: Orlando City vs. Inter Miami odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Orlando City vs. Inter Miami sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

Orlando City (0 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw) battles new Florida rival Inter Miami (0-2-2) Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET in the first game of the “MLS is Back Tournament” in the bubble at the Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. We analyze the Orlando City-Inter Miami sports betting odds and lines, while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup from BetMGM sportsbook.

Orlando City vs. Inter Miami: Key injuries

Orlando City

  • F Dom Dwyer (lower body) available

Inter Miami

  • MF George Acosta (knee) out
  • F Julian Carranza (foot) available
  • MF David Norman Jr. (ankle) out
  • D Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (ineligible) out
  • F Robbie Robinson (personal) out
  • D Roman Torres (suspension) out
  • D Denso Ulysse (lower leg) out

Place legal sports bets on MLS action in CO, IN, NJ and WV through BetMGM. Sign up and bet at BetMGM now!


Orlando City vs. Inter Miami: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 4:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Orlando City 1, Inter Miami 1

Moneyline (ML)

Both of these teams started out rather sluggish in the first two games of the MLS season. Orlando City (+200) picked up a point with a draw, but managed just one goal while allowing two. Inter Miami (+130) was equally impotent on offense, netting just one goal while yielding three. After a lengthy layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic, expect a lot of “feeling out” early on, heavy legs and sloppy-set pieces. Each team might be able to find a marker, but a scoreless match wouldn’t be shocking here, either. TIE (+250) IS THE BEST BET. It might be a good small-unit play to take the “Double Chance” wager with Orlando City or Tie (-167).

A winning $10 wager on Orlando City and Inter Miami settling for a draw nets a profit of $25.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 (+105) fetches plus-money, but it might be the way to go. The two sides are likely to look like they’re running in sand as they build up their fitness and stamina as guinea pigs in the first match of the tournament. During “normal” times, they weren’t exactly lighting the world afire offensively, so it’s strange that the Under is such a value here.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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