clay holmes moving crosstown to join mets as a starter

Clay Holmes moving crosstown to join Mets as a starter

The New York Mets have accepted terms on a three-year, $38 million deal with right-hander Clay Holmes. But, the Mets do not wish to use him as a reliever. Instead, they will turn him to the rotation, hoping for his ability to use a three-pitch mix multiple times through a batting order.  New York has not confirmed the contract, which contains an opt-out after the 2026 season, because it is awaiting a physical.  When the deal becomes official, the signing will be one of the examples of an established reliever stretching out as a starter. Former Mets reliever Seth Lugo started the trend in 2023 when he signed with the San Diego Padres and delivered a 3.57 ERA in 26 starts. A year later, Lugo finished second in American League Cy Young voting.  Lugo’s replacement in the Padres rotation, Michael King, went from a standout Yankees reliever to a fantastic San Diego starter, also getting Cy Young votes.  Unlike Lugo and King, Holmes does not have four-plus pitches. But the former Yankees pitcher throws with regularity, including a high-velocity sinker that he led the Majors with a 64.6 percent ground-ball rate last term. Holmes compliments that pitch with two unique breaking balls, a slider and sweeper, which he used to strike out 68 batters in 63 innings. 

Read More »
nba predictions new york knicks vs detroit pistons expert picks

NBA PREDICTIONS: New York Knicks VS Detroit Pistons Expert Picks

The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons will meet on Sunday at Madison Square Garden to play out a Knicks VS Pistons match.  Find Expert NBA Picks for Knicks VS Pistons here on MatchPlug. We are a trusted website to find previews about the ongoing NBA season.  Predictions and Betting Preview For New York Knicks VS Detroit Pistons Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The New York Knicks The New York Knicks defeated the Magic and Hornets, and will face the Raptors, Hawks and Timberwolves next. The Knicks average 118.3 points on 49.4 percent shooting and allow 110.8 points on 46.5 percent shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 25.2 points and 13.2, while Jalen Brunson is averaging 25.1 points and 7.5 assists.  OG Anunoby is the third double-digit scorer and Mikal Bridges grabs 3.6 rebounds. New York shoot 40.1 percent from beyond the arc and 83.6 percent from the free throw line. The Knicks allow 36.2 percent shooting from deep and grab 42.6 rebounds per game.  Betting On The Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons lost the Celtics and Bucks, and the play Boston, Heat and Jazz next. They average 110.2 points on 46.2 percent shooting and permitting 113.2 points on 46.3 percent shooting. Cade Cunningham is averaging 23.7 points and 7.2 rebounds, while Jaden Ivey is averaging 17.7 points and 4.3 assists. Malik Beasley is the third double-digit scoerer and Tobias Harris grabs 6.8 rebounds.  Detroit shoots 35.8 percent from beyond the arc and 76.2 percent from the free-throw line. The Pistons allow 37.7 percent shooting from deep and grab 45.5 rebounds per game.  MatchPlug Prediction New York Knicks VS Detroit Pistons  The Knicks beat the Pistons by 30 points in November, and their playing is better now than it was then. Double-digit chalk, but supporting New York is the best choice considering the form of both clubs.  Final Prediction: New York Knicks Spread. 

Read More »
boston celtics vs memphis grizzlies expert picks

NBA PREDICTIONS: Boston Celtics VS Memphis Grizzlies Expert Picks

The Memphis Grizzlies will visit TD Garden for a road match against the Boston Celtics. Memphis beat the Sacramento Kings, while Boston was in the second leg of a back-to-back on Friday. Read our preview of Celtics VS Grizzlies.  MatchPlug has the Sure Win Prediction Today for Celtics VS Grizzlies. If you need more NBA Predictions Tonight for similar matches, you can find them on our website. Predictions and Betting Preview For Boston Celtics VS Memphis Grizzlies  Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics played the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday and will play the second installment of a back-to-back for this match with the Grizzlies. Two days ago, Boston used a big first half en route to a 130-12 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Jalyen Brown scored 28 points with 9 assists and Kristaps Porzignis contributed 26 points and 9 rebounds. Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday did not play, but their injuries are minor issues.  Derrick White had 14 points and 11 assists and Payton Richard scored 9 points off the bench for the Celtics. Boston scored 12 straight to secure an 18-4 lead less than four minutes into the match and led by 20. They had a double-digit lead until the fourth quarter when the Pistons closed the gap, but the starters rejoined and ended the match. The Celtics lead the league averaging 19 made triples per match. Betting On The Memphis Grizzlies The Memphis Grizzlies watched their six-match winning streak end on Tuesday with a road loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks came from behind to steal 15 points down in the last quarter to secure a 121-116 victory. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins was upset after the match where Dallas shot 25 free throws in the fourth quarter to just three for the Grizzlies, who played an attacking style.  Memphis returned to the court on Thursday and had a solid 115-110 road victory over the Sacramento Kings. Marcus Smart scored 18 points and delivered two free throws to end the match. Desmond Bane scored 18 points and 7 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama scored 15 points each, with Aldama recording 10 rebounds as the Grizzlies won its 7th straight at home.  MatchPlug Prediction Boston Celtics VS Memphis Grizzlies  The Celtics are second in the league in first-quarter points per game, and experts expect a massive open from Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in the first. Take Boston to win and cover.  Final Prediction: Boston Celtics Spread. 

Read More »
washington wizards vs denver nuggets

NBA PREDICTIONS: Washington Wizards VS Denver Nuggets Expert Picks

The Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets will feature in a Wizards VS Nuggets match at the Capital One Arena.  Find Expert NBA Picks for Wizards VS Nuggets here on MatchPlug. We are a trusted website to find previews about the ongoing NBA Finals.  Predictions and Betting Preview For Washington Wizards VS Denver Nuggets Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The Washington Wizards The Washington Wizards lost to Dallas and Cleveland, and will play Memphis, Cavaliers, and Boston next. Washington averages 106.7 points on 43.8 percent shooting and permits 123.6 points on 48.4 percent shooting. Jordan Poole is averaging 20 points, 2.1 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma scored 15.8 points and 1.9 assists.  Malcolm Brogdon is the third double-digit scorer, while Jonas Valanciunas records 7.6 rebounds. The Wizards shoot 31.3 percent from beyond the arc and 77.5 percent from the free-throw line. Washington allowed 37.8 percent shooting from deep and grabbed 42.3 rebounds per match.  Betting On The Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets lost to Cleveland, defeated Golden State, and will play Atlanta, Clippers and Sacramento next. They average 117.9 points on 48.6 percent shooting and permit 116.8 points on 47 percent shooting. Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.9 points and 13.4 rebounds, while Michael Porter Jr. averages 19 points and 7.2 rebounds.  Jamal Murray is the third double-digit scorer and Christian Braun grabs 5.1 rebounds. The Nuggets shoot 38.7 percent from beyond the arc and 76 percent from the free-throw line. Denver allows 36.6 percent shooting from deep and grab 44.4 rebounds per match.  MatchPlug Prediction Washington Wizards VS Denver Nuggets  Washington are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 matches as a double-digit underdog. But supporting Washington is no longer a good bet these days. Take the Nuggets to win.  Final Prediction: Denver Nuggets Moneyline. 

Read More »
new orleans pelicans vs oklahoma city thunder

NBA PREDICTIONS: New Orleans Pelicans VS Oklahoma City Thunder Expert Picks

The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans will face off on Sunday at the Smoothie King Center. Read our analysis of Pelicans VS Thunder.  Keep reading for NBA Betting predictions, picks, odds, and Sure Tips for the Pelicans VS Thunder, brought to you by MatchPlug. Follow us for full coverage of this game. Predictions and Betting Preview for New Orleans Pelicans VS Oklahoma City Thunder  Odds by 1XBet. Betting On The New Orleans Pelicans  The New Orleans Pelicans lost to Atlanta, defeated Phoenix, and will play San Antonio, Sacramento and Indiana next. New Orleans averaged 104.3 points on 43.6 percent shooting and permitted 116.4 points on 48.7 percent shooting. Brandon Ingram has 23.2 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Zion Willamson averages 22.7 points and 8 rebounds.  CJ McCollum is the third double-digit scorer and Trey Murphy III is grabbing 4.6 rebounds. The Pelicans shoot 32.8 percent from beyond the arc and 75.2 percent from the free throw line. The Pelicans permit 37.3 percent shooting from deep and clinch 43.4 rebounds per match.  Betting On The Oklahoma City Thunder  The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Utah and Toronto, and will face Dallas, Orlando, and Miami next. The Thunder average 115.6 points on 46.3 percent shooting and permit 103.6 points on 42.3 percent shooting. Shai Gilegous-Alexander is averaging 29.8 points and 6.5 assists, while Jalen Willams scores 21.7 points and 6.1 rebounds.  Chet Holmgren is the third double-digit scorer and Isaiah Hartenstein records 12.9 rebounds. Oklahoma City shot 34.6 percent from beyond the arc and 80.5 percent from the free throw line. They allow 33.4 percent shooting from deep and grab 43.3 rebounds per match.  MatchPlug Prediction For New Orleans Pelicans VS Oklahoma City Thunder  The Pelicans are playoff materials and could go that far this season. Although things are bad for them now, there is a chance they can beat the Thunder to cover the spread.  Final Prediction: New Orleans Pelican Spread. 

Read More »
new jersey devils vs seattle kraken

NHL Predictions Today: New Jersey Devils VS Seattle Kraken Expert Picks

The New Jersey Devils will play against the Seattle Kraken at Prudential Center on Saturday. Read our analysis for Devils VS Kraken.  MatchPlug has a Sure Home win Prediction for the Devils VS Kraken. Use the Prediction today, picks, odds, and analysis we laid out in this preview. Betting Preview for New Jersey Devils VS Seattle Kraken  Odds as provided by 1XBet. Betting On The New Jersey Devils  In their last match, the New Jersey Devils faced the New York Rangers, and the Devils won by a 5-1 tally. They got 4 power play opportunities in the match and recorded 2 out of those chances. New Jersey scored 5 goals of the 28 shots on goal they tried.  So far this year, the Devils have 99 goals, 36 points, and a points percentage of .643. They have permitted 76 goals to be scored by 60 goals at even strength and 16 goals while having less men on ice. New Jersey recorded 69 goals and 30 goals (1st in the NHL) on power play. The Devils have 87 power play chances and have a power play rate of 34.48%.  Betting On The Seattle Kraken The Seattle Kraken’s opponent have racked up 62 power play tries (28th in professional hockey) and have notched 14 goals in those attempts. Seattle have witnessed 717 shots and they have a save percentage of .891. They have fired 737 shots and hold a shot percentage of 10.0%. At even strength, the Kraken have conceded 64 goals while scoring 62 on offense.  Seattle enter this match with 82 power play chances and have scored 12 goals out of those attempts, to have a percentag of 14.63%. For the season, they have 25 points and their points percentage comes in at .481. In scoring, the Kraken have recorded 74 goals (20th in hockey) so far this campaign and have permitted 78.  MatchPlug Prediction For New Jersey Devils VS Seattle Kraken  In this match versus the New Jersey Devils and Seattle Kraken, the Devils are picked as the favourites to win on the Moneyline.  Final Prediction: New Jersey Devils Moneyline. 

Read More »
toronto maple leafs vs washington capitals expert picks

NHL Predictions Today: Toronto Maple Leafs VS Washington Capitals Expert Picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs will welcome the Washington Capitals today to the Scotiabank Arena. Watch Maple Leafs VS Capitals.  Use MatchPlug to get the NHL Predictions today for the Maple Leafs VS Capitals game. You can trust the Prediction today, picks, odds, and analysis we laid out in this preview. Betting Preview For Toronto Maple Leafs VS Washington Capitals  Odds as provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs have had good offense recently. They score three goals or more in eight of their last 10 matches. The Maple Leafs are 15th in goals per game and 12th in shots per match. Toronto ranks 15th in goals per match and 12th in shots per game. Mitch Marner leads them with 36 points. William Nylander has 27 points.  Toronto has been average but their goaltending has been good this campaign. The Maple Leafs are second in goals against per match and 19th in shots against per game. Anthony Stolarz has an 8-4-2 record with a 2.23 GAA and .924 SV%. Joseph Woll has a record of 7-2-0 with a 2.11 GAA and .922 SV%. Betting On The Washington Capitals  The Washington Capitals have had an excellent offense this season. They scored four or more goals in seven of their last 10 matches. Washington is first in goals per match and 17th in shots per match. Dylan Strom leads the team with 34 points. Alex Ovechkin has 25 points, and Connor McMichael has 24 points. Overchkin will be out for a few weeks due to a fractured fibula.  The Capitals defense and goaltending have been good this term. They ranked 8th in goals against per game and 11th in shots against per match. Logan Thompson has a record of 10-1-2 with a 2.52 GAA and .913 SV%. Charlie Lindgren has a record of 7-5-0 with a 2.95 GAA and .890 SV%. MatchPlug Prediction On Toronto Maple Leafs VS Washington Capitals  The Maple Leafs goaltending have been good this season. They are second in goals against per game. Given their previous record against the Capitals, Toronto will win this game. Final Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs Moneyline. 

Read More »
anaheim ducks vs minnesota wild expert picks

NHL Predictions Today: Anaheim Ducks VS Minnesota Wild Expert Picks

The Minnesota Wild will visit the Honda Center to face the Anaheim Ducks in a Ducks VS Wild match.  MatchPlug has a Sure Home win Prediction for the Ducks VS Wild. Use the Prediction today, picks, odds, and analysis we laid out in this preview. Betting Preview For Anaheim Ducks VS Minnesota Wild  Odds as provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Anaheim Ducks The Anaheim Ducks have scored a total of 60 goals, 23 points, and a points percentage of .479. They have scored 71 goals in total, gotten by 55 goals at even strength and 16 goals while they were short handed. Anaheim has 49 goals at even strength and 11 goals (30th in the NHL) while having a power play advantage. They record 71 chances on the power play and have a power play percentage of 15.49%. The Ducks have attempted 660 shots (28th in hockey) and have gathered a shot percentage of 9.09%, while permitting the opposition 800 shots. Anaheim has recorded a penalty kill rate of 75.76% on the other teams 66 power play opportunities, and their save percentage is presently 91.1%.  Betting On The Minnesota Wild The Minnesota Wild have gotten 60 power play chances (30th in professional hockey) and have a total of 16 goals in those attempts. The Wild have had 724 shots against them and earned a save percentage of .920. Minnesota have shot 720 and hold a shooting percentage of 11.1%. When playing evenly matched opponents, they concede 42 goals while having 67 on offense.  Minnesota has 67 power play chances and scored 13 goals during those opportunities, getting them a 19.40% rate. This term, they have gathered up to 38 points and their points percentage is at .760. In terms of their scoring capabilities, the Wild have 80 goals (11th in the NHL) this campaign and have conceded 58.  MatchPlug Prediction For Anaheim Ducks VS Minnesota Wild  In this Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild match, the Wild are picked as the favourites to win on the Moneyline.  Final Prediction: Anaheim Ducks Moneyline. 

Read More »
vancouver canucks vs columbus blue jackets

NHL Predictions Today: Vancouver Canucks VS Columbus Blue Jackets Expert Picks

The Vancouver Canucks and Columbus Blue Jackets will meet at the Rogers Arena on Saturday morning. Read our analysis of Canucks VS Blue Jackets.  MatchPlug has a Sure Home win Prediction for the Canucks VS Blue Jackets. Use the Prediction today, picks, odds, and analysis we laid out in this preview. Betting Preview for Vancouver Canucks VS Columbus Blue Jackets  Odds as provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks have attempted 654 shots (30th in the NHL) and got a shot percentage of 11.93%, while permitting the opposition to shoot 678 shots. Vancouver has a penalty kill rate of 80.82% on their opponents 73 tries on the power play, and their save percentage is 88.8%. The Canucks record 73 power play chances and have a power play rate of 23.29%.  Vancouver have 61 goals at even strength and 17 goals (10th in the NHL) while on the power play. They have allowed 76 goals to be scored by 62 goals at even strength and 14 gaols while they were missing some players. During this season, the Canucks have 78 goals, 30 points, and a points percentage of .625.  Betting On The Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Jackets have gathered 83 goals (10th in the NHL) this season and have given up 84. For the year, they have 25 points and their points percentage is at .521. The Blue Jackets enter this fixture with 62 power play chances and notched 11 goals out of those tries, getting them a rate of 17.74%.  Columbus allowed the opposition to score 63 goals while scoring 72. They attempted 752 shots and held a shooting percentage of 11.0%. So far, the Blue Jackets have taken 687 shots against them and a save percentage of .878. Their opponents gathered 77 power play attempts (15th in the NHL) and have a total of 21 goals in those attempts. MatchPlug Prediction For Vancouver Canucks VS Columbus Blue Jackets  The Vancouver Canucks are chosen as the favourites to win this match against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Take the Canucks on the moneyline.  Final Prediction: Vancouver Canucks Moneyline. 

Read More »
how to bet on soccer matches

How To Bet On Soccer Matches: A Beginner’s Guide With Matchplug Tips

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, and thanks to the emergence of numerous sports betting websites, there are now many ways to wager on a single soccer match. However, as is the case with any activity that has to do with sports, keeping track of every single tournament, league, and match in soccer can be exhausting. That is why we have written this article on how to bet on soccer matches; a beginner’s guide to MatchPlug tips.  In our article we’ll explain soccer predictions, the various types of bets in this sports, how to read odds, how to bet on soccer matches as a beginner and where to place your bets for maximum returns. Keep reading to learn these things. Table Of Content: Understanding Soccer Matches And How They Work Before you can know what soccer betting lines are, you must first understand what soccer is and how the sport works. Soccer is typically a low-scoring sport played over 90 minutes (it has two halves played 45 minutes each).  Unlike other sports, soccer matches do not always end with a 0-0 score. In a regulation match, you can find a winner, a loser, or a draw when two clubs tie. Most soccer games are restricted to a regulation time, including a “stoppage time” that officials calculate throughout the game. Due to this, most soccer betting lines are designated and marked on the 90-minute relegation time result.  Certain matches are “knockout matches” where clubs are knocked out through a result. In those cases, the teams play two 15-minute halves of “extra time” as the result of a draw. The clubs can now decide the match winner via penalty kicks (shootout) if needed.  How To Read Odds In Soccer Matches  Learning how to read betting odds is a skill you must pick up if you want to bet on soccer matches. Odds indicate the probability of an outcome. For highly probable outcomes, the odds are lower, meaning the bookmaker expects that outcome, and the payout attached to the winning bet is lower.  For outcomes that are not likely, the odds will be higher, and the payout given to a winning bet will also be high.  Betting odds can be shown in three different methods, which often depends on your location. These odds all have the same meaning, but are shown in different formats. Choose the odds format you want to use and leave the rest.  Examples Of Odds In Soccer Matches There are different types of betting odds you’ll come across when betting on soccer matches. We have explained them in this section.  1. American Odds American odds are shown in a plus or minus format. This odd is specific to the United States of America.  Plus odds If you see a plus sign in front of a number, it means that for every $100 bet, you will get the number that comes after that “+” sign if the bet is successful. You will also get your original stake back.  For example, odds listed at +120, means that if you place $100 on that outcome, and it was successful, you could get back $120 plus your original $100 stake ($220 total). But, you must not bet $100; if you place a $10 bet at +120 odds you’ll win $12, a $1 bet at the same odds will make you $1.20.  Minus odds If there is a minus sign in front of a number, then what it means is that you’ll bet the number shown after the minus “-”sign to win $100. For example, if the odds are -120, you need to wager $120 to win $100 on a successful bet . This is of course in addition to getting back your original stake.  2. Slash Odds Slash odds are popular in the United Kingdom and anywhere else outside the USA. This odd is displayed in fractional format, although it is the same concept as American odds. Here, the winning amount is listed as the numerator, while the denominator is the corresponding bet. For example – if the odds are 9/2, it means that a $2 bet will get you a $9 win. If it is 8/11, an $11 bet will get you an $8 dollar win. Just know, the denominator is the amount you wager to get the numerator.  3. Decimal Odds In other parts of the world, odds are presented in decimal format of up to two decimal places. With these odds, the number displayed is the total amount you’ll gain on a $1 bet, with a twist. Unlike other odds formats, the number includes the return of your original stake.  So, a successful $1bet at 2.00 odds gets back $2 (your $1 win plus the original $1 you bet gives you $2). If the bet is successful at 2.50, it means that a $1 wager would get you $2.50 ($1.50 in winnings plus the $1 original stake).  10 Different Types Of Bets In Soccer Matches There are different types of bets you’ll wager on in soccer matches, and each one has its set of rules and predictions. This section discusses how each of them works.  1. Moneyline Moneyline is the most common bet in soccer matches. It just requires you to choose a winner, choosing a set of odds for each club using their implied probability of winning the match.  There are two main types of moneyline bet – three-way soccer moneylines and two-way soccer moneylines.  3-Way Moneyline The three-way moneyline comes with 3 options for you, these include: Three-way moneyline results are evaluated entirely on 90 minutes of play, also called “Regular Time.’’ So if you wager on a team to win and it is tied after 90 minutes and that time wins in extra time, you have lost the bet. It also includes injury or stoppage time the referee adds, but it excludes overtimes or PKs. 2 Way-Moneyline The Two-way moneyline is offered in two easy ways: Double Chance and Draw No

Read More »