Thursday’s Olympics Predictions
After a big day of upsets at the 2018 Winter Olympics, will more upsets occur over the next 24 hours? Here’s our picks for three events on Thursday/Friday.
Men’s 1000m Speed Skating
This race features American Shani Davis perhaps competing for the final time. According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Davis is listed with +3300 odds tonight and is quite the longshot. The favorite is Kjeld Nuis (-150) while Havard Holmefjord Lorentzen (+300) also has short odds. Davis is a two-time gold medalist in this event, but hasn’t won a world championship in this event since 2015. Nuis already won gold in the 1,500m at these games and is the defending world champ. As great of a story as it would be to see Davis win, I see Nuis pushing to break his 2009 world record tonight. MEN’S 1000M SPEED SKATING PREDICTION: KJELD NUIS -150
Men’s Hockey Semifinal: Russia vs. Czech Republic
The semifinals in men’s hockey takes place early Friday morning and Russia finds itself as a -375 favorite against the Czech Republic (+295) tonight. Russia dominated Norway in the quarterfinals, 6-1. The Czech Republic defeated the United States in a shootout. Scoring goals shouldn’t be an issue for Russia, who has the most goals in these Olympics. They also have the top goal differential of +14. The Czech Republic can given them a game, but ultimately I think the Russian attack will be too much to overcome. MEN’S HOCKEY PREDICTION: RUSSIA -375
Men’s Curling Bronze Medal Game: Canada vs. Switzerland
After a shocking loss to the United States in the semifinals, Canada now finds itself possibly finishing off the podium in one of their strongest sports. Canada is a -250 favorite to beat Switzerland, which has a +185 money line to win bronze. The Canadiens have won gold or silver in all five Olympics since 1998. Switzerland did beat Canada 8-6 during pool play, but I have to believe Canada will be focused in on this match. The Women will already finish without a medal and the men can’t do the same. Kevin Koe will prevent that from happening. MEN’S CURLING PREDICTION: CANADA -250