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The MLS Western Conference Wild Card stage features a clash between two clubs heading in opposite directions as the Portland Timbers host Real Salt Lake at Providence Park on Wednesday night at 10:00 PM ET. The single-elimination showdown will be broadcast live on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, with the winner advancing to face top-seeded San Diego FC in Round 1. Oddsmakers opened Portland as a narrow favorite due to home-field advantage, but early sharp money has crept toward Salt Lake after Portland’s recent collapse.Moneyline: Portland Timbers +120 | Real Salt Lake +210 | Draw +245Total: Over/Under 2.5 (Over -115 / Under +105)Spread: Portland -0.5 (+120) Public bettors are leaning on Over 2.5 goals, expecting open play between two teams

The New Jersey Devils return home on short rest aiming for their sixth straight win when they host the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night at the Prudential Center. New Jersey extended its streak with a 5-2 road win over Toronto on Tuesday, led by Jack Hughes’ hat trick and three assists from Jesper Bratt. The Devils are off to a 5-1-0 start and have allowed only 11 goals during their five-game run. Coach Sheldon Keefe praised his team’s balance and accountability, noting their growing chemistry and energy. Meanwhile, Minnesota (3-3-1) snapped a three-game skid with a 3-1 win over the Rangers but still seeks consistency on its road trip finale. Both teams feature elite special teams — the Wild’s top-ranked

The MLS Eastern Conference Wild Card round kicks off Wednesday night with a matchup between the surging Chicago Fire and the slumping Orlando City SC at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. For Chicago, it’s a long-awaited return to postseason play. For Orlando, it’s a test of resilience after a frustrating slide down the standings. One team will move on — the other’s season ends abruptly. Oddsmakers opened this matchup nearly even, reflecting Chicago’s home advantage and Orlando’s experience in knockout games.Moneyline: Chicago Fire +130 | Orlando City +195 | Draw +240Total: Over/Under 2.5 (Over -122 / Under +104)Spread: Chicago Fire -0.5

Even without LeBron James, there’s no shortage of star power when the Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena in the second game of the NBA’s Opening Night doubleheader. Stephen Curry begins his 17th season for Golden State, while Luka Doncic enters his first full campaign with Los Angeles after being acquired from Dallas last February. James’ 23rd NBA season will be delayed up to a month as he recovers from sciatica, leaving Doncic and Austin Reaves to carry the early scoring load. Los Angeles added Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia to bolster its core. Curry will lead a veteran Warriors group that also features Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Both