The Match III Opening Odds – Peyton Manning and Steph Curry -150 Favorites Over Phil Mickelson and Charles Barkley

• “The Match IIi: Champions for Change” features Phil Mickelson & Charles Barkley facing Peyton Manning & Steph Curry with proceeds benefitting HBCU’s on Friday, November 27th
• Manning and Curry are -150 favorites to win, while Mickelson and Barkley are +125 underdogs
• See analysis of the match and who your bet should be in the story below

A third iteration of ‘The Match’ is set featuring Phil Mickelson and Charles Barkley up against Peyton Manning, who is with Stephen Curry and his plus handicap.

While Tiger Woods is sitting this one out, adding Barkley and his infamous swing to the mix will make for an entertaining product

The event will contribute toward and highlight diversity, equality and inclusion through donations to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), while raising awareness and spotlighting opportunities for diversity and equality in sports.

The golf course will be Stone Canyon Golf Club in Arizona, which is owned by Mickelson Golf Properties.

The Match III – Champions for Change Opening Odds

Odds taken October 19th at DraftKings

Mickelson Will Need to Carry Barkley

Phil Mickelson has been on a roll on the Champions Tour, picking up two victories in his first two events on the senior circuit. He’s been using the tour as a way to prepare for major including the US Open and the Masters next month.

Phil thrills again. 🤳🏆 pic.twitter.com/sKFyfudJZF

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 18, 2020

Though some details have yet to be ironed out, clearly Barkley will be given several strokes to make the match more evenly matched due to the opposing team boasting an impressive golf game.

That might still not be enough, however, because added pressure is what got Barkley’s swing into a mess to begin with years ago.

I mean this in the nicest way possible, but I don’t think I can (soberly) watch Charles Barkley play 18 holes of golf.

— Amanda Rose (@AmandaGolf59) October 19, 2020

Mickelson will have a distinct advantage because he knows the property and course better than the other three players and obviously because he’s the lone professional golfer competing.

The format will be modified alternate shot off the tee, where both golfers hit their tee shots and then alternating from there. Lefty has been known to be wild off the tee, so if that comes into play this go around, things could go sideways in a hurry.

Manning & Curry Should Partner Perfectly

Peyton Manning has already shown he has the chops to compete well in the last iteration of the match, unlike his quarterback counterpart Tom Brady.

Peyton played solid golf and was able to come out on top with Tiger, avoiding a late push by Mickelson and Brady.

Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning win The Match II. Elbow bumps and air fist bumps for everyone. That was fun.🤙 https://t.co/TveAmzHeAB

— BroBible (@BroBible) May 25, 2020

Curry is good enough that he’s played in two Korn Ferry Tour events, where he shot rounds of 71-74-74 as well as an 86. He’s a plus handicap, meaning he averages below par, so expect him to be a force in this competition.

His golf swing is almost as pretty as his jumper @TigerWoods gives some advice to @StephenCurry30 🏌 #CapitalOnesTheMatch pic.twitter.com/Hoy20gSTcN

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 13, 2018

Though Barkley will be given plenty of shots, I just can’t see a scenario where he pulls out enough good ones to help his partner to defeat the dynamic duo of Manning and Curry.

The choice is clear for “The Match III: Champions for Change”.

Pick: Peyton Manning/Stephen Curry Win (-150)