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Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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06-07-23 | Nuggets v. Heat UNDER 214.5 | Top | 109-94 | Win | 100 | 13 h 15 m | Show |
Finals Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Denver and Miami at 8:30 pm et on Wednesday. While the Heat did outlast the Nuggets 111-108 in Game 2 of this series, they still failed to break through the offensive ceiling, connecting on only 38 field goals in another relatively slow-paced affair. Note that Miami has now knocked down 39, 39, 39 and 38 field goals in four meetings with the Nuggets this season. On the flip side, the Heat have now held an incredible 18 straight opponents to 43 or fewer made field goals. They've limited six straight and 10 of their last 11 foes to 84 or fewer field goal attempts. The Heat exploded for 17 made three-pointers in Game 2 but I'm not anticipating a repeat performance here, noting that the Nuggets have held opponents to an average of 12 made threes per contest on the road this season. The 'under' is 20-9 with Denver coming off consecutive games in which it shot 50% or better from the field, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the 'under' has gone a long-term 129-96 with the Heat playing at home on two or more days' rest, which is also the situation here. Take the under (10*). |
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06-06-23 | Diamondbacks v. Nationals OVER 9.5 | Top | 10-5 | Win | 100 | 12 h 46 m | Show |
Non-Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Arizona and Washington at 7:05 pm et on Tuesday. These two teams met for a three-game series in Arizona back in early May and two of those contests flew 'over' the total, reaching 15 and 17 runs. I'm anticipating a similarly high-scoring start to this series in Washington on Tuesday. Tommy Henry will take the ball for the visiting Diamondbacks. He had his best outing of the young season last time out as he tossed seven shutout innings against the Rockies. That was at home though. Henry has logged a 5.74 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in three road starts. For the season, Henry sports a 5.21 FIP and 1.24 WHIP, allowing 52-of-167 batters he has faced to reach base. That coming after he posted a 5.88 FIP and 1.45 WHIP in 47 big league innings last year. Jake Irvin will counter for Washington on Tuesday. He owns a 5.80 FIP and 1.63 WHIP on the season and has worked beyond the fifth inning only once in six starts so far. That doesn't bode well as the Nationals bullpen has recorded a collective 6.65 ERA and 1.75 WHIP over the last seven contests. On the season, Washington has converted only eight saves while also blowing eight here at home. Going back to Irvin, he has faced 124 batters with 47 of them managing to reach base. Arizona is capable of applying plenty of pressure on opposing pitchers when reaching base, having already racked up 55 stolen bases this season. Take the over (10*). |
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06-01-23 | Reds v. Red Sox UNDER 9.5 | 2-8 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 6 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Cincinnati and Boston at 7:10 pm et on Thursday. The Reds had their four-game 'over' streak snapped in last night's 5-4 victory here in Boston. I look for a lower-scoring affair than most are expecting in Thursday's series-finale. Reds starter Hunter Greene's most recent outing went 'over' the total but it had everything to do with the Cincinnati offense as it rolled to a 9-0 victory over the Cubs. Greene actually worked six hitless frames in that victory, striking out 11 along the way. That marked his second straight start in which he recorded double-digit strikeouts. Greene has lowered his FIP to 3.62 and his WHIP to a still-lofty 1.38. It's worth noting that he should be in line for some regression to the mean in terms of hits allowed, noting he has given up 8.8 hits per nine innings this season after allowing just 7.4 in 125 2/3 innings last year. Chris Sale will counter for Boston. He checks in sporting a 3.90 FIP and 1.16 WHIP in 10 starts spanning 55 1/3 innings of work this season. Sale brings excellent form into this start having allowed just 10 hits and four earned runs in his last three outings, covering a span of 20 innings. The two bullpens have exceeded expectations this season. While the Reds 'pen has suffered a bit of regression lately, logging an ERA north of five over the last seven games, it has also converted four saves without a single blown over that stretch. Between the two clubs, they've combined to convert 31 saves while blowing only 13. Take the under (8*). |
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05-31-23 | Brewers v. Blue Jays OVER 9.5 | 4-2 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 57 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Milwaukee and Toronto at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. The Blue Jays picked up their second straight win in the opener of this interleague series last night. They'll likely need to get their bats out again on Wednesday as they hand the ball to a struggling Alek Manoah against Julio Teheran of the Brewers. Teheran has made just one big league start this season - his first since 2021. He held up well in that outing against the Giants but I think it's important to keep that brief start in perspective. At the Triple-A level, with the Padres organization, Teheran had recorded a 5.62 ERA and 1.68 WHIP in 40 innings of work. Of the 185 batters he faced, 70 reached base. Manoah has of course struggled this season, posting a 6.15 FIP and 1.79 WHIP in 11 starts. You would have to go back seven outings to find the last time he lasted six innings or more. While the Blue Jays bullpen behind him has held up well, they also haven't had a day off (as a team) since May 11th. The Brewers 'pen entered last night's action sporting an ugly 6.00 ERA and 1.44 WHIP over the last seven games. Take the over (8*). |
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05-29-23 | Heat v. Celtics UNDER 203.5 | 103-84 | Win | 100 | 23 h 33 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Miami and Boston at 8:30 pm et on Monday. We won with the 'under' on Saturday and we'll come right back with the same play in Game 7 of this series on Monday. The pace has slowed considerably in this series over the last few games and there's little reason to expect anything different here. Note that Miami has now held 15 straight opponents to 43 or fewer made field goals. Meanwhile, Boston has been limited to 43 or fewer made field goals in 12 straight contests. The 'under' is now a perfect 9-0 with the Celtics facing elimination over the last two seasons with that situation producing an average total of just 199.1 points. Take the under (8*). |
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05-28-23 | Cardinals v. Guardians OVER 8.5 | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 22 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between St. Louis and Cleveland at 1:40 pm et on Sunday. The 'under' has cashed in the first two games in this series but I expect a different story to unfold in Sunday's series-finale. Jordan Montgomery has been completely out of sorts for the Cardinals lately, allowing 13 earned runs in his last three starts, spanning 14 1/3 innings. He has issued at least three walks only twice in his last 26 starts but those two times have come in his last three outings. He's also inexplicably had the yips in terms of home runs allowed, tagged for six long balls over his last four starts. Hunter Gaddis will counter for Cleveland. He shut the White Sox down over six innings in his most recent start, allowing just two hits without allowing a single earned run. We've seen this story play out before this season though, noting that he didn't allow an earned run over six innings against Oakland back in April before getting lit up for eight earned runs in three innings in his next outing. In 19 1/3 innings pitched at the Triple-A level this season, Gaddis had posted a 5.12 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. He has been better with the Guardians, posting a 3.64 FIP and 1.21 WHIP but I do think regression will be in order over his next few outings (note that he owns a career 6.25 FIP and 1.49 WHIP). Both bullpens have been solid lately but the Guardians have blown 11 saves already this season while the Cardinals relief corps has been overworked, having not had a day off since May 11th. Take the over (8*). |
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05-27-23 | Celtics v. Heat UNDER 210.5 | 104-103 | Win | 100 | 14 h 60 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and Miami at 8:30 pm et on Saturday. We've seen a major shift in this series, not only with the Celtics winning the last two games, but from a pace perspective. Game 4 saw the Celtics get off 84 field goal attempts while Miami managed to hoist up only 78. In Game 5, Miami got off only 79 field goal attempts with Boston attempting 79. Of course, the Celtics have shot a blistering 51.2% and 50.6% over the last two contests to get back in the series. I do expect a response from the Heat defensively here after Boston shot the lights out from beyond the arc in Game 5. On the flip side, we'll note that the 'under' is now a perfect 8-0 with the Celtics facing elimination in the playoffs over the last two seasons, allowing only 93.1 points per game in the process. That situation has produced an average total of just 198.1 points. Boston has now been held to 43 or fewer made field goals in 11 straight games while Miami has held the opposition to 43 or fewer made field goals in an incredible 14 consecutive contests. Take the under (8*). |
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05-27-23 | Stars v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5 | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 10 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Dallas and Vegas at 8:05 pm et on Saturday. The Stars have now been held to three goals or less in six straight games - matching a season-high. We've seen three straight games in this series stay 'under' the total. That's worth noting as the Golden Knights haven't seen more than three games in a row stay 'under' since back in January. We'll also note that the 'over' is 11-3 with the Knights playing at home seeking revenge for an in-season loss against an opponent this season with that situation producing an average total of 6.9 goals. As we've noted previously in this series, Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger appears to be wearing down and that's not surprising as he'll be between the pipes for an 80th time this season on Saturday. Knights goaltender Adin Hill has performed admirably but he's also faced a ton of shots in this series, 36, 28, 34 and 42 through four games, and will be starting a season-high eighth straight game with only one stretch of more than one day off between contests over that stretch. I expect both offenses to produce here. Take the over (8*). |
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05-27-23 | Cardinals v. Guardians OVER 8.5 | Top | 2-1 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 59 m | Show |
Interleague Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between St. Louis and Cleveland at 7:15 pm et on Saturday. These two teams were involved in a relatively low-scoring affair to open this series last night and the Guardians posted their fourth straight 'under' result in a 4-3 victory. I expect a different story to unfold on Saturday. St. Louis will send Jack Flaherty to the hill for his 11th start of the season. He checks in sporting a 4.88 FIP and 1.59 WHIP, having allowed a whopping 85-of-223 batters he has faced to reach base. I don't need to tell you that spells trouble as he prepares to face a Guardians lineup that, while struggling to hit for the most part, does generally apply a ton of pressure on opposing pitchers with their speed and aggressiveness on the basepaths. Meanwhile, the Cards bullpen behind Flaherty is as overworked as it gets having not had a day off since May 11th, entering last night's action with a collective 4.98 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over the last seven games. Tanner Bibee will get the start for Cleveland. His overall numbers this season are solid but he has proven vulnerable at times. He's just two starts removed from allowing four earned runs over just 3 2/3 innings against the light-hitting Tigers for example. He was fortunate to give up only two earned runs over six innings against the Mets last time out as he was tagged for seven hits and issued four walks (while striking out only three). The Cards bats were relatively quiet last night but we know they're capable of breaking out, noting that they've scored eight runs or more four times since May 15th. The Guardians bullpen has posted terrific numbers overall but used a number of key arms last night and has blown 11 saves to date (and nearly blew another last night). Take the over (10*). |
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05-26-23 | Cardinals v. Guardians OVER 8 | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between St. Louis and Cleveland at 7:10 pm et on Friday. I'm not convinced that this will be the pitcher's duel that many are expecting as the Cardinals send Matthew Liberatore to the hill against Guardians ace Shane Bieber. Liberatore will be making his third appearance and second start for the Cardinals this season. He pitched well in his lone previous start, out-duelling Brewers ace Corbin Burnes in a 3-0 victory back on May 17th. The left-hander has yet to find much consistency at the big league level, however, noting that he logged a 5.02 FIP and 1.73 WHIP in 34 2/3 innings with St. Louis last season. He has allowed 9-of-27 batters he has faced to reach base in limited work this year and I do expect the Guardians to apply plenty of pressure with their aggressive base-running on Friday. Perhaps the bigger concern should be the Cardinals bullpen as they haven't had a day off since May 11th and check in sporting a collective 4.98 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over the last seven games. For the season, the Cards 'pen has converted only 11 saves while blowing 10. Shane Bieber has been somewhat un-Bieber-like this season, posting a 3.98 FIP and 1.21 WHIP. His walks per nine innings are up and his strikeouts are down (considerably). Here, he'll be starting on short rest (four days) for a third consecutive turn in the rotation. Compounding matters is the fact that he worked eight innings, throwing 106 pitches in his most recent start. The Guardians bullpen has been good but has had a tendency to cough up late leads, blowing two saves in the last seven games alone and 11 on the season so far. Take the over (8*). |
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05-25-23 | Golden Knights v. Stars OVER 5.5 | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 2 m | Show |
Western Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Vegas and Dallas at 8:05 pm et on Thursday. We've seen consecutive low-scoring games in this series as the Golden Knights have taken a 3-0 stranglehold, pushing the Stars to the brink of elimination on Thursday. Vegas took Game 3 by a score of 4-0 and that's notable as only twice previously this season have the Knights played on the road following a shutout with those two contests totalling seven and eight goals (both victories). While the Stars were held off the scoresheet in Game 3, it wasn't for lack of trying. They carried the play over the game's final 50 minutes, peppering Knights goaltender Adin Hill at times. There were a number of posts and near-misses - I'm confident they convert some of those opportunities on Thursday. Dallas will be without Jamie Benn (suspension) and Evgeni Dadonov (injury) but neither are consistent point producers (11 and 10 points in the playoffs respectively). Here, we'll note that the 'over' is a perfect 7-0 with Dallas playing at home seeking revenge for a home loss against an opponent this season, with that situation producing a staggering average total of 8.7 goals. The 'over' is also 16-8 with Dallas at home having lost at least two consecutive meetings with an opponent over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 6.6 goals in that spot. There's been no letdown from the Knights offensively in similar situations this season as they average 4.0 goals per game when playing on the road after posting a road win in which they scored four or more goals. As I've noted previously, Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger has been extremely overworked, approaching 80 appearances this season (this will mark his 79th). His save percentage has dipped to .895 in the playoffs and .876 over his last four games. Take the over (10*). |
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05-25-23 | Mets v. Cubs OVER 7.5 | Top | 10-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 10 m | Show |
National League Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between New York and Chicago at 7:40 pm et on Thursday. The wind was blowing in at Wrigley Field last night and as a result we saw an exceptionally low total, not to mention another 'under' result, the second straight to open this series. I expect a different story to unfold in Thursday's series-finale, however. New York will give the start to Carlos Carrasco. To say he has struggled this season would be an understatement. Carrasco checks in sporting a 6.97 FIP and 1.55 WHIP through only four starts spanning 18 2/3 innings due to a stint on the I.L. He did pitch reasonably well in two rehab appearances at the minor league level but that was at Double-A Binghamton. Here in the bigs he has allowed 32-of-86 batters he has faced to reach base including four home runs. Carrasco did pitch six shutout innings in his lone start against the Cubs last year but I think we can agree that he was a much different pitcher a year ago than he is now. Kyle Hendricks will get his first start of the season for the Cubs. He's had extended work at the minor league (Triple-A) level and hasn't looked particularly good, posting a 5.75 ERA and 1.33 WHIP, allowing 28-of-85 batters he has faced to reach base including a pair of home runs in 20 1/3 innings. Keep in mind, Hendricks has struggled at the big league level over the last two seasons, recording a 4.89 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 2021 and a 4.82 FIP and 1.29 WHIP in 2022. The Mets entered last night's action averaging north of 5.0 runs per game against right-handed starting pitching this season. I don't expect either of tonight's starters to work deep into this game and that should open the door for some late runs, noting that the two bullpens have really struggled lately. New York's relief corps checks in sporting a collective 5.55 ERA and 1.52 WHIP over the last seven games (entering last night's action) while the Cubs 'pen has posted a 6.45 ERA and 1.79 WHIP over the same stretch (also prior to last night's contest). Take the over (10*). |
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05-24-23 | Marlins v. Rockies OVER 10.5 | 10-2 | Win | 100 | 12 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Miami and Colorado at 8:40 pm et on Wednesday. We're starting to see this total creep down following consecutive 'under' results to open this series. I believe it's the wrong move. Sandy Alcantara will get the start for the visiting Marlins. This 2023 campaign hasn't gone particularly well for the Marlins ace as he checks in sporting a 5.05 ERA in 57 innings of work. He hasn't been as bad as that ERA indicates, logging a 3.59 FIP and 1.23 WHIP but there is still reason for concern as he has allowed a whopping 30 earned runs over his last seven starts and now pitches on short rest (four days) for just the third time this season. The Marlins bullpen has been overworked, having been called into action for just shy of 190 innings already this season. Note that Miami relievers entered last night's contest sporting a collective 4.38 ERA and 1.37 WHIP on the road this season. Karl Kauffmann will get his second big league start for the Rockies on Wednesday. I'm confident the Marlins bats can inflict plenty of damage against the right-hander. Note that he'll be starting on just four days' rest after allowing 9-of-21 batters he faced to reach base in his debut against the Rangers last week. Kauffmann inexplicably got the call to the bigs after getting rocked to the tune of a 7.78 ERA and 1.78 WHIP in 37 innings of work at the Triple-A level earlier this season. He allowed a ridiculous 69-of-174 batters to reach base with Albuquerque. The Rockies bullpen has held up alright so far in this series but is still a subpar relief corps having entered last night's action sporting a collective 4.61 ERA and 1.55 WHIP at home this season. Take the over (8*). |
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05-23-23 | Celtics v. Heat UNDER 216.5 | Top | 116-99 | Win | 100 | 13 h 12 m | Show |
Eastern Conference Finals Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and Miami at 8:30 pm et on Tuesday. Game 3 ultimately sailed 'over' the total thanks in large part to the lopsided nature of that contest. The game was actually well on track to stay 'under' the total until the floodgates opened in the final eight minutes or so of the fourth quarter. While most expect the Celtics to roll over on Tuesday, I do think we'll see them show some fight and that ultimately projects to a much tighter affair than we saw on Sunday. While the Heat did allow 98 field goal attempts in Sunday's victory, the Celtics could only connect on 39 of them. On the flip side, Miami shot the lights out, making good on 46-of-81 field goal attempts. I would anticipate seeing a similar tempo from the Heat here, noting that they've gotten off 88 or fewer field goal attempts in 12 of their last 15 contests. While the Celtics haven't lived up to expectations defensively this season, and allowed 46 made field goals in Game 3 of this series on Sunday, it is worth noting that they haven't allowed 46 or more successful FG attempts in consecutive games since November 30th and December 2nd and that was the only occasion in which they did all season. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is a long-term 103-64 with the Heat coming off a game in which they shot 55% or better from the field, as is the case here. The 'under' is also 205-159 with Miami checking in off a win by 15 points or more. Take the under (10*). |
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05-23-23 | White Sox v. Guardians OVER 8 | Top | 4-2 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 24 m | Show |
A.L. Central Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Cleveland at 6:10 pm et on Tuesday. This is a rematch of the same starting pitching matchup we saw last Thursday - a game the Guardians won by a score of 3-1. Both starters worked their way into and out of trouble on a number of occasions early in that contest and it ultimately turned out to be a low-scoring affair. I expect a different story to unfold here as both Dylan Cease and Logan Allen start on short rest (four days). In the case of Cease, he'll be starting on four days' rest for a fourth consecutive turn in the rotation. He hasn't come close to reaching the heights he saw in the 2022 campaign (he finished second in A.L. Cy Young Award voting), logging a 4.20 FIP and 1.39 WHIP. Of the 237 batters he has faced, 79 have reached base. Since striking out 18 in his first two outings this season, Cease has topped out at just six K's over his last eight trips to the hill. Allen will be making his first career big league start on short rest. He struck out eight in each of his first two starts this season but has K'd only 13 in his last three outings combined, covering a span of 15 2/3 innings. Not helping matters is the fact that White Sox hitters just saw him (and had some success with seven hits and a walk in 5 2/3 innings) less than a week ago - the first time he'll face an opponent for a second time in his big league career. Last week, I noted that the two bullpens have been a mixed-bag this season, combining to blow 17 saves at the time. Well, they've gone on to blow two more saves since then, so that's 19 blown saves on the campaign between the two 'pens. Take the over (10*). |
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05-22-23 | Marlins v. Rockies OVER 11.5 | 3-5 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 15 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Miami and Colorado at 8:40 pm et on Monday. The Rockies return home licking their wounds after getting swept at the hands of the Rangers in Texas, outscored by a 31-10 margin in that three-game series. They'll be in tough again on Monday as they hand the ball to Chase Anderson, who is with his third organization already this season, for his second start of the campaign. Since lasting four years with the Brewers from 2016 to 2019, Anderson has now bounced around five different clubs since 2020. I don't need to tell you there's a reason for that. Incredibly, only 5-of-35 batters Anderson has faced at the big league level this season have managed to reach base. I can't help but feel that regression is coming, however, noting that Anderson had allowed 37-of-100 minor league batters to reach base, including four home runs, in 23 innings of work at the Triple-A level earlier in the campaign. Behind Anderson is an awful Rockies bullpen that has been severely overworked, logging 189 innings this season including 30 1/3 frames over the last seven games alone. Over their last seven contests they've posted a collective 5.64 ERA and 1.75 WHIP. Edward Cabrera will counter for Miami. He was dealing with a blister on his finger in his most recent outing but appears on track to make this start on Monday. Note that he'll be starting on short rest (four days) for just the fourth time this season, having allowed eight earned runs in 13 1/3 innings in his previous three outings on four days' rest. Like the Rockies, the Marlins 'pen has also been overworked this season, called into action for a collective 183 innings, recording a 4.18 ERA and 1.31 WHIP along the way. Take the over (8*). |
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05-21-23 | Celtics v. Heat UNDER 214 | 102-128 | Loss | -110 | 36 h 4 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and Miami at 8:30 pm et on Sunday. The first two games in this series have both gone 'over' the total but I look for a different story to unfold as the scene shifts to Miami for Game 3 on Sunday. Note that the Heat haven't been involved in three consecutive 'over' results since their first round series against the up-tempo Bucks. The pace wasn't necessarily there for an 'over' result in either of the first two games in this series. Game 1 saw the Heat and Celtics get off 85 and 81 field goal attempts, respectively. In Game 2, the Heat picked up the pace thanks to trailing by double-digits for stretches, hoisting up 92 field goal attempts. The Celtics were once again stymied, getting off only 79 FG attempts. The Heat have now held five straight opponents to 81 or fewer FG attempts. Meanwhile, Game 2 sticks out as an anomaly for the Celtics defensively as they've limited seven of their last nine foes to fewer than 90 FG attempts. The last time they allowed 90 or more FG attempts in a game they followed it up by allowing only 79 in their next contest. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 25-14 with the Celtics installed as a road favorite of six points or less over the last two seasons, as is the case here. Take the under (8*). |
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05-21-23 | Rockies v. Rangers OVER 9 | 3-13 | Win | 100 | 6 h 2 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Colorado and Texas at 2:35 pm et on Sunday. We saw a high-scoring affair between these two teams yesterday as the Rangers continued their onslaught of the Rockies pitching staff in an 11-5 victory. I expect more of the same on Sunday. Connor Seabold will take the ball for the visiting Rockies. He remains in the Colorado starting rotation out of necessity only as he has struggled to the tune of a 5.12 FIP and 1.61 WHIP in 10 appearances including three starts this season. Of the 131 batters he has faced, a whopping 50 of them have reached base. Behind Seabold is a Rockies bullpen that has been extremely overworked, logging a collective 33 1/3 innings over the last seven games alone. For the season, Rockies relievers have combined to post a 3.90 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. The Rangers will give Andrew Heaney the start. He's been a bit of a mixed-bag, recording a lofty 5.11 FIP but a respectable 1.19 WHIP. The hits simply haven't been falling in against the left-hander as he has allowed just 6.9 hits per nine innings. I do think we'll see some regression to the mean in that department, noting he has still given up 8.6 hits per nine innings over the course of his career. The Rangers bullpen hasn't lived up to expectations this season and has really struggled lately, logging a collective 8.53 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with just one save converted and two blown over the last seven games. Take the over (8*). |
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05-20-23 | Orioles v. Blue Jays OVER 9.5 | Top | 6-5 | Win | 100 | 7 h 16 m | Show |
Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Baltimore and Toronto at 3:05 pm et on Saturday. I like the way this game sets up as a high-scoring affair between the Orioles and Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon at Rogers Centre. The Orioles offense kept rolling along last night, putting up six runs in a lopsided victory thanks to tacking on a couple of late runs against a banged-up Blue Jays bullpen. In fact, both bullpens are probably a little weary right now with neither team having had a day off since May 11th. The O's 'pen in particular has been overworked this season, logging 167 2/3 innings collectively. It has admittedly held up well but figures to be pressed into action early on Saturday noting that starter Grayson Rodriguez has yet to last six innings in a start in his big league career. Speaking of Rodriguez, he checks in sporting a 5.46 FIP and 1.73 WHIP and will start on short rest (four days) for the fourth time already this season. He hasn't fared well in his three previous outings on short rest, allowing 12 earned runs in 14 1/3 innings of work. Of the 170 batters Rodriguez has faced this season, 64 have reached base including nine home runs in 37 innings. Alek Manoah has been an abject disaster for the Blue Jays so far this season. To make matters worse, like Rodriguez, he'll be starting on short rest here. Manoah owns a 6.45 FIP and 1.80 WHIP and has allowed a whopping 85-of-214 batters to reach base. The Orioles are capable of applying significant pressure on the right-hander, noting they're among the league leaders in stolen bases with 42. In fact, they've averaging 5.7 runs per game away from home. With the Jays bullpen still sorely missing Zach Pop and Adam Cimber and having logged 4 1/3 innings, using five different relievers, last night, I look for plenty of offense from start to finish in this one. Take the over (10*). |
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05-19-23 | Twins v. Angels UNDER 8.5 | 4-5 | Loss | -108 | 14 h 18 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Los Angeles at 9:35 pm et on Friday. The Angels were involved in a wild affair in Baltimore yesterday afternoon, rallying for a 6-5 victory to wrap up that four-game series. Now they travel back across the country to host the Twins on Friday and I believe we're in for a relatively low-scoring contest. Joe Ryan will take the ball for the visiting Twins, who were idle yesterday after a three-game series against the Dodgers, also in California. Ryan has been terrific this season, logging a 2.54 FIP and 0.84 WHIP, allowing just 43-of-192 batters to reach base. It really doesn't get much better in terms of starting pitchers this season. Current Angels hitters have gone 4-for-12 in limited action against Ryan with only one extra-base hit (a double from Mike Trout). The Twins offense exploded over a three-game stretch from last Saturday to Monday, plating a whopping 35 runs. Since then, they've been held to eight runs in two games and I expect them to be in tough here as well, noting they average just 3.6 runs per game against left-handed starting pitching this season and will face a southpaw in Reid Detmers on Friday. Detmers has been a mixed-bag so far this season but it certainly capable of giving the Angels a quality start. Working 129 innings last season, Detmers posted a solid 3.79 FIP and 1.21 WHIP. While he hasn't been able to reach those same heights so far this season, I do think he's been better than his lofty 4.89 ERA indicates as he owns a 3.90 FIP. He has allowed a disappointing 10.0 hits per nine innings but I do expect some regression to the mean in that department, and a lowering of his 1.51 WHIP to go along with it. Current Twins hitters are just 8-for-35 against Detmers including a home run from Carlos Correa. In fact, that home run is the only extra-base hits they've managed to collect off of him. This matchup pits two of the best bullpens in baseball this season. What I really like about the Twins 'pen is the fact that it is one of the freshest in the majors having logged less than 150 innings collectively. Having the day off yesterday certainly helps their cause as well. The Angels 'pen has posted a collective 3.59 ERA and 1.19 WHIP (entering yesterday's action). While the 'over' cashed in Los Angeles' victory yesterday, it hasn't posted consecutive 'over' results since a three-game 'over' streak from May 6th to 8th. Meanwhile, the 'over' is 5-1 in the Twins last six games but they've still posted a 19-22-3 o/u mark this season. Take the under (8*). |
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05-18-23 | Lakers v. Nuggets UNDER 227 | Top | 103-108 | Win | 100 | 31 h 3 m | Show |
Conference Finals Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Denver at 8:30 pm et on Thursday. These two teams went off for 258 combined points in Game 1 of this series on Tuesday. In my analysis prior to that contest I noted that the Lakers offensive ceiling would be considerably higher against the Nuggets (or had proven to be) than it was against the Warriors last round, with a similar floor. Los Angeles essentially hit that ceiling, or came awfully close, in the series-opener. In Game 2, I anticipate some regression with the Lakers likely falling closer to that typical 'floor' production level in this particular matchup. By that I mean Los Angeles had made good on 41 or fewer field goals in two of four regular season meetings in this series. The Lakers pace in Game 1 certainly wasn't indicative of the 126 points they ended up scoring as they actually got off only 84 field goal attempts in the contest. In fact, the Nuggets have now held four straight and 10 of their last 13 opponents to 88 or fewer field goal attempts. The Lakers, meanwhile, haven't gotten off more than 87 field goal attempts in a game since Game 2 against the Warriors last round (they scored a series-low 100 points in that contest). While the Nuggets hoisted up 91 FG attempts on Tuesday that type of up-tempo performance has been the exception rather than the rule. Generally-speaking, it's not easy to speed up Denver. To find the last time the Nuggets got off 90 or more FG attempts in consecutive games you would have to go back to March 31st and April 2nd and both of those contests actually stayed 'under' the total with Denver scoring just 93 and 112 points. After shooting the lights out in consecutive games going back to the series-clincher against the Suns last round, I'm anticipating some regression from the Nuggets here offensively. Keep in mind, in four regular season meetings between these two teams, Denver knocked down 'only' 42, 41, 39 and 46 field goals, scoring 122 points in the latter outlier performance in which they got off a whopping 99 FG attempts in early January (that game still totalled 'only' 231 points). Take the under (10*). Finally, we'll note that while the Lakers average 116.6 points per game overall this season, that number drops to 114.9 ppg when coming off consecutive ATS wins (22-game sample size), as is the case here. The Nuggets average 116.0 ppg this season with that scoring average dropping to 113.7 ppg when coming off three or more consecutive wins, which is also the situation here. Take the under (10*). |
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05-18-23 | Panthers v. Hurricanes OVER 5.5 | 3-2 | Loss | -120 | 30 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Florida and Carolina at 8:05 pm et on Thursday. The Panthers enter this series on a season-high five-game 'under' streak but I look for it to come to an end on Thursday in Raleigh. Florida did have one previous 'under' streak last five games this season, that coming from February 24th to March 7th. I simply feel the Panthers are going to have their hands full trying to defend the Hurricanes relentless offensive attack in this series. While Carolina has become known for its smothering defense and back-checking, it has also shown that it can score in bunches. Note that in the only two games in which it held New Jersey to fewer than 29 shots on goal last round, Carolina ended up finding the back of the net a combined 11 times. In other words, if the Hurricanes aren't giving up a lot of opportunities, that only means they're spending considerable time in the opposing team's zone, and likely capitalizing. It certainly seems that the Canes have had Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky's number. They've faced him seven times since he joined the Panthers, scoring at least three goals in six of those games. Of course, the same could be said for the Panthers against Canes netminder Frederik Andersen, albeit with a smaller sample size. Since joining the Canes, Andersen has faced Florida three times, allowing a whopping 11 goals. The Panthers, despite being listed as the underdog in all 12 playoff games to date, have displayed a fairly reliable offensive floor, held to fewer than two goals on only two previous occasions. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 20-10 with the Panthers seeking revenge for a loss by two goals or more against an opponent this season, as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 7.1 goals. Take the over (8*). |
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05-18-23 | Guardians v. White Sox OVER 8 | 3-1 | Loss | -105 | 6 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Cleveland and Chicago at 2:10 pm et on Thursday. The White Sox have taken the first two games of this series in lopsided fashion and they're favored again in Thursday's finale. I do think the Guardians give them a run here, but rather than back Cleveland in an underdog role, we'll go with the 'over' as I believe this total will prove too low. Logan Allen will get his fifth big league start for the Guardians. It seems as if the book might already be out on him after he looked terrific in his first two outings before getting roughed up in his last two. All told, Allen has posted a solid 3.26 FIP but a less-than-impressive 1.48 WHIP in 21 innings of work this season. Of the 95 batters he has faced, 31 have reached base including two home runs allowed. Dylan Cease will counter for Chicago. He's been terrific in his last three starts against the Guardians (all coming last season) but I don't believe this is a particularly favorable matchup for the right-hander this season. As I've noted time and time again this season, the Guardians do put a lot of pressure on opposing pitchers that have a tendency to put runners on base as they have speed to burn and are ultra-aggressive on the basepaths. Cease certainly fits the bill as one of those pitchers as he has allowed 72-of-212 batters he has faced to reach base in 46 1/3 innings of work this season. Note that Cease hasn't come close to matching last season's scintillating numbers (he finished second in American League Cy Young Award voting), logging a 4.12 FIP and 1.45 WHIP here in 2023. Also note that he'll be making his third straight start on short rest (four days). The two bullpens have been a mixed bag. The Guardians relief corps has generally been terrific, posting a collective 3.17 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. The White Sox 'pen on the other hand has struggled to the tune of a 5.77 ERA and 1.59 WHIP. Between the two bullpens we've seen 17 blown saves (compared to 24 converted) so far this season. The Guardians are still without Jose Ramirez and possibly Josh Naylor as well but that's been properly factored into the total in my opinion. Take the over (8*). |
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05-17-23 | Cubs v. Astros UNDER 8.5 | 6-7 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 50 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Houston at 8:10 pm et on Wednesday. The first two games in this series both went 'over' the total but I look for a different story to unfold in Wednesday's series-finale. Chicago has now seen the 'over' cash in a season-high seven straight games. Its longest previous 'over' streak lasted only three games (twice). The interesting thing about this run of 'over' results is the fact that the Cubs aren't actually scoring with much consistency. They've plated 4, 10, 6, 1, 3, 4 and 3 runs during the streak. The question becomes whether the Cubs pitching staff can turn the tide and I believe it can on Wednesday. Veteran left-hander Drew Smyly will get the start for Chicago. He's been a bright spot in the Cubs rotation - turning back the clock to the tune of a 3.57 FIP and 0.97 WHIP in eight starts covering a span of 44 1/3 innings. Of the 176 batters Smyly has faced, only 45 have reached base. Chicago elected to essentially wave the white flag from the seventh inning on last night, keeping its best bullpen arms in reserve. The Cubs 'pen has struggled lately but still entered last night's contest sporting a collective 3.17 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in night games this season (4.11 ERA and 1.21 WHIP overall). J.P. France will get his third straight start in the Astros rotation having impressed in the first two. He got the call to the Show after posting a 2.33 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 19 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level earlier this season. Since joining the Astros, France has recorded a 3.82 FIP and 0.69 WHIP, allowing just 9-of-44 batters to reach base. Behind France is a terrific Astros bullpen that has posted a collective 3.21 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 12 saves converted and only four blown this season (entering last night's action). Take the under (8*). |
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05-16-23 | Twins v. Dodgers UNDER 8 | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 13 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Los Angeles at 10:10 pm et on Tuesday. These two teams were involved in an extra innings slugfest to open this series last night. In fact, the 'over' has now cashed in each of the Twins last four games following a six-game 'under' streak. I look for that run of high-scoring contests to come to an end here. Bailey Ober will get the start for the visiting Twins. He has impressed since getting the call to the bigs this season, posting a 3.31 FIP and 0.90 WHIP in 24 1/3 innings of work. He did get tagged for two home runs in his last start but those were his first two long balls allowed this season. Of the 92 batters Ober has faced this season, only 22 have managed to reach base. Behind Ober is a Twins bullpen that wasn't up to par last night but has generally been solid this season, recording a collective 3.66 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. On the road Minnesota's relief corps has converted five saves while blowing only two. Clayton Kershaw will counter for Los Angeles. He's enjoying another terrific campaign, logging a 3.55 FIP and 0.95 WHIP. Like Ober he has been bitten by the long ball over his last couple of outings but has still allowed just 1.3 home runs per nine innings this season and I would anticipate continued positive regression in that department noting he hasn't given up more than 1.2 HR/9 since the 2019 season. Kershaw has allowed just 48-of-193 batters to reach base and will have the benefit of starting on full rest (five days) here. He faced the Twins once last season, tossing seven shutout innings in a 7-0 Dodgers victory in Minnesota. The Los Angeles bullpen has settled down after a shaky start to the season, posting a collective 4.18 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with 12 saves converted and only four blown. Take the under (8*). |
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05-16-23 | Diamondbacks v. A's OVER 9 | 8-9 | Win | 100 | 13 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Arizona and Oakland at 9:40 pm et on Tuesday. We saw a relatively low-scoring affair between these two teams last night as the Diamondbacks cruised to a 5-2 victory. I expect a much different result from a totals perspective on Tuesday as we have an unappealing starting pitching matchup between Tommy Henry of Arizona and Kyle Muller of Oakland. Henry will be making his second straight start on short rest (four days) and that doesn't bode well after he pitched a season-high 6 2/3 innings in his most recent outing. Note that Henry has posted a 5.01 FIP and 1.39 WHIP while allowing 32-of-93 batters he has faced to reach base so far this season. That's after he had logged a lofty 6.33 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 21 1/3 innings of work at the Triple-A level. Behind Henry is a D'Backs bullpen that has posted a collective 4.50 ERA and 1.28 WHIP this season but hasn't had an off day since May 4th. A's starter Kyle Muller was a key piece coming over in the Sean Murphy trade to Atlanta in the offseason. So far this year, Muller hasn't panned out, recording a 5.75 FIP and 1.95 WHIP with 77 of the 185 batters he has faced managing to reach base. The A's bullpen has been among the worst in baseball this season, posting a collective 6.79 ERA and 1.70 WHIP with four saves converted and nine blown. Note that the A's haven't had a day off since May 1st, obviously further complicating their late inning decisions in this series. Take the over (8*). |
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05-16-23 | Lakers v. Nuggets OVER 222.5 | 126-132 | Win | 100 | 13 h 28 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Denver at 8:30 pm et on Tuesday. The oddsmakers did a good job of setting totals in the Lakers previous series against the Warriors with five of the six games finishing within 4.5 points of the closing total. We saw the totals edge lower as that series went on and here in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals we're seeing a significantly lower total than we saw in Game 1 against the Warriors. With all of that being said, I don't believe the shift is warranted. Last round I talked on numerous occasions about how the Lakers had a solid floor in terms of scoring production against the Warriors but not all that high of a ceiling. I believe we're dealing with a different set of circumstances here against the Nuggets, noting that Los Angeles has knocked down 40 or more field goals in six straight meetings in this series but has also shown the ability to break out, making good on 46 or more field goals in three of those six contests. On the flip side, Denver has knocked down more than 40 field goals in six of the last seven matchups in this series, making good on 46 or more in four of those contests. The Nuggets are in excellent form off a series against Phoenix in which they connected on 42 or more field goals in five of six games. The Lakers continue to afford their opponents a ton of scoring opportunities having allowed more than 90 field goal attempts in nine of their last 10 games. While Los Angeles' offense did get bogged down a bit as the series went on against Golden State, that will happen when you're playing every other day over a 10-day stretch. Note that the Lakers have played on three or more days' rest, as is the case here, on four previous occasions this season (not including their season-opener) and have knocked down 43, 42, 49 and 43 field goals in those four contests, producing an average point total of 124.3 points in that situation. Take the over (8*). |
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05-16-23 | Cubs v. Astros UNDER 7.5 | Top | 3-7 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
Interleague Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Houston at 8:10 pm et on Tuesday. We saw a relatively high-scoring series-opener between these former N.L. Central rivals last night but I expect a different story to unfold on Tuesday. While Cubs starter Justin Steele saw his last start fly 'over' the total in a 10-4 Cubs rout of the Cardinals. We'll continue to smash the 'under' button with Steele on the hill, however, noting that he has logged a 3.22 FIP and 1.03 WHIP while allowing just 53-of-192 batters he has faced to reach base this season. That coming on the heels of a 2022 campaign in which Steele impressively posted a 3.20 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 24 starts spanning 119 innings of work. Cristian Javier will counter for Houston. He recorded a 3.16 FIP and 0.95 WHIP last year yet was snubbed in A.L. Cy Young Award voting. So far this season, Javier has posted a 3.37 FIP and 1.01 WHIP. He has struck out 35 batters over his last four outings. It's also worth noting that both of tonight's starters will be taking the ball on full rest (five days). While the Cubs bullpen has wobbled a bit lately, it still owns a collective 4.11 ERA and 1.21 WHIP on the season. Meanwhile, the Astros 'pen has posted a terrific 3.21 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with those numbers lowering to 2.53 and 0.84 respectively over the last seven games. Take the under (10*). |
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05-15-23 | Reds v. Rockies OVER 11.5 | 8-9 | Win | 105 | 13 h 42 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Cincinnati and Colorado at 8:40 pm et on Monday. Both of these teams are coming off low-scoring games yesterday. In fact, the Rockies have seen the 'under' cash in each of their last four games, matching their longest such streak of the season. The last time they posted four straight 'under' results, their next game totalled 14 runs right here at home against the Diamondbacks. I look for a similar story to unfold here as they open a series against the Reds on Monday. Hunter Greene will take the ball for Cincinnati. We were fairly high on the young right-hander earlier in the campaign but the numbers don't lie at this point and he has really struggled lately. Greene checks in sporting a 3.48 FIP and 1.49 WHIP with 61-of-176 batters he has faced reaching base. It gets a lot worse when you consider he has been tagged for seven earned runs on 13 hits, including three home runs, over his last two outings, covering a span of just 11 innings of work. Greene has pitched here at hitter-friendly Coors Field just once previously in his career (last season), allowing four earned runs on six hits including two home runs in just 4 1/3 innings. Connor Seabold will counter for Colorado. He's made just two big league starts so far this season but has also logged time out of the bullpen. All told, Seabold owns a 5.33 FIP and 1.44 WHIP, allowing 39-of-107 batters he has faced to reach base including four home runs in only 23 2/3 innings of work. Note that the Reds actually faced Seabold last September and chased him after scoring four earned runs in five innings. Both bullpens have held up better than expected so far this season but I would also firmly place both in the 'overworked' category at this point, the Reds' in particular as it entered yesterday's action having logged a whopping 38 collective innings over the last seven games. Also note that the Reds haven't had a day off since last Monday, which obviously doesn't help matters. Take the over (8*). |
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05-14-23 | Rangers v. A's OVER 9 | 11-3 | Win | 105 | 8 h 23 m | Show | |
My selection is on the ‘over’ between Texas and Oakland at 4:05 pm et on Sunday. We saw a relatively low-scoring game between these two teams yesterday but I expect a different story to unfold in Sunday‘s series-finale. Andrew Heaney will take the ball for the Rangers. As I’ve noted on previous occasions this season, he’s pitching for his fourth different team since 2021. Heaney has struggled so far this year, logging a 5.73 FIP and 1.22 WHIP. The A’s will be getting their second look at the left-hander this season after collecting five hits and two walks over six innings on April 22nd. Drew Rucinski will get another turn in the A’s starting rotation out of necessity only. He’s been predictably awful in his return to the majors (prior to this year he last pitched for the Marlins in 2018), posting a 7.27 FIP and 2.09 WHIP in 14 1/3 innings this season. Of the 73 batters he has faced, 31 have reached base. To make matters worse, Rucinski will be making his second straight start on short rest (four days). Of course, the A’s bullpen has been awful as well, logging a collective 6.72 ERA and 1.72 WHIP with only four saves converted and nine blown. The Rangers relief corps has been far better but still has just eight saves converted compared to six blown so the door should be open for potential late offense if needed here. Take the over (8*). |
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05-13-23 | Cubs v. Twins UNDER 7.5 | Top | 1-11 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 26 m | Show |
Interleague Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Minnesota at 2:10 pm et on Saturday. This matchup will feature two underrated starting pitchers in Hayden Wesneski of the Cubs and Joe Ryan of the Twins. While last night's series-opener snuck 'over' the total, I expect a different story to unfold on Saturday afternoon. Wesneski will start on full (five days) rest for the first time in his last five outings. He's pitched well nonetheless, allowing just three earned runs in 17 innings of work over his last three starts. After getting off to a shaky start that included six walks and three home runs allowed in his first two outings this season (covering a span of just six innings), Wesneski has really settled down and checks in having allowed 44-of-145 batters he has faced to reach base. The Twins have had to scratch and claw for seemingly every run lately, scoring 2, 3, 0, 1, 4, 5 and 2 runs over their last seven contests. Joe Ryan will take the ball for Minnesota. He's been lights out in the early going this season and doesn't get enough credit for how well he has pitched over the course of his three-year big league career. Ryan owns a 2.82 FIP and 0.84 WHIP in seven starts spanning 44 innings this season. Only 38-of-169 batters he has faced have managed to reach base. Both bullpens have held up reasonably well so far this season with the Cubs relief corps' in particular shining lately to the tune of a collective 1.45 ERA and 0.81 WHIP over the last seven games. They did use two key relievers in Adbert Alzolay and Mark Leiter Jr. in last night's game but both have proven capable of working back-to-back games this season. The Twins 'pen has logged a collective 3.81 ERA and 1.26 WHIP this season and they kept two key relief arms in Jhoan Duran and closer Jorge Lopez idle last night. Take the under (10*). |
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05-12-23 | Warriors v. Lakers UNDER 221.5 | Top | 101-122 | Loss | -115 | 15 h 12 m | Show |
Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Golden State and Los Angeles at 10 pm et on Friday. We're finally seeing a significant adjustment made to the total in this series, even after Game 5 ended up sneaking 'over' the closing number. I still feel Friday's total will prove too high. The Warriors went off offensively, knocking down 47-of-92 field goal attempts in Wednesday's victory. That was at home. They've made good on 43 or fewer field goals in five of their six playoff road games. On a similar note, the Lakers have now held their opponents to 36, 35, 42 (overtime game), 29, 36 and 40 made field goals in seven home playoff games (including the Play-In Tournament game against Minnesota). As I've mentioned throughout this series, while Los Angeles does have a fairly solid floor in terms of offensive production against the Warriors, it doesn't have a particularly high ceiling, topping out at 43 made field goals in nine matchups going back to the start of the regular season. Both teams are dealing with injury issues, as is often the case at this stage of the playoffs, with the Warriors listing Andrew Wiggins as questionable to play due to a rib injury and Anthony Davis probable after a possible concussion. I would anticipate both playing on Friday but certainly Wiggins - a key offensive contributor for the Warriors - won't be 100% healthy. As I've also noted throughout this series, the Warriors are on quite a defensive run having held 21 of their last 22 opponents to 44 or fewer made field goals with the 'under' going 12-10 over that stretch. Finally, I'll note that the 'under' is a long-term 36-17 with Golden State playing on the road off a double-digit win over a division opponent, as is the case here. Take the under (10*). |
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05-12-23 | Oilers v. Golden Knights OVER 6.5 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 15 h 42 m | Show |
Second Round Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Edmonton and Vegas at 10:10 pm et on Friday. We've now seen each of the last three games in this series stay 'under' the total after a wild, high-scoring series-opener that produced 10 goals. Here, I believe we're well-positioned to back the 'over' as the Golden Knights look to answer back following a 4-1 loss in an animosity-filled Game 4. Of course, both teams will be without a defenseman due to suspension in this contest with Darnell Nurse of the Oilers and Alex Pietrangelo of the Knights forced to sit. Neither has provided much offensive spark in these playoffs but certainly play key roles on the blue line and will be missed here. I believe Pietrangelo's absence in particular further opens things up for the Oilers explosive offense as the Knights simply don't have anyone waiting in the wings capable of replacing the veteran's steadiness in critical moments (most notably against a lethal Oilers power play as Pietrangelo works on the Knights top penalty kill unit). Here, we'll note that Edmonton averages an impressive 4.1 goals per game on the road this season but that number rises to 4.6 when facing division opponents (18-game sample size). Note that the Oilers will likely be facing Knights goaltender Adin Hill again here, noting that they've now seen him in two previous starts, scoring eight goals on 56 shots (good for a weak .857 save percentage on Hill's part). Vegas checks in averaging 3.3 goals per game on home ice this season but that number rises considerably to 4.3 when coming off a road loss (seven-game sample size). Also note that we've seen the 'over' go 9-1 with the Knights seeking revenge for a road loss by three goals or more against an opponent over the last two seasons, leading to an average total of 7.3 goals in that situation. Better still, even with the 'under' cashing in the last three games in this series, the 'over' is 21-9 with Edmonton coming off an 'under' result this season, resulting in 7.7 total goals on average in that spot. We haven't seen four straight meetings in this series stay 'under' the total since a four-game 'under' streak from April 2019 to March 2020. Take the over (10*). |
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05-11-23 | Celtics v. 76ers UNDER 213.5 | 95-86 | Win | 100 | 31 h 0 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and Philadelphia at 7:30 pm et on Thursday. We've now seen each of the last three games in this series go 'over' the total which sends Game 6 into 'uncharted territory', at least in recent years. I say that because we haven't seen four straight matchups between these two teams go 'over' the total since 2016-17. The pace certainly wasn't there to dictate such a high-scoring result in Game 5 on Tuesday. Boston got off 83 field goal attempts in that game while Philadelphia countered with only 79. The 76ers quite simply shot the lights out but I expect the Celtics to make the necessary defensive adjustments here as they face potential elimination on Thursday night. Since allowing the Sixers to knock down 45 field goals in Game 1 of this series, Boston has held Philadelphia to just 31, 31, 42 and 40 made field goals over the last four contests. On the flip side, the 76ers have now limited each of their last 10 opponents to 44 or fewer made field goals. In fact, nine of Philadelphia's last 10 opponents have gotten off 87 or fewer FG attempts. The lone outlier came back in Game 2 of this series last week - the only game that happened to stay 'under' the total in this series to date. Here, we'll note that the 'under' remains a long-term 231-187 with the Celtics seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent as a favorite, as is the case here. Take the under (8*). |
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05-11-23 | White Sox v. Royals OVER 10 | 3-4 | Loss | -105 | 18 h 7 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Kansas City at 2:10 pm et on Thursday. Thursday's series-finale between these two A.L. Central cellar-dwellers features a subpar starting pitching matchup between Mike Clevinger of the White Sox and Brady Singer of the Royals. The book seems to once again be out on Clevinger as he re-acclimates himself with the American League after spending the last couple of years with the Padres. Of course, Clevinger missed the entire 2021 season before returning to log 114 1/3 innings last year. He struggled to the tune of a 4.97 FIP and 1.20 WHIP and has been even worse in the early going this season, recording a 5.19 FIP and 1.53 WHIP in seven starts spanning 35 1/3 innings. Of the 160 batters Clevinger has faced, 56 have reached base including six home runs - all coming in his last four outings. Note that Clevinger will be starting on short rest (four days) for the third time this season. On the two previous occasions he was tagged for five earned runs and lasted only eight innings. Singer has been a bit of an enigma in the first several years of his big league career. He had a terrific 2022 campaign by most accounts, logging a 3.58 FIP and 1.14 WHIP. That appears to be an outlier, however, as he has struggled again this season, posting a 5.40 FIP and 1.60 WHIP, allowing 57 of the 156 batters he has faced to reach base. Like Clevinger, Singer will also be pitching on just four days' rest on Thursday. In three previous starts on short rest this season, Singer has been lit up for 18 earned runs in 13 2/3 innings of work. This matchup also pits two of the worst bullpens in baseball with the White Sox relief corps' entering last night's action sporting a collective 6.21 ERA and 1.63 WHIP on the season and the Royals 'pen logging a 5.24 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. Prior to last night's contest, the two bullpens had combined to blow 11 saves (while converting 11) already this season. Take the over (8*). |
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05-10-23 | Marlins v. Diamondbacks OVER 8.5 | 5-4 | Win | 100 | 8 h 57 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Miami and Arizona at 3:40 pm et on Wednesday. The first two games in this series have stayed 'under' the total but I look for a different story to unfold in Wednesday's series-finale. Edward Cabrera will take the ball for the visiting Marlins. He's coming off a 2022 campaign in which he posted a terrific 3.01 ERA but that didn't tell the whole story as he logged a 4.59 FIP in 14 starts, spanning 71 2/3 innings. Perhaps that was a sign of things to come as he has labored through seven outings this season, posting a 5.13 FIP and 1.66 WHIP while allowing a whopping 54-of-148 batters he has faced to reach base. He'll be starting on four days' rest for just the third time this season having allowed four earned runs in 10 innings in his previous two outings on short rest. Merrill Kelly will counter for Arizona. He owns an impressive 2.75 ERA this season but again, that doesn't tell the whole story as he has logged a 3.88 FIP. The Marlins have seemingly had Kelly's number as he has faced them three times previously, posting a 6.75 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. That includes a start here in Arizona last season in which he was tagged for three earned runs on seven hits, including a home run, over five innings in an 11-3 defeat. Like Cabrera, Kelly will also be starting on just four days' rest for the third time this season having allowed seven earned runs in 11 innings in his two previous outings on short rest. The Marlins bullpen has posted a collective 4.94 ERA and 1.45 WHIP on the road this season while the Arizona relief corps' has struggled lately to the tune of a collective 5.64 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over the last seven games. In fact, over the last seven contests, the two teams have combined to convert only two saves while blowing five. Take the over (8*). |
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05-09-23 | Suns v. Nuggets UNDER 228.5 | 102-118 | Win | 100 | 36 h 38 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Denver at 10 pm et on Tuesday. The last two games in this series both flew 'over' the total as the Suns answered back after digging an 0-2 hole in Denver with consecutive wins on their home floor. The pace wasn't necessarily there for such a high-scoring affair in Game 4 (it reached 153 total points) as the Nuggets hoisted up 89 field goal attempts while the Suns got off only 81. Both teams simply shot the lights out. I don't anticipate a repeat performance from either team as the series shifts back to Denver on Tuesday. Note that the 'under' is a long-term 44-21 with the Nuggets playing at home after allowing their opponent to shoot 55% or better from the field in their previous contest, as is the case here. Denver has been stingy defensively at the best of times at home this season, yielding just 108.5 points per game but that number drops to 107.0 ppg when coming off an 'over' result with that spot producing an average total of 225.2 points (Nuggets home games have averaged 227.2 points overall this season). The fact that the 'over' has cashed in consecutive matchups between these two teams is worth noting as we haven't seen three straight 'over' results in this series in the same season since the 2020-21 campaign (and in that case the third game totalled just 227 points). Take the under (8*). |
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05-08-23 | Nationals v. Giants OVER 8.5 | Top | 5-1 | Loss | -100 | 14 h 36 m | Show |
Non-Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and San Francisco at 9:45 pm et on Monday. Both of these teams are coming off 'over' results on Sunday and I expect more of the same as they open a three-game series in San Francisco on Monday. Jake Irvin will get the start for the visiting Nationals. He's in the Washington starting rotation due to necessity only at this point. In his first big league start he gave up just one earned run on two hits over 4 1/3 innings but did walk four batters while hitting another with a pitch (and only struck out three). Note that in five starts at the Triple-A level this season, Irvin allowed 36-of-98 batters he faced to reach base and was tagged for three home runs in 22 1/3 innings of work. His counterpart on Monday will be Anthony DeSclafani. The right-hander probably hasn't been quite as good as his sparkling 2.18 ERA would indicate, logging a 3.38 FIP. He does own an impressive 0.82 WHIP as he has issued just three walks in 38 innings of work. Some regression is almost a certainty at this point and here he'll face a Nationals club that has been at its best on the road this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game. Washington just finished a series in Arizona in which it scored 17 runs across three games. Also note that the Nats scored 28 runs on 45 hits in a three-game series here in San Francisco last year. Neither bullpen inspires much confidence. Nationals relievers have combined to post a 4.35 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 10 saves converted and seven blown. Meanwhile, the Giants 'pen has been among the worst in baseball, recording a collective 6.04 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with nine saves converted and six blown. Take the over (10*). |
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05-07-23 | Nuggets v. Suns UNDER 228 | Top | 124-129 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 9 m | Show |
Non-Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Denver and Phoenix at 8 pm et on Sunday. It seems like the oddsmakers are playing 'catch-up' with the totals in this series, making the usual adjustments after the fact but ultimately overreacting in hindsight (as is often the case). Game 1 saw 232 total points so the total was adjusted a couple of points higher for Game 2, which ended up reaching only 184 points. For Game 3, the total was adjusted considerably lower only for that contest to sail 'over' with 235 total points. Here, we're again working with a higher posted total and I believe it will prove too high. The Nuggets were baited into a much faster-paced affair than they probably would have liked in Game 3, hoisting up 97 field goal attempts themselves while allowing the Suns to get off 95. As we anticipated, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant relished the opportunity to play 'hero ball' down 2-0 in the series and with most counting them out with Chris Paul sidelined. The pair combined to knock down 32 field goals and score a whopping 86 points in the victory. I'm confident we'll see the Nuggets make the necessary adjustments here, noting that they had held 10 straight and an incredible 19 of their last 20 opponents to 44 or fewer made field goals prior to Phoenix knocking down 48 in that contest. As I mentioned, Denver got off 97 FG attempts in Friday's loss. You would have to go back to March 31st and April 2nd to find the last time it hoisted up more than 90 FG attempts in consecutive games though, and those previous two contests still totalled only 193 and 222 points. Phoenix didn't look good defensively in Game 1 of this series but has held Denver to just 36 and 43 made field goals in two games since. Note that the Suns have limited 30 of their last 37 foes to 43 or fewer made field goals. While Phoenix went off in Game 3, it had previously been held to 43 or fewer made field goals in five consecutive meetings in this series. Take the under (10*). |
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05-07-23 | Dodgers v. Padres OVER 8 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 47 m | Show |
N.L. West Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and San Diego at 7:05 pm et on Sunday. This matchup screams 'pitcher's duel' on paper with the Dodgers handing the ball to their ace Julio Urias against Joe Musgrove on Sunday. We'll go the other way, however, as neither starter has been able to find their form - at least not consistently - in the early going this season. Of course, in Joe Musgrove's defense, he's only made two starts since returning from injury. Neither outing went well, however, as he has logged an 8.16 FIP and 1.68 WHIP in 8 1/3 innings of work, allowing 15-of-39 batters to reach base including four home runs allowed. Concerning is the fact that he also struggled in a pair of minor league starts, allowing 15-of-43 batters to reach base. The Dodgers saw Musgrove four times last season, scoring nine earned runs in 23 1/3 innings. Dodgers starter Julio Urias didn't have a good Spring, or World Baseball Classic for that matter, and has struggled to find any sort of consistency so far this season. Urias checks in sporting a 4.40 FIP and 1.11 WHIP, allowing 45-of-160 batters he has faced to reach base. While he is coming off one of his best outings, allowing just one earned run over seven innings against the slumping Phillies, he'll now be starting on short rest (four days) for the second straight outing - the first time he's done that since last season (June 29th and July 4th). Neither bullpen has been overly impressive in the early going this season. The Dodgers relief corps entered Saturday's action sporting a collective 4.38 ERA and 1.42 WHIP while the Padres 'pen had logged a 4.03 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. Needless to say, both lineups have the ability to put a lot of pressure on opposing pitching staffs and after a couple of low-scoring games to open this series, I expect a different story to unfold on Sunday. Take the over (10*). |
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05-07-23 | Hurricanes v. Devils UNDER 5.5 | 4-8 | Loss | -125 | 9 h 26 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Carolina and New Jersey at 3:40 pm et on Sunday. The first two games of this series have gone 'over' the total with the Hurricanes doing most of the heavy-lifting, scoring 11 goals compared to the Devils' two. Note that we haven't seen three straight meetings between these two teams go 'over' the total in the same season since way back in the 2013-14 campaign. You would have to go back to a three-game stretch that spanned between 2019 and 2022 (thanks to Covid) to find the last time any three consecutive matchups between these division rivals went 'over' the total. I would anticipate the Devils turning to Vitek Vanecek between the pipes in Game 3. He's played a big role in New Jersey's incredibly stingy nature here at home this season, where it has allowed just 2.6 goals per game. Note that the 'under' is a long-term 23-9 with the Devils playing at home seeking revenge for a loss by four goals or more against an opponent, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Canes have seen the 'under' go 11-3 when coming off consecutive 'over' results this season, resulting in an average total of just 4.8 goals in that situation. Finally, we'll note that Carolina has averaged just 2.3 goals per game with an average total of only 5.2 goals when playing on the road after winning four of its last five contests over the last two seasons (26-game sample size), which is also the situation here. Take the under (8*). |
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05-06-23 | Warriors v. Lakers UNDER 228 | 97-127 | Win | 100 | 14 h 9 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Golden State and Los Angeles at 8:30 pm et on Saturday. The first two games of this series both went 'over' the total (using the closing total for Game 2, noting the final score fell right around the number) but I look for a different story to unfold as the scene shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Saturday. Yes, the Warriors continue to give up a ton of scoring opportunities, yielding 90 or more field goal attempts in an incredible 15 straight games. However, there's been a method to their madness as they've held 18 of their last 19 opponents to 44 or fewer made field goals. The Lakers don't figure to be the ones to break through, at least not right now as they've knocked down 43 or fewer field goals in six of their last seven games and that's despite hoisting up 90 or more field goal attempts in each of their last six contests. Speaking of defense, Los Angeles turned in a poor effort at that end of the floor in Thursday's predictable Warriors bounce-back game. Still, the Lakers have held eight of their last nine and 12 of their last 15 foes to 44 or fewer made field goals. While the Warriors can still get hot at times, as we saw in Game 2 of this series, they've actually made good on 43 or fewer field goals in six of nine games in these playoffs. Also note that while the 'over' has cashed in the first two games of this series, Golden State hasn't seen three straight games go 'over' the total since a four-game 'over' streak way back in early February. The Lakers have had just one 'over' streak last more than two games going all the way back to December 28th, but it was a long one with eight straight contests finding their way 'over' the total from March 26th to April 9th. Take the under (8*). |
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05-05-23 | Red Sox v. Phillies OVER 8 | Top | 5-3 | Push | 0 | 11 h 6 m | Show |
Interleague Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Boston and Philadelphia at 7:05 pm et on Friday. Both of these teams enter Friday's series-opener riding 'over' streaks with the Red Sox having seen each of their last four games (all against the Blue Jays) sail 'over' the total and the Phillies coming off a three-game set against the Dodgers in which all three contests went 'over' the total as well. I expect a similar story to unfold on Friday. One week ago tonight the Red Sox put plenty of pressure on Guardians ace Shane Bieber but couldn't break through in a 5-2 defeat. Since then, they've exploded for 8, 7, 6, 7, 8 and 11 runs over their last six games. Of course, they've also allowed five runs or more in 10 of their last 12 contests but we'll get to that in a moment. While the Sox draw a tough matchup in Phillies ace Zack Wheeler on Friday, I'm confident they'll be able to find continued success. After a shaky start to the season, Wheeler has turned it around over his last several starts, lowering his FIP to 2.54 and his WHIP to 1.22. Those numbers are relatively on par with what we've seen from the underrated right-hander going back to the start of 2021. With that being said, I do think he's in for some regression to the mean in terms of home runs allowed (he's given up just one in 32 2/3 innings of work this season) and what better opponent to contribute to that than the Red Sox, who have already mashed 46 home runs this season. I'll also point out that Wheeler has yet to work beyond the sixth inning this season and just twice in his last 18 outings going back to last year, leaving the door open for a struggling Phillies bullpen to step in and make things interesting, noting it has logged a collective 5.59 ERA and 1.56 WHIP this season. Chris Sale will get the start for the visiting Red Sox. He was terrific in his most recent outing against the slumping Guardians. That start came at home, where he's pitched reasonably well this season. The road has been another story as he has posted an 8.36 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in three outings spanning 14 innings of work. Overall, Sale checks in sporting a 4.63 FIP and 1.47 WHIP with 47 of the 134 batters he has faced reaching base. He'll be up against a rejuvenated Phillies lineup that just welcomed back Bryce Harper earlier this week. Harper proceeded to go 3-for-3 in his second game back. Table-setter Trea Turner enters this series on a five-game hitting streak. There's danger up and down the Philadelphia lineup and this is obviously a team built for its home ballpark, averaging 4.6 runs per game in 13 home games so far this season (compared to its season scoring average of 4.3 rpg). The Red Sox bullpen has held up well, much better than I expected at the outset of the season, logging a collective 3.44 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. However, it does enter this contest having not had a day off since April 27th and we're talking about a relief corps that has been overworked, having already been called into action for 128 1/3 innings this season. I can't help but think some regression will be coming for the Boston 'pen and the Phillies lineup poses a significant challenge. Take the over (10*). |
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05-03-23 | 76ers v. Celtics UNDER 217 | Top | 87-121 | Win | 100 | 13 h 54 m | Show |
Eastern Conference Second Round Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Philadelphia and Boston at 8 pm et on Wednesday. Game 1 of this series sailed 'over' the total witb both teams shooting the lights out in a 119-115 76ers victory in Boston. I expect a much different story to unfold on Wednesday. The pace certainly didn't dictate such a high-scoring affair in the series-opener. Philadelphia hoisted up 89 field goal attempts while Boston got off just 75 in a stunning home defeat. Note that the 76ers knocked down 45 field goals - just the fourth time in their last 17 games that they managed to connect on more than 42 field goals. On the flip side, the 44 made field goals they allowed served as the first time in six games they yielded 40 or more successful field goal attempts. In fact, Philadelphia has still limited 18 of its last 23 opponents to 44 or fewer made field goals. While Boston hasn't been as stout defensively as we've become accustomed to seeing in these playoffs, I am confident it can bounce back from Monday's poor showing in Game 2. Note that the Celtics have held 18 of their last 21 opponents to 45 or fewer made field goals - not a bad high-water mark in that department when you consider they've allowed 89 or more FG attempts in 10 straight and 14 of their last 15 contests. As I've noted previously in these playoffs, the C's have been yielding too many scoring opportunities but the 76ers are unlikely to continue to push the pace the way they did in Game 1, noting they've hoisted up fewer than 90 FG attempts in 13 of their last 16 games and average just 84 FG attempts per game this season. Finally, we'll note that the Celtics are heading into uncharted territory having matched their longest 'over' streak of the season at five games. Interestingly, the only previous time they posted five consecutive 'over' results, their next game stayed 'under' the total against these same 76ers. Take the under (10*). |
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05-03-23 | Devils v. Hurricanes UNDER 5.5 | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -130 | 11 h 30 m | Show |
Metropolitan Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between New Jersey and Carolina at 7:10 pm et on Wednesday. We saw a pair of relatively high-scoring affairs to open the second round of the NHL Playoffs last night. I expect nothing of the sort as the Devils and Hurricanes do battle in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semi-final series on Wednesday, however. New Jersey has averaged 3.4 goals per game this season but its offensive production fell off a cliff in round one against the Rangers, partly by design. The Devils averaged only 2.4 goals per contest during that seven-game series and we got a pretty good indication of how they want to play in the postseason as they often sat back defensively, waiting for the opportunity to counter-attack, ultimately firing fewer than 30 shots on goal in five of seven contests. I don't think Lindy Ruff's team will want to trade scoring opportunities with Carolina either, certainly not in the first two games of the series here in Raleigh. Note that the Hurricanes offense wasn't exactly humming in the opening round either, averaging 2.7 goals per game over the course of that six-game series against the Islanders. The Canes have of course had to make some adjustments with Andrei Svechnikov - scoring option 1B to Sebastian Aho's 1A - going down with a season-ending injury late in the regular season and then losing Teuvo Teravainen to a broken hand in round one as well. Carolina boasts one of the strongest defensive corps of any team remaining in the NHL Playoffs and I believe that group will prove difficult to break down in this series. The Canes have allowed just 2.5 goals per game on home ice this season with that number dropping to 2.2 when coming off a victory over a divisional opponent (13-game sample size), as is the case here. It's worth mentioning that while these two teams have met eight times since the start of 2022, we could be seeing a new goaltending matchup here as Devils breakout netminder Akira Schmid has never faced Carolina while Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen hasn't taken the crease against New Jersey since he was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs (he owns a 2.11 goals against average .934 save percentage in nine career games vs. the Devils). Finally, we'll note that the 'under' is a long-term 157-109 with the Devils coming off a home win in which they scored four goals or more, which is the situation here. Take the under (10*). |
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05-03-23 | Guardians v. Yankees OVER 7.5 | 3-4 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 46 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Cleveland and New York at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. The first two games of this series have been of the low-scoring variety with the two teams trading victories. I expect a different story to unfold in Wednesday's series-finale in the Bronx. Shane Bieber will take the ball for the visiting Guardians. While he's pitched well in the early going this season, he perhaps hasn't quite lived up to lofty expectations. Note that his 3.63 FIP would serve as a career-high while his 6.2 strikeouts per nine innings would mark a career-low. In his most recent start last Friday, he worked himself in and out of trouble on numerous occasions in an eventual 5-2 win over the Red Sox. Note that Bieber has recorded more than four strikeouts in a game only once in six starts this season and that's despite working at least into the sixth inning in all six of those outings. I'll also point out that this will be his first start on short (four days) rest this season. He owns a 5.73 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in six career starts against the Yankees. Clarke Schmidt remains in the Yankees starting rotation out of necessity only. You have to wonder if he's long for a big league rotation based on how things have gone for the right-hander so far this season. Schmidt checks in sporting a 5.53 FIP and 1.68 WHIP in 25 innings of work - a far cry from the 3.60 FIP and 1.20 WHIP he posted mostly working out of the bullpen last year. Of the 119 batters Schmidt has faced this season, 44 have reached base. He's already been tagged for seven home runs. Now he faces a Guardians lineup that as I've mentioned on numerous occasions this season is ultra-aggressive and has speed to burn on the basepaths, having already racked up 35 stolen bases this season. They're going to apply plenty of pressure on Schmidt and you have to figure they're in line for a breakout performance after being held to just six runs over the last three games. Note that Cleveland entered last night's contest averaging 4.5 runs per game on the road this season. Both bullpens are elite and have certainly excelled so far this season. I will point out that the Yankees have used key reliever Wandy Peralta in each of the first two games in this series meaning he's likely unavailable on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Guardians 'pen has been dealing with a tough stretch from usually-reliable setup man James Karinchak. I do think the terrific overall numbers from both relief corps' have been properly factored in when you consider this relatively-low posted total. Take the over (8*). |
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05-02-23 | Lakers v. Warriors OVER 227 | Top | 117-112 | Win | 100 | 14 h 27 m | Show |
Western Conference Second Round Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Golden State at 10 pm et on Tuesday. Both of these teams wrapped up round one of the NBA Playoffs with consecutive 'under' results. In fact, the 'under' went 4-1 in the final five games of the Lakers 4-2 series win over the Grizzlies. The 'under' cashed in four of the last six games in the Warriors 4-3 series victory over the Kings. I expect a different story to unfold in Game 1 of this Western Conference semi-final round series on Tuesday, however. Both of these teams invite up-tempo play from the opposition. Interestingly, the Lakers allowed 93, 106 (aided by overtime), 99 and 96 field goal attempts over their last four games against the Grizzlies. Memphis was simply unable to take advantage of its wealth of scoring opportunities, running cold at the absolute worst time (the Grizzlies made good on 44 or fewer field goals in all six contests). I don't expect the Warriors to suffer the same fate. The ramped up offensively as the series went on against the Kings, knocking down 40 or more field goals and hoisting up 90 or more field goal attempts in four of the final five games in the opening round. In fact, Golden State has gotten off 90 or more field goal attempts in nine of its last 12 contests and has hoisted up 100 or more FG attempts on five different occasions since February 23rd. On the flip side, the Warriors have yielded 90 or more FG attempts to their opponents in an incredible 13 straight games. With the Lakers rounding into form offensively, making good on more than 40 field goals in 11 of their last 14 contests and getting off 90 or more FG attempts in 11 of their last 13 overall, I believe this game sets up as a potential track meet. Keep in mind, the Lakers - despite not always being at full strength - managed to knock down 40 or more field goals in all four regular season meetings with the Warriors. Meanwhile, Golden State had little trouble finding looks, hoisting up 99, 96, 105 and 91 FG attempts in those four matchups. In eight meetings between these two teams since the start of last season, the low water mark in terms of points scored for either team was 103 with both teams putting up more than 110 points in five of those eight contests. Take the over (10*). |
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05-02-23 | Seattle Kraken v. Stars OVER 5.5 | 5-4 | Win | 109 | 14 h 42 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Seattle and Dallas at 9:40 pm et on Tuesday. Both of these teams enter this series riding 'under' streaks. The final four games of the Kraken's stunning first round upset of the defending Stanley Cup champion Avalanche stayed 'under' the total while the Stars saw each of their last three contests against the Wild cruise 'under' the total as well. I expect a different story to unfold as the two teams meet in the postseason for the first time on Tuesday. While Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer certainly appeared to have the Avs number in round one, I think he'll be hard-pressed to repeat his heroics here in round two. Note that Dallas has faced Grubauer twice in the brief series history between these two teams, scoring nine goals in those two contests. It's actually a similar story for the Kraken against Stars netminder Jake Oettinger. He's been between the pipes for Dallas in all six previous meetings in this series with Seattle scoring 18 goals and no fewer than two goals in any of those games. Of course, it's not all about the goaltenders. We're going to need this game to open up considerably compared to what we saw in the latter stages of the two teams' respective opening round series'. Here, we'll note that while Seattle averages 3.4 goals per game on the season, that average rises to 3.8 when playing on the road off a road victory (29-game sample size), as is the case here. The Stars have been fairly stingy on home ice, allowing just 2.7 goals per game this season but that average jumps to 4.0 when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent in which it scored five goals or more (eight-game sample size), which is also the situation here (Kraken won the last meeting 5-4 in Dallas). In fact, the 'over' has gone a perfect 5-0 with Dallas playing at home seeking revenge for a home loss against an opponent this season, with that spot producing an average total of 9.2 goals. While playoff hockey tends to be lower-scoring, I would argue that the stakes were similarly high for both teams - keeping in mind this is only Game 1 of this series - when they matched up three times over an 11-day span back in March (the Kraken were fighting to get in the playoffs while the Stars were battling for playoff seeding). Those three games totalled seven, seven and nine goals (the last result was aided by overtime). Take the over (8*). |
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05-02-23 | Reds v. Padres UNDER 8.5 | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 14 h 26 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Cincinnati and San Diego at 9:40 pm et on Tuesday. The series-opener between these two teams sailed 'over' the total last night as the Padres cruised to an 8-3 victory - their third win in a row. After a red hot stretch at the plate last week (30 runs in four games), Cincinnati has cooled off, scoring only 10 runs over their last three contests. I'm anticipating a relatively low-scoring affair at Petco Park on Tuesday. Graham Ashcraft will get the start for the visiting Reds. I consider him to be one of the more underrated young starters in baseball, noting that he posted a 4.21 FIP and 1.42 WHIP in 105 innings of work during his rookie campaign last year - not bad numbers at all when you consider the majority of his starts take place at the bandbox that is Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. So far this season, Ashcraft has recorded a 3.82 FIP and 1.17 WHIP, working at least six innings in four of his five starts to date. Note that he held opponents to less than 1.0 home run and 3.0 walks per nine innings last season. He's once again keeping the ball in the park this year, yielding just one home run in 30 frames of work - that coming in his first outing of the season. His walks are up but I am confident he can regain his command and he's made up for it by increasing his strikeouts per nine innings and limiting his hits allowed. All told, only 36-of-123 batters he has faced have reached base. With only 16 stolen bases so far this season, the Padres don't tend to put a ton of pressure on opposing pitchers with men on base. Note also that San Diego entered this series averaging just 3.2 runs per game at Petco Park this season. Veteran Michael Wacha will take the ball for the Padres. He's been better than his inflated 6.75 ERA would indicate, logging a 4.46 FIP and 1.58 WHIP through five starts. Not impressive numbers by any means but they're largely due to consecutive rocky outings in mid-April. He pitched reasonably well last time out, holding a good Cubs lineup to four hits, one walk and three earned runs over five innings. Behind Wacha is a Padres bullpen that I believe is in for some positive regression having entered this series sporting a collective 4.43 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. On a positive note, San Diego has converted 11 saves while blowing only four (entering Monday's action). The Reds bullpen has actually been getting stronger as the season goes on. Entering this series, Cincinnati relievers had logged a collective 2.96 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over the last seven games. Blown saves have been an issue with six on the season but the Reds don't project to be playing with a lead late in this game (of course it's always a possibility). Both teams were able to keep most of their key relievers rested last night, especially the Padres, who got six solid innings from starter Blake Snell and only used two relief arms in Steven Wilson and Domingo Tapia. Take the under (8*). |
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05-01-23 | Phillies v. Dodgers OVER 8.5 | 4-13 | Win | 100 | 13 h 27 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Philadelphia and Los Angeles at 10:10 pm et on Monday. Both of these teams are coming off relatively low-scoring weekend series'. In fact, the Phillies saw all three games in Houston stay 'under' the total and enter the new week on a four-game 'under' streak. Meanwhile, the Dodgers seven-game 'over' streak ground to a halt in a 1-0 victory over the Cardinals on Saturday before yesterday's game snuck 'under' the total as well. I expect a different story to unfold on Monday. Philadelphia will hand the ball to Taijuan Walker. He's had a bit of a rocky start to the campaign and doesn't figure to turn it around against a Dodgers club that has given him plenty of trouble over the course of his career (4.85 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 12 career starts against them). Last season, Walker faced the Dodgers twice, allowing five earned runs on 12 hits and four walks while striking out only seven in 11 innings. So far this season, Walker has been about as bad as his 4.97 ERA indicates, sporting a 5.28 FIP and 1.38 WHIP with 35 of the 108 batters he has faced managing to reach base. Tony Gonsolin will counter for Los Angeles. He'll be making just his second start of the season after a brief return last week. He's certainly not in midseason form just yet, noting that he has allowed five walks in just 6 1/3 innings split between Triple-A and the bigs so far this season. The Phillies are seeing right-handed starters well this season, averaging 5.0 runs per game against them. Note that Gonsolin is unlikely to work deep into this game in just his second start back from injury and that's notable as the Dodgers bullpen hasn't been nearly as steady as we've become accustomed to, logging a collective 4.76 ERA and 1.45 WHIP so far this season. It's been a similar story for the Phillies bullpen, which has posted a 4.42 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. Take the over (8*). |
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05-01-23 | Suns v. Nuggets UNDER 227.5 | 87-97 | Win | 100 | 15 h 46 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Denver at 10:05 pm et on Monday. Game 1 of this series managed to creep 'over' the total thanks to a tremendous offensive performance from the Nuggets. That contest marked only the second time all season that Denver hoisted up 100 or more field goal attempts in a game. I certainly feel that the Suns expected the Nuggets to employ a different, slower-paced offensive gameplan than they did in the series-opener so now it's on Phoenix to make the necessary adjustments defensively. Note that the Suns have only had eight previous what I would term 'outlier' poor defensive efforts - games in which they allowed 48 or more made field goals (as they did in Game 1 of this series). Following those contests, they've allowed 95, 128, 111, 121, 112, 106, 94 and 115 points in their next game, so a bit all over the place, but generally-speaking, they've allowed just north of 110 points per game in that situation, which is right around two points per game below their season average. All that is to say, I do expect Phoenix to bounce back from a defensive standpoint in Game 2. On the flip side, however, I think the Suns are still going to be in tough. Note that Denver has now held 16 of its last 19 opponents to 43 or fewer made field goals. Only four of their last 19 opponents have gotten off 90 or more field goal attempts and one of those was aided by overtime. The 'over' has now cashed in consecutive games involving the Nuggets for the first time since March 10th to 14th. Note that they've incredibly had just three 'over' streaks last three games or more this season with none of those lasting longer than four contests. Take the under (8*). |
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05-01-23 | Cubs v. Nationals UNDER 8.5 | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 46 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Washington at 7:05 pm et on Monday. The Nationals avoided a sweep at the hands of the Pirates with a 7-2 victory yesterday, also marking their second straight 'over' result. Note that they've recorded an 'over' streak lasting three games only once previously this season and that came during a series at hitter-friendly Coors Field in Denver. Drew Smyly will take the ball for the visiting Cubs on Monday. He of course flirted with a perfect game two starts back before allowing two earned runs over five innings in a 5-3 loss to the Padres last time out. There's no denying Smyly has enjoyed a renaissance of sorts so far this season, recording a 3.24 FIP and 0.93 WHIP. He's allowed just 28 of the 110 batters he has faced to reach base. In his lone outing against Washington last season, Smyly gave up just two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings of work in a 3-2 victory here in D.C. Of note, neither of Smyly's last two starts have stayed 'under' the total. He hasn't gone three consecutive outings without an 'under' result since back in 2021 when he posted a five-start 'over' streak. Mackenzie Gore will counter for Washington. He was one of the big pieces coming over in the Juan Soto trade last Summer. Gore has been good but not great so far this season although his numbers are somewhat skewed by one bad outing in which he couldn't make it through the fourth inning against the Angels back on April 12th (that game still totalled only five runs). Through five starts, the left-hander has logged a 3.53 FIP and 1.30 WHIP. Walks have certainly been an issue as he has handed out north of 5.0 free passes per nine innings. However, Gore does have the ability to erase those walks thanks to his high strikeout rate. He is K'ing just shy of 12.0 batters per nine innings. The Cubs should help his cause, noting that they've already struck out 224 times this season - an average of over eight K's per game. The two bullpens are a bit of a mixed bag. Cubs relievers have posted a collective 3.98 ERA and 1.23 WHIP but have converted only three saves while blowing four. Meanwhile, the Nationals 'pen has recorded a 4.38 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with seven saves converted and four blown. What I do like about the two bullpens is the fact that neither has been truly overworked with the Cubs logging 97 1/3 innings and the Nats' working 96 2/3 frames. Take the under (8*). |
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04-30-23 | Seattle Kraken v. Avalanche UNDER 6 | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 16 h 34 m | Show |
Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Seattle and Colorado at 9:30 pm et on Sunday. The 'under' has now cashed in three straight games in this series and that's not a trend I expect to reverse in Game 7 on Sunday. Keep in mind, we've previously seen a six-game 'under' streak between these two teams and that's notable when you consider there have only been 12 all-time meetings. Similarly, the Avalanche's current three-game 'under' streak has been topped by four previous 'under' runs lasting four games or more this season and that includes a December stretch that saw nine straight games stay 'under' the total. The Kraken have had three previous 'under' streaks lasting more than three games this season as well. We know Seattle will want to make this game as ugly as possible as it looks to pull off the major round one upset in enemy territory. Note that the 'under' is 22-11 with Seattle coming off a game in which it allowed four goals or more this season, as is the case here. The 'under' has gone 24-17-3 in Colorado's home games this season, where it has given up just 2.7 goals per contest. Take the under (10*). |
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04-30-23 | Reds v. A's OVER 8 | 4-5 | Win | 105 | 10 h 41 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Cincinnati and Oakland at 4:05 pm et on Sunday. We saw a low-scoring game between these two teams yesterday after Friday's series-opener produced a whopping 18 total runs. I'm expecting more in the way of offense on Sunday as the Reds send Nick Lodolo to the mound against Ken Waldichuk of the A's. Lodolo finished sixth in National League Rookie of the Year voting last season but hasn't been able to recapture that same form here in 2023, logging a 4.92 FIP and 1.87 WHIP. Of the 125 batters Lodolo has faced, 52 have reached base. While the A's have one of the worst offenses in baseball, we did see they're capable of rising up on occasion in Friday's seven-run outburst and I do think they're well-positioned to produce on Sunday as well. Waldichuk may not be long for a big league rotation based on how his career has started. He was good but certainly not great in 30-plus innings last year but 2023 has been disastrous. He's been every bit as bad as his 7.82 ERA indicates, perhaps even worse, posting a 8.10 FIP and 1.74 WHIP while allowing 46 of the 119 batters he has faced to reach base. Worse still, he's already been tagged for nine home runs - that's north of 3.0 long balls per nine innings. Behind Waldichuk is an A's bullpen that has been dreadful this season, entering yesterday's action sporting a collective 7.03 ERA and 1.74 WHIP. Keep in mind, Oakland blew yesterday's game in the ninth inning, coughing up a 2-1 lead in a 3-2 defeat. The Reds 'pen entered Saturday's action having logged a collective 3.62 ERA and 1.27 WHIP but has blown five saves. Take the over (8*). |
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04-30-23 | Warriors v. Kings UNDER 229.5 | 120-100 | Win | 100 | 8 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Golden State and Sacramento at 3:30 pm et on Sunday. We've seen three of the first six games go 'under' the total in this series including Game 6 on Friday, which reached just 217 points. A considerable adjustment has been made to the total for game 7 - this is the lowest total we've seen all series. I still feel the number is too high. Note that the Warriors have held an incredible 15 of their last 16 opponents to 44 or fewer made field goals, despite allowing 90 or more field goal attempts in 13 of those contests. With that being said, Golden State will need to make adjustments here after De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk went off on Friday night - similar to the situation they were in following the series-opener (note that Game 2 totalled just 220 points with the Kings knocking down only 42 field goals). The Kings are a better defensive team than most give them credit for and they certainly showed that in Game 6 on Friday. Save for an awful defensive effort in a 123-116 loss here at home in Game 5, they've held up reasonably well at that end of the floor in this series, noting that they've limited the Warriors to 90 or fewer field goal attempts in four of six games. Sacramento has held 11 of its last 14 opponents to 44 or fewer made field goals. Take the under (8*). |
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04-29-23 | Suns v. Nuggets UNDER 226.5 | 107-125 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Denver at 8:30 pm et on Saturday. The last time these two teams met on April 6th in Phoenix they combined to score 234 points. Not entirely due to that result but likely in part, we're working with a higher posted total this time around. I believe it will prove too high. Note that while both the Suns and Nuggets offenses were on point in the opening round, I've been impressed by the two teams' defensive play as well. Phoenix enters this game having held five straight and 13 of their last 14 opponents to 45 or fewer made field goals. That's despite allowing eight of those opponents to get off at least 90 field goal attempts. I don't anticipate the Nuggets looking to speed things up here. They've hoisted up 85 or fewer field goal attempts in five of their last eight games. Denver has held eight straight and 17 of its last 18 opponents to 44 or fewer made field goals. The Nuggets really clamped down defensively against the Timberwolves in the opening round, limiting them to 81 or fewer FG attempts in four of five games (the only game where they didn't went to overtime). While both teams shot exceptionally well in the first meeting of the season back on Christmas Day, since then we've seen Denver hold Phoenix to just 39, 37 and 41 made field goals in three matchups. I realize the Suns are a different team with Kevin Durant joining the fold but were they really all that different in the opening round against the Clippers? In that series they knocked down 42 or fewer field goals in four of six games. Noting that the 'under' is 14-6 with the Nuggets seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent this season, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of 224.9 points in that situation, we'll look precisely that way in Game 1 on Saturday. Take the under (8*). |
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04-29-23 | Guardians v. Red Sox OVER 9 | Top | 7-8 | Win | 105 | 9 h 25 m | Show |
American League Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Cleveland and Boston at 4:10 pm et on Saturday. With last night's 5-2 victory here at Fenway Park, the Guardians have now seen four straight and nine of their last 10 games overall stay 'under' the total. Last night's contest certainly appeared headed in the other direction before the scoring fizzled late. Keep in mind, Boston has posted an 8-3 o/u mark over its last 11 games. I'm anticipating a fairly high-scoring affair on Saturday afternoon in Beantown. Zach Plesac will take the ball for the Guardians. He's probably been better than his 6.50 ERA this season but that's not saying much as he still owns a 4.02 FIP and 1.83 WHIP. We can certainly expect some regression to the mean in terms of his hits allowed as he's currently giving up a ridiculous 14.5 hits per nine innings. However, that doesn't mean that a matchup with the Red Sox at Fenway Park is an ideal spot to turn things around. Note that Boston has seen Plesac once in each of the last two seasons, plating six earned runs on 11 hits in 10 innings. Brayan Bello will counter for the Red Sox. While he's had plenty of success at the minor league level going back to the start of last season, that hasn't translated over to the bigs. He owns a 6.35 FIP and 2.18 WHIP in two outings so far this season, allowing nearly half (17) of the batters he's faced (39) to reach base. As I've noted on more than one occasion this season, if you're going to put runners on base against the Guardians, you're likely going to pay for it as they have speed to burn and are ultra-aggressive on the basepaths, stealing 31 bases already this season. Cleveland used two of its key bullpen arms to close out last night's game in Trevor Stephan and closer Emmanuel Clase. That duo has worked in each of the last two games but did have a day off on Thursday. With setup man James Karinchak struggling lately, they could be used again on Saturday and I simply question whether they can be as effective as usual. The Red Sox bullpen has exceeded expectations this season, logging a collective 3.59 ERA and 1.22 WHIP entering this series. I do expect to see some regression from their relief corps moving forward, noting that we already saw some of that heading into this series with Sox relievers having posted a 3.97 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over the last seven games. They're in a favorable spot as far as bullpen rest goes after Kutter Crawford finished the game with four solid innings in relief of starter Nick Pivetta last night. But again, I like the matchup for the Guardians bats regardless who the Red Sox trot out to the mound. Take the over (10*). |
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04-28-23 | Grizzlies v. Lakers UNDER 219 | 85-125 | Win | 100 | 15 h 13 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Memphis and Los Angeles at 10:30 pm et on Friday. We won with the 'over' in Games 1 and 4 in this series but were fortunate to cash the latter thanks only to overtime. The other three games all stayed 'under' the total and I expect a similar outcome on Friday as well. The Lakers are thriving in this series largely due to their defensive play. They've held the Grizzlies to 44 or fewer made field goals in all five games despite Memphis hoisting up at least 89 field goal attempts in every contest. In fact, Los Angeles has limited 10 of its last 13 opponents to 44 or fewer made field goals. Since allowing the Lakers to knock down a whopping 49 field goals in Games 1, the Grizzlies have settled in defensively as well, holding Los Angeles to 41 or fewer made field goals in each of the last four contests. Only two of their last nine opponents have knocked down more than 44 field goals. While the Grizzlies average 113.7 points per game on the road this season, that number falls to 107.7 as a road underdog. The Lakers, meanwhile, have been a better defensive team at home this season, yielding 113.2 points per contest, while their offense has been only 0.1 point per game better than their season scoring average here at Crypto.com Arena. Take the under (8*). |
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04-28-23 | Kings v. Warriors UNDER 235 | 118-99 | Win | 100 | 13 h 49 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Sacramento and Golden State at 8 pm et on Friday. Consecutive 'over' results have helped keep this total reasonably high as we enter Game 6 of the series on Friday in San Francisco. The Warriors continue to play effective defense having now held 14 of their last 15 opponents to 44 made field goals or less. On the flip side, they're coming off a game in which they knocked down 50 field goals - a number they're unlikely to approach again on Friday. Keep in mind, the Kings have limited 11 of their last 13 opponents to 45 or fewer made field goals. We're talking about two teams that are playing at a reasonably fast pace but still managing to hold their form defensively. While the 'over' has cashed in each of the last two games, the Kings haven't seen three straight contests go 'over' the total since a four-game streak from March 18th to 24th. To find the last time the Warriors delivered three straight 'over' results you would have to go all the way back to February 2nd to 8th, when they also saw four consecutive games go 'over' the total. Take the under (8*). |
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04-26-23 | Panthers v. Bruins UNDER 6.5 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -120 | 9 h 16 m | Show |
First Round Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Florida and Boston at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. A quick note to start, we want to play this total at 6.5 (even with the juice) rather than the 6.0 being offered at some books. I anticipate the total bumping up to 6.5 at the majority of books as the day progresses. We've seen three straight games total six goals or more in this series with the 'over' cashing at a 2-0-1 clip over that stretch. That's notable as we haven't seen more than three consecutive games involving the Bruins fail to stay 'under' the total since way back in their first four games this season (all four of those games went 'over' the total). Only twice previously since then have we see a three-game stretch without an 'under' result, on those two occasions their next contest resulted in a 3-2 home win over the Hurricanes on November 25th and a 3-1 home victory over the Panthers to open this series. Note that the 'under' is 14-5 with the Bruins playing at home after scoring four goals or more in consecutive games over the last three seasons, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of just 5.2 goals in that situation. From the Panthers perspective, they've posted an 0-5 o/u record when playing on the road off a home loss by two goals or more this season, which is the situation tonight, leading to just 4.8 total goals on average in that spot. Going back further, the 'under' is 11-4 with Florida playing on the road after giving up three goals or more in three consecutive games over the last two seasons, producing an average total of 5.7 goals along the way. While the Panthers are known for their high-scoring ways, the fact is they haven't seen consecutive games go 'over' the total since a four-game 'over' streak from March 20th to 25th. Since then, they've recorded a 5-5-3 o/u mark. Take the under (10*). |
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04-25-23 | Royals v. Diamondbacks OVER 9.5 | 5-4 | Loss | -108 | 13 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Kansas City and Arizona at 9:40 pm et on Tuesday. We missed with the 'over' in the opener of this series last night but probably deserved a better fate as both teams wasted numerous scoring opportunities, not to mention the fact that seven runs were scored before the middle of the fifth inning (the game finished with nine runs). I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play on Tuesday as we arguably have an even more favorable starting pitching matchup for the hitters, not to mention the fact that both bullpens were forced to use a number of key arms in last night's contest. Brady Singer will take the ball for the Royals. Through four starts spanning 21 innings of work, Singer has recorded a 5.46 FIP and 1.52 WHIP while allowing 32-of-93 batters he's faced to reach base so far this season. Not only that but he's been tagged for five home runs. It's a similar story for Diamondbacks starter Ryne Nelson. We actually won with the 'over' in his most recent start against the Padres last week. Nelson has logged a 5.50 FIP and 1.18 WHIP through his first four outings this season, covering a span of 22 innings. He has only allowed 26-of-91 batters to reach base but that's had more to do with batted balls not falling in than anything else (he's giving up just 7.4 hits per nine innings but has been lit up for four home runs including three in his last two starts). It's worth mentioning that Nelson started on short rest (four days) for the first time in his big league career last time out and will have to do so for a second straight outing here. Neither bullpen inspires much confidence. The Royals 'pen sports a collective 6.30 ERA and 1.58 WHIP, converting only three saves while blowing three as well. Arizona's relief corps has logged a more respectable 4.73 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with six saves converted and four blown but used closer Andrew Chafin for 1 2/3 innings (and 30-plus pitches) last night, meaning he likely won't be available on Tuesday. Also note that the D'Backs 'pen has already worked 91 1/3 innings this season and hasn't had a day off since April 13th. Take the over (8*). |
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04-25-23 | Wolves v. Nuggets OVER 221 | Top | 109-112 | Push | 0 | 12 h 22 m | Show |
Division Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Denver at 9 pm et on Tuesday. This play sets up similarly to when we (successfully) backed the 'over' in Game 2 of this series last week. Remember, the series-opener was exceptionally low-scoring with just 189 total points scored but as expected, Game 2 was much higher-scoring, reaching into the low-230's. Note that the 'under' hasn't cashed in consecutive meetings in this series since back in May and October 2021. Since then, the two teams have matched up 11 times with the 'over' going 8-3. While we did win with the 'under' in Game 4 of this series on Sunday, it wasn't easy as overtime nearly toppled the total. Of course that contest reached only 192 points in regulation time. As I've noted previously in this series, the Timberwolves have been one of the most productive 'fast break' teams in the league this season - top-eight in the league in fast break points during the regular season, in fact. While injuries have played a factor, they've played far too slow in this series. However, with some life following Sunday's overtime win, I do expect Minnesota to play with 'house money' on Tuesday and push the pace more than we've seen. Karl-Anthony Towns' two highest-scoring games of this series have come in the last two contests. The sudden absence of Kyle Anderson means more scoring opportunities for the likes of Towns and Anthony Edwards, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. On the flip side, the Nuggets are heavily-favored for a reason here. Note that while they average 115.7 points per game overall this season, that number bumps up to 118.5 when coming off a road loss (22-game sample size), resulting in an average total of 229.4 points in that situation. While it was aided by overtime on Sunday, Denver has now knocked down more than 40 field goals in all four games in this series. Finally, we'll note that the 'over' is 22-10 with the Nuggets playing at home seeking revenge for a road loss against an opponent over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 233.3 points in that spot. In fact the 'over' is 58-36 with Denver coming off a loss over the same stretch and a long-term 176-139 when the Nuggets check in off an outright defeat as a favorite, which is the situation here. Take the over (10*). |
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04-24-23 | Grizzlies v. Lakers OVER 220.5 | Top | 111-117 | Win | 100 | 16 h 40 m | Show |
First Round Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Memphis and Los Angeles at 10 pm et on Monday. We won with the 'over' in Game 1 of this series last Sunday but have stayed idle from a totals perspective since with the 'under' cashing in the last two games. I'm anticipating a much higher-scoring affair than we saw on Saturday, when the Lakers prevailed by a 111-101 score. The Grizzlies have shot poorly in consecutive games, knocking down just 38 and 35 field goals. The pace was certainly there for a higher-scoring contest on Saturday as Memphis hoisted up 93 field goal attempts and Los Angeles got off 90. Note that the last time the Grizzlies were held to fewer than 40 made field goals in consecutive games was way back on February 5th and 7th. In their next game they went off for 49-of-84 shooting in a 128-point outburst against Minnesota. Prior to that they were held to 39 and 36 made field goals on December 25th and 27th, respectively, before knocking down 48 in a 119-point effort against Toronto. The week previous to that they were held to fewer than 40 made field goals in consecutive affairs before connecting on 45 in a 125-point performance against Phoenix. You get the picture. The Lakers responded following a poor offensive showing in Game 2 by making good on 41-of-90 field goal attempts for 111 points on Saturday. Note that the Grizzlies have now allowed seven of their last eight and 12 of their last 14 opponents to knock down more than 40 field goals. Neither team has been able to slow down its opposition with any sort of consistency with Memphis allowing 90 or more FG attempts in nine of its last 12 games and Los Angeles yielding 89 or more FG attempts in eight of its last 10 contests. We've now seen consecutive matchups in this series stay 'under' the total and that's notable as you would have to go back to late 2020-early 2021 to find the last time three straight meetings stayed 'under'. The last time we saw consecutive 'under' results in this series was on December 9th and 29th of 2021 and the next matchup resulted in a whopping 246 total points right here in Los Angeles. The Grizzlies average 116.5 points per game this season but that number rises to 117.1 when coming off a game in which they scored 105 points or less (17-game sample size), as is the case here, with that situation producing an average total of 228.6 points. Similarly, the Lakers average 116.8 points per game this season but that scoring average increases to 117.3 when coming off an 'under' result (39-game sample size), leading to an average total of 232.8 points in that spot. Finally, we'll note that you would have to go back to February 15th to March 3rd - when the Grizzlies posted an 0-5-1 o/u mark - to find the last time Memphis was involved in more than two 'under' results in a row. Meanwhile, the Lakers last posted a three-game 'under' streak from March 15th to 19th with the 'over' going 10-4 in their 14 games since. Take the over (10*). |
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04-24-23 | Royals v. Diamondbacks OVER 9.5 | Top | 4-5 | Loss | -115 | 15 h 31 m | Show |
Interleague Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Kansas City and Arizona at 9:40 pm et on Monday. These two teams met for a two-game series at Chase Field last season and the result was a pair of slugfests with each contest totalling exactly 14 runs. While I'm not sure we see that many runs on Monday, I do think the total will prove too low once again. The Royals will hand the ball to Brad Keller for his fifth start of the season. While he has posted a solid 3.00 ERA that doesn't tell the whole story as he owns a 4.38 FIP and 1.29 WHIP. The hits haven't necessarily been falling in against him but that's likely to change as he has given up considerably more hits than innings pitched in each of his last two seasons. Note that of the 87 batters Keller has faced, 29 have reached base. The Diamondbacks are a team I would classify as being a handful to deal with when getting on base, racking up 20 stolen bases so far this season. Behind Keller is a Royals bullpen that has been among the worst in baseball this season, posting a collective 6.69 ERA and 1.60 WHIP with only three saves converted and three blown. Tommy Henry gets the call-up and will make his first start of the season for the D'Backs. He found some success early last season but it seemed the book was out on him late as he allowed 18 earned runs in just 19 1/3 innings of work over his last four starts. Henry ended up logging a 5.88 FIP and 1.45 WHIP in his rookie campaign. Things haven't gone swimmingly for him in the early going at the Triple-A level this season as he has recorded a 6.33 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in four starts spanning 21 1/3 innings. Of the 91 batters he has faced at that level, 32 have reached base. Arizona's bullpen could be in tough in this series noting that the D'Backs haven't had a day off since April 23rd and their relief corps has struggled at the best of times, recording a collective 4.92 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with six saves converted and three blown. The Royals scored more runs in yesterday's game (11) than they had in their previous five contests (9), perhaps providing a spark as this three-game series begins. Take the over (10*). |
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04-23-23 | Nuggets v. Wolves UNDER 225.5 | 108-114 | Win | 100 | 13 h 14 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Denver and Minnesota at 9:30 pm et on Sunday. If the Timberwolves are going to extend this series back to Denver for Game 5 they're going to need to play a certain way on Sunday night in Minnesota and I think that involves effectively shortening proceedings by grinding it out and turning this into a slugfest. I say that because they can't expect to get much more from a banged-up Anthony Edwards than they did in Friday's loss as he poured in 36 points on 10-of-22 shooting from the field and 13-of-15 from the free throw line. Karl-Anthony Towns produced 27 points in that game as well, but again the T'Wolves still lost by nine points. Without the likes of Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels, not to mention Jaylen Nowell playing hurt, the T'Wolves just don't have the offensive firepower to keep up with Denver. With that being said, it's rarely easy to close an opponent out and the Nuggets are likely to find that out here. Denver has of course dealt with its own injury issues with Nikola Jokic in particular still probably playing at less than 100%. It's worth noting that this will be the third game in five nights in this series. Denver has made a concerted effort to slow things down in this series, limiting the T'Wolves to 81, 79 and 79 field goal attempts while topping out at 90 FG attempts itself - that coming in the series-opener, which happened to be the lowest-scoring game of the series to date. We know that Minnesota is capable of stepping up defensively as it has limited the opposition to 41-of-88 shooting on average here at home this season. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 16-4 with the T'Wolves playing at home off an 'over' result this season, as is the case here, leading to an average total of 222.5 points in that situation. Take the under (8*). |
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04-23-23 | Cavs v. Knicks OVER 206.5 | 93-102 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Cleveland and New York at 1 pm et on Sunday. We've seen a major adjustment to the total over the course of this series, and rightfully so as the first three games have stayed comfortably 'under' the total. With that being said, I expect a different story to unfold in this matinee affair on Sunday in Manhattan. It's not that the two teams played at a snail's pace in Game 3 on Friday - in fact it was played at a fairly frenetic tempo in the early going but both teams were simply ice cold from the field and three-point range in particular. Even the free throw line proved to be a difficult spot with the two teams combining to shoot 21-of-35 from the charity stripe (they've combined to knock down 36-of-47 free throw attempts on average this season). From beyond the arc, we did see the scoring pick up a bit in the second half in Game 3 with the two sides combining to make good on 17 threes, but that was on 66 attempts. They average 24-of-68 combined shooting from three point range this season. There's too much offensive talent on the floor to see another ugly shooting performance on Sunday. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is a long-term 108-79 with the Cavaliers seeking revenge for a 20-point loss against an opponent, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Knicks seem to have gained a boost following home wins this season, averaging 5.3 points more than their season scorning average, but also giving up 1.3 additional points per game, when coming off a win at Madison Square Garden, with the 'over' going 16-7 in those contests. We've now seen three straight games in this series stay 'under' the total, which is notable. The last time three consecutive matchups between these two teams stayed 'under' the total in the same season was back in the 2015-16 campaign. There was another three-game 'under' streak that spanned across two seasons in 2017 and only one of those contests stayed 'under' the total we're working with today. The next game following that streak totalled 232 points. I expect the Cavs in particular to make the necessary adjustments to punch back here but the Knicks are favored for a reason at home and their multi-dimensional offense is always a handful to defend here at MSG. Take the over (8*). |
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04-22-23 | Bucks v. Heat UNDER 220.5 | 99-121 | Win | 100 | 21 h 17 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Milwaukee and Miami at 7:30 pm et on Saturday. We've seen two exceptionally high-scoring games to open this series, totalling 247 and 260 points. Now we're heading into uncharted territory in this series, however, noting that the 'over' has cashed in each of the last four meetings, matching the longest 'over' streak since way back in 2007-08. That four-game 'over' streak ended with an extremely low-scoring 78-73 Heat victory, staying 'under' the total by 40+ points. While we're not going to see that type of defensive struggle here, I do think the total will prove too high. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains questionable to play for the Bucks. Regardless whether he's able to go, the incentive is there for the Heat to slow things down at home, where they've averaged 40 made field goals per game while giving up an identical 40. We've seen a shift from the Bucks defensively as they've made an effort to limit their opponents' possessions, unlike what we saw for much of the regular season. They've limited four of their last seven foes to 87 or fewer field goal attempts. The Heat have knocked down 50 and 45 field goals in the first two games of this series. Keep in mind, they've made good on 45 or more field goals in just six of their last 15 contests. In other words, I don't think their hot shooting is sustainable. The Bucks, meanwhile, made good on a whopping 53 field goals in Game 2. The previous three times they knocked down 50 or more field goals, they connected on just 39, 38 and 39 field goals in their next contest with the 'under' cashing in two of those three games. Finally, we'll note that the 'under' is a long-term 127-96 with the Heat playing the role of home underdog, as is the case here. Take the under (8*). |
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04-21-23 | Cavs v. Knicks OVER 211 | 79-99 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 3 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Cleveland and New York at 8:30 pm et on Friday. We won with the 'over' in these two teams' final regular season meeting back on March 31st - a game that totalled a whopping 246 total points. Since then, we've seen Games 1 and 2 of this playoff series stay comfortably 'under' the total. I expect a different story to unfold on Friday, however, as the scene shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3. Both defenses are terrific, that much we know. The offenses aren't too bad either though, even if the Knicks did turn in a brutal performance in Game 2. Keep in mind, Game 1 reached 198 total points despite both teams shooting poorly, knocking down a combined 73 field goals (they've combined to average 83 made field goals per game this season). Game 2's low-scoring result had a lot to do with the lopsided nature of the contest, with the Cavaliers racing ahead by 20 points before halftime and then effectively taking the air out of the basketball in the fourth quarter (they ran the shot clock down on nearly every possession in the final 7-8 minutes). Cleveland keyed on stopping Jalen Brunson on Tuesday after he scored 27 points in just 29 minutes in the series-opener. The Knicks supporting cast certainly didn't perform up to standards in Game 2 but I'm confident we'll see a solid bounce-back effort across the board here, including from Brunson as New York makes the necessary adjustments to find him more open looks. Note that Josh Hart was a virtual non-factor offensively in his 26 minutes as he played hurt with an ankle injury (he scored five points but averages double-figures this season). The extra day off between Games 2 and 3 should serve him well. On the flip side, Donovan Mitchell scored just 17 points in Game 2 - only the second time in the last nine games he contributed 30 points or less. Again, that had a lot to do with the lopsided nature of the game. Even if Darius Garland stays aggressive in Game 3, I still expect Mitchell to get his. Here, we'll note that the 'under' has not cashed in three straight meetings in this series since 2017. That stretch came across two seasons. To find the last time three consecutive matchups have stayed 'under' the total in the same season, you would have to go back to the 2015-16 campaign. Also note that in that most recent three-game series 'under' streak in 2017, only two of those contests stayed 'under' the total we're working with tonight. Finally, we'll note that while the Knicks average 117.3 points per game at home this season, that number bumps up to 120.3 ppg when listed as a home favorite, as is the case here. Better still, the 'over' is 13-5 with New York playing at home following an 'under' result, with the Knicks averaging 121.4 points per contest and those games totalling an average of 235.1 points. Take the over (8*). |
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04-20-23 | Padres v. Diamondbacks OVER 9.5 | Top | 7-5 | Win | 100 | 13 h 35 m | Show |
N.L. Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between San Diego and Arizona at 9:40 pm et on Thursday. You have to figure the Padres offense is going to explode sooner rather than later after being held to a grand total of two runs over their last four games and four runs or less in nine of their last 10 contests (they scored 10 runs in the lone outlier over that stretch). I actually like the way this spot sets up for the San Diego bats. Note that the Padres will be seeing Diamondbacks starter Ryne Nelson for the fourth time going back to last season. That's notable when you consider Nelson will only be making his seventh career big league start. Since getting shut down by Nelson in their first look at him last September, they've plated six earned runs on nine hits over just 10 1/3 innings against him, including a 5-4 loss at home back on April 3rd. San Diego has struggled mightily at the plate at home this season but has been much more productive on the road, where it averages 4.4 runs per game (compared to its season scoring average of 3.6 rpg). Here, we'll note that Nelson will be making his first career start on short (four days') rest. Note that while he has recorded a respectable 3.71 ERA so far this season, his 4.56 FIP tells a different story. After striking out 7.9 batters per nine innings in limited work last season, Nelson has seen that number drop to 5.3 this year. Michael Wacha will take the ball for the visiting Padres. He's had an up-and-down start to the campaign, most recently getting shelled by the red hot Brewers last time out. Wacha hasn't been quite as bad as his 6.06 ERA would seem to indicate but he hasn't been good either, recording a 4.79 FIP and 1.47 WHIP while allowing 24 of the 70 batters he's faced to reach base. I expect him to labor against a D'Backs lineup that can wear you out. Similar to the Guardians (who we won with yesterday), Arizona has speed to burn and is aggressive on the basepaths, with 19 stolen bases so far this season. While Wacha enjoyed a renaissance year of sorts with the Red Sox in 2022, his numbers have generally been on the decline and while he's capable of giving the Padres some quality innings, there are going to be some rough outings in the mix as well, as we saw in his most recent start. Behind Wacha is a Padres bullpen that hasn't enjoyed a day off since April 5th. San Diego relievers have logged a collective 3.93 ERA and 1.37 WHIP and have just 19 strikeouts compared to 14 walks over their last 25 innings of work. The D'Backs bullpen has been among the worst in baseball, posting a collective 5.51 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with those numbers ballooning to a 6.66 ERA and 1.60 WHIP over the last seven games. It's been a week since Arizona had a day off and with a number of recent high-scoring games, its bullpen has been taxed. Take the over (10*). |
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04-19-23 | Wolves v. Nuggets OVER 222.5 | Top | 113-122 | Win | 100 | 11 h 18 m | Show |
Northwest Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Denver at 10 pm et on Wednesday. We saw an incredibly low-scoring (by today's NBA standards) series-opener between these two teams on Sunday as the Nuggets cruised to a 109-80 victory. I certainly expect to see a positive response from the Timberwolves offensively on Wednesday. Note that Minnesota has scored 107, 112, 109, 123 and 119 points after being held under 100 points in its previous game this season. It's also worth mentioning that the T'Wolves have averaged 118.7 points per game when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent this season compared to their overall season scoring average of 115.2 points per game. After hoisting up only 81 field goal attempts despite trailing most of the way on Sunday, I expect the T'Wolves to make a concerted effort to push the pace here, noting they rank eighth in the league in fast break points per game this season. Of course, the Nuggets are favored by a generous helping of points for a reason. They've been considerably better offensively at home compared to on the road this season, averaging 119.1 points per game. They didn't have to be great offensively to win handily in Game 1 but I do think they'll get pushed a little more here. Note that they enter this game having knocked down more than 40 field goals in six straight and 15 of their last 17 games overall. Meanwhile, Minnesota hasn't had much success controlling its opponents' tempo, allowing eight of its last nine opponents to hoist up 90 or more field goal attempts. Take the over (10*). |
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04-18-23 | Hawks v. Celtics OVER 229.5 | Top | 106-119 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 58 m | Show |
Eastern Conference First Round Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Atlanta and Boston at 7 pm et on Tuesday. Game 1 between these two teams on Saturday was an interesting affair that saw one quarter (the fourth) total only 42 points but another reach a whopping 70 points (the second). That contest ultimately cruised well below the total as both teams were inconsistent offensively. I expect a different story to unfold in Game 2 on Tuesday, however, as the Hawks look to punch back while the Celtics try to grab a 2-0 strangle-hold before the scene shifts to Atlanta. One thing is for sure, the Hawks are going to get their scoring opportunities. In four meetings in this series this season, Atlanta has hoisted up 101, 100, 97 and 98 field goal attempts. Saturday's game marked a low-water mark as the Hawks made good on just 42 of those attempts. It's highly unlikely we'll see them shoot as poorly as they did on Saturday from beyond the arc (5-of-29 on three-point attempts). The problem is, even if Atlanta is able to do a much better job of taking advantage of its opportunities offensively, the Celtics are in line for some positive regression offensively as well and aren't likely to take their foot off the gas the way they did in the second half on Saturday. After scoring 74 points in the first half, Boston produced a miserable 38 points in the second half, actually letting the Hawks back into the game in the fourth quarter. Jaylen Brown clearly struggled after re-aggravating the laceration on his hand while Jayson Tatum scored well below his season average with 25 points on 10-of-23 shooting. Even going down the line, guys like Al Horford and Malcolm Brogdon made only minimal offensive contributions (11 points combined). Given the Hawks have now allowed more than 40 made field goals in 22 of their last 24 games and 40 or more in 26 of their last 28 contests, the Celtics are well-positioned to go off here. While Boston is still a terrific defensive team, we have certainly witnessed a shift this season with it yielding far more scoring opportunities thanks in large part to playing at a faster pace. The C's enter this game having allowed 90 or more field goal attempts in eight of their last nine contests. On the flip side, they've hoisted up 88 or more FG attempts themselves in 11 of their last 12 games. The Hawks have seen their last two games stay 'under' the total. While they've recorded 'under' streaks lasting three games or more on five previous occasions this season, I think their totals are being over-adjusted at this point. For instance, their most recent three-game 'under' streak from March 26th to 31st saw all three contests total at least 231 points. Prior to that, a three-game 'under' streak from March 17th to 21st saw all three games reach at least 236 points. You get the idea. Take the over (10*). |
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04-17-23 | Kings v. Oilers OVER 6.5 | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 13 h 41 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Edmonton at 10 pm et on Monday. There's a good chance we'll end up seeing the total set at 7 as this series progresses, at least that's how I see this matchup playing out. The Kings were banged-up down the stretch with the absences of Gabriel Vilardi and Kevin Fiala looming large. Both remain questionable to start this series but I'm assuming they'll both be out for Game 1 on Monday. Nevertheless, the Kings did figure out down the stretch they're not going to be successful if they can't ramp up their offense, even without some key contributors. I think we saw a turning point of sorts in their 4-3 home loss to the Avalanche on April 8th. They ended up scoring 3, 3 and 5 goals over their final three games after scoring two goals or less in four of their previous six contests. Note that over its last four games, Los Angeles fired 32, 41, 28 and 36 shots on goal. It will need to find some offense to pose any sort of challenge to the high-flying Oilers. Edmonton averaged an impressive 4.0 goals per game over the course of the regular season while the Kings gave up 3.2 goals per contest - a shell of its former self from a defensive perspective. Note that the 'under' has actually cashed in the last two meetings between these teams. We've seen three straight matchups go 'under' the total just once going all the way back to April of 2017, covering a span of 28 meetings. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 19-8 with the Kings playing on the road seeking revenge for a loss by two goals or more against an opponent over the last three seasons, as is the case here after the Oilers won 3-1 in Los Angeles on April 4th. That situation has produced an average total of 7.0 goals. Also note that the 'over' is 12-3 with the Oilers playing at home after allowing two goals or less in consecutive games over the same stretch, which is the situation here, leading to an average total of 7.6 goals in that spot. Take the over (8*). |
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04-17-23 | Warriors v. Kings UNDER 240 | Top | 106-114 | Win | 100 | 15 h 53 m | Show |
Pacific Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Golden State and Sacramento at 10 pm et on Monday. The first game in this series breezed 'over' the total thanks to a parade to the free throw line with the two teams attempting a combined 59 shots from the charity stripe. Even with that in mind, they still 'only' eclipsed the total we're working with on Monday by nine points. Note that the 'over' has now cashed in each of the Warriors last two games. They haven't posted three straight 'over' results since the first week of February and even during that stretch they didn't see three consecutive games go 'over' the total we're working with here. While neither team is known for its defense, it's worth noting that the Warriors have held 11 straight opponents to 44 or fewer made field goals while the Kings have limited five straight and eight of their last nine foes to that number or less. So in a sense we are dealing with a somewhat limited ceiling for the two offenses here. I certainly expect the Warriors to make some adjustments as they look to contain Malik Monk in particular after he went off in Game 1. On the flip side, Golden State could be without Jordan Poole for this game after he was limited due to injury in the series-opener. Gary Payton Jr. saw extended floor time with Poole struggling on Saturday with the former being more of a key defender than an offensive contributor. While the Warriors did shoot just 16-of-50 from three-point range on Saturday, that's not necessarily unexpected as they average 16 made threes per game on the road while the Kings have held the opposition to just 13 makes per game from beyond the arc here at home. Finally, I'll point out that we haven't seen consecutive matchups in this series go 'over' the total over the last 10 meetings. The last time that did occur was back in January and March of 2021. Take the under (10*). |
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04-17-23 | Blue Jays v. Astros UNDER 8 | 2-9 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 43 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Toronto and Houston at 8:10 pm et on Monday. Both of these teams are coming off 'over' results on Sunday but I look for a different story to unfold as they match up in Houston on Monday. Kevin Gausman will take the ball for the visiting Blue Jays. He's off to a fine start to the campaign having posted a 2.57 FIP and 1.00 WHIP through his first three starts, allowing just 20-of-79 batters he's faced to reach base. With that said, he was visibly frustrated after allowing a pair of home runs (the first two he's given up this season) against the light-hitting Tigers in an otherwise fine outing last week. Keeping in mind, Gausman received A.L. Cy Young Award votes last year, logging a 2.38 FIP and 1.24 WHIP I expect the right-hander to keep up his strong pitching here. Cristian Javier will counter for Houston. He'll be looking to bounce back from his worst outing of the young season against the Pirates last week. Javier was of course a breakout star for the Astros last season, proving invaluable in the postseason to earn a lucrative five-year contract extension in the offseason. He had a fine Spring and still owns a solid 3.74 FIP and 1.18 WHIP through his first three regular season starts. While the hits have been falling in against him, I would anticipate him getting that sorted out sooner rather than later, noting that he has allowed just 5.9 hits per nine innings over the course of his 3+ year big league career. Note that despite his up-and-down start, Javier has actually allowed only 21-of-71 batters he's faced to reach base. Both teams kept their key bullpen arms fresh yesterday thanks to lopsided defeats. Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano should be available after suffering a rib contusion on Saturday. Note that the Jays 'pen has recorded a collective 3.30 ERA and 1.20 WHIP this season while the Astros relief corps has had little to do with the team's slow start, logging a respectable 3.95 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. Take the under (8*). |
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04-16-23 | Lakers v. Grizzlies OVER 227 | 128-112 | Win | 100 | 6 h 28 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Memphis at 3 pm et on Sunday. The Lakers were involved in an incredibly low-scoring game against the Timberwolves in the Play-In Tournament - a contest that reached only 210 total points despite being aided by overtime. Here, I expect a different story to unfold as they open the first round against the Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon. Memphis was a shell of its former self defensively down the stretch and I'm not convinced we see it simply 'flip the switch' here. The Grizzlies check in having allowed 10 of their last 11 opponents to knock down more than 40 field goals. Of those 11 opponents, six made good on 44 or more field goals. On the flip side, Memphis found its rhythm offensively, knocking down at least 40 field goals in 14 of its last 15 contests. Since March 15th, we've seen the Grizzlies post consecutive 'under' results only once (I point that out as their most recent game did stay 'under' the total) and only one of those two contests stayed 'under' the total we're working with on Sunday. The Lakers had an off shooting night against the T'Wolves last time out but were in line for some regression after making good on 45 or more field goals in each of their previous seven games. Defensively, the Lakers had yielded 40 or more made field goals in an incredible 16 straight games before holding the T'Wolves to only 36 on Tuesday (note that Minnesota was severely limited offensively in that game with Anthony Edwards banged-up and rendered ineffective and Rudy Gobert sidelined due to suspension). Los Angeles has allowed an average of 45-of-94 shooting on the road this season. Take the over (8*). |
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04-16-23 | Guardians v. Nationals OVER 8.5 | 6-7 | Win | 100 | 6 h 44 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Cleveland at Washington at 1:35 pm et on Sunday. While the scoring fizzled in the second half of the game, last night's contest between these two teams did find its way 'over' the total. I expect a similar result on Sunday as the Guardians look to wrap up a series sweep with ace Shane Bieber taking the ball against Patrick Corbin of the Nationals. Bieber has been terrific as expected in the early going this season. I do think some regression is in store, however, noting that he has posted a 2.52 FIP and 0.95 WHIP through his first three outings after logging a 2.87 FIP and 1.04 WHIP last year (he finished seventh in A.L. Cy Young Award voting). Note that the Nationals have faced their share of tough pitchers at home already this season with their previous two series' in the host role coming against the Braves and Rays. Yet they've still averaged 3.0 runs per game here at Nationals Park and 3.5 rpg when facing right-handed starting pitching, as will be the case today. It's also worth noting that the Guardians have used setup man James Karinchak and closer Emmanuel Clase in each of the last two games so they'll either be unavailable or see their effectiveness diminished on Sunday. On the flip side, much like last night against Chad Kuhl, the Guardians should have little trouble getting to Nats' starter Patrick Corbin. He checks in sporting a 6.15 FIP and 2.14 WHIP this season. Of the 71 batters he has faced, 30 have reached base. As I noted in yesterday's analysis of the Guardians, they have speed to burn and are ultra-aggressive on the basepaths and I'm confident we'll see them knock Corbin off his game early on Sunday. Behind Corbin is a pedestrian Nats' bullpen that has posted a collective 4.23 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with three saves converted and three blown this season. Take the over (8*). |
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04-15-23 | Guardians v. Nationals OVER 9 | 6-4 | Win | 100 | 11 h 39 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Cleveland and Washington at 4:05 pm et on Saturday. The 'under' cashed in the opener of this series last night as the Guardians prevailed by a 4-3 score in a well-pitched game from both sides. I expect a different story to unfold on Saturday as Cleveland sends Zach Plesac to the mound against Chad Kuhl of the Nationals. Plesac has posted rather pedestrian numbers throughout his 4+ year big league career. Things haven't gone well for the right-hander through two outings this year as he has recorded a 5.62 FIP and 1.75 WHIP. That includes a start on the road against the light-hitting A's in which he allowed six earned runs in a single inning of work. He did bounce back nicely in his home debut against the Mariners but I certainly don't anticipate seeing him completely shut down the Nationals here. Note that the Guardians used three of their best relievers in last night's game, Trevor Stephan, James Karinchak and closer Emmanuel Clase each logged an inning. While that doesn't mean they won't be available on Saturday, we could see diminished effectiveness. I expect Washington starter Chad Kuhl to have a tough time containing the Cleveland offense here. The Guardians put a ton of pressure on opposing pitchers thanks to their aggressive base-running and speed on the basepaths. That's not to mention the fact that they know how to work the counts and see a lot of pitches. Kuhl has logged a 7.37 FIP and 1.50 WHIP in two starts this season, allowing 16-of-44 batters to reach base. Behind Kuhl is an average-at-best Nats' bullpen that entered last night's action sporting a collective 4.40 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. Take the over (8*). |
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04-14-23 | Cubs v. Dodgers UNDER 8.5 | 8-2 | Loss | -100 | 15 h 45 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Los Angeles at 10:10 pm et on Friday. I think this has the potential to be one of the more entertaining games on Friday's MLB board but not necessarily because it projects as high-scoring. We actually have a solid starting pitching matchup as the Cubs hand the ball to Justin Steele and the Dodgers counter with Noah Syndergaard. Steele had an impressive 2022 campaign, recording a 3.20 FIP and 1.35 WHIP. Command was an issue and has been through his first two outings this season as well but he's managed to limit the damage thanks to keeping his hits allowed down and strikeouts up. While Steele's last outing did find its way 'over' the total in a blowout win over the Rangers, he hasn't seen consecutive starts go 'over' the total since last June. It's a similar story for Syndergaard. His last start went 'over' the total but he's only posted consecutive 'over' results once since last June. Speaking of that last start, it was an ugly one as Syndergaard allowed six earned runs on eight hits over just four innings, clearly the D'Backs had his number seeing him for the second time in six days. That performance skewed his early season numbers as he was actually sharp in his debut, right here at home at Dodger Stadium, holding the same D'Backs to just one earned run over six innings. Both bullpens have been good but not great in the early going. I would certainly expect the Dodgers relief corps to rank among the best in baseball before too long. I like the fact that both teams are coming off an off day on Thursday given both bullpens have worked north of 40 innings already this season. Cubs and Dodgers relievers have combined to record an impressive 93:25 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season. Finally, we'll note that the 'under' is 14-4 in the Cubs last 18 games following an off day going back to last season, resulting in an average total of just 6.5 runs in that situation. Take the under (8*). |
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04-13-23 | Flyers v. Blackhawks UNDER 6 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Philadelphia and Chicago at 8:35 pm et on Thursday. Both of these teams are coming off victories two nights ago with the Flyers scoring four goals in an overtime win over the Blue Jackets and the Blackhawks dashing the Penguins playoff hopes with a stunning 5-2 road win. Offensive success hasn't been commonplace for either squad lately, however. Philadelphia has been held to three goals or less in regulation time in seven straight games. Chicago has scored three goals or less in 12 of its last 14 contests. These two teams last met back in January with the Blackhawks skating to a 4-1 road win. Note that the 'under' is 12-5 with the Flyers seeking revenge for a home loss against an opponent this season, leading to an average total of just 5.3 goals in that situation. We've seen Philadelphia suffer a considerable drop-off in offensive production on the road this season as it averages just 2.3 goals per game away from home compared to its 2.7 gpg overall scoring average. While Chicago has seen the 'over' cash in each of its last three contests, it has previously posted four straight 'over' results just once this season and that came back in mid-November. The 'under' has gone 6-1 with the Blackhawks coming off three or more consecutive 'over' results this season. The Flyers have posted back-to-back 'overs' but have reeled off more than two 'over' results in a row only once since February 21st, that coming in a five-game streak in mid-March. Take the under (10*). |
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04-13-23 | Red Sox v. Rays UNDER 8 | Top | 3-9 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 52 m | Show |
A.L. Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and Tampa Bay at 1:10 pm et on Thursday. I think we're dealing with a bit of 'small sample size-itis' when it comes to the two starting pitchers in Thursday's series-finale between the Red Sox and Rays. Corey Kluber probably isn't as bad as his early returns indicate while Jeffrey Springs probably isn't quite as good (although I still have him pegged as an elite starter this season). With that said, I believe this total will prove too high after we saw the last two contests in this series sail 'over' the number. Kluber had an awful season debut on Opening Day against the Orioles but did rebound to work five effective innings against the upstart Pirates last time out. Here, he'll pitch on seven days' rest and I do think that helps his cause as he faces a familiar foe in the Rays (who he pitched for last season). Springs has been lights out through his first two starts, recording a 1.40 FIP and 0.54 WHIP in 13 shutout innings. Of course, he's faced the Tigers and A's - two of the American League's weakest offensive clubs. With that being said, I do think he can keep his hot start going against a Red Sox lineup that has proven to be top-heavy to say the least. Both bullpens got touched up in last night's wild 9-7 Rays victory but had previously been solid in the early going this season. Boston entered last night's play with a collective 3.09 bullpen ERA and 1.33 WHIP. The Rays relief corps went into Wednesday's action sporting an impressive 1.57 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. Take the under (10*). |
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04-12-23 | Thunder v. Pelicans OVER 226 | Top | 123-118 | Win | 100 | 14 h 55 m | Show |
Western Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Oklahoma City and New Orleans at 9:30 pm et on Wednesday. Both of these teams enter this play-in matchup on the heels of consecutive 'under' results but I look for a different story to unfold on Wednesday night in New Orleans. The Thunder have been relentlessly pushing the pace regardless who has been in or out of the lineup in recent weeks, hoisting up 90 or more field goal attempts in 11 of their last 15 games and 92 or more in 10 of those contests. Unfortunately it has come at the expense of their defensive play it seems as they've allowed 12 of their last 13 opponents to knock down 40 or more field goals. While not known for their offensive prowess, the Pelicans appear well-positioned to take advantage having made good on 40 or more field goals in 14 of their last 18 games overall. While New Orleans got into this play-in tournament thanks in large part to its terrific defense down the stretch, we did see a three-game lull in which it yielded 42, 46 and 50 made field goals earlier this month. It followed that up by holding the Knicks and T'Wolves to just 38 and 39 made field goals in its final two regular season contests but those two opponents still managed to score 105 and 113 points. The Pelicans figure to have their hands full here, noting that the Thunder have averaged an impressive average of 124.5 points per game when coming off four or five ATS losses in their last six games this season, as is the case here. Note that the 'over' has gone 11-3 in that situation, resulting in an average total of 243.7 points scored. Take the over (10*). |
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04-10-23 | A's v. Orioles OVER 8.5 | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Oakland and Baltimore at 6:35 pm et on Monday. This game pits a matchup of two offenses looking to explode after getting held down by superior pitching over the weekend. The A's were completely shut down by Rays starters Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen and that certainly wasn't unexpected. Keep in mind, Oakland had plated at least four runs in four straight games prior to those shutout losses. The Orioles couldn't get anything going against Yankees impressive rookie Jhony Brito and Nestor Cortes Jr. They scored just four runs across those two contests after plating seven in a one-run victory on Friday. JP Sears will take the ball for the A's on Monday. He got off to a promising start with the Yankees last season but it seemed that the book was out on him as the season went on as he recorded a 4.70 FIP and 1.48 WHIP in 48 innings pitched with the A's. His counterpart on Monday will be Kyle Gibson. His numbers have gotten progressively worse over the last two seasons and he's not exactly off to a banner start this year either. Gibson has posted a 4.73 FIP through his first two starts, allowing six earned runs in 12 innings of work. Note that the 'over' is 74-49 all-time (average of 10.0 total runs per game) with Gibson pitching at home and now he moves to a hitter-friendly park in Baltimore. The two bullpens in this matchup have been a mixed bag this season. The A's 'pen checks in sporting a 4.46 ERA and 1.40 WHIP after getting roughed up by the Rays over the weekend. The O's relief corps' has posted a 3.93 ERA and 1.11 WHIP but has already blown a pair of saves. Take the over (8*). |
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04-09-23 | Rangers v. Cubs UNDER 8.5 | Top | 8-2 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 55 m | Show |
Interleague Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Texas and Chicago at 2:20 pm et on Sunday. We saw a much higher-scoring game than expected in this matchup yesterday as the Cubs tacked on seven runs over their final three turns at bat in a 10-3 rout. Here, I'm anticipating a much lower-scoring affair as the Rangers send Jon Gray to the hill against Jameson Taillon of the Cubs. Gray had a terrific first season with the Rangers last year, posting a 3.80 FIP and 1.13 WHIP. To say he excelled in the Spring this year would be an understatement as he logged a 1.02 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in 17 2/3 innings of work. While he wasn't overly sharp in his first regular season outing, he did minimize the damage, allowing just two earned runs over 6 1/3 innings. It's a similar story for Cubs offseason acquisition Taillon. He had a strong Spring, posting a 0.76 WHIP in 18 1/3 innings. Last season he recorded a 3.94 FIP and 1.13 WHIP with the Yankees. In his Cubs regular season debut last week, Taillon got worked over a bit over four innings, yielding three earned runs on seven hits. I'm confident we'll see him bounce back here as he makes his second start of the campaign at Wrigley Field. While things fell apart for the Rangers bullpen yesterday, it had been one of the strongest relief corps' in baseball in the early stages of the season and I'm not sure too much will be asked of it here given Gray's ability to work deep into the game. The Cubs 'pen has logged a less than impressive collective ERA but entered yesterday's game sporting a 1.15 WHIP in 21 2/3 innings. Take the under (10*). |
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04-08-23 | A's v. Rays UNDER 8 | Top | 0-11 | Loss | -115 | 8 h 47 m | Show |
A.L. Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Oakland and Tampa Bay at 4:10 pm et on Saturday. There's going to be a wide range of outcomes to deal with every time A's starter Shintaro Fujinami takes the ball in the early going this season. His first big league outing didn't go so well as he couldn't make it through three innings against the Angels, allowing eight earned runs on five hits and three walks. I do think he can bounce back here, however, noting that he has tremendous stuff, but needs to find some consistency. The Rays offense exploded in a blowout victory last night, paced by a Isaac Paredes grand slam. Here, they'll turn to Jeffrey Springs to start Game 2 of this series. Springs is one of the most underrated starters in baseball in my opinion. He had an incredible 2022 campaign, posting a 3.04 FIP and 1.07 WHIP in 135 1/3 innings. His first start this season was a gem as he allowed just one walk over six otherwise perfect innings, striking out 12 along the way. That comes on the heels of a phenomenal Spring that saw him toss 14 shutout frames. Both bullpens have been sharp in the early going this season with the A's relief corps posting a 3.31 ERA and 1.35 WHIP and the Rays 'pen logging a 2.16 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. Take the under (10*). |
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04-07-23 | Nationals v. Rockies OVER 11 | 10-5 | Win | 100 | 13 h 55 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and Colorado at 8:40 pm et on Friday. Yesterday's series-opener produced a grand total of one run as the Rockies delivered a rare shutout victory behind a terrific pitching performance from Kyle Freeland. I expect nothing of the sort on Friday as Colorado sends Jose Urena to the mound against MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals. Gore faced the Rockies twice last season as a member of the Padres, including a start here at Coors Field where he allowed three home runs and eight earned runs in just four innings in a 10-4 loss. In his 2023 debut, Gore limited the damage in an eventual 4-1 home win over the Braves, but did struggle with his command, issuing four walks over 5 1/3 innings. That's been a common theme as he allowed 4.8 walks per nine innings and posted a 1.47 WHIP in his rookie campaign a year ago. It's a wonder that Jose Urena is still in a big league rotation. He logged a 4.65 FIP and 1.57 WHIP splitting time with the Brewers and Rockies last year. He struggled in the Spring with a 6.52 ERA and 1.35 WHIP and then labored through 2 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs in his first regular season outing against the Padres. Neither bullpen inspires much confidence in this matchup. The Nationals relief corps has been the better of the two but hasn't enjoyed an off day since last Friday. The Rockies 'pen checks in sporting a collective 5.73 ERA and 1.46 WHIP but was helped out by Freeland working deep into yesterday's contest. Take the over (8*). |
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04-07-23 | Cardinals v. Brewers UNDER 8.5 | 0-4 | Win | 100 | 13 h 40 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between St. Louis and Milwaukee at 8:10 pm et on Friday. I do like the Brewers in this matchup but I think they're being priced appropriately so will go with a play on the total instead. Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty struggled mightily with his command in his first start of the campaign, walking seven Blue Jays batters while hitting another over five innings. With that being said, he didn't allow a hit in that contest and faced less than ideal conditions on a cold, windy day in St. Louis. Here, he'll look to bounce back in perfect conditions indoors in Milwaukee, noting that the Brewers are probably in line for some regression at the plate after racking up 35 runs over their last four games. Even after a rough Spring, not to mention a laborous 2022 campaign, I'm not ready to give up on Flaherty just yet as he still owns a career 3.94 FIP and 1.11 WHIP and it's not as if his velocity has fallen off a cliff despite shoulder issues. Countering Flaherty will be Brewers co-ace Brandon Woodruff. He was terrific in his first start of the season, allowing just one earned run on three hits over six innings against the Cubs. Woodruff had a solid Spring as well, logging a sparkling 0.83 WHIP in 15 2/3 innings. While he didn't factor into the All-Star Game or National League Cy Young voting last season, there was certainly nothing wrong with a 3.08 FIP and 1.07 WHIP. Both bullpens have been among the best in baseball in the early going this season with the Cards relief corps logging a collective 3.24 ERA and 1.20 WHIP and the Brewers putting together a 1.33 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. Both will also have all hands on deck after an off day on Thursday. Take the under (8*). |
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04-07-23 | Raptors v. Celtics OVER 222.5 | Top | 102-121 | Win | 100 | 11 h 16 m | Show |
Atlantic Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Toronto and Boston at 7:40 pm et on Friday. We saw a very low-scoring game by today's NBA standards between these two teams on this same floor two nights ago as the Celtics scrapped their way to a 97-93 victory in a tough back-to-back situation. Here, I expect a lot more offense as the two teams get ready for the postseason but perhaps lack defensive intensity with little to play for at this point. The Raptors will certainly want to get back on track offensively after a dismal showing on Wednesday. They shot 6-of-33 from three-point range in that contest, noting that they average 11 made threes per game this season. The pace was still there as they hoisted up 90 field goal attempts in the loss. Note that they've gotten off 90 or more field goal attempts in five of their last seven games overall. The Celtics are coming off consecutive poor offensive performances, including a 38-of-91 showing from the field in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Like the Raptors, the Celtics have continued to push the pace here late in the season, hoisting up 89 or more FG attempts in each of their last eight contests. While Boston is thought of as an elite defensive team, that hasn't necessarily been the case lately as it has allowed five of its last six opponents to get off 90 or more FG attempts and allows an average of 42 made field goals per game at home this season. The C's could be without two of their top defenders on Friday with Derrick White and Marcus Smart questionable to play as they employ some 'load management' in the late going. Take the over (10*). |
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04-06-23 | Blazers v. Spurs OVER 230 | Top | 127-129 | Win | 100 | 13 h 31 m | Show |
Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Portland and San Antonio at 8:10 pm et on Thursday. Both of these teams have struggled at the best of times defensively and neither has much incentive to ratchet up the defensive intensity for Thursday's 'meaningless' matchup in San Antonio. With that being said, both teams are coming off 'under' results last time out and I feel that's affording us a very reasonable total to work with on Thursday. The Blazers have actually found some rhythm offensively despite missing so many key contributors. They've knocked down 40, 43 and 42 field goals over their last three games and have been comfortable pushing the pace more than they had been previously, hoisting up 85, 93 and 97 field goal attempts in those most recent three contests. They'll have a prime opportunity to build on those encouraging performances in San Antonio on Thursday as the Spurs have been sieve-like defensively, allowing 43 or more made field goals in an incredible 12 straight and 15 of their last 16 games overall. The only reason they gave up 'only' 43 made field goals last time out was due to the lopsided nature of their game against the Suns (Phoenix attempted only 89 field goals). In what projects as a much closer affair here, we can anticipate the Blazers getting well into the 90's in terms of FG attempts. The Spurs had their streak of three straight games knocking down at least 42 field goals snapped last time out. They'll take a major step down in class after facing the Suns in that matchup, however. Portland has allowed six of its last seven opponents to make good on at least 41 field goals despite four of those foes getting off 87 or fewer FG attempts. Note that the Spurs have hoisted up 90 or more FG attempts in seven straight and 10 of their last 11 games overall. Take the over (10*). |
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04-06-23 | Padres v. Braves UNDER 7.5 | 6-7 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 12 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between San Diego and Atlanta at 7:20 pm et on Thursday. This game features one of the best pitching matchups on Thursday's board as the Padres send left-hander Blake Snell to the hill against super-soph Spencer Strider of the Braves. Snell has settled in nicely since joining the Padres prior to the 2021 campaign. He recorded a 3.82 FIP and 1.32 WHIP in 128 2/3 innings that season before improving on those numbers with a 2.80 FIP and 1.20 WHIP in 128 frames of work last year. Snell has the benefit of having faced the Braves only once before with that start coming back in 2018 (he allowed one earned run in 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss). Spencer Strider finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting last year and probably should have received votes for the Cy Young as well as he posted a sparkling 1.83 FIP and 0.96 WHIP in 131 2/3 innings. Like Snell against the Braves, Strider will have the element of surprise working in his favor here having never faced the Padres previously. The Braves bullpen has been outstanding in the early going this season and while the Padres relief corps' has struggled, it does have the advantage of having had yesterday off so it will be all hands on deck for Thursday's series-opener. All three meetings here in Atlanta last season went 'over' the total but I expect a different story to unfold on Thursday. Take the under (8*). |
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04-05-23 | Mets v. Brewers UNDER 7.5 | Top | 6-7 | Loss | -105 | 6 h 58 m | Show |
Non-Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between New York and Milwaukee at 1:40 pm et on Wednesday. We've seen consecutive 'over' results to open this series and it's had everything to do with the Brewers hot bats as they've plated 19 runs while shutting out the Mets in consecutive games. Here, I'm anticipating a lower-scoring affair as New York sends left-hander David Peterson to the mound against Brewers ace Corbin Burnes. Peterson had a fine Spring, not allowing a single earned run in in 12 innings of work. Walks were an issue as he handed out eight free passes but he put those concerns to rest in his regular season debut as he walked just one in five innings (while allowing one earned run on a solo home run) in an encouraging performance against the Marlins. Note that the Brewers have seen just one left-handed starter this season and struggled at the dish in that game against Justin Steele of the Cubs, ultimately prevailing by a 3-1 score. Burnes struggled in his first start of the campaign in Chicago but that's not all that unique as the exact same thing happened in his season debut at Wrigley Field last year. He proceeded to strike out eight batters over seven shutout innings in his next outing last April. We're talking about an elite starter that has finished at least top-seven in N.L. Cy Young voting in each of the last three seasons. I'm confident we'll see Burnes pitch well against the slumping Mets bats on Wednesday. Take the under (10*). |
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04-04-23 | Rockies v. Dodgers UNDER 7.5 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 15 h 8 m | Show |
N.L. West Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Colorado and Los Angeles at 10:10 pm et on Tuesday. These two teams have alternated high and low-scoring games out of the gates this season and last night we saw a slugfest as the Dodgers won by a 13-4 score. I expect a reversal of course once again here as Colorado sends veteran German Marquez to the hill against Julio Urias of the Dodgers. Marquez was sharp in his season debut, allowing just two earned runs on five hits (and no walks) in six innings against the Padres. He saw plenty of these Dodgers last season and actually fared alright, allowing exactly one earned run while lasting at least six innings in two of those five outings. I like the form Marquez has shown going back to the Spring, when he recorded a sparkling 0.53 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in 17 innings of work. Urias was once one of the more underrated starters in baseball but perhaps not so anymore as he's finished seventh and third in National League Cy Young voting over the last two seasons and even received MVP votes in 2022. Like Marquez, Urias tossed six solid innings in his first outing this season and also had a fine Spring that included work in the World Baseball Classic. Urias worked at least six innings in four of five starts against the Rockies last season, allowing two earned runs or less in three of those outings. While the Dodgers are absolutely loaded again offensively, I think it's too early in the campaign to expect them to hang a crooked number on the board every night. Meanwhile, Colorado has plated just 36 runs in its last 14 games played here at Chavez Ravine. Take the under (10*). |
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04-04-23 | Thunder v. Warriors UNDER 243.5 | 125-136 | Loss | -115 | 14 h 39 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Oklahoma City and Golden State at 10:10 pm et on Tuesday. This is the highest total on Tuesday's NBA board (at the time of writing) but I don't believe it is warranted. Oklahoma City checks in off a high-scoring 'over' result against the Suns on Sunday. Keep in mind, the Thunder haven't seen consecutive games go 'over' the total since March 16th and 19th. They were actually held to just 36-of-88 from the field in that double-digit loss on Sunday and have knocked down 42 or less field goals in nine of their last 10 contests. On the flip side, they've limited three of their last five opponents to 82 made field goals or fewer. The Warriors dropped a 112-110 decision in Denver on Sunday. They've allowed each of their last seven opponents to knock down 44 or fewer made field goals despite four of those foes hoisting up 90 or more field goal attempts. The 'over' has cashed in just four of their last 12 games overall. I understand the logic behind the lofty total here, noting that each of the previous three meetings between these two teams this season totalled at least 248 points. I simply feel we'll see a reversal of that trend here, noting that the Warriors have posted a 12-24 o/u record when playing at home off a loss over the last two seasons, with that spot producing an average total of just 221.8 points. Take the under (8*). |
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04-03-23 | Cubs v. Reds OVER 8 | Top | 6-7 | Win | 100 | 11 h 27 m | Show |
N.L. Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Cincinnati at 6:40 pm et on Monday. We saw a low-scoring game here at Great American Ballpark on Sunday but that should be the exception rather than the rule this season. I like the way the Reds are built offensively - a perfect fit for the bandbox they play their home games in. They'll get the opportunity to tee off on Cubs journeyman starter Drew Smyly on Monday, noting that the veteran left-hander posted an ERA north of six and a 1.84 WHIP in 16 1/3 innings in the Spring, tagged for six home runs along the way. Speaking of Spring struggles, Reds starter Connor Overton was lit up to the tune of a 15.43 ERA and 2.49 WHIP in 11 2/3 innings. He allowed six home runs. Again, that doesn't bode well as he prepares to make his first start of the season at hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark. While it's important not to put too much stock in Spring Training results, sometimes the numbers are alarming enough to cause concern and I feel that's the case here. Both lineups have shown some pop in the early going this season with the Cubs scoring 10 runs through three games against a tough Brewers pitching staff and the Reds plating 13 runs in their three-game set against the Pirates. Of note, the Cubs bullpen has already given up nine earned runs on 10 hits in just 11 innings logged. The Reds 'pen has been better, but also owns a less-than-impressive 7:6 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 11 2/3 innings. Take the over (10*). |
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04-02-23 | Lakers v. Rockets UNDER 233.5 | Top | 134-109 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 59 m | Show |
Western Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Houston at 7:10 pm et on Sunday. Both of these teams enter Sunday's contest riding three-game 'under' streaks but I look for a reversal of that trend here. Houston has had a tougher time just getting shots off, let alone knocking them down lately, hoisting up 87 or fewer field goal attempts in four of its last five games after eclipsing that mark five of its previous six contests. The outlier was a game in Brooklyn where the Rockets shot 46-of-98 from the field but still scored 'only' 114 points. Defensively, I like the fact that Houston has at least been able to limit its opponents scoring opportunities somewhat lately, allowing fewer than 90 field goal attempts in four straight and eight of its last nine games overall. Los Angeles has displayed a different offensive dynamic since Lebron James returned to the lineup. The Lakers have a lot of mouths to feed offensively but its been Lebron that has absorbed the majority of the opportunities. Note that Los Angeles has shot 50% or better from the field in three straight games, knocking down exactly 45 field goals in back-to-back contests heading into this one. It's not as if the Lakers have been playing at a break-neck pace - they've gotten off 90 or more FG attempts just three times in their last 11 games, topping out at 91 over that stretch (in a game where they scored 'only' 116 points leading to a total of 227 against Oklahoma City). Discipline has been key defensively as Los Angeles hasn't allowed more than 118 points in any of its last 11 games despite all 11 of those opponents knocking down 40 or more field goals. The Lakers allowed 114 points the last time they faced the Rockets on March 15th but that was on a blistering 47-of-89 shooting and that contest still stayed 'under' the total with only 224 points scored. Take the under (10*). |
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04-02-23 | Wizards v. Knicks UNDER 222.5 | 109-118 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 35 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and New York at 6:10 pm et on Sunday. We won with the 'over' in the Knicks stunning rout of the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Friday. Here, I won't hesitate to go the other way and back the 'under' as New York returns home to host an undermanned Wizards squad on Sunday. Washington is coming off consecutive 'over' results but both of those contests were played at home, where the Wiz have played at a much faster tempo lately. Note that Washington has gotten off just 81, 84, 76, 83 and 86 field goal attempts in its last five road games. In those last two contests played at home the Wiz hoisted up 99 and 105 FG attempts. I mentioned Washington has posted consecutive 'over' results and that's notable as it hasn't recorded three straight 'overs' since February 28th to March 4th and that streak was aided by an overtime game against Toronto. To find the last time the Wiz were involved in three straight 'over' results not aided by overtime you would have to go all the way back to January 3rd to 9th. Their longest 'over' streak of the season lasted only four games and that came way back in November. The Knicks exploded offensively on Friday but keep in mind they're just one game removed from knocking down only 38 field goals, albeit on just 76 FG attempts, against Miami. In fact, New York has been limited to 42 or fewer made field goals in nine of its last 12 games overall. Defensively, the Knicks have held seven straight opponents to 47 or fewer FG attempts. While New York is 4-2 in the last six meetings in this series, it hasn't eclipsed 117 points in any of those six contests. Take the under (8*). |
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04-02-23 | Tigers v. Rays UNDER 7.5 | Top | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 6 h 20 m | Show |
Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Detroit and Tampa Bay at 1:10 pm et on Sunday. The Rays bats exploded for 12 runs in yesterday's rout of the Tigers but I think performances are likely to be few and far between for this lineup this season. While Sunday's series-finale features a pitching matchup lacking in star power, it's one with no shortage of quality nonetheless. Joey Wentz will take the ball for Detroit. He struggled to keep the ball in the yard in the Spring, leading to some inflated numbers but that was in just 14 2/3 innings of work. In his first big league season a year ago, Wentz logged 32 2/3 innings and posted a 3.54 FIP and 1.10 WHIP. Home runs weren't an issue as he allowed just 0.6 long balls per nine innings. Jeffrey Springs will counter for Tampa Bay. He improved on a stellar 2021 showing by recording a 3.04 FIP and 1.07 WHIP in a career-high 135 1/3 innings of work last season. That included a start against these same Tigers in August as he didn't allow a single earned run over six frames of four-hit ball. Here, we'll note that the 'under' has gone 15-5 with Springs on the mound and the total set between 7.0 and 8.5 over the last two seasons, leading to an average total of just 6.6 runs scored. Take the under (10*). |
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04-01-23 | Miami-FL v. Connecticut UNDER 149.5 | Top | 59-72 | Win | 100 | 15 h 34 m | Show |
Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Miami and Connecticut at 8:45 pm et on Saturday. Miami has now seen each of its last three games go 'over' the total, matching its longest such streak of the season. The last time it came off three consecutive 'over' results, its next contest totalled only 134 points in a narrow loss to Duke back on January 21st. Last time out, the Canes couldn't miss from the field (they ended up shooting 59%) in a come-from-behind win over Texas. The Longhorns inexplicably decided to run with the Canes and did find some success offensively, knocking down 30-of-60 field goal attempts themselves but it wasn't enough. I don't think we'll see Connecticut push the pace nearly as much here, noting it ranks outside the top-200 in the country in terms of adjusted tempo this season (according to KenPom). While the Huskies have been red hot offensively, I don't think their best chance at winning this game comes by getting involved in a back-and-forth track meet with Miami. The Canes are certainly in line for some regression offensively after scoring 85+ points and knocking down 34, 31 an 29 field goals over their last three games. Keep in mind, this is the same team that narrowly avoided the upset against Drake in the opening round, scoring only 63 points on 17-of-56 shooting in that contest. Lost in UConn's tremendous run offensively is the fact that it has been playing exceptional defense. You would have to go back nine games, all the way to February 25th against St. John's, to find the last time it allowed an opponent to make good on more than 24 field goals. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 10-1 with Miami playing away from home after allowing 80 points or more in its previous game over the last three seasons, as is the case here, leading to an average total of just 134.9 points in that situation. Meanwhile, the 'under' is 7-1 with UConn playing away from home after winning three or more games in a row ATS this season, which is also the situation here, resulting in an average total of 132.4 points in that spot. Take the under (10*). |
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03-31-23 | Kings v. Blazers OVER 231 | 138-114 | Win | 100 | 15 h 36 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Sacramento and Portland at 10:10 pm et on Friday. The Kings scored 120 points without barely breaking a sweat in their 120-80 win here in Portland two nights ago. If this game is even remotely more competitive (as I expect it to be), there's a good chance we see Sacramento absolutely go off offensively. The Blazers truly can't be any worse than they were in Wednesday's game. On a positive note, they did get off 93 field goal attempts so the scoring opportunities were there and should continue to be there on Friday, noting that the Kings have allowed 91, 88, 92, 89, 91, 86 and 93 field goal attempts over their last seven games, still yielding 119 points in the lone outlier in which they held the T'Wolves to 86. Prior to Wednesday's contest, Sacramento had allowed six consecutive opponents to make good on at least 41 field goals. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 12-4 with the Blazers coming off a loss by 15 points or more this season, resulting in an average total of 234.7 points scored in that situation. Take the over (8*). |
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03-31-23 | Knicks v. Cavs OVER 220.5 | 130-116 | Win | 100 | 12 h 26 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between New York and Cleveland at 7:40 pm et on Friday. Both of these teams are coming off 'under' results last time out and in the case of the Cavs, back-to-back 'unders'. Cleveland could be missing Jarrett Allen for a second straight game which is critical to their defensive play and rebounding in particular. I suspect if he misses the Knicks will afford themselves a great deal more scoring opportunities after being limited to only 76 field goal attempts against Miami on Wednesday. Of course, New York has its own injury issues with Julius Randle now sidelined. The Knicks undoubtedly have the scoring depth to pick up the slack, however. They'll need to 'keep up' with the Cavs here, noting that Cleveland has made good on 40 or more field goals in eight of its last nine games with the only exception coming in a blowout win over the Rockets where it eased off the gas in the fourth quarter (we won with the 'under' in that game). While the Knicks did limit the Heat to just 35-of-79 shooting on Wednesday, they had previously allowed five straight and 10 of their last 11 opponents to knock down at least 40 field goals. This has been a low-scoring series recently with the last two meetings staying 'under' the total. It's worth noting though that we haven't seen three or more consecutive matchups between these two teams stay 'under' the total since 2017-18. Take the over (8*). |
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03-30-23 | Celtics v. Bucks UNDER 236.5 | Top | 140-99 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 40 m | Show |
Eastern Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Boston and Milwaukee at 7:30 pm et on Thursday. The Bucks check in off consecutive high-scoring affairs in road wins over the Pistons and Pacers but should face a great deal more resistance in this back-to-back spot against a rested Celtics squad. Boston is coming off a high-scoring game of its own as it inexplicably allowed 130 points in a rout at the hands of the short-handed Wizards in Washington two nights ago. Perhaps that result was to be expected after the Celtics were lulled into a sense of complacency following three straight blowout wins. Here, I look for Boston to tighten things up, noting that it has still held five of its last seven opponents to fewer than 40 made field goals. While you wouldn't know it by their last few games, the Bucks can play some defense, especially here at home where they've limited the opposition to 42-of-93 shooting on average this season. In games that project as ultra-competitive (with the line between +3 and -3 as is the case here at the time of writing), the Bucks have posted a 17-29 o/u record over the last two seasons, resulting in an average total of 223.4 points. Take the under (10*). |
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