DODGERS/CARDS TOTAL

The Cardinals are 3-7 in their last 10 games while the Dodgers are red hot (as usual), coming into this game on a seven-game winning streak. The Dodgers had Monday off while the Cards close out a four-game series against Philadelphia. For the season, the Dodgers are 7-2 when playing with a day off and right-hander Mitch White has posted a 2.93 ERA in seven starts. 

Cards rookie left-hander Matthew Liberatore has 10 scoreless innings at Busch Stadium, but against Pittsburgh and Milwaukee. The Dodgers bats are a whole different thing. 

Under is 6-1-2 in Dodgers last 9 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 33-16-2 in Dodgers last 51 games following an off day. Under is 7-0 in Cardinals last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 15-5-1 in Cardinals last 21 overall.

8* PLAY ON UNDER.

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Under is 10-4-2 in Diamondbacks last 16 home games vs. a left-handed starter and Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland has posted an ERA of 3.40 in seven road starts this year. D'Backs left-hander Madison Bumgarner has compiled a 3.23 ERA in nine home starts, the over/under record is 2-5-2 in those games. 

Under is 7-0 in Rockies last 7 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5 and 4-1-2 in Diamondbacks last 7 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S NATS/PHILLIES TOTAL

Nats right-hander Josiah Gray has posted an ERA of 2.01 in seven road starts this season. The Nats covered the runline in all seven games. Gray held Philly scoreless over six innings when he last faced them, back in June. 

Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola has a 4.25 ERA at home this season but he has compiled an ERA of 2.05 over his last three starts. Nola has an ERA of 5.82 in three starts versus the Nationals over the last two seasons. 

Under is 7-3 in Phillies last 10 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Nationals last 6 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.

I like the Nats to cover the runline in a low-scoring affair.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TWINS/GUARDIANS SUPER EARLY MLB TOTAL

The Guardians bats have been cold lately. They had not scored more than three runs in any of their last seven games prior to putting up seven runs in a win against the Twins yesterday. Minnesota right-hander Chris Archer has posted an ERA of 1.38 over his last three starts. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MLB GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S 10* MAJOR WAGER TOTAL (LATE)

Angels Shohei Ohtani (6-4, 2.90 ERA) has allowed only one run on nine hits over 21 innings over his last three starts. Each of his last four starts have gone under the total. 

The White Sox have been crushing left-handers all season, but they've not had as much success agianst right-handers. Under is 14-6-2 in White Sox last 22 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech (2-4, 2.59 ERA) has a 3.21 ERA in 13 road starts this year. The over/under is 4-8-1 in those games. Under is 8-2-1 in Angels last 11 games vs. a right-handed starter and 12-3-1 in Angels last 16 overall.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY MLB TOTAL

Pittsburgh has scored a total of only 13 runs through a five-game losing streak. The Nats have won six of their last eight games. 

Pittsburgh right-hander Mitch Keller (2-5, 4.77 ERA) gave up four runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings when he faced the Nats back in April. The Pirates are 3-9 in his 12 starts this season. 

Washington righty Paolo Espino (0-1, 2.21 ERA) has made 20 appearances as a reliever and three starts this year. He has an ERA of 2.57 and 10 strikeouts over 14 innings in his three starts. 

The Pirates are averaging only 2.77 runs per nine innings against right-handers on the road. 

8* PLAY ON PIT/WSH UNDER.

MIKE'S LATE 10* MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Padres left-hander Sean Manaea (3-3, 3.87 ERA) is 3-1 lifetime against the Diamondbacks in five starts with a 2.89 ERA. Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (4-2, 2.92 ERA) is 1-2 lifetime against the Padres with a 3.31 ERA. Under is 3-0-2 in Diamondbacks last 5 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 7-1 in Padres last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter.

Padres lost 8-5 to Philadelphia on Sunday. Under is 5-0 in Padres last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 23-8-1 in Padres last 32 games following a loss.

Arizona is coming off an 11-7 win over Detroit. Under is 5-0 in Padres last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Rangers had played four straight unders prior to a 6-4 loss to Washington on Sunday. They've scored more than four runs in only one of their last six games. 

Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (1-4, 7.41 ERA) held the Angels to two runs and fanned six over six innings in his last start, one of his best outings of the season. Under is 4-0-1 in Rangers last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter and 5-1 in Rangers last 6 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

Texas hands the ball to left-hander Martin Perez (5-2, 1.96 ERA) who is having a fantastic year, and the under is 10-4 in his 14 starts. Perez has a 3-0 record with an ERA of 2.16 in three starts against the Royals since the start of last season. 

The Royals have scored 13 runs over their last four games and under is 5-1 in Royals last 6 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MARINERS/ANGELS TOTAL

Angels left-hander Patrick Sandoval has posted an ERA of 2.70 and 17 strikeouts in his last three starts. Sandoval (3-2, 2.70 ERA) is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in six home starts in 2022. The Angels won four of those games and four of the games went under the total. Sandoval has an ERA of 3.00 and 34 strikeouts in five career starts against the Mariners. The Mariners are 0-4 in their last 4 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Mariners Logan Gilbert is 7-3 with an ERA of 2.28 on the season, but I think Sandoval will outduel him in this one. 

Under is 10-3 in Mariners last 13 overall. Under is 6-1 in Angels last 7 overall.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The over/under is 4-9 in Texas left-hander Martin Perez's starts this year. Perez (4-2, 2.10 ERA) has an ERA of 3.65 and 34 strikeouts in seven appearances (six starts) versus the Phillies in his career. 

The over/under is 5-8 in Philadelphia right-hander Kyle Gibson's starts this year. Gibson has an ERA of 3.08 and 31 strikeouts in seven starts against the Rangers in his career. The Rangers are averaging only 3.88 runs per nine innings against right-handers. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S DODGERS/REDS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

Dodgers Tony Gonsolin (8-0, 1.42 ERA) has allowed only one run over 18 1/3 innings over his last three starts. Gonsolin held the Reds scoreless over four innings on April 15. The over/under is 9-3 in Gonsolin's starts this year. Reds right-hander Tyler Mahle has posted an ERA of 1.71 over his last three starts. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Tampa Bay Rays are coming off a 7-6 win, but they had scored a total of only four runs with two shutout losses in their previous four games. 

The under is 5-1 in Rays last 6 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5, and Baltimore right-hander Jordan Lyles (4-5, 5.10 ERA), while struggling on the road, has posted a 2.93 ERA in five home starts this year. 

Tampa Bay right-hander Corey Kluber (3-3, 3.50 ERA) has an ERA of 1.96 in his last four starts and he is s 5-1 with an ERA of 3.07 and 79 strikeouts over 73 1/3 innings in 12 starts versus the Orioles in his career.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

NBA GAME OF THE YEAR - MIKE'S NBA PLAYOFFS TOTAL MAJOR WAGER

We cashed the under in Game 5 of the NBA finals, a game the Warriors won 104-94 despite shooting 9-for-40 (22%) from 3-point range and Steph Curry going 0-for-9 from behind the arc. I expect the Warriors to keep bombing away, and more successfully, as they can play without as much pressure as Boston, with a potential Game 7 taking place home at Chase Center. If their shots fall, which I assume they will, the Celtics must score to keep up. 

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MLB GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* TOTAL

Mets right-hander Tylor Megill (4-2, 4.50 ERA) is 0-2 with an 11.70 ERA over his last three starts and he owns a 5.00 ERA in two career starts against the Brewers. Milwaukee left-hander Aaron Ashby (1-5, 3.91 ERA) has allowed 10 runs on 19 hits over 10 2/3 innings in his last two starts. 

Over is 9-3 in Brewers last 12 during game 3 of a series. Over is 14-6-1 in Mets last 21 overall. They were held to two runs in a 10-2 loss yesterday, but over is 5-1 in Mets last 6 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S ASTROS/RANGERS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Texas Rangers have scored 24 runs over their last three games. Houston right-hander Jose Urquidy (5-3, 5.04 ERA) has owned the Rangers in previous meetings, but he's coming into this game ice cold with 12 runs allowed on 24 hits over 15 innings through his past three starts.  

Rangers right-hander Dane Dunning (1-4, 4.41 ERA) owns a 5.40 ERA in three career meetings with Houston, and he surrendered four runs on nine hits in four innings at Cleveland last time out. 

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/WARRIORS NBA FINALS GAME 5 10* TOTAL TOP PLAY

Through the first four games of the NBA finals, we have seen the two teams trade wins and losses and alternate high-scoring with low-scoring affairs. I still expect another low-scoring affair here following a 107-97 Golden State in Boston on Friday. The Celtics are the best defensive team in the NBA, and the Warriors do not get enough credit for their efforts on the defensive end as mostly all we remember are them bombing away from behind the arc. It would take some seriously above average shooting for this to go over, but that'll get less and less likely as the teams get more familiar with each other. 

Under is 12-3 in Warriors last 15 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home and 18-6 in the last 24 meetings.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S PHILLIES/CARDS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled to put runs on the board all season, and even more so lately. I think they can get their bats going here though against rookie right-hander Zack Thompson (0-0, 2.25 ERA) who has only one MLB start, which lasted four innings, to his name.  

The Cards hand the ball to Mitch Keller (2-5, 5.26 ERA) who has pitched better of late, but it has still been a disappointing year for the right-hander. Home or away has not mattered much as he has a 5+ ERA both home and on the road. 

Over is 4-1-1 in Cardinals last 6 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5 and 2-0-2 in Pirates last 4 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S WHITE SOX/TIGERS MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

White Sox right-hander Lance Lynn will make his first start of the season, but he was 11-6 with a 2.69 ERA in 2021 and he owns an ERA of 3.21 and in nine career starts against the Tigers.

Detroit's bats have been ice cold lately as the Tigers have averaged only 2.4 runs per game over their last 10 games. 

The Tigers hand the ball to right-hander Rony Garcia (0-1, 4.50 ERA) who gave up six runs in five innings in a loss to Minnesota in his last start. I think Garcia can bounce back with a strong outing here though, facing a White Sox team that has more success against southpaws than right-handers. 

Under is 11-3-1 in White Sox last 15 road games vs. a right-handed starter and 9-3-1 in White Sox last 13 when their opponent scored 2 runs or less in their previous game (Detroit was shut out by Toronto yesterday). 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S ROCKIES/PADRES MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

This looks like way too low of a total considering the matchup on the mound. Padres left-hander Blake Snell (0-3, 5.68 ERA) gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks over four innings of an 11-5 loss to the Mets in his last start. The Rockies are batting .281 while averaging 5.41 runs per game against left-handers. As for Rockies right-hander German Marquez (2-5, 6.49 ERA), he's been getting slapped around most of the season. Over his last four starts, Marquez has allowed 20 runs over 23 innings of work. 

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S EARLY RANGERS/WHITE SOX TOTAL TOP PLAY

Texas left-hander Martin Perez (4-2, 1.56 ERA) is having a great year, and the under is 20-6-1 in White Sox last 27 home games vs. a left-handed starter. White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito (4-2, 3.54 ERA) is also solid as always and he owns a 2.38 ERA in two career starts against Texas. Under is 11-3-2 in Rangers last 16 games as a road underdog.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S ATHLETICS/GUARDIANS MLB TOTAL

Cleveland rookie left-hander Konnor Pilkington (1-0, 2.65 ERA) fanned eight through five scoreless innings in his last start, the best outing in his MLB career. Under is 2-0-1 in his three starts.

Oakland has scored only 14 runs through a miserable eight-game losing streak.

A's righty James Kaprielian (0-3, 6.06 ERA) is coming off three rough outings, but under is 9-3 in Guardians last 12 games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* WARRIORS/CELTICS NBA TOTAL

Golden State took it up a notch defensive in Game 2 and held Boston to 88 points on 38 percent shooting from the field. Now the series moves to Boston, and I expect another low-scoring affair. The Warriors are deadly at home and average 112.6 points per game overall on the season, but that number drops to 109.1 ppg on the road. They clearly do not shoot the ball as well or play at the same high tempo outside of Chase Center, and Boston is arguably the best defensive team in the league. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S ROCKIES/GIANTS TOTAL

Colorado right-hander German Marquez (1-5, 6.71 ERA) has allowed 15 runs over 17 innings in his last three starts. The over is 7-2 in his last nine starts and the team has lost six of his last eight getting outscored by at least two runs in six of those eight games. Since the start of the 2020 season, Marquez has a record of 2-4 with an ERA of 8.13 in 6 appearances against the Giants

Giants left-hander Carlos Rodon (4-4, 3.44 ERA) is 0-2 over his last three starts, despite allowing only six runs over 16 1/3 innings on the hill. He held Colorado to two runs over six innings of an 8-5 home win against the Rockies here at Oracle Park last month. 

The Giants are 5-1 SU and 4-2 against the runline in their previous six games against the Rockies this year. Five of those six games went over the total.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

KC left-hander Daniel Lynch (2-4, 4.81 ERA) was smacked around by Cleveland in his last start, giving up six runs on nine hits with three walks over four innings. Lynch has allowed 12 runs in 13 innings through his last three starts. Toronto's bats are red hot coming into this game having scored six runs or more in eight of their last 10 games. 

Toronto right-hander Ross Stripling (1-1, 4.22 ERA) has worked out of the bullpen in his last six outings. He's not likely to last long here when filling in for the injured Hyun Jin Ryu, and Toronto's bullpen has an ERA of 4.02 on the season. 

Over is 6-0 in Blue Jays last 6 games as a favorite. Over is 11-4 in Royals last 15 games as an underdog.

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

TWINS/BLUE JAYS TOTAL

The Minnesota Twins had scored only two runs through a three-game stretch before putting up nine in a win here at Toronto on Friday. The Blue Jays came into that game riding an eight-game winning streak and they had scored six runs or more in five straight games. 

I like the Blue Jays to bounce back with a big win tonight. The Blue Jays are perfect 4-0 in righty Jose Berrios (3-2, 5.62 ERA) home starts this year. Minnesota right-hander Dylan Bundy is 1-2 with a 7.50 ERA in five starts on the road this year, and the team record is 1-4 in those games. Minnesota has lost each of his last five starts.

I also like the over as Blue Jays' bats should go off following a disappointing three-run performance yesterday. Over is 5-0 in Blue Jays' last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter and 3-1-1 in Bundy's five road starts this year. 

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S 10* ASTROS/ROYALS MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Astros ae 38-13 to the under on the season. The under is 9-1 in Astros last 10 games following an off day and 23-5 in Astros last 28 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5. Under is 7-1 in Royals last 8 games following an off day.

Astros right-hander Jose Urquidy (4-2, 4.80 ERA) is coming off his worst outing of the year, but he has allowed one or no runs in three of his last five starts. Royals right-hander Brady Singer (2-0, 2.49 ERA) has allowed only three runs over 19 2/3 innings in his three starts this year. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S BRAVES/ROCKIES MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$tER

The Rockies relievers have an ERA of 5.04 on the season, and coming off a doubleheader against Miami on Wednesday won't help matters. The Rockies gave up 14 runs in the first game and 12 runs in the second game. 

Starter Austin Gomber (2-5, 5.51 ERA) has allowed 10 runs on 14 hits over 8 1/3 innings through his last two starts. Braves right-hander Ian Anderson (3-3, 4.34 ERA) has allowed eight runs on 11 hits over 11 2/3 innings through his last two starts. Anderson has allowed 4 runs on 5 hits with 4 walks in 3 innings against the Rockies in his career.

Over is 8-2 in Braves last 10 during game 1 of a series and 4-1 in Braves last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 9-4 in Rockies last 13 home games.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S MLB TOTAL OF THE MONTH - TOP-RATED 10* MAJOR WAGER

The Houston Astros opened this series with a 5-1 win on Monday. They are 18-3 to the under in their last 21 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game and 22-4 to the under in their last 26 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

Oakland right-hander Frankie Montas (2-4, 3.28 ERA) has posted a 3.02 ERA over 44 2/3 innings of work at RingCentral Coliseum in 2022. The A's are 6-1 to the under in Montas' seven home starts.  

Astros' Cristian Javier (3-2, 2.43 ERA) has made nine appearances, five starts this year. The under is 4-1 in his starts. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S NBA GAME OF THE MONTH - CELTICS/HEAT GAME 7 TOTAL MAJOR WAGER

The Miami Heat forced this Game 7 with a 111-103 win Friday night. The previous two games were much lower scoring, with 184 and 173 points respectively. The two teams know each other inside and out by now, and I expect both teams to step up on defense here in this win-or-go-home game.

Under is 6-2 in Celtics' last 8 games as a favorite. Under is 7-3 in Heat's last 10 games as an underdog. Under is 7-3 in Heat's last 10 games following a straight up win.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S RANGERS/ATHLETICS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

This looks like a low total considering the matchup on the mound and how hot the Rangers' bats have been lately. Texas has scored 30 runs over a four-game winning streak. Oakland right-hander James Kaprielian (0-2, 5.48 ERA) and Texas right-hander Dane Dunning (1-3, 4.32 ERA) have both to find their groove, and both gave up five runs in their last start. Over is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S BLUE JAYS/ANGELS MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Angels right-hander Michael Lorenzen (5-2, 3.05 ERA) has allowed a total of only one run over 13 innings over his last two starts. Toronto left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (2-1, 3.47 ERA) has allowed more than two runs in only one of his eight starts this year. Over his last four starts, Kikuchi has conceded just five runs over 22 2/3 frames. 

Under is 15-7-3 in Angels last 25 games as a home favorite. Under is 8-3-1 in Blue Jays last 12 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S GIANTS/REDS TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

Giants left-hander Alex Wood (3-3, 4.82 ERA) has been tagged with eight runs on 14 hits over 7 1/3 innings over his last two starts. The Reds hand the ball to Vladimir Gutierrez (0-6, 8.70 ERA). The wheels have really come off lately for the right-hander, with 21 runs allowed over 15 innings through his last four starts. 

The Reds have scored 29 runs over their last three games. The Giants have scored 23 runs over their last three games. 

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

PHILLIES/BRAVES TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The Atlanta Braves have scored four runs or more in four of their last five games. Tonight they get a look at Philadelphia left-hander Ranger Suarez (4-2, 4.12 ERA) who gave up three runs on five hits in three innings in his last start. Suarez has limited experience against Atlanta who counters with right-hander Charlie Morton (3-3, 4.95 ERA), who has a  4.53 ERA in 12 career starts against Philadelphia. The Phillies have scored four runs or more in three straight games. 

Over is 5-0-1 in Phillies last 6 road games. Over is 7-0-1 in Braves last 8 games as a home favorite.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S LATE NIGHT METS/GIANTS TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

Giants right-hander Alex Cobb (3-1, 5.61 ERA) was tagged with seven runs on 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings at Colorado in his last start. The Giants still won 10-7, and the over is 5-1 in Cobb's six starts this year.

The Mets hand the ball to David Peterson (1-0, 1.89 ERA) to replace the injured Max Scherzer. The left-hander will make his first start in almost three weeks following a stint in the minors. Peterson gave up four runs (three earned) in five innings in his last MLB start.

Over is 4-0 in Giants last 4 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 9-3 in Giants last 12 games as a favorite.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S BLUE JAYS/CARDINALS MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Toronto Blue jays are 26-14-1 to the under this season. Right-hander Jose Berrios (3-2, 4.83 ERA) has had a bit of a slow start to the year, but he held Seattle scoreless over seven innings of a 3-0 win in his last start and he has an ERA of 2.92 in two career starts against St. Louis. 

Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas (3-2, 1.68 ERA) is having a great year and has yet to allow more than two runs in a start. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

PADRES/GIANTS MLB BOOKIE BU$TER TOTAL

Both starting pitchers are off to a hot start to the year, but Padres Joe Musgove posted a 6.08 ERA over 26 2/3 innings against the Giants last year. The Giants current roster has a combined batting average of .348 over 103 at bats against Musgrove. 

Giants are 18-9 to the over in games with a total under 8.0 (13-6 to the over if their opponent has a winning record). The over is 13-6 in Padres last 19 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S METS/ROCKIES MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The over is 10-2 in Rockies last 12 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5. Mets right-hander Carlos Carrasco (3-1, 3.73 ERA) has posted a 6.19 ERA over three road starts this year. Colorado right-hander German Marquez (1-3, 6.16 ERA) has allowed 13 runs over his last three starts and he has a 6.04 ERA home at Coors Field on the season. His last four home starts all went over the total.

10* PLAY ON OVER.

LATE NIGHT MLB BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The Minnesota Twins' over/under record this season is 13-20-4. The Oakland Athletics over/under record is 13-19-3. 

Twins' right-hander Chris Archer (0-1, 4.43 ERA) gave up four runs against Houston in his last start, but he had not allowed more than two runs in any of his previous five starts this year. Archer has a 3.60 ERA in three career starts against Oakland who counters with left-hander Zach Logue. Logue (2-1, 1.35 ERA) is coming off seven scoreless innings at Detroit. Logue has 12 strikeouts and only three walks over 13 1/3 inning of work on the season. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Reds 1-0 on Sunday, despite recording a single hit. They have scored a total of only six runs over their last four games and been held to three runs or fewer in seven of their last 10 games. The Chicago Cubs have been held to three runs or fewer in six of their last 10 games. 

Pittsburgh right-hander Dillon Peters (3-1, 1.83 ERA) held the Dodgers scoreless through three innings in his last start. Cubs left-hander Wade Miley's 9.00 ERA for the season looks bad, but it's over a one-game and three-inning sample. Miley owns a 3.64 ERA in 13 career starts against the Pirates.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

NBA GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* TOTAL

The first two games of this series were high-scoring affairs, but the following four games have gone under the total. I fully expect another low-scoring game here in this win-or-go-home matchup where the winner will move on to take on the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals and the loser will, well, go home. The losing team has been held to fewer than 101 points in the last four games, and I would not be surprised if neither team tops 100 points in this one. 

Under is 15-5-1 in Suns last 21 games playing on 2 days rest and 34-16-1 in Suns last 51 games following a straight up loss. Under is 47-22 in Mavericks last 69 games as an underdog.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S EARLY MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Miami Marlins have scored 21 runs through their last three games. Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff (3-2, 5.97 ERA) was roughed up for six runs (five earned) in 4 1/3 innings of a 10-5 loss at Cincinnati in his last start. Each of Woodruff's last three starts has ended with the game going over the total. Miami right-hander Elieser Hernandez (2-2, 6.37 ERA) has allowed 16 runs over his last four starts. Four of his last five starts have gone over the total. 

The Brewers are averaging a healthy 5.42 R/9 off right-handers. This looks like way too low of a total considering the matchup on the mound. 

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/BUCKS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The last two games of this series have gone over the total, but the Bucks are 8-2 to the under over their last 10 and 6-1 to the under in their last 7 games as a favorite.

The Bucks have the upper hand in the series after shooting 45 percent from three-point range in a 110-107 win in Boston on Wednesday.

The Celtics rank No. 1 for several defensive metrics, including scoring defense, defensive field goal percentage and defensive three-point percentage, and I expect them to do a better job closing down the Bucks tonight. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S SUNS/MAVS NBA BUCKET BREAKER

Each of the last three games of this series has gone under the total.

The two teams know each other very well by now, and from here on out it's all about grit and defense, especially for the Mavs who would see their postseason come to an end with a loss. The Suns are not shooting the ball quite as well on the road as they do at home.

The under is 16-5-2 in Suns last 23 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and 21-5 in Mavericks last 26 games as a home underdog.

8* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S EARLY ATHLETICS/TIGERS MLB AFTERNOON ASSASSIN

The Detroit Tigers have been shut out in three of their last five games, and they've scored more than three runs in only one of their last 10 games.

The Tigers are averaging a paltry 2.91 runs per nine innings on the season, and Oakland is also one of the lowest-scoring teams in the MLB with only 3.55 runs per nine innings.

The A's have been shut out in three of their last eight games and they've averaged 2.6 runs per game in day games this year. The pitching matchup is nothing special, but I expect this one to go under the total. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S WARRIORS/GRIZZLIES TOTAL

Memphis' star point guard Ja Morant missed Monday's Game 4 loss to the Warriors, and he is doubtful to return at all this postseason. The Grizzlies played surprisingly well without him when Morant missed a part of the regular season, but this is the playoffs and the Warriors will be looking to close this one out tonight and avoid a Game 7. I expect the Warriors to take this in a low-scoring game as I don't see how the Grizzlies will be able to put up enough points without Morant. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Diamondbacks' veteran left-hander Madison Bumgarner has found his footing after struggling in his first two seasons in Arizona. Bumgarner (1-1, 1.50 ERA) has been one of the best pitchers in the major leagues this year, and he has allowed only one run over 15 innings in his last three starts combined. Miami hands the ball to left-hander Jesus Luzardo (2-2, 3.08 ERA) who's had a solid start to the year as well, and the D'Backs batting only .185 while averaging 2.76 R/9 against left-handers. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/HEAT NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The 76ers tied the series with a 116-108 win at home in Philadelphia on Sunday, but now they're back in Miami where they struggled with their shooting through the first two games of the series. The Heat had allowed 86, 94, 92, 103, and 99 points through their last five games prior to Sunday's defeat. Under is 10-3 in 76ers' last 13 games as a road underdog and 14-3 in Heat's last 17 playoff games as a favorite. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Miami.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/BUCKS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Each of the first three games of this best-of-seven series has gone under the total. The maximum points scored was 204 as Milwaukee took a 2-1 lead in the series with a 103-101 win in the last game. I don't see why we would see a different type of game tonight. 

Under is 8-0 in Bucks last 8 overall and 19-6-2 in Bucks last 27 playoff games as a favorite. Under is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 overall.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY ROYALS/ORIOLES MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

Baltimore Orioles' left-hander Alexander Wells (0-0, 4.91 ERA) has pitched only 3 2/3 innings this season, but he should have a solid outing here against a Royals team that is averaging only 2.53 R/9 against left-handers this season. The Orioles are averaging 3.53 R/9 overall.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S 10* CELTICS/BUCKS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks combined for 190 and 195 points in the first two games of this series. I expect the top-notch defending to continue when the series moves to Milwaukee on Saturday. The Celtics have the best scoring defense in the NBA, and the under is 7-0 in Bucks last 7 overall. 

Under is 18-6-2 in Bucks last 26 playoff games as a favorite.

10 PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S SUPER EARLY MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Milwaukee Brewers put an 18-4 beating on Cincinnati yesterday. For the season, the over/under is 17-25 in games where one of the teams scored 10 runs or more the previous game. 

Cincinnati's rookie right-hander Hunter Greene (1-3, 6.00 ERA) has 22 strikeouts over his first 18 innings in the majors, and the Brewers are striking out almost nine times per nine innings. I expect plenty of swings and misses from the Brew Crew today as they might feel a bit too frisky looking to repeat yesterday's performance. 

The Brewers counter with right-hander Adrian Houser (2-2, 2.53 ERA) who's had a solid start to the year, and he struck out eight through six shutout innings against the Cubs in his last start. The Reds are averaging only 3.30 runs per nine innings on the season. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MAVS/SUNS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phoenix Suns won Game 1 of this Western Conference semifinal series 121-114. Neither team could've been satisfied with their defensive performance, and I expect a much lower final score here as Dallas tries to make it as ugly as possible to keep it close. The Mavs have relied on defense over offense all season long, and the under 6-2 in Suns last 8 games as a home favorite. Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Los Angeles Angels got shut out in a 4-0 loss to Boston on Tuesday. I don't expect them to score many runs tonight either, coming up against Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock (1-1, 0.54 ERA) who has conceded a total of only one earned run while recording 20 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings this season. 

The Angels turn to left-hander Reid Detmers (1-1, 5.19 ERA) to get a start instead of Shohei Ohtani. Detmers has given up only three runs on five hits with eight strikeouts over his last two starts.

The Red Sox are averaging only 3.60 runs per nine innings on the season.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S WARRIORS/GRIZZLIES 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies combined for 233 points in the first game of their Western Conference semi-finals series. Still, the over/under is at 3-8 through the last 11 meetings. I think both teams will play better defense here as they'll be more familiar which each others offensive schemes when matching up for the second time in three days.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MAVS/SUNS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Mavericks have the second-best scoring defense in the league and they held Utah to 100 points or fewer in four of their six meetings in the first round of the playoffs. They know they'll have to stay aggressive on D to have a chance against the top-seeded Suns. Under is 6-1 in Suns' last 7 games as a home favorite and 6-2 in the last 8 meetings with Dallas.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MONDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

This is admittedly an extremely low total, but I still think there's value on the under.

Both starting pitchers have had a red hot start to the year, with Arizona's Zac Gallen coming into the game with a 0.60 ERA over 15 innings and Miami's Pablo Lopez with an even better 0.39 ERA over 23 1/3 innings.

The Diamondbacks are averaging an MLB-worst 3.14 runs per nine innings and their batting average of .181 is also an MLB-worst. They average 9.14 strikeouts per game, and Miami is second to last in the majors with 9.81 strikeouts per game. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S BUCKS/CELTICS TOTAL

The two teams split the four regular-season meetings, with the home team winning outright in each game. The Celtics covered the spread in all four of those games and they are 9-1 ATS in the last nine meetings with the Bucks. 

Milwaukee forward Khris Middleton will miss the beginning (and possibly all of this series) with a sprained MCL. They would need to be fully healthy to beat this Celtics team that is peaking at exactly the right time and made a sweep of the Nets in the first round look easy. 

I also like the under. Sure, three of the four regular-season meetings went over the total (and with bigger totals than this), but this is the playoffs. Both teams have been locked in on defense and neither will give up easy looks.

8* play on UNDER.

MIKE'S CUBS/BRAVES MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Over their last six games, the Chicago Cubs have scored 32 runs. That might look impressive at first glance, but keep in mind that 21 of those runs were scored in a single game, against Pittsburgh, on April 23. 

That leaves 11 runs scored between the other five games, and here they'll face a hot pitcher in Atlanta right-hander Kyle Wright (2-0, 1.06 ERA). Wright has been excellent with only two runs allowed and 26 strikeouts against two walks over 17 innings of work. 

Cubs' left-hander Drew Smyly (1-1, 2.45 ERA) had opened the season with 9 2/3 scoreless innings before giving up four runs on six hits in five innings against Pittsburgh in his last start. He should bounce back with a strong outing.  

10* play on UNDER. 

SIXERS/RAPTORS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Each of the last four games in this series has gone under the total. Toronto has seemingly figured out how to defend their opponent and held Philly to 38% shooting in a 103-88 win Monday night. The Sixers have the star players and the flair, but both James Harden and Tyrese Maxey have really struggled in recent games. Still facing elimination, it will be in Toronto's best interest to turn this into another scrappy dogfight, and I expect they will succeed.  

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S ASTROS/RANGERS MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The first game of this series saw eight runs, the second game six runs. I don't expect to see much action over the plate in Game 3 tonight either.

Houston hands the ball to Cristian Javier (0-0, 0.00 ERA) for his first start of the season. Javier has worked 8 1/3 frames as a reliever this season, but he is not a complete stranger to starting games and owns a 3.35 ERA over 51 career appearances, 19 starts. Javier has posted a 2.84 ERA over eight career outings (four starts) against the Rangers who turn to Glenn Otto. 

Otto (1-0, 1.80 ERA) held Oakland to one run on two hits with five strikeouts over five innings in his first, and up until now, only start of the season. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* BULLS/BUCKS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Milwaukee Bucks have held the Bulls to 95 points or fewer in three of the first four games of the series, 81 and 95 points in the last two. 

The Bulls are lacking healthy playmakers with Alex Caruso in the league's concussion protocol and All-Star Zach LaVine in the NBA's health and safety protocol, in addition to Lonzo Ball and Matt Thomas also being out. 

Under is 15-5-2 in Bucks last 22 playoff games as a favorite. Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Milwaukee.

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S EARLY CARDS/METS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The St. Louis Cardinals have scored only two runs through the first two games of this series, and today they'll run into Mets' right-hander Carlos Carrasco (1-0, 1.47 ERA) who has a 2.84 ERA in his two career starts against St. Louis. 

The Cardinals hand the ball to Steven Matz (2-1, 5.27 ERA) who spent six years with the Mets before getting acquired by the Blue Jays last season. There's some bad blood between Matz and the Mets after some off-season drama, and I expect a big outing from Matz who has allowed only one run over 10 2/3 innings in his last two starts. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S ORIOLES/YANKEES MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

The Baltimore Orioles' over/under record is 12-2-2 and the Yankees over/under record is 5-11. Baltimore right-hander Jordan Lyles (1-1, 3.52 ERA) is off to a promising start to the year, and he has a career ERA of 2.57 in three games (two starts) against the Yankees. 

Yankees' Luis Severino (1-0, 2.08 ERA) has also had a good start to the season and Severino has a career ERA of 3.31 in 10 career appearances (eight starts) against the Orioles.

8* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S ROCKIES/PHILLIES MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Colorado Rockies average only 3.72 R/9 away from home and they are 5-2 to the under on the road. The Philadelphia Phillies won Monday's matchup 8-2, but they still average only 2.74 R/9 at home at Citizens Bank Park and they are 5-2-2 to the under in their home games. Neither pitcher has had a great start to the year, but Rockies' right-hander German Marquez (0-0, 4.67 ERA) owns a solid 3.21 ERA in seven career starts against the Phillies and I don't trust Rockies' bats to do much damage of Eflin.  

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Miami Marlins are averaging only 3.55 R/9 and they are 9-4 to the under on the season. They've been shut out in two of their last four games. Miami right-hander Elieser Hernandez (1-1, 4.22 ERA) has posteda 2.27 ERA through 10 career outings (five starts) against Atlanta. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S RED SOX/RAYS MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Boston Red Sox have scored a total of only 10 runs over their last five games and the Tampa Bay Rays have been held to three runs or fewer in six of their last nine games. Both starting pitchers are off to a promising start to the year, and both bullpens are decent. 

Under is 15-6 in Rays last 21 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 4-1-1 in Red Sox last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on UNDER. 

NBA GAME OF THE MONTH - MIKE'S MAVS/JAZZ 10* TOTAL MAJOR WAGER

The Dallas Mavericks won the first game of this Eastern Conference first-round playoff series 99-93, but the next two games were much higher scoring. Utah won the last game 126-118 and I think we'll see a decent amount of points in this contest as well. The over is 8-2 in Mavericks' last 10 overall and 19-6-1 in Jazz's last 26 playoff games as a favorite.

10* play on OVER. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/RAPTORS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The Toronto Raptors have not been able to stop Joel Embiid so far, and I don't see why tonight would be any different. That being said, I expect the Raptors to show up offensively after putting up only 97 points in the last game. Over is 16-5-3 in 76ers last 24 games as a road favorite, over is 5-1 in Raptors last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

8* play on OVER. 

MIKE'S NETS/CELTICS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Boston Celtics won the first game of this first-round playoff series against the Nets 115-114. They had combined for 122 points already at halftime, but I think both teams will be more disciplined defensively right from the start tonight. Under is 4-0 in Nets last 4 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 9-3 in Celtics last 12 games playing on 2 days rest.

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S EARLY TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Milwaukee Brewers are going for the three-game sweep after winning the first two games 6-1 and 5-2. I expect this to be another low-scoring game. The Brewers have scored one run or fewer in four of their 11 games and the Pirates have scored two runs or fewer in six of their 11 games. Both starting pitchers are off to a rough start, but as both teams have yet to find consistency at the plate, I still like the under. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S PHILLIES/ROCKIES MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

The Colorado Rockies are 6-3 to the under on the season but I think runs will come fast and easy for both teams at Coors Field tonight. Colorado left-hander Kyle Freeland (0-2, 10.00 ERA) has had a rough start to the year, allowing five earned runs in each of his first two starts. The Rockies bullpen has an MLB-best 1.88 ERA, but that won't last for much longer. Phillies' righty Kyle Gibson gave up four runs on five hits and three walks over 4 2/3 innings at Miami in his last start and their bullpen ranks 25th in the majors with a 4.57 ERA. 

8* play on OVER. 

WOLVES/GRIZZLIES 10* NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I expect a strong defensive outing from Memphis after allowing Minnesota to shoot 50% from the field in a 130-117 loss to the Wolves in Game 1 of this Western Conference first-round playoff series. The under was 6-0 in Grizzlies' last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record prior to the last game, and this is an extremely high total for a playoff game. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Pittsburgh Pirates have been inconsistent at the plate to start the season. The Brewers have scored one run or fewer in four of their 10 games and the Pirates have scored two runs or fewer in five of their 10 games. Milwaukee right-hander Corbin Burnes (0-0, 2.25 ERA) is 4-0 with a 2.82 ERA in 16 career outings (four starts) against the Pirates. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S JAZZ/MAVS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Utah Jazz won the first game of this series 99-93, and I think we'll see another low-scoring game here in Game 2. Mavs' superstar Luka Doncic missed the last game with a left calf strain, and he is unlikely to suit up for this one as well. Under is 10-1 in Jazz last 11 games as a road favorite. Under is 43-18 in Mavericks last 61 games as an underdog. Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Dallas.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* JAZZ/MAVS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings, and I think it's safe to say that defense will be a priority for both teams here in the opener now when it is playoff time. Under is 9-1 in Jazz last 10 games as a road favorite. Under is 46-19-1 in Mavericks last 66 home games.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* CUBS/ROCKIES MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies are averaging 4.50 and 4.89 runs per nine innings respectively. Colorado starter Kyle Freeland was knocked around by the Dodgers in his first start of the season, but I expect him to bounce back with a strong outing. Cubs' starter Justin Steele held Milwaukee scoreless through five innings in his first start of the year. 

Coors Field is a hitters park, but that is no secret. The bookmakers know they can post high totals and the public usually fall right into the trap. The Rockies were 44-34-3 to the under in their home games in 2021. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S METS/PHILLIES 10* MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Max Scherzer gave up three runs on three hits with a walk and six strikeouts in six innings against the Nats in his first start with the Mets. Mad Max can't be too happy with that outing, and I expect him to have a solid outing here against a Philadelphia team he has a 2.82 ERA against through 14 starts. The Phillies counter with Aaron Nola who has a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts against the Mets. Under is 12-3-2 in the last 17 meetings. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S CAVS/NETS PLAY-IN GAME TOTAL

These two teams battled it out less than a week ago in a game the Nets won 118-107. That score went under the posted total of 232.5 points for that game and would also have gone under the total the bookmakers have for this game. With a spot in the playoffs on the line, there will be no room to slack off on defense. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MIKE'S MAGIC/HORNETS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Charlotte Hornets can put up points at an impressive clip, but they are one of the worst teams in the league on the defensive end, allowing 115.1 points per game. The Orlando Magic, are one of the lowest-scoring sides in the league, but they hung 120 points on Cleveland just a couple of days ago. The Over is 14-3 in Hornets last 17 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400 and 5-1 in the last 6 meetings with the Magic in Charlotte.

10* play on OVER. 

MIKE'S OPENING DAY PIRATES/CARDINALS TOTAL

Pittsburgh righty JT Brubaker was 5-13 with an ERA of 5.36 last year and he was tagged with 16 runs on 26 hits while serving up seven homers in just under 22 innings against St. Louis. 

Cards' Adam Wainwright was a team-best 17-7 with a 3.05 ERA, and he was dominant in four starts against Pittsburgh. Still, I think the veteran righty needs a couple of starts to get at his best. Note that he gave up six runs in just 2 2/3 innings against Cincinnati in his season-opener last year. 

8* play on OVER. 

SPURS/NUGGETS TOTAL

The San Antonio Spurs are 6-1 SU and ATS over their last six games, and they'll need to keep playing hard in order to keep the Lakers behind them for the last spot in the play-in tournament in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets are coming off a dominant win on the road against said Lakers, but they are only 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite. The Nuggets have not been playing great D lately with 118, 136 and 118 points alloaed over their last three games. I expect Spurs to keep this close in a high-scoring game. 

8* play on OVER. 

NBA GAME OF THE WEEK - MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* TOTAL

Through their last four games, the Indiana Pacers have alllowed 133, 131, 132 and 125 points. Over is 16-5 in Pacers last 21 games as an underdog.

The Boston Celtics put up only 98 points in a subpar performance against Miami in their last game. The over is still 6-1 in Celtics last 7 overall and I expect them to run up the score here against a Pacers team that has made it pretty clear that defense is not a priority. 

10* play on OVER. 

MIKE'S BASKETBALL CLASSIC'S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TOTAL

I like the over when the Fresno State Bulldogs take on the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in the Basketball Classic’s Championship Game. Both teams are very strong defensively, but that's common knowledge, and the bookmakers are taking advantage by adjusting the total downwards, knowing casual bettors will still slam the under. It's worth noting that Fresno State has scored 80+ in two of its last three games. The over is 6-2 in Bulldogs last 8 overall and Over is 5-1 in Chanticleers last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

8* play on OVER.

HAWKS/THUNDER 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Atlanta Hawks are coming off a 132-123 win at Indiana. They are no strangers to running up the score against weak teams, and 7-1 to the over as double-digit favorites this season. Over is 14-4-1 in Thunder's last 19 games as an underdog and 8-1 in the last 9 meetings with Atlanta. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* PISTONS/NETS TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Pistons have seen each of their last three games go udner the total, but all those games were played home in Detroit. Over is 6-2 in Pistons last 8 games as a road underdog and here they'll face a Brooklyn team that is likely to see its scoring average go up with Kyrie Irving able to play home games again. The Nets are 13-9 to the over in games Kyrie has played this season. 

10* play on OVER. 

MIKE'S 10* NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The under is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings and 5-1 in the last 6 meetings at Toyota Center. The Rockets have held two of their last four opponents to fewer than 100 points and under is 6-0 in Rockets last 6 overall. The Spurs won 107-103 at New Orelans on Saturday. The under is 13-3 in Spurs last 16 games following a straight up win and 15-3 in Spurs last 18 games following a ATS win.

10* play on UNDER. 

JAZZ/MAVS NBA TOTAL GAME OF THE MONTH

The Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz are coming into this game with identical records, and this might very well be a preview of the first-round playoff matchup between the fourth and fifth seeds in the West. I expect to see both sides bringing their best effort on the defensive end, and under is 7-1 in Jazz last 8 road games and 22-5-1 in Mavericks last 28 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on UNDER. 

JAZZ/HORNETS TOTAL

The Charlotte Hornets are 4-1 ATS as home underdogs against teams from the Western Conference this season. They had won five straight before unexpectedly getting slapped around by the Knicks in their last game. I expect the Hornets to bounce back with a strong effort, especially on the defensive end, and the Jazz are only 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite.

Under is 9-2 in Hornets last 11 games as a home underdog. Under is 6-0 in Jazz last 6 games as a road favorite.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phoenix Suns have scored 140, 131, 129, 129, 127 and 125 points in their last six games. They are 23-6 to the over following a game in which they scored 125 points or more dating back to the start of last season. Over is 18-6-2 in Nuggets last 26 home games.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

I expect strong efforts from the Clippers and the Nuggets as they're both coming off blowout losses. Over is 19-6-1 in Nuggets last 26 games following a double-digit loss at home and 18-7-2 in Nuggets last 27 home games.

10* play on OVER. 

MIKE'S TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phoenix Suns have scored 140, 131, 129 and 129 points in their last four games. They are 20-7 to the over in their last 27 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and 10-3 to the over with games with a closing total of over 230 points this season. The Kings are one of the worst defensive teams in the league allowing 115.7 points per game, and they have allowed 130+ in three of their last six games. Over is 7-2 in Kings last 9 home games.

10* play on OVER. 

CBB MAJOR WAGER - MIKE'S 10* TOTAL GAME OF THE WEEK

The Memphis Tigers held Boise State to 53 points on 29% shooting from the field in their first-round victory. Now they'll face a completely different opponent in the Gonzaga Bulldogs who have scored 80+ points in six of their last seven games and opened the tourney with a 93-72 triumph over Georgia State. Gonzaga has conceded 70+ points in three of its last five games, and the Tigers are averaging a solid 76.1 points per game on the season. Over is 10-4 in Bulldogs last 14 games after scoring more than 90 points in their previous game and 29-14 in Bulldogs last 43 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.

10* play on OVER. 

MAVS/HORNETS TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Mavericks took a 111-101 loss at Philadelphia last night. They are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest and 18-8 ATS off a loss this season. Hornets are 2-8-2 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and under is 9-2 in Hornets last 11 games as a home underdog. Under is 19-9 in Mavericks last 28 games as a favorite and 6-2 in the last 8 meetings with Charlotte. Mavericks are 15-3 ATS in the last 18 meetings in Charlotte.

10* play on UNDER. 

BULLS/SUNS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phoenix Suns are riding a three-game winning streak through which they have scored 140, 131 and 129 points. Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and over is 20-6 in Suns last 26 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Bulls are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games overall and they took a 125-110 loss at Utah in their last game. Over is 6-1 in Bulls last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and Bulls are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 road games.

10* play on Over. 

MAVS/SIXERS TOTAL

The Dallas Mavericks have won eight of their last nine games and they are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog. They failed to cover the spread when they defeated the Nets with a buzzer beater last time out, but the Mavs are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS loss. 76ers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games as a home favorite and Mavericks are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

Under is 16-5 in 76ers last 21 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 18-7 in Mavs games against Eastern Conference teams this season. Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* SUNS/ROCKETS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phoenix Suns will be playing on no rest after defeating the Pels 131-115 at New Orleans last night. Over is 20-7 in Suns last 27 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and 12-3 in Suns last 15 games following a straight up win. Over is 16-7-1 in Rockets last 24 games as a home underdog.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP-RATED 10* NBA TOTAL GAME OF THE WEEK

The Phoenix Suns put a 140-111 beating on the Lakers on Sunday. The over is 19-7 in Suns last 26 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and 11-3 in their last 14 games following a straight up win. The New Orleans Pelicans are also coming off a high-scoring blowout win as they demolished the Rockets 130-105 on Sunday. Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings and 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in New Orleans.

10* play on OVER. 

LATE-NIGHT RAPTORS/LAKERS TOTAL

This looks like a tough spot for the Lakers who will be playing on no rest after taking a 140-11 loss at Phoenix last night. The Toronto Raptors will be looking to stay hot as they close out a five-game road trip. They're coming off three impressive wins, at San Antonio, at Phoenix, and at Denver and the Raptors are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games as a road favorite. Additionally, the Raptors are Raptors are 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Los Angeles.

The over is 8-3 in Lakers last 11 games as an underdog and 4-1 in Lakers' games when playing on no rest as a dog this season. I don't think they have the legs to stop the Raptors from scoring. 

8* play on Over.

CAVS/BULLS TOTAL

Tough spot for the Cleveland Cavaliers who will be playing on no rest after taking a 117-105 loss at Miami last night. They are 4-8 ATS when playing on zero days rest for the season and 9-3 to the under. The Chicago Bulls are coming into this game off two days rest since defeating the Nuggets in Denver on Wednesday. The Bulls are 21-7 ATS in their last 28 games as a home favorite. Under is 6-1 in Bulls last 7 overall. Under is 6-2 in Cavaliers last 8 games as a road underdog.

8* play on UNDER. 

SYRACUSE/FLORIDA STATE TOTAL

The Syracuse Orange are averaging 76.7 points per game on the season, but they're coming into this game on a four-game losing streak through which they've been not quite as productive. The Florida State Seminoles meanwhile are coming off three straight wins, including underdog wins against Virginia and Notre Dame. They've held their last four opponents to 71, 63, 70 and 76 points. 

Orange are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog. Under is 8-2 in Seminoles last 10 neutral site games as a favorite.

8* play on UNDER.