5* NBA WEST CONF ROUND 1 TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

I expected much, much more from the Phoenix Suns in this series. On paper, they have all the talent needed to make some serious noise in the post-season.

The Suns' stars have failed to gel as a team, though, and they have found it difficult to compete against a Minnesota Timberwolves team that is holding opponents to an NBA-best 106.3 points per game. 

Now down 3-0 in the series, I think we'll see the Suns' stars getting even more desperate and, as a result, take even worse shots, leading to a low-scoring game in which the Wolves should have an edge. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER.  

WOLVES/SUNS SIDE

I expected much, much more from the Phoenix Suns in this series. On paper, they have all the talent needed to make some serious noise in the post-season.

The Suns' stars have failed to gel as a team, though, and they have found it difficult to compete against a Minnesota Timberwolves team that is holding opponents to an NBA-best 106.3 points per game. 

Now down 3-0 in the series, I think we'll see the Suns' stars getting even more desperate and, as a result, take even worse shots, leading to a low-scoring game in which the Wolves should have an edge. 

3* PLAY ON THE WOLVES.  

MIKE'S 4* BUCKS/PACERS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Milwaukee Bucks won the opener of this playoff series, but it's been all Indiana Pacers since and I like the Pacers to win and cover here in Game 4.

The Pacers won by three points in OT as a 6.5-point home favorite in Game 3, but the bookmakers are still making them an even bigger favorite in this game, which says a lot, IMO. 

The banged up Bucks have been without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the past six games, and now Damian Lillard is listed as doubtful and Khris Middleton listed as probable. 

4* PLAY ON THE PACERS. 

MIKE'S PHILLIES/PADRES MLB FREE PICK

This looks like a good spot to back the San Diego Padres to bounce back from back-to-back losses while also fading the Philadelphia Phillies, who are coming off back-to-back wins, the most recent a 9-3 win in the opener of this three-game series. 

This is also a potential letdown game for Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez, who has pitched 22 scoreless innings through his last three starts. At one point, the wheels will come off, and why not here against a Padres team that has averaged a healthy 5.5 R/9 through its last five games. 

2* FREE PICK ON THE PADRES. 

Mike's TOP-RATED premium picks are ON FIRE! $1,000/game bettors are up +$76,880 through a RED HOT 517-392 (57%) run since June 10, 2022.

Mike has four premium picks locked in for Saturday: 

- 5* NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET 
- 5* MLB NL EAST TOTAL OF THE MONTH MAX BET
- MIKE'S 4* THUNDER/PELICANS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY
- MIKE'S CELTICS/HEAT NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

MIKE'S CELTICS/HEAT NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

Even though the Celtics have the superior roster, I'm honestly not all that surprised that the Miami Heat were able to steal a game in Boston. They're probably the most well-coached team in the NBA, but the Celtics have the talent and I expect a huge bounce back game following the 111-101 loss to the Heat in Game 2 of this series. 

Heat are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games as a home underdog. Heat are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS win.

3* PLAY ON THE CELTICS.

5* NHL EAST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Florida Panthers are going for the sweep of this series, and I think the Tampa Bay Lightning are done and dusted at this point.

The Panthers match up very well against Tampa Bay and have now won seven of the last eight meetings.

Add the psychological factor of being 3-0 down, and I don't see the Lightning being able to muster up the energy to win even one game. 

5* PLAY ON THE PANTHERS. 

5* NL EAST TOTAL OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Washington Nationals opened this series with a 3-1 win Friday night, and I expect another low-scoring affair in Game 2 of the series. 

The Nats have scored a total of only eight runs through their last four games, and Miami right-hander Edward Cabrera (1-0, 3.27 ERA) has impressed in his two starts in 2024, with only four runs allowed and 17 Ks over 11 innings of work. 

The Marlins have been limited to a total of four runs through their last four games and Nats rookie left-hander Mitchell Parker has allowed just two runs with 12 strikeouts over 12 innings on the mound. 

Miami is averaging 2.4 R/9 vs. left-handers and Washington 3.7 R/9 vs. right-handers. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S 4* THUNDER/PELICANS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The New Orleans Pelicans will. more or less, be fighting for their playoff life here after dropping two games in OKC, but I like the Thunder to win as a short road favorite at Smoothie King Center. The Thunder have won six of the last seven head-to-head matchups outright, while going 5-2 ATS, so they are clearly a bad matchup for the Pelicans. 

Pelicans are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Thunder are 37-18-3 ATS in their last 58 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

4* PLAY ON THE THUNDER. 

MIKE'S LATE MLB MONEYLINE MA$$ACRE

This looks like a good spot to back the San Francisco Giants to bounce back from an 8-2 loss to the New York Mets. They are 9-4 SU off a loss on the season and Pittsburgh right-hander Quinn Priester will make just his second start of the season after giving up five runs (four earned) in an 8-1 loss to Boston on April 19. 

3* PLAY ON THE GIANTS. 

5* NBA WEST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 96-93 win in LA, and I don't see them giving up the precious homecourt advantage right away. 

Mavericks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. Mavericks are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Clippers are 5-15 ATS in their last 20 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

5* PLAY ON THE MAVS.

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

I can't believe that the bookmakers have made the 6-20 Miami Marlins this big of a favorite over the 10-14 Washington Natinonals. 

Additionally, Miami right-hander Jesus Luzardo (0-2, 6.58 ERA) is  1-2 with a 5.52 ERA in six career starts vs. Washington who counters with right-hander Trevor Williams who is 2-0 with a solid 2.91 ERA in 2024. 

3* PLAY ON THE NATIONALS +1.5. 

MIKE'S DODGERS/BLUE JAYS MLB MONEYMAKER

This looks like a good spot to fade the Los Angeles Dodgers who are flying across the border from a three-game series in Washington. They're coming off four wins, but they'll face a hungry Toronto team that is looking to end a three-game losing streak. 

Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt has allowed just four runs over his last three starts and Dodgers right-hander Gavin Stone has posted a bloated 6.00 ERA in four starts this season. 

3* PLAY ON THE BLUE JAYS. 

5* NBA EAST CONF ROUND 1 GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

I expect to see a fired-up and desperate Philadelphia 76ers team after dropping two games in New York. They're significantly stronger at home at Wells Fargo Center than on the road, and this is a must-win game for the Sixers, as going down 0-3 would be devastating.  

76ers are 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. 76ers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss. Knicks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 playoff games as an underdog.

5* PLAY ON THE 76ERS.

MIKE'S CAVS/MAGIC NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

We won with the Cleveland Cavaliers in both of the series' first two games, but I expect to see a super-motivated Orlando Magic team here in Game 3. They are 29-12 SU at home on the season compared to 18-25 on the road, and while i still have the Cavs as a much better team, I like the Magic to win as a short home favorite in this particular matchup. 

Magic are 22-7 ATS in their last 29 games as a home favorite. Magic are 31-12 ATS in their last 43 games as a favorite. Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.

3* PLAY ON THE MAGIC. 

MIKE'S 4* MLB RUNLINE TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a fairly slow 14-11 start, but they're coming into this game riding a three-game winning streak, including 4-1 and 11-2 wins over the Washington Nationals. 

I expect another easy Dodgers win in the finale of this three-game series.

The Nationals hand the ball to left-hander MacKenzie Gore (2-1, 3.60 ERA) who was tagged with four runs on six hits over four innings when he faced the Dodgers last year.

The Dodgers counter with rookie right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1, 4.50 ERA), who has been a strikeout machine with 30 Ks over 22 innings. The Dodgers have lost four of his five starts, but I think that'll make them more motivated to step up for him today. 

4* PLAY ON THE DODGERS -1.5. 

MIKE'S EARLY MLB MONEYLINE MA$$ACRE

Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta is 2-0 with a 1.90 ERA on the season, and 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in 20 career outings (11 starts) against Pittsburgh. The Pirates counter with Mitch Keller (2-2, 4.80 ERA) who is 0-4 with a 6.23 ERA in six career starts against the Brewers.

Both teams are cold at the plate, so it's a no-brainer to back the better pitcher in this matchup. 

3* PLAY ON THE BREWERS. 

MIKE'S 4* PELICANS/THUNDER NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to back the Oklahoma City Thunder to bounce back with a big game after just barely getting a win in Game 1.

That loss must be deflating for the Pels, who must feel like that was their chance to steal one in OKC.

I stand by what I said in my Game 1 analysis, that these two teams are a lot closer in skill than the seeds would suggest, but the situation warrants a play on the Thunder. 

4* PLAY ON THE THUNDER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

In addition to the Thunder to win and cover the spread, I also like the under. Under is 24-9-1 in Pelicans last 34 games as a road underdog. Under is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 games as a favorite.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* AL TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

Detroit right-hander Jack Flaherty (0-1, 4.44 ERA) has recorded 18 Ks while allowing five runs over 12 1/3 innings in his last two starts combined. The Tampa Bay Rays counter with Shawn Armstrong (1-1, 4.09 ERA) who has made two starts and eight appearances on the season. Armstrong will serve as the opener before handing over to a bullpen that has gotten better following a slow start to the season. 

The Rays' bats have been quiet for some time, and I would not be surprised if the Tigers also come out flat tonight. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S ORIOLES/ANGELS MLB MONEYMAKER

This looks like a good spot to back the Baltimore Orioles to bounce back with a win in the rubber game of their three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.

Orioles right-hander Dean Kremer (0-2, 4.91 ERA) is also in a personal bounce back spot, coming off two losses following two solid starts to begin the season. Kremer is 2-0 with a 1.76 ERA in three career starts against the Angels who counter with Tyler Anderson (2-2, 1.42 ERA), who has not been quite as sharp as his ERA would suggest. 

3* PLAY ON THE ORIOLES. 

MIKE'S EARLY DIAMONDBACKS/CARDINALS BOOKIE BREAKER (1:15 PM)

This looks like a good spot to back the St. Louis Cardinals to snap back with a big outing after getting humiliated in a 14-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks yesterday. Cardinals right-hander Kyle Gibson (1-2, 5.04 ERA) is 3-3 with a solid 2.75 ERA in six career starts against the Diamondbacks. 

3* PLAY ON THE CARDINALS. 

5* NBA WEST CONF ROUND 1 GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Los Angeles Clippers opened the series with a dominant wire-to-wire win, but the bookmakers are still making the Dallas Mavericks are road favorite here in Game 2. I agree with that as I expect a big bounce back game from the Mavs while the Clippers are at risk at coming out overcondident following their big win.

Mavericks are 9-3 ATS sa favorites off a loss of more than 10 points. Mavericks are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 road games. Clippers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

5* PLAY ON THE MAVS. 

MIKE'S SUNS/WOLVES NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

I expect the Phoenix Suns to bounce back with a strong effort after taking a 120-95 loss in Game 1 of the series. I still have the sixth-seeded Suns as a better team than the third-seeded Timberwolves, and they're 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS loss and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

3* PLAY ON THE SUNS. 

MIKE'S LAKERS/NUGGETS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

We lost with the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1.

I predicted that the Nuggets would get off a slow start following the extended break, and while that prediction came true, they woke up big time in the second half to get the cover. That was the Lakers chance of stealing a game at Denver IMO, and now I expect the Nuggets to win Game 2 comfortably.

We can also note that the Nuggets are 9-0 SU and 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings. 

3* PLAY ON THE NUGGETS. 

5* NBA EAST CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Cleveland Cavaliers won the opener of this series 97-83, and I don't think the Magic will be able to keep this one close either. The Cavs are 7-2 SU and 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings and they've been reliable as home favorites this season. 

5* PLAY ON THE CAVS. 

5* NHL EAST CONF ROUND 1 GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Boston Bruins opened this series with a 5-1 win and they've now won eight straight head-to-head matchups with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs are 4-7 with a negative ROI of -20.7% as road underdogs on the season while the Bruins are 9-3 with a solid ROI of +29.5% as home favorites laying no more than -150.

5* PLAY ON THE BRUINS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The Milwaukee Brewers are flying in from a three-game sweep in St. Louis, and I like the price we get on the Brew Crew to open this game with a win.

Pittsburgh rookie right-hander Jared Jones has been outstanding through his first four big league starts, posting a 3.13 ERA with 32 strikeouts over 23 innings of work.

It's, however, worth noting that the Pirates still lost three of those four games, and now he'll face a Milwaukee team that sits top of the vision with a 14-6 record (10-2 on the road). Brewers starter Joe Ross is unreliable, but he's got a solid solid bullpen behind him. 

3* PLAY ON THE BREWERS. 

MIKE'S PELICANS/THUNDER NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the No.1 seed in the West heading into the playoffs, but are they the best team in the conference? They're the most talented, I'll admit that, but I think the gap to the New Orleans Pelicans is a lot smaller than the odds would suggest.

The Thunder will be a team to watch for seasons to come, but they still lack postseason experience. 

Thunder are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5. Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.

3* PLAY ON THE PELICANS.

5* INTERLEAGUE GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Toronto Blue Jays are going for the sweep of this series, following a 5-1 win on Friday and a 5-2 win on Saturday. 

The Padres' scoring woes are likely to continue against Toronto right-hander Chris Bassitt, who has allowed just two runs on nine hits with 13 Ks over 13 innings in his last two starts.

Meanwhile, San Diego right-hander Joe Musgrove has surrendered three runs or more in four of his five starts this season, and he has walked seven batters in his last two starts alone. 

5* PLAY ON THE BLUE JAYS. 

5* NBA WESTERN CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Los Angeles Clippers have the higher seed and, as such, homecourt advantage in this battle between the No.4 and the No.5 seed in the West, but I, much like the bookmakers, make the Mavs the better team.

That the Mavs are a road favorite here in the opener of this series is quite telling, and I don't think they'll let us down.

Clippers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Clippers are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Clippers are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 playoff games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5. Mavericks are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games as a road favorite.

5* PLAY ON THE MAVS.

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MA$$ACRE

The Cincinnati Reds have won the last seven head-to-head meetings, including the first two games of this series, in which they outscored the Halos 14-6. 

The Angels are 3-7 in their last 10 games and right-hander Jose Soriano is 0-2 with a 1-3 team record and a 4.80 ERA in his four starts on the season. 

Cincinnati right-hander Frankie Montas is 2-2 with a 4.34 ERA on the season, and I expect a bounce-back game from Montas following two sub-par outings against Seattle and Milwaukee. The Angels are a more favorable opponent; Montas is 4-3 with a 2.59 ERA in 16 career games (13 starts) against the Angels. 

3* PLAY ON THE REDS. 

5* NBA EASTERN  CONF TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

This is a low total, and if we combine the spread with the total the bookmakers project the Celtics to win 111.5 - 97.5.

I think Heat will score 100+, but I'm still not sure that will be enough to cover the number; the Celtics are an offensive juggernaut that has scored 130+ points in back-to-back games while barely breaking a sweat.

Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater. Over is 4-0 in Heat last 4 games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S LAKERS/NUGGETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Denver Nuggets looked sluggish at times in regular season play, but there's no doubt in my mind that they'll show up in the playoffs.

Still, this is a lot of points to cover in a game where they might need a quarter of two to get back at it from a 6-day break. 

3* PLAY ON THE LAKERS. 

MIKE'S 4* SUNS/WOLVES NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The No. 3 seed, the Minnesota Timberwolves, finished the regular season with the better record, but the Phoenix Suns won all three meetings. Much like the bookmakers, I have Phoenix as the better team, and I think they'll start this series with a bang. 

Timberwolves are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games. Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

4* PLAY ON THE SUNS. 

MIKE'S MAGIC/CAVS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The No. 4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers and the No. 5 seed Orlando Magic split four regular-season meetings, but I give the Cavs a big edge in this playoffs series. 

Cavaliers are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5 and the Magic have struggled on the road most of the season. 

3* PLAY ON THE CAVS. 

MIKE'S KINGS/PELICANS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The New Orleans Pelicans are 5-0 against the Sacramento Kings on the season. They're clearly a bad matchup for the Kings, who are overvalued by the betting market after dismantling the Golden State Warriors last time. Sure, the Kings looked elite, but I think the Warriors made them look better than they are. 

3* PLAY ON THE PELICANS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Miami Heat are one of the most well-coached teams in the league, and they always show up in the playoffs. The betting market overvalues the Chicago Bulls following their dominant win over an Atlanta Hawks team that is well below playoff material. I'll gladly take Miami to cover this short number. 

4* PLAY ON THE HEAT. 

MIKE'S 4* MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Philadelphia Phillies have scored 12 runs through their last two games, but they're still 8-2 to the under in their last 10 games.

The Chicago White Sox are averaging a pathetic 2-1 runs per nine innings on the season, and Philly right-hander Spencer Turnbull (1-0, 1.80 ERA) is off to a terrific start to the season. 

As for White Sox starter Garett Crochet (1-2, 3.57 ERA), the left-hander had allowed just four runs through his first three starts before giving up five runs in a 5-0 loss to Cincinnati in his last start. It was still a decent outing, though; Crochet had 10 Ks against four hits and three walks over his 4 2/3 innings on the mound.

Crochet leads the American League with 31 strikeouts entering play on Thursday.

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MA$$ACRE

The San Francisco Giants have alternated wins and losses through their last eight games, but I think they'll buck that trend and pick up another win tonight following a 3-1 win in Miami yesterday. 

Giants right-hander Logan Webb has allowed just three runs over 14 innings in his last two starts, and he is 5-3 with a 2.80 ERA in 10 career starts against the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

I expect to see a focused Giants team as they open a 10-game homestand.

3* PLAY ON THE GIANTS. 

5* NHL WEST CONF GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Colorado Avalanche have lost four of their last five games, but they have been dominant on home ice throughout the season long and they're in a revenge spot after taking a 6-2 loss in Edmonton earlier this month.

The Oilers will be playing the second of back-to-back games after falling 5-2 to the Arizona Coyotes on Wednesday while the Avs have had plenty of time to prepare since their 4-3 OT loss in Vegas on April 14. 

5* PLAY ON THE AVALANCHE. 

MIKE'S 4* RANGERS/TIGERS MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Detroit right-hander Kenta Maeda was slapped around by the Chicago White Sox in his season opener, but he has allowed only four earned runs on seven hits with 8 Ks over 11 innings in his last two starts. 

Maeda is 2-0 with a 3.32 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against the Texas Rangers who will counter with rookie Jack Leiter, the No. 2 pick of the 2021 draft, who will make his MLB debut today.

Leiter made six appearances in spring training, one start, going 0-2 with a 4.26 ERA, and his minor league numbers are not very impressive. 

Texas bullpen has an ERA of 4.93 on the season, while Detroit's relievers have posted a very solid ERA of 1.76. 

We lost with Detroit yesterday, as three errors basically cost them the game. I expect a more focused effort in this game as they look to salvage a split in the series. 

4* PLAY ON THE TIGERS. 

MIKE'S HAWKS/BULLS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Atlanta Hawks are coming into the postseason on a six-game slide, and I think it'll be a quick exit against a Chicago Bulls team that has won two of three meetings on the season. 

Hawks are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Hawks are 4-17 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

3* PLAY ON THE BULLS. 

5* NBA EAST CONF PLAY-IN GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Philadelphia 76ers have had their season ruined by injuries, but we've seen just how dangerous they are when healthy down the stretch. They are a top 3 team in the East IMO, and while the Miami Heat are a feisty bunch, I don't think they'll stand a chance in this matchup and might need to give up on this early to save energy for the second-chance game against the winner of Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks.  

5* PLAY ON THE 76ERS. 

5* AL GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal has blanked his opponent in two of three starts on the season, and the Tigers won all three games. The Texas Rangers are 1-3 against left-handed starters. 

5* PLAY ON THE TIGERS. 

MIKE'S EARLY 4* MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been held to three runs or fewer in five of their last seven games. Today, they'll face Luis Severino, who has limited the Pirates to one run over 11 innings in two previous meetings. Severino gave up six runs (three earned) in his season debut but has since allowed just two runs over 10 innings. 

The Bucs hand the ball to left-hander Bailey Falter, who, like Severino, has recovered after a rocky first start. In his next two starts since his season opener, he has allowed only one run on five hits over 11 innings. 

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* NBA WEST CONF WILD CARD GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Sacramento Kings are stumbling into the postseason with only two wins in their last seven games, and now they're coming up against a Golden State Warriors team that is much better than its No. 10 seed would suggest.

The playoffs always bring out the best of Steph Curry, and he's also great at elevating his teammates. 

The last three meetings were all decided by one point, but I think the Warriors will run away with this one. 

5* PLAY ON THE WARRIORS. 

MIKE'S LAKERS/PELICANS NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Los Angeles Lakers forced this matchup with a 124-108 win in the regular-season finale, and that win should give them a big psychological advantage. The Pels might also feel a bit deflated, as they could've avoided the play-in tournament altogether with a win in that game. 

Even so, one could argue that the New Orleans Pelicans have a better team than the Los Angeles Lakers, but they do not have the same playoff experience on their roster.

LeBron James does not choke this early in the playoffs, and I fully expect Anthony Davis to play even though he's listed as questionable. 

3* PLAY ON THE LAKERS. 

5* NL TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Philadelphia Phillies opened this series with a 2-1 win, and I expect another low-scoring affair when they host the Colorado Rockies for Game 2 Tuesday night. 

Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez (2-0, 2.65 ERA) is off to a great start, and the Rockies are batting only .223 against left-handers. 

Rockies left-hander Austin Gomber (0-0, 4.91 ERA) is also off to a solid start, with eight runs allowed on 16 hits with a respectable 14 Ks over 14 2/3 innings of work. 

The Rockies have averaged 3.7 R/9 over their last five games, and the Phillies have averaged 3.1 R/9 over their last five games. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* NHL EASTERN  CONF GAME OF THE MONTH

The Detroit Red Wings have a shot at making the playoffs despite winning only three of their last 10 games. They are currently in a three-way tie with Washington and Philadelphia for the second and final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are lurking just one point behind, so realistically, they'll need to win out to have a chance. 

Still, with two games to go, both against a Montreal Canadiens team eliminated from playoff contention, the Red Wings must like their chances, and I expect nothing less than 100% focus tonight. 

The Red Wings are converting on a solid 23.16% of their opportunities to play with a man advantage, while the Habs are killing off only 76.36% of their penalties. I expect the Wings to win one by at least two goals.

5* PLAY ON THE RED WINGS -1.5. 

5* AL RUNLINE OF THE WEEK MAX BET

Tampa Bay right-hander Zach Eflin has allowed 6, 1 and 5 runs through his first three starts of the season.

With such inconsistency, I don't think the Rays should be this big of a favorite with Eflin on the mound, and without a reliable bullpen to back him up.

The Rays relievers have a combined ERA of 6.23, which is dead last across the major leagues.

5* PLAY ON THE ANGELS +1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

Twins right-hander Louie Varland (0-2, 9.00 ERA) has had a rough start to the year, but so has Baltimore left-hander Cole Irvin (0-1, 8.10 ERA) as well. The Orioles are a better ream, but I think the Twins can keep this close. 

3* PLAY ON THE TWINS. 

MIKE'S EARLY GUARDIANS/RED SOX PATRIOT'S DAY BOOKIE BREAKER

The early start for this traditional Patriots' Day morning game at Fenway Park sets up a difficult for the Cleveland Guardians.

Sure, it's not a long trip from the Bronx, where they beat the Yankees yesterday, but nevertheless, they're on the road again while the Red Sox play their seventh straight game at home. 

Red Sox right-hander Kutter Crawford has allowed only seven hits and two runs (one earned) over 15 2/3 innings on the season. 

3* PLAY ON THE RED SOX. 

MIKE'S SUNDAY NIGHT PADRES/DODGERS MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

Padres right-hander Yu Darvish has a 2-2 record with an impressive ERA of 2.13 and 44 strikeouts in 7 starts versus the Dodgers since the start of the 2022 season.

Dodgers left-hander James Paxton has allowed only two runs over 11 innings on the season but the Padres are averaging a healthy 5.3 R9 against left-handers for the season. 

The Padres are 4-2 against the runline as underdogs. 

3* PLAY ON THE PADRES +1.5.

MIKE'S NUGGETS/GRIZZLIES NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Denver Nuggets are coming off a highly disappointing 121-120 loss to the Spurs in San Antonio.

A win in that game, and they could've locked down the No. 1 seed in the conference without any help. Now, instead, they're coming into Sunday in a three-way tie for the top spot with Minnesota and Oklahoma City and need both to lose to pass them in the standings.

I expect the Nuggets to do what they can and put a beating on a Grizzlies team that has lost four straight games by 12 points or more.

3* PLAY ON THE NUGGETS. 

MIKE'S MAVS/THUNDER NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The OKC Thunder are looking to secure the top spot in the conference, while the Dallas Mavericks have their No. 5 seed and a first-round matchup with the LA Clippers locked in.

I don't expect to see much life from Dallas in this game, and the Thunder should be able to slow down once they've taken a comfortable lead. 

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S HORNETS/CAVS NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

This seems like too low a total for a contest of exhibition character, where defense will not be a priority. 

3* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S CARDINALS/DIAMONDBACKS MLB MONEYMAKER

The Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals are heading into Sáturday with identical 6-7 records following a 9-6 Cardinals win in the opener of this series Friday night. 

I like the price we get on the D'Backs to bounce back here against St. Louis right-hander Kyle Gibson, who was tagged with seven runs in six innings of a 10-3 loss to Miami in his last start. 

Arizona right-hander Ryne Nelson has allowed eight runs through 7 2/3 innings in his first two starts of the season. 

The Diamondbacks are averaging 5.0 R/9 vs. right handers while the Cardinals are averaging only 3.6 R/9 vs. right-handers.

3* PLAY ON THE DIAMONDBACKS. 

MIKE'S NHL MONEYLINE MA$$ACRE

I expect a strong effort from the Ottawa Senators in their last home game of the season. The Sens are 9-2 SU in the last 11 head-to-head matchups with the Montreal Canadiens, who are 6-20 SU in their last 26 games as underdogs. 

3* PLAY ON THE SENATORS. 

5* NHL EASTERN  CONF GAME OF THE YEAR MAX BET

This looks like a great spot to back the Tampa Bay Lightning to bounce back from a shootout loss in Ottawa on Thursday.

They are 21-13 SU with a +10.9% ROI off a loss on the season (9-3 SU with a +28.9% ROI as road favorites).

The reeling Washington Capitals have lost seven of their last eight games. 

5* PLAY ON THE LIGHTNING. 

MIKE'S PISTONS/MAVS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a terrible spot for the Detroit Pistons who will have to face one of the hottest teams in the league while playing on short rest.

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 111-92 win in Miami. They are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points, 9-1 SU and ATS in their last 10 games, and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games.

Additionally, the Mavericks are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record while the Pistons are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

3* PLAY ON THE MAVS. 

5* AL CENTRAL GAME OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Detroit Tigers hand the ball to left-hander Tarik Skubal for his second start of the season. Skubal tossed six scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox in his season opener before giving up four runs in 6 1/3 innings against Oakland in his second start.

The Tigers won both games, and I like the Tigers to pick up another win here against a Minnesota Twins team that is cold on the plate.

It's also worth noting that Skubal has allowed just five hits over 12 scoreless innings in his last two matchups with the Twins.

5* PLAY ON THE TIGERS.

MIKE'S 4* PACERS/CAVS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to fade the Indiana Pacers following three consecutive wins. In their last game, the Pacers put a 140-123 beating on Toronto, but they are only 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had lost three on the bounce before their 110-98 win over the Memphis Grizzlies Wednessday night. They'll be looking forward to close out the regular season with two home games, and they are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.

4* PLAY ON THE CAVS. 

MIKE'S 4* MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Neither Atlanta left-hander Max Fried (0-0, 18.00 ERA) nor Miami left-hander Trevor Rogers (0-1, 5.40 ERA) has had a good start to the year, and I expect to see a fair amount of runs scored when the Marlins host the Braves for the opener of a three-game series Friday night. 

The Braves bats are red hot, and Miami scored five runs in a win over the Yankees in the Bronx in their last game. 

4* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S ROCKETS/JAZZ ATS

I don't see why a Houston Rockets team already eliminated from the playoffs should be this big of a favorite. Sure, the Jazz have been a punching bag in recent weeks (0-10 SU, 2-8 ATS in the last 10 games), but they're 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games vs. a team with a losing straight-up record, and they lost by only one point when they hosted the Rockets on March 29. 

In addition to Jazz to cover the spread, I also like the over. Over is 12-2 in Rockets last 14 overall. Over is 15-7-2 in Rockets last 24 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater.

3* PLAY ON THE JAZZ. 

MIKE'S ROCKETS/JAZZ TOTAL

I don't see why a Houston Rockets team already eliminated from the playoffs should be this big of a favorite. Sure, the Jazz have been a punching bag in recent weeks (0-10 SU, 2-8 ATS in the last 10 games), but they're 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games vs. a team with a losing straight-up record, and they lost by only one point when they hosted the Rockets on March 29. 

In addition to Jazz to cover the spread, I also like the over. Over is 12-2 in Rockets last 14 overall. Over is 15-7-2 in Rockets last 24 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater.

3* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

5* NBA EASTERN CONF TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Boston Celtics have had the No. 1 seed in the conference locked up for quite some time, and their only focus for now is to stay healthy, so they're unlikely to fight hard on the defensive end. 

The New York Knicks will be fired up as they push for the No. 2 seed in the East, and they are coming off back-to-back 120+ point games.

Over is 8-3 in Celtics last 11 overall.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER.

MIKE'S LATE SUNS/CLIPPERS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

I expect the Phoenix Suns to bounce back with a big game tonight after getting wrecked by the Clippers in Phoenix last night. The game was much more lopsided than the 105-92 scoreline would suggest; the Clippers were up by 33 points at halftime! The Suns are a lot better than that, and there's a good reason they're a favorite tonight. 

Clippers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Suns are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

3* PLAY ON THE SUNS.

5* NBA NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

This looks like a good spot to fade the Dallas Mavericks, who are in a potential flat spot following a 130-104 win in Charlotte last night, their fourth win and cover in a row. The Miami Heat will also play on short rest following a 117-111 win in Atlanta Tuesday night, but they have the homecourt advantage. 

Heat are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.

5* PLAY ON THE HEAT.

MAVS/HEAT TOTAL 

This looks like a good spot to fade the Dallas Mavericks, who are in a potential flat spot following a 130-104 win in Charlotte last night, their fourth win and cover in a row. The Miami Heat will also play on short rest following a 117-111 win in Atlanta Tuesday night, but they have the homecourt advantage. 

Heat are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.

In addition to Miami to cover the spread, I also like the over. The Heat have averaged 117 ppg through their last three games, and the over is 6-0 in their last 6 overall.

3* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

5* AL CENTRAL TOTAL OF THE MONTH MAX BET

The Chicago White Sox are 7-3 to the under for the season, and that should come as no surprise as they're averaging a paltry 2.1 R/9.

Tonight, they'll run into Cleveland right-hander Tanner Bibee (1-0, 3.86 ERA) while countering with right-hander Erick Fedde (0-0, 2.79 ERA).

Both pitchers are off to a solid start to the season, and I expect regression at the plate from both sides after combining for 12 runs yesterday. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S 4* MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Washington Nationals are coming off three straight wins as +137, +193 and +174 underdogs. There's no way they can keep the upsets coming like this, and tonight they'll face a San Francisco Giants team desperate for a win and looking to deny the Nats to sweep the three-game series.

Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin has allowed eight runs over 10 1/3 innings in two starts on the season, while Giants right-hander Jordan Hicks has allowed just one earned run over his 12 innings on the mound.

Additionally, note that Corbin has lost his past two starts against the Giants while allowing 15 hits and 10 runs over just 7 2/3 frames.

4* PLAY ON THE GIANTS -1.5. 

MIKE'S RAYS/ANGELS MLB MONEYMAKER

The Los Angeles Angels are 1-1 in Patrick Sandoval's two starts on the season. Sandoval limited Miami to two runs over 5 2/3 innings in his last start, but now he'll face a Tampa Bay Rays team that is averaging 5.5 R/9 against left-handers.

Rays righty Aaron Civale has been excellent with just two runs allowed over 12 innings of work. 

3* PLAY ON THE RAYS. 

MIKE'S 4* MAGIC/ROCKETS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a favorable spot to back the Houston Rockets to end a five-game losing streak.

They're catching an Orlando team in a potential letdown spot following its 113-98 win over the Chicago Bulls last time out. 

Rockets are 18-7-2 ATS in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

4* PLAY ON THE ROCKETS. 

MIKE'S WIZARDS/WOLVES NBA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Minnesota Timberwolves are clearly the superior team, but the Washington Wizards have been fairly competitive in recent weeks, and they are 15-5-2 ATS in their last 22 games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater. The Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 11.0 or greater.

3* PLAY ON THE WIZARDS. 

MIKE'S MAVS/HORNETS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Dallas Mavericks are red hot and 8-1 ATS in their last nine games and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater.

3* PLAY ON THE MAVS. 

MIKE'S EARLY 4* MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Baltimore right-hander Corbin Burnes has not disappointed through his first two starts with the team. The Orioles won both games, with Burnes allowing just three runs on 10 hits with 14 Ks over 11 2/3 innings.

The Boston Red Sox are also 2-0 in Brayan Bello's two starts, but he has allowed six runs over 10 innings. While it was enough to defeat Seattle and Oakland, I think Boston and Bello will take an L here. 

4* PLAY ON THE ORIOLES. 

5* NHL WESTERN CONF GAME OF THE WEEK

This looks like a great spot to back the Vegas Golden Knights to bounce back from a humbling 7-4 loss as close to a -200 favorite in Arizona Friday night. They've had the whole weekend to mull over the loss, while the Vancouver Canucks were in action on Saturday when they lost 6-3 in LA. 

The Knights have won 10 of the last 13 matchups in Vancouver, and while the Canucks are coming into this game with the better record, I'm not convinced they're the better team. 

5* PLAY ON THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS. 

MIKE'S 4* MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Tampa Bay Rays roll into Los Angeles on the back of a pair of wins in Colorado. Tonight, they hand the ball to Zach Eflin, who limited Texas to one run on five hits over 6 1/3 innings in his last start. 

The Angels counter with left-hander Tyler Anderson who is coming off seven scoreless innings against Miami, but his career numbers against the Rays are ugly (nine runs allowed over 10 1/3 frames). 

The Rays are averaging 5.5 R/9 while batting .272 against left-handers on the season. 

4* PLAY ON THE RAYS. 

MIKE'S 5* NCAA TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BEST BET

The defending champions, the UConn Huskies, are the first team since North Carolina (2016, 2017) to play in back-to-back title games. They're perfect 5-0 SU in their previous five title game appearances.

Both teams are perfect against the spread in the NCAA tournament this year, but I make the Huskies an even bigger favorite for this matchup than the bookmakers do. 

5* PLAY ON UCONN. 

MIKE'S TIGERS/PIRATES MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Detroit Tigers have scored just one run through their last two games, and the Pittsburgh Pirates' bats have cooled off after a hot start to the year. 

Tigers right-hander Reese Olson tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings in his season debut, and this looks like a good bounce-back spot for Pittsburgh righty Mitch Keller to get his season back on track after getting slapped around in his first two starts. Keller has a 3.86 ERA in four career starts against the Tigers. 

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* STARS/AVS NHL WESTERN CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche are jostling for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. The Stars are currently sitting at No. 1, with the Avs in third and the Vancouver Canucks in the mix as well. The Avs have owned the Stars in recent seasons, and they've already defeated Dallas twice this calendar year. The Stars are one of the hottest teams in the NHL, while the Avs are only 2-4 in their last six, but I like the price we get on the Avs to bounce back from a 6-2 loss to the Oilers. 

5* PLAY ON THE AVS. 

MIKE'S PREDATORS/DEVILS NHL MONEYLINE

We won with the New Jersey Devils against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, but I'm fading them here against a Nashville Predators side that also plays on short rest following a 2-0 loss to the Islanders last night.

Both teams are in the playoff picture, so motivation will not be a factor, but if we look at how the two teams have performed on 0 days rest, the Preds have a huge edge: 

Predators are 6-1 when playing on 0 days rest Devils are 3-12 when playing on 0 days rest. 

3* PLAY ON THE PREDATORS. 

5* NBA NON-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 44-32-1 to the over for the season, and I expect them to give us a strong effort on the offensive end tonight following a 126-112 loss to the Indiana Pacers in their last game. 

Over is 21-7 in Thunder last 28 games following a straight up loss. Over is 8-2 in Thunder last 10 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Over is 9-2 in Thunder last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Over is 6-1 in Hornets last 7 games as an underdog.

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

5* NBA WESTERN CONF GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

The Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans are heading into Sunday with almost identical records, but the Pels are going through a slump and coming off four consecutive losses.

The Suns on the other hand are gearing up in time for the playoffs, and they're 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.

The Pelicans are 11-25-1 ATS in their last 37 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

5* PLAY ON THE SUNS. 

MIKE'S SENATORS/CAPITALS NHL MONEYLINE

We won with the New Jersey Devils against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, and I'm fading the Sens again here when they're asked to play on short rest against a Washington Capitals team that while coming into this game on a five-game losing streak, all losses came as underdogs. 

As favorites, the Caps are typically more reliable, and this looks like a good spot for them to pick up a win. 

3* PLAY ON THE CAPITALS. 

5* NHL WESTERN CONF TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks clashed twice in March, with the Canucks winning 2-1 in LA and the Kings winning 3-2 in Vancouver.

The over/under is 0-9-1 in the last 10 meetings, and I expect another low-scoring affair in this preview of a potential first-round playoff matchup.  

The Canucks have not scored more than three goals in any of their last five games, and the Kings have scored three goals or fewer in four of their last five games. 

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

5* NCAA TOURNAMENT FINAL FOUR TOTAL OF THE YEAR MAX BET

The Alabama Crimson Tide have scored 89 points in back-to-back games, but tonight they'll face a UConn Huskies team that has held its last two opponents to 52 points each, and its last four opponents to 58 points or fewer. The Huskies will dominate the game and control the tempo, and I expect them to make this a relatively low-scoring affair. 

Under is 4-0 in Huskies last 4 NCAA Tournament games. Under is 6-1 in Huskies last 7 games as a favorite of 7.0-12.5. Under is 9-4 in Crimson Tide last 13 games as an underdog of 7.0-12.5.

5* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Philadelphia 76ers have been heating up as they've been getting healthier, but they still have to make up ground to avoid the play-in tournament.

The Sixers are a lot more dangerous than their current 8th-seed would suggest, and I think they'll make light work of a Memphis Grizzlies team that will play on short rest following a 108-90 win over the Detroit Pistons last night.

Additionally, the Grizzlies are in a potential letdown spot after three consecutive upset wins. 

4* PLAY ON THE 76ERS. 

MIKE'S FLYERS/BLUE JACKETS MONEYLINE

The Columbus Blue Jackets are coming off a 4-2 loss to the New York Islanders, and they have won only two of their last nine games.

The Philadelphia Flyers are desperate for a win, as they're still in the playoff picture despite six consecutive losses.

Sure, the Flyers will play on short rest following a 4-2 loss in Buffalo Friday night, but I still think this is more than a fair price. 

3* PLAY ON THE FLYERS. 

MIKE'S DEVILS/SENATORS MONEYLINE

The New Jersey Devils lost 4-2 when they hosted the Ottawa Senators on March 23, but they had won the past four meetings. They're coming off three high-scoring losses, but tonight, they'll face an Ottawa team that was blanked in a 6-0 loss to Florida in their last game and has struggled on both ends of the ice of late. 

3* PLAY ON THE DEVILS. 

5* NATIONAL LEAGUE TOTAL OF THE WEEK MAX BET

I expect to see a fair amount of runs scored when the Cincinnati Reds host the New York Mets Saturday afternoon. 

Mets right-hander Luis Severino was slapped around for six runs (three earned) on 11 hits over five innings in his season debut. Mets right-hander Nick Martinez gave up three runs on six hits over five innings against the Washington Nationals in his first start of the season. 

The Reds have been swinging hot bats, and this looks like a good spot for the Mets bats to get going after a slow start to the season. 

5* PLAY ON THE OVER. 

MIKE'S JETS/WILD MONEYLINE

The Winnipeg Jets hit the road off home wins over the Los Angeles Kings and the Calgary Flames. They're a solid 21-13-3 on the road, and they've won the last four head-to-head matchups against the Minnesota Wild, who have scored just six goals through their previous three games.

3* PLAY ON THE JETS. 

MIKE'S WARRIORS/MAVS SIDE

This looks like a tough spot for the Golden State Warriors, who will on the road for a second straight night following their 133-110 win in Houston last night. They're riding a six-game winning streak but will now face a Dallas team that is even hotter with eight wins in nine games.

The Mavs will also play on short rest, but they've not had to travel, and this is a revenge spot for the Mavs after losing 104-100 when they visited the Warriors on April 2. 

In addition to the Mavs to cover the spread, I also like the under. Under is 6-0 in Warriors last 6 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5. Under is 43-15-1 in Mavericks last 59 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

3* PLAY ON THE MAVS.

MIKE'S WARRIORS/MAVS TOTAL

This looks like a tough spot for the Golden State Warriors, who will on the road for a second straight night following their 133-110 win in Houston last night. They're riding a six-game winning streak but will now face a Dallas team that is even hotter with eight wins in nine games.

The Mavs will also play on short rest, but they've not had to travel, and this is a revenge spot for the Mavs after losing 104-100 when they visited the Warriors on April 2. 

In addition to the Mavs to cover the spread, I also like the under. Under is 6-0 in Warriors last 6 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5. Under is 43-15-1 in Mavericks last 59 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

3* PLAY ON THE UNDER.

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Boston Celtics are coming off three straight double-digit wins, and I think they'll keep pressing the pedal to the metal when they host the Sacramento Kings Friday night. The Kings will play on no rest and fatigue was already an issue yesterday when they fell apart in the second half of a 120-109 loss to the Knicks in New York. 

Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater. Celtics are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Kings are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.

4* PLAY ON THE CELTICS. 

MIKE'S EARLY MLB MONEYLINE MA$$ACRE

The New York Yankees have started the season 6-1. I like the price we get on them tonight to pick up another win in their first game in the Bronx for the season. 

Yankees righty Marcus Stroman has made one career start against Toronto, in which he allowed only three hits over five scoreless innings.

Toronto left-hander Yusei Kikuchi is 4-3 with a 3.57 ERA in 12 career outings (10 starts) against the Yankees, but note that the Bronx Bombers are averaging 5.3 runs per nine innings against left-handers this season. 

The Jays are batting only .175 on the season, and I don't think they'll be able to keep pace with the Bronx Bombers.

3* PLAY ON THE YANKEES. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The over/under is 1-4 in the last five meetings and the under is 35-16-1 in Rockets last 52 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 8-3 in Warriors last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

4* PLAY ON THE UNDER. 

MIKE'S SIXERS/HEAT NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Philadelphia 76ers have been shorthanded in recent weeks, but Joel Embiid was back in action in their 109-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. I think they have a good chance of winning outright when visiting the Miami Heat tonight. 

The Heat are riding a three-game winning streak, but note that they are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win, and the 76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.

3* PLAY ON THE 76ERS. 

5* NBA NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE WEEK MAX BET

This looks like a good spot to back the New York Knicks to bounce back from three consecutive losses while at the same time fading a Sacramento Kinsg team that is coming off a pair of double-digit wins. 

Knicks are 16-7 ATS in their last 23 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5. Knicks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss. Kings are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS win. Kings are 4-13-1 ATS in their last 18 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

5* PLAY ON THE KNICKS. 

MIKE'S 4* NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a good spot to fade the Cleveland Cavaliers following their 129-113 win in Utah Tuesday night.

The Cavaliers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight-up record, and they'll face a Phoenix Suns team that'll play in front of their hometown crowd for the first time since March 21.

The Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.

5* PLAY ON THE SUNS.