REDS @ CARDINALS MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

This looks like a tough spot for the St. Louis Cardinals who are coming off of a doubleheader split against the Tigers. They'll face Reds righty Luis Castillo (1-5, 3.95 ERA) who held the Pirates to two runs on seven hits while punching out eight in six innings last time out.

Castillo will be opposed by veteran righty Adam Wainwright (4-0, 2.68 ERA) who limited the Cubs to two runs on six hits through 6 1/3 innings last time out. Wainright has poor numbers against several hitters on this Reds roster and he owns a 5.14 ERA in 33 career outings (28 starts) against Cincy.

8* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER TOP PLAY

The Detroit Tigers split a couple of games at St. Louis on Thursday. They're in a tough spot here following a double-header, and they'll face a White Sox side which will send its ace Lucas Giolito to the mound. 

Giolito (4-2, 3.29 ERA) has not been at his best in his last two outings, but note that the White Sox have won his last four starts and covered the runline each time. He faced the Tigers last month and held to three hits through seven scoreless innings of a 9-0 win. 

The Tigers counter with rookie right-hander Casey Mize (0-1, 6.75 ERA). This will be his fifth career start overall and second against the White Sox. Back on August 19, Mize was tagged wtih three runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings of a 5-3 loss to the White Sox. 

This is the third time the White Sox are a home favorite of -200 or more this season. They won the previous two games 10-3 and 4-0. 

10* play on Chicago White Sox -1.5. 

LATE NIGHT MLB NO BRAINER

Arizona southpaw Madison Bumgarner has solid career numbers against the Dodgers, but he's having an absolutely abysmal year and this will be just his second start since returning from the 10-day injured list with a back injury. Bumgarner (0-4, 8.44 ERA) has made five starts on the season, with the D'backs losing them all, and four of them by two or more runs. 

Right-hander Dustin May (1-1, 2.88 ERA) will take the ball for the Dodgers. The team has won six of his eight starts on the season, covering the runline in all but one of the wins. 

Arizona has dropped 10 of its last 11 overall and has covered the runline in only three of those 10 losses.

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

TEXANS VS CHIEFS THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SEASON OPENER

I think the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are asked to cover too many points here in the opener of the season. KC has arguably the most explosive offense in football, but the Texans are no slouches either with QB Deshaun Watson leading the troops and running back David Johnson joining the team. Additionally, Houston should have decent success on the ground as the Chiefs ranked 26th in rushing yards allowed last season. 

We can also note that while KC dominated Houston in a 51-31 playoff win last year, the Texans defeated the Chiefs by a 31-24 score in the regular-season meeting. With no preseason games, there is uncertainty where either team stands, which makes me even more inclined to take the points on the underdog. 

8* play on Houston Texans. 

LAKERS VS ROCKETS THURSDAY NIGHT NBA TOP PLAY

The Los Angeles Lakers dropped the series opener against Portland in the first round, but their opponent didn't stand much of a chance from that point on. This Western Conference semifinals series with the Houston Rockets looks to shape up the way with the Lakers pulling away in the fourth quarter of the last two games to take a 2-1 lead in the series. 

Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Rajon Rondo combined for 83 of the team's 112 points last the time out, and the Lakeshow has really started to make the most of their size advantage, particularly on defense with few uncontested looks for the Rockets. 

I think the Lakers will come through with a third straight win and cover here in Game 4. 

10* play on Los Angeles Lakers -5. 

LATE NIGHT MIDWEEK MASSACRE - MLB TOP PLAY

The 31-12 Los Angeles Dodgers have a +99 run differential on the season while the 15-28 Arizona Diamondbacks have a -43 run differential. 

D'Backs righty Taylor Clarke (1-0, 2.96 ERA) gave up three runs on two hits and one walk in three innings of an 11-2 loss to the Dodgers back in August. Clarke owns a weak 27-15 K/BB ratio on the season while Dodgers' left-hander Clayton Kershaw owns a 41-6 K/BB ratio. 

Kershaw (5-1, 1.50 ERA) has held the D'Backs to four hits over 11 2/3 scoreless innings across two starts on the season and the D'Backs are batting only .213 against southpaws. 

The Dodgers have won all but one of Kershaw's seven starts in 2020, and they have covered the runline in all those wins. 

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB NO BRAINER

Cubs' right-hander Yu Darvish (7-1, 1.44 ERA) has been terrific for most of the season and he has allowed just five runs over his last 46 innings of work. On Aug 29, he held this very Reds team scoreless with eight strikeouts over six innings of a 3-0 triumph. Just like tonight, he was opposed by Reds righty Trevor Bauer (3-3, 2.05 ERA) who was charged with the three runs during his 5 1/3 innings on the mound. Over his last three starts, Bauer has surrendered 11 runs (eight earned) over 18 innings. 

The Reds were shut out in a 3-0 loss to the Cubs on Tuesday, and I think they'll come up short again tonight. 

8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NBA) - RAPTORS VS CELTICS MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

This might look like a low number at first glance, but note that through the first five games of this series, the most points scored were 107 points. 

These two division rivals know each other very well, and both have proven themselves more than capable of playing lockdown defense. 

The over/under is 24-32-2 in the NBA playoffs so far. Celtics won the last game 111-89 and the under is 18-7-1 in Raptors last 26 games following a straight-up loss of more than 10 points and 5-1 in their last 6 games as an underdog. Under is 10-1 in Celtics last 11 overall.

10* play on UNDER 210. 

ROYALS VS INDIANS WEDNESDAY NIGHT BOOKIE BA$HER TOTAL

The Cleveland Indians are 27-12-3 to the under on the season, including 9-3-1 in games with a total of eight runs or lower. 

Cleveland righty Carlos Carrasco (2-3, 3.43 ERA) has allowed just one run through 12 innings in his last two starts combined. KC southpaw Danny Duffy (2-3, 4.83 ERA) has been lit up in his last two starts, but he should be able to handle a Cleveland side that ranks in the bottom third for batting average, on-base percentage, and home runs.

Under is 4-1 in Royals last 5 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5 runs and 15-7-2 in Royals last 24 overall.

8* play on UNDER 8. 

STARS VS KNIGHTS WESTERN CONF FINALS GAME 2 BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Dallas Stars won Game 1 of the Western Conference finals by scoring the only goal in the contest. They had lost six of the last seven head-to-head matchups with Vegas prior to that win and I like the Knights to get back to their winning ways against Stars to tie this series at 1-1. Getting shut out can't sit right with Vegas who normally has no problem putting its opponent's goalie under pressure and eventually light up the lamp. I'm counting on the Knights to bounce back and don't mind laying the juice. 

8* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

YANKEES VS BLUE JAYS BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

The New York Yankees have dropped five on the bounce and seven of their last eight after taking a 12-7 beating here at Sahlen Field on Monday. The Blue Jays are trending in the opposite direction with five wins in their last seven games, and I think they'll have the edge again here Game 2 of the series. 

Yankees' left-hander J.A. Happ (1-1, 4.68 ERA) was knocked around for four runs on eight hits in five innings at New York Mets last time out. The Jays are likely to give him trouble as well as they're batting .270 against southpaws on the season. 

Taijuan Walker (3-2, 3.26 ERA) will take the ball for Toronto. Walker has held Boston and Baltimore to a combined two runs over 11 2/3 innings of work since coming over from Seattle. He'll be pleased to know that both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton once again will be missing from the Bronx Bombers lineup. 

Yankees are 1-7 in their last 8 games as a road underdog and 1-8 in their last 9 vs. a team with a winning record. Blue Jays are 9-3 in their last 12 games as a favorite and 7-2 in their last 9 vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on Toronto Blue Jays. 

HEAT VS BUCKS BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

The Milwaukee Bucks fought off elimination with a 118-115 OT win in Game 4. They did so largely without injured star Giannis Antetokounmpo as other players stepped up their game, but I don't see them being able to do it two games in a row. "We're gonna forget about it and move on -- and learn," Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler said after Game 4. "You learn from stuff like this, and how fragile this thing is and how you can't take any of this for granted. How you can't just walk into a game and expect to win."

The Heat have proven themselves to be the hotter team here in the bubble and Antetokounmpo (sprained right ankle) is expected to be a game-time call for Tuesday's Game 5. No team in the NBA has never come back from a 3-0 playoff series deficit to win, and with or without Giannis, I think the Bucks will be packing their bags tonight. 

10* play on Miami Heat -2.5. 

TUESDAY NIGHT NO BRAINER - MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE 

The Tampa Bay Rays will be looking to tie the series after dropping the opener 6-1 on Monday. 

The Rays struggled to get to Max Scherzer, but their bats should have more success tonight against Nats righty Anibal Sanchez (1-4, 6.48 ERA) who has been lit up for nine runs (six earned) on 16 hits over 8 1/3 frames in his last two starts combined. 

The Rays counter with left-hander Ryan Yarbrough (0-2, 3.65 ERA) who is still looking for his first winning decision despite some solid pitching. Last time out, he held Miami scoreless through 6 2/3 innings of four-hit ball in a 2-0 Rays win over Miami, and the team has won three of his last four starts. 

Rays are 8-0 in their last 8 games following a loss and 14-3 in their last 17 road games. Nationals are 5-15 in their last 20 home games and 1-8 in their last 9 games following a win.

8* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

CLIPPERS VS NUGGETS GAME 3 BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Denver Nuggets responded well to an embarrassing 120-97 defeat in the series opener and tied up at one apiece with a 110-101 last time out. 

The Nuggets came out on fire and with way more energy than the Clippers. They built up a solid first-quarter lead the Clips simply couldn't recover from, but I like the Clips to be on their toes from the start tonight and show their class to take back command of the series with a win. "We will be better for Game 3," Clippers' Paul George told reporters. "There's no pep talk for it. It's the playoffs. We got to be ready. We've got to come out a lot stronger and we'll be up for the fight."

Clippers are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games following an ATS loss and the Clippers are 37-16 ATS in their last 53 games following a straight-up loss. Nuggets are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight-up win.

8* play on Los Angeles Clippers. 

ISLANDERS VS BOLTS EASTERN CONF FINALS GAME 1 BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Tampa Bay Lightning are way overpriced here in the opener of the Eastern Conference Finals IMO.

I would not be surprised to see a slow start for the Bolts as they've not been in action since August 31 while the Isles have had two days rest since defeating Philly 4-0 in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semi-finals series. The Isles are scrappy, and I think they'll take the Bolts by surprise tonight. 

The Islanders are 7-3 in their last 10 playoff games as an underdog and they won two of three meetings during the regular season. 

8* play on New York Islanders. 

CELTICS VS RAPTORS GAME 5 BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

The Toronto Raptors have clawed themselves back into this series with back-to-back wins to tie it at two apiece. I think it's worth noting though that the Celtics would've had a 3-0 lead after three games if not for a buzzer-beater 3-pointer which might've negatively affected them in Game 4. I like the Celtics to bounce back and retake the lead. 

The main difference last time out was that the Celtics shot just 20% (7-of-35) from behind the arc while Toronto made 17-of-45 (39%), but I expect the Celtics to shoot the ball better tonight. "We just really missed," Celtics PG Kemba Walker said. "We missed a lot of open ones that we know we can make. Like I said, we gotta make them. We have to make shots. When guys get shots, when guys are open, we gotta knock them shots down."

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

YANKEES VS BLUE JAYS TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Yankees are struggling to put runs on the board without injured Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Over their last four games, the Bronx Bombers have scored just a total of six runs and here they'll come up against left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu who's having a terrific year. Through his last six starts, Ryu (3-1, 2.51 ERA) has allowed a total of just four earned runs.

The Yankees counter with left-hander Jordan Montgomery (2-2, 5.76 ERA) who was lit up for four runs on five hits while recording just two outs before getting chased off the mound last time out. He is however 2-0 with a 2.33 ERA in four career outings (three starts) against Toronto. 

Under is 9-2-1 in Yankees last 12 games as a road underdog and 5-1 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter. Under is 4-1-1 in Blue Jays last 6 games as a home favorite.

10* play on UNDER 9. 

ROCKETS VS LAKERS GAME 2 HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Houston Rockets limited the Lakers to 97 points on 42% shooting from the field and 11-of-38 (29%) from behind the arc. The Rockets have really stepped it up on the defensive end lately and the Lakers have trouble countering Houston's small ball approach. "The playoffs (are) about making adjustments," Harden said after Game 1. " ... We've got to be even better in Game 2, because the principles and the schemes and all that stuff will ramp up, so guys gotta be even more engaged."

I think the Rockets will give the Lakers all they can handle once again here in Game 2 of this Western Conference semi-finals series.

8* play on Houston Rockets. 

ROCKETS VS LAKERS GAME 2 TOTAL

The Houston Rockets limited the Lakers to 97 points on 42% shooting from the field and 11-of-38 (29%) from behind the arc. The Rockets have really stepped it up on the defensive end lately and the Lakers have trouble countering Houston's small ball approach. "The playoffs (are) about making adjustments," Harden said after Game 1. " ... We've got to be even better in Game 2, because the principles and the schemes and all that stuff will ramp up, so guys gotta be even more engaged."

I think the Rockets will give the Lakers all they can handle once again here in Game 2 of this Western Conference semi-finals series.

In addition to the Rockets to cover the spread, I also like this contest to go under the total. 

8* play on UNDER. 

PADRES VS ATHLETICS MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The San Diego Padres had won four of five including a 7-0 win over Oakland on Friday prior to an 8-4 loss to the A's yesterday. Oakland had scored just five runs through a three-game slide prior to that win and I like the Padres to bounce back in the finale of this three-game set on Sunday. 

Oakland righty Mike Fiers (4-1, 4.86 ERA) has posted a 6.46 ERA in three home starts on the season. The current Padres roster has a .327 batting average over 60 at bats against him. 

San Diego righty Garrett Richards (1-2, 4.63 ERA) is 1-0 with a 2.82 ERA in four away starts in 2020. Richards has this A's roster limited to a .242 batting average over 58 at bats. 

10* play on San Diego Padres. 

D'BACKS VS GIANTS MLB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Arizona Diamondbacks have dropped 14 of their last 16 games and they've lost each of left-hander Alex Young's last three starts. Young (1-2, 4.50 ERA) has surrendered 10 runs (8 earned) through 14 innings in these games. He went 2-1 with a 4.11 ERA in three starts against the Giants last season, but I think Young will find it tough to outduel Giants' veteran Johnny Cueto (2-0, 4.75 ERA) who is 11-3 behind a 3.03 ERA in 17 career starts against the D'Backs. Cueto has the current Arizona team limited to a .173 batting average over 109 at bats and the D'Backs bats have been ice cold for quite some time now. 

8* play on San Francisco Giants. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) - BUCKS VS HEAT MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

I really thought the Milwaukee Bucks would show their teeth and edge their way back into the series with a win in Game 3. Instead, they once again folded in the fourth quarter, and I just don't see any other outcome than a Miami sweep now. 

The Milwaukee players and coaches surely must know that history is against them and looked absolutely deflated and helpless after the most recent setback. The Heat on the other hand must feel invincible but also know they have to be cautious to not let anything disturb their momentum.  

Heat are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall and 20-8 ATS in their last 28 playoff games as a favorite. Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.

10* play on Miami Heat. 

BUCKS VS. HEAT TOTAL

I really thought the Milwaukee Bucks would show their teeth and edge their way back into the series with a win in Game 3. Instead, they once again folded in the fourth quarter, and I just don't see any other outcome than a Miami sweep now. 

The Milwaukee players and coaches surely must know that history is against them and looked absolutely deflated and helpless after the most recent setback. The Heat on the other hand must feel invincible but also know they have to be cautious to not let anything disturb their momentum.  

Heat are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall and 20-8 ATS in their last 28 playoff games as a favorite. Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.

Additionally, I like the under as Giannis Antetokounmpo twisted his right ankle early in Friday's loss and is questionable heading into Sunday's Game 4. The Bucks scored just 100 points last time out, and scoring won't be any easier without their superstar. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TIGERS VS TWINS FREE PICK SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

The Minnesota Twins are riding a five-game winning streak while the Detroit Tigers have dropped four in a row. The last two games of this four-game series have however been one-run games, and I expect the Tigers to keep it close again here in the series finale on Sunday. 

Tigers 23-year-old righty Casey Mize's (0-1, 6.75 ERA) rookie numbers are not pretty overall, but note his 13 Ks over 10 2/3 innings of work and that the Twins are hitting just .241 (19th) vs. right-handers on the season. 

Twins left-hander Rich Hill (1-1, 3.94 ERA) gave up two runs on three hits and four walks in 3 1/3 innings of an 8-5 team loss to the White Sox last time out. The Tigers are one of the best teams in the league at hitting southpaws and Miguel Cabrera is 5-for-12 with a homer and three RBIs against Hill. 

Free pick on Detroit Tigers +1.5. 

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SUPER EARLY NATS VS BRAVES MLB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Washington Nationals have scored 10 runs in back-to-back wins over Atlanta. I like their bats to stay hot here against Atlanta right-hander Josh Tomlin (1-2, 4.37 ERA) who gave up four runs, three earned, in 4 1/3 innings of a 4-1 loss to Philadelphia last time out. Tomlin is 0-1 with a 4.58 ERA in nine career appearances, two starts, against Washington and the current Nats roster is batting a combined .287 over 90 at bats against him. 

Patrick Corbin (2-3, 3.79 ERA) will take the ball for the Nationals. In 12 career appearances (10 starts) against Braves, Corbin is 6-2 with a 1.95 ERA and he has the current Braves team limited to a .205 batting average over 167 at bats. 

8* play on Washington Nationals. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB) - TOP RATED MAJOR WAGER

The Chicago White Sox are 10-1 SU (9-2 against the runline) as road favorites in 2020. They defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-4 Friday night and I like the White Sox to get another win Saturday. 

The Royals are losers of five straight and the team has lost each of tonight's starter, left-hander Kris Bubic's (0-4, 5.46 ERA), six starts on the season. He'll face a White Sox side that has the second-best batting average against left-handers this season (.304). 

The White Sox counter with Lucas Giolito (3-2, 3.14 ERA) who has recorded 34 Ks through 21 innings of work over his last three starts, all Chicago wins. Giolito owns a 6-2 record and 2.75 ERA in 12 career starts against Kansas City. 

10* play on Chicago White Sox -1.5. 

RAPTORS VS CELTICS SATURDAY NIGHT NBA TOP PLAY

The Toronto Raptors looked dead certain to fall down into a 3-0 hole before OG Anunoby hit a buzzer-beater 3-pointer for a 104-103 victory last time out. Still, one could easily argue that the Raptors didn't deserve to win that game, and I like the Celtics to come back and claim Game 4 of this best-of-seven series. 

The Celtics have great confidence in themselves and have even claimed we have yet to see them play their best basketball. "We have a really competitive group. We have a really intrinsically motivated group," said Boston coach Brad Stevens. "... We were on the unfortunate end of a tough loss last night. So you lick your wounds, you're feeling whatever emotions you're feeling, and then you move on."

10* play on Boston Celtics +1. 

SMU VS TEXAS STATE NCAAF BANKROLL BUILDER

The SMU Mustangs finished last season with a 10-3 record, including a 47-17 triumph over the 3-9 Texas State Bobcats. I think they'll find it hard to win by such a large margin again, and I'm happy to take the points on the Bobcats in this matchup.  

SMU quarterback Shane Buechele is back under center, leading an offense that ranked 13th in the nation in average passing yards last season. Even though the Mustangs led the country with 51 sacks, they still had issues on the defensive side of the ball and we have seen some significant changes along SMU’s defensive front during the offseason. 

They'll face a rather prolific Texas State passing game with a transfer quarterback from Memphis, Brady McBride, under center. While it's quite possible we'll see the Mustangs get off to a fast start, look for Texas State to get the backdoor cover as SMU takes its foot off the gas. 

8* play on Texas State. 

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE VS ARMY BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Army Black Knights went a mediocre 5-9 last season, and now they to replace several starters on the offensive side of the ball, including their leading rusher and starting quarterback. On the defensive side, they've lost three of their top-four tacklers so shutting down this Middle Tennessee State team led by QB Asher O'Hara won't be easy. O'Hara threw for 2,616 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions in 2019, and I like the Blue Raiders to keep this close and perhaps even win outright. 

8* play on Middle Tennessee State +3.5. 

LATE NIGHT RUNLINE RIPPER MLB TOP PLAY

The Los Angeles Dodgers have won 16 of their past 17 home games against the Rockies and Colorado right-hander Antonio Senzatela (3-1, 3.22 ERA) was lit up when the team lost 11-3 to LA here at Dodger Stadium last month. Senzatela is 2-3 with a hideous 7.04 ERA in eight career appearances (six starts) against the Dodgers who counter with right-hander Dustin May (1-1, 2.83 ERA) who held Colorado to one run on two hits in five innings on Aug 22. 

The Dodgers are 8-2 SU (7-3 against the runline) as home favorites of -200 or more when facing a right-handed starter. 

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

LATE NIGHT PADRES VS ATHLETICS TOTAL

The Oakland Athletics have scored just eight runs through their last three games. Here they'll face Padres righty Zach Davies (5-2, 2.61 ERA) who's having a solid year, particularly under the lights where he has compiled a 2.23 ERA in six starts. The A's counter with left-hander Jesus Luzardo (2-1, 3.74 ERA) who has been lights out home at Oakland Coliseum, sitting on a 1.90 ERA in five outings (three starts).

8* play on UNDER 8. 

ROCKETS VS LAKERS NBA BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Houston Rockets clamped down on defense in three games of their Western Conference first-round series against Oklahoma City Thunder, allowing just 80, 104, and 102 points respectively. The Lakers last two games against Portland both saw 250+ points, but the first three went under the total. 

Under is 7-2 in Rockets last 9 playoff games as an underdog and 10-4 in Rockets last 14 overall.

The over/under us 22-25-1 in the playoffs and I can't help but think the total for this contest is inflated.

8* play on UNDER 226. 

CANUCKS VS KNIGHTS NHL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Vancouver Canucks have won two on the bounce to force a win-or-go-home Game 7 in this series against the Vegas Golden Knights. With the momentum favoring the Nucks, I think we're getting a great price backing Vancouver on the puckline. Vegas has struggled to solve rookie goalie Thatcher Demko who has made 90 saves over the last two games. He's been exactly the x-factor the Nucks needed to battle themselves back in the series, and even though Vegas is a hefty favorite once again in this one, I think it will go down to the wire. 

8* play on Vancouver Canucks +1.5. 

BUCKS VS HEAT NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

It is pretty much now or never for the Milwaukee Bucks as another loss would put them in a 3-0 hole and just one game away from elimination.

I like the Bucks to step up their game to come through to win and cover the spread. They lost the last game by only two points despite shooting a lowly 28% (7 of 25) from beyond the arc while Miami shot 37.8% (17 of 45). Both teams shot around 38% from 3-point range during the regular season and the Bucks should come out laser-focused and determined tonight. 

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

STARS VS AVS GAME 7 MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Colorado Avalanche have the momentum in this series after winning three of the last four to force a win-or-go-home Game 7 showdown. The Stars players must be frustrated after already squandering two opportunities to close out the series and their heads might not be in the right place at the moment. 

The Avs went into the series as favorites, and I like them to seal the deal as they've picked up the pace after giving Dallas a head start in the series. 

8* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

NUGGETS VS CLIPPERS GAME 1 MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Utah Jazz 80-78 in Game 7 of their first-round series a couple of days ago. That was one of only two contests to go under the total in that series, and I think we'll see a high-scoring affair when they take on the LA Clippers in the opener of round 2. 

The Clippers showed they can score in their first-round series with Dallas, averaging 126.6 ppg. Four of six games went over the total, and while they were clutch offensively, the Mavs showed the Clips are vulnerable on the defensive end. The Nuggets have the weapons to hurt them in Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.

The last two head-to-head meetings have both seen 230+ points, most recently a 124-111 Clippers win in the Orlando bubble on Aug 12. 

10* play on OVER 223. 

THUNDER VS ROCKETS WEDNESDAY NIGHT NBA BEST BET

The Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder have combined for 204 points in each of the last two games of the series. 

The scoring has gone down significantly, which shouldn't come as a surprise as teams tend to step up defensively deep into close series, and it doesn't get any deeper or closer than this Game 7 of this Western Conference first-round playoff series. I expect another low-scoring affair. 

Under is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 games as a favorite. Under is 48-21-1 in Thunder last 70 games as an underdog.

10* play on UNDER 216.5. 

LATE NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER TOP PLAY

I like the Houston Astros to win against the runline as a sizable home favorite over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. 

Texas left-hander Kolby Allard (0-3, 6.50 ERA) has lost each of this last three starts with a total of 12 runs allowed over just nine innings of work. He figures to be in for another tough one here as the Astros have a .282 batting average (7th) off southpaws on the season. 

Cristian Javier (3-1, 3.77 ERA) will take the ball for Houston. The team has won four of his six starts, and three of those four by at least two runs. He's been lights out home at Minute Maid Park, compiling a 2-0 record with a 1.96 ERA over four outings (three starts). 

Rangers are 3-12 in their last 15 overall and 1-8 in their last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter. Astros are 43-14 in their last 57 games vs. a left-handed starter and 51-17 in their last 68 games as a home favorite.

10* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

AVS VS STARS GAME 6 MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

Each of the first five games of the series has seen seven goals or more. The average is a bloated 8.6 goals per game, and I just don't see either team slowing down. 

The Avs fought off elimination with a 6-3 win last time out but will of course be in the same situation again. 

Virtually all goalies have struggled in this series, and we can note that Avs No. 1 netminder Philipp Grubauer has been missing since sustaining a lower-body injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Second Round. 

Colorado will have to rely on its high-octane offense to stay alive, and I expect to see both teams keep scoring fast and easy.

10* play on OVER 6. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

We won with the Detroit Tigers as a massive underdog last night, and I'm going back to the well backing the Tigers for a second straight night. 

Detroit righty Spencer Turnbull (3-2, 2.97 ERA) has held opponents to two or fewer runs in four of his six starts this season and has not allowed more than three. Last time out, he shut down the Cubs over 5 2/3 innings of a 7-1 Detroit win. 

Milwaukee right-hander Adrian Houser (1-3, 4.36 ERA) has been knocked around for eight runs on 18 hits over 11 innings in his last two starts combined. 

The Tigers are 8-10 (+21.4% ROI) as underdogs of +140 or more on the season. Play the numbers, play the Tigers.

8* play on Detroit Tigers. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB UNDERDOG UPSET

The Detroit Tigers have won five straight and seven of their last nine games. Few experts (if anyone) expected much of them this season, but they have a shot at a wild-card slot and I like the price we get on the Tigers to upset Milwaukee Tuesday night. 

The Brewers hand the ball to right-hander Josh Lindblom (1-2, 6.31 ERA) who has lost each of his last two starts, surrendering five runs over eight innings in the process. The Tigers counter with Michael Fulmer (0-0, 8.79 ERA) who is on a three innings limit and likely to be followed by left-hander Daniel Norris (2-1, 2.40 ERA). Fulmer has not had a great start to the season, but the Tigers have still managed to win three of his five starts. 

8* play on Detroit Tigers. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Detroit Tigers have won five straight and seven of their last nine games. Few experts (if anyone) expected much of them this season, but they have a shot at a wild-card slot and I like the price we get on the Tigers to upset Milwaukee Tuesday night. 

The Brewers hand the ball to right-hander Josh Lindblom (1-2, 6.31 ERA) who has lost each of his last two starts, surrendering five runs over eight innings in the process. The Tigers counter with Michael Fulmer (0-0, 8.79 ERA) who is on a three innings limit and likely to be followed by left-hander Daniel Norris (2-1, 2.40 ERA). Fulmer has not had a great start to the season, but the Tigers have still managed to win three of his five starts. 

Additionally, I like the under as Under is 12-3 in Tigers last 15 road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.

8* play on UNDER 9.5. 

ISLANDERS VS FLYERS NHL MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The New York Islanders enter this contest with a 3-1 lead in the series. A win here would see them advance to the Eastern Conference finals, and I think they'll get the job done tonight. 

The Isles have outscored Philadelphia 13-7 through the first four games and their special teams have had an edge with Philadelphia yet to score on the power play. The Isles only setback in the series so far was an OT loss in Game 2, a game they still won the shots 34-31. 

Additionally, the Islanders have had Philadelphia's number in recent seasons going 7-2-1 in the last 10 head-to-head matchups. 

Sure, the Flyers will be fired up as they have their backs against the wall, but at this price, I'm well happy to back the better team to close out the series.

10* play on New York Islanders. 

TUESDAY MONEYLINE MASSACRE TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Washington Nationals are struggling with losses in six of their last seven games. That includes an 8-6 setback in the opener of this series on Monday, and I think the Nats' hardship will continue tonight. 

Nats left-hander Patrick Corbin (2-2, 3.82 ERA) has decent season numbers and held Philly to a pair of runs on seven hits in six innings home in Washington last week, but his numbers are worse on the road than at home. Just like tonight, Corbin was opposed by Aaron Nola in that contest.

Nola  (3-2, 3.00 ERA) held the Nats to two runs over seven innings of the 3-2 Phillies' win. Nola is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA in four home starts on the season and Phillies are 6-0 in their last 6 games as a home favorite while Nationals are 1-5 in their last 6 games as a road underdog.

10* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

CELTICS VS RAPTORS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

We won with the Boston Celtics in the opener of this best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series, but I'm switching side for Game 2 as the 112-94 Celtics win should have the reigning champions Toronto Raptors all the more fired up for tonight's contest.

The Raptors shot just 36.9% from the field and 25.0% from 3-point range in the opener, but as we all know, this team is a lot better than that. These two Atlantic Division rivals know each other inside and out and I would not be surprised to see the teams trade wins and losses throughout the series to culminate in a deciding Game 7.  

The Raptors are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight-up loss and 24-9-1 ATS in their last 34 games following an ATS loss.

10* play on Toronto Raptors. 

MONDAY MLB RUNLINE RIPPER TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Cleveland Indians had won four on the bounce before closing out last week with a 7-2 loss at St. Louis. Bounce back time for the Tribe here against the Kansas City Royals who have dropped three of their last four and six of their last eight. 

Kansas City right-hander Brad Keller (3-1, 2.08 ERA) had three starts of the scoreless variety before getting lit up for five runs in four innings of a 9-3 loss at St. Louis last time out. Are the wheels about to come off after his sensational start to the year? 

Either way, outdueling Cleveland right-hander Shane Bieber (6-0, 1.35 ERA) won't be an easy task, and it's worth noting that Bieber has been even more fierce on the road (1.30 ERA) than at home (1.50 ERA). Bieber punched out 14 through six scoreless innings against the Royals July 24, and I think he'll lead the Tribe to a comfortable win tonight.

10* play on Cleveland Indians -1.5. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Atlanta Braves dropped two of three against Philadelphia over the weekend, but they closed out the series with a 12-10 win. Here they'll get a shot at Red Sox right-hander Colten Brewer (0-2, 4.57 ERA) who was tagged with four runs on five hits (three homers) in 3 2/3 innings of a 9-1 loss to Toronto last time out. Atlanta counters with Max Fried (5-0, 1.35 ERA). The left-hander leads the National League in ERA and he has allowed just 26 hits in 40 innings over seven starts. 

Braves are 5-1 in their last 6 interleague games vs. a right-handed starter. Red Sox are 1-6 in their last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on Atlanta Braves -1.5. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Washington Nationals are coming off a 9-5 loss at Boston while the Philadelphia Phillies took a 12-10 loss to Atlanta on Sunday. I think we'll see a high-scoring affair here in the opener of this four-game set. 

The Phillies hand the ball to rookie right-hander Spencer Howard (0-1, 6.17 ERA) for his fourth career start. Howard is coming off a solid outing against Toronto, but he had allowed four runs in each of his first two starts. Erick Fedde (1-2, 3.57 ERA) will take the ball for the Nats. He went five innings against the Phillies in his most recent start, through which he gave up seven hits and four runs. 

Over is 11-1 in Nationals last 12 games as a road underdog. Over is 10-1 in Nationals last 11 road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.

8* play on OVER 10. 

HEAT VS BUCKS MONDAY NIGHT NBA BOOKIE BLA$TER

The fifth-seeded Miami Heat had no trouble to sweep the Indiana Pacers in the last round, but it might be a disadvantage as they've not played competitive basketball for a week. 

The top-ranked Milwaukee Bucks on the other hand are more up to speed after completing a gentleman's sweep of the Magic just a few days ago and the three-day break in the postseason might've worked to their advantage. While I think the Heat will put up some good fights in this series eventually, the Bucks have a big situational edge here in Game 1 IMO. 

Heat are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog. Bucks are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games (as a favorite).

8* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

AVS VS STARS NHL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The first three games of the series have seen eight, seven, and 10 goals respectively. The Avs have been scoring boatloads of goals since going into the bubble and the Stars have also played way looser than they did during the regular season. 

Over is 6-0 in Avalanche last 6 overall. Over is 4-0 in Stars last 4 overall.

10* play on OVER 5.5. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER) - LIGUE 1 MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

Brest have opened the season with a 4-0 loss to Nimes. Here they'll face a Marseille team that finished last season 2nd in the league and they boasted an impressive 8-2-4 away record, including going undefeated in their last eight road games. Home advantage means very little now with no spectators in the stands, and I expect the better team in Marseille to come through with a win in their first game of the season. 

10* play on Marseille. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Milwaukee Brewers have scored 16 runs through the first two games of this series. Today they get a chance to tee of versus Pittsburgh left-hander Steven Brault (0-1, 4.80 ERA) who gave up four runs on five hits in three innings last time out. He'll be opposed by Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff (2-2, 3.19 ERA) who's having a solid year and punched out eight through six innings of two-run ball against Cincinnati last time out. 

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers -1.5. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) - CELTICS VS RAPTORS MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Eastern Conference semifinal series between Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors will finally get underway Sunday after several days' delay. Both teams made light work of their opponent in the first round, but it's tough to draw any conclusions from those contests as both opponents were shorthanded. That being said, I was particularly impressed with how the Celtics took care of a difficult Philly team and they won three of four against the Raptors during the regular season, including a 122-100 victory in the Orlando bubble on Aug. 7. 

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

GIANTS @ DIAMONDBACKS MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Arizona Diamondbacks had lost eight straight games before taking the opener of this three-game series on Friday. I think they'll be back to their losing ways tonight. 

Arizona right-hander Luke Weaver (1-4, 7.77 ERA) has had a rough start to the season. In his last start, Weaver gave up two runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 7-1 loss at San Francisco. Just like tonight, he was opposed by Giants right-hander Trevor Cahill (0-0, 1.64 ERA) who held the D'Backs to one run on one hit over 5 1/3 frames on the mound. 

The Giants rank 11th in the major leagues with 4.95 runs per game and they are batting .250 off right-handers (11th). The D'Backs are averaging 4.58 runs per game (23rd) while batting .248 off right-handers. 

Both bullpens rank in the bottom third for ERA, but the Giants have a small advantage. 

10* play on San Francisco Giants. 

THUNDER VS ROCKETS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Oklahoma City Thunder looked like they were down for the count, but they have clawed themselves back in the series with back-to-back wins to tie the series at two apiece. 

This Game 5 was originally scheduled to be played on Wednesday was postponed, The delay has worked perfectly of the Rockets as Russell Westbrook (quad) is now listed as available to make his first appearance in the playoffs this season. 

I think the return of Westbrook will prove to be just the energy injection the Rockets need to sway the momentum back in their favor and take control of the series again.  

8* play on Houston Rockets -5. 

SUPER EARLY INDIANS @ CARDINALS BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Cleveland Indians put a 14-2 beating on the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday to make it three wins in a row. The Cards on the other hand are losers of three straight and I like the Tribe to keep rolling on Saturday. 

St. Louis right-hander Jack Flaherty (2-0, 1.98 ERA) has allowed only three runs over 13 2/3 innings in three starts on the season, but he hasn't gone deep in the games. The Cards have played 18 games over the last 13 days which must have taken a toll on their bullpen. Their relievers were heavily used once again yesterday as starter Daniel Ponce de Leon was chased off the mound after just two outs in the first inning. 

Cleveland righty Carlos Carrasco (2-3, 4.50 ERA) has not been at his very best in recent starts, but note that the Cardinals have scored only five runs over their last three games. 

Indians are 10-1 in their last 11 road games. Cardinals are 1-4 in their last 5 home games.

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL) - EARLY LIGHTNING VS BRUINS BEST BET

The Boston Bruins defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in the opener of this series, but they've dropped back-to-back games since. Last time out they took a 7-1 beating, but I like the Bruins to bounce back with a win to tie the series again. The teams are a lot more evenly matched than the result in the last contest would suggest, and the Bruins will be the team with a chip on their shoulders and a point to prove. 

10* play on Boston Bruins. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Los Angeles Dodgers are a major leagues best 24-9 on the season. They should have no trouble to take care of business here in the opener of a three-game interleague series with the lowly Texas Rangers who are one of the worst teams at 11-19.

Dodgers righty Dustin May (1-1, 2.79 ERA) is having a solid season and the team has won five of his six starts. Last time out, May limited the Rockies to one run on two hits over five frames. 

Texas left-hander Mike Minor (0-5, 6.75 ERA) on the other hand is having a disastrous year. Last time out, Minor gave up four runs on five hits (three homers) in a 4-1 loss at Seattle. 

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

CUBS VS REDS MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Chicago Cubs have a three-game lead in the NL Central division, but three teams are within striking distance (including the Reds) so they must be eager to end their current two-game skid. I like the price we get on the Cubs here in the opener of a four-game series at Cincinnati. 

Cincinnati has lost all of right-hander Tyler Mahle's (0-1, 4.41 ERA) four starts on the season, including an 8-5 defeat to the Cubs back in July. Cubs righty Kyle Hendricks (3-3, 3.55 ERA) was knocked around by Cincinnati in that same series, but his five starts since have been mostly solid. 

8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

CUBS VS TIGERS MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

Cubs' lefty Jon Lester (2-1, 5.06 ERA) is coming off a couple of rough outings, but here he'll get a chance to bounce back against a Detroit team that is averaging only 4.80 runs per game. It's also worth noting that Lester is 2-0 with a 0.82 ERA in two road starts on the season. 

Detroit righty Michael Fulmer (0-0, 9.53 ERA) is on a three-inning limit as he is making his way back from Tommy John surgery. Nonetheless, Fulmer has still managed to give up three runs or more in three of his four starts as he has allowed 12 runs on 18 hits (six homers) in 11 1/3 innings on the season. 

This looks like a good opportunity for the Cubs' bats to wake up following a quiet stretch. 

8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL) - ISLES VS FLYERS MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The New York Islanders opened this Eastern Conference playoffs series with a 4-0 win. Netminder Semyon Varlamov has been a wall lately and has not allowed a goal over his last 136 minutes in the crease. He is 7-2-1 with a 2.71 GAA in previous meetings with Philly. 

Philadelphia looked dominant in the round-robin portion of the playoffs but needed six games to get past Montreal in the last round and scored only a total of 11 games in the series. 

The Islanders on the other hand are clicking and had no trouble lighting up the lamp in their series against Washington or against Philly in Game 1 of this series. I like the Isles to keep dominating on both ends of the end tonight. 

10* play on New York Islanders. 

EARLY PIRATES @ WHITE SOX MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Chicago White Sox came through for us as a runline favorite on Tuesday as they opened this three-game series with a 4-0 win. They have now won eight of their last nine and covered the runline each of those wins, and I like the White Sox to do it again today with Dallas left-hander Keuchel on the mound. 

Keuchel (4-2, 2.65 ERA) is coming off eight innings of one-run ball at Wrigley Field in a game where the White Sox routed the Cubs 10-1. Only a handful of players on the current Pirates roster have any experience against Keuchel who has been excellent at Guaranteed Rate Field this season, giving up only five runs in three home starts.

Trevor Williams (1-4, 3.70 ERA) takes the ball for Pittsburgh. The team has lost four of his five starts on the season and failed to cover the runline in each loss. To be fair, Williams has not been all that bad, but the Pirates' bullpen is unreliable at best and has posted a 5.25 ERA on the season. Jose Abreu is 3-for-5 off and Tim Anderson is 2-for-5 with a home run off Williams who has posted a 5.40 ERA in three road starts on the season. 

Pittsburgh ranks near the bottom of the league for runs scored while the White Sox have a top 10 offense. Let's roll with the white hot White Sox for a second straight day. 

10* play on Chicago White Sox -1.5. 

TOP RATED SOCCER PLAY OF THE DAY

Zenit St. Petersburg have opened the season with four straight wins and an impressive 10-2 goal differential. Dinamo Moscow have opened the season with two wins, a draw and loss and a meager 4-2 goal differential. 

Last time out, Dinamo took a loss to Arsenal Tula who were without a win up until that point. Additionally, they were shut out in a 0-0 draw at home against bottom-feeder Rotor Volgograd on Aug 15 (Volgograd's only point on the season), while Zenit defeated that same Volgograd team 2-0 on the road in their season opener.

Last but not least, Zenit have won each of the last three head-to-head meetings (7-0 goal differential). 

10* play on Zenit St. Petersburg. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER TOP PLAY

The Los Angeles Dodgers are 11-3 SU and 9-5 against the runline as road favorites in 2020. 

Tonight they hand the ball to Julio Urias (2-0, 2.74 ERA) who has had a solid start to the year, and the left-hander owns a 1.48 ERA in 14 games against the Giants who counter with Johnny Cueto (2-0, 4.35 ERA). Cueto gave up four runs on two hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings at Dodger Stadium earlier this month. 

The Giants are riding a six-game winning streak, but the Dodgers are not much worse off having won four in a row and 11 of 12. The Dodgers will be looking to distance themselves from their division rivals, and I expect to see a fully focused LA side in San Francisco tonight. 

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Los Angeles Dodgers are 11-3 SU and 9-5 against the runline as road favorites in 2020. 

Tonight they hand the ball to Julio Urias (2-0, 2.74 ERA) who has had a solid start to the year, and the left-hander owns a 1.48 ERA in 14 games against the Giants who counter with Johnny Cueto (2-0, 4.35 ERA). Cueto gave up four runs on two hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings at Dodger Stadium earlier this month. 

The Giants are riding a six-game winning streak, but the Dodgers are not much worse off having won four in a row and 11 of 12. The Dodgers will be looking to distance themselves from their division rivals, and I expect to see a fully focused LA side in San Francisco tonight. 

In addition to the Dodgers RL, I also like the over. 

Over is 5-1 in Dodgers last 6 games as a road favorite and 4-0 in Dodgers last 4 road games with the total set at 9.0-10.5. Over is 7-3-2 in Giants last 12 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.

8* play on OVER 9. 

JAZZ VS NUGGETS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The first four games of this series have seen the totals closing in the range of 214-216 points with all but one of those games going over the number. The bookmakers have made a fairly big adjustment for Game 5 Tuesday night, but I still think we'll see another shootout in this one. 

The Nuggets are in desperation mode heading into the contest 3-1 down in the series. They've struggled defensively and know they need to put up plenty of points to have a chance of winning. 

Denver has not had an answer on how to stop Utah guard Donovan Mitchell who has had two 50-point games in the series, but the good news is that the Nuggets own PG Jamal Murray came out in Sunday's 129-127 loss, finishing with 50 points. 

Over is 8-2 in Jazz last 10 overall. Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 games as a favorite. Over is 8-1 in Nuggets last 9 games as an underdog.

10* play on OVER 220.5. 

TUESDAY AFTERNOON MLB BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Los Angeles Angels look like a live underdog in the first game of a doubleheader at Houston Tuesday afternoon. They have dropped six of their last seven, but Houston had lost three straight to San Diego before pounding the Halos in an 11-4 win on Monday. 

Angels' lefty Jose Suarez (0-1, 33.75 ERA) can't possibly be as poor as he was in season debut when he gave up five runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings against the Giants. Suarez made four appearances (three starts) versus the Astros last season, posting a 4.80 ERA through 15 innings of work but also recorded 15 Ks. 

Rookie right-hander Cristian Javier (2-1, 3.55 ERA) is expected to take the ball for Houston in the opener. Javier gave up three runs on seven hits (two homers) in just 3 2/3 innings at Colorado last time out. 

As per the new MLB rules for double-headers the contests will last only seven innings, a rule I think will favor the underdog as a couple of timely swings could win you the game. 

8* play on Los Angeles Angels. 

STARS VS AVS MONDAY NIGHT NHL NO BRAINER

The Dallas Stars claimed the opener of this Western Conference semifinal series with an upset 5-3 win. I expect to see another high-scoring affair here in Game 2. Dallas has scored a total of 12 goals through its last two games while Colorado has scored 17 goals through its last three. Each of the Avs last four games have seen at least six goals and odds are the winner of this contest will have to light up the lamp at least four times.

8* play on OVER 5.5. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Oakland Athletics are 18-7 as favorites on the season and they've won four of left-hander Jesus Luzardo's (2-0, 3.67 ERA) five starts in 2020. Last time out, he tossed 6 1/3 scoreless innings and fanned seven in a win over Arizona. 

The Rangers are coming off a disastrous five-game road losing trip and Lance Lynn (3-0, 1.37 ERA) was not sharp last time out with two solo home runs allowed on a season-high eight hits over seven innings of a 6-3 extra-innings loss at San Diego. 

Lynn owns a 4.67 ERA in five career starts against the A's while this will be Luzardo has solid numbers against the Rangers after limiting them to two hits over five scoreless innings on August 5. 

8* play on Oakland Athletics. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Cleveland Indians are averaging 4.03 runs per game and they are hitting .215 off right-handers. Minnesota right-hander Kenta Maeda (3-0, 2.27 ERA) fanned 12 through eight innings of one-run ball against Milwaukee last time out, and he limited Minnesota to one hit over six scoreless frames in a 3-0 win on August 1. 

Aaron Civale (3-2, 2.91 ERA) will toe the slab for the Tribe. Civale held Pittsburgh to one run on five hits in a complete game last time out. He owns a 2.65 ERA in three career starts against Minnesota.

Under is 18-9-1 in Minnesota games on the season and 19-7-1 in games involving Cleveland. 

8* play on UNDER. 

PACERS VS HEAT MONDAY NIGHT NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Miami Heat are going for the sweep of this Eastern Conference first-round series Monday night. 

The first three games have not been particularly close (average 10-point average margin of victory for Miami), and I expect another lopsided Heat win in this one. Sitting in an 0-3 hole, the temptation to just pack it in and get out of the bubble must be strong for Indiana.

Miami has dominated the perimeter as well as the paint, and earned 52 free throws attempts last time out. I don't see the Pacers players start risking their bodies in a similar way for a slim to none chance of turning this series around, so therefor, back Miami to win and cover to close out the series. 

8* play on Miami Heat. 

MARLINS VS NATIONALS MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Washington Nationals and the Miami Marlins will close out a five-game series Monday night. The Nats put a 9-3 beating on Miami on Sunday and I think they'll come through with another win here. This is mostly a fade of Marlins' starter Pablo Lopez (2-1, 2.42 ERA) who is 0-2 with an 8.87 ERA in five career starts against the Nationals. Juan Soto is 5-for-11 with a pair of home runs off Lopez. 

Washington starter has faced the Fish once (last year), in a contest where he allowed just three hits and one run in five innings. 

Nationals are 14-4 in their last 18 home games vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on Washington Nationals. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL) - CANUCKS VS KNIGHTS MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Vancouver Canucks have scored a combined 10 goals through the last two games to clinch their best-of-seven first round series against the Blues. I like the fifth-seeded Nucks' offense to keep them in the opener of this series with the No. 1 ranked Vegas Golden Knights. 

Both teams are offensively-minded and Vegas is shooting the puck more than any team in the NHL (34.5 shots per game). They'll also come in well-rested and we can note that the over is 6-0 in Golden Knights last 6 games playing on three or more days rest.

10* play on OVER. 

NUGGETS VS JAZZ SUNDAY NIGHT NBA BANKROLL BUILDER

The Denver Nuggets won Game 1 in OT, but it's still fair to say that they struggled to stop the Utah Jazz on the defensive end through the first two games of the series. The return of Jazz's Mike Conley in Game 3 didn't make things any easier. Utah won the last matchup 124-87 and I like them to take a 3-1 lead in the series with a win tonight. Utah has better perimeter shooting and Rudy Gobert has started to dominate the paint. 

8* play on Utah Jazz. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) - RAPTORS VS NETS MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Raptors have played lockdown defense since allowing the Nets to shoot 47 percent from the field in a 134-110 Toronto win in Game 1 of this best-of-seven first-round playoff series. The last two games have seen 203 and 209 points respectively, and I expect another relatively low-scoring affair here in Game 4. 

The Raptors need only one more win to clinch the series, so why not come up with a massive effort today to maximize the rest until the next round?

The Nets entered the Orlando bubble banged up, and it's not surprising to see them running out of steam, especially against the Raptors high-intensity defense. 

Under is 9-3 in Raptors last 12 overall. Under is 9-2 in Raptors last 11 Conference Quarterfinals games. Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.

10* play on UNDER 217.5. 

ANGELS VS ATHLETICS MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Oakland Athletics sit top of the American League West division while the Los Angeles Angels are dead last. 

Oakland righty Frankie Montas (2-2, 4.74 ERA) was slapped around by Arizona last time out after posting a 1.57 ERA over his first four starts. A date with the Halos could be just what the doctor ordered to get back on track as he is 2-0 against them in eight outings (five starts) with a 2.87 ERA.

Right-hander Dylan Bundy (3-2, 2.48 ERA) will take the ball for the Angels. He was tagged with six runs on seven hits over five innings in his lone start against the A's in 2020. 

Angels are 6-20 in their last 26 during game 3 of a series. Athletics are 4-0 in their last 4 Sunday games.

8* play on Oakland. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON MLB UNDERDOG DELIGHT

The Chicago White Sox are riding a seven-game winning streak, including back-to-back wins here at Wrigley Field. I absolutely love the price we get on the White Sox here with right-hander Dylan (4-1, 3.16 ERA) on the mound. Cease is 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA on the month and he'll be backed up by a team that has averaged 7.9 runs per game over its last seven contests. The Cubs counter with Yu Darvish (4-1, 1.80 ERA) who has had a fast start to the year, but note his 4.97 ERA in four career starts against the White Sox.

The Cubs have lost seven of 10 and I disagree strongly that they should be this big a favorite in today's matchup. 

8* play on Chicago White Sox. 

SUPER EARLY MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY - RUNLINE RIPPER

The Cleveland Indians have won 21 of the last 22 meetings with the Detroit Tigers. They've covered the runline in their two triumphs in this series and I expect another blowout win for the Tribe in the series finale on Sunday. 

Tigers' southpaw Tarik Skubal (0-1, 18.00 ERA) made his major leagues debut earlier this week, as he gave up  four runs on seven hits in only two innings of a 10-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox. 

Cleveland right-hander Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 3.71 ERA) has struggled with his command in recent outings, but he owns solid career numbers against Detroit (11-8, 3.56 ERA, 29 appearances). 

10* play on Cleveland Indians -1.5. 

STARS VS AVALANCHE WC SEMI-FINALS BANKROLL BUILDER

The Colorado Avalanche have looked terrific and only needed five games to get past Arizona in the last round. They probably could've/should've got it done in three games as they outshot the Yotes 51-21 in their Game 3 loss. 

With a 14-2 goal differential over the final two games of the series, it's hard to find an argument NOT to back the Avs here against a Dallas side that didn't look all that impressive against Calgary. 

The Stars seven unanswered goals to come back from a three-goal deficit to clinch the series in Game 6 will fool some bettors that Dallas is actually on the Avs level, but I'm not falling for it. Lay the juice with Colorado. 

8* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

RED SOX VS ORIOLES SATURDAY NIGHT MLB TOP PLAY

The Boston Red Sox are coming off three straight wins, but they have still cost backers more money than pretty much any other team in baseball this season. The Baltimore Orioles on the other hand have had a much better start to the season than anyone could've expected, and I like the price we get on the Orioles to end an ugly six-game skid with a win tonight. 

Right-hander Alex Cobb (1-2, 3.76 ERA) will toe the slab for Baltimore. He had four solid starts under his belt before getting knocked around by Toronto last time out. In his season debut, Cobb limited Boston to one run through 5 1/3 innings of a 7-2 win. 

Left-hander Martin Perez (2-3, 4.07 ERA) will take the ball for the Red Sox. Perez was tagged with three runs on two hits and three walks in three innings of a 6-3 loss to the Yankees last time out. In his season debut, Perez surrendered five runs (four earned) in five innings against Baltimore. Perez has an ugly 17-14 K/BB ratio over 24 1/3 innings on the season.

The Orioles own a solid .278 (6th) batting average against southpaws and I think they'll get to Perez early. That would be bad news for Boston as its bullpen ranks as one of the worst in baseball. 

10* play on Baltimore Orioles. 

ROCKETS VS THUNDER NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Game 3 of this Western Conference quarter-finals series in an 0-2 hole. 

They've tried different approaches to counter Houston's small-ball without much success, and I expect to see another Rockets win tonight. 

While OKC has a significant edge when it comes to size, it just can't keep up defensively which spells big trouble as the Rockets have plenty of talented shooters looking to pounce on every open look they get. James Harden finished the last game with 21 points and nine assists, and Houston is even more dangerous than usual when "the Beard" shares the ball with his teammates. 

Admittedly it is tough to win three in a row in any playoffs series, but the Rockets have not given us any reason to doubt them (they're even playing defense!) and I'll back them again. 

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

This is a big series for both the LA Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers sit top of the division with the second-place Padres four games back and the Rockies five games back in third place. 

The Rockies are coming off a 10-8 loss to Houston and have now dropped seven of their last eight games. I think they'll struggle to turn it around tonight as starter Jon Gray (1-2, 5.74 ERA) has allowed 11 runs on 14 hits in 10 1/3 innings over his last two starts. He has posted a 1-4 record with a 6.35 ERA in five career starts at Dodger Stadium. 

Dodgers' Walker Buehler (0-0, 5.21 ERA) has not had the start to the season he would've wished for either, but the team has won three of his four starts and the Rox's bats are cold. 

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

CLIPPERS VS MAVS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This best-of-seven NBA playoffs series is tied at 1-1 following a strong 127-114 win for the No.7 Dallas Mavericks in the last game. 

I like the second-seeded LA Clippers to bounce back with a big outing tonight. The Clippers have had the Mavs number most of the season winning four of five meetings. They didn't take care of the ball last time out, but I don't see this normally so solid Clippers side commit that many turnovers two games in a row. 

Clippers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 35-16 ATS in their last 51 games following a straight up loss. Mavericks are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

10* play on Los Angeles Clippers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB) - TOP RATED MAJOR WAGER TOTAL

The Phillies Aaron Nola (2-1, 2.05 ERA) fanned eight through seven shutout innings of three-hit ball against the Mets last time out. He has allowed just a pair of runs through his last three starts and he has 37 Ks through 26 1/3 innings of work on the season. Nola owns a .82 ERA in 19 career starts against the Braves who counter with Max Fried (3-0, 1.24 ERA). The 26-year-old southpaw has allowed only four runs through 29 frames in 2020 and both of his last two starts have been of the scoreless variety. 

10* play on UNDER 8. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB NO BRAINER BANKROLL BUILDER

To say that the Cleveland Indians have owned Detroit in recent seasons would be an understatement. They've won 20 straight meetings and outscored the Tigers by 11 runs in a three-game sweep at Comerica Park last weekend. 

Tigers' righty Michael Fulmer (0-0, 7.56 ERA) has, as his earned run average would suggest, had a shaky start to the season. Last time out he surrendered three runs on five hits (two homers) in 2 2/3 innings of an 8-5 loss to the Tribe. Just like tonight, he was opposed by Cleveland righty Adam Plutko (1-1, 3.95 ERA), who admittedly didn't impress either, but how could we not take the Tribe and their six-game winning streak against the slumping Tigers who have dropped nine on the bounce. 

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

CELTICS VS 76ERS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Boston Celtics have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in this Eastern Conference quarter-finals matchup. I'm sure they still have the utmost respect for their opponent and know that they can't afford to allow them back in the series. The Celtics are dominating the perimeter while the Sixers are struggling with their three-point shooting. The Celtics have a good roster depth and their advantage should get bigger the deeper into the series we get. 

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

NUGGETS VS JAZZ NBA BANKROLL BUILDER

This Western Conference first-round series is tied at 1-1 following a 124-105 Utah Jazz victory over Denver on Wednesday. I expect Denver to bounce back and take Game 3. These two teams are quite evenly matched and I would not be surprised to see them trade wins until a deciding Game 7. Nuggets are 13-6-2 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up loss and 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

8* play on Denver Nuggets. 

STARS VS FLAMES THURSDAY NIGHT MONEYLINE MASSACRE

Big time desperation mode for the Calgary Flames who would be eliminated by a loss Thursday night. A win on the other hand would set up a deciding Game 7, and I like the Flames to come through with a big outing when they need it the most. 

Four of the previous five games in the series have been decided by one goal (the one that didn't was a 2-0 Flames win), so it's not like the Stars have dominated the series. I have no doubt that the value is on the underdog fighting for its postseason life in this matchup. 

8* play on Calgary Flames. 

ISLANDERS VS CAPITALS THURSDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Washington Capitals came back from a two-goal deficit to defeat the NY Islanders 3-2 and stay alive in the series last time out. They're still at risk of elimination, and I think they'll try and impose their superior offense on the Isles early in this one which should make it a high-scoring game. 

Only one of the last seven head-to-head meetings has seen fewer than five goals, and the Islanders power play should be ready to click into gear after going 0-for-10 over the last 10 games. 

8* play on OVER 5. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Cleveland Indians have been money for under backers all season as they're 17-6-1 to the under in 2020. Shane Bieber (4-0, 1.30 ERA) has been one of the best pitchers in baseball and he's knocking out hitters left and right with 40 Ks through 28 2/3 innings of work. He figures to have another good game here against a Pittsburgh team that ranks dead last in the MLB with only 3.91 runs/9 innings. Cleveland is only marginally better with its 4.00 runs/9 innings, and Pittsburgh righty Trevor Williams (1-3, 3.98 ERA) is a decent enough pitcher for me to comfortably back the under in this contest. 

10* play on UNDER. 

THUNDER VS ROCKETS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Rockets closed out the regular season with three consecutive losses, but they switched back on when it really mattered to defeat the OKC Thunder 123-108 in Game 1 of this Western Conference first-round playoff series. I like Houston to come through with another dominant performance to win Game 2 as well. 

The Thunder couldn't figure out a way to stop the Rockets' small and quick lineup in the first meeting of the series, and I don't see them having more success in this one. Russell Westbrook is out with a strained right quadriceps, but the Rockets have plenty of shooters to pick up the slack. 

Rockets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight-up win of more than 10 points and 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Conference Quarterfinals games.

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

ASTROS VS ROCKIES MLB DAYTIME DESTROYER

The Houston Astros come have won eight on the bounce, including the first three contests of this four-game set. I like the Colorado Rockies to deny them the sweep today. 

Houston's rookie right-hander Cristian Javier (2-1, 2.91 ERA) is admittedly off to a solid start in the majors. He has however been much better home at Minute Maid Park than on the road where he has allowed six runs over nine innings of work. Pitching at Coors Field is always a tough task for any pitcher, nevermind a rookie!

German Marquez (2-3, 2.25 ERA) will take the ball for the Rockies. The right-hander has recorded 30 Ks and allowed only two home runs over 21 innings of work on the season. The Astros' bats must cool off sooner or later, and Marquez got the stuff to keep them contained. 

8* play on Colorado Rockies. 

SUPER EARLY TIGERS VS WHITE SOX TOTAL

I think runs will come at a premium in this Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox matchup Thursday afternoon. 

White Sox righty Lucas Giolito (1-2, 4.88 ERA) has three solid and two poor starts on the season. He should have no trouble shutting down this Detroit team that ranks 28th in the majors with 10.31 strikeouts per game. 

The White Sox are averaging 9.78 strikeouts per game (24th) and they'll face Spencer Turnbull (2-1, 2.78 ERA) who has had a great start to the season. He has made two day starts through which he has allowed only two runs on eights hits with 12 Ks through 12 innings of work. Three of Turnbull's four starts overall this season have gone under the total and the under is 4-1 in White Sox last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.

Under is 11-3 in Tigers last 14 games as a road underdog and 8-3 in their last 11 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on UNDER 8.5. 

LATE NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

After a couple of games in Los Angeles, the Dodgers and the Seattle Mariners will continue their four-game home-and-home set with a pair of games at Seattle.  

The Dodgers have won seven straight and took both games in LA while the Mariners are losers of eight straight.

Seattle hands the ball to Taijuan Walker (1-2, 4.05 ERA) missed almost all of last year following Tommy John surgery. He has had an inconsistent start to the season and has been knocked around by both LA Angels and Houston, and here he'll face arguably the best bats in baseball. 

Left-hander Julio Urias (2-0, 2.53 ERA) gets the nod for the Dodgers. He has held his opponents to two runs or fewer in each of his four starts on the season, and the Dodgers have won his last three outings by a combined 23 runs. Of the current Seattle lineup, only Dee Gordon has any experience of Urias with two at bats. 

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

76ERS VS CELTICS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Boston Celtics won the opener of this Eastern Conference best-of-seven playoffs series 109-101 on Monday without even playing all that great. 

The Sixers bench outscored Boston's, but they lack outside threat without superstar Ben Simmons and the Celtics did a decent job containing Joel Embiid in the paint. While Boston can focus on shutting down Embiid, the Sixers have no such luxury as the C's have plenty of playmakers.

Tonight Boston will have to without Gordon Hayward (sprained ankle), and while he is at risk of missing the rest of the series I expect Boston's bench to up its game and pick up the slack.

Philly has now lost four of its last five games, and while only the most recent one really mattered it's certainly not a positive trend. The Celtics on the other hand are 5-1 in their last six and I'm happy to keep riding the hotter Celtics to win and cover tonight. 

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

HURRICANES VS BRUINS BANKROLL BUILDER

The Boston Bruins mounted a late third-period comeback to defeat Carolina 4-3 last time out and take a 3-1 lead in the series.

I like the price we get on the Canes to stay alive and extend the series with a win tonight. While they've been outshot in every game, the Hurricanes have certainly kept it close when it comes to lighting up the lamp, with two of the three losses coming by just a goal, one of them in double overtime.

Boston is the better team, but the betting value is on Carolina. 

8* play on Carolina Hurricanes. 

JAZZ VS NUGGETS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Denver Nuggets needed overtime to take care of Utah in the opener of this Western Conference quarter-finals playoff series. I think they'll have an easier ride today to win and cover the spread as a favorite. 

Utah star Donovan Mitchell had a historic game with a career-best 57 points on 19-of-33 shooting. Still, the Jazz didn't win and Mitchell can't be expected to carry the team on his back every game of the series. 

Denver is banged up, but it still has decent roster depth and Nikola Jokic showed that he's a better big than Utah's Rudy Gobert. 

8* play on Denver Nuggets. 

SUPER EARLY BLUE JACKETS VS LIGHTNING BEST BET

The first four games of this series have seen an average of 4.25 goals per game with no more than five goals in any single game. I expect another low-scoring affair here as the Columbus Blue Jackets need to make something happen, entering this game 3-1 down in the series. That might be easier said than done though; while Columbus owns the fourth-best scoring defense in the NHL, its offense is one of the worst at only 2.6 goals scored per game. Tampa owns the No. 1 offense with an average of 3.5 gpg, but I don't see the Lightning taking many chances in this one. 

10* play on UNDER 5. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The first four games of this series have seen an average of 4.25 goals per game with no more than five goals in any single game. I expect another low-scoring affair here as the Columbus Blue Jackets need to make something happen, entering this game 3-1 down in the series. That might be easier said than done though; while Columbus owns the fourth-best scoring defense in the NHL, its offense is one of the worst at only 2.6 goals scored per game. Tampa owns the No. 1 offense with an average of 3.5 gpg, but I don't see the Lightning taking many chances in this one. 

Additionally to the under, I also like Tampa Bay to win and close out the series. They have shown themselves capable of winning games behind their defense alone, and I don't see the Jackets extending the series. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Lightning. 

BLAZERS VS LAKERS TUESDAY NIGHT NBA TOP PLAY

The eighth-seeded Portland Trail Blazers might give the No. 1 seed LA Lakers some trouble in this opening-round Western Conference series, but I do like the Lakers to show their class in Game 1. 

The whole Lakers team, and their key players, in particular, will be well-rested while the Blazers haven't had the luxury to afford to rest anyone during their red hot eight-game bubble run to the playoffs. One must wonder how much gas is left in the tank for Damian Lillard who has been outstanding in Florida. 

Additionally, while this will be the Lakers' first playoff appearance in seven years, the current roster has plenty of postseason experience.  

10* play on Los Angeles Lakers.