GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER)

West Bromwich have improved down the stretch but will never the less be relegated after this game. West Brom caretaker manager Darren Moore admits he may make changes to his relegated side and I think this is a great price on Crystal Palace who will want to put on a show in front of the home fans in the last game of the season. Crystal Palace have gone five games without defeat and they've scored eight goals in the last two games home at Selhurst Park. 

10* Game of the Month (Soccer): Crystal Palace. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Vegas Golden Knights have had plenty of rest since finishing off San Jose in six games last Sunday while the Winnipeg is coming off a Game 7 victory over Nashville only a couple of days ago. The Jets are never easy to beat home at Bell MTS Place, but I think the visitors rest advantage is too much to overcome. 

Golden Knights are 11-2 in their last 13 vs. a team with a winning record, 5-1 in their last six games playing on three or more days rest and 4-1 in their last five road games.

10* Game of the Week: Vegas Golden Knights. 

SATURDAY NIGHT *BALLPARK BLOWOUT*

The Pittsburgh Pirates put an 11-2 beating on the San Francisco Giants Friday night, and I think they'll score plenty of runs again here on Saturday when facing Jeff Samardzija on the mound. 

Samardzija (1-2, 6.62 ERA) gave up five runs and four hits (two homers) and three walks in four frames of an 11-0 loss against Philadelphia his last time out. He has walked 13 through 17 2/3 innings on the season. 

The Pirates turn to Chad Kuhl (4-2, 4.12 ERA) who fanned eight through seven scoreless innings of one-hit ball of a 9-0 Pittsburgh triumph at Milwaukee his last time out. Kuhl owns a 36/12 K/BB ratio over 39 1/3 innings of work this year. 

Pirates are 8-2 in Kuhls last 10 home starts.

8* play on Pittsburgh Pirates. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Detroit has lost five of its last seven games and the injuries keep piling up for the wounded Tigers, most notably first baseman Miguel Cabrera and center fielder Leonys Martin who are on the 10-day disabled list with hamstring injuries. The Seattle Mariners own a respectable 21-15 record on the season after a 9-3 win at Toronto Thursday night, and I think they'll win a low-scoring contest here in the first game of a doubleheader. 

Marco Gonzales (3-2, 5.19 ERA) will take the ball for Seattle. He was tagged with four runs in six innings against the Halos his last time out but had allowed just a total of two runs in his previous two outings. The 26 year old southpaw has a great 38/6 K/BB ratio through 34 2/3 innings of work on the season and will face Detroit for the first time in his career. 

The Tigers turn to Matthew Boyd (1-3, 3.00 ERA) who lost his last outing Sunday, giving up four runs and six hits in seven innings against Kansas City.

The Mariners are 6-0 in the last six meetings.

8* play on SEA @ DET to go UNDER the total. 

EARLY WHITE SOX @ CUBS *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The Chicago Cubs are red hot and have scored a total of 42 runs through four straight victories. Here they'll face James Shields (1-3, 5.14 ERA) who is coming off back-to-back quality starts against the St. Louis Cardinals and Minnesota Twins, but the Cubs are just something different when swinging hot bats. The right-hander had allowed 11 runs through 11 1/3 innings of work against Houston and Seattle prior to that and White Sox are 0-6 in Shields' last six starts vs. a team with a winning record. The Cubs turn to left-hander Jon Lester (2-1, 2.82 ERA) who has not allowed an earned run in three of his first seven games. White Sox are 1-6 in their last seven interleague games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Cubs are 20-15 on the season, and note that 17 of those victories came as favorites and they're 13-4 against the runline in those games. 

8* play on Chicago Cubs -1.5.

SUPER EARLY OAKLAND @ NYY TOTAL

The Oakland Athletics opened this three-game series with a 10-5 triumph Friday night, but I think runs will be way harder to come by for both teams today. 

Andrew Triggs (3-1, 4.41 ERA) will take the ball for Oakland. The right-hander struck out nine while holding Baltimore to one run on two hits through seven innings his last time out. He is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two career appearances against the Yankees who turn to Domingo German (0-1, 2.66 ERA). He fanned nine in six hitless innings while throwing a career-high 84 pitches in his first career start Sunday. The 25 year old has struck out 27 through 20 1/3 innings of work on the season. 

8* play on OAK @ NYY to go UNDER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Houston Astros host the Texas Rangers for the opener of a three-game set at Minute Maid Park Friday night. Cole Hamels (1-4, 3.94 ERA) will take the ball for the visitors. He has allowed just a total of five earned runs through his last three starts and under is 5-1-1 in Hamels' last seven road starts. The Astros turn to Justin Verlander (4-1, 1.17 ERA) who allowed one earned run over six innings of a 3-1 loss at Arizona his last time out. Verlander has been outstanding all season, holding four of his eight opponents scoreless. Under is 5-1 in Verlander's last six starts overall. 

8* play on TEX @ HOU to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED WHITE SOX @ CUBS *RUNLINE RIPPER*

Today the Chicago Cubs will host crosstown rival Chicago White Sox for an afternoon game of baseball. They scored 31 runs in a three-game sweep of visiting Miami before getting Thursday off, and I think the Cubs will keep swinging hot bats here against Carson Fulmer (2-2, 5.02 ERA) who will face the Cubs for the second time in his career. His first, a relief appearance in 2015, didn't go well as he lasted just one-third of an inning and gave up four runs. The Cubs turn to Tyler Chatwood (2-3, 3.31 ERA) who is 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA in two career starts against the White Sox and he has allowed just two runs through 11 2/3 innings in his last two starts here at Wrigley.

The Cubs are just 19-15 on the season, but note that 16 of those victories came as favorites and they're 12-4 against the runline in those games. 

10* play on Chicago Cubs -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Arizona Diamondbacks took a 6-3 loss at Dodger Stadium Wednesday night, but note that they're 9-2 in their last 11 games following a loss and will hand the ball to Zack Greinke (3-2, 4.10 ERA) tonight. Greinke is 5-1 behind a stellar 1.49 ERA in seven career starts against Washington and he has allowed just five runs over 24 1/3 innings of work home at Chase Field this season. The Nats have won nine of their last 11 but Tanner Roark (2-3, 3.65 ERA) was tagged with three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings against Philadelphia his last time out and was charged with the loss. Nationals are 1-5 in Roark's last six starts.

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

TOP RATED JETS @ PREDS GAME 7 SHOWDOWN

The Nashville Predators and the Winnipeg Jets are set for a Game 7 showdown at Bridgestone Arena Thursday night. It has been an entertaining back-and-forth series so far with neither team able to win consecutive games, but I think we'll see a low-scoring thriller here. The Preds played aggressive D and shut out the Jets in their 4-0 Game 6 triumph, and both teams are likely to put a big focus on their defensive duties in this winner-take-all situation. 

10* play on WIN @ NSH to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED MLB *BIG HITTER*

The Baltimore Orioles snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 5-3 triumph against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. I think they'll be back to their losing ways here with Chris Tillman (1-5, 9.24 ERA) on the mound. Tillman was knocked around to the tune of seven runs on seven hits in one-plus inning against the Angels his last time out, and he has posted a 5.37 ERA in nine career meetings with KC. 

Ian Kennedy (1-3, 2.92 ERA) will take the ball for the Royals. He has not had much success in previous career meetings with Baltimore posting a 6.89 ERA through four outings, but the 33 year old right-hander has pitched well this year and he's coming off six scoreless innings against Detroit. 

10* play on Kansas City Royals. 

MLB *MONEYMAKER*

The New York Yankees are without a doubt the hottest team in baseball as they enter this contest on a 17-1 run. Tonight they'll hand the ball to CC Sabathia (2-0, 1.39 ERA) who is 2-0 with a 0.39 ERA in four starts since coming off the disabled list. The left-hander is unbeaten in his last 14 regular-season starts since Aug. 19 with a 7-0 record and a 2.29 ERA.

The Red Sox turn to Eduardo Rodriguez (3-0, 5.29 ERA) who is still undefeated on the season, but he has been tagged with five runs in each of his last two outings. In his last outing against New York, he allowed five runs and 10 hits in five innings of a 6-2 loss at Yankee Stadium. 

8* play on NY Yankees. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Arizona Diamondbacks are a solid 11-5 on the road this season and Patrick Corbin (4-0, 2.15 ERA) is 1-0 with a 0.68 ERA in two starts covering 13 1/3 innings against the Dodgers this season. The home team's Alex Wood (0-3, 3.83 ERA) has posted a 3.27 ERA in two starts against Arizona on the season, but struggled with hamstring cramps his last time out. 

The D'Backs defeated the Dodgers 8-5 Tuesday night and are 24-8 in their last 32 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.

8* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Phildadelphia 76ers came up with a big performance at a crucial time when they defeated Boston 103-92 on Monday. The Celtics are still just one victory away from reaching the Eastern Conference finals though, and I think they'll get the job done home at TD Garden tonight. 

Note that the Celtics are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 at home and 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. 

"It's 3-1, we get a chance to go back to Boston," forward Marcus Morris told reporters after Monday's defeat. "Nobody's head is down. We're all motivated. We're happy. It would've been better to end it (Monday), but so be it. We go back to Boston and play." 

10* NBA Game of the Week on Boston Celtics. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The Atlanta Braves won the opener of this two-game series 1-0 on Tuesday. The Tampa Bay Rays have scored one run total in their last two games and here they'll come up against one of the hottest pitchers in baseball. Julio Teheran (2-1, 3.65 ERA) has allowed just a total of six earned runs over 29 innings for a 1.86 ERA through his last five starts. Tampa Bay turns to rookie left-hander Ryan Yarbrough (2-1, 3.33 ERA) who will make just his second career start. The 26 year is however coming off his best outing in the majors as he held the Blue Jays scoreless through five innings out of the bullpen his last time out. Under is 6-2 in Braves last eight road games vs. a left-handed starter.

Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in at Tropicana Field. 

8* play on ATL @ TB to go UNDER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Seattle Mariners are a solid 12-6 on the road this season. They shut out Toronto in a 5-0 triumph on Tuesday and left-hander Wade LeBlanc (0-0, 3.57 ERA) tossed four innings without allowing any runs in his first start of the season, a 4-1 Mariners win over Oakland on Thursday. Toronto hands the ball to Jaime Garcia (2-2, 6.60 ERA) who is 0-2 with a 9.88 ERA in his past three starts and 0-1 with a 4.67 ERA in two career starts against the Mariners.

8* play on Seattle Mariners. 

MLB *DAYTIME DESTROYER*

The Colorado Rockies have won nine of their past 12 games, and their their starters have posted a 1.55 ERA with 11 quality starts during that stretch. Left-hander Tyler Anderson (2-0, 3.78 ERA) held the Cubs to three hits and two runs in seven innings his last time out and will face the Halos for the first time in his career. We can note that Angels are 1-4 in their last five games vs. a left-handed starter. LAA has cooled off after a sizzling start to the season and rookie Jaime Barria (2-1, 3.46 ERA) is way too inexperienced to be trusted here at tricky Coors Field.

8* play on Colorado Rockies. 

TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE *MIDWEEK MADNESS* TOTAL

Chelsea are coming off five consecutive wins, and they've allowed a total of just three goals during that stretch with three straight clean sheets. Huddersfield have scored just 11 goals in their 18 games on the road this season and are desperate for points to avoid relegation. Each of Huddersfield's last eight games have seen a maximum of two goals. 

10* play on Huddersfield @ Chelsea to go UNDER 3 goals. 

TOP RATED PELICANS @ WARRIORS *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Golden State Warriors took the night off in Game 3 of this series but bounced back with a dominant 118-92 victory on Sunday, their second win by more than 20 points in the series. They can close it out tonight to move on to the Western Conference Finals, and I don't think they'll let the pumped up home town crowd down. The Warriors have averaged 120.7 points in their three victories and points should come fast and easy for the home team here with Steph Curry eager to get back to his best after an injury that kept him out for several weeks.

It's also worth noting that Warriors bench have outscored the Pels' 134-95 in the four games, and New Orleans' Anthony Davis (39.3) and Jrue Holiday (38.2) must be getting worn out as they lead the series in minutes played.

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*

The Seattle Mariners are 5-1 in their last six on the road and look like a solid favorite here in the opener of a three-game series at Toronto. They'll hand the ball to James Paxton (1-1, 4.19 ERA) who is 2-1 with a 6.32 ERA in his four previous starts in Toronto, but the left-hander knocked out 16 through seven scoreless innings against Oakland his last time out. Paxton has 10 or more strikeouts in three of his past five starts and we can note that the Blue Jays are 1-5 in their last six games vs. a left-handed starter.

Toronto turns to Marcus Stroman (0-4, 7.52 ERA) who is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two career appearances versus Seattle, but he's having a terrible year and has allowed four or more runs in five of his six starts. 

10* play on Seattle Mariners. 

MLB *MONEYMAKER*

The Baltimore Orioles will be happy to be back home at Camden Yards following an 0-6 road trip. Tonight they'll hand the ball to Dylan Bundy (1-4, 3.76 ERA) who owns a 1-0 record with a 1.76 ERA in three career games (two starts) against the Royals, and he was off to a great start to the year before being lit up against Tampa Bay and LAA in his last two starts. They Royals turn to Danny Duffy (0-4, 5.64 ERA). They're 0-7 when Duffy has made a start this season and the left-hander was tagged with five runs, including four homers, and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings against the Red Sox his last time out. Duffy has allowed a total of 15 runs in his last three outings. 

"My stuff's been good but not good enough at all this year," Duffy said. "My team lost every game I've started. It's not good that somebody who you trust to get the job done regularly is not doing what they expect me to do and what I expect from myself."

8* play on Baltimore Orioles. 

SUPER EARLY *DAYTIME DESTROYER*

The St. Louis Cardinals managed only four hits in a 6-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins yesterday. I think runs will come at a premium for both sides here in the finale of the two-game set. Carlos Martinez (3-1, 1.40 ERA) has been outstanding since getting knocked around in his season debut, allowing just three runs through his last six starts. Under is 6-1 in Martinez's last seven starts vs. a team with a losing record and 6-1-1 in Cardinals last eight overall. Jake Odorizzi (2-2, 4.10 ERA) will take the ball for Minnesota. He has posted a 3.24 ERA in three career starts versus the Cardinals. Under is 11-0 in the last 11 meetings.

8* play on MIN @ STL to go UNDER the total. 

LATE MLB *MIDNIGHT MASSACRE* (TOTAL)

The Houston Astros have scored fewer than two runs in three of their last six contests, and here they'll face Brett Anderson (0-0, 2.84 ERA) who is 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA in three career outings (two starts) against Houston. Dallas Keuchel (1-5, 3.98 ERA) will take the ball for the Astros, and he is 5-5 with a solid 2.88 ERA in 19 career appearances (17 starts) versus Oakland. Under is 6-1 in Astros last seven overall. Under is 4-1 in Athletics last five overall.

8* play on HOU @ OAK to go UNDER the total. 

NHL *NO-BRAINER*

The Winnipeg Jets own a 3-2 series lead and can move into the Western Conference finals with a victory on home ice Monday night. They're one of the absolute strongest home teams in the league and have won 13 of their last 14 games at Bell MTS Centre. Winnipeg put four goals past Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne before he was chased off the ice in Saturday’s 6-2 road triumph, and Rinne has posted a sub-par 3.23 GAA in the playoffs so far. The Jets come in ranked 1st in scoring in the postseason at 3.80 goals per game, and even though the Preds have their backs against the wall here I just don't see them doing enough to slow down the home team.

8* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*

The San Francisco Giants' Jeff Samardzija (1-1, 5.27 ERA) has posted a bloated 15.43 ERA in four career appearances (one start) at Citizens Bank Park and an 8.18 ERA against the Phillies in 11 career meetings. I do however think he will get enough run support for a Giants win tonight with the Phillies sending Zach Eflin (0-0, 1.50 ERA) to the mound. The 24-year-old right-hander was called up when Ben Lively hit the disabled list with a lower back strain and will make just his second start of the season.

Eflin is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA and 1.438 WHIP in three career starts against the Giants who enter this contest on a four-game winning streak during which they've piled up a total of 33 runs. Phillies are 1-9 in Eflin's last 10 starts and 2-6 in their last eight overall.

10* play on San Francisco Giants. 

TOP RATED CELTICS @ 76ERS *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Boston Celtics have reeled off three straight upset wins here in their Eastern Conference semifinals matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. They're an underdog once again here in Game 4, and I'm happy to take the points on the visitors Monday night. The Philadelphia 76ers have a talented, but also very inexperienced roster. How will their youngsters handle the pressure of an elimination game in front of a demanding home town crowd? Not all that well is my prediction. The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings overall and 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings at Wells Fargo Center.

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Vegas Golden Knights own a 3-2 series lead following a 5-3 victory in Game 5 on Friday. Vegas might be a first-year team, but its roster still has plenty of playoff experience. The Golden Knights are 3-1 away from Sin City during the postseason and no strangers to win here in the Shark Tank. We can also note that Sharks netminder Martin Jones was just 1-2 with a 3.32 GAA and a .899 SV% against Vegas during the regular season. 

I think the Golden Knights will be heading to the Western Conference final when the fat lady sings. 

10* NHL Game of the Week on Vegas Golden Knights. 

TOP RATED WARRIORS @ PELICANS *ATS ANNIHILATOR*

The New Orleans Pelicans held the Golden State Warriors to 38 percent shooting in a 119-100 victory on Friday. The Pelicans are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games following a ATS win and 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and I think they'll keep it close again here in front of the home town crowd. The bookies have a tendency to overvalue Golden State on the road, and the Warriors are just 2-11 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

10* play on New Orleans Pelicans. 

TOP RATED MLB *BIG HITTER*

The Tampa Bay Rays won the series opener 6-2 on Friday night followed by a 5-3 triumph on Saturday. I like them to complete the sweep of this three-game series here on Sunday as they face Marco Estrada (2-2, 6.19 ERA) on the mound. Estrada was 0-4 with a 10.61 ERA in four starts against the Rays last season and he is is 1-8 with a 4.96 ERA in 14 career meetings. Tampa Bay hands the ball to Chris Archer (2-2, 6.05 ERA) who is a solid 7-4 with a 3.09 ERA in 24 career matchups with the Blue Jays. Archr has had a tough start to the year but held Detroit to two runs in six innings with six strikeouts and one walk his last time out.

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

SUPER EARLY MLB *DAYTIME DESTROYER*

The New York Yankees are 14-1 in their last 15 games after opening this series with a 7-6 win Friday and following it up with a 5-2 victory Saturday afternoon. We can however note that the Indians are 6-2 in their last eight games after losing the first two games of a series, and I like the price we get on the visitors today with Mike Clevinger (2-0, 2.82 ERA) on the mound. Clevinger is 8-1 with a 1.88 ERA in his last 14 appearances and he has recorded 14 1/3 scoreless frames on the road this season. The Yankees turn to Domingo German (0-1, 3.77) who will make his first career start, filling in for Jordan Montgomery who could miss two months with a left elbow strain. The Indians are just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position in this series but I expect them to have more success here against this inexperienced 25 year old.

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Liverpool are likely to be drained, both physically and mentally, after a tough game against Roma in the Champions League semi-finals midweek. The Reds have won only three of their last 11 Premier League matches directly following a Champions League fixture, and who could blame them for eyeing the upcoming Champions League final already. They'll visit a Chelsea side which has had a disappointing season overall, but picked up the pace down the stretch coming off four straight victories. Chelsea are trying to catch Liverpool or Tottenham for a place in the top four, and I think the focused and rested home team will get the job done in this contest.

10* play on Chelsea. 

TOP RATED RAPTORS @ CAVS *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Cleveland Cavaliers struggled to get past the Pacers in the first round of the NBA playoffs, but they have really stepped up their game here in the Eastern Conference semis.

Cleveland swept the  Toronto Raptors in this round last year, and it looks like history is about to repeat itself after back-to-back Cavs triumphs north of the border. "It's one game at a time, and that's the only way we should look at it," said LeBron James, who scored 43 and added 14 assists in Game 2. 

Counting the regular season, the Raptors have dropped four straight against Cleveland, including two at Quicken Loans Arena, and the Cavs are 4-0 ATS in those four games.

Raptors are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six Conference Semifinals games. Cavaliers are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 Conference Semifinals games.

10* play on Cleveland Cavaliers.

MLB *MONEYMAKER*

The New York Mets have lost four straight games as favorites and fit an extremely profitable system here on Saturday. They had been blanked in back-to-back games before finally scoring some runs in Friday's 8-7 defeat against the Colorado Rockies. I count on their bats to stay alive here against Chad Bettis (3-1, 2.43 ERA) who has surrendered nine runs in 13 career innings against the Mets.

Steven Matz (1-2, 4.98 ERA) will take the ball for New York. The left-hander hasn't pitched since April 25, when he took the loss after giving up seven runs (three earned) over 3 1/3 innings agasint the Cardinals. He had his scheduled start earlier this week skipped due to minor back stiffness but says his back "feels fine" ahead of this contest. Rockies are 1-4 in their last five games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on New York Mets. 

TOP RATED MLB *DAYTIME *DESTROYER*

The Chicago Cubs enter this contest as losers of three in a row and Friday night's 3-2 loss in the opener of this three-game set marked the ninth straight in which they were held to three or fewer runs. 

I like they'll produce a fair amount of runs here against Luke Weaver (2-2, 5.17 ERA) who surrendered six runs in four innings in a loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 19. The right-hander has faced the Cubs three times in his career and has been lit up for 20 hits and 16 runs over 13 innings for a 13.09 ERA. Tyler Chatwood (2-3, 2.83 ERA) will take the ball for the Cubs. He is coming off seven scoreless innings against Milwaukee and has allowed two or fewer runs in four of his five starts this season. Chatwood is 0-3 with a 6.32 ERA in five games (two starts) against the Cards but limited them to two runs in 4 2/3 innings on April 17.

Cubs are 12-4 in the last 16 meetings between the two NL Central rivals. 

10* play on Chicago Cubs. 

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER (BIG PAYOUT)

Everton are coming off back-to-back wins against Newcastle and Huddersfield but are stuck in "no man's land" with only two games left of the season. Southampton meanwhile are coming off an important 2-1 win over Bournemouth but are still parked in the relegation zone at 18th place, one point behind Swansea in 17th. There should be a huge motivational advantage for the visitors in this matchup, and I'm going for a BIG PAYOUT on the road team to win this game outright. 

8* play on Southampton. 

TOP RATED ROCKETS @ JAZZ *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Utah Jazz lost Game 1 of this series by 14 points but bounced back with a 116-108 triumph Wednesday night to steal homecourt advantage. I think they might very well defend it and win this game outright, but taking the points on the home team should be a safe bet. 

The Rockets are just 1-5 ATS in their last six on the road, and playing in the high altitude in Salt Lake City is never an easy task, particularly in the playoffs. The home team is used to the conditions and how to turn it into an advantage. 

10* play on Utah Jazz. 

MLB *MONEYMAKER*

The Toronto Blue Jays look like a solid favorite here with J.A. Happ (4-1, 3.50 ERA) on the mound. The 35 year old has quality starts in three of his last four outings and has 8+ strikeouts in each of his last five starts. Happ is 3-3 with a 5.08 ERA in 14 games (13 starters) versus Tampa Bay but has the current Rays limited to a .230 AVG. 

The Rays hand the ball to right-hander Andrew Kittredge (1-2, 6.23 ERA) who pitched one scoreless, hitless inning Tuesday and again Wednesday, throwing 12 and 11 pitches. Kittredge is capped at about 30 pitches according to the Tampa Bay Times,  so it will literally be a bullpen day for the home team as it is dealing with multiple injuries in its starting rotation. 

Tampa Bay has bounced back nicely after a 4-13 start, but I think the price is right to back the visitors here. 

8* play on Toronto Blue Jays. 

NHL *POWER PLAY*

The Boston Bruins won the opener of this Eastern Conference semifinals series, but the Lightning but have recorded back-to-back wins since to take command of this series. Historically, the Lightning have not had that much success at TD Garden, but they will no doubt be strengthened by their 4-1 victory here on Wednesday and have all the momentum.

8* play on Tampa Bay Lightning. 

TOP RATED NBA *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Boston Celtics won the opener of this Eastern Conference semifinals series 117-101. I think they'll put up another strong performance home at TD Garden Thursday night. Celtics are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games and have won four of five games against the 76ers this season. Boston has been money against the spread as an underdog all season long, and I'm very happy to take the points on the home team in this contest.

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

TOP RATED MLB *BIG HITTER*

The Arizona Diamondbacks and the LA Dodgers will close out a four-game series Thursday afternoon. The D'Backs have won two of the first three contest and look good to take this game as well with Patrick Corbin (4-0, 2.25 ERA) on the mound. Corbin knocked out 12 when holding the Dodgers scoreless through 7 1/3 innings of one-hit ball on April 4 and owns a sensational 55/7 K/BB ratio over 40 innings of work on the season. 

The Dodgers turn to Alex Wood (0-3, 4.11 ERA) who has yet to win a decision on the season and the Dodgers have dropped four of his six starts. He was tagged with four runs in six innings of an 8-3 loss at San Francisco his last time out. Diamondbacks are 24-7 in their last 31 games vs. a left-handed starter.

10* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

SUPER EARLY *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The Texas Rangers defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-6 in extra innings Tuesday night. The home team can not be happy about that defeat, and I think they'll put a real beating on their opponent today. 

Corey Kluber (4-1, 2.18 ERA) will take the ball for the Tribe. He has been sensational all season and won four straight decisions. He punched out 10 through 8 2/3 innings of work against Seattle his last time out. Kluber sits on a 0.77 WHIP on the season and we can note that the Rangers are 3-13 in their last 16 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

Texas hands the ball to 28 year old southpaw Matt Moore (1-3, 5.33 ERA) who tossed one scoreless inning out of the bullpen at Toronto on Tuesday. He has struggled in most of his starts this season and I doubt he'll do much better here. The current members of the Tribe are batting a combined .300 over 100 at bats against him. Indians are 22-6 in their last 28 games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on Cleveland Indians -1.5. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED MLB TOTAL

The first two games of this series have seen a total of just eight runs scored. I think we'll see another low-scoring affair Wednesday afternoon. 

Tampa Bay hands the ball to Blake Snell (4-1, 2.52 ERA) who has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his six starts on the season. He has an 0.95 WHIP on the season and the under is 10-1 in Tigers last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

The Tigers turn to Michael Fulmer (1-2, 2.76 ERA) who knocked out nine through six scoreless innings at Pittsburgh his last time out. Detroit still lost the game 1-0. Fulmer was lit up at Cleveland on April 12 but has held his other four opponents to two runs or fewer. 

Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.

10* play on TB @ DET to go UNDER the total. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Golden State Warriors put a 123-101 beating on the New Orleans Pelicans in the series opener, and here they're expected to have star guard Stephen Curry back in action. Curry has been out since spraining the MCL in his left knee on March 23 but coach Steve Kerr classified him as probable after Monday's practice. That would be a huge boost for an already super talented Warriors team, and if they Pels didn't stand a chance against the Warriors without Curry, why would tonight be any different?

Pelicans are 1-5 ATS in their last six Conference Semifinals games. Warriors are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 Conference Semifinals games. Warriors are 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings at Oracle Arena. 

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The St. Louis Cardinals were limited to seven runs while being swept in three straight by the Pirates over the weekend. They're still averaging 4.67 rpg on the season and should have no trouble to get their bats going here against James Shields (1-3, 6.14 ERA). The right-hander was tagged with four runs on six hits and four walks through six innings of a loss to the Mariners his last time out and is 0-1 with an 8.74 ERA, allowing 11 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings in his two career starts against St. Louis.

The Cardinals turn to Michael Wacha (4-1, 3.62 ERA) who has won all three of his starts at home this year, yielding only four runs in 17 2/3 innings.

The White Sox are a pathetic 8-18 on the season (with five wins against KC), and I like the 15-12 Cardinals to win this contest by at least two runs. 

8* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

CAVS @ RAPTORS *NO-BRAINER*

Lebron James carried the Cavs through a tough seven-game series with the pacers which concluded just two days ago. The King played 41.2 minutes per game in the series and logged 43 minutes in Cleveland's 105-101 Game 7 triumph on Sunday. I don't think the 33 year old will have much gas left in the tank for this matchup, and the rest of the Cavs are simply not that scary. The Toronto Raptors are the No. 1 seed in the East and come into this contest fairly well rested after defeating the Wizards in six games. 

Toronto won the last head-to-head meeting here at Air Canada Centre 133-99, and maybe the Cavs will make it close in the other games in the series, but I fully expect another double-digit win for the home team tonight. 

8* play on Toronto Raptors. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL *POWER PLAY*

The Vegas Golden Knights opened this series with a 7-0 triumph, but the San Jose Sharks managed to steal home ice advantage (at least temporarily) with a  4-3 double-overtime victory Saturday. The Sharks rallied from a two-goal deficit with three straight goals in the second period, but it's worrisome that they even found themselves in that situation. 

Vegas blanked the Kings twice and limited them to three goals in a first-round sweep, and its defense might very well be the difference now when the series move to the Shark Tank where Vegas went 1-0-1 during the regular season. I think we're getting too good of a price on the visitors here to pass up on. 

10* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

TOP RATED 76ERS @ CELTICS TOTAL *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated Miami in five games in the first round, and they really turned up the heat defensively at the end of the series. The Boston Celtics relied on solid defensive performances at home as they needed seven games to get past the Bucks. 

Philadelphia won the last meeting 89-80 here at TD Garden, and three of the last four head-to-head matchups have gone under the total. 

Under is 10-3 in 76ers last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 5-2 in Celtics last seven home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on PHI @ BOS to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The Boston Red Sox have lost five of their last eight games following a blistering 17-2 start to the season, but they have still won each of Eduardo Rodriguez (3-0, 3.63 ERA) four starts on the season. I think they'll win big when hosting Kansas City Monday night. Jason Hammel (0-2, 3.38 ERA) will take the ball for the visitors. They have lost each of his five starts on the season, three of them by two runs or more. The veteran right-hander has posted a 4.45 ERA in ERA in nine career games (four starts) at Fenway Park and Hanley Ramirez has owned him in previous meetings, hitting 9-for-19 (.472) with a home run.

10* play on Boston Red Sox -1.5. 

MONDAY MLB *MONEYMAKER*

The Tampa Bay Rays' eight-game winning streak ended Sunday with a 4-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox. I think they'll start another one here Monday night as they visit a Detroit Tigers team with Jordan Zimmermann (1-0, 7.91) on the mound. Zimmerman has surrendered 10 runs (seven earned) on 13 hits with five homers through 8 1/3 innings in his last two starts combined. The Rays turn to Jacob Faria (2-1, 3.78 ERA) who has allowed six runs through 15 2/3 frames in his last three starts combined. Faria beat the Tigers last season, allowing one run and six hits in seven innings. Rays are 4-1 in their last five Monday games. Tigers are 2-8 in their last 10 Monday games. Rays are 5-2 in the last seven meetings.

8* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

TOP RATED SUNDAY NIGHT *BASEBALL BONANZA*

The New York Yankees are coming off eight consecutive triumphs but I think they'll come up short in this matchup with the LA Angels. 

The Halos hand the ball to Tyler Skaggs (3-1, 2.96 ERA) who will be facing New York for the first time. The left-hander is off to a fast start and tossed seven shutout innings of four-hit ball at Houston his last time out, his second scoreless performance in five starts on the year. 

The Yankees counter with CC Sabathia (1-0, 1.86 ERA) who has not allowed an earned run in his past two starts. We can however note that the Angels are one of the few teams Sabathia does not own a winning record against in his 18-year career, entering this game 9-9 against Los Angeles with a 3.91 ERA.

10* play on LA Angels. 

TOP RATED JAZZ @ ROCKETS *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Utah Jazz are coming off a tough six-game series against the Thunder while the Houston Rockets have had additional rest after eliminating the Timberwolves in five games. Rockets are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games playing on three or more days rest and I don't think Utah will stand a chance against the well rested Rockets here Sunday afternoon.

Houston dominated Utah in four meetings during the regular season, winning all four by an average of 17.5 ppg and it has covered the spread in seven of the last nine meetings at Toyota Center.

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL)

The Washington Capitals need a win after a third-period rally earned the Pens a 3-2 win in the series opener Thursday night. 

The Caps will no doubt be desperate to avoid heading to Pittsburgh down 2-0 in the series, but they're unlikely to panic and freeze up as they're no strangers to being behind in a series, having lost the first two games at home to Columbus before winning four straight in the opening round.

Motivation beats talent in this contest. 

10* NHL Game of the Month on Washington Capitals. 

WHITE SOX @ ROYALS *AFTERNOON ASSASSIN*

The Kansas City are just 6-20 on the season and a pathetic 2-12 at home. The Chicago White Sox are a respectable 6-7 on the road and hand the ball to Hector Santiago (0-0, 3.38 ERA) who will be making his first start of the season after seven relief appearances, striking out 15 and walking seven over 16 innings. He'll have a point to prove here and the Royals are 1-6 in their last seven home games vs. a left-handed starter. Ian Kennedy (1-3, 3.46 ERA) will take the ball for the home team. He was charged with four runs in three frames against Milwaukee his last time out and has surrendered a total of 10 runs (eight earned) in his last two starts combined. 

8* play on Chicago White Sox. 

PACERS @ CAVS GAME 7 *DAYTIME DESTROYER*

The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Indiana Pacers in a deciding Game 7 of this Eastern Conference quarterfinals on Sunday. 

The Pacers forced this game with a convincing 121-87 win home at Indiana Friday night and have covered the spread in five of the six games in the series. LeBron James won the last matchup here at Quicken Loans Arena with a buzzer-beater, and I think we'll see another close game going down to the wire today. 

Pacers are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Cavaliers are 12-37-2 ATS in their last 51 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

8* play on Indiana Pacers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER)

Arsenal are awful on the road and have already lost nine Premier League away games this season. They're the only club in the top four English divisions to have lost all of their away league fixtures in 2018. I expect manager Arsene Wenger to make changes to the Arsenal team that faced Atletico Madrid in midweek, giving the home team a clear advantage in this contest. 

Manchester United are unbeaten in 10 home league matches against Arsenal (W7, D3) since September 2006. They're a solid 13-2-2 with a 35-8 goal differential home at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season.

10* Soccer Game of the Month on Manchester United. 

TOP RATED PELS @ WARRIORS GAME 1 TOTAL

The New Orleans Pelicans are not getting much respect here despite coming off a dominant sweep of the third-seeded Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs. The Pels may very well be underrated here, but I have my eyes on the total which is set extremely high for a playoff game. Note that under is 4-0 in Pelicans last four Conference Semifinals games and 6-1 in their last seven road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 5-1 in Warriors last six home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on NO @ GS to go UNDER the total. 

MLB *DAYTIME DESTROYER*

The Texas Rangers won Friday night's matchup 6-4, but I like the Toronto Blue Jays to get revenge here on Saturday. 

Texas will send Bartolo Colon (0-0, 2.59 ERA) to the mound. He was tagged with four runs in 5 2/3 innings of a no-decision against Seattle his last time out and has posted a 4.14 ERA in 29 career starts against Toronto. Current Blue Jays are batting a combined .282 against the right-hander. 

Toronto turns to left-hander Jaime Garcia (2-1, 4.57 ERA) who hasn't pitched all that well since limiting the White Sox to one run through six innings in his season debut. We can however note that the Rangers are 0-5 in their last five games against a left-handed starter and Garcia was rewarded with the win when he faced them on April eight. 

8* play on Toronto Blue Jays. 

TOP RATED MLB *BIG HITTER*

The LA Dodgers lost as a favorite for a third straight games with a 6-4 setback here at AT&T Park Friday night. I like them to claim the opener of a double-header with the San Francisco Giants on Saturday. 

Walker Buehler (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will take the ball for the Dodgers. He tossed five scoreless innings of four-hit ball against Miami in his season debut and I expect the 27 year old right-hander to get plenty of run support with the Giants sending Chris Stratton (2-1, 2.32 ERA) to the mound. Stratton has already surrendered six runs (five earned) through 10 1/3 innings of work against the Dodgers this season and he gave up three in 4 1/3 frames against them last season. 

10* play on LA Dodgers. 

SUPER EARLY REDS @ TWINS *BANKROLL BUILDER*

Two of the worst teams in baseball with do battle at Target Field Saturday afternoon when the Minnesota Twins host the Cincinnati Reds. 

The Twins have lost eight in a row, but I think they'll end that skid here with Jake Odorizzi (1-2, 4.50 ERA) on the mound. I expect a solid outing here after him surrendering five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out three over 4 2/3 innings against the Yankees his last time out. 

"Tonight's completely on me," Odorizzi said. "I put us behind the eight ball early on and didn't give us a chance to win. These guys deserve better in here, and I'm going to give them better in the future. This was just a crappy outing."

The Cincinnati Reds are just 6-20 on the season and Sal Romano (1-2, 4.78 ERA) is not a pitcher to be trusted. Twins are 8-1 in their last nine interleague home games. Romano was pummeled for five runs over four innings by Boston in his only career interleague start last season.

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

SATURDAY *PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER* (TOTAL)

Liverpool have scored the second most goals in the Premier League this season, but the focus is not on the league anymore. They're likely to rest key pieces and give fringe players time on the field here with a second-leg tie with Roma in the Champions League semi-finals on the schedule next week. 

Stoke are in a tough position, entering Saturday in the relegation zone and they likely need to win each of their remaining three games to avoid relegation. They can't afford to allow Liverpool to score the first goal and chase the game, especially with their own offensive struggles (just 32 goals in 35 games in EPL this season).

8* play on Stoke @ Liverpool to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED THUNDER @ JAZZ *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Utah Jazz failed to close out the series on Wednesday as the OKC Thunder managed to come back from a 25 point deficit less than four minutes into the third quarter to win 107-99. The Jazz are still holding a 3-2 lead in the series, and I think they'll get the job done home at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday night. The place will be no doubt be rocking, and the Utah crowd has carried the Jazz to 13 and 17 point victories in previous home games in this playoff series.

10* play on Utah Jazz. 

MLB 3-PACK

The LA Dodgers should be well motivated for this game, coming off back-to-back losses to the lowly Miami Marlins. They'll hand the ball to left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu (3-0, 1.99 ERA) who posted a rock solid 1.17 ERA in three outings against the Giants last season. San Francisco turns to Derek Holland (0-3, 4.98 ERA) who surrendered four runs over six frames against the Angels his last time out and is 0-2 with a 6.30 ERA in two career starts against the Dodgers. 

Dodgers are 16-4 in Ryu's last 20 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.

8* play on LA Dodgers. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NHL *POWER PLAY*

The Nashville Predators finished 3-1-1 against the Jets in the regular season and they had one of the best home records in the league.

The Jets are in the postseason for the first time since 2014-15 and just the second time since their move from Atlanta while the Preds will be looking to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals for a second straight season. 

Nashville has won four of the last five meetings at Bridgestone Arena, and I expect the playoff-proven Preds to come through in front of a fanatic home town crowd Friday night. 

8* play on Nashville Predators. 

CAVS @ PACERS *MONEYLINE MASSACRE*

The Indiana Pacers were in command of this playoff series after three games, but the Cavs have bounced back with two close victories to take a 3-2 lead in the series. I like the Pacers to stay alive and force a Game 7 with a win home at Bankers Life Fieldhouse Friday night. 

The Pacers were ahead 56-49 at halftime Wednesday night, but lost as Lebron James drilled a 3-pointer to win it at the buzzer. "The series ain't over," Pacers' leading scorer Victor Oladipo said. "You got to win four games, right? We still got a game on Friday. I don't think anyone is discouraged or upset. It sucks we lose. But we can give ourselves a chance to come back (to Cleveland) for Game 7."

Cavaliers are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Pacers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 7-0 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up loss.

8* play on Indiana Pacers. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Texas Rangers will visit the Toronto Blue Jays for the opener of a three-game series Friday night, and I think runs will come at a premium for both sides in this contest. 

Texas hands the ball to Mike Minor (1-1, 3.86 ERA) who has allowed two or fewer runs in three of his four starts. The left-hander is 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA in five career games (three starts) against the Blue Jays. 

Toronto hands the ball to Marcus Stroman (0-2, 8.55 ERA) who was late beginning spring training because of inflammation in his shoulder and is still trying to find his form. He owns a 6.89 ERA in three lifetime starts against the Rangers, but Texas has really struggled to score runs lately. 

I like the visitors to cover the runline in a low-scoring game. 

8* play on Texas Rangers +1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Texas Rangers will visit the Toronto Blue Jays for the opener of a three-game series Friday night, and I think runs will come at a premium for both sides in this contest. 

Texas hands the ball to Mike Minor (1-1, 3.86 ERA) who has allowed two or fewer runs in three of his four starts. The left-hander is 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA in five career games (three starts) against the Blue Jays. 

Toronto hands the ball to Marcus Stroman (0-2, 8.55 ERA) who was late beginning spring training because of inflammation in his shoulder and is still trying to find his form. He owns a 6.89 ERA in three lifetime starts against the Rangers, but Texas has really struggled to score runs lately. 

I like the visitors to cover the runline in a low-scoring game. 

8* play on TEX @ TOR to go UNDER the total. 

EARLY BREWERS @ CUBS *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The Milwaukee Brewers had won eight straight before taking a 1-0 loss here at Wrigley Field on Thursday. I think they'll keep it close again here against the underachieving Cubs who will send the struggling Yu Darvish (0-2, 6.86 ERA) to the mound. Darvish has been hit hard since joining the Cubs and has allowed at least four earned runs and has failed to get out of the fifth inning in three of his four starts. The right-hander is 0-1 with a 3.27 ERA in two career starts against the Brew Crew who turn to 28 year old southpaw Brent Suter (1-2, 5.68 ERA). Suter is 1-1 in seven career outings (three starts) against the Cubs who are 5-11 in their last 16 games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

TOP RATED CELTICS @ BUCKS *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Boston Celtics took a 3-2 series lead with a 92-87 win two nights ago, and I think they'll finish the job and advance to the Conference Semifinals with a win at Milwaukee Thursday night. 

The Celtics are getting healthier and had guard Marcus Smart back on the floor after missing the last six weeks with a thumb injury. Smart only scored nine points in 25 minutes of work but was a force on the defensive end; there's no coincidence that Bucks' superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was limited to 16 points and just 10 shot attempts on the night.

"You can look at stat sheets all you want; with Marcus it just doesn’t tell the story," Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "It's his energy, it's his emotion, it's little plays that turn out to be game-changing plays. Those are huge plays. And we have other guys that are making them when he hasn't been here, but he makes them every night. He makes them every night that he plays."

Either team have yet to win on the road in this series, but the Bucks won by just two points the last game here at BMO Harris Bradley Center and we can note that they're 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

TOP RATED PENS @ CAPS BEST BET

The Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins will do battle in the opener of their Eastern Conference semifinal series Thursday night. The Pens have owned their Metropolitan Division rival in the postseason in recent years, but I like Washington to claim this game. 

History doesn't seem to scare the Caps; "There's not a person in our locker room or on our coaching staff that doesn't want to play the Penguins," Washington coach Barry Trotz said. "It's probably fitting. We're actually quite excited about it. They're two good teams. They always have been, and you get another match. It's all good."

Note that Pittsburgh will be without two key players tonight. Center Evgeni Malkin (who led Pittsburgh in scoring in the regular season) and Carl Hagelin have both been ruled out for this contest because of unspecified injuries. 

10* play on Washington Capitals. 

MLB 3-PACK

The New York Mets won the opener of this three-game series 6-5 but took a 9-1 beating on Wednesday. They're 12-2 in their last 14 when their opponent allows two runs or fewer in their previous game, 6-0 in their last six after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game and 7-1 in their last eight games following a loss.

Noah Syndergaard (2-0, 3.29 ERA) defeated the Cardinals and Carlos Martinez (2-1, 1.42 ERA) on March 29 despite giving up four runs in six innings. Martinez was tagged with five runs (four earned) in 4 1/3 innings and walked six and he gave up five runs on seven hits in five frames against the Mets last year. 

Martinez is coming off back-to-back scoreless outings, but both came against Cincinnati, and we can note that he has walked 17 through 31 2/3 innings of work on the season. 

The Mets have won each of Syndergaard's five starts on the season, and that's a trend likely to continue here. 

8* play on NY Mets. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Philadelphia Phillies snapped an eight-game home losing streak to the Diamondbacks with a 5-3 win yesterday. They're 5-1 in their last six games and hand the ball to right-hander Ben Lively (0-1, 4.64 ERA) who's coming off his best start of 2018. Lively gave up only one run as he worked around five hits and three walks in a six-inning outing against the Pirates on Friday.

The D'Backs turn to Matt Koch (0-0, 1.13 ERA) who has made just 10 appearances and three starts in his major league career. He held the Padres to one run through six innings in his lone start here in 2017 but the Phillies bats are something else. They've averaged 5.92 rpg home at Citizens Bank Park and are 6-0 in their last six home games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Pittsburgh Pirates will host the Detroit Tigers in the rubber march of a three-game series Thursday night, and think there's great value on backing the visitors in this matchup. 

Detroit's Michael Fulmer (1-2, 3.47 ERA) held the Pirates to one run and four hits over eight innings earlier this month and limited the Royals to two runs and eight hits over seven innings his last time out. The Pirates turn to Ivan Nova (2-1, 4.20 ERA) who is 0-3 with a 6.56 ERA in seven games (six starts) against the Tigers.

Tigers are 12-2 in Fulmers last 14 starts during Game 3 of a series. Pirates are 1-4 in Novas last five starts during Game 3 of a series.

8* play on Detroit Tigers. 

TOP RATED MLB *BIG HITTER*

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed the opener of this three-game series  with a 10th-inning homer by Curtis Granderson last night. 

I like the Red Sox to bounce back here with Eduardo Rodriguez (2-0, 3.45 ERA) on the mound. Rodriguez held the Angels to a pair of runs throgh six innings of an 8-2 triumph his last time out, and Boston has won each of his three starts on the season. The left-hander recorded 18 strikouts in 12 1/3 innings against Toronto in 2017 and has the current Jays limited to a .221 AVG over 104 at bats. 

The Blue Jays turn to Aaron Sanchez (1-2, 3.86 ERA). They've lost three of his four starts and the right-hander has struggled with his command, entering this game with a poor 15/13 K/BB ratio and a 1.44 WHIP. 

10* play on Boston Red Sox. 

TOP RATED 10* WIZARDS @ RAPTORS *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Toronto Raptors, the No. 1 seed in the East, must be extremely disappointed to enter Game 5 of this series with the No. 8 seed Washington Wizards tied at 2-2.

I expect them to really bring it in front of the fired up home-town crowd Wednesday night. 

Both teams have defended their home court so far, and that's a trend likely to continue here; the Wizards are a pathetic 1-9 ATS in their last 10 road games while the Raptors are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five home games.

Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings. 

10* play on Toronto Raptors. 

MLB 3-PACK

The San Francisco Giants came out on top Tuesday night as Mac Williamson's 423-foot homer in the sixth inning earned them a 4-3 victory. I think we'll see another low-scoring affair here on Wednesday, but with the Nats getting revenge this time. 

Washington hands the ball to Max Scherzer (4-1, 1.36 ERA). He is just 3-4 with a 4.17 ERA in eight career starts against San Francisco, but this looks like a good time to improve on those numbers. Scherzer has been exceptional so far this season, allowing just 18 hits while striking out 47 in 33 innings.

The Giants turn to Jeff Samardzija (1-0, 0.00 ERA) who injured a pectoral muscle during spring training on March 21 and made his season debut as late as last Friday. He held the Halos scoreless over five innings but struggled somewhat with his control, issuing four walks, and might need another couple of games until he's at his best. Samardzija is 2-7 with a 4.07 ERA in 16 career appearances (nine starts) against the Nationals. 

The Nats will be desperate for a win here after four straight defeats and sitting on a disappointing 10-14 record for the year. 

8* play on Washington Nationals. 

MLB 3-PACK

The San Francisco Giants came out on top Tuesday night as Mac Williamson's 423-foot homer in the sixth inning earned them a 4-3 victory. I think we'll see another low-scoring affair here on Wednesday, but with the Nats getting revenge this time. 

Washington hands the ball to Max Scherzer (4-1, 1.36 ERA). He is just 3-4 with a 4.17 ERA in eight career starts against San Francisco, but this looks like a good time to improve on those numbers. Scherzer has been exceptional so far this season, allowing just 18 hits while striking out 47 in 33 innings.

The Giants turn to Jeff Samardzija (1-0, 0.00 ERA) who injured a pectoral muscle during spring training on March 21 and made his season debut as late as last Friday. He held the Halos scoreless over five innings but struggled somewhat with his control, issuing four walks, and might need another couple of games until he's at his best. Samardzija is 2-7 with a 4.07 ERA in 16 career appearances (nine starts) against the Nationals. 

The Nats will be desperate for a win here after four straight defeats and sitting on a disappointing 10-14 record for the year. 

8* play on WAS @ SF to go UNDER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros played a high-scoring affair Tuesday which ended with an 8-7 Halos victory. I find it highly unlikely that we'll see even close to as many runs scored today. 

Justin Verlander (3-0, 1.10 ERA) takes the ball for Houston. He is 8-8 with a 3.36 ERA in 19 career starts against the Angels and recorded his third scoreless appearance of the season when he held the White Sox to a pair of hits through six shutout innings his last time out. 

Nick Tropeano (1-1, 3.75 ERA) takes the ball for LAA. He has compiled a 3.86 ERA in two career meetings with Houston and should be focused here after getting roughed up by Boston his last time out. 

Under is 23-10-3 in Astros last 36 when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game and 7-2 in Astros last nine home games.

8* play on LAA @ HOU to go UNDER the total. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Spurs just delayed the inevitable when they stayed alive with a 103-90 win home at San Antonio in Game 4 on Sunday. It was the perfect storm with Spurs hitting 15-of-28 from 3-point range and the Warriors turning the ball over 18 times (seven turnovers in the game's first 5 1/2 minutes). 

That loss can't sit right with the Warriors who are still holding a 3-1 lead in the series and will be looking to the Western Conference semifinals where the Pelicans are already waiting. "Lack of focus to start the game was really the key," Warriors coach Steve Kerr noted. "More than energy, it was a sense of purpose. And I take a lot of the blame for that. I should know better as a coach of a team that's been up 3-0 plenty times -- you gotta know you're going into the lion's den ..." 

Kerr won't make the same mistake twice, and we can note that for the third game in a row, the Spurs will be coached Tuesday by assistant Ettore Messina, with Gregg  Popovich having left the team after the death of his wife last week. Massive coaching advantage GS. 

The Warriors won the first three matchups of the series by an average of 16.3 ppg, and I expect a BLOWOUT win for GS home at Oracle Arena Tuesday night.

10* NBA Game of the Week: Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED BALLPARK BLOWOUT (ESPN TELEVISED)

The San Francisco Giants won the opener of this three-game set 4-2 Monday night. I expect the Nats to tie the series here the Tuesday night with Tanner Roark (1-1, 3.24 ERA) on the mound. Roark has faced the Giants seven times in his career, including four times as a starter. He's never lost, going 6-0 with a 2.02 ERA and that includes a 3-0 record behind a 2.42 ERA in four games (three starts) at AT&T Park.

The Giants hand the ball to Ty Blach (1-3, 4.10 ERA) who has been tagged with six runs (five earned) on 13 hits and four walks through 11 innings in his last two starts combined. He's coming off back-to-back losses of 5-1 at San Diego and 3-1 at Arizona and the left-hander has never faced the Nationals in his career.

Nationals are 16-6 in their last 22 Tuesday games. Giants are 2-7 in their last nine Tuesday games. Nationals are 6-2 in the last eight meetings.

10* play on Washington Nationals. 

ANGELS @ ASTROS *TOTAL TRASHER*

The Los Angeles Angels shut out the Houston Astros in a 2-0 victory Monday night. Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings overall and 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Houston. Odds are we'll see another low-scoring contest Tuesday night. 

Houston hands the ball to Charlie Morton (3-0, 0.72 ERA) who blanked Seattle his last time out and has allowed just two earned runs on 16 hits and six walks through 25 innings this season. He has a 3.14 ERA in five career starts against the Angels who turn to rookie right-hander Shohei Ohtani (2-1, 3.60 ERA) who had been terrific in his first two big league starts before leaving his last outing after only two innings due to blister problems. 

Under is 5-1 in Astros last six after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game. Under is 7-2 in Morton's last nine starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

8* play on LAA @ HOU to go UNDER the total. 

MLB *DOG OF THE DAY*

The Minnesota Twins took a 14-1 beating in the Bronx last night, but I think they'll do much better tonight with Jose Berrios (2-1, 1.63 ERA) on the mound. Berrios has been excellent this year and is 1-1 with a respectable 3.60 ERA in two career starts against the Yankees who turn to CC Sabathia (0-0, 2.70 ERA). The 37-year-old veteran will be making his second start since returning from a hip injury and has completed five frames just once in his first three outings this season. Twins are 5-1 in their last six games vs. a left-handed starter and 5-2 in their last seven after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game.

8* play on Minnesota Twins. 

TOP RATED 10* THUNDER @ JAZZ TNT BLOWOUT

The Utah Jazz coasted to 115-102 triumph on Saturday to take a 2-1 series lead in the series. The Thunder now need a victory here in Game 4 to avoid going back to Oklahoma City facing an elimination game on Wednesday, but they're just 2-5 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and I think Utah will roll to another relatively comfortable victory here Monday night. 

The Jazz might not have talented players like Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony, but they make up for it with arguably the best defense in the league and as a bonus Ricky Rubio went off for 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 3. 

Throughout the series, Utah has outscored the Thunder 140-108 in the paint and also owns a 37-25 advantage in offensive rebounds plus a 49-36 edge in second-chance points.

OKC is likely to come out with purpose and determination, but so will the home team and I expect Utah to prove to be too strong again. 

10* play on Utah Jazz. 

MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The Houston Astros look like solid home favorite when they host the Los Angeles Angels Monday night. 

Tyler Skaggs (2-1, 3.98 ERA) will take the ball for the Halos. He was tagged with six runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings by the Red Sox on Wednesday. Skaggs posted a 4.24 ERA in three starts against Houston last season. Jose Altuve is 5-for-15 with a pair of walks against the left-hander. 

The Astros turn to Gerrit Cole (2-0, 0.96 ERA) who is off to a phenomenal start to the year with just four runs allowed and 41 strikeouts over 28 innings of work through his four starts. He has the current Angels roster limited to a .160 AVG over 75 at bats. 

Houston owns the longest winning streak in the American League at six straight games (outscoring opponents 47-6 in the process). The Halos on the other hand are trending in the opposite direction, losing five of six on the just-completed homestand after a fast start to the season.

8* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs face elimination Monday night as the Boston Bruins take a 3-2 series lead into Game 6 at Toronto's Air Canada Centre. We can however note that the Bruins are just 1-5 in their last six road games while the Leafs are 5-1 in their last six home games vs. a team with a winning road record, and I think Toronto will live to fight another day. 

The Maple Leafs will be strengthened by their 4-3 at Boston Saturday night and they've won five of the last six meetings at home. Excellent price on the desperate Leafs here, making it well worth to up the stake. 

10* NHL Game of the Week: Toronto Maple Leafs. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*

The Atlanta Braves are off to their best start in four years as they enter this four-game series with a respectable 12-8 record. The Cincinnati Reds on the other hand are just 3-18 on the season and have lost seven of eight home at Great American Ball Park. 

Tonight the Braves hand the ball to Mike Foltynewicz (1-1, 2.53 ERA). The right-hander held Philadelphia to one run on four hits his last time out. He has 26 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings on the season and is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in three career starts against the Reds who turn to Sal Romano (0-2, 5.75 ERA). Romano has served up four homers and walked 11 in 20 1/3 innings of work this season. 

The Reds are hitting only .220 as a team and the team ERA is 5.55, with both numbers ranking in the bottom five in the majors.

10* play on Atlanta Braves. 

LATE NIGHT CAVS @ PACERS TNT BLOWOUT

The Indiana Pacers have all the momentum after battling back from a 17-point deficit to win Game 3 and take a 2-1 lead in the series. The Cavs superstar LeBron James can't do it all on his own and the Pacers should be fired up and determined to not let the home fans down here Sunday night. 

Cavaliers are 12-26-1 ATS in their last 39 games following a straight up loss and 5-14 ATS in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Pacers are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Cavaliers are 3-9-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Indiana. Cavaliers are 5-16-1 ATS in the last 22 meetings.

8* play on Indiana Pacers. 

MLB *REVENGE ROUT*

The Boston Red Sox look primed to bounce back from losing a no-hitter to Oakland lefty Sean Manaea Saturday night. Today they'll face Daniel Mengden (2-2, 4.50 ERA) who didn't see Boston last season but gave up seven runs in 2 2/3 innings against the Red Sox in 2016. David Price (2-1, 2.25 ERA) will take the ball for Boston. He's off to a great start to the season and has the current A's limited to a combined .204 AVG over 54 at bats. 

The Red Sox had been swinging hot bats prior to yesterday's embarrassing defeat, and I'm happy to back the best team in baseball coming off a loss at this price.

8* play on Boston Red Sox. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Golden State Warriors are on a mission; to prove that they don't need Steph Curry to compete with the other elite teams in the NBA. They've cruised to triumphs in each of the first three games in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs, and I expect another easy Warriors win to complete the sweep here in Game 4. 

San Antonio has not been able to match Warriors offense, averaging just 96.7 points in the series, and I don't see why this contest would be any different. "We want to not come back, limit our road travel and expand our time to rest so we can get our best guys healthy, like Steph (Curry), KD and Shaun," shooting guard Klay Thompson told reporters after Game 3. "That’s our motivation."

Warriors are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in San Antonio. Warriors are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings overall.

10* NBA Game of the Week on Golden State Warriors. 

SUPER EARLY MLB *MONEYMAKER*

The Detroit Tigers put a 12-4 beating on Kansas City Saturday to make it five wins in their last six games while the loss was the Royals' 10th in their last 11 games.

Today KC hands the ball to Erik Skoglund (0-2, 9.31 ERA) who will make his third start of the season. He has given up 10 runs on 14 hits while covering a total of 9 2/3 frames in the two previous turns, and here he'll have to try and slow down Miguel Cabrera who is 8-for-16 in his last five games.

Francisco Liriano (2-1, 2.55 ERA) will take the ball for Detroit. He'll make his second start against the Royals for the season, having beaten them with 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball back on April 2. In his last outing Tuesday, he gave up two runs in five innings against Baltimore and was credited with the victory.

Royals are 2-12 in their last 14 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game. Tigers are 5-0 in their last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.

8* play on Detroit Tigers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB)

The Cleveland Indians recorded a 4-0 triumph over Baltimore on Saturday, and I expect another easy win for the Tribe here early Sunday afternoon. 

Corey Kluber (2-1, 1.52 ERA) will take the ball for Cleveland. He has surrendered only five earned run through his first four starts of the season, while fanning 33 through his 29 2/3 innings of work. Kluber struck out 11 during a three-hit shutout against Baltimore last season.   

The Orioles turn to Andrew Cashner (1-2, 3.00 ERA) who gave up three runs on seven hits and three walks in six innings at Detroit his last time out. Cashner was tagged with five runs in five innings against Cleveland in 2017. 

Baltimore has lost seven of its last eight games, and note that the Orioles are 2-12 in their last 14 during Game 3 of a series while the Indians are 13-3 in their last 16 during Game 3 of a series.

10* Game of the Week on Cleveland Indians -1.5. 

EARLY CELTICS @ BUCKS *ATS ANNIHILATOR*

The Boston Celtics took a day off in Game 3 of this series after winning back-to-back games home at TD Garden. I expect coach Brad Stevens to have his squad fired up for this game after taking a 116-92 loss Friday night. Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss while the Bucks are just 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Celtics are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Milwaukee and 19-6 ATS as an underdog this season. 

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL

We'll see a classic London derby at Emirates on Sunday when Arsenal host West Ham. I don't think we'll be entertained with many goals in this contest.

Arsenal have all their focus on Europa League and might very well rest players for the upcoming game against Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals next week. West Ham have played pretty good defense lately, coming off back-to-back 1-1 draws against Stoke and Chelsea. 

This will be the third meeting of the season, and the previous two matchups saw a total of just one goal scored. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MLB *BASES BLOWOUT*

The Boston Red Sox are without a doubt the best team in baseball at the moment, and I expect them to deliver the goods once again here Saturday night. 

Left-hander Chris Sale (1-0, 1.23 ERA) will take the ball for Boston. Heo has allowed one run or fewer in each of his four starts this season while recording 31 Ks through 22 innings of work. Sale has made 13 career appearances (eight starts) against Oakland with a 2.60 ERA and has the current roster limited to a .224 AVG over 58 at bats. 

Oakland turns to Sean Manaea (2-2, 1.63 ERA) who is off to a fast start this season, but note that the souhtpaw was lit up for seven runs in 3 ⅔ innings of work here at Fenway Park last season. Current Red Sox are batting a combined .392 against him.

Red Sox are 6-2 in their last 8 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Athletics are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on Boston Red Sox. 

SATURDAY NBA TOTAL OF THE DAY

The Portland Trail Blazers are at risk of an early exit from the NBA playoffs when they enter Smoothie King Center Saturday afternoon. They've scored an average of just 99.7 ppg through the first three defeats, and I don't think points will come easy today either. 

Betting Portland games to go under the total has been a winning recipe all season long and note that the under is 6-1 in Trail Blazers last seven vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 9-3-1 in Pelicans last 13 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and I expect to see solid and aggressive defense from both teams in this contest. 

8* play on POR @ NO to go UNDER the total. 

MLB *CA$H COW*

The Philadelphia Phillies have been on a roll lately and won for the 9th time in 11 games when they defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 last night. 

The Phillies now are 7-1 at home this season, the second-best home record in the major leagues, and I think they'll improve on the record here with Aaron Nola (1-1, 2.22 ERA) on the mound. Nola is off to a great start to the season and has yet to allow more than two runs in any of his starts. He has a 1-2 career record despite a 3.50 ERA versus the Pirates and this looks like a good spot to get a W under his belt. 

The Pirates turn to Steven Brault (2-1, 4.74 ERA) who is 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA against the Phillies after one start against them. Brault was tagged with five runs in six innings of a 6-2 loss against Colorado his last time out and has a poor 11/9 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 19 innings of work on the season. 

Phillies are 11-1 in their last 12 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies. 

SATURDAY NBA *MONEYLINE MASSACRE*

The Miami Heat will virtually fight for their postseason life when hosting the 76ers Saturday afternoon, desperate to avoid traveling to Philadelphia in a 3-1 hole in the series. 

I think they're in big trouble though with this talented Philly team getting even stronger with the return of Joel Embiid. Playing for the first time since March 28, Embiid had 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in 30 minutes in the Sixers' 128-108 Game 3 win over the Miami Heat. 

76ers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and I like Philly to win here and advance to the next round. 

8* play on Philadelphia 76ers. 

MLB *DAYTIME DESTROYER* (SUPER EARLY)

The Toronto Blue Jays look like great value when they visit the New York Yankees in the Bronx Saturday afternoon. They've won eight of their last 10 games following an 8-5 win here at Yankee Stadium on Friday.

Today Toronto hands the ball to Marcus Stroman (0-1, 7.98 ERA) who has allowed at least four runs in three consecutive outings, but I think he'll turn things around here. We can note that he began the season by striking out eight in a no-decision against the Yankees on April 1, a contest the Jays won 7-4.

Stroman is 6-4 with a 3.45 ERA in 14 career starts against the Yankees who turn to Jordan Montgomery (1-0, 4.70 ERA). The left-hander has allowed a total of 15 hits in 10 1/3 innings in his last two starts and I expect the red hot Jays to give him plenty of trouble.  

8* play on Toronto Blue Jays. 

PREMIER LEAGUE *PUNISHER*

Write up posted shortly

5* play on Liverpool. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NBA)

The Boston Celtics made the most of their homecourt advantage to the first couple of games of this series after escaping with a 113-107 overtime triumph in Game 1 and following up with a 120-106 win in Game 2 Tuesday night. 

They're an underdog at Milwaukee Friday night, but I would not be surprised to see the Celtics win this one outright. They're extremely well coached under Brad Stevens and can adjust to whatever Milwaukee tries to do.  

Boston is 19-5 ATS as an underdog this season, and this is a lot of points to get in what should be a close game.

10* GAME OF THE YEAR on Boston Celtics. 

MLB *DAYTIME DESTROYER*

The Detroit Tigers are coming off a three-game sweep of Baltimore and outscored their opponent 23-15 in the series. 

Today the Tigers hand the ball to Michael Fulmer (1-2, 3.86 ERA) who is 2-4 with a solid 3.33 ERA in seven career starts against Kansas City. He should be fired up for this one coming off one of the worst outings of his career, a three-inning stint at Cleveland in which he gave up nine runs (six earned). 

The Royals turn to Jakob Junis (2-1, 1.93 ERA) who held the Tigers scoreless through seven innings on April 3, but note that he posted a 6.75 ERA against them last season. He served up three homers through 4 2/3 innings against LAA his last turn and is unlikely to get much back up from a bullpen which has posted a combined 0-5 record and a 7.94 ERA.

The Royals are just 3-13 on the season with a .237 team batting average. Detroit is looking to build momentum and should prove well worth the price. 

8* play on Detroit Tigers.