10* MLB Moneyline Game of the Week

The Rays won the opener of this series 6-2, and I like them to win here again in Game 2. The Rays are averaging 7.23 R/9 against left-handers and they are 22-6 in their last 28 games vs. a left-handed starter. This is a price on the best team in baseball. 

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

Mike's MLB Moneyline Moneymaker

Miami left-hander Braxton Garrett has posted an ERA of 2.29 over 35 1/3 innings on the road this season. The Marlins have won four of his last five starts. The Nats are 0-5 in Jake Irvin's last five starts and Irvin is 0-2 with a 7.32 ERA at home this season. 

8* PLAY ON MIAMI MARLINS. 

Mike's Super Late MLB Moneyline Moneymaker

Seattle rookie righty-hander Bryan Woo gave up six runs over only two innings in his MLB debut. His second outing was better, with two runs allowed over 4 2/3 innings of a 6-2 Seattle win at the LA Angels. Now Woo gets to make his home debut, and against a White Sox team that is only 13-22 on the road. 

8* PLAY ON SEATTLE MARINERS. 

Mike's 10* MLB Total Top Play of the Day

The Guardians are 40-25-3 to the under for the season and Triston McKenzie is due for a great outing after giving up seven runs to Houston in his last start.

McKenzie posted an ERA of 2.96 over 30 starts last year, so he's definitely a lot better than his last outing. Arizona hands the ball to Zac Gallen who has posted an ERA of 0.96 over 47 innings at home this season. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

Mike's MLB Runline Ripper

The Nats are 21-9 against the runline as road underdogs this season. The Astros are 14-18 against the runline as home favorites.  

MacKenzie Gore (3-5, 4.04 ERA) has been one of the Nats more reliable starters and they are 5-1 against the runline on the road with Gore as the starter. 

8* PLAY ON WASHINGTON NATIONALS +1.5. 

Mike's MLB Runline Reaper

The Braves are 11-24 against the runline as home favorites. The Rockies are 18-17 against the runline as road underdogs. 

The Braves will start rookie right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver who pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs, both unearned, in his debut against the Washington Nationals on Friday. That was a solid outing, but he's still untested and I expect the Rockies to keep this close. 

8* PLAY ON COLORADO ROCKIES +1.5. 

Mike's Super Early 10* MLB Top Play of the Day

This looks like a good spot to back the Orioles to bounce back from a 3-1 loss to Toronto.

Blue Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi is 3-1 on the road despite a not-so-pretty 5.00 ERA. He's been getting a lot of run support, but that's unlikely to happen here as Orioles starter Tyler Wells has pitched very well lately, coming into this game 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA over his last three starts.

Wells is 3-2 with a 2.49 ERA at home this season. Baltimore is 8-3 in his 11 starts this season. 

10* PLAY ON BALTIMORE ORIOLES. 

Mike's Super Late MLB Runline Ripper

The Dodgers are coming off a comfortable 5-1 win over the White Sox and here they'll hand the ball to Clayton Kershaw who is 4-1 with an ERA of 1.45 at home this season. The White Sox counter with Mike Clevinger who is 2-3 with a 5.45 ERA away from home this year. 

The Dodgers are 21-9 SU and 18-12 against the runline as home favorites. They are 6-3 SU and against the runline laying -200 or more. 

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS -1.5. 

Mike's MLB Moneyline Moneymaker

The Diamondbacks are 21-14 at home while Philly is 13-23 on the road. Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly is having a great year. The D'backs have won each of his last five starts and they are 8-2 in his last 10 starts. Kelly has an ERA of 1.98 and 9 strikeouts in 2 starts against the Phillies in his career.

8* PLAY ON ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS. 

Mike's 10* MLB Total Top Play of the Day

The Rangers are averaging an MLB-best 6.33 runs R/9 on the season, and that number goes up to 7.08 R/9 against left-handers. Angels southpaw Reid Detmers has an ERA of 5.40 in 6 starts against the Rangers in his career.

The Angels' bats are hot, having scored 9, 9 and 7 runs over their last three games and Texas left-hander Andrew Heaney has posted an ERA of 5.67 over 33 1/3 innings at home this season. 

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

Mike's Super Late MLB *RUNLINE REAPER*

The White Sox are 0-9 SU and 3-6 against the runline road underdogs of +130 or more and Lance Lynn has posted an ERA of 8.40 over his last three starts. 

The Dodgers are 20-9 SU and 17-12 against the runline as home favorites. right-hander Tony Gonsolin (3-1, 2.21 ERA) is having another solid season and the Dodgers have won his three home starts this season 13-4, 4-0 and 9-3. 

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS -1.5. 

Mike's MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*

Cubs righty Jameson Taillon is 1-4 with a 7.02 ERA for the season. Taillon is 0-2 with an 8.27 ERA in four home starts, and here he'll face a Pittsburgh team that knows him very well.

The 34-30 Pirates are arguably a better team than the 28-37 Cubs and I think they can keep this close, if not win outright. 

8* PLAY ON PITTSBURGH PIRATES +1.5. 

Mike's Yankees/Mets MLB Total *BOOKIE BU$TER*

The Yankees have averaged only 3.10 runs per game over their last 10 games and here they'll face Max Scherzer who has posted an ERA of 0.50 over 18 innings home at Citi Field. Yankees righty Luis Severino has not had a great start to the year but he owns a 2.75 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Mets.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

Mike's 10* MLB Moneyline Play of the Day

Chris Bassitt is 3-0 with an ERA of 2.36 and 27 strikeouts in 4 starts versus the Orioles in his career. 

Dean Kremer has a record of 1-2 with an ERA of 5.50 in 7 starts versus the Blue Jays in his career.

Revenge game for the Jays after getting swept through a three-game series when they hosted Baltimore back in May. Bassitt did not pitch in that series and I think his dominance of the Orioles continue here. 

10* PLAY ON TORONTO BLUE JAYS. 

Mike's 10* MLB Top Play of the Day

The Diamondbacks rallied late to beat the Tigers 7-5 on Sunday. They are now riding a five-game winning streak and I like the price we get on them as a home favorite against Philadelphia Monday night. 

The Phillies are averaging only 3.35 runs per nine innings against left-handers and Arizona southpaw Tommy Henry has posted an ERA of 2.49 over 25 1/3 innings at home on the season. Phillies are 4-10 in their last 14 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Phillies are only 13-22 on the road overall this year and tonight's starter Matt Strahm is expected to pitch only one or two innings, as he's done most season. The Phillies bullpen has posted an ERA of 4.09 over the season, which ranks 19th in the major leagues. 

Diamondbacks are 7-0 in their last 7 Monday games. Diamondbacks are 7-0 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Diamondbacks are 6-2 in their last 8 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Phillies are 1-7 in the last 8 meetings in Arizona.

10* PLAY ON ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS. 

Mike's 10* NBA Finals GAME OF THE YEAR

So at first glance, this looks like a lot of points, but keep in mind that in the Nuggets' wins in this series, they covered the spread comfortably each time. 

They just won the two games in Miami by 15 and 13 points respectively, and now have the Heat on the ropes. Miami has overachieved throughout the playoffs, but is now finally getting exposed by a much better and laser-focused Denver team.

I expect the Nuggets to take this one by double-digits. 

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

Mike's Early 10* MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

Texas left-hander Martin Perez has been inconsistent lately, and he has struggled on the road all season where he has a 5.53 ERA. Perez is 2-1 with an ERA of 5.06 in four starts versus the Rays since 2021. Rays are 21-6 in their last 27 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan is 4-0 with an ERA of 1.22 at home. 

The Rays are 19-2 SU and 14-7 against the runline as home favorites of -170 or more. 

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS -1.5. 

Mike's Super Early MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The Diamondbacks are 8-4 SU and against the runline as road favorites. Arizona is 15-8 SU and against the runline in day games.  

Arizona right-hander Zac Gallen is 7-2 with a 2.75 ERA for the season, and while his ERA bloats up on the road, here he'll face a Detroit team that is on an eight-game losing streak. 

Detroit left-hander Joey Wentz is 1-6 with an ERA of 7.49 for the season and 0-3 with an ERA of 9.41 in day starts this season.

8* PLAY ON ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS -1.5. 

10* NHL FINALS GAME OF THE YEAR

Florida will be looking to tie the series following a 3-2 OT win against Vegas a couple of nights ago. It felt like Vegas was in control for most of the game though. The Knights have a clear edge in this matchup IMO and off a loss, this looks like a perfect spot bet. 

10* PLAY ON VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS. 

10* MLB GAME OF THE MONTH

Boston won the series opener 3-2 Friday night, but they're only 2-5 in their last five games. 

Boston right-hander Tenner Houcke is 0-2 with an ERA of 5.40 in his last three starts. Houcke allowed three runs on six hits in 3 1/3 innings in one start against the Yankees last year. 

Yankees righty Domingo German is 1-0 with a 2.81 ERA in his last three starts. German posted an ERA of 3.27 over 11 innings in two starts against the Red Sox last year. 

On the season, the Yankees are 17-10 coming off a loss, 15-6 if they're facing the same opponent they just just to. 

10* PLAY ON NEW YORK YANKEES. 

10* Nuggets/Heat NBA TOP PLAY of the Day

After losing Game 2 at home, the Nuggets took command of the series again with an impressive 109-94 win here in Miami in Game 3. If the Nuggets stay focused, I don't see them letting Miami back in the series again. 

Heat are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Heat are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home. Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Miami.

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

10* MLB TOTAL OF THE MONTH

The Reds got shut out in a 6-0 loss to the Dodgers yesterday.

Here they'll face Cards left-hander Jordan Montgomery who has allowed only three earned run over 10 2/3 innings in his last two starts.

As for the Cardinals bats, they've been cold for a while. They've averaged only 2.40 runs per game through their last 10 games and Reds righty Ben Lively has posted a solid ERA of 3.03 through his first six outings (four starts) of the season. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

Mike's MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*

The Orioles are averaging 5.95 runs per nine innings against left-handers and KC southpaw Daniel Lynch has allowed seven runs (five earned) through his 10 1/3 innings on the mound this season. Lynch has a record of 0-2 with an ERA of 6.00 in two starts (both last year) against the Orioles in his career. Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells has an ERA of 2.45 over 36 2/3 innings at home this year. 

8* PLAY ON BALTIMORE ORIOLES -1.5. 

Mike's MLB *RUNLINE REAPER*

The Rays are 29-6 SU at home, but a less impressive 19-14 against the runline as home favorites.

The Rangers are 10-4 against the runline as road underdogs.

Rangers left-hander Andrew Heany has an ERA of 2.25 in his last three starts, and he has an ERA of 1.82 over 24 2/3 innings on the road this season. 

8* PLAY ON TEXAS RANGERS +1.5. 

Mike's MLB *MONEYLINE MASSACRE*

Boston left-hander Matt Dermody will make his first appearance of the season and first career start ever. Dermody has pitched only two innings in the majors since 2017. He has gone 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in nine outings (eight starts) for Triple-A Worcester this season. 

Guardians are 5-1 in their last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Boston is slumping with only one win in its last five and three wins in its last 10 games. The Guardians are 3-1 in their last four and 6-4 in their last 10. 

8* PLAY ON CLEVELAND GUARDIANS. 

Mike's Early MLB *RUNLINE RIPPER*

This looks like a good spot to back the Dodgers to end a four-game losing streak. Since the start of last season, the Dodgers are 22-13 against the runline as road favorites of -200 or more. 

Clayton Kershaw is 3-0 with an ERA of 1.44 and 29 strikeouts in 4 starts versus the Reds since the start of the 2019 season.  

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS -1.5. 

Mike's 10* Nuggets/Heat Game 3 NBA *BEST BET*

The teams are coming into Game 3 tied at one apiece. The Nuggets dominated Game 1 of the series, but seemed to take the food of the gas in the following game, allowing Miami to come from behind and record an upset win. The Nuggets will not make the same mistake again. The Heat are a feisty bunch, but I expect a laser-focused Denver team to dominate this game from start to finish. 

Nuggets are 26-10 ATS in the last 36 meetings. Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Miami.

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

Mike's EARLY MLB Moneyline *MONEYMAKER*

The A's are 6-25 SU as road underdogs. Left-hander Hogan Harris (0-0, 6.97 ERA) will make his first career start after three outings, covering 10 1/3 innings, as a reliever. The Pirates are 11-4 in their last 15 games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* PLAY ON PITTSBURGH PIRATES. 

Mike's Late Night MLB *MONEYLINE MASSACRE*

Cubs righty-hander Hayden Wesneski (2-2, 4.81 ERA) has held opponents to one run in four of eight starts, and he has allowed more than three runs in only two starts. His ERA is bloated by getting blown up in two of his starts, but he's been sharp when on his game. 

Angels' left-hander Tyler Anderson (2-1, 5.47 ERA) has posted an ERA of 6.00 over his last three starts. The Angels have lost seven of their last 10 games.

Cubs are 24-9 in their last 33 interleague games vs. a left-handed starter. Cubs are 8-3 in their last 11 road games vs. a left-handed starter. Cubs are 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.

8* PLAY ON CHICAGO CUBS. 

Mike's MLB *MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER*

Baltimore right-hander Kyle Gibson (7-3, 3.89 ERA) has an ERA of 5.67 in seven career starts against Milwaukee, but six of those outings took place prior to 2019 and he last faced them in 2021. Gibson is coming into this game hot, going 3-0 with a 1.83 ERA over 19 2/3 innings through his last three starts. Milwaukee righty-hander Freddy Peralta (5-5, 4.62 ERA) has not been at his best lately, posting a 6.28 ERA over his last three starts. 

8* PLAY ON BALTIMORE ORIOLES. 

10* Runline Game of The Month - Mike's MLB *MAJOR WAGER*

Dodgers righty Tony Gonsolin (3-1, 1.77 ERA) is having another solid season, and he has an ERA of 1.35 over 20 innings of work on hte road. Gonsolin made two starts against the Reds last year, when he held them to two runs on six hits over a total of nine innings. 

Reds righty Luke Weaver is 1-2 with an ERA of 5.36 for the season. Weaver has a 0-3 record with an ERA of 7.06 in five starts versus the Dodgers in his career.

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS -1.5. 

Mike's 10* MLB Moneyline *TOP PLAY* of the Day

The Rangers have won eight of their last 10 overall. They are 18-8 on their home games this season and 15-5 as home favorites. Left-hander Martin Perez (6-1, 4.43 ERA) was lit up at Detroit in his last start, but note that Perez is perfect 3-0 with an ERA of 1.93 in three home starts this season. 

The Cardinals have won only one of their last six games and three of their last 10. Cards righty Adam Wainwright (2-1, 6.15 ERA) has made five starts this year, and did not look particularly sharp in any of them. 

10* PLAY ON TEXAS RANGERS. 

Mike's 10* Heat/Nuggets NBA Total *TOP PLAY*

I expect a better offensive performance from Miami after putting up only 93 points on 41% shooting in Game 1 of the NBA finals. They had only one day rest following their Game 7 win against Boston, but have now had two days to rest and prepare. Expect fresh legs from both sides, leading to high-tempo basketball and effective offenses. 

Over is 4-1 in Heat last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Over is 8-3 in Heat last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 6-1 in Nuggets last 7 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

Mike's 10* MLB Moneyline *BEST BET*

The Braves are 18-10 on the road but here they'll face an Arizona team that is 20-12 at home (13-4 as home favorites). 

Arizona right-hander Zach Gallen (7-2, 2.72 ERA) is 6-0 with a minuscule ERA of 0.66 over 41 innings home at Chase Field and Gallen is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.42 and 12 strikeouts in two starts versus the Braves in his career.

Braves righty Michael Soroka allowed four runs on five hits and two walks over six innings if a 7-2 loss at Oakland last week, in his first start since Aug. 3, 2020. Soroka has been dealing with injuries to his Achilles tendon and might need a couple of games to get back to his best.  

10* PLAY ON ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS. 

Mike's Yankees/Dodgers MLB *MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER*

This looks like like a huge pitching mismatch in favor of the Yankees with Gerrit Cole (6-0, 2.93 ERA) going up against Michael Grove (0-1, 8.44 ERA), but their numbers are somewhat misleading. 

Cole's numbers look very impressive, but he has allowed 11 runs and four home runs over 11 innings in his last two starts. 

Grove has made only four starts and his ERA is bloated by one atrocious outing at Arizona. Grove's last start was on April 20 as he's been on the IL.

At this price, I'll gladly back the Dodgers as they have the talent to bail out any pitcher shortcomings. 

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

Mike's 10* MLB Moneyline *BEST BET*

The Cards have lost each of left-hander Jordan Montgomery's last nine starts and here Montgomery will face a Pittsburgh team that is batting .264 while averaging 5.06 runs per nine innings against left-handers. The Pirates are riding a three-game winning streak after opening this series with a 7-5 win Friday night. 

10* PLAY ON PITTSBURGH PIRATES. 

Mike's **EARLY** MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The White Sox are only 4-4 SU and 3-5 against the runline as favorites with Dylan Cease (3-3, 4.88 ERA) as the starter. Cease is 10-1 with an ERA of 2.09 in 14 starts versus the Tigers in his career, but he gave up four runs over four innings when he faced Detroit back in May. 

The Tigers have won five of Michael Lorenzen's last six starts, and Lorenzen has posted an ERA of 2.45 over his last three starts. Lorenzen has a record of 1-0 with an ERA of 2.19 and 16 strikeouts in four starts versus the White Sox in his career.

8* PLAY ON DETROIT TIGERS +1.5. 

Mike's 10* TGIF MLB Total *BEST BET*

The Cardinals have not scored more than three runs in any of their last seven games, but here they'll face right-hander Roansy Contreras who has posted an ERA of 5.54 home at PNC Park this season.

Contreras has a 4.43 ERA in five career outings (four starts) against the Cardinals.

Both teams had Thursday off, and I expect to see fresh lineups and hot bats.

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S GUARDIANS/TWINS MLB BOOKIE BOMBER

Guardians rookie right-hander Tanner Biebe (1-1, 2.88 ERA) held the Cardinals to one run on two hits over six innings in his last start. Biebe has posted an ERA of 1.83 over his last three starts, with only 11 hits allowed over 19 2/3 innings. 

Minnesota right-hander Pablo Lopez (3-3, 4.11 ERA) has posted a 6.06 ERA over his last three starts, and he has an ERA of 5.46 home at Target Field this season. 

8* PLAY ON CLEVELAND GUARDIANS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The Red Sox are 7-3 in Chris Sale's 10 starts on the season and 4-1 in his last five starts. Sale Sale (5-2, 4.72 ERA) had an 11.25 ERA after his first three starts of the season, but he has found his groove since and was 3-0 with an ERA of 2.42 in four starts last month. 

The Red Sox as a team has been slumping and won only three of their last 10 games to close out May while Cincinnati has been hot, but they have a nice edge on the mound here with Sale against Hunter Greene (1-4, 4.18 ERA). 

8* PLAY ON BOSTON RED SOX. 

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

The Marlins are batting better against left-handers than right-handers and San Diego right-hander Joe Musgrove (2-2, 5.64) is 3-1 with a 2.64 ERA in five career starts against the Marlins. 

Miami left-hander Jesus Luzardo (4-3, 3.67 ERA) is 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA in two starts against the Friars. 

10* PLAY ON SAN DIEGO PADRES. 

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

This looks like a good spot to back the Rays who will be looking to bounce back after opening the week with two losses to the Cubs. They scored only one run across those two games, but here they'll face Cubs left-hander Justin Steele who has posted an ERA of 5.74 over his last three starts.

Steele gave up four runs over 2 2/3 innings when he faced the Rays last year. 

Tampa Bay starter Zach Eflin (7-1, 3.17 ERA) is 2-1 with a 2.27 ERA in five starts against the Cubs. Eflin is perfect 6-0 with an ERA of 2.43 in six day starts this season.

The Cubs are 10-16 in day games in 2023. 

The Rays have cooled off since their red-hot start to the season, but at this price, I'm still more than happy to back one of the best teams in baseball. 

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Angels opened the series with a 6-4 win, and I think their bats will stay hot here against Lucas Gioloto (3-4, 3.98 ERA) who allowed four runs on seven hits over just 3 2/3 innings in his last start. Since the start of the 2021 season, Giolito is 0-1 with an ERA of 4.22 in four starts versus the Angels. 

The Angels counter with left-hander Tyler Anderson (2-0, 4.81 ERA) who has an ERA of 6.52 in two starts versus the White Sox in his career. The White Sox are 5-0 to the over in their last five games. 

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Cardinals are 7-13 SU and 5-15 against the runline as home favorites.

Royals right-hander Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.55 ERA) is 13-7 with a 3.48 ERA in 22 career outings (20 starts) against the Cardinals. Greinke has posted a solid 2.87 ERA in his last three starts. 

8* PLAY ON KANSAS CITY ROYALS +1.5. 

MIKE'S BREWERS/JAYS MLB TOTAL

The Brewers are batting only .206 while averaging 2.68 runs per nine innings against left-handers. 

Blue Jays southpaw Yusei Kikuchi (5-2, 4.56 ERA) has posted an ERA of 3.54 over 20 1/3 innings home at Rogers Centre this season.

The Brewers hand the ball to Adrian Houser (1-0, 2.25 ERA) who has tossed 11 1/3 scoreless innings over his last two starts.  

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S **LATE NIGHT** MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

Both the Mariners and the Yankees are playing good baseball, but I think the value is on the home team here at T-Mobile Park Monday night. 

Seattle rookie right-hander Bryce Miller (3-1, 1.15 ERA) has pitched 12 scoreless innings in two home starts (against Houston and Oakland). Seattle won both games. 

New York's Domingo German (2-3, 3.75 ERA) has an ERA of 4.76 over 17 innings on the road this season. German will be making his first start since May 16 after serving a 10-game suspension. It might take him a couple of innings to find his groove.  

8* PLAY ON SEATTLE MARINERS. 

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

The Celtics forced Game 7 here in Boston with a tip-in just before time expired on Saturday.

One can only imagine how shocked and deflated the Heat must feel after thinking they had their finals ticket booked.

All other games in the series have ended with the winning team running away with the game comfortably, and I don't see any other result here than Boston winning big in front of the home town crowd. 

10* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS. 

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

The Rangers are 5-1 SU and against the runline as road favorites of at least -150. 

Tigers left-hander Matthew Boyd (3-3, 5.74 ERA) is 0-3 with an ERA of 8.64 over 16 2/3 innings home at Comerica Park this season.

The Rangers are averaging 7.32 runs per nine innings against left-handers this season. 

I expect the Rangers to win this one comfortably. 

10* PLAY ON TEXAS RANGER -1.5. 

MIKE'S RANGERS/TIGERS TOTAL

The Rangers are 5-1 SU and against the runline as road favorites of at least -150. 

Tigers left-hander Matthew Boyd (3-3, 5.74 ERA) is 0-3 with an ERA of 8.64 over 16 2/3 innings home at Comerica Park this season.

The Rangers are averaging 7.32 runs per nine innings against left-handers this season. 

I expect the Rangers to win this one comfortably and they might cover the total by themselves. 

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Mariners are 6-8 SU and 5-9 against the runline as home favorites of no more than -160. Left-hander Marco Gonzales has a 4-1 win/loss record for the season but his ERA of 5.68 is far from impressive. 

The Pirates are batting .268 while averaging 5.31 runs per nine innings against left-handers. The Pirates are 8-5 SU and 9-4 against the runline when facing a left-handed starter. 

8* PLAY ON PITTSBURGH PIRATES +1.5. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Cubs left-hander Drew Smyly (5-1, 2.93 ERA) is having a great season. The team has won four of his last five starts and he is 2-0 with an ERA of 2.42 at Wrigley Field for the season. 

Reds right-hander Graham Ashcraft (2-3, 5.57 ERA) is 0-2 with an ERA of 9.777 in his last three starts. 

The Reds' bats have been hot through the first two games of the series, but we should see a focused Cubs team here as they look to avoid getting swept. 

8* PLAY ON CHICAGO CUBS. 

MIKE'S 10* PADRES/YANKEES MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

On the season, the Yankees are perfect 7-0 as home favorites with Gerrit Cole (5-0, 2.53 ERA) on the mound. Cole is 4-2 with a 1.65 ERA in seven career starts against the Padres, and we get him in a bounce back spot after giving up five runs on six hits over five innings against Baltimore in his last start. 

10* PLAY ON NEW YORK YANKEES. 

MIKE'S 10* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

All aboard the Boston Celtics bandwagon! Yes, the Celtics are about as square of a play as it gets, but they are clearly the more talented team and they have all the momentum in this series. Miami overperformed through the first three games of the series but is now choking big time. I do not see the Heat coming back and expect it to be Boston in blowouts from now on, as to be expected when a No. 1 seed faces a No. 8 seed. 

10* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS -2.5. 

MIKE'S 10* DODGERS/RAYS MLB TOTAL OF THE DAY

Clayton Kershaw (6-4, 2.98 ERA) is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.88 and 16 strikeouts in 2 starts against the Rays in his career. This will be Tyler Glasnow's first career start against the Dodgers and first start of the season. Glasnow struck out six batters over six innings of two-hit baseball in his final minor league rehab start at Triple-A Durham on Saturday.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The Nats have won four of Josiah Gray's last six starts. Gray (4-5, 2.65 ERA) is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.89 over his last three starts while Royals righty Brady Singer (3-4, 7.58 ERA) gave up five runs on seven hits and four walks over just 3 2/3 innings in his last start. There might be more exciting games on the board, but I think the Nats offer good value. 

8* PLAY ON WASHINGTON NATIONALS. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The Blue Jays put up 20 runs at Tampa Bay on May 23, but take out that performance and their runs per game average over their last 10 games is mediocre at best. 

Minnesota righty-hander Louie Varland (2-0, 4.18 ERA) has an ERA of 2.92 in two home starts. Toronto right-hander Kevin Gausman (2-3, 3.14 ERA) has allowed only four earned runs over 21 innings through his last four starts. 

Under is 7-0-1 in Blue Jays last 8 Friday games. Under is 6-2 in Twins last 8 games following an off day. Under is 19-9-4 in Twins last 32 during game 1 of a series.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Braves left-hander Jared Shuster (1-2, 5.49 ERA) is coming off his best start of his young career; six innings of one-run ball against Seattle. The Phillie have struggled against left-handers and they are 2-10 in their last 12 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker (3-2, 5.79 ERA) held the Cubs scoreless over 5 1/3 innings in his last start, at home, but he has an ugly ERA of 7.42 on the road this season. Also, while his ERA in day starts is very respectable, he has an ERA of 7.99 in his night games. 

8* PLAY ON ATLANTA BRAVES. 

MIKE'S HEAT/CELTICS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

Game 4 landed on 215 points and went under the total by a bucket following three straight overs to start the series.

The Celtics finally showed up and did their part by putting up 116 points while Miami sputtered in the second half. I tbink we'll see a high-scoring game here at TD Garden as the Celtics look to build on the momentum of Tuesday's win. 

Over is 10-1 in Heat's last 11 road games. Over is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 home games. Over is 11-4 in Celtics last 15 overall. Over is 22-8 in Heat last 30 overall.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Padres are only 10-12 on the road and 4-5 against the runline as road favorites. Left-hander Blake Snell (1-6, 5.40 ERA) is having a disappointing year, and he gave up six runs over just four innings in a 6-1 loss to Boston in his last start.

The Nats ae batting .293 while averaging a healthy 5.21 runs per nine innings against left-handers. 

8* PLAY ON WASHINGTON NATIONALS +1½. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB MONEYLINE TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

I think the Rays should be bigger home favorites here with Zach Eflin (6-1, 3.45 ERA) on the mound.

Sure, Eflin has an ugly ERA of 8.16 in three career starts against Toronto, but those took place in 2016, 2018 and 2020 respectively.

Eflin is 5-0 with an ERA of 2.70 in five day starts this season while Toronto right-hander Alek Manoah (1-4, 5.15 ERA) is 0-1 with an ERA of 6.10 in four day starts. 

The Rays have a 15-6 team record in day games.

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Cardinals are 2-7 in left-hander Steven Matz nine starts for the season.

Matz (0-5, 5.05 ERA) is coming off 4 2/3 scoreless innings against the Dodgers, but it's worth noting that Cincinnati hits left-handers better than right-handers and they are 8-0 in their last 8 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Cincy right-hander Ben Lively (1-2, 2.45 ERA) has allowed only three runs on seven hits and one walk over 11 innings for a WHIP of 0.73. 

The Cardinals bats have been hot of late, but I think the value is on the Reds to cover the runline. 

8* PLAY ON CINCINNATI REDS +1½. 

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

Rockies left-hander Austin Gomber (3-4, 6.70 ERA) is 1-2 with an ERA of 8.75 home at Coors Field on the season. Miami is batting .285 while averaging 4.67 runs per nine innings against left-handers, more than a run higher than their 3.52 R/9 average overall. 

Miami rookie right-hander Eury Perez (1-0, 2.79 ERA) has allowed only three runs on seven hits and three walks over 9 2/3 innings in his first two big league starts. 

The Marlins are 11-7 as favorites. The Rockies are 16-22 as underdogs. 

10* PLAY ON MIAMI MARLINS. 

MIKE'S CELTICS/HEAT NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Heat have put up 123, 111, and 128 points through the first three games of the series. The Celtics will need to put up similar numbers to get back in the series, and I don't think they're ready to pack it in just yet. 

This is not my strongest look the playoffs by any means, but I still think there's decent value on the over. 

Over is 11-3 in Celtics last 14 overall. Over is 22-7 in Heat last 29 overall.

8* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S 10* NUGGETS/LAKERS NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

Through the first three games of the series, the Nuggets have made it clear that if they show up, they don't lose.

The only way I see the Lakers winning here is if the Nuggets decide to take the night off to close out the series at home instead. So my reasoning is that if they lose, they won't cover the spread, and if they show up, they'll win outright. Therefore, I think we're getting better value on the moneyline than the point spread. 

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Cardinals are perfect 3-0 SU and against the runline as road favorites of at least -150.

They've been playing their best baseball of the season lately with an 8-2 record while averaging 7.60 runs game over their last 10 games.

The Reds on the other hand are slumping, coming into the week 1-6 in their last seven games and they've averaged only 3.20 runs per game over their last five games.

Reds southpaw Brandon Williamson held the Rockies to one run on two hits over 5 2/3 innings in his MLB debut on May 15, but I think he'll get lit up here. 

8* PLAY ON ST. LOUIS CARDINALS -1½. 

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

This looks like a good spot to fade the Pirates who are 3-7 in their last 10 games. Right-hander Luis Ortiz (0-2, 6.53 ERA) has only six big league starts under his belt and he has allowed seven runs (five earned) on 14 hits and five walks over just eight innings this year. 

The Rangers counter with Dane Dunning (4-0, 1.69 ERA) who has been solid since moving from the bullpen to the rotation. Dunning is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.59 and 12 strikeouts over 17 innings in three starts this season.

The Rangers are 7-3 in their last 10 games, and they've averaged 8.60 runs over their last five games and 7.00 runs over their last 10 games. 

10* PLAY ON TEXAS RANGERS. 

10* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK - CELTICS/HEAT G3 BEST BET

Both of the first two games of this series went over the total (and this line), and the Heat are 10-5 to the over for the season. Over is 10-2 in Celtics' last 12 road games and I think they'll really push the tempo here as they're desperate for a win. Additionally, the over is 10-2 in Heat's last 12 home games.

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

10* MLB TOTAL OF THE MONTH - ORIOLES/JAYS BEST BET

The Orioles have scored six runs in each of the first two games of this series and they've averaged 5.40 runs per nine innings over their last five games. 

The Blue Jays bats have been cold, but they put up five runs yesterday and here they'll face Dean Kremer (5-1, 4.94 ERA) who has posted an ERA of 9.68 over 13 innings of work in his day starts this year. Kremer is 1-2 with an ERA of 6.21 in 6 starts versus the Blue Jays in his career.

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Washington right-hander Josiah Gray has an unimpressive 3-5 win/loss record despite a respectable ERA of 2.73. He should get a decent amount of run support here though as Detroit hands the ball to left-hander Joey Wentz (1-3, 6.38 ERA) who is 0-2 with a 9.19 ERA in his four day stay starts this year. Additionally, the Nats are batting .286 while averaging 4.94 runs per nine innings against southpaws. 

8* PLAY ON WASHINGTON NATIONALS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The D'Backs are heating up with six wins in their last eight games while the Pirates are trending in the opposite direction following a hot start to the season. 

Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly (4-3, 2.92 ERA) is 3-0 with a 2.42 ERA in his past four starts, and 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA in three career starts against the Pirates.

Pittsburgh right-hander Roansy Contreras (3-4, 4.40) has lost three straight starts. 

8* PLAY ON ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS. 

10* NBA GAME OF THE MONTH - MIKE'S NUGGETS/LAKERS MAJOR WAGER

Through the first two games of the series, I think the Nuggets have made it very clear that turn it up a notch and run away with the game whenever they feel like it. 

Here see more than a 10-point swing on the point spread compared to the two games in Denver, only because of the change of venue to LA which seems wild to me. 

Sure, Denver is a lot better at home than on the road, but note that the Nuggets are 6-2 ATS on the season when spotted five points or more on the road. 

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

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

After a rocky start, Noah Syndergaard (1-3, 5.94 ERA) has started to find somewhat of a rhythm. He allowed three runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings when he took on the Cardinals at home on April 30, a game the Dodgers won 6-3. Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas (2-1, 4.91 ERA) has heated up and has posted an ERA of 2.81 over his last three starts, but at this price, I think the Dodgers are a no-brainer bet as I expect them to close as a bigger favorite. 

On the season, the Dodgers are 6-1 SU as a favorite of no more than -130. They are 15-4 SU as a favorite of no more than -150. 

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

MIKE'S HEAT/CELTICS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Heat won the opener of this series as a hefty underdog, and now the betting market expects the top-seeded Celtics to snap back with a blowout win.

I get the logic, and in most cases I would back Boston here, but as I said prior to Game 1, "Miami is not your typical No. 8 seed" and this is a lot of points for a Conference Finals matchup. 

The Heat are scrappy, they have decent depth, and Jimmy Butler is playing out of his mind. Additionally, the Heat are 14-5 ATS in the last 19 meetings in Boston.

8* PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The White Sox have only two more wins than the Royals and they dropped all three games when they faced KC earlier this month. 

White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech (1-4, 5.74 ERA) is 0-1 with a 5.47 ERA through n 10 career appearances (four starts) against the Royals.

KC veteran right-hander Zack Greinke (1-4, 5.01 ERA) is 10-10 with a 3.84 ERA in 32 career appearances (29 starts) against the White Sox. 

For the season, the Royals are perfect 2-0 as road underdogs of more more than 130. The price is right to back the dog here.

8* PLAY ON KANSAS CITY ROYALS. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Mariners have won each of rookie right-hander Bryce Miller's first three career starts and Miller (2-0, 0.47 ERA) has allowed only one run on seven hits over 19 innings of work-

Atlanta's Bryce Elder (3-0, 1.94 ERA) has also been very solid through his eight starts in 2023, but I can't help but feel that the Mariners are undervalued in this matchup.

Additionally, the Mariners are 6-3 against the runline as road underdogs on the season.

The Braves are 10-9 SU but only 4-15 against the runline as home favorites!

8* PLAY ON SEATTLE MARINERS +1½. 

MIKE'S 10* TOP-RATED LAKERS/NUGGETS NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Denver Nuggets built up a big lead early before taking their foot off the gas in the backend of Game 1 of this series. In the end, the Nuggets won by six which would cover this number. The Lakers with AD and Lebron should not be underestimated, but at times it looked like men against boys, and the Lakers are now 4-10-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Denver.

Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Lakers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.

10* PLAY ON DENVER NUGGETS. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB RUNLINE OF THE MONTH

The Cardinals are only 8-14 at home on the season and righty Adam Wainwright (0-0, 7.20 ERA), has allowed eight runs on 15 hits through 10 innings over two starts after starting the season on the IL. Wainwright faced the Dodgers once last season and gave up four runs on six hits over just three innings. 

The Dodgers will start Julio Urias (5-3, 3.61 ERA) who is 2-0 with 17 strikeouts and a 2.29 ERA in three starts this month. This will be Urias first career start versus St. Louis. 

The Dodgers have won each of the last five meetings and seven of the last eight. 

The Dodgers are money against the runline as road favorites, and I think there's better value on the RL than the ML. 

10* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS -1½. 

MIKE'S EARLY MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Orioles are a solid 15-7 home at Camden Yards on the season and 11-2 as home favorites!

Righty Tyler Wells (3-1, 2.68 ERA) is having a breakout year and the Orioles are 5-2 in his seven starts.

Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson (1-0, 5.26 ERA) is having a tougher season with three runs or more allowed in four of his six starts. 

8* PLAY ON BALTIMORE ORIOLES. 

MIKE'S HEAT/CELTICS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The top-seeded Boston is no doubt the better team in this series, but Miami is not your typical No. 8 seed. They're playing with a lot of heart and they are 13-5 ATS in the last 18 meetings in Boston. The Celtics have a tendency to underestimate their opponents, and I expect Miami to keep this one close. 

8* PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT. 

MIKE'S MLB TOTAL BOOKIE BU$TER

Giants righty Alex Cobb (3-1, 1.70 ERA) has been outstanding and shut out Arizona through 7 1/3 innings in his last start, the the third time in four starts that Cobb did not allow a run. Phillies Zack Wheeler (3-2, 3.80 ERA) is also having a solid year and he has posted an ERA of 2.45 over his last three starts. 

Under is 5-0-1 in Phillies last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 6-2 in Giants last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing record.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Padres shut out KC in a 4-0 win Monday night, and I think we'll see another comfortable win for the home team tonight. 

Royals' right-hander Brady Singer (2-4, 7.71 ERA) is 0-2 with an ERA of 9.95 over his last three starts while Padres righty Seth Lugo (3-2, 3.18 ERA) has posted an ERA of 3.71 over his last three starts, and he's 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three home starts on the season. 

The Padres are 6-2 SU and against the runline as favorites of -200 or more.

8* PLAY ON SAN DIEGO PADRES -1½. 

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

Lance Lynn (1-5, 7.51 ERA) has made a name for himself as a reliable starter, but he's had a terrible start to the year and here he'll face a Cleveland team that has scored 12 runs over its last two games. Since the start of the 2021, season, Lynn is 2-4 with an ERA of 5.04 in nine starts versus the Guardians. 

Cleveland counters with Right-hander Shane Bieber (3-1, 2.61 ERA) who has a 6-2 record with an ERA of 2.40 and 59 strikeouts in nine appearances versus the White Sox since the start of the 2021 season. 

Cleveland is a low-scoring team, but with this massive edge on the mound, at this price you just have back the Guardians.

10* PLAY ON CLEVELAND GUARDIANS. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Padres are slumping, but they've played a tough schedule and here they'll face a much easier opponent in the 12-30 Kansas City Royals. 

Mitch Keller is 1-2 with an ERA of 4.80 and 11 strikeouts in 3 starts against the Padres in his career. Michael Wacha has a 3-2 record with an ERA of 3.38 in 9 starts against the Royals in his career.

Wacha has been solid lately. Over his last three starts, the right-hander has allowed only four runs over 17 innings for an ERA of 2.12. Keller has posted a 4.91 ERA over his last three starts. 

The Padres are 5-2 SU and against the runline as home favorites of -200 or more. 

8* PLAY ON SAN DIEGO PADRES -1½. 

MIKE'S MLB RUNLINE REAPER

The Diamondbacks are 4-0 SU and against the runline as favorites of -160 of more on the season.

They're averaging 5.90 runs per nine innings against right-handers, and here they'll face A's righty Drew Rucinski (0-3, 8.16 ERA) who has been roughed up in each of his previous three starts.

The Diamondbacks will turn to Merrill Kelly (3-3, 3.18 ERA) who is 2-0 with an ERA of 2.84 in his last three starts and 2-0 with an ERA of 1.15 over 15 2/3 innings on the road in 2023. 

8* PLAY ON ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS -1½. 

MIKE'S 10* CELTICS/HAWKS NBA GAME OF THE WEEK

The Celtics have allowed Philly to hang around in this series until Game 7, but I think it ends with a blowout win for Boston. When focused and locked, in they're clearly the better team and they're three wins ahve come by 34, 12 and nine points.

They have home-court advantage here in this win-or-go-home game, and we'll hopefully see Jason Tatum waking up earlier than in the fourth quarter, as was the case in Philly Thursday night. 

10* PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS. 

MIKE'S 10* MLB MONEYLINE GAME OF THE WEEK

The Tampa Bay Rays have only 11 losses on the season, and this is the fourth time they're coming off back-to-back losses.

They're 3-0 off back-to-back-losses on the season and with righty Zach Eflin (4-1, 2.91 ERA) they'll have a solid edge on the mound versus Yankees righty Clarke Schmidt (1-3, 5.35 ERA). 

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Dodgers own the Padres, and they own Joe Musgrove who is 0-6 with an ERA in 10 starts against the Dodgers in his career. Julio Urias has a 6-1 record with an ERA of 2.39 in 11 starts versus the Padres in his career.

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

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

The Red Sox put up six runs against the Cardinals Friday night but still lost 8-6. Both teams' bats are hot and neither of today's starters, Chris Sale (3-2, 6.37 ERA) and Steven Matz (0-4, 5.70 ERA) has had a particularly good start to the year. 

The Cardinals are 8-2 to the over in their last 10. The Red Sox are 7-2-1 to the over in their last 10. The over is 15-6 in Boston's 21 games home at Fenway Park on the season. 

10* PLAY ON OVER. 

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

The Rays took a 6-5 loss to the Yankees Friday night. They are 6-3 following their previous nine losses this season and 10-5 as road favorites. The Yankees are 2-7 as underdogs and here they'll face Shane McClanahan (7-0, 1.76 ERA) who has been one of hte best pitchers in baseball. The Rays are 8-0 in his eight starts this year and last season, he was 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA in three starts versus the Yankees. 

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

MIKE'S WARRIORS/LAKERS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The bookmakers are releasing lower and lower totals for this series, but for a good reason. While Game 5 went over the total, I don't think that will be the case here as the Warriors' points per game average on the road is quite a lot lower than at home while the Lakers' offensive home/away splits are almost identical, but they play much better defense at home. 

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Los Angeles.

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S LATE MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Dodgers are 12-6 at home on the season and they've won each of David May's (4-1, 2.68 ERA) last three starts overall. Padres left-hander Blake Snell (1-5, 4.89 ERA) has had a rough start to the year and here he'll face a Dodgers team that has averaged 8.80 runs per nine innings against left-handers over its last 10 games!

8* PLAY ON LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Detroit is averaging 4.25 runs per nine innings against left-handers, and here they'll swing against Mariners southpaw Marco Gonzales who has allowed 11 runs over his last two starts. He's 2-3 with a 3.89 ERA in seven career starts against Detroit.

The Tigers counter with left-hander Matthew Boyd (2-2, 5.28 ERA) who is 2-1 with a 3.52 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) against the Mariners. The Mariners are batting .193 against left-handers this year. 

I think the wrong team is favored in this game. 

8* PLAY ON DETROIT TIGERS. 

MIKE'S NUGGETS/SUNS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

Phoenix is facing elimination following a 118-102 loss in Denver Tuesday night. The Nuggets are averaging 112.6 points per game on the road, well below their 118.7 ppg average at home. With their backs against the wall, I expect a solid defensive outing from the Suns and this total looks more than a couple of points too high to me. 

8* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S NUGGETS/SUNS SIDE

Phoenix is facing elimination following a 118-102 loss in Denver Tuesday night. The Nuggets are averaging 112.6 points per game on the road, well below their 118.7 ppg average at home. With their backs against the wall, I expect a solid defensive outing from the Suns and this total looks more than a couple of points too high to me. 

In addition to the under, I also like the Suns to win and cover. Home-court advantage has been huge throughout the series, and I don't see why it wouldn't be the case here again, especially with the Suns in desperation mode. 

8* PLAY ON PHOENIX SUNS. 

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

Since the start of last season, the Rays are 9-4 as road favorites with Drew Rasmussen (3-2, 3.11 ERA) as the starter. Rasmussen is 1-0 with only one earned run allowed in three career appearances (two starts) covering 14 innings against the Yankees. 

New York righty Domingo German (2-2, 4.35 ERA) has a 5.44 ERA in 12 career appearances (10 starts) against Tampa Bay. Since the start of last season, the Yankees are 2-5 as underdogs with German as the starter.

10* PLAY ON TAMPA BAY RAYS. 

MIKE'S 10* LAKERS/WARRIORS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY

The first two games of the series went over the total, but both coaches have made adjustments defensively and the following two games both went under the total. I expect another relatively low-scoring affair here as the two teams are getting more and more familiar with each other. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Angels lost 3-1 with Shohei Ohtani on the mound on Tuesday, and now they're supposed to get the W with right-hander Griffin Canning (2-0, 5.31 ERA) going up against right-hander Cristian Javier (2-1, 3.54 ERA)? Canning is 0-1 with a 9.22 ERA in four career starts against Houston while Javier is 3-1 with a 2.59 ERA in eight career appearances (four starts) against the Angels.

8* PLAY ON HOUSTON ASTROS. 

MIKE'S MLB MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

Giants left-hander Sean Manaea (1-1, 7.33 ERA) has had a rough start to the year and here he'll face a Washington team that is batting .283 while averaging 4.52 runs per nine innings against left-handers for the season. Nats righty Josiah Gray (2-5, 3.03 ERA) has been solid, and he has allowed more than two runs in only one of his last six starts. 

8* PLAY ON WASHINGTON NATIONALS. 

MIKE'S SUPER EARLY MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY

The Guardians have averaged 2.00 runs per game over their last five games and they average 2.60 runs per game over their last 10. 

Detroit left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (3-2, 1.81 ERA) has an ERA of 0.44 over his last three starts and under is 6-1-1 in Guardians' last 8 games vs. a left-handed starter.

10* PLAY ON UNDER. 

MIKE'S 10* SUNS/NUGGETS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The over/under is 3-1 in this series, but I think this will be a relatively low-scoring affair following a 250+ game on Sunday. With this being Game 5 of the series, the teams know each other well by now and the coaches should know which adjustments to make on the defensive end. 

10* PLAY ON UNDER.