Z. Eflin pitching well and Phillies have been swinging the lumber. T.Roark and Nats are just 5-9 in his starts and I can see Philly winning this contest. 

I don't think Boston has another off game and favorites with a money line of -110 or higher, with a hot starting pitcher whose WHIP 1.00 or lower over his last three starts, with a rested bullpen having thrown five innings or less over their last three games, are 94-36.

Since the start of interleague play, Atlanta is 15-5 (+14.0 Units) road games vs. an AL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.10 or better. Plus, AL teams like Toronto with an OBP .310 or lower, against an NL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.25 or less, starting a pitcher who gave up one or less earned run in last outing, are 11-40 since 2014.

Marlins playing good baseball and Straily has been tough on Giants. 

I understand Matt Koch (5-3, 4.09) of Arizona is not unhittable, still, the Angles have lost six of seven, are below .500 at the Big A and are in desperate need of any pitching with eight pitchers on the DL. Going up against some dude named Felix Pena (0-0, 10.13), I'll gladly take the D-Backs at +140 compared to +120. 

Milwaukee might have lost two of three to Philly at home, but I'll take J. Chacin (6-1, 3.32 ERA) to end their brief losing streak. The Brewers have won seven of Chacin's nine road starts and they will face T. Williams (5-4, 4.38), who has an ERA over 8 in his past five starts. The Brew Crew and Chacin are 8-0 as a favorite of -110 or higher, while the Pirates are  3-11 off a loss to a division rival as a favorite of -150 or higher.

Tampa Bay is back to struggling and is 1-13 in road games after scoring four runs or less in three straight games this season, losing by 2.8 RPG. 

I'll side with the better starting pitcher and Cincy being 7-20 with double revenge. 

Though the Padres remain competitive, Atlanta is 16-6 in day games and is ATLANTA is 12-2 at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. 

Milwaukee has been battering Philly pitching and the Phils are not keeping playing on the road, with a 13-20 record and scoring only 3.6 RPG. Besides the Brew Crew being  20-8 when the money line is -100 to -150, check this out.  NL underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (PHILADELPHIA), scoring 4.0 to 4.5 runs a game, against a starter whose ERA is 3.00 or lower, batting .225 or worse over their last 10 games, are 18-58 since 2014. 

The Mets have folded like a cheap umbrella during a rain storm in losing 18 of 22. Friday (essentially series opener) road underdogs with a money line of +100 to +150 like the METS, after three straight games where they had seven or less hits, are 12-41 since 2014. 

A potentially good pitching matchup in K.C. with Charlie Morton (7-1, 2.82) facing Jakob Junis (5-6, 4.05). This has sent the total south from 9.5 to 9 and Kansas City scoring 1.3 RPG in their last eight outings also has something to do with it. Junis was lit up in his last start but usually bounces back. However, Houston averages 6 RPG on the road and Morton is regressing towards career norms. Additionally, the Astros are 17-3 OVER on the road after scoring seven runs or more in two straight games.

Playing the numbers. Braves are 8-0 at home vs. Padres. C. Richard is 1-6 against Atlanta while B. McCarthy is 8-1 against the Padres. 

With Washington an outstanding 22-12 on the road this season, they have been shoved from -115 to -130 in their series opener at Toronto. The Blue Jays are only 16-19 at home and will see the tosses of Gio Gonzalez (6-2, 2.65). The Jays do not figure to do a lot with Gonzalez since they are scoring just 3.9 RPG against left-hand starters. With Toronto not good at home and having just been swept at Tampa Bay, they are 3-12 in home games having lost three of their last four games this season. 

AL division leaders open up a big four-game series in Coffee Town. This contest has a bit of an old-school feel to it with two noted pitchers past their prime in David Price (7-4, 4.00) and Felix Hernandez (6-5, 5.70). Boston was sent out as a -135 road favorite and has come back 10 cents lower to -125. With Price more consistent and the Red Sox have a deeper bullpen, Boston gets the call being 39-15 against right-handed starters and 12-2 in road games after allowing two runs or less this season. 

Normally I'm not of fan of betting on bad teams, but I like the Reds here. Neither starting pitcher is going to make anyone love them, but T. Mahle has been more consistent and Cincy has a much better pen. When looking at both offenses over their past seven outings, the Reds are at 5.3 RPG and the Royals are 1.6 RPG. 

Both T. Bauer and D. Covey have been in good form, with both starting pitchers having ERA's under 3. For whatever reason, Cleveland has not scored well against lousy teams and is 12-3 UNDER in road games when playing against clubs with a win percentage of 38% or lower. Add in Bauer is 12-1 UNDER vs. teams whose hitters draw three walks or less/game the last two seasons and the lower score gets the call. 

Arizona's offense continues to mash and I don't see that stopping today. In addition, as I have said many times here, Z. Greinke is one of the best home pitchers ever to bet on and he and D-Backs are 21-6 at Chase Field the last two years. 

P. Goldschmidt and Arizona bats are hot and pitcher C. Buchholz has been tremendous in the comeback. The Snakes have a superior bullpen and are 11-4 after a win by four or more runs and teams like them that have won four straight by four or more runs are 36-14 the next time out. 

Despite San Fran's road record, I will trust them with C. Stratton pitching. The Giants are 10-3 in his starts this season and most have come against teams way better than Miami. Plus, with the total at 8.5, Stratton the Giants are 11-0 when the total is 8 to 8.5.

Philadelphia has fallen 20 cents on the money line (now -145) to Colorado, but why? The Rockies have lost four straight, eight of 10 and the bullpen has allowed 8.5 runs per game in this stretch. Does Jon Gray (6-6, 5.66 ERA) really seem like a better choice against Aaron Nola (7-2, 2.35)? Sure the Phillies offense is struggling, but Nola and friends are 11-1 at home when he's working on five or six days rest.

Play Against home underdogs with a money line of +125 or more (NY METS) playing with double revenge, starting a rested pitcher who is working on seven or more days rest. (39-7, 84.8%, L5Y) The average margin of victory is 2.8 RPG. 

M. Estrada has not exactly been great for Toronto, but seriously, Baltimore! The Orioles are 1-13 after batting .200 or worse over a 3-game span and follow that up with a 2-17 record after two or more consecutive Under's this season. 

This is simple, the Reds are 2-13 revenging four or more straight losses and the Cards M. Wacha is 10-1 vs. Cincy for his career. With the Cardinals 8-0 against the Reds this season, make it 9-0.

2-Teamer - Cubs and Astros, $100 pays $152 and change

I'm a big J. Arrieta fan and I think he bounces back from meltdown in Frisco last Sunday. In addition, NL teams like the Phillies with a slugging percentage of .390 or less, against a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.25 to 1.30, batting .215 or worse over their last 15 games, are 24-10 the L10 years.

I've talked about Kevin Durant was the difference in last year's finals and he's performing similar feats this year against a weaker Cavs crew. LeBron James is the best player of this generation, but he cannot do it alone. After losing to Cleveland in the Finals two years ago, Golden State realized their three best players and the Cavaliers top trio only gave them a small advantage and if they wanted real greatness, they had to tilt the odds in their favor. That is precisely what KD has done.

On Wednesday, when the Splash Brothers were a combined 7 for 27 and 3 for 15 from distance, Steve Kerr's team still won and covered on the road. As analyst Jeff Van Gundy pointed out at the end of Game 3, basketball is a team game, but sometimes individuals can take over and win games, just like Durant did.

For NBA picks, the Warriors are not a no-show like last in Game 4 in the same situation and allow 137 points and lose by 21. This time, Golden State wins a third title in four years and wins by seven or more. 

J. deGrom or not, Mets scoring 1.6 RPG in their last seven contests. As great as deGrom is, he and Mets are 1-3 vs. the Yankees in four starts. I'll back the better team, better offense and better bullpen, with the Yanks, 11-1 after allowing four runs or less in three straight games this season. 

With Seattle leading the AL West with a 39-22 record, I'm baffled why they are a sinking favorite again versus Tampa Bay. The Mariners opened at -140 with Marco Gonzales (6-3, 2.38), whose given up one earned run in his last 26 innings, yet now they are now an underdog. While the M's have won 15 of 19, the Rays have dumped seven straight, including four to Seattle. With starting pitching injuries, apparently, there is nobody in the minors to pitch, as Tampa Bay will start another reliever, this one named Wilmer Font. Maybe the Rays can end their losing streak, but with a 2-15 record after scoring four runs or less in six consecutive contests, Seattle works for me.

I firmly believe Vegas has one more game in them. Look for the defense to tighten up and for them to grab an early lead. Really, there is no pressure on them and if the Golden Knights can create some doubt, that is where they place more pressure on Washington, who knows Game 6 will be at home. Don't be surprised if one or two shots that drew iron in the last contest finds their way into the net as Vegas wins.

After a slow start, M. Leake has a 1.66 ERA in his past three starts and Seattle has won nine of his 12 starts this season. Tampa Bay is not hitting a lick and off their loss at Houston, Seattle is 9-0 after a loss by two runs or less this season. 

A big division in pitching matchup in Angels favor and AL underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (KANSAS CITY), with a starting pitcher whose ERA is 5.70 to 6.20 on the season, and has an ERA over 7.00 in his last three starts, is 27-74, losing by two runs a game.

In spite of Dan Mengden (6-4, 2.91 ERA) having his best year in the big leagues to date, he and his fellow A's players are not drawing much support, crumbling as favorites from -135 to -115. In May, Mengden had a 1.51 ERA and a .181 batting average allowed. He's facing 45-year old Bartolo Colon (2-3, 4.21), whose most recent efforts show him with an 8.81 ERA. I'll stick with Mengden and Oakland, as the Athletics are 20-9 when the total is 10 or higher, but back the lower score. 

There are many reasons not to like S. Gray of the Yankees, nonetheless, here is why the Bronx Bombers win. For starters, they are 14-3 with a rested bullpen having thrown two innings or less in each of the last two games, plus, Toronto is 2-11 at home having lost three of their last four contests. 

Looks to me we are getting quite a bit of value this afternoon in this contest. Mike Foltynewicz has been super for Atlanta and the Padres are doing a "bullpen" start again. The Braves come into this game 9-3 away after a game with a combined score of 15 runs or more, while the Friars are  5-17 as a home underdog of +100 or higher this season. 

Seattle really playing well and have their ace Paxton pitching. Keuchel continues to scuffle and Tuesday (usually series opener) AL road teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (SEATTLE),  with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.10 or better on the season, are 32-11 since 2014. 

The Tigers are 9-18 on the road and starting a rookie pitcher in Fenway. Boston 20-8 at home winning by 1.9 RPG and they have the same exact scoring margin vs. RH starters, whom they are 25-13 against. 

After skating circles around opposing teams and doing the same thing in Game 1 of the Cup Finals, Vegas might have met their match in Washington. The Golden Knights might be a little faster than the Capitals, but Washington is the stronger team and has negated how Vegas likes to control neutral ice. That is how the Caps have slowed down the series and with two goaltenders in exceptional form, I see another lower scoring game as the familiarity with each other rises. Vegas is 10-2 UNDER in road games after two or more Under's I am expecting more of the same. 

T. Ross and Padres are 7-0 when the money line is +125 to -125 this season and he's 4-0 lifetime against the Reds. 

I'll take Arrieta over rookie pitcher anytime. Also, Phils off consecutive shutouts. 

Wacha tough at home and Cards 16-3 in home games after scoring three runs or less in two straight games.

Mets deflated, Lester a tough customer. Plus, Play Against NL Sunday underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175 (NY METS) hitting .255 or less, against a team with a bullpen ERA of 3.33 lower. (78-19, 80.4%, L5Y - 7-1 this season)

Zack Greinke has always been a fantastic home pitcher and is 56-16 as a home favorite of -150 to -200 in his career (Team's Record) and the past two years he's14-1 as a home favorite of -150 or more. (D-Backs Record) 

Vince Velasquez has been in good form for Philadelphia and Phillies are a sensational 17-6 off a defeat. The Giants will start Andrew Suarez and they have lost six of seven times this season when he's taken the ball. 

Play Against AL home underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (KANSAS CITY) scoring 4.2 or fewer runs/game, against a starting pitcher whose ERA is 4.20 or lower, after a loss by eight runs or more. (46-11, 80.7%, L21Y)

Snakes offense finally coming to life and Miami cannot sore. The Marlins are 11-29 on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 and their bullpen blows. 

The Brewers are playing excellent baseball and have won five of six and eight of 10 and make another trip to Chicago, but this one will be on the South Side. Milwaukee figures to win this series with ease versus the White Sox, but the Brew Crew is a dwindling road fave, down 25 cents to -130.  The Crew's Chase Anderson (4-3, 4.42) has an ERA over 7, which is accounting for the skepticism, with the Sox well-traveled Hector Santiago (1-2, 4.87) having a respectable 3.54 ERA over his last 20+ innings. I cannot get past Milwaukee's 18-10 road record and the Pale Hose at 8-18 at home.

Though the Mets Zack Wheeler (2-4, 5.40 ERA) has hardly been effective, baseball bettors feel vilipend towards the Cubs Tyler Chatwood (3-4, 4.10) has walked 45 batters in just 48+ innings and has been working with coaches to find the proper release point. The total has also been affected by these two hurlers, rising from 8.5 to 9. With New York 33-14 OVER after a loss by four runs or more, I'll back it.

The Tigers have been swinging the lumber on this homestand and against J. Garcia there is no reason to think that cannot continue. Detroit's B. Hardy does not walk batters and Blue Jays are scoring a mere 3.3 RPG in last seven tries. 

Both these NL Central combatants are off division series losses and want to win the opener of their four-game series. St. Louis was released as a -165 home favorite, but has since crumbled to under -135. That is fascinating since Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty (2-1, 2.15 ERA) bested Pittsburgh righty Trevor Williams (5-3, 3.43) last Saturday on the road 4-1. I'm inclined to take the value with the Redbirds with Williams having an ERA over 7 versus the Cards.

Just riding the facts, Texas is 5-17 against the run line after a win this season. M. Moore of the Rangers is 4-11 against the run line in road games after a win the last three seasons. (Team's Record) J. Paxton of the Mariners is  10-3 against the run line after giving up one or less earned runs last outing the last two seasons. (Team's Record) 

Washington should have won Game 1 and did shut the door. Look for a more focused defensive effort from the Caps who were out of position WAY too often on defense. The Capitals take Game 2 to even the series and are 9-2 in road games revenging a loss of two goals or more and 19-5 after allowing five goals or more. 

The Reds are so bad Arizona has started hitting again. S. Ramano of Cincy is pathetic, while P. Corbin is having a nice year now that he's healthy again. Check this out, the Reds are 3-17 playing with double revenge opponent this season, losing by two runs a game. 

After a sluggish start to his career, Blake Snell is really coming around. With Oakland averaging 1.7 RPG on their last seven games and Tampa Bay  8-2 after three or more consecutive wins this season, I'm on the Rays. 

Mostly betting against J. Samardzija who is 10-26 playing against a team with a winning record the last two seasons. (Giants Record) Also like the groove K. Freeland is in for the Rockies, who are 15-5 against San Fran of late at Coors Field. 

I'm going to trust J. Lester and NL favorites with a money line of -110 or higher hitting .255 to .269, against a starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.70 or lower, with a starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.00 or better on the season, are 91-31 since 2014.  

Washington in a good groove and we know how Baltimore is playing. J. Hellickson is throwing really well for the Nats and they are 14-3 road games against right-handed starters this season. 

I'm convinced Washington wins one of the first two games in Vegas. 

Big fan of Junis and KC has won seven of his 10 starts and Twins Lynn has been very hittable.

Big Jacob deGrom fan and think the Mets and Braves split today.

Justin Verlander at this price, too good to pass up. Astros win.

Orioles have a big edge in starting pitching and swinging the bats better. 

These rivals are 15-5 OVER at Detroit.

With Strasburg pitching, the Nats should win by at least three runs. 

We know about Chris Paul. Golden State's offense has been a dumpster fire the last two games with just 186 total points. Houston's defense has gotten physical with the Warriors and they have responded with awful ball-handling (turnovers), poor judgment in shot selection and far too many 'hero ball' shot attempts.

Steve Kerr's offense is predicated on finding the open man and passing the ball. The last two games, in particular, there has been far too much dribbling or the ball stopping and mediocre shots are heaved. It's not a coincidence Andre Iguodala, who led the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio, has missed the last two games, which has contributed to the Warriors woes. Nor is it that Kevin Durant had six assists in Golden State's Game 2 massacre and he's had a grand total of five in the other four games, three which were losses.

Going back to Game 3 of the 2016 Playoffs, these teams are 11-4 UNDER when meeting. Golden State is on a 7-1 UNDER run and Houston is 6-2 UNDER in their past eight outings. If you play the averages, the losing team in this series has averaged 96.4 PPG and if that remains true, that would suggest the winner could score up to 117 points and we would still have an UNDER. I'll take the lower score.

Similar to last night, a very good starting pitching matchup but the bullpens are a world apart and Houston 15-3 in road games after a win by 8 runs or more the last three seasons. 

I don't trust the Mets Vargas and Milwaukee is simply playing better baseball. New York will face C. Anderson and they are  7-15 vs. a starting pitcher who gives up 5.5 or less hits/start this season. 

Cleveland has to be encouraged their defense is doing the job and they have held Boston to 94.6 PPG in the past three contests. The only real improvement needed from the last conflict is closing faster on three-point shooters after the Celtics connected on 13 deep shots.

It goes without saying that a fast start would be a huge benefit given the C's struggles on the road. Boston has quickly gone from confident to passive when falling behind away from TD Garden (1-6 SU and 2-5 ATS). 

Of course James has to have a large game, as well as Kevin Love. But so does Tyronn Lue and his excuse about not playing Kyle Korver more in the first half in Game 5 was because of matchups. You don't have to sit on an NBA bench with dry eraser board to see Korver is largely most effective when on the floor as the third-scoring option with James and Love. You are not going to win every playoff game but it is a coach's responsibility to give his players the best chance to win.

For NBA picks, sometimes you just follow the money instead of being analytical. The home teams are 5-0 SU and ATS in this series and given the final scores, its Cleveland by 10 or more and we head back to Boston for a decisive encounter.

After grabbing a 2-0, Cleveland was humbled, as Houston scored the final eight runs of the game on Thursday night in the blowout. The Indians will send out their ace Corey Kluber (7-2, 2.36) and they hope he can go close to nine innings, since the Tribe's bullpen is the worst in the AL. Baseball bettors are uncertain about Cleveland and dropped them from -150 to -125 home favorites.  Dallas Keuchel (3-6, 3.43) take the ball for Houston and he is 4-1 with a 2.30 ERA against Cleveland. Though I really like Kluber, the Astros are 23-6 after a victory by six or more runs.

Despite Toronto being on a miserable 2-9 skid, they were lowered at sportsbooks from +130 to small faves at Philadelphia. Yes, the Jays Sam Gaviglio did not give up a run in his 2018 starting debut last Sunday, but he only got the start because of Toronto injuries. Zach Eflin (1-0, 1.56) has made three very good trips to the mound this season and he faces a Blue Jays batting order that scoring 3.1 runs per game in their last seven tries. I'll bet on the Phillies.

Its winner takes all in Game 7 of the Eastern Finals. Almost three-quarters of betting tickets are on Tampa Bay being on home ice, but that is not where the line move is at most books. The total is where the action is, as the UNDER 5.5 has been shifted 20 cents on the juice from -110 to -130. This makes perfect sense as the Lightning is 7-0 UNDER in the 7th game of a playoff series and Washington is 8-1 UNDER in the same exact scenario.

To me, Wednesday night’s game between Boston & Tampa Bay comes down to one thing…whether or not you think Boston’s David Price has turned the corner finally in 2018. He has put together solid back-to-back starts, including a complete game 8-strikeout performance in his last outing versus Baltimore. His team is currently playing well, having won five of six games, so literally, it would seem that the Red Sox chances tonight hinge on Price. On the other side, CHRIS ARCHER is 5-18 (-15.2 Units) against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season over the last 3 seasons. He has not fared well against the league’s best in other words. Let’s go with the Red Sox tonight as the short favorite.

This is the series finale and this is already the 12th time these two best clubs in the NL East are meeting. Atlanta holds a 7-4 edge and goes after its fourth series victory this year over Philadelphia. In spite of a pitching matchup featuring Jake Arrieta (3-2, 2.82 ERA) vs.
Luiz Gohara (first start of 2018), the Phillies have fallen from -150 to -120. The Braves bring a lot to this encounter with their 11-2 record as a road underdog of +100 to +150 this season. However, I like the bulldog in Arrieta off a subpar outing and he is 4-1 against the Bravos with 2.76 ERA against them (team's record). The Phillies earn the victory. 

Play On Home favorites against a 1.5 run line (HOUSTON) on a good fielding streak, 10 straight games with one or less errors, with a starting pitcher whose WHIP  is 1.10 or lower over his last 10 games. This RL system is 42-11 the last five years and the average margin of victory is 3.1 RPG over those 53 contests.

Though Matt Harvey (0-2, 6.17 ERA) has improved since wearing a Cincinnati uniform, both his starts have lasted only four innings. Part of that is his building up innings after jettisoned to the bullpen in New York. Bettors are giving Harvey and the Reds ample respect, lowering them from +135 to under +120. Pittsburgh's on a three-game losing streak after winning eight of nine. Let's try the Bucs with Cincy 5-18 when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.

For those who purchased NBA pick and lost yesterday, I have a small play on the Rockets at +8.5.

With Detroit losers of four in a row, including the opening game of this AL Central series, the Tigers are drawing little support in spite of having the better starter. Detroit is up 15 cents to +150 against Minnesota and have Matt Boyd (2-3, 3.19) facing the Twins scuffling Lance Lynn (1-4, 7.47), whose ERA is like a jumbo jet. Let's take a flyer on the road underdog to get back in the win column since they have a 14-5 record in the Twin Cities of late. 

With Arizona's offense really scuffling and Milwaukee 18-4 vs. teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per contest, the Brewers have gone from -140 to over -150 depending on the sportsbook. The Diamondbacks will face a sizzling Jhoulys Chacin (3-1, 3.63), who has a 2.58 ERA over his last seven starts. Though the Snakes have done well in the role of underdog, they are 5-14 vs. a pitcher whose gives up 5.5 or less hits a start. 

When one team plays this poorly and the other is desperate and motivated, this is how major blowouts happen. While there was much postgame attention paid to the C's starting backcourt shooting 8-for-20 and scoring 23 points, I literally could not recall one of Jayson Tatum's six made baskets and thought he showed his youth. He along with Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown have to be more mentally and physically involved over all 94-foot court.

Besides effort on defense, Stevens will stress ball movement like we have seen in most Boston games, which leads to better shots. Watch for the Celtics to feature Al Horford in the first six minutes, with him only having four shots in Game 3 (seven points). Expect Horford and Rozier in screen and roll action, trying to get Horford on a smaller opponent or pick and pop from Horford.

After three matchups that have decided by 22.6 points a game, we get a close one. Because it still matters the Cavs are 13-30-1 ATS as home favorites and the Boston is 8-0 ATS revenging a road loss of 10 points or more this season. 

The Snakes major offensive slump continues and don't expect it to any better against one of their former pitchers, C. Anderson, who has a 1.88 ERA against them in four starts. The Brewers offense has been running hot and cold for a week and don't think their bats will sizzle against Z. Greinke, who is  8-0 UNDER as a road favorite of -110 or higher. With two strong bullpens, I'll back the UNDER. 

The first two encounters were about energy and execution. Each team took a turn at and the other was not able to keep up on either level. I cannot think of a scenario where Golden State will be so nonchalant this time around. Not having the time to go over every one of the Warriors 94 box scores this season, I feel pretty comfortable in saying the starting five's -118 plus/minus rating was or very close to the worst of the season.

Though Kevin Durant had 38 points, his +/- was a team worst -28. Coach Steve Kerr will not coddle these players and he will challenge them and I expect them to respond.

Of Golden State's 13 playoffs games, only two would be considered 'poor'. James Harden and Chris Paul are really tough to guard. Mike D'Antoni has game-planned either to attack Steph Curry. This is an excellent plan given Curry's shortcoming's on that end of the floor. Nonetheless, Kerr just has to remind his team that Harden and Paul will rack up their points and it's everyone's responsibility to limit the other Rockets players to 45 or fewer points.

Because the Warriors were not mentally engaged on Wednesday, their quality of shots really suffered. Their ball movement was mediocre and they settled for too many contested or hurried shots. Look for that to change. While there is a lot of talk about Curry's play, with how Houston is guarding him, he would be better served to drive, dish and take mid-range shots to stretch the Rockets defense internally. Golden State by 9 or 10. 

From these two teams, I expecting a more defensive type game. Houston is 7-0 UNDER in road games after playing three consecutive home games and Golden State is  18-9 UNDER after playing two straight road games this season. 

Winnipeg will not go down with a fight and is 10-0 at home off a road loss. Jets are flying back to Vegas for a Game 6. 

Phillies hot and so ins A. Nola and Cards are badly injured. 

Yankees LH starters and do again today. 

Pirates starter solid all season, the Padres Lyles is 26-66 as an underdog of +100 or higher in his career. (Team's Record) 

Braves have bee roughing up LH pitchers all season and J. Teheran is pitching to abilities.

Cubs raise record to 15-7 at Cincy.

A's make it three straight over Toronto.

Philly is playing well in winning seven of eight. J. Arrieta has always pitched well against the Cards and is 9-4 with 2.49 ERA against them. Nothing wrong with M. Wacha, but the Phillies are 12-2 having won three of their last four games and  Arrieta is 45-14 after giving up two or less earned runs in his last two outings. (Team's Record) 

Given we have Oakland's Brett Anderson (0-2, 8.16 ERA) vs. the Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada (2-3, 5.32), the OVER would seem to have real possibilities. My Game Estimators have this at 11.3 or 12 total runs.

Pittsburgh is on a sharp 7-1 run, is 14-6 at PNC Park and the Padres have not handled success well with an 8-25 mark having won three of their last four games the last two seasons. 

I like Koch for the Snakes and though they are not hitting, I'll forecast they do better after a victory and beat the Brew Crew.

Frankly, there is not anyone who does not believe Cleveland and LeBron James will not play better in Game 2 and that is the driving force for the total to rise from 202.5 to 204. I'm completely on board with it and besides, Boston is 14-3 OVER in home playoff games the last two seasons. 

The Indians J. Tomlin has been terrible and I'm not sure he finds it tonight against the Tigers either with the pressure on where he could lose his job. He and the Indians are only 6-14 in the first half of the season since last year and F. Liriano has performed better than expected and he's 15-7 as a home underdog of +100 or higher. (Team's Record) 

The Bucs won both games on the South Side last week and the WHITE SOX are 2-14 having lost 4 of their last 5 games this season. 

Take the fact Boston is 11-1 revenging two straight losses as a road favorite and add in AL favorites with a money line of -125 to -175, scoring 5.1 or more runs/game, against a starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.50 or lower, with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.30 or better on the season are 36-7, 83.7% and it's easy to understand why I'm on the Red Sox.

Tampa Bay could not have been any flatter than they were for Game 1. On home ice, they were completely outworked and outplayed for two periods. When they finally started playing when down 4-0 it was too late. Expect the Lightning to be laser focused and they are 9-1 revenging a home loss of two goals or more this season. 

Off their impressive demolition of Philadelphia in five games, those setting the odds made Boston a -1.5 point home favorite in Game 1. But basketball bettors are loving LeBron and how his team has been begun to play and flipped Cleveland to -1.5 point faves. Do I think the Cavaliers are likely to win one time in the first two games in Bean-Town, yes. I'm just not sure it will the first one with the Celtics 7-0 SU & ATS in the playoffs and 11-0 ATS at home revenging a loss by 10 or more points.

The Cubs reasoning is similar to yesterday. Pounding the ball, Sox start stinks and massive differences in the bullpens. 

The Mets are 14-6 in Philly and J.deGrom and teammates are 10-1 against the Phils. 

The Braves S. Newcombe has been in great form and his team is 9-2 in day games, while Miami is 16-42 after having lost three of their last four games.