Blake Snell (4-2, 2.40 ERA) of Rays pitching well, Dylan Bundy, not so much with ERA of 19.0 in last three starts. The Orioles might be the worst team in baseball and the Rays win. 

St. Louis punishing bad teams and they are 11-0 when playing clubs with a win percentage of 38% or less this season. 

J. Samardzija (6.62 ERA) is just awful the Pittsburgh is really swinging the lumber. In addition, NL favorites with a money line of -125 to -175 (PITTSBURGH) hitting .255 to .269, against a pitcher with ERA of 5.70 or higher, with an on-base percentage of .393 or better over their last three games are 52-13, 80.0%.

Though D. Price might not be the pitcher he used to be and likes video games too much, he's 17-3 with a 2.40 ERA in 26 career appearances (25 starts) against the Blue Jays. In 16 career starts at the Rogers Centre, he is 11-1 with a 3.31 ERA. Though they lost yesterday, Boston is 15-8 on the and 21-8 vs. RH starters. 

The Cubs are pounding bad pitching and have a number of players that are hot. Toss in J. Lester is 45-7 as a home favorite of -200 or more (Team's Record), with his team winning by 3.1 RPG and the North Siders roll. 

Though the Rockies have dropped two straight, C. Bettis starts for them and he's been solid all season. In addition, Bettis is 14-4 at home when the money line is +125 to -125 (Team's record) and 17-5 when the total is 10 or higher the last 3 seasons. (Rockies record) 

Bonus Play: I have 3-teamer, Yankees-Indians-Astros and a winner plays just over 2 to 1 and lowers risk.

Color me bewildered. Philadelphia just swept San Francisco in a four-game home series, is taking on a Mets club that is in a 1-8 free fall and has Jake Arrieta (3-1, 3.15 ERA) pitching. Yet, the Phillies have fallen from -170 to -145! And it's not like New York is pitching Jacob deGrom, Dwight Gooden or even Tom Seaver, it's Steven Matz (1-3, 4.23)! Yes, the Metropolitans have won 13 of 19 in Philly, but they won't tonight!

I'm a big fan Miles Mikolas and I expect him to control the San Diego bats tonight. Though the Cardinals have lost two straight, that late night Sunday win against the Cubs threw them. With a day off, look for the Redbirds to be chipper again and swing the bats against Jordan Lyles, who is 11-37 when playing against a team with a winning record in his career. (Team's Record) 

Throughout his career, Zack Greinke has been the best home pitcher in baseball. For whatever reason and no matter where he's been, except his early days in KC, he just wins. He and the Snakes come into this clash with a 19-5 record at Chase Field and they are 11-1 in the first half of the season since last year. 

Washington is playing super baseball and is 11-1 on the road when the total is 7 or less. Match that with the Padres at 2-13 as a home underdog of +100 or higher this season and the Nats get the sweep. 

With Boston flipped from a +1.5 point underdog to a -1 point favorite, for the first time in this series they are listed as the favorite. That certainly is interesting seeing they are up 3-1 in the series and the only reason this is occurring is because the betting public has spoken with their cash. The Celtics defense has been sensational and the closest Philadelphia has come to shooting their normal percentage of 46.8% in this series was Game 3, when they were at 43.5%. The C's get ready for Cleveland after tonight. 

We have a flipped favorite in interleague play for tonight, as Atlanta has gone from -115 to +105. I disagree with this completely and here is why. After a lousy start, Julio Teheran (2-1, 3.65) has a 1.86 ERA over his past five outings and is pitching to his expected potential. Tampa Bay is still searching to find five competent starters and will try southpaw Ryan Yarbrough (2-1, 3.33) to try and slow the Braves lefty bats. It mostly worked for the Rays last night, but their offense failed them in 1-0 loss. Look for Tampa Bay to fall 1-10 after scoring and allowing three runs or less.

Dodgers playing like trash and the Snakes is 9-1 as an underdog of +100 to +150 this season. Plus, the D-Backs are 10-5 on the road and 11-4 vs. LH starters. 

Count me as no fan of the Nationals Jeremy Hellickson (0-0, 3.00 ERA), but I'm still flabbergasted Washington has sunk from -140 to a -120 favorite at San Diego, Sure Hellickson has an ERA over six against the Padres in eight starts. Nonetheless, the Friars Clayton Richard (1-4, 6.21) has an ERA of 7.34 since his Opening Day start. The left-hander has a solid 3.67 ERA vs. Washington, the lowest of any club he faced with a minimum of eight starts, but the Nats are on an 8-1 tear and win again. 

After losing five of six and scoring one run or less in that stretch, the World Series champs bats came alive and battered Oakland pitchers for 16 runs on Monday night. Baseball bettors are willing to take a chance on the Astros, moving them up 20 cents to -145, even if they are facing a smoking hot pitcher in Sean Manaea (4-3, 1.63). Houston counters with McCullers (4-1, 3.73), who has a 1.80 ERA in his past three starts. With the 'Stros 20-5 in road games after scoring nine runs or more and the Athletics 10-27 after a loss by six or more runs, time to back Houston.

Bucs bats started to come alive in taking series from Milwaukee and that continues on the South Side of Chicago against the woeful White Sox. 

Good time for Atlanta to leave home after being swept. The offense is still strong at 6.7 RPG in their last seven, while the Rays are 3.0 RPG in the same period. 

In the hockey betting world, there an increasing feeling Winnipeg might be the best team in the NHL at this point. Their speed and offensive pressure is overwhelming and owning the best record at home in hockey, they polish off top-seeded Nashville tonight. 

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue knows his team has matchup edges he can exploit. After three games Toronto has few answers. With the chance to end the series at home, look for Cleveland to be very focused and if they build up a 10 or 15 point lead this time, they are not going to give it back like the last game and win and cover.

Taking Detroit because they have a superior starting pitcher with Michael Fulmer (1-2, 2.80 ERA)  vs. Matt Moore (1-4, 7.67) for starters. Though The Tigers are not a prize on the road at 6-11, the Rangers are a miserable 5-15 at home. 

I think Houston got their game faces back on in Game 3 and they have so many more scoring options than Utah. Houston is also 15-7 ATS as a road favorite of six points or less, winning by nearly eight points a game. If the Rockets come to play, they win by 10 or more. 

C. Anderson gives the Crew six solid innings and the offense does enough to win and Milwaukee takes the series. 

Good spot for Chris Archer to pick up a W and the Jays M. Estrada has been brutal. 

Grienke one of the allt0time great home starters helps Snakes in upset.

After an awful start, Reds playing better and hook Marlins.

The Rockies are playing well on the road and have superior starting pitcher.

Nationals red hot and win.

The Braves are really playing well and besides, road underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher like SAN FRANCISCO, hitting .255 or less, against an NL starting pitcher with ERA of 3.00 or less, with a starting pitcher whose gives up 0.5 or less HR's/start, are 33-96 the last five years.

Washington just swept Pittsburgh in four at home and plays host to another Keystone State team this weekend. Though Philadelphia has the better season record, they have lost three straight series, which is why the Phillies slipping from +135 to +120 is puzzling. I know the analytics crew hates Gio Gonzalez (3-2, 2.67 ERA) and he's 4-11 if the Nationals have won three or more in a row. (Phillies record). But I still like the lefty and see him taking down the slumping Phils in this divisional confrontation. 

Sean Manaea (4-2, 1.03) was named the AL Pitcher of the Month for April, but he and Oakland are not drawing much support in his first May start, at least from the betting public. Manaea and the A's were sent out as -145 favorites and after having time to bake, they have been lowered 30 cents on the ML to -115. What gives? Their opponent. Seattle is on a 6-1 burst and is averaging 6.1 RPG in this stretch. Though the Mariners are hot, Wade LeBlanc (0-0, 4.61), who will be making his first start since Aug. 19, 2016,  doesn't trip my trigger and the M's are 6-18 at home vs. an AL starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.70 or better the last two seasons.

It was thought the only way Boston could compete in this series was playing great defense against Philadelphia. Well, the Celtics did do that and oh, by the way, hung 117 on the Sixers. The Game 1 closing total was 205 and the sportsbooks beefed it up to 207. However, enough bettors have come forward with cash in hand and lowered the number to 205.5.  The 76ers finally played as expected, out of their element in the opener, but they are still 17-6 OVER as a road favorite this season, which works for me. 

Pittsburgh was stunned by Washington in Game 3, losing on home ice and needs a victory to even this series up. There is more than enough bettors who think they will and have sent the Penguins marching from -160 to -175 or higher. Hard to argue with a squad like the Pens who are 16-3 on home ice revenging a loss as a home favorite.

As much as I deplore going beyond -150 on favorites this early in the season, sportsbooks IMO are forcing the issue. Though Atlanta is really playing well, I'm a big J. deGrom fan and he and the Mets are  36-16 after giving up one or less earned runs in his last outing. Back New York.

Seattle finished up road trip raking the ball and they have explosive lineup 1 to 9. King Felix is not what he used to be, but he is still 25-10 lifetime against the A's and his club is 9-1 after five or more road games. 

Much like with the Brewers winner last night, the Redbirds offense perks up facing inferior pitching and jumps all over the White Sox. Plus, favorites with a money line of -150 or more like the Cards, starting a pitcher who gave up one or less earned runs in his last two outings, batting .190 or worse over their last three games, are 41-7, winning by 2.3 RPG. 

Nashville is having problems with Winnipeg's attacking and relentless pressure style. The Jets could be up 2-0 in the series and rest assured, this team is very talented on offense. With the best home record in the NHL this season (35-9 SU), Winnipeg takes the series lead in their building tonight. 

Yankees playing great, but they had a night game and lose two hours on the time change coming east. Add in C. Morton has been completely more effective than S. Gray, who is 3-15 on the road when the total is 8.5 to 10 the last two seasons (Team's Record), Houston is in the win column. 

Nothing like some Reds pitching to wake up the Brewers offense. Finnegan has been terrible for Cincy this season and Milwaukee is 15-6 away after a game with a combined score of four runs or less. 

Jets goalie gave up one goal on 48 shots, that will not happen again in Nashville. Preds are 24-7 at home with revenge and having scored one or fewer goals. 

Atlanta's offense continues to lead the NL and while not a big fan of Brandon McCarthy, He's been pitching well and oddsmakers are telling up the Phillies are not even a normal home favorite today.

After Game 6, James reverted back to his passive-aggressive behavior when everything is not right with the world. Like in the past, the King is saying I'm doing all I can, these others guys (my teammates) have to do their job for us to win. He then went on to say they are capable of greatness. LeBron being LeBron.

Indiana knows they are the better - team - but now they have to prove it. Their confidence is high and in the last two contests, they have solved their slow starts conundrum. If they play with the same level of confidence as they have the past two games, they can take Game 7.

Despite losing nine of 11 at Cleveland in recent years, the Pacers are 9-2 ATS. And the Cavaliers have not handled blowouts well, with a 1-10 ATS mark after a 20-plus defeat. 

Golden State was 3-1 (2-2 ATS), but this is fresh series with unknowns. The Warriors took the first three contests, all in 2017 when DeMarcus Cousins was still playing. New Orleans won earlier this month on the road, but Golden State was hardly playing their best. Not sure the Pelicans can win the opening tilt, but they can certainly make this very competitive and I'll call for them to extended ATS win streak to nine.

I like how B. Lively is pitching for Philly and I cannot trust that Braves bullpen. I have a 46-14 system relating to Atlanta's bullpen woes.

The Snakes are playing great. P. Corbin is pitching like he did before blowing out an arm and I'm no fan of J. Hellickson. Also, NL road favorites with a money line of -125 or more, with on-base percentage of .350 or less, against a team with a good bullpen WHIP of 1.35, with an on-base percentage of .310 or worse over their last 20 games are 35-12 the past few years.

Let's try old man river (B. Colon), who is pitching well early against a Toronto team that struggling and is 11-20 when having lost 4 of 5. 

Utah's comments after blowing the last game expressed their frustration. Now back home, look for Jazz players to have more of killer instinct and do not let up if they build a working margin, just like what happened in Games 3 and 4 when they were home. Make it Utah by 9 and heading to Houston next.

A complete mismatch out west with the Mets  10-1 in road games when playing against a  team with a win percentage under 38% and deGrom and his mates 14-1 vs. teams outscored by one or more runs/game on the season.

With S.Manaea vs. D. Keuchel, there is a little chance for a shortage of run for this AL West battle. Add in Manaea is 14-4 UNDER after giving up one or less earned runs in last outing and the Astros lefty is 19-4 UNDER as a home favorite of -125 to -175, I'll take the lower score. 

With C. KLUBER on the mound on Friday's the last three seasons, the Indians are 10-2 against the run line, winning by 4.3 runs a game. 

When the odds on Game 1 of this Western Conference semi-final came out Vegas jumped from -130 to -140 or higher. The money line has stayed largely the same except in Sin City where most books are now at -150 or higher thanks to the locals. I'm of the opinion San Jose wins one of the two games to start the series on the strip and I'll take the Sharks. If I'm right, I snag a profit either today or the next encounter.

This line movement is based on potential. If Seattle's James Paxton (1-1, 5.61 ERA) is on his A-game, he could limit Cleveland's offense and the Mariners might win. That possibility and the right amount of money from particular bettors has chased the M's from +125 to +105 against the Indians. However, you also have to consider Paxton is 0-3 with a 5.87 ERA against Cleveland and that the Indians Mike Clevinger (2-0, 1.75) has started the year extremely sharp. From this seat, there appears to be a lot of value with the Indians. 

Cards bullpen gave game away last night, which provides extra motivation for them tonight. S. Matz has not thrown well against the Redbirds and M. Wacha has been solid vs. New York. 

Cubs offense is clicking and the bullpen has been lights out. Lester has always thrown well against the Tribe and T. Bauer and mates have dropped six straight against NL teams.

Since the series opener, the next three games have been decided by nine total points. Over four quarters the contests have been very competitive and there is little reason to imagine that will not be the case again. I'll back Indiana with the points, as they are 8-2 ATS recently in northern Ohio and 16-5 ATS when playing with playing with two days rest on the road.

Golden State had a flat game on Sunday and plays with the same passion we saw in the first three games and beats San Antonio by 14. As far as backing Spurs, they have lost 10 straight on the road and are on 0-9 ATS streak to boot.

T. Roark has always pitched well against San Fran and Nats offense should be ready to bust out. 

Z. Wheeler throwing well and my numbers point to closer game, worth a look on my watch. 

To borrow from the great Harry Carry "Holy Cow"! Cincinnati wins for just the fourth time in 22 games and all the sudden they have all kinds of support. With the Reds a 10-4 underdog winner over Atlanta last night, they have fallen from +130 home underdogs to +115. In truth, Cincinnati is not that bad of a team, though they are not close to .500 either. Overall, the Braves are a deserving favorite and starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy has thrown very well (3-0, 2.91 ERA) and his team is 4-0 in his starts. Take the Bravos.

 Impressive series against Boston and I think that has carryover for tonight in Texas. M. Moore pitched better for the Rangers the last time out, but he is hardly reliable with a 5-18 record in night games of late. (Team's record)

Raptors win by 6.

Boston bounces back from no-hitter to win.

For NBA picks, there is not even a hint that San Antonio has what it takes to compete in this series. Golden State is 12-3 ATS when leading in a playoff series the last two seasons, make it 13-3 ATS.

Cards make it 11 straight over Reds.

In the playoffs is where coaching really matters, making game by game decisions and adjustments. At this juncture, it seems Quin Snyder is further along than Billy Donovan as an NBA head coach. With Oklahoma City still far from a dependable team and Utah has the ability to slow the Thunder's three stars, collective or individually with their defense, watch OKC slide to is 5-18 ATS revenging a same season loss. 

Play On AL favorites with a money line of -125 to -175 like BOSTON, who are scoring 5.1 or more runs/game, against a starting pitcher with ERA of 3.50 or lower, with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.30 or better on the season. In the past five years, these teams are 34-5!

Don't look for Tampa Bay to be like the Penguins and Predators yesterday and not end a series on home ice when they have the chance. 

Play Against NL road underdogs with a money line of +175 to +250 like CINCINNATI with a good bullpen that converts on 75%+ of their save opportunities, against an opponent with a starting pitcher whose ERA is 2.70 or better on the season. In the past five years, teams like the Reds are 3-43 and the for this selection is they lose by 2.9 RPG.

Neither teams defense is trustworthy, as the total has climbed from 202.5 to 205. Reseach finds Milwaukee 16-3 OVER after a combined score of 215 points or more in two straight contests and Boston is 14-3 OVER after four or more consecutive Over's.

This has been a series of blowouts and I expect that to continue. 

Gray continues to pitch poorly for the Yankees and Estrada's off-speed pitches have kept New York off balance. Worth a look this early in the season.

Both starters in this game are throwing well, but both are gone but the seventh inning. That is where Cleveland's superior bullpen takes over and the Tribe knocks around a pedestrian pen for the Orioles. 

Boston is killing Angels pitching and is averaging over 10 hits a game since April 2nd. Besides remarkable 15-2 record, they are also 10-0 after allowing three runs or less in two straight games. 

This is not a championship caliber Spurs team, far from it. But it one with tremendous pride. I think there is a very good chance this will be San Antonio's best showing of the series. They are 18-5 ATS at home after three straight games where they made 42 percent or less of their shots and Golden State is  3-11 ATS after two or more home wins this season. The call is a two-point game either way and the players honor Mrs. Pops. 

I like J. Lester in this spot and though L. Weaver is a good looking young pitcher, he's been brutal against the Cubs. 

San Jose puts Anaheim out of the misery and completes the sweep.

Top-seeded Nashville losing at Colorado was not the end of the world, but it was how they were beaten which is causing consternation. The 5-3 Avs victory was complete and they were more aggressive throughout and really took the game to the Predators. With that Nashville has slid from -170 to -155 on the money line. Though the Avalanche is 18-9 on home ice against foes averaging 2.85 or more GAG, the Preds have taken 13 of 17 versus Colorado. 

Not a Ricky Ray fan, but he contain weak San Fran offense and they are unlikely to have much either with Snakes bullpen. Giants are 2-15 in road games vs. a team with a bullpen whose WHIP is 1.15 or lower and Ray and teammates are 15-2 vs. losing teams. 

Indiana needs to dictate tempo again and play with the same purpose. The Cavaliers will make more three's, however, they do such a poor job defending three-point attempts, as long the Pacers stay within two of 3's made they are in the game. I'm going to take Indiana, thinking they will hang around and not trust the Cavs to come through.

For NBA picks, the Trail Blazers have only averaged 95.6 PPG in their past five outings and given the circumstances, they are due for at least an ordinary scoring game, which is 105 points. Oddsmakers are saying as much with the total listed at 214. Look for bounce back effort from Portland, who betters 13-2 ATS record at home after three or more consecutive Under's and wins by 8 or more.

Columbus is in unchartered waters, leading a playoff series 2-0 for the first time ever. The Blue Jackets become the fifth team in NHL history to trail by at least two goals and win both playoff games back to back. Now home, Columbus can all but wrap up the series, but hockey bettors are skittish and lowered the Jackets from -140 to -120. The Capitals have nobody to blame but themselves for blowing both contests and will start Brandon Holtby between the pipes. Myself, I'd be fine if Columbus won since the Caps have blown numerous playoff chances over the last several years, but I'll side with them here being 12-2 after allowing four goals or more in two straight games. 

Washington handed the Mets just their third setback of the season (all at home by the way) and baseball bettors are convinced it could happen again. The Nationals were released as +110 underdogs and are now sitting as -120 favorites. The analytics crowd has been crying in their wine glasses, as they started complaining Gio Gonzalez fastball had lost too much velocity in 2016 and said his demise was imminent. Gonzalez won 15 games last year and had a 2.96 ERA (WAR of 6.6 for those sipping chardonnay) and this year after three starts he's at 2.20. With the lefty 14-5 against the Metropolitans and his team having a 16-5 record at Citi Field over the past three years, let's take the Nats.

Rockies have  been great on the road again this season in April. Chad Bettis has pitched terrific and Colorado is 12-1 after a game where they stranded three or less runners on base.

J. Teheran continues to have problems pitching at Sun Trust in Atlanta. The Phillies are playing outstanding baseball and A. Nola continues to pitch very well. In eight starts again the Braves he has a 1.93 ERA and has never given up more than three earned to Atlanta. Contrast that to the Teheran and the Bravos at 3-16 in home games in the first half of the season the past three years, not hard to figure out where I'm going. 

Despite losing games in Vegas, both outcomes were just one goal and one contest needed 2 OT's. Los Angeles tightens up series.

For NBA picks, Houston gets the in the series opener and here is why. Though many of the T-Wolves main players have been in this environment before, they have not played together. Look for nerves and being jittery to matter, with Minnesota to play better in Game 2 and at home in Game 3.

With the Timberwolves a below average defensive crew, ranked 17th in points allowed and 29th in field goal percentage permitted, the Rockets ability to spread them out is important to drive to the lane. When the Minny tries to help, that leaves a team making NBA-best 15 three's a game to have numerous open looks.

Washington beat themselves the other night, that will not happen here. The Caps are 10-2 revenging a one goal loss this season. 

Last chance for Minnesota or series is over.The Wild is 9-2 after scoring two goals or less in two straight games this season. 

I picked Utah to win series so they have to win one two at OKC. With total at 205, the Thunder is just 5-17 ATS when the total is 200 to 209.5 this season. 

Pittsburgh offense has slowed in Miami, but I think they will have some juice today and Ivan Nova has pitched well against better Marlins' teams than this one. Nova in his career is NOVA is 21-7 on the road with a money line of -100 to -150. (Team's record)

A very poor showing for Anaheim in the first game and they are 16-4 at home revenging a loss of two goals or more. 

For NBA picks, it is hard to ignore the Blazers 28-13 home record and their quality 23-14-2 ATS mark. Yet, it is equally difficult to dismiss New Orleans road record at 24-17 and is more effective against the spread at 26-15 ATS.

This looks like a seven-game series and the Pelicans will win one time in Rip City, so why not Saturday night? These teams split four games this season and the SU winner is 15-0 ATS since 2014. Take New Orleans.

If anyone looks capable of slowing down the Angels bats it is the Royals Junis. Plus, the Halos Richards is walking a ton of hitters and is due to get racked. 

Like how Morton is pitching for Houston and Texas is 7-22 after scoring three runs or less in two straight games, losing by two runs a game. 

Tampa Bay ended brief losing streak to the Devils and has too much of everything for them. 

Dodgers should be foul mood after being swept at Arizona and awful two nights ago in a 16-6 home loss to the A's. Look for them to bounce and get back in the win column against the D-Backs with Maeda starting. 

Have to admit to being puzzled by this line. Seattle is the better squad and the A's are14-35 in road games vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .260 or worse. Take the M's.

Pittsburgh is one of the big early surprises in the early season with a 9-3 record and atop the NL Central. That's why it is puzzling to see them as a falling favorite at Miami or should I say the Virgin Islands' Marlins. (Google it) The Pirates opened at -150 and are down to at least -135 or lower depending on the sportsbook. I have to go with the better team here and that's the Bucs. 

Indians clicking on all cylinders and offense is cooking. Cleveland's pitching has also been unreal with 12 runs allowed in last eight games. The Tribe is 7-1 at home against Toronto the last couple years. Put another one in the win column for Cleveland. 

Similar to L.A. last night, I think San Jose gets a split in Anaheim and have no problem backing the Sharks. In fact, in these teams past 62 games in Anaheim, including the playoffs, San Jose is 31-29-2. 

The best team in the NHL during the regular continues to roll and moves to 12-3 against Colorado after tonight.