52 Expert Picks

Winnipeg securing home ice over Colorado could prove to be the difference, as the Avs are 31-10 at home and just 19-22 on the road. The Jets just beat Colorado 7-0 last week and are heading into the postseason on an eight-game winning streak. They've beaten the Avs in all three games this season, and goalie Connor Hellebuyck has the potential to carry this Winnipeg team far. I like them to nab the first game on Sunday.

The Nuggets know what it takes to win it all and they are led by the best player in basketball, who averaged 30/g in 3 regular season wins over the Lakers (while playing less minutes given that grind). He's had about a week off and will be plenty ball-dominant here I figure showing LA what they have to contend with, again. Averaged 28 PPG and 14.5 reb (highest of career in any playoff series) in sweep of LA in WCF. Only fear is a total blowout puts him on bench in 4th quarter. I project 30+15.

When I look at this Caps-Rangers series, I'm drawn to the goalies as the most likely storyline to dominate each game. Washington's Charlie Lindgren has been awesome down the stretch, and in three games against New York this year, he allowed just four goals. On the other end is Igor Shesterkin, one of the best goalies in hockey. To me, that is all the makings of a low-scoring series, so give me the under here to get us started. Their four games this year averaged 4.5 total goals per game.

We're looking too closely at Evan Mobley's lower home average here. He's hit three unders in his last five, but before that was 6-1 to the over. Other PFs who average around the same amount of points as Mobley are averaging 17 points at home verse Orlando, 4-1 to this over with a 20 point average. The Sportsline Model makes the number 17. I'd even play it at 14.5 for a better price.

I'm expecting a back-and-forth series between Tampa and Florida, and I think that will get started with a high-scoring showdown on Sunday. The past two meetings between them have seen eight and 11 goals, and both sides are having issues staying out of the penalty box lately. Last time they played, both teams handed out seven power play opportunities. Bring on the goals.

Only concern is long layoff for Denver might make them rusty. Then again, you are never rustier than Opening Night, and DEN beat LA by 12 then. DEN swept the season series winning all 3 by 8+. Nuggets had 4 players avg 20+ PPG vs LA, played at a high pace vs them and scored plenty. LAL are the NBA's 23rd ranked team in Def Rating since the ASG (in a virtual tie with POR) - worst of any team still alive. That's a problem. Too many match-up issues here. Jokic will get his 30 and a triple double. After a tough series last year, Denver will be driven to dispatch LA quickly and send a message. I think that starts with double digit W.

This isn't asking much of Kelly Oubre. He is averaging nearly 18 points the last month. He's had two unders his last two games which is giving us a good buy low spot. He had a slow start and early foul trouble against Miami, and I don't see that happening two games in a row. He averages 16 points on the road and nearly 19 against the Knicks.

We told you yesterday that Paredes is a Yankee killer and in great run-producing form and he cashed for us with a two RBI knock (and had a few other opportunities as well). We like the Rays work against Nestor Cortes and Paredes loves the Bronx and he has 2 HR in 12 ABs vs him. Cortes's act is running a little thin and his antics aren't so cute with all the hard contact against him. I expect Rays to get to him early today, knowing he's vulnerable.

Nestor Cortes was a thing for a year or so, but he's been nothing special since and Diaz tends to hit him hard. Rays having better at bats lately though this guy is in quite a funk. I like him to breakout today. Diaz has 24 ABs vs Cortes with 8 hits, an OPS over 1000 and a couple of homers. All the delays and affectations don't do much for the junk baller when he faces this professional hitter and I like the Rays to flush a tough loss Fri and battle hard to try to tie this series today

Kutter Crawford has been an absolute revelation for the BoSox so far (though I would say throwing nothing but junk is gonna mess his elbow up), but this switch hitter is in his head. Reynolds is scuffling for sure but is 3-for-3 with 2 HRs career vs this starter. I do think Crawford will regress and his control has started to waver a little but in recent starts. I also don't think a whole lot of the Sox pen, their defense stinks (which could help us with a generous IF hit not ruled an error) and get ready to start fading that team as I expect them to plummet.

I don't do a lot of wagering on double headers, but this isn't your average DH, either. The Marlins are so bad, and we are getting them after their best starter went in Game 1, who is struggling himself, and with their brutal pen even more compromised. Cubs have better depth and talent, I love the way their Game 2 starter is pitching and they get to face a kid making his MLB debut who Miami has to be a little careful with. Rough time to ask for 18 innings (at least) out of Marlins on the road. At least one of these games will be a total blowout and I'll go with the second

Friday, we paid the juice and took the Phillies to win on the moneyline. They won 7-0. Saturday’s moneyline has more juice than Tropicana, so we’ll play this instead. The Phillies will start their ace Zack Wheeler, who has a 1.04 WHIP and 30 strikeouts over 24 innings. The White Sox will start Michael Soroka, who has a 1.76 WHIP and has given up at least four runs in three of his four outings. The Phillies should win this in convincing fashion.

Juan Soto is in the midst of a strong first season with the Yankees, hitting .347/.468/.600 in 20 games. He's had 2+ bases 10 times, including in four of his last six, with home runs in two straight, so he's swinging a hot bat. He's had a lot of success against Eflin in his career mostly from his Nationals days, hitting 11 for 25 with four extra-base hits. Eflin has been a mixed back to start the year, with a 20:2 K:BB ratio but also a 4.63 ERA as he's surrendered nine extra-base hits, including four home runs. I'm surprised this number is so juiced to the Under in this matchup.

Kutter Crawford has been nearly flawless through four starts allowing a single earned run and possessing a spectacular ERA of 0.42. Crawford has eclipsed this line in three of his four starts, however I would argue he is running very hot on strikeouts and is due for some regression. If we look at his SwStr% and Contact% it would indicate this as well. Pittsburgh is more of a neutral matchup from a strikeout perspective but everything I value points to the under here.

Have to say that I'm getting a tad excited about the Cubs this year. Beating Dodgers or Braves? Doubtful but think they get to postseason. Of course, when the Marlins are in Wrigley I flash back to Bartman. And while I literally vomited at the time (true story), I totally would have tried to catch the ball too. I think. Do like to imagine I knew the situation and would have backed off, but Wrigley in late summer and not beered up? Come on. Will tell you one thing: I AM NOT wearing headphones. Clown. I shouldn't have to even explain this pick. The only Marlin who would start for the Cubs is Luis Arraez.