The Houston Astros did not come through for me yesterday, but I’ll go right back to them today. Jameson Taillon is making just his second start of the season, and was limited to just 73 pitches. Expect a similar window of a pitch count today, as the Astros get to see an extra inning or two from the Cubs bullpen. They’ll take advantage and get their eighth win of the season.

The Boston Celtics are once again huge favorites in game two. Thanks to a big fourth quarter run from the Miami Heat in game one, I expect an even faster start from the Celtics in game two. Additionally, Celtics star Jayson Tatum will play with a chip on his shoulder after Caleb Martin collided into him at the tail end of the game. Miami just does not have the personnel to run full speed with the Celtics for four quarters. Take the Celtics to cover once again.

The Detroit Tigers have been stronger on the road then they have been at home. In fact they boast a 10-3 road record on the young season. This bodes to their favor today as the Tampa Bay Rays are using an opener today on the mound. Additionally, Tigers ace Jack Flaherty is coming off a season high ten strikeouts. Tail the Tigers

Look for the Pacers to respond in game two tonight in Milwaukee. As poor of a first half as the Pacers played they fought back to cut the deficit to just twelve points. They held Damian Lillard scoreless in the second half, and Milwaukee to just forty points post half time. Look for Indiana to shoot much better from the field and not be held under 100 points again. Take Indiana.

The Arizona Diamondbacks squandered another possible win yesterday as their bullpen could not hold a 3-0 lead. Today, the Diamondbacks do have the upper hand as they saw Steven Matz in their home series earlier this month. Matz gave up a season high eight hits in the outing. Tail the Dbacks to answer and even the road series.

The Houston Astros need a get right series to dig out of 7-16 start to their year. On the road today against the Cubs presents an opportunity to chip away in the wins department. Cubs starter Jordan Wicks deepest outing has been 4 2/3 innings. That will put pressure on the Cubs bullpen. Additionally, JP France is coming off allowing just four hits his last start. Tail the Astros to finally start a series off properly.

D’Angelo Russell was just six for twenty in game one against the Denver Nuggets. In last year’s Western Conference Finals he had a disaster series against Denver in which he averaged just six points, and saw a huge minutes reduction. Look for Russell’s value to be more as a facilitator in game two, as he tones down his shots attempts. Take Russell’s under points.

It’s a tricky spot tonight as the Baltimore Orioles begin a series in Southern California against the LA Angels. On the mound will be Albert Suarez making his second start for Baltimore. He lacks big league experience but is a veteran at the age of 34. Additionally, Baltimore’s potent bats figure to give Reid Detmers issues as the Orioles are coming off a hot hitting series against the Royals. Take Baltimore on a fair money line price.

The Kansas City Royals after winning nine straight home games have suddenly dropped two straight. In yesterday’s loss they were shutout for the first time this season. Starting pitcher Brady Singer has averaged just 84 pitches over his last three starts. Tail Toronto who have won six of eight games overall.

For the second time this season both the Guardians and Athletics will see today’s starters in Ross Stripling and Tanner Bibee. Stripling is winless in his first four starts, but may get early run support today. Bibee had command issues with five walks against the As his first start. Additionally, the Guardians have had to win in extra innings each of his last two starts. Grab the value here on the As.

After yesterday’s 9-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, the Kansas City Royals have now won nine straight home games. For the Orioles they drew zero runs yesterday against Royal’s starter Alec Marsh. Now they’ll face Cole Ragans who allowed just one hit and no runs against the Orioles on April 3rd. Yet, the Orioles did win that game, as they have done in all four of Corbin Burnes outings. Take the Orioles to end the Royals home streak.

One of the toughest elements of the postseason is handling heightened pressure. For the Minnesota Timberwolves they had a banner year but now enter a phase they have not experienced as a higher seed in the Western Conference. To make matters worse the Suns have won nine out of the last ten matchups including a road win last Sunday. Take Phoenix to get another win over the young Timberwolves.

The Toronto Blue Jays just had their winning streak snapped at four games in their last outing against the Yankees. Look for the Blue Jays to get back on track Friday against a Padres team that was shutout Tuesday against the Brewers. It was the Padres first shutout loss of the season, and now they will face a rookie pitcher in Yariel Rodriguez more comfortable in his second start. Take the Blue Jays as the road favorites.

The Milwaukee Brewers take their strong 7-2 road record to St. Louis. Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta in two road starts has allowed just two runs and had a combined nineteen strikeouts. Yet, his worst road start of 2023 was against St. Louis where he gave up six runs. His other road start against the Cardinals a gem outing was spoiled with a 1-0 loss. Grab St. Louis

Cleveland has the tough task of not having an off day as they head into their new series against the Oakland As. Look for their hot bats to aide any poor innings from starting pitcher Tristan McKenzie. The Guardians lineup is just two runs behind the Baltimore Orioles for most runs in the American League. This is also a heavy regression spot for As starter Joe Boyle. Take the Guardians on the money line.