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.

Atlanta goes into the play in with a record of just 36 and 46. At ten games below .500 they lost the final six games of the season. Yet, this team has adapted after missing Trae Young for nearly two months. Furthermore, Chicago is a team they defeated at the United Center on April 1st by a margin of twelve points. Grab the generous amount of points here on the Hawks side.

Win or lose look for Coach Spoelstra to have a playoff twist to his lineup today. After all in the Heat’s last two matchup against Philadelphia they lost, and had issues scoring. Minus Terry Rozier someone else needs to step up. Nikola Jovic down the stretch of the season had three games of eighteen or more points. In the month of April alone he is averaging twelve points. Take his over tonight in the points prop market.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs have had an exciting series that has featured two extra inning games so far. For the Cubs today’s game marks the conclusion of a three series nine game road trip. Prior to yesterday their bats had been quiet, where they had scored an average of under three runs their prior five games. After yesterday’s breakout look for the bats to continue to excel in a hitter friendly ballpark. Take the Cubs.

If the Sacramento Kings are going to defeat the Golden State Warriors they will need elevated play from Keegan Murray. Murray has the skills on both ends of the floor, and can help fill the void of being without Malik Monk. In the month of April thus far he is averaging 17 points per game. In a lose and go home situation look for Murray to leave it all on the floor. Play his over.

The Oakland As have been better than anticipated at 7 and 10 on the year. I expect that to be short lived, and for the Cardinals bats to have success tonight. JP Sears is coming off a one hit performance in which he was fantastic against Texas. Replicating a strong start that had potential for a no hitter is one of the toughest spots for a pitcher. Back the Cardinals.

When Chicago travels to Arizona it is one of the Diamondbacks highest attended series. The representation of Chicago transplants in the valley of the sun almost makes this a home game for the Cubs. Look for the Cubs to feed off that energy, as Chicago’s timely hits gets them their third straight victory.