Zack's Past Picks
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been masterful defensively against the Golden State Warriors. Golden State has not scored over 100 points in the series yet, and Jimmy Butler put his all into game three. With Anthony Edwards coming off his best game of the series, look for other teammates to find their confidence in game four. Minnesota covers and heads back home to try and close out the series in five.
The Kansas City Royals had their seven game winning streak snapped on Saturday against the Red Sox. In both weekend games they managed just two combined runs. Furthermore, they have scored two runs or less in four out of five games. Although Houston did not manage a run against Michael Wacha on April 26th, look for the Royals inefficiency at the plate to cost them their third loss in a row.
Darius Garland saw his first action in over two weeks in game three’s victory for the Cleveland Cavaliers. As expected he did not shoot the ball well at twenty seven percent, but I expect a rise from him in game two. With Donovan Mitchell’s strong play, Indiana is going to have to over compensate to a degree defensively. Garland gets past his points prop here in game four at Indiana.
Of the remaining teams in the postseason, the predictability of the Cleveland Cavaliers has been the strongest. They swept the Miami Heat, and if they were healthy perhaps they would be going for another sweep today. Road success in their three postseason wins has been by a minimum twenty points, and an average margin of victory of 38 points. Not as lopsided here in game four, but their surge offensively continues to push them past the number.
The Baltimore Orioles are once again are a steep priced favorites on the road against the LA Angels, despite being 6-15 on the road. Look for the fortune of Angels starter Tyler Anderson to subside, as the Angels have won six out of his seven starts. That’s six of the Angels sixteen wins on the year. Not sustainable, whether it’s via Anderson’s arm or the Angels bullpen. Tail the road favored Orioles.
Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors is searching for lineups that are going to work without Steph Curry. This will give Anthony Edwards more flexibility to take over in game three. Game one he did not know how to attack the Warriors defensively, and game two he missed a key six minute stretch in the second quarter. After three straight playoff games of under performing points wise, look for Edwards to clear his points prop in game three.
The Golden State Warriors problems against the Timberwolves may continue in game three, but I’m expecting a better output offensively from Golden State. In game two, Jonathan Kuminga stepped up, and next in line is Brandin Podziemski. He has scored 11 points or less in seven out of his last eight games, but did he get his last two shots to go in game two. Look for his best offensive game since game four against the Rockets.
The Kansas City Royals come into today’s matchup against the Red Sox with an MLB best seven game winning streak. Five of those wins the opposition has scored one run or less, including the Red Sox in yesterday’s opener with one run. Saturday’s starter Cole Ragans has not pitched beyond five innings in each of his last three starts. The Red Sox also got to him last season with two home runs. Back the Red Sox to end the Royals win streak.
In two of the last three playoff games from Indiana they have pulled off miracle comebacks in the final minute. Today, look for the Cavaliers in a desperation spot to play with the same intensity as game two, but to avoid a fourth quarter meltdown. With this line gaining momentum on the Cavaliers side, I expect at least two if not all three in Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and DeAndre Hunter to play tonight. Tail the Cavaliers.
Jose Quintana’s had his first rough outing in his last start against the Chicago Cubs. He gave up six runs total with three via the home run. Look for the veteran to bounce back tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa just has not been able to find winning ways at home, where they have dropped seven straight overall. Tail Milwaukee as the proper slight road favorites.
The Cincinnati Reds failures at the plate continue to plague them as they have now lost four games in a row. Over their last three games they have scored one run or fewer. Hunter Greene has typically been the answer to Cincinnati’s problems as they have won four out of his last five starts, but with the Reds woes look for Atlanta to win this in the final innings. Tail the home team here in Atlanta.
The Golden State Warriors have the daunting task of going back on the road after just defeating the Rockets forty eight hours ago. Jimmy Butler during the Rockets series did not make more then seven field goals from game two on. That makes it hard to clear a points prop, but Butler also has had a knack for setting the tone in a new series in game one. He also gets the edge as Minnesota has not seen him in a Warriors uniform. All four regular season matchups were played before January 15th, when he was a Miami Heat. Take his prop over in game one.
The Houston Astros have burned backers over the last week, losing three out of four to the White Sox, and dropping game one yesterday to Milwaukee. Pitching has been their main issue during their mini slump, but Hayden Wesneski has been consistent on the young season. In five starts he has allowed three runs or less in all. Back the Astros to even their series against the Brewers.
Certain players raise their game in the postseason versus the regular season. Aaron Gordon since his put back dunk to win game four over the Clippers, has surged in the points department. He scored 23, 19, and 22 to close out the series against the Clippers. Look for his confidence to continue in game one against the Thunder, as he goes over his points prop for a fourth straight postseason game.
Sunday, The Cincinnati Reds will aim to win their three-game series over the Washington Nationals. To begin the season the Reds were 0-5 in games with starter Nick Martinez on the mound, that changed in a 3-1 victory over St. Louis on Monday. Strikeout leader MacKenzie Gore also had his shortest outing last season against the Reds when he lasted just two innings. Back the home team here with Cincinnati.