The Nationals pitching have allowed seven-plus runs in seven straight games, and Washington has lost six of those. Nats RHP Jake Irvin (8.00 ERA) and the bullpen (6.34 ERA) may not reverse the trend here. Milwaukee is winless when it scores 0-2 runs (0-4) and unbeaten when it scores more (8-0). Keeping up is going to a challenge against Brewers starter Chad Patrick, who’s allowed one run through 9.1 IP. He’s backed by a fresh bullpen sporting a 2.66 ERA.
The Guardians have started strong because their pitching, per usual, has been strong. But this showdown isn’t a favorable pitching matchup for them. Braves RHP Shane Elder hasn’t allowed a run through 13 innings. The bullpen behind him has a scant 0.82 ERA, best in the majors. The Guardians offense has scored over four runs twice since March 29. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s scored 8 and 7 runs the last two outs and should be productive again vs. inconsistent Slade Cerroni, who was roughed up in his lone road start.
The Tigers return home after getting swept by the Twins. They've managed over three runs once during this current five-game skid. Miami has won two in a row, outscoring the Reds 8-1 and 7-4. Miami’s offense has scored at least four runs in all but one game since Opening Day. Its OPS vs. right-handers sits at .861, so it should have a shot against Keider Montero. Marlins RHP Chris Paddack may have a quick hook, but that’s OK with the way the Marlins’ bullpen has been going (2.84 ERA).
As the regular season plays out, it’s only fun to play matchups in which both teams actually care. There aren’t many of them, but this qualifies. Houston has won seven straight, and is on a 4-2 ATS run. The Rockets are tied with the Lakers for the No. 4 spot but lose the tiebreaker, so this game is of utmost importance. Philly could get itself out of the play-in but it’s a stretch, and Joel Embiid, while not on the injury report, could be restricted.
Anthony Kay has been pulled in the middle of the fifth inning of both starts, but he’s given up only two runs in each of them. Left-handed hitters have yet to register a single hit, and the Royals right-handers have bene struggling big-time so far. Meanwhile, Royals RHP Seth Lugo has given up only two runs though 11.1 IP vs. solid Braves and Brewers lineups, both of which came in the same inning. The bullpens for both sides stink, so we’ll just play the starters.
The Nuggets’ SF has scored 17, 17 and 19 points in three April games, and at least 12 points in 12 of his last 14. That shouldn’t change against a horrid Grizzlies team that doesn’t care any more and has surrendered 24.5 ppg to SF’s all season. Cam’s scored 18, 5 and 20 in three games vs. the Grizz. Reserve forwards Peyton Watson (14.5) and Spencer Jones (5.5) out means more minutes and points opportunity for Johnson.
Giants ace LHP Robbie Ray faces a Phillies offense with a .535 OPS vs. southpaws. Through two games, he’s allowed two total runs over the first five innings of games. Meanwhile, Cristopher Sanchez has only given up one run at all over 11.1 IP, and the Giants’ .539 OPS vs. right-handers suggest he’s in line for another stellar outing, especially in pitcher-friendly SF.
Kevin Gausman has allowed just three hits over 12 innings so far, with 21 strikeouts. He’ll face a Dodgers offense that’s scored 13, 10, 8 and 14 runs the last four games. Something has to give – or does it? Toronto’s bullpen has a 6.14 ERA, so if Gausman goes 6 IP like his previous starts, L.A. can wait and pour it on late. World Series hero and Blue Jays spoiler Yoshi Yamamoto can do his thing and the Dodgers bullpen can keep it up.
Freddy Peralta and Zac Gallen each rebounded from subpar opening starts with stellar second outings. If they’re awash, that benefits the Mets, whose bullpen owns a 1.66 ERA compared to the 6.50 so far from Arizona’s. The D’backs have struggled to hit on the road and in day games; the Mets’ OPS in each split is 100 points higher.
The Pistons center is averaging 21.8 ppg since the start of February, so this line is right there. But the Magic rank only behind the Thunder in ppg allowed to centers, and only behind the Clippers in ppg allowed to PFs. He's scored 16 in the last two meetings vs. the Magic. With Tobias Harris likely out for DET, the Magic can focus even more interior defensive efforts on Duren.
Seven starters are sitting out Easter Sunday - another stellar matchup for NBA fans everywhere! Donovan Mitchell and James Harden will play, so the Cavs are rightfully favored, but it's the first game of a back-to-back, and with nobody chasing Cleveland for the 4 spot in the East, it's OK to wonder how much they'll play, too. This is a lot of points for a glorified exhibition. Only a half-unit, though.
The last two games of this series have finished with 2-0 and 2-1 scores, each side winning one. But the Braves’ lineup has more potential to break out (it scored 17 on Thursday vs. the D’backs) and we trust Atlanta’s Martin Perez, who tossed 4.1 innings of shutout ball in his opener, over Brandon Pfaadt, who got rocked for five runs. Arizona’s had issues vs. LHPs so far. The Braves’ bullpen is deeper and better.
The Yankees are a solid 6-1 to start, and all six wins have been by at least two runs. Ryan Weathers was great in his opening start (one run allowed) and he’s backed by a premier bullpen sporting a 1.57 ERA so far. The Marlins were a nice surprise in the opening week, but they played the Rockies and White Sox at home. Friday was their first game outside of sunny Florida, and they lost 8-2.
Wiggins got his minutes back to the usual 30-plus level the last three games following injury, and has produced 21+ P/R twice. He averages 20.6 P/R but faces the Wizards here, who rank dead-last in the NBA in both points allowed and rebounds allowed to the opposing PF spot. Bam Adebayo embarrassed the Wizards in historic fashion last time – Wiggins didn’t play then, but did have have 11 points and 10 boards in limited action vs. the Wiz in a previous meeting. With no Norman Powell and his 22 ppg, Andrew is a prime candidate to add scoring.
MacKenzie Gore’s Rangers debut went well; he breathed a sigh of relief he was no longer in Washington, then no-hit the Phillies for the opening five innings. The Reds are a respectable 3-3, but rank 29th in average (.187) and are scoring 2.8 runs per outing. We just need Texas to get to Brady Singer and for Gore to go five frames. He went five-plus in 10 of his first 11 starts in 2025.