This combo line feels like a free roll considering how it is, in addition to the possibility that Kawhi Leonard may miss this game. Leonard is listed as questionable and he did not appear to be close to 100% in Game 2 where he shot 7-17 from the field. Russell Westbrook still logged at least 23 minutes in both games and in the event that Leonard misses Game 3, his usage and playing time are likely to both increase. Regardless of Leonard's status tonight, Russ appears locked into a 22-25 minutes off the bench and is certainly not shy or passive whenever hes on the court.

Tyrese Haliburton has been quiet through two games of this series. Haliburton had a fantastic regular season that saw him average 20.1 PPG and we're getting a sizable discount on this scoring prop. The Bucks really struggle defending opposing PGs and I believe the combination of going back to his home court will help Haliburton. I also believe Milwaukee has to adjust for Pascal Siakam which should help open things up for Haliburton from a spacing standpoint. Either way, I love his chances of bouncing back tonight at home and scoring at least 18+ points in the process.

Reese Olson is a talented young pitcher and the 24 year old is running cold on strikeouts this season. Olson possesses an impressive 13.7% SwStr% which is nearly 2% higher than the 11.9% mark Olson posted last season. He gets a tough draw against a stingy Royals lineup this afternoon but with his line at just 4.5, I would back him against any opponent.

Seth Lugo is averaging a career worst 11.1% K Rate and while his strikeout metrics haven't been pretty, I believe he's a positive regression candidate. The Tigers provide a get right spot and possess the 7th highest K rate against opposing right handed pitching this season. Considering Lugo's outs prop is projected at 17.5 and heavily juiced over, I like his chances to record 5+ Ks.

Going back to the proverbial well with Austin Reaves as he looks to get going as the Lakers head home down 0-2. This number is much closer to Reaves floor than his ceiling considering his playing time, usage, role, etc. Look for Reaves to bounce back at home.

Nestor Cortes looks healthy and is coming off of arguably his best start since the 2022 season after racking up 9 Ks over 7 IP against the Rays. It's been a while since Cortes has put together two quality starts back to back and ultimately I believe this line is an overreaction and should be 6.5.

This is a tiny line for Max Strus who is essentially the forgotten man on the Cleveland Cavs. Strus plays big minutes and this number is simply much closer to his floor than his ceiling, even in a paced down low scoring environment. Strus averages approximately 17.0 P+R and has eclipsed this line in both playoffs games against Orlando, despite shooting just 33% from the field and 20% from the perimeter. Strus is playing 35 minutes per game in the playoffs which is higher than his season average of 32 mpg as well.

This looks like a great spot to fade Mackenzie Gore against a Dodgers team that has a stingy K Rate of 20.8% versus opposing southpaws. LA also possesses a healthy .722 OPS against lefties, good for the 10th highest mark in MLB. Considering Gore's outs line is just 16.5 juiced heavily to the under, I believe 7 Ks is a tall order.

Justin Verlander at 41 years young and will be making his second start of the season for the Astros. While Verlander is still an effective pitcher his strikeout numbers have been pointing down. At this stage of Verlader's career 7 Ks is a tall order, regardless of the opponent.

Freddy Peralta is certainly pitching well, however 8 strikeouts is a lot to ask from the vetern right hander. Peralta has been held under this line in 20 of his last 34 starts dating back to last season. The Pirates have been middle of the pack in regards to their K rate against opposing right handed pitchers this season. I would also make the argument that Freddy has been running a bit hot on strikeouts thus far. EIther way at this number and odds, I believe it's a good spot to fade.

Going right back to the official fade Josh Giddey well, even at a significantly lower number. This is what Giddey's number should have been for Game 1 and why I was all over it, but I am still comfortable fading this line at this number. For starters the Pels are a very tough matchup, but beyond that it would surprise me to see Giddey play more than 20 MPG in this series. There is a very good chance if he goes under that we do not see this line in the 20's again during the postseason.

Jon Gray is off to a solid start allowing only two earned runs over his previous 16 IP. Gray has racked up 25 Ks over 20 IP and is sporting a career high 13.2% SwStr% in addition to a career best 70.6% Contact%. He will face a Seattle lineup that possesses the 2nd highest K rate against opposing right handed pitching, in addition to the 19th lowest OPS.

I'm waiting for Houstons bats to really wake up and I think this might be a matchup where it happens. Jameson Taillon is a solid pitcher, however the Astros projected lineup has good career numbers against him. Houston starter Spencer Arrighetti is making his third career start and hasn't looked good. I like this game to be high scoring, I'll go over.