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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Detroit at LA Angels


W/L Trends


Detroit
•Tigers are 8-3 in their last 11 Friday games.
• Tigers are 4-9 in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Tigers are 2-5 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 during game 2 of a series.
• Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Tigers are 3-7 in Zimmermanns last 10 starts on grass.
• Tigers are 1-4 in Zimmermanns last 5 road starts.
• Tigers are 1-4 in Zimmermanns last 5 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Tigers are 1-4 in Zimmermanns last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Tigers are 1-4 in Zimmermanns last 5 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Tigers are 0-4 in Zimmermanns last 4 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Tigers are 0-4 in Zimmermanns last 4 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.



LA Angels
•Angels are 6-2 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Angels are 10-4 in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Angels are 5-2 in their last 7 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Angels are 5-2 in their last 7 during game 2 of a series.
• Angels are 11-5 in their last 16 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Angels are 17-8 in their last 25 home games.
• Angels are 4-12 in their last 16 Friday games.
• Angels are 1-4 in their last 5 overall.
• Angels are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Angels are 1-4 in their last 5 games on grass.
• Angels are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. American League Central.
• Angels are 6-1 in Shoemakers last 7 home starts.
• Angels are 5-1 in Shoemakers last 6 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Angels are 8-3 in Shoemakers last 11 starts.
• Angels are 7-3 in Shoemakers last 10 starts on grass.
• Angels are 3-9 in Shoemakers last 12 starts vs. American League Central.
• Angels are 1-4 in Shoemakers last 5 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Angels are 1-5 in Shoemakers last 6 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.


OU Trends


Detroit
•Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 vs. American League West.
• Over is 7-0 in Tigers last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 7-1 in Tigers last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Over is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 overall.
• Over is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 on grass.
• Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 games following a win.
• Over is 13-3-1 in Tigers last 17 road games.
• Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 15-5-1 in Tigers last 21 Friday games.
• Under is 6-2 in Tigers last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 5-2 in Tigers last 7 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 4-0 in Zimmermanns last 4 starts on grass.
• Over is 6-1 in Zimmermanns last 7 starts with 5 days of rest.
• Over is 6-1 in Zimmermanns last 7 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Over is 13-3-1 in Zimmermanns last 17 starts overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Zimmermanns last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Zimmermanns last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 8-3 in Zimmermanns last 11 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.



LA Angels
•Under is 8-1 in Angels last 9 vs. American League Central.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Angels last 6 during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 26-7-1 in Angels last 34 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 20-6-2 in Angels last 28 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 6-2-2 in Angels last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Under is 3-1-3 in Angels last 7 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Angels last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Angels last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
• Under is 24-8-1 in Angels last 33 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 6-2-1 in Angels last 9 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Under is 35-14-3 in Angels last 52 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 9-4-3 in Angels last 16 home games.
• Under is 19-9-1 in Angels last 29 games following a loss.
• Under is 40-19-4 in Angels last 63 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 5-0-1 in Shoemakers last 6 home starts.
• Under is 7-1-2 in Shoemakers last 10 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 13-2-1 in Shoemakers last 16 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Under is 6-1 in Shoemakers last 7 starts vs. American League Central.
• Under is 4-1 in Shoemakers last 5 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Shoemakers last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Under is 10-4-2 in Shoemakers last 16 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Over is 7-3-1 in Shoemakers last 11 starts overall.


Head to Head


•Under is 4-0 in Shoemakers last 4 starts vs. Tigers.
• Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Tigers are 16-44 in the last 60 meetings in Los Angeles.
• Tigers are 7-23 in the last 30 meetings.



Umpire Trends - Mark Wegner


•Home team is 7-0 in Wegners last 7 games behind home plate.
• Under is 7-1 in Wegners last 8 games behind home plate vs. Detroit.
• Road team is 6-1 in Wegners last 7 Friday games behind home plate vs. Detroit.
• Angels are 9-2 in their last 11 games with Wegner behind home plate.
• Over is 3-1-2 in Wegners last 6 Friday games behind home plate.
• Under is 8-3 in Wegners last 11 games behind home plate.
• Home team is 5-2 in Wegners last 7 Friday games behind home plate.
• Home team is 5-2 in Wegners last 7 games behind home plate vs. Detroit.
• Tigers are 0-4 in their last 4 games with Wegner behind home plate.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Cincinnati at San Francisco


W/L Trends


Cincinnati
•Reds are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. National League West.
• Reds are 7-1 in their last 8 overall.
• Reds are 7-1 in their last 8 games on grass.
• Reds are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a win.
• Reds are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Reds are 63-28 in their last 91 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
• Reds are 2-6 in their last 8 Friday games.
• Reds are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Reds are 1-4 in Feldmans last 5 starts.
• Reds are 1-4 in Feldmans last 5 starts on grass.



San Francisco
•Giants are 5-17 in their last 22 vs. National League Central.
• Giants are 5-17 in their last 22 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Giants are 1-4 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Giants are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a loss.
• Giants are 1-4 in their last 5 home games.
• Giants are 2-9 in their last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Giants are 1-5 in their last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Giants are 1-5 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Giants are 1-6 in their last 7 overall.
• Giants are 1-6 in their last 7 games on grass.
• Giants are 0-7 in their last 7 during game 2 of a series.
• Giants are 4-0 in Cuetos last 4 starts during game 2 of a series.
• Giants are 4-0 in Cuetos last 4 home starts.
• Giants are 18-3 in Cuetos last 21 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Giants are 5-1 in Cuetos last 6 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Giants are 8-2 in Cuetos last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Giants are 8-2 in Cuetos last 10 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Giants are 9-3 in Cuetos last 12 starts.
• Giants are 9-3 in Cuetos last 12 starts on grass.
• Giants are 17-8 in Cuetos last 25 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.


OU Trends


Cincinnati
•Under is 4-0 in Reds last 4 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 6-0-1 in Reds last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 4-0 in Reds last 4 Friday games.
• Over is 6-1-1 in Reds last 8 road games.
• Over is 5-1 in Reds last 6 during game 2 of a series.
• Over is 4-1-1 in Reds last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Over is 11-3 in Reds last 14 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 13-5 in Reds last 18 overall.
• Over is 13-5 in Reds last 18 on grass.



San Francisco
•Under is 2-0-2 in Giants last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Over is 3-0-1 in Giants last 4 during game 2 of a series.
• Under is 7-1 in Giants last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
• Under is 7-1 in Giants last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Over is 8-2 in Giants last 10 Friday games.
• Under is 12-3 in Giants last 15 home games.
• Over is 5-0 in Cuetos last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
• Over is 6-0-1 in Cuetos last 7 home starts.
• Over is 7-1 in Cuetos last 8 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
• Over is 6-1 in Cuetos last 7 starts on grass.
• Over is 6-1 in Cuetos last 7 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 6-1 in Cuetos last 7 starts overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Cuetos last 5 Friday starts.
• Over is 4-1 in Cuetos last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
• Over is 4-1 in Cuetos last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 4-1 in Cuetos last 5 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
• Over is 5-2 in Cuetos last 7 starts during game 2 of a series.


Head to Head


•Reds are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
• Reds are 13-3 in the last 16 meetings in San Francisco.
• Over is 12-4-1 in the last 17 meetings in San Francisco.
• Over is 12-4-1 in the last 17 meetings.



Umpire Trends - Tony Randazzo


•Home team is 4-0 in Randazzos last 4 Friday games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
• Over is 3-0-2 in Randazzos last 5 games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
• Over is 4-0 in Randazzos last 4 Friday games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
• Under is 10-1 in Randazzos last 11 Friday games behind home plate.
• Home team is 5-1 in Randazzos last 6 games behind home plate.
• Home team is 8-2 in Randazzos last 10 games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
• Under is 8-2 in Randazzos last 10 games behind home plate vs. Cincinnati.
• Giants are 11-3 in their last 14 games with Randazzo behind home plate.
• Over is 3-1-1 in Randazzos last 5 games behind home plate.
• Home team is 11-4 in Randazzos last 15 games behind home plate vs. Cincinnati.
• Road team is 5-2 in Randazzos last 7 Friday games behind home plate

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Allen East man

Seattle at Toronto
Play: Under 9

I have posted 10 of 16 winning nights on the diamond over the last three weeks and I will have another big weekend this week. I have posted 7 of 8 winning MLB seasons and I am planning on getting another winning year this summer. I would love to have you on board. Two good young pitchers are going to take the mound in this game on Friday. Chase De Jong is coming off his best start of the season, allowing just one run in six innings against Texas. That is two of three strong appearances for the rookie. The Blue Jays are going with a good young arm in Joe Biagini. He has proven himself in the bullpen. He made 60 appearances last season and posted just a 3.06 ERA and this year he has a 2.78 ERA in his 15 outings. He made his first career start over the weekend at Tampa Bay and didn't allow an earned run in four efficient innings. I expect more of the same. The 'under' is 21-7 in Toronto's last 28 games and the 'under' is 20-7 in Toronto's last 27 games against teams from the A.L. West. The 'under' is 23-9 when the Blue Jays plays on AstroTurf and is 48-21 against teams playing above .500. Seattle has gone 'under' in 13 of 17 series openers, and I see another 'under' coming in this game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Will Rogers

Nashville vs. Anaheim
Pick: Over

The set-up: The Anaheim Ducks finally put an end to their demonizing streak of Game 7 postseason failures on their home ice with their 2-1 win over the Oilers on Wednesday. However, there is no rest for the weary as Anaheim will host the upstart Nashville Predators tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at the Honda Center. The eighth-seeded Predators swept the top-seed Blackhawks in the first round and then eliminated the Blues in six games in the second round, advancing to the conference finals for the first time in franchise history. However, the Ducks will well remember that Nashville won Game 7 in Anaheim a year ago,eliminating the Ducks from the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season in a Game 7 on their home ice. That led to the dismissal of head coach Bruce Boudreau.

Nashville: The Predators' playoff run is due in large part to the remarkable renaissance of veteran goaltender Pekka Rinne. He's overcome an uneven regular season by allowing just 14 goals in 10 playoff games, including a pair of shutouts in the sweep of top-seeded Chicago. Rinne's led Nahville to an 8-2 record, posting a 1.37 GAA with a .951 save percentage. The defensemen, despite the blockbuster offseason trade of longtime captain Shea Weber for fellow blueliner P.K. Subban, are getting it done at both ends of the ice by amassing nine goals and 27 points in the postseason.

Anaheim: Captain Ryan Getzlaf got off to a miserable start to the season with only two goals in his first 26 games but has been superb in the playoffs with eight goals and seven assists. Linemate Corey Perry came alive in the last four games versus Edmonton with a goal and five assists plus 33-goal scorer Rickard Rakell tallied in four straight games against the Oilers. The defense is also providing healthy offensive production with a combined three goals and 20 assists. However, goalie John Gibson remains a question mark. He has surrendered at least three goals in six of his last nine appearances.

The pick: I noted Gibson's shortcomings above and will add that he lost both playoff starts against the Predators a year ago. Sure, Rinne's been a 'tough nut to crack' but Anaheim is 22-12 since the start of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the best winning percentage (.647) of all teams in that span. Expect a goal or two more than the over/under number indicates.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nashville at Anaheim



When: 9:00 PM ET, Friday, May 12, 2017
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim, California

Having finally put an end to their demonizing streak of Game 7 postseason failures on their home ice, the Anaheim Ducks host the upstart Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Nashville won both playoff matchups against the Ducks, including a seven-game series in the 2016 postseason.

The eighth-seeded Predators are in the conference finals for the first time in franchise history, pulling off a stunning sweep of Chicago in the first round before dispatching St. Louis in six games. Nashville won Game 7 in Anaheim a year ago, which eliminated the Ducks from the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season in a Game 7 on their home ice and led to the dismissal of coach Bruce Boudreau. Pacific Division champion Anaheim, making its fifth appearance overall in the conference finals and second since winning the Stanley Cup in 2007, swept Calgary in the opening round before overcoming the Game 7 albatross with a 2-1 victory over Edmonton on Wednesday to earn a rematch against the Predators. “It’s, obviously, a team that’s playing outstanding in the playoffs,” Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf said following the close-out win over the Oilers. “We’re going to have to be prepared, and we’ll start that process tonight and tomorrow morning.”

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, CBC, TVAS

ABOUT THE PREDATORS: Nashville's surprising playoff run is due to large part to the remarkable renaissance of veteran goaltender Pekka Rinne. The 34-year-old Finland native overcame an uneven regular season by allowing 14 goals in 10 playoff games, including a pair of shutouts in the sweep of top-seeded Chicago. The defensemen, despite the blockbuster offseason trade of longtime captain Shea Weber for fellow blueliner P.K. Subban, are getting it done at both ends of the ice by amassing nine goals and 27 points in the postseason. The offensive burden up front will fall on the No. 1 line of center Ryan Johansen and 31-goal scorers Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson, who were fairly quiet against St. Louis before combining for four points in the series-clinching victory.

ABOUT THE DUCKS: Getzlaf got off to a miserable start to the season with only two goals in his first 26 games, but has been superb in the playoffs with eight goals and seven assists. Linemate Corey Perry also has come alive after a pedestrian regular season with a goal and five assists in the last four games versus Edmonton while 33-goal scorer Rickard Rakell tallied in four straight games against the Oilers. The defense, despite the absence of Cam Fowler in the first-round win over Calgary, is providing healthy offensive production with a combined three goals and 20 assists. Perhaps the biggest question mark is in net, where John Gibson has surrendered at least three goals in six of his last nine appearances and lost both playoff starts against the Predators a year ago.

OVERTIME

1. Anaheim and Nashville traded five-goal wins before the Ducks' 4-3 shootout victory at home on March 7. The away team won five of seven games in the playoffs last season.

2. Anaheim is 22-12 since the start of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the best winning percentage (.647) of all teams in that span.

3. The Predators are the sixth bottom seed to reach the conference finals since 1982.

PREDICTION: Predators 3, Ducks 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends - Nashville at Anaheim


W/L Trends


Nashville
•Predators are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Pacific.
• Predators are 4-0 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Predators are 8-1 in their last 9 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Predators are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Predators are 8-2 in their last 10 overall.
• Predators are 23-9 in their last 32 vs. Western Conference.
• Predators are 20-8 in their last 28 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Predators are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a win.
• Predators are 2-6 in their last 8 games playing on 3 or more days rest.



Anaheim
•Ducks are 5-0 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Ducks are 5-1 in their last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Ducks are 13-3 in their last 16 games following a win.
• Ducks are 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Ducks are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. Central.
• Ducks are 21-7 in their last 28 overall.
• Ducks are 19-7 in their last 26 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Ducks are 19-7 in their last 26 vs. Western Conference.
• Ducks are 20-8 in their last 28 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Ducks are 25-10 in their last 35 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Ducks are 46-21 in their last 67 home games.


OU Trends


Nashville
•Under is 4-0-1 in Predators last 5 Friday games.
• Under is 3-0-1 in Predators last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Under is 8-1-4 in Predators last 13 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 8-1-2 in Predators last 11 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 6-1-4 in Predators last 11 vs. Western Conference.
• Under is 5-1-5 in Predators last 11 games following a win.
• Under is 10-2-5 in Predators last 17 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-1-3 in Predators last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Under is 15-5-6 in Predators last 26 overall.
• Under is 3-1-2 in Predators last 6 road games.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Predators last 5 vs. Pacific.
• Over is 5-2-3 in Predators last 10 games playing on 3 or more days rest.



Anaheim
•Over is 4-0-1 in Ducks last 5 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 4-0 in Ducks last 4 games following a win.
• Over is 4-0 in Ducks last 4 Conference Finals games.
• Over is 6-1-2 in Ducks last 9 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
• Over is 4-1 in Ducks last 5 overall.
• Over is 4-1 in Ducks last 5 vs. Western Conference.
• Over is 4-1 in Ducks last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 7-3-1 in Ducks last 11 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.


Head to Head


•Home team is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
• Over is 15-5-4 in the last 24 meetings in Anaheim.
• Over is 20-7-8 in the last 35 meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bruce Marshall

Cubs at Cardinals
Pick: Under

The Cubs are struggling at 17-17 and in fourth place in the NL Central, and now must face the division's hottest team as the Cardinals enter Busch Stadium on a 6-game win streak. Moreover, St. Louis Friday starter Mike Leake has a 1.79 ERA to date. But Chicago is high on Eddie Butler, who moves into Brett Anderson's spot in the rotation after a 1.17 ERA in five AAA starts. If Butler is even semi-effective, the 8 1/2 "total" a bit high.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Chase Diamond

Phillies vs. Nationals
Play: Phillies +161

This free premium winner has the 13-19 Phillies and the 22-12 Nationals. Nick Pivetta in his third start this season gets to face off again with his former team. He knows he must have a good showing to stay in the bigs and the Phillies really need a win after dropping 2 straight and 8 of their last 10. Tanner Roark is very hittable and the Phillies know if they want a series win tonight is a must. Love the plus money here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Essler

NY Yankees +105

I like the Yankees to get this done - they've been great at home and clearly have the better bullpen. McCullers comes in having shut down the Angels, but the Angels can't hit. It's been well-documented about his struggles on the road, but it was the Angels - he's never pitched in Yankees Stadium, which on a Friday night could be a little intimidating for a young kid. I don't know what to expect from Montgomery, but Houston hasn't seen him so there's perhaps an early advantage for him. I hope he can get through the order a couple of times, and if it's close from the 6th on, yes, give me the home team at this price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Harry Bondi

LA ANGELS -135 over Detroit

Let’s head to sunny Southern California and back the Angels Matt Shoemaker who is 6-1 in his last 7 home starts and has a 3-1 with a 1.01 ERA mark in 4 career starts vs Detroit. Ryan Zimmerman, tonight’s Detroit starter, has been awful on the road this season going 0-2 with 6.94 ERA. In addition, Angels have owned the Tigers the last few years going 13-4 against Detroit.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jack Brayman

The Arizona Diamondbacks welcomed the Pittsburgh Pirates last night, and ace Zack Greinke outshined Bucs ace Gerrit Cole.

The 2-1 win by the Snakes sent Pittsburgh to its fourth straight defeat. Tonight I think we're getting the Snakes at a cheap price.

Pittsburgh simply isn't suited to play well in Phoenix's desert heat, as Chase Field will be sweltering from high temps and Arizona's bats.

The Diamondbacks recently ended a streak in which the Snakes scored just 29 runs while losing seven of 10 - an average of 2.9 per game. Last night's low-scoring game was understandable. Tonight will be different.

Pittsburgh has lost seven of nine, and will once again fall in Phoenix.

Lay the cheap price.

4* DIAMONDBACKS

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brad Wilton

Friday's comp play comes in the NBA on the Washington Wizards at home to force a 7th and deciding game on Sunday in Boston.

In handicapping you can find trends and angles to build a case for any particular team that you may be backing, but the trends and angles in this series are impossible to ignore!

After Wednesday's win by the Celtics on their home court - and by 22 points no less! - the home team has now won all 5 in this series, and all 9 since the regular season. The host has also covered in all 5 in this series, and all 9 dating back to the regular season!

None of the games have featured a final score of less than 9 points difference, so with Washington now facing elimination, and the Wizards laying "just" 5 points, I say go with the overwhelming home court dominance, and play Washington to get the job done on Friday.

5* WASHINGTON

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jeff Benton

Friday night comp play is Over the total at AT&T Park when the Reds and Giants step on the diamond.

Sure, they held Under the total in last night's series opener, but with Johnny Cueto being on the hill tonight for the home team, I do not think they will hold Under the total tonight.

Cueto has made 7 starts this season, and 6 of them have played Over the total. The one start that did not? That would be his May 7th assignment in Cincinnati against Scott Feldman (who gets the ball for the Reds tonight!), as that game ended in a 4-0 Reds win.

Feldman has seen 2 of his last 3 starts play Over the total, as his ERA stands at 5.50 in that stretch.

The Reds are 6-1-1 Over the total their last 8 road games, and the Over in this series is 12-4-1 the last 17 times the teams have clashed.

I like the runs to add up tonight.

Reds and Giants Over the total.

2* CINCINNATI-SAN FRANCISCO OVER

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

TEDDY COVERS

Brewers -101

It’s not hard to make a case for betting against Matt Harvey and the Mets right now. Let’s start with Harvey! You all know the headlines already -- Harvey getting drunk and going on a bender instead of showing up at the ballpark last week after his ex-girlfriend went on a date with the Patriots Julian Edelman, resulting in a team suspension and plenty of New York media hype.

But what hasn’t made as many headlines is the fact that Matt Harvey is not the same pitcher he was two years ago, not even close. Since throwing a gem against the light hitting Braves in his 2017 debut, the Mets are 1-4 in Harvey’s subsequent five trips to the hill. His 5.14 ERA is no aberration, considering his 5.76 FIP. Many of his advanced metric stats are down compared to his career numbers, like strikeouts and swinging strike percentage, while his walk rate has gone up significantly.

So, we’re talking about a guy still being priced like a former ace, coming off a ten day layoff, enmeshed in an off-field personal crisis Behind him, the Mets are truly riddled with injuries. Big bats David Wright, Travis D’Arnaud, Yoenis Cespedes and Lucas Duda are all on the DL. So is closer Jeurys Familia, leaving a struggling bullpen without their ‘go-to’ guy in the ninth inning. And two more key bats, both of whom have hit well of late – Michael Conforto and Asdrubal Cabrera -- are both very questionable today, each dealing with a nagging ailment.

All of this is bad news against Matt Garza and the Brewers lineup. Garza has gotten off to an excellent start, coming off back-2-back gems in his last two outings, striking out ten without walking a single batter in a pair of Milwaukee victories. Milwaukee just pounded out 19 runs in their just concluded three game set against the Red Sox, a hot lineup right now. Although Ryan Braun has been downgraded to doubtful, the Brewers should get the majors leading home run hitter, Marcus Thames, back in the lineup following a routine day off yesterday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

ROSS BENJAMIN

Padres vs. White Sox
Play: White Sox -127

The Padres starter Chacin has compiled a massive 10.71 ERA during 4 road starts this season. Chacin doesn’t figure to get much assistance from his bullpen. During the Padres last 7 games, their relief pitchers have a cumulative 7.36 ERA, and they allowed 6 home runs in just 25 2/3 innings. The Padres are averaging an anemic 2.3 runs scored per game during their last 7 outings. It’s also worth noting, San Diego is a dismal 12-35 in away games throughout the past 2 seasons when facing teams with a losing record.

Miguel Gonzalez has a stellar 3.18 ERA in 6 starts this season. The White Sox bullpen has been outstanding all year, and that’s evidenced by their 2.29 ERA as a staff. Bet on the Chicago White for a money line wager.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ace / Line Beaters

NBA WIZARDS ‑5

 

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Bird Dog Sport Picks

MLB CLEVELAND ‑135

 

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Scottie Can Pick

MLB LA ANGEL/DETROIT ‑135 o8

 

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Top Shelf Sports Pick

MLB WHITE SOX ‑125

 

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AASI Wins

MLB BALTIMORE ORIOLES ‑110